What Exactly is the American dream? For my dad, on the eve of his 50th birthday the American dream was this. A father, a mother, a son, a daughter,a loyal Hound, food on the table. The only thing missing was...
Mercy POV
I look at my dad's present to FP with slightly wide eyes.
Dad:He's turning 50, it has to be a good thing and what's better than a man's second love to his family?
Me:This is nice. Actually. He'll love it.
Dad:I hope so, I know I wasn't the best, best friend to him, but he definitely deserves it looking after you when I wasn't here, being a loyal friend, and just a good guy he deserves something nicer than that ugly ass pick up. When Fred's birthday comes along I'm getting him something similar that way when gets back into the dating scene he can impress the ladies.
I roll my eyes at him and nod.
Me:That's sweet of you dad.
Dad:What did you get him?
I get up and run into the house and my room, I grab the bag and run back into the garage and hand the bag to my dad. He widens his eyes at it before opening it and pulling out the box.
Me:From me and Jug.
Dad:Is this authentic?
Me:Of course, mom wouldn't allow anything less.
Dad:I'm jealous.
Me:Don't be your birthday hasn't come around yet.
He puts the box back into the bag again and hands it to me but I hand it back to him.
Me:Put it in the glove box, make sure you don't bend the card.
He nods and unlocks the door before slipping it inside. Once we are done and I head inside getting ready to meet the guys at Pops.
Jughead:Here's the deal Archie. I checked with my dad, I pulled all the files on Warden Norton after he committed suicide, and I cleared out his office and I found this.
I see the game card I lean over to read it with Archie looking at the replica next to his hand.
Archie:*scoffs* kill the Red Paladin. Like the one Ricky had. These two cards are identical. That's the same design, same card stock. To me that indicates that someone printed out multiple "Kil the Red Paladin" cards, put them out into the world.
Betty:We need to find out who.
Me:We also need to know why.
Archie:I know where to start.
Me:Well I'm out, I gotta go with my parents to pick out FP's presents.
Jughead:Presents?
Me:Yup, seeing as they've been best friends for over 20 years, they want to go all out for his half a century.
Jughead:Did you get....
Me:Yup its already wrapped. Don't worry.
Jughead:Thanks.
Me:No problem it's a gift from his trouble makers, it's the least we can do right?
Jughead:Also don't forget.
Me:Got cha.
I tell them goodbye before heading out. Making sure my dad is home before I head back.
&-&-&-&-&
FP:Today, the Serpents start a new chapter. You're no longer outlaws, you're lawkeepers, which is why I've got Tom Keller here to help. He is the best damn sheriff Riverdale's ever had.
Keller:Well, thanks, FP, that's quite an introduction. Um a lot of what we'll be doing over the next couple of months will be like basic training. Each junior deputy will be paired with an officer who will mentor them.
FP:Jughead, Mercy you'll be riding with me.
I wanted a female cop tho, they always seem to be more interesting and laid back , but these two but it may bring more excitement.
We all get up and head out, once we make it into his car he pulls off and I huff.
Me:Why do I have to sit in the back? I'm older.
Jughead:You're also shorter and have a baby face. Wouldn't want passing civilians to think you're a child in the front seat.
Me:Jerk, I feel so sorry for JB.
Jughead:She's taller than you too so maybe she would've sat in the front.
Me:FP...
FP:Quiet you two.
I throw myself into the back seat and Jughead chuckles and I meet his eyes in the review mirror and I glare.
Jughead:Aww, so precious.
FP:Leave her alone, boy. *chuckles*
Jughead:Did you ever think in a million years that at 50 you'd be sitting in the driver's seat of a sheriff's cruiser?
FP:No, I never even imagined I'd make it to 50. Figured that was my expiration date
That's messed up.
Jughead:What did you think was gonna happen?
FP:Getting myself killed or drinking myself to death, like my old man. In a way I'm uh, I'm just happy to be here. Happy to be alive.
And I'm not I gave my headphones to Fangs, he better not break them.
Jughead:What are you most proud of?
