The very first thing Eudora Addams did was to greet her granddaughters. Well, technically only one was her granddaughter but as far as Grandmama was concerned the possible differences between interdimensional versions were mere technicalities.
A Wednesday is a Wednesday. Period.
"Let me see you, my child," she said, as she took Wednesday's face in her hands, "Do they feed you well here? Have you grown a little? Oh, that pale complexion could be a bit more corpse-like..."
"My diet is adequate, Grandmama. And my height has not undergone any significant changes since I was sixteen."
"Mmmf," grumbled Eudora Addams. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a movement beside her and looked down, her gaze falling on Pup, who was watching her with a small smile. The old woman grinned from ear to ear, "Ah! Mi pequeña escolopendra!” she exclaimed as she bent down to get a better look at the smallest of the dimensional counterparts, "Look at you, this brings back memories!"
"It's good to see you Grandmama, even though you're not technically my Grandmama," said the child.
"Nonsense! I'm your Grandmama as much as I am this one's and her she-wolf's," replied Eudora, pointing at Wednesday and Enid.
Grandmama turned her attention to the rest of Wednesdays present in the room. Friday caused a visible eyebrow raise ("You're just like your Aunt Ophelia, girl, how are you with plants?"), Shark gave a sharp smile that was returned by the old lady with the same affectionate fierceness, Needler caused a nod of approval ("This is what I'm talking about granddaughter, see? Like fresh out from the crypt") and Woe...
"Oooh, you're a serious one, just like my Wednesday," Grandmama observed, "And you smell like homicidal cravings, have you got a body count yet?"
"It's a project in development," replied Woe.
Grandmama laughed. An old, cracked laugh, the laugh one would expect from a witch hiding in a forest hut while stirring a cauldron of strange potions.
"Well, let's cut to the chase," said the old Addams witch, "Let me look at that book, see what can be done..."
"I confess that your method of arrival gives hope, Grandmama," Wednesday said as she took the multiversal spell book from her desk, where Thing had been watching over it.
"It was just a simple travelling portal, my child," replied the witch shaking her head as she took the book offered by her granddaughter, "As a warm-up, to see if I could still do it... You see, this kind of magic is not usually a witch's thing. It's more the province of sorcerers."
"Mmm, but Isadora wasn't a proper witch," said Needler.
"Yeah, she had no natural magical gift, she stole her power by sacrificing animals," Enid explained, holding back a growl. That Isadora Laslow had spent the last year and a half causing the disappearance and death of innocent pets in Jericho was something that made the werewolf remarkably angry, an atrocity that she felt was totally uncalled for.
"Interesting, interesting," Grandmama murmured as she began to skim the tome, "That no doubt was a contributing factor to the spell not going well, Using blood magic for something like this... Oh, I recognize this old pile of paper!"
"You do?" asked Wednesday.
"Yes, yes... look, there are even notes by me in some of the margins!" said Grandmama, pointing to a series of almost illegible lines in the corner of one of the pages, "I never joined Nevermore in my younger years, but Cousin Iggy used to let me visit the library of that secret society of his."
"Cousin Iggy?" asked Woe, "Ignatius Itt? Cousin Itt's grandfather?"
"The very same. Ah, Iggy, a pity he died so young, but he was infected by heroism," Grandmama lamented, "He always tried to convince me to join his classes, but I was never a fan of confining learning within the four walls of an academy."
"He was a teacher?" asked Shark, "Because if he was anything like the Cousin Itt I know..."
"How did the students understand him? There are people even among the Addams who would have trouble," said Needler.
"He taught his classes with projected text on slides and musical accompaniment," Grandmama replied, "Mmm, yes...I think I'll be able to do something with this," she added, looking deeply into one of the book's pages.
"Anything we can help with?" asked Friday.
"Maybe...maybe... Mmm, give me a few minutes. And go think of a big, open place we can use. Just in case."
"Uh... Just in case of what?" asked Enid, nervously.
"Well lobita, if I screw up I don't think you'll be happy about having a potential black hole in your room," cackled the old woman.
"We certainly wouldn't want to have a black hole anywhere in Nevermore, Grandmama," said Wednesday, before she thought for a moment, "Although on the other hand..."
"Wednesday, no," replied Enid.
