Season 3 - Continued - Chapter 10 - JTom09 (2024)

Chapter Text

Title card: Head Poet’s Anxiety

Everyone laughed.

“Hey, is that Lincoln or an ancestor?" CJ asked.

"No it's Lincoln," Luna replied.

Hearing CJ say that, Lincoln mused at the picture and was reminded of his and the Duke’s outfit from Loch Loud.

"Lincoln, have you ever thought of growing a mustache when you get older?" asked Arturo.

At the mental image, Ronnie Anne drooled as Sid snickered.

“It does look cute on him.” giggled Carol.

"Guess we found another thing she and her mom have in common," noted Laird.

"Attraction to facial hair." giggled Nikki.

"I hadn't thought much about that." shrugged Lincoln. “I mean I did have a starter stache.”

"Hopefully you hadn't inherited Lynn's facial baldness." jested Leonard.

"DAD!" whined Lynn Sr.

"With Lincoln's brilliance in terms of wording and forming poems I definitely can see why Lincoln would look like Shakespeare," said Lucy in approval.

"As do we." chorused the Morticians Club.

"But what does that have to do with anxiety though, we could clearly see the lack of stage fright or anxiety, whilst reciting your poem in front of the audience, back in our little memory lane trip." Sid pointed out.

"Well like I said, performances with Luan helped me with that, and from what Joe told us, it's not about me." said Lincoln.

One morning at Sunset Canyon Retirement Home, Luan is entertaining the guests on the day trip bus. She asked then to guess who she bumped into on the way to the optometrist? Everyone. And they laughed.

As did everyone.

“Ok that’s a good one.” Leonard chuckled.

“I have some interesting memories at my appointments at the optometrist.” said Hector.

“PLEASE GOD NO!” Carl cried.

“I don’t wanna puke!” gagged Cj.

She asked what did the bald man say when he got a comb for his birthday? He'll never part with it. Theseniors laughed andapplauded.

Several laughed again while some smiled.

“Hey the old man behind Seymour isn’t laughing.” Rusty pointed out.

“Not all seniors like old-person jokes that much.” said Huggins.

“Yet they do get a kick out of Joan Shivers.” said Benny.

Bernie laughed so hard his dentures fly out.

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Oh man that’s gotta stink!” laughed Liam.

“Boris’ grandmother hates it when that happens to her dentures as well,” said Boris.

Scoots said it happened again.

“Again? Has that happen often?” Hector asked.

Albert chuckled. “Like you wouldn't believe.”

The rest of the Louds nodded in agreement.

“I remember one time, we were visiting Pop Pop after our younger siblings had their teeth cleaned,” said Leni.

“Oh yeah. That was when Luan told a joke and Bernie laughed so hard, his dentures shot out.” Lincoln chuckled.

“Ironic considering it was about teeth.” said Lori.

“And that’s the tooth !” pulled Luan and several people laughed.

Albert was proud of Luan's comedy.

“Always proud of you honey.” Albert said with a smile.

“Thanks a bunch Pop-Pop!” Luan grinned.

Luan thanked them and bowed before she put her funny glasses on. Shemustache-d them to excuse her.

Everyone laughed.

“Neat glasses!” said Nikki.

“I got a pair like those.” said Giggles.

The elders laugh as the bus pulled up in front of the Loud House and Luan gets off. She walked past Lincoln and Clyde who were on their bikes.

“What happened to the BMX bikes?” asked Casey.

“Lori accidently ran over it so we got a new one.” said Lincoln. “And no she didn’t mean to. It was my fault for leaving it in the driveway.”

“And it was my fault for not looking.” said Lori. “We pulled our sources together and bought a new one.”

“Makes sense. But how come Clyde is still on that tandem bike?” asked Nikki.

“We just thought it would be good for his back.” said Harold.

Lincoln asked what Luan was doing and she said she was performing on the Giggling Geezer.

“I like that name!” said Darcy. “It’s funny!”

“And clever.” said David. “Do you ever do any gigs their Benjamin?”

“On occasion.” Benny replied, making a 50-50 motion. “When I’m not doing birthday parties or my jobs at Dairyland or Burpin’ Burger.”

Luan says that today she's performing at the Giggling Geezer, and tomorrow, the the Royal Woods Theater.

“Oh man that is big!” said Carol.

“Playing in the big leagues of comedy.” mused Grant.

Clyde asked if they could still gettickets.

"Wait a sec, Clyde sounds different!" exclaimed Liam.

"Exactly, this is when Andre Robinson started voicing him." Joe’s voice rang out.

"Uh... puberty?" Clyde asked.

“That’s right.”

