Blue: You...killed my Father, and you’re not walking away from this.

Sindweller: Your Father? Oh, right. Lupercio. He was a strong one, I’ll give him that. But you? You’re just a shadow of him.

Blue’s grip tightened on the hilt of his katana, his blue flames flaring even brighter.

Blue: Shut up, I’m not my Father. But I’ll make sure you remember my name!

With a burst of speed, Blue launched himself at Sindweller once more, his katana glowing with blue energy as he swung it toward the demon’s chest.

Sindweller blocked the strike with two of his long daggers, but the force of Blue’s attack sent a shockwave rippling through the air. Blue was still the underdog, he was still fighting against overwhelming odds.

But he was surviving...and for now, that was enough. He had to push harder. He had to stay in control. Because if he didn’t....he might lose his life.

Blue gripped the Sutakira tightly, the blue flames around him pulsing with intensity. He could feel the battle reaching a critical point, both he and Sindweller were testing each other, pushing their limits.

With every clash, Blue learned something new about his opponent, but Sindweller had tricks of his own. The demon’s molten eyes glowed with fiery malice, and his grin widened as he recognised the seriousness in Blue’s stance.

Blue: I’ll make sure you regret ever crossing my family

With a deep breath, Blue shifted his stance, recalling one of the techniques his Mother had taught him. It was a move he hadn’t perfected yet, but now was the time to push his skills further.

He ignited his blue flames into small orbs of burning energy. With a swift motion, Blue threw the first of these fire blasts toward Sindweller.

The ball of flame shot through the air with a bright streak, homing in on the demon. Sindweller’s eyes widened slightly, but he reacted quickly, sidestepping the blast.

However, to his surprise, the ball of fire curved in mid-air, tracking his movement and striking him in the back.

The force of the explosion sent a shockwave through the battlefield, and Sindweller staggered slightly, clearly caught off guard.

Blue: Thank you, Mother

But Sindweller wasn’t done. Recovering quickly, the demon’s eyes narrowed, and his multiple arms flexed as he summoned more of his demonic blades.

Then, with a sharp flick of his wrist, Sindweller hurled the blades toward Blue, copies of the weapons he had been using, but just as deadly.

Blue's instincts kicked in, and he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the first blade. But more were coming. The air around him whistled as the demonic swords streaked through the sky like deadly missiles.

Blue raised his katana to deflect one, but the sheer number of blades made it impossible to block them all. That’s when Sindweller’s mouth opened wide, and a stream of molten lava erupted from it, aimed directly at Blue.

Blue barely had time to react, twisting his body to avoid the brunt of the lava blast. The molten stream scorched the ground where he had just been standing, leaving a trail of burning metal in its wake.

Blue’s mind raced, he hadn’t expected Sindweller to be able to generate lava like this. It didn’t match the demon’s slender, almost agile form, but he could see the bright light from his mouth

Blue: Generating lava inside your body? Well that's a surprise but I’m not done yet.

Sindweller: You think you’ve won just because you figured me out? You’re still playing catch-up.....Lupercio’s brat.

As the demon spoke, Blue noticed something. Sindweller’s attacks weren’t just powerful, they were precise. He wasn’t swinging wildly anymore.

He was choosing his moments carefully, and each attack had a purpose. That meant Sindweller was conserving his energy, despite his chaotic appearance.

Blue gritted his teeth, realising that this fight wasn’t just about brute strength. Sindweller was cunning, and every second counted. He’d have to be smart if he wanted to win.

Blue dashed forward, closing the distance between them. His blue flames roared around him, and he threw another fire blast toward Sindweller.

The demon blocked it with one of his swords, but Blue had anticipated that.

As soon as Sindweller raised his blade to defend, Blue followed up with a second blast, this one aimed lower, toward the demon’s legs. The blast hit, and Sindweller was momentarily thrown off balance.

Seizing the opportunity, Blue leaped into the air, his katana raised high, the blade burning with blue fire. He brought it down in a powerful strike, aiming for the demon’s exposed chest.

But Sindweller wasn’t out of tricks yet, with a sudden, unnatural speed, the demon twisted his body, avoiding the blade by mere inches.

