A/N: Hello, readers, and welcome to Captain Ace The Savvy Avenger. This is the story of Lincoln Loud as he navigates an unfamiliar world while trying to be the hero it needs.
Disclaimer: Before we begin, I must let you all know that this story will take a lot of inspiration from Captain America.
Narration
The day began with a cold chill as explorers in the North Atlantic were hard at work at 5:00 a.m., examining a recent discovery - an FTFC19 plane from World War II. However, that wasn't the only discovery. When the explorers searched the plane, they found something even more peculiar.
The explorers, uncertain of how to handle the situation, contacted an organization that was better equipped to deal with the problem. Several hours later, a helicopter with the acronym "STEALTH" descended onto the scene. From the helicraft emerged two individuals: a young woman with pink hair, dressed in a red latex spy suit, and an older man with greying hair, wearing a black blazer, a white dress shirt, and a red tie.
?(pink-haired girl): "Director Cecil, when you mentioned this mission would take me out of my element, I didn't realize you meant the weather," She said.
?(older man): "Well, Agent Kanzaki, you're skilled in handling almost any situation. I thought this could challenge you," The man joked.
The girl chuckled at her boss's joke and then asked a follow-up question.
Agent Kanzaki: "Did they say what we're here for?"
Director Cecil: "They were quite secretive about the specifics. All they said was that it had historical significance," He replied. "Just remain vigilant."
Agent Kanzaki: "Will do sir." She replied with a nod.
The two approached the base next to the excavation site, where the lead explorer greeted them.
Explorer: "Thanks for coming out here," The man said gratefully.
Director Cecil: "No problem. Could you please tell us why we're here?" He asked, eager for more details.
Explorer: "It's better if I show you; it's pretty hard to believe without seeing," he responded.
He led the pair into the ship. Inside, everything was encased in ice.
Agent Kanzaki: "This place has certainly seen better days," she commented, observing the ship's deplorable condition.
Explorer: "Yeah, the place is quite messy, but the really interesting thing is over by the cockpit," he said, shining his flashlight in that direction.
Director Cecil and Agent Kanzaki followed the light to the cockpit. They couldn't believe what they saw: Captain Ace, the famous WW2 captain, and the world's first hero.
Director Cecil: "I don't believe it," He exclaimed, utterly perplexed by what he saw.
Explorer: "It gets even weirder," He told them, "We used our life detection scanner and it seems he's still alive."
Cecil's and Kanzaki's expressions became even more bewildered. Not only did they find the biggest war hero from WW2, but he's still alive. It was simply amazing.
Agent Kanzaki: "Incredible! The ice around him must have put him into some form of cryostasis," She surmised.
Director Cecil: "Either way, we're going to get him out of there," he said. Cecil then looked at the explorer. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You and your crew will be compensated for this," he told them.
Explorer: "Thank you." He replied, shaking Cecil's hand.
Cecil then looks back at Agent Kanzaki.
Director Cecil: "Agent Kanzaki, contact HQ and request an excavation team. Let them know we've found something significant," he orders her.
Agent Kanzaki: "On it, sir," she replies, taking out a communications device.
Weeks Later
It has been two and a half weeks since STEALTH was discovered in the Arctic. The process of removing Captain Ace's body from his icy prison was long and delicate, but they managed to do it. His body has since been moved to one of their secure facilities in New York City.
Director Cecil and Agent Kanzaki were observing him outside the Captain's room as he received the best medical care available.
Agent Kanzaki: "How is he?" She asks with concern.
Director Cecil: "His vitals are good, and brain activity appears normal. He could awaken any day now," He tells her.
Agent Kanzaki: "What then?" She inquires with curiosity.
Cecil took a moment to contemplate. He knew they would need a plan for him once the Captain woke up. Where would he go? What would he do? How would he adjust to modern society? After a minute, he found his answer.
Cecil: "We'll find a place for him. Perhaps he has some family. After that, we'll consider him for the initiative," Cecil explained.
Agent Kanzaki became interested when she heard her boss mention the initiative.
Agent Kanzaki: "The initiative, sir? Are you sure that's wise?" She questioned.
Director Cecil: "That will all depend on him, Agent." He tells her.
Meanwhile, inside Captain Ace's room, we see his body lying still on the hospital bed. His chest slowly rose and fell from his steady breathing. Taking a closer look, he was a Caucasian man in his early twenties, although he did have white hair and freckles on both sides of his face.
Suddenly, his breathing quickened, and his heart raced as if he was experiencing a night terror. The intensity of it jolted him awake.
Captain Ace: "NO!" He yelled in terror.
He looks around the room with a panicked expression.
Captain Ace: "Where am I?" He wondered aloud.
Captain Ace quickly jumps out of bed and removes the heart monitor from himself. At that moment, a nurse and two guards enter the room.
Nurse: "Good morning, Captain," the nurse says.
Captain Ace: "Where am I?" He demanded to know, suspicious of the nurse.
Nurse: "You're in a New York City hospital," The nurse informs him. "Fortunately, your injuries weren't severe."
As the captain looked around the room for a second time, he noticed that this wasn't any hospital room he was familiar with. His gaze returned to the nurse as he began to step closer to her in a threatening manner.
Captain Ace: "I'm going to ask you again, 'Where am I?'" He asked in a menacing tone.
The nurse, fearing for her safety, stepped back and pressed a button to signal a pair of guards to enter the room. In response, Captain Ace threw the guards through the one-way glass window. More guards flooded into the room and surrounded the captain. It seemed that Ace would have to fight them in this situation, but just then, Agent Kanzaki walked into the room.
Director Cecil: "All of you, stand down, or I'll assign all of you to monitor duty for a month," He ordered the guards.
The guards obeyed the order and lowered their weapons.
Director Cecil: "Now, everyone except Agent Kanzaki and myself, leave the room," He commanded.