"No, not tomorrow, tomorrow, someday tomorrow, I hope to be the youngest person to ever perform there." Luan replied.

“That would be quite the achievement.” mused Ramirez.

“I think you can do it Luan.” said Carlota.

“Yeah your comedy can make a lot of comedians laugh.” said Bobby.

“You got this in the bag.” smiled Stella.

“Aw thanks guys!” smiled Luan. No one noticed her shift her eyes.

Lincolncongratulated her and said to keeponreaching for her dreams. Luan thanked him in appreciation.

“Aw that was sweet of you Linky!” Sid gushed.

"I still am." Lincoln said with a smile."Me too." said Benny.

"Aww, guys!" gushed Luan.

Lincoln, Benny, and Luan hug.

Luan tells Clyde that the more success Luan has, the less time she has to prank to prank them.

Everyone laughed as Luan gave Lincoln a look. He smiled sheepishly. Luan just chuckled.

Clyde sat on his bike seat which was revealed to be whoopee cushioned. Hemusedhow she still had time.

Everyone was surprised though several of the kids laughed.

"We can see Lucy babysitting their kid in the future," Haiku said.

Luan goes into the house and up the stairs, and gasps when she stepped onsomething. It was a depressed Lucy.

“Aw what’s got you more gloomy than usual Lucy?” asked Becky.

“You'll see.” Lucy replied.

Luanaket Luicy why she was on the stairs. The goth Loud replied she submitted my best poem to the Transylvania Review. But they didn't want it. Lucy feltlikeshe didn't have what it took to be a poet.

Everyone felt bad for Lucy.

“Aw Lucy…” said Adelaide.

“Sorry that happened to you.” Rocky said as he hugged her.

“Thank you Rocky.” Lucy said as she hugged back.

“Your letter has grammatical errors.” Lisa pointed out.

“That was intentional.” Lucy replied.

Luan mused how that was Lucy's first rejectionletter andtoldher to step into her office.In Luan's room, Lucy was laying on the bed, and Luan brought out a bag full ofpaperssaying thosewere her rejection letters.

Everyone was taken aback.

“Jesus Christ that’s a lot of paper.” said Sam.

Lucy said they were like a coffin for her dreams. Luan saidhit was part of the creative life as you can't always shoot for the top.

“She’s right, you don’t always get it on the first try.” said Myrtle.

“Although it is pretty rare.” said Agnes.

“Yeah I may be pretty good at magic, but I’m so far the third best magician in Royal Woods.” Lincoln said.

Luan adds that when she was Lucy's age, she started by performing at the pet's birthdays.

A flashback showed eight-year-old Luan performing at Charles' birthday for him Cliff and Walt, using a hairbrush as a microphone. She asked whatdid the Dalmatian say after eating a snack? That it hit the spot .

“AHHH! SHE LOOKS SO ADORABLE!” Benny squealed.

Luan blushes while her siblings chuckle amusedly.

“Now you know how I feel whenever you guys gush and coo over a younger me.” Lincoln smirked.

“So were the pets, aw they’re so cute and tiny!” gushed Sid.

The pets weren'tinterested. Luan said theywere a ruff crowd... and Charles peed on hershoes, much to her annoyance.

Everyone was grossed out.

“Walking away would’ve been nicer Charles.” Lana scolded.

Charles blushed and looked away as Cliff, Walt, and Sergio snickered.

Next she was at the bowling alley's open mic with Mr. Coconuts, her presentself saying itwas a whole before she decided to perform in public. Her youngself told her puppet that hebowlsher over.

Leni sighed wistfully. “I still remember the day Luan was born.”

“And I still remember you saying ‘I can't wait to find out if I'm gonna be a big brother or big sister this time!’ on the day of her gender reveal when Mom was pregnant with her." Lori said.

No oneapplauded as Mr. C.said her joke landedin the gutter.People booed and threw curly fires at her as she used her puppet as a shield.

“Ok maybe her jokes weren’t that good back then, but there was no need to throw curly fries at her.” scowled Carlota.

“Better than tomatoes.” said Ronnie Anne.

“Mmm… curly fires…” Lincoln said, drooling at the thought as he rubbed his stomach.

Luan added she still had tolearn about comedy. She tells how shegraduated from a clown academy.Her instructor placed a red nose on her face and Luan shook his hand... getting joy buzzed. She still laughed.

Everyone laughed as well.

“Even after graduating, you still have a lot to learn anywhere.” joked Norm.

“Clowning academy huh? How much did that cost?” asked Albert.

“We were able to afford it.” Lynn Sr. said.

Luan theneventually performed at a child's birthday party. She asked howturtles talk to each other. On their shell phones. The kids laugh and cheer as Luan bows, her hat falling off.

