Chapter 6: The Verdict

Here's part 2 of the trial of Lynn Loud Jr. This is where it is decided whether or not Lynn will go to jail. Of course, the family will do everything in their power to prevent that, but the opposing evidence against LJ just may be too much to overcome.

Again, since there were no complaints last time, I will continue to use the format I used in the last chapter, continuing the experimental changes that have been put in place as I have made progress with writing my story. Anyway, time to find out what verdict awaits the roughest of the Loud family, and what state the family will be in after the result of the trial.

Coach Henry prepared to tell the jury his account of events. Lynn hoped that for all his faults, he would at least be compelled to speak the truth within a court of law, under pressure from a judge, prosecution process, jury and oath.

"Henry Fredricks. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" Lynn's defending lawyer asked.

"Yes." the coach responded.

"Thank you, sir. I would like to start by asking you what role you played in Lynn gaining the possession of these performance enhancement drugs, and the effect they had on her behaviour and the resulting carnage?" the defending lawyer questioned.

"Well, to be honest. I would like to start off by stating that I do have some degree of fault in all this!" Henry replied.

Lynn raised her head in hope of what her baseball coach was about to say…

"I never should have allowed Lynn Loud into my baseball team in the first place! She's clearly unstable and mentally ill! I should have kicked her out long ago! If I have any fault in all this, that's where it lies!" the coach said.

And with that, Lynn's hopes were dashed.

"Well, that brings us to the next question. Did you give Lynn the sports performance drugs that were confiscated from her during the arrest?" the defending lawyer asked the coach.

"No!" Henry replied.

That simple yet dishonest response made Lynn's eye pupils shrink and her heart melt inside. Not only was Henry a snake, but he was also a compulsive liar and it looked to her like he was going to sabotage her chances of making it through the court case.

"Those enhancements were located in my car until one day, they were missing. I was test-trying them, as a man of physical activity myself, conservatively, as a favour to a friend. He stated they were perfectly fine as long as you don't overdose. That's likely what Lynn did. She stole them from me!" Henry told everyone present in the trial.

"*WHAT?!*" Lynn thought to herself as she heard lie after lie from the mouth of her coach.

"I think I brought it up after one session of practice for baseball. Lynn picked up on what I had said, and then behind my back, she stole my car keys when I wasn't looking, went into my vehicle, found the drugs and swiped 'em for herself!" Henry concluded.

"And do you have proof of any of these accusations?" the defending lawyer asked.

Henry was hesitant to answer that question, knowing he didn't, and that Lynn's defending lawyer was trying to catch him out…

"Well, I… I can't prove it with anything tangible. I didn't even think it could've been her! I trusted Lynn as a student and as a friend. She was my team's MVP, and she betrayed my trust!" coach Henry said as he tried to spin it to make Lynn sound like the bad guy instead of him.

"Oh, how convenient. No evidence whatsoever. Another thing, my client states you were keeping a watchful eye on her as she experienced the emotional turmoil from the drugs. She says she saw you at the scene of the crime when she was arrested by the police." the lawyer said.

"And you're talking to me about no evidence. No cops ever said they saw me there, just her. She would say that, wouldn't she?!" Henry responded.

"Leave the task of asking questions to us, sir." the lawyer answered back.

"That will be enough! You may stand down!" the judge said, intending to move on.

So, after that development, Lynn had yet another chunk of evidence in favour of the prosecution against her. As she unfortunately expected, Henry was going to lie to save his own skin and screw her over. She and her family knew the chances of her winning the case were slim to none.

The prosecutor then asked some of the witnesses to Lynn's fight from the neighbourhood to stand up and talk about what they saw, further weakening Lynn's chances. People who saw the fight from afar in their houses and front yards, who observed Lynn's instability and brutality at their worst. As all the evidence riled up against her, Lynn began to imagine bars surrounding her, and a sense of claustrophobia began to sink in as she feared being confined to a cell for the rest of her childhood years…

…soon enough, the judge believed a conclusion was nearing, and decided there was enough evidence against Lynn. He decided he would give her a fair, fighting chance, however.

"Okay, that's enough from the prosecution. Does the defendant have anyone else left to speak up on behalf of Lynn Loud?" the judge asked.

"Yes, she does. I would like to ask anyone from Lynn's family to stand up and answer a few questions." The defending lawyer stated.

