From the shadows, into the light
Getting back out of the library ended up being simpler than what the group had first anticipated. Having to support Enid as she walked being the hardest part as whatever had been affecting the basement was seemingly wearing off. To top it off Bianca also wasn’t causing any more problems even if she was still glaring at Wednesday like she was the devil made flesh.
The group scrambled outside into the evening sun. Having opted for the backdoor considering the fact that Enid was still covered in blood even if Wednesday had managed to heal her. Wednesday’s apparent luck running out as Bianca stepped forward seconds after they’d exited. The glare having turned into a scowl
“Yoko don’t put Enid down we’ll be leaving” Bianca said looking between Wednesday and Yoko. The latter looking uncertain at the order
“you will do no such thi-” Wednesday started before Bianca cut her off with a snarl
“I thought I said we don’t take orders from you!” Bianca almost lunged at Wednesday who much to her own credit didn’t even flinch at suddenly being close to several rows of siren fangs
“and I thought I made it clear that it was an abundantly stupid idea to piss me off” Wednesday said staring down Bianca with a fearsome intensity “and I have more run out of good will for today so I suggest sitting down right now”
Bianca however did not sit down. Nor did she stop glaring down at Wednesday everyone else watching quietly. Enid pretty sure that Bianca was about five seconds from being thrown on her ass. Or worse considering what Enid knew about hunters
“and if that isn’t enough to make you come to your senses might I remind you that there is a human girl down in that basement along with the remains of one. And if she hasn’t called the police yet she will soon” Wednesday took a step forward now less than an inch from Bianca
“we cannot let the police see that body before we’ve dealt with the situation. I’ve already contacted Weems but it will take time before she gets here and until then...” Wednesday took a deep breath before continuing “until then I will need your help. Yours most of all in case the police does show up and we need them to leave”
“oh so the hunter is telling me to use my song on humans?” Bianca scoffed finally breaking her stare but seeming no less aggressive “because I am sooo going to trust that”
“I can assure you that if I was going to act on your habit of forcefully persuading humans I would have done so on the multiple instances where you have tried to do so on me” Wednesday said which was enough to make Bianca look more unsure of herself “and if for nothing else then you could put your own emotions aside and realize the mountain of crap that is going to hit your entire community if the human police sees what is down in that basement. Because I can assure you the perpetrator is not of their stock”
This seemed to finally do the trick to make Bianca back off. The siren staring down Wednesday for a few more seconds before scoffing and turning away. Yoko finally letting Enid sit down on the ground
“so... you’re a witch?” Kent said after several unpleasant quiet seconds. Everyone’s eyes moving to him “I mean you said a spell down there” he continued still getting strange looks for even talking to Wednesday
“yes b-”
“traitor” Bianca cut in spitting on the ground afterwards. Wednesday shooting her a surprised glance before shaking her head and continuing
“but I assure you that what I did was no spell” She continued not paying Bianca’s continued attitude anymore attention
“you said a rhyme and then kissed Enid to make her better” Kent said Enid making a surprised yelp at the kissing part “seemed like a spell”
“it was a simple mnemonic to remember the ingredients in a simple healing mixture” Wednesday said with an eyeroll “I can assure you that if I had done an actual incantation, you would have not been unsure much less have understood it”
“alright then” Kent kissed his own teeth while Wednesday was continuously looking out towards the parking lot which was partly visible from their hiding spot. Not really paying much attention to the person she was having a conversation with
Kent seemed like he was about to say something more. But he never got the chance as Wednesday rushed forward at the same time as a car pulled into the parking lot. Everyone else glancing at each other before following after. Enid having to wait for Yoko to pull her up as her midsection still felt like ass whenever she moved too much
_______________________________________________________________________________
“five students” Weems sighed. All of them sitting in her office after she’d picked them up from the library. Well everyone except for Wednesday who was standing opposite Weems currently enduring a tirade of criticism “you have gotten absolutely nowhere and have now managed to involve five students in this mess. Revealing your identity to them no less”
“they were going to find out sooner or later” Wednesday shrugged her general disinterest only seeming to further piss off Weems
“your continuous disinterest in the consequences of your actions does not remove them” Weems said almost slamming her hand into the table “we’re stopping this entire... circus this instant and calling your dad so he can come down here”
“I can assure you once my father is capable of being here it might well be too late” Wednesday said earning her a surprised look from Weems
“okay is anyone going to tell us what the hell is going on here?!” Bianca exclaimed turning all eyes in the room towards her. The five of them having been sat down in Weems’s office from the start of the conversation. But Enid very much getting the feeling that they weren’t actually supposed to hear anything that was being said
“why is there a hunter at our school? Why are you helping her? And why lie about it like this?” Bianca rapid fired at Weems who shared a look with Wednesday before sighing deeply and turning to face them all fully
“miss Addams has been brought here to deal with a... situation” Weems worried her hands while searching for the right word “several humans have gone missing... Along with one of our own”
“what? Who?” Divina half yelled capturing everyone’s surprise perfectly
“mr. WIlkins” Weems sighed as everyone looked at each other in surprise
“that’s not possible I saw him yesterday” Enid butted in clearly remembering seeing old man Wilkins working in his yard on her way to school yesterday “how can he be missing?”
