Ch 6 ~ Blood Moon's Revenge ~ (Clean)
~Prelude~
Ichabod watched in horror as the horseman sat on the bed next to Abbie's still body. His hand touched her face, down her cheek to her lips.
"Noo!" Ichabod screamed in horror as he suddenly awoke to the sound of his cell phone ringing. It took him a moment to gather himself from being disoriented. Was this a dream or a vision?
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1~Difficult Situations~
Jenny was asleep on the floor near by and woke at the sound of his scream. "What happened?" She asked groggily.
"I don't know... " Ichabod got up and answered his phone. He cringed when he saw it was Reyes.
"Hello, this is Ichabod Crane speaking..." He barely got the words out before Reyes interrupted with her authoritative tone.
"Mr. Crane, this is Sheriff Reyes. I am calling to see if you know the whereabouts of Detective Mills? We had a very important appointment this morning?"
"I um... She is out I believe with Det. Morales," Ichabod wasn't sure if he should lie and cover for Abbie.
"That's interesting." Reyes was about to go in and Ichabod knew it. "One of my officers last saw Abbie last night with Morales. Nobody has seen or heard from either today. Morales also didn't show for work. Were you and Jennifer Mills looking for her last night?"
Ichabod looked at Jenny as if they'd been caught doing something wrong, "indeed we were, but..."
"Have you located Det. Mills or heard from her since last night?"
"No but..."
"How about coming down to the station, and helping me out here, Mr. Crane. If I have a missing officer on my hands I'd like to know sooner rather than later. And if you see Jennifer, let her know I'd like to speak with her too. She didn't answer her phone, when I called." Reyes hung up before Ichabod could object.
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Jenny and Frank sat at the kitchen table listening, as Ichabod described the strange visions that he had. He was certain that it was not merely a dream, and that Jenny's plan had worked.
"These sick Monsters are going to use Abbie to exact their revenge," Jenny was horrified.
"It sounds like they've got an army ready. I don't know if we have the man power to stop them." Frank was being brutally honest.
"We do not have a choice," Ichabod insisted. "If we do not stop them, the horseman will..." Ichabod could not finish his statement. The thought of that beast bedding his precious Abbie, broke him. He couldn't let him harm her.
"Don't worry. We will get to her first," Jenny tried to sound more confident than she actually was. "You're sure this place is the same spot where you found the Roanoke Colony last year?"
"Yes, I am most certain."Ichabod shakily agreed.
"I'll go there and see if I can take down the barrier. Crane go ahead and check in with Reyes. Try to keep her off our backs," Jenny got up from her seat.
"You aren't going alone," Frank stood up in protest. "I'll go with you."
"No way Frank," Jenny shook her head. "You're trying to get your family out of this mess."
"We're in this one already. I spoke with Cynthia about this last night." He grabbed the Sword of Methuselah, which was leaning against the wall. "Besides, I'm the only one who can wield this thing. And you need someone to cover your back."
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Abbie woke slowly from what felt like an incredibly deep sleep. She tried to focus her vision, but her surroundings were not at all familiar. It suddenly dawned on her that she was not at home in her bed. She had her left wrist shackled and chained to a bed post, and she was wearing a long tattered white lace robe, loosely fastened at the waist with a ribbon.
She could tell she had just been bathed because her hair was curly and damp. Her skin smelled like the home made soap that was often sold at the Farmer's Market.
"What the fu..." She didn't get the words all the way out before she saw a creature carrying a tray towards her. She jumped back pulling at her wrist determined to pull her hand through the thick metal clasp. Another creature ran to grab her but she high kicked it sending it flying into the wall. At the sound of the commotion, Serilda and Headless came rushing into the room.
"Oh s***!" Abbie jumped from the bed and pulled at her wrist until it was bleeding.
"Abigail, stop or you will ruin your wedding robe." Serilda said a quick chant and Abbie felt her limbs go numb.