The entire Loud family briefly bickered amongst themselves, as they decided who was best to go up and fight LJ's corner in front of the judge and jury. Then…

"Each of us would like a chance to speak." Lincoln announced to the judge and jury.

The entire family plus Lynn's defending lawyer all looked up at the judge to see if he would allow that…

"Very well. I will allow this, as long as each member of the family, considering its size, limits their piece to 3 minutes each." the judge declared.

"3 minutes? Is that all?!" Lynn Sr challenged.

"Enough! That is the best I can offer, so accept it or the offer expires!" the judge said.

And with that, each Loud briefly went up and said their part. To summarise, the basic point made by each member of the family in defence of their prosecuted sister could be boiled down to these sentences which they spoke during their allocated time slots…

"She's rough, rude and a bit gross, but she's also brave and means well. I should know a thing or two about hiding will meaning intentions behind a mean and dominant front." – Lori

"She's like totes super strong and would protect any of us from a bully or a thug!" – Leni

"Old Lynnsanity may be a bit rash and reckless, dudes, but I know her heart is pure." – Luna

"She may be a little Lynn-Sane, but she's certainly not Lynn-Sidious!" – Luan

"I've been on the receiving end of Lynn's violence before, and I know she can be a handful. But I also know she would never take it too far on her own and she is a good person when all is said and done!" – Lincoln

"Lynn is a ruffian, through and through, but she's always there to listen to me when I've got problems and she's always there for me." – Lucy

"Lynn's a really cool big sis. She's the most tolerant of my gross habits and we get on really well. I don't want her to get sent away." – Lana

"Well, to be honest, Lynn's a brute and a savage… who's also really cool and awesome!" Lola said as she realised half way through that her sentence wasn't going to paint Lynn in a good light.

"My sporty sibling is riddled with character flaws, but she is not the monster she's been described as today! For all her brawn, she has never severely hurt or injured any of us!" – Lisa

Because Lily obviously couldn't have a turn, it was then down to the parents…

"LJ is a handful to deal with and could do with turning down the extremeness once in a while, but she's a good kid who never meant to hurt anyone. She's had it hard at school and I think we owe her a second chance to show that she's not a bad kid." – Lynn Sr

"My daughter is a good person who deserves to walk free today! Whatever she did when she was on these drugs, I am sorry for everyone who was affected! But that's not the sort of person she is, and if you all give her a second chance, I know she won't let any of you down!" – Rita

After all the family had said their part, it appeared the trial was coming to a close. The judge began to speak as Henry sinisterly whispered into the ear of the prosecutor…

"We have heard plenty of evidence from both sides. Now I believe the time has come to allow the jury to come to a…" but the judge was then cut off mid-sentence.

"Judge! I have one more person I would like to call to the stand first." The prosecutor requested.

"Objection! The trial has come to a conclusion." The defending lawyer claimed, believing the evidence in support of Lynn to be slightly dominant at that point.

"Hang on, let's hear what he has in mind." the judge said.

"I would like to ask Lincoln Loud a few questions." The prosecutor continued.

Lincoln was then taken aback by that request. He knew Lynn's defendant was likely going to take an interest in asking him and his family questions. But the prosecutor? Moreover, why specifically him? Why was he so crucial to Lynn's trial?

"Son, if you don't go up there, Lynn's gonna go down for assault and abuse of drugs!" Lynn Sr told his son.

"Hold on, Lynn. He may not want to go up there. He's just a kid, and that prosecutor is going to try and mess with him!" Rita reasoned before standing up to question the judge.

"Your honour! I don't believe this is necessary! He's just a kid, and the prosecutor is going to mess with his head!" Rita told the judge as she raised her voice.

"If he doesn't speak, then the court will have reason to suspect something is being covered up, which may significantly affect the outcome of this trial." the judge told the worried parent.

"Mom. It's okay, I'll go." Lincoln declared as he boldly stood up and prepared to speak in front of the jury one last time.

"I'm so proud of you, son." Lynn Sr said to himself and Rita, trying to hold back a tear.

Lincoln Loud then bottled up any fear or intimidation he felt at that moment. He knew his sister and family were counting on him to go up and say what he needed to say. He walked up to the stand and braced himself for a moment of tension as the prosecutor prepared to ask him questions.

"Lincoln Loud, I need you to swear to tell the truth. You must be under oath while you answer the following questions." The prosecutor firmly told the boy.

