This is a little something I whipped up for the Loud Cast's Secret Santa, and I really lucked out on my prompt. I've been dying to do a story involving Lunatic Lynn and the Casagrandes, and the prompt allowed me to do just that. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fluffy little fan episode:
Robots in the Ring[]
Plot Summary: Threatened by the Lisa's speculation about robotic athletes, Lynn challenges Sid's robot to a Lucha Libre match.
Script[]
[We open in the Loud House living room. Lincoln and Lisa are sitting on the couch with a laptop between them. On the laptop is what appears to be a wrestling match between two homemade robots.]
Commentator: Hoo boy! It looks like Sid’s Breakfast Bot is in trouble! Can she find a way out of Torcaballo’s Horse Horn Headlock?!
Lisa: [squinting] Hmm. It’s hard to tell from this angle, but this Torcaballao appears to have left some vital circuitry exposed to a…
[As she says that, the Breakfast Bot brandishes a spatula from inside its chassis and jabs it into Torcaballo’s side. Torcaballeo stutters and sparks. The Breakfast Bot then spins around rapidly, its motions making it appear cyclone-like.]
Commentator: And there it is, folks! The Breakfast Typhoon! What a comeback!
[The Breakfast Bot slams Torcaballo into the mat and pins it, signaling the end of the match.]
Lincoln: Woo~! Man, that was so cool, huh, Lis’?
Lisa: [adjusting her glasses] I found it rather… quaint. The craftsmanship on these androids is fascinating, albeit rather rudimentary. Though I suppose I cannot expect the students at this academy to possess the same intellect and resources I do.
Lincoln: [grins] I thought this would be something you’d like.
Lisa: Well, let’s not oversell it, sibling. The androids may be intriguing, but the subject matter of the video itself is… not my cup of tea, to put it mildly. I believe this is something that Lynn might enjoy more than I ever could.
[As if on cue, Lynn barrels into the living room smacking a tennis ball around with a hockey stick. The ball smashes into the fireplace, blowing up a cloud of soot.]
Lynn: Goal~! Who’s da best?! I’m da best!
[A series of coughs are heard from the fireplace, and the three siblings turn to see what’s causing it. After a beat, Lucy pokes her head out, hanging upside-down and covered in soot.]
Lynn: [sheepishly] Oh. Heh, whoops. My B, Luce.
Lucy: Sigh. A little warning next time would be nice.
[Lucy disappears back into the chimney. After an awkward pause, Lynn turns to Lincoln and Lisa.]
Lynn: So, uh, what’re you dorks up to?
Lincoln: I just got this new video from Ronnie Anne, and I thought Lisa would be interested. Apparently, she and her friend Sid set up this Robo Libre Club at their school. It combines Lucha Libre and robotics.
Lynn: [tilts her head] Wait, huh? Why’d they do that?
Lincoln: Well, from what Ronnie Anne told me, she and Sid were having trouble finding an after-school club they could both enjoy, so they just made one up by combining their favorite things.
Lynn: [scratching her head] Oookay. Weird, but whatever. Mind if I take a look?
Lincoln: Not at all. I can play the video again.
[Lynn takes a seat next to Lincoln as he replays the match. She looks on, rather curious and puzzled.]
Lynn: What kind of Lucha Libre is this? It looks more like a glorified video game.
Lisa: Hmm. Perhaps I was a tad presumptuous about your disposition towards this content, Lynn. Then again, this sort of sporting event does have a rather niche audience in my experience.
[Lynn’s eyes go wide as she turns to Lisa.]
Lynn: Run that by me again?
Lisa: [confused] I merely stated that this sort of sporting event has a rather niche—
Lynn: [interrupts] Uh, hang on there, Lisa. This ain’t no sport. Sports are for real athletes, not robots.
Lisa: [adjusting her glasses] I happen to know a few e-sports champions who may disagree with you on th—
Lynn: [interrupting again] That doesn’t count! No way can a robot play sports like people can!
Lisa: Well, never say never, sibling. This is merely speculation, but perhaps one day in the future, we will have robotic or even virtual athletes.
[Lynn gives Lisa a blank stare.]
Lynn: Oh, you did not just say what I think you just said!
Lincoln: [intimidated] Uh, Lynn? Are you okay?
Lynn: [aggravated] Do you think I’m okay?! How would you feel if some egghead said robots were gonna replace you?!
Lisa: [unnerved] I… do apologize if my musings led you to that conclusion, sibling. However, I must reiterate that…
Lynn: I’ve heard enough! If Ronnie Anne and this Sid kid think their fancy robots can go toe-to-toe with a real athlete like me, they’ve got another thing coming!
Lisa: Another think coming.
Lynn: Whatever!
Lincoln: Lynn, don’t you think you’re overreacting just a little bit? Like I said, Ronnie Anne and Sid came up with this just for fun.
Lynn: [pouts] Oh, sure. Side with your girlfriend over your big sister.
Lincoln: [irritated] She’s not my— [takes a deep breath and calms down] Look, you’re overthinking this, Lynn. I’m pretty sure Ronnie Anne and Sid didn’t come up with this after-school club just to spite you.
Lynn: [giving Lisa a sideways glance] Maybe not, but if Brain Box over here thinks this’ll lead to robots taking over sports, I’m not standing for it. In fact, send a message to Ronnie Anne right now! I wanna challenge her fancy-schmancy robot to a match!
[Beat]
Lisa: The issues with that are multifold.
Lincoln: Yeah, Lynn. I mean, for starters, you do realize Ronnie Anne lives in an entirely different state now, right?
Lynn: [shrugs] So? I’ve played away games before. This is no different.
Lisa: Except how do you plan to convince our parental units to escort you to Great Lakes City for this meaningless duel? I highly doubt Ronnie Anne and Sid are going to acquiesce to your bizarre challenge and come out here.
Lynn: [shrugs again] I’ll just say I’ve got a match lined up. I mean, it’s technically true. Right, Stinkoln?
Lisa: [scoffs] Please. As if our male sibling is going to play along with any of this malar…
Lincoln: [typing on his laptop] So, what time should I say we’ll be coming?
[Lisa gives Lincoln a baffled look, to which Lincoln shrugs.]
Lincoln: What? It’s Lynn. You know how she gets when her mind’s made up. This is gonna happen even if she has to walk all the way to Great Lakes City.
[Beat]
Lisa: [sighs] The worst part is you’re not exactly wrong.
Lynn: Ignoring that. [turns to Lincoln] Tell ‘em we’ll be coming over this weekend, and to get ready to lose. I intend to show ‘em that man beats machine every time!
Lincoln: Uh, sure. But remember, this is your idea, so you’re the one who has to convince Mom to take us there.
Lynn: [scoffs] Done and done.
[With that, she dashes off. Lisa raises an eyebrow at Lincoln.]