Both the guards and the nurse followed Cecil's orders, saluting him before leaving the room.
Agent Kanzaki: "Sorry about that. These guys are trained to subdue any threats," She explained.
Captain Ace: "Who are you people? Where am I?" Captain Ace questioned, still feeling suspicious.
Director Cecil: "I am Director Cecil Stedman. This lovely lady is Agent Aria H. Kanzaki. We are part of an organization called STEALTH. We protect the world from threats they don't even know about. Currently, you're in the medical wing of one of our facilities in New York," He explains to the captain. "However, that's not the question you should be asking," He said.
Upon hearing Cecil's words, Captain Ace's face contorted into a look of confusion.
Captain Ace: "What do you mean?" He asked.
Aria(Agent Kanzaki): "The question isn't where you are, but when," She explained.
Ace still appeared confused by Aria's comment. Noticing this, Cecil chose to provide further explanation.
Director Cecil: "She means that you're no longer in 1941. This is 2016. You were frozen in ice for over seventy years," He explained.
The captain couldn't believe what he had heard. Was he frozen for over seventy years? Did he wake up in the future? What had happened to his friends and family? All these thoughts entered his mind, making it hard for him to process. Seeing his state of shock, Cecil once again spoke up.
Director Cecil: "I understand this is a lot to take in," He said sympathetically. "We have a lot to discuss."
Later/Flashback
After processing his situation, Captain Ace sat down with Cecil and Aria and explained everything he could remember.
He began by introducing himself as Lincoln Loud. He was born in 1923 in a small town called Royal Woods, Michigan. In 1941, he attempted to enlist in the army during World War II but was rejected five times due to his small and frail body. However, his luck changes when he meets German scientist Leonardo Alexander. Alexander offered Lincoln the opportunity to join the army as part of the super soldier program, a secret initiative designed to enhance military personnel.
After weeks of intense training, Lincoln was chosen to be the first super soldier. He was brought to a secret lab in New York, where he was injected with Alexander's serum. This caused a transformation in Lincoln's body, making him tall and muscular. However, his initial success was short-lived when Alexander was shot by one of the observers in the room. With his newfound abilities, Lincoln pursued Alexander's killer, and the chase continued across the city until it reached a climax at the docks.
The killer attempted to escape using a submarine, but Lincoln managed to catch him before he could get away. Lincoln tried to extract information from the man, but it was futile. The only thing the man said was "Hail MALICE." He then bit down on a cyanide capsule, killing himself and preventing any further information from being revealed.
Lincoln received a medal for his heroic actions and was then offered the opportunity to become the captain of the 107th Infantry Battalion. This is when Captain Ace was born. Alongside his unit, Lincoln, now known as Captain Ace, began to confront MALICE, taking down weapons depots across Germany and becoming a symbol of hope worldwide with his colorful costume.
While infiltrating a MALICE train to disrupt their supply lines, they captured a MALICE scientist named Ludolf Hamilton. However, the mission came at a high price. Lincoln's best friend and partner, Lucas Mackenzie, fell from the train and plummeted to his death, something that Lincoln blamed himself for.
After receiving information, Lincoln and his team found the last MALICE facility where they encountered Obadiah Stanton, also known as Black Skull, the leader of MALICE. During the battle, Stanton unveiled the source of MALICE's power: a mystical orb called the Runestone. Skull declared his intention to use the stone's power to annihilate the allies' forces in a single blow.
Skull loaded the orb onto the FTFC19, known as the "Swiftwind," and began his takeoff for America. Lincoln pursued him and managed to sneak onto the plane. After dealing with several MALICE soldiers on the aircraft, Lincoln faced Skull. The two fought fiercely, with neither gaining the upper hand. The situation changed when Lincoln kicked Skull into the Runestone, destroying its case and causing its contents to spill onto the floor.
Skull tried to pick up the orb, but its power overwhelmed him, and the orb killed him. It melted through the ship and sank into the ocean. After dealing with Skull, the only remaining problem was the bombs. Lincoln decided that the best course of action was to crash the plane into the water. He knew he probably wouldn't survive, but he believed it was the right choice if it meant protecting his friends, family, and country.
The last thing Lincoln could remember was the sound of the plane crashing against the ice.
Present
After hearing Lincoln's tale, Cecil and Aria were both shocked and intrigued. They were shocked by some of the details of Lincoln's story and intrigued by the power of the Runestone.
Cecil: "Well, that's certainly an interesting story," He said.
Lincoln: "So, what happens now?" He asked, feeling somewhat downcasted.
Cecil: "After everything you've been through, I say you've earned a chance at a normal life," He replied.
Lincoln: "No offense, sir, but I think it'll be hard for a man from the 1920s to live in the modern world," He said wryly.
Cecil: "You just leave that to me. I'll make some accommodations to make you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings," He assured.
Cecil and Aria stand up and leave the room. Cecil then looks at Aria.
Cecil: "Agent Kanzaki, get someone from data records to track down any possible family of Mr Loud." He ordered. "If they don't find anything then we'll just have to find him a place in New York to keep an eye on him."
Aria: "Understood, sir," She said. "But what about the Runestone he mentioned?"
Cecil: "I'll make some calls. Chances are someone knows about it, and if it's out there, we must secure it before it gets into the wrong hands," He says.
One Week Later
A week after waking up, Lincoln boarded a private plane to his hometown of Royal Woods, Michigan. Cecil explained that he found a place for him and sent Aria to ensure a smooth transition.
Lincoln: "So Ms. Aria-"
Aria: "Don't call me "Ms." It makes me sound old," she said, interrupting Lincoln.
Lincoln: "Right. So, Aria, why are you here again?" He asked.
Aria: "I'm here to make sure everything goes smoothly." She stated.
Lincoln gazed skeptically at the spy.
