Untold Love Stories

by MissTT aka FantasyOfMine

Ichabod and Abbie have an undeniable bond. But as they grow closer what will it mean for their relationship as Witnesses, as friends, as something more? What S3 and Beyond should have been Alternate TL of the Witnesses Journey. They gain Abilities. Added S2 scenes total AU S3. Chapters are Long & read like individual short stories or Episodes. Ichabbie: New CH 38

37. Finding One's Self

Ch 37 Finding One's Path

1~ Need ~

You know that feeling when everything around you seems to be moving in slow motion. You're there and aware that things are happening, but you somehow feel removed from it. You find yourself asking... Is this real?

From the moment Jenny opened the door, that's how Abbie felt the moment Jenny opened the door. It couldn't be. He had been banished as punishment for helping the Witnesses and giving them information. Was it someone else and she was imagining the Angel. Was she losing touch with reality.

She heard Macey say his name... Orion.

That sounded real. Her heart was pounding; the drum of it resonating through her body... almost drowning out the sound of their voices.

He said something about the message from the angels... Help was coming. Help. Real help.

"Hello Abigail," his voice calling her name, snapped her out of the near trance she was in. "I've come to help you."

And finally she could breathe.

Orion began to walk towards her. Her hands shaking covered her mouth as she gasped. And then he was right there before her. She went into his arms, not so much hugging him as just letting her self be taken in.

He held her tight as she breathed, hopeful that she would finally have relief from the insanity that was taking over her being.

The tears came so unexpectedly. She couldn't hold them back.

Orion slowly let out his wings and wrapped them around her, affording her the privacy to let it out.

~O~

Ichabod stood stunned, hen the angel walked through the door. Of course Jenny and Macey would be happy to see the winged zealot.

But Ichabod could already feel his temperature rising.

His mind was racing...

What was Orion doing here? He was supposed to be banished for his transgression. The mass murdering traitor knew better than to carry on a sexual relation with his Abbie, and yet he...

Help? Ichabod nearly scoffed at the notion. He knew of course that Orion had been helpful in the past. But his help had always been misguided because of his feelings for...

"Hello Abigail," Orion was looking right at her with that sultry grin.

Before Ichabod could even process what he was seeing, Abbie was in the angel's arms weeping; his giant black wings wrapping around her.

He saw red, and felt fire coursing through his body. He practically snorted as the vein in his temple bulged. He motioned towards Orion, ready to rip Abbie out of his arms but felt a set of firm hands grab both of his arms from behind.

"Crane, calm down," Joe's tone was serious but soothing.

Ichabod's chest puffed with one heavy breath after another.

Orion looked up after a moment with his cheek nestled against Abbie's dark curls.

"Might we have a moment of privacy?" he asked.

"Absolutely not!" Ichabod spat without even thinking first. "I'm not leaving her with you."

"No, I need a moment with both you and Abigail alone."

"You sure about that?" Joe asked the angel.

"All will be well young Corbin," Orion assured him. "I do need to speak with all of you... particularly with you Sophia. But first the Witnesses and I must settle things between us."

"Ok. We'll wait downstairs," Jenny directed everyone to the basement. She glanced from Ichabod to Joe, who slowly released the hold he had on his friend.

"You good, Crane," Joe asked cautiously.

Ichabod nodded, eyebrows firmly narrowed.

Frank grabbed Macey and ehe others made their exit, and Orion unwrapped his wings from around Abbie.

"Thank you," Abbie let out a breath as she wiped her eyes and took a step back.

Are you alright, Treasure," Ichabod asked, planting himself between Abbie and Orion."

She nodded, "That's so embarrassing."

"There is no need for embarrassment. You are truly not yourself. I can sense it clear as day. And I can sense it from you as well Ichabod."

"Well obviously," Ichabod turned to face Orion, "since the Thura is broken and we have yet to travel to the garden realm. The last time you were here you came between the two of us. I do not see how you coming into this rather trying situation is going to help. You are not a healer."

"No, I am not a healer but I can help," Orion remained calm. "You must remember Ichabod, it was your marriage to Katrina that hindered you in the past, not my love for Abbigail."

Ichabod clenched his jaw and fists, knowing very well this was true. Now it was Abbie from behind that placed a gentle hand on Ichabod's arm. Her touch instantly bringing him back from the brink of rage, as his heart softened.

"Ichabod,' Orion took a breath and re-thought his approach. " I understand that what is between the three of us could pose a hindrance therefore I am willing to do what I can to make things easier for you."

Orion wrapped his wings around himself as the Witnesses looked on with confusion. When the wings were withdrawn, Orion was in the form of a young woman.

The witnesses knew that the human form was not the angels' true form, rather the massive statuesque humanoid creatures with the resounding voice. They had seen Murial and Theodre transform. But they'd never seen one change sex.

"Orion, you do not have to change who you've chosen to be." Abbie spoke up.

"Lieutenant, if the angel feels this form is more appropriate for our current mission, we should oblige him... I mean her." Ichabod was suddenly much more compliant with receiving Orion's help.

"If it's what Orion wants then I agree, but I think he's just doing it to pacify you, Crane. And it's not necessary. I care about Orion, but I'm not in love with him anymore. And besides, taking a female form doesn't change who Orion is to me."

"But..." Ichabod look a bit confused... "You are not attracted to women?"

"No... But I don't see Orion as a woman, but as an angel. So my feelings won't change because of the current female form. You have to trust that I love you... and only you."

"But things have been so strained between us," Ichabod took her hands in his. "I cannot lose you treasure."

"And you won't lose me... Not if Orion can help us. But Crane, if we don't fix this... I'm afraid that I'm going to end up just like my mother."

Ichabod swallowed hard. He could not let that happen. She put her arms around his waist and he pulled her to him. Just knowing that there was hope seemed to help her.

"Orion if you prefer to be male then that's who you should be," Abbie looked from Orion to Ichabod. "You shouldn't change that for anyone."

"If you are both certain," Orion looked at Ichabod for confirmation. "I am here for the both of you."

"Abbie is right," Ichabod conceded. "You do not have to change for me."

"Very well," Orion went back under his wings and changed back into his normal self. "Is there anything else that needs to be said between us?"

"It has been almost two years since things ended between you and Abbie. Are you still in love with her?" Ichabod asked.

"Time is nothing to me, Ichabod," Orion attempted to deflect.

"Are you still in love with Abbie?" Ichabod held firm demanding an answer.

"I... Yes, I am. But I have put those feelings aside. I am truly here to aid you... Both of you."

Abbie looked straight down, unable to make eye contact with either of them. She hoped that Orion's candor would be enough to pacify Ichabod. But she knew better. He was going to ask her and she had to be honest.

"Abbie... Do you still love him?"

She looked up at Ichabod, right in his eyes so he would know she meant her next words. "Ichabod Crane, I am in love with you and only you. Please believe me, so that we can move on. Once we are healed and the Thura is fixed, everything will be ok again."

It was not missed by him that Abbie did not answer about Orion. But he had to trust her; trust her love for him and trust their bond as Witnesses.

"Very well," then all is settled between us.

"Good. We can join the others and begin."

The doorbell rang before they made it to the basement stairs. Ichabod answered it and was not too surprised to see Seamus Duncan.

"Ah, Shaman Duncan... What brings you to our humble abode this eve?"

Seamus looked past Ichabod and saw Orion as he was retracting his wings. "I believe my brethren sent me over here because of him."

"Of course," Orion wasn't surprised he'd have a babysitter making sure he didn't go too far with his help. There were still strict rules he had to abide by. "You're here to keep a watchful eye and the naughty young Angel."

"Don't worry," Seamus assured him. "I want you to help the Witnesses as much as you can. Plus I'm still learning so you may slip a few things by me that I... accidentally don't catch."

