A/N: Okay, so I was gone a LOT longer than I intended to be. But here is a brand new chapter for you guys! Thanks for staying with me! Enjoy!
Chapter 6: Ties That Bind
Walking through her crypt in a regal blue robe, Desdemona walked toward a large coffin with a smile on her face. "Oh, it has been some time since you were imprisoned. Even before the Revolution. All because of a lowly angel who thinks himself a hero."
The coffin started to shake.
Desdemona raised her hand and slipped a tangible darkness into it. "You will be my weapon. My arms. Find the angel and kill him. Bring me the Witnesses."
The following morning, Ichabod was up to get ready for the day. It was decided last night he and Edom would go and retrieve his journal. He went to the bathroom and cleaned himself up, getting ready for the day. Once he walked out, he saw Abbie just about to enter. They both stopped and stared at each other, awkwardly.
"Uh… good morning," Ichabod declared.
"Morning," Abbie replied. "Ready to take on the day?"
"Quite often. Yourself?"
"Always."
The exchange didn't reduce the awkwardness at all, both knowing they needed to talk but not saying anything either. Abbie saving Ichabod last night reinforced their need to have a discussion about their relationship; for Ichabod, especially, after the conversation he had with Edom.
"I guess I should head on out," Abbie said. "Edom's coming to pick you up, right?"
"Yes. We, uh… have a bit scavenging to do to retrieve his journal."
"Have fun with that. Wish I could go with you."
"Your company will be sorely missed."
"Doubt I could add more help than an actual angel."
"Well, you're an angel of your own variety."
"Look at you. Being sweet."
"I can show appreciation." He had an idea. "In fact, I will cook you breakfast."
"That can be hit or miss with you, ya know."
"It's that infernal electric stove. It is the most infuriating device I…" He stopped himself. "That aside, I do believe my skills have vastly improved."
She shook her head. "Well… I guess I don't have to leave real soon."
"Splendid! I will make ready." He hurried past her toward the kitchen.
Abbie watched him head down stairs and couldn't stop the smile on her face from growing.
Minutes later, they were eating breakfast with each other. Ichabod fixed her scrambled eggs, bacon, and even managed to make French toast without any incidents. They carried on basic conversation as they had the past couple of weeks. It felt nice, surprisingly normal, comfortable, and, above all else, right. After they finished eating, Ichabod began to clear their plates.
"Not bad, I'll give it you," Abbie said. "My compliments to the chef."
Ichabod smiled as he washed the dishes off in the sink. "The chef thanks you for your kind regards."
She stared at him while he finished cleaning up and her mind went to the close calls they had just months ago with the Hidden One and a lot talks that they had come close to having ever since. Ichabod nearly getting shot last night also put her on some edge. She knew how she usually felt when getting to close to someone but she couldn't feel herself running from this. Whatever was stirring in her for Crane, she liked it and she wanted more of it.
He turned and caught her gaze, causing her to look off and continue drinking her coffee.
He smiled at her, "I… imagine you should prepare for your day. Sir Edom should be here any moment."
"Right." Abbie stood up and walked toward him. "You just be careful, okay?"
"Oh, I doubt this venture will prove too dangerous," Ichabod replied. "We're merely retrieving a book."
On impulse, Abbie took Ichabod's hand.
He looked at her, surprised.
"Still, just…" She exhaled. "Just be careful, okay?" She shrugged, "For me?"
He nodded. "I swear it. For you."
On another impulse, she hugged him. He was caught off guard but the feeling of her arms around him quickly replaced any feelings of awkwardness. He hugged her back and Abbie let a calm sigh escape from her. They released the hug and looked at each other.
"That was… unexpected," Ichabod said.
"I know," Abbie replied. "But we should do it more often."
"Any reason?"
She smiled. "Several. Is that okay with you?"
"More so than I can express."
A knock came to the door.
Abbie nudged her head toward the door. "I better get that."
"Oh, yes, of course." He completely removed his arms from her, which took a lot more willpower than he expected.
Abbie walked to the door and opened it, finding Edom on the doorstep.
"Bright, good morning to all!" Edom said.
Abbie smiled at him, "Hey, Ed! Come on in."
"Thank you. How do you fair this glorious morning, Abigail?"
"Doing pretty good."
"Splendid!" He looked over at Ichabod, "Good morning, Lord Crane!"
"Good morning, Lord Edom," Ichabod replied, inclining his head.
Edom looked back and forth between the Witnesses. "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"
Abbie looked up, suddenly, with her eyes wide. "Uh, n-no. We were both just getting ready for the day."