“Man party gigs really know how to bring in the big bucks.” hummed Zach.

“Yep. Whether it’s comedy for me…” began Luan.

“Or music for me and my band.” said Luna.

“Hey Lincoln, you should perform your magic at a birthday party.” suggested Clyde.

“I may just do that when I’m not busy.” Lincoln grinned. “Of course, if Luan will allow me to since I am her assistant.”

“Of course Linky.” Luan smiled. “Maybe we can even do a sideshow for my gigs with you as a magician.”

Lincoln squealed excitedly. “THANKS SIS!” he grinned as he hugged Luan tight.

Luan giggled as she hugged back.

Everyone smiled and gushed at the scene.

In the present, Luanassured Lucy that if she's patient and keepstrying, no matter howhard it gets, she will always have a sister whoknows she'sspec-tacular as she puts her gag glasses back on.

Everyone chuckled.

“Your puns are growing on me Luan.” said CJ.

“But yeah that is pretty good advice.” said Fransisco.

“Hey Luan. I’ve been meaning to ask you something that’s been on my mind, and after hearing your past self, I gotta ask. How come you still sound like that?” Sid suddenly asked.

Luan was confused. “Still sound like what?” she asked.

“Like a little kid. You sound like a little kid.” the bubbly girl replied.

Luan was shocked. “WHAT?!?!” She turned to her family. “Guys, do I really still sound like I’m 3 or 4 years old?!”

Luan’s family tried to deny it, until…

“Yes.” Leni said casually.

Everyone stares at her deadpanned

“What?! She does sound like a little kid.” said Leni, confused why they were giving her looks.

“It does feel like I’m listening to 7 younger siblings whenever I hear your voice.” Lynn admitted.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that though. It really goes with your jokey shtick.” Luna commented.

“Indeed. I too have also been accused of not sounding my age.” Lisa admitted. ”I have been told that I sound much older.”

“Yeah, OLDER. While I sound YOUNGER.” huffed Luan. “Geez, as if I wasn’t already someone you can’t take seriously, then I learn that I sound like I haven’t aged at all.”

She crossed her arms, upset. Benny rested his hand on her shoulder.

“Hey. It’s okay, Luan.” he comforted. “I actually love the voice, it just adds to your adorable nature.”

Happy, Luan kissed Benny on the lips. “Awww, thanks Benny. That does make me feel better. I do hope that my voice eventually sounds more mature though, I mean, I already feel like I don’t have a teenage body yet.” she said.

“Join the club.” Luna and Lynn muttered.

“But in the meantime, I’ll cherish the fact that you find my voice adorable.” Luan said, holding Benny’s hand, before leaning close to his ear and whispering seductively, “I just hope that when my voice matures, it’ll make you feel weak in the knees.”

She winks while Benny blushes.

Lucy feltbetter andsuggested Luan could help her. Luansaid she couldstanza to do that. She was pretty well-versed in mentoring. They'd make quite a couplet.

She and Lucy laugh.

Everyone was surprised.

“Lucy actually laughing at one of Luan’s jokes?” Rusty asked.

“Didn’t see that coming…” said Sam.

“I actually thought it was funny.” Lucy admitted.

“Welp, the world’s gone mad.” said Sergio, only for a dancing hippo in a tutu to land on top of him. “I retract my statement…” came the weak reply.

The hippo disappeared.

Later they are in Lucy's room, Luan writing 'LUCY'S PLAN' on a whiteboard, she underlines that, and starts a list of what to do.

“I’m liking where this is going!” said Dante.

“I wonder what this plan shall be.” said Winston.

First step, sharpen Lucy's skills at home.

“Ah yes, it’s good to start from where the people who love you live.” said Rosa.

Later, they are in the living room with their father. He was reading the manuscript Lucy created for the Aloha Comrade's new menu.

"Fresh tuna, shrouded in a cold beet sauce, and laid to rest on a bed of pineapple."

Lynn Sr. said it wasthe perfect update.

“That is pretty clever.” hummed Tabby.

“A little dramatic, don’t ya think?” asked Lola.

“Says you Princess.” Lana snarked.

Lynn Sr. said he was justgonna add fish sauce.

Everyone chuckled.

In Lori and Leni's room, Leni was reading Lucy's review of a black sequin gown.

"Looking for an outfit that'll knock them dead? This black sequin gown shimmers like the eyes of a hundred vampires, on a moonless night.”

The Mortician’s Club snapped their fingers.

“OMG Lucy that was tight.” Miguel grinned.

“Yeah I loved that description!” said Jackie.

Leni saidits was perfect and was gonna put it on her fashion blog... by tearing it out of thenotebook and put it onher computer screen.