Wednesday raised an eyebrow at the question. Looking towards Weems but offering up no direct answer to the question. Everyone slowly figuring out what she was trying to say and very much not having it
“we wanted to keep it a secret for now” Weems explained trying to get in front of the ensuring panic “just while we got the situation under control”
“so you let a hunter into the school?” Bianca said “without even telling anyone?”
“I can assure you your parents were all info-”
“NO” Bianca almost spat out standing up from her chair with the same expression on her face as earlier “there is no way in hell that my mom would ever allow a fucking hunter into the school! So don’t even try t-”
“miss Barclay” Weems cut her off not giving her another chance to pick it back up before she continued “trust me that I understand the situation you are in but I assure you that miss Addams is here to help us. Despite appearances”
Enid was certain Bianca was going to keep screaming considering the look on her face. But much to everyone’s surprise she just shot another rageful glare at Wednesday before scoffing and sitting back down. Everyone letting out a small sigh of relief
“...so the girl is dead then?” Weems asked Wednesday after turning back towards her desk. Resting her head in her hands when Wednesday nodded curtly “dammit... dammit. And we’re no closer to finding whoever did it. Nor Harold”
“the human has been dead for a while. Possibly longer than we’ve been trying to find her” Weems looked up from her own hands with a confused look. Clearly waiting for an explanation that didn’t come
“did you not just sell me that you found her mutilated body in that basement?” Weems said
“yes. I only got a short look at it but there were definite signs that the damage was done postmortem. And decomposition had advanced too far for her to have been killed recently”
“why would anyone go through the trouble of desecrating her body like that?”
“I don’t know yet. Possibly to try and conceal how long the victim had been dead or obscure the cause of death. Or it could be related to the ritual circle which was drawn on the floor. Which I will have to inspect before the police tamper with it somehow”
“I’ve already more than used up my favours with the police department but I’ll get in there tonight” Weems sighed rubbing her temples “is there anything else you need to continue?”
“...I need the wolf” Wednesday said after hesitating for a few seconds and looking over at Enid.
As soon as the words had left her mouth Yoko, and surprisingly Bianca, Shot out of their chairs stepping in front of her
“you are not touching her” Yoko said her voice only quivering slightly. Enid still trying to get over the shock of the hunter wanting... no needing her in relation to all of this
“miss Tanaka, Barclay. Sit down” Weems said her tone not leaving much room to argue as both of the girls sat back down and she turned back towards Wednesday “I cannot allow you to involve a student in this anymore than you already have”
“I need her if we’re to have any hope of catching this murderer” Wednesday insisted still not looking at Weems as she did
“could you at the very least... explain why you need to endanger a students life” Weems said shaking her head in wonder
“not in any way that would mean anything to you” Wednesday said Enid hearing Bianca sighing from further down the line of chairs “but I assure you no harm will come to her”
“miss Addams we have just found a young girl ripped to pieces. I don’t have much faith in that promise” Weems sighed taking a few seconds “you’ll protect her with your life?”