She crumpled on the ground as Headless came to her. Her eyes grew wide and she tried to yell, but only slurred gibberish came out. Headless picked her up and sat on the bed next to her. Even with no head she could sense him looking at her.
"He says that you are exquisite Abigail. He cannot wait to make you his bride tonight." Serilda hissed. Headless' hand moved across her body and down her side. Abbie tried desperately to kick and punch him, but her body would not move. His hand started exploring until Serilda spoke again. "Patience. Do not take her yet. Your revenge will be sweeter if you have patience."
Headless seemed to listen to her. Serilda then went to Abbie, and looked her up and down. You and your fellow Witness destroyed my only chance of having my body back. But your body will do nicely."
Abbie's eyes showed the panic that her body was unable to express. She tried to grasp what was going on. She wondered what kind of hex the witch had put on her, and thought now would be a great time for some awesome Witness power to kick in... But nothing happened.
"Now if I allow you the ability to move, you have to promise not to do damage to our body."
Serilda waved her hand down the length of Abbie's body. Slowly she felt warmth and sensation returning to her limbs. It wasn't much, her legs and arms now feeling like lead weights. But at least she could move.
"You can't just leave me tied to a bed. What if I have to pee? Y'all got bathrooms around here?" Abbie tried to bargain to be freed from her binding.
Serilda pointed to a pot on the floor and a wash basin on the dresser. "You have everything you need right here.
Abbie rolled her eyes. Of course the old saying "pot to piss in" came to mind.
After Serilda left, Abbie made use of her 'pot' then washed herself with the cold water. Now she needed to plan her escape. There was a window in the room. It was small and high up, but Abbie was certain she could fit through it.
She sluggishly stood on the bed, but couldn't really see out of the dingy window. She stumbled across the room on weak heavy legs as far as her confines would allow her and reached for the chair. She stretched out her legs and toes, finally hooking the chair with her foot and dragging it to her. It was a simple wooden chair but in her current impaired state it felt like she was dragging a sofa.
She was finally able get it to the window. She wobbled as she attempted to stand on it finally, using the wall to keep her balance. Unfortunately outside she saw at least two dozed maybe three dozen demons, creatures, spirits and lost souls. The sight sent a chill through her, and she quickly looked away. Memories of Purgatory came rushing back. She took a deep breath and looked again. There was no way she was getting out without someone noticing.
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Ichabod hurried into the precinct just as a commotion seemed to be calming down. Dana Dobson saw him as he entered and hurried to him. "Any word on Abbie, yet?"
Ichabod shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Miss Dana. What is going on here?"
"Detective Morales was just picked up off of the highway outside of town. He's pretty banged up. No sign of Abbie though. Reyes wants to see you right away." She pointed to the sheriff's office.
He knocked on the door and she waved him in as she finished a phone conversation and hung up. "Have a seat Mr. Crane. I have a few questions for you."
"Of course." He nodded as he sat down.
"When did you last see Det. Mills?"
"Last night at Mabie's. It was approximately 12:15am."
"This was immediately following an altercation you had with Det. Morales?" She folded her arms.
"We exchanged words, yes."
"Did you have any further contact with Miss Mills or Mr. Morales after that?"
"I did not."
"Any body able to vouch for your where abouts after you left Mabbie's?"
"Yes. I was with Frank Irving and Jennifer Mills. We looked for Abbie last night before going home. We had to assume she was safe with Mr. Morales."
"I'm sure you've heard Morales is in our custody. I'm going to let you in on this Crane... We are holding him as a possible suspect."
"Has he said anything? Does he know where she is?" Ichabod asked anxiously. Maybe his vision was wrong.
"He claims he and Mills were attacked last night and he woke up on the side of the road. He had scratches and blood on his person. They are being analyzed as we speak. Do you know of anyone who would want to attack or kidnap either of them?" She asked as she secretly observed him for any bruising on his face neck or hands. He was clean as a whistle.
"No... No I don't." Ichabod lied.