Everyone facepalmed.

The next step was formal training.

“I hear that.” Lincoln nodded. “Remember that contest I won in Pulp Fiction? Even when drawing all the characters, I paid more attention in art class to keep my skills to perfection.”

“How formal are we talking?” questioned Leonard.

“Just watch Gramps.” Luan replied.

At the Royal Woods Recreation Center, Lucy was enrolled in a poetry class. The teacher asked for the best rhymes for rose. People said chose,close, and bows. Lucysuggested decompose,impressing the teacher.

“Perfect rhyme.” Haiku said approvingly.

“I took a few art classes there too after school sometimes.” said Lincoln.

“Same for when I was learning my instruments.” Luna added.

Final step, put your work out there.

At the Artist Alley, Lucy and Luan we re at a booth called This Mortal Toile, with a sign that read 'Hand-Stitched Pillows (of darkness).'

A married couple that was apregnant goth and herhusbandbaker saw the pillows.

“Wow. Spooky.” commented Sid.

“Good idea selling those pillows!” commented Carlota.

“Yeah that is very creative work from a cute spooky little girl like you.” giggled Carol.

Lucy smiled.

The wife said the pillows would be perfect fortheir nursery, but wasn't surewhether to chose between 'Rage Against Conformity' or 'Embrace the Darkness'

Lucy wrapped upboth as Luan said to get both as they could have twins.

“Ooh clever option!” said Adelaide.

“You can never have too many pillows.” said Lola.

“Yeah sometimes it’s easier to get both.” Lincoln shrugged.

“That baby is gonna love them both.” said Rocky.

Luan said Lucy was ready to go in public with her work but has to build thick skinfirst.

“Ooh boy, I’m getting Season 1 vibes.” said Sameer.

“Huh, you've matured a lot in the ‘make fun of’ aspect since the Princess Pony incident, Luan.” commented Stella.

“I know. I really regretted that.” sighed Luan.

“You actually built a thick skin? What happened to that when I was telling you and the other sisters about your critics?” Lincoln questioned, raising an eyebrow and looking unamused.

Luan felt her blood freeze. “Uh…”

“What are you…” Adelaide began.

“You'll probably find out soon.” Clyde replied.

Lucy was nervous.

“Don’t worry Lucy I’m sure you can pull it off.” soothed Myrtle.

“Thanks Gran-Gran.” Lucy thanked.

Later that night, Lucy was in Luan's room, standing in front of a brick wall façade, reading a poem.

"Melancholy night before a hopeless dawn. The sun is rising soon, but all my joy is gone."

Her siblings started booing her, aside from Luan and Leni, making her stop reading.

“Oh I get it.” said Adelaide.

Lrnisaid shedidn'twant to do this,feeling bad. Luan said this was for her own good.

“Looking back, it would've been more effective had Lucy's audience consisted of those whom she does not know personally instead of us.” said Lisa. “As we are her siblings, our conveyance of negative reception to her poems would be excessively blatantly feigned.”

Luan blinked. “Huh. I guess I should've taken that into account.” she said.

Lucy smiled. “Don't beat yourself up, Luan. You were an amazing mentor.” she said.

Luan smiles back.

Lola showed how it was done, saying Lucy's poem was bad and she was more moved byLynn's farts. Lynn thanked her.

"Still proud of it, baby!" said Lynn, farting for real.

Everyone barring Lana reeled back, plugging their noses and fanning the stench as Lana laughed.

Lolaadds Lucy smells weird, her hair is wrong, and she wouldn't not recommend her to her friends.

The Louds siblings were unnerved.

"I know she was faking it, but... this is why I never let Lola review my lyrics." said Luna.

“You guys were shaken by that?” asked Chunk.

“Lola knows how to do it, fake or not.” said Lana.

Luan gaveLucy a 'reassurance' smile, and Lucy wrote something else in her book.

"Mean little blonde, you throw stones and sticks. But what would you know? You're only six."

"OOOOOOOHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" nearly every kid shouted.

“Call the fire department because you just got totally burned!” said Carl.

The kids cackled.

“That’s how you get those hecklers back!” Paula grinned.

Luan was proud of Lucy and said it was time for her to take her talent on the road.

“Alright she’s doing it!” cheered Nikki.

“You got this Lucy!” cheered Sam.

“I’m so proud of you Luce.” Lincoln said, hugging his first baby sister, who willingly hugged him back.

The next day, Luan took Lucy on the Giggling Geezer.

She asked why Timmy couldn't ride a bicycle? Because he was a goldfish.

The seniors and Lucy laughed.

“The seniors - especially Albert - I get, but Lucy still laughing at Luan’s jokes? Color me surprised.” said Mandee.

