Amid the chaos of Shocker's villainous appearance, Lincoln friends were gathered near the edge of the party, or most of them at least.
"Whoa, I can't believe there's actually going to be a hero vs villain showdown," Girl Jordan said. "It looks so much like a comic book!"
"More like a movie!" Rusty said. "Only it's actually happening in front of our eyes!"
"Can't wait to see Spider-Man fight in person," Liam said. "But, where's Lincoln? He'd want to see this!"
"I can't find him, we must have gotten separated," Clyde said.
"Stella's not here either," Sid said, the girl getting worried. "I hope she's not hurt or anything."
"She's fine, I see her coming this way now," Ronnie Anne said, gesturing to the tall girl running over.
"Oh good, you're all here," Stella said.
"Except Lincoln, we don't see him anywhere," Zach said.
"Have you seen him Stella?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"I saw him just a moment ago, it looked like he was regrouping with his family," Stella said. "He should be fine, we need to get to a safe distance."
"Far enough to be in the clear, close enough to see an epic battle," Rusty said.
"Rusty, this isn't a game, this is serious," Stella said.
"We'll be fine, Stella," Girl Jordan said. "Spider-Man's here, and he'll keep us safe."
"Right, safe..." Stella looked to where Spider-Man was, curiosity running through her mind as she focused hard on the hero on stage.
Meanwhile not too far off, Katherine Mulligan was seen helping her camera crew get set, "To think, I came here to interview some musicians, didn't expect to have to cover a potential superhero battle. Wonder if this is what it's like in New York? Either way, it's a big story."
"We're rolling," the cameraman said.
"Hi, I'm Katherine Mulligan, coming to you live from the Royal Woods Block Party, where instead of a Battle of the Bands, we have a Battle of Heroes and Villains," the reporter said. "Our local hero, Spider-Man is set to do battle against one of the band leaders, former guitarist for Mick Swagger, Herman Shultz, who now prefers to be called 'The Shocker', a nickname he received for a stunt years ago in which he endangered an entire crowd of music lovers with electricity."
Watching from his office, Jameson immediately grabbed his phone to dial, "Rita Loud! It's me! Your boss!"
"Hello to you too, sir," an annoyed Rita said.
"Rita, I've had a change of heart, I think it's a great idea to cover the Block Party, it's the news story of a lifetime!" Jameson said. "Go collect any information you can, especially regarding Spider-Man and this new accomplice of his."
"Sir, this is not an accomplice, it's an actual supervillain, that Spider-Man is fighting," Rita said.
"Or so it seems, I will get to the bottom of this, for now, get to work, and if you can, bring me pictures of Spider-Man!" Jameson said, immediately hanging up.
Rita grumbled in annoyance, "So now he's interested in this Block Party, all because of Spider-Man."
"Anything wrong, honey?" Lynn Sr asked.
"No, that was just my boss," Rita said. "Spider-Man's sudden appearance suddenly has him interested in the Block Party that I offered to cover for him, but I guess it wasn't important until now."
"Your new boss sounds kind of fickle," Lynn Sr said.
"That's an understatement," Rita replied.
Lincoln surveyed his current situation as he prepped for his battle against Herman, "There's a lot of people in the crowd, if I'm not careful, someone could get hurt, especially my friends and family. Taking him down shouldn't be too hard though, I mean he's only one guy, I just have to watch out for those gauntlets of his."
"You look shy, so I'll make the first move!" Herman said, sending out a double gauntlet blast, Lincoln quickly dodging out the way by landing on the side of the stage. Herman turned up and sent another blast, Lincoln jumping and landing beside Herman, going for a kick that knocked him forward.
Herman rolled through and turned around, immediately blasting Lincoln through a nearby burger stand. "Ow."
"You got this Spider-Man!" Luna cheered.
"Don't count on it, little girl," Herman said, marching over to the downed boy. "I'm gonna blast this punk to smithereens! That'll teach him to get between me and my revenge!"
Lincoln stood up just as his spider sense alerted him to the oncoming danger as he dodged out the way again, many in the crowd fearing for their safety.
"Everyone! Keep a strong distance!" Lincoln warned, this distraction allowing Herman to blast him again, sending him flying.
"You should probably worry more about your own safety!" Herman taunted.
"People! Spider-Man can't fight if he thinks you're in danger! Take a few steps back!" Luna urged.
"Yeah, or something like THIS can happen!" Shocker said, grabbing Luna by her shirt.
"Watch the shirt, dude!" Luan shouted in annoyance.
"Luna!" Rita shouted in worry.
"I warned you pal!" Lynn Sr shouted, marching over and lifting his sleeves to fight. "No one threatens my little girl!"
"You really are stupid!" Herman said, about to blast Lynn Sr again, though Luna prevented that by stomping on his foot, hurting the villain briefly. "You little brat!"
Before he could retaliate, Lincoln thwipped in and kicked Herman in the chest, sending him flying back and against the wall of a hot dog vendor.
"Luna, take da...uh, your father here and get to safety," Lincoln said.
"No prob dude," Luna said. "Also, you kind of sound familiar, do I know you?"
"Of course you do," Lincoln said. "I'm your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man."
Luna raised her eyebrow a second, but shrugged it off, "Got that right, go kick his butt!"
"Come on Luna," Lynn Sr said, escorting his daughter away, trying to avoid too much eye contact with Lincoln.
"I get the feeling he still doesn't trust me," Lincoln turned his attention back to Herman, who looked even more agitated.
