Forgive me for the delay. I am literally typing this out on mobile (Jotterpad, to be precise). I am not Flagg1991, so expect an update every week or two.

OmegaUltra - While Flagg wrapped things up pretty nicely, emotional trauma can be felt for years after, if not the rest of your life. Basically I don't subscribe to the idea that everyone just moved on, although I appreciate your input.

XxxxxxX

Moonlight the dark alicorn trotted beside Haiku in her dreamscape, the Land of Eternal Apathy. Black glitter seemed to coat everything, from the trees to the dirt. Gloom bunnies lounged about expressing their fabulous disdain for the world. It truly was paradise… except she had no one to share it win - no one real, anyways. "Oh Moonlight, if only there was someone who understood me as well as you!", Haiku bemoaned. The flowers wept bloody tears of understanding. Or sadness? Maybe apathy?

Suddenly the dreamscape went silent. It usually did when Moonlight was about to speak. Haiku was brimming with anticipation, having visions of eldritch abominations and vampire weddings, or even better, a way to convince mom to buy her her first Ouija board!

"Kid?", Moonlight spoke, her regal face twisting into a look of concern.

"Yes Moonlight?", Haiku sighed dreamily.

"Are you alright?", Moonlight's face suddenly sprouted a big, bushy mustache and glasses.

"Ahhhhh", Haiku woke with a start. The now alert Goth took stock of her surrounding. Was she still at the cemetery? Spooky trees, check. Gravestones, check. Creepy old dude hovering above her… Haiku screamed again (check).

"Calm down for a second, lass!", the exasperated groundskeeper said. "I was just making sure you're alive. I'm the groundskeeper here". The Scottish man's concern barely outweighed his patience at this point.

"I'm alright", Haiku said after a moment.

"Then what're you doing in my cemetery reeking of piss?", the man questioned angrily. He'd seen enough homeless people and opioid addicts around these parts to know it was no place for wee little girls.

"I walk here every night… wait what are you talking about!", Haiku demanded, before noticing her generally disheveled appearance and… soiled underpants. She blushed. Suddenly last night's memories flooded back in. Lucy… Lisa… THE TASER. Haiku didn't know what Lucy and her baby sister were up to, but she was going to raise hell when she found them. The fuming goth girl got up, shoved the surly groundskeeper out of her way, and stomped towards the cemetery entrance.

"Well good morning to you too", he shouted and indignantly raised his fist.. "Since you're okay, do me a favor and GET OUT OF MY CEMETERY!", he yelled after her. That's the last time I ever help out any children, he thought bitterly. Rude little things and loud enough to rouse the dead! He shook his head as he returned to his duties...

XxxxxxX

"It is crucial that no one enters the bunker until I am done", Lisa had stated with absolute seriousness. While Lisa had idiot-proofed the bunker, including a hidden room where the bodies were, it wasn't discovery she was currently worried about. It was her family. Their usual antics, if allowed to go on unopposed, would be the tipping point for any self-respecting scientist. That, combined with her age…

Lisa had never felt her age as much as she did right now. While some gave her her due respect, others, specifically the stingy tenured professors that thought too highly of themselves, raised holy heck at the idea of being usurped by a four and a half year old. Curse academia and its regressive social stances, Lisa thought bitterly. Hopefully Dr Pask would prove more progressive in his treatment of younger scientists.

A ringing sound came from her computer, indicating that the conference call was about to begin. It was judgement day, and Lisa hoped whatever gods presided over her fate did not find her lacking. She took a deep breath, before finally pressing accept. A white 30ish male with dark hair graced the screen. He had an easy smile, which helped ease Lisa's frayed nerves.

"Good morning Lisa," Pask started off cordially. The window behind him displayed the setting sun, as would be expected with a sixteen hour time difference. Still, the man seemed as fresh as a bellis perennis. Hopefully this wasn't just a facade put on for a child's sake.

"Good evening, Doctor Pask", Lisa responded in kind.

