In the dark reaches of my mind, a dream was being molded. In this dream, I was walking towards the vast reaches of the void. Silence filled the surrounding as no sound could penetrate. Every second felt like a year passed by as time was irrelevant.
What felt like eternity was finally coming to an end as a throne appeared in front. I came to the throne and as I sat in, memories from a long-forgotten time flooded my mind as it showed various worlds as well as abilities.
The amount of information was too much all at once so I could only seal them for the time being and slowly sort out the new memories before unlocking the seals. When the sealing was complete, light appeared and covered the entire dream world. I woke up to the gentle sunlight touching my face.
"What a weird dream," I thought but before I could think, new memories flooded my mind.
There were times in the memories where I was tinkering with gadgets while the other was modifying equipment as well as inscribing runes.
"These new memories seem to be related to alchemy and enchantment. It felt like I've been making those items myself countless times in a different life. This will be a handy skill to have for the future," I said to myself.
Hopefully these new skills will have a chance to bloom in other worlds.
Seeing as the day started, I should get up but my girls are holding me too tightly. Wednesday was wearing my shirt as it just barely covers her petite figure and sleeping towards my left. Enid was wearing a white t-shirt and short shorts as her leg was hanging over mine.
I'm contemplating whether to enjoy this sandwich or Shadow Exchange out to start my day. After deliberating for a while, I resigned to my fate and let the two wake up on their own. I saw Thing on Enid's bed reading a magazine. Probably for a hand moisturizer or nail buffer.
Time passed by quickly as a couple hours went by, the two girls started stirring in their sleep while I was awaiting for their awakening. As they both got up, I was rubbing their backs to wake them gently. They looked at me before holding me again as if they never held me all night long. I got up myself and opened the balcony door to let in some fresh air.
Today's the day when everything will come to an end. Laurel Gates and Joseph Crackstone will cease to exist after the end of today. I should start preparing for their inevitable demise. I told Wednesday and Enid my intentions and asked them to be ready for tonight. They nodded and mentally prepared themselves.
I left the room by myself and walked straight to Principal Weem's office. Even though Weems told me I didn't need to report to her, I figured she could come up with a suitable story for Laurel's disappearance.
I knocked and went inside Principal Weem's room and shut it behind me. Principal Weems seemed surprised seeing me as she remembered her telling me to no longer report. Curiosity filled her mind as she was directly face-to-face with me.
I explained, "Good morning Principal Weems. I believe you might be wondering why I am here today. I'm only here to inform you that Joseph Crackstone will be resurrected tonight."
Principal Weems' eyes shrunk and in a panic exclaimed, "Are you certain, Mr. Ashborn?! Should we evacuate Nevermore?"
Before she could continue asking questions, I interrupted and replied, "No need to panic, Principal Weems. I have it under control. The moment Crackstone's resurrected, he would be bound and left to be killed by Wednesday. After all, her ancestor did before, it is only fair the descendant finishes her ancestor's work. Laurel Gates is left to me while Tyler is being kept on a very very short leash by his father. I can only hope there won't be any unforeseen changes. I only need you to cooperate with the school faculty as well as the Nightshades to keep the rest of the students safe and calm. If Tyler does show up, I can only kill him to prevent him from damaging Nevermore."
Listening to my explanation, Principal Weems took a breath of relief and agreed with my plan. She would inform the faculty and the rest of the Nightshades to stay alert tonight.
She added, "The rest of the students will be put on curfew in case of accidents. I do hope you will be safe in all this as well Ms. Addams and Ms. Sinclair."
I reassured Principal Weems and told her, "I hope you can have a story ready in case any kind of authorities come sniffing about. After all, today would be a red full moon. Very ominous phenomenon."
I said my goodbye and left the room while Principal Weems immediately called for a faculty meeting and to bring Bianca with them. I finally got out of the stuffy room and sat in the Quad to calm myself. It's time to bring Laurel out of her hidey hole. Good thing she's still under surveillance after our last encounter.
I closed my eyes and honed in on the Shadow Knight spying on Laurel before Shadow Exchanging with me. Laurel seems to have left Jericho and was a few miles out of town. The location looked somewhat abandoned but at least no one would bother when she starts begging for mercy.
