Chibiyu: For all of you that were wondering how I got Nick to say what he did in last chapter, I told him I would not write the last sentence or hold Frankie Hostage. What can I say, I am evil.

Nick: Never trust her.

Chibiyu: Oh hush now.

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()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~()~~~~~~() KEVIN'S POV

"Hello?" Joe called.

"Joe?" Nick's voice shook with fear.

"Nick?"

"Joe…I'm in jail for murder."

KEVIN'S POV

We all paled in color, except for Leon who smiled in delight.

"I swear I didn't do anything!" Nick continued his voice high in panic and fear. "I…I was walking in the park and there were police surrounding my house so I went over and they arrested me for killing Leon…I swear I didn't do it!" Nick said, begging for us to believe him and Leon chuckled softly in the background. How did he do this?

"Nick…" I started but then Leon put his finger on the trigger. "I…I don't believe you." Silence answered my statement and I sat down, hating myself for those simple 4 words that obviously shattered Nick's heart.

"Kevin?" He asked quietly, his voice shaking more than ever. "Please…you…know I…I'm not a killer." He whispered, pleading, trying to make me understand what I already did.

Joe opened his mouth as Leon pushed the gun closer to Frankie's temple and he pulled out a note card and threw it to Joe who caught it and turned green, but he repeated the words anyway, a look of pure heart break on his face. "If you're not a killer Nick, than why did you try and kill yourself?" Joe instantly collapsed next to me and I put my arm around him as he shook with silent sobs.

"J..Joe?" Nick stuttered and we could hear his tears. "Please…I…I…I wouldn't." He whispered and Joe looked up again and stood, looking like he'd rather die than finish reading the note card.

"You would." He whispered and he ended the call and collapsed next to me again, sobbing openly and Leon laughed and pulled Frankie to the door.

"Good boys. Now, stay away from the trial tomorrow and if you tell anyone I am alive…" He smirked, letting the threat hang before he forced Frankie out the door.

"Wait! Frankie, we'll get you safe Tank, I promise." I told Frankie, who nodded but looked rather brave.

"What about our brother?" He asked us and I was confused. "What about Nick?"

NICK'S POV

I walked numbly to an empty cell and they pushed me in and I sat on the hard cot, staring at my bound hands, unable to process this. How could they not believe me? I was their brother! They know me! Yes, I've often thought of a life without Leon, but Joe was there when I pulled a knife to his throat and I wasn't able to act more. Kevin was there when we came across a bird with a broken wing while we were on tour and he and I took care of it on his bus until it was ready to be released again. They know I could never stomach killing. They knew I had nightmares of them being dead and I was afraid of the dead. They knew I would never…and yet…why?

I was now alone, physically and mentally. Leon was dead and my own family did not believe me. There was no one to help me, no shoulder to cry on, no one to tell me it would be ok. Maybe it was because I would not be ok, not after this. Or maybe it was because they wanted a less complicated life, with me out of it. My mom abandoned me before in that god forsaken park and maybe now she was doing it again; making sure that this time it was permanent. No, I didn't even talk to her on the phone and she seemed too real, too caring to do that to me. But then why? Leon was dead so he couldn't threaten them so maybe it was one of his colleagues? No…Leon liked to work alone…

I looked up from my hands and to the shadows on the walls and shuddered, remembering the countless amount of nights I would stare at the shadows and wish they would reach out and bring me to their world; the world of death. But tonight, I wanted them to stay away, I wanted to suffer alone. It was my punishment for dragging Joe and Kevin into my mess of a life. And it felt worse than hell.

My heart was broken, all lines keeping me from falling over the edge of my mind and into insanity had snapped; Diane's, Amanda's, Joe's, and Kevin's, all were gone. Only I was facing this trial, but the judge did not determine my freedom, but whether I died with a friend, or died alone. The trial of heart, of mind, of soul and of bonds. So far, I've failed all but one and that last one, the trial of bonds, was almost lost.

I still had hope, but very little. My own family believes me a murderer but Diane would see that I am not…But I told her months ago to stay away from me…I hope she ignores those words now because I need someone. But what if no one can? What if my heart remained in isolation? I would surly go mad and die mad and broken and alone…just like Leon wanted. But Leon wasn't alive to kill me anymore and Joe and Kevin were now safe…that was the light in this dark abyss. Meager as it was, it was a still a light that cast away a miniscule portion of the darkness that shrouds my heart. It was enough for right now, to keep me alive in this horrid place, enough to preserve what little sanity I had, enough to keep hope.

