Bad Apple
(Addams!Reader X TWST)
Prologue Part One
Authorās notes: hi!! oh my goodness I am excited and I hope you are too! please let me know what you think! its going to loosely follow the twst plot with some wonderful detours! I also wanted to make our reader a little interesting (hopefully it comes across as such)! enjoy!
no grammar check we die like malleusā mum
word count: 3346
Dividers belong to @uzmacchiato :D
The tension within the car didnāt bother you anymore. At this point you were more intrigued with the silent standoff between your sister and parents. Sure, the prank has been a bit⦠deadly, but what had they expected? Those idiots made the choice to pick on your brother and everyone knew that torture was an Addams exclusive.
As Wednesday continued to ignore your parents you couldnāt help the small sigh that escaped you. You were holding your precious coffin bag in your lap, fiddling with the various key chains and charms that decorated it. The leather was worn but well taken care of. It had been a gift from your family, a charmed bag that held all of your most precious items. Even now, you didnāt do well when it was out of your sight.
āAnd how long are you intending to ignore us for?ā Morticiaās voice attempted to break the silence again.
It felt like it had been the millionth time the question was asked.
āTell our parents,ā Wednesday said as she locked eyes with you,āThat I refuse to speak with them until they stop this nonsense.ā
You shrugged as you glanced between the two immovable forces within the car. This was going to be an extremely long trip.
Nevermore was exactly how you pictured it. Your parents had spent most of the ride over trying to convince Wednesday that the school was an opportunity and not a punishment. She still wasnāt convinced. You, on the other hand, held a bit of excitement at the prospect.
Not that you would tell Wednesday. You knew how sheād react to that information. It was a bad idea and not the kinds you typically enjoyed. You and your sister had similar personalities on the surface but recently you had started to show more emotion.
As your family exited the car, you did your best to pay attention to the principal, you truly did, but the whole school felt⦠different. It was as if something was watching you. It wasnāt a hostile viewer but almost as if it was waiting. Waiting for you.
A shiver of excitement rolled through you at the thought.
The meeting passed by quickly, Wednesdayās therapy was discussed and then the first issue occurred.
āWould you mind repeating that?ā Wednesdayās voice caught you off guard. She sounded⦠off. It wasnāt nervous, just unsettled in a way you didnāt expect.
Principal Weems looked between you and your sister as she repeated herself,āYou two will not be rooming together. As I discussed with your parents previously, it would benefit you both to have the opportunity to⦠branch out and explore yourselves.ā
Your parents shifted a bit in their seats as you took in the news. You blinked, unsure of what to say. You had spent your entire life within stabbing distance to your sister, to be separated now brought uncomfortable feelings to light.
āUsually Iām all for torture but this feelsā¦ā You paused,āA bit extreme.ā
āIndeed. I understand this is a punishment,ā Wednesday spoke, glancing at you before locking eyes with the principal,āBut separating us wonāt prevent our escape if that is your concern.ā
āYou two wonāt be leaving Wednesday,ā your mother spoke in a gentle tone,āI believe that it may be time for you and your sister to have some experiences without each other.ā
āBut Mama,ā you started,āWeāve done everything together. I donātāā
āSheād be lost without me, Mother.ā Wednesday cut you off with a nod as you two locked eyes.
You could read each other with a single gaze. Your sister didnāt want to be separated. Sheād never breathe the words out loud but you were a comfort, a dreadful addition to her life that sheād kill to keep. Wednesday was a grounding presence, the one who offered silent support when your magic grew uncontrollable, who never believed youād hurt her. The two of you had never been apart and neither wanted to start now.
Your father clapped his hands together, a strange cheeriness in his tone as he spoke,āGirls! This will be good for you! It brings a tear to my eye to think about but Iām sure youāll learn to live without being tied to each other.ā
āItās a good thing we packed rope.ā You mumbled under your breath as the adults continued to talk, ignoring the way you and Wednesday kept glancing at each other.
The school wouldnāt keep you two from staying together. Even if the principal seemed to believe itād be a good idea.
