Outside, both Sid and Ronnie Anne were trying to navigate through the panicking crowd. Of course that proved to be easier said than done.
The sound of the alarms had everyone on high alert, worried about what was to come if they weren't careful.
"So once again, we come down to Royal Woods for a party, and once again, there's some type of trouble brewing," Sid said. "Seriously, I hope this isn't the start of a pattern."
"Well we'll know for sure if villains attack again the next time we come to a party," Ronnie Anne said. "Of course this could not be a villain attack, maybe it's a drill? Or just a false alarm."
"This is not a drill or false alarm! We are all in danger!" Ashley shouted.
"...And life is quick to prove me wrong," Ronnie Anne commented.
"Gee, really hope that Spider-Man's here to stop whatever's going on," Sid said.
"Wait? Spider-Man's here? With his sidekick!?" Ashley asked a guard.
"Wow...once again life has the answers," Ronnie Anne said.
"I don't suppose life has the answers to the upcoming math test?" Sid asked, waiting in vain for an answer. "Oh come on! It's Advanced Algebra! My brain can't memorize one more formula!"
Nearby, Lynn was groaning in annoyance, "How does Lincoln put up with that girl? She's super annoying."
"Don't be mean," Luan scolded.
"She did bring up one good point, parties these days seem to lead to trouble, "Luna said. "But then again, trouble is followed by excitement. Especially when Spider-Man joins the fight."
"Well Spider-Man does seem to attract way too much trouble," Lynn said.
Jameson turned to Lynn Sr, "Smart kid you got there."
"Speaking of kids..." Lynn Sr did a quick headcount. "Where are Lincoln and Lana!?"
"Ugh, Lincoln's always missing during these big fights!" Luan said.
"And now Lana's doing the same thing," Lynn said.
"Lynn, we have to find Lincoln and Lana!" Rita said. "I think I saw Lana heading toward the house!"
"Don't worry, I have it under control," Lynn Sr said, heading off into the crowd, though found himself blocked by some security. "Hey, out of the way!"
"Sorry sir, we need all the guests to stay in one spot," the guard said.
"I have to find my son and daughter!" Lynn Sr said.
"Rules are rules, if we see your kids, we'll let you know," the guard said.
"Rules are rules my foot! My being a father comes first, now move it!" Lynn Sr was about to press through, but a guard had tased him, leaving him hurt on the ground.
"Lynn!" Rita rushed over to check on her husband. "Lynn are you alright!?"
"Nothing I can't handle, dear," Lynn Sr painfully insisted.
Rita glared at the guards before her, "You have some nerve tasing my husband just for wanting to find two of our missing children!"
"Rules are rules," the guard repeated.
"Oh I'll show you a rule or two!" Rita said, looking ready to fight.
"Whoa! Mom! Chill!" Luna pleaded.
"Please don't get into a fight, it's not worth it right now," Lori said, then focused on the guard. "Still, what you're doing is literally rude."
"Rules are-"
"Yeah, yeah, we heard you the first time," Lori said as she helped her father up. "Jerk."
Inside Dimitri kept a close eye on his three foes. He knew if he were to have a chance, he had to find a way to play them against one another. Stella was observing from nearby, hoping to be of use if the situation called for it.
"What is that guy supposed to be anyway?" Stella wondered.
"Stella?" Came the voice of Lana, getting the girl's attention.
"Lana!? What are you doing here? You should be with your parents!" Stella said.
"I was, but I think I saw Lincoln come through here with Christina," Lana said.
"Uh..." Stella quickly glanced around, unsure of how to handle this situation. "You really should be with your parents, where it's safe."
Lana glared suspiciously at Stella, "Why does it feel like you're hiding something?"
"Who me? I'm not hiding anything!" Stella nervously insisted.
Lana didn't believe it, "Something's fishy, and I'm gonna get to the bottom of it!"
"Lana wait!" Stella went to grab the girl but she maneuvered out the way and ran into the house. "Lana! Come back!"
Inside Dimitri had gone to attack Natasha, hoping to use her as a hostage, but the woman was more than capable of protecting herself as she kicked him back, and allowed Lincoln to swing in and do a kick of his own to send Dimitri flying back.
Quickly, Dimitri grabbed some small bombs and flung them at the heroes, each of them jumping out of the way in time.
Dimitri went to attack Christina next, nailing the girl with a kick, then leapt over to Natasha, kneeing her in the stomach and then flipping her over.
Lincoln webbed Dimitri, but just before he could pull him in, the shapeshifter grabbed some bombs and flung them at Lincoln's face, the blast blinding him a second, long enough for Dimitri to kick him aside.
"I won't last long like this, I have to make a run for it!" Dimitri was about to escape when Natasha leapt in with a kick to his back.
"Looks like he isn't that physically strong," Lincoln said, getting back up. "All I have to do is-" Lincoln turned to see a very confused Lana standing nearby. "La...I mean, little girl!? What are you doing here!?"
"Looking for my brother," Lana said.
"Your brother?" Lincoln quickly thought to himself, "Guess Lana got worried about me, still why is she in here? It's dangerous!" Lincoln spoke aloud again. "Young girl, you really should-"
"Lana!" Stella called, coming into the house. "Lana! What were you thinking coming in here!?"
"I want answers from Spider-Man," Lana said, glaring at the hero. "Or maybe I know you as someone else!?"
"What is she getting at!?" Lincoln worriedly wondered. "Little girl, can you please go with your friend before-"
Dimitri then rolled by and grabbed Lana, holding the girl hostage. "Don't move!"
"Lana!" Stella called.
"You coward! Let her go!" Lincoln demanded.
"Dimitri!" Natasha called. "You would harm a child!?"
"She won't be, if you can catch her!" Dimitri flung Lana away, the girl soaring through the air. Christina was quick enough to catch her mid-air.
"You alright Lana?" Christina asked.
"I'm fine," Lana insisted. "That creep just got lucky."
Lincoln looked around in confusion, "Where did he go?"
"He escaped!?" Natasha said in worry. "That's not good."
"Why? Who is he, Nat? And what exactly are his powers?" Stella asked.
"He is known as The Chameleon, and he has the ability to shapeshift," Natasha said.
"Shapeshift!?" Stella shouted in disbelief. "That's totally unfair!"
"Dealing with shapeshifters can be tricky, something I learned when fighting Loki," Natasha said. "But it can be done, we just need to keep extra caution."
"We have this under control," Lincoln said.
"Just be careful, you've never fought a shapeshifter," Stella said. "At the very least, maybe Nat can handle him while you and Christina keep everyone safe."
"Excuse me!? Can I say something!?" Lana said, getting their attention. "What's going on!? What's Black Widow doing here!? And what's with that guy!? Why is he here!?"
"I'm here to apprehend The Chameleon. He came to steal something, if he has it, we have to get it back before he escapes town," Natasha explained.
"Okay, follow up question, why is Stella talking to you like she's familiar with you?" Lana asked. "And why is she talking like she's familiar with Spider-Man!?"
"Right, Lana's still here," Stella lamented. "Look, Lana, it's a really long story."
"Well I want answers! Starting with you Spidey!" Lana said as Christina put her down.
"Little girl, you really should be with your family," Lincoln said.
"I am, because I am ninety percent sure you're my brother!" Lana accused, freaking Lincoln out.
"Does she actually know or...uh, maybe I can deny it," Lincoln thought to himself. "I can't be your brother, I'm an only child! Yeah, I totally grew up alone."
"Suuure you did," Lana sarcastically stated. "I'm serious Lincoln, I saw you run in here with Christina, and she's in costume, just like you are now!"
"Oh boy..." Christina said.
Lana marched over to Lincoln, glaring right at him, "Tell me the truth, now! Tell me that you're my brother!"
"Lana..." Lincoln shook his head. "I don't have time for this, I have a bad guy to catch."
"I'll warn everyone about The Chameleon," Stella said, bolting outside.
"Wait, don't go alone!" Natasha said, going after the girl.