“on my mark, on my blood” Wednesday said without even a hint of hesitation though Enid had no clue what it meant
“alright. She can assist you. If she agrees” Weems said. Everyone turning towards Enid now. Bianca shaking her head violently at her while Yoko was looking so worried she was almost vibrating
“you really can’t save them without me?” Enid asked after a few seconds. Having to fight a lump in her throat as she looked at Wednesday
“if there’s still anyone to save then no” Wednesday said Enid gulping at the confirmation. Feeling divided between her own gut wrenching fear and the wanting to try and help and save the lost people
“...okay. I’ll do it” Enid said after a pause. All of her friends erupting in protest while Wednesday just nodded and waited for everyone to quiet back down. Which took a while as they were pointedly ignoring Weems’s attempts to get things under control
“we’ll meet tomorrow then. I’ll text you the address” Wednesday nodded before moving to leave. Bianca standing up and blocking her from reaching the exit
“don’t think we’re going to keep your secret and we are definitely not letting you take our friend anywhere”
“I have no need for you to keep any secrets for me and I would expect Enid to be capable of making her own decisions” Wednesday said her voice bordering on sweet in the most mocking way Enid had ever heard “now move out of my way before I carve you into filets” Wednesday added with a growl. Bianca actually jumping a bit at the first outward threat that Wednesday had made towards them. Whatever fears she had of Wednesday definitely winning out over her confidence
“Tomorrow Sinclair” Wednesday said glancing back towards Enid before finally exiting the office leaving everyone, Principal Weems included, staring at Enid with a mix of concerned and angry looks
“you don’t actually have to go with her. She doesn’t right?” Yoko said directing the last question towards Weems. Whose weary sigh wasn’t looking too promising for Enid
“of course she doesn’t. It remains her own decision” Weems said rubbing her eyes tiredly. Enid starting to realize what a harrowing few weeks it must have been for the woman “but ms Addams has requested her presence. And I cannot stress how important it is that we get to the bottom of this issue before it gets out of hand”
“so you’re just going to leave her alone with a hunter?!” Bianca barged forward seeming even more outraged than Yoko and Enid put together “she’ll rip Enid apart and you know it”
“while I understand your distrust I can assure you that ms. Addams has no reason to that. And that is not counting the fact that she swore not to”
“oh so we’re trusting the word of hunters now? Fucking great” Bianca said throwing her arms up in the air while Enid still sat quietly. Trying to work through the conflicting feelings in her chest
“she is also a witch. Meaning that breaking a vow like that, for any reason, would cost her. Dearly” Weems said staring down Bianca whose Jaw was set in stone and her fists clenched to the point where they turned pale
“that still doesn’t mean you can ju-”
“enough!” Enid suddenly heard herself cry out. Finding that everyone had gone back to staring at her. Enid staring back still halfway in a daze as her tongue tried to work words out of her mouth “it’s my choice and... I’m going with her” She said earning a few raised eyebrows as well as a scowl from Bianca who looked like she was ramping up for another tirade but Enid beat her to it
“not because I trust her” Enid added looking pointedly a Bianca who deflated slightly and seemed to quiet down. For now at least “but someone is dead. And more are missing. Including one of our own” Enid continued unsure if she was trying to convince the others or herself
“and even if none of trust Wednesday she’s here to find them. Or at the very least find the person who’s responsible and stop them” Enid looked towards Weems who offered her a small nod as if to confirm that really was why Wednesday was here. Which honestly offered little relief
“I just... I need to help if I can” Enid finished before pushing herself out of the chair she’d been sitting in for far too long. Wincing slightly at the stab of pain emanating from her stomach. Whatever Wednesday had done to her not having been quite enough to heal her completely. Enid didn’t wait for anyone to say anything else before walking out of the office. Turning around in the door to offer a quick “I’ll text you” to Yoko before hurrying out. The events of the night threatening to push her into a panic attack which she definitely didn’t want the rest to see. Especially not Weems
_______________________________________________________________________________
Standing in front of the library worrying her hands Enid was trying her best to gather the courage to actually continue forward. As promised Wednesday had texted her late the previous night. Instructing Enid when and where to meet her. Enid wondering where the hell Wednesday had even gotten ahold of her phone number and opting to leave the other girl on read. Instead trying to calm herself down enough to actually get some sleep. Which had altogether failed since Enid had laid awake for most of the night
Waking up after preciously little sleep Enid had first had to endure a yelling match with her mom. Weems having apparently called to update her parents on the situation. Meaning that her mom had gone full blown nuclear and forbidden Enid for even stepping near Wednesday. With Enid screaming back that it was her own choice and that it was her mom who had agreed to let a hunter into the school in the first place. The entire thing ending with Enid storming out of the house slamming the door behind her. Which was more familiar to her than it probably should be
Finally hyping herself up enough to actually move Enid made her way to the back of the library. Walking in on Wednesday standing hunched over by the wall of the building. Holding some weird spinning device in her hand while staring intently at it
“uhm... hi?” Enid tried Wednesday looking over her shoulder at the intrusion but otherwise looking thoroughly disinterested
“hello” She offered before turning her attention back towards the device. Standing up and moving to another part of the wall still staring at the device with a slight frown
“sooooo what are we doing” Enid tried again
“I am measuring the current spatial deviation and you, are staying out of the way” Wednesday said not even bothering to look away from the device this time. Enid sighing slightly but not daring to say anything else
Being around Wednesday felt somehow... different now. In a way it was still the same girl she had spent hours in English lit with. The same overpowering smell and weirdly directional goosebumps. But the knowledge of what Wednesday really was, somehow... tainted Enid’s entire perception
There wasn’t an outcast child who couldn’t tell you about hunters. All of them grew up on the stories and cautionary tales about how hunters were the humans frightful response to what they didn’t understand. Fearsome warriors hellbent on eradicating anything that was even slightly different. A human trait that Enid knew still ran deep in their blood even if most humans liked to think they’d changed from the better.