I sent my Shadow Knights to immobilize her after all she had ample time to set up traps in case of intruders. I can never really trust a psychopath with murder tendencies. I sat down on a tree stump before waiting for Laurel to be brought out.
A few minutes passed by before traps were being triggered and a scuffle was heard in the distance before Laurel was brought out by two Shadow Knights. They arrived in front of me before Laurel was made to kneel. Laurel could only look up in difficulty and was terrified at the sight of me. To think the person who brought her down was a Nevermore student who terrified the school at one time for his strength.
"It's so nice to see you again, Ms. Thornhill.. or should I say Ms. Laurel Gates?" I raised a question. Laurel was shocked as her true name was revealed.
All she could say was, "How?"
"How, you say? I became suspicious of you during that night at the Harvest Festival. I noticed you following me after I left Ophelia Hall. Also I confirmed you took pictures of Wednesday that night when she was playing her cello. I found them hidden in your old music box at the Gates Manor. I'm extremely disappointed that you wanted to bring back your dead ancestor back to life so I had to step in now," I explained slowly as Laurel was shivering in fright as her plan was slowly being unfolded before her eyes.
Terrifying thoughts filled Laurel's mind as she lamented her upcoming fate.
Laurel asked hesitantly, "What are you going to do with me? My plan is all ruined with you outcasts making a mess of things..."
I looked over to Laurel and it sent shivers all over her body and said, "That would be a secret for now, Ms. Gates. You'll know later when you see your beloved ancestor."
I turned to the Shadow Knights and ordered, "Make sure she doesn't escape nor commit suicide. After 10pm tonight, bring her to Crackstone's crypt. Tie up her hands and feet as well."
The Shadow Knights saluted and complied with my order. Laurel was tied up until her fate ended tonight. With Laurel taken care of, I head back to Nevermore via Shadow Exchange. I met up with Wednesday and Enid.
I told her about Laurel and her inevitable end. Wednesday was smiling but Enid was a little afraid since she had not taken a life before. I could only comfort her and told her that this would be a necessary part of reality in the multiverse.
I held Enid and said softly, "Only when you are strong will you be able to live while the weak can only perish. I can only protect you from harm as much as I can but I fear what will happen when I'm not there. Be strong, my wolf. You will be stronger than you ever thought possible. Same with Wednesday. As we shuttle through different worlds, we will encounter other beings like humans or other species like outcasts or aliens or unexplainable beings. With new worlds meaning new possibilities, we may find some things that would increase your strengths and further eliminate any weaknesses."
I turned to Wednesday while gently stroking Enid's hair and said, "Wednesday, maybe we could find you a dark bloodline suitable for you like a vampire, a banshee, a demoness, or a succubus to choose from. Your body is already filled with mana so your psychic energy is a good outlet for becoming a witch. Enid's werewolf bloodline also provided her with mana so she also is qualified for becoming a witch. I can tell you one world you may recognize since its existence has stained this world as it is similar in many ways. It is a world filled with magic and wonder as well as its dangers that comes along with them. A castle involving four distinct colleges where it produced a dark wizard so horrible, it made the whole United Kingdom to its knees. Fortunately that same dark wizard was vanquished by a baby. Can you guess what world I'm talking about?"
Both Wednesday and Enid started thinking about that description before they both shouted, "Harry Potter!!"
I smiled and clapped for them for figuring it out so fast.
I continued, "That's right. The world of Harry Potter is real. The author thought she wrote that book with her imaginations but she was actually peering into the world of Harry Potter instead. Certain people have that ability to look through different universes and think it's just their imaginations. There will be a day when we go to this world in the future."
Enid became super excited and shouted, "OMG!! OMG!! OMG!! Harry Potter is real. I wanna get sorted when we go there in the future. I wanna get a wand and an owl and learn magic. WEEEE!!"
"Seems like Enid got rid of her uneasiness quite quickly. That's good. At the very least her adaptability for change is outstanding," I thought.