Lisa: I couldn’t help but notice you kept using “we” and “us” as your pronouns of choice, Lincoln. Do you intend to join her in this lunacy?
Lincoln: I’m just trying to make sure this doesn’t get out of hand. You know how competitive Lynn can be.
Lisa: [musing] Again, you’re not incorrect in that assessment. Very well, I shall join you in this endeavor. I feel somewhat responsible for planting this irrational train of thought in her head.
Lincoln: [shrugs] Fair enough, I suppose. I’ll let Mom know once Lynn convinces her to take us to Great Lakes City.
Lisa: [nods and presses her glasses against her nose, causing them to shine] Besides which, I wouldn’t mind seeing these primitive automatons up close. There’s a certain thrill in meeting a fellow intellectual with a knack for invention.
Lincoln: [deadpans] Seriously, Lisa?
[Beat]
Lisa: [clears her throat] I-I can have multiple reasons for any given course of action. Get off of my proverbial back.
[Lincoln simply sighs and rolls his eyes before turning back to his laptop.]
***
[After a Casagrande Panel transition, we cut over to the Casagrande building in Great Lakes City. Ronnie Anne and Sid are chilling out on the front stoop.]
Sid: So, you’re sure Lincoln said that his sisters wanted to meet me?
Ronnie Anne: [shrugs] That’s what his message said. I dunno, the whole thing sounded pretty crazy. All I know for sure is that they’re interested in our Robo Libre club.
Sid: Huh. What do you mean by crazy, exactly?
Ronnie Anne: [scratches her head] I dunno how to describe it. Eh, maybe Lame-O was just trying to prank me or something.
Sid: I guess. [grins] Either way, I’m pretty excited to meet them. New friends are always great, especially if they’re related to my bestie’s other bestie.
Ronnie Anne: [chuckles] I’m sure they’ll like you, too, Sid. [checks her phone] In fact, they should be here right about...
[Right on cue, Vanzilla drives up to the Casagrande building. The door opens, revealing Lincoln, Lynn, and Lisa. As they disembark, Ronnie Anne and Sid walk over to greet them.]
Rita: Alright, you kids have fun. I’ll pick you up at around four.
Lincoln: Four o’clock, got it. We’ll see you then.
Lisa: Much regards, Mother.
[Lynn simply snorts and gives Rita a curt nod. Rita shrugs and drives off, leaving the three siblings with Ronnie Anne and Sid. After a pause, Ronnie Anne clears her throat.]
Ronnie Anne: So, these two are the ones interested in our Robo Libre club, huh, Lame-O?
Lincoln: [sheepishly] Something like that. Oh, that’s right. I should probably introduce you. Sid, these are two of my sisters, Lynn and Lisa.
Sid: [beaming as she extends her hand] Nice to meet you two! I’m Sid Chang, Ronnie Anne’s BFF.
Lisa: [accepts the handshake] Charmed, I’m sure. Lincoln showed us the video showcasing your customized after-school activity, and I must say, I am intrigued by your handiwork.
[Sid blinks in confusion.]
Sid: Um, sorry if this is a weird question, but how old are you?
Lisa: I am four years of age, though I’ll be turning five relatively soon.
[Sid’s eyes go wide.]
Sid: Uh…
Lincoln: Yeah, I should mention that Lisa’s something of a child prodigy. She’s probably the smartest out of all of us.
Lynn: [grumbles] Doesn’t mean she’s right about everything.
Sid: [unnerved] Yikes. Someone got out of the wrong side of bed this morning.
Ronnie Anne: Yeah, are you okay, Lynn? You seem kinda angry.
Lynn: [grunts] I’m not angry. This is just my game face.
Sid: Your… game face?
Lynn: That’s right. ‘Cause I’m here to win.
[Beat]
Sid: You lost me.
Ronnie Anne: Ditto.
[Lynn raises an eyebrow.]
Lynn: You mean Lincoln didn’t tell you?
Ronnie Anne: [surprised] Wait, you were actually serious about that, Lame-O?! I thought that was just a goof!
Lincoln: [sighs] Believe me, I wish it was.
Sid: Um, sorry, what’s going on, exactly?
[Lynn lets out a sigh before approaching Sid.]
Lynn: Okay. Let’s just cut to the chase. Sid Chang, I challenge your robot to a Lucha Libre match.
[Beat]
Sid: Huh?
Lynn: [pounds her fist into her palm] You heard me. Lisa says that robots are gonna take over sports, and I aim to prove her wrong.
Lisa: For the record, I merely stated that as a possibility.
Sid: [intimidated] Well, that’s interesting and all, but I don’t really think you get the point of our Robo Libre club.
Lynn: What do you mean?
Sid: Well, for starters, it’s a robot-only kinda thing, so...
[Lynn narrows her eyes, causing Sid to back away.]
Lynn: Oh, so your glorified toaster is too good to fight humans? Is that it?
Sid: [indignant] H-hey, Breakfast Bot is not just a glorified toaster. That’s only one of his functions.
[Beat]
Lynn: [flustered] I, uh… [shakes herself] So missing the point!
Lisa: [dryly] Pot, kettle. Have you two met?
Lynn: Shut up, egghead! [groans and turns back to Sid] Look, it’s not that I have anything against you or your club. I just need to prove myself to Ms. Smarty Pants over there.
Ronnie Anne: Wouldn’t it be easier to just ask her to build a Lucha robot and fight that?
Lisa: [scoffs] I have no interest in entertaining my elder sibling’s paranoid delusions. [scratches the back of her head] That and I have very little knowledge of traditional Mexican hand-to-hand combat, street name: “Lucha Libre”.
Sid: [shrugs] Well, that’s okay! Neither do I!
[Lynn looks around at everyone present, seemingly confused. Finally, she shakes herself and turns to Sid.]
Lynn: Okay, full disclosure: this is not going the way I pictured it in my head.
Ronnie Anne: Out of curiosity, how did you picture this?
Lincoln: Yeah, I don’t think this could’ve played out any other way.
Lynn: Th-that’s not the point right now! [groans and massages her temples] Look, Sid. I know this is a big ask, but Lisa called me out. I can’t just ignore it.
Lisa: Again, that was not my inten—
Lynn: [ignoring Lisa] All I ask is one match to prove to her that robots aren’t replacing humans in sports. After that, I’ll treat you to whatever you want. Sound good?
[Sid furrows her brow and strokes her chin.]
Sid: Can I have one moment, please?
[Lynn nods, and Sid gestures to Ronnie Anne and Lincoln. They both join her in a huddle, along with Lisa.]
Sid: I’m sorry if I’m being rude, Lincoln, but are all of your sisters this… intense?
Lincoln: Afraid so. [sighs] Listen, I’m sorry you got dragged into this, and I don’t think Lynn’s entirely happy about it, either. But one thing I know about her is that she never backs down from a challenge like this.