The first stop was your room. It was nestled in a corner of Ophelia Hall as if someone tried to forget its existence. At least you and Wednesday were in the same dorm.
It was a single soul dorm, designed for one person instead of the standard two. The room was barren, a bed, desk and window all pushed into the small space. It was dreary in the way that made your bones feel like lead when you entered. It was cozy.
You could see your new uniform spread out on the bed along with a few trunks. It seemed that Lurch had already brought your items. There was an awkward moment as you stood in the room where you suddenly felt unsure.
You could hear your family talking with Weems but something felt wrong. The same sensation from earlier came back and you swallowed thickly. Whatever was watching you seemed excited about your placement.
You turned back to face your parents, watching their expressions carefully. Your mother seemed hopeful while your father was excited. Surely if your room was like this then Wednesdayās would also suit her tastes.
āAfter we finish with paperwork we will all meet up again at the gate. Until then, please put on your uniform and wait here. Once Wednesday has met with her roommate, theyāll come downstairs to collect you for the tour.ā Weems explained to you as she led your family away.
Later. Wednesdayās gaze told you, We will plot once they leave.
You simply nodded in response before shutting the door as they disappeared up a staircase. You glanced at the uniform on the bed, the deep blue and black stripes seemed foreign compared to your all black wardrobe. You shook your head slightly before quickly changing, setting your coffin on the bed as you did.
The uniform fit like a glove. An unsettlingly soft one, but perfectly tailored to you nevertheless. You didnāt have the same allergy as your sister so you were going to be stuck with the standard uniform. You folded your traveling attire before sitting down on the bed. The squeak of the mattress sounded invasive to the quiet.
And then you heard it, softly at first. It was a voice, calling out to you.
You stood, looking around, hauntings didnāt happen this quickly did they?
No, usually one had to anger a spirit. You remember when Wednesday had tried to force a haunting. A fun and educational experience.
The voice grew louder as you stepped towards one of the cobblestone walls of your room. The stones felt cool against your skin before it started to fall away. The stones seemed to fold into each other, creating a small doorway that led into a dark staircase.
Interesting.
You hesitated for a moment before walking back to your bed and grabbing your coffin bag. You opened it, pulling out a small piece of paper and a pen. You quickly scribbled a note for your family and left it on the desk before taking a deep breath.
You slipped your bag over your shoulder and adjusted it until it was secure. Then you stepped into the dark, holding your hand up as a flame bloomed on your palm. After you had cleared the door, the stones moved back into place, preventing you from stepping back now.
Well, it was more fun this way anyways. At least youād have something interesting to tell to Wednesday when you saw her later.
With that thought in mind, you began to descend towards the voice that continued to call out for you.
You werenāt sure how long you descended for. It was like time warped the longer you stayed in the damp stairway. The only consistent thing was the voice beginning to grow louder. It reverberated around your skull, a strange sensation that didnāt deter you. It seemed to pull you down further until you reached a cellar.
The room was large from what you could see, the only light coming from your small flame. You didnāt want to burn down the school (yet) so you decided to keep your flame close to you as you walked further into the cellar. Then it was silent. No more voice. Nothing.
Before you stood a coffin. The inside seemed to be padded with a layer of deep blue velvet while the outside was a gorgeous dark wood. You admired the craftsmanship of the box before reaching out a hand to touch it.
It was warm. Inviting even.
It seemed like itād fit you perfectly. All youād need to do is step insideā¦
It wouldnāt be the first time you stepped into a coffin. You did have the phase where you refused to sleep anywhere besides inside one. It just never felt this welcoming.
You glanced back at the staircase and then at the coffin. Either go back upstairs and be forced to deal with the school or hide within something familiar for a few hours.
āSorry Wednesday. Consider it payback for forcing me to talk to our parents without your support on the drive here.ā
You stepped into the coffin, adjusting your bag to fit comfortably as you crossed your hands over your chest. You closed your eyes as the door on the box suddenly shut. Then everything went dark.
When your eyes opened you realized that something was different. You still seemed to be in the coffin but it was unsteady, like it was floating. Was this some sort of hazing ritual at Nevermore?
