They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. What happens when life gives you an organ-stealing cult, a horror game come to life, and drug-dealing drama all while you're trying to have a normal junior year of high school? Savanna Marrows is...
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"Poor Baby Teeth."
The entire clearing was lit up by police lights as Jughead and I stood next to FP. It was getting chilly outside as we hovered over the corpse of the fighter who was now branded with G&G symbols. If you looked close enough, you could see blood dripping from his mouth, no doubt from his teeth being ripped out.
"Brandon Morris was his real name," FP explained, "We ID'ed him from his prints. First glance, very similar to how you found Ben and Dilton but I don't know. I need your help, kids. Please."
I gave Jughead a glance, curious if he was going to protest my involvement in this investigation, but he remained quiet. Instead, we both nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, of course," Jughead confirmed as he stepped forward and crouched down to take a closer look with his camera. "These blue lips are the same. Markings on his back are the same, too. But he's missing teeth, that's the twist."
"Possible copycat killer?" I suggested as my boyfriend stood back up. "I mean, it could be the same guy that went after Ben and Dilton but they were willing participants. Baby Teeth wasn't necessarily."
Jughead pointed at me in realization. "Maybe the brutality of his death was the message. Like a warning that he's back and he's angry."
FP frowned at the idea of the return. "The Gargoyle King?" He asked.
Jug nodded. "The real one."
"Well," I sighed and tucked my hands into my pockets for warmth. "If it is, this is about to get a whole lot messier."
The rest of our night was a bit edgy as we helped FP wrap up the scene before heading home on our own. Sleeping came harder since I found myself anxious and worried about what the night would bring and if the true Gargoyle King was really back on his master plan.
Due to the lack of sleep, I found myself inches from slumber in the student lounge the next morning. My coffee had yet to kick in and I wanted nothing more than to go home, take some melatonin, and crash for the rest of the day.
"Archie, how's your boxing career these days?" My sister started the conversation as I laid my head on Jughead's shoulder and closed my eyes for a moment.
"Your pal Elio is organizing a boxing event called the Gilded Gloves," Archie explained.
At the sound of Elio's name, my body went tense, remembering every moment of that night. Jughead wrapped his arm around my shoulder while he tapped his fingers on my skin, letting me know he was here.
Ever since I saw Elio that day in the casino, I hadn't thought about him much. Some days were worse than others and I'd yet to have the same confidence about standing up against him. At the end of the day, Elio had more control than I did and he could easily get away with anything. I wouldn't let him know that though, and therefore I made sure that any emotions other than strength were invisible to him if I ever saw him.