Edom smirked, knowingly, "Ah. I see. And, what, pray tell, do you both hope the day may bring?"
Abbie and Ichabod, simultaneously, began to move awkwardly.
"Well, I do believe that we had best be off, Edom," Ichabod said.
"Yeah," Abbie said, "I-I-I need to get ready for work." She walked over to Ichabod. They were about to hug but stopped. They decided to shake hands but stopped again.
"H-have a blessed day, Leftenant," Ichabod stuttered out.
"Yeah," Abbie smiled. "Um. You, too." She hurried upstairs.
Edom smiled. "You know? I honestly didn't think it was possible for her to be embarrassed or awkward. Huh. Seems I'm proven wrong."
"Uh, yes!" Ichabod said. "Shall we?"
"You being awkward and embarrassed I've grown accustomed to." Edom smiled. He headed for the door, "Come along, Crane!"
Ichabod rolled his eyes as he followed Edom out of the door.
Abbie went to her room and pressed her back against the door. She couldn't believe what just happened. Did she just feel embarrassed? She shook her head. She and Ichabod needed to have this out before she went crazy.
Edom and Ichabod got in the car and Jenny leaned forward and looked at Ichabod.
"Morning, Crane," she greeted with a smile.
Ichabod looked at her, "Jenny! This is a pleasant surprise. What brings you along?"
"I've been helping Edom track down all this stuff in the first place." She shrugged, "Only makes sense I come along."
"Her help has been indispensable!" Edom started the SUV and began to drive. "I can't imagine doing this without her assistance."
Ichabod smiled. "The Mills women are nothing but a blessing in any venture."
"I can definitely say 'amen' to that."
Jenny sat up straighter and smiled brighter, "I like this."
Edom drove to the outskirts of town and, after driving off of the road and parking in the woods, they trekked a few miles into the woods until they came across an old abandoned colonial mansion; time had decayed it thoroughly and it was barely hanging on. For Ichabod and Edom, it brought back many memories of days long since passed.
"I am oft amazed that places such as this have not been discovered over the centuries," Ichabod said.
"Off the beaten path," Edom replied. "A lot of old houses exist this way, if one knows where to look."
They entered the house and searched it, not finding much of anything on the first floor. To be thorough, Edom walked outside and scouted around. After finding nothing, the trio walked upstairs; while Edom checked the other rooms, Ichabod and Jenny looked in another room with the former investigating a ransacked bookshelf. There were a few intact books still on the shelf and the tattered remains of others, mostly destroyed by fire and time.
"Hmph!" Ichabod scoffed. "Some people have no respect at all. To leave these troves behind to be destroyed is unforgivable."
Jenny smiled. "To be fair, the whole house has gone to hell."
"Indeed." He looked down and found a small pendant lying on the ground, covered by broken pieces of burnt wood. He moved the wood out of the way, picked up the pendant, and examined it. It was cut from a piece of solid bone, about two inches in length and a half-inch in width, with a symbol carved on it and tied to an old piece of leather. Ichabod recognized it and scoffed. "Well, this is quite the surprise."
"What's that?" Jenny walked over.
Edom walked back in, grumbling, "Nothing." He looked at Ichabod and Jenny and saw they were looking at something Ichabod holding in his hand. "What's that you've got there, Ichabod?"
Ichabod stood up and presented it to him. "A keepsake. Of an old friend."
Edom walked over and took the necklace and smiled. "That's the Okodee Mmowere symbol of the Oyoko clan, one of the nine Akan clans located in Ghana. It was their clan emblem representing strength and bravery."
"Yes. It represents the eagle, what they called the mightiest bird in the sky. One of the…" Ichabod stopped himself "…attendants here kept it as a keepsake from his homeland."
"You can say the word 'slave,' Crane," Jenny said. "We know history."
"It doesn't make it right."
"Just the fact that you know that shows some progress."
"Hardly enough to me."
"Agreed," Edom said.
"At any rate, the owner of the pendant was a… slave named Fredrick. He said that it was his father's. He earned it for bravery for saving a young boy from drowning."
"What's it doing here?" Jenny asked.
"Well, Sir Book did aid many former slaves in escaping through the Underground Railroad. Fredrick must've left it behind. Shame. He was a brave man, himself. Quite worthy of this precious keepsake."
Edom smiled and handed it back to Ichabod, "Hm. I believe fate meant for you to find it. Possibly even wear it."
Ichabod shook his head, "Not me, no. I'm hardly worthy of the legacy of those who worn it since then."
"Well, I'm not taking it. I'm not worthy of such a legacy, either."