Enid didn’t necessarily believe every scary story that she’d ever heard about hunters. She was for example very much doubting that Wednesday was going to grow silver fangs or that her eyes were going to turn black. But Enid couldn’t help but side-eye the other girl knowing that she was meant to kill people like Enid. The uncertainty being enough for Enid to stand to the side and stay quiet while Wednesday continued her seemingly random walking around
“follow” Wednesday suddenly said. Putting the spinning device into her pocket before moving towards the door to the library. Enid shuffling to follow along. Still not commenting as they walked through the library basement. That was until they reached a certain door. Wednesday pulling out a knife and getting to work on the police seal that had been plastered across the doorframe
“...do we have to go in there?” Enid said after a few seconds. The idea of having to look at the hanging mutilated body again making the stomach curl in on itself
“you can stay out here if you wish” Wednesday said as she finished the cutting the police tape and opened the door which was somehow still unlocked “I require your presence not your amateurish opinion”
“hey!” Enid followed after Wednesday loosing herself slightly at the off the wall comment. Only realizing what she was doing after she’d already entered the room. Stopping in her tracks staring at the grizzly scene in front of her. The body had thankfully been removed, but the room was still entirely covered in dried blood. The small yellow plaques doing little to soften the blow
Enid gulped heavily trying not to lose her breakfast at the sight and instead turned towards Wednesday who had already busied herself with inspecting the blood splatter. Rationalizing that angry was better than both nauseou and scared. Even if the fact that
“why am I even here if you just need me to stand around?” Enid asked infinitely infuriated at the fact that Wednesday still refused to as much as look her way while
“you’re here so my investigation isn’t unnecessarily impeded” Wednesday said as she pulled out a small notebook from somewhere and jotting something down slowly moving her way around the room
“what does that even mean?!” Enid threw her hands in the air the violent motion at last being enough to make Wednesday look her way even if it was to raise a challenging eyebrow at her as if she was a child misbehaving. Which did nothing to soothe the anger rising in Enid’s chest
“it means that you are meant to stand out of the way and keep quiet since I don’t suppose you have any valuable input on the spell circle decorating this room” Wednesday said eerily calm even though her voice carried undertones of something defiant. Enid scoffing defiantly before starting to sniff the air. Pointedly ignoring the overpowering scent of
“the blood is old” Enid said after a few seconds. Sniffing the air a few more times for good measure “and it was old when got splattered around the room” she continued. The air completely lacking any trace of the irony scent that she associated with fresh blood
“so she’d been drained of blood before even getting here?” Wednesday said fully turning towards Enid this time who just shrugged in response. Having already said what she could deduce from the room. The rest of it actually looking way gross and foreign to her. Even if she wasn’t going to admit that to Wednesday
“Meaning that she wasn’t killed here” Wednesday continued glancing around the room as she mumbled seemingly to herself “so both the maiming and the circle might be entirely performative”
“what is it supposed to do?” Enid asked gesturing to the circle of symbols which ran around the room. Figuring that if Wednesday was going to talk, she was going to join in
“I’m not certain” Wednesday said her eyes till fixated on the symbols on the floor “it’s old and I only recognize some of the pattern but it’s not particularly useful”
“meaning?” Enid asked watching as Wednesday leaned over and scraped some of the blood off the floor. Depositing it in a small vial which she hid in another one of the seemingly endless amount of pockets in her jacket
“that I need more information” Wednesday stormed out the door once again leaving Enid to scoff before hurrying after her. Hating how she had to half run to catch up
_____________________________________________________________________________
Walking back out of the library her and Wednesday barely made it five feet towards the parking lot before Wednesday suddenly stopped and shoved her hand inside her jacket glancing around the area. Enid noticing a presence a few seconds later. Likewise looking around for the source
Said source became apparent as soon as the wind shifted. A familiar scent reaching Enid at the same time as Yoko, Bianca and Divina walked out from behind a patch of trees. Wednesday sighing annoyedly but at the very least moving her hand away from her jacket. Where Enid had a bad feeling it had been wrapped around one of her knives
“told you she was going to notice” Yoko said as the girl walked up. Bianca merely glancing in response before all three of them stopped a fair distance away from Wednesday
“I do not appreciate being followed” Wednesday looked between the three girls Yoko and Divina starting to look downright unhappy to be there “especially when it’s done by such rank amateurs that their presence is nothing but a nuisance”
“not like we’re not going to let you run around with Enid without keeping an eye on you” Bianca took a step forward seemingly having regained enough of her courage to stand up to Wednesday again
“your continued distrust earns nothing but my annoyance” Wednesday said making to leave again. Only to stop and turn back towards girls “but now that you are here I could use an extra pair of hands”
“like hell we’re helping you!” Bianca spat out looking genuinely offended at the idea
“then you are welcome to leave and stay gone” Wednesday said before looking expectantly at Divina “I have no need of the vampire so what do you say?”