"You're really pissing me off, kid," Herman aimed both gauntlets and this time blasted near Lincoln's feet, confusing him a second as the former guitarist rushed in and kicked Lincoln back, sending a blast at him for added measure. "This was supposed to be my moment! My big day! I was supposed to get back at Mick for ruining all my dreams! Everything I did, it was for him! and he repays me by firing me!?"
Lincoln pulled himself up off the ground, glaring at Herman, "I'm sorry that happened to you, but that's no excuse to hurt people!"
"What do you know, you're just a damn kid!" Herman blasted Lincoln again, to the worry of the crowd. "You don't know nothing about the real world! People screwing you over! All your dreams being nothing but fantasies!" He sent a few more blasts at the boy, disorienting him, much to the concern of the crowd.
"This isn't good, Spider-Man's taking a really bad beating," Rusty said.
"He'll bounce back," Zach said. "That's what heroes do!"
Herman blasted Lincoln again, knocking him to the floor. He then marched over and stomped on Lincoln's chest, aiming his gauntlets at his face.
"No! Get up Spider-Man!" Girl Jordan cheered.
"Get back on your feet!" Lana cheered.
"You got this dude!" Ronnie Anne cheered.
Stella was anxiously twiddling her fingers, her worries skyrocketing at seeing this hero on the ground and in a dangerous position.
"Now get a load of this this, kids pretending to be heroes just because some guy with a shield decided to Assemble a group of flashy individuals," Herman said, charging his gauntlet. "Heroes were better when they were just comics, at least that fantasy makes more sense than reality!"
Lincoln twisted around and kicked the back of Herman's leg, and rolled until he was back on his feet, "Life is what we make of it! And I'm making the most of my opportunity!" Lincoln webbed Herman and flung him across into a churro stand.
"Nice moves Spider-Man!" Luna cheered.
"Kick his ass, Spidey!" Sid cheered.
"You're all getting this, right?" Katherine asked her crew, the cameraman giving a thumbs up.
"Yeah, that's my buddy Spider-Man," Chandler said, using his phone to record himself and the fight. "He's totally wailing on that washed-up loser, The Shocker. Dumb name, am I right?"
Herman pulled himself out, sending another blast at Lincoln, the boy quickly dodging and using his webs to pull Herman in for a punch that send him flying to the side. Lincoln rushed in to attack again but Herman blasted him again, back onto the stage.
"I'm not losing to a damn kid!" Shocker shouted, charging up his gauntlets again as he charged in. "You're finished!"
"I don't think so!" Lincoln webbed himself away from another blast and aimed his webbing again but Herman was quick to grab a nearby chair and tossed it at Lincoln, distracting him long enough to do a Gauntlet punch to knock the boy through another kiosk.
Putting some distance between himself and his enemy, Lincoln thqipped on top of a nearby tour bus, one that Herman immediately mantled on to. He tried for a kick but Lincoln dodged off the bus, blasting him back with a web and immediately causing Herman to lose balance and fall.
Lincoln jumped down for a punch but Herman was quick to roll back and kicked Lincoln against the tour bus, quickly sending another blast that almost hit Lincoln but the boy was quick to leap up into the air.
However, the bus was about to fall on some civilians, including his sisters and Adelaide.
"We're gonna be crushed!" Lana shouted.
Lincoln's senses heightened, the boy entering his brother mode as he rushed in front of the crowd to stop the bus from falling on them, keeping it in the air for a little bit.
"Still think he's scrawny Lynn?" Luan teased, much to Lynn's annoyance.
"Big deal, I bet I could lift a tour bus," Lynn said.
Lincoln placed it back down, turning to his sisters in worry, "Anyone hurt?"
"We're safe, thanks to you," Luan said.
"Nice catch," Lana said.
"Are you single by any chance?" Lucy asked.
"Hey I was gonna ask that!" Lana said.
"This is embarrassing," Lincoln lamented, then his sense went off. Herman had circled around and sent a blast that the boy dodged, but the shockwave knocked Adelaide and The Twins into the air. "NO!"
"My babies!" Lynn Sr shouted in worry.
Lincoln quickly created a web bed for the girls to land on, softening their fall, much to the relief of the boy and their families.
"That's some quick-thinking Spidey!" Luna said.
"Yeah, thanks for saving my sister and her friends!" Sid said.
Lana began giggling in satisfaction, "This is so cool! I'm actually on one of Spider-Man's webs!"
"This is so comfy! I could sleep in a bed like this," Adelaide said.
"This is beyond gross," Lola said, trying to move her arms. "So sticky too, ugh, my dress will be ruined!"
"Just be grateful you're alive," Lana said.
"Yeah Lola, at least..." Adelaide noticed something troubling. "Spider-Man! Behind you!"
Lincoln turned around and immediately dodged out the way of a gauntlet punch, the boy landing several feet away, and in a foul mood. "That was a dirty trick you pulled earlier! Those girls could have gotten hurt!"
"Not my problem," Herman said.
This began to frustrate Lincoln, this guy was going too far for his liking, "I am not letting you cause any more destruction!"
In a quick flash, Lincoln had rushed in and punched Herman hard in the stomach, knocking the wind out of the villain as he quickly put distance between himself and the hero. Just as Lincoln went to attack again, Herman tossed a nearby loudspeaker at the boy to distract him long enough for another gauntlet blast.
