Later Lincoln went to meet with his friends at lunchtime, a group that had extended past the original eight, now including Christina and Paige.
"So, who here heard about Spider-Man's big win in Great Lakes?" Rusty asked.
"I did, good on Spidey," Clyde said.
"A hero in two cities now, Spider-Man's going places," Girl Jordan said.
"Seems like a lot, I mean he can barely handle Royal Woods, can he really take on a city that's three hours away?" Zach said.
"Pretty sure he has super speed, he probably got there in ten seconds," Rusty said.
"I wish," Lincoln said, the boy still feeling heartbroken after breaking up with Emma.
"Y'all think that he'll show up anywhere else?" Liam asked.
"If there's a villain without a hero, then it's very likely," Girl Jordan said.
"Especially if it's a reasonable distance," Mollie said.
"You call Great Lakes reasonable?" Zach said.
"It's not that bad," Girl Jordan said. "Not like he's going all the way to New York City. Not that he needs to, they have their own heroes."
"Wonder if they even know about him, I mean how many other major superheroes are outside of New York?" Zach asked.
"Ah think there's a few, but not too many," Liam said. "If ah recall, there's a vigilante in Chicago, wears a white cape."
"Chicago, that isn't too far away, maybe he and Spidey will do a team-up," Rusty said.
"Teaming up with Spider-Man would be pretty cool," Paige said, secretly glancing at Christina. "The perfect sidekick might be right under his nose."
"If he needs one," Christina pointed out.
"It would be great, don't you think so Lincoln?" Stella turned to her friend, the boy still looking depressed. "Uh...Lincoln?"
"Huh?" Lincoln said. "Oh yeah...go Spidey or whatever."
"What's with you? I mean you've been all gloomy since we got here," Rusty said.
"Fail a test or something?" Zach asked.
"Lincoln wouldn't fail a test, he's the smartest boy in our class," Girl Jordan said.
"It wasn't a test, it was...something else," Lincoln said.
"Anything you want to tell us?" Girl Jordan asked.
"Yeah, we're here for you Lincoln," Mollie said.
"Might as well tell them, they're gonna hear it eventually," Lincoln began to explain himself. "Emma and I just broke up."
A stunned silence filled the table for a quick moment, everyone amazed and in disbelief over what they just heard. Stella looked the most bothered, given how much she knew Lincoln liked Emma, and just the fact that she hated seeing her friend so sad. Clyde was feeling really nervous at the moment, wondering what this meant for him too.
"Lincoln..." Stella scooted next to the boy, bringing him in for a hug. "I'm so sorry to hear that."
"You two looked so cute together, what happened?" Mollie asked.
"It's...really complicated," Lincoln said, not wanting to get into too much detail. "She just didn't feel ready to be a girlfriend."
"Wait, so she dumped you?" Rusty asked, earning some glares. "Hey I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just trying to understand the situation."
"Yeah, she broke up with me," Lincoln confirmed.
"What could have compelled her to do that?" Girl Jordan asked to no one in particular. "Well, sorry that happened to you Lincoln. But you got plenty of time to get another girlfriend."
"Yeah, having one makes you more valuable too," Rusty said. "Girls will know you can be in a relationship."
"Emma broke it off with me though, not the other way around," Lincoln said. "Won't that make me look bad?"
"Not if we spin the story a certain way," Rusty said. "Make it seem like she was at fault."
"I'd rather you didn't," Lincoln said. "I don't want trouble with Emma. I'm honestly hoping she'll change her mind about this."
"Lincoln, don't wait for her, it makes you look desperate," Girl Jordan said.
"Still, I'm not sure if I'll be ready to move on," Lincoln said. "It might take me a while."
"Take all the time you need," Christina said.
"Yeah, just take time to think move past this feeling," Paige said.
"I'll do my best," Lincoln said.
"Why don't you try talking to yer sisters?" Liam asked.
"I almost don't want to, but it's inevitable that they're gonna find out," Lincoln said. "I'm just worried that they'll get mad and do something to Emma. Or tell me that it's my fault she left me."
"Your sisters wouldn't do that," Stella said.
"Lynn probably would," Rusty said, earning more glares. "Hey I just want him to be ready."
"I hate to agree with Rusty, but Lynn does seem like the type to point fingers like that," Girl Jordan said. "I mean, isn't she the one always pushing you to get a girlfriend?"
"Well, all my sisters do, but Lynn's very aggressive about it," Lincoln said. "Lola did once too, but she learned to dial it back."
"How's Lori gonna react?" Zach asked.
"Oh yeah, didn't she not like Emma?" Mollie asked.
"Where'd you hear that?" Lincoln asked.
"Some gossip from the nearby kids," Rusty said. "Some even wondered how well Ronnie Anne took the idea of you getting a girlfriend."
"I don't think she cares," Lincoln said. "Ronnie Anne and I are just friends."
"Still, I don't blame you for watching your back when it comes to your sisters," Zach said.
"You should tell them though, Lincoln. At the very least Luna and Luan will know what to say," Christina said.
"Or Leni, she's really nice," Paige said.
Liam turned his attention to Clyde, "You've been awfully quiet, figured you'd have the most to say given how close you and Lincoln usually are."
"Sorry, just kind of speechless," Clyde said, focusing on his friend. "Hey Lincoln, I'm really sorry about Emma."
"It'll be fine Clyde," Lincoln said.
"Question though...did she mention anything about Chloe?" Clyde asked.
"Clyde, tell me that's not what you're worried about," Girl Jordan said.
"I know you like Chloe but that can wait until later," Zach said.
"Or you can go ask her yourself," Paige said.
"It's fine everyone, don't worry about it," Lincoln said, easing the tension aimed at his best friend. "Emma hasn't mentioned anything about Chloe to me, Clyde. If you want, you can check with her later, but I don't think this will affect either of you."
"Oh good..." Clyde said, before noticing the glares. "I mean...I'm relieved, but I still feel bad for you Lincoln."
"We'll do something nice for you Lincoln," Girl Jordan said. "Should get your mind off of things."
"I appreciate that," Lincoln said. "Good to have loyal friends, but it may take a while to get used to this."
"Sup losers?" came the irritating voice of Chandler.
"Oh it's you," Girl Jordan lamented. "What do you want?"
"Not sure if you know, though some of you are total geeks so I wouldn't be surprised, but our buddy Spider-Man just took down that freaky lizard guy in Great Lakes," Chandler said. "Looks like he's going places."
"How are we geeks for liking Spider-Man when you're the one bragging about him?" Zach asked. "That makes you a geek too."
"Shouldn't you be off making tin foil hats with your weirdo parents?" Chandler said.
"Hey, dumbass, aliens exist," Mollie said. "Zach's not as weird as you think he is."
"Whatever, also me liking Spider-Man isn't geeky, it's cool," Chandler said. "I know he's a bro, you dorks just like any weirdo in tights."
"Just take a hike already, go post this stuff on your vlog that no one watches," Rusty said.
"Hey it's better than the one Lincoln Lame here started with that nutjob Ronnie Anne Santiago," Chandler said. "Bet that girl was peeing her pants with that lizard around."
