FallingMidnight: Hey guys! This is my first try at a Sweeney Todd story, and I hope you all enjoy it. You can call me "Midnight". I do not own Sweeney Todd. If I did, Lucy would have been in the oven before you could count to 3. And I do not own "Isla Cruces." The island belongs to POTC and its screenwriters.

True Colours

Her world was falling down.

Nellie Lovett stood in the dark of her bakehouse in horror as the love of her life squinted his eyes curiously at the dead woman on the floor. The light from the fire illuminating the corpses and the face of Lucy (Lunatic) Barker.

Lucy, the single woman who stood in the way of Nellie and her love. Her soft voice, her kind-heart, blue eyes and golden locks. How could Benjamin resist that? They were foolishly in love, and Nellie hated every second of it. The wretch loved to rub it in Nellie's face day in and day out that she was married to her "love" Ben and Nellie had a suspicion that Lucy would purposely kiss Ben in front of her. But all that didn't seem to matter to Nellie anymore. When Benjamin was taken away Lucy became Nellie's entire responsibility. Nellie was there, holding Lucy's hand when she would cry in her bedroom all night and morning. Nellie was there to force food into Lucy's mouth or catch her when she fainted from lack of nutrition. Lucy had become Nellie's responsibility, but even with all of the attention and caring, Lucy slipped from her fingertips.

Nellie could remember it perfectly. She was on all fours, scrubbing the shop floor after Lucy had vomitted all over it again. It seemed to Nellie that Lucy was simply giving up on life, leaving Nellie to watch Johanna constantly. Nellie dipped the wet rag into the bucket once more and scrubbed the floor roughly when she heard the door open. Auburn curls in her face, she glanced up to see Lucy standing there. Thin, beautiful blonde hair falling from its elegant bun and pale skin like wax over her face, she held a thin blanket around her tightly.

"Nellie?" she whispered.

"Yes Mrs. Barker?" Nellie asked, kneeling.

Lucy winced and closed her eyes, taking a shuddering breath, "Nellie, I was wondering if I could go around the corner and pick up some rubbing alcohol? I got a nasty cut, you see."

She showed her wrist, which bore a long cut. Nellie dried her wet hands on her skirts and stood up, "That's all righ' Mrs. Barker. I can do it myself."

Lucy shook her head, "No, no. You've already done so much for me Nellie. Let me do something just this once?"

Nellie bit her bottom lip, she did have a lot more chores to be done and she was running low of flower. Besides, it would be good for Lucy to stretch her legs and take in some fresh air.

Nellie stood up, "Alrigh' Mrs - "

"Please call me Lucy."

"-Lucy. There's some money in my purse over there, but come back 'ere when your done," Nellie ordered.

Lucy nodded took the coins from Nellie's purse and with a rush scent of flowers coming from Lucy's golden locks, she was out the door.

Turns out Lucy didn't purchase rubbing alcohol at all. It was arsenic which she used as an attempt to kill herself. Instead the poison stole any sanity Lucy had left. She was gone the very moment her rose lips touched the vial.

Now, the wretched woman lay on the stone floor and she was still able to get what she wanted. This time, something that meant the most to Nellie Lovett.

Nellie felt her heart slowly rip apart as Sweeney fell to his knees and turned the beggar woman over. Her entire face exposed and Sweeney's ebony eyes widened, his mouth open in sudden disbelief. His beautiful, pure and virtous Lucy lay dead by his hand. Her identity known at last.

"Don't I know you she said?" whispered Sweeney, his blood soaked face still beautiful to Nellie's eyes.

Her fragile heart shook beneath her ribs, throbbing painfully. Nellie felt fresh tears well in her eyes. Her bottom lip trembled terribly. Everything she had fought for, lied for and loved for was falling apart right before her eyes.

"You know she lived.." muttered Sweeney, his long hands tracing Lucy's dirty hair.

Her throat felt tight, and her voice came out as a weak whisper, "I was only thinking of you."

Sweeney finally looked up at Nellie. His beautiful face stained with blood, just the mere sight of his eyes tore the rest of Nellie's heart apart into mince pieces. His expression was filled with so many emotions that tore at Nellie's entire being; confusion, sorrow and betrayal among all others.

"You lied to me," he whispered, voice bleeding with hurt and betrayal.

Her words now came out in hasty babbles, trying her best to cover up her lie. She wasn't quite sure what she said, but none of her words seemed to be getting through to Sweeney. Who kept on muttering things under his breath to Lucy, stroking her face and petting her hair. Still in death, she held his heart.