FP:You, your sister, I'm uh... Proud of you both and the smart ass in the back seat.
I pop my head up and glare at the man driving before putting my head back down on my jacket enjoying the ride.
Jughead:Are we really doing this?
Well, that sounds loaded.
Jughead:Moving to the Northside, into the Cooper house? It's like a Norman Rockwell painting with leather jackets.
FP:You know, you and jellybean deserve it. And for the first time ever, I'm in a place where I can provide for my kids. I can put a real roof over your head, food in your mouths. Damn! And it only took me 50 years to get here.
Can something happen? Because I can't stay in this back seat all day.
Dispatch:We've got a 10-23 at the Chock-lit Shoppe. Out.
FP:10-4. On my way.
Jughead:And what the hell is a 10-23?
When we walk inside we see Ronnie and Pop with Delores sitting with a rag on her arm. So assault is a 10-23?
FP:Hey, pop, What's going on?
Veronica:Some fizzle rocks junkie spazzed out and threw coffee all over Delores, then ran out of here.
Jughead:I thought fizzle rocks were gone, this whole candy epidemic was over?
FP:Yeah, but I've heard rumblings and rumors that someone's is looking to reopen the candy store.
Me:Not surprised, too much money to be made off of it.
Veronica looks at us and I tilt my head to side.
Jughead:I wonder who.
Veronica:That's a good question.
Oh sweet Riverdale, can you be normal for once!
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
I look at the flyer and nod.
Me:I'm with it. Do I need to carry anything?
Jughead:You think you can get some tranquilizers?
Me:... How strong?
Jughead:Strong enough to knock your dad, my dad or Sweet pea out.
Me:So heavy heavy Tranqs. I'll see, but if not they'll probably be only strong enough to calm a weaker person down either way Archie can win.
Betty:That's good enough.
I nod and get up grabbing my phone calling Sykes.
Phone call:
Sykes:Yo, Mercy what can I do for you?
Me:I'mma need some darts.
Sykes:Elephant?
Me:I'm not trying to kill someone, Sy gimme something that'll make a grown man running on adrenaline to see double.
Sykes:I got some of that, how many you need? A pack, two?
Me:Just half a dozen.
Sykes:For you half off.
Me:Thanks, and can we keep this down? I'm not trying to let my dad in on this. I'mma need the gun too a pistol, I'm shooting nobody up close.
Sykes:Of course, of course. Where you wanna meet?
Me:You know where the Pembrooke is?
Sykes:Hiram's spot? Why?
Me:No cameras, deal?
Sykes:See you in ten.
Me:Say less.
I hang up and turn to the two and wave.
Me:I'll meet you at the gym. Want anything from pops?
Betty:No-
Jughead:Shake and a burger.
Me:Got it.
When I pull up to the Pembrooke I see the squat man standing against his car. I get up and walk to him money in hand. Once he sees me he stands straight before reaching into the car grabbing the box handing it over to me. I hand him the money underneath the box as a trade. I nod to him before walking back to my car and then head to pops.
As Archie bounces around the ring Betty and Jug stand inside with him.
Betty:Maybe we didn't let it spread.
Me:They'll be here.
Jughead:Well-
Man:I'm here for the red paladin.
Betty:Arch.
I make sure a dart is inside before I sit back and sip my shake. Once everyone is in Jughead starts.
Jughead:Challengers! Welcome to the Iron Mountain. Approach this hallowed battleground, submit your "Kill the Red Paladin" card, bring the paladin down to his knees in three minutes and your quest is won. However, should you run out of time, should you fall to the paladins hand, then your quest is over. Is that understood?
Everyone says their form of agreement and I see Betty looking nervous.
Me:I'll be fine.
Betty:Do you have enough?
Me:I thought it wouldn't be this many people. Hopefully they'll take their loss with pride. They failed their quest.
Betty takes the cards as the go up to the ring. I make sure to keep track of who's going in. After a few one guys doesn't understand what the bell means. I look at Betty and she nods, I aim the gun and right when I start to pull the trigger Archie punches him.