Lincoln quickly recovered, then jumped over head and webbed Herman up, using his webs to sling himself back down for a kick to Herman's chest, knocking him back once more and wound up for one more punch that knocked the Shocker villain up and then leapt up for a kick that sent him flying against the dunk machine, breaking it and spilling out the water, damaging the electric circuits in the gauntlets.
Lincoln landed down in a triumphant pose, having gotten his win in this battle.
"I think that got him!" Luna said.
Herman tried using his gauntlets again, but they began to short circuit and he immediately tossed them aside before they burnt his hands. "Dammit!"
"No more trouble from you, Shocker," Lincoln said. Around that time, the Royal Woods Police Force had arrived to apprehend Herman.
"Hey get your mitts off me!" Herman shouted as he tried resisting the cops.
"Officers, those men on the stage were his accomplices," Lincoln said.
"We got this under control," a cop said. "Boys, get those men."
"And there you have it loyal viewers," Katherine said, speaking into a camera. "The villain who calls himself Shocker has been defeated, our town has been saved by our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Let's see if we can get a word with our hero."
"Hey! Web head!" Lola shouted. "This web doesn't stick forever, does it!?"
"Typical Lola..." Lincoln groaned in annoyance. "The webbing usually goes away in a couple of hours."
"Aw..." Lana and Adelaide simultaneously lamented.
"Spider-Man," Katherine said, getting his attention. "You have just saved our town, do you have any words to say to the viewers?"
"Uh..." Lincoln put on a deep tone to disguise his voice. "Eat your green vegetables."
Katherine seemed a bit confused at first, but quickly put on a smile for the camera, "Wise words from such a youthful hero. But I must ask, who or what are you? Are you human, mutant or alien? Are you from Royal Woods or did you come here? Any association with The Avengers? What is your goal?"
"Uh...I'm not much for words, I'm just here to keep people safe, that's all," Lincoln insisted.
"Will you be showing us who you are today?" Katherine asked.
"Of course not! Superheroes have secret identities for a reason, it'd put all my loved ones in danger if I told you," Lincoln said.
"Are these loved ones spiders like you?" Katherine asked.
Lincoln really wasn't sure how to keep going with this, he definitely did not want to give too much away.
"Spider-Man!" Came Herman's voice as he was taken in by the cops. "This isn't over between us! I'll get my revenge!"
"There is the man responsible," Katherine said, making her way over to Herman, to everyone's surprise. "Sir, why have you caused such a travesty here on this fine day?"
"Freaking Mick Swagger, that's why!" Herman said. "Anyone who's watching, remember this! Dreams are a dead end, no matter what you do, someone's going to screw you over in life! I dropped out of school for a Rockstar who turned me away and left me with nothing! We're all just cogs in a machine, ones that can be thrown away on a whim!"
"Oh get inside already!" the cop said, shoving Herman in the car.
"Dreams are nightmares in disguise!" Herman shouted once more as the door closed.
Lincoln couldn't help but pity the villain, despite the terrible things he did, he could tell that was the voice of a man who feels like he's lost everything, a man who felt wronged by the world, a man who lost his dream.
In all the comics he's read, it's usually the same, the villain is the bad guy that the hero needs to defeat, especially in the Ace Savvy comics. Then he remembered the one comic he made where he made one of the villains, Wild Card Willy, a sympathetic character by the end, an idea Bill Buck even loved. Villains are not born, they are made, and while their actions are inexcusable, they're still human. That's something Bill Buck had intended to show with the Spider-Man character.
Herman Shultz clearly never intended to be a villain, but those were the cards he was dealt, and unfortunately he played the wrong game. He folded on life too soon without at least giving it an effort. But there is only so much Lincoln knows about him, so he did not think it fair to judge him too much.
"Yo! Spider-Man!" Came the voice of Lincoln's favorite artist, Pucker Uppenheimer. "That was ROCKIN'! The way you fought that dude! So much better than a movie!"
"Oh...um, thank you sir!" Lincoln shouted. "Pucker Uppenheimer thinks I'm cool! Well he thinks Spider-Man is cool but still!"
"Appreciate you saving the day, I'd hate for anything bad to happen to our loyal fans," Pucker said.
"I'll say," Came the voice of Yun Kwan of Twelve is Midnight. "Your moves were inspiring, I'd bet you'd make an excellent dancer."
"I'm alright, I guess," Lincoln said.
"So modest, I respect that," Yun Kwan said.
"Hey, Spidey," Came Mick Swagger's voice. "Thanks for the save there mate, sorry about Herman, didn't think I'd ever see the guy again."
"It's no trouble sir," Lincoln said. "But, what exactly happened between you two?"
"It's a long story, seems like there's a lot of emotional baggage lingering with Herman," Mick said. "He's passionate but reckless, not a good combination."
"It's such a travesty," Yun Kwan said.
"I'll say," Pucker said. "But still, thanks for the help Spider-Man, you did great out there."
"We owe you big time, how about a backstage pass to one of our concerts?" Yun Kwan said.
"I'd love that, but it wouldn't be the same if I have to wear this costume, maybe I can tell one of them, oh but that might put them in danger, A conflicted Lincoln gave a hard answer. "My duties are here in Royal Woods."
"That's understandable, you're a good man," Mick said. "Anyway, we still gotta figure out this concert situation."
"If I had to say, people could use a little pick-me-up from what happened," Lincoln said. "Plus, they probably want to celebrate a win."
"That sounds like a great idea, plus the Moon Goats are playing, that band's going places," Mick said. "Don't want them to lose this opportunity."
"That lead singer is really good at convincing, I'll say that much," Pucker said.