"I'm aware that Mills has recently received an inheritance from Corbin, and you may have received something after the passing of your wife... Have you been contacted by anyone about a ransom?" Reyes noticed His hands twitched. She knew that was a typical thing he did when nervous.
"No." Ichabod lied and hoped the astute Reyes would not see through him. He couldn't exactly say a demon told him the Horseman of Death is holding her hostage.
"Did Morales say anything to you that would indicate he might do something to harm Miss Mills?" Reyes was more serious than Ichabod had ever seen her. And that was saying a lot.
"He was upset over my... friendship with Miss Mills, but I did not get the impression he would harm her." Ichabod was honest. He knew Luke didn't do this, but he needed to keep Reyes preoccupied, and telling the truth wasn't an option.
Part of him felt sorry for Luke. There was a good chance that no matter how this turned out, he would likely take the fall.
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Frank and Jenny kept their distance from the invisible barrier containing Headless and his minions. Jenny could now sense it and knew it would possibly kill her if she tried to go in. Frank wanted to try going through... Since he was sort of dead already, but Jenny didn't want to risk it.
She tried several incantations to see if the barrier would come down but none worked. Finally she felt a break... It was a slight weakening, but it was something.
"Keep at it, Jenny. You can do this," Frank encouraged her. He kept his sword in hand ready to take on anything that tried to harm her.
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2 ~Unwilling~
The day seemed to be passing far too quickly. Serilda had loosened the spell she cast on Abbie, but she could still barely move. At least the feeling of moving about sluggishly was a huge step up from laying paralyzed.
Abbie had already done an assessment of things she could potentially use as weapons and a disguise to help herself escape. She had the pot and the wash basin. Both were heavy porcelain, but she would manage. There was the chair. Again, heavy as hell in her current state, but what choice did she have.
Then there was the chain that kept her attached to the metal bed frame. If she could convince someone to let her out of the confines, that would be ideal. But if not, she might have to dislocate her thumb or even fracture her hand to get out. That would impair her more, but it would free her and she could make use of the chain as a weapon.
She listened for footsteps, and heard what sounded like only two pair. She was certain one was the Horseman since he needed shelter from the sun. She hoped the other was not Serilda. If she could take out the horseman and whoever he was with, she could make a break for it.
She eyed a black ragged piece of material that covered the window. She could cover herself with it as a disguise so she could flee. She was determined. The next minion to come into the room was going down.
She tried to quietly free her hand but then she heard the door creek open. A decrepit looking soul whose eyes had been gouged out entered the room. Abbie immediately wondered what his sin had been to be punished in Purgatory in such a way. It was no matter. If this thing had no eyes, he'd make an easy target.
Unfortunately a few seconds later Headless entered the room. "F***!" Abbie grunted under her breath. It was one thing to take out some scrub demon or soul, but the Horseman was another story. She was hoping to get him off guard for her best chance.
Abraham grabbed the chair and sat the damned soul down in it, then went to Abbie. He stood there headless as if he were watching her.
"What do you want?" She demanded peering at him. It was a creepy sight to see him shirtless. How did he get his body so muscular and fit like that?
"I've come to observe my prize," the soul in the chair said. Obviously he was here to speak for Headless.
"Am I a prize or am I your source for revenge?"
"For me they are one and the same." He sat beside her on the bed and leaned his body against her.
Abbie crunched up her face in disgust as the headless neck brushed her. She wondered what the hell he was doing with his head. Was he trying to kiss her? She inadvertently made a sound expressing her repugnance.
Headless pulled back as if looking at her expression. He grabbed her face squeezing her cheeks. "Do not look at me like that!" The voice yelled. "It is your fellow Witness who did this to me. But I will take you! And he will be devastated, knowing that I have had what he desired most."
"If you want revenge then battle me in a sword fight or a duel. Crane and I are war partners nothing more."
"I do not believe that Miss Mills. You are his one desire." Headless insisted.
