The Ultimate Sacrifice
Betty POV
As I watched my father Hal Cooper clamber into the back of Sheriff Keller's squad car I felt nothing but hate. Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket. 'I have your beanie wearing boyfriend here with me, if you want to save him, meet me at the docks in 15 mins before he sacrifices himself'-Penny. 'That washed up serpent wannabe has my boyfriend' I thought. 'I'll exchange me for him just don't hurt Jug' I texted back. I ran off into the night without as much of a backward glance to my father.
As I neared the docks I called the only person I knew could help - F.P Jones. He answered it straight away. 'Hey Betty' he said.' F.P' I gasped, out of breath 'Its Jug, I think he's gonna sacrifice himself to Penny and the Ghoulies. F.P swore loudly. 'Alright Betty, don't go anywhere I'll be there soon'. I hung up. 'Jug' I called out into the night no reply, I could feel the panic rise in me. Jughead was my rock and he is my everything. I scanned the dockyards frantically for any beanie or leather jacket. God, Jug looks so handsome in his jacket, I mused. While I was musing, I didn't hear footsteps creeping up behind me.
'Hey Blondie' a voice called behind me 'looking for someone'. I whipped my head around and at the same time rough hands grabbed me and took my phone. I struggled fiercely. Next thing Penny Peabody stepped into the light. 'Betty Cooper, she drawled. 'You're even prettier in real life, no wonder Jonesy is so smitten with you'. 'What do you want' I snapped. 'Watch your tone', a Ghoulie I knew to be called Malachi threatened. 'Where's the phone' penny asked. A Ghoulie handed her my phone and she pressed it on. ' Cute' she remarked as she looked at the screensaver of me and Jug at Polly's baby shower. She swiped right and started a video. 'Hey Jonesy' she said 'I have your northside Princess here' She flashed the camera towards me. 'What do you want with me,' I repeated. She handed the phone to a Ghoulie to keep filming. 'Well' she said 'I was gonna hold you hostage until your knight in leather jackets come to sacrifice himself instead of you'. My stomach dropped, not Jug. 'But 'she drawled 'Now I'm thinking, there's a smarter play here'. I waited in bated breath.' you see', she said slowly, 'I want Jones to suffer'. She smiled evilly and continued 'then I thought what would break him beyond the point of repair' she asked rhetorically. 'Then it hit me, the death of the love of his life would break his little heart to pieces' she stated nonchalantly. My stomach plummeted not at the fact that I was gonna die, but that my Juggie will be broken like Penny said. If i was gonna go down, I was gonna go down fighting, I resolved. 'I suppose you're going to film it and send it to him' I deadpanned. 'Damn straight' she said proudly. 'Can I at least say goodbye' I pleaded. 'Sure' she said 'Knock Yourself out'. 'Hey Jug', I began. 'I just want to say that I love you and I'll never stop loving you. I love your smirk, your eyes and how they change colour whatever you're feeling. I wish I could've kissed you goodbye, you're my best friend, my partner in crime and the blue to my gold' my voice broke. I was sobbing now, not out of fear but out of remorse. 'I wish we had more time together' I continued shakily on 'but I have loved every second I've been near you. I love you Jughead Jones'. I stood up and wiped my tears away. 'All right 'is aid grittily. 'Do it '. 'Not yet' she said' voice oily. 'I hate you' I said. Penny raised her eyebrows 'you've never known love and you hate it, so you take to destroying it'. I watched as her face grew murderous and dark 'where's your serpent tattoo?' she asked. 'That's for me to know, I'll never tell you.' I replied. 'Watch it Blondie' Malachi growled. 'Grab her, Penny ordered. 'Rough her up a bit'.
