WenclairTober (2024)

Day 15, Injury

The sun was setting low over Nevermore Academy, casting a golden light across the fencing hall. The sound of blades clashing echoed through the halls as students practiced their footwork and parries. Enid Sinclair stood at the edge of the mat, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of anxiety. She had been looking forward to this session for weeks, especially since she wanted to impress Wednesday Addams.

"Are you ready?" Wednesday's voice cut through the noise, her dark eyes locked onto Enid's.

"Ready as I'll ever be!" Enid replied, forcing a smile even as her stomach aches from anxiety. It was her first real fencing match and she wanted to show off her skills, especially in front of Wednesday.
The match began and Enid found herself facing off against Bianca Barclay, Bianca was graceful and fierce,
her movements were fluid like water as she danced around the mat. Enid, on the other hand, was still finding her rhythm, her nerves causing her to hesitate.

"Come on, Enid! Focus!" Wednesday called from the sidelines, her tone sharp but encouraging. Enid met her gaze, and for a moment, she felt a surge of confidence But as the match continued Bianca's relentless attacks began to wear on Enid. each clash of their blades and Enid started to feel her confidence shake. She dodged and moved while trying to anticipate Bianca's next move but in a moment of distraction Bianca lunged forward, her blade striking Enid's side.

-edit
A gasp escaped Enid's lips as she stumbled back, pain coming from the impact. She pressed a hand against her side, feeling the warm trickle of blood beneath her fingers.
"Enid!" Wednesday's voice pierced through the chaos. She rushed onto the mat, her expression a mix of anger and concern as she knelt beside Enid. "What happened?"
"I-I'm okay," Enid stammered, trying to downplay the situation even as tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
"Okay? You're bleeding!" Wednesday's voice was sharp, her worry transforming into a protective intensity. She took hold of Enid's shoulders, looking her directly in the eye. "Stay with me."

Bianca approached, her expression shifting from triumph to concern. "I didn't mean to-"
"Stay away from her," Wednesday snapped, her gaze narrowing. The cold, strong tone in her voice was unmistakable, and even Bianca seemed taken aback.

"Wednesday, it's fine. I'll be okay," Enid insisted, though her voice trembled.
Not with a wound like that. You need to see the nurse," Wednesday said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"I can walk," Enid protested weakly, but Wednesday had already wrapped her arm around Enid's waist, helping her to her feet.

The hall felt like a blur as Wednesday guided Enid through the crowd, her presence firm and unwavering. "You're not going to be fine until you've been looked at," she said, her voice low and protective.
Enid leaned against Wednesday, grateful for her strength. "You don't have to worry so much," she mumbled even as she leaned into Wednesday's side.
"I'm going to worry," Wednesday replied, her expression stern. "You're important to me."

As they reached the infirmary, Wednesday pushed open the door with a determined force. The nurse looked up, her expression shifting from mild annoyance to immediate concern as she noticed Enid's pale face and blood-stained shirt.

"What happened?" the nurse asked, rushing over.
"She was injured during fencing," Wednesday replied, her voice steady, though Enid could sense the underlying tension.
"Sit her down," the nurse instructed, guiding Enid to a cot. As Enid sank onto the bed, she felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. She had always prided herself on being tough, but at that moment, all she wanted was Wednesday's presence beside her.

Wednesday remained by her side, arms crossed, watching intently as the nurse examined Enid's wound. "It's just a scratch," Enid insisted, even as the nurse began cleaning the area.

"Just a scratch that needs attention," Wednesday said pointedly, her dark gaze never leaving Enid's face. "You're not invincible."
Enid couldn't help but smile despite the pain. "I know. But you act like I'm made of glass."
"Perhaps you should consider being a little less reckless," Wednesday replied, her tone lightening just slightly.

The nurse finished cleaning the wound and began to bandage it, and Enid felt a wave of relief. "You'll be okay, just keep it clean and dry," the nurse said. "But I want you to rest for a while."

"Rest?" Enid groaned. "But I wanted to practice more!"
"Practice can wait," Wednesday interjected, her voice firm yet gentle. "You need to recover first."

As they left the infirmary Enid's mood shifted, She couldn't help but feel a bit defeated. "I didn't want to let you down," she admitted quietly.
"You didn't let me down," Wednesday replied, her expression softening. "You were brave. Just because you were injured doesn't ruin that."
"Really?" Enid asked, hope flickering in her heart.
"Of course. You stood up to Bianca, and that takes courage. Just... next time, be more careful." Wednesday's tone was serious but laced with a hint of warmth that made Enid's heart flutter.

As they walked back through the school, Enid felt the weight of Wednesday's gaze. "You know, I really admire how protective you are," she said, glancing sideways at Wednesday. "It's... kind of sweet."

"Sweet is not a word I would use to describe myself," Wednesday replied, but there was a subtle softness in her tone that made Enid's heart race.
"Maybe you should consider it," Enid teased lightly, nudging her shoulder against Wednesday's. "I mean, you do care."
"Care is a strong word," Wednesday countered, though Enid could see the corners of her mouth twitching upward. "I simply don't tolerate incompetence, especially when it comes to you."

Enid chuckled, her spirits lifting. "Well, then I promise to practice more and avoid any injuries. I'd hate to be incompetent."
"Good. Because I would hate to find someone else to protect," Wednesday said but her tone was playful yet serious.

They reached the courtyard, Enid paused, taking a moment to look at Wednesday. "Thank you for being here for me," she said sincerely. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Perhaps you'll find out if you continue to get injured," Wednesday replied, but her expression was warm, and Enid knew she meant it.
"Not a chance," Enid promised, a smile spreading across her face. "I'll stick close to you, where it's safe."
"Wise choice," Wednesday replied, and for a fleeting moment, her gaze softened even more.

Together, they walked through the crisp autumn air, the bond between them deepening with each shared moment. Enid felt stronger knowing that with Wednesday by her side, she could face anything-even the fiercest opponents on the mat. And as the sun set behind the academy, she realized that with Wednesday's protection, she was ready to take on the world.