“hey! You're not going to just take aw...” Bianca looked a mixture of flabbergasted and pissed off at hoe easily Wednesday brushed her off “ugh what do you even want us to do?” she sighed after collecting herself
“to be quiet and pay attention” Wednesday said which was extremely unhelpful “and to follow me back to the academy if you are planning on helping” she added after a few seconds. Which was still rather vague but apparently all she was planning on offering. Turning around and walking back towards the parking lot afterwards. Everyone left exchanging glances before Enid half shrugged and followed Wednesday to her car. The three girls following after in Bianca’s
_____________________________________________________________________________
Arriving back at the school Wednesday continued to share preciously little of what they were doing. Instead leading them to an empty classroom and instructing the rest of them to start moving the tables and chairs around while she left to get the rest of what they needed. Whatever that might be
The four of them didn’t talk much as they tried to follow the instructions to the best of their ability. Wednesday reappearing shortly after they’d finished pushing most of the furniture off to the side. Safe for a couple of tables they’d pushed together and placed four chairs around it.
Divina seemed to figure out what was going on as Wednesday started draping a tablecloth around the tables followed by several candles. Finishing by laying a couple of notepads at two of seats and for some reason a plate and cutlery
“Tanaka go watch the door. Outside.” Wednesday said after finishing lighting the candles
“yeah yeah I get it” Yoko said rolling her eyes before walking towards the door. Theatrically pulling it open and leaving. Enid staring confusedly after her while it seemed everyone but her knew what was going on
“wait why does Yoko have to leave?” Enid asked looking between the three remaining girls who all stopped what they were doing to look at her
“the truly dead tend to dislike the undead” Divina said to which Enid just stared back blankly. Unsure how that was supposed to explain anything
“they rend the ritual pointless” Wednesday tried to supplement. Still not helping Enid particularly
“she wants to do a séance and vampires piss off ghosts cause they’re only half dead” Bianca sighed
“oh okay. And we’re here because?”
“to take notes when for when I fall into a trance” Wednesday said as she sat down at the empty spot at the table “electronic recording devices tend to malfunction at that point”
“...gotcha” Enid mumbled moving to take a seat at one of the remaining places. Bianca and Divina doing the same until Wednesday held up her hand seemingly considering something for a few seconds before pointing at Divina
“go join the vampire” she said unceremoniously. Divina looking hesitant before the glare Wednesday was sending her way seemed to convince to leave
“why’d you set up a place for her then?” Enid asked as she watched Divina exit the room as well
“I needed to decide who else was going to take notes. The last seat is for the unseen third not one of you” Wednesday pulled out the small vial of dried blood that she had collected at the crime scene. Enid visibly wincing as she popped the cork off and poured the contents into her mouth
“okay... EW” Enid exclaimed as she cringed at the sight. Wednesday shooting her an annoyed look
“but we’re already three people?” Bianca asked clearly now being in the same boat as Enid having lost the plot
“there are always the ones who call, the ones who are called and the unseen third who presides over every meeting and must always be invited” Wednesday said nodding towards the empty place at the table. Enid not in any way liking the way her teeth were stained red by the blood “and now shut the hell up so I can get this done. Start taking notes when it’s no longer me who is speaking” she continued not explaining what that was supposed to mean before she closed her eyes and started mumbling. Enid only able to make up some of what she was saying
“...we call you from the dark and into the light. Let your will be known. Let your voice be heard. By ties unseen, by ropes unfelt we bind you here...” Enid managed to make out. Her and Bianca exchanging a confused glance. Not sure what they were really waiting for when Wednesday’s head suddenly snapped back with enough force that the table shook. Enid startling at the sudden movement
“...Wednesday?” Enid tentatively asked as the other girl had stopped her mumbling and was just staring off into space. Enid flinching back as Wednesday’s eyes rolled back into her head until nothing but white was visible
“where am I?” Wednesday said except it wasn’t just her voice anymore. Instead it sounded like someone was overlaying another voice over hers. Like two recordings playing simultaneously. Enid glancing towards Bianca only to see that the siren was already writing down what was being said. Enid scrambling to do the same
“is anyone there? It's so dark here” the voice coming from Wednesday continued. Sounding so genuinely scared that Enid didn’t for a second think Wednesday might be faking it
“she could have told us what to ask” Bianca mumbled before looking up at Wednesday’s body “uhm... where are you?” she tried. The following silence making both them unsure if the other voice could even hear them until it started up again
“I... I don’t know. I was walking in the woods and... and something came. Oh god please help it hurt so much. I don’t know where am I. I don’t know how to leave” The voice said Enid and Bianca looking at each other with distress painted across both their faces
“are you still there? I can’t... I can’t see you. Oh please don’t leave. Don’t put me back in the dark what if it’s still there. I don’t wanna go plea-”
Wednesday buckled over without warning steadying herself against the table as she looked up at Enid and Bianca. Blood dripping from her mouth in such quantities that it couldn’t just be the stuff from the vial anymore
“What the fuck was that?” Bianca was the first to say. Pushing herself from the table and standing up
“What did she say?” Wednesday’s voice was horrifically gravelly. Which wasn’t helped by the splatter of blood that accompanied her words. The hunter impatiently reaching for the notepads when neither Enid or Bianca answered her question
“what in the actual fuck did you just do?” Bianca continued her onslaught. Enid’s brain still trying to catch up with had just happened
“That wasn’t a normal séance. What did you do to that girl?” Bianca seethed glaring down at Wednesday. The height difference only exacerbated by Wednesday sitting down
“I didn’t do anything to her” Wednesday bit back. The effect being slightly stifled by the coughing fit that hit her halfway through the sentence
“no. No to hell with this. And you” Bianca snapped moving to leave. Offering a quick glance towards Enid before shaking her head when Enid didn’t move to follow. Powerwalking out the door without another word
“...what just happened?” Enid said after a prolonged silence. Which Wednesday had spent comparing her and Bianca’s transcripts
“Something unexpected” Wednesday said. Swallowing thickly and wincing in the process. Reaching into her jacket for a small pouch. Eating a handful of whatever was in it
“Wednesday we have to bring her back “ Enid was shaking at this point. Still able to hear the other girl’s voice in her head. The Terror in it.