"Thanks Seamus," Abbie smiled. "Come... We're just going down to get started."

2 ~ Team Witness ~

Cynthia tried to put on a movie to distract the team from the conversation upstairs but it clearly wasn't working. They were all gathered at the bottom of the stairs as Joe peeked in and relayed back what was going on. He had intended at first to make sure Ichabod didn't lose his temper and try something stupid. But things seemed to be calming.

"What's going on?" Jenny asked in an almost whisper.

"They're just talking. I think they're good so we can stop eves..." Joe paused when he saw Orion go under cover of his wings, then reemerge a young woman. "Oh... Wow.."

"What? Did something happen?" Sophie asked as Joe came down the stairs.

"Uh, yeah... Orion just turned into a girl. Looks kinda like That super model... Irina Shayk?"

"Seriously?" Jenny asked. She hurried up the stairs with Sophie and Cori right behind her. Each taking a peek before going downstairs. "So Orion just got that much hotter."

"I know right!" Sophie agreed.

"And I'm single," Cori chimed in.

"Ladies... We're right here," Joe reminded them.

Sophie looked at ash and grinned. "I'm looking. I'm just saying..."

"Well I'd be down with inviting Orion over for movie night at the trailer if you wanted Joe. Just putting that out there."

A couple minutes later Orion, Abbie, Seamus and Ichabod came downstairs.

"Hey guys I guess we should get started," Abbie called everyone's attention. "Orion says he has some important information for us."

"First, do you mind telling us how you are here?" Jenny asked. "I thought you were banished for your transgressions... one of which was helping us save Abbie from that evil mermaid. And now all the Angls are banished for helping us seal Purgatory."

"I was banished, for the first transgression but not the later. The other Angels are still being punished because the refuse to withdraw their power from the seal over the breach until Ichabod and Abbie are ready. So since my punishment is over, I am here to help in any way that I can. I am allowed use my powers for their intended purpose, i can open portals to travel distance and realms. I am also to permitted to help you draw logical conclusions based on the information you have already acquired."

"So when you gave us the scroll and divulged the information about the Mermaids and the land of Marisabel..."

"I gave you information you were not privy to because I was afraid opening a portal to Merisabel ould be too dangerous."

"But," Ichabod thew up a finger out of curiosity. "If you have no true gender, why would you fear the mermaids taking you?"

"It would be too much of a risk for the Mermaid Atargatis to get my powers. I may not have an assigned gender, but I have always identified as male."

"I see," Ichabod felt as if he learned something new about gender identification.

"So I am here," Orion began. "I know many of you have questions about who you are and how you fit into the grand scheme of things. I will help you where I can, with the information you have already discovered about yourself. But remember, I am not a time traveling Angel. I am of the third and final generation of Angels not the first. What I know of the future is limited to the prophesies."

"Now, to the two matters at hand... First we must find a way to repair Ichabod and Abbie's Thura. And second we must find Abbie's Thura. It is imperative."

"Why? What do we not know?" Abbie asked.

Orion looked at Seamus, who spoke up. "I believe the time is coming soon for Ichabod and Abbie to go back to the beginning."

"Well that sounds rather ominous," Ichabod raised an eyebrow.

"Sophia, you commune with the Angels. You have a special connection to us. We will be depending on you to let us know when it is time. But for now, we must prepare the Witnesses. They will need all of you to keep them safe from the forces of evil who wish to prevent the Ragnarok.

"Ragnarok?" Jenny asked.

"Ah," Ichabod chimed in again. "Also known as 'The Doom of the gods'. Norse mythology says this was the great battle that lead to the destruction of the cosmos. It was destroyed and then recreated."

"That's how it is told in their mythology, but in truth it is fluid through all mythologies," Seamus added. "The so called gods are actually Demi-gods... The fallen angels believed to have had a falling out with their creator."

They looked to Orion for confirmation. He gave a slight nod. "A close enough description. Again I was the generation that was created to replace those angels who had fallen. I was 'born' a warrior to aid in the battle."

Abbie swallowed hard and looked to the floor. She was starting to get the familiar feeling of being overwhelmed. The thought of trying to fight some great battle in her current state of mind only added to her sense of dread.

"Treasure, are you all right," Ichabod asked as he took her hand.

"Yeah... It's just a lot," Abbie sighed.

"Worry not Abigail. I have an idea to help you." Orion informed them. "I can open a portal and transport you to your garden realm."

"That would be amazing!" Abbie was excited at the prospect of getting better.

"There is an issue, however," Orion continued. "I cannot control the amount of time you will be gone. If it takes your bodies several days to heal, you will be gone for several actual days. It will be your physical bodies going through the portal. And you can not risk a spirit travel in your condition. If your spirit becomes trapped between realms I can not get to you."

"Several days... We can't just vanish for several days," Abbie winced grabbing her temple.

"And there is more," Orion hated to make things more challenging. "The garden realm can heal you physically but only the Thura can remove the thoughts, memories and emotions that it gave you… the ones that belong to Ivor and Abelle."

"So then we bring the Thura with us," Ichabod concluded. "Surly the garden realm will heal it as well."

"I'm afraid not," Seamus informed them. "Only the other Thura can heal it. All of us combined could not give it enough energy to regenerate... At best we might help it fulfill some small function. But it would be draining, potentially dangerously draining on us if we tried."

"Then we hit the books. We find out where Abbie's Thura is or was and we go there." Sophie suggested.

"Abbie's Thura was last seen two hundred and thirty years ago... Sometime in 1885."

"There is still the issue of time travel," Big Ash reminded them. Even if we find out where the Thura was in 1785 and Orion gets them to the garden; how do they get from the garden to 1785?"

"The Thura," Seamus shrugged his shoulder. "It's the only thing that can link through time... Someone may have to sacrifice their power... Maybe more... to help the Thura garner enough energy to make the link."

"No..." Abbie shook her head. "Nobody else is dying for me. We find another way!"

"He's right Abigail... "Orion spoke up. "And it's going to be me. I have the best chance of surviving the draining of my powers. And even my powers pale in comparison to the power the Thura truly needs. It is the universes greatest weapon. Now we must do our research and find out as close as possible when and where we are to go in 1785. Remember we will be moving at real time until the Thura is repaired. Every day we are there is a real day here."

Pandora watch through her reflection pool with grave disappointment. The images were hazel now and she could hear nothing. She was losing her connection to the Witnesses.

She had her eye on the Irving's and young Macey for a while, wondering if she could be used to further her revenge on the Witnesses. She had hoped that the family would keep their distance from Sleepy Hollow; that she could watch Macey up it hour raising alarm.

But something had spooked the girl and she became adamant that they move back to the Hollow and join the team. Pandora knew this would make it harder to get her claws into the girl.

But now this! Orion! How could he be allowed to one back? She would have to use caution. The angel could send when Evil forces were at work. But she was far from giving up. She'd been waiting for her revenge for a long time. She could wait a little longer.

3 ~ ~

The team wasted to time getting to work doing research. They worked though out the day and much of the night over the weekend. Cori went to the Archives and her library to pull any and all books that might be related to the 1780's and the supernatural.

The weekend was nearing an end and still they had no clue where the Thura might be.

On Sunday the team was hunkered down at the Archives. Macey spent most of afternoon encrypting everyone's laptops so that Seamus could share secret information from the Seven with the team. Everyone lose was reading, everything they could. Jenny looked for clues an Her family's journal wishing Grace had left the much needed information.

Orion sat next to Macey as she worked. However, his eyes were fixed on Abbie as she sat beside Seamus reading. Ichabod tried to concentrate but he was watching Orion watch Abbie. But soon it became clear to Rion that he was distracting the first Witness, and he forced his attention away from his former lover.

"All done," Macey beamed as she closed Sophie's laptop.

"You are a very clever girl," Orion smiled.