He swung one of his remaining swords upward, and Blue barely had time to bring his katana up to block. The force of the impact sent Blue skidding backward across the metal ground.

Sindweller: You’re fast, little one, but not fast enough.

Blue narrowed his eyes. Sindweller’s body wasn’t hulking, like Warden’s had been. Instead, the demon was slightly tall and lean, his movements quicker and more fluid.

But that meant something else, if he was generating lava inside his body, there had to be a limit. Blue just had to push him until that point.

Blue: And you talk too much!

Blue's flames flickered more intensely now. He could feel the heat rising inside him, but he had to stay in control. He couldn’t afford to lose himself now. As the two squared off once more, the ground beneath them trembled, and the air was thick with the tension of the fight.

Marina watched from a distance, her hands clenched into fists, her heart pounding with worry and pride. Darren stood beside her, his eyes locked on the battle.

Darren: He’s holding his own. But that demon...he’s not going down easy.

Marina: Blue can do this. He has to...this will prove to me that he is capable

Back on the battlefield, Blue and Sindweller clashed again, their weapons sparking with energy. Blue’s katana, burning with blue fire, met Sindweller’s demonic blades in a fierce exchange of blows.

Blue was faster now, more precise, but Sindweller’s power was overwhelming.

Each time Blue thought he had the upper hand, the demon would unleash another devastating attack, a blade thrown, a stream of lava, or a sudden burst of strength.

But Blue was determined. He had to win. For his Father. For his Mother. For himself.

Blue: Come on, Sindweller, show me something more!

And with that, he charged forward, ready for the next round. Blue and Sindweller were poised to clash, their weapons charged with energy, when out of nowhere, a bright white sphere of energy shot through the battlefield, blasting Blue backward.

He tumbled across the metal floor, recovering quickly as he looked up, stunned. There, standing tall and exuding a powerful aura, was a figure Blue knew all too well: Warden, the Moon Demon.

Blue: Warden?! W-What are you doing here?

Warden: Good evening, Blue. It’s been a minute.

Blue: [Gets Up] Yeah....but why are you here? This isn’t your fight!

Warden didn’t even glance at Blue, his gaze fixed on Sindweller, who looked equally stunned.

Warden: To take Sindweller back with me

Sindweller blinked, his molten eyes wide with disbelief.

Sindweller: I didn’t know you were alive!

Warden: I have my ways to ensure survival. Now let us go, Sindweller.

Sindweller’s mouth twisted into a wild grin, though there was still surprise in his eyes.

Sindweller: Awww, but I wanted to stab the boy!

He whines, pointing one of his demonic blades at Blue, who was already getting back to his feet. Warden’s voice dropped into a darker, more serious tone.

Warden: We need him, Sindweller. He has been....scouted.

Blue: Scouted? For what? This ‘project’ you’ve been trying to recruit me for?

Warden: In due time, Blue. You’ll understand when the moment is right.

Before Blue could press for more answers, Marina, who had been watching from the platform with Darren, seised the opportunity.

She wasn’t about to let Warden or Sindweller escape, especially after everything they had said.

Marina: No! You’re not going anywhere!

Marina's hands glowed with arcane energy as she unleashed a barrage of powerful spells from above. A rain of energy blasts and incantations came crashing down on the two demons, lighting up the night sky with flashes of blue, white, and violet magic.

The ground beneath Sindweller and Warden cracked and shook under the weight of the magical onslaught.

Warden raised a hand, creating a shimmering barrier that deflected most of the attacks, but even he seemed to struggle under the intensity of Marina’s power.

Sindweller: Hahaha! You’ve got a fire in you, Woman! Maybe I’ll come back for a proper fight next time!

Warden: That is the Wife of Lupercio

Sindweller: What?! She has this much power?!

But Warden was in no mood for games and questions. With a quick flick of his wrist, the Moon Demon activated one of his ancient, mysterious moves.

A dark, swirling portal began to open beneath the two demons, shimmering with silver and black energy.

Marina: No! You’re not leaving!

Marina increases the power of her spells, the blasts coming faster and harder. But Warden, even under such pressure, remained calm.