"She was actually brave, much more than you could ever be, dipshit," Lincoln wanted to say this out loud, but doing so could reveal too much. He did have to wonder if Chandler would respect him more if he knew he was Spider-Man.
"Also, what are you two doing here?" Chandler asked, pointing to Christina and Paige.
"We're eating with our friends," Paige said. "Where are yours?"
"Saving my seat," Chandler said. "Shame though, Christina isn't too bad to look at, she would do well in my posse, if she wasn't such an annoying goody-two-shoes but I could have fixed that."
"The only thing that needs fixing is your personality," Christina said.
"That'd take a near miracle to pull off," Liam said.
"Forget you losers, I have a real squad to return to," Chandler said, about to leave. "Oh, and Lincoln Lame, my condolences for your failed relationship. Man, even ugly girls don't want to be seen with you."
Lincoln grumbled in annoyance, immediately standing up and shoving Chandler hard enough to send him nearly flying into a garbage can, knocking it over and making a mess everyone.
"Holy smokes!" Zach said.
"Lincoln Loud! To the Principal's office!" came the voice of a nearby teacher.
Sighing in annoyance, Lincoln begrudgingly made his way out of the cafeteria, much to the worry of his friends.
"Poor Lincoln, Chandler really crossed a line there," Mollie said.
"And now he's gonna get in trouble," Rusty said.
"It ain't right, we gotta do something," Liam said.
"Let's get moving," Girl Jordan said, everyone exiting the table, making their way past a dirty Chandler, Mollie going the extra mile to grab a milk carton and poor the remaining contents on the bully's head and dropped in for good measure.
Nearby, Emma and Chloe had witnessed the whole debacle.
"I think Lincoln took the break-up a bit too hard," Chloe said.
"Maybe this was a bad idea, I mean did I rush my decision?" Emma asked.
"You thought long and hard about it, if you're unsure about being in a relationship, might as well just avoid it," Chloe said. "Lincoln will get over it, just give him time."
"Yeah, sure," Emma said. "This won't affect you and Clyde, will it?"
"As long as Clyde doesn't do anything dumb," Chloe said. "Which isn't likely I will admit. Don't worry about it."
"Okay," Emma said.
Lincoln had arrived in the Principal's office, and after having been briefed on the situation, Ramirez had called him in.
"What's this about you pushing Chandler?" Ramirez asked. "Into a garbage can, no less? This is the second time in recent memory you two got into a physical altercation."
"He came to our table and started talking trash, and it just ticked me off," Lincoln said.
"Lincoln, I don't know what's going on between you and Chandler," Ramirez said. "You can't keep resorting to violence just because he says a few mean things. Next time call a teacher."
"That almost never works, he's still gonna give me and my friends a hard time," Lincoln said.
"That's still no excuse to start fighting," Ramirez said. "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to give you a week of detention."
"A week!?" Lincoln asked. "Last time it was only a day."
"Last time didn't involve garbage cans, plus this here is your second offense," Ramirez said. "Keep it up and you'll be facing suspension."
"Suspend Chandler!" Lincoln demanded. "Things would be so much easier without having to look at that asshole all the time!"
"Watch your language or it's two weeks!" Ramirez warned. "Accept your punishment and go back to class, we're done here."
Lincoln grumbled in annoyance; his day was going from bad to worse.
Outside however his friends had overheard, and needless to say, they weren't happy.
"This isn't fair to Lincoln," Liam said. "We should say something!"
"It may not work, I tried talking the principal out of giving Lincoln detention when he first got it," Christina said. "I couldn't convince her, but I did get Chandler in trouble."
"Well there's more of us, we can reason with her," Rusty said. "I can even use my charm to swoon her."
"Rusty, I respect the confidence, but don't make things worse," Zach said.
"Lincoln would do what he could for us, let's return the favor to our friend!" Girl Jordan said.
"Will this work? What if we get into trouble too?" Clyde asked.
"Pfft, not like she can give all of us detention, now let's get to it!" Girl Jordan said, kicking the door to the principal's office open.
Later.
"I can't believe she gave us all detention," Girl Jordan said as she and the others were seen walking down the hallway.
"Well there goes my week," Rusty lamented.
"Sorry you all got into trouble because of me," Lincoln said.
"No Lincoln, we made our own choice," Stella said. "It was bogus that you got into trouble because Chandler was being a jerk."
"Principal doesn't even seem to care sometimes," Christina said. "This is not good for a school environment."
"The moment I find Chandler, I'm gonna beat the crap out of him," Girl Jordan said.
"Please don't make things worse," Clyde said. "Man, how do I tell my dads that I got detention."
"Just tell them the principal sucks," Girl Jordan said.
"That won't be enough," Clyde said.
"Telling my parents won't be easy either," Lincoln said. "But that's life I guess."
"Well let's just get to our classes before things get worse," Liam said.
"Yeah, let's," Lincoln said.
After their detention, Lincoln was seen making his way home. Though on the way, Christina ran up to him, "Hey, mind if I tag along? I need to speak with your sisters about...you know."
"You mean the..." Lincoln quickly looked around and whispered. "The mutant stuff?"
"Yeah, I think they wanted to make a costume for me, just in case I decided to use my gift for the greater good," Christina said.
"Sure, that sounds good," Lincoln said. "Wait, what about Paige?"
"She has to go home, she's fine with me going with you though, she trusts you and your sisters," Christina said.
"Wow, I feel flattered," Lincoln said. "Let's hurry."
It wasn't long before Lincoln and Christina arrived at the Loud House, the boy giving Christina the order to wait.
"Let me go first, just in case any rumors reached my sisters," Lincoln said.
"About the detention, or the break-up?" Christina asked.
"Both," Lincoln said, opening up the door to the house. "I'm home!"
"Hey bro, you're home late!" Luna called from the living room. "Busy with Stella? Or Emma?"
"Long story, I brought Christina," Lincoln said, gesturing to the girl.
"Hello."
"Oh, Christina, we were gonna call you sometime this week actually, we talked to Leni about that favor," Luna said.
"Wow, that sounds great," Christina said, quickly making her way to the living room. "Just how much does she know?"
"Well as far as she knows, it's not for you per say," Luna said. "I told her it's for a friend of a girl named Tabby."
"Tabby? You got her in on this?" Lincoln asked.
"Not exactly, she doesn't know but Leni doesn't really know Tabby that well so I'm hoping this doesn't backfire on me," Luna said.
"Oh, well...don't worry, I can cover everything up if need be," Lincoln said.
"I did tell Leni that you would be modeling the suit," Luna said.
"That's great, but if she sees me in the suit, then I do go through with this superhero idea, what if she recognizes me?" Christina asked.
"I doubt she would, Leni's not exactly the brightest girl," Luna said. "Besides aren't you getting a mask?"
"Honestly, while Leni can be less than fully intelligent, she's still clever enough to figure some things out, and she will definitely recognize a dress she made and who modeled in it," Lincoln said. "Maybe if Christina changes her hair when on patrol, or hides it with her aura."
"Seems like a lot to worry about, wouldn't it be easier to just tell Leni?" Christina asked.
"Remember, Leni's not good with secrets," Luna said.
"Anyway, it's just the basic costume, I can add some stuff to it to make it look different," Lincoln said. "Leni taught me how to sew, it should help."