Strong arms gripped me and I saw a fist swinging through the air and I felt it colliding with my head. Then a flurry of fists came, hitting me from all angles. I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out as searing pain came from all angles. 'All right' Penny said. 'You can stop now'. I was pulled into a sitting position and I blinked blearily. 'You want to tell now where that tattoo is now' she questioned. 'No' I said flatly and spat some metallic blood into her face. The pain turned into satisfaction for a second until Penny pulled a knife a brushed it across my face drawing blood.' 'lay her down' she instructed. I was forced backward. 'It's on her stomach boss' a Ghoulie shouted 'I saw it '. Penny's face lit up gleefully. She pulled up my top. 'Where you're going you won't need a tattoo' she said maliciously. 'But you will' I replied 'I hear prison gangs need proof before they protect you, it's a pity Jug cut yours off' I said in mock empathy. 'I'm gonna cut yours off now princess' she threatened. 'You can thank your boyfriend for the pain. Oh well, karma's a bitch isn't it sweetie?' Next thing my numb mind registered was scarlet ink spreading from my stomach. I screamed 'Jughead!' Oh sweetie,' Penny sighed in mock sympathy. 'He's not going to save you now'. 'Kiss my ass penny' I said defiantly. That earned me a punch in the face. 'Tut, tut, 'penny drawled. 'Well have to teach you some manners wont we boys'. 'Go to hell' in said. 'You're in it 'Malachi said gleefully. The searing pain had returned in full force and I felt nauseous but I wasn't about to break. 'He's going to murder you, you know that' I taunted. 'Oh I'm counting on it' she retorted. 'At least I'll die with a shred of honour' I replied. 'But you'll die frying in an electric chair or cut up somewhere in Greendale'. That did it, Penny finally broke. Her blue eyes swimming with cold fury. 'Where are those bats boys?' she asked. 'Blondie deserves a beating.'
I was forced backward again and I heard a whistle of air before blinding pain. I longed to just escape and float away from the pain. I was forced on my stomach and I screamed in pain as the place where my tattoo was flared. 'You're a real hero Betty Cooper but I will always win', I felt a boot on my head. 'Hang on, turn her head to face the camera' she ordered. 'I want Jones to see the life being snuffed out of her' my head was forced the other way spurring waves of pain. I struggled against Malachi's firm grip but he slapped me on the face and I was dazed. In that second of hesitation, I was forced to look at the camera. I thought of Jughead and his laugh and the way he smiles at me, a tear rolled down my face, I didn't want to die. 'I love you' I mouthed to the camera, then I hear the whistle of a bat and I felt no more.
F.P POV
After I hung up with Betty, I called Jughead. Surprisingly, he answered. 'Hey Dad'. I breathed a sigh of relief. 'What's up' he asked. 'Boy where are you?' 'At the wyrm, why?' 'I just got off the phone with Betty, she seems to think you're gonna sacrifice yourself to the Ghoulies, says she got a text from Penny.' I said. 'No I'm not' I exhaled shakily. 'Ok, I have to go meet Betty at the Docks to tell her you're safe I'll see you later' I said. 'Yeah see you Dad'. I hung up, hopped on my motorcycle and headed toward the docks
The ride to the docks was short. I threw off my helmet. 'Betty' I shouted. 'Jug's ok'. No reply. Strange I thought, Betty was always punctual. I walked around calling her name a few times. Then I decided to ring her. Suddenly, I heard a piercing scream from behind one of the containers. I stumbled toward it.