"- I love you!" Nellie blurted out, finding one last excuse to make up for what she had done.

Sweeney stood up, still whispering things under his breath, until he said heartbreakingly, "What have I done?"

"Could tha' thing 'ave cared for you like me?" Nellie asked.

She crossed the line, for he turned on his heel so quick it frightened Nellie who backed up cautiously. She knew she was in danger - she was next.

"Mrs. Lovett. You're a bloody wonder imminently practical and yet appropiate as always. As you said repeatedly there's little point in dwelling on the past! Now come here my love!" he exclaimed, sauntering towards Nellie like a lion to his prey. Those dark eyes were dancing in anger and deceit. His arms were wide, welcoming and so were his words. But his eyes were saying something else entirely, they were not trusting.

But somewhere inside Nellie, wished his words were true.

"Do ya mean it? Everything I did, I swear! Thought was only for the best!" she cried, her eyes widening with fear.

He could tell, encouraging that little hope she held inside his next words were fuel to the fire. "Not a thing to fear my love! What's dead! Is dead!" he shouted, and scooped Nellie up into his arms as they waltzed around the bake house. Nellie's heart slowly re-forming from its current abuse. His crazy eyes calming as they bore into her own, she grinning happily. He continued to tell her things she yearned to hear, exclaiming sweet nothings to earn her trust, and it was working.

"By the sea Mr. Todd! Where there's no one nosy!" she whispered excitedly.

He managed a smile and held her hand again, and Nellie noticed from the corner of her eye that they were nearing the oven. The fire's heat flickering and warming her skin slightly.

"And life is for the alive my dear!" he recited, and Nellie beamed. Her heart was going to relapse in joy and she continued to ignore her conscience yelling at her mentally that they were getting a little too close to the oven.

"So let's keep living it!" he said, and she said it with him, "Just keep living it!"

Way too close to the oven.

"Really living it!" he bellowed in her face. The beautiful exterior breaking down and showing his true emotion. Anger. Realization dawned on Nellie.

It all seemed to be happening in slow motion. His grip on her grew painfully tight as his face contorted into that of anger and hate. She couldn't fight him, and she knew his plan. Her love was intending on killing her in the worst way possible. She felt her feet lifting from the floor, and she clenched her eyes tight awaiting the searing pain of the fire.

Instead.

She was thrown off her feet and onto the floor. Her head banging against the stone painfully, she gasped. White lights were forming in her eyes and she looked wildly around.

Five police officers held Sweeney against the wall, bats raised. Nellie crawled back, clutching her chest. Sweeney growled and swung his razor, the sound of metal and blood flowing made Nellie tremble as two officers fell to the floor dead. The remaining three grabbed Sweeney by his arms and knocked him on the floor once more, knocking his beloved razor from his hands.

Nellie was going into a state of shock, missing death by seconds. Her whole body wouldn't stop trembling, her eyes wide as she watched Sweeney on the ground no longer putting up a fight. This man, the man she worked so hard for. The man she nursed like a child; feeding him daily although she knew he wouldn't eat anything she made. The man she covered up for and cleaned up after and almost helped killed Toby for - tried to kill her.

The hurt and pain that swam in Nellie's veins was overcome by raging anger. She was willing to give up everything she had for him! And he was going to throw it all away because she was tried to protect him? Mrs. Lovett clenched her skirts tightly, her knuckles turning bone white, and she grinded her teeth together. She saw red, staring at Sweeney who was pulled to his feet and hand-cuffed. He glanced at her blankly, and noticed her fury. He smirked.

Nellie snapped. She threw herself onto her feet and ran towards him in breakneck speed. Her bony fist meeting his strong jaw with all the strength she could muster. The satisfying sound of bone on bone gave Nellie the craving to hit him again, ignoring the blood spraying from her knuckles. She would have struck him again if one officer didn't grab her roughly around the waist and drag her backward. Nellie shrieked, kicking and swinging her arms wildly, trying her best to hit anything. Sweeney barked with laughter, the evil sound making the hairs on Nellie's arms stand. She then realized it; this was exactly what Toby was trying to warn her about. Demons will charm you with a smile... she was foolishly blinded by Mr. Todd's decieving words that the truth was clouded. Until now. She could see him for who he truly was - a monster. An evil, lying bastard. Just the sight of him made her sick. Oh, Toby. He was right all along and she was going to turn her back on him. Nellie felt more sick with herself..

"MUM! Wha's goin' on?!" shouted a child voice.