"Wait if you can sew, can't you make the costume?" Christina asked.
"I'll...explain later," Lincoln said. "Mind waiting up in my room? I have to tell Luna something."
"Sure thing," Christina said, making her way upstairs. "Wait, where is your room exactly?"
"Upstairs on the right, it's the furthest door down," Lincoln said.
"Okay," Christina said.
Once she was up, Lincoln focused his attention on Luna, "So, bad news...I got a week of detention."
"Detention!?" Luna shouted so loud that this caught the attention of the other sisters.
"Detention?" Lynn asked.
"Who's got detention?" Lana asked.
"Is it Lincoln?" Luan asked.
Lincoln curiously raised his eyebrow, "Were you all just waiting for your cue or something?"
"Lincoln, what's going on?" Luan asked. "What's this about detention?"
"I...got into a fight at school and I got a week of detention over it," Lincoln said.
"Whoa, you got in a fight?" Lynn asked. "Awesome, who was it with? Was it Chandler? I bet it was Chandler. You kick his butt good?"
"Lynn, don't encourage this!" Lola said.
"Hey you guys know that Chandler's a jerk," Lynn said. "He probably had it coming."
"He may have said something that ticked me off, and I ended up pushing him into a garbage can," Lincoln said.
"Garbage can? Sweet!" Lynn said. "What'd you do from there?"
"Uh, nothing, I got called into the Principal's office," Lincoln said.
"...Really? All you did was push him?" Lynn asked.
"Doesn't he like kick your seat and stuff?" Lana asked. "Has he gotten detention for that?"
"No, but I would if I spoke out," Lincoln said.
"Okay this is bogus, why would you get in trouble?" Luna asked.
"You know why, Luna," Luan said. "Some teachers just don't care."
"Tell me about it, some are even straight up jerks," Lynn said.
"To make things worse, my friends tried speaking up on my behalf, and they all got detention too," Lincoln said.
"Geez, Ramirez has gotten worse lately," Lynn said. "She was always stuck up but like, did she go through a bad break up?"
"Speaking of break-ups..." Lincoln gulped in worry. "I hope I don't regret this, but I might as well just pull the band-aid off than them finding out and risk making a scene in public somewhere."
"What's up?" Luna asked.
"Emma and I broke up," Lincoln said, earning a round of gasps.
"You and Emma split?" Leni asked. "But, you two are so cute together!"
"Yeah, I was actually warming up to her a bit," Lana said.
"Why did you two break up?" Lily asked.
"It's...complicated, she just didn't want a committed relationship," Lincoln said.
"Ugh, that's like the oldest excuse in the book for girls," Lynn said. "I bet she just wanted a boyfriend to look cool and she dragged you along until your usefulness expired."
"Lynn!" Lola scolded.
"What's the matter with you!?" Lucy shouted.
"Yeah, what the hell was that about?" Luna asked.
"Luna, don't say 'hell' in front of Lily," Luan said.
"I won't repeat it," Lily reassured.
"Still, mom and dad don't want us saying bad words in front of you, it reminds them of last time," Luan said.
"Last time?" Lily asked.
"Ask them about donuts, see how they react," Lucy said.
"Hey, can we focus? Linky had a break-up and you're worried about Lily repeating words she probably already heard a million times with these paper-thin walls," Lola said.
"Look, it's fine, I'll get past it," Lincoln said.
"Get past it? Wait, how are you feeling now?" Luna asked.
"A bit crummy, but it happens, doesn't it?" Lincoln asked. "I'll be fine, there's plenty of other girls for me after all."
"Got that right, and now that you had experience, you know what to do," Lynn said. "That girl doesn't know what she's giving up, so I say screw her. Let the dumb bimbo make a mistake, meanwhile you're friends with other girls, and I bet at least one of them got jealous about losing you, and want to exploit their new chance."
"I don't think I'm quite ready to move on just yet," Lincoln said.
"That's perfectly normal, bro," Luna said. "Break ups can take some time."
"I've seen it happen myself," Leni said. "I've even been through a couple. I remember how bad it was to break up with Scott, but it wasn't too bad of a breakup. We're still friends and I still talk to him online. It's just easier for us than holding a long-distance relationship."
"Doesn't Lori have a long-distance relationship?" Lily asked. "Why couldn't you and Scott have one."
"Bobby lives in another city that's only three hours away," Leni said. "Scott lives in another country that's...more than three hours away."
"The average distance between here and Loch Loud would be about ten hours by plane," Lisa clarified. "Given that we couldn't actually afford to go and found cheap means to get there, it would technically take us longer."
"It wouldn't be that hard to get there, I mean Lincoln's a Duke," Lynn said. "Oooh, did you tell Emma you're a Duke?"
"Was a Duke, I gave that role to Agnus," Lincoln said. "Also I really don't want to let that get to my head again."
"Pfft, you were fine the first time," Lynn said. "Did you get cocky, a little. But that's a good thing, girls like a guy who's confident."
"But not a guy who's full of himself," Luna said.
"My point is, I'm not ready to move on, I need some time," Lincoln said. "Honestly, I'm kind of hoping Emma changes her mind."
"Bad idea to wait on that," Luan said.
"Yeah, it can hurt a lot more Lincoln," Leni said. "I've seen it happen with my friends. Take Fiona, she broke up with a guy and then later wanted to get back with him out of pity, but it didn't make their problems go away."
"If you wish to voice your grievances, I will be there to comfort you," Lucy said. "Might help if you write poetry, it's a good stress relief."
"Join me in one of my tea parties, I can even invite my friends, help you bounce back," Lola said.
"Lols, your friends are in Elementary School," Luna pointed out.
"I didn't mean I want to set Lincoln up with one of them!" Lola said. "Weirdo!"
"I'll figure things out," Lincoln said. "Right now, I should talk to Christina."
"Gonna ask her out?" Lynn asked, much to Lincoln's annoyance.
"Did you already forget what I said? I'm not in the mood to move on right now!" Lincoln said.
"Alright, but your opportunity is there if you change your mind," Lynn said.
"Honestly, I'm not even sure how the girls will feel about me after this week since I indirectly got them detention," Lincoln said.
"If they got detention for having your back, that means they like you and feel loyal," Lynn said.
"I don't think they'll hate you," Luan said. "Still, take your time getting better."
"I'll do my best," Lincoln said. "Gonna be hard, Chandler might provoke me again about the break-up. Or someone else will."
"Ignore Chandler, you said it yourself, you don't let that loser get to you," Lynn said.
"If he keeps bothering you though, just let us know," Lola said. "I know where he lives."
"Wait, how?" Lincoln asked.
"Because he constantly sent invites to his stupid parties back when he was in Royal Woods Elementary," Lola said. "Some of them reached me but I didn't care much for going. I still kept his address in case he kept bothering you. One time, I remember sending him Lana's pet snake to get back at him for the time he caused a ruckus at your magic show."
"That would explain why he came to school the next day scared out of his mind," Lincoln said. "Still, try to be careful, I don't want you getting in trouble too because of me."
"Linky, you're my big brother," Lola said, wrapping her arms around the boy. "I would do anything for you."
"As long as it's legal," Luna said.
"Right, legal..." Lola said.