“Wouldn’t do any good” Wednesday said seeming so genuinely disinterested that Enid felt the familiar anger rise back up in her throat
“We can’t just leave her like that! She was scared! You didn’t hear her!” Enid pushed herself up and started pacing back and forth. Her entire body vibrating with fear, anger and adrenaline with nowhere to put any of it
“I believe I just said it would be pointless” Wednesday said raising an annoyed glance up at Enid as if her outburst was nothing but an disturbance to her
“how can you be so fucking heartless?!” Enid screamed taking several long steps towards Wednesday who finally put the two notebooks down. Although the look she was shooting towards Enid did make her question whether she preferred it when she was being brushed off
“shades only retain higher awareness when present in the material plane” Wednesday said her voice cold as ice in a way that made Enid’s goosebumps rear up like crazy “calling her forth only to let her slip away again would be torture for everyone involved until we found a way to free her from whatever it is that’s keeping her spirit from moving on. Which I do not know yet”
“why didn’t you just say that?!” Enid threw her hands in the air every single interaction she’d have with Wednesday recently seeming like it was all just destined to go to shit
“I made it clear that said path would be pointless. It was you who decided I did so because I enjoyed being needlessly cruel to people who have done nothing to deserve it” Wednesday continued to seethe
“well maybe try to act like person for once then!” Enid screamed really losing herself to her anger on top of the mess of a day she’d had
“I have no issue having to be your horrid bogeyman. But you might well take notice that despite rumours and delusions I do not try and kill every monster I happen upon” Wednesday said standing up from her place at the table. Enid swearing to god if Wednesday was about to walk away in the middle of a conversation again
“you literally threatened to kill one of my friends because she was what? Standing in your way?” Enid quickly jumped in before Wednesday had a chance to leave. If she was even planning on doing that “what kind of psycho does that?!”
Wednesday didn’t say anything at first. A look flashing across her face for a split-second as if Enid had struck a nerve. A fact that Enid was taking a little too much pleasure in. Which was probably a leftover from her frequent screaming matches with her mom
“your friend has nothing to fear” Wednesday said her tone not in any way matching what sounded like the start of an apology “I only kill out of control rapid beasts who are a danger to themselves and others. A distinction I believe you should know better than most”
Enid felt Wednesday’s words settle in her stomach like a stone. The meaning, and insult, hidden behind the words being thinly veiled. The slight uptick of Wednesday’s mouth at Enid’s reaction removing any shred of doubt about what she had meant
“don’t talk about my uncle like that” Enid breathed slowly trying to calm herself down. Shaking with anger as she felt her claws push into her palm as she clenched her fists “and don’t. Threaten. My. Family” she continued not breaking eye contact with Wednesday as she stepped closer. Neither girl willing to be the first to give up. That was until Enid growled in frustration and stormed towards the exit. Not trusting herself not to do something stupid. And also because she’d reached the point where her anger always turned to tears and she’d be damned if she was going to cry in front of Wednesday
“I’ll text you where to meet me tomorrow. I’m expecting you to be there Sinclair” Wednesday yelled over her shoulder as Enid walked away. Enid cursing the obvious triumph in the other girl’s voice as she slammed the door behind her
_________________________________________________________________________________
Enid was genuinely questioning whether to meet up with Wednesday the following day. Both because she was still more than a little ticked off at the other girl, but likewise because Wednesday’s text detailing where they were meeting up had been more than a little unsettling
Unlike yesterday Wednesday wanted them to meet by the side of the road a few miles into the forest. Which was more or less in the middle of nowhere. Furthermore she’d followed up with another text that Enid had spent over an hour just staring at without really knowing what to do with it
There will be blood
Enid was unsure if it was meant to be a threat. A warning maybe? None of the options seemed particularly pleasant for her. Especially considering how they’d left it the day before. Enid honestly starting to feel a little bad about some of the things she’d said. As she often do after letting her anger get the better of her. Yoko really was right whenever she called her a bog softie
In the end Enid did however end up going. Knowing that there might still be a chance that she could help someone by helping Wednesday. And trusting Weems when she promised that the hunter wouldn’t hurt her