"Thanks to me," Lincoln waved them off. "Well, I should be going."
Lincoln thwipped away just before Sid, Stella or Ronnie Anne could meet up with him.
"Dang, I wanted an autograph," Sid said.
"Oh, it's you girls," Yun Kwan said. "Fancy seeing you in Royal Woods."
"Yun Kwan!" Sid gushed. "I'm so glad you're safe! I wouldn't know what I'd do without you!"
"Thanks to Spider-Man," Yun Kwan said. "Anyway, I should get back to my bandmates, last I saw, they were checking on the Boyz will be Boyz group. By the way, who's better?"
"You are of course!" Sid said.
"Got that right," Ronnie Anne said.
"Eh, I like the Boyz," Stella admitted.
"STELLA!" Sid shouted in disapproval. "She's not with us, I swear I've never seen this girl before."
"You literally just said my name," Stella commented.
"Ha, brutal honesty, that's how you know who's a true fan," Mick said.
"Well speaking of fans, I wish my friend Lincoln was here, he's a huge fan of SMOOCH," Stella said.
"I'm sure he's around, plus I'd recognize the kid anywhere, not every day you play next to a kid's bedroom," Pucker said. "You know it's funny, Mick. That Luna girl, she was wearing your vest that you sold online when she came to find me."
"Was she now?" Mick asked.
"Yeah...it looked really dirty too, why'd you even sell it online, were you desperate for cash or something" Pucker asked.
"Like you've never sold anything online, I just wanted to do something nice for my fans!" Mick said.
"At least my stuff was clean," Pucker said. "Pretty sure yours still had sweat, can't imagine what that girl had to pay for it."
"It's a piece of music history! That girl's a true fan who wanted to be part of it!" Mick said.
"Guys, come on, don't fight," Yun Kwan said. "Paparazzi are nearby."
The three turned to some cameramen who immediately dashed off.
"Parasites," Pucker said.
"Sorry you go through that," Stella said. "It's like they forget you're all human beings."
"Price of being famous, love," Mick said. "Wouldn't be surprised if that started happening to Spider-Man, if it hasn't already."
"That news lady was already asking for his secret identity," Pucker said.
"Plus, this one guy from the Daily Bugle said he's a menace," Yun Kwan said. "I mean, from the looks and sounds of it, he's just a kid, one who wants to be a hero. Probably inspired by The Avengers too, that's just not fair to him."
"Sure isn't," Stella said.
"Hey Pucker! Our manager's calling!" A SMOOCH member said.
"Probably already saw this on TV, either he's checking up on us, or just wants to milk this for cash," Pucker said. "We'll see you girls around, if you happen to see Lincoln, tell him I said 'hello'. I hope the little guy's alright."
"I hope everyone's alright," Mick said, leaving with the other musicians.
"i can't believe we actually got to talk to Yun Kwan!" Sid said, gushing a bit. "So cool!"
"We've talked to him before, he, his group and Alisa did a concert on our Apartment Roof once," Ronnie Anne said.
"Oh yeah, it ended with a pose that looked like something out of an anime, so neat," Sid said.
"Come on, we should check up on our friends, and hopefully Lincoln's around here," Stella said. "Hopefully I can get some answers out of him too."
Not too far off, Lynn was seen trying to lift the tour bus that Herman knocked over, but to no avail, "Come on, this is bogus!"
"Give it up Lynn," Luan said. "You're strong, but you're not exactly The Hulk, or Spider-Man."
"Hey that so-called hero barely has anymore muscles than Lincoln, if he could lift it, then I can too!" Lynn said, trying to lift it up.
"Ugh, you're hopeless," Luan said, taking her leave "Don't 'tour' a muscle."
"That's the best you could come up with?" Lynn asked, still trying to lift it, but nearly strained her arm. "Dang it!" Lynn sat back in defeat, somewhat ashamed of her inability to lift the bus. "Some powerhouse I turned out to be."
"Uh, you alright there Lynn?" Came the voice of Liam, the farm boy kneeling by the jock.
"Hey Liam, I'm fine," Lynn said, rubbing her arm. "I just wanted a crack at lifting the tour bus, but I failed."
"Well that makes sense, the thing is heavy, and yer only human," Liam said.
"I should be more than that, did you know I once bench pressed 200 pounds when I was just a baby?" Lynn asked. "With all this talk of mutants and meta humans, I thought I was one of the lucky ones who got a superpower."
"Lucky? Some mutants are outcasts, you call that lucky?" Liam asked.
"Pfft, if I had super strength, I couldn't care less what anyone said, I have super strength! No one would dare insult me to my face, if they wanted theirs in one piece that is," Lynn said.
"That's some conviction you have there," Liam said.
Lynn stood herself up, "I just hoped that I could be strong too, I was the strongest kid in Royal Woods, then Spider-Man showed up and took that from me."
"I ah think yer still pretty amazing, strongest or not, yer an amazing athlete, and the best coach a guy could ask fer," Liam said, this relieving Lynn of some stress.
"Thanks, cool of you to say," Lynn said. "How's your arm by the way? Anymore stamina?"
"Been practicing a lot so ah could throw more," Liam said. "Hoping to be ready fer High School's baseball team, or any team you have available."
"Things are booked up again, but our manager liked your skills last time," Lynn said. "Keep it up and you can be a permanent member of our team."
"Ah look forward to playing with ya, again," Liam said, a hint of a blush on his face.
"Look forward to having you back, Cow Pie," Lynn said.