"I don't wear a lot of jewelry," Jenny added.
Ichabod thought for a second then inspiration hit him. "I… may have thought of someone who is." He pocketed the pendant.
"Splendid! You'll certainly find more use for it than the house will. Now, then, let's find that book!" Edom headed out of the room.
Ichabod was about to follow Edom out when Jenny tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to face her and found she had a smug look on her face.
"You're not slick," Jenny said.
Ichabod looked at her, confused.
"You wanna give that to Abbie, don't you?"
Ichabod looked at her surprised, "Well, of course. She exhibits all of the qualities worthy of one who would wear…"
"Crane. You don't have to defend yourself, alright? It's okay. I know."
"You know?"
"How you feel about my sister."
Ichabod didn't respond right away.
"You want me to say it? Fine. I'll say it. You're in love with her."
Ichabod took a deep breath. She was the second person to say it before even he had said it, out loud. This was starting to become disconcerting. "And how do you know this?"
"Because I have eyes and ears and been around you both for the past couple of years. And any idiot who remotely pays attention to either of you for any amount of time sees something is there."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, it is."
"What do you advise?"
"Tell her."
"Do you believe that is wise?"
"Honestly? Yeah. And it's good for both of you."
"Both of us?"
"Yes." Jenny took a deep breath. "I'm protective of Abbie and, honestly, as much as I tease her, I don't think a lot of men deserve her."
"No one does."
She smiled. "Except you."
Ichabod was taken aback.
"You deserve her. And, you know what? She deserves you. You challenge her, you push her, you make her better. More to the point, you make her smile. You make her happy, Crane. Happier than she's ever been. You have for a long time."
"She's made me happy for longer than I can remember."
"I noticed. So, why are you two taking so long with this?"
He shook his head, "There never seems to be an appropriate time to discuss our emotions and heart for one another."
"Screw appropriate, just do it."
"You're as eloquent as ever."
"Yeah, well get over it. Brother-in-law."
Ichabod's eyes went wide as his posture stiffened. "Perhaps a bit premature on that, are we?"
She shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not, but there's so much I would give for the sight of watching you dance to something like the Electric Slide at a wedding."
He smiled, "Jenny. Thank you."
"For what?"
"One of the biggest obstacles, I feared, was how you would react. If you were not supportive of this, I would not attempt it."
"Because of me? Why?"
"Because I will not be a wedge between you and the Leftenant. You have had more than enough of those in your life. I will not be another."
Jenny stared at him, indignantly. "You can be stupid for a genius, sometimes."
"Pardon?"
"Crane, did it ever occur to you that the whole reason me and Abbie reconnected, in the first place, was because you came into our lives?"
"I try not to give myself so much credit."
"A little won't hurt here. Look, I don't know why all three of our lives went to hell. Well, I mean, I get the whole 'grand scheme' idea now but the reason things kind of went better is because you came along. And you can't tell me your life didn't get better because of Abbie."
"It most certainly did. In every way."
"Save one."
He stared at her.
"I won't tell you to rush it. But I will tell you 'stop worrying'. It's not gonna go wrong."
"How can you be so certain?"
"Because I know Abbie. And I know you. And I know how you both are with each other. And, being afraid won't help anything."
"In this, we very much agree."
"Come on, let's go find Ed."
They headed down stairs and saw Edom with an intense look on his face.
"Edom?" Ichabod asked.
"Something caught my attention," Edom kept looking around.
"And that is?" Jenny asked.
Edom kept looking until he heard it again: a small whistle of wind. He smiled. "That." He walked over to a staircase and moved a piece of wall out of the way from the stair alcove, leading to a small ladder going underneath the house.
"Interesting," Ichabod said.
"Come, my friends!" They proceeded down and found a low level basement. It was almost a crawl space as not even Jenny could stand at her full height underneath it.
"Not enough room in here to change your mind," Jenny mused.
"Perfect place to hide it," Edom replied. They came to a small treasure chest. They all kneeled down around the chest, Edom broke the lock, opened it, and found his book on the inside. "There it is!" He picked it up and ran his hand across the cover. "Long time no see, old friend."
"Good to bring friends back together," Jenny joked.
"The catchphrase for your cell phone company, Jennifer?" Edom smiled.
"Could be."
Edom chuckled. "We have what we came for. Let's go."
They made their way back to the house and walked back outside when Edom, suddenly, stopped. He looked around, intently.
"Edom?" Ichabod asked.
"What's going on?" Jenny asked.
Edom looked around. He looked toward the forest. "We are not alone."