Lincoln: "What could go wrong with moving into a new place?" He asked, sensing something was amiss.
The spy decided to be honest after noticing the suspicious look of the former soldier.
Aria: "Cecil wanted this to be a surprise, but I guess nothing gets past you. We didn't just find you a place to live," She explained.
Lincoln's curiosity grew as he pondered Aria's words, prompting him to stay silent and encourage her to explain further.
Aria: "It turns out that your great-nephew, Lynn Loud, also lives in Royal Woods. The director decided it would be best to live with him and his family," She alluded.
Lincoln was astonished to learn that he had living family members. This revelation brought on a mix of emotions including shock, anxiety, and excitement.
His thoughts turned to his younger sister, Liberty. After their parents passed away, Lincoln did everything in his power to protect her. When he joined the army, he made sure to write her letters as often as possible, updating her on his activities. Liberty was one of the people on his mind just before he went into cryogenic sleep. He was happy to learn that she had started a family but saddened that he had missed it.
Now he had the opportunity to compensate for the time he had lost.
Lincoln: "Well, that's some news," He said, trying to contain his excitement.
Aria: "Can you handle it?" She asked, genuinely concerned for the soldier.
Lincoln: "I've survived a war; I think I can handle being a family man," He said with a chuckle.
Eventually, Lincoln and Aria's plane landed at the Michigan airport. After a quick car ride, they made it to Royal Woods. It didn't take long after that to find the right address.
Aria: "So, this is Lynn Loud's address." She says.
Lincoln: "Well, thank you for the help, Aria," He said, grateful for the spy's assistance. He then stepped out of the vehicle. However, before he walked away, Aria called out to him.
Aria: "One last thing." She said, tossing a burner phone to him.
He catches the phone before looking back at Aria with confusion.
Aria: "If you ever need a favor, feel free to call us," She said before driving off.
Lincoln gives the phone a quizzical look before putting it into his pocket. He then walks toward the house. After taking a quick breath, he knocks on the door.
Inside the Loud House
Meanwhile, the residents inside the Loud House were getting ready for their special guest. They were ecstatic when Lynn Loud Sr. received a call that his great-uncle, Lincoln Loud, was alive and being sent to live with him and his family.
He had heard many stories about him from his grandmother, Liberty. He was righteous, patriotic, and compassionate - a true hero in Lynn's book. Thus, he and his family spent the week preparing everything for him.
Lynn Sr: "Lori!" He called from the kitchen. "How is everything going upstairs?" He asked.
Lori: "All our rooms are clean, and the guest room is ready," shouted the blonde from upstairs.
Lynn Sr: "Good. Junior, how is everything in the living room?" He inquired.
Lynn Jr: "Everything is clean in here, Dad," Replied the brunette.
Lynn Sr: "Thank you, sweetie. So, Luan, how is the pie coming along?" He inquired.
Luan: "Five more minutes and it will be finished, Dad," said another brunette.
Lynn Sr: "Fantastic, everything is coming together," He said with a smile.
Rita: "Do you think you might be going a bit overboard, honey?" asked Lynn's blonde-haired wife.
Lynn Sr: "Maybe just a bit, but come on, honey. It's not every day you discover your war hero uncle is not only alive but also coming to live with us," He said, clearly excited.
Rita: "I understand, dear, but I suspect he's not looking for a grand gesture. He likely prefers to take things slowly," She reasoned.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the front door.
Lynn Sr: "Oh boy, is that him already?" He pondered anxiously. "I was sure we had another hour before his arrival."
Rita: "Everything will be fine, Lynn. Just be yourself," She encouraged.
Lynn Sr: "You're right. I just need to be myself," He said, regaining some of his composure.
Taking a deep breath, he strides toward the door, opens it, and finds Lincoln standing there.
Lincoln: "Hello. Is this the residence of Lynn Loud?" He inquired, his voice tinged with nervousness.
Lynn Sr: "Yes, that's me," He replied, his nerves matching Lincoln's. "You're Lincoln, right?" He inquired, making an assumption.
Lincoln: "Yeah," Lincoln replied, scratching the back of his head. There was a pause before he spoke again. "Sorry for the awkwardness. This is all still new to me," He said earnestly.
Lynn Sr: "It's okay, anyone would feel the same in your shoes," He reassured him. "Would you like to come in?" He invited.
Lincoln nodded and stepped into the house. Surveying the living room, he was struck by the meticulous orderliness of the space.
Lincoln: "This is a nice home you have here," He remarked.
Lynn Sr: "Thank you. Managing it all can be quite overwhelming," He responded.
Rita: "It's a good thing you have plenty of help, isn't it, honey?" She said teasingly as she entered the room.
Lynn Sr. looked momentarily abashed at his wife's remark but swiftly collected himself. With a slight cough to clear his throat, he prepared to respond.
Lynn Sr: "Lincoln, meet my wife, Rita," He says as he introduces them.
Lincoln: "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," He says, offering her a handshake.
Rita: "It's a pleasure to meet you too, sir. My husband has spoken of you to me and our children throughout the week," she said, her smile radiating warmth.
Lincoln: "I hope they've all been good things," He said, sporting a cheeky smile.
Rita: "He made it seem as though you could walk on water," She replied, chuckling, which caused Lincoln to raise an eyebrow in amusement.
Lynn Sr: "Hey, that's how Dad and Grandma always made it sound when they told me the stories," He said defensively.
Lincoln: "While the praise is appreciated, I was merely fulfilling my responsibilities. Anyone else in my shoes would have acted similarly," he states with humility. Lincoln never sought to revel in acclaim; he just did what was necessary, and nothing beyond that.
Lincoln: "Anyway, you brought up the children. Are they around?" He inquired, shifting the conversation's focus.
Rita: "Oh, certainly, they're right upstairs," She informs him. "Kids, come down, we have a visitor," She calls out up the stairs. Turning back to Lincoln, she adds, "Brace yourself. Our kids are quite the energetic bunch," She cautions.