"I was surprised when I received your request for collaboration on the Thylacine project. Even more so at the custom drone used to deliver said request", Doctor Pask stated evenly. While many a person had come seeking insight on the Thylacine project, none went to the lengths Lisa Loud did, nor did they care beyond the rudimentary aspects for their blogs and scientific 'journalism'. Lisa came to the table with astonishing knowledge and questions that bespoke an understanding that perhaps eclipsed his own. Even so, Lisa was insistent on the 'collaboration' aspect of it, and hoped to receive external funding, that is, not through her own government. She was certainly a cheeky little thing.

"Yes. I apologize for my unusual methods of communication. Secrecy is of utmost importance to me, given the notoriety that comes with being a four and a half year old prodigy", she claimed. And the fact that I'm considering waking the dead. It helped to have a realistic explanation, and the rigid nature of academia seemed as good an excuse as any.

"Of course. Of course. You must understand though. I cannot, in good conscious, take away from your achievments. If we are to work beside one another, than I must credit you somehow", Pask insisted. As excited as he was at the opportunity to expand his field, he'd rather not sacrifice his integrity. If science was built on the shoulders of giants, he wanted to leave as much room for his colleagues as possible.

"With all due respect, doctor, I only seek progress. Whether you or some competing scientist does it means little to me", Lisa threatened. "My work will be completed one way or another, but I prefer to go through and use the appropriate channels. Having read through your background, I consider you to be the worthiest individual to embark on this scientific venture with. There were others I considered, but none had your integrity", Lisa explained.

"Ah. So you're looking for someone safe. A glorified secret-keeper?", Pask accused. "While I may not be on the cutting edge of science like some of your more esteemed colleagues, I will not rely on handouts to achieve my ends", Pask said with pomp. It was clear that the girl was trying to butter him up, but he would not resort to cheating. If Lisa wanted an errand boy, she could very well seek elsewhere.

"No. It's because I feel I can trust you. Yes, I have ulterior motives, but I don't just want an alias", Lisa contended. "I wish to share insight, and working with some money-grubbing, self absorbed ignoramus will only lead to unwanted exposure on my end". Lots of people would gladly tack on a prodigies name for scientific relevance. Academia was a political organization every bit as much as a scientific one. You had to rub elbows with the right people, and Lisa had no desire for such wranglings. This particular task would be best served by the venerable Doctor Pask.

Doctor Pask looked thoughtful for a second before continuing. "So long as the collaboration component remains intact, it would be my honor to conduct research alongside you, Miss Loud. I will have to insist on one concession though".

"Go on", Lisa gestured.

"One day, years or maybe even decades from now, I must be allowed to offer credit due. I will maintain your secret for a reasonable stretch of time, but I will not die knowing that I've robbed you of your accomplishments", the good doctor maintained.

"Done," Lisa finished contentedly.

"I'm glad we're in agreement. Before we move on with our work though, I'd appreciate it if you filled me in on your hypothesis. As I understand it, you need one of my Tasmanian Tiger specimen. You mentioned 'restoring the real thing', but my theory for reintroduction specifies cloning as the mechanism", Pask informed. Cloning seemed infinitely more practical, but Pask was open to new suggestions.

"I suggest you get into a comfortable position then", Lisa recommended. "This might take a few hours". And with that, their professional relationship had begun. She still had her reservations of course, but this was for the best. Two birds with one stone. The good doctor gets his recognition, with Lisa getting the umbrella (and monetary support) that would shield her from wandering eyes.

XxxxxxxX

Hours went by, and Lucy had to run interference no less than four times. Lincoln was the first, trying to avoid lucha libre practice with Lynn. Then came Lana streaking out of the house trying to avoid bathtime. Leni saw a spider and ran outside screaming about the 'Spiderpocalypse'. And finally (and most sensibly) Luna wanted help with her trig homework. All the while, Lucy diligently stood guard, pretending to write poetry as she anxiously awaited the results. It was exhausting, soul-crushing work, but she kind of liked the feeling of despair that came with it.

It was now 3:30pm, and Lucy did a quick 360°, monitoring for any potentially suspicious activities. She saw a falcon swoop in and grab a baby squirrel. She saw smoke rising in the distance, maybe a house fire, though probably just a chimney. She saw a skull and crossbone cloud formation. She saw an angry Haiku walking towards her...

