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Knowing the Addams was something of pride to my family. Both our families valued the dark and black of night, the truly torturous meanings in the world, we celebrated it in different ways. It was always a shock when your family came to visit, but the Addams loved your family none the less. Your family dressed in lolita fashion, sometimes colorful, sometimes dark and mysterious.
When you were ten your parents died in a plain crash and you went to live with the Addams. They never tried to change you, and you did your best to wear your darker outfits so as to not weird the family out. Your parents, including you, were direct descendants of Edgar Allen Poe, and as such you found your abilities were in time with his. Your ability to write was something no one had seen in this age, and if you tried hard enough, your stories seemed to come to life.
It was for this reason that you went to Nevermore at the beginning of your high school years. It was… a shock when they dropped you off, seeing as you preferred homeschooling but you were promised that this would be a place you fit in.
It wasn’t until a couple years later when Wednesday joined you at the school did things start to take a turn, which you were happy about.
You sat in your room, the Poe Room, waiting for Wednesday to be done with her meeting with Principal Weems. You were on your phone, looking through instagram, when you heard a knock.
You hopped up, going over to your door and opened it. You couldn't help the smirk that graced your lips.
“Wednesday, welcome to hell.”
Enid was shocked at the race smile that graced Wednesday’s lips.
“I assume it will be. Enid is supposed to give me a tour and I'd rather be hanged than that.”
“Your kind words speak volumes, Wednesday. I have no objections of leading you around this prison.”
You grabbed your phone, shoving it into your pants and walked out the door. End caught up to the two of you, hooking arms with both of you.
“Nevermore was founded 1791 for outcasts like us. A safe space for those who are different to feel… normal.”
You grimaced at Enid as she and Wednesday talked. You knew she was trying her best to make the place sound welcoming but Wednesday wasn’t a fool. Cruelty of teenagers wasn’t just normies, you had been on the receiving end of it yourself.
As the three of you walked you thought of your first two years here. You were more than happy to wear the school skirt that came with the uniform, but after a year you asked to wear the pants instead, wanting nothing more than functioning clothing. For that they called you weird, and after the incident with Bianca you isolated yourself away from the others, and only really talked to Enid.
“Do students have a habit of bullying those who are different?”
Enid stopped at Wednesday's question, looking at her.
“I mean, there is gossip. Bullying is-”
“What about my friend here? Has your gossip hurt her?”
You looked down, ignoring the look Enid gave you.
“My blog speaks the truth, but I refuse to bully people.”
“Wednesday,” You said, looking at the girl who you considered your sister, “Enid is my only companion, my only friend, she is not the one to spit venom at.”
“Then who shall I poison?” Wednesday asked, connecting your eyes. “Who has caused your unusual shine to dull?”
“Venom will do no justice.” You countered.
“Wanna go to the quad?” Enid asked you more than Wednesday.
“Finishing your tour is the noble thing to do. Lead on, Enid.”
Enid smiled at you before skipping off. You followed the two into the quad, sticking to the shadows as Enid explained the different social groups.
“Sirens.” Wednesday finally said, making you look over at Bianca. “Are they the ones who dulled your shine?”
“Shine begon, Wednesday, now is not the time for revenge.”
“Has she always spoken like that?” Enid asked Wednesday.
“All her life.”
You looked over to Enid who was beaming at you. Your eyes moved to Xavier, who was staring at you before he quickly looked away. Wednesday noticed the action and raised an eyebrow at you, which only made you shake your head.
“Fencing is today, yes?” Wednesday asked.
“Yes?” Enid questioned as Wednesday walked over to me.
“I must say goodbye to my parents, I will meet you in the fencing room.”
“I have not a need to fence, I would be bothersome to the others.” You replied.
“Your shine was dulled by those less fortunate than you, I will make that right this day. Be there.”
You sighed as you leaned against the wall, tapping your cigarette case and pulling one out.
“Y/N!” Enid said, scolding you. “You shouldn’t be smoking. It shortens your life-”
“Then may the end come as swiftly as your harsh judgment.”