Lincoln immediately complied, not intending on telling any lies anyway…

"I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." Lincoln Loud promised as he prepared to speak.

"Thank you. Lincoln, I would like you to tell me the kind of relationship you have with your sister, Lynn." The prosecutor asked him.

"Well, I, um…" Lincoln paused as he was ready to speak but then remembered he swore to tell the truth.

He didn't want to lie. It could get him into serious trouble. He was facing a dilemma as he wanted to help his sister make it through the trial, but he also didn't want to lie in court. He restricted himself for a moment, but then sucked up his fears and worries, and said his piece…

"My relationship with Lynn is complicated. I know she loves me, but I will admit that our bond isn't that straight forward. She's… rough, tough, a little bit gross, and rather violent and even a little scary." Lincoln admitted.

"So, you admit to everyone in this court that your sister, with or without the influence of steroid-like substances, is capable of aggressive and reckless behaviour?" the prosecutor asked.

Lincoln tried to think of a way to word what he was about to say for a moment…

"I suggest you answer me, Loud. Or else your sister's odds are going to be nil." The prosecutor told Lincoln.

"Okay, let me make this clear. Yes, Lynn can be trouble sometimes. She's been responsible for some uncomfortable moments for me. Anyone in the family would say the same, that yes, she has an aggressive, extreme competitive side. She can be selfish and yes, she can be reckless too!" Lincoln stated.

The coach then grinned in satisfaction as the prosecutor had managed to back the boy into a corner and make him admit the character faults of Lynn to the jury. He knew that a negative statement from a close family member was likely going to sabotage Lynn's chances of victory. He basically already had her beat.

But then Lincoln continued…

"BUT, in spite of every criticism I could make, here is what I need to stress, because I apparently didn't make this clear enough earlier…"

With that continuation, the spirits of Lynn and the family raised while the faces of the coach and prosecutor grew concerned. Lincoln was going to make it clear that he loved his sister and believed she was a good person, despite not being perfect.

"Lynn IS a good person. She's a great sister, in fact! When I needed help to get more active and take up football, Lynn took time out of her days to train me up so I could play, and then even played for me when I realised I wasn't up to the challenge. When Clyde and I went for an introduction to middle school, it was Lynn who did everything she could to help us make it through our first day. Her efforts were misguided, but she only wanted to make sure we didn't suffer the way she did! When I was being bullied, Lynn lead my other sisters and marched into my room, fully intent on helping me any way I could with my problem. She was even prepared to hunt down the bully for me when she thought some great big thuggish guy was after me! Everyone in my family, including me, has a whole laundry list of character flaws and imperfections. Nobody is perfect, after all, but I know that my sister Lynn is a genuinely decent human being behind all the roughness. She doesn't belong in juvie! She deserves another chance! She's been through a lot, and I don't think juvenile detention is necessary. I of all people could just say that she's a bully and a brute and she deserves to go away, but I don't believe that's the right thing to do. I think if we give her another chance to prove herself, she could be an outstanding person!" Lincoln boldly and confidently told everyone present.

"That will be all, Loud. Thank you." The annoyed and defeated prosecutor said, telling Lincoln to stand down.

"Oh, what a load!" The coach mumbled to himself, angry that Lincoln had potentially sabotaged his chances of getting Lynn locked up, as was his plan.

Everything had been said, all the evidence on both sides had been given. The only thing left was the verdict itself. Was Lynn going to be judged as guilty or not guilty? The Loud family all waited anxiously in a waiting room for the jury to privately discuss the matter and make their decision.

Even with Lincoln's heartfelt speech about Lynn's redeemable qualities and the necessity of giving her another chance, the odds were stacked in favour of the prosecution. Coach Henry convincingly lied about Lynn stealing the enhancement drugs from him, while the battered kids, their parents and witnesses of the fight all had very harsh if justifiable criticisms to say about the passionate sports girl. The family could only wait for the final outcome to be reached…

…after some time, everyone returned to the room. The Louds, the coach, and Lynn all waited for the decision to made official.

"It is time to conclude this trial. Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked, before turning to face one lady who stood up and spoke on behalf of them.

That lady then began to speak…

"Yes, your honour. We, the jury, have decided that Lynn Loud Junior is…"

All faces looked on in fear and worry as she prepared to give the all-important verdict…

"GUILTY!"

All the Loud's faces dropped at that moment of hearing an earth-shattering word be spoken out loud. To them, that was like hearing that Armageddon was about to happen.