Ronnie Anne: But our robots aren’t designed to fight humans! If we go through with this, all that’s gonna happen is that Lynn will smash Sid’s robot to pieces!
Lisa: Well, to be fair, that would end up illustrating her point and placate her.
Lincoln: [thoughtfully] Or she’d insist that Sid threw the match just to get this whole thing over with.
[Beat]
Lisa: It’s always the worst-case scenario with you, isn’t it, sibling?
Lincoln: Hey, in a family like ours, you have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Lisa: [adjusting her glasses] Touché.
Ronnie Anne: Guys, focus. What’re we gonna do about Lynn?
Sid: [whimpers] Yeah. I don’t want my Breakfast Bot to get smashed. I worked really hard on him.
Lisa: [raising an eyebrow] Then, why enter it into a Robo Libre club to begin with?
Ronnie Anne: Because Sid can repair whatever other robots do to the Breakfast Bot. She can’t repair what Lynn’s gonna do.
[The group looks over at Lynn, who’s pacing around in frustration. With a growl, she punches a metal signpost, causing it to bend nearly in half. Sid stifles a shriek and begins to tremble.]
Lisa: [unnerved] Point taken. [thinks for a moment] Hmm. I may have a solution.
Lincoln: What’s up, Lis’?
Lisa: I can help Sid update her robot so that it is a worthy opponent for Lynn. That way, Lynn will get her proper bout, and Sid’s creation will stand a chance to not be completely obliterated. It’s a situation where we all achieve what we desire; a win-win, if you will.
Ronnie Anne: Wait, what happened to you not wanting to egg Lynn on?
Lisa: [sighs] As Lincoln previously stated, this outcome is inevitable given Lynn’s disposition. Ergo, my best course of action is to mitigate the damage. What say you, Sid?
Sid: [twiddling her fingers nervously] A-are you sure there’s no chance we can just talk this over? This sounds like a big misunderstanding.
Lincoln: [dryly] Welcome to life in the Loud House.
Lisa: Indeed.
[After a beat, Sid sighs.]
Sid: Well, if you think this’ll help, I guess I’m in. But I’m not gonna like it.
Lisa: We’ll find some way to make this up to you, I promise.
[The group breaks the huddle and approaches Lynn.]
Sid: Okay, so, yeah. If you really wanna do this, I guess we’re doing this. But if you wanna just talk about it, that’s fine, too.
[Lynn gives Sid a blank stare and blushes.]
Lynn: Um, cool. Th-that’s cool. So, uh, how’s this gonna work?
Ronnie Anne: If I remember correctly, there’s a rec center a few blocks downtown. We can meet you there in, say, forty-five minutes? Sid needs to give her robot a tune-up for his big match.
[Beat]
Lynn: Uh, yeah. Sure. You’re on. I’m gonna head over there to train. See you there if you’re not too chicken, or whatever. Uh, which way is…?
[Ronnie Anne points south.]
Lynn: R-right. Thanks.
[Lynn dashes off. Lincoln sighs and turns to Ronnie Anne and Sid.]
Lincoln: I still don’t like this. I think I’m gonna try to talk her down.
Ronnie Anne: I’m coming with you, Lincoln. I’ve been getting pretty good at this kinda thing.
Lisa: [nods] Very well. Sid and I shall prepare for combat just in case.
Lincoln: Sure, sounds like a plan. C’mon, Ronnie Anne.
[Ronnie Anne and Lincoln dash off after Lynn. After a beat, Lisa turns to Sid.]
Lisa: So, what exactly are we working with here?
Sid: [sheepishly] Uh, well…
***
[We jump cut to Sid’s room, where Sid is showing her robot to Lisa. The robot itself is leaning against the wall, standing on a single wheel. It has two arms and egg beaters for hands, its chassis resembles a microwave, and its face is covered by a bright green Lucha mask. Lisa walks up to the robot and looks it over.]
Lisa: Are you fairly certain that this robot was designed for combat?
Sid: Well, not at first. Originally, he was supposed to be a breakfast-making robot, hence the name. I just retooled him a bit when Ron and I came up with our Robo Libre club.
Lisa: [musing] I see. I can imagine reprogramming it was rather difficult.
Sid: Oh, I didn’t reprogram him. He’s still a breakfast-making robot at heart.
[Lisa turns around and raises an eyebrow at Sid.]
Lisa: Pardon me, but that does not make sense. How can a robot designed to be a chef understand the nuances of combat?
Sid: [shrugs] Well, he doesn’t really have to. When he’s in the ring, I control him via remote control. He doesn’t have to do any of the thinking.
Lisa: Ah. Intriguing. Thank you for the clarification. [she takes out a small remote of her own, which shoots out a holographic beam that scans Sid’s robot. Sid’s eyes sparkle.]
Sid: Whoa. What is that?
Lisa: [nonchalantly] Nothing too spectacular. It’s merely a diagnostic scanner used to analyze automata such as this.
Sid: Oh. And, you made that?
Lisa: Affirmative. I have constructed several devices in the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of mankind.
Sid: Huh. Wow. And here I am just making robots for fun.
Lisa: Do not fret, Sid. There is no harm in pursuing a hobby solely for personal enjoyment. [she studies her readings, and her eyes go wide with interest] Although if I may say so, you are clearly no slouch in this field.
Sid: R-really?
Lisa: [nods] Truly. For a repurposed culinary robot, this is a marvelous bit of craftsmanship. I’m detecting no major flaws in its basic structure, and Lincoln already showed me the video demonstrating its capabilities. I daresay I would love to see what you’d come up with if you had access to my resources.
[Sid blushes and twiddles her fingers.]
Sid: [bashfully] Aw, gee whiz, Lisa. Th-that’s really nice of you to say.
Lisa: [smirks] I do not dole out such comments lightly, Sid Chang. I truly believe you have a great amount of talent from what I’ve seen. [her smile fades as she furrows her brow] Nevertheless, it’s clear this was designed solely for combating other robots of a similar design. It is no match for Lynn in this current state.
Sid: Yeah, that’s what I was trying to tell her. Are you absolutely sure it’s not too late to try and talk things over?
Lisa: [sighs] Lynn’s passion for sports has… a rather nasty habit of overriding her rational cognition. She perceived my musings as a threat to her passion, thus she wishes to defend her honor. In my experience, it’s rather difficult to reason with her when she gets like this.
Sid: Well, Lincoln seems to think it’s worth a shot.
Lisa: And it might very well be. As a scientist, I’m open to all possibilities. But that means one of those possibilities is that we have to placate her with this duel.
Sid: [scratches her head] Um, if you say so. So, what do we do now?
Lisa: [strokes her chin] Now that is rather tricky. As impressive as your skills are, Sid, this is still little more than a homemade remote-controlled toy. However, Lynn is expecting to fight the Lucha Libre equivalent of Deep Blue.
