Chapter Text
Four boys dead, and many more wounded, after piranhas were intentionally released into Nancy Reagan High School’s swimming pool. 15 year old Miss Addam’s scheduled murder trial starting this Monday. Criminally guilty? Simply insane? This is up to Judge Womack to decide.
“What do you have to say for yourself? No remorse at all? Four boys are buried and countless more in hospital with life altering injuries. Any words Miss Addams?”
“My only regret is I failed to kill the entire swim team.”
“We can’t place you in juvenile detention centers while so clearly unstable. Plus, with your less than stunning school track record, no boarding school or rehab education center will take you.”
“Shame.”
“The last resort, a mental institution. The only one in the country willing to take someone with your lengthy record in, Nevermore Academy for criminally insane outcasts.”
“I can’t wait to start my first day… and most definitely my last.”
“Miss Wednesday Addams. I sentence you guilty of Intent-to-kill murder and deem you criminally insane. 10 years in Nevermore before eligible for parole. Do take this time to reflect on your situation, therapy tends to work wonders for the troubled mind.”
“Not so respectfully... Go. Fuck. Yourself.”
The gates to Nevermore Asylum loom menacingly among the stormy sky. The black wired gate curls and twists sinisterly. The walls around the property are impossibly high and rimmed with barbed wire. Nevermore Asylum itself gives off late 17th century era architecture. Crumbling gray walls and darkened windows make the entire place utterly repulsive. Perhaps I will tolerate my stay here.
“Welcome to Nevermore Miss Addams. I am Headmaster Weems, and as owner of this fine establishment we are pleased to open our fine academy to you.”
“You mean asylum. For criminally insane supernaturals.”
She grimaces slightly. “We prefer to not use such harsh terms… think of it like a boarding school for young minds. Schoolwork, therapy, and extracurricular activities.”
“…”
“We usually don’t take in new transfers midterm, however… a spot just recently opened up. Besides, me and your mother go way back. We were super close at your age.” She smiled as if remembering fond memories. Gross.
“How you managed to keep your sanity is beyond me.”
“Ahem, please allow me to show you your new room. Your roommate will give you a tour and then you can unpack. Might as well get close, she will be your roommate for the… foreseeable future.” She grinned jovially, with her red lipstick she looks like a clown.
The room looks like a unicorn mafia got massacred here. My new roommates' side is dripping in pink, purple, and just about every other color imaginable. The window is covered with clear, rainbow tape in a mosaic pattern. If it wasn’t for the wire embedded in the glass, it might look like a normal window. I feel a headache coming on already. Not to mention the creature itself. Her hair looks like cotton candy glued to her head, she is bouncing with energy. Big blue eyes and bubbly smile. I think she might make me even more nauseous than the room.
“This is Enid. She is a werewolf, however, she is the sweetest person you could ever meet.”
“Nice to meet you Wednesday! I’m so glad to have a roommate again! It gets lonely here, I hope we can get to be friends!”
She reaches out in an overly energetic gesture to shake hands. I step back and scowl. Her smile drops as fast as her hand.
“Enid, would you mind showing Miss Adams the facilities? Try not to overwhelm her, it is her first day after all.”
With that, the haughty woman leaves. Good riddance. What a bitch.
“Uhhh, wanna get going? I have lots of rules to go over and people for you to meet! Though you will be more properly acquainted with your peers during group therapy.”
“Wonderful.”
The awkward silence that follows is blissful. I wish it would last forever. Alas, she starts to walk and I can’t help but follow.
“Cafeteria, library, classrooms, activities room, nurses station, and headmasters office. Then my personal favorite, the courtyard!”
The courtyard in question is a crumbling pentagon with an old fountain in the center. The water long since dried up, the grass brown and dead. It’s… not terrible. Inmates of all types mill around, talking among themselves.
“This is the most popular hang out spot. It’s a special privilege though and remains locked except during restricted free times. There is also no access to the outside. All doors remain locked, not to mention the high security inside and outside the facilities.”
“What makes you think I would want to escape?”
“You look like the type. Honestly, everyone tries to escape at least once. But nobody wants to be in the solitary wing for long. I’m warning you now.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her skeptical face says it all.
“Fangs, furs, scales, and stoners.”
“Elaborate.”
“The four most common supernatural species here. Furs, werewolves like me. More bark than bite… for the most part. Fangs, vampires. Some have been locked away here since the founding back in 1791. Scales, sirens and some of the most deadly ones here. They mess with the mind, far more dangerous than physical wounds. Finally the stoners, and not the druggie kinds. They are gorgons. Luckily stonings are temporary, but still can wreak havoc on normies.”