Getting to the meeting spot was however more challenging that it had been yesterday. The place being out of the city and Enid doubting that Bianca was going to be willing to give her a lift. The siren having spent most of last night cursing Wednesday in their group chat and vowing to not go anywhere near her ever again. Meaning that Enid had no choice but to pull on a pair of sneakers and start the trek out of town. Breathing a sigh of relief once she was far enough out of town that she dared pick up the pace significantly. Still having to restrain herself so she didn’t end up running so fast that passing cars would take notice
Rounding the final curve in the road Enid caught sight of Wednesday. The hunter leaning against the side of her car. A Cigarette place between her lips as she scrolled through something on her phone
“those smell awful you know?” Enid said half jokingly as she slowed to a trot while making her way up to Wednesday. Who looked up from her phone at the disturbance. A scowl firmly planted on her face
“I’ve been waiting forever, and your school has a smoking ban in place that I had to adhere to in order to remain undercover” Wednesday said taking a final drag before putting the cigarette out against her car. Enid finding herself slightly disappointed as the stink of smoke had at least been masking the scent that usually followed Wednesday everywhere
“you know most people just go behind the bleachers to smoke?” Enid offered to which Wednesday just rolled her eyes and pushed off her car
“follow” was all she offered as she walked. Enid obeying the order even if she scoffed slightly at it
They’d made it maybe twenty feet into the forest before Enid took a deep breath and readied herself for a conversation that she would very much rather not have
“about yesterday” Enid began. Wednesday stopping her otherwise brisk pace to turn and look back at Enid with a raised eyebrow “I wanted to apologize” Enid continued which seemed to catch Wednesday off guard. Enid starting to learn that the trick to read the girl was in reading the small twitches in her otherwise emotionless mask
“I said some things I shouldn’t have and I’m sorry” Enid offered. Wednesday staring at her for what seemed like an eternity before speaking
“your sentiment is accepted although I don’t think it’s you who should be apologizing” Wednesday said holding Enid’s gaze as she seemed to consider her words “it was me who overstepped and I apologize. I should not have brought your family into it. If it helps to hear I have no intention to pursue your uncle. He’s done nothing wrong”
“I know” Enid breathed a sigh of relief. Following after as Wednesday continued to walk. Feeling her residual anger melting off as she did. It might not have been much but it was the most normal Wednesday had acted around her so Enid was going to take what she could get. Finding it easier to forgive Wednesday than she had expected. Most people who talked shit about her uncle being liable to get a claw to the face
“for what its worth we don’t think of you as some bogeyman or whatever you said” Enid said after a few more steps. Wednesday shooting a disbelieving look towards
“okay Yoko is a little scared of you and Bianca hates you for... some reason” Enid admitted not getting into Bianca’s resentment of Wednesday. Mostly because she didn’t understand it herself “but I’m pretty sure Kent is just really curious and none of the others at school are going crazy” Enid continued realizing what she’d just said
“uhm also Bianca has been sort of telling everyone at school who you are” she added hoping Wednesday wasn’t liable to snap at the news
“I’m aware. Weems has been keeping me updated on the ensuing chaos” Wednesday said pushing her way through a few branches
“oh. Good” Enid nodded “I’m just saying that maybe they wouldn’t like not... like you”
“you want me to be more sociable” Wednesday said, Enid pretty sure she was smirking at the suggestion
“just try and talk to them rather than threaten them with knives?” Enid shrugged not really knowing where the line in their.. Partnership was “then maybe they’d be more open to helping with stuff like last night” Enid finished. Feeling her face fall at the memory of the séance. The memories of that girl’s voice pleading for help having already kept her up most of the night
As if Wednesday could somehow sense Enid’s mood dropping without even turning around she spoke. Her voice sounding kinder than it had in most of the time Enid had known her
“despite the setback what we did last night did help” Wednesday said from further ahead seeming to consider her words with care “it gave us more information as well as confirming a suspicion”
“what suspicion exactly?” Enid wondered out loud. Not having been aware of any suspicions they were supposed to be having
“that whoever is behind all of this is a competent magic user” Wednesday explained looking back towards Enid “the spatial distortion at the library pointed towards it but trapping a spirit like that? There's no other explanation”
“could you do it?” Enid said jogging up besides Wednesday. Too interested in the conversation to want to miss anything “you’re a witch after all”
“trapping a spirit is more a question of knowledge than anything” Wednesday said noticing Enid still looking at her expectantly before continuing with a sigh “so yes I could if I wanted”
“the spatial distortion is another matter entirely. In theory I could manage it with a space I had spent sufficient time in. But doing it just to escape someone chasing you?”