That wasn't normal. Haiku normally wore an impassive expression, but she looked PISSED.

Wait… did she miss an important Mortician's Club meeting? She was supposed to take the minutes, but she couldn't remember anything being scheduled for the near future. Maybe Lincoln pulled another Sadie Hawkins and stood Haiku up for something. Maybe…

Haiku stopped right in front of her, foot tapping impatiently. "Hi Haiku. What brings you to my woefully decrepit abode", Lucy tried. She couldn't help but feel like she was missing something obvious. What did she do?

"Do you really have nothing to say for yourself?", Haiku said impatiently. Lucy swore her glare was almost accusatory, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"What?", Lucy replied.

Haiku hmphed at her less than satisfactory response. "Don't play dumb, Lucy. What happened at the graveyard last night? One moment there's a freaking taser pointed at my face, and the next I'm awake propped up against a tree".

Lucy blanched. She wasn't supposed to remember. Lisa gave her the syringe and she… and she… forgot to use it on Hakou.

"Oh, so you DO remember. In that case, you better have a damn good excuse for leaving me like that!", Haiku demanded, poking her finger in Lucy's chest.

Doing her best to collect herself, Lucy went with a lying approach. "Are you sure you weren't dreaming? Lisa and I were at home asleep last night".

"I don't exactly make a habit of sleeping in graveyards, Lucy", Haiku deadpanned.

"Okay… then we were just paying our respects to the dead", Lucy tried.

"At midnight? With a taser and… whatever that thing was you stuck into the ground?", Haiku replied unconvinced. "Look, you have five seconds to tell the truth, or I'm taking this to the 'rents", Haiku threatened. She held up five fingers to prove she meant business.

"One."

"It was an accident… err".

"Two".

"Hunting for vengeful spirits?".

"Three".

"Having a spooky picnic?".

"Four".

"Coffin shopping?".

"Five", she proclaimed with finality. She strode towards the house, before Lucy grabbed her by the wrist.

"You can't. It's really important. I'll tell you, but only someplace where it's to safe to speak. Follow me," Lucy beckoned. Lisa would have to forgive her for forsaking her sworn duty, but this was an emergency. Lucy led her inside and to her room. She removed a ceiling grate before climbing in and extending a hand to Haiku. Haiku considered her options, before accepting and lifting herself up into the vent.

It's surprisingly clean in here, Haiku thought. The vents at school were disgusting. Decades worth of dust and the occasional rodent were enough to deter Haiku. Not to mention the screws sticking out on the inside. Lucy's on the other hand, looked like the kind you see in the movies. Except it was cramped. They reached a cross section, allowing Lucy to turn to face Haiku.

"If I tell you, you have to SWEAR not to tell a soul. Swear on Ludvik's immortal life", Lucy said, referencing Haiku's vampire 'fiance' and drawing a gasp from the older goth. This had to be pretty serious if it warranted swearing on her undead lover's life.

"Okay, okay!", Haiku answered, raising a hand before Lucy could blaspheme further. "Whatever it is, I'll hear you out before I do anything rash".

Lucy drew a breathe before explaining everything from the beginning. Haiku nodded when she thought it was appropriate, but after hearing about their crazy plan, she only heard bits and pieces of the rest. Bringing back her dead sisters? That's crazy even by our standards… and also cool in a morose sort of way. If Haiku ever had any doubts about Lucy's commitment to goth culture, they were completely erased with this new information. Although that still didn't explain their actions that night…

Lucy had finished talking, so Haiku asked the first question on her mind. "So why did Lisa taze me? If she let you in on it, then why not me? We're part of the same subculture!". Haiku waved her hands in exasperation. "I mean, it's better than leaving an unconscious twelve year old out in the elements!".

Lucy hung her head in shame. "I'm really sorry Haiku. Lisa said we couldn't risk discovery. She doesn't want the government on our butts", Lucy explained.