Lincoln was about to leave but Lana grabbed him by the wrist, "Lana, I have to go."
"Just tell me that you're my brother, now!" Lana shouted.
Looking carefully, Lincoln could see a tear forming in her eye. This was really bothering her, and if there's one thing Lincoln could not stand, is seeing any of his sisters sad. "If I show you who I am, could you please let me do what I need to do?"
"Spider-Man!" Christina warned.
"It's fine, I think I can trust her," Lincoln said, focusing again on Lana. "Well, will you keep it secret?"
"I promise I will, just show me," Lana said.
Reluctantly, Lincoln removed his mask, revealing his face to Lana, the girl's eyes widening in shock. "There, see?"
Lana couldn't believe it; this was really her brother. The hero she's looked up to for weeks was actually her big brother. Now things made sense in hindsight, such as the familiarity from the first time he rescued her, to Lincoln always being missing when Spider-Man was around. "No way..."
"Now can I go stop this bad guy?" Lincoln asked.
"I...sure I guess..." Lana said. "But...you're..."
"Lana, I will tell you everything later, but promise you won't tell anyone else who I am, not even our sisters or our parents," Lincoln said.
"Y-yeah, I won't," Lana said, the girl going through the motions. "Just please be careful."
"I will," Lincoln said, placing his mask back on and running outside.
"My brother...is Spider-Man?" Lana said in disbelief.
"Yeah, quite the surprise, huh?" Christina said.
Lana glared at the girl, "So you knew as well?"
"Well yeah, I'm his sidekick," Christina said.
"What about Stella? Does she know?" Lana asked. "I bet she does know, she seemed awfully chummy."
"Lincoln did say he'd tell you everything later," Christina said. "You just need to have faith."
Lana crossed her arms in annoyance, "He better tell me. Honestly I'm a little ticked off that you knew, even after I offered to keep your secret."
"Spider-Man's identity wasn't my secret to tell," Christina said, heading outside. "I'll tell you everything as well, just stay put."
"Yeah, yeah," Lana said as Christina went outside. "Still...my brother, a superhero. Wait, didn't I..." Lana recalled that she had a crush on Spider-Man, the girl regretting so many things. "Oh...God, I'm never gonna get that out of my head now."
Outside Girl Jordan, the girl in a swimming robe, was walking around in annoyance, "I was having such a good time with Lincoln. Hope he's still in the mood later, this was the best I've felt in months, and I want more of it. Really nice to see such a different side to him too, so damn sexy." The girl thought about her moment a bit more. "Something about kissing Lincoln felt really familiar though, it feels like I've done so before. But, Lincoln and I never dated, so how could that be?"
"Jordan!" Mollie called, snapping her friend out of her daze.
"Mollie, hey what the hell's going on?" Jordan asked. "Why is my family's security system going off like this?"
"Wish I knew," Mollie said. "The security is tight though; they're not letting anyone move. I think a villain is attacking."
"Of course there is," Jordan lamented. "I better not get taken hostage again."
"Where were you anyway?" Mollie asked.
"Somewhere private," Jordan said, a massive blush on her face.
"You're hiding something," Mollie said. "You're wearing a robe but you didn't go swimming with us. Unless it was in that jacuzzi of yours."
"Maybe? What about it?" Jordan asked.
"...Lincoln hasn't been around either," Mollie said. "And you said you wanted him as your escort. Is there something you're not telling us, Jordan?"
Jordan looked away in embarrassment, "Does it matter? We're in the middle of a crisis, I don't have time to tell you what Lincoln and I were doing...crap, I mean-"
"Ha! You spilt the beans!" Mollie said. "Talk!"
"Mollie, I'll tell you...WHEN WE'RE NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN EMERGENCY!" Jordan shouted, angrily huffing afterwards, freaking her friend out.
"Uh, right, later then," Mollie said.
Jordan clenched her eyes in embarrassment, "I hope Mollie doesn't ask for too many details regarding what Lincoln and I did...and I really hope she doesn't confront Lincoln about it either."
"Everyone!" Stella called, running into the crowd. "Big problem! A villain crashed the party!"
"Yeah, we figured that!" Rusty said. "Spider-Man will stop this villain, right?"
"He'll try, but he kind of escaped into this crowd," Stella said.
"Seriously!?" Lynn asked, looking around. "Where is he!?"
"I don't know, but he is a shapeshifter called The Chameleon," Stella said. "Just try to stay calm, and if you spot something sus, let everyone know."
"Wait, this person is a shapeshifter?" Sid asked. "Why is he called 'The Chameleon'?"
"Well Chameleons do blend into their environments using their natural camouflage," Clyde said." They're one of the only animals that can do that, just like octopuses."
"Don't you mean 'octopi'?" Rusty asked.
"That's actually an incorrect term, and not the accepted plural," Clyde said.
"Wow, you're very knowledgeable about camouflage Clyde," Sid began. "Or should I say...THE CHAMELEON!?"
Sid immediately grabbed a nearby tray and whacked Clyde in the face, knocking the boy out and startling everyone.
"Sid! That really was Clyde!" Rusty said.
"Oops, sorry Rusty," Sid sheepishly apologized. "Or should I say...THE CHAMELEON!?"
She then grabbed the same try to whack Rusty, knocking him out and startling everyone.
"Sid...please stop attacking people," Stella said, yanking her tray away. "Or should I call you...THE IDIOT!?"
Stella bonked Sid on the head, earning a loud yelp from the eccentric teenager.
"Geez...Sid's gotta work on that paranoia," Ronnie Anne said, checking on Clyde. "Hm...doesn't Clyde have a girlfriend? Wonder where she is?"
Nearby, Chloe was seen trying to keep Emma calm, "Don't worry, Spider-Man will keep everyone safe from this villain."
"Maybe coming here was a bad idea after all," Emma said.
"Hey, can't let a little fear ruin your fun," Chloe said. "I'm here for you, alright Em?"
"Right, of course," Emma said.
Lincoln had gone outside to where the crowd was, keeping a close eye on things. "Wouldn't be surprised if the Chameleon blended in already. I just hope he doesn't take things too far, but I wouldn't put it past a villain to do so."
"Hey Spider-Man!" Sam called. "How bad is this guy?"
"Nothing I can't handle, especially with my team," Lincoln said.
"Is this guy really a shapeshifter!?" Lynn asked. "How did you manage to lose him!?"
"Lynn, be nice," Rita scolded, then turned to the boy. "Spider-Man, have you seen my kids? One is a young boy about thirteen years old, and the other is a little eight-year-old girl."
"Uh, I spotted those kids in the house a second ago, they're fine," Lincoln insisted. "We have this situation under control."
"Something like this should be left to the police!" Jameson said.
"Well they're not here, so if I were you, I'd cool it!" Lincoln warned.
"Oh, so that's how it's gonna be, someone's full of himself!" Jameson said.
"Everyone," Natasha said, getting their attention while flashing her S.H.I.E.L.D. badge. "As of now, myself along with Spider-Man and Firestar are in a position of authority, now-"
"Wait a minute, you're Black Widow!" Rusty said. "But, what are you doing in Royal Woods!?"
"Avengers business," Natasha said. "Just stay in line, we're going to check for our enemy."
"How will we do that exactly?" Christina asked in a hushed tone.
"Just keep your eyes and ears ready," Natasha said.
Lincoln scanned the crowd, trying to find anyone suspicious enough, but so far, nothing that indicated there was an imposter. "Maybe I should start with my family, I can figure it out easier with them. Though that in itself can lead to other trouble."
The boy passed by his sisters in particular, taking note of their body languages. Lori, Leni and Lola seemed to be repulsed by the sight of him, that tipped him off that they were the real deal.
Lucy seemed very fascinated to see the hero, that also tipped him off as he knows how much Lucy admires Spider-Man, even if it's a bit too much.
Lily maintained a look of curiosity mixed with worry. Lincoln would hope that this fiend wouldn't pretend to be his youngest sister, as that would be a sure fired way to get on the boy's bad side.