“I will admit, I was having a good time.” said Lucy.

Luan then introduced Lucy,saying the seniors will be in for a good rhyme.

“You got this Lucy!” cheered Casey.

“Give ‘em your talent!” said Clyde.

Lucy smiled, flattered.

Lucy began. "The end is near, give up all hope."Theseniors werehorrified by thatfirst part.

“Ooh that was a bad start.” Sergio winced.

“In hindsight, doing a poem about death in front of seniors wasn’t the best idea.” admitted Lucy.

Luan quickly told her to get to know her audience. Lucyswitched to one called"Ode to Pop-Pop." Albert liked it already.

Everyone chuckled.

"Warm eyes and anchor tattoo, blends his food, no need to chew, orange suspenders, he's got style, he'll lift your soul with just a smile."

Pop-Pop shed a tear as all the seniors cheered as the bus pulls up in front of the Loud House and said Louds get off.

Everyone clapped and cheered, some even shedding tears of their own.

“That was beautiful!” sobbed Frida.

Carlitos deadpanned as his mother’s tears soaked him like a heavy rainshower.

“She’s right that was awesome Lucy!” said Bobby.

“So poetic!” said Lori.

“And so wholesome!” said Leni, wiping her tears.

“So proud of you everytime Lucy.” Lincoln said proudly.

“As are we.” said the Morticians’ Club.

Lucy grinned.

“It was really nice hearing that again Lucy.” Albert said with a big smile. “Thank you for writing it.”

“I’m always happy to write more for you Pop-Pop.” Lucy replied.

Albert smiled as he hugged Lucy. He looked at Luan. “Get in here my little clown.”

Luan grinned and joined in the hug.

Luan said that Lucy was ready to go solonow. And if she ever needed help, Luan will be there for her. Lucy thanked her saying she wasthe best mentor ever.

Everyone smiled at the scene.

“That is so adorable.” gushed Carol.

“I live for moments like these.” said Sid.

“I’m always happy to help you.” Luan said to Lucy.

“Same here. One writer to another.” said Lincoln.

“Me too Luce change. I am good at rhyming too. Songs in all.” Luna added.

Lucy smiled in gratitude. “Thanks you three. We’re all performing and writing artists of many types in the family.” she said, hugging Luan, Lincoln, and Luna.

Lynn Sr. was watching through the window and saw Lucy smile. Hecalled for Rita to get thecamera.

"You've never seen her smile?" Leonard asked.

"Not on camera," Lynn Sr. replied, showing pictures of Lucy not smiling.

“Well now we will!” Rita declared, taking a picture of the scene before her on her phone. “That’s a keeper!”

Everyone chuckled as Lucy rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“Still weird seeing you roll your eyes without the bangs Luce.” said Carl. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Lucy replied, her shoulders creaking as she shrugged.

The next day, Luan was on theGiggling Geezer again saying thatsoundedmore appeal ing.

Once more, Bernie's choppers flew out the window from his laughing. Scoots told the driver to stop.

Everyone chuckled.

“Aye poor Bernie.” said Rosa.

The bushed stopped as Luana nd Bernie got off, the comediantelling Burnie to gum on, she'll help him find his teeth.

Eveyone chuckled.

“How do you come up with all these puns Luan?” asked CJ.

“They just come to me naturally.” said Luan.

Lucysuddenly scootered up to her,panting and sweaty.

“Whoa what’s got you in a hurry Lucy?” asked Liam.

“Just watch and see.” the goth replied.

Lucysaid she was chasing Luan for six blocks.

Everyone was surprised.

“SIX BLOCKS?!” shouted Adelaide.

“Geez Louise that is long!” exclaimed Jackie.

“That’s pretty good exercise Luce!” Lynn complimented. “Biking that long is really good for your leg muscles.”

“I will admit, my legs were pretty sore after that.” Lucy said. “But they did get better.”

Lucy said her poetry teacher was hosting a poetry festival andwanted her to be a part of it. Luancongratulated jer.

Everyone was surprised and impressed.

“Wow way to go Lucy!” cheered Carlota.

“You did it!” cheered Becky.

“You’re gonna rock that show!” said Sam.

“You’re poetry knows no bounds no matter how dark!” said Bobby.

Lucy blushed. “Thank you… that means a lot…” she said modestly.

Luan then paled, remembering what was gonna come next.

Lucy added it would be at the Royal Woods Theater. Luan was shocked, realizing that all her years of hard work and commitment were all for nothing. She donned a fake smile as Lucy added that no kid everperformed there before.

Everyone gasped in relaization.

“Uh oh…” Rusty, Liam. Zach, and Stella said in unison.