"Thanks," Macey smiled "You know I really want to prove to the team that I can be valuable. It's hard being the kid."

"I know the sentiment well," Orion commiserated.

"Because you were the last generation of Angels?" She asked him.

"Indeed. I'm always in trouble, always being told what to do and being told that I act rashly...band just wait until I'm another ten millennia older... Then I ill understand."

Macey let out a laugh. That sounded familiar. "How old are you anyway?"

"I have no real age since I was created before modern time began," he answered honestly.

But Macey being young and curious wanted more details. "But you must have an idea of your age relative to ours?"

"Well I am treated much like a modern day teenager by my fellow angles," Orion became very deep in his thought. "But in actual time... I was created during later part of what the Judea Christian writings consider the first seven days, before the first recorded civilization."

"Interesting..." Macey pondered.

Now Orion was curious as to her thoughts. "What is it that you find interesting?"

Macey cocked her head and peered at him as if wondering wether or not to let him in on her secret thoughts. "I guess I can tell you. I've been on the outside of this team looking in for a couple of years now. I've been trying to figure out everyone's place and how I fit in."

"And tell me what conclusions have you made." He wondered.

"I've been suspicious for a while... But when you talked about them going to the garden realm and then going back to the beginning... That was my proof that it's the Witnesses. They're Adam and Eve."

Orion smiled, "You are a clever girl."

At some point Abbie had started listening to their conversation and peeked up when Macey said that. "You know it sounds crazy. Benjamin Franklin mentioned Adam and Eve in passing. I thought it was some metaphors because he also called us the Yin and Yang..."

Now everyone stopped and was listening.

"Yin and Yang..." Ichabod stated as if reading rods stored in his memory. "From old Chinese philosophy. Complete opposite forces come together; interconnecting and complementing each other perfectly. The Yin is feminine and dark while the yang is masculine and light. When I visited Swami Kamar, he had entire rooms filled with books of legends and tales that could be us, as well as prophesies that potentially involve us. But since we lost the Fenistella, we've never found any hard proof linking us to either."

"Hard proof is not necessarily a good thing," Seamus informed him. "Knowing too much might cause you to inadvertently alter things. You see, may try too hard to make something happen or not happen."

"Consider my mind officially blown," Joe plopped on the sofa as if taking it all in... " these two are known throughout history in some form or another all over the world... I mean just having Doppleganger lives that they can pop into at any point time, is incredible... But this is really wild!"

"And we get to be a part of it," Macey beamed. "We all have a part that's been played out through time. I was reading through Mr. Duncan's files while I was encrypting the computers... And there is a pattern with not only the Seven... but the helpers, defenders, protectors... If we look at the patterns we will know exactly who we are."

"And you think you've figured it out peanut," Frank asked his daughter realizing she might actually be the smartest person in the room.

"Well I've figured out you, me and mom," Macey looked at him quite certain. "You are a Witness defender, dad. Witness defenders are susceptible to demonic possession which could cause life after death. Abraham Van Brunt was Ichabod's defender but he failed to overcome his possession by Death. You overcame your possession by War. Just like Jenny over came her possession by Ancitif."

"Yeah... But I'm not just Abbie's defender," Jenny corrected her. "You know there is a prophesy of a Great Defender... The Gift."

"Yeah... But I don't think that's you," Macey was quite sure of herself.

Jenny looked truly offended, which Macey had not intended. She adored Jenny and saw her as a big sister figure.

"I'm sorry..." Macey was immediately apologetic. "I didn't mean to upset you. I could be wrong I've really only been studying my own family."

"You don't need to apologize, Macey," Seamus spoke up. "Because Bishop Donavan and I have recently come to that exact conclusion."

"Then who is the great defender? Is it Joe?" Jenny asked.

"No it's not me," Joe already knew. "I'm pretty sure I'm a protector like Big Ash."

"How do you know?" Jenny wondered.

"Because, I have the Wendigo curse passed down from my father. Just like Big Ash has a curse passed down from his father."

"Curse?" Sophie asked.

"It's true. Not being able to leave my land for more than a few hours is indeed a curse, but I accept it."

"Which is something I did not do and the protection of my people's land was lost when I moved away."

"So then... Sophie," Jenny was not going to be happy if she was replaced by Sophie.

"No way... I have the whole 'speaks to Angel's' thing... That's more than enough."

Seamus and Orion said nothing. It was clear Sophie knew the least about her situation and her role. Being the messenger for the angels was only the tip of the iceberg.

"So what about you peanut. What's your role in all this," Frank asked her. She had been determined to become a part of this and now he was really learning why.

"Well me, mom and Cori are Witchbreed. That makes us helpers. I'm kind of hoping I'll be more than a helper. I've been research the difference between certain witches to find out if I'm going to become Evil. I was kind of worried about that at first. But I ordered a book from Miss Cori that explained that Witchbreed is passed down but not all of it comes from the same place. Like, it says some witches and their bloodline are given power by a Devine Creater. The bible called them prophets and healers and such. The power is in them. Then there are those who got their abilities to use magic from demons, fallen angels and demigods. They draw power from elements like the sun, moon, fire, animals and even humans. That doesn't make them evil. It just depends on how they chose to use their abilities."

"Very good researching," Seamus was impressed. "The Saraph have Devine giftings within them and the Conjurers use elements."

"Well this has been very interesting, but I need to get back to doing research," Jenny turned and went back to her table and Grace's journal. "I need to look out for my sister."

Abbie caught the hint of disappointment still lingering in Jenny's voice, but didn't want to harp on her sister. "We should all get back to work."

4 ~ ~

As night began to fall, and the team had the prospect of a busy work week ahead, they were getting pretty antsy. They were all used to taking action and wanted to do something.

"Why don't we just go back in time and ask Grace Dixon to give us the Thura," Sophie finally asked. She figured there had to be a reason nobody else suggested it.

"It may appear to be the easy solution to solve our predicament; however it is also the most problematic." Ichabod informed her.

"But we know when she gets it from her parents," Sophie still didn't see the problem.

"Every time we interact with Grace Dixon, we risk changing the timeline. She has two children. One is Jenny and my direct ancestor. One small change could put our existence in jeopardy. And... Grace is going to die very soon after she takes the Thura. Every time I have seen her in the past... It's been so hard not to tell her to save herself." Abbie felt the mood swing hit her fast. "Knowing that she's not going to live to raise her own children..."

"That makes sense," Sophie responded. Now she felt bad that a simple question had so severely altered Abbie's mood. "I didn't even consider possible changes in the time line."

"Lieutenant, do you care to join me at the house to prepare some refreshments for the team. Everyone looks positively famished." Ichabod wanted to get her out of there... Get her mind on something else for a little while.

"I'm going to stay here with the team. Seamus and I are looking into known associates of Grace during the time she was charged with the care of the Thura."

Ichabod headed home to fix dinner for the team. He needed a break. Heck, they all did.

After a short while Orion approached Abbie. She looked worn down; still beautiful as ever but clearly at her breaking point.

"Damn it!" Abbie hissed after hitting another dad end.

"Come Abigail," Orion held out his hand. "Allow me to take you out for some fresh air."

"No... I just want to keep going."

He crouched down beside where she was sitting. "What I mean to say is allow me to take you up for some fresh air." His grin was a little mischievous as he watched her, not prepared to take no for an answer.

That got her attention. She paused for a moment remember how wonderful it felt to be in the air. "Ok... But just for a little while." She gave him a small smile before accepting his hand.

"So," Sophie went to Jenny hoping to get a little help. "If Orion is right and Abbie is gone for a while, I'm going to need a over."

"For Danny you mean?" Jenny knew Daniel was all over Abbie and they couldn't risk her disappearing. "Don't worry. I think I have something. Another piece of Pandora's boxes going up for auction. Tell your boss you and Abbie got another inside scoop."