"NO!" cried Lincoln.

"Oh my gosh!" Leni blurted out.

"No, you can't take my daughter away!" Lynn Sr told the court, with visible tears forming.

"Don't worry, doofus! You got plenty more where she came from!" Coach Henry yelled from across the room as he tried to rub it in.

"Silence! Lynn Loud Junior, for your crimes of assault, possession and abuse of a dangerous substance, and for aggressive and unsocial behaviour, I sentence you to a year in a juvenile detention centre!" the judge concluded.

Lynn Jr could do nothing but hang her head down in shame. She had lost, and her family had lost her…

…and the worst thing was, it was all her fault.

With that, all that was left was for Lynn to be taken away and escorted to vehicle that would transport her to juvie, where she would spend the next year.

She began her walk of shame as a small team of local police officers came to take her away. She now had to face all the onlookers as she, a criminal in the eyes of the municipal court, was put into isolation. It was not only embarrassing and degrading for herself and the legacy of her family, but it was terrifying, having all those judgemental faces pass glares in her direction as she slowly but surely made her unfortunate exit…

As she was walked out, she passed her family, and looked them in the face one last time before she was gone. They all looked incredibly sad and depressed, as one would expect considering the circumstances. They felt a great loss as the realisation set in that they were returning home without one of their own. The Loud House would be one less Loud for the foreseeable future.

As Lynn left the sight of her loved ones for the last time in quite a while, she turned back around to face them, and look them in the eyes. Her saddened and sorrowful look said it all. She was sorry for what she had done, what she'd put them through, and the fact that they were losing her. She then walked away, leaving her loved ones to dwell and grieve.

Lincoln, having felt guilty for not lying in order to save his sister, tried to apologise, despite having done nothing wrong.

"I'm sorry, guys. It's just that I swore an oath and I had to tell the truth." Lincoln apologetically told his family.

"Son, we don't blame you for any of this. You did the right thing. You told the truth, you couldn't lie! We all did the best we could for little LJ. It just wasn't enough this time." Lynn Sr reassured his son, whilst reflecting on the sad fact that his daughter was lost.

"I can't believe it, I'm going to be alone at night in my room… and not in a good way." Lucy said.

Lynn Sr began crying as Rita supported him with a hug, letting his sobbing head rest against her. The siblings just looked down as they felt the tragic loss that they had suffered.

One of their own was gone, and for a very long time…

Lincoln was saddened, same as the rest, but there was another thought in his head at that moment, running parallel with the sense of loss he shared with his family.

"I don't understand! Why would that coach do this to Lynn? She was a star player for his team and a valuable asset to him. Why would he be so hell bent on sabotaging her career, lying to the court, and getting her locked up?! I don't understand why he would do this, but I'm going to find out!" Lincoln told himself, wanting to do whatever he could to help his family and sister.

But while the Loud family was in ruins, Coach Henry walked outside the building, rejoicing in the outcome. He managed to get Lynn sent to prison, and he came out without consequences. He then decided to pull out his phone and make a call…

"Hello, sir. The plan worked perfectly. Yes, Lynn Loud Junior is coming straight to you as we speak! Your idea of getting me to tell the prosecution to make that Lincoln kid speak was genius! It's all gone perfectly!" Henry said with a devilish smile.

He had done exactly what he was supposed to, and someone was clearly very happy with his dirty work.

Well, that's the end of the beginning, as the setup has been completed. Lynn Loud Jr has been deemed guilty of her crimes. Now she's going to jail, or juvie. To be fair, considering the title and narrative premise of this FanFiction, the verdict was probably obvious to some readers, but the importance is usually in the detail as much as anything.

Anyway, this is really only the start. Next time, the beginning of Lynn's time inside will be shown, as this will be a significant part of the overall story, and it will lead to bigger and more dire eventfulness down the line. But to find out about all that, you'll need to keep coming back for a read. This story is likely going to be over 20 chapters in length by the time it is done. So, there is still a lot more to go as far as Two Peas is concerned.

Thanks to those who have kept reading this far. Your support means a lot. Any feedback, provided it is constructive and reasonable, is always welcome. I will defend my story, but I am not against the use of reasonable criticism from my followers. The fact that I've made a minor but constant change to my story's format shows as much. Anyway, see you guys soon with another chapter. Shouldn't be too long before I get chapter 7 up.