'F.P, hi' Penny Peabody and her gang of misfits were huddled over a basin of water scrubbing a dark liquid of their hands. I then realised it was blood. 'I don't want any trouble penny' I said 'I was looking for a blonde girl about 16, thin frame and a serpent jacket on her; you might know her Betty Cooper?' Penny laughed mirthlessly. 'You mean your son's precious girlfriend? Ya I seen her she's over there'. She pointed I followed her finger to a small body curled up in a foetal positi9n.i stumbled toward the body hoping against hope it wasn't who I thought it was but there lay Betty Cooper. Blood coated every inch of her, her eyes were wide and unseeing but the most horrifying thing was a large hole where her tattoo used to be. I stared at penny 'you killed her' I growled. 'O F.P' she said in mock pity, 'when will you learn not to underestimate me. 'You broke Serpent law penny, and its time you pay for crimes'. 'I feel like calling dear old Jug 'Penny said suddenly. 'No' I said hastily 'I will'.'Suit yourself 'Penny sneered. I texted Jug to rally the serpents and to meet me at the docks. I turned back to Penny 'Explain' I ordered. Penny laughed 'Well 'she started ''I want the Jones men to suffer'. She smiled evilly and continued 'then I thought what would break him and you beyond the point of repair' she asked rhetorically. 'Then it hit me, the death of the love of his life and someone you love like a daughter would break both of you hearts to pieces wouldn't it' I opened my mouth to ask how she knew what I said but she cut me off ' Save it, I heard you two at Pops two days ago. Sweet kid wasn't she? Strong too, took a full 20 mins to beat her to death. Pity' she sneered. I clenched my fists. 'I'm taking Betty and we're going. 'Save your tears' she said unsympathetically. I bent down to pick Betty up. Gently, I cradled Betty in my chest. She was so light it was unnerving, Penny was right this is going to break jug. I'm going to have to watch his face break in a few minutes. I swallowed and looked at Penny with hate. 'He's going to kill you 'I said threateningly. 'That's what Blondie said as well.' A Ghoulie handed Penny Betty's phone. 'Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I videoed it all for you boys to watch, its sending now. Have fun watching it with Jonesy junior'. I glared at her. Penny turned to the Ghoulies 'Come on boys lets go snake hunting' and with that she was gone and I was left with my son's dead girlfriend in my arms. Suddenly there was a roar of engines- the serpents. It's time to face the music and with that I turned and headed back towards the docks.
Jughead POV
I arrived at the docks with the just after the rest of the serpents. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. I saw my dad with tears running down his cheeks and the first thing I saw was a mop of red hair and a head lolling lifelessly and a body curled in his arms. It must be Cheryl Blossom. Toni will be crushed I thought. But then my dad kissed her forehead gently 'Strange', I thought 'I'd only seen him do that to Jellybean and Betty. Suddenly, I realised that wasn't Cheryl Blossom .As he grew closer, I realised that it wasn't red hair but blonde hair stained red by blood. I ran as fast as I could towards my dad. The sight that I saw would come to haunt my dreams forever. It was my beautiful Betty. Except it wasn't the Betty I was used to seeing. I her face was covered in blood, it was bruised and broken, her mouth agape, her arm was bent at an angle that wasn't natural, there was blood seeping from her stomach where I realised with a jolt her tattoo was supposed to be. But her eyes would haunt me forever; they weren't the eyes I had grown to love. These green eyes were cold and lifeless and completely void of life. 'Dad' I croaked 'What happened'.'Penny' he replied equally as choked. 'I'll kill her 'I vowed. 'Is she breathing' I asked dad. 'I didn't check'.