"But mia lupa..."
"No destructive singularities allowed!"
"But… but people turning into atomic spaghetti..." gasped Needler.
"No!"
§§§
The final preparation took just a couple of hours. Eudora Addams read the book from top to bottom at breakneck speed before throwing it on the floor muttering "Ah, I have to do it all by myself!". She took Friday's offer of help and the young Addams girl in pink was her chief assistant in tracing a complex circle on the grass of the Academy's outdoor areas near the edge of the Woods, following the Addams witch's detailed instructions, although all the Wednesdays and Enid ended up collaborating.
It was mid afternoon by the time they were finished. The sun had not yet begun to set, but was already low on the horizon.
Thing spread the word about the arrangements, and by the time the circle was completed Bianca, Ajax, Yoko, Divina Eugene and Lenore made their presence known at the site.
"Did you think we would let you go without saying goodbye? Not a chance, Addams," said Bianca.
Curiously, the only absentee was Thing himself, who after a round of goodbyes had opted to stay in the dorm room, arguing that he didn't know if he could maintain his composure otherwise. He didn't want to be seen crying in public.
Just... just don't ask how.
"Well, we're done," said Grandmama, drawing the attention of all present, "I'm not going to explain all the sigils traced on the circle and how they work, but you can see that adjacent to the larger circumference is one of smaller size. The dimensional traveler will be placed there."
The old woman pulled a sharp needle from her sleeve, "And once inside the smaller circle, she will spill a drop of blood on this seal," she explained, pointing to a mark traced in the earth in front of the smaller circle.
"So in the end it's blood magic too," Wednesday observed, "I understand... being employed by Isadora as fuel for her magic means that undoing her spell requires a blood sacrifice, albeit a symbolic one."
Grandmama smiled proudly, "You got it on the first try, granddaughter! Ah, you would make an excellent witch, it's a pity you never wanted to fully pursue the dark arts."
"Only curses, the occasional potion and the odd seance are enough for me," said Wednesday.
"And we're all grateful for it," Yoko mumbled through her teeth before receiving two simultaneous nudges from Enid and Divina, "Ouch!"
"Okay, okay, we can start...it shouldn't influence it, but just in case I think it would be best to send you home in reverse order of your arrival," said Grandmama.
Shark stepped forward, "That means I go first," said the blue-clad Addams.
"In the circle then, girl. And hold out your index finger."
Shark stood on the inside of the smaller circle and did as she was told. Gently but firmly, Grandmama stuck the needle into the young girl's fingertip.
"Now, squeeze and let a drop of blood fall onto the seal."
Shark did so. At the precise instant that the crimson liquid spilled from her finger touched the seal traced in the earth, the two circles began to shimmer with a bluish glow. There was a flash of more intense light and in the center of the larger circumference a circular portal formed not unlike the one Grandmama had used for her arrival, except for the bluish coloration of its edges and that what could be seen on the other side...
"Huh… why does it look like a black and white picture?" asked Ajax.
Indeed, on the other side of the portal could be seen the scene of what appeared to be a graveyard, a static image with no movement or color.
"That's our family cemetery," said Shark, "That's Uncle Ogilvy's grave! It's the one I was going to dig up in our Wake the Dead game!"
"Ha ha ha ha! It worked!", laughed Grandmama, "I designed the circle so that the portal sends you exactly where you were taken from and barely a second apart later!"
"That's why we see the space on the other side of the portal as if it were a static picture," said Needler, "Relative to our dimension that other universe is moving much slower."
"It will be as if we never left," whispered Friday.
"And now?" asked Shark.
"Now you just have to walk through it, child. It'll close behind you and you'll be home again," explained Grandmama, gently.
Shark looked at the portal and sighed. She turned to the other Wednesdays and Enid, with an almost sweet smile on her lips, nothing like her usual expression, "Well, last to arrive and first to leave, I guess," she said, "It's hardly been like a weekend away from home for me, but you've given me something memorable to tell."
"Oh, come here," Enid said, rushing forward and enveloping the girl in a very tight embrace. After a few brief seconds of surprise (and trying to catch her breath), the young Addams returned the hug.
"She's going to embrace all of us, isn't she?" asked Woe to Wednesday, in a whisper.
"Surely."