"Well, it's sweet of you to care," Lincoln said, rubbing Lola's head. "Also, all of you, thanks for not freaking out too much about the breakup."
"It's cool, break ups are tough, and we didn't want to overwhelm you," Luna said.
"We've learned how to handle certain things, and not to overreact," Luan said. "Unless it's an emergency."
"Then all compromise is out the window," Lana said.
"Right, of course," Lincoln said. "Given how they want vigilante a few weeks ago, safe to say my sisters can still be very chaotic."
"We'll let you get to it, but um, you know mom and pops aren't gonna be happy about the detention thing," Luna said.
"Which is bullshit," Lynn said.
"Don't say words like that in front of Lily!" Luan scolded.
"I'll deal with mom and dad later," Lincoln said. "Oh, and I hate to ask but, can this stay secret from Lori?"
"Huh? What for?" Lynn asked.
"You know why," Lola said.
"The moment Lori finds out about the break-up, she's gonna try setting Lincoln up with Ronnie Anne," Lana said.
"She's already been bitter about Emma, and she's shown to be jealous of other girls," Lucy said.
"Which is ridiculous because we all made a promise not to obsess over this," Luan said. "Worrying about Ronnie Anne was more trouble than it was worth."
"Yes, Lori had us all convinced that our brother should be with Ronnie Anne," Lisa said. "I personally am not against the idea but I do not like being forced into being a pawn for Lori's gain."
"Otherwise Lori would try to control who we all date," Luna said. "She might even try setting Lily up with Carlios for all we know."
"Ew, I don't like Carlitos, he's weird," Lily said.
"You can do better than him anyway, he's got freakishly large eyebrows, just like his brother," Lola said.
"Same one with a poor hairstyle," Lana said.
"Can't believe he flirted with me," Lola said. "Like, fix those eyebrows and grow some more hair if you want a chance."
"How much you wanna bet his accent's fake too?" Lana asked. "None of his siblings have accents, ain't no way his is real."
"To think poor Adelaide is stuck with that weirdo," Lola said.
"No way she'd date that loser, she's way too cute for him," Lana said.
"Alright, that's enough," Luna said. "I know Carl's a handful but right now you two are just being way too uptight and pompous about it. Plus judging someone by appearance like that isn't right. What's unappealing to you is appealing to someone else."
"Also Lily, it's not nice to call Carlitos weird," Luan said. "You don't have to like him but don't say mean things about him."
"Okay," Lily said.
"But still, you can't disagree when it comes to Carl," Lola said.
"Totally," Lana said. "That kid is ugly as fu-"
"LANA!" Luan shouted. "Don't you finish that sentence!"
"What? I was totally gonna say 'fudge'," Lana insisted.
"That's a load of baloney," Luan said.
Luna focused her attention on Lincoln and the subject at hand, "Don't worry about Lori, bro. We'll keep the secret as long as we can."
"She is going to find out eventually though," Lisa said.
"I know, but I want a little time to get past this before I risk the idea of her trying to force me into being with Ronnie Anne," Lincoln said.
"We won't keep you from Christina, go on up," Lincoln said.
"Sure," Lincoln said, making his way upstairs. "Wonder if this is a good time to fill her in on other matters? Is she even ready to know my secret? Well I know hers and I do want her to trust me, both of me."
Lincoln arrived in his room shortly after reaching the top of the stairs, seeing that Christina admiring his Ace Savvy posters.
"You're such a huge comic fan," Christina said. "I'm not surprised, everyone at school knows you for how much you admire Ace Savvy."
"Yeah, I've been an Ace Savvy fan for as long as I can remember," Lincoln said.
"You know, I've always been curious as to why people are so passionate about comics, it's like the hero is real to them," Christina said. "I mean, we do have real life superheroes now with Captain America and Iron Man, but even so, what made Ace Savvy so special?"
"Well, Ace Savvy isn't real, but what he represents is," Lincoln said. "Some heroes have certain ideologies to them that people relate to. Things like Truth, Justice and The American Way, stuff you see in comics but things people can adapt to their lives. The heroes represent what we can be if we do our hardest, because honestly, when it comes to comics, while the fight scenes against the villains are cool, it's not the whole appeal to the hero. It's what the hero stands for."
"That's very enlightening," Christina said.
"Do you remember that comic book I entered into Bill Buck's fan comic contest?" Lincoln asked.
"Yeah, it was the talk of the school," Christina said.
"At the time I was pretty focused on the action, but I forgot about the heart of a hero," Lincoln said. "Principal Wilbur helped remind me that heroes aren't heroes because they beat up villains, they're heroes because they do the right thing. Honestly, anyone can be a hero with that type of mindset, I think that's what Bill Buck was trying to show with Ace Savvy, and with Spider-Man."
"Huh? Spider-Man isn't a comic book character, he's real," Christina said. "You've seen him up close."
"Yeah, closer than you realize," Lincoln said. "Christina, I have a secret to tell you, can I trust you to keep it between us?"
"Lincoln, you know I'm a mutant and you've kept that secret," Christina said. "Any secret you have is safe with me."
"Figured as much, but I feel better hearing it," Lincoln said, grabbing his backpack. "Take a look inside."
Christina checked out what Lincoln had to show her, quite surprised by what she was seeing, "Is that Spider-Man's costume?"
"Yeah, it is," Lincoln said, pulling it out. "This is my big secret."
"Huh, that's all?" Christina asked.
"What do you mean 'that's all'?" Lincoln asked in return, confused by her reaction.
"I mean, are you planning to do something with it?" Christina asked.
"Christina, I have a Spider-Man costume, don't you know what that means?" Lincoln asked.
"That you're a big Spider-Man fan and you made this to dress up as him?" Christina asked. "I mean, it's a cool costume, it almost looks real."
"It is real," Lincoln said. "I'm trying to tell you that I'm Spider-Man."
Christina raised her eyebrow in confusion, "Uh, Lincoln, don't take this the wrong way but...I find it very hard to believe that you're Spider-Man."
"Why is it so hard to believe?" Lincoln asked. "I have the costume."
"Anyone could make a costume like that," Christina said. "I've seen kids dressed up as Captain America, doesn't mean any of those kids are Cap."
Lincoln sighed in frustration, "In hindsight, I guess the costume isn't enough. Don't worry, I have an easier way to prove it."
"How?" Christina asked, then found Lincoln's hand in front of her face. "Uh, what are you doing?"
"Do you see anything on my hand?" Lincoln asked.
"...No," Christina said.
"Nothing sticky? No items?" Lincoln asked.
"No, wait where are you going with this?" Christina asked.
"Should be easy to figure out, watch closely," Lincoln said, leaping up and latching onto the ceiling, hanging on by his one hand. "Cool right?"
"...There's no way," Christina said. "Wait, you didn't put anything up there, did you? Something to help you stick?"
"Check my walls," Lincoln said, crawling down to the floor and then back on his feet. "You won't find anything sticky there."
Christina was quick to pad where Lincoln was crawling, nothing to suggest he did anything to create an illusion. "This can't be."
"Hey, Christina," Lincoln said, holding his up bed with one hand. "Cool right?" Lincoln juggled the bed quickly before placing it back down. "That's just a sample, I can do more but it would be better if I didn't do it here, I might get caught or break something by mistake."