If so, you pitied the soul who ended up trying this with your sister. At least you could be forgiving.
You shifted, realizing that there was an extra layer of fabric on your body, covering your bag and uniform. Strange. It seemed to be robes of some kind but you couldnāt gather more than that. You reached up and pushed against the coffin lid.
Fastened tight.
Unfortunate. It was such a dreadful creation but if they thought it would hold youā¦
Just as you were about to cast a spell, you heard a commotion next to you. Someone was opening something next to your coffin, quite forcefully it seemed.
You heard something vaguely about the great Grim along with a confused voice asking questions. It seemed like a teenager was conversing with a child?
More importantly, you wouldnāt have to break the coffin if they opened it for you.
You cleared your throat and knocked a couple times on the door, waiting for a moment as the room became silent.
āWould you please open this? Iād hate to destroy such an excellent napping space.ā
āOh! Uhm, sure?ā
There was a slight groaning sound from the wood as the door was pried open, the sudden light forcing you to blink as your eyes adjusted. You found yourself face to face with a teenager. He was tall with unkempt hair. He was holding a duffle bag, weapon, and appeared to be wearing robes as well. He seemed almost embarrassed as you stepped out of the coffin.
You would have fallen if he hadnāt quickly caught you. It seemed that the coffin was floating. Huh.
You looked around the room, noting the various other coffins as the teen set you down. The others seemed sealed shut. Did each one contain a person? He was apologizing but you didnāt pay much mind as you saw what appeared to be a flaming cat.
āIs that yours?ā You asked, pointing at the creature.
āHuh? Oh, no! It kind of just tried to steal my clothes.ā He explained, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.
āI donāt belong to anyone!ā The creature yelled as he stopped one of his feet,āI am the Great Grim! Sorcerer extraordinaire! Now bow down before Iā what?! Hey! Donātāā
The creatureās speech was quickly interrupted by you walking over and picking him up by the scruff of his neck. As he struggled in your hold, you looked over his form with scientific precision. It wasnāt like any beast you were familiar with.
āH-hey! Maybe you should put it down? What if it bites you?ā
āIāll simply bite back.ā
Both the teenager and cat stared at you with wide eyes. Then you set the creature down, crossing your arms with a small hum.
āIs this some sort of Nevermore tradition that my parents failed to mention?ā
āNevermore? Is that where we are?ā The teen asked.
āNo! Whatās Nevermore?ā The cat glanced between you two,āHow can you two not know where we are?ā
A strange feeling washed over you. A prank this elaborate would cost far more than Nevermore had with its small student population. If this wasnāt a prankā¦
āWhere are we?ā The teenagerās voice was soft, his expression had changed to one of fear.
āNight Raven College! It seems that you two freshmen were far too eager to make your debut,ā A voice spoke behind you, causing you two to face it.
There was a tall man dressed in raven regalia, a mask concealing most of his face. Two bright yellow eyes narrowed as he focused on you. His entire demeanor shifted from anger to curiosity in a matter of seconds.
āHow strange⦠The mirror chooses a young lady to come. That is a first.ā He mumbled to himself before clapping and raising his tone back to what it was,āAh! You two are late but Iāll give you a pass just this once. Oh how gracious I am!ā
You crossed your arms before sighing,āI donāt have anything better to do. Besides, this could be fun.ā You sent a small smile to your companion up until this point before starting to follow the masked man.
āOh! Just one more thing.ā The man stopped suddenly and turned to glare at the cat,āWhoās familiar is this?ā
āFamilar?!ā The creature growled,āAs if! Say that again and Iāllāā
You blinked as it was suddenly restrained by magic. The cat struggled and let out a series of angry muffled sounds before glaring at the man.
āI donāt think he belongs to anyoneā¦ā The teen mumbled before following as your small group finally left.
You walked out into what appeared to be a highly maintained courtyard. It was dark outside, stars glittering brightly over the massive castle that surrounded you. A castle very much unlike Nevermore.