“Oh god she’s gonna be taking Luan’s dream…” said Ronnie Anne.

“This is gonna be Jealousy Town: Population Luan.” said Sid.

Lucy asked if Luan's face was okay.

Everyone chuckled.

Luan wrapped her arms around Lucy's neck andtatted throughclenched teeth she was so happy for Lucy,strengthening her grip while adding how it wasgreat Lucy didn't have to struggle too long to make herr dreams come true andtightened her grip even more.

Everyone looked frightened at Luan’s on-screen self.

“Geez Luan!” gasped Benny.

“Take a chill pill girl!” gasped Giggles.

Lucy said shecouldn't breath as Luan finally let her go.

Everyone sighed in relief while Luan felt guilty.

“Luan I get that Lucy might be living your dream but that doesn’t warrant… that !” Rita said sternly.

Lucy thanked Luan saying that if it wasn't for her older sister she never would have made it to the Royal Woods Theater. She then scooted away as Luan's fake smilevanished.

“This is not gonna end well.” muttered Laird.

Bernie popped out of a bush with a pinecone, thinking it was his teeth. Luan was annoyed while Bernie put it his mouth and realized they were not his teeth.

Some laughed while the rest cringed or winced.

“That has to hurt…” said Mollie.

“That’s gonna leave a bad taste in his mouth.” said Boris.

Back at the house, a very bummed out Luan opens the fridge, sighing.

Benny wrapped a comforting arm around Luan.

She closes the fridge, and Lucy poppedup from behind the door, scaring Luan and setting off her gag flower.

Everyone screamed as well.

“Everytime man!” exclaimed Rusty.

“Jesus Lucy where did you come from?!” asked Casey.

“I just followed Luan and then moved to the side so I wouldn’t be hit by the fridge.” Lucy replied.

Lucysaid she was really nervous about her reading tomorrow. She asked if vocal exercises helped as she knew the endless moan and began to do so.

Eveyrone was confused.

“That would strain your voice.” said Maria.

Luan sarcastically said to do just that.

“Jelaosuly train is on the tracks.” said Carl.

“Choo choo!” Lily and Carltios whistled.

“Aww!” everyone gushed.

Later, Luan was brushing Gary in her room when Lucy popped up behind her. She asked which shade of black was better for the reading, 'Eternal Sadness', or 'Vacant Tomb'.

Everyone looked in between the dresses.

"How can you tell those dresses apart, they look exactly the same?" Carl asked.

"It's a goth thing," Lucy replied." Only my friends, Rocky, and Lincoln could tell them apart.”

Luan said Eternal Tomb in annoyance.

Later that evening, Luan was brushing her teeth when she saw Lucy in the mirror.She said sheread that making good eye contact with the audience is important.Luan asked her as Lucy attempted eye contact... even though her eyes were covered by her bangs.

Everyone blinked.

“Uh… kinda hard to tell no offence.” said Mollie.

“Yeah you’d have a better chance if you had your bangs moved to the side… like now.” Carl said.

Luan stormed off inannoyance though Lucy was oblivious.

“Sheesh why are you being like this?” asked Bobby.

“I was mad, ok?” Luan grunted. “Besides, isn’t that a normal reaction for someone upset?”

“That is true yes… but one doesn’t like being shoved.” said Boris.

That night, Luan was watching TV inannoyance whenLucy appeared in front of her. She wasafraid ofgettingstage fright. Thecrowd was gonna be bigger than the one on the Giggling Geezer.Luan snapped at Lucy saying that she was the genius who got a gig at the Royal Woods Theater, not her so she shouldfigure it out.

Everyone looked at Luan in disappointment.

“Really? You helped Lucy get to this point. You should be happy for her. Where's this negative attitude coming from?” Benny scowled.

Luan felt guilty, rubbing her arm. “You'll find out.” Luan said tearfully. “God I was so harsh! I’m being such a horrible sister right now…”

Luan starts to cry as Lincoln, Lori, Leni, and Lola walk up to her.

"You're not terrible." Lori said.

"You're funny." said Leni.

"You make us laugh." added Lincoln."You tell jokes." added Lola.

Luan sniffed but smilked a bit. “Thank you.”

Luan stormed up to her room, just as Lincoln came down.Lucy asked what that was all about and Lincoln knew why and had to tell her.

“Yeah I told her what Luan told me and Clyde.” said Lincoln. “And believe me, iIknow what it’s like being outstaged at something I like.”

His sisters were confused up until he realzied what he was referring to and felt bad, especially Luan since that was eerily similar to what her brother went through.

The next day, Luan was putting on her formal attire.