"There's...there's no...I don't believe it..." Christina's eyes could not stop widening "You...you're really..."
"Spider-Man, like I told you," Lincoln said.
"But...how?" Christina asked. "I have so many questions!"
"Let's go somewhere private," Lincoln opened his window, taking a look around to make sure no one could see him. "Grab onto me."
"Uh, okay," Christina said, cautiously but eagerly grabbing onto the boy, feeling his muscles for the first time. "He's hard! Is he hiding a six pack under these nerdy clothes!?"
"Hang on!" Lincoln used his speed to dash into the woods behind his house. He set Christina down, the girl still not only amazed by how fast he went, she was still registering what she was told. "How are you feeling?"
"I don't even know what to feel," Christina said. "Lincoln, you're Spider-Man! Like, for real!"
"Still getting used to it huh?" Lincoln said. "Honestly given that you have powers too, I figured you'd take it better than most."
"Lincoln, you're a superhero! That's way bigger than me being another mutant," Christina said. "Wait, does this mean you're a mutant too? Or are you an alien like Zach says you are?"
"I'm a human from Earth, not a mutant or an alien in any way," Lincoln said. "Well I guess I am a mutant technically, but I wasn't born with the X-Gene."
"Wait, if you're not a mutant, how do you have powers?" Christina asked. "Was it a lab experiment or something?"
"I got bitten by a spider," Lincoln said.
"...That's it? Wait so spider bites give you powers nowadays?" Christina asked.
"It wasn't a regular spider, it was abnormal," Lincoln said. "The problem is that I squashed it after it bit me, so I can't know for sure exactly what it is."
"You squashed it!?" Christina asked. "That is so wasteful."
"A spider bit me! Naturally I'm going to crush it, I didn't know it would give me superpowers!" Lincoln insisted.
"I suppose that makes sense," Christina said. "Still, a superhero, just like Ace Savvy."
"Yeah, I wanted to be a superhero, so I used a name Bill Buck was gonna give to a character he created decades ago," Lincoln said. "I even have the prototype designs in my room."
"Wow, that's pretty neat," Christina said. "So...does anyone else know?"
"Only Stella," Lincoln said. "She figured it out by herself, no one else knows, not even my family."
"So your parents and sisters don't know you're a crime fighting vigilante," Christina said. "Honestly, I'm surprised that you didn't even tell Clyde, aren't you two like big on Ace Savvy?"
"Heroes are supposed to have secret identities to protect their friends and loved ones," Lincoln said. "Stella only knows because she saved me from drowning, then took off my mask. Not to peak but to give me CPR."
"You almost drowned?" Christina asked.
"Back when I was fighting The Vulture, I tried chasing him into the sky and got sick from the high altitude," Lincoln said. "So basically, I lucked out."
"Well I guess fate was smiling on you that day," Christina said. "Still, does this mean I'm only the second person who knows?"
"Yeah, the only other person who found out was Bill Buck himself, the night he died," Lincoln said.
"That was around the time those kids got kidnapped," Christina said.
"Some crooks intended to sell them as workers and stuff," Lincoln said. "They specifically wanted Lana to be a plumber for hire. She does all the work, they rake in all the cash."
"That's despicable," Christina said.
"It was my first time as a hero, since then I've gone against so many villains, it's been nuts," Lincoln said.
"Oh yeah, I especially remember Toad and Sabretooth," Christina said. "I just realized...you saved me that day."
"Well, yeah, I guess I did," Lincoln said, then found himself in a hug.
"Thank you, that was really kind of you," Christina said.
"Uh...it's nothing really, just helping a friend," Lincoln said, awkwardly returning the hug. "Plus it's my job as a hero."
"Yeah, it is," Christina said. "Thank you for trusting me with this secret, I promise I won't tell anyone. I won't even tell Paige."
"Thanks, I hate to ask you to keep that secret but I don't want Paige burdened with this truth, not yet at least," Lincoln said. "Only you and Stella know."
"Should I tell Stella who I am?" Christina asked.
"You should, you can trust her," Lincoln said. "If she can keep my secret, she can keep yours."
"I will then," Christina said. "Well, my mind is made up. Lincoln Loud, Spider-Man. I want to be your sidekick!"
"Do you now?" Lincoln asked.
"No more doubts, I'm going to go through with it!" Christina said. "Soon the city of Royal Woods will be under the protection of Spider-Man and Firestar!"
"Having a sidekick would help," Lincoln said. "To think, once upon a time, I imagined Clyde as my sidekick. Never thought you would be by my side, funny how life works out."
"Tell me everything I need to know about being a hero," Christina said. "I'm ready for just about anything."
Before Lincoln could speak, he heard his mother calling him, "Lincoln Albert Loud!"
"...Oh boy, my mom's not happy," Lincoln said. "I gotta talk to her, go around the side door and I will fill you in on the hero stuff another time."
"Sure, call me later," Christina said, making her leave.
Lincoln sighed, heading into the house, facing his unhappy parents, "Hi mom, dad."
"What's this about you getting detention, again?" Rita asked.
"Some kid was bugging me so...I shoved him," Lincoln said.
"Is it Chandler?" Lynn Sr asked, earning a nod. "Geez, I gotta have a word with that boy's parents."
"We will, let's focus on Lincoln," Rita said. "He still has us to deal with after all."
"Mom, dad," Luna said, getting their attention. "Go easy on Linc, he broke up with his girlfriend today."
"I appreciate she wants to help but I really didn't want this to be part of the conversation," Lincoln mentally lamented.
"You had a break-up kid? So sorry to hear that," Lynn Sr said.
"So am I, but we still need to discuss your behavior," Rita said.
"Yeah, sure..." Lincoln said, bracing for what's to come.
Later at her house, Girl Jordan was seen being scolded by her parents, especially her very disappointed father.
"Detention!? Over that Lincoln Loud boy!?" Her father Johnathan shouted. "Are you out of your mind!?"
"I had to do something, Lincoln was being unfairly blamed because of something that Chandler McCann did."
"Please tell me you're not fighting with that boy, his father's a business partner of ours," Johnathan shouted.
"Hey I'm not playing nice with someone who's a total loser," Girl Jordan said.
"That's it, go to your room!" the now frustrated Johnathan shouted.
"Honey, mind your temper," her mother Ashley insisted.
"Stay out of it!" the angry Johnathan shouted as he focused back on his daughter. "You! Room! Now!"
"You are such a turd!" Girl Jordan shouted, stomping off in annoyance.
The man angrily grabbed his head, trying to calm himself from his rage, "Tranquil thoughts...tranquil thoughts..."
"Dear...is everything okay?" Ashley asked, concerned for the man.
"Everything's fine," Johnathan said, immediately making his leave. "Just fine..."
Girl Jordan slammed the door to her room behind her and shouted into the pillow, venting out all of her frustrations. "I can't stand him sometimes!" Seconds later, she received a text, looking to see that it came from Lincoln.
"Hey everyone, sorry for any trouble today. I didn't want anyone mixed up in my problems. I owe you all for this."
One by one, texts began filling the screen.
From Rusty, "All good, my pops was pretty understanding, says sometimes being a man is all about standing up for your beliefs, and I believe that Chandler totally deserved what he got."