Wednesday thought carefully and replied, "Those spells would be very helpful if I do decide to hone in my psychic abilities into magic. There are too many spells in that world that are very helpful to day-to-day life to simplify tasks. Those unforgivable curses will be very useful in the long run~! Ohh torture and murder! My favourite! I cannot wait till then, Mon Cheri~"
Wednesday added, "For bloodlines, I believe I can wait till we leave our world and see if there's anything we can find there. If there would be a suitable bloodline, I will be sure to take advantage of it. Thank you for your concern, love."
Going back to the matter at hand, I told them we will release Crackstone tonight around 10pm at night. The moon should have risen by then and it would be the red full moon. The afternoon was spent resting and napping till around 8pm. All three of us ate dinner and came back to the room right after. I told them we should start getting ready soon and head to Crackstone's crypt.
After a while, all three of us headed to Crackstone's crypt by boat since we're not in too much of a hurry. The boat ride was calming under the moonlight. Enid was a little nervous while Wednesday wanted to see what a near-400 year old pilgrim. We landed on the island and walked towards the crypt before I started releasing the Shadow Knights for protection in case of uninvited guests.
As we approached Crackstone's crypt, I used my energy to summon Goody from the afterlife and told her to stay by Wednesday and Enid's side. I opened the door to the crypt and entered inside. The girls followed soon after and immediately spotted Laurel tied up while being guarded by two Shadow Knights.
I nodded to the Shadow Knights and summoned Igris to overlook the coffin filled with the stench of demons. I went around the coffin to place Shadow Chain traps all around to immobilize Crackstone the moment he wakes up.
Goody walked in front of me and bowed, "O King, shall we start the unsealing?"
I looked over to Wednesday and then to Goody, "Let the unsealing commence."
I called Wednesday over and gave her a blade, "My dear Wednesday, will you do the honor?"
Wednesday grabbed the blade and nodded. She walked up to the coffin before cutting her palm with the blade. Blood started to spill before she laid her blood-stricken hand on the coffin's sigil.
The sigil glowed red as the blood spread around the sigil while the blood moon illuminated the coffin. With the two conditions of the unsealing had been completed, Wednesday stepped back to my side while wrapping her hand with a cloth bandage.
Goody started reciting her incantations to unseal Crackstone. Smoke started to spill out of the coffin and before long, the figure of Joseph Crackstone holding a staff was visible to everyone. Before Crackstone could regain his consciousness, the Shadow Chains binded him as several Shadow Knights were on guard.
Crackstone finally regained his consciousness and hoarsely questioned, "What is this? Why am I bound by these chains?" He looked around before his eyes settled on Goody's ghost.
Crackstone roared hoarsely, "Goody Addams!!! Even now you still haunt me. You will burn in hell, you witch!! For all of mankind, you.. should.. DIE!!"
No matter how much Crackstone yells or struggles, he couldn't get out of the binds. I then made sure he shut his mouth by having Igris smash his head onto the floor. Crackstone immediately felt immense pain from having his face smashed. After Igris smashed his face a few more times, he was much quieter than before. Pain is a great motivator for obedience.
I walked towards Crackstone and picked up his staff to examine it before crushing it to pieces. I picked up a glowing piece that came from the tip of the staff. It was radiating a faint psychic energy. This piece would be very valuable for forging an alchemy equipment for Wednesday. It would pair well with her psychic abilities.
I turned my gaze to Crackstone while grabbing his neck and declared, "Pitiful human, so full of rage for your fellow men. Whether she is a normie or outcast, she is still considered human. Seeing as you're blinded by your rage and pride, I will let her descendant put you to rest. Your entire existence will be erased after tonight."
I called Wednesday over while Goody hovered over her shoulders. I handed her a blade to finish this curse that brought nothing but hatred and suffering to the outcasts.
After encouraging Wednesday, I spoke, "I know you'll enjoy this, my dear Wednesday. So take your time till you've had enough. You can think of it as an early birthday present. Pretty sure torture and murder is high up on your wish-list."
I looked over to Goody before continuing, "Be sure nothing is left of him after."
I walked over to Enid as she held on to my arm as we both watched Wednesday start Crackstone's torture. I had to admit Wednesday's display is very intricate yet deadly. It looked like an artist in her own element–too bad for Crackstone, that element is torture.
Laurel on the side watched in horror at the amount of torture her ancestor received. She could only contemplate what fate would befall her as she was a direct descendant of Crackstone. Before she could move, one of the Shadow Knights pulled out his sword before keeping it close to Laurel's face. She stopped abruptly before sitting down in utter helplessness.