Sid: Wait, you mean that chess-playing computer?
[Lisa does a double take.]
Lisa: How do you—?
Sid: [shrugs] My dad likes chess.
[Beat]
Lisa: Ah. I see. [clears her throat] Well, as I was saying, we’ve obviously got our work cut out for us. Just give me a moment to analyze this data, and then we can get to work.
Sid: Um, sure thing. [sighs] Although I kinda hope Lincoln and Ronnie Anne can talk some sense into Lynn.
Lisa: Confidentially, that is my hope as well. But I wouldn’t hold my breath. Now, let’s see here…
[Lisa looks over her readings while Sid looks over at the Breakfast Bot and lets out another sigh.]
***
[After a Casagrande Panel transition, we cut over to the Great Lakes City Rec Center. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne enter and check the map.]
Ronnie Anne: Hmm, let’s see. I think it’s safe to say that Lynn went to the boxing ring if she’s training for this match.
Lincoln: Probably. Let’s go.
[We jump cut to Ronnie Anne and Lincoln checking the boxing ring. Inside, they see CJ and Carl practicing their own Lucha Libre stunts in the ring, but there’s no sign of Lynn.]
Ronnie Anne: Whoa, CJ! I didn’t know you trained here.
[Carl perks up and turns to Ronnie Anne.]
Carl: Ronnie Anne? What’re you doing here with you boy—?
[He is interrupted by CJ leaping off the top rope and pinning Carl.]
CJ: You have to pay attention, Carl.
Carl: [squirming] Hey, no fair!
[Ronnie Anne can’t help but chuckle. Lincoln clears his throat.]
Lincoln: Sorry to interrupt you guys, but have you seen my sister Lynn? We think she’s here.
[CJ and Carl look at each other before giving Lincoln and Ronnie Anne a shrug.]
Lincoln: Hmm. Well, that’s weird. Um, maybe she’s in the gymnasium? Lucha Libre usually involves a lot of jumping and stuff, yeah?
Ronnie Anne: Well, that’s one way to put it. Alright, let’s try there.
[They dash off, leaving CJ and Carl confused. We then jump cut over to the gymnasium, where Mrs. Kernicky is hanging and spinning from the rings. Again, there is no sign of Lynn.]
Ronnie Anne: Oh, hey, Mrs. Kernicky! Getting in that cardio, huh?
Mrs. Kernicky: You know it! Care to join me? [she then notices Lincoln] Oh. Who’s your little friend?
Ronnie Anne: Oh, right. Mrs. Kernicky, this is Lincoln. He’s a friend of mine from Royal Woods. Lincoln, this is Mrs. Kernicky. She lives in our building.
Lincoln: [waves] Nice to meet you. Listen, did my sister come through here?
Mrs. Kernicky: [raises an eyebrow] Your sister?
Lincoln: Short girl, brown ponytail and freckles, a red jersey with the number one on it. Any of that ringing any bells?
Mrs. Kernicky: Hmm. [after a pause, she shrugs] Sorry, dearie. I haven’t seen anyone like that.
Ronnie Anne: Dang it. Where could she be?
Lincoln: Maybe she’s lifting weights?
Ronnie Anne: I guess. C’mon.
[The two of them dash off, leaving Mrs. Kernicky baffled. We jump cut over to the weight room, where Bobby is spotting Par as he works out.]
Lincoln: Oh, Bobby! Hey!
[Bobby looks up.]
Bobby: Oh, Lincoln! Didn’t know you were visiting, bro. I was just getting some reps in with my buddy Par here.
Par: [looks up and nods] How’re you doing? [goes back to weightlifting]
Ronnie Anne: Yeah, Linc and a couple of his sisters decided to drop by. Speaking of which, we were pretty sure Lynn came through here. Have you seen her?
Bobby: [shrugs] Sorry, no. I’ll let you know if I do. [he notices Par struggling and spots him] Whoa, easy there, big guy.
Ronnie Anne: [scratches her head] This doesn’t make sense. She was pretty geared up for this match, and she said she’d be training here. So, where is she?
Lincoln: Beats me. Where else haven’t we tried?
[Just then, they hear a familiar sigh from out in the hallway. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne poked their heads around the door to check it out. They find Lynn pacing back and forth, grumbling to herself. Lincoln and Ronnie Anne exchange concerned looks before approaching her.]
Lincoln: Uh, Lynn? Are you okay?
[Lynn spins around in surprise. Once she sees who it is, she goes back to sulking.]
Lynn: Oh. It’s you two. Whaddya want?
Lincoln: Lynn, we need to talk. I know you’re mad at Lisa, but you really didn’t have to drag Ronnie Anne and Sid into this. Why don’t we just call this whole thing off?
Lynn: [snorts] Because this is what I gotta do, Stinkoln. I told you that already.
Ronnie Anne: But Lynn, Sid doesn’t want to do this. If you just–
Lynn: [interrupting] You think I don’t know that? Ugh, dang it, Ronnie Anne. Why did your dumb friend have to make this so difficult?
Ronnie Anne: [narrowing her eyes] Excuse me? Sid is not dumb.
[Lynn blushes and facepalms.]
Lynn: Double dang it. That came out wrong.
Lincoln: [tilts his head] Lynn, are you sure you’re okay?
Lynn: [exasperated] When did I ever say I was okay?! Nothing about this is okay, Lincoln!
Ronnie Anne: [nervously] Lynn, maybe calm down a little bit. You’re kinda making a scene.
[Sure enough, several people flock around the trio, confused by Lynn’s outburst. Lynn’s face flushes even redder, and her eyes begin to water.]
Lynn: [strained] Look, I’m just all kinds of mixed up right now. Th-this isn’t going the way I thought it would.
Ronnie Anne: Yeah, we heard that the first time. What exactly do you mean by that?
[Lynn looks away and bites her lip.]
Lynn: [in a harsh whisper] C-can we not do this here? This is super embarrassing.
Lincoln: [scratches his head] Well, sure. But keep in mind that you’re the one who—
Lynn: [interrupting] I know~! [she growls and pinches the bridge of her nose] Sorry, sorry. Th-this has just not been my day.
Lincoln: Yeah, we kinda figured. C’mon, let’s go somewhere private.
[He takes Lynn by the hand and leads her away, with Ronnie Anne following close behind.]
***
[We cut over to the boxing ring, where CJ and Carl are still training. Lynn, Lincoln, and Ronnie Anne watch them from the bleachers, though Lynn still looks distracted.]
Lincoln: So, what’s all this about, Lynn? You’ve been acting kinda weird ever since we got here.
[Lynn sighs and stares off into space.]
Lynn: Level with me, guys. Do you think I’m being a bully?