Abbie shook her head, "No, I'm not. I've been with tons of guys. Crane knows all about them, and he doesn't care. If you think you're getting some dainty fragile virgin... You're wrong." She had her best poker face on now, and he was buying her story.
Headless stood abruptly. He said nothing and Abbie wondered if he was contemplating changing his revenge strategy. He walked towards the door and then stopped. He was listening. He could hear her heart beating and it was telling the true story. "You lie Abigail."
He suddenly took swift heavy steps towards her. Abbie's poker face expression disappeared and was replaced by the look of fear. She backed up on the bed moving her heavy limbs as quickly as she could muster. But he was upon her in an instant grabbing her by the leg . Abbie forced her body over the edge of the bed, landing on the ground. She scrambled like a new born colt to get onto her feet. Abraham leaped a cross the bed and reached for her. But she quickly pulled down the black curtains letting the sunlight pour into the room.
Abraham, shirtless was completely exposed, and the light burned him relentlessly. He crumpled to the ground in agony. She grabbed the porcelain basin and struggle to wield it at the blind minion. She managed to strike him in the chest knocking him to the ground. She lifted the basin again and struck him in the head. She dropped it with a heavy thud when the creature stopped moving.
Now she had to get free from the chain. She wrenched her hand trying to pull it through the shackle to no avail. She took a deep breath and purposely cracked her thumb out of joint. It hurt like a beast but she pulled it through before it had a chance to swell.
Headless was still crawling on the ground, but trying to get to her or the door. She took the chain and wrapped it around him twice, to keep him in the room with the sun light burning him. She then draped herself with the black cloth and made her escape.
Once outside and completely covered, she tried to blend in. None of the demons paid her much mind, and she thought she was finally free. But then her limbs went from heavy to completely numb again. She collapsed on the ground. She tried to scream, speak, make any sound at all, but nothing came out.
Soon she was surrounded by demons who picked her up and carried her back inside. They laid her on the bed. The room was dark again. She saw Headless standing in the corner watching as Serilda tended to her injured hand.
She did a spell which healed the broken bone, but did not take away the pain of it. "As a punishment for your attempt to escape. Let the pain be a reminder."
Abbie's eyes shifted to Headless then back to Serilda. The witch waved her hand over Abbie's mouth, and she was able to speak. "I don't care about my hand. I will keep fighting him until he kills me. I'd rather go out fighting than be raped and murdered anyway."
Serilda screeched out a laugh, "we have no intentions of killing you Abigail. I want your powers, which means you will very much be alive. But I will be in control."
Abbie scoffed, "he's going to kill me for what I just did to him."
"No, Abigail." Serilda put the metal clasp back on her wrist. "He is quite impressed by you. You are not only beautiful, but strong and brave as well. We shall make a most perfect Bride for the Horseman of Death."
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Jenny looked on nearly in tears when she saw a tiny figure draped in a black cloth escape from the small house. She knew it was Abbie. Frank attempted to get into the barrier but they could not. They watched with dismay as Abbie was captured and brought back inside.
"Damn it!" Jenny couldn't hide her frustration.
"You must not give up," Frank encouraged her.
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It was almost 5 in the afternoon. Ichabod made is way to Mabbie's and stood outside waiting. He noticed an unmarked van in the distance, and wondered if this was who would be picking him up. To his surprise, a large black SUV drove up in front of him. Two men in suits got out of the back seat and approached him. Without a word they escorted Ichabod into the vehicle and took off.
There was an armed man in the front seat and another armed man in the back third row seating. Ichabod had no doubt these were members of the Hell Fire Club, likely eager to take part in this revenge plot because Abbie killed Henry. It made sense not to send a demon that might be tracked by Orion.
The unmarked van followed keeping their distance.
"Looks like I was right," Reyes said from the passenger seat. "She's being held hostage. Don't lose that vehicle."
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The SUV was barely out of the city limits when they realized they were being followed.
"Bad move involving the cops!" One of the men said.