Warden: Enough

He unleashes a shockwave that rippled outward, disrupting Marina’s magic for just a moment. It was all he needed, as in the blink of an eye, the swirling portal expanded, enveloping both Warden and Sindweller.

With one final glance at Blue, Warden’s voice echoed across the battlefield.

Warden: We’ll meet again, Blue. Be ready.

And just like that, they vanished.

Marina lowered her hands, her breath coming in ragged gasps, frustration clear on her face. She had landed on her feet, next to Blue, who was shocked at the power displayed by his Mother.

He had never seen her do all of that before, and can see why she could handle herself well. Darren stood where he was before, jaw tight, clearly conflicted by the sudden turn of events.

Darren: Damn, this wasn’t supposed to happen

Blue, still catching his breath, stared at the ground, fists clenched in frustration. He had been so close to getting answers, so close to avenging his Father in a way.

But now, they were gone again, and more questions hung over his head. He sheathed Sutakira, the blue flames around him finally dying down. The weight of everything.....the fight, the revelations, the pressure, it seemed to settle on his shoulders.

Blue: Good Grief, I need to get stronger. This isn’t enough.

Without another word, Blue opened his hand, summoning a small, shimmering portal with a flick of his wrist. He places the Sutakira inside and stored it away until he would need it again.

His eyes return to their normal light blue, not even his imperfect Demon Eyes were enough. Marina walked over to her son, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Marina: You did well, Blue. But we’ll need to prepare for whatever comes next.

Blue nodded, though the fire of frustration still burned in his eyes. He wasn’t satisfied. Not yet. He had to be ready for whatever Warden and Sindweller, and whatever other demons were planning.

But deep down, he knew this wasn’t the end. It was only the beginning...the beginning of something terrifying.
_____________________________________

The next day passed in a blur as Blue, Marina, and Darren boarded the private jet back to America. The cold, tense atmosphere of Russia was left behind, though Blue's mind was still there.

He was replaying every moment of the battle with Sindweller and the sudden appearance of Warden, thinking of scenarios of what he could've done in that fight.

His body ached with minor injuries, nothing too serious, bruises that would fade within a few days. He had never experienced adversity like this before, Warden was testing him while the Hyde wasn't a threat at all.

But Sindweller....he was out to kill Blue, he represented the Core of a Demon, the ruthlessness and killing intent. Blue's mind was heavy with questions and an unyielding determination to get back at his Father's Killers.

Blue sat quietly in the jet, staring out of the window as the clouds floated beneath them. Marina glanced over at him, sensing his thoughts but giving him space. Darren, too, kept silent, occasionally glancing at Blue with pride and concern.

His Nephew, although not directly, held his own against a dangerous entity in Sindweller. They all knew this was just the beginning of a larger journey, one that Blue was destined to take.

When they finally landed back in America, the trio were escorted back to Jericho in a black car, courtesy of the Outcast Society.

As the car rolled past the forest and into Nevermore's gates, Blue could feel the shift in energy.

The comfort of being back warred with the weight of the events in Russia still pressing on his mind. It was the last day of Parent's Weekend, and many families were preparing to leave soon.

But before that, a group of familiar faces had gathered at Nevermore, waiting to welcome back Blue, Marina, and Darren.

As soon as the car pulled up, Adam, Evelyn, Ingrid, Wednesday, Enid, Morticia, Gomez, Pugsley, Yoko, Ajax, Xavier, Bianca, Eugene and Thing stood by the steps of the school.

They all had something to say to the young demon who had just returned from a dangerous mission.

Blue: Eh? Everyone is here?

Evelyn: Blue! Are you okay? What happened? Did you win? How cold was it? Did you meet Putin?

Her barrage of questions were a mix of worry and excitement, her eyes wide as she checked him over. Blue just gave a tired but reassuring smile.

Blue: Yeah, I'm fine, Eve. Just a few bumps and bruises. Sindweller, the Demon that I pulled up on....got away. But next time, we are scrapping even harder.

Adam was next, walking up with his usual calm demeanor, though his concern was evident in his eyes.

Adam: You fought the Demon? Damn, we should’ve been there. Glad you're back in one piece though. I'm still traumatised from JJK's Manga, my glorious King got defeated by the plot.