[Lincoln and Ronnie Anne exchange looks before turning back to Lynn.]
Ronnie Anne: I mean, you are kinda forcing Sid to fight you, so, maybe?
Lynn: [groans] Ugh, see? This is exactly what I’m talking about. I’m used to fighting jerks who need to be taken down a few pegs, but I can’t fight someone who doesn’t wanna fight back! Th-that’s just messed up!
Lincoln: So… don’t? There’s nothing stopping you from just apologizing to Sid and dropping this whole mess.
Lynn: But if I do that, then this whole trip was a waste of time, and Lisa can keep on spewing that nonsense about robots replacing humans in sports! I’m sorry, but she’s not getting away with that!
Lincoln: Lynn, you know Lisa didn’t mean to offend you when she said that.
Lynn: [pouts] Doesn’t change the fact that she did. [sighs] But still, I can’t shake the feeling that to defend my honor, I’m gonna have to beat up an innocent kid’s robot. Seriously, Ronnie Anne, why did your friend have to be so nice?
Ronnie Anne: [shrugs] That’s just how Sid is, Lynn. I don’t know what else to tell you.
Lincoln: So, what’re you gonna do now?
Lynn: [sighs and shakes her head] I dunno. No matter what I do, I can’t win. I’m either gonna end up being a petty bully or a spineless coward, and I don’t wanna be either of those things.
[Lincoln furrows his brow and strokes his chin as Lynn forces back tears. While he thinks, Ronnie Anne watches her cousins training. Carl manages to dodge a belly flop from CJ and immediately capitalizes, pinning him to the mat.]
CJ: [melodramatically] Oh no~! I have been defeated~!
Carl: [cackles] Gotcha good, hermano!
CJ: [chuckles] Yeah, you did. But I’ll get ya next time. That was fun!
[Ronnie Anne watches the exchange curiously, tapping her chin in thought. Suddenly, her expression brightens.]
Ronnie Anne: Wait, that’s it!
Lincoln: [startled] What’s it?
Ronnie Anne: Lynn, those aren’t your only choices. You can totally fight Sid’s robot without being a bully.
[Lynn looks up and sniffles.]
Lynn: W-wait, really?
Ronnie Anne: Sure! All you have to do is forget about whether you win or lose and just play the game.
[Beat]
Lynn: [scratching her head] I’m… not sure I’m following you here, Ronnie Anne. How’m I gonna prove myself to Lisa if I don’t aim to win?
Ronnie Anne: Simple. Don’t worry about proving yourself to Lisa.
Lincoln: [catching on] Hey, yeah. You don’t have anything to prove to her, Lynn. She already knows how great you are, and like I said, she didn’t mean to insult you. Just tell her that, and then you can just have a friendly little match with Sid.
[Lynn places a hand to her lip and mulls things over.]
Lynn: Well, I dunno. Is Sid gonna be okay with this, Ronnie Anne?
Ronnie Anne: I’m sure she will. I mean, our robots aren’t really designed to fight humans, but Lisa’s helping her fix that so it’ll be an even match.
Lynn: [arching an eyebrow] I’m sorry, Lisa’s what?
Lincoln: [sheepishly] Well, we weren’t sure if we were gonna be able to talk you out of this, so…
[Lynn grunts and pinches the bridge of her nose. She then takes a deep breath and lets it out in a cleansing sigh.]
Lynn: Well, I’m hoping she doesn’t go overboard with those upgrades. If she does, I’m not holding back.
Ronnie Anne: [smirks] I’m sure Sid will be able to rein her in. It’s still her robot, after all.
Lynn: [raps her knuckle against her forehead, and then the bleachers] Here’s hoping. Alright, I’ll try this your way.
Ronnie Anne: Great! I’ll text Sid and let her know. And after that, how about we do some sparring to help you get ready?
[Lynn does a double take.]
Lynn: Wait, you mean you and me? I didn’t know you wrestled, Ronnie Anne.
Ronnie Anne: Well, not as often as my cousins, but I know my way around the ring.
[Beat]
Lynn: Um, okay. I look forward to seeing what you’ve got.
Ronnie Anne: Sure thing. [she takes out her phone and shoots Sid a quick text. A split screen occurs, with the other side showing Sid receiving the text. She reads it and smiles. Lisa comes in from behind.]
Lisa: Well, I’ve just finished going over your Breakfast Bot’s schematics, and I have a rough idea of what we can… [she notices Sid checking her phone] Is everything copacetic, Sid?
[Sid turns to Lisa, a warm twinkle in her eye.]
Sid: Pass me a screwdriver, Lisa. We’ve got work to do.
***
[We cut to a Rocky-esque montage of both sides preparing for the match. First, we have Lynn and Ronnie Anne sparring in the ring while Lincoln referees. The two of them are grappling one another.]
Lynn: [strained] Heh. You’ve got moxie, chica. But that’s not gonna save you from Lunatic Lynn!
Ronnie Anne: We’ll just see about that! For the honor of the radioactive booger people, I’ll never back down!
Lynn: [confused] Wait, the wh—?
[Ronnie Anne capitalizes and throws Lynn into one of the turnbuckles. After a beat, Lynn shakes herself and gestures for a timeout.]
Lincoln: What’s wrong, Lynn?
Lynn: [to Ronnie Anne] What the heck were you talking about just now?
Ronnie Anne: Oh, that’s just my character’s backstory. Sid came up with it.
[Beat]
Lynn: Uh, okay. I’ve seen weirder wrestling backstories, I guess. Sorry, that just caught me off-guard.
Ronnie Anne: [chuckles] It’s fine. Hey, what’s Lunatic Lynn’s backstory? Sid’s probably gonna ask.
Lynn: [blinks] Oh. Uh, I… never thought of one.
Lincoln: Well, maybe we can help you come up with one. Every good luchador needs a backstory, right?
Lynn: [chuckles] I guess so.
***
[The next scene shows Lisa and Sid working on the Breakfast Bot. Sid is tightening some bolts with a wrench while Lisa walks in carrying a whole pile of parts.]
Lisa: Sid, I have taken the liberty of surveying your apartment complex for material, and I found something that could give us an edge.
Sid: [turns her head] Oh?
[Lisa digs through the parts and pulls out Sid’s Yoon Kwan waffle iron.]
Lisa: I noticed in the video that the Breakfast Bot already had secret compartments for spatulas, so perhaps we could lean more heavily into the breakfast motif with this.
Sid: [sucks in a sharp breath through her teeth] Yeah, I dunno. Waffles aren’t really my thing; I’ve always been more of a pancake girl.
Lisa: [raising an eyebrow] Then, why did you purchase this?
[Sid blushes and averts her eyes.]
Sid: L-long story.
Lisa: Hmm. [looks over the waffle iron] Well, regardless, you cannot deny this hardware’s offensive capabilities.