“Fucking fascinating.” I’m not sure if it was my sarcastic tone or eye roll, but Enid got the message.
“There are of course other supernaturals, but too many for me to name. What are you? If you don’t mind me asking…”
I have managed to keep my psychic visions underwraps. Nobody, not the judge, police, parents, Pugsly, or Headmaster Weems know yet. One year of random visions I can’t control. Past, future, sometimes I’m not even sure.
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Gosh, no need to be rude! You could have just said you weren’t comfortable saying. Plenty of people keep their heritage underwraps.” She huffed and turned around. On with the tour.
“There is the activity room, another popular place for students here. Games, crafts, parties, the sort. Whatever you can imagine, usually happens here. Weekly itinerary is posted in the cafeteria! Be sure to check that out.”
“…”
“ Cafeteria, self explanatory. School and group therapy is held in these rooms. You will be in my class, we meet in room #13.”
“My lucky number.”
She chuckles uncomfortably. “School is everyday between breakfast and lunch. Therapy, right after lunch. After that, free time! Activity room, courtyard, library, or just chilling in your room if you prefer. Dinner, medications, and then lights out. Any questions?”
“I’m going to my room.”
“Oh! Do you want me to show you the way back? This place is like a labyrinth!”
Giving her a response would be too much work. Leaving her standing there with a dumb look on her face is the highlight of my day. What a dumb mutt.
By the time I return to my room, I find my bags have been delivered to my room. Undoubtedly searched and scoured for any potentially hazardous items. The only things I possess are a handful of monochromatic outfits, my typewriter, and my cello. How they would let me have a cello is beyond me. I can think of a million ways to kill a person with the carrying case alone.
“Ah! Wednesday! I'm glad I caught you before you unpacked.” A redhead woman with glasses, a drab outfit, and striking red boots.
“What could possibly be important enough to interrupt my work.”
“I’m nurse Thornhill! You and Enid’s room monitor. I brought your uniform. Only required for activities outside Nevermore walls. A privilege that hopefully you will be able to enjoy soon!”
“Room. Monitor.” The thought of this woman watching my every move makes me want to throw myself out the window.
“Yes! Did Headmaster Weems fail to tell you about me? Basically I just check in on you guys, make sure everyone is getting along. I promise you won’t even know I'm here.”
“I promise I will.”
“Ha… okay. Well I also came in here to let you know we also can’t allow you to keep the cello in your room. I apologize. But I can take it down to the activity room for you to use during free time!”
“Touch the cello. You die.”
“Ah ah, no death threats around here. You and Dr. Kinbott can discuss emotions, even the murderous ones, at your daily group therapy sessions. And your weekly private sessions! Plenty of therapy to go around.” She picks up the cello case, almost as big as she is, and stumbles out the door.
Damn, I jinxed myself. Seems like I have the first victim on my hit list.
“Hello class and good afternoon! We are pleased to admit a new addition to our group. This is Wednesday, why don’t we go around the circle and introduce ourselves.”
Dead silence.
“Okay, I’ll go first. I’m Dr. Valorie Kinbott, your therapist and teacher. Since this is Wednesday’s first session we will keep it short, not overwhelm her.”
There are 7 other teens in the drab room. Enid, four boys, and two other girls. One of the boys is strapped up tightly in a straight jacket. He is sitting in a wheelchair, looking slightly dazed.
“I’m Enid! Nail painter extraordinaire! I like crocheting, dancing, and spa days!”
“She is also a werewolf that can’t wolf out, kinda lousy. Just a woofless mutt.” The girl with piercing blue eyes scoffs out. A siren by the looks.
Enid’s dejected look and sad whimper should have made me feel better, she annoys the shit out of me. But I feel nothing but anger and almost… protective of the defective dog I call roommate.
“At least she gives off a personality. All you give off is bitchiness.”
Everyone’s faces drop.
“Children, keep it civil. Don’t make me write up another report to Mrs Weems, let’s get through one session without calling security.”
“I’m Eugene. I am a beekeeper, I love bees, ask me anything bee related and I can tell you. Weems had a hive built for me just outside, in the forest. If anyone wants to join me I can show you the inner workings.”
So the underwhelming, lonely looking boy could be my ticket to the outside. Good to know…
“I’m Yoko. Vampire, one of the oldest at Nevermore. I arrived just after the place opened and haven’t gotten released. Yes, being at this place for centuries sucks.” Her glasses are stylish, but not to be confused for a fashion statement. They are hiding her deadly heritage.
