Sleeping through the pain [S1-The killers curse]

Episode Two: The silent funeral

"Dear Reaper, my first deed has been done, no one suspects a thing. Who do you think should be next?"

Hal Cooper, the first of many to lose their life from the new evil emerging in Riverdale. Unfortunately, this death would spark many more. The second Betty and Kevin saw the body of Betty's father, the rampage of evil had begun, and the very little innocence that remained in Riverdale was quickly destroyed.

Today was the first day of term three, and as Archie, Veronica and Jughead were heading to school, they were quickly sucked into the darkest of mysteries from just one look. They all turn and see something that will haunt them forever, Betty's house, swarmed with officers and police tape over everything. And just when they thought things couldn't get any worse, a body bag was taken out of the once sweet and kind home. "What the hell is going on?" Veronica states at an officer as the group stares in shock at the house.

"Hal Cooper was shot in the face ten times, killed straight away. The killer got away before we could catch them, and the gun's gone too." The Officer says toughly, almost as if it didn't bother him to the slightest. "Oh my god." Jughead says as the group try their hardest to comprehend the situation. "Well is Betty ok? And her brother and Mom?" Archie asks anxiously. "The mother and brother are fine, they weren't at the house when it happened. As for Betty, she was upstairs with this Kevin kid when Hal was shot. They were the ones who called the police, so yes, they are both safe and sound." The officer states, making the group sigh with relief.

"Well where are they?" Veronica asks, tears welling in her eyes from fear. "They are staying with the mayor and her daughter Josie for the time being. They may have to be there for a week or two." The officer continues. "Somehow, both Betty and Kevin have insisted that they still come to school today. Also, if you know anything about this incident please report to sheriff Keller straight away. Now, this is a crime scene, so, move on." The officer says ushering the group away.

"I can't believe it, Hal's actually dead. And yet now another murder to add to Riverdale's dark and gruesome history." Jughead mutters. "Guys, we have to do something about this right?" Archie says. "We can't just let this killer get away with what they did. We have to avenge Mr Cooper!" Veronica says bravely, stomping her heel on the ground in power. "I agree, but how can we even get any clues or information? That officer back there literally just said there's no way to find out who did it!" Jughead states. "I'm sure we can find something. Or I'm not a Lodge." Veronica replies strongly as they approach Riverdale high.

"Welcome back students! I hope you're all excited to start off a new term! And what better way to start off the term than a pop quiz and assignment!" The math teacher, Mr Williams says cheerfully as the students walk into class slowly and sit at their desks. But as for Cheryl, Archie, Veronica, Jughead, Toni and Josie, it's nothing but love and support for Kevin and especially Betty. "Oh my god, Betty I'm so so so sorry." Veronica says, tears flowing down her cheeks as she hugs her best friend tightly. "Yeah, if there's anything we can do for you, just ask." Toni says solemnly. "Thanks everyone, I'm okay. Can I just ask one favour?" Betty asks the group. "Of course!" Josie replies. "Ca-can you guys come to my Dad's funeral? I need a bit of support." Betty asks tiredly. "Of course we will! We're always going to be there for you!" Veronica replies straight away, hugging her friend once again. "Thanks guys." Betty says smiling as the group does one big hug.

A few hours later, in the middle of yet another math lesson, Mr Williams speaks up to the class. "Okay everyone, I would like you all to meet our newest student, Caleb!" Mr Williams exclaims, flinging his arms towards the door, making all of the students turn their heads in that direction. And in a matter of seconds later the door swings open and Caleb steps into the classroom, his eyes fixated on Cheryl and Toni. "What is he doing here?" Cheryl whispers across from her desk to Toni. "I dunno, he must just be starting the term with us. Maybe his family moved here or something?" Toni answers, still confused. "So everyone please make him feel welcome as he will only be with use for the term. Is there anything you would like to tell the class Caleb?" Mr Williams asks. "Well, nothing really, it's just great to be here and I hope to get to know each and every one of you." He says strangely smiling.

Later that day everyone began to arrive at Hal's funeral, the shock from the murder was still very evident in the air. "I'm very sorry for your loss, Alice." Penelope sates boringly at Alice as her, Cheryl, Clifford and Jason (A/N I understand some people may be confused that Jason and Clifford are there, it is because this is set in a timeline where Jason's murder and the black hood never happened, but as for Chic and the serpents joining RH that is still part of the story.) arrive at the ceremony. "Like you care." Alice snickers as Penelope takes no notice and continues to stride away with the rest of her family.

As everyone arrives at the funeral and takes their seats the ceremony begins. Alice, Chic and Betty slowly walk up to the coffin and begin their speeches. "My husband, Hal Cooper, was a sometimes annoying but always caring man who was always there for our family. Now, before the ceremony continues, I would like to make an announcement-" Alice states, suddenly being cut off by all the lights unnaturally being turned off, making everyone panic. The darkness swarms the room like wildfire and as people begin to panic, Betty grabs the arms of Archie, Veronica, Jughead and Kevin and leads them into a seperate room.

"Wh-what's going on?! Who's grabbing my arm?" Jughead asks into the darkness. "Guys be quiet!" Betty aggressively whispers, which successfully makes the group go quiet. Betty continues to lead the group through the halls until she finds them a tight room and flicks on a light, making her friends squint at the sight of it.

"Wait, Betty? You're the one who grabbed us? Why?" Kevin asks. "I had to get your guys' attention, and this was the only way to make it secret. I have to show you guys something." Betty says seriously. "Wait, was it you who turned off all the lights?" Veronica says, slightly annoyed, yet impressed. "Well, yes. But it was the only way to divert everyone's attention!" Betty says back sharply. "Fine, whatever, what is it you wanted to show us?" Archie asks.

"Well, you know how the cops are saying there's no leads or evidence for the murder? Well, just before we had to leave the house, I found a note on my pillow and my bedroom window swung open. Which meant that the killer somehow got up to my room while Kevin and I found Hal and put the envelope on my pillow and leaped out the window. I haven't opened the clue until now, since I want you guys to solve this mystery with me." Betty says, making the group gasp.

"Betty! You shouldn't have waited for us! This could be some serious information!" Jughead says, worrying slightly. "Don't worry, anyways we're here now anyways." Betty says back shrugging. "Fine. Can you read the clue now please before everyone at the funeral finds out we're gone!" Kevin says frantically. "Okay! Let's do this." Betty says bringing out an envelope with a smooth yet shiny red sticker sealing it. The group gasps as they notice the suspicious and creepy precision of the note and that it must have had a lot of time put in it. Betty, ready to avenge her father, opens the envelope seriously, ripping the edges of the envelope, and reads the clue that would start off a horrific rampage that would descend upon the unprepared town of Riverdale.

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Time taken: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Words: 1429
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Next Chapter trailer:

After the shock at the funeral loose ends remain untied, and someone finds themselves entangled in a confusing mystery of its own.

-Sketchbox🌻