Sid: [taking the waffle iron from Lisa] Yeah, that’s another thing. We’re not trying to badly injure your sister here.
[Beat]
Lisa: [sheepishly] That… is a fair point.
Sid: [as the Yoon Kwan waffle iron] Yeah, babe. My passionate flame is meant to ignite your soul, not scar your body.
[Lisa gives Sid a blank stare.]
Lisa: Should I even ask?
Sid: [chuckles sheepishly] Just a thing I do. I’m a big fan of Yoon Kwan and Twelve is Midnight. They’re a pretty big k-pop band.
Lisa: Ah. I’m actually more into west coast rap myself.
[Beat]
Sid: I didn’t know they made west coast rap for four-year-olds.
Lisa: [snickers and adjusts her glasses] Need I remind you that I’m not a typical four-year-old?
Sid: [laughs] Oh right. Duh.
***
[We cut right back to Ronnie Anne and Lynn sparring. Ronnie Anne is perched on top of the turnbuckle while Lynn crouches into a defensive position.]
Ronnie Anne: Get ready, Lunatic Lynn! I’m about to hit you with my best move yet!
[Ronnie Anne spins in place before leaping into an elbow drop. Lynn takes the brunt of the attack, but recovers and locks Ronnie Anne into a grapple.]
Lynn: Huh! Nice Tornado Twist there. But next time, remember it’s the announcer’s job to call out the moves, not yours.
Ronnie Anne: [laughing] Fair enough. [beat] Wait, you know about the Tornado Twist?
Lynn: Um, doy~. La Tormenta’s the best.
Ronnie Anne: [eyes sparkling] You mean you follow La Tormenta, too?! Sweet!
Lynn: Yeah, that last match she had was just what she deserved. She totally went out with a bang.
Ronnie Anne: [fangirling] Can you tell me about it? I… kinda missed it. Long story.
Lincoln: [scratching his head] I’m… guessing you guys are calling a timeout?
[Lynn and Ronnie Anne look at each other and share a laugh. Lincoln chuckles along with them.]
***
[The next scene of the montage shows Lisa welding some material to the Breakfast Bot. Meanwhile, Sid is going over Lisa’s schematics.]
Sid: So, you’ve probably made a bunch of robots, too, huh?
Lisa: Affirmative. A few of my autonomous creations live in my April Fool’s bunker.
Sid: [does a double take] Your what?
Lisa: It’s best if you do not inquire.
Sid: Um, okay. So, what kinda robots have you made?
Lisa: Well, one of my earliest creations was actually designed to assist me in learning to use the proper lavatorial facilities.
[Beat]
Sid: You mean you invented a robot to help you out with potty training.
Lisa: [shrugs] You say potato; I say solanum tuberosum.
Sid: [scratches her head] So you made that robot when you were, like, two?
Lisa: Roughly, yes. At least according to my notes. Human memory tends to blot out the first three years of the individual's lifespan due to the trauma of childbirth.
Sid: [dumbfounded] Holy hedgehogs. Just how smart are you?
Lisa: [smirks] I am currently assisting you in transforming your recreational drone into a machine that can withstand a bout with my athletic elder sibling. You tell me.
[Beat]
Sid: [laughs] Point taken.
***
[The montage ends with several rapid-fire clips of Lynn sparring against Ronnie Anne and Sid sprucing up her robot with Lisa.]
*While Lynn takes a breather in the corner, Ronnie Anne shows her an idea for Lunatic Lynn’s backstory. Lynn looks it over and shakes her head. Ronnie Anne looks disappointed, but she cheers up when Lincoln gives her a confident smile and places a hand on her shoulder.
*Lisa shows Sid some designs for a cooking oil slick. Sid raises an eyebrow, to which Lisa chuckles sheepishly.
*Lincoln penalizes Lynn for an illegal grab, prompting Lynn to snag Lincoln into a headlock and give him a noogie. Ronnie Anne laughs at the display.
*Sid does some tweaking to Lisa’s blueprints, to which Lisa becomes fascinated and starts taking notes.
*Lincoln hands Lynn another idea for Lunatic Lynn’s backstory. Lynn reads it over and strokes her chin in thought.
*Lisa makes some adjustments to the Breakfast Bot when she feels something nudge her side. She looks over to see a lemur offering her a cookie. Perplexed, she turns to Sid, who giggles.
*Lynn hits Ronnie Anne with a Tornado Twist of her own, sending her flying into the ropes. Ronnie Anne cheers and laughs.
*Sid looks over some calculations, seemingly confused. Lisa makes some minor corrections, and Sid’s expression brightens.
*The clip show ends in a split screen shot. On one side, Lynn is putting the finishing touches on her lucha character’s backstory. On the other, a silhouette of the Breakfast Bot glistens just offscreen as Sid wipes some sweat from her brow while Lisa stands by her side. Both Lynn and Sid nod.]
Lynn and Sid: [in unison] Alright. Let’s do this.
***
[After a Casagrande Panel transition, we cut back to the rec center. Lynn is off to the side stretching while Lincoln and Ronnie Anne are on the lookout for Sid and Lisa. Ronnie Anne receives a text and checks her phone.]
Ronnie Anne: Alright, I just got a confirmation from Sid. They’re at the rec center now.
Lynn: [still stretching] Great. Tell ‘em I’m ready when they are.
Ronnie Anne: Gotcha. [texts Sid]
[Lynn continues her warm-ups and takes a few deep breaths.]
Lynn: [to herself] Alright. Just be cool. You got this, LJ.
Lincoln: [raising an eyebrow] Uh, you okay there, Lynn?
Lynn: Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine. I’m just psyching myself up is all. [dons her Lunatic Lynn mask]
[Just then, Lisa and Sid walk in. Sid has her remote control in hand.]
Lisa: [clears her throat] Apologise if we kept you waiting. It is our pleasure to present to you what I believe to be the finest in Robo Libre technology.
Sid: Yeppers! Say hello to the Breakfast Bot Mk. II!
[Sid presses a button on her remote, and the upgraded Breakfast Bot wheels into the room. Its chassis has been reinforced with a chrome alloy, it is sporting two extra arms with clamp-like claws, and a suspension coil has been added to its leg, allowing it to bounce. Sid has it hop over to Lynn.]
Breakfast Bot Mk. II: BREAKFAST-IS-THE-MOST-IMPORTANT-MEAL-OF-THE-DAY!
[Beat]
Lynn: It’s not gonna be any more threatening than that, is it?
Lisa: [sheepishly] Well, Sid and I decided that we shouldn’t deviate too far from the original design.
Sid: Yeah, I just wanted to make sure Breakfast Bot could survive against you. I didn’t want to change who he was at his core.
[Lynn lets out a small sigh and scoffs.]
Lynn: So, you actually managed to rein her in, huh? Guess that’s one less thing for me to worry about.