"I assure you I did not. Miss Mills is an officer of the law. Did you not think they would get involved on their own?"
"Take 'em out," he said to the other men who pulled out high powered riffles and began to blast away.
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"Get down!" Reyes yelled just as a blast crashed through the wind shield. She leaned out the window and tried to get a shot at the tire, but hit the rear light. Her next shot got one of the gunmen in the head and he slumped half hanging from the SUV window.
The driver got on the radio and called for back up just before he was shot in the arm, and the van went careening into a tree.
Back in the SUV the ring leader quickly observed that his comrade was dead and heaved his body out the window and into the street. The SUV never stopped but continued on to its destination.
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It was getting late and Jenny knew the sun would be going down soon. She was already getting tired but her determination gave her energy. She and Frank turned around when they heard the sound of tree branches being brushed. Thankfully it was Orion.
"How'd you find us?" Frank asked.
"I could sense Jennifer working diligently." He put his hand on her shoulder and she could feel the warmth of energy flow through her. "She is doing well."
"Macey and Cynthia..." Frank wondered.
"They are well. They will be safe in the sanctuary. You have my word."
"And if this goes badly, can they get out?"
"Yes. Muriel will come for them. But have faith." Orion held out a crossbow with 8 anointed arrows, and a riffle with 10 consecrated rounds. He also had 3 halo weapons.
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It wasn't long until the black SUV arrived. Jenny, Frank and Orion stayed hidden as they watched 4 armed men escort Ichabod from the vehicle and tied him to a tree. They waited to see if the men would leave but they stood guard.
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3 ~Bond & Battle
"It's time," Serilda hissed at Abbie as she lay motionless on the bed.
The dead soul of a young woman came to undo Abbie's wrist from its binds. Her arm fell limp beside her. Abbie knew she'd have to think of a way to get out of this, but what little powers she knew how to utilize weren't working.
The one skill she could always rely on was useless to her. She wanted to fight with everything in her, but her body would not work. When headless walked in dressed in his red coat and broad ax sheathed behind him, her heart began to pound. He scooped her up off the bed and carried her outside.
Ichabod looked on as the Horseman carried Abbie outside amongst the crowd of demonic entities and lost souls that had escaped Purgatory. He struggled against the chains to no avail. "Lieutenant! Abbie!" He cried out. But she did not respond.
"Abraham Van Brunt!" He cried out in a tone meant to challenge him.
The horseman paused and faced him, letting Ichabod get a good view of Abbie, taking her to the marriage bed. He chained her wrist to the bed just as it had been inside.
"Coward!" Ichabod yelled at him. He was immediately struck in the gut with a gun by one of the guards.
Ichabod gasped for air as he heard a swift whooshing sound. He looked up to find Frank had cut down all four men. Orion used his halo to cut through the chains and free Ichabod. Jenny relentlessly fought to bring down the barrier. Orion put a hand on Ichabod and Jenny's's shoulder hoping to share a bit of his energy and give a boost to their own abilities.
The demons began to chant repeating two haunting sounds as Serilda cast a dark spell. She held up the ring and handed it to The Horseman. As soon as he put the ring on Abbie's finger, the essence of his head appeared. The throng of demons continued their chant.
Abbie watched in horror as the Horseman took off his broad axe and his gun, then began to undress. "Oh hell no!" She screamed and willed her body to work. But Serildas spell on her kept her bound
"Don't do this," she pleaded.
Ichabod felt helpless as he desperately tried to get through to Abbie. He and the others were startled by the sound of a horse approaching from the depths of the woods, but even more surprised to see the face of Abraham Van Brunt. Ichabod grabbed the crossbow and pointed it but then he realized who it was. Their eyes met and he knew. It was The Kindred.
Kindred's horse reared up on its hind legs then took off to parade around the barrier and draw the horseman's attention. The horseman was just about to kiss Abbie and solidify their union, when he saw it. The Kindred with his head. He got up from the bed. He had gone against the Kindred with the broad axe before and had been bested. This time he took his gun.