Nellie wrenched her arm from the thick officer, wheeling around to see Toby climbing from the sewers. His hair slimy and wet and clothes filthy, he ran towards his mum but was held back by the thick officer.

"Stand back child. You are in the prescence of evil," he said.

"Wha? My mum would never!" Toby protested, tears in his eyes, "Mum! Tell em'! It's all Mista Todd's doin'!"

The tears Nellie tried to hold back fell rapidly down her porcelain cheeks. The sight of Toby crying was enough to make her cry and fall from her murderous rampage. She couldn't lie to him, she couldn't crush his heart, his dedication and love for her. She opened her mouth but the demon spoke first,

"Sadly, Mrs. Lovett stands as guilty as I," he said maliciously.

Toby never stopped looking at her, "Mum, wha is he sayin'?"

Nellie looked to the floor.

"It means, stupid child! That your precious mother," he spat out, "helped me cover up the murders of hundreds of men! Isn't that right pet?"

Nellie closed her eyes tight, she couldn't bear to look at Toby.

"M-mum?"

Nellie only nodded, accepting the truth.

The thick officer released Toby and took strong hold on Nellie, slapping cuffs around her tiny wrists and marched her out of the bakeoven, Mr. Todd not far behind. Toby burst into tears,

"No! Mum! Don't leave me! D-don't leave me alone! Please! Mum! I-I'll do anythin'!" Toby cried, running for his mum up the stairs and out of the bake-house.

Nellie clenched her eyes tight, her heart ripping apart at the sound of Toby's pleads and sobs. Just when she thought she couldn't go through any more pain..

The cold blast of the night, hit Nellie hard. People were crowded around her shop while other officers informed the people of what was going on. Food and garbage was being thrown at her and Mr. Todd, along with profanities and curses. But all of that was the least of Nellie's worries, Toby was still following, crying until his young face was red.

"Mum! P-please! Don't go!" he yelled.

Nellie turned around, "I'm so sorry Toby," she whispered.

Mrs. Mooney grabbed Toby before he could follow further and Toby struggled, his eyes pleading. That was the last thing Nellie saw before she was tossed into one of the carriages and taken away.

Nellie sat in one of the benches at court, fiddling with her fingers. The past events of last night still playing behind her eyes like a trainwreck. She had to admit, no matter which way she looked at it, she was doomed. However on the bright side, at least she wouldn't go down alone. Still, the thought of withering on the end of a rope wasn't too inviting for her. She could imagine that for Mr. Todd, it was too tempting. After he killed his wife, what else would he live for? That was the only suited ending for him and Nellie felt no sympathy for the man. Hell, she couldn't feel anything since last night. That was the only solution; nothing to feel, nothing to hurt you.

Nellie glanced up, to see Mr. Todd standing behind the post, his expression bored and apathetic. Nellie shuddered, could this man feel nothing at all? Sure, that was her strategy but to actually witness someone who was completely immune to all feeling or emotion, was gut-wrenching. His face was cleaned up of the dried blood, although his white shirt was still stained of the Judge's blood. The new Judge sat high up on the stand, powdered face screwed up in disgust as he looked upon Mr. Todd's tedious expression.

"Mr. Sweeney Todd of Fleet Street. You are convicted for homicide of the honourable Judge Turpin, the virtuous Beadle - "

Nellie coughed back a laugh. Glancing a look at Mr. Todd who snorted, rolling his eyes.

" - two police men and many other men. Do you deny these crimes?"

"No at all your honour," Sweeney answered politely.

"And what do you have to say for yourself?" asked the Judge.

"Nothing that I lament sir. However, I would like to point out that although I admit credit for the murders. My work was not single-handedly done," he said.

Nellie narrowed her eyes, she was a fool to believe he would cover up for her.

"Do you mean Mrs. Nellie Lovett?" said the Judge.

"Yes sir. She was the one who suggested the idea to take the bodies I disposed of and make them into meat pies for a chance to heighten her failing business. Selfish and evil to the core, your honor. We were partners in crime and she is as guilty as I," Sweeney said, his lips twitching into a smug smile.

The Judge turned his ugly face to Nellie who met his stare equally, showing no fear. He cringed his face in disgust and turned back to Sweeney, "Did she take part in any of the killings?"

Don't I 'ave a say in this? Nellie thought furiously.

"Oh yes, a few. If the police men hadn't come in, she would have killed the young boy Toby," Sweeney answered.

Nellie opened her mouth, expression crazed. That little ...

"The pair of officers claimed that they came in to see you about to throw Mrs. Lovett into the open oven, do you deny it?"