"That'll work. Only problem is a perp got questioned by another agent last time. They only mentioned seeing me and not Abbie. If that happens again, Reynolds is going to get suspicious."

"So we need someone to impersonate Abbie..." Jenny looked at Cynthia. "I have an idea of who could help us with that."

"I think you're on to something." Sophie's attention went from Cynthia to Abbie as she put on her jacket and left with he angel. "Did I miss something? Because I kind sensed a little... I don't know between those two."

Jenny looked up as Orion and Abbie were leaving. "You mean my sister and Orion? Eh. Maybe a little residual sparks from the old days."

"So they were a thing?"

"Oh you don't know," Jenny lowered her voice. Abbie and Orion used to have a thing. A pretty serious thing actually. She was his first."

"No way," Sophie tried to keep her voice down. "But they're like really over right?"

"I think so," Jenny hunched. "Abbie and Ichy didn't get together until after Orion was banished. But Abbie and Ichy are solid. Speaking of Solid... You and Ash seem to be moving things along."

"We are," Sophie smiled. "I'm actually glad we took our time. And he had no issues with my sexuality."

"Good," Jenny nodded. "I didn't think he would."

"I don't understand why you said he had issues with you then?" Sophie couldn't help but ask.

"Well..." Jenny paused. She liked sex and liked talking about it almost as much as doing it. But she was a complicated girl with her own unique lifestyle. " I don't think he had an issue with the fact that I sometimes enjoy the company of women... It's that he... I like sex in a way that some people don't get. The human body is so beautiful and sexual. And I just want to explore and enjoy it all the time. Sometimes that means running around the trailer naked all day, or inviting a friend to join in with me and my partner."

"Oh," Sophie nodded. "And Joe is cool with that?"

"He's totally down with the being naked all the time. As far as having someone or another couple join in... He's open to the idea. I think he just wants to be sure that he and I are solid before we take things to that level."

"So that explains why Ash wanted to ensure we were monogamous," Sophie understood now. "He doesn't care if I'm attracted to girls as long as I'm faithful to and only with him."

"And are you ok with that?" Jenny asked.

"I really, really like him. I didn't think I'd feel this way about anyone and now, I am totally crazy for this guy."

"Kind of helps that he's gorgeous and great in bed, huh," Jenny teased.

"Hell yeah, it does," Sophie laughed. This was good. She really felt like her friendship with Jenny had turned a corner.

Jenny felt the change too. "You know I was a little apprehensive about you when you first joined our little gang."

"A little apprehensive," Sophie scoffed with a smile. "You hated me."

Jenny put up her hands as if confessing, "Maybe just a little. When you stepped into the picture, everyone liked you; my sister, Joe, even Ichy. I kind of felt like you were replacing me."

"I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I was just trying to make friends and figure out all this crazy, you know."

"I get that now," Jenny admitted. "And I'm glad you're here. You've been a really good friend to Abbie and you've really come through having her back at work."

"That means a lot to me coming from you." Sophie smiled.

5 ~ Special Places ~

Orion continued to hold Abbie's hand as they walked out side of the back alley behind the Archives. When his thumb graced across her fingers, she politely took her hand from him.

"Where shall I take you Abigail?" He asked.

"I probably shouldn't," she seemed to be rethinking her decision. Ichabod wouldn't like it.

His voice softened as he tilted his head to look her in the eyes. "Come now Abigail. I only want to lift your spirits. That won't happen in an alley. But up there, with nothing but the night sky with the stars, and the cool autumn air; you can be free of the troubles that burden your mind."

She looked up. It did sound like just the thing to help her clear her mind.

He let out his massive black wings, "Let me carry you, Abigail."

He held out his arms an she walked into them. And then her feet were off the ground. The cool air whipped at her dark curls and she pressed her cheek against his chest as she watched the stars get closer.

She then looked down to see how up they were. Instinctively she held onto him a little tighter at the sight of the town far below her.

"Worry not Abigail," he held her steady in his arms. "I will not let you go."

"I know," she took a deep breath in and relaxed.

"Shall I take you to the basilica?" He asked.

"No... The next time I go to the Basilica it will be with Crane; when we can walk through the walls together."

"Then I know a place just for us," he smiled.

Off they went through the night sky, across the river, to Bear Mountain. It was so very familiar to her. His hideaway. From up there he could see and hear far and wide. As they came to a rest upon the small cliff by the cave, Abbie remembered their many nights there.

She walked to the entrance of the cave as Orion lit the small torch. There was the bed of feathers... His feathers that she had slept on while in his arms; they she had laid upon when they made love; an experience that had been like no other.

"Why are we here," Abbie asked as he wrapped his wings around her to keep her warm.

"Not long ago, this place brought you comfort," Orion reminded her.

It wasn't necessary. She remembered how hard it was for her when Ichabod was with Katrina. She felt alone then, pained by the wedge between her and her partner.

"Back when i thought my bond with Ichabod was ruined. He had Katrina and felt so abandoned... again. You were there for me when I needed you. And when you would bring me here, for a while, I felt..." Abbie paused, and stepped away from Orion.

She sat on the edge looking out east to the stars, and he joined her; just as they used to do.

Things were different now. She had Ichabod. He loved her and she loved him more than anything. Being up here reminded her of how far they had come.

She rested her head on his chest as his wings wrapped around her again to keep her warm.

"Thank you for bringing me here."

6 ~ Tempers ~

"I have returned with a humble dish to keep everyone's creative minds active and engaged," Ichabod whisked in the room placing the dishes on Archive's large table.

"Great, I'm starved," Joe was the first one at the table. "It smells great."

"And where is my Lieutenant?" Ichabod glanced around almost disappointed that she didn't come immediately for his creation.

"She stepped out with Orion," Jenny told him. "I'm sure they won't be long. She just needed some air."

"Well," was all Ichabod said as he stiffened his jaw and a puff of heated air seeped from his nostrils. He was pretty sure that meant Orion was taking his fiancé flying... And he didn't like it one bit.

The meal did the trick and refueled the team for the better part of the evening. Finally Abbie and Orion returned. The two were all smiles as they joined the others.

"You look better," Jenny observed.

"I feel better," Abbie smiled and looked over at Ichabod. He definitely was not looking better. He looked pissed.

"The fresh air has been good for her," Orion was quite pleased with her lifted mood.

"And now I'm hungry," Abbie looked at what was left of the dinner Ichabod made.

"I prepared a plate for you, however it is cold now. Hardly edible." Ichabod snipped.

"Crane," she gave him a playful side eye. "I'm sure it's still good. Any luck locating the missing pages of Grace's Journal?"

"No," Jenny sighed. "It's as if she was deliberately trying to hide something... Or someone was. I mean we don't know who took the pages."

"I have some things from Fredrick's manor to go through, but the hour grows late," Ichabod reminded them of the time and looked at Abbie.

She had been gone for over two hours doing who knows what with Orion. The thought made him scoff.

"We actually need to get Macey home. She's got school tomorrow," Cynthia reminded them.

Macey was about to protest but a stern look from both parents and she knew not to bother.

"I too shall take my leave," Ichabod announced as he stood and retrieved his jacket.

"You won't stay a while longer?" Abbie asked not motioning to get up or offering to join him.

He paused, giving her a very odd questioning look. "You are going to stay?"

"Well... I'm not tired. And I want to get as much done as I can."

"I see," Ichabod's face was so tense, the vein in his forehead bulged a little and his jaw line sharpened. "I should be glad to take the evening air since it is so refreshing."

"Should I take you for a flight," Orion asked with a cocky smirk.

Ichabod shot him a look of pure fire. His fist balled tight and felt as if steam were being released from his nose. He immediately turned on his heels and walked out.