Enid placed her hands on her waist and pouted as you finished your cigarette. Once you crushed the butt under your shoe you walked to the fencing room, leaning against the opposing wall.
“What are you doing here?” You looked at Bianca who was waltzing over to you. “You're not in fencing.”
“Accurate observation, siren. I was requested to attend.”
“Requested?” Bianca asked, moving your bangs out of your face and pressing a finger to your forehead. “You know, if you tried to fit in you would.”
You saw Xanier walking over to the two of you but instead focused on Bianca.
“I wish no ill will upon you, Siren. As I stated, i was requested-”
“And who in their right minds would request you, poet freak?”
“Me.”
You looked over to Wednesday, who was standing there in her black fencing attire. At this Bianca pulled away and you slumped against the wall, letting the tension in your body go and relaxed.
Xavier paused as Wednesday glared at him before moving to your side.
“Was she the one who dulled your shine?”
“Wednesday, my oldest friend, have no woe of my shine. All that glimmers is not lost, however it is hidden for time being.”
“And of your hair? You used to take such great care of it, now it is flat and lost life. I miss its life.”
“Life and death are figurative.”
Xavier watched the two talk back and forth, amazed. He hadn’t heard you talk this much ever, and he loved the sound of your voice. It was calming, quiet, poetic like the words that came from your mouth.
“I shall restore your shine.” Wednesday proclaimed, bringing Xavier from his thought process.
“Wednesday-”
“Starting with the siren.”
You slid to the ground, watching Wednesday go over to Bianca through your bangs. Xavier turned to watch as well, the only one to hear your voice.
“Dearest sister, woe is the path you shall walk.”
XXX
You sat across from Wednesday, your eyes attentive on Wednesday as she slept. You had run through the school faster than some thought possible, and now you were here, waiting for Wednesday to wake up.
“Hey uh…”
You looked over at Xavier, who had saved Wednesday from the falling gargoyle.
“What tis it that trouble you?” You asked.
“Wow, you really do talk like Poe.”
“Have all my life.”
“I think that’s pretty cool. Plus, you know, your related to him.”
“Pedigree and prestige hold no place in everyday lives.”
“You can say that again.” Xavier said, smiling. “You know, wherever Bianca is bullying you, you can always fight back.”
“Fighting gains no footing. Why waste energy when nothing will come of it?”
“A good point.” Wednesday said, sitting up with her arms crossed. “However, leave the fighting to me. I wish to restore your shine, even if I have to bathe in fire I will do so.”
“Fire and blood?”
“Fire and blood if necessary.”
You sighed, knowing there was no reasoning with Wednesday when she was like this. You slowly stood up, taking out your cigarettes.
“Fighting here is not a useful waste of energy. Come soon, to see me.”
You turned and left the infirmary, leaving Xavier to look at Wednesday.
“Her shine?”
Wednesday looked at him, blinking slowly.
“You question the words?”
“I question the meaning. What do you mean by "shine?”
“Her shine, what makes her special. Before this prison she was a shining beacon, her styles rival even Enid's, but now… since her arrival to this place, she has lost that. I am on a mission to restore her beauty.”
“I wish I could have seen that.” Xavier said, looking at his hands. “I bet it was beautiful.”
“Tell no one, and help me in my quest, and I will show you a photograph.”
Xavier nodded and took the photo from her. It was in black and white but it was you, in all your splendid glory.
“Wow, she used to look like this?”
“Indeed. You agree to help me?”
Xavier nodded and Wednesday took the photo back.
XXX
You were sitting in the quad, smoking your cigarette when Enid bounced over to you.
“So, how did your afternoon go?”
“Twas trivial.”
“Oh? I heard Wednesday challenged Bianca.”
“She did.”
“Come on!” Enid said with a drawl, “Details.”
“It was a superior fight, first to draw blood wins. Bianca drew first blood, then someone attempted murder.”
“A-attempted murder?”
“Correct.”
Enid pulled out her phone quickly, giving her blog an update before sitting next to you.