Lincoln: "No offense, ma'am, but having been through a war, I believe I can manage whatever your children might challenge me with," He declared with a mix of confidence and cockiness.
Rita merely chuckled at the soldier's remark, aware that it would soon be contradicted. Shortly thereafter, the twelve Loud children stampeded down the stairs. They encircled Lincoln, bombarding him with a barrage of questions in a boisterous and frenzied manner. Lincoln stood there, completely overwhelmed, both by the sheer number of Lynn and Rita's children and by their boundless energy.
Lincoln: "So this is what Rita was referring to," he thought, a sweatdrop forming on his face.
Fortunately for Lincoln, Lynn stepped in.
Lynn Sr: "Okay, kids, that's enough. Let's give our guest some space," He directed his children.
Fortunately, the children heeded their father's command and stepped back from Lincoln.
Lynn Sr: "Now, your mother and I will set the table for lunch. Meanwhile, why don't you all introduce yourselves to one another?" He suggested.
He and Rita left the room and made their way to the kitchen, giving Lincoln a chance to become acquainted with the children. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air between the soldier and the children until Lincoln broke it.
Lincoln: "So, I suppose I should go first," He said with a hint of nerves. "My name's Lincoln Loud, and it turns out, I'm your great-great-uncle."
Lori: "Hi there, I'm Lori," says a blonde girl in a sky-blue tank top. "I'm the eldest. If you have any questions about the house, feel free to ask me," She offers kindly.
Lincoln: "She seems responsible, I like it." He thought.
Next steps forward a girl with bleach-blonde hair, donning a seafoam green dress and sunglasses.
Leni: "Hello, I'm Leni. If you're curious about the latest fashion tips, feel free to ask me," she said, her smile radiating warmth.
Lincoln: "Nice and caring." He mused.
Then, a brunette wearing a purple shirt adorned with a skull logo and a lavender skirt began to speak.
Luna: "Hey there dude. I'm Luna. If you're ever in the mood for some rocking tunes, just let me know," she says, punctuating her invitation with a playful wink.
Lincoln: "Something tells me she has quite the free spirit." He speculated.
Subsequently, a brunette wearing a white sleeveless shirt adorned with a pink squirt-flower and a yellow checkerboard-patterned skirt started to speak.
Luan: "Hello, I'm Luan. I hope you have a good sense of humor because I am the queen of comedy," she says with a proud grin.
Lincoln: "A comedian huh? Something tells me she's also a prankster." He thought.
A brunette, donning a red and white jersey paired with matching shorts, starts to introduce herself.
Lynn Jr: "Hey, I'm Lynn Junior, but you can call me Lynn. If you're up for watching sports or training together, just let me know," She said.
Lincoln: "She looks like a strong girl, she probably even has a fighting spirit like me." He suspected.
Then, two children approached Lincoln - one with silver hair and the other with snow-white hair, both wearing orange polo shirts. The girl paired her polo with a white skirt.
Logan: "Hi, I'm Logan." He said.
Linka: "And I'm Linka." She said.
Both: "And we're twins." They said simultaneously.
Logan: "I enjoy reading comics and doing magic tricks." He says gleefully.
Linka: "And I enjoy playing video games and spy movies." She says cheerfully.
Lincoln: "Wow, they remind me of myself and Liberty when we were kids." Lincoln thought reminiscently.
?: "I suppose I'm next," said a female voice, devoid of emotion.
Everyone, except Lincoln, leaped back in shock and fear as a girl with pale skin and jet-black hair appeared seemingly out of nowhere beside Lincoln.
As Lincoln took a closer look, he noticed that she was dressed in a black dress layered over a black and white striped tank top, complemented by matching black and white striped sleeves and stockings. What caught his attention even more was the way she concealed her eyes beneath her hair.
Lucy: "I'm Lucy. I delight in poetry and the fleeting nature of life," she declares with an eerie intensity.
Lincoln: "She may seem dark and spooky but I can tell there's something more to it." He theorized.
Following Lucy's introduction, two blonde girls who were the spitting image of each other came forward. The first sported a red baseball cap, blue overalls, and a murky green shirt. Her counterpart donned a black tiara, a pink gown, and a white pearl necklace.
Lana: "Hey, I'm Lana. I have a soft spot for animals and a knack for auto mechanics," she says with a smile, casually rubbing the back of her head. "Though, I tend to be a bit messy."
Lola: "That's putting it mildly. Anyway, I'm Lola, a pageant star and jewelry connoisseur," she states in a refined tone.
Lana: "She's also a hot-headed diva," she remarks, critiquing her twin's troublesome habits.
Lola: "And you smell like garbage!" She yells back at her twins.
Lori: "Okay, you two, that's enough," She says, halting their argument.
Lincoln: "Those two are opposites." Lincoln thought with astonishment.
Next, a brunette wearing glasses and a green turtleneck sweater approached Lincoln.
Lisa: "Greetings, fraternal uncle. I am Lisa, the resident child prodigy. Should you have any inquiries regarding our contemporary technology, I would be more than pleased to offer assistance," she stated, her expression unchanging.
Lincoln: "Woah, so smart at such a young age." He thought, amazed by her intelligence.
Finally, a toddler clad in a white shirt and lavender shorts approached Lincoln.
Lily: "Hi, I'm Lily." She says adorably.
Lincoln: "Aw, it's nice to meet you too," he said, gently patting the toddler on her head.
Once the introductions concluded, lunch was served. Lynn and her family had prepared a full three-course meal. Lincoln was astonished at the abundance of food and was impressed by its delicious taste, surpassing anything he had experienced before or during his military service. Throughout the meal, many of Lynn's relatives inquired about Lincoln's experiences in the army.