Benny instantly blushed at seeing Luan in her dress. “Baa... Baa... Baa…”

Everyone giggled while Luan blushed with a smile at Benny’s reaction.

“Wait, you look like Belle from Beauty and the Beast!” commented Carl.

Benny shook his head to get back to Earth. “Hey yeah she does look like Belle! Hair style, dress color, it’s almost uncanny!”

Luan chuckled. “Yeah, I watched the movie the other day and loved Belle's dress. Leni helped me out with it while Lola did my hair.”

“Speaking of, here's a shocker: I had to take care of an injured patient and get this: it's Gaston!” Maria revealed.

Everyone gasped.

“When he was all better, I asked him how he got hurt and I heard one thing: Siphon.” the nurse added.

“That dress is really beautiful, but even then, not as beautiful as the lady wearing it.” Benny told Luan.

“Aww! Thanks Benny-Boo!” Luan giggled, kissing his cheek.

Luandecided to get it all over with, hoping they'll seat us behind someone with big hair so she won't have to watch her sister steal her dreams.

“Wow… that is sad.” said Haiku.

“Very sad.” said Zach.

Luan sighed. “I know it sounds selfish, but can you blame me? I worked hard to be the youngest performer at the Royal Woods Theater and then out of nowhere Lucy comes and takes my dream.”

“Well… it’s not like I asked for it.” Lucy said with a sigh. “My teacher was the one who signed me up…”

“I know Lucy… I was wrong to be mad at you…” Luan sighed, rubbing her arm.

“Well… yes and no…” Clyde said. “It’s normal for someone to be mad when they’re dream is wrecked - asleep or in real life - but it wasn’t like Lucy was deleibralty trying to steal it.”

“Thanks Clyde… but still I could’ve handled it better…” Luan sighed.

But when she stepped out of her room,everyone else was in theirregular clothes.

Everyone as puzzled.

“Why aren’t you getting ready for the show?” asked Winston.

“Just watch.” Luan told the posh boy.

Lynn was doing upside-down crunches, and Lisa came out of Lucy's room with medical equipment.Luan asked why no one was getting ready for Lucy's reading. Lisa replied that Lucy wasn't gonna do it.

Everyone was surprised.

“She’s not?!” the Mortican’s Club asked in surprise.

“But why? You were so excited!” said Sid.

“Yeah and your poetry was amazing!” said Jordan.

“You’ve got so much talent!” said Rocky.

“Why quit now?” asked Bobby.

“Just watch.” Lucy told them all.

Luan wassurprisedand asked why. Lisa said Lucytold her she was ill, but she checked her vitals and was fine.

“Faking sick huh? Like Ferris Bueller before her.” said Rusty.

Everyone chuckled a bit.

“It’s hard to tell when the deadpan are faking.” said Zach. He felt the Morticans Club eye him. “N-No offence.”

“None taken.” Dante said.

Zach sighed in relief.

Luan felt Lucy's forehead and said she wasfine. She asked if Lucy was afraid to go on stage. Lucy said no and Luan said she could tell her. Lucy said that Lincoln told her about her dreamto be the youngest person to ever perform at the Royal Woods Theater and she doesn't want to take Luan's dream from her, much to her shock. Lucy wasgonna give up such an important opportunity just for her? Lucy said she was, after all Luan did for her.

“Aw that was considerate of you.” Sam said to Lucy with a smile.

“You were really willing to pass up an opportunity like that?” asked Nikki.

“I felt like I had to.” Lucy said. “I felt bad that I would be stealing Luan’s dream. She worked hard for it.”

Luan feltguilty and then changed her toon, getting Lucy out of bed and declaring that they were gonna do the festival as she got out the two dresses, choosingVacant Tomb.

Everyone was surprised.

“You changed your tune pretty quick mate.” said Tabby.

Lucy said it was Eternal Sadness and was confused why Luan changed her tune. Luanapologizes saying that she can't allowLucy to pass up thisopportunity and she earned it. Lucy suddenly hugged Luan, thanking her and Luanhappily returned it.

Everyone smiled at the scene.

“That is so sweet.” smiled Adelaide.

“That was so noble of you Luan.” said Benny.

“And very considerate.” added Arturo.

“I JUST LOVE YOURS AND LUCY’S RELATIONSHIP!” Frida sobbed.

The rest of the Casagrandes were soaked, though Lincoln and Lori got Ronnie Anne and Bobby out of the way.

“You didn’y have to do that you know.” Lucy told Luan.

Luan scoffed. “And let you miss out on an opportunity like that? You wish!” Luan smiled softly. “You earned it Lucy. Sometimes when amazing opportunities like that come along, how can you pass it up? You deserve to share your talents and poetry to the town.”