Blue: He is still a GOAT though

Ingrid: It's so good that you're safe, Blue, but remember to watch yourself at all times.

Blue: Will do, Auntie Ingrid!

Wednesday stood nearby, arms crossed, her expression as unreadable as ever.

Wednesday: Demons tend to escape often, it seems. Next time, don’t let them.

Blue: Yeah, no pressure! Next time, I'll get him in a Full Nelson!

Wednesday sighs, but there was a flicker of relief in her eyes, though she'd never admit it. Enid, always full of energy, bounced up next to Wednesday before hugging Blue.

Enid: I knew you'd make it back! But seriously, next time, be careful. I can’t have you getting too hurt out there!

Blue: Don't worry, I'll always be okay

Even Morticia and Gomez came forward, their elegant and slightly eerie presence always making a statement. Morticia smiled softly.

Morticia: You’ve proven yourself yet again, Blue. A true warrior like your Father.

Gomez: Magnificent! You’ve made it through a real battle! We’re all proud of you, my boy!

Pugsley, wide-eyed as usual, looked up at Blue in awe.

Pugsley: You fought a demon? That's so cool!

Thing, perched on Wednesday’s shoulder, gave a little wave of approval with its fingers, saying "well done."

Bianca: Not bad, Blue. It's good that we get to keep our Demon intact

Xavier: Yeah, don't die on us man

Ajax: For real! You're the face of our group!

Blue: I mean, I wouldn't say that but, thank you!

Yoko: Well you radiate the most Main Character Energy here, so I say you're definitely the face of our group.

The group, all together now, surrounded Blue, each sharing their thoughts and congratulations. Despite his exhaustion, Blue couldn’t help but smile at their concern and support.

It felt good to be back, even if the weight of what happened still lingered in his mind.

Eugene: So, what’s the next step, Blue? You’ve gotta learn more about demons now, right?

Blue: Yeah, I don't know. I need to talk to Lady Lilith first. There’s a lot I still don’t understand about all of this, and what’s going on with these Old Horns.

Darren: Hah, tell me about it, I never read too much into this

Ingrid: Because clearly you didn't inherit Mother's intelligence

Darren: D-Damn, you are heartless just like her.

Marina: I'm sure Lady Lilith has been waiting for you. I think you’ll get your answers soon, Blue.

Blue gave his Mother a nod, he wasn’t about to waste any more time. The next step of his journey was clear...to understand more about his race, his power, and the threats looming on the horizon.

But for now, as the sun began to set over Nevermore, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Blue allowed himself to take in the moment.

His friends, family, and allies were all here, and despite everything, he was happy. After the warm welcome back, Blue didn’t have much time to relax before Lady Lilith called for him.

The headmistress wanted to talk about what had transpired at the Old Horn, and Blue expected this since he was going to see her anyways.

Blue gives a nod to his friends and family, promising to catch up with them soon, before heading towards her office.

When he arrived, Lady Lilith was seated at her desk. She gestured for Blue to sit, and the conversation began immediately.

Lilith: So, I’ve heard about the mission in Russia. Tell me everything.

Blue took a deep breath and began recounting the events.

Blue: It....started with the Old Horn shifting. The demon that emerged.....my Mother mentioned that his name was Sindweller....the Agent of Chaos.

Lilith: Sindweller? So he was the one inside of that one....I understand now.

Blue: Yeah, I fought him for a bit, until Warden showed up in the middle of our fight. He stopped the action and took Sindweller away. They....they talked about me being ‘scouted’ for something. But I still have no idea what it all means.

Lilith:...Warden has been keeping an eye on you for some time now. It seems he has plans for you, though what those plans are, I can only speculate.

Blue: Umm...I’m getting stronger, but I still don’t know why Warden is so focused on me. I just want to understand what is happening....

Lilith: You’ve grown, Blue. In power, but also in control. That much is clear. However, demons like Warden are not easy to predict. He has his own goals, and you must be prepared for anything.

Blue: I will be. Whatever they’re planning, I won’t let them catch me off guard again, I am Jump Resistant!