"Orion," Abbie gave the angel a chastising side eye.

She started to get up to go after Ichabod, but Joe stepped in.

"Don't worry, I'll talk to him."

~o~

He brought the ax crashing down so hard he could almost feel the ground beneath him tremble. Jealousy was one thing, he'd felt that before. He knew he was a jealous man.

But the anger and frustration boiling up inside him was becoming harder to keep under control. He thought he'd had it mastered after a couple of therapy sessions. But the moment Orion walked back into their lives he felt it creeping on him.

He picked up another log and pictured Orion... then took a swing splitting the log easily with one swift motion. He had an instant flash of his life back in 500bc. And taking off the head of King Machborne.

The thought chilled him. He had to stop thinking like that. Orion wasn't an enemy just because he loved Abbie.

"What in god's earth is wrong with me..." Ichabod sighed to himself.

"Hey, Crane. What's up," Joe called as he walked into the back yard. "I tried to find you back at the archives but you left so fast."

"Leave me be," Ichabod barked, taking another swing at the half split log. "I am in no mood for company."

"Why, because somebody else made Abbie smile."

"That winged Zealot has ulterior motives!" Ichabod hissed. "He thinks I do not know what his intentions are."

"He doesn't have intentions, Crane. And even if he did, I think Abbie has a say."

"But she hasn't exactly been herself lately."

"And neither have you. But that doesn't mean you should act like a jerk," Joe placed his hand firm on the axe to stop Ichabod from taking not her swing.

Ichabod looked at him incredulously. "I'm being a jerk? He has been here for three days and already he has her traipsing around and flying about to god knows where..."

"And she's smiling, again," Joe cut him off.

Ichabod couldn't help but feel a sinking disappointment. "Because he caused her to smile. His presence has given her a sense of relief... and I didn't do that for her."

"So what. She's smiling again. And with the depression and all the crazy she has going on... These moments of clarity are few and far between. You made her smile at Thanksgiving dinner the other day. But you don't see me or Jenny getting mad about it! It's not a competition. It shouldn't matter who is making her happy or why she's smiling. She is in love with you."

"I know," Ichabod hung his head. He could feel his temper calming. Again Joe had stepped up to be the voice of reason and ease his temper.

Joe knew what it was to have to keep control. Breaking the Windigo curse only meant that he could now turn without becoming the beast forever. But the beast was still there, wanting to come out.

"So you coming back?" Joe asked after giving Ichabod a minute to think about what he was doing.

"No. I shall use this time of solitude to reflect, my friend. But I do thank you for your wise council."

"Anytime."

~o~

7 ~ Between Us ~

I await your return home my dearest Treasure.

Sincerely and Ineffably Yours,

Ichabod

That was the text she received not long ago. It was almost midnight and she had to be up for work in the morning. Had he not sent the text, she'd probably still be in the archives combing through journals and records.

It was dark in the house with a few candles lit. Abbie grinned to herself wondering if Ichabod was trying to set a mood.

"Crane?" She called out as she headed upstairs.

She heard Ichabod's baritone voice singing from her room; some song she did not know. She crept to the bathroom where he was sitting by the tub waiting for it to fill; pouring scented oil and watching the bubbles rise.

"Love's a dream of mighty Treasure

In the folly lies the pleasure..."

"I don't know that one," she smiled as she leaned against the door way.

Ichabod looked up to see her eyes twinkle in the candlelight.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered. He stood quickly. " I drew you a bath."

"So this is for me?"

"Everything I do is for you, Treasure."

He pulled his shirt off over his head then tossed back his hair from covering his face.

His tall lean form looked so good in the dim light. For a moment she imagined what she'd love to do to that body, and what he could do to her, as her eyes glanced up and down his frame. Her thoughts wandered with her yes, down the dark trail of hair that ran from his navel, down to his...

Her thoughts paused, as he stepped towards her. She felt a slight sense of trepidation. The last time they had been together, she had said things, things that were hidden deep inside her. Things that she didn't want to admit. And he had become so frustrated that anger took control of him. The badly patched hole in her wall stood as evidence.

He sensed her hesitation. "It's just a bath, Treasure. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do. I just want to be close to you."

She nodded; her eyes softly gazing up at him as she steadied herself.

She shuttered a little as his fingers bushed against her skin while he unbuttoned her shirt. Her gorgeous breast, full in her lace lined bra, caused him to swallow hard. He softly gasped as he unfastened them from their harness. He'd love to take a nibble, a lick, suck her dark delicious nipples... But this was just a bath.

He lowered to one knee and unfastened her pants. She loved the feel of his slightly course fingers sliding down her ass as he slipped them down with her panties.

She trembled a little as his hands touched the back of her thigh and he pulled her garments off.

Here he was trying to tend to her needs and just shower her with tender care, and his body was betraying him at every turn.

As he stood, Abbie could not help but smirk a little at the very visible bulge in his breeches.

"Just a bath huh?" She teased.

"Yes," he removed his breeches, his body reacting again to being so close to her naked body. "You are so exquisite; can you blame me? You have no idea what you do to me... Only you do this to me."

He puts both hinds to her cheek and jawline, tilting her head up gently for her to look him in the eye. For a moment she got lost in the deep blue sea of them, as he drew her in.

Their lips gently brushed, at first. They both began to wonder if only a bath was really what they wanted. She pressed her mouth to his, anything just a taste of him, letting his whiskers tickle her lips. He sucked her bottom lip before opening his mouth for her. She eagerly went in, her tongue getting the taste she wanted. Their bodies perfectly pressed together, she could feel him against the flesh of her abdomen.

"I can hear your thoughts, Treasure," he breathed, barely parting from her lips.

"I know... And I can hear yours. But," she tilted her head down speaking into his chest, after getting a glance of the patched wall that his fist ran through the last time they were intimate. "We should get to that bath before it gets cold."

Ichabod nodded in agreement, almost aching at the loss of her warmth as their bodies separated.

Abbie could tell by the callouses on his hands that he'd likely been out chopping wood... Something he did when he was frustrated or angry; a much better release than punching walls. If Orion was upsetting him still, they shouldn't have sex to cover that up. They had to deal with it.

Ichabod took her hand and led her into the bath. He sat first against the end and guided her to sit between his legs. A soothing resting place, she leaned back against his chest.

"We used to have servants to draw our baths for us," she sighed remembering their many baths at Baldre Bre."

"Indeed," he reminisced, as he took a cloth and washed the hot water down her neck and breasts. His eyes fixated on them as they softened and plumped in the heat. "you loved the baths so hot, I thought you might..." He paused; his hand coming to a rest upon her breasts. "It does still feel like our life. As if I should close my eyes, then open them and be there again."

"It does... But it'll be over soon. As soon as we find the other Thura; Orion will help us get to the garden..." Abbie felt Ichabod's hand leave its resting place on her bosom, and watched as his fingers twitched then went into a slight fist.

There was the rub; the mention of Orion. Ichabod could try his best to be a perfect romantic gentleman but his jealousy could not be kept suppressed for long.

She caught one of his hands with both of hers and began to gently fiddle with his fingers, relaxing them. She felt the fresh callouses and raise his hand to her lips to kiss the sore spots.

"I love your hands," she said softly. "I remember the first time you held my hand."

"As do I," his temper calmed again. "I believed I was going to die... And then you reached out to me. I took your hand and I felt so at peace. I thought that it was the last bit of joy I would have in this world. I relished every second. And then you saved me."

"The Sin Eater saved you... I just found him and brought him to you. If it wasn't for him, we would not have had the life we've built."

"You're going to tell me now that it is Orion who shall be our savior this time."

"I don't have to tell you, Crane. You already know. You don't have to be jealous, because I only want you."

"But you left with him tonight?"