It honestly made a lot of sense. Outside of zombie movies, death and the afterlife (if there is one) were touchy subjects. Wars had been fought over which faction was right, or what denomination held the truth. If Lisa trounced the very concept of death, the whole world would be in upheaval. More importantly though, her friend's life might be in jeopardy. It was a deliciously angsty situation.

"I promise I won't tell anyone", Haiku swore. She looked uncertain before adding, "Just keep me posted okay? I want to know everything". The proverbial can of worms had been opened, so she might as well play her position for all it was worth.

Lucy nodded, but wasn't sure if she could hold up her end of the bargain. It wasn't too late to properly erase Haiku's memories, but the nine year old part of her really wanted someone to confide in. Lisa, for all of her scientific prowess, was a real stick in the mud. Beyond her new lab assistant status, Lucy didn't see herself meaningfully interacting with her younger sister. Sigh. It might cause trouble down the road, but Lucy would allow herself this one slip-up.

Lucy's nose suddenly twitched. In the constrained environment of the vents, odors spread quickly. In this case, her nose was assailed by the scent of urine. Did Lily hide one of her diapers again? Was Lana harboring another 'pet squirrel'? Did… Lucy suddenly remembered. "Haiku… do you need a change of clothes?".

Haiku blushed and nodded sheepishly. God this was embarrassing.

"You can blame Lisa for that. It happened after she zapped you". Lucy couldn't imagine that happening to her, and she was eight. To the ever regal gothic queen? It was inconceivable. Luckily(?), the blackmailer of the household was currently floating in a vat of green goo, dead to the world, so Haiku had nothing to worry about. Wow, that's dark even for me, Lucy mused.

They exited the vent above Lucy's room. She turned away so Haiku could change into a set of Lynn's gym clothes. Lucy would have to explain later, minus the peeing incident of course. Once Haiku was dressed, she called her mom to let her know she was alright. Luckily, she hadn't called the cops, and luckier still, Haiku's mom believed her tall tale about a Scottish groundskeeper scaring her into hiding out all night. She'd be at 1216 in about fifteen minutes, although there'd be a serious conversation about her late night cemetary excursions.

"Thanks for not busting us", Lucy said while they sat on the front porch.

"It's nothing, so long as you don't mention THIS", Haiku joked, lifting up the bin liner that held her dirty clothes. She looked thoughtful for a second, before adding, "I'll have to hang out with you guys more. I never realized that you weren't the only cool Loud". With that, Haiku's mother pulled up and whisped her away in a cloud of exhaust. Meanwhile, a tentative smile and a small blush overtook the slight goth's normally stoic facade. Lucy had a really good feeling about this…

XxxxxxxX

Lisa liked conversing with Doctor Pask. The hours seemed like minutes when engaged in meaningful dialogue. Lisa provided valuable insight regarding the feasibility of bringing an original extinct specimen back to life, while Doctor Pask furiously scribbled down all of the pertinent information. While only theory, it was well-founded and left the senior doctor immensely impressed. The doctor still did his due diligence, trying his best to poke holes in her theory, such as mechanisms for repairing highly degraded DNA, and the lack of close relatives to the Tasmanian Tiger that could fill in the genetic gaps. In the end though, Pask had to concede that Lisa's premise was promising, which she took as high praise considering she'd put it all together in a measly two months.

Doctor Pask suddenly rubbed his eyes, and he became aware of the dark bags beneath them. He'd been sleep deprived before their conference call even started, and continuing risked falling into a state of delirium. "I apologize, but I must get some rest. I -we- have a lot of work ahead of us, and proper sleep is the whetting stone of a sharp mind", he said with a wink.

"Thank you Doctor Pask. It truly is an honor to work alongside you", Lisa complimented the good doctor.

"Likewise. I eagerly await our next correspondence", Pask yawned before terminating the link.

The room fell into silence, and Lisa pinched the bridge of her nose to ease her newly throbbing headache. With an agreement made, Lisa now held the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight of her sisters' worlds too. In the years that would follow, Lisa would remember this day forever as her first real step into adulthood. Her days of aimless childish wonder were behind her, replaced with a steely resolve that would defy nature itself.

XxxxxxX

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. There will be some time skips, and some upcoming chapters might have confusing formatting.