Lisa seemed to be analyzing Lincoln just as much as he was analyzing her while Lynn looked ready for a fight. Both seemed legit in his eyes.
The only ones left were Luan and Luna, both of whom seemed nervous. So far he hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary.
"That handles my sisters, I should check their friends, and my parents too," Lincoln theorized. Suddenly his senses went off. "Wait..."
"Spider-Man! Watch out!" Christina called, spotting The Chameleon breaking his disguse of a guest to sneak attack Lincoln.
The boy was quick to dodge and kick Dimitri back, the man scurrying back into the crowd as Christina tried to follow, but she lost track of him again.
"Now where did he go?" Christina asked. Suddenly she took a whack to the head, courtesy of a garden lamp, which again exposed Dimitri as Lincoln dashed in to kick him once more, trying to keep him away from the crowd.
"Hold it!" Natassha said, firing some wrist tasers at the shapeshifter as he leapt out of the way.
"Very cunning!" Dimitri said. "Crafty as ever, Black Widow."
"Quick, let's grab him before he gets away!" Lincoln ordered.
Christina flew in to grab the villain but he rolled out the way, grabbing a pipe and nearly whacking the girl. Lincoln latched his web onto the pipe, resulting in Dimitri grabbing some mini explosives and flinging them at Lincoln, the boy using his webbing as a shield to protect himself.
Natasha rushed in, going for some hand-to-hand combat, matching Dimitri in his skill, though Natasha rolled out the way, allowing Christina to punch Dimitri while Lincoln bounced off a fence and kicked him toward the BBQ grill.
"Hey be careful! That's very expensive!" Johnathan shouted.
"Uh, sorry?" Lincoln said, then lost track of the shapeshifter. "Where did he go?"
"Oh boy, this can't be good, The Chameleon could be anyone!" Sid said, glaring at a nearby person. "It could even be Benny!"
"Me!?" Benny asked in disbelief. "But I've been standing here this whole time!"
"That's exactly what The Chameleon would say!" Sid replied, grabbing a croquet bat and aiming it. "Fess up, villain!"
"Sid, knock it off!" Ronnie Anne scolded.
"I'd rather knock HIM off!" Sid said, about to attack. Fortunately Ronnie Anne and Bobby were quick to grab her while Luan shielded Benny.
"Looks like this shapeshifter is causing everyone to wanna 'square' off," Luan said, chuckling a bit. "Get it? Shapeshifter, square. Squares are shapes."
"Excuse me, young girl!" Lincoln said, walking over to Sid. "Please let me handle this before-"
"Spidey! Behind you!" Christina shouted as a guard tried to attack Lincoln, the boy kicking him away as he turned back into Dimitri.
"Hold it right there!" Natasha ran for the villain but he grabbed and threw a nearby birdbath, the heroes barely dodging as the monument shattered.
"NO!" Johnathan shouted. "Ugh, will you incompetent heroes stop this guy already!?"
Natassha glared a hole through Johnathan, "Watch yourself, or you lose more than a birdbath."
"If it's not Jameson, it's Jordan's father...wonder where she is?" Lincoln looked around and spotted the girl in her robe. "Glad she's alright, though it's gonna be very awkward talking to her later."
"Everyone, stay close," Bobby said. "If we get separated, it might cause some trouble later."
"Wonder if Spidey's met his match by this point? Fighting a shapeshifter for damn sure isn't easy," Lynn said.
"You talk like you have experience," Lisa said. "Granted I am curious as to why a shapeshifter would be at this residence."
"Think this guy's an alien?" Zach asked. "Shapeshifting is totally an alien thing."
"Everything with you is aliens," Lola said. "Just because we had one alien invasion doesn't mean every threat is an alien."
"You don't know that, those Chitauri guys could have friends," Zach said. "Let's ask Black Widow, I bet she knows. She's actually fought those aliens."
"How about we let her and them two local heroes beat this varmint first?" Liam suggested.
"Oh right, villain attack," Zach said.
Lincoln felt increasingly frustrated by Dimitri's sneaky behavior. "How are we supposed to find a shapeshifter if he keeps changing appearance?"
"Just stay focused," Natasha said. "Keep your guard up and look for anything suspicious. You seem well adapt to sensing danger, use that to your advantage."
"Right, of course," Lincoln said, focusing his attention back on the crowd. "Just use your spider-sense, and you should be able to find The Chameleon."
As he looked around, Stella herself kept an eye out for any potential danger. "This is a bit unnerving, the fact that this creep could be anywhere."
"At this point, Spider-Man may just have to beat everyone up just to find this guy," Sid said.
"That's a terrible idea!" Lola shouted. "Do you want to get beaten up too!?"
"...That sounded threatening, which means..." Sid aimed her bat. "You must be The Chameleon!"
"You're just asking to have your bones broken, aren't you!?" Lola warned.
"Excuse me everyone, if I'm gonna find this guy, I need everyone to stay calm and not panic, otherwise he's going to slip away again," Lincoln said.
"This is all your fault, why have you brought a villain to my party!?" Johnathan shouted.
"Excuse me, I didn't bring a villain, he was here first," Lincoln pointed out. "I'm here to remove the villain so I would appreciate it if you stopped pointing fingers so much."
"It's awfully suspicious of him to do so," Sid said, getting Johnathan's attention.
"You little brat, are you accusing me of something!?" Johnathan shouted.
"Sid, stop making things worse!" Ronnie Anne said.
"I'm fairly certain it's not Mr. Rosato here," Lincoln said. "Even if he is acting a little strange."
As Chrstina searched around, she suddenly found herself splashed by a punch bowl, "What in the-"
Dimitri then bonked her with the bowl itself, knocking the girl down and alerting Lincoln to his appearance. "You!"
Lincoln tried webbing Dimitri, the man rolling out of the way as Natasha rushed over in an attempt to apprehend him.
"That's enough out of you!" She engaged in combat, to which he managed to block and parry all of her attempted strikes.
"Not bad, Black Widow," Dimitri said, kicking the woman back. "Gotta say, it's a bit strange to see that you've traded your Avenger buddies for a bunch of little kids."
"Hey, we're not that little!" Christina said.
"From my perspective, you're just runts," Dimitri said.
"These runts are about to take you in," Natasha said.
"Bold words," Dimitri said. "I am curious. This spiderling, is he your son?"
"My son?" Natasha asked.
Lincoln scratched his head in confusion, "What makes you think Black Widow is my mother?"
"Spider-Man, Black Widow, it all lines up," Dimitri said. "Plus, why else would she be training some street level punks?"
"Whoa...now that's something," Zach said. "Spider-Man being Black Widow's son makes him ten times cooler!"
"Hey, I never confirmed that Black Widow is my mother!" Lincoln said. "Granted, it would help keep my secret if everyone thought she was my mom."
"I won't confirm or deny any reason I have for teaming up with Spider-Man," Natasha said. "Just give up, Dimitri."
"Dimitri?" Jordan asked. "Wait...where's my Uncle?"
Dimitri noticed Jordan in the crowd as well, the man looking concerned, "Nearly forgot about Jordan. Can't imagine she'd be happy to know what her Uncle has become. One more thing S.H.I.E.L.D. will answer for."
"I'm running out of patience," Natasha said, readying a taser. "If you don't stand down-"
Dimitri threw down a smoke bomb, making his escape while everyone else tried fanning the smoke away.
"Dang it, not again!" Lincoln shouted in annoyance as he took a look around. "Enough of the games, Chameleon!"
"It's fine, we'll corner him soon," Christina said. "Plus he did go into the crowd, we just need to-"
Suddenly mini firecrackers went off in the crowd along with some more smoke bombs. While no one was hurt, everyone was panicking and scattered about.
"Everyone run for it!" Sam shouted.
"This totally sucks!" Mollie lamented.
"Chloe!" Clyde called. "Chloe, where are you!?"
"Clyde! I'm over here!" Chloe called. "Have you seen Emma?"
"Sorry no," Clyde said. "We need to run though."