Enid finally let go of Shark, with a shaky smile. The young Addams girl returned it and cast one last glance at the others. She gave a final nod of her head, "Sisters," she said, smiling.
She turned and advanced toward the portal, crossing it without hesitation as one crosses the threshold of a doorway. The circle of light closed behind her and the Wednesday Addams known as Shark returned to her universe.
There was silence for a few seconds, as if everyone present was still assimilating the departure of one of them.
"Next?" asked Grandmama, quietly.
"It's me," a little voice replied.
Oh, dear, thought Enid. She tried to ignore the way her heart squeezed.
Pup advanced in the direction of the circle, with an expression of serene resolution that on her childish face was more adorable than anything else. Grandmama didn't even have to repeat the instructions, the girl extended her index finger without a word.
"The prick will hurt a little, mi escolopendra," said the old woman, smiling tenderly at the child.
The little girl smiled, "I hope so."
The same process was repeated. The circles and the portal this time shone with a white glow and on the other side like a black and white photograph could be seen the greenhouse of the Addams Mansion.
Pup looked at the portal for a moment and turned to say goodbye. Suddenly Enid was kneeling in front of her, hugging her, "Be a good little puppy, okay?" the werewolf said, "Or a naughty one, I know you like to blow things up."
"Yeah," Pup laughed, returning the hug.
But most surprising, especially to the present Nevermore residents, was to see Wednesday Addams crouching down in front of the little girl as well and offering a hug of her own.
Wednesday Addams. Giving a hug. Not returning one received or tolerating it, but actively giving a hug on her own initiative.
Inconceivable.
"Remember what I told you, all right?", said Wednesday.
"Only to walk Nero around the family grounds," the younger Addams replied, "Never around town."
“Good.”
They had barely separated when a figure in pink enveloped the little Addams in a final hug.
"I'm going to miss you, little sister," Friday said, barely holding back a sob.
Pup squeezed her tighter in the embrace before pulling away. She shot glances at Needler and Woe, who responded with a smile and a slight nod respectively.
"Goodbye," said the little Addams, waving her hand in a farewell manner as she began to move toward the portal, "Goodbye everyone, goodbye sisters..."
She shot a glance at Yoko and a mischievous smile crossed her face.
"Goodbye leech!" she exclaimed, just before crossing the portal.
"HEY!", Yoko exclaimed.
"What?", Divina muttered, amused.
Bianca and the others couldn't contain their laughter. Even Enid smiled again, although Wednesday could see the glint of held back tears in her eyes. The Addams didn't realize it was the same with her.
Next up was Needler's turn. The circles and portal glowed this time with a greenish glow that reminded the Addams present of a putrid swamp.
Although Enid tried to hug her, Needler stopped the she-wolf by offering her hand for a handshake.
"Part of me would like to stay and keep studying this place," she explained, "But...I have to clarify something very important with one particular person. And I think I'm only going to accept hugs from her exclusively for a while."
Enid smiled, resting her hands on the young mad scientist's shoulders, "Everything will be all right Needler, I'm sure of it."
"Yes, little sister. Trust yourself," Ajax said.
"I've told you not to call me that, repeatedly," Needler replied, but there was no irritation in her voice, just a monotone fondness, "Although I suppose having a gorgon brother wouldn't be all that bad..."
Suddenly, a manic gleam manifested in her eyes as she clasped her hands in a thoughtful gesture.
"Oh... I wonder if it will be feasible to graft live snakes onto Pugsley's scalp..."
“Er... at least make sure you ask him first," Enid said, resigned.
"Of course! Consent is always important when one is going to experiment with breaking the laws of the natural order!" exclaimed Needler as she turned, walking imperiously towards the portal.
Before crossing it she spun around one last time, looking at her counterparts, her face again serene except for the small smile on her lips, "Addamses, it has been an honor," she said, and stepped through the portal.
The next turn caused the magic circles and the new portal to glow a radiant pink and once again Enid was hugging one of the girls on the verge of tears.
Friday returned the lycanthrope's embrace almost as tightly.
"You can't come with me, can you?" asked the Addams in pink.
"I'm afraid not, kiddo," Enid replied, rubbing her eyes.