'Lay her down gently on the floor' I ordered, he obliged. I hovered my head over her mouth and listened, nothing. I cranked to life 'sweet pea call an ambulance's instructed 'dad call Mrs. Cooper tell her to meet us at the hospital' and 'Toni Use my beanie to apply pressure to her stomach' they all hurried off. I began to do CPR on her it was like I was living my worst nightmare. 'Come on Betty, breathe,' I urged. Her lips tasted like blood not the fruity lip gloss I was used to but I didn't care. After 2 rounds of it I was losing hope. Everyone else was too 'C'mon jug she's gone 'Sweet Pea said.'No' I said and continued the pound down harder on her chest when suddenly her eyes fluttered open. I breathed a sigh of relief. 'Ju-' . 'Shush don't speak Okay' I soothed and rubbed her head.' It hurts Jug' she said and my heart broke. 'I know sweetie, I know. Listen can you hear that' the ambulance sirens were wailing in the distance. Her eyes were closing again. 'No Betty 'I said 'Don't close your eyes ok, just keep looking at me ok'. She nodded but then screamed as waves of pain rolled over her. ' I know' I said, my heart breaking even more. 'I'm gonna pick you up ok but I have to run to the ambulance and it's gonna hurt' I looked down but she was unconscious again. I gently picked her up and cradled her into my chest; she was so light it scared me. I felt a surge of rage toward the Ghoulies and Penny but I swallowed it, there were more pressing matters on hand or rather in my hands. I rushed toward the ambulance. It was so hard seeing my Betty lifeless strapped to a gurney. 'You coming kid' a paramedic asked, snapping me out of my trance. I looked back at my dad who nodded. I clambered into the ambulance as if I'd be anywhere else. I glanced over at Betty who was being hooked up to so many machines and the paramedics were muttering words like 'head trauma' 'internal bleeding' and fractures. Until, I was snapped out of my daze by a shrill, continuous sound. 'She's flat-lining' a paramedic shouted and they jumped in to action. I sat there horror-struck with my head on my hands until the awful sounds were replaced by a monotone steady beating. I exhaled shakily and returned to my previous position until a paramedic shook my shoulder 'Were here kid' he said kindly. I glanced around frantically 'where's Betty' I asked panicking. 'It's ok kid, they took her into surgery. 'oh' I said. 'You probably have some calls to make' he said kindly, leading me into the waiting room. I took a seat in one the plastic seats and pulled out my phone.
I had forgotten about Archie, Veronica and Kevin. I dialled Archie's number, swallowing the lump in my throat as my finger glided over Betty's name. I pressed call and he answeredimmediately 'hey man, what's up' he asked didn't trust myself to speak but I swallowed Archie needed to know. 'Its Betty, Arch. It's not good' he was close to tears now. 'Penny killed her 'but I resuscitated her, I'm at the hospital now, she's in surgery but it's not looking good. She flat lined. You better get here in case'. I broke and started sobbing. 'In case, we have to say goodbye'. I was crying now all that emotion building is let out. 'I'm sorry man. I'll call Ronnie and Kevin and I'll be there in 5 ok' I felt a rush of gratitude towards Archie. 'Thanks Archie, see you 'I said. 'Jug she's strong, she'll pull through. 'he comforted. 'I don't know man, she died twice. 'I reasoned 'If she dies I won't be able to cope'.'We'll cross that bridge when we come to it ok' Archie said. 'Ok' see you '.I hung up and sank to the floor
A few minutes later, I felt 3 pairs of arms around me 'I'm so sorry Jughead 'Veronica was saying. She was stroking my hair comfortingly but it was nowhere near as comforting as Betty's touch but I let her do it because it was comforting her as well. I just kept my head down and bit my lip to stop the wails of anguish that were building up inside me. I just want my Betty to wake up, If I had known this evening could've have been our last together I would've never let her go. Suddenly I was hoisted to my feet and hugged fiercely by none other than Alice Cooper. She had accepted that I was a major part in her daughter's life and had accepted me graciously into her family. My dad and I met up with The Coopers at least once a week for dinner. I loved those nights; they were filled with laughter, banter and love. 'F.P told me you saved her' she choked out. 'I tried' I replied and she kissed my forehead. 'I know you did'.
Just then F.P and the serpents walked through the door. They were all fuming. Toni was sporting a poppy bruise on her cheek, Sweet Pea a bust lip and my dad a large black eye. They informed me of the rumble that went down between the Serpents and Ghoulies. Suddenly my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out there was a message from Penny. All it said was 'Watch this video'.