Meanwhile with Luna, her bandmates were checking up on her, making sure she was unharmed.
"How are you feeling?" Sam asked.
"I'm good, he didn't hurt me or anything," Luna said.
"Wow, that must have been scary," Sully said.
"I've had scarier experiences, this was nothing," Luna said.
"It wasn't nothing Luna, that guy could have really hurt you," Sam said. "He could have really hurt your dad too."
"Your dad's pretty brave though," Mazzy said. "He was ready to throw hands with that creep."
"Yeah, my pops is awesome," Luna said, looking over to Lynn Sr who was being tended to by Rita.
"I still can't believe you rushed in there like that," Rita said.
"That guy was threatening my little girl, he's lucky I didn't get my hands on him, because if I did, hoo boy," Lynn Sr threw some jabs. "They would have needed an ambulance, that's for dang sure."
"Hey Pops," Luna said, having come to her parents.
"Oh, hey sweetie, how are you feeling?" Lynn Sr asked. His question was answered by a hug from his daughter.
"Thanks for being so cool," Luna said.
Resisting the urge to tear up from this emotional display, Lynn Sr returned the hug to his rocker daughter, "Anytime kiddo."
"We're just glad you're safe," Rita said, joining in on the hug.
Sully nearby was wiping a tear from his eye, "So beautiful..."
"Aw, come on you big lug," Mazzy said, leading her bandmate away with Sam following, the girl herself finding this display heartwarming sight. Sam followed her bandmates, looking back with satisfaction of her own.
With Luna, having broken away from her parents' hug, had something she decided to tell them, "Mom, dad...I decided that maybe I should take the idea of college more seriously. I really don't want to end up as that guy who attacked everyone."
"That's a responsible thing to do, Luna," Rita said.
"I mean, even if you didn't have college, I don't think you'd turn out like that guy," Lynn Sr said, then received an annoyed glare from his wife. "But yeah, it's good that you're taking this seriously."
"You can stick with something short term for now, hopefully you'll find something long term in the end," Rita said.
"So you can stick with the local college, this way you don't have to travel and I don't have to say good-bye to another one of my little girls," Lynn Sr said.
"Lynn, we've been over this, if the girls feel ready to leave the nest, you have to let them," Rita said. "They have to spread their wings."
"Yeah I know," Lynn Sr said, wiping his nose. "It's just so dang heart-breaking!"
"Aw, honey," Rita said, hugging her husband. "You've got big muscles, and a bigger heart."
"And don't worry pops, even if I end up leaving, you'll still be my pops," Luna said. "One day, I'm gonna wanna be a mom, and I'll need your help more than anything with that."
"Of course, no matter how old you get, your old dad will be there for ya," Lynn Sr said. "That goes to all my little girls, and my little man."
"Wait, Lincoln...I didn't see him with the sisters," Luna said.
Rita's eyes widened in worry, "Someone find my sweet baby boy, now!"
"I'm on it," Lynn Sr said, running into the crowd. "Lincoln! Where are you, son!?"
"Sam! Mazzy! Sulley! Help us look for my little brother!" Luna called.
"Of course," Sam turned to her friends. "Split up, ask around, see if his friends know, find Lincoln."
"Right!" Mazzy and Sulley said, spreading out to find Lincoln.
Meanwhile Lori was trying to pull Lola off of the webbing, "I think I got you..."
"Hurry up, this is so..." Lola heard some fabric rip, "Wait, hold on, my clothes are tearing apart!"
"You can pull me out, I don't if I have to bear it all in public," Lana said.
"Uh, that's not a good idea, Lana," Bobby said, checking the webbing. "Wow this thing is sticky, maybe we should just try cutting it. Spider-Man did say it would dissolve eventually."
"It a couple hours to be precise," Adelaide said.
"I still can't believe he threw me on this thing!" Lola shouted in anger. "I am going to DESTROY him the next chance I get!"
"You mean the guy that just saved your sparkly butt!?" Lana sarcastically asked.
"Yeah Lola, he saved our lives, I know this is unconventional but at least we're safe," Adelaide said.
"Does anyone have a pair of scissors or anything sharp to cut the webs!?" Bobby asked.
"Yo! Bobby! Lori!" Sam said, rushing over. "Either of you seen Lincon?"
"Isn't he with you?" Lori asked. "Or one of our sisters?"
"No, no one's seen him since that Shocker guy showed up," Luna said.
"My big brother's in danger!?" Lola said, then immediately tried prying herself away from the webs. "I'm coming Linky!"
"Uh, what about your clothes?" Lana asked.
"My brother's more important!" Lola shouted, yanking herself free, leaving a big part of her dress still stuck to the web.
Adelaide took one look at Lola from behind and did a wolf whistle, while Lana did her best to stifle a laugh.
Bobby was quick to take his vest and wrap it around Lola, "Here, this should cover you up."
"Thanks Bobby," Lola said, then charged into the crowd. "Now let's find my brother!"
"Be careful running!" Bobby said, then heard some more clothes tearing.
"I'm ready to help too," Lana said, disinterested in the fact that a chunk of her overalls were left behind on the web, Adelaide once again wolf whistling at the result.
"Good grief," Lori said, using her purse to temporarily block the view.
Bobby took note of another rocker in the crowd, "Hey Sam! Mind coming this way for a second!"
Meanwhile Luan and Benny, after getting word, also began looking for Lincoln.
"Lincoln! Where are you, little brother!?" Luan asked.
"Hey Lincoln! Just call out if you can hear us!" Benny said.
