This is the final chapter

Chapter 13

Abbie slowly trudged through the mud of the construction site. Immediately she regretted wearing medium heeled boots. Ichabod held the spell book in his hand and explored the site ahead of Abbie. The construction site was larger than they had expected and filled with heavy equipment and large holes. "It's starting to rain. Henri should've been here by now," Abbie said as she checked her phone.

"Unfortunately there is not much we can do until Henri arrives. He promised to bring shovels and a ground penetrating radar. In my day we used paper maps instead of miniature computer devices," Ichabod responded.

Suddenly the pair found themselves blinded by the high beams of a small car. It was Henri, and he was driving a black Kia. Abbie raised an eyebrow when Henri exited his car. "Wow, a Kia. I'm shocked, it doesn't seem like your style."

"Nice to see you too Abbie. As for my Kia, I try to blend in whenever I can. I have the map, everything else is in the trunk. Let's finish this quickly please. I absolutely hate being wet, it ruins my hair," Henri said.

After retrieving the shovels and a long explanation about ground penetrating radars, the trio started their mission. It was interesting how many strange things were