Me:I can't get a clear shot. He has it handled.
Soon he head buts him and he's down. They look at me and shrug.
Me:Only 11. Where's the last one?
Archie:Who else wants a piece of me?!
We hear the door open and I see a older guy walk in me and Betty look at each other in confusion.
Me:Who's the old guy?
Archie:My old guard at L&L Captain Golightly. Warden Norton's lap dog.
He holds the last card up.
Golightly:My price for admission.
Jughead:Enter the Kraken! Begin!
As soon as the bell rings they go at it. Blow for blow, just when I think Archie may get knocked out, he comes up with a blow knocking him out. I hold the cards up and smile.
Me:And this quest has been completed.
Once we shuffle everyone out and patch Archie up I head home, ready to sleep, but I get a text from Jughead about my mom making her red velvet cupcakes. Kill me now.
3:45 am
I place the now cooled cupcakes inside the fridge before showering and dropping like stone into my bed, I'll find my clothes for tomorrow in a few hours.
/-/-/-/-/-
Mom:Mercy wake up! Remember you're supposed to help with the set up!
I groan and sit up I huff looking at my head scarf next to me like a sleeping partner, of course I slept badly. I get up and shower again before fixing my hair into a high puff, I grab some black Skinny Jeans and a fitted stretchy type flannel. I slip my boots on and jog down the stairs seeing my dad eating one of the cupcakes.
Me:Dad.
Dad:My bad it's just too good, I needed to enjoy this in peace.
Me and my mom shake our heads before we start packing the food we were bringing into the truck, I talked my dad into driving the car to their new house, which ended up being Betty's. Once that's there we head to Pops.
When we make it down I see Gladys and JB putting up stars with 50s on them.
Gladys:The Johnson's are here! Thank you guys.
Dad:You know you're family we had to help out.
Me:I need coffee.
Mom:You don't even drink coffee.
Me:Exactly, let's get started so I can take a power nap before everyone gets here.
I set up the food with the waitress, Ronnie helping me gain energy with some mock tails as I ramble about sleep and birthdays.
I wake up to someone kicking my foot I sit up and see Jughead, I take my shades off and he sits next to me.
Jughead:Where is our gift?
Me:I put it with my dad's, it's at your house.
Jughead:It must be big.
Me:Yeah, make sure you tell him to check the glove compartment.
Jughead:Will do. Thanks again for talking your mom into baking.
Me:You tell her, wake me up when your old man gets here.
Jughead:He's already here, also I need to talk to you about something.
I look at him and nod slightly in motivation for him to speak, Jughead leans into my ear to speak but before he can say anything Gladys interrupts us.
Gladys:What you two trouble makers over here whispering about?
Jughead stands up and I follow shaking my head beginning to speak but Jughead cuts me off.
Jughead:I was telling her what she could give him for a gift before the day ended.
This ugly hat wearing bastard! I smack his arm and he grabs it rubbing it.
Gladys:I saw the gift you gave him for his retirement party! It's lovely I'm sure it was hard to top that.
Me:Yeah, but I'm going to find something!
FP:Can I request something?
I tilt my head and nod slowly.
Me:You're the man for twenty four hours, your wish is my command.
This literally putting me on edge right now, and he has that stupid evil ass grin on his lips.
FP:I want you to do a song.
Kill me now.
Jughead:*scoffs* Mercy can't sing dad.
FP:Don't underestimate her, son.
Me:I don't think-
Gladys:Yes! You should! I'll make sure to get you the mic! I'll go find Veronica, come with me Jughead.
When they leave I full on glare at FP who has that smirk on his face.
Me:I technically did get you a gift, me and Jug went and got you one so I don't have to do it.
FP:But didn't you say I was the man for twenty four hours?
Me:Don't be a jerk.
FP:So no one else knows you can't sing?
Me:No and I don't even have a song that could possibly be appropriate for a birthday.
FP:You'll think of something. Because I want to hear that voice in a mic loud and proud.