Serilda tried to stop him, "No, finish the bonding and take the Witness! This is a distraction! We must have our revenge.
And in that brief moment Jenny was able to weaken the barrier enough for Orion to break through. Jenny continued louder and more forceful, now that Serilda was also distracted.
Ichabod dropped to his knees as he felt his limbs go weak, almost numb, but he knew his strength was going to Abbie. She felt the warm sensation run through her body, and her limbs come back to life.
She wasted no time grabbing the broad axe from the ground and slicing through the chain that confined her to the bed.
Her next move was to take the axe and send it hurdling at Serilda. The axe easily cut the head off of the witches burned, and Serilda's body fell to the ground. Kindred had managed to get the gun away from the horseman and now the two were engaged in a hand to hand battle. Frank and Orion were cutting down demons left and right sending them straight to hell.
Jenny rushed to Ichabod's side, but he waved her away. "I am recovered! Arm yourself quickly."
She took the gun and a halo as Ichabod grabbed the cross bow and they joined the battle. Jenny tossed a halo to Abbie and she too began to cut down the demons. Soon the forces of evil where overrun. Those that remained began to flee. The horseman, realizing his revenge was lost, made his escape as one of his minions tried to attack Kindred. Frank cut down the demon on Kindred's back but it was too late. Headless was gone. The slain demon bodies began to disintegrate all around them. Only the bodies of the four humans from the Hell Fire Club remained.
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4~Home~
It was suddenly eerily quiet. The blood moon hovered in the sky above the tree line and the group looked at each other.
"It's over..." Jenny managed, still breathing heavy.
Abbie collapsed to her knees, partly from relief, partly from the shock of it all. She closed her robe tying it tight as Ichabod ran to her side.
He gently held her face in his hands. "Abbie... Are you alright?" His voice heavy with concern as his eyes focused on hers. She was shaking uncontrollably as it all began to sink in. She wrapped her arms around Ichabod's neck finally allowing herself to breathe deeply. He put his arms around her holding her tight. Not wanting to ever let her go.
She pulled her arm away and looked at the thick shackle around her wrist and the blood red metal ring on her finger. "Get these damn things off of me!" She tried to pull the ring off but it wouldn't budge. Ichabod tried too, but it didn't move at all.
Everyone gathered around Abbie as Orion took out a halo and carefully cut the metal binding from her wrist. He then tried to cut off the blood ring but nothing happened.
"What does this mean if it won't come off? I'm not actually bound to that monster am I?" Abbie looked a bit panicked.
"No! The binding was not completed. You do not belong to him!" Ichabod was about to lose his cool. He wanted that ring off of her finger as badly as she did.
"Maybe there something in Grace's journal that can help us." Jenny suggested, even though she had yet to read of anything like this. If there was a way to break a bond to the horseman short of the horseman dying, she would have used it for Frank months ago.
"We can try the Basilica," Orion suggested. "No active or living evil entity can pass through its barrier."
"It's worth a try," Jenny agreed.
The Kindred walked away from the group and mounted his horse. Abbie called to him, "Wait... Kindred. Don't go. You're one of us."
The kindred only smiled and bowed his head to the group before riding off into the night.
"Do you think he'll come back?" Jenny asked.
"I hope so." Abbie said softly as Ichabod lifted her from the ground and swooped her up in his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder .
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They arrived at the Basilica an hour later. Frank stayed in the car to put in a call to Reyes. It wasn't right to leave Morales locked up. Besides, the four dead bodies at the crime scene would make this whole thing look like a sick revenge plot by the Hell Fire Club.
Jenny, Orion, Abbie and Ichabod stood at the wall of the Basillica.
"You mind giving me a lift?" Jenny asked the angel.
He put his arms around her, "hold tight Jennifer." He said before lifting off from the ground.
"See you two on the other side." She waved to her sister and Ichabod as they went over the wall.