Lisa: And just what are you implying, sibling?
Lynn: I think you know, Brain Box. [she turns to Sid] So, Ronnie Anne told me that you guys are radioactive booger people.
Sid: Um, yeah. That’s our lucha characters’ backstory. What’s yours?
[Lynn scoffs and cracks her knuckles.]
Lynn: I am known as Lunatic Lynn, or Loca Ruidosa for the Spanish speakers out there. And the reason people call me that is because I don’t believe that anything’s impossible.
[Beat]
Lisa: Beg pardon?
Lynn: People say stuff to me like that I can’t be a luchador because I’m not Mexican, or that some opponents are just out of my league. They say I’m a lunatic to even attempt what they think is impossible. But I say if being a lunatic means achieving your dreams, then I’d rather be a lunatic! And if a robot wants to fight me, I welcome the challenge! Because in the world of Lucha Libre, the only person that can hold you back is you.
[Sid’s eyes sparkle.]
Sid: Wow. I think I just got goosebumps. That’s such a cool backstory!
Lisa: I must confess, that was… rather inspiring. Was this always the idea behind your wrestling persona?
Lynn: [shrugs] Eh, kinda. I had a bit of help fleshing it out. [she gives Lincoln and Ronnie Anne a thumbs-up, and the two of them high five each other]
Ronnie Anne: So, you all ready, Sid?
Sid: As I’ll ever be. We… are keeping this friendly, right?
Lynn: [nods] Absolutely. But don’t think that means I’m going easy on you. Ronnie Anne, you think you can be the ref?
Ronnie Anne: Uh, sure thing.
Lisa: [turns to Lincoln] Well, it appears we shall be mere spectators in this duel, sibling.
[Lincoln thinks for a moment, and then grins.]
Lincoln: Actually, I think I might have an idea…
***
[After a screen wipe, the ring is all set. Lynn and the Breakfast Bot Mk. II are in either corner of the ring, with Sid standing right behind her robot’s corner. A commentator’s table is set up, and Lincoln and Lisa are sitting side by side.]
Lincoln: [imitating a commentator] Good afternoon, Great Lakes City! Thank you for joining us here as the local rec center, where the fight of the century is about to kick off! I’m Lincoln Loud, professional newsman of the Royal Woods Middle School Action News Team, here to bring you every second of the action!
Lisa: [looks around befuddled] Lincoln, there is no one else here. Who are you talking to?
Lincoln: [chuckles] Aw, c’mon, Lis’. Can’t a guy have a little fun?
Lisa: I don’t object to that notion per se, but why do I have to be a part of this?
Lincoln: Well, since one of our competitors is a robot, who better to speak about its abilities than our local robotics expert?
Lisa: [pinches the bridge of her nose] Lincoln, we are witnessing a pointless contest of strength between a trained athlete and a culinary automaton. A recreation of Garry Kasparov vs. Deep Blue, this is not.
Lincoln: Wait, isn’t Deep Blue that chess-playing computer?
[Lisa’s eyes go wide.]
Lisa: How do you—?
Lincoln: [shrugs] Stella likes chess.
[Beat]
Lisa: Right. [sighs] Well, do what you wish, sibling. But know that I have no desire to indulge in your fantasy.
Lincoln: [shrugs] Suit yourself. [he then turns to the camera and winks before continuing with his commentary] And it looks like our referee Ronnie Anne Santiago is getting ready to introduce our competitors!
[Ronnie Anne walks into the center of the ring.]
Ronnie Anne: The following match is for one fall! In the Red Corner, all the way from Royal Woods, Michigan. She is the luchador without limits; the pursuer of the impossible! You know her; you love her; give it up for Loca Ruidosa~!
[Lynn climbs up onto the top rope and leaps down, pounding the mat hard before raising her arms.]
Lynn: Woo~! Loca Ruidosa es el champion del mundo~!
Ronnie Anne: [nods and turns to Sid] And over in the Blue Corner, representing the radioactive booger people of Chavez Academy. He is the two-time Robo Libre Middleweight champion, upgraded for this specific match! He’s the scrambler of eggs; the flipper of flapjacks; the one, the only, Breakfast Bot Mk. II~!
[Sid has her Breakfast Bot do a little hop and spit out a danish, which lands on the commentators’ table right in front of Lisa.]
Breakfast Bot Mk. II: TIME-FOR-BREAKFAST! THIS-IS-FOR-YOU-AUNT-LISA!
[Lincoln raises an eyebrow at Lisa, who looks away and blushes.]
Lisa: For the record, I did not program him to say that.
[Sid giggles.]
Ronnie Anne: Alright, fighters. I want a nice, clean match. No hitting below the belt, or the fan belt for that matter.
Lynn: Got it.
Sid: Yep yep!
[The two combatants meet in the center ring, with Ronnie Anne standing between them. After a beat, she looks over at Lincoln and clears her throat.]
Lincoln: Huh? Oh, right. [clears his throat] Ding ding ding~!
Lisa: [facepalms] Seriously, sibling?
[With that, the match gets underway. Lynn and the Breakfast Bot begin duking it out while Lincoln commentates.]
Lincoln: And the Breakfast Bot opens up with an egg beater to the face, but Lunatic Lynn slips out of the way and throws him into the ropes! Now he’s coming back, and… ooh~! A massive right hook from Lynn!
[Just as Lincoln says, Lynn socks the Breakfast Bot, causing its head to spin around. Sid smirks.]
Sid: Oh, it’s on now!
[Once the Breakfast Bot recovers, it reaches out with one of its new arms and grabs Lynn’s wrist. As Lynn struggles, it reaches out with its other new arm and grabs her ankle.]
Breakfast Bot Mk. II: TIME-FOR-BREAKFAST! TIME-FOR-BREAKFAST!
[It springs into the air and leaps around Lynn, entangling her in its long arms.]
Lincoln: Whoa~! Didn’t see that coming! Lunatic Lynn looks like she’s in real trouble now!
[Lynn grunts and struggles, wrapped up in the makeshift cocoon. As she does so, the Breakfast Bot raises its egg beater arm.]
Breakfast Bot Mk. II: EGGHEAD-NOOGIE!
[True to the move’s name, it activates the egg beaters and gives Lynn a noogie.]
Lincoln: Oof~! That’s gotta smart.
[Lynn squirms in her captor’s grip, letting out several annoyed grunts. She manages to wrench one arm free and grabs the Breakfast Bot’s wrist.]
Lynn: Mildly annoy me, will ya?! Well, let’s see how you like it!
[Lynn forces the egg beaters into the Breakfast Bot’s own arms. The egg beaters tear through its own arms, freeing Lynn.]
Lincoln: [winces] Yeesh. Lisa, I thought you said this wouldn’t happen.