"But I'm worried about Emma!" Chloe said, still searching about. "Em! Where are you!?"
"Chloe, wait up!" Clyde said, trying to keep up.
Sid kept her croquet bat close, "Just in case someone gets any funny ideas, especially a certain lizard."
"Sid!" Lola called. then got the bat aimed at her.
"Don't take another step Lola, or should I say...THE CHAMELEON!?" Sid shouted.
"Oh, come on!" Lola shouted in annoyance. "I'm not that stupid villain! I'm here asking if you've seen Adelaide. You know, your sister!"
"Oh crap, did Adelaide get lost?" Sid said, the girl feeling worried. "I bet I can find her, wouldn't be the first time I lost her in a large crowd."
"Wow...you've lost your sister?" Lola asked.
"Hey, watching over kids is hard!" Sid said.
"Lincoln watches over five little sisters on the regular, and he's only lost us once," Lola said. "Partially our fault but still."
"I will forever envy Lincoln's older sibling mindset," Sid said, then saw that the smoke cleared. "Looks like everything is back to normal."
"Normal? I'd hardly call any of this normal," Lola said.
"At least we can see better," Sid said, holding her croquet bat. "Plus it gives me a better view on who to whack."
"Give me that!" Stella shouted, yanking the item away from Sid.
"Hey! Get your own impromptu weapon!" Sid said, then winced when Stella threatened her with the bat.
"Easy girls, let's try not to hurt each other," Lola said. "Even if one deserves it more than the other."
Sid glanced at Stella, "I think she's talking about you."
Stella grumbled in annoyance, "Let's just try to get reorganized."
Natasha leapt to the roof, using her fingers to whistle to the crowd, "Everyone! Stand put, and do not try to escape!"
"You want us to stay here with a villainous mastermind!?" Lynn asked. "Personally I can take him in a fight but most of these other losers will get stomped."
"Lynn Loud Junior!" Rita scolded.
"That's one of Lincoln's sisters. She's got quite a mouth on her," Natasha noted. "I know it's risky but if anyone is seen escaping, that increases the chance that our villain here might escape too!"
"If he hasn't already," Lynn said.
"She might be right," Christina said, getting Natasha's attention as the girl flew up to the woman. "I'll go out and make sure The Chameleon didn't run off."
"Good idea," Natasha said, then gave Christina a radio. "Contact me if you find The Chameleon."
"Will do," Christina said, flying off.
Natasha then focused back on the crowd. "Alright, Firestar will go and make sure he didn't escape. Until we find him, Spider-Man and I are the authority."
Lincoln perched himself onto the roof, "If you try to run, I'll have no choice but to web you up, and I know none of you want that."
"Wouldn't bother me," Lucy commented, earning a confused reaction from the nearby Lisa.
"Let's go Spider-Man," Natasha said, leaping down.
"Right behind you, Nat," Lincoln said, leaping down as well.
Lincoln carefully checked around the area, making sure to keep everyone in his line of sight. Everyone was worried, some visibly scared while a few were annoyed.
"Wonder if I can find any of my friends? Make sure they're all safe as well," Lincoln thought to himself. As he continued, he felt his senses go off and looked in the direction of Sam and Luna. "Could one of them be...? I'd ask but what would I say? Even if I know enough about Luna to know if someone was faking, it'd be hard to explain why Spider-Man knows. I'd really rather another one of my sisters did not find out about my secret. Still, the sense wasn't that strong, so maybe it's a bit further ahead."
"He's looking this way," Sam noted. "Should we do or say something?"
"Not sure what can be done," Luna said.
"Don't mind me," Lincoln said. "I take it you two are good friends?"
"More than that, she's my girlfriend," Luna said.
"Ah, girlfriend, that's adorable," Lincoln said. "I trust you two will watch each other's backs."
"Of course, I'd never let anything bad happen to my girl," Sam said.
"I'm happy to hear, you two look amazing for one another, I hope you have a wonderful future together," Lincoln said.
"Aw...that's nice of you to say," Sam said. "He's cool, right Lunes?"
"Yeah...something seems familiar about the way you speak though," Luna said.
"Uh, I gotta go!" Lincoln leapt overhead and focused on ahead. "That was way too close. I had to be sure that neither of them were The Chameleon, but I can't let Luna pry any further."
Luna rubbed her chin in curiosity, "Why does he seem so familiar?"
"Well he's about your brother's age, and he's a superhero, which Lincoln likes," Sam said. "Maybe it's the familiarity."
"Yeah, I mean there's no way Lincoln would be a superhero, maybe it's just my big sister instincts," Luna said. "You know, we should invite Spider-Man to one of our concerts someday, be a good way to thank him for his hard work."
"That sounds great, plus the publicity will do well for us too," Sam said.
"I guess that could be good too," Luna said. "Talk later though, when we're not in immediate danger."
Lincoln continued to look around, his senses going off not too far away from Luan and Benny, "And another sister. This is really concerning for me."
"Spider-Man's looking this way," Benny said. "Is the villain nearby?"
"I hope not," Luan said, before squinting her eyes at her boyfriend. "Just out of curiosity, where did we have our first date?"
"Tall Timbers Park, why do you ask?" Benny inquired. It took him a second to realize, "Wait, did you think I was that shapeshifter?"
"I didn't think you were, but it helps to double check," Luan said. "I suppose I should tell you something about me just so that we're even."
"It's fine, I believe you," Benny said. "After all, no one could even come close to imitating your beauty."
Luan started blushing from the compliment, "Oh yeah, you're definitely my Benny. No other guy could get a reaction like this out of me."
"Glad they did my work for me, that just means The Chameleon is further ahead," Lincoln pressed on. "Stay safe you two, and if I must say ,you make an adorable couple."
"Thanks, I'm still surprised I have her," Benny said.
"Oh stop, you and I deserve each other. I'm the Peanut Butter to your Jelly," Luan said. "I'm smooth like peanut butter, and all the boys are 'jelly' because you have a girl like me."
Benny burst out laughing, "Wow, you're so clever with the puns."
"Yeah, very clever young lady," Lincoln said, further attempting to disguise his voice. "You should be a comedian."
"I already am, come by the Chortle Portal on Thursday, assuming you're not out saving the city," Luan said.
"I will do my best," Lincoln said, making his leave. "Have a good day...uh, the best you can at least."
Luan scratched her head in confusion, "Gotta say, something about the way he moves and acts is strangely familiar."
"Really? He moves and acts like a spider to me," Benny said. "His voice though, is it me or did he try too hard to make it deep?"
"Guess he's a bit bothered by the kid comment from earlier," Luan said. "Or maybe it's a superhero thing? I should ask Lincoln...when I can at least, I don't see him or Lana anywhere."
"Spider-Man says they're safe inside that house," Benny said. "I think they'll be fine."
"Yeah, I just have to trust Spider-Man," Luan said.
Lincoln frantically searched around, his sense constantly going off but nothing concrete for him, "The last couple of times, he attacked out of the blue. Is he trying for a different approach?"
"Spider-Man," Lucy said, her sudden appearance startling the disguised Lincoln.
"Even my danger sense can't pick up Lucy's 'method of transport'," Lincoln turned to the girl, being sure to keep his voice disguised. "Do you need something, young lady?"
"Are you in the market for a sidekick?" Lucy asked.
"Uh...I already have one," Lincoln said. "My friend Firestar."
"How about a small team?" Lucy asked.
"Maybe, where are you going with this?" Lincoln asked.
"Is there a way I can gain spider powers?" Lucy asked. "I could be by your side, and the two of us can get properly acquainted."
"Uh...I don't know if there's a way," Lincoln said. "Being a hero is dangerous work."
"I'm not worried, because you'll be there," Lucy said. "I must say, I find you quite enticing."
"...Do you now?" Lincoln nervously asked. "What about me could possibly be enticing if I may ask?"
"You have this creepiness to you," Lucy said. "A human crawling around like a spider, it's quite enamoring."