Lisa inquired about Leonardo Alexander's studies on his super-soldier serum. Lynn Jr. questioned his athletic capabilities, particularly his lifting capacity. Logan and Linka queried Lincoln about his pre-war hobbies. Luna, catching everyone off guard, questioned Lincoln about his wartime experiences.
The curiosity about Lincoln's perspective on the war was high, yet no one anticipated that he would be questioned on the subject, much less that he would be willing to discuss it. To everyone's astonishment, Lincoln candidly shared his experiences. He recounted his cherished memories from the war, the challenging assignments, and the difficult sacrifices made. His narrative concluded with the unexpected twist of how he found himself 'on ice.'
The family was enthralled by Lincoln's tales; it appeared the super-soldier's life was never short on excitement. Lori and Leni, the last to inquire, were curious about Lincoln's romantic life before his 70-year frozen slumber. With a chuckle, Lincoln responded, admitting that romance had never been his strong suit.
After being questioned by the girls, he made an effort to bond with the children. Lynn Sr. shared stories about his restaurant with Lincoln. Rita described her experiences as a writer. Lori mentioned her boyfriend, Bobby. Leni chatted about her mall job. Luna revealed her band involvement. Luan shared anecdotes from her comedy gigs at kids' birthday parties. Lynn listed the sports teams she's part of. Logan and Linka talked about their circle of friends. Lucy divulged details about her mortician's club. Lana talked about her numerous pets and her time volunteering at the animal shelter. Lola recounted her pageant victories. Lisa delved into her research in physics, covering both theory and practice. Finally, Lily proudly presented one of her favorite toys.
Two hours later, Lincoln and his family concluded their meal.
Lincoln: "Well Lynn, I must say, that was the finest meal I've ever enjoyed. It's clear to see why you're the owner of your own restaurant," He said, thoroughly relishing his meal.
Lynn Sr: "Thank you for the compliment; it was truly my pleasure," He responded, appreciative of the acknowledgment.
Rita: "So Lincoln, what are your plans now that you've returned to Royal Woods?" She inquired, her curiosity evident.
Lincoln: "Hmm," he hummed, deep in thought. "I think I'll take it easy for a while, reacquaint myself with the city. After that... I'll probably seek out a career that ignites my passion," He said, a trace of uncertainty in his voice.
Lincoln found himself at a crossroads. His affection for the army was undeniable, yet he had no desire to rejoin its ranks. He believed he had more to contribute to the world and was on the quest to discover exactly what that was.
Lynn Sr: "In the meantime, why don't you get settled in your new room." He suggested.
This got Linka and Logan to perk up.
Logan: "Ooh Dad, can we show his room?" He pleaded.
Linka: "Please, please. Can we?" She begged.
Lynn Sr: "Uh, sure. Why not? Go ahead, kiddos," He said, slightly taken aback by his children's sudden burst of enthusiasm.
Logan and Linka exchanged a fist bump before rising from the table and sprinting toward Lincoln. They took him by the hands and guided him up the stairwell. At the top, they steered him to the right end of the hallway and halted before a door.
Linka: "Here it is, your very own room." She exclaimed.
Logan: "Go ahead, open it," He urged, eager for Lincoln to discover what was inside.
Lincoln chose to indulge the children and opened the door. As he stepped into the room, he observed its modest and unadorned style. The walls were coated in army green, a Twin XL bed was tucked into the right corner with a nightstand beside it, a desk was situated near the window, and a closet door was located to the left.
It brought back memories for Lincoln of the barracks he had shared with his company during the war.
Lincoln: "I've got to hand it to you kids, this is impressive." He tells them.
Logan: "Thank you, we all wanted to create an army veteran vibe to make you feel more at home," He explained.
Linka: "We've also filled the closet with some clothes that you might like," She tells Lincoln.
Upon hearing this, Lincoln decides to inspect the closet. He swings open the door to reveal a collection of clothing. A variety of jackets catch his eye, each in a different hue: red, blue, black, orange, and even camouflage. Matching shirts in the same spectrum of colors hang alongside them. Below, he finds pants in black and blue. Three pairs of black boots stand in a row, and finally, a single pair of blue fingerless gloves complete the ensemble.
Linka: "Lori and Leni were in favor of giving you a wider variety of clothes, but the rest of us thought it best to keep things simple," She explains.
Lincoln: "You all went above and beyond. Thank you," He expresses, feeling a deep sense of gratitude not just towards them, but also towards the entire family.
Logan: "No problem. We're thrilled to have our famous uncle come live with us," He says with a smile.
Linka: "If you need anything, we're right across the hall," She tells him.
Linka and Logan exit the room, leaving Lincoln by himself.
Lincoln: "Well, this is going to take some getting used to," He sighed to himself. Lincoln then assumed the push-up position and started his exercise routine.
Three weeks later
The last three weeks have been quite eventful for Lincoln. His relatives truly honored their reputation. The house was seldom tranquil, frequently filled with arguments or the loudness of children. In those moments, Lincoln found solace in the solitude of his room.
The Loud siblings each had a turn to show Lincoln their preferred spots in town. Lori and Leni introduced him to the mall, Luna brought him to the concert hall, and Luan invited him to the Chortle Portal comedy club. Lynn guided him through the basketball court and batting range, while Logan and Linka led him to Gus's Games N' Grub for pizza. Lucy took him on a tour of the cemetery, Lola showed him the pageant hall where she competes, and Lana brought him to the animal shelter where she volunteers. Lastly, Lisa revealed her underground laboratory to him.
As Lincoln spent time with his nieces and nephew, he observed numerous crimes occurring around them. He witnessed everything from larceny to shoplifting and even an assault. It was hard to believe for him; Royal Woods used to be one of the safest towns in the nation during his childhood. Now, it seemed to have transformed into a lawless wilderness.