“You know, Weems will wig out if she sees you smoking.”
“Far away are the trifles I seek.”
“Really? Far away, huh? Are you sure some issues aren't closer? Say a tortured artist.”
You crushed your cigarette butt to hide your blush.
“A siren's song is stronger than mine.”
“They aren’t together anymore, remember? You’ve liked him for so long, why not give it a chance?”
“Woe would befall my heart.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Tis I do. Wednesday, while welcoming, shines like stars in the nights sky.”
Enid sighed, shaking her head.
“The dance is coming up, want to try to dress up?”
“No outfits will match the beauty that will be there.”
“Aw! You are so sweet!”
Enid pulled you into a hug.
“Tonight's festival, are you excited for that?”
“Colors will be beautiful against the night sky.”
XXX
You watched the Ferris wheel go round from your spot on the bench, smiling at the colors.
“Wanna take a ride?”
You looked over at Xavier, who was smiling at you. You weren’t sure why, you had dressed in basic leggings and an oversized hoodie.
“On the round ornament?”
“Yeah, it can be fun.”
You hesitated before nodding. Waiting in line was the worst, trying to ignore the looks you were getting. Xavier could feel the looks so he wrapped an arm around your shoulders.
“Ignore them.”
“Tis hard when they use anatomy.”
“Pointing fingers? Don’t worry, we're almost there.”
You climbed aboard the Ferris wheel and put the safety bar down before it started to move. As it moved you found yourself gripping the bar tightly, and then it stopped and you let out a breath.
“Scared of heights?”
“I have no quarrels with the sky, falling is my fear.”
“Don’t worry, I won't let you fall.” Xavier said, wrapping an arm around your shoulders again.
You found yourself relaxing into his side, finding his warmth comforting. As you looked to the forest you felt your heart drop.
“Wha-wait!”
You didn’t know what pushed you, what made you jump out of the cart even though you were afraid of heights, you jumped out of your seat, sliding down the center pole and hitting the ground hard. Your feet carried you fast to the woods, rolling up your sleeves as you go, looking at the poem you had started earlier.
“Stars fall like soldiers on the battlefield.”
You looked around as soldier were created from the leaves and twigs around you, held together with ink, and charged with you.
“Attack!”
You rushed to Wednesday's side as she fell from the tree, holding her in your arms as you looked at Rowan.
“Rowan, what trickery are you playing?”
“Just… just get out of the way.” Rowan said, getting up after being knocked over by your ink army. “This has to be done. You’ve always been nice to me, but I wont hesitate to kill you as well.”
“Fire and blood.”
As you raised your arm to shield yourself from Rowan you only felt your arm in searing pain as something rushed past them, killing Rowan.
XXX
Xavier watched you from his art shack, his eyes taking in your small silhouette on the balcony of Wednesday.
“Reckless.” Wednesday said, wrapping your arm. “However I saw a glimmer of who you were once.”
“Fear of death is not unknown.”
“Is it true?” Enid said, joining the two on the balcony. “Xavier said you jumped from the Ferris Wheel then ran into the forest.”
“Truth is as truth says.”
“Holy shit. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
You smiled at Enid as Wednesday finished wrapping your arm.
“Monster became the night.”
“Yes, that is my question as well.” Wednesday said. “What is this monster, why did it save us?”
“Truth comes in time.”
“We haven’t the time to waste, we must investigate. But first, do you still have your violin? Perhaps a session would aid in thinking?”
You nodded, grabbing your violin quickly before taking your spot on the balcony wall again. As Thing helped Wednesday bring out her chello, Enid looked at you with surprise.
“I didn’t know you played the violin.”
“Secrets to the grave.”
Wednesday started up the tune for Paint It Black and you fell in tune with her, playing in perfect sync. Xavier stopped walking for a moment as the two of you played, smiling at your figure. He wanted to know more and more about you, and he would do so.
XXX
In the morning you took your shower and looked at yourself in the mirror. With a deep breath you brush your hair before puling it up into a ponytail and put on your uniform. It was a small step but still one that took a lot of effort from yourself.