"...I'm not that creepy, am I?" Lincoln asked. "I have such bright colors. Red and blue, a bit of white...I'm basically The American Flag. Yeah I have some black webs but still, I'm vibrant and colorful, like Ace Savvy and Captain America."
"Yeah, your colors are quite bright," Lucy said. "Have you considered dressing in all black?"
"Uh, I highly doubt I can pull that off," Lincoln said.
"Spider-Man!" Natasha called. "You're supposed to be looking for The Chameleon!"
"Right, of course!" Lincoln called. "I do have to hurry.."
"My apologies, I shouldn't have bothered you, I just saw an opportunity and seized it," Lucy said.
"It's fine, don't worry about it," Lincoln said. "Just get to safety, please."
"We should talk more, I enjoy speaking to you," Lucy said, the girl having a faint blush on her face. "Something about you brings out a sense of security in me, I really like that in a boy."
"This is getting uncomfortable," Lincoln thought to himself. "Well I'm sure there are plenty of boys out there who would offer that for you."
"Maybe, but you're hard to top," Lucy said, returning to her family.
"Why can't things just be simple when it comes to me and my sisters?" Lincoln thought to himself.
"Spider-Man! Hurry up!" Natasha called.
"Yes mom...I MEAN MA'AM!" Lincoln called back. Between a look of curiosity from the crowd and Natasha's confused reaction, the boy was so happy he was wearing a mask to hide his blush. "Great, that stupid 'mom' comment from earlier is in my subconscious, now everyone's gonna think Natasha really is my mother. Not that it's a terrible thing, I just don't want anyone having the wrong idea."
Even Stella seemed very sympathetic toward Lincoln as she awkwardly glanced at Natasha, "I've been there too Lincoln. At least it's not a teacher and you're still wearing a mask, but that awkwardness just sticks with you."
"Ugh, this is taking forever," Lynn said. "No one can have fun anymore with these heroes around."
"Uh, Lynn, ain't you being a bit harsh?" Liam asked.
"Hey, even you have to admit this is next level bogus," Lynn said.
"Ah know but, things can't be helped," Liam said.
"But the villains didn't show up until the heroes did," Lynn said. "It's just like what Jameson's been saying."
Liam glanced at the man, who seemed to have been smoking a cigar. "That can't be good fer his lungs." He focused back on Lynn, "Ah know he has his opinion but truth be told, half the time he sounds like a grouchy old man."
"I know he does, and I don't care about everything he has to say, but I can't deny he makes a couple of good points," Lynn said.
"Well all ah know it that I'd rather at least have a superhero around," Liam said. "Imagine a world with only supervillains and no superheroes. I'd rather be in the one that at least has superheroes."
"You want a superhero, be one yourself," Lynn said. "It's what I would do. I did fight a dragon after all."
"Lincoln said you and yer sisters just distracted the dragon and that mean lady," Liam said.
"Pfft, he's just trying to sound cool, we all took that bitch down," Lynn said. "And the second the opportunity comes, I'm taking The Chameleon down."
"Hope she don't do anything too stupid," Liam said.
Lincoln continued to patrol around, wondering if Dimitri was even still nearby. "He might have left, at least Christina is out searching but I'd rather not take the chance that he would have escaped with whatever it is he stole. What could he even have to steal from Jordan's family?"
Lincoln looked to the side, he could spot Lola huddled up with Adelaide, the former looking much more worried than the latter. Meanwhile Cricket was doing her best to comfort Meli, the poor girl looking like she was having unpleasant flashbacks.
"Meli was one of the kids I had to rescue on my first outing, I hate that she feels so scared," Lincoln thought to himself. "Lola's pretty scared too, even if she's usually one to try and be tough. At least Cricket and Adelaide are helping them hold it together."
He looked around more, seeing his parents close with each other. Notably he saw that Lynn Sr had Lily in his arms, the father of eleven holding his youngest close, and keeping an eye out himself, almost ready to strike.
"Never really see dad looking so fierce, but he's always tried to be strong for us," Lincoln recalled.
Lori and Leni were both also being comforted by Bobby and Gavin respectively, and it seemed like many of the others were doing well, aside from one family.
"This is taking forever," Johnathan lamented.
"Dear, there's a thief on our property," Ashley said. "Spider-Man is just trying to stop him. Same with Black Widow and Firestar."
"I figured an Avenger would make things go faster, but clearly not!" Johnathan said.
"What could that thief even want?" Jordan asked.
"We're rich Jordan, he could have wanted anything," Johnathan insisted. "Of course there's one thing I would prefer he didn't find."
"It will all be over soon, and then we can get back to our party," Ashley said. "Doesn't that sound fun?"
"Please, once this is over, I'm sending everyone home. I need a break," Johnathan said. "By the way, where's that brother of yours?"
"Dimitri? He should be around," Ashley said.
"Black Widow called that thief by his name," Johnathan said.
"Probably a coincidence," Ashley insisted. "My brother is not a thief."
"I hope not," Jordan said, still feeling unsure. "I'm really worried about him though."
"He should be fine dear, Dimitri has always handled himself well," Ashely said.
"Yeah, he's cool like that," Jordan said. "Sucks that he comes back and all this happens."
"...Where has Dimitri been all this time again?" Johnathan asked.
"Working in New York," Ashley said. "You remember, don't you dear?"
"Right...New York," Johnathan said. "The center of a lot of problems in this world."
Lincoln continued to stroll around, doing one more scan, "I really do think he slipped away, maybe I should...wait." He turned his attention to a group of people, among them was Bolhofner, but something was off about him. "Excuse me, sir?"
"Who me?" Bolhofner asked.
"Yeah, something's fishy here," Lincoln walked over to him, his senses going strong. "That's a really nice suit."
"Oh, um...thanks," Bolhofner nervously replied.
"I hear you're a teacher, must be amazing to get a suit like that on a salary like yours, you must be amazing at your job," Lincoln said.
"Yes, one of the best, ask any of my students, they absolutely adore me," Bolhofner insisted.
"Royal Woods High School must be lucky to have you," Lincoln said.
"Yeah, sure is, I love that High School," Bolhofner said.
"Spider-Man, focus!" Natasha said.
"Seems like your mother really wants you to keep at this, best not get distracted," Bolhofner insisted.
"Sure thing...Bolhofner," Lincoln said, then immediately delivered a kick to his chest, knocking the man out of his disguise. "Or do you prefer to be called, The Chameleon?"
"Awesome Spider-Man, but you needed much more power than that!" Sid said. "It's not simply, 'The Chameleon', it's more like...'THE CHAMELEON?'!"
"Will you shut up already?" Ronnie Anne lamented.
"I'll keep that in mind," Lincoln said, then focused on Dimitri. "As for you."
"Clever seeing through my disguise," Dimitri said.
"Well Mr. Bolhofer is a Middle School Teacher, not a High School Teacher," Lincoln said. "He's also got very poor personal hygiene."
"Great work Spider-Man," Natasha said, then grabbed her radio. "Firestar, The Chameleon's still at the Rosato Residence, make your way back here."
"Yes ma'am," Christina said over the radio.
Natasha leapt over to Dimitri, "Give it up, and return what you stole."
"No way, this is my ticket to riches, and my revenge against S.H.I.E.L.D. for all they have done to me!" Dimitri said.
"I'm sorry that your experiment went wrong, but breaking in here and stealing from Rosato's lab is not the way to go about it!" Nataha said.
"Lab? Wait, what could he have stolen?" Ashley asked.
"Dammit, I hope it wasn't that..." Johnathan turned to Ashley. "Probably just some generic stuff."
"Hey you creep!" Jordan called. "Where's my Uncle!?"
"Damn...I did not want Jordan knowing about this," Dimitri worried.
"Tell her," Natasha said.
"Black Widow called you 'Dimitri', that's my uncle's name!" Jordan said. "Are you trying to frame him or something? Part of this 'Master of Disguise' thing you have going on? What's your actual name?"
"Don't worry about who I am, child," Dimitri said. "It is not relevant."
