Disclaimer: I don't own "Newsies"…all characters you don't recognize are my own.

Here's to the heroes,

Those few who dare;

Heading for glory,

Living a prayer.

Here's to the heroes,

Who change our lives.

Thanks to the heroes,

Freedom survives.

Here's to the heroes,

Who never rest;

They are the chosen;

We are the blest.

Here's to the heroes,

Who aim so high.

Here's to the heroes,

Who do or die.

Chapter One: A Funeral and a Threat

It was her turn to speak at the podium. Her heart started beating faster and faster at the thought of talking in front of all those people. She tried to stand, but her knees refused to hold her up. Then, a hand grabbed hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She turned to face the young man next to her, who gave her an encouraging smile and quickly squeezed her hand again before letting go. She smiled weakly back at him, and then stood up, her knees able to support her this time.

She climbed up the few steps on the side of the stage, and made her way to the podium in the very center, a few steps that seemed to last a lifetime. She placed the speech she had written only hours before in front of her, then gripped the sides of the podium with cold, sweaty hands. Looking out at the people in front of her caused her heart to pound fiercely again. She hardly knew any of these people! Then her gaze fell on the people in the first two or three rows, all of them smiling encouragingly at her, despite their own tears. They were her friends, and they were why she was up here…to speak for them the words that they all wished to say. A small bit of the fear that had been welling up inside her vanished; she took a deep breath and began.

"Jack Kelly was everybody's friend. He was loyal, kind, fun-loving, and smart. Everyone who knew him loved him, and he them, right to the very end." She glanced out to the crowds. A few people in the audience were crying, while Spot, Mush, and the rest looked very close to tears. She continued.

"But to me, he was my best friend. We shared so many wonderful times, as well as difficult times together. All the way from grade school to college, we were together. I lost track years ago of how many times Jack and I were caught and punished for some prank that we had put together." There was a ripple of laughter throughout the crowd. "I've also lost track of all the times he was there for me, but any time I needed a shoulder to cry on, he was there. Jack was closer than a brother to me. In some ways, he was my true love. Not in a romantic way, but we were closer than any best friends could be; we were never apart." Her voice became shaky as she continued. "It's hard to believe that he is gone, but we shouldn't dwell on it. Before he died, he told me that all he wants is to still be loved and remembered, but not mourned. Instead of mourning, let's keep him alive in our hearts, and remember the good times we had with Jack. So, now, before I leave his podium, I have one more thing to say: I love you, Jack, and always will, as will everyone who knew you. You were, truly, my hero." She grabbed her paper, took another deep breath, and made her way down the stairs. She had almost reached her chair when the side doors of the building burst open and a voice spoke, a voice that she recognized, which chilled her bones and caused her blood to freeze. She didn't even have to look to know who was speaking.

"Well, well, well…our beloved Jack Kelly's dead, is he? I always said he had it comin' to him. How come I wasn't told about the funeral? I would've liked to say a few words."

How dare he come here?! She turned to face him, fists clenched. "Get out, Oscar. Now," she told him through gritted teeth.

"Ah, little Riley, is that you? Tell me, how are you feeling now that our friend is dead? I wouldn't have expected anything different from him, he was too reckless."

Riley was furious. She began marching toward Oscar, preparing to punch that smile off his ugly face, but someone grabbed her hand and pulled her back. She turned around and glared reproachfully at Blink. He just shook his head.

"You're no match for him. He's just trying to get you upset. Don't fall for it," he whispered in her ear.

"Ah, I see you've picked up some of that recklessness. You still need people to keep you from getting in trouble, just like Jacky-boy. Only he didn't have someone to help him, before he died."

Oscar began slowly walking toward Riley and Blink. Mush stood up and blocked his way. They stared each other down for a few moments, then Mush spoke. "Get out. I've beaten you before, you know I can do it again. Leave, now."

"Oh I'm leaving, don't worry. But I'd like to tell one of you something real quick." He slowly walked down the row, examining each one of the friends, until he stopped at Riley. He put his mouth to her ear and whispered so that only she could her. "Don't think this is over. You all will pay for what your buddy did to my brother, understand? We'll be after you and your friends soon, let everyone know to beware; this has only begun." Then he turned back around, marched back across the row, and burst out of the double doors.

Everyone had been silent during the whole episode, and as soon as Oscar left, everyone began murmuring and questioning what had just occurred.

Mush quickly hopped up the stairs to the podium and spoke. "Please, everyone, may I have your attention! This service is over, please exit through the doors in the back. Thank you."

No one was given anymore time to discuss what had just happened, and the friends in the first few rows had just enough time to exchange knowing looks and exit the building together out of the doors Oscar had recently disappeared through.

A/N: Well, that's it for the first chapter…now it's time for the CASTING CALL! Okay, just send me either a private message or a review with the following information:

First and last name (either real or fake, doesn't matter):

Nickname:

Preferred newsie: (Note: you may have any newsie EXCEPT for Blink or Spot…dodges flying tomatoes and other strange objects sorry, those are already taken)

Basic features (eyes, hair, height, etc.):

Personality:

Any other things about your character you think I could use, such as hobbies, favorite things, etc:

Hurry and send that info to me so I can get started on the next chappy! Thanks much!

The Artful Dodger