From Liam, "Good friends stick with each other through the good and the bad. A little detention ain't the worst thing in the world."
From Zach, "I had to convince my parents you didn't mind control me with some aliens powers or whatever, but it's all good."
From Paige, "Detention's more fun with friends anyway."
From Stella, "Gee, so many nice things so far. Kind of hoped at least someone would want Lincoln to follow through with him covering the tab at Gus's. But seriously, it's no trouble at all. My parents weren't happy but they're hardly enthusiastic in the first place."
From Clyde, "You and I got into tons of trouble together in the past, this is hardly any different."
From Christina, "It was worth it to help you out."
From Mollie, "Next time, let me push Chandler, I'll save you some trouble."
From Girl Jordan, "Lincoln, don't worry about me, you went through a lot today, so I'm more than happy to help ease your burden."
From Ronnie Anne, "Wait, you all got detention? Because of Lincoln? Dang, what happened?"
From Sid, "Yeah, was there an actual fight?"
From Lincoln, "Gah, sorry, didn't know I put your names in the group chat. That's embarrassing."
From Emma, "I think you put me on here too by mistake, sorry about your detention though."
From Chloe, "Wait, is that why none of you were on the bus this afternoon?"
"Wow..." Girl Jordan said. "This is awkward."
"I'll move this to a private room, sorry about this girls," Lincoln typed, focusing on a new group chat. "Everyone here?"
"I'm here," Rusty typed.
"Same," Mollie typed.
"Ditto," Clyde typed.
"Present," Christina typed.
"I'm in," Paige typed.
"All fixed," Stella typed.
"You're good dude," Zach typed.
"Yeah, we're all here," Girl Jordan typed.
"Sup nerds?" Lynn typed.
"LYNN!" Lincoln shouted from his room.
At Vic's house, the former assistant to the mayor was making his next plans, "Let's see, I could hit this bank, I think this is where the gold bars are. Then make my escape here." He looked through some more, come across a photo of his old boss. "Davis...you will soon regret getting rid of me. This city will be under my control once I get you out of the way, and make Royal Woods a town worth respecting!"
He looked around and came across a picture of his wife and stepdaughter, a bit of twinge in his chest.
"I will supply us with everything we need, just leave it to me," Vic said as he resumed his plans.
The following day at Chavez Academy, both Ronnie Anne and Sid seem to be enjoying their lunch, or trying to. They heard nothing but whispering and some giggles
"What is with everyone, they've been acting weird all day," Sid said. "Do I have something in my teeth?"
"I mean, you do now because you're eating ,but I don't think that's the reason for all of them acting so weird," Ronnie Anne said.
"Yo, Ronnie, Sid," Nikki greeted, making her way to the table with Casey, Sameer and Laird.
"Hey, do you know why everyone's been acting strangely?" Ronnie Anne asked. "Everywhere we go we constantly hear this strange giggling."
"Oh that...I actually came to ask you about something related to it actually," Nikki said.
"Huh? What would that be?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Word in the hallway, is that you and Sid each kissed Spider-Man," Nikki said.
It took Ronnie Anne a few seconds for that information to register, "I'm sorry, but WHAT!?"
"Hey I'm just relaying what I heard," Nikki said.
"I never kissed Spider-Man! Who told you that!?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Some kids said they heard it from Becky," Nikki said. "Given that he was at your apartment, and that you were there when he fought The Lizard, some kids think you might have been romantically involved."
"Some theorize Sid too, which is why she was kidnapped," Casey said.
"Theories are running wild, but it's believed one of you might have locked lips with that superhero," Sameer said. "Probably even seen him without his mask."
"None of that happened," Ronnie Anne said. "I don't know what he looks like under his mask, and I sure as heck didn't kiss him!"
"I wish I did," Sid commented, earning a glare from Ronnie Anne. "What? Famous superhero, muscles, probably cute."
"You don't even know what he looks like and you're fantasizing about kissing him?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"Hey superheroes can be cute, I mean have you seen Thor?" Sid asked.
"Thor's more sexy than cute," Nikki said.
"Cute or not, Spider-Man is a really nice guy who saved my life," Sid said. "So yeah, you're darn right I would kiss him."
"Well it didn't happen, neither of us kissed Spider-Man, he only came by because he was trying to figure the Lizard situation out with my Uncle," Ronnie Anne said. "So there you have it."
"Hey you can convince us but that doesn't mean everyone else is going to believe you," Nikki said. "Some may think you're trying to hide it."
"Ugh, I am so going to trash Becky for this!" Ronnie Anne shouted.
"Uh, Ronnie Anne, need I remind you that Becky knows Lucha Libre?" Sid pointed out.
"Yeah, she could totally take you in a fight," Casey said.
"Oh please, she's tough but I was known as the toughest kid in Royal Woods Elementary," Ronnie Anne said. "I can totally channel that inner bad girl I have in me. I just need a way to remind myself of that time."
"Well you were mostly like that because you were bitter that your parents were divorced," Sid said. "And the fact that your big brother spent too much time with Lori, not to mention the conflicted feelings you had for Lincoln and did everything in your power to shove them aside by acting almost like a bully."
"I did NOT have conflicted feelings regarding Lincoln," Ronnie Anne hastily insisted. "He was just a nerd, then he became my friend, nothing more."
"Well there's that toughness, just channel that and confront Becky," Sid said.
"You know what, maybe I will!" Ronnie Anne shouted, getting up off the table and stomping towards where Becky was sitting, her friends following.
As Becky enjoyed her lunch, she spotted Ronnie Anne next to her, the girl breathing angrily, "Uh...hey Santiago, what's up?"
Ronnie Anne grabbed her by the shirt, bringing the girl face to face, "You spread a rumor about me and Spider-Man, and you're going to unspread it!"
"Is that even a word?" Becky teased.
"Don't screw around with me, smartass!" Ronnie Anne warned.
"I'm fine with my rumor," Sid said, earning some glares from her friends. "What? If people think I kissed Spider-Man, it only makes me more popular."
Ronnie Anne merely focused back on Becky, "Just tell everyone you made it up!"
"Well, to be fair, I just told everyone it's highly possible, not my fault they went to extremes," Becky said.
"I'm so gonna clobber you for this!" Ronnie Anne shouted.
"Whoa now, take it easy, you really don't want to get into a fight in the cafeteria, do you?" Becky asked.
"She might be right Ronnie Anne, I mean didn't this happen to Lincoln yesterday? He pushed some kid and he got detention over it," Sid said.
"I'm not afraid of a little detention," Ronnie Anne said.
"Still, maybe there's a better way to handle this," Sid said.
"Besides, if you clobber her, it could paint you more in the wrong," Nikki said.
"Hey, are they gonna fight or what?" a nearby kid asked.
"Put a sock in it!" Sid shouted.
Ronnie Anne relented, deciding to release her hold on Becky, "Maybe I won't clobber you right now, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook."
"If you really didn't kiss him, try supplying some proof," Becky said.
"Proof how? Like ask Spider-Man to confirm it?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"That might work, people would be more likely to believe him," Becky said. "Until then, it's anyone's guess."
"This close to changing my mind about not clobbering you," Ronnie Anne warned.