"I'm making it relevant," Jordan said. "I want my uncle back safe and sound!"
"Jordan, there's a lot you need to know, but one thing you should know from me, is that this man's name really is Dimitri," Natasha said.
"...Well, it's a Russian name, isn't it?" Jordan asked. "I bet it's as common as a name like Peter, Johnny or Bobby. I know for sure that this man is not my uncle. My uncle is a good man, kind of like a father figure."
"Father figure!?" Johnathan shouted. "I am your father figure! I'm your actual father! Not that worthless scum you call an uncle."
"Dear, that's my brother!" Ashley said.
"Your brother was a low life who mooched off of us the moment we got our business going," Johnathan said, this irritating Dimitri. "It sickens me to have someone like that in my family tree."
"What a scumbag, no wonder Jordan seemed so upset earlier," Lincoln thought to himself.
"Spider-Man, Black Widow, get this filth off my property, and take back what's rightfully mine," Johnathan said.
"What is rightfully yours?" Jordan asked. "What are you not telling us, dad!?"
"Mind your tone when speaking to me, young lady," Johnathan said.
"I think everyone has a right to know considering the trouble they've being put through," Jordan said.
Johnathan glared at his daughter, "I said watch your tone you little brat!"
Dimitri grew irritated, "Johnathan!"
"Huh?" Johnathan turned to Dimitri.
"You think you're all that great? You act like you've always been this upper crust life individual," Dimitri said. "I remember when you first met my sister, you were a dorky guy who was way too into those Roleplaying Games. You memorized every monster ability, and even called yourself 'The Goblin King'. I suppose it's fitting, Goblins are sneaky creatures by nature, and like a sneak, you manipulated my sister and niece into thinking you're this great man. But the moment you gained power, you were just another megalomaniac. You value strength over family, that is not how a real man acts."
"...So, you are Dimitri then, our Dimitri I mean," Johnathan said. "I guess your name wasn't a coincidence."
"Yes, I am Dimitri Smerdyakov," The Chameleon said. "Your brother-in-law."
Jordan's eyes widened as her pupils shrank, unable to process what she just heard. "U-uncle?"
"...I'm sorry, Jordan. I hoped you'd never see me like I am, how I truly am," Dimitri said.
"But...your face..." Jordan said.
Dimitri briefly took his human form, "Another disguise of mine, one I cannot hold for long." Dimitri reverted back. "This is my face now...and it's all because of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Jordan's eyes began to water, unable to process this new revelation. Ashley also could not believe what her brother had become. Johnathan however had a smug look on his face.
"Well how about that, guess you aren't much better than me after all," Johnathan said.
"I may be a thief, but at least I'm more honest than you are, and this is coming from a shapeshifter," Dimitri said. "You're a terrible human being Johnathan Rosato. I will take not only your precious formula, but also your life!"
Dimitri rushed to attack his brother-in-law, to which Lincoln used his webbing to stop him, "Chameleon, don't!"
"You pest! You ruined everything for me!" Dimitri, grabbed a nearby stool and threw it at Lincoln's face, then ran in to kick the boy to the ground.
Natasha leapt over to kick Dimitri in the back but he rolled through and blocked another strike to elbow her in the face, but this allowed Lincoln and chance to punch Dimitri, the man flying towards some of the guests, each of them freaking out.
"Pest," Dimitri said. Suddenly he took a headbutt from Lynn to his jaw.
"Ha! Got you!" Lynn boasted. Suddenly Dimitri grabbed and threw Lynn toward Lincoln. "Oh shit!"
Lincoln was quick to catch his sister, "You alright?"
"I'm fine, put me down!" Lynn said, immediately leaping off.
"Grateful as always, Lynn," Lincoln mentally lamented.
"Lynn, you al-Oh boy!" Liam was next to be thrown, Lincoln being quick to catch the young farmer.
"Whoa, you alright there?" Lincoln asked.
"Ah am, thanks fer the save," Liam said.
Natasha ran in and kicked Dimitri to the ground just as he was about to grab someone else. The villain landed right in front of a freaked out Sid.
"No way you're using me as a weapon, take this!" Sid went to grab an item to whack Dimitri, unaware she grabbed Lola and whacked the villain in the face, stunning him long enough for Lincoln to web Dimitri and fling him away. "Awesome!"
"Uh...Sid," Adelaide said, bringing to attention that Sid had Lola in her arms, the girl dizzy from pain after having been used as a weapon.
"Oh dang, for some reason I thought it was chair," Sid said. "Then again, it was a very heavy lift."
Lola snapped out of it, angrily glaring at Sid. "Why you...!" She immediately began to aggressively attack Sid, the two stuck in a dust cloud that traveled around the other guests.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! How are you so freakishly strong!?" Sid cried out in pain from the dust cloud.
"Ugh, now is NOT the time for this!" Ronnie Anne said, going to separate the two with help from Adelaide, Cricket and Lucy.
"Daddy, Lola's hurting that girl," Lily said.
"It's alright, she's just getting it out of her system," Lynn Sr said, placing Lily down. "But I should make sure Lola doesn't take it too far."
Lincoln wasn't too worried about the nearby fight, brushing it off as a typical Loud moment that will be resolved fairly quickly. He instead focused on finding Dimitri before he could shapeshift.
"There! I see him!" Natasha said, spotting Dimitri as he struggled to change form.
"Looks like I took a bit of damage there," Dimitri said. "I have to run!"
"You're not getting away!" Lincoln said, swinging over to attack from behind, the villain rolling through.
"I've had enough!" Dimitri threw some bombs at the two, both of them rolling out the way. The villain went after Natasha, pulling one of her guns away and firing, both heroes effectively dodging while Lincoln webbed the weapon away from the thief. "Insolence!"
"You can't win, just give up already!" Lincoln said. "I won't tell anyone you surrendered if you're that worried about your image!"
"Do not patronize me!" Dimitri said, grabbing some more bombs, these however were poisonous, and given that he was away from the crowd, he could avoid any unnecessary casualties. "Now take-"
Suddenly Christina flew in and kicked Dimitri from behind, allowing Natasha a chance to do a flying kick to his face.
Lincoln ended up with an uppercut that knocked Dimitri into the air and then used his webs to slam him back down, then tied him up and leaving him unable to break free.
"That should settle it," Lincoln said. "Thanks girls."
"Anytime Spidey," Christina said.
"I'll make sure the proper authorities get to him," Natasha said, grabbing her phone.
"Fools! You don't know what you're doing!" Dimitri said. "You think I'm untrustworthy, you should see Johnathan Rosato! He's hiding something!"
"I know he might be, but that doesn't mean it's okay for you to steal," Lincoln said.
"What did you want to steal anyway?" Firestar asked.
"Just some stuff to get me a cure, that's all!" Dimitri said. "If I were you, I'd watch out for the OZ Formula!"
"The what now?" Lincoln asked.
"Worry about it later, Spider-Man," Natasha said. "Right now, we need to get this thief locked up."
"Right...still," Lincoln turned to Dimitri. "Why would you do this? How do you think this makes Jordan feel?"
"Don't you try and guilt me, I never wanted her finding out about this, this is all YOUR fault!" Dimitri said. "I will not be contained for long, and when I break out, I will have my revenge. Revenge against S.H.I.E.L.D., revenge against my brother-in-law, and revenge against you, Spider-Man! You and your fiery friend here."
"Oh save it, don't talk tough when you can't back it up," Christina scolded.
Lincoln still felt uneasy, "Still...Oh, Black Widow."
"Yeah?" Natasha asked as Lincoln led her out of earshot of Dimitri.
"My sister Lana found out my identity," Lincoln said. "She also knows Christina's too, and that Stella's been helping us."
"Lana, which one is that?" Natasha asked.
"Blonde girl, eight years old, somewhat messy hair, likes wearing a hat and is a twin to my other sister Lola," Lincoln said.
"How did she find out?" Natasha asked.