Lisa: The upgrades Sid and I made were meant to make the Breakfast Bot more resilient, not indestructible. Though in hindsight, perhaps we should’ve taken this particular scenario into account.
Sid: Don’t worry, Lincoln! Breakfast Bot isn’t down yet!
[Sure enough, the Breakfast Bot sheds its shredded arms and positions itself back into a battle pose.]
Lynn: [scoffs] Good. ‘Cause Lunatic Lynn ain’t done, either! Yah~!
[The two of them get caught up in a massive Loud Cloud. Every once in a while, the cloud dissipates, showcasing one fighter having an advantage over the other. Lincoln commentates throughout the whole thing, desperately trying to keep up.]
Lincoln: And it’s Lunatic Lynn with a headlock! Wait, no, Breakfast Bot flips her away with his spatula! Now he’s using the ropes like a slingshot and… Ooh, never mind! Lynn saw that coming and decks him in the face once again! This is getting intense, folks! It’s anyone’s game!
[After several more clashes, Lynn and the Breakfast Bot stand at other sides of the ring. Lynn is panting heavily, while the Breakfast Bot’s upgrades have been almost completely stripped. A distinct twinkle flashes in Lynn’s eye as she beckons the Breakfast Bot with her hand.]
Lynn: Come at me, Bot.
[Sid smirks and tilts the joystick on her controller all the way. The Breakfast Bot revs up, gripping the ropes as its wheel spins wildly. It charges for Lynn at full speed, gripping her with its spatula arm and spinning her around.]
Lincoln: Holy mackerel! It’s the Breakfast Typhoon! How’s Lynn gonna get out of this one?!
[As Lynn is spun around, she wraps her legs around the Breakfast Bot’s neck. Using her own momentum against it, she twists around and flips it over, pinning it to the mat.]
Lincoln: Ah. I guess that’s how.
[Lynn looks up, still pinning the Breakfast Bot to the mat.]
Lynn: [annoyed] Seriously, Stinkoln? You call out the robot’s attack, but not mine?
Lincoln: [defensively] Sorry, Lynn. I-I don’t know what that’s called.
Lynn: [groans] It’s a hurricanrana, you dork. Learn some actual Lucha Libre if you’re gonna do commentary.
Sid: A… Hurricane Runner? That sounds so cool~! Is that Lunatic Lynn’s signature move?
[Lynn sputters a bit before rolling her eyes.]
Lynn: Yeah, let’s just… go with that for now. Ronnie Anne?
Ronnie Anne: Huh? Oh, right. [she lays down on the mat and raises her hand] Uno, dos, tres~!
Lincoln: Ding ding ding~!
Ronnie Anne: [lifts Lynn’s arm] Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner! Give it up for your new champion over man and machine, Loca Ruidosa~!
Lynn: Woo~! Yeah~! Lynner Lynner Chicken Dinner~!
[As she cheers, the Breakfast Bot slowly gets up and approaches her. Once she notices it, it spits out a chocolate chip muffin from its chassis.]
Breakfast Bot Mk. II: HOW-ABOUT-A-MUFFIN-BREAKFAST-INSTEAD?
[Lynn looks over to Sid, who waves happily.]
Sid: Good game, Lynn! That was super fun!
[After a beat, Lynn chuckles and accepts the muffin.]
Lynn: Thanks, Sid. I had fun, too.
***
[We cut to outside the Casagrande building later that day. Lincoln, Lynn, Lisa, Ronnie Anne, and Sid are all waiting for Vanzilla to come and pick up the Louds. All of them are enjoying muffins.]
Sid: Well, I gotta say, you’ve got a pretty wild family, Lincoln. I can’t wait to meet the rest of ‘em.
Lincoln: Heh, yeah. Hopefully, things will be a bit smoother next time.
[Lynn sighs, causing Lincoln to wince.]
Lincoln: Oh, right. Sorry, Lynn.
Lynn: Nah, it’s fine. I know I was being an atomic jerk. [she turns to Sid] Listen, I wanna thank you for being so cool about all this. And, I’m sorry I dragged you into my fight with Lisa. I do a lot of stuff without thinking sometimes.
Sid: [chuckles] Totally get where you’re coming from, Lynn. That’s happened to me, too. So, are you still mad at her?
Lisa: I see no reason for continued animosity. Lynn was triumphant against your Breakfast Bot, even with our upgrades.
Lynn: Yeah, but I’m not gonna lie: that thing really held its own. Maybe robots can have a place in the ring. I wouldn’t mind a rematch someday.
Sid: Eh, I dunno. I think I’m gonna change the Breakfast Bot back to normal after this. He’s supposed to make breakfast for people, not fight them.
Lynn: [shrugs] Fair enough. But if you ever do make a proper Lucha robot, give me a call, a’ight? It’s always fun to fight a worthy opponent, no matter who or what they are.
Sid: Um, sure. [the two of them share a fist bump]
Lisa: [thoughtfully] Hmm. Perhaps our squabble has successfully recreated the Kasparov-Deep Blue rivalry after all. Fascinating how life turns out sometimes.
Lynn: Deep Blue? You mean that chess-playing computer?
[Lisa flinches and nearly drops her muffin.]
Lisa: Okay, how do you know about—?
Lynn: How do you think I managed to kick your butt at chess? I’ve done my homework, Lis’.
[Beat]
Lisa: Touché.
[All five of the kids share a laugh just as Vanzilla pulls up.]
Ronnie Anne: It’s always great to see you guys, even when things get crazy.
Lincoln: [grins] That’s just how we roll in the Loud House. Catch ya later.
Ronnie Anne: Yeah, smell ya later, Lame-O. [socks Lincoln in the arm]
Sid: Yeah, seeya! Keep making the impossible possible, Lunatic Lynn!
[Lynn looks over at Sid and laughs.]
Lynn: You’re alright, Sid Chang. Give the radioactive booger people my regards.
Lisa: Indeed, do take care, Sid. And if you find yourself in need of funding for your creations, I may have some connections that can help you.
Sid: Uh, thanks. I’ll… think about it.
[With that, the Louds drive off while Ronnie Anne and Sid look on. After a beat, Sid turns to Ronnie Anne.]
Sid: Whew~! That sure was something, huh?
Ronnie Anne: Sure was. Man, I forget how crazy Lincoln’s family can be sometimes.
Sid: No kidding. But as crazy as they are, I’m glad they’re still nice people.
Ronnie Anne: You and me both, Sid. You and me both.
[The two of them make a toast with their muffins and stare off into the sunset.]
The End
Trivia[]
- This was also inspired by the Down the Rabbit Hole episode focusing on Deep Blue, which explains Lisa's constant references to the phenomenon along with her surprise that everyone knowing what that is.
- When I was into wrestling a long time ago, I actually misheard hurricanrana as "hurricane runner", hence Sid's confusion.