Slowly, out of the trees, came a large creature with decaying skin of various hues that appeared to be sewn together. This was the same beast unleashed by Desdemona to hunt down the angel and the Witnesses, known simply as the Bound One.
Edom stared at it; the demon looked familiar but he was having a hard time placing where.
"So much for this being a peaceful venture," Ichabod said.
The Bound One roared.
"Ichabod, Jennifer, run!" Edom shouted.
Edom charged at the monster, who was already running toward them at top speed. They collided into each other but the Bound One tossed Edom up into the air. Edom landed with a grunt and rushed to get back to his feet. He was met with a backfist from the monster that sent him flying a few feet. Edom groaned for a moment then looked up see the Bound One standing over him. The demon raised its fists but was stunned when a bullet tore through his chest from behind. It turned to see Jenny was the culprit. It roared and charged at her and Ichabod but Edom got up and jumped on the demon's neck. He climbed up as best he could and started punching the beast in the face. The Bound One managed to grab Edom and toss him away.
The Bound One looked at Ichabod and growled.
"GO, CRANE! GO!" Jenny kept shooting at the Bound One, stunning it as she hit him in the chest. They both ran for the car with the Bound One stalking close after them.
Not wasting any time, Edom summoned his sword from his medallion and sliced the demon's arm off. The Bound One roared, Edom got in front of the demon, and ran his sword through its chest. The demon howled and sank down to a knee, bowing its head. Edom exhaled, removed his sword, and bent over to catch his breath.
Suddenly, the Bound One opened its eyes and began to rise to his feet.
Edom looked at him, wide eyed. "Father in Heaven!" he breathed out.
The Bound One roared and hit Edom with his remaining arm, sending him flying across the field. The Bound One roared in pain and rushed off into the forest, clutching his wounded arm.
Edom groaned as he pushed himself up.
"Edom!" Ichabod and Jenny ran to him and helped him up. "Are you alright?"
Edom nodded his head, "Yes, yes. I'll be fine."
Ichabod looked at the forest. "What was that?"
Edom growled, "I'm not sure. But it did look familiar."
"Where'd it come from?" Jenny asked. "Was it after us? Okay, that was a dumb question. But why is it after us?"
"Answer I don't have. Yet. But we need to get them. And locate that abomination."
A few of hours later, Edom, Ichabod, and Jenny were back at the Archives, meeting with Joe and Ray. They had tried searching for the demon but had no luck in finding it. As Edom searched through his own journals and various other books, the others were talking by the large table.
"So, what attacked you guys, again?" Ray asked.
"We already told you," Jenny said. "It was an eight-foot-tall demon with dead skin and now he's missing an arm."
Ray stared at her, blank-faced. "Right." He rubbed his face, "I can't believe this is still my life."
"Whatever it is, we must find a way to destroy that melded madness of malice," Edom said as closed a book.
Jenny looked at him, incredulously, "Really, Ed?"
Edom smirked and picked up another book. "I thought it was clever." He went back to reading.
"So, should I put out an APB or just keep my eyes open?" Ray asked.
"Eyes open," Jenny, Joe, and Ichabod said at the same time.
Ray rolled his eyes and groaned. "This is so complicated!"
The door to the Archives opened and Abbie walked in. She, hastily, walked straight up to Ichabod, "What did we talk about just before you walked out the door this morning?"
"I believe the subject was being careful."
"And being jumped by an eight-foot-tall demon is being careful to you?"
Ichabod knew better than to argue. "I can see your confusion."
Edom growled, "No good! Unless I know exactly what that monster is, I have no idea how to stop it!"
"You don't have any clue at all?" Jenny asked.
"A clue, yes. Several. But I need a definite identification. I would have one if I could find it. Or, at the very least, track where it came from." Edom threw another book on to the pile he created. He grabbed a jewel from a nearby box and turned to the group, "Jennifer, Joe, if you would please, accompany me. We shall track where the monster came from."
"When are we going to help again?" Abbie asked, motioning to herself and Ichabod.
"When you're both back to 100%."
"We did help you guys on a raid, you know."
"Which I was uncomfortable with the entire time." Edom brought a few more books out, "You and Ichabod, however, can pick up where I left off in my research."
Abbie smirked, "Our specialty."
"And the rest of us get to go hunt down a giant monster?" Ray sighed then, sarcastically, said, "Yaaaaay."
"You wanted in," Jenny reminded.
"And I wonder about that all the time."
"You merely keep your eyes open for that beast," Edom said. "And you call us if and when you see it, Raymond. It's not something for you to handle on your own."