āSo⦠Night Raven Collegeā¦ā The teen started,āThatās where we are but who are you?ā
āHm⦠It seems the teleportation must have messed with your memories. Allow me to explain! I am Dire Crowley Headmage to our fine institution! Night Raven College is a school for everyone across the world who exhibits talents for magic! Itās an honor to be accepted into theāā Crowley was interrupted by the teen making a strange squeak of shock. He glanced at him before shaking his head and continuing,āIn order to reach the institution a dark carriage comes to collect you. Each carriage is equipped with a gateāā
āThe coffins?ā You asked.
āYes, the coffins. Iām sure you two remember the carriage in some form but that is unimportant right now. You two are extremely late and although Iāve given you a temporary pass, it is a terribly bad look for your future housewarden.ā Crowley led the three of you towards a chamber with large, intricately designed double doors. He placed his hands upon them before glancing back at the two of you,āNow, itās time for your orientation!ā
He pushed open the doors with a dramatic flourish, one that reminded you of your father, to reveal a large chamber filled with students wearing the same robes as you.
āMaybe he had a tummy ache?ā The question was heard as the doors opened.
āI most certainly did not!ā Crowley retorted quickly, a huff escaping him. He seemed offended by the insinuation.
āAh speak of the devil,ā A boy spoke from across the room. His bright red hair caught your attention but he seemed extremely displeased at the events.
āIf you must know,ā Crowley stepped to the side and gestured to you and your companion,āI had to find our two late freshmen.ā
All eyes turned on you two and you felt the teen beside you stiffen immediately. You were used to stares. It happened everywhere you decided to go but what you werenāt used to was the protective way the teen moved in front of you.
You gave him a small smile and lightly patted his back,āI can take care of myself. Donāt worry.ā Then you stepped around him to follow the Headmage to the center of the room.
There was a large ornate mirror facing you. Within the glass, a masked face came into view, surrounded by what seemed to be green flames. It was a different kind of mirror than you were used to but not one you hadnāt seen before. You wondered whose soul had been trapped to create it.
āNow step up to the mirror and state your name!ā Crowley stood to the side, still grasping the creature in whatever spell he had cast,āIāll just hold this⦠thing for you.ā
You glanced at the teen next to you and he gave you an awkward smile. He gestured for you to go first with a small mumble of āladies firstā.
You approached the mirror and said your name.
āThe nature of your soul is unique. It holds potential not of this world yet you lack the ability to understand it. It would be easy to put you in Diasomnia howeverā¦ā The mirror paused for a moment, almost like it was trying to decide what to say next. It made a small nodding movement before it continued,āThere is an emptiness that hides within you, one that prevents placement into any dorm. A mage not of this world cannot be chained by its laws.ā
You crossed your arms, thinking for a moment before looking over at the Headmage,āBeing honest Iām more surprised at the fact that I have a soul rather than the ānot of this worldā part.ā
Crowley was staring at you, his jaw slightly ajar before he laughed. The sound was forced as he gestured for you to walk over,āWe shall discuss this after your friend goes!ā
āHeās not my friend. I barely know him actually.ā You said as you moved to stand next to Crowley.
The teenager walked up to the mirror.
āIām Enma Yuuken.ā
The mirror was silent for a moment before it started to speak,āThe nature of your soul is⦠unclear to me.ā
Crowley sighed and put a hand against his forehead,āWhat do you mean?ā He suddenly sounded very drained.
āThere is no magical power within him therefore no dorm would be appropriate.ā
Yuuken looked towards you and the Headmage for direction. He seemed nervous, opening his mouth to speak before he was abruptly cut off by the creature breaking free from Crowley.
āIāve got magic! Lemme have his spot!ā The creature yelled, scrambling up to the mirror,āIāll show you what I can do!ā
The red haired boy from earlier barely had time to warn everyone before chaos and flames erupted throughout the hall. You stood there watching as one student was set on fire, the red haired boy from before attempted to catch the cat with aid from another student, and the supposed Headmage did nothing to fix the situation.
You usually enjoyed chaos but this wasā¦
āPathetic.ā You mumbled with a sigh.
You would have done so much better.
