You met Wednesday in class, your favorite class, with Ms. Thornhill. You sat next to Wednesday, in between her and Xavier, and returned the small smile she offered.
You looked at Ms. Thornhill as she started class but Wednesday's eyes were on Xavier, who was straining at you. He had to admit, you were beautiful. With your hair pulled back he found the angle of your jaw that was hiding before. Your face was the perfect mix of soft and rough, and he wondered what it would be like to run his hand over your jaw.
Instead he moved his hand to his drawing of a spider and brought it to life. Your eyes moved from class to the spider that was crawling its way to you. You pulled up your sleeve, showing the multitude of poems you had written and muttered softly. Xavier watched in amazement as the ink moved from your arm to the table and made miniature soldiers.
Wednesday couldn’t help but smirk at Xavier's amazement, knowing full well the extent of your abilities, and knew you were another tortured artist just as he was. You smiled wide as your ink warriors won against the spider, charcoal falling to the table as your ink did.
“Now,” You looked away from the remnants of the battle to class, feeling lighter every second.
That was until after class, when you were in the library trying to reach a book.
“Weirdo.”
You turned to look at Bianca, who had corned you in the library.
“Siren, what adventure does the seek today?”
“An adventure where you stay away from my man.” you tried to object but she just cut you off. “You think you can wear your hair up and suddenly your not a freak anymore? Just because your blood line is that of Poe himself doesn't mean you get to be with my man.”
“A childish battle is all that took place.”
“Childish is right.”
You bumped into the wall of books as Bianco pushed you into it. You were trembling.
“I don’t like doing this, you know? Putting you in your place. But if I have to, I will.”
You felt her hand grip your hair, pulling your ponytail out and letting your locks fall to your shoulders. Then her hand shoved you down hard and you felt the sting as your tailbone connected to the hard marble.
“Hide. That’s all you're good at, no amount of effort can change that.”
You curled into yourself as she scoffed.
“Pathetic.”
You trembled as she left, leaving you alone with the words she had spat at you. Once you knew she was gone you slipped out the back entrance of the library and hid in your room.
XXX
You were sitting under the tree when Wednesday came over, both of you watching Enid freak out about the race.
“Your hair is down.”
“Cold was the night.”
“Cold had nothing to do with it. Was it Bianca again?”
“Fighting is for naught.”
“That's what I thought.”
You looked over at Wednesday, who had that notorious glint in her eyes. You had no idea what she was going to do.
Wednesday crept into Xavier's dorm, looking for clues to two things. One was Rowen, and the monster attack, the second was any evidence that Xavier might like you. She crept around the room, pausing at Xavier's sketch book and turned the pages, smiling at the drawings. Xavier had talent, but she paused at the first piece of evidence she found: a drawing of you with your violin.
From there she went to Rowans side, searching for anything that aided her investigation. When she heard a knock she hid under the bed, watching as Xavier walked over and and opened the door.
“Bianca, what do you want?”
“Just wanted to see you.”
Wednesday really wished she could kill with a look as Bianca floated around the room as if she owned it.
“Well I’m about to take a shower-”
“Want company?”
“Not from you.”
Bianca’s smile fell at that.
“Oh? Then who would you want to join you? Wednesday? Y/N?”
When Xavier blushed at your name, Wednesday could only smirk. Her guess was right, Xavier fancied you.
“You seriously would want that freak over me?”
“She’s not a freak. She’s an artist, like me.”
“Sure, keep telling yourself that.” Bianca said. She flaunted about already winning the race already before leaving.
Wednesday looked at Xavier, who was still standing there.
“Fuck you Bianca.” Xavier said, sighing, “You don’t know anything about her. I might not either but I am trying.”
Wednesday smirked at Thing as Xavier went back to his shower.
XXX
You were helping Enid get the canoe in the water when Xavier walked over to you.
“Hey, good luck with the race.”
“Luck is nothing but fate. Fate is predetermined.”
Xavier smiled at you.