"She followed us into Jordan's house, but she already had her suspicions it looks like," Lincoln said. "Kind of worried now, I think my sisters are going to catch on sooner or later."
"I suppose that's possible, hard to keep a secret identity from loved ones, they know you well," Natasha said.
"I'm hoping I can put this off as long as I can, but I figured you should know so it avoids any confusion later," Lincoln said.
"Alright, let's go and see her then," Natasha said. "After the cops come."
"Of course," Lincoln said.
At the party, everyone is still trying to process all that was happening. Lynn felt like trash for not doing much against Dimitri. Jordan was being comforted by Stella. Lola was successfully pulled away from Sid, the latter now recovering from getting beaten up by a girl nearly half her age and size.
It wasn't long before the three of them returned to the sight of the party, Rita being the first to notice them. "Spider-Man! Firestar! Black Widow!"
"Uh yes M...Mrs. Loud?" Lincoln asked, grateful he avoided another 'mom' situation.
"Is everything alright?" Rita asked.
"Yeah, we've been kind of worried," Lynn Sr said.
"Don't worry about The Chameleon, he's been apprehended," Natasha said, gesturing to an oncoming cop car, the head officer making his way to Johnathan.
"Here you go," the cop said, presenting Johnathan with some formulas.
"Oh good, he didn't take the OZ Formula," a relieved Johnathan felt. "Thank you for returning these."
Dimitri looked out the window at Jordan, the girl still being comforted by Stella, and in tears from everything. "I'm sorry Jordan."
Jordan spotted her uncle in the car, still unable to really face him, or accept what happened. She just clinged onto Stella even harder.
"I'm with you, Jordan," Stella said, rubbing the girl's head.
"Jordan?" Mollie said, getting her attention.
"Hey Mollie...party sucked, didn't it?" Jordan asked, trying to be playful.
"I've had worse," Mollie tried insisting.
Upon seeing Lincoln and company return, Stella stood up. "I'm gonna let Lincoln know everything's okay. He should be with Lana right now."
"Okay, sounds good," Jordan said.
"I know he's going to want to see you too," Stella said.
"I could use more of his company," Jordan said, the girl blushing a bit. "He has been the best part of this evening."
As Natasha talked things over with the cops and some civilians, she saw that Lincoln and Firestar were heading inside the house. "I need to go see Spider-Man, I will give you more details later."
"That's fine, we got what we need here," the cop said. "Thanks for your work, Black Widow."
'It's no trouble," Natasha said, making her leave.
"She's kind of hot, wonder if I got a chance with her?" the cop said.
In the house, Lana was still waiting as one by one, the heroes had walked in, along with Stella.
"Did you stop the bad guy?" Lana asked.
"Yeah, he's done," Lincoln said, pulling his mask off. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm still getting used to the fact that you're a superhero," Lana said. "It's actually kind of cool though, knowing my brother is a hero. Plus I know this is a dream come true for you. After all, your goal in life was to be part superhero and part astronaut."
"Oh yeah...something you only found out because Lola peeked into my diary once," Lincoln lamented.
"Once? She did it more than once, Linc," Lana said. "You leave it where she has easy access to it."
"I left it in my room!" Lincoln said.
"You know how it is back home, you want privacy, you gotta work for it," Lana said. "That's why even Lola's careful not to put secrets in her diary, which you yourself found out when you tried peeking."
"You peeked into your sister's diary?" Natasha asked.
"She was blackmailing us, I needed dirt," Lincoln said.
"Yeah, she placed a bug in our two oldest sisters' room when we were having a meeting, and not the tasty kind either," Lana said.
"...Tasty?" Natasha inquired.
"Don't ask," Lincoln quickly shut down.
"Anyway, while it's cool that you're a superhero, I gotta know," Lana said. "Why didn't you tell any of us?"
"Lana, you know superheroes have secret identities," Lincoln said, kneeling beside his sister. "So I couldn't tell you."
"I know it's for the public and stuff, but I'm your sister, you should have trusted us," Lana said. "You think Lynn, Lola, Leni and Lori would be saying the junk they are now if they knew it was you under the mask?"
"Not like it's any different than normal, Lori and Lynn especially would say junk about me regardless," Lincoln said. "Maybe Lola too, but she's gotten better recently."
"Yeah, she's softened up to you, probably because she's come to realize you're one of the only older siblings that would do anything for her without having to blackmail," Lana said.
"Hey I set my boundaries," Lincoln said. "Just well enough to stay on her good side."
"I'm hearing a lot of interesting things about this Lola girl," Natasha said. "Seems she's good at being sneaky, or am I overreaching?"
"You're on the mark, Lola can be quite the mastermind at negotiation and stuff," Lana said. "She's also very intimidating."
"Given that she just beat up Sid with no trouble, I'd add strong to that list," Stella said.
"Sounds like Lola would make for a fine S.H.I.E.L.D. agent when she's older," Natasha said.
"Wow, really? "Lincoln asked.
"Don't count on it, she's way too into pageants," Lana said. "But then again, things change."
"So long as Lola's on our side," Stella said.
"By the way, Lincoln," Lana said. "Since Black Widow's here, does that mean you're an Avenger?"
"Me? An Avenger?" Lincoln asked. "Well..."
"He's in training," Natasha said. "If he does well, then he can join The Avengers when he's a bit older. Right now, he's just a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man."
"Yeah, that's me," Lincoln said. "And I have my amazing sidekick Firestar, and my girl in the chair, Stella."
"So, who else knows your secret?" Lana asked.
"Just everyone here," Lincoln said. "No one else knows. Well, Bill Buck did but...well..."
"Right," Lana said, recalling how the old man had passed on.
"So only Christina, Stella and Black Widow know," Lincoln said.
"That's cool, but why them?" Lana asked.
"Lincoln told me because I wanted to be his sidekick," Christina explained. "We figured it'd be easier to know so we can protect each other's identities better. Plus he knew I was Firestar so it was only fair he told me who he was."
"I found out on my own," Natasha said. "Master Spy and all."
"I found out when I saved him from drowning," Stella said.
"Wait, when did that happen?" Lana asked.
"Weeks ago when he was fighting The Vulture," Stella explained. "Lincoln fell into a lake and I had to save him."
"Wait, The Vulture...that day when you were missing for a bit," Lana recalled. "Was that when..."
"Yeah, I didn't get lost looking for Spider-Man, I was drowning in a lake," Lincoln awkwardly admitted.
"You mean you nearly died!?" Lana shouted in disbelief. "Wait, all those fights, how many times have you nearly died then too!?"
"Easy Lana, I'm still alive, aren't I?" Lincoln asked.
"But you were nearly killed several times!" Lana said. "Your fights with Vic, Kraven, those mutants...each time you could have died?"
"That's kind of the risk," Lincoln said, then saw that Lana had some tears in her eyes. "Uh...Lans?"
"I can't believe you almost died, and I didn't even know it was you!" Lana said, the girl wiping her tears. "I feel so scummy."
"Hey, take it easy Lana," Stella said, kneeling to hug the girl. "You didn't do anything wrong."
"But he's my brother, I should have known something was wrong," Lana said, sniffling a bit. "Geez Lincoln, you need to be more careful!"
"That's why he has friends helping him, to keep him alive," Stella said. "I'm going to make sure Lincoln doesn't do anything stupid."
"As am I," Christina said.
"Same," Natasha added.
"Wow, so I guess I need bodyguards," Lincoln said. "I fought Shocker pretty much on my own. Vulture too."
"Lincoln, the first time you fought Vulture, I had to save you after you fell in a lake," Stella said. "After you met me I fixed your suit so you could fight him better."
"You fixed his suit?" Lana asked.
"Yeah, I give him constant upgrades," Stella said.
"Oh right, you're good with tech and stuff," Lana said. "Glad you're there keeping my brother alive. Still, I don't know how I'm gonna feel knowing that it's him out there now."
"This is why I wanted to keep my identity a secret, not because I don't trust you girls, but because I don't want any of you worrying about me," Lincoln said. "I'm doing this to protect you after all."