"I did," Abbie sighed. "He took me to a place where I used to go when I was sad... A place that would make me feel encouraged and determined and cared for, when things around me looked hopeless. And it reminded me that I'm not in that place anymore. No matter how trying things are at the moment. I have you now."

"And you shall always have me, Treasure," his arms were around her now... His face buried in the curls cascading down her neck. "I will never leave you. My place is by your side always."

She liked hearing that. "You promise?"

"I promise you; with all of my heart."

She let his words settle with her; his solemn vow to be by her side.

"And are you going to be alright with Orion?" She was waiting to see if he tensed up, but he didn't. Instead his fingers gently stroked down her neck rounding her breasts and back up again.

"Orion who?" He teased.

Abbie playfully splashed him, and he squirmed, grasping her firm around the waist.

She let out a giggle and the sweet sound hit him, they were so rare lately... And this one was just between the two of them.

"I will do better with Orion." He was slowly rubbing his fingers across her lower abdomen, and it wasn't until she placed a firm hand on his that he stopped.

He hoped he hadn't triggered her, by reminding her of Abelle's baby. But then she took his right hand in hers and kissed the palm as she held his left hand in place just below her belly.

"You know what else I remember about your hands? One of the things I really love about them?" she asked. A hint of mischief escaped her soft tone.

"Oh?" Ichabod was pleasantly curious. He understood her better when she rubbed her rear against him. "Oh! What is it that you remember, Treasure?"

"I remember the first time I felt you inside me," she purred. "This hand right here," She kissed his hand. "This finger right here..." She kissed the padding of the digit, and began guiding his other hand down.

He needed no further encouraging.

After they made love, he pulled onto her side, staying in her and entwining their legs. "I love you so much Treasure."

"I love you... More than I ever thought possible."

They laid there for a little while quiet at first, just enjoying being in each other's arms. But it was well after midnight and Abbie had to go to sleep.

"I see the sleep falling upon you, Treasure."

"It is... And I have to be up by seven." She cringed.

"You really ought to do something about this mess you've made," he teased.

"Oh the mess I made!" Abbie was now very aware if the sticky situation.

"I blame you completely," he said in a jokingly serious tone.

She swatted him as he grabbed her a towel to clean up.

"Do you ever have dreams about being back there?"

"Indeed," Ichabod admitted, as they settled back in bed and under the covers.

"I mean dreams about the bad stuff... Not just the good?"

"Yes," Ichabod was proceeding cautiously. The last thing he wanted was for Abbie to fall back into a depressed state. Especially after they just made love. His worst nightmare was seeing Hendry take his sword to her. The very thought of it still hurt him deep in his core.

"Sometimes, it's hard for me when I dream about you dying and then I wake up... I see you laying beside me so still. That's why I leave. I just wanted you to know so if it happens, you don't think it's something you did, or I'm in a bad place again."

"Treasure, please wake me up. If the nightmare happens upon you again, wake me. Rest assure that I am not going anywhere."

She nodded and snuggled up in his arms. He kissed the curls on her head and held her as she closed her eyes.

Maybe he had been wrong to be so apprehensive about Orion. Joe was right. Orion's arrival had been good for Abbie. He could sense the feeling of hope she now had. And it was the Angel who had given her this hope. She was happy for now... And that's all that mattered.

"Crane... Hey. Baby are you awake?"

Ichabod wasn't sure at first if he was dreaming, but then he realized tiny hands were shaking him.

He slowly opened his eyes and saw Abbie looking down at him.

"Treasure?" he whispered still half asleep.

"Sorry... You said I could wake you up..."

"And I meant it," he closed his eyes and curled her up in his arms. He waited until he heard her breaths soften and steady before he let himself drift back to sleep.

8 ~ Day Jobs ~

"So you need me to pretend to be Abbie while she's gone?" Cynthia asked. She hadn't actually intended to get too involved in this. She was mostly in to keep her eye on Macey.

"I promise I won't let anything happen to you." Sophie hoped to be persuasive. Danny could be a real pain when it came to Abbie.

Jenny could sense her hesitation. "Look, Joe and I will be there as back up. We could use your help."

"If Frank is ok with it then, I'll do it."

"I'll talk to Frank," Abbie assured them. As she opened the journal. She and Sophie only had an hour before they had to be at the office.

She began reading the pages written before Grace was given the Thura, and then the ones directly following the missing pages. There had to be a code or a clue somewhere.

It really was as if she were seeing things with a fresh set of eyes and from a new perspective today. Between her Guardian Angel and her Soul Mate, she felt a renewed sense of hope; Not just hope but a renewed determination.

"I've been over it a dozen times," Jenny sat beside Abbie and looked at the entries before and after the missing pages.

"We may have to go back and see Grace," Abbie let out a huff. "We know where she is when she gets the Thura. We'll just have to trust that meeting her won't change her future... Our future."

"It's too much of a risk. Seamus is certain you do not go back in time to see Grace. I can't believe the answers were here and now they're gone."

Jenny touched the journal as Abbie was running her fingers across the page, and Abbie felt something, she wasn't sure what but it caused her to pause.

"Abbie, you ok?" Jenny asked noticing the change in Abbie's continence.

"Can you just touch the book again... I felt something, I think. I don't know," Abbie was looking intently at the book as if observing something he hadn't seen before.

Jenny touched the journal but didn't notice anything. But Abbie did.

"What, is it like speaking to you or something?" Sophie asked.

"Maybe, but maybe Sophie, you can try... You speak with Angels. Maybe if the journal is trying to reveal something to me, you can help."

"Umm.. Sure," Sophie took Jenny's place and put her hand on the journal.

"Oh my god..." Abbie gasped.

"What?" Sophie and Jenny both asked in unison.

"I see pages... Pages I can't touch and their blank."

"I don't see anything?" Sophie looked at the journal and everything looked the same.

"Neither do I," Cynthia concurred. "Maybe it's some kind of cloak only you can see?"

"But cloaked blank pages?" Abbie couldn't see the point.

"Not blank," Jenny said as she looked closer, hoping to see something. "Maybe you need more power. She tried touching the journal at the same times as Abbie and Sophie, but there was no change.

"Still just blank pages," Abbie sighed.

"Maybe," Sophie had an idea. "your ancestor Grace meant for this information to only be seen by the Witnesses."

"I need Crane."

Jenny already had her phone out and texting. "He just finished his lecture and is on his way?"

Cynthia's phone buzzed. "I have to go. Something happened with Macey at school today."

Everyone's attention immediately went to Cynthia.

"Is she ok?" Jenny asked.

"I don't know. She's finishing the semester at her private school in the city so I really have to get going. I'll let you know."

"Ok," Abbie looked worried. "Let us know if you need anything."

9 ~Innocent One ~

Macey sat in her English class, bored out of her mind. Oral reports were the worst, especially when being recited by kids who had zero interest. As one of her fellow classmates finished and returned to her seat, she expected her teacher to call the next student.

"Class, please begin reading chapter twelve. I'm not feeling well," Ms. Blake dabbed at her forehead. "I'll have an assistant sent in a few minutes."

She left and the students sat a bit surprised. After a few minutes, a handful of them began goofing around.

"That's quite enough! Sit down!" Pandora's voice was stern and authoritative.

Macey knew exactly who she was and started to pull out her cell phone.

"Stop," Pandora commanded.

In an instant everyone froze. The feeling was alarming to Macey who seemed to be the only one aware of what was happening. She struggled against the power holding her still and finally managed to move. She tried to reach for her phone which was now on the floor but could not reach it.

"You are very strong Young One," Pandora chided her. "I've had my eye on you for some time."

"I know," Macey peered at her, trying to hide her fear. "And I know you had better be careful about using your powers."

"Because of the Angel?" Pandora laughed. She then raised her hand and slowly Macey was lifted from her seat.