“I’m guessing that’s a little weird?”
“the magical equivalent to killing a mosquito with a sledgehammer” Wednesday said. Enid realizing that might have been the first joke she’d ever heard the other girl make
“okay so... the killer is a witch?” Enid flinched at the angry look she got from Wednesday “or just knows magic” she corrected herself “but... what are we doing in the woods then?”
“we’re here because my plan worked yesterday” Wednesday said extremely unhelpfully before stopping and looking ahead “and for this”
“...oh what the fuck?” Enid said following Wednesday’s gaze
“I did warn you that there would be blood”
“I didn’t think it meant this” Enid gestured towards the small clearing in the trees that they’d just walked up to. Which was really more the result of most of the trees in the area having been broken or ripped up by the roots. Something that had happened fairly recently judging by the freshness of most of the breaks
But what was most noticeable and was making Enid a little nauseous whenever she looked towards it, was a head placed atop the remains of one of the broken trees. Enid doing everything she could to not focus on the jagged edge at the neck or the bloody pits where the person’s eyes used to be
“oh that is so disturbed” Enid mumbled trying to look at anything but the head but everywhere she looked she kept noticing more body parts, or just strips of flesh distributed around the area. The entire thing being like a way more brutal rendition of what they’d found the library basement
“it’s... interesting” Wednesday said sounding genuinely awe struck as she took a few further steps towards the head. Enid staying away from all of the gore
“how did you even know this was here?” Enid spat out. Which she thought was a pretty fair question that they were about as far away from civilization as one could get in the area and Wednesday had walked towards the place like a woman on a mission. Which was more than a little suspicious actually
“I used magic” Wednesday said not offering up any further explanation as she walked around taking in the entirety of the grizzly scene “I’m assuming none of the blood here is fresh either?”
Still fighting the urge to barf Enid quickly sniffed the air a few times. Really not wanting to involve any more senses in this experience but forcing herself to anyhow
“yeah. Way old” She nodded swallowing thickly. Happy that Wednesday’s scent was still drowning out the worst of the corpse stink that was permeating the air “so she wasn’t killed here either?” she asked attempting another glance towards the head. Regretting it as her stomach rolled as soon as she did
“it would seem so”
“and that’s important right?” Enid didn’t really know much about murder investigations but did have the common sense to know that where a person was killed was important
“it’s interesting” Wednesday said approaching the edge of the clearing “and more importantly in conflict with the magic being used here”
“yeah?” Enid said starting to feel a bit more control of her lunch and a lot less lightheaded
“spell circles and bindings require that the offering is killed within them for it to have any effect” Wednesday explained
“there’s a spell circle here?” Enid said glancing down at the ground
“yes. Painted in blood the same as the one in the library. But whoever did it didn’t trust themselves to draw it probably out here so they hung pieces of flesh to complete it. Which is a downright ancient technique” Wednesday said gesturing towards the pieces of the body which were hanging from branches around them
Enid was about to say something else when Wednesday suddenly reached out towards the ground. Pulling her finger back red with blood. Before she promptly popped the digit into her mouth
“Wednesday!” Enid winced at the sight suddenly certain she was going to barf “what is it with you and putting blood in your mouth?!”
“salt” Wednesday said after standing up. Having the good grace to spit out what she had in her mouth rather than swallowing “they mixed it with salt to keep track of the pour”
“meaning?” Enid said once she’d finished dry heaving into a bush
“that this isn’t spirit magic despite the perpetrator doing their best to make it appear so” Wednesday said seeming suddenly fascinated by something up in the trees. Enid following her gaze. Not getting what they were supposed to be looking at until she caught sight of a small symbol carved into one of the trees way off the ground. A small ratty looking thing hanging next to it. Which Enid thought looked kind of like a dreamcatcher
“what’s in that direction?” Wednesday asked pointing towards the tree where the dream catcher was hanging
“uhm.... the town?” Enid said trying to catch sight of the sun and figure which way was which “yeah, town”
“the library?” Wednesday asked glancing towards Enid
“uhm yeah actually” Enid said realizing that you would run into the library if you kept walking that direction “what does that mean?”
“that we’ve missed something important back there” Wednesday said looking thoughtfully into the air before sighing and looking dejected “and that I’ll have to call Weems about... this”
“she was hoping to find them alive this time wasn’t she?” Enid asked walking up next to Wednesday
“I’m beginning to doubt that was ever a possibility” Wednesday sighed “which she will not take well”