Friday smiled, with a certain sadness but also sincerity. Separating from Enid, she looked at Woe and Wednesday, "Well, I guess I should say goodbye. I know... I know we didn't get off to a very good start. And I'm sure with this color..."
"No," Woe interrupted, "I never apologized for my reaction to seeing how colorful your outfit was."
"Neither did I," Wednesday added, "So accept our apologies now."
Woe stepped forward and rested her hands on Friday's shoulders.
"You're Wednesday Friday Addams. Wear pink. Wear yellow. Wear the whole rainbow if you wish, as long as it's what you want and not something forced upon you. Being an Addams isn't just embracing the dark or the macabre, being an Addams is being true to yourself and not giving the slightest thought to what others think of you."
"An Addams is an Addams," added Wednesday.
Friday's response was to throw herself at Woe, hugging the teenager’s waist with such force that she nearly threw her to the ground.
Woe responded with gentle pats on the head of her younger counterpart.
"Now go back home, you little monstrosity."
"Before you go...," a voice interrupted.
Woe and Friday split, directing their gazes to the one who had spoken. Eugene and Lenore had taken a few steps forward. In his hands, the young beekeeper held a jar full of honey.
"The hives are going to miss you, and... well, they seem to have produced a lot of extra honey and Lenny thought maybe they made it for you, so...here you go," the boy said, offering the jar to Friday. The young Addams girl gladly accepted it.
"Lenny?" whispered Enid to Lenore, looking at the younger lycanthrope with some amusement.
Lenore merely replied with a shy smile, a slight blush on her cheeks and taking one of Eugene's hands in hers.
Friday finally crossed the portal, not without another round of hugs with everyone, including Wednesday. The glow of pink light faded after she left.
Now the circles and the portal shone a dark purple. It was Woe's turn.
"No hugs," was the first thing the teenage Addams said after releasing the drop of blood that triggered the whole process.
"Not a hugger," Enid said, shooting a sidelong glance at her Wednesday, "Remind you of anyone?"
"Obviously," Wednesday replied. The Addams took a step forward, placing herself in front of her first variant. The two stood facing each other, their arms crossed.
"Wednesday Friday Addams," said Woe.
"Wednesday Friday Addams," replied Wednesday, with the faint hint of a smile forming at the edge of her lips.
"Born on a Friday the 13th," continued Woe.
"Born on a Friday the 13th," said Wednesday.
"June 1980.”
"October 2006."
The look on Woe's face softened for a moment as she held out her hand. Wednesday took it.
"I think I speak for both of us when I say that the experience of the last few days has been unnerving, unhinged and potentially marked by mortal danger," Woe said.
"Indeed," Wednesday replied.
"I wouldn't change it for anything," said Woe.
"Neither would I."
Enid stepped forward, positioning herself next to Wednesday and extending her hand for a parting handshake as well.
"Well, if I can't hug you..."
"Enid Sinclair," Woe interrupted, shooting a quick glance at Wednesday before turning her attention back on the she-wolf, "It's true that I'm not partial towards hugs unless they come from close family members, but at the same time I must apologize for my boldness."
"Your boldness?" murmured Enid.
Without another word, Woe took Enid's hand gently and brought it to her lips, kissing the lycanthrope's knuckles softly, "Farewell, guardian wolf."
"Wh..."
Releasing Enid, Woe cast one last glance at Wednesday, who had merely raised one of her eyebrows questioningly. There was some sort of silent communication between the two for an instant where everyone held their breath, fearing that a jealous Wednesday would do something extreme.
But Wednesday merely nodded to her younger counterpart, "I understand."
"She's a magnificent beast. Worship her as such."
And with those words and a last glance at the blushing lycanthrope (who was still paralyzed with shock) and the rest of Nevermore students, Woe turned and walked through the portal that would take her back home.
"And so, it's done," Grandmama said.
As if magic itself had heard Eudora Addams' words, the circles on the ground began to glow one last time, with a blinding golden radiance. The lines and seals that formed them rose into the air, leaving behind a pristine grassy ground on which nothing seemed to have been drawn.
The light of magic compressed upon itself and finally disolved, almost softly, with a small white smoke as the only trace.
And the sound of the snapping of fingers.
NOTES
Translations:
Mi pequeña escolopendra (spanish): My little scolopendra/centipede.
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