Serpent By Association

Trouble

On Wednesday after lunch, Tom wasn't really feeling a double period of history, and neither were Tiny and Dean. Once the bell for class rang they left the building, making their way towards sweetwater river. They were knocking down cans with an old slingshot, when a group of about ten Ghoulies surrounded them. Two grabbed each boy by either arm.

"Hey guys, miss me?" Penny asked, a grin on her face.

"Miss you? I don't even know who the fuck you are." Tom spat back.

"That's because we haven't had the pleasure of a meeting. But I'm sure you've heard of me." Penny replied.

"That's Penny Peabody, Tom. The one who was with Malachi that day with Soph." Tiny told him.

"Oh, well then it's definitely not a pleasure, is it?" Tom said.

Penny laughed. "Aw, isn't he adorable, boys? Running his mouth like that. And with that sweet British accent. How precious. Take him."

Four of the Ghoulies grabbed Tom, carrying him away as he tried to fight back, while Dean and Tiny now had three holding back each of them.

"What do you want?" Dean asked her.

"I want you to send a message to one of your superiors. Someone who can get hold of young miss Sophia. We're gonna be keeping hold of her little Tommy in the Wyrm until she comes to get him, you hear me? We can't guarantee his safety for long though, so she better be there before the clock strikes two. Tick tock. Rough them up a bit before you send them on their way, boys." Penny said to the Ghoulies, who started to reign punches on the young Serpents before finally letting up and following her.

Dean and Tiny ran back to the closest Serpent ground, the new Thornhill trailer park. They knocked on FP's door.

"What happened?" He asked as soon as he answered and saw them, beaten and slightly bloody. "Come in."

The boys went inside and FP started patching them up while they told him what had happened.

"So, now, Penny has Tom, FP." Dean said. "We have until two to get Sophia there."

"And whatever issue Penny has seems very personal towards her." Tiny added.

"Fuck." FP said. He tried a few phone numbers, with no luck.

During their free period, Jughead, Sophia, Sweet Pea, Fangs and Archie were sat together in the Blue and Gold office. Sophia's phone which was on the table began to ring.

"Aw, you still call your dad, daddy, Soph?" Fangs asked mockingly.

Sophia picked up the phone. "FP Jones, what can I do for you?" She asked. The others all had shocked faces before bursting into laughter.

"Ah yeah, the daddy thing you said you wanted to do. Sounds like it worked to be funny." FP said.

"You don't sound like this is a laughing matter though. What's happened?" Sophia asked. Her gut feelings rose. "It's Tommy, isn't it?"

"You and the other Serpents should get down here as soon as possible." FP said. "And tell the boys to answer their fucking phones!" He hung up.

"Boys, you need to start answering your phones." Sophia said. "And we need to go. Serpent business. Arch, when Betty, Cheryl and Toni get out of class can you let them know? I'd go get them but they have a test."

"Sure, Soph. Need me to go with you guys?" Archie asked.

"Thanks, Andrews. We got this. We'll call if we do need backup." Sweet Pea said as they fist-bumped.

Sweet Pea got on his bike, Sophia jumping on behind him, Fangs and Jughead following as they all sped to Thornhill. FP was at the entrance, so they all jumped off, running over to him.

"What's happened?" Jughead asked.

"Apparently Tiny, Dean and Tom were ditching school when they were surrounded by Ghoulies. They roughed up Dean and Tiny a bit, but apparently Penny Peabody has Tom at the Whyte Wyrm, and if Soph isn't there by two his safety isn't guaranteed." FP said. "Apparently, the message was very personal to you, Sophia..." He had continued, but she wasn't listening. Sophia had snatched the keys from Jughead's hand, mounting his bike and speeding off down towards the south side.

"Soph!" The others all shouted after her but she was gone. Jughead got on the back of FP's bike, and they, Sweet Pea and Fangs followed quickly.