She and Orion went into the stone cottage to check on Macey and Cynthia. To their astonishment, Macey was standing up.
"It just happened," Cynthia tried to hide her concern. Her mother was in the corner praying.
"I didn't do anything I swear," Macey said honestly. "I can't stop it. Is this why they came after me?"
"No," Jenny tried to assure her. "What happened was not your fault. But this is incredible. And it's only happened once before?"
"Last month... During the full moon. Mom said they rang a bell to awaken the witches... But this was easier. I can't explain it. Does this mean I'm evil. I know about the blood moon and witches. I've done some research."
Jenny looked at Orion for answered. "This does not mean you are evil. Reverend Knapp was a great Warlock he kept this place and he was not evil. Besides, how do you feel?"
"I feel fine... Better than fine."
"You see, if your magic were being used for evil, you would be painfully expelled from this place."
Macey had a momentary look of fear, and Jenny gave Orion the look. Of course he did not know what the look was for.
"What is the matter?" Orion looked at Jenny trying to understand her expression.
"She's a fifteen year old kid," Jenny whispered tilting her head.
"Oh." Orion realized his choice of words might cause concern for one so young. "Fear not Macey. All is well," he smiled, but it came across as awkward.
Macey and Cynthia looked at each other hoping he was right, but both keeping an image of Macey being violently expelled from the Basilica, in the back of their minds.
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Abbie and Ichabod stood outside of the sanctuary's wall. She was stalling, but Ichabod did not know why.
"Lieutenant," he said to her in a calm voice. "The sooner we go through the wall, the sooner you can rid yourself of the horseman's attempted bond. Why do you hesitate?"
"What if..." She started, but didn't want to think about it. She took a deep breath. "What if you're wrong? What if the bond is done, and I can't go through that wall? What if this ring never comes off?"
"That will not be the case, Lieutenant. I will be with you now and always," he tried to reassure her. But he could see the fear in her eyes. They were deep and kissed with tears as she looked at him, desperate for him to be right. He could not let it show that he had the same fear. But her eyes, they broke him into a million pieces. And he felt a dry heavy lump form in his throat. He dare not try to speak another word, knowing that it would expose his fear to her.
He held her hand and began to move forward, but she was frozen, shaking and unable to step forward. Without a word he swept her off of her feet, cradling her to him. She didn't protest or struggle to be put back down. Instead she nuzzled her face against his body and wrapped her free arm around him.
He took that as his cue to move forward and proceeded to the wall. He went slowly, his heart pounding with each step. He was almost praying that this would work. Abbie tightened her grip around him and held her breath. She felt such a sense of relief as they entered the wall. The ring began to disintegrate, and she felt the weight of it leave her completely.
She let out a soft but joyous sigh, "it's gone!" The relief washing over her like a flood.
Ichabod dropped to his knees, momentarily overwhelmed by it all. Suddenly all the fear and anguish he'd been holding in over her being taken by the horseman was unleashed. He clung to her and gasped. He was red in the face and his eyes watered over. He buried his face in her neck and gasped again. He fought against the tears that plagued him. He fought a losing battle.
"Hey... It worked... I'm okay. It's gone." Abbie pulled back and gently held his face in her tiny hands. She had never seen him look so overwhelmed. It was more than when Caroline and Katrina had been killed combined. "I'm okay," she looked him in the eyes.
He pulled her into another hug, hoping that the lump which subverted his ability to speak would dissipate. Finally he felt his composure coming back to him, and his breathing steadied. He kissed her forehead, then pressed his gently to hers.
She took another deep breath, "It's time to go home. You ready, Captain?"
He thought about that word. Home. Home for him now was wherever she was. "Ready Lieutenant," he smiled.
He stood and helped her to her feet. They took each other by the hand and walked out of the Sanctuary.
Ichabod was reminded of the words she spoke to him many months ago, after what he considered their first date; the little league baseball game.
"You are home, Crane."
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