"Right...of course," Lana said. She then pulled Lincoln into a hug. "Thanks by the way."
"For what exactly?" Lincoln asked.
"The night I was rescued by Spider-Man, that was you, wasn't it?" Lana asked. "You were the one who came to save me."
"Well, yeah, you're my sister," Lincoln said, returning the hug. "I'll always be there for you, suit or no suit."
"You're Amazing, Lincoln Loud," Lana said, deepening the hug.
Christina and Stella gushed at the adorable sight while Natasha smiled in approval. "Great hero, even greater older brother."
A bit later, everyone had come out of the house, no longer in hero gear, but in their civilian appearances.
"Lincoln! Lana!" Lynn said, running over with the sisters. "Good, you're both safe."
"Thanks to Spider-Man," Lincoln said.
"Christina!" Paige ran over to hug her friend. "Glad you're alright. Also glad that Firestar was here."
"Yeah, she sure was," Christina said, winking at her friend.
"I saw Black Widow, is Firestar with The Avengers now?" Paige asked.
"Funny, we were wondering the same about Spider-Man," Luna said.
"Eh, who knows?" Lincoln said.
Natasha, back in her Nadia disguise, got the kids' attention, "Alright, back with your parents."
"You got it, sweet mama," Luna said.
"LUNA!" Sam shouted in annoyance.
"I mean...sure thing, ma'am," Luna sheepishly said as she went back to her girlfriend.
"You have quite the appearance Miss Rodavich," Stella said. "Attracting all types of boys, and a few girls."
"I'm used to the boys, girls, not so much," Natasha said.
"Lana! Lincoln! This way!" Rita called.
"Coming mom!" Lana said, gesturing away with her brother. "Let's go Linc."
"Sure," Lincoln said.
"Wait, Lincoln, Jordan wants to see you," Stella said.
"Huh?" Lincoln turned to the girl in question, who was currently being comforted by Mollie. "Oh right, give me a second Lana."
"That's cool," Lana said.
"Come on Lana, I'll take you to your family," Stella said, taking the girl by her hand and leading her away.
"Hey, there's one thing I want to ask about Lincoln," Lana said, careful not to let anyone overhear. "It's about you."
"What is it?" Stella asked.
"Are you two dating?" Lana asked.
Stella's eyes widened in disbelief, "Uh, no, we're not dating. We're just friends, that's all."
"Oh...well that's a bummer," Lana said. "Truth be told, out of all the girls I know, you're the one I really hope ends up with Lincoln. I think you two have great chemistry, plus you know how to fix stuff. He could use a girl like you in his life."
"I can't see that happening," Stella said. "I really like Lincoln, but not that way. Nothing agaisnt him, I'm just not ready for a boyfriend."
"Well, when you are, I hope Lincoln's who you have in mind," Lana said.
"I'm flattered, but what matters the most is Lincoln's happiness, even if it's not with me," Stella said. "Enough talk of this, it's embarrassing."
"If you say so," Lana said. "I'm still shipping you two together."
As Mollie comforted Jordan, she caught the attention of the approaching boy, "Look who's here for you, Jordan."
"Hm?" Jordan looked up to spot the now waving boy.
"Hey Jordan, do you need to-" Lincoln was interrupted when Jordan pulled him into a hug. "Talk?"
"I'll leave you two alone," Mollie said as Jordan hugged Lincoln, the girl desperate for his attention as she began sobbing and crying.
"Jordan..." Lincoln said, returning the hug.
"Why does my life suck?" Jordan asked, hugging as tightly as she could. "Why can't things just be normal for me?"
"It'll be okay Jordan, I'm here for you," Lincoln said, rubbing her head. "Whatever you're feeling, just be open and honest about it."
"Okay..." Jordan said, sniffling a bit.
"Whatever happens, I'll be right beside you, helping you get through it," Lincoln said. "All of our friends will be."
"Just hold me," Jordan said.
Lincoln did as told, keeping the girl close to him, "To think she was so happy before, mostly thanks to me. The bright side is that we don't need to talk about what we did in that jacuzzi, but this isn't the distraction I wanted for her. Suddenly, that moment we had, that strong moment of intimacy, it didn't seem so bad. I was able to make her happy, and it made me happy too. After today though, I just don't know how to approach this. I may need to ask Luan and Luna about it."
Jordan herself was lost in thought, despite her emotions, she didn't feel too much despair. "Lincoln, it's so strange to know how deeply I've fallen for you. Not bad considering we barely talked at one point, even when we were in Miss Johnson's class. I do appreciate our little session in my private jacuzzi, and I have no regrets. You're a great kisser, and you have a great body too. I just hope in time things can go back to normal for me, so I can be your support if or when you need it."
Ronnie Anne had noticed this nearby, the girl curious by this development. "Lincoln and Jordan are pretty close, aren't they?"
"Oh yeah, totally," Sid said, the girl now with visible scratches, torn clothes and messy hair. "Lucky too, I'd love to be in Lincoln's arms right about now."
"I doubt he'd be okay with honoring that, considering you basically used his sister like a baseball bat," Ronnie Anne said.
"That's an exaggeration, plus she kind of already got her revenge," Sid said, gesturing to herself. "She's very violent."
"She's not violent, sis," Adelaide said, walking over with Meli and Cricket. "You're just dumb."
"Hey, be nice, I'm in pain right now," Sid said.
"You brought that on yourself," Adelaide said.
"Ooooh, shouldn't you be comforting your friends?" Sid asked.
"The twins' parents are checking on them right now, personally I want to check on Lana myself to make sure she's okay," Adelaide said.
"Me too, I got worried when we barely saw her," Cricket said.
"She and Lola...they're both tough so...yeah, not so easily scared," Meli said.
"Yeah, but I still worry," Cricket said. "Those girls mean a lot to me."
"Me too," Adelaide said. "They're easily my favorite twins. Of course I don't know many, but they're my favorites."
"I hope we don't have to go home just yet, kind of want to make sure Lincoln's okay too," Sid said. "He's good at comforting others, but does anyone comfort him?"
"Well, he has his friends, like Clyde, who you knocked out," Ronnie Anne said.
"Easy mistake, he's cool with it," Sid said, spotting the boy with Chloe, both of whom had reunited with Emma. "Yo Clyde, we're cool right!?"
Clyde freaked out a bit, gesturing the girls away, "Hey look, let's check out that broken table!"
"Wait, why?" Chloe asked as Clyde pulled her and Emma away.
"See, he's cool," Sid said.
"Well I'm glad that Spider-Man saved the day again," Ronnie Anne said.
"That's how many villains now?" Adelaide asked.
"I lost count, he's just that awesome these days. Check out this list, Spidey stopped Shocker, Lizard and Kraven, and that's only half of it. No one can stop that guy, not even...THE CHAMELEON!" Ronnie Anne said, realizing she got way too into it as the three youngest girls looked on in confusion while her best friend began laughing out loud. "Oh great, and now Sid's got me doing it."
"That is the power of...THE CHAMELEON!" Sid said.
"Okay, enough, that's already getting old," Ronnie Anne said.
"Whatever you say Ronnie..." Sid began. "Or should I say...THE CHAM-"
Ronnie Anne pulled Sid's dress over her head, distracting and blinding the girl as she stumbled and tripped, getting a chuckle from Adelaide and Cricket while Meli felt a little pity for Sid.
While everything above was getting cleaned up, down below in his lab, Johnathan was checking everything to make sure it was all in place.
"So good to see my OZ formula right where I left it," Johnathan said, gently caressing it. "You are precious to me, thanks to you, I will achieve even grander heights."
"Got that right, these foolish peasants won't know what hit them, soon it will be time for the King to take his crown!" a voice said.
"Yes, I will quire my rightful Kingdom, soon all will fall before the might of the Goblin!" Johnathan boasted, the man letting out a sinister cackle as flashes of green passed through.
Lincoln was satisfied to know he stopped yet another villain, but as usual, the conflict was far from over.