Hesitant to make any hasty judgments, he opted to have a conversation with Rita and Lynn Sr.
Lincoln: "Lynn, Rita, may we have a moment to talk?" He inquired as he stepped into their room.
Rita: "What is it, Lincoln?" she asked, taken aback by his abrupt entrance.
Lincoln: "Well, there are a few things I've noticed while spending time with the children," He stated.
Lynn Sr: "I understand they can be quite rowdy, but they're just children. They're full of energy," He remarked, presuming Lincoln was alluding to their spirited nature.
Lincoln: "That's not quite it... Yes, they are rowdy, but that wasn't the point I wanted to discuss," He clarified.
Lynn Sr: "Oops, my mistake," he replied with a sheepish grin. "So, what was it you wanted to discuss?"
Lincoln: "While the kids and I were out, I couldn't help but notice crimes occurring around the city, ranging from petty theft to assault. So, I must ask, does Royal Woods have a crime problem?" He inquired.
Lynn and Rita's expressions tightened into winces upon hearing Lincoln's question, their faces gradually morphing into frowns.
Rita: "Regrettably, it has changed. The city used to be such a nice and friendly place until six years ago," she says with a hint of sadness.
Lynn Sr: "It all began with the election of our Mayor, Vic McGillicuddy," He elaborated. "Vic's campaign for mayor was built on promises to boost tourism and create more job opportunities for the low-income population. His charisma, coupled with these commitments, secured his victory."
Rita: "And upon taking office, he fulfilled his promises. The Royal Woods Tour Act and the New Jobs Act contributed to Royal Woods' increased revenue and even highlighted us on the map," She said. "The city has also expanded."
Lincoln was taken aback; Vic appeared to be a competent politician. How then, could crime spiral out of control during his tenure?
Lincoln: "Then what occurred?" He inquired, eager to learn more.
Lynn Sr: "In Vic's initial two years as mayor, the rise in crime was barely perceptible. However, the third year marked a significant shift. Crime rates not only climbed but there was also a surge in organized criminal activity," He explained.
Rita: "Multiple gangs have now filled the streets. We've nearly had a gang war on two occasions," She stressed.
Lincoln: "Has Vic done anything?" He inquired, his concern deepening as the narrative unfolded.
Lynn Sr: "He promised to fix the crime rate if re-elected, but it seems the crime has only worsened over the past two years," He lamented, clearly distressed.
Rita: "That's why we enforce a strict 10:00 curfew for our kids, to ensure their safety," She says with a touch of melancholy.
Upon hearing their story, Lincoln felt compelled to act. He had fought in the war to ensure that people could live freely and joyfully, pursuing their desires. Seventy years on, returning to find his townsfolk too frightened to leave their homes was unacceptable. He knew he couldn't just stand by; it was time to take action, and he knew exactly who would help his cause.
Lincoln: "Thank you for telling me this. I'll make sure the kids stay out of trouble," He says to the married couple before leaving the room.
Lincoln enters his room and secures the door behind him for privacy. He strides to his nightstand, pulls open the drawer, and retrieves the phone Aria had given him. He hadn't anticipated needing it so quickly, yet after Lynn's and Rita's revelations, he knew he had to act, and Aria was the one who could assist him.
He turns on the phone and calls the only number programmed into it.
*RING*
*RING*
*RING*
After three rings of the phone, the other line picked up.
Aria:(over the phone) "Hi there, Captain. I figured you'd call me sooner or later. So, how's the family bonding?" She asked playfully.
Lincoln: "Hello Aria. Listen, I need your help with something... something significant," he said, his tone grave.
Merely by the tone of his voice, Aria could tell it was something significant.
Aria:(over the phone) "What do you need?"
Three Days Later
Following Lincoln and Aria's conversation, she provided him with an address for their rendezvous. To Lincoln's astonishment, the location turned out to be an establishment amid redecoration.
Lincoln: "Why would Aria want to meet here?" He thought.
Then, a scarlet red Hyundai Elantra pulled up to Lincoln. The driver steps out of the car, revealing themselves to be Aria.
Lincoln: "You certainly know how to make an entrance," He said to the spy.
Aria: "It comes with the territory," She retorts.
Lincoln: "So, is there a particular reason you chose this place for our meeting?" He inquires, gesturing towards the building.
Aria: "For your convenience, please follow me," Aria says, leading him toward the building.
Lincoln trails behind Aria into the building. Upon entering, they observe numerous construction workers and agents busy with the building's infrastructure work.
Lincoln: "What are they working on?" He asks Aria.
Aria: "A bar." She deadpans.
Lincoln gives her a look of confusion.
Aria: "I'm not joking. They're building the bar that you are now the proud owner of," She tells him.
Lincoln raised an eyebrow. Owning a bar? How did this relate to their earlier conversation?
Lincoln: "Sorry, but how is my owning a bar relevant to what we discussed over the phone?" He asked, failing to see the connection.
Aria: "It not only serves as a cover for your small operation but also offers an alibi for your whereabouts," She explains.
Lincoln paused to consider Aria's viewpoint. He was on the brink of dedicating himself to a vigilante's path, and to avoid raising his family's suspicions, he needed a solid reason to keep them from worrying.
Lincoln: "Alright, I understand your perspective. Now, what about the topics we discussed before?" He inquires.
Aria: "I was just getting to that," She said, her tone reflecting her annoyance at Lincoln's impatience.
She guides him to an elevator at the room's rear wall. Pressing the button, the doors soon part. Entering, Lincoln's gaze is drawn to a keypad situated just above the button panel.
Lincoln: "What's the keypad for?" Lincoln questioned.
Aria: "You have a keen eye, Mr. Loud," she remarks. "The keypad is the means to reach the other floors. For the basement, enter 05-02-16, followed by the button. But for the top floor, the code is 12-11-41." After explaining, she inputs the code for the top floor, and the elevator starts its ascent.