“Then I wont feel bad when we win.”
“Bold to assume that fate is favoring you.”
You turned to look at Wednesday, who walked over to the two of you.
“Your hair is flat.”
“Observative.”
“Here, let me.”
Xavier watched in awe as Wednesday braided your two tone hair like hers. It was shocking because Wednesday was actually showing affection to someone but as she braided your hair Xavier saw a glint of happiness in your eyes.
“There, we match. Now, lets kick that sirens butt.”
“Fire and Blood.”
Xavier wasn’t even mad when they won, his eyes focused on the smile on your face. It was beautiful, it inspired him like nothing ever had. You happily posed with Enid and Wednesday, holding up a peace sign as if it was second nature. Now Xavier saw the shine that Wednesday talked about.
You were sitting in your room, still smiling from the race and looking at the many photos that Enid had taken and posted to Instagram and her blog. It was… exciting to see yourself happy again. Tossing your phone to the side you stood up, walking over to your closet. Because of your heritage you got a single room with a lavish bed, and a large closet to go along with that.
You went through your closet, seeing all the lolita dresses you had. As you moved through the dresses you frowned. You had been looking for something that would work for the dance but you found nothing.
“Knock knock.”
You smiled as Enid bounded into your closet.
“Have you seen the amount of views we’ve gotten on Instagram? Everyone is raving about our win.”
“Congratulations is in order, a celebration should be had.”
“How about this weekend you come shopping with me? Buy a dress for the dance?”
“Interesting choice to be had?”
“Totally. A shop in town would so fit your vibe!”
“Then venture together we shall. A gown is needed for a night of revels.”
Enid squealed in excitement and hugged you. The two of you spent the rest of the night talking about the dance, something you hadn’t done… ever. It was later that night that Wednesday showed up.
“What ails you sister?” You asked.
“The Nightshades. Once a pinnacle of Outcasts, now a bougie club.”
“Not what you expected?”
“That’s an understatement.”
Enid took the opportunity to speak to try and lighten the mood.
“Y/N, why don’t we do a photo shoot?”
“What would capturing the moment achieve?”
“I think it would be fun, plus my viewers want to know more about you. They love you.”
“How does one love if one does not know?”
“Then lets give them something to know. I can totally see you becoming an Instagram star.”
You looked to Wednesday who was thinking.
“Of your opinion I am looking for.”
Wednesday looked at you, her eyes observing the small glimmer of what you used to be. Her face broke into a smile, one she reserved for you.
“I think a photoshoot would be perfect.”
XXX
You had pulled out a few outfits, ones that would work with a single face of make up and walked with Enid and Wednesday out to the forest to take photos. Once the three of you found a spot to use and you started to dress.
Wednesday had a secret play, one that she had told no one. She nodded to Thing and he rushed off, to get two things: a dress and Xavier.
As you posed you felt your energy come back, feeling yourself in the lolita dresses and style. It was natural to you as you posed for Enid, who was astounded at the natural talent you had. She was taking twenty photos of a single pose and hand no way of determining which one should be used.
“Wow.”
You couldn’t help the blush as Xavier stopped dead at the edge of the photoshoot.
He looked you up and down, noting the frilly black dress that hugged your body but also compliments every other part of your body.
“Xavier.” Wednesday smirked. “How lovely of you to join us. I believe you brought something.”
Xavier fumbled as he opened the garment bag, making Enid squeal in excitement. The dress was bright colors, more kawaii than just frills.
“Wednesday, what-”
“I wanted you to really feel like your old self. However, the colors would make my skin burn so I had Thing bring it over.”
You walked over, your eyes on the dress but Xavier’s eyes were on you. He loved this, seeing you like this and the smile that graced your face. He helped her get the dress out of the bag, noting how soft she touched the fabric.
“Old friend, long has been the time I saw you last.”
You ducked behind a tree, very excited to put the dress on. Xavier looked at Wednesday who had a glint in her eye.
“What are you planning?”
“Nothing. I happen to know that the dress is a corset back and she will need help with tying it. Right about… now.”