"I don't even know why you're so mad, kissing a superhero just makes you more popular," Becky said. "I mean, even Sid understands it, and she's clueless half the time."
"Sid's not clueless! She's actually very intelligent!" Ronnie Anne said. "She builds robots after al!"
"Yeah, but she seems so easily distracted," Becky said, gesturing to Sid squatting down, looking at the floor.
"So many ants, with such good coordination," Sid said. "Marching on without a care in the world."
"Sid's just being observant, it's what scientists do," Ronnie Anne said. "Look, just keep your mouth shut about Spider-Man, in the end it really isn't anyone's business."
"Okay, sure," Becky innocently said.
"I mean it! If you cause more trouble, nothing's gonna stop me from unleashing one of my famous wedgies on your sorry butt!" Ronnie Anne said.
"Man, you're really all worked up about this," Becky said. "There's nothing to worry about, everything will work out just fine."
"It better," Ronnie Anne said, marching off. "Let's go!"
"That means you too, Sid," Casey said, getting the girl back on her legs.
"Happy journey, little ants," Sid said, making her leave.
"By the way Ronnie Anne, what would Lincoln think of this little rumor?" Nikki teased.
"Ugh, don't start with me on that," Ronnie Anne warned. "Really don't need this to be more awkward than it already is."
Becky sat back down, smirking to herself, "She really got worked up, I get the feeling there is plenty she isn't telling me right now."
At Royal Woods Middle School, later in the day, Lincoln is sitting in the detention room with his friends, each of them just waiting for time to pass before they can go home.
Mr. Bolhofner was sitting at the desk, taking extra time to grade some of his students' work, though looked very much bored doing so.
He looked ahead at the kids, feeling some sense of pity for them. He understood that happened, Chandler had annoyed Lincoln and he fought back. He saw a kid standing up for himself, and some friends standing up for him, but the principal didn't see it that way.
Once in a while, he would also check his phone, usually whenever it buzzed, almost like he's waiting for something.
"Excuse me, Mr. Bolhofner," Zach said, getting his attention. "Isn't there supposed to be a Captain America video playing?"
"Usually yes but considering it's you kids again, no need to show you it two days in a row, or for a whole week," Bolhofner said.
"Too bad, hoped he had more of it," Zach said.
"He just recorded one type of video that's used by pretty much every school in the country," Bolhofner said. "Plus, you kids are already fans of his and understand him to an extent, no need to overwhelm you with this stuff."
"Have you ever seen Captain America up close?" Rusty asked.
"No, but I still respect what he stands for," Bolhofner said. "Truth and Freedom, knowing when to fight like a man."
"What would be great is if Spider-Man started recording these videos, might catch even more attention since he's a local celebrity," Mollie said.
"Might be some time before that kid is a nationwide star," Bolhofner said. "He's doing well here and in Great Lakes."
"He totally trounced on that Lizard," Zach said.
"Then I heard he got very friendly with Ronnie Anne Santiago, and her friend Sid," Rusty said.
"I...highly doubt that happened," Stella said.
"Like rumors about her dating me outside the costume wasn't bad enough..." Lincoln mentally lamented.
"Rumors aside, still some really amazing stuff," Liam said.
"Totally," Mollie said. "Mr. Bolhofner, did you hear about what happened too?"
"Yeah, I remember hearing about it, my cousin was there too," Bolhofner said.
"You have a cousin that lives in Great Lakes?" Stella asked.
"No, he went to Great Lakes to take care of that Lizard," Bolhofner said.
"Huh? I thought only Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter did that?" Rusty said.
"You heard right, because Kraven is my cousin," Bolhofner said.
"Wait, he's what!?" Stella asked.
"You're related to Kraven the Hunter?" Clyde asked.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Lincoln began to worry a bit.
"Yeah, the two of us used to go hunting back in the day when he visited from Russia, guy was great with traps," Bolhofner said. "Taught me a thing or two about wilderness survival, and how to live off the land."
"Sounds like you two are close," Christina said.
"Yeah, I still talk to him once in a while, though I haven't heard from him for the past couple of days, even though I've been texting the guy," Bolhofner said.
"Hope he wasn't hurt," Christina said.
"He's fine, he's a tough man," Bolhofner said. "Granted, I can't say I'm too pleased with him."
"Huh? What's wrong?" Girl Jordan asked.
"Not sure if you know but he did some despicable things the other day," Bolhofner said. "Taking a girl hostage, and attacking Spider-Man. I don't why Kraven would attack a hero, a kid for that matter. That's not the brave hunter I knew, that's just being a coward."
"Sounds like Mr. Bolhofner isn't too happy with his cousin, not that I blame him," Lincoln felt. "To think my teacher is related to that guy. Hopefully Bolhofner has a chance to talk sense into him soon, that would give me one less thing to worry about."
"Well I hope that things turn out well for you, sir," Stella said. "I hope Kraven can become the man you knew him as."
"Same here, kid," Bolhofner said. "But there isn't any point to worrying about it, all I can do is my absolute best to knock some sense back into him."
"So, who would win in a fight? You or Kraven?" Rusty asked.
"Heh, Kraven's strong, do doubt," Bolhofner said. "But, I know ways around that strength. Sometimes it's not just the size of the muscle, but the cunning of the mind. In the wild, I see animals that are physically stronger than me, so that's when I have to be clever."
"Sounds like good advice," Lincoln noted.
"When Kraven and I spar, I usually look for a weak point," Bolhofner said. "Maybe he's walking funny, maybe he's exhausted, any weakness to gain the advantage."
"Have you ever found one?" Rusty asked."
"...No, he's usually better than me in combat," Bolhofner sheepishly admitted. "But I never go down without a fight, and that's what matters."
"Because having heart counts for a lot, right Mr. Bolhhofner?" Lincoln asked.
"Pretty much on point, Loud," Bolhofner said. "Let me tell you a little story about when Kraven and I were younger."
Time passed and detention was over, the kids were all on their way home, Lincoln having a lot to think about regarding what his teacher said.
"Wonder if I could use some of Bolhofner's tricks he mentioned soon?" Lincoln tried making some plans.
As he walked, he spotted Girl Jordan, the girl looked very sad for some reason, and it bothered Lincoln tremendously, hoping this wasn't his fault.
"Jordan," Lincoln said, getting her attention.
"Hey Linc, need something?" Girl Jordan asked.
"Are you feeling alright?" Lincoln asked. "You look kind of sad."
"It's nothing, don't worry about it," Girl Jordan said.
"Are you sure?" Lincoln asked. "Is it because of the detention?"
"...A little, but it's not your fault," Girl Jordan said. "Remember, I willing went to help you out, so any consequence is on me. My dad's pretty upset but it doesn't bother me. I just gotta deal with a little scolding."
"This just isn't fair, I really wish I handled that Chandler thing better," Lincoln said. "If there's anything I can do to make it up to you..."
"Lincoln, I said not to worry about it," Girl Jordan said. "I'll be fine, alright?"
"...Yeah, alright," Lincoln said.
Girl Jordan pulled Lincoln into a hug, gently stroking his head, "Thanks though, I feel lucky to have a friend like you."
"Anytime," Lincoln said, gently holding the girl, the boy feeling an unusual sensation, one that ended the moment she broke away.