I looked over to the door as I heard a loud yell and sob and suddenly, everything around me hit me like an explosion. The cries of the innocent and the guilty, the yells of the scared and angry, the silence of the confused and convicted. All happened around me and I shivered from the loud chorus of noise and the lack of heat in the barren cells. I watched a guard pass and I heard many shouts for him to let them out and he walked by my cell again and stopped, looking at me and I looked back, letting the fear and innocence show in my eyes and his eyes softened as he shook his head before walking on.

I am innocent; I didn't kill him. I am innocent; I didn't kill him. I am innocent; I didn't kill him. I didn't do it. I could never do it.

If only thoughts could keep me company, if only they could keep me sane.

JOE'S POV

I hated myself and I hated Leon. He played us right into his hands and now Nick was alone in jail and facing murder charges even though we knew he was innocent. And we couldn't do a thing! Leon called us late last night and told us to watch a television station at 7 am, so that is what we all did, missing the company of two very important members of the Lucas family.

"Nate Grey, teenage singing sensation or murderer? I'm Lisa Lisp reporting from 8 Actions News at the trial for Leon Grey's murder. It was reported by the police that investigated the scene that Nate Grey was walking back to the scene of the crime when they found him and they arrested him for his father's murder. According to new information, Nate's finger prints were all over the weapon used to kill Mr. Grey and now, live and the State Court House, Nate stands trial for murdering his father. According to officials, the evidence is enough to deny Nate his rights from the constitution because they will not take any chances on letting an alleged murderer running loose. "

This is so sick and wrong. We watched fans parade around the hall, each holding a sing that read "Let Nate go!" and all of them were chanting it and a few screamed things like "He's not a killer!" and "Nate, we are all behind you!" If only they knew Nate wasn't his real name. But I was with those girls and so were all of the Lucas's. We were all sitting and waiting, watching and praying.

The court house suddenly flooded into view and I wondered how it was legal to show this on TV…and then I realized it was Leon. I've never hated anyone more than I do him.

DIANE'S POV

I sat in the back of the courthouse, only able to gain entry by showing the guard…that does not need to be said. But I was in and I stood with the others, watching the judge and jury walk in, Leon's lawyer and Nick's and finally, Nick himself was led into the stand. He sat straight and raised his gaze, scanning the audience and looking surprised by the cameras…wasn't that illegal? His eyes found mine and I smiled at him and he looked away. I've never seen him look so alone, so vulnerable. I looked around and saw no familiar faces, no Joe or Kevin, no Lucas family member at all. So he was alone in this…but that doesn't mean he is any less innocent. He swore on the bible to only tell the truth, but would anyone believe it when they heard it?

"Nicholas Grey, that is your full name, is this correct?" The judge asked Nick and Nick nodded.

"Yes Sir." He said, his voice carrying clearly and I was surprised to hear it have a hint of a shake in it.

"Alright. Leon Grey's Lawyer, Mr. Dobson, and Nick's lawyer, Mrs. Tannibum, please approach the bench." They did so. "Now, have you discussed who has the open floor?"

Nick's lawyer smiled and answered and Leon's sat back down. "Nicholas, why were you in the park the night you were arrested?" She asked kindly and Nick took a deep breath.

"I was taking a walk to clear my head." He answered and she nodded.

"Now, I understand you were not staying at Leon's house that night, were you?" She questioned.

Nick shook his head. "I was staying with my friend's, Joe and Kevin Lucas for the three days I have off my tour so Leon could get more work done." He replied, his voice soft, but it still carried well.

"And that night, you were taking a walk coming from your friend's house alone. Why were you alone?" His lawyer inquired and Nick looked down.

"I overheard them talking about me and I needed to cool off, to be alone for awhile." Nick answered and his lawyer nodded.

"Did you enter Leon's house on your walk?" Nick looked up at her question.

"No, I did not."

Mrs. Tannibum smiled. "No more questions."

Now it was Leon's Mr. Dobson's turn. Time for the devil's statement.