Aria: "And don't worry. The top floor will be accessible only to you, me, and Director Cecil," She assures Lincoln.
Lincoln: "That's good. I don't want this to slip out," He says, relieved.
Aria: "Indeed." She nods.
As the elevator doors parted, they stepped out onto the top floor. Lincoln was taken aback by the sight before him; it resembled a secret lair straight out of a spy film. A small round table occupied the right corner, while suit display cases secured by biometric locks lined the front wall adjacent to the elevator. The room's centerpiece was a vast array of computers, with a table for gadgets tucked into the left corner. In the rear, a dedicated training area completed the setup.
Lincoln:(whistles) "Wow, Aria, I knew I asked for a lot, but this is even more impressive than I imagined," He said, awestruck.
Aria: "This is merely a glimpse of the resources at STEALTH's disposal. Now, allow me to give you the tour," she said, her smirk a subtle hint of the secrets to come.
Aria: "This is the conference table, to be used when I or Cecil need to discuss things with you," she begins. "Moving on to the computers: there are three, each designated for a specific purpose. The central computer specializes in data analysis, primarily scanning for clues. The one to the left accesses a criminal database, capable of identifying any criminal worldwide. The rightmost computer is dedicated to surveillance, connecting to every security network within the city," she details thoroughly.
She then takes over to the gadgets table.
Aria: "Here we have the gadget table, which holds the additional equipment provided to you," she explains while picking up a few items. "This is a basic grappling gun with a 30-meter range. Here are some smoke bombs for stealth purposes. And finally, in keeping with your alias, we've created these," she says, revealing objects resembling playing cards.
Lincoln: "Playing cards?" Lincoln asked, puzzled.
Aria: "Throwing cards," She corrected. "These can slice through many things. Some even have built-in trackers," She explained.
Lincoln: "I suppose that could be useful," He pondered aloud.
Aria: "It is. The next area is for training, where you can sharpen your skills and stay fit," She summarizes.
Lincoln gives a nod, taking in the sight of the salmon ladder that forms part of his training zone.
Aria then led Lincoln to the display cases.
Aria: "Finally, we come to the display cases. They will contain your new uniform and are designed to open exclusively with your biometric data," Aria explains.
Lincoln's curiosity was sparked when he heard Aria mention a "new uniform."
Lincoln: "New uniform, you say?" He asks, seeking clarification.
Aria: "Why don't you see for yourself." She says with a smirk.
Lincoln approaches the display case and positions his hand on the scanner. Once his handprint is accepted, the case unlocks to unveil his new suit. It appears to be an advanced version of his original attire at first glance.
The suit featured a predominantly red color on the chest, forearms, and legs, with black arm sleeves and midsection. Blue adorned the shoulders, gloves, belt, and boots. A red cowl was attached, and completing the design was an Ace of Spades logo emblazoned on the chest.
Aria: "Quite a modern twist on a classic, eh?" She asks Lincoln, sporting a cheeky smirk.
Lincoln: "I must say, it's quite the improvement," He admits.
Aria: "And it's robustly fortified. The suit's titanium weave Kevlar composition should provide ample protection," She states.
Lincoln: "Definitely better than a muscle suit." He joked.
Aria chuckled before responding.
Aria: "Well, I have one final surprise for you before I have to go," She tells him.
Lincoln was already impressed by what he had witnessed, but another surprise awaited.
Lincoln: "What could this surprise be?" He inquired, eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Aria remained silent but gestured towards the round table. Lincoln, humoring her, approached the table. It appeared empty, yet he spotted something beneath it. Peering under, he discovered a sizable briefcase. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, Lincoln retrieved the briefcase, set it atop the table, and, with bated breath, opened it to reveal astonishing contents, his shield.
During the war, he wielded a Valadium shield. This shield, circular in design, featured a striking red rim. The shield's inner circle was a deep black, contrasting with the blue center which showcased an Ace of Spades emblem prominently.
Aria: "It was discovered in the same location where we found you. We've stored it ever since, just in case you might want to reclaim it," She explains.
Lincoln was grateful to Cecil and Aria for their actions. The shield, which he had become fond of during the war, was a present from Montana Flynn. A weapons contractor for the army, Montana possessed an adventurous spirit and a brilliant mind, but above all, he was Lincoln's cherished friend.
Lincoln: "Thank you, this means a lot," He said with sincerity.
Aria: "No problem, Captain. Just be cautious out there. Oh, and before I leave, I may ask for a favor from you in the future, so stay alert. Goodbye!" She says as she makes her way to the elevator.
As Aria exits Lincoln's newly established hideout, he pauses to reflect.
Lincoln: "Welp, there's no turning back now. I wonder what Liberty would have thought about all this?" He mused.
The Next Day
During his final preparations for his first night out as a vigilante, Lincoln was interrupted by a phone call. Glancing at his cell, he recognized the caller ID as Lynn Sr.'s. Eager to avoid any concern, he promptly answered the call.
Lincoln: "Hello?" He said.
Lynn Sr:(over the phone) "Hey Lincoln, it's Lynn." He replied.
Lincoln: "Hey Lynn, do you need anything?" He asked.
Lynn Sr:(over the phone) "It's nearly dinner time. Where are you?" He inquired.
Lincoln: "Apologies, Lynn. I can't make it tonight. Do you remember the business opportunity I mentioned yesterday?" he reminded.
Upon his return home yesterday, Lincoln informed Lynn about the bar. He mentioned that he had received a substantial stipend from the government and chose to invest a portion of it in starting a business. Lincoln believed that by revealing certain truths to the Louds, they would be less wary, while he kept the crucial details to himself.
Lynn Sr:(over the phone) "Oh, right," He recalled. "I'll make sure to save some leftovers for you. Talk to you later," he said before ending the call.