"Luan! Benny!" Stella said, getting their attention along with Sid and Ronnie Anne. "Is Lincoln lost!?"
"No one's seen him since that villain attacked," Luan said. "Have you seen him?"
"I saw him near a pizza booth, but I lost track shortly before Spider-Man showed up," Stella said.
"He probably went to go see if he could find a better view of the fight," Ronnie Anne said.
"Let his friends know," Luan said. "We're not leaving until we find Lincoln."
This situation was overheard by Emma and Chloe, the two girls immediately growing worried for the boy's safety.
"You don't think Lincoln got hurt, do you?" Emma asked.
"Let's not think that way, come on," Chloe said. "We're gonna find him and you're going to try again."
"I don't know if I can though," Emma said.
"Do not pass this up, now let's go!" Chloe said, leading Emma away.
Everyone resumed their search for the boy, all the sisters along with his friends getting involved in trying to find him, which became difficult given how many people were in the crowd, many of them talking with some lingering cops and closing off certain areas due to the destruction.
Meanwhile Lincoln, finally changed out of his suit, had come back to try and find his friends and family, "I hope everyone's not too bothered by what happened, this was supposed to be a special event."
"Lincoln Loud?" Came the voice of Katherine, the news anchor having gotten his attention.
"Oh, hey Katherine," Lincoln greeted. "Busy reporting?"
"Well yeah, it is my job, didn't expect a villain attack but hey, this means higher ratings for us," Katherine said. "Enough of that, your family's looking for you, they're worried sick."
"I suppose I have been gone for a while, it was just hard finding a place to change that wasn't too crowded, people really spread out after the attack," Lincoln felt his shoulder being pat, looking up at Katherine.
"I'll escort you to your family, I'd feel better if you were safe," Katherine said.
"Oh, thanks, that's nice of you," Lincoln said.
"Well I do like looking out for one of my own, and you are a budding news reporter," Katherine said. "Plus if I know Rusty, he'll be displeased if anything bad happened to you."
"Oh right, how are things going between you and Mr. Spokes?" Katherine asked.
"That's a scoop for another time," Katherine said. "For now, let's get you to your parents."
Nearby everyone continued their shirt.
"Lincoln!" Luna called into the distance.
"Where are you Lincoln!?" Sam called near a booth.
"Hey Lincoln!" Benny called, walking through a crowd.
"Lincoln, you in there!?" Lynn asked, opening a port-a-potty.
"HEY!" came a female voice inside, Lynn immediately closing the door, barely caring.
"Lincoln?" Leni asked, looking under a pebble.
"Leni, he wouldn't..." Lori groaned. "Never mind."
"Linky!" Lola called, the young pageant girl really worried.
"Yo! Lincoln!" Lana called, the girl wearing Sam's vest to cover up.
"Sid!" Called Adelaide, the girl now wearing Ronnie Anne's hoodie after prying herself off the webbing, and losing part of her skirt.
"Where are you Linky!?" A worried and borderline crying Lily called.
"Have you seen Lincoln Loud?" Sid asked Chandler.
"Pfft, screw that loser, let him stay lost," Chandler said, making his exit.
An annoyed Sid and a nearby and equally annoyed Ronnie Anne both charged at Chandler and tossed him in a nearby garbage can. Then grabbed a couple of loose pieces of wood and began banging on the can, much to the terrified screams of Chandler.
"Where could he be?" a very worried Girl Jordan asked.
"We'll find him, just keep looking," Liam said.
Clyde frantically searched around himself, "Come on buddy, where are you?" He stopped to take a breath, "Breathe Clyde, you can't help Lincoln unless you get a hold of yourself. Breathe..."
"Attention Louds!" Katherine said. "I have a scoop for you!"
"Not now lady! Our brother's missing!" Lynn said.
"Lynn, she might know where he is!" Lola scolded.
"Not 'might', I 'do'," Katherine said, bringing Lincoln to the limelight. "He's right here."
"Hi everyone, sorry if I worried you," Lincoln greeted, and was immediately swarmed by his friends and family.
"Linky! You're safe!" Lola said, leaping into Lincoln's arms and peppering kisses on his face.
"Yo Linc!" Lana said, jumping and kissing Lincoln on the cheek as well.
"You're safe!" Adelaide said, hugging Lincoln. "Oooh, so strong and sturdy..."
"Eh, thanks?" Lincoln nervously said.
"Bro!" Luna noogied his head. "Don't scare us like that dude!"
"You had us worried, where were you!" Lori said.
"Sorry, I got lost in the panic," Lincoln said, then took a punch to the arm from Lynn. "Hey!"
"That's for worrying us, Stinkin!" Lynn said, then gave her brother a hug. "Glad you're safe though."
"Thanks Lynn, and I'm fine, really, I'm not hurt," Lincoln said, then took another punch to the arm, this time from Ronnie Anne. "Come on, again!"
"Sorry, but like Lynn said, you had us worried," Ronnie Anne said.
"You sure, if I were aggressive, I'd punch you too," Sid ironically stated, then hugged the boy, "I'll settle for this though."
"Yeah, same," Ronnie Anne said, sharing in the hug.
"Lincoln!" Clyde shouted in worry, both Ronnie Anne and Sid giving him room to give his best friend a hug of his own. "I'm so glad you're safe buddy!"
"Yeah, I'm fine Clyde," Lincoln said, then took a friendly arm punch from Rusty.
"Good to see you in one piece dude," Rusty looked up to Katherine. "Appreciate you bring him back, Kat."