“Aid I need with the corset.”
Wednesday shoved Xavier so he would go around the tree.
You blushed as he walked over, his long fingers working the ribbons so you were cinched in. His face was red as well as he looked at the nape of your neck, over your shoulders/ You turned to look at him once he was done.
“Would you aid me in attaching the clips to my locks?”
Xavier felt the jolt as your hand touched his, and he took great care of putting the colored clips into your two toned hair.
“There, perfect. Your perfect.”
Xavier tried to back track, stuttering as you blushed. He had called you perfect… perhaps.
“Have you a companion for the revel?”
“Uh no, no…”
“Perhaps, if the fates allow, we could venture together?”
Xavier smiled wide, a happy puppy smile.
“I would really love that.”
You couldn’t help but smile as Enid took the rest of the photos. You had a date with Xavier to the dance, you were back in your element, the world was getting back on the right direction.
XXX
Outreach day was always horrible for you, not only because you had to deal with Normies but because the way you spoke was something that people made fun of. This year you were lucky, having been put in pilgrims world so you wouldn’t have as big of a problem.
You went over to the barn, where you had been tasked to feed the animals but stopped dead when you saw Bianca waiting for you.
“Siren… have I upset you?”
“No, no. You didn’t, I upset myself.”
“Peculiar?”
Bianca sighed and came over, taking some of the hay from your overlaid arms.
“I was… a bitch to you. The library, the past two years, I was horrible to you.”
“Actions were seen, I wish to understand.”
Bianca sighed, shaking her head.
“Xavier likes you, I knew that. He’s liked you the moment you stepped into Nevermore. But when we were together it was never an issue then… we broke up. I wanted him back but he didn’t want to be with me, he wants to be with you. I acted poorly.”
“Jealousy is a sin, one that many don’t admit to.”
“Yeah, I was jealous.”
You finished feeding the animals, gently petting the head of a goat. Bianca walked over to you, noting how you loved the animals.
“Your a natural with animals.”
“Heritage dictates that I am.”
“I’m envious.”
You smiled at her before you went about to do your job and she went back to sell fudge. You spent the rest of the day feeding and spending time with the animals until you saw Wednesday disappearing into the woods.
On instinct you followed her, only to come face to face with the monster.
“Oh dear is me.”
You ran, hearing the monster follow you as the rain started to fall. You were short of breath, your chest hurt but it was the mud that made you fall down. You cried out in pain, your ankle twisted in the mud as the monster hovered over you.
“Hey!”
Wednesdays voice rang out as she ran to your aid, but her feet couldn’t move fast enough as the monster raised it arm to swipe at you.
The monster let out a screech of pain as the goat from earlier bounded over and used its horns to ram the monster. It gave Wednesday enough time to get to your side, help get your ankle free of the mud and take off away from the monster. The goat followed the two of you until you ran in Xavier.
“What happened?”
You held the umbrella as Xavier carried you back to the town. Bianca sent you a smile as he held you in his arms as Wednesday played her cello. When the statue went up in flame Xavier stood there in amazement and you smiled.
“Fire and blood.”
XXX
You were excited as you slipped on your boots for the dance. You had found the perfect dress with Enid at the local shop when you went shopping, and you were currently finishing your outfits. It was a very structured dress with an outside white metal bracket.
A nock on the door was all you got as Enid bounded in, clearly excited for the dance.
“OMG you look amazing!”
You followed Enid down the steps to a waiting Xavier whose mouth dropped when he saw you. You smiled as you walked over to him, stopping just short of him.
He gently put the corsage on your wrist before offering his arm to you. The two of you walked into the dance hall, before finding a seat. Once the music started the two of you danced the night away until everything showered in red.
You stood in shock as the red paint poured over your body, staining your white dress red. Xavier looked around the room at the screaming people before focusing on the smile on your face.
“Red paint is the boldest color.”
Xavier surged forward, kissing you passionately as the red paint fell on the two of you. Your shine was back and he got to bask in it.