Me:How do you know I won't belt out like a goat?
FP:Your ego and pride. Now if you'll excuse me.
Me:Asshole.
FP:I heard that!
Me:Good you old buzzard.
He chuckles and I plop back down in my seat and huff sipping my water. I'm not singing, I'll let my pride and ego be taken down a couple of notches. I grab a cupcake and take a bite, I see Gladys walk onto the stage and she speaks, I get up and find my parents and sit with them.
Gladys:Thank you everyone, for coming out to celebrate one of Riverdale's finest. The finest, if you ask me, my husband, FP Jones.
Some whoop at the statement and I see Jughead glaring at his mom, I knew he'd figure out she's as crooked as her smile.
Gladys:Once, he was a king, a great king. Maybe the best ever. But I think the greatest role that he's ever held is that a father. So why don't we ask Jughead to come on up here and say a few words. What do you say, guys?
We chant for him as he walks up to the mic. He looks at me and I tilt my head he looks down to his dad and takes a deep breath.
Jughead:Thanks, I... Wrote... It's no secret that the Jones men don't really like birthday parties*sighs* We're a rather broody bunch. You know I remember when you made me promise not to stop writing. Not for anything. And I haven't. I've written everyday but I could punch keys every night in a booth at Pop's and never come up with a story nearly as remarkable as yours.
That just gave me an idea, I know what song I'm going to sing! I get up and walk to Ronnie, I tell her what song instrumental to play before going back to my seat.
Jughead:You've gone from the wrong side of the tracks to the right side of the law. From Serpent King to Sheriff of Riverdale. From a man that most people in this town had probably written off... To someone who righted his wrongs and brought our family back together. That's who you are to me, someone who would do anything for his family.
I see that joy turn into slightly anger as he changes his glance looking away from his dad.
Jughead:There's something you need to know about this family.
God don't do it in front of the birthday cake.
Jughead: We'll always be there for you. Me,Jellybean, and mom. I'm proud to be your son. I'm proud to share your name. And I am proud to be part of your amazing story. Here's to 50, Dad... And to 50 more.
We all cheer and clap as FP stands up he meets Jug half way and they hug. Awww. Soon Gladys is up and back at the mic.
Gladys:We have one more person who's going to come up and show FP some love, let's hear it for Mercy Johnson!
My parents look at me in confusion but I ignore them as I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans the butterflies heavy in my stomach as I walk up, once I do I smile and speak into the mic.
Me:Umm... I'm not a big public speaker but, um to basically add on to what Jug and my aunt said, FP you're an amazing person and you asked me to sing and who can say no to a guy who never asks for anything from anyone, right? I hope you enjoy.
I close my eyes and I look at Jug and FP they both hold up thumbs up and I take a deep breath and look at Ronnie and nod, I hear the melody play as and I time myself.
"I wanna leave my foot prints on the sands of time, Know there was something that, and something that I left behind, When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets, Leave something to remember, so they won't forget, I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here... "
" I did I've done, everything that I wanted and it was more than I thought it would be, I will leave my mark so everyone will know, I was here... "
I look out into the crowd and see some surprised faces, some smiling, I look at Betty and see her jaw dropped, Jug has a smirk on his face with his arms folded. I look at my parents and my mom is just cheesing, I take a deep breath and continue.
" I want to say I lived each day, until I died I know that I had something in somebody's life, the hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave. That I made a difference, and this world will see... I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here..."
"I did I've done, everything that I wanted and it's more than I thought it would be, I will leave my mark so everyone will know, I was here..."
"I lived, I loved, I was here, I did, I've done everything that I wanted and it was more than I thought it would be I will leave my mark so everyone can know, I was here..."
wrap it up.
"I just want them to know that I gave my all gave, did my best, Brought someone some happiness, left this world a little better just because... I was here."
Prepare for the High notes pull the mic away.
"I was here... I lived, I loved, I was here... I've did, I've done, everything that I wanted and it was more than I thought it would be I will leave my mark so everyone will know... I was here... I was here."
