Disclaimer: I own nothing…not even this computer.

Summary: so basically this is a 'what if' story. This what if is basically 'What if Keith never talked Whitey into having Lucas play basketball for the team.' And the story will start during the shooting but it will be some other kid who is the shooter.

New character: Kent: He is Peyton's boyfriend. Also he is Nathan's friend. He also befriended Lucas.

Ships: LP (crush): Since he never dated her he still has the crush

BN: Peyton and Nathan broke up for a final time so these to hook up. Peyton, not too happy about it.

Eventual Ships: BL: I believe they are meant to be.

NH: Always and forever baby!!

Never injure a friend, even in jest

Mark Twain once wrote 'The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.' I am not that man. I am Lucas Scott. My father left my mother for my brother's mother before I was born. My mother and I have been shunned from Tree Hill thanks to Dan. The only reason we stay is because of my uncle, Keith. He has been there for me more than anyone I know. Of course I do have the guys from the river court and I cannot forget my best friend Haley James, but right now, at this moment, all I really want is Keith and to get everyone to safety.

Lucas Scott was looking into a barrel of a gun. The man holding it was Craig Dalton. Lucas only knew him because Mouth and Jimmy used to hang out with him at the arcade and he would sometimes be at the river court. 'Thank god they got out' Lucas thought. However the people in there weren't too lucky. Those people were Peyton Sawyer, Kent Clark, Haley James, Brooke Davis, and Lucas' brother Nathan Scott.

"So Luke, it's been awhile since I've seen you. Is your game still good?" Craig was sweating and shaking with the gun in his hand.

"Craig man, why don't you put down the gun and we can talk." Lucas was motioning for him to put the gun down, but it only got Craig even madder.

"HOW ABOUT I JUST SHOOT YOU!" He then pauses and gets an evil grin. "No that would be too juvenile." He points the gun at Haley. "What about Hales?"

Nathan spoke up. "Hey man why don't you just let everyone go." Nathan looks like he is getting heated so Brooke holds him down.

"Wow Nathan, is someone trying to be a hero?" Craig laughs. "Did you know we have 4 classes together. How about if you name TWO of the classes I will let half of the people go." Nathan looks down ashamed. "Yea I guess that would be hard to answer especially since we are partners in SCIENCE and just an hour ago we were in WORLD HISTORY. I sit in front of you. You throw paper wads at my HEAD." Haley, Kent, and Lucas look at Nathan with shock and disgust. Brooke puts her head down since tears are going down her face. But Craig notices her.

"Miss Davis, am I upsetting you? Here is a question for you then. If you can tell me my Last name…then I won't shoot your boyfriend." He points the gun at Nathan. Now Brooke cant get out a single word because she is crying too loud so Haley steps in.

"Your last name is Dalton. We have Art, French, and Study Hall together. You used to help me with tutoring, and in the 6th grade you knew Quantum Physics." She breathes in and out and wipes away a tear. "You are the nicest guy I know, so please tell me why? Why are you doing this?

Craig couldn't believe what he is hearing. "Why? Because of people like you and me, even Lucas. We get thrown in the corner because of people like them." He looks at every one else. "Someone needs to take a stand." Craig then looks at Kent. "Of course there are those few near perfect individuals who can play nice with just about everyone." Kent just shakes his head. "Do you have something to say Kent?"

"Actually yeah, you can kill everyone in here. And nothing is going to change. The jocks will still be popular and the kids on the side lines will always be outcasts. It's life after high school that matters. You think Nate and I are always going to be basketball players? We'll probably end up working for you in 20 years."

"That seems very unlikely, since I've lost 3 credits." Craig was pushing his hair back with his hands wile pacing.

"What happened?" Lucas asked curiously. He didn't know Craig all that well but he knew he was like 3rd in his class.

"I ODed on my mom's pills." Lucas looked shocked. "I was in the hospital for three weeks."

"I'm really sorry Craig." Lucas said genuinely.

"No your not. You didn't even come and visit. But don't beat yourself up over it. No one else did either." He was pacing even faster. "Just one person would have been nice. Just one…" Tears were coming down Craig's face. Then a smile came on his face. It wasn't an evil smile it was a warm soft smile. "I remember in the eighth grade Jimmy Mouth and I would go to the arcade and Nathan would come and pick on us." Craig glared at Nathan but kept talking "Lucas you would always stand up for us. But lately you act like you haven't really cared.