Lucy smiled in gratitude. “Thank you Luan…” she said before wrappinh her sister in a hug.

Lynn Sr. walked past and saw the scene. He shouted forRita to get the camera as Lucy was jugging someone.

"Not even a picture of her hugging someone?" Myrtle asked.

"Yup," Rita replied, taking the picture.

That night at the Royal Woods Theater, the Louds and the seniors from the Giggling Geezer were watching the festival.

“You guys all look great!” said Chaz.

“Yeah you look handsome Lincoln.” said Ronnie Anne.

“And you girls look beautiful.” said Bobby.

“Those earrings look pretty on you Luna.” said Sam. “Wish I could see the rest of your dress.”

“I’ll show you next time you come over.” Luna said.

“And Lynn your hair looks great in a bun.” said Fransisco.

“Aw Francy.” gushed Lynn.

Lucy's poetry teacher asked them towelcome Lucy to the stage.

Everyone clapped.

Everyone clapped as as Lucy took the stage.

“You look great in that dress Lucy.” said Rocky. “Really dark and beautiful.”

“Thank you Rocky.” Lucy blushed.

Lucy saw her family and said her poem goes out to Luan, the one who got her there.

“Dreams burnt to ash, hope tangled like laces, till love swept in, with puns and funny faces. Where my path will lead, I can't be sure, but if ever I'm lost, I'll look up to her."

Luan smiled at this, proud of her little sister.

Everyone, especially Clyde, Lynn Sr., Bobby, Frida, and Howard get teary-eyed as they clapped at Lucy’s poem.

Lucy walks over to Luan and hugs her, Luan happily returning it.

“This reminds me of Lisa’s words at the Royal Woods talent Show…” Lori reminisced.

“That was an awesome poem Lucy!” said Dana.

“And so sweet at the same time!” added Paula.

“You really know how to perform.” said Adelaide.

“We’re so proud of you Lucy.” said Rita with a proud smile.

“And we’re happy you got to perform.” said Lynn Sr.

“You’re gonna be impressing a lot of people with your poems.” said Liam.

“Especially all the goths and spooky lovers out there.” added Zach.

Lucy felt very flattered. “Thank you guys. That means an awful lot.”

“And Lucy? I’m so sorry I was acting like a jerk.” Luan said in guilt.

“Don’t worry about it Luan.” Lucy said with a smile. “I understand why you were upset. But I’m happy you came through in the end. It was fun performing at the Royal Woods Theater. And I meant what I said in my poems. Like my brother and sisters, I can always look up to you. Especially since you helped me get to where I was then.”

Luan smiled, almost crying, as she wrapped Lucy in a hug. Lucy happily returned it.

Everyone smiled at the scene as Rita took another picture.

“I’m proud of you Luan.” Benny said proudly. "And just remember this; just because you might not be the youngest artist to preform there, doesn't mean you won't be the youngest comedian to perform there.”

“Thanks Benny.” Luan smiled.

Lincoln places a hand on Luan’s shoulder

“Luan, I get it, believe me, I know what it’s like to have a dream interest being overshadowed by a family member….believe me….” Lincoln said softly as he looked down and remembered the events that happened at a certain convention, and a black cat…

The Loud Sisters and Clyde looked worriedly at Lincoln, while the others were confused and concerned.

“Uh, did something happened, and please tell me it’s not like the luck incident…” Stella asked worriedly

“No…it’s just…, something that will eventually see later….” Lincoln said as he shook it off, but smiled softly at his sisters.

“You know? Now I suddenly know how the both of you felt when Lola joined my club.” said Lucy.

“And me when Lily was getting the spotlight.” added Lola.

“And I promise I will always help inspire you Lucy.” said Luan.

“Me too.” Lincoln chimed in.

“All of us totes will!” said Leni.

“Thank you.” Lucy smiled.

At that moment, Joe opened a portal and walked in from his room.

“Alright folks, grub time!” he said, snapping his fingers as more food and beverages appeared on the tables.

“Oh finally! I’m starving!” Lynn grinned.

And everyone ran to get more food.

To be continued…

Special Dialogue thanks to:

Gloyd R. Orangeboar

Algebra123

Mic509hael

MysticAvengers

shirekh34ce

TheYellowPhynix

Omarnosian10

AdamSteinbrecher

ThomasandPercyFan9 Mastershadow300

Gamelover41592

Kaiju🦖

Jaron Bryant

Fickleness16

Dedicated to the Memories of

Tony Bennett
August 3, 1926 - July 21, 2023

Paul Reubens
August 27, 1952 - July 30, 2023

and

Ron Cephas Jones
January 8, 1957 – August 19, 2023