"You must be on something if you think I'm going to turn for you," Macey was adamant. And then she felt her legs... She was standing herself.

"You want to walk again, run again feel your legs and dance again? I can help you."

"I don't need you for that. As soon as we can use magic, I'm going to make it happen. Nd if I need help, I have friends for that."

"You think they're going to help you, Macey?" Pandora laughed. "I was once young and foolish enough to trust the Witnesses. They will use you to get what the need, and then they will betray you."

Macey shook her head. "You're lying! Why would they do that?"

"Because when they realize how strong you are, they will fear you... Just like they did me. They will destroy your happiness; imprison you if the see fit."

"You're desperate!"Macey laughed, but inside she was terrified. Her heart was racing and it was all he could do to put some strength behind her voice. "And I'm not going to let you scare me. The witnesses are going to take you down. And I'm going to help them do it!"

"I could snap your little neck and vanish before he ever knew I was here. But I don't want to hurt you. I can work with you. Help you tap into the power you have inside you."

"I would never go to the dark side!"

"My dear child, it's in your blood. Just as your father served the horseman of war, you will serve me."

Pandora began to drag Macey to her. Then out of nowhere a portal appeared and Orion emerged. He didn't hesitate and threw his new halo weapon at Pandora. She knew it was coming and in a puff of smoke, she was gone.

Macey fell to the ground banging her elbow and cheek on her way down. Her classmates began to emerge from their trance, as Orion quickly disappeared into a portal.

"Baby, what happened!" Cynthia was relieved to see her daughter as she hurried into the school nurse's office.

Frank was already there, signing her out of school for the remainder of the day.

"It's nothing mom. I'm fine," Macey tried to downplay everything.

"She said she fell from her wheel chair," Frank looked up from the form and handed it to Nurse Higgins.

"Fell from her chair? But how..." Cynthia stopped when she noticed the look Frank was giving her. "Ok, lets just get you home."

10 ~ Seeing Things ~

It's about time," Jenny huffed as Ichabod walked into the Archives.

They took a minute to explain as Joe came in and caught the tail end of the conversation.

"So the pages have been cloaked the whole time?" He asked.

"It seems so," Jenny shrugged. "Wether or not the pages say anything..."

"Only one way to find out," Sophie stepped aside and motioned for Ichabod to take her place.

Ichabod sat beside Abbie and stretched out his arms as if he were about to take to a fine instrument. "Shall we Lieutenant."

They both touched the journal and the pages appeared, then slowly the words written on the pages began revealing themselves.

"Remarkable," Ichabod whispered as he began memorizing the pages.

"What is it?" Jenny asked, still unable to see any missing pages.

"It's all here... Grace apprenticed for a time with the Leeds... Daniel Leeds a brilliant man. His sons Titus and Japheth took over after he died, and became rivals of my mentor Ben Franklin's. I had no idea she studied with them."

"More than studied," Abbie looked intrigued. "It seems Grace and Japheth's son Daniel Japheth Leeds had a thing for a while."

"Wait, are we talking Jersey Devil Leeds here? Or is that a coincidence?" Sophie had to ask.

Ah... The Rumors of the Jersey Devil alas may have been started by Franklin against his great Uncle Titan Leeds, for political reasons, and because they were rivals in work and research." Ichabod confessed. "However knowing what I know now... There may have been some truth to the rumors."

"Well it's a full fledge legend these days," Jenny said grabbing a book from the shelf. "Debora Leeds believed her husband Japheth was the Devil, and that her thirteenth child was born with the curse. And that's just one variation of the legend."

"Japheth and Deborah, I believe, were Daniel Japheth's grandparent," Ichabod pondered. "Could he have been born with the curse?"

"The one I heard, he's a part man beast with wings, horns, hooves and a scorpion tail... Not to mention a he was a cannibal."

"I am surprised Grace would take up with someone who had such a curse," Ichabod mused.

"Um... Standing right here dude... Not cool." Joe folded his arms reminding Ichabod that he was a Windego.

"Oh... Begging your pardon. I meant no offense," Ichabod immediately felt bad for the oversight.

Abbie turned the page. "Well according to this, Grace knew about the curse. She was working with him to keep the devil repressed... He was a really sweet guy and I think they did love each other."

"Oh, indeed," Ichabod read along. "The relationship went on for two years until here... Grace's parents told her who she was and that they had betrothed her to Joseph Dixon."

Abbie pointed at the page even though only she and Ichabod could see it. "Here the writing is smudged... She was crying when she wrote about breaking up with Daniel and leaving for Fredrick's Manor. And this is where the journal picks up."

"I find it surprising," Ichabod looked up from the pages. "She and Joseph Dixon seemed truly happy and in love when I met them, only a couple of years later."

"Well, just because she was forced to break things off with Leeds, doesn't mean she didn't eventually fall in love with her husband. Maybe holding on to hope of a relationship with someone she couldn't be with seemed pointless so she decided to love the man she was destine to be with. And she could have truly loved them both.

The irony was not lost on everyone when Orion walked through the door at that very moment. Awkward silence followed, as Ichabod's fingers twitched and jaw clench.

"So what have I missed?" Orion smiled as he approached the table.

Jenny was first to speak up, "turns out those missing pages were cloaked. Only thenWitnesses together can read them. So far it's mostly Grace's work with the Leeds family and her secret romance with one of the grandsons."

"But what does her romance with Daniel Japheth Leeds have to do with the Thura?" Joe tried to understand. "Why would she hide these pages?"

Sophie knew exactly what was up. "She's hiding the fact that there is someone she trusts..."

Abbie turned to the next single missing page and continued reading. "Someone nobody would think to look for if she needed to hide something. She gave the Thura to Leeds for safe keeping."

Joe thought about the possibilities this opened up. "If we can find the Thura, you guys may not have to time travel."

"You are correct," Ichabod stood. "The Leeds had homes, a business and a laboratory in New Jersey. If we are lucky, they are still there and the Thura safely tucked away."

"Go," Abbie stood and gave him a swift kiss on the lips. "Find it, please. Sophie and I have to get to work."

11 ~ Dead Ends

"You don't have to apologize any more, Crane," Joe said as they walked towards the old abandoned property.

Every building once owned by the Leeds had been torn down or remodeled with no sign of the Thura. This was the last place they knew of to look. And it appeared to be burned to the ground. Only a few stone walls and a wood burning stove remained.

"Well it was a thoughtless thing for me to say. You my friend have tamed the beast within. You have changed so much from the troubled young man I first met three years ago. And a true friend you have become."

"I couldn't have done it without Jenny... And you and Abbie. Truth is, when you two were reading that journal I was worried that Grace was going to write about how Leeds had turned into the Devil or gone on a killing spree."

Ichabod looked at his friend with concern. "You still worry about the beast within you?"

"That I'm going to wake up one morning surrounded by mauled bodies... All the time." Joe confessed.

"That will not happen my friend."

"I hope you're right," Joe finished looking around. "Well there's nothing left here but this old stove."

"A Leeds designed stove. Remarkably similar to Franklins. Leeds was an alchemist of exceeding skill, something that Fran in the family. These symbols on the side are a representative for composition, deduction, steam and fire."

"Ok so what does that mean?"

"Let's turn it on and see." Ichabod pushed the symbols and the fire lit. He then stuck his hand inside."

"Crane, be careful, man." Joe held up a hand for Ichabod to stop.

"Worry not, it is an illusion." He pulled a lever inside and the stove moved away, revealing stairs down. "Shall we?"

"You first."

The two made their way down the stone stairway, to find an abandoned laboratory. All that remained was a table, a couple of vials, a few candles, a pile of clothes and a few broken items here and there... .

"Nobody's used this lab for a while," Joe commented as he wiped a thick layer of dust with his index finger."

"At least two hundred years," Ichabod was searching the walls for trap doors. "There must be something here."