“I’m Xavier, this is my roommate Tyler. He is a little out of it, as you can see. His dad is the “sheriff” around here. He makes sure nobody gets out of control”.
“Try all he wants, this school is brimming with deranged supernatural teens. This place is out of control 24/7.” This snarky siren is starting to get on my nerves. Her realism is a breath of fresh air though.
“Okay, focus in again guys. Yes, Tyler’s father is head of security around Nevermore. He is here to help, so if you see him around, don't be afraid to say hello.”
“You can call me Ajax. I’m a gorgon, and let me assure you getting stoned is just as uncomfortable as it sounds. Try to avoid it at all costs.”
“Please, the amount of times you’ve stoned people around here should be criminal. Keep the beanie on for everyone’s sake.”
“You’re the last one Bianca, mind introducing yourself?”
“Bianca, head siren here at Nevermore. People tend to think I’m argumentative and vain, I just speak my mind.” She is an interesting person, someone I will try to keep on my “good” side.
“Wednesday, would you care to share something with the group?”
“Yes.”
“…”
“Okay, that wraps up today’s session. See you all tomorrow. Let's try to open up more next time, and keep a civil conversation.” She looks absolutely exhausted, wonderful. Breaking my therapists is a popular side hussle of mine.
“Heyyyyy roomie! We usually hang out in the courtyard after sessions… I was just wondering if you wanna join us?”
“I would rather pry off my fingernails with pliers.”
She pales at the thought. “Your loss. You know where to find us.” With that, she skips off. Joining up with Bianca, Ajax, Yoko, Xavier, and Tyler by the door. Only Eugene seems to be uninvited. He reminds me of my pitiful excuse for a brother.
“You said you have access to the woods?”
“Ahhhh! Don’t sneak up on me like that! Almost gave me a heart attack!”
“Lucky, I envy you.”
“Yeah, I have special access to the woods. That’s where my hive is. Wanna see? I can show you, our unofficial club name is The Hummers. We are always looking for new members! Or… any members I guess.”
“Show me.”
The woods are deep and quiet. Getting outside was easier than I expected. Apparently Eugene spends most of his time out here. I respect his solidarity.
“Weems says I am lucky to have forest privileges, but since I haven’t ever given any reason to not be trusted she lets me stay out here.”
“How far away is the nearest town?”
“15 miles or so, we go on field trips there occasionally. Jericho. It would be quite a walk though… lots of hills.”
“What is the security situation?”
“Inside? Just some nurses and Tyler’s dad. The outermost walls are where the real security is. It’s meant to keep the biggest, baddest monsters inside this asylum.”
“Hm.”
“They let the werewolves run the forest when they transform. Even creatures like hydes are allowed monthly runs in the forest. They put mental health first, locking us away without fresh air is counterproductive.”
“Hm…”
“Oh we’re here! My hive! These are my beautiful girls, they all have names, wanna-“ And, she’s gone. May Headmaster Weems have mercy on her soul.
The forest is quiet and damp. Quite relaxing if I wasn’t currently trying to escape this damn institution. I can smell pine needles and rotting leaf mush. Also the faint hint of lavender hand lotion… interesting. It almost smells like…
“Thing!”
No response.
“Thing, I know you’re there. I can smell your ridiculous hand lotion.”
A sheepish looking severed hand drops from the upper tree canopy.
“So you snuck in on my suitcase, impressive.”
The hand signals and taps on the damp leaf floor.
“I should have caught on sooner, though Enid has a strong lotion scent also. You two would get along well.”
Tippity tappity.
“Well, while you’re here you might as well be useful. I am trying to get the hell out of here.”
Tap?
“Just follow me and pretend to be helpful.”
It’s so hard to find good help these days.
As we approach the wall, I can see what Eugene was talking about. The walls are ridiculously high and covered in barbed wire, possibly electrical. A single guard post stands between the gate and the wall. How to get past them...
“We must get closer. Can’t eliminate the problem from here.”
Tip tap tap, tap.
“I do hope it turns into a bloodshed.” The thought of murder makes my mouth quirk up in a unusual smirk.
The man inside was heavily armed. More so than I remembered when entering the gate. Probably because I was distracted by… other things. He had military grade armor, a rifle, and taser. All strapped up in a foreboding manner.
Tap?
“Yes, it does appear to be a Kenyan poacher’s tranquilizer gun. How they got their hands on one is beyond me.”
I recognize it from when my family went on a African poaching trip. Hunting illegal poachers is most satisfying and fulfilling. Much better trophies than animals and innocent wildlife.