Midnight is approaching soon as the torture finally ended. Wednesday had her fun leaving Crackstone in agony as his regenerative ability keeps him from dying. Ironic how his regenerative ability kept him from death made him unable to end his torment. Wednesday was filled with smiles as she got to torture her ancestor's enemy.
She finally had enough and stabbed Crackstone in the heart. It caused a chain reaction as Crackstone started yelling hoarsely as the tormented figure slowly burned into ash and exploded. I had the Shadow Knights cover Wednesday and Goody while I shielded Enid.
The ash smoke finally settled as the Crackstone had been vanquished by Wednesday and Goody. Now the only thing left to do is cut off any more loose ends like Laurel Gates. Unfortunately I do not want to dirty my hands with such a pathetic human being. Her hatred for outcasts and her plan to ostracize the outcast community with her targeted murders will end in her own demise.
The Shadow Knights walked towards Laurel before unsheathing their blades and raising them up. I held up my hand as Laurel felt her death was coming.
Laurel shouted in desperation, "Please let me go!! Please!! I'll leave all the outcasts alone. Just let me live!! Please!! Let m–"
Her voice was cut off as my hand fell down and with that, the Shadow Knights cut off her head. Blood spewed out as her shocked expressions stained her face. I ordered them all to clean up the body and make sure it's well disposed of.
I turned to Goody, who was by Wednesday's side, and said, "Goody, I will infuse you into Wednesday's necklace later so you may join us in our multiverse travel. I believe there will be a chance we could resurrect you as a human instead of my own version of resurrection. We can take our time as there will be no more danger from the Gates family."
I moved towards Wednesday calming her lust for torture and death as I held her cheek.
I spoke gently, "Congratulations Mi Cuervo, you've avenged your family's enemy and had fun while you're at it."
Wednesday leaned towards my hand enjoying the touch of warmth it gave to her cold being. The opportunity to torture was the best present she could've asked for as if she was discovered jail time would be her only destination. Her love for Y/N grew stronger, the more she stayed along my side.
Wednesday could only say in a daze, "Thank you for your great gift, O King of Mine."
As those words left her mouth, her lips attached themselves to mine as she showed her gratitude. Enid seeing the interaction also kissed me as she didn't want to be left out. Goody on the side could only look over in jealousy, wishing she had her body again.
Everything was over for this part of their lives. Nevermore is safe for now and Jericho shouldn't have any more mysterious murders if Tyler is left in check. I believe the sheriff will keep a good eye on his son. Principal Weems will make sure the sheriff will be compliant.
They left Crackstone's crypt as the night pressed on. The pressure of this incident had dampened their spirits from the very beginning as it concerned the whole outcast community as well as Wednesday's family. This conclusion changed the two girls' perspective towards death as they believed they will witness more in the upcoming times.
We all headed back to Nevermore leaving the Shadow Knights to clean up the mess. As soon as we got close, we could see many faculties patrolling the grounds. We were spotted by Ajax soon after. I told him we needed to see Principal Weems.
Ajax led the way to the office where Principal Weems was waiting. The doors soon opened only for Principal Weems to spot me, Wednesday, and Enid safe and sound. She felt relieved nothing happened to us.
The only words that came out of my mouth was, "It's done."
Principal Weems smiled and complimented, "Well done, Mr. Ashborn. I'll take care of the rest should any of the authorities come snooping around. For now, get some rest. The whole of Nevermore thanks you for your deeds tonight."
She bowed in recognition of Crackstone's defeat.
I nodded and left the room with Wednesday and Enid. The full moon is still hanging above the sky as its glow illuminated the three. The walk from the principal's office to Ophelia Hall didn't take long. They headed up the stairs and got into the room. The two girls were very exhausted but still took some time to get ready for bed.
I hopped in the showers soon after to get rid of the smoke and ash lingering in my body. All of us were in bed staring at the night sky out the balcony before one by one they fell asleep.
Their spirits can finally ease up and relax as the coming times will be a trial for both Wednesday and Enid. Luckily I am here to make sure they are well-protected and trained for the next world.