He looked to the judge, to the audience and to his opponent before he stood and walked to the center. "Like my worthy opponent, I too have a few questions but unlike her, I have evidence, witnesses and two photos. I will start with the questions. Nicholas," He said turning abruptly to said teen who calmly met his gaze. "Joe and Kevin Lucas, are they here to confirm you are staying with them?"

Nick did not even look to the audience. "No, they are not."

"And why do you think that is?" Mr. Dobson pressed and Nick looked saddened but confused.

"I have no idea but my guess is they did not want the publicity." He said no lie in his eyes and Mr. Dobson smiled.

"Or maybe they knew. But suggesting that is unprofessional so I apologize." Mr. Dobson announced loudly with a very fake smile. "Nicholas, is it true that your walk so between the hours of 7:42 pm to your arrest at 8:50 pm?"

"Yes Sir." Nick answered after a second of thought.

"So, did you enter your house between the time of 8:26 and 8:39 pm?" Mr. Dobson asked.

"Objection!" Mrs. Tannibum yelled, standing up and all eyes went to her.

"Overruled." The judge said and he gestured for Nick to respond.

"No Sir, I did not enter the house at all." Nick evenly stated and Mr. Dobson smirked before walking to his table and pulling a picture out of a manila folder. He held the picture to the audience, then to Mrs. Tannibum, to the judge and then to Nick, whose eyes widened in confusion and shock and I gasped. It was a doctored photo of Nick entering his house, looking over his shoulder and glaring at something unseen.

"Evidence says that you did." Mr. Dobson stated. "And if that is not enough for you, I have two witnesses, including the one that took this picture, if your Honor allows them to stand and speak." Mr. Dobson loudly said and the judge nodded and the Bailiff took Nick from the stand and he sat next to his lawyer while a women sat in his place.

"Full Name please."

"Marie Jane Hughes." The women said with confidence and the Judge told her to tell her story. "I was walking in the park, for my daughter and I had a fight and I saw Nick walking right up to the house and for some reason, his posture scared me. I hid behind a tree and I saw his face as he looked over his shoulder, it was filled with rage and hate and he entered the house with purpose around 8:25 pm. I was afraid and curious, so I stayed in my hiding spot and watched the door, only hearing silence. He came out 20 minutes later, a completely different person from when he walked in; he was pale, shaking and terrified and he ran from the house and right passed me and I saw blood on his hands." Marie told everyone and the jury stirred and Nick glanced at them, rather fearfully. Marie was excused and a man took her place.

"Full name please?"

"Horton Jeffery Frankfort." He replied and launched into his story with speed and a hint of nerves, but I could see passed his facade; he was thrilled to be convicting the innocent. "I was walking around the park for my job. I am a photographer and I love nightscapes but I saw Nate Grey and I thought I would make money off of a good picture of him, so I took a few, including the one Mr. Dobson has. I left after he went inside around 8:30 pm." Horton quickly summed up and he was free to go and Nick was escorted back up to the stand and he looked paler than before with terror peeking through his eyes.

"Nicholas, do you still deny that you entered the house?" Mr. Dobson asked.

Nick took a deep breath before answering. "I do deny what is false. I did not enter that house." He said calmly and some of the jury members looked thoughtful while the others shook their heads. I knew Nick saw them and I also knew he saw the evil smirk Mr. Dobson gave him.

NICK'S POV

I was terrified, confused and utterly alone. I was innocent and yet everyone thought I wasn't. Even with his death, I was still Leon's favorite thing to torture. I was still a caged bird with no means of flying. But I was just better than most at hiding it. But how long could I keep it in? How long would it be before I snapped and dived into insanity?

Mr. Dobson returned to the desk and pulled out another picture and showed it to everyone but me and finally, he turned to me, smirking slightly and I cursed Leon as my heart dropped in recognition. It was my old savior, my old friend, my old knife; the one Kevin took from me a lifetime ago. The same object that used to 'help' me was now my doom.

"Do you recognize this knife Nicholas? It is the weapon that Leon's murderer killed him with. And do you know what else? It was covered in not only Leon's blood, but your finger prints as well." He paused and looked to me. "Do you know this knife?"

I nodded. "I do sir." I responded, not nearly feeling as calm as I sounded as everyone seemed to hold their breaths.