30 mins later we were all sat in the waiting room of the ICU with my dad connecting my phone to a projector Hal had used earlier this evening to watch the video Penny had sent me. It worked instantly, as I watched I felt my rage and fear build up inside me. My fists were clenched and my jaw was set .Until Betty bent down in front of the camera and said her goodbyes; that's when I broke sobs wracked my body and tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt Alice's arms around me again and I sobbed into her shoulder. 'I never got to say goodbye and I loved' I wailed. 'She went there thinking I didn't love her and I do love her. I love her with all my heart and I never got to tell her' 'hush' Alice soothed. 'She knows you love her Jughead and shes not dead yet so there's still time'. She held me until my sobs faded. Archie coughed and I looked up 'uh do you want to keep watching' he asked uncertainly. I nodded. As I watched the pain my Betty had to endure my tears turned into something else; pure hatred and anger. I forced myself to keep watching. At the end, I stood up, cold rage emanating off of me I went to the video and turned it off. I glanced around Veronica, Alice, Kevin, Cheryl and Toni had tears rolling down their cheeks, Archie Fred and my dad were shaking in rage. 'I'll kill her' Archie vowed. I agreed heartily. 'I want her head on a stick' I said. 'I'll do it Jones if you want' Sweet Pea offered he looked like a storm cloud; his face grey and full of emotion. After Alice apologised to the serpents, he and Betty had grown quite close and he had lost his best friend already tonight, I don't want to think what life would be like if I lost mine tonight.
A doctor came out of the operation room covered in blood and his face impassive. 'Any update doctor?' dad asked. 'Well,' he started 'miss cooper has suffered severe blood loss, she has a grade 4 concussion and her body has received a beating that should kill a fully grown man' 'but it didn't kill her'? I asked. 'Not yet' I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding. 'however' the doctor continued she is in a medically induced coma and we are unsure if she will wake up at all'. My smile faded. 'Miss Cooper has a 40% chance of living and that's if she survives the night'. I stumbled backward, my poor Betty, I swallowed the sobs and tuned back into what the doctor was saying 'I would advise you to say your goodbyes tonight, I'm sorry' and with that he turned and left. We sat there in stunned silence all of us refusing to believe what the Doctor had said. I was completely numb; I refused to believe she was going to die. Mrs. Cooper burst into sobs and I watched as Dad tried to silence her hysterical sobs. Archie was comforting a broken Veronica whose wails of anguish were heart-breaking. Cheryl and Toni rose up and headed towards the receptionist. They had a brief conversation with the kind-faced lady; they then turned and walked through the doors the doctor just came through. I heard a sigh from behind me; I turned to face a dishevelled looking Sweet Pea running his hand through his hair. Abruptly, He got up and muttered something about Pops and informing the other serpents but I knew he just needed to get out of there.
Just then Toni and a weeping Cheryl emerged from the doors. They looked shaken and horrified. 'What number room is it Cheryl?' Archie asked his voice breaking. '124' she replied and took a seat in the corner of the room and burst into tears Then FP pulled Alice to her feet and the marched through the doors. Silence descended once more only to be broken by Veronica's and Cheryl's sobs.
15 minutes later, the doors opened once more and my dad and a hysterical Alice walked straight past us and out the main doors of Riverdale General. Once again the only sound you could hear was Cheryl and veronica's sobs. Veronica and Archie had also lost a best friend. Archie had Veronica wrapped into his chest and was whispering words of comfort into her ear. Suddenly, I realised that I may never be able to do that to my love ever again. The realisation hit my like a ton of bricks to the stomach and I felt nauseous. I got up quickly and ran to the toilet and promptly got rid of the contents of my stomach, tears rolled down my cheeks and I punched the mirror, the sound echoing around the empty bathroom. I punched it repeatedly until it broke and blood was smeared all over the cracked mirror. I returned to the depressed waiting room only to find Archie and Veronica gone. I presumed they went in to say goodbye. I'll have to go as well I thought, I was procrastinating, I knew that. Then Archie and Veronica returned to the room. Tear struck and shaky. 'I'm going next 'I said shakily. 'Are you sure jug' Veronica asked. 'She's not looking good' Archie said morosely. 'I'm sure', I said firmly. 'I can't not say goodbye to my girlfriend now can I' I deadpanned. 'We'll go with you' Archie said.'Ok 'I said 'but you stay outside please' I pleaded. 'Sure' veronica said and I followed them through the doors
It took an age to get to Betty's room and I only hesitated for a second before opening the door to her hospital room. I gasped when I saw her. It was Betty but it wasn't Betty. She looked so small and frail in the bed. She was hooked up to so many machines that did her breathing for her. Her wavy blonde hair was back. But the blood on her face was replaced by stitches and purple bruises. The rhythmic breathing and constant beep of her heart monitor were the only signs she was alive. Even in near death she was still the same girl who holds my heart. If you saw past the bruises, she was still breath taking, her blond hair spread out like a halo. i pressed a kiss to her forehead gently and took a seat in the chair beside her table. 'Hey there Juliet' I murmured taking her hand. It was unusually cold. It was unnerving. 'You can open those beautiful green eyes now' I whispered I took off my beanie and placed it atop of her head, earning an 'awwhh' from veronica who was pressed against the door listening to me talking to Betty. 'C'mon Betts' I pleaded. I need to see you again our story isn't over' 'I love so you come back to me okay?' I was sobbing now, the realisation of the situation really hitting me. It was soon replaced with anger' I'll kill Penny Peabody and her gang of buffoons if it's the last thing I do' Suddenly her hand moved under mine and her eyes fluttered open.' Juggie' she whispered drowsily.