"I gotta go, catch you later, Linky," Girl Jordan made her way to her house.
"Yeah, sure," Lincoln said, making his way home.
"Hey Lincoln," Stella said, getting the boy's attention.
"Need something, Stella?" Lincoln asked.
"Yeah, you never brought me your web-shooters," Stella said.
"Oh, right..." Lincoln said. "I got distracted by the whole thing with Emma and then getting detention."
"It's fine, I forgot to remind you," Stella said. "Do you have them on you now? I can take them back to my house and get everything sorted out."
"I left them at home, come by quickly," Lincoln said.
"Alright sure, let's hurry over," Stella said.
"Come on," before Lincoln could leave, Christina got his attention.
"Lincoln, wait up," the girl said. "Mind if I come by again? I want to see if your sister was almost done with what I asked for, and I want to see if it fits."
"Leni's working today, she doesn't have it ready," Lincoln said.
"Oh...that's a bummer," Christina said. "But it's fine, I can wait."
"Leni's making something for you?" Stella asked. "Is it a dress?"
"...Oh right, I think I should tell you something, Stella, let's talk in private," Christina said.
"Um, alright," Stella said.
"Lincoln, you come too," Christina said.
"Fine by me, I still gotta get Stella to my place," Lincoln said.
Stella curiously followed the two to a nearby forest, ensuring total privacy.
"So...what's up?" Stella asked.
"Two things, but first...Lincoln says you're great at keeping secrets, so I need you to keep this between us," Christina said.
"Well, yeah, I can do that," Stella said.
"This might be surprising, so try not to freak out," Christina said. "I really need your support on this."
"I think I know what this is," Stella placed her arm on Christina's shoulder. "You have my word that I will not freak out. Show me what you need to."
"Thanks Stella," Christina said, taking a step back. Within seconds, she began to glow, to no one's surprise. "The truth is, I'm a mutant."
"Oh...wow...a mutant," Stella said, trying to act surprised. "I totally didn't see this coming, I'm so...amazed."
"Uh, you don't sound amazed, you almost sound like...you knew..." Christina said. "Lincoln...you didn't tell Stella about me? Did you?"
"No, I didn't tell her," Lincoln said. "Honest."
Christina suspiciously glanced at Stella, "Then what was with the poor acting?"
"What poor acting?" Stella nervously stated, earning a harder glare from Christina. "Alright, I knew. Lincoln didn't tell me, I found out because I saw you using your powers against Sabretooth."
"Wait, you were there!?" Christina asked. "You saw me use my powers?"
"Yeah, that's how Spider-Man and the police were able to get to you and Paige," Stella said. "I made a call and told them about Sabretooth trying to capture you and told them about Wolverine trying to save you. I'm sorry Christina, I knew you were a mutant but I wanted you to be the one to tell me."
"I didn't say anything because I figured it was best told by Stella," Lincoln said. "Sorry for keeping it a secret from you."
"Well...I guess it's fine, as long as you didn't tell anyone," Christina said. "Only Paige, Lincoln and a handful of his sisters know. The only ones who don't actually are Lynn, Leni, Lisa and Lori."
"At least now you know you can trust me to keep your secret," Stella said. "I won't let anyone know about your powers."
"That's good to know, and I already figured you could keep a secret, because you kept Lincoln's," Christina said.
"Lincoln's?" Stella asked. "You mean..."
"I told her I was Spider-Man," Lincoln said.
"You...you told Christina?" Stella asked. "Just like that?"
"Yeah, she's the first one I actually honestly told," Lincoln said.
"I had to find out on my own, I'm amazed you told someone," Stella said. "What about the whole Secret Identity thing?"
"To be fair, Christina told me her secret," Lincoln said. "So of course I want to return the favor."
"I've also decided to become Lincoln's sidekick," Christina said. "Royal Woods will be under the protection of Spider-Man and Firestar."
"Oh...wow," Stella said. "So, just like that huh?"
"It's gonna be fun, we'll be like Ace Savvy and One-Eye Jack," Lincoln said.
"I can see that," Stella said. "Wait, does Paige know?"
"Paige doesn't know Lincoln is Spider-Man, we're going to keep that a secret for a little while longer," Christina said. "She also doesn't know you're aware of my mutant powers, so that's going to stay a secret too. One less thing to make her wonder about Spider-Man."
"She's gonna ask you if you become his sidekick though, even if you don't tell her the extra info," Stella said.
"You let me deal with that, I can keep Lincoln's secret," Christina said.
"Alright, if you insist," Stella said. "Anyway, Lincoln, let's head over to your place so we can grab the web shooters."
"You need his web shooters?" Christina asked.
"I want to fix them, they got destroyed by a villain," Stella said.
"The Mayor's former assistant Vic, he somehow gained electrical powers," Lincoln explained.
"Wait, he did?" Christina asked. "How?"
"I don't know," Lincoln said. "That's why we're gonna go after him. But when we last fought, he damaged my equipment."
"Well I think I can help you even the odds this time around," Christina said. "Let's do some planning."
A few more days passed by, Lincoln continued his patrols and even without his web shooters, he was able to handle any crooks he spotted. Though in the meantime, he kept an eye out for Vic, hoping to get back at him for the trouble he caused the other night.
By the end of the week, the kids still had one more day of detention. However Bolhofner had a surprising announcement.
"You kids can go home early," Bolhofner said. "I don't know about you but I'd rather not be stuck here on a Friday afternoon."
"Wow, you mean it Mr. Bolhofner?" Lincoln asked.
"Yeah, honestly this was too much," Bolhofner said. "Fighting is not always the right thing, but it's important to stand up for yourself, and others. I can cut you some leeway, if the Principal has a problem, she can deal with me."
"Thank you sir!" Stella said. "Let's go everyone!"
One by one everyone left the room, Bolhofner taking the moment to clean the erasers, "Meanwhile I got some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to attend to, didn't want to miss out on that."
As Lincoln exited the school, he turned his attention to the urban portion of Royal Woods, a lot on his mind. "I still need to find Vic."
Before he could set out, Stella called his attention, "Lincoln!"
"Huh?" Lincoln turned to face his friend. "Hey Stella, what's up?"
"Got you something," Stella held out the web shooters. "Now electric proof."
"Aw thanks," Lincoln said, placing them in his backpack. "I'm going on patrol, catch you later."
"I'll be on standby," Stella said, about to leave when she spotted Christina. "Oh, do you need me?"
"Yeah, tell Lincoln to wait for me on top of Gus's, I got something to show him," Christina said, heading to the distance as well.
"Uh, sure," Stella said, grabbing her phone and calling. "Lincoln, Christina wants to meet you on top of Gus's, head over there."
A few minutes later, Lincoln was seen waiting on the roof as asked, the boy expecting to see Christina, but what he saw instead was someone else making her presence known. Turning around, he spotted a girl in a bright yellow suit with red gloves, red shoes, a red mask, and orange hair.
"Hey Spidey, your sidekick is ready for duty."
Lincoln couldn't believe his eyes, "Christina?"
"I think the name you're looking for is...Firestar," The girl said, powering up. "Let's go and deal out some justice."
An amazing friend was here to help Lincoln save the day, soon it would be time to see this duo in action.