Lady Lilith smiled softly before standing up, signaling that the conversation was coming to an end.

Lilith: You’re on the right path, but the road ahead is dangerous. Continue your training. Learn everything you can. And trust your instincts.

Blue stood as well, giving her a respectful nod before leaving the office. He felt the weight of their conversation settle on his shoulders, but his resolve was stronger than ever.

Warden, Sindweller, and the demons tied to the Old Horns....whatever they were planning, he would be ready.

When he rejoined his friends and family, it was already time for the parents to leave. Marina was standing near the courtyard, waiting for Blue and Evelyn to come say goodbye. Blue approached his Mother first, his expression softening.

Blue: I’ll miss you, Mother

Marina smiled, pulling him into a hug.

Marina: You’ve made me proud, Blue. Be careful, alright?

Evelyn stepped up next, hugging Marina tightly.

Evelyn: Take care, Mum. Let us know if anything happens.

Marina: I will. And you two, look out for each other.

Meanwhile, Adam was saying goodbye to Ingrid and Darren. Darren gave his nephew a quick, but firm, pat on the back.

Darren: You’re doing great, prat. Keep up the good work.

Ingrid: Stay safe, and don’t be afraid to call if you need anything.

Adam: I’ll be fine, Mother, but I’ll stay in touch.

In the background, Enid was hugging her parents tightly, her eyes a little misty but still full of energy.

Enid: I’ll miss you guys! But don’t worry, I’m staying out of trouble!

Esther laughed softly, ruffling Enid’s hair.

Esther: Take care, honey. And let us know how things are going with Blue.

She winked teasingly, which caused Enid to blush furiously. At the same time, Yoko was bidding her parents farewell as well, keeping things more casual but with a touch of fondness.

She didn’t like long, drawn-out goodbyes, but there was a warmth in her interactions that made it clear how much she cared.

And then there was Wednesday, who was somewhat reluctantly saying goodbye to Morticia, Gomez and Pugsley. Morticia, ever the affectionate Mother, pulled Wednesday into a hug.

Morticia: You will call, won’t you, darling?

Wednesday gave a noncommittal grunt but didn’t pull away from the embrace.

Wednesday: We’ll see

As the Addams family began to leave, Morticia turned to Blue and Evelyn.

Morticia: Ah, before I go, I must say goodbye to my favourite new friends.

Wednesday: Friends-?

With that, she pulled Blue into a rather tight hug, pressing him into her chest, much like she had before. Blue's voice came out muffled.

Blue: U-Umm...can someone turn on the lights? ._.

Wednesday, with her usual deadpan expression, gently pried her mother off of Blue. Adam sighs while Evelyn laughs, Marina smiles while thinking about how Blue's innocence is just so precious.

Wednesday: Mother, please.

Morticia eventually released him, smiling warmly.

Morticia: Take care, Blue. You as well, Evelyn.

As the Addams family, along with the other parents, finally left, the students were left standing in the quiet courtyard. Blue glanced around at his friends, his smile still present.

Blue: Well....back to the grind, yeah?

Wednesday: Looks like it.

The parents were gone, but the challenges ahead remained. And now, with everything Blue had learned, the stakes were higher than ever. A few minutes after the parents left, Blue, Adam, Evelyn, Wednesday, and Enid gathered near the courtyard to catch up.

Blue still had thoughts swirling in his mind about the fight in Russia, especially about Sindweller and Warden. He decided to talk to the others about it, filling them in.

Blue: So....about Russia....I fought a Demon called Sindweller. But then Warden showed up, too.

Evelyn, listening closely, felt a chill go down her spine. Inside her head, she suddenly remembered the other part of the vision she'd had during the Megan situation.

Blue was fighting in the snow, in Russia....that was what the vision was warning her about. It had already happened, and luckily, Blue was okay now, but Warden having an ally now was deeply concerning.

She chose not to mention the vision, knowing that it wouldn’t help now. Instead, she focused on what Blue was saying.

Adam: Wait, Warden? He was there too? This man needs to be blacklisted.

Blue: For real yeah, man's got some plan for me. He said something about 'scouting' me for something, and I'm thinking like "Is bro the manager of Barcelona? Scouting talent for La Liga and that?"