"No problem," Katherine said.
"Yes, we really appreciate it," Rita said. "And hey, sounds like you might have a big news story."
"One your boss will probably be all over," Katherine said.
"He already is, I still have to gather data, and somehow blame this on Spider-Man," Rita said.
"Boo!" Many of the kids said.
"Yeah, tell it like it is kids," Rita said.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure he gets the credit he deserves," Katherine said.
"Even though he tore up my dress!" Lola said.
"And nearly got Lincoln lost," Leni said.
"I didn't even get to plant my traps yet," Lisa said.
"He thinks he's so cool, but he's not," Lynn said.
"Yeah, I mean for a hero, he caused a lot of damage," Lori said. "Shouldn't he have been cleaner?"
"None of you can be serious, right?" Ronnie Anne said. "He just beat up a bad guy, he saved Luna, he saved Mr. Loud, he saved Lana, Lola and Adelaide."
"He saved us all from being crushed by a tour bus," Luan said.
"And he's a spider, they're so cool," Mazzy said.
"Ew, no they're not," Leni said. "They're creepy."
"Spiders? Creepy?" Mazzy asked. "That's nonsense, they're friendly and cuddly."
"Finally, someone with common sense regarding spiders," Lucy said. "Personally I find the suit to be visually appealing."
"Oh yeah, it kind of reminds me of a Lucha Libre suit," Sid said. "Don't you think so Ronnie Anne?"
"Totally, plus he's got some moves too, I bed he'd do great as a wrestler," Ronnie Anne said. "I'd love to see him go against La Tormenta."
"Me too! That'd be epic!" Sid said. "Oh how I wish I had a chance to feel the fabric too."
"Same, it's super cute, and I bet the guy underneath is cute," Girl Jordan said, then turned her attention to Lincoln. "Probably not as cute as you, Linky."
"Uh...thanks?" a blushing Lincoln said.
"Hey girly, only we, his sisters, get to call him 'Linky'!" Lola said.
"Aw, I can be his sister too," Girl Jordan said, seductively hugging Lincoln.
"Um, young lady," Rita said. "I'd rather you didn't do that."
"Oh it's fine honey, Lincoln just naturally attracts women, he gets it from me," a proud Lynn Sr boasted.
"But seriously," Lori said, separating the two. "Keep it two feet apart."
"Aw, but I don't bite," Girl Jordan said. "Unless he wants me to."
Rita turned to Lynn, "How old are these kids again?"
"It's hormones honey, all kids go through it. If you're that worried we'll have a talk with her parents,," Lynn Sr said.
Meanwhile Lynn Jr nudged Lincoln, shifting her eyebrows up and down, "Told you girls liked you." She then whispered into his ear, "Woo her and I guarantee you'll lose your virginity within the week."
"LYNN!" Lincoln scolded, taking a step back.
"Just saying," Lynn said, taking a step back, much to Lori's suspicions.
"But seriously Lincoln, I'm glad you're safe," Girl Jordan said, dropping her flirty behavior. "I really got worried when you disappeared, I don't want you to get hurt. I haven't been this worried for you since I found you unconscious on the floor at the Great Lakes zoo."
"Unconscious? What's the scoop on that?" Katherine asked.
"Uh, I just got sick, that's all," Lincoln said.
"Hm...well at least you're fine now," Katherine said, though hearing about the zoo did get some gears turning in her head.
"Boy howdy Lincoln, you certainly do seem to attract a lot of drama," Liam said.
"Guess so," Lincoln said, then took note of Stella, who was standing in front of him. "Hey, Stella what's up?"
Without a word, Stella brought Lincoln into a very gentle hug, probably the gentlest and most wholesome one, "Just happy you're alright."
Lincoln slowly but surely returned the hug, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Luan seemed to gush at the sight, while Lori furrowed her brow, many of the other sisters having their own mixed reactions. Even Ronnie Anne raised her eyebrow, something about this display of affection felt different. Girl Jordan felt genuinely jealous as well, but she understood this situation better than most.
"Lincoln?" Emma said, the girl making her way over with Chloe.
"Emma!" Lincoln broke away from Stella to check on the girl. "Hey, are you alright? You're not hurt are you?"
"I'm fine, I was more worried about you," Emma said. "Choe and I were helping in the search."
"What a wild day, huh?" Chloe said. "I mean, a villain attack, for real! I bet this is how they feel back in New York!"
"Probably," Lincoln said. "Hey Emma, sorry our dance got cut short."
"It's fine...I'm sorry I ran off, I get nervous around people sometimes," Emma said.
"It's fine," Lincoln said, turning around a moment and speaking in hushed tone. "Lori can be really forward at times."
"From what Clyde tells me, she has that aggressiveness to her that makes her very endearing," Chloe said. "Didn't seem so endearing to me though."
"It takes getting used to," Lincoln said.
Luna sighed in relief, knowing that at least Lincoln was safe, and that the villain had been stopped. "Glad that's settled."
"Yeah, super glad," Sam said.
"Luna! Sam!" Tabby said. "Since we got a happy ending, and there's still time, what say we go on up there, play that song that Mazzy came up with."
"Oh yeah, Luna, did you finish writing the song?" Mazzy asked.
"Sure did, and just in time, this is the perfect chance to show it off!" Luna said. "Moon Goats, to the stage!"
"Hey, looks like my sister's up," Lincoln said, turning to Emma. "Still want to be my date?"
"Sure," Emma took note of a jealous Lori. "Um...sure, I guess."