Joe began to rummage through the clothes. "Maybe if we find out who these belong to we will know where to look next."

Most of the clothes seemed to be late 1700's; a dress, corset, a long coat, breeches. But then he picked up a pair of ladies boots.

"Hey, Crane... Did you guys have zippers in 1780 whatever?"

"No. The zipper came along around the mid 1790's I believe. Well after my time."

"I take it you guys didn't have H&Ms either... Size six women's Us."

Ichabod abandoned the stone wall and joined Joe, examining the boots carefully.

"These are the Lieutenant's... And yet they have aged two hundred and twenty years."

He dug through the clothes and found the men's clothes were his size. The women's clothing had been altered to fit Abbie's petite frame, and were accompanied by a special designed corset and garter. And he knew the stitching well.

"These were made by Betsy." He then saw a tiny piece of lace material. Definitely Abbie's tiny panties. "The material is incredibly fragile from the wear of time. We should take these back to the archives with us and let the team know what we have discovered."

Abbie and Sophie say in Daniel's office. After a phone call from Ichabod, they knew it was time to set the B team plans in motion; Operation Distract Danny, and Operation Snag Pandi's Box.

"So you two want me to give you the ok to rogue again!" Danny folded his arms as he leaned back on his desk. He looked at his two agents incredulously.

"We have the inside scoop, so big time dealers and smugglers are going to be there. If we want a spot at the auction, we have to show up and meet our contact." Sophie insisted.

"I should get another team on this," Danny started thinking of someone, anyone else besides Abbie to go.

"I'm cleared for full duty," Abbie insisted. "Besides, they are expecting me and Sophie. They think we've turned, because of what went down with Nevins. And that's good. They think we are their insiders. Don't screw that up by sending some other agents."

"We still don't know what happened with Nevins," Daniel looked at the ladies with suspicion.

"We had nothing to do with Nevins' escaping," Sophie put her hands up innocently. "But it works to our advantage."

"Fine!" Daniel knew they were right. "But Ichabod Crane stays out of this!"

"Wait," Abbie gave him a side eye. "I thought I had leeway to use outside assistance if I want or need to."

Daniel scowled, knowing that the order came from Walters. "You do but not on this one. You're barely getting to your head back in the game and that guy... You don't need any distraction."

"Fine this time, but next time, if I want him working with us; then he does." Abbie let out a sigh. "We work really well together."

"Ok... Mills can I talk you alone for a minute?"

Sophie shrugged and left the office. Daniel waited until the door was closed and walked over to Abbie, kneeling down as she sat so they could speak face to face.

"Abs..."

"Is this about work? Because if it's not, we shouldn't..."

"I just want to make sure you're doing ok. Can you blame me?" He placed a gentle hand on her leg.

"I passed the psych evaluation, and I'm feeling better every day. Especially when I'm working a case." She took his hand and, as kindly as she could, removed it from her leg. She could never tell if he was just trying to be a good friend or if he was trying to angle his way back into her heart. "When we're at work, I need you to be my boss."

He reluctantly conceded, "Fair enough."

~o~

12 ~ That Time Again

"I don't like the idea of leaving you guys right now," Abbie sat at the dining room table rubbing her temple as Team Witness gathered around. "We could be gone for days."

"Well the sooner you go, the sooner you'll be back," Jenny rubbed her sister's arm.

She could see Abbie starting to become stressed. Pandora's attack on Macey, was quite a blow.

"I would feel better if Orion was here to look after Macey, not hanging out in the garden realm waiting on us." Abbie sighed.

"You will feel better when we find your Thura, and we are back on track, Lieutenant," Ichabod assured her. "Macey has her father, Big Ash and Miss Cori to look after her while we are gone."

"She'll be safe on the protected grounds," Ash promised. "Pandora won't get to her."

"And what about Cynthia?" Abbie asked. "She's never done anything like this before."

"I'll be with her the whole time," Sophie reminded her. "So will your sister."

"Believe me," Frank added. "Nobody is more nervous about this than I am. But I trust Jenny and Joe. And if Sophie can hang as your partner, I trust her too. And I'll be damned if Pandora's getting anywhere near Macey again."

Jenny looked her sister in the eye and spoke with sincerity. "We can't do the Witness stuff for you. But these smaller battles we can fight."

"Abbie," Ichabod took her hand. "This is our team. We have to trust hem. Just as we have a destiny, so do they."

~o~

Abbie and Ichabod went upstairs to change. She loved those H&M boots and had already resigned that she'd just have to buy another. She only had a couple of long skirts on hand for such an occasion. But she already knew Betsy would once again be providing her with proper attire. She just needed something that would let her move through town without raising suspicions.

"May I," Ichabod pointed to the top drawer of her dresser.

"Sure," Abbie shrugged as she stepped out of her jeans preparing to dawn the long skirt and white blouse.

He neatly sifted through her delicates until he found the panties he was looking for. Abbie took a look and grinned as she shook her head.

"Those are way too Lacey and delicate for a mission."

"And yet, these are the ones you wore." Ichabod pulled a handkerchief from his coat pocket. In it was the delicate black lace material.

"Why would I wear these?" Abbie had to laugh, because the evidence was literally in his hands.

She held out her hand to take the lace panties and change.

"Please, allow me," Ichabod quickly put both pair of panties down and dropped to one knee.

He looked up at her with a sly grin; his blue eyes twinkling, ready for mischief. He slid his index fingers under the soft cotton panties and began drawing them down her hip. He planted tiny wet kisses on her inner thighs, breathing her in.

"No, no no..." She play shook her head. "We have a whole team downstairs waiting for us. We do not have time..."

"I shall move with brisk spirit..." his sprinkling of kisses making their way up her smooth soft skin.

"You cannot be fast when it comes to... Oh... Oh god, Crane..."

The next thing she knew, shewas backed against the dresser and he had one of her legs over his shoulder. All she could think about was how good he made her feel, gone were the thoughts of the past, in that moment.

After they made love, he needed a moment to catch his breath as did Abbie.

Abbie looked up at him, their eyes still hooded from the haze of great sex.

"That was amazing," she half laughed, half panted.

"Indeed. You are perfection, Treasure," he grinned with a half drunken smirk. "And as promised, I was quite swift."

~o~

The Witnesses cleaned up and headed downstairs to meet Orion. They were ready and feeling good.

"How do we look?" Abbie asked.

"Like you're ready to take on the eighteenth century," Sophie wasn't used to seeing Abbie in a long skirt.

"It took you long enough," Jenny teased, giving her sister a knowing side eye. "Ash took Frank and Macey to get settled in, and we are here to see you off."

Ichabod held up the emblem, uncertain if Orion needed it. "Well I have the Thura and we are ready to depart as soon as the Angel Orion is ready."

"I am quite ready. I need for both you and Abigail to hold the Thura. And I should warn you. I cannot be certain where in the garden the portal will open. The portal could open on the side of a cliff or under water... Do not be alarmed. You cannot be harmed in the garden; it just might be a bit unnerving."

"Ok. We're good," Abbie nodded. "Cori, thanks again for house sitting. Remember if there are any problems, call Seamus."

"Hey," Jenny had that look of worry she always had and tried to hide when Abbie was about to time travel. "Promise you'll be back for Christmas."

Abbie gave Her sister a quick hug. "I'll do my best. That I promise."

"if you're not back she's going to take all your presents," Joe tried to joke as Abbie gave him a hug and then joined Ichabod.

The Witnesses held hands with the Thura secure in their grasp.

Orion joined their hands and in a moment was able to locate the Garden Realm. He easily opened a small portal right in Abbie's living room.

"You must go before me so that I can hold the portal open."

"Ok," Abbie took a deep breath. "You ready Captain?"

He looked at her with soft eyes and a smile, "ready Lieutenant."