Tippity tap, tap tip. Thing motioned furiously and fast.
“Yes it would be vital to take down monsters and cryptids. Escape will be troublesome.” Sigh, why must this place be so guarded. Not that this will deter me. An Addams doesn’t give up so easily.
“Thing, go and grab his taser. I can easily subdue him and unlock the gate. Hurry, don’t be spotted.”
Thing saluted and skittered away. His company is something I’m grateful for, not that I will ever admit that out loud…
I feel a slight discomfort in my chest. Almost… guilt? It can’t be for the insufferable people in this hell hole. Oh, it must be because I left my belongings in my room. No use going back now.
Within minutes, Thing appeared with the taser.
“Splendid. Be prepared to unlock the gate, and go ahead with disarming any invisible security traps.”
Thing signals and jumps back to my shoulder. Like a gross, fleshy, parrot of terror.
The guard goes down disappointingly easy. Only a slight groan and he was out. Damn, this taser must be powerful. I’m sure Pugsly would appreciate it.
Thing is one step ahead of me, the electric fence is disabled and the gate is cracked open. Alluring me with the blissful smell of freedom.
Thing jumps back to his favorite spot on my shoulder.
“This is it Thing. Less than 10 hours and I’m out. No mere walls can hold an Addams.”
As soon as I go to touch the gate, push it open, an electric pulse runs up my arms. I thought Thing disabled the electricity? Wait, ugh. This is another vision. Fuck.
The halls of Nevermore are gray and dark. Mysterious, malicious. Screams can be heard from all directions. Moans, groans, and disembodied voices pleading for help. The air is cold and musty. Much different from the hall’s feeling mere hours ago. The vision leads me to a single room. Crying can be heard from the other side of the locked door.
Just as I reach for the handle, a lumbering figure appears behind me and reaches through my chest. Not an interactive vision, good to know.
This giant, hulking man moves right through my body and the door reveals a skinny, small girl no older than me. The room is padded and grimy, matching the atmosphere. A white straight jacket is wrapped around her unhealthily scrawny body. Her eyes streaked with tears, her blond braids a tangled and frizzy mess on her head. She looks unnervingly like me.
“Goody Addams, are you ready to expel the demons again? Maybe this time you will finally be cured, or die. Either way I can finally be rid of your existence.”
“C-crackstone. P-please don’t do this. I’m too tired.”
“Witches like you deserve to burn in the deepest pits of hell. It’s my job as founder and overseer of Nevermore to send people like you back where you came from.”
His heinous grin sent shivers down my spine. He hoisted the small girl over his shoulder, ignoring her wails and screams.
I watch as he lumbers down the darkened hallway, a feeling of dread washes over me. This place has a sinister past. One I feel the need to uncover, secrets don’t deserve to be hidden forever. The past is meant to be revealed.
I gasp and quickly sit up, ignoring the lingering fuzziness in my brain. “Thing? Where are you?” The disembodied hand is nowhere to be seen.
“Nice try girly, almost got the slip on me.”
I jump up and spin around to see the guard I tased aiming the barrel of his gun at me. Damn, why are my visions always at the worst time? Why can’t they be dreams, or something less intrusive.
“Oh, was that you? I thought guards were supposed to be strong and tough. You went down like a little girl.”
His scowl was deeply satisfying. His face looked redder than Uncle Fester at the beach. Poor man burns like crazy.
“Mrs Weems will be enthusiastic I prevented your escape. But there’s no rule saying I can’t shoot trouble makers.”
His shit eating grin made me want to punch his lights out. I should have slit his throat while he was unconscious.
He lowered his gun slightly, and shot the rifle. The dart punctures my upper thigh, an uncomfortably long needle ripping through my muscles and flesh. Not nearly as enjoyable as a bullet, but comparable.
“Couldn’t even aim properly, everyone knows leg shots are for pussies.” But as I retorted, the world started spinning. Damn, even with the less than optimal shot the drugs are quick acting. My legs crumple beneath me and my last conscious thought is about Goody’s pitiful wails as Crackstone carried her away.
My head hurts like hell. Normal headaches are a special treat but this one is pounding into my consciousness. What the fuck was in that dart?
Sitting with my eyes closed, spread out on what I assume is the floor, was all I could manage for a good half hour. The quiet stillness around me was calming, and my brain managed to stop rattling in my skull. Until the quietness was interrupted. A door opening and shutting made me realize what hell looks like. Pain.
“Yikes… you seem to have met the groundsman. Nobody knows his name but his motto is shoot first ask questions later. As you clearly found out the hard way!”