"Oh, trust me! I have no problem with that."
"Splendid!" Edom headed for the door, "To quote Shakespeare, 'the game's afoot; follow your spirit; and upon this charge, cry: God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'"
"I kinda like it when he does that," Jenny smiled as she, Joe, and Ray followed after them.
"You know, it's growing on me," Joe added.
"He just reminds me of all the times I didn't pay attention in speech class in high school," Ray said. They all exited.
Ichabod and Abbie looked at each other and laughed.
"It seems we acquired quite the odd little family," Ichabod said.
Abbie shrugged, "I don't mind." She sighed and started grabbing books, "Guess we better get to work."
"Indeed. Finding a monster that matches the abomination we saw should be a simple task."
"Depends on how many monsters are like it."
"A frightening thing to imagine that there are more than one of them out there."
"Seriously." She set one book at the big table, sat down, and started reading. "At least, you found his journal."
"Indeed." He grabbed another book and sat down.
"Too bad the rest of the trip was a bust, huh?"
Ichabod perked up at that and placed his hand in his pocket, touching the pendant. He looked at Abbie. "Actually… our outing proved quite fruitful in more ways than one."
"How?" she asked.
He pulled the Okodee Mmowere pendant out of his pocket. He found a new leather strap for it earlier in the day to replace the worn one.
She stared at the pendant. "Wow. Crane, that looks like an antique. A valuable one."
"It's from the Oyoko Clan. It's the Okodee Mmowere symbol. An old acquaintance of mine, Fredrick, once wore it. He received it from the bravest individuals of his tribe, his father to name one. He was just as brave."
"Quite a story behind that. Shouldn't you put that in a museum or something?"
"It was a possible outcome. But, instead, I've found a much better use for it."
"What's that?"
He held it out in front of her. "I'm giving it to you."
She looked at him, surprised. "What? Why?"
"Because… you are strong, Leftenant. Stronger than most. Perhaps, stronger than us all."
Abbie shook her head. "We're both strong."
"But only one of us charged into the 18th century to stop my crazed ex-wife and into Pandora's Box to stop another demented witch."
"You lived through the 18th Century and you would've charged in if you had the chance. I'm just quicker than you."
"In more ways than one. Which, to further my point, is why you should wear this."
Abbie stared at it then back at her friend. "Crane…"
"Please, Abbie. It's a matter of honor. Yours."
"What do you mean?"
"You are… remarkable, Abbie. You have been from the start. I don't think I've always appreciated how much. I hope… this will begin to demonstrate my affection…" His eyes went wide.
She looked up at him, not knowing how to react to that.
He started to move, awkwardly, avoiding looking her in the eyes for now. "Er, uh… appreciation… for who you are, what you do… and… who you are… to me."
She smiled. She was touched. His words had the effect on her, with that effect seemingly magnified lately. "If that's the reason… then I accept."
He held the pendent up. "May I?"
She nodded. She turned around and moved her hair out of the way. Ichabod, unintentionally, caught her scent and tried to not to give in or stare at incomparably smooth skin. He tied it to her neck, letting his hands drift across her skin. Abbie almost let out an audible sound of pleasure as his hands on her felt better than expected.
Before he did anything he might or might not regret, Ichabod removed his hands and took a step back.
Abbie turned and faced him, smiling. She touched the pendant. "What do you think?"
Ichabod stared at her, "I think… it's belonged to you the entire time."
She smiled at him. "Thank you."
"My pleasure."
Abbie took a breath and remembered that they had research to get on. "Shall we get to work?"
"We shall."
The Bound One moved through the forest and came to a clearing where Desdemona came to it again and she used her magic to assemble him a new arm. The demons whispered a report of the encounter with Edom.
She nodded, "Yes. I saw. The angel has become very strong. He is determined. What has brought this about? Hmm. Regardless, I must have the Witnesses. Both of them. Bring them to me."
The Bound One grunted.
"Alive. I need them alive." She seeped more magic into the demon, "And, should you fall, be sure to do so in their presence." She smiled. "I will have them. The Call has begun and I must be ready."
A/N: So, who is Desdemona and what is the Bound One? Those answers are coming next chapter!
And, you want your Ichabbie? You're gonna get your Ichabbie! I promise. Just... not yet. Trust me. I know, it's maddening, but I swear, it's close. Chapter 7 will be up MUCH sooner than this one was. You have my word on that.
REVIEWS, PLEASE AND THANK YOU! And see you all NEXT TIME for T2 Angel presents Sleepy Hollow: The Fated Ones.