"No your honour."

"Why would you do such a thing to your partner in crime?"

There was a pause, "She killed my wife."

That was the last straw, Nellie jumped to her feet, steaming mad. "You bloody liar! How dare ya?!" she shrieked.

The Judge banged his gavel loudly, as officers took hold of Nellie once again, shoving her back into her seat. Nellie panted, red in the face as she glared at Mr. Todd who smiled at her. "Order! Order!" yelled the judge.

Silence fell upon the court room.

"I have heard enough. The two of you have proven yourselves worthy to die a slow death at the end of a rope! Your actions have been looked upon in disgust and loathing. It would do me no higher pleasure to sentence you both to death right this instant!" he snarled.

Although his insults hurt, Nellie couldn't help but feel as if there was a "but" coming up.

"But, the fate of dying does not seem enough for you low creatures. Furthermore I have decided to sentence you both onto Isla de Cruces for life. Only the two of you," he said, grinning as he noticed Sweeney's eyes widening in surprise and my mouth dropping open.

"The lack of food or water should have you praying for salvation. Court is adjourned!" he finished, grinning his ugly teeth at the sight of our faces, and banged his gavel.

As the members of court exited the room, Sweeney stood in complete shock as Nellie bowed her head over the railing, covering her face with her hands. They remained that way until someone took Nellie's left arm and pulled her up. She kept her gaze onto the floor, completely numb, Sweeney right behind her. The sun stung her eyes as many people crowded outside, still Nellie kept her gaze on the floor, ignoring the jeers and praying that Toby wasn't here. She didn't want the poor boy to see her like this for the last time.

"Mum!" shouted the familiar voice of her angel.

Nellie stopped walking, Sweeney was loaded into the carriage the door slamming behind him and pulled off. Nellie turned to the officer, "Please, let me say bye to my son," she whispered, her eyes pleading.

The officer shook his head, "Carriage arrives soon."

"Please! I'll never see im again. Don't ya ave' a child? Ya must know wha' it feels like. This is all I'm askin' for, please," Nellie pleaded.

The officer sighed, "Make it quick."

"Thank ya," she whispered and turned, falling to knees as Toby ran into her open arms. She held him tight, savouring the moment, knowing it would be her very last. Nellie took his wet face between her palms and stared into his hazel eyes, "I'm so sorry for wha' I've put ya through Toby. All I wish now is for ya forgiveness," she said.

Toby nodded, "I love ya mum, of course I forgive ya."

Her bottom lip trembled, she didn't deserve his love at all. He should be angry with her. Instead, this angel was as devoted to her as the day they met. She kissed his forehead and ruffled his dark hair, "I wanna thank ya for warning me. I was stupid for not listenin' to ya love. I'll think of ya every moment I'm gone, but do me one favour, will ya?"

"Anythin'."

"I want ya to stay in the shop, I'll be back before ya know it. I promise," she whispered into his ear, "and we'll be able ta live together. Just the two of us, I promise ya."

Toby nodded, "I'll be here mum."

Nellie smiled, and the officer pulled her to her feet. "None of that dear, no more tears, alrigh'?"

Toby nodded and wiped them away, "I'll miss ya mum! And I'll neva forget ya! I promise!"

Nellie waved good-bye, the sounds of the jeering and boo's faded from her ears. They didn't matter, no one in the wide world mattered to her but Toby. Her guardian, her angel, her son. As the men shoved her into the awaiting carriage, she held her face against the mirror, keeping her eyes locked on Toby who ran to keep up with the carriage. Nellie blew him a kiss as her carriage pulled onto the dirt road, Toby falling from sight. She sighed and looked down at her bound wrists that were throbbing from the tight metal. She always dreamed of leaving London, but not this way.

Her carriage pulled to a stop after 15 minutes. Her door opened and she was pushed off the cart, tripping and falling face first onto the dock. Her nose burned, blood gushing from the wound. Two strong arms pulled her to her feet and led her to a large boat tied up at the harbour. Sweeney was already there, face blank as he stared into the ocean. Nellie kept her eyes off him, as the ramp was pulled out. She walked up the slope and onto the boat, Sweeney brushed past her, walking down the steps of the boat and disappearing into the darkness. Nellie was glad, she needed to be as far away as possible from that man. Her wrists burned and she fidgeted with her irons. Spending an eternity with the man who tried to kill her was not an option, and if he could escape Devil's Island, she could escape Isla Cruces without him.

FallingMidnight: That's the end of Chapter 1. Please tell me what you think! R&R!