I put the mic down and everyone claps and whoops like they did Jug, I bow and try to hurry up and get off the stage but FP is already at the steps, I give a nervous smile and sorts fall into his arms, he lifts me up slightly and I hear him sniffle.
FP:You did good, Love you Mercy. Thank you
Me:Love you too, Old man.
He pulls away from me and I chuckle and he chuckles shaking my shoulder.
I pat his back before we detach and I walk to my parents my dad looks betrayed I roll my eyes at his soon to be dramatics and my mom hugs me to her squealing.
Once everyone is up and enjoying the food I see my mom and Jug talking I turn to my dramatic father and cross my arms.
Me:Yes dad?
Dad:Since when could you sing?
Me:Always.
Dad:And I never knew?
Me:I sang around the house.
Dad:When?
Me:Just this morning.
Dad:I thought that was just music.
Me:Well you can't blame me.
Dad:Yes I can, some daughter you are.
I start towards Jughead and my mom with my dad whining about me being a bad daughter but I sorta stop when I hear Jug talking.
Jughead:Thank you for making the cupcakes Ms. Johnson, I know I told Mercy they were for my dad but they're my favorite.
Mom:*chuckles* Jug I don't bake, all the times Mercy ever brought sweets she's always made them.
Jughead:What? No that can't be true, you didn't make my birthday cake?
Mom:No, I can barely bake pre-made cookie dough properly, but that girl can definitely make something from scratch without a problem, she told you I made that stuff?
Time to go.
Jughead:Yeah and I see her running away, one moment.
Before I can get even a tables length I'm grabbed, I smack his hand away and he throws his hands up at me. Here we go dramatic man number two.
Jughead:First you keep singing away from me now baking? Why must you keep secrets?
Me:Because that's Josie and the puss cats thing, I'm no singer, and I only bake when asked. These are just random hobbies others have caught me red handed in.
Jughead:When did my dad catch you singing?
Me:I was waiting for him come and help with my bike, I didn't know he came in the garage and I was singing.
Jughead:Wow, first you hide being a serpent, now you're the one baking my favorite cake, can fence, can weld a bow and arrow andyou're a singer? I swear if you have anymore hidden talents you better tell me.
Me:I can play piano, I'm teaching Sweet pea in our spare time.
Jughead:*scoffs*Wow, some best friend you are.
Me:I swear you and my dad are so dramatic over stuff you don't know, it's annoyingly adorable.
Jughead:Whatever, just call me a lousy best friend because I know it's coming.
Me:You aren't a lousy best friend, Forsythe, I'm just good at hiding stuff I want to be hidden. Now what did you want to tell me earlier?
He looks around before pulling me towards the back of the speakeasy. I look at him and he sighs.
Jughead:My mom is trying to take over the drug game on Riverdale and she's working with Hiram Lodge, she didn't come back for us.
I knew he'd figure it out. I sigh and rub his arm.
Me:It'll work itself out Jug, you should tell your dad before someone else finds out and tries to say you guys knew what was going on and try to get him arrested.
Jughead:I want to but what if he backslides after finding out? He's doing so well Mercy.
I see the tears well up in his eyes and I see him looking over my shoulder at someone with anger and I know it's his mom, I grab his shoulder and shake it slightly and he looks at me.
Me:One thing my parents taught me? Is to never let anyone stop me from telling them something because of what they say may happen, remember Jug your dad knows your mom and yeah it may hurt him but I know he rather distance you guys from her rather than see both of them locked up and away from you guys if this all goes to shit. Talk to him Jug, and don't let your own mother stop you from doing the right thing for your family.
Jughead:What if they leave again?
Me:Then it was never a genuine want to stay with you anyway. But give her a little benefit of the doubt until it's obvious she's rotten okay? The last thing you want to do is go in guns blazing and it's all genuine.
Jughead:So just warn my dad.
Me:Yes,or you can disrupt your mom's plans I'm just throwing out ideas.
He sniffs and I pull him into a hug, once we pull away we go back to the party and enjoy it.