Adam: He must be a regular on Football Manager.

Blue: Nah, you onto something

Before the conversation could go any deeper into Warden’s motives, Wednesday interjected, her voice cool and measured as always.

Wednesday: What happened while you were gone might be of greater concern now.

Blue: Eh? What happened?

Adam: Oh Shiz, right. Two more students disappeared.

Blue:

Blue: Two more?! When?!

Adam: Last night. Sheriff Galpin’s already involved, and we’ve been doing what we can. But no leads yet.

Blue: Ah man, we need to figure out who is yoinking these kids, man!

Evelyn: Pennywise!

Enid: Eve, no-

Wednesday: It could be someone we know. The question is....who?

Adam:.....I think I know how we can start figuring that out.

Blue: What do you mean?

Adam: A decoy. We set up a trap for the kidnapper. Use one of us to lure them in, and then we follow them back to wherever they’re taking the students.

Enid: But...who’s going to be the decoy?

Before Adam could respond, Blue raised his hand with a kiddy grin.

Blue: Well.....we could have it be me?

Adam: Hah, the guy just approaches you and then proceeds to get styled on.

Blue: So?

Adam: Amusing, but no.

Blue: Dammit!

Adam: Sorry G, but we need you to track the kidnapper after they grab the decoy, then you can jump them.

Wednesday: I'll do it.

Evelyn: I am not surprised you are up for it

Wednesday: It might be fun.

Enid looked between them, biting her lip nervously, then, to everyone's surprise, she spoke up.

Enid: A-Actually....I’ll do it-!

Blue: No

Adam: Yeah, no way.

Evelyn: Oh, come on. She'll be fine! I think!

Blue still looked reluctant, but Enid turned to him with wide, pleading eyes.

Enid: Please, Blue! I’ll be careful, I promise. Besides, I know how to fight! W-Well, when I Wolf-Out.

It was hard for Blue to say no to those eyes. After a few moments, he sighed.

Blue: Fine.....but you have to stick to the plan. No going rogue.

Enid: I won’t! I'll listen to whatever you say!

Evelyn: Oh yeah, you'd like that, wouldn't you?~

Enid: [Blushes Madly] E-EVELYN!

With that settled, the group including Thing, who scurried up to them eagerly, started to devise a plan. They discussed strategies for how to set the decoy trap, but they knew it would take time.

They needed to wait for the right moment to execute it. As the evening wore on, the conversation wound down, and they prepared for the next day.

It wasn’t shown yet, but they were ready to put their plan into motion when the time came. The next day loomed ahead, bringing with it new challenges and uncertainties.

The day resumed as usual for the students of Nevermore Academy, but the weight of recent events hung in the air. First, it was time for Gorgon Anatomy with Professor Medusa, a subject that was always equal parts fascinating and terrifying.

The students gathered around as Medusa explained the complexities of the Gorgon's anatomy, detailing how their unique abilities were tied to their biology.

As always, her snakes weren't present and instead were hair as there were still some students who are intimidated by them.

Blue, Adam, Evelyn, Wednesday, Enid, and the rest of their class paid close attention, though their minds were partially distracted by the looming threat of the kidnappings.

Once Gorgon Anatomy was over, they headed to their next class, Outcast History with Lady Lilith. The lesson covered ancient outcast societies and their methods for maintaining secrecy in human-dominated regions.

Blue tried to focus, but his mind kept drifting back to the situation with Sindweller and Warden. Lady Lilith, always sharp, seemed to notice Blue's distracted state but didn’t say anything...yet.

After class, it was time for break. The students filtered out of the classroom and made their way to the courtyard. Blue was about to join the others, when Sheriff Galpin suddenly arrived and motioned for Blue to follow him.

Blue: Heyo, what's up?

They walked a few paces away from the others. Galpin, ever serious, looked Blue in the eye.

Galpin: Well, as you know, I'm part of this ongoing investigation into the missing students, and I wanted to know...do you or Addams have any information?

Blue: Not really. I wish I did, so I'd have an excuse to punch someone.

The sheriff studied Blue carefully, perhaps looking for any sign of hesitation, but Blue’s expression was sincere. Galpin sighed.

