Hi! I think it's been two years since I wrote my first fanfic ever. Due to my busy schedule, I've only written my second fanfic now. So, I guess I must repeat that I'm not really a writer. I do have grammatical errors especially since English is not my first language. I apologize for that. I do hope you enjoy this new story and don't forget to leave comments good or bad.

Chapter 1: Our First Reunion

High school ended with goodbyes as they finally walked their own separate destined paths. They barely had time to see each other due to their busy and conflicting schedules, but they always made sure that contact at least in social media was possible.

Archie Andrews barely made it to his college graduation due to his grades. It seems that he prioritized his local shelter project more than his own studies. Nevertheless, he made it and his mom is proud of that. He is now an Architect who is bound to inherit his father's construction business.

Veronica Lodge, on the other hand, graduated from a business course with high grades. Having businesses even before college, she sees herself as an expert in the field. Indeed, her experiences helped her get through college. The maple syrup rum business was considered a major success and is now being shipped to 39 different countries. Not only that, she is targeting to open other businesses soon such as a cosmetic store, fashion line, casinos and hotel. For some of her classmates, life is just beginning. For Veronica Lodge, life is moving smoothly halfway.

Betty Cooper graduated with honors in Journalism. She is now a writer in a famous newspaper brand called 'New Dale Times.' She would sometimes be sent to other cities or countries to write articles. It was a dream for Betty Cooper who wanted to see the world. With her talent and hard work, her bosses could already see her potential to rise the ranks.

Jughead Jones had finally won and owned the Baxter Brother series after graduating with a Literature course. Some say that the Baxter Brother series was never this interesting since the first batch of the franchise. The positive reviews helped the franchise to increase its popularity along with its selling power.

They were indeed successful in their own ways, and years have passed since they had their last mystery. However, it is only a matter of time before a mystery will finally come at their doorsteps.

…

"Are you ready for tonight, Tee-Tee?" Cheryl Blossom asked her lover Toni.

"Of course," Toni replied, "We'll be meeting the guests of our wedding in a few minutes in a small get together party we prepared. I'm actually excited for this."

Cheryl smiled and held her lover hands tightly, "Me too, Tony! I can't believe we're finally getting married."

The Blossom House was still located in Riverdale. It continues to produce the best maple syrup headed by Cheryl and Toni. After years of living together, the two had finally decided to tie the knot. Their civil wedding will be held 1 week from now and guests are expected to come in today for their little get-together before their wedding. Some call it their first high school reunion.

It wasn't long until guests arrived which includes Archie, Veronica, Betty, Jughead, Reggie, Kevin, and Mad Dog. As soon as they saw each other, excitement and happiness filled the air. They were laughing and busy telling each other stories of their lives for the past years.

"Veronica! Oh my gosh its been so long since I last saw you!" Betty said as she hugged Veronica, "How's New York?"

"You should come to New York, Betty. There's so much people and life there. It's always busy. But honestly, I prefer the peacefulness here in Riverdale," Veronica said.

"Maybe if they send me to New York I'll visit you," Betty smiled.

"Now that college is finished," Veronica replied, "I think we should see each other more often. I mean I still have businesses here in Riverdale. That's enough excuse for me to come here every now and then."

"Yes, that's wonderful, V!" Betty said as the two bestfriends hugged each other once more.

Beside the two ladies are their gentlemen catching up with each other. "Are you going to be an architect or are you going to focus on your local shelter?" Jughead asked his bestfriend.

"If I can be both, why not?" Archie said with a grin.

"They say catch a bird one at a time, but I think if you can catch both why not? Indeed, you have a point there," Jughead said.

"How about you?" Archie replied, "Heard Baxter Brother's doing well. In fact, I bought one." He took out his book from his bag and showed it to Jughead.

"Cool!" Jughead said as he took the book from Archie before asking, "Want me to sign this for you?"

Archie laughed at his friend's suggestion and said, "Go ahead. I'll be honored."

Jughead took a pen and wrote 'To my best pal Archie, it was nice seeing you again.' He handed back Archie the book and asked, "Based on the bookmark, you're already halfway huh? Guess you're in for a surprise soon."

"Don't spoil it!" Archie said as the two laughed.

"Ehem!" A voice through the speakers was heard. In front of them were Cheryl Blossom and Toni Topaz. Cheryl continued speaking, "I am so happy to have you all gathered here today. It is a wonderful day, in fact, to see all your faces once more. I see you all became more handsome or prettier, maybe because you're all step closer to your dreams now than during our high school days. Also, having you all here makes our important day extra special. One week from now, me and my lover Toni will tie the knot in a civil wedding. We've been longing for this day and we're happy to share this wonderful occasion to you all. So tonight, let's celebrate and have fun. Maple syrup rum is on us as well and will be served by our new maid Nancy later."

An applause was heard as everyone became more excited for the rest of the night. The fun and laughter continued as music once again started to play while people danced away.

"Toni!" Cheryl called out her girlfriend.

"What's wrong?" Toni asked.