"Hey, don't worry about my sister," Lincoln said. "Just focus on me."
"Alright, I will," Emma said.
"You two have fun, I'll be nearby if you need me," Chloe said, giving the two their privacy.
Luna took to the stage, "Hello Royal Woods!" She waited a moment until she had everyone's attention. "I know things got crazy tonight, but that shouldn't get us down. When life gives you lemons, just make some lemonade! We're still standing after all, thanks to our local Superhero, The Amazing Spider-Man!"
That got a cheer from the crowd, especially among Lincoln's friends and some of his family.
"Alright then, there's a song I wrote that after today, I want to sing it for you more than ever," Luna said. "And Spider-Man, if you're out there or you can hear us, I just want to say, on behalf of us in Royal Woods, thank you for keeping us safe! Not everyone appreciates you, but I certainly do! You saved me and my family a couple of times now, you have a special place in my heart for that!"
Lincoln felt overwhelmed in joy, even if Luna wasn't aware she was speaking to him, he still felt honored that Luna cared this much about Spider-Man. From the sounds of things, many in the crowd did, so Lincoln believed he was doing something right.
"This song goes out to you, hit it!" Luna said, her band playing on cue as the Loud girl played a punk rock tune on her guitar.
"This should be good," Lincoln said. "Let's dance Emma."
"You got it," Emma said, immediately dancing with her date as Luna sang her song.
'Spider-Man, Spider-Man!
Does whatever a spider can!
Spins a web, any size
catches crooks, just like flies
Look Out!
Here comes the Spider-Man!'
"Wow, this is really catchy," Emma said. "You're sister's really talented."
"She sure it," Lincoln said.
'Is he strong?
Listen bud
He's got radioactive blood
Can he swing, from a thread?
Take a look, overhead
Hey there
There goes the Spider-Man!
As Luna's band played, Katherine began reporting this on TV, "After a massive incident today at a Block Party in the fine town of Royal Woods, Michigan, all is safe now thanks to The Amazing Spider-Man, as talented up and coming artist, Luna Loud and her band the Moon Goats sing their tribute to the webbed superhero. Where will Spider-Man pop up next? Who knows? But I will be right there to cover it, this is Katherine Mulligan, signing off."
This report did not go unnoticed in New York, as within his building of business, CEO Tony Stark of Stark Industries was watching the report on TV, the man stroking his chin in curiosity. "Spider-Man huh? Maybe I should pay a visit to this Royal Woods place sometime."
The party continued on, Ronnie Anne and Sid dancing to the beat of the song.
"This is so catchy!" Sid said. "I'm gonna sing it all the time!"
"Please don't, at least not while I'm driving you back home," Lori said.
"Hey come on babe, let the girls enjoy themselves," Bobby said. "Like him or not, Spider-Man really saved the day."
"I guess," Lori said, focusing back on Lincoln and Emma. She was tempted to go over and break the two up, but she caught sight of Luan, the comedian side-eyeing her, not trusting the eldest Loud sister.
'Spider-Man, Spider-Man
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Wealth and Fame
He's ignored
Action is his reward
Look out!
Here comes the Spider-Man!'
Lincoln and Emma continued dancing to the beat of Luna's song, for the first time in a while, Emma was enjoying herself again, the two now inching closer together.
'Here comes the Spider-Man!'
Lincoln and Emma were back to where they started earlier, not too far apart and currently gazing into each other's eyes as they leaned in to each other.
'Here comes the Spider-Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!'
As Luna closed off her song, Lincoln and Emma closed the distance between their faces, sharing a nice kiss with one another as some fireworks went off in the background.
This kiss did not go unnoticed by a disappointed Lori, a satisfied Chloe, a slightly jealous Girl Jordan and Sid, a grinning Lynn, and two jealous girls in Stella and Ronnie Anne.
"Thank you, Royal Woods!" Luna cheered. "Have a Wonderful Night!"
Meanwhile, at the Sunset Canyon Retirement home, Albert was seen grinning in pride at seeing Luna's performance, "That's my granddaughter, she's got quite the musical talent."
"Eh, she's alright," Scoots said.
"Hey Albert," Came the voice of Seymour.
"Seymour, you missed it, my granddaughter just sung an amazing song about that Spider-Man," Albert said. "But it's fine, I have this thing recording, and boy does it seem like it's gonna be a keeper."
"Well that sounds nice, but I just wanted to let you know that there's a new resident here, and he seems to know you," Seymour said.
"Really? Who could that be?" Albert asked. Within moments, an old man came into the room, one that Albert recognized immediately. "No way, is that you, Adrian?"
The new resident, Adrian Toomes stepped into view, the old man with a big smile on his face, "Well if it isn't my old friend, Albert."
"No way! Albert said, standing up. "So good to see you, man, never though I'd see you again."
"You know this guy?" Scoots asked.
"My old buddy in the Air Force, Adrian Toomes," Albert said. "Back in the day, we called him 'Vulture' because of how well he circled over his targets."
"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," Adrian said.
"Feeling's mutual I guess," Scoots said.
"Oh man, we have so much to catch up on," Albert said. "I can't wait to introduce you to my family."
"Oh I look forward to it," Adrian said.
The Block Party still had its success despite the bump in the road, and most of the Louds had something positive to take away. For Lincoln, between winning his first real fight against a supervillain, mixed with having taken his relationship with Emma to a new level, things seemed to be looking up, but he knew all too well, the life of a hero was a life of constant work, and he knew it was important to be ready for that.