With everything in order, Lincoln was prepared to venture into the city. He approached the display case of his suit and unlocked it using the biometric scanner. He took the suit and started to don it. Shortly after, he was fully dressed, with his shield secured on his back.
Now prepared for patrol, he approached the far-right wall. Lincoln pressed a panel, which slid open to unveil a red and blue motorcycle beside a descending road platform. He revved the motorcycle's engine and accelerated down the platform, disappearing into the tunnel.
As Lincoln neared the tunnel's end, he pressed a button on his motorcycle, triggering a door to swing open. Emerging from the tunnel, he rode onto the streets of Royal Woods, vigilant for any signs of crime to thwart.
Meanwhile
Meanwhile, in an alleyway on the west side of the city, a woman was cornered by three men. The three men all had ski masks concealing their faces, and they had knives pointed at the lady.
Thug #1: "Listen here, lady, we want all the money you've got in your purse, or else!" he threatened.
Thug #2: "And your necklace as well," He added.
Woman: "But I don't have any money, and this necklace was a gift from my grandmother," She stammered, her voice filled with fear.
Thug #3: "Look at that, boys, she actually thinks she has a choice," He mocked with a sinister grin. "Hand over everything now, before this gets ugly," He demanded.
The three assailants crept closer to the woman, who shut her eyes in dread, bracing for the worst. Abruptly, a missile whizzed through the air, hitting the third thug in the head and knocking him out cold.
Thug #1/2: "What the heck?!" They exclaimed, both taken aback as the object rebounded to its original location.
They turn towards the direction from which the object was thrown, only to find Captain Ace standing there, his shield gripped tightly in his hand.
Thug #1: "It's just some guy," He stated, feeling less intimidated than before.
Thug #2: "It's a bit early for Halloween, pal!" He shouted at Captain Ace, his tone cocky.
Captain Ace: "I will say this only once: step away from the lady," He demanded.
Thug 2: "And what if we refuse?" He countered boldly, without a hint of fear.
Captain Ace ignored the question, instead securing his shield to the straps on his suit's back and adopting a combat stance. The two thugs, smirking arrogantly, rushed towards Ace.
Ace evaded a stomach punch from the first assailant, then swiftly parried a blow aimed at his head from the second with his forearm. He delivered a Spartan kick to the second assailant, propelling him into a nearby wall. Turning his attention back to the first, Ace dodged two additional punches aimed at his face, then landed a four-hit combination on the thug, consisting of a jab to the stomach, two hooks to the face, and a final uppercut that rendered him unconscious.
After dealing with the first assailant, Ace spotted the second thug attempting to rise. He strode over and executed a bicycle kick to the thug's face, knocking him down. Captain Ace then turned to the woman, who was visibly relieved and impressed by her rescuer.
Captain Ace: "Are you alright, ma'am?" He inquired, showing concern for her well-being.
Woman: "Yes! Thank you, you've saved me!" She exclaimed, utterly starstruck.
Captain Ace: "Make sure to call the police to come and collect them, okay?" He instructed, gesturing towards the unconscious thugs.
The woman gave a nod, and Captain Ace swiftly grapples away.
Later
After thwarting the mugging, Ace resumed his patrol across the city. As the hours ticked by, he encountered additional muggings, which he promptly halted.
Ace was currently on his motorcycle, racing through the city streets.
Captain Ace:(Checks the time) "Hmm, it's almost midnight. Perhaps it's time to call it a night," He thought to himself.
However, before he could reach a decision, his police scanner began to pick up some intriguing chatter.
Dispatch Officer:(over the radio) "All units, this a 10-20. Suspects fleeing in a blue Dodge Challenger down 7th street. Any available units please respond." The officer announced.
Captain Ace: "7th street? That's not far from here. I can get there quickly and apprehend the suspects." He mused.
Captain Ace adjusts his course and accelerates towards 7th Street. Within minutes of scouring the area for the suspects, he spots their vehicle engaged in a pursuit with two police cars. Ace positions himself just behind the chase, ready to intervene should the situation escalate.
As Ace had anticipated, the pursuit intensified when the suspect in the passenger seat leaned out of the car window, wielding an AK-47, and opened fire on the police, successfully taking out their tires. With the police vehicle disabled, Captain Ace accelerated his motorcycle, quickly positioning himself directly behind the suspects' car.
The assailant in the passenger seat leaned out the window once more, opening fire on Ace. Yet, the Captain astutely positioned his shield at the forefront of his motorcycle, effectively intercepting all the incoming bullets. Captain Ace reached into his utility belt and pulled out a pair of throwing cards. With precision, he hurled them at the back wheels of the suspects' car, causing it to swerve uncontrollably and crash into a nearby lamppost.
Ace stops behind the crashed vehicle and cautiously approaches. Abruptly, the suspect from the passenger side emerges and hobbles toward the Captain.
Thug: "You're gonna pay for that punk!" He yelled.
He attempts to hit Ace, but Ace deflects the attack and counters by kneeing him in the stomach. Following this, Ace applies a sleeper hold, rendering the assailant unconscious. Ace proceeded to check the driver's side of the vehicle and found the other suspect unconscious. He promptly checked the man's pulse to ensure he was still alive.
Captain Ace: "Good, he's still breathing. I should leave before the police show up," He muttered to himself.
Ace mounts his motorcycle and accelerates away from the vicinity, just as the police approach the scene. Racing through the city once more, Ace had a singular thought on his mind.
Captain Ace: "The war may be over, but now I have a new mission: to bring justice to the streets of Royal Woods and ensure it's a place where everyone can live in peace," He vowed.
A/N: And that brings an end to Chapter 1. Whew, that was a long ride, and it's just the start of a long journey for Lincoln. What new foes await him? What allies are there for him to make? And what challenges will he face in the 21st century? All of that and more will be revealed in the chapters to come. Have a nice day everybody.