"Then tell me, why were your fingerprints all over it?" Mr. Dobson asked and I looked down, biting my tongue. How can I tell the world what I did with that knife? How can I tell them what I've been doing for years to save myself? "No answer? Well then, I will answer myself." Mr. Dobson raised his voice until he was yelling in what sounded of triumph and I felt a fire ignite and start fighting against the worry and fear the dominated my heart. "This teen used this knife and drove it straight through his father's heart. He IS the killer. He IS a liar. HE IS GU…"

I stood and yelled out. "This is why my prints are on that knife! This is how I know it!" I nearly screamed, forcing up my sleeve and silence rang as everyone's jaw dropped and cameras zoomed in on my arms. "This is what I used that knife for, but I didn't kill him." I lowly said, my voice shaking and I felt tears rising but I held them down as I met everyone's gaze, Diane's, Mrs. Tannibum, the Judge, the Jury, and Mr. Dobson, who was starring at my arm in pure astonishment.

"P…Permission to approach the stand your honor?" He stuttered and the Judge grated him it and he walked shakily over to me and starred at my arm and looked to me, hand half raised and I bit my lip and nodded jerkily. He very lightly skimmed his fingers over the scars, making sure they were real and he withdrew as if stung. "No more questions."

Mrs. Tannibum stood and I sat, breathing hard at what I've just done and shocked at my own daring. But it worked. It may have saved me.

"Nick…why?" Mrs. Tannibum asked, looking at the scars and I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before starting and opening them. The truth would set me free but it had never been so hard to tell, never so hard to cast of the chains of lies Leon held me down with. But tonight, I held the key, tonight, I would be free.

"Leon." I shortly answered to the silence. "When he adopted me ten years ago, I was happy but things changed when his wife died. He changed and I grew up. In this year alone I've been abused physically, mentally…and sexually." I looked to my hands, having whispered the last part but somehow, everyone heard. "For the longest time, doing this to myself, cutting, has been the only way to help and for as long as I can remember, it was the only thing I could do. But recently, I've stopped for good because I figured out its not the only thing anymore and that causing myself pain to numb the ache I held inside, was stupid and it only hurt more than helped. So yes, I was a cutter and yes, that was my knife, but it's not anymore and it hasn't been for six months." I finished, looking out to the crowd, feeling my bravery die at their disgusted looks but I held the gaze of a very proud one and I managed a small smile and Diane smiled back.

"Nick…" I looked over to the quiet voice of Mrs. Tannibum. "Did you want him gone?" She asked and I sighed.

"Everyday. But I didn't do it; even if I held the knife to his throat, I wouldn't have done it. I'm not that kind of person." I told everyone and Mrs. Tannibum smiled and I looked down to my knees, holding the turmoil of emotions from my face as best as I could, but I knew I was failing.

"Your honor, I would like to suggest a recess." Mrs. Tannibum asked.

"Two hours." The judge stated and he left and I was ushered into an empty room, to wait, with a silent Mrs. Tannibum by my side. I found myself wishing for Joe and Kevin's company, but then I remembered they believed me to be guilty.

KEVIN'S POV

Mom and dad exclaimed in terror as Nick showed the world his scars and told his story. I could almost hear Leon saying "Checkmate." The news cast ended and the review and gossip of it started but I turned it off, already feeling sick about what Nick had to do and what people were already saying about him. The door burst open and Mom yelled out and we all came running to see Frankie, unharmed, and clinging to mom.

"Joe?" He whispered and Joe knelt in front of him and hugged him.

"Yeah Tank?" he asked quietly.

Frankie looked up. "He wants you to leave and go to Nick. I don't know why but if you don't do it he's gonna kill Nick."

Joe was out the door in less than ten seconds.

JOE'S POV

I got to the court house quickly and was only held up at the door Nick hid behind because the guard told me there was only to be one visitor at a time. I waited impatiently, needing to talk to Nick, to tell him it was all a lie, but I knew that would be exactly what Leon wanted but I didn't care! I would not die his enemy!

Someone knocked on the other side and the guard checked through the door hole and let out someone I did not expect to see; Diane. She glared coldly at me and poked me hard in the chest, tears in her eyes.

"You'd better make this right." She turned and walked away without another word and I walked it with a heavy heart and faced Nick.

"Nick…"

"You bastard."

Chibiyu: Honestly, in Nick's position, what would you have said? Until Next Update, aka last chapter that is not the epilogue.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STICKING WITH THIS STORY UNTIL THE END! YOU ALL ARE AWESOME!!!