Galpin: Alright, but you’ll let me know if something comes up, right?

Blue: Of course. I'll...call in when the time is right.

Galpin:....When the time is right?

Blue: Trust the process, Sheriff.

Galpin watched him for a moment, unsure if he should press further but ultimately nodding.

Galpin: Alright, Blue. I’ll trust you on this, but you know I’ll be doing my part of the investigation. Don’t get in over your head.

Blue gave him a nod of acknowledgment before turning on his heel to find his friends. As he walked away, Galpin remained where he stood, watching Blue closely.

Normally, he wouldn’t even consider allowing a student, especially one like Blue, to get involved in an investigation like this.

But after everything that had happened over the past year, Galpin had come to trust Blue in a way he didn’t trust most.

There was something about him, a resilience that ran deep. Sheriff Galpin sighed. He knew Blue and Wednesday would likely do something soon, but he had to trust that they knew what they were doing.

For now, he would continue working on his side of the investigation, but he would keep a close eye on the situation as it unfolded.

Meanwhile, Blue rejoined the others, filling them in on the conversation with the sheriff. They all knew that time was ticking, and they needed to act soon, before more students disappeared.

As the group gathered back in the quad, discussing their next steps, Xavier approached, his eyes fixed on Wednesday.

He had been watching her closely over the past few days, sensing that something was off. With a determined expression, he grabbed her arm gently but firmly, pulling her away from the others.

Xavier: Hey, we need to talk

Wednesday stared at him blankly, her usual deadpan expression unmoved.

Wednesday: About what?

Xavier glanced around, making sure they were alone in the hallway before he spoke again.

Xavier: You've been acting...stranger than usual.

Wednesday: Stranger than usual? That's a low bar.

Xavier: [Sighs] I'm serious, Wednesday. You’ve been keeping something to yourself. I know it.

Wednesday: It’s nothing. You’re imagining things.

But Xavier wasn't convinced. He stepped in front of her, blocking her from walking away. His eyes searched hers, as if he could pull the truth from her by sheer will.

Xavier: If you know something about these disappearances or anything else going on, you need to tell me

Wednesday: And why should I tell you?

Xavier: Because we’re supposed to trust each other, aren't we?

Wednesday said nothing, her dark eyes cool and unreadable. She made a move to walk away again, but this time, Xavier gently pinned her to the wall.

He placed one hand placed near her head while the other lightly cupped her face. His touch was soft, but the intensity in his eyes was undeniable.

Xavier: Look, I care about you, Wednesday. I want to protect you. I know you don’t like letting people in, but don’t shut me out. Not like this.

For a moment, there was a flicker of something in Wednesday’s gaze....maybe hesitation, maybe something else. She studied Xavier, his earnest expression, the concern in his eyes.

But then, just as quickly, her face returned to its usual impassiveness. Without warning, Wednesday swiftly brought her foot up and kicked him hard in the shin.

Xavier: Ow! What the-?!

Xavier winced, stumbling back and releasing his grip on her. Wednesday straightened her clothes, completely unfazed.

Wednesday: That’s your answer.

She walks off without another word, leaving Xavier standing there, rubbing his leg, both frustrated and confused. As she rejoined the others in the courtyard, she glanced back briefly.

Xavier, now standing in the hallway alone, watched her go, a mixture of disappointment and unresolved feelings in his eyes.

He knew Wednesday was hiding something, but he also knew that getting her to open up would be no easy task. Still, he wasn’t about to give up just yet.

As the days passed and the tension around Nevermore thickened, February crept in, casting long shadows across the school’s stone walls. It was Tuesday night, and the air was thick with anticipation.

Adam's decoy plan was set to unfold.

But amidst the growing tension, Evelyn had been dealing with her own internal struggle. For the past few days, she'd been plagued by sudden, vivid visions, flashes of events she couldn't fully understand.

It started with Yoko....one vision showed the vampire looking distressed, her face twisted in confusion and fear. Evelyn had no idea what it meant, but the feeling it left behind was unsettling.