Lucas didn't know what to say. Ever since Kent stood up to Nathan last year, Nathan had stopped picking on him and his friends.

Flashback

Lucas and the guys were playing an intense game of Basketball when Nathan and his friends came swirling in his SUV to the River Court. His arm was around Peyton since they were dating back the, but she didn't seem too pleased to be there. Skills was the first to speak from the River Court guys.

"Hey man, we don't want any trouble, so why don't you leave." Skills was trying to be as nice as possible, even though everyone knew he had hated Nathan since the 7th grade when Nathan spilled his milk all on his pizza in the cafeteria.

"Us want trouble?" Nathan took the ball and made a shot. It went in. "Wow, I'm good." Nathan was high fiving his best friend Tim. "So Lucas, how about some one on one." Nathan passed the ball to Lucas, but he didn't get it. Nathan chuckled at this "See what I tell ya? He is a zombie." Nathan got the ball again and passed it even harder; this time Lucas caught the ball. But Nate wasn't impressed "Wow, he caught the ball!! He should play for the Ravens." All of Nates friends were laughing, and everyone except Peyton and Kent. Though Kent did speak up.

"Hey Nate dude, lay off. Lets just go." Everyone was shocked that he even spoke up. Peyton wasn't just shocked she was amazed.

"Excuse me, Superman?" Nate and everyone called Kent Superman because of his name.

"Lets just go dude. We don't always need to hate Lucas." Kent was trying to get Nate to get into the SUV, but Nate wasn't budging.

"So what Kent, you and Lucas best friends." Nate was getting mad. "No wait, are you 2 dating. Is he your prom date?" Lucas stepped in now

"You should leave." Lucas didn't want to start a fight, but he knew Nate did.

"Really? Well since we are talking about what we should do; you should go get your mom and leave. And hey maybe while your gone she can go find you a daddy. Since she's probably used up everyone here." At that moment all of the blood rushed to Lucas' head and trampled Nate to the cement. Tim was yelling 'fight, fight, fight'. Skills went rushing to get Luke off Nate, but Kent pulled Lucas off and instead of yelling at Lucas, he yelled at yelled at his brother.

"Nate if you so much as look at Lucas or any of his friends so help me god I will kick your ass so hard its gonna hurt to sit down" Kent was starting to calm down. "Nate, you're not your dad so walk away."

"Fine, but your walking home" Nate took Peyton by the waist and waved his hand so his friends will follow. In minutes the SVU was racing down the street.

"Hey thanks man." Lucas brought out his hand and Kent shook it. Everyone thought Kent and Nathan were through being friends, but within days they were joking around and partying with each other. Nate occasionally would make a crack at Lucas, but he never bothered any of his friends. Except for Craig Dalton.

End Flashback

"Craig it doesn't have to be this way." Lucas was now standing up since he noticed that Craig was sitting down and seemed a little calmer.

"Luke things have to change. I cannot…" He paused for a breath. "I cannot go through this world being ignored." Nate and Kent were now standing up. Nate spoke up first.

"Craig, I'm…I'm sorry for the way I treated you. Why don't you keep me and let everyone else go." For the first time in Nathan's life he was so genuine. But Craig didn't see it that way.

"No because when we get out of here I'm going to be the bad guy and you…you'll be the selfless jock." Craig raised his gun and fired a bullet. Kent was the only one who had time to react and he pushed Nathan out of the way and got hit in the side. There was a moment of pure silence no one could move. Peyton rushed to his side.

"Oh my god!" She screamed "What did you do?" Nate went next then Lucas, then everyone else came to him. Craig was trembling. He had just shot a man. His body became tranquil as he walked out of the class room with gun in hand. Haley saw this and walked to go get him. He walked to the doors to the outside, and turned around to say goodbye. When he stepped out side he started taking out his gun, but before it was all the way out, shots were fired. And Craig Dalton went to the ground.

Next: Kent is in the hospital in a coma. You find a little more about Peyton and Brooke and how they have a strained friend ship. Also Mouth's reaction with all of this.

A/N: tell me if you like it so far. Give me suggestions also.