"Have you seen our maid Nancy?"

"No, I haven't. Why? Is there a problem?"

"Yes, there is," Cheryl said, "She was supposed to serve the maple syrup rum already, but I can't see her."

"Well, have you checked the kitchen and storage room?"

"I did. No signs of her."

"Come, let's check her room," Toni suggested. The two went to their maid's room and knocked. There was no reply. They knocked again, but this time, louder. Again, there was no reply.

"Maybe she's not here," Toni suggested.

"Well, if she's not here, where is she then?" Cheryl asked, unconvinced by Toni's suggestion. "Let's break the door. Whether or not she's there, we might get a clue on her whereabouts."

"Okay," Toni agreed, "Let's ask the boys for help."

A loud sound was heard as four young men successfully opened the door with their weights.

"Finally!" Cheryl said with relief, "I can't thank you guys enough for helping- "

Cheryl was taken aback as all her friends looked shocked. She turned her head towards the room in front of her and saw their maid Nancy on the floor lifeless. Blood pooled around her head suggesting someone attacked her.

"Nancy?!" Cheryl said with disbelief. Archie and Reggie went inside the room to observe the dead body for any signs.

"She's really dead. I feel no pulse," Reggie confirmed.

Archie searched the body for any signs. He noticed a piece of paper inside the clenched hand of the corpse. He pulled it out as the others observed him, curious at what he found. He unfolded the paper and read it out loud, "Seven days till happiness. Seven days till sorrow. He who escapes shall be punished, for he is destined to play a game of life. Let this be a warning that this is not a joke."

"Hell! Who's trying to play with us a stupid game?!" Cheryl complained, "This was supposed to be a fun day for me and Toni!"

"I don't understand," Reggie said, "What does this mean?"

"I think seven days till happiness is Cheryl and Toni's wedding. The seven days till sorrow is like a deadline for us," Jughead explained.

"I think the 'He who escapes' means that we cannot escape from this game," Mad Dog also explained.

"Let this be a warning means the death of Nancy. It means he is not toying with us. The game is real for bloodshed is already involved," Toni further explained.

"Ok, this is crazy!" Kevin said as he was slowly panicking, "We need to find right away who's behind this and what's his motive."

"First, we should check if everyone else is alright," Archie suggested

"Well, we're all here except- ," Jughead stopped midway as he realized they were not complete inside the room right now, "Archie! Betty and Veronica's outside!"

"Shit!' Archie said as he also realized, "Mad Dog, Kevin and Reggie you stay here and take care of Cheryl and Toni. We'll -"

"AAAHH!" a scream was heard outside the house.

"Hurry!" Jughead said to Archie, "I think its Betty and Veronica who screamed." Both men rushed to get out of house leaving behind the rest inside the room.

Once they got out of the house, they both saw Betty and Veronica holding each other as if they were frightened by something.

"What happened?" Jughead asked as he approached the two ladies, partially relieved that they were both fine.

"Betty and I were just talking. I looked back and saw a man dressed in black from head to toe trying to approach us," Veronica explained, "I screamed then he just ran away."

"It isn't safe for us here anymore," Archie concluded, "We need to tell the others to go home."

"Ok," Jughead replied, "I'll call my dad and tell him what happened here as well."

While the others were talking, Betty approached the spot where Veronica said she saw the strange man. She looked around the spot, looking for signs of the intruder. She didn't note anything suspicious until she looked on the ground where she saw a piece of paper. She slowly picked it up. As she was about to read it, Jughead called her, "Hey Betty! It's not safe to go around alone."

"Jughead," Betty looked back at him, "There is a note."

By that time, the others were getting out of the house and followed Jughead to Betty. As they were approaching her, Betty said, "I think whoever he is was trying to approach us and wanted to place this letter somewhere near us. But Veronica saw him, so he dropped the letter instead and ran away."

"I see. What does it say?" Jughead asked.

Betty opened the note and read it out loud, "A grudge is not meant to be forgotten or forgiven. It is only meant for revenge. The game has started, and you are the players. By playing this game, I am slowly tormenting you till death. The only way to stop this is to know who I am. By knowing me, you can take action to find me and save your lives. However, I think it is highly unlikely that you will know me, for I watched your every move since then and known you well enough to know your limits and capacities. A clue guides you to another clue. If you can't solve it, you are bound to fail. A clue will be given to you soon."

As soon as Betty finished reading, they looked at each other baffled and frightened.

"We're going to get through the bottom of this," Archie said, "We need to find out who is behind this right away. In the meantime, lets do a buddy system. Don't go anywhere on your own. Make sure someone knows your whereabouts and call instantly if you feel danger lurking. We have 7 days to solve this game."

"That's right," Veronica said, "Cheryl and Toni are welcome to stay at my house for a while. I don't think it's safe here. In the meantime, the first clue is already there. Someone who has a grudge on us. I suggest we go back home and make a list of the possible suspects."

Jughead sighed and said, "Boy, that's going to be a long list."