“Enid. Shut the fuck up.” Her voice is bringing the headache back…
“Oh!” She brings her voice down to a hushed whisper. “Sorry…”
We sat in blissful silence for several moments.
“The first time I ended up in solitary was my first week at Nevermore.”
“…”
“I was just a pup. Angry and confused. I thought the best thing to do was fight, tooth and nail, over everything.”
“…”
“Eventually I sent one of the nurses to Jerico’s ER, never to see her again. Weems was nice, only giving me a week in solitary. Some people spend months in here.”
“So you do have a backbone, good to know.”
“That’s what you got out of my story!?”
“…”
“You’re insufferable.”
“I know.”
The silence lasts so long, I feel like Enid left without me noticing somehow. Perhaps I can open my eyes for just a moment to check. The lights are off, thank the gods, but it still makes me feel like throwing up.
Sure enough, I’m sprawled out on the floor in a rather undignified manner. The walls are padded and white, just like Goody’s room in my vision. My usual monochrome outfit has been replaced with a loose hospital gown. Dreadful.
I crane my neck to the side and make eye contact with Enid. So she didn’t leave after all. The smallest flutter of gratitude washes through my body. Disturbing.
“What are you still doing here?”
“Oh! Sorryyyy, I didn’t wanna disturb you, you looked so peaceful. Weems wanted me to alert her when you wake up… so I guess I can pass that information on.”
“Wait. Do you know who the founder of Nevermore was?”
“That’s a weird question… those drugs must’ve been too high for whatever species metabolism you have.” She let out a stiff laugh, one I only raised my eyebrow at.
“Oh you’re serious? His name was Joseph Crackstone. They have a museum, amusement park, statue, and a whole bunch of other stuff dedicated to him in Jericho. Maybe you can join us for the upcoming field trip? Weems would be ecstatic you’re showing interest in Nevermore’s history!”
“Volume, Enid.”
She awkwardly blushes and thankfully lowers her voice twofold.
“So sorry Wednesday… I struggle with my noise levels.”
“Of course I get the loudest, most colorful roommate. Just my fucking luck.”
I’m not entirely upset having Enid as a roommate, she seems sane enough to sleep in the same room with. I prefer her to some sort of homicidal vampire.
“If you want a roommate swap, you can always send in a request to Mrs Thornhill. I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable.” She sniffles a bit, eyes tearing up. Why does this make me feel… guilty? Damn.
“You’re an acceptable roommate. I never said I wanted to swap.”
“Awwwwww You’re an acceptable roomie too! Much better than the last girl to room with me, she was a total bitch.”
Her volume has once again increased, but something about the way she’s talking about her ex roommate makes me curious.
“Did she get released?”
“No… she… died. Everyone was told it was suicide, but I was her roommate and I’m positive she was murdered.”
Another unsolved mystery in this creepy old asylum. Maybe I will, gag, enjoy my time here.
“What do you mean?”
“She was a siren, very entitled and self absorbed. She was crazy, but not suicidal. That’s why it was such a shock for everybody. You wouldn’t have gotten in if she hadn’t died, spots at Nevermore are few and far between.”
“Strange…”
“Yeah, I wasn’t the only one who thought her death was odd, but whatever happened was swept under the rug extremely well. People die here all the time. Nobody cares.”
“Do you know the name Goody? Goody Addams?”
“Nope. Is she a cousin of yours?”
“Ancestor. Are there medical files for patients here?”
“Yeah of course! Everyone’s records are in Mrs Weems' office. Speaking of which, I was supposed to bring you to her when you woke up. We can go right now if you’re able to stand?”
Of course I’m able to stand. I won’t show weakness in front of this sunshiny wolf. Simply not allowed. As soon as I stand up, I’m hit with a wave of dizziness. Well, at least the room is padded. I fell.
Only, I never hit the ground. Once the sparkles and spots dissolve from my view, I realize what happened. Enid caught me from hitting the floor. I’m leaning into her arms, like a damsel in distress. She is warm, almost unbearably so, and her eyes are laced with concern. I panic, like a normal person. She lets me fall to the floor, unable to hold my flailing body.
“Woah, it’s just me!”
I look up into her eyes from my position on the floor. My deadpan expression makes her smirk, what’s so funny?
“I don’t like people touching me.”
“O-kay? Next time I will let you fall I guess?”
“I appreciate it.”
More silence. I am growing to notice Enid hates silence, so torturing her with the lack of noise is enjoyable.
“Wanna get going or do you need a minute?”
“Give me a moment.” The room is spinning.