Betty POV
It was dark that's all I registered. And I could hear a distorted voice. 'I know that voice' I thought. I desperately tried to tune into what it was saying 'I'll kill Penny Peabody and her gang of buffoons if it's the last thing I do' it was saying. Suddenly I realised whose voice it was; Jughead. 'The last thing I do' it stuck in my head. Just then I was swept into a memory ''He's going to murder you, you know that' I taunted. 'Oh I'm counting on it'. 'Penny was planning to use me to murder Jughead' I thought 'I have to save him'. I moved my hand and forced my eyes to open. First thing I felt was a comforting hand on mine and searing pain everywhere. I forced myself to ignore the pain. I looked to my left and saw my boyfriend sitting there. He looked a mess; tears down his cheeks, his green eyes were filled with pain remorse and anger. He looked like he hadn't slept in years. His precious beanie was missing from its usual perch on top of his head, that's when I realised a sensation on my head, I realised that it was his prized beanie. 'Juggie' I whispered. 'God I sound awful' I thought. He turned sharply and I could see the relief flowing into his features. 'Betts 'he croaked. Suddenly, I felt a wave of pain and I stifled a groan. He realised 'ill go get a doctor' he said. I nodded regretting it immediately as another wave of pain rolled over me. 'I'll get Archie and veronica to keep you company.' He decided. 'Ok' I said. 'I'll open the door before Ronnie knocks it down' he said jokingly. I turned my head slowly this time to see V jumping up and down excitedly like an excited puppy. 'Betty 'she squealed and rushed over hugging me forcefully. I whimpered in pain and she straightened herself immediately. 'I'm sorry B' she apologised. 'Its fine, 'I replied. I then caught sight of a red head loitering behind the vivacious Latina in front of me 'hey Arch' I said. 'Betty thank god 'he sighed. 'You scared us silly'. 'Sorry' I replied sheepishly. Then a fresh wave of pain seared across my body and I cried out. Thankfully it was the same time jug returned with a doctor. 'welcome back miss cooper' he said kindly.' it's time for your dose of pain killers. 'ye two out' he gestured and Archie and veronica. They hurried out and he injected the pain killers into my IV fluids and left, leaving me and Jughead alone again. I could feel my eyes drooping. I scooted over to allow him to hop into the bed with me. He accepted my offer and promptly took off his shoes and hopped in. I snuggled in close to him and I could feel myself drifting away. 'I love you' I murmured. 'I love you too Betts' he whispered back. ' you won't go' I asked. 'Betty Cooper,' he started. 'I'm never ever going to leave you; you and I are in this for the long haul ok'. 'Ok' I replied, smiling as much as my bruised and swollen cheeks would allow. 'Now go to sleep' he whispered and he started stroking my hair comfortingly. Whatever was to come I knew I'd be okay as long as Jughead was around I thought sleepily and I allowed sleep to claim me once more.