The next day, a new vision hit her. This time, it was Blue, his usual calm demeanor shattered as his face contorted in shock, and then....rage. The image burned itself into her mind, but no explanation followed.

And then, just yesterday, a softer, stranger vision......a wedding. She could see a veil, a beautifully lit hall that absolutely massive, it looked like a Auditorium for a play.

But she couldn’t make out the faces of the bride and groom. Whose wedding was it? And why was it haunting her now? What was the relevance?

Evelyn shook her head, trying to push the visions aside. There was no time to dwell on them tonight. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, reminding her that the plan was set to begin in just 10 minutes.

Enid, the brave....or perhaps reckless volunteer, would be out in the woods, alone, acting as the decoy. Blue and Adam were tasked with watching from the cover of the trees, hidden just far enough to avoid detection but close enough to leap into action.

Wednesday and Evelyn herself would be waiting, ready to track the kidnapper once they took the bait. It was risky, but it was the best plan they had to figure out who was behind the student disappearances and where they were taking them.

As the time approached, Evelyn felt her stomach twist. She could sense that tonight was going to be intense.

Looking over at Blue, she saw his usual calm resolve, though she couldn’t forget the vision of his face twisted in anger.

She had no idea what it meant, but she hoped it wasn't something connected to tonight.

Blue: Are you ready?

Evelyn: Yeah. Let’s get this over with, and catch that clown!

Blue: It's not Pennywise!

Evelyn: But it would be funny if it was!
__________________________________

The plan was now in full swing. Enid sat on a log in the middle of the forest, her eyes fixed on her phone screen, trying to look casual.

She scrolled through random apps, pretending that this was just another evening alone and that there was no plan, no ambush waiting to unfold.

She forced herself to stay calm, though the quiet rustling of leaves and distant forest sounds made her heartbeat louder in her own ears. Blue perched high on a thick branch, his body blending seamlessly with the darkness around him.

His trench coat billowed slightly in the wind, but otherwise, he remained perfectly still, his eyes trained on the clearing below where Enid sat. Adam, completely invisible thanks to his newly acquired abilities, was standing just out of view, watching intently for any signs of movement.

Further away, closer to Nevermore, was Wednesday, Thing and Evelyn. They were waiting in their own hidden spots. Each of them on high alert, anticipating the moment when the kidnapper would strike.

Minutes passed, and nothing happened. The forest was eerily quiet, the occasional gust of wind rustling the leaves but otherwise dead silent. Enid glanced around but didn’t make any obvious movements, continuing her ruse of disinterest.

Just when it seemed like the night would pass without incident, Enid's ears perked up. Footsteps. Faint but distinct, approaching from the darkness. She didn’t react immediately, waiting until she was sure the figure was close enough.

Her heart raced, but she kept her breathing steady. Then, as if from nowhere, a figure emerged from the trees, a man, cloaked in shadows. Enid looked up at him, pretending to be startled, but what happened next wasn’t part of the plan.

The man raised his hand, and in an instant, Enid’s expression glazed over. Her body stiffened as his mind control ability took hold, manipulating her movements.

Without a word, she stood up and began following him deeper into the woods. Hidden from view, Blue’s eyes widened in shock.

Blue: What the?....

Adam: He’s an Outcast!

Blue quickly sent a message to Evelyn, the plan had to change. This wasn’t just some random kidnapper.

This was someone with abilities, and it became clear that the person behind the disappearances wasn’t just targeting outcasts, they were one of them.

Without hesitation, Blue jumped down from the tree, landing quietly on the forest floor. He moved quickly but stealthily, trailing behind the kidnapper and the mind-controlled Enid.

Adam, still invisible, followed closely, his eyes darting around in case there were any more surprises. Soon, Evelyn, Wednesday and Thing caught up with them. Blue quickly relayed what he and Adam had just witnessed.

Blue: The guy has mind control abilities. He didn’t even touch her.....it’s definitely an Outcast, without a doubt

Wednesday: There aren’t many with that ability.

Evelyn: The only one we know who can control minds is Professor Prospero

But as soon as the words left her mouth, something clicked for both Blue and Adam. Blue looked at Adam, and they shared a look of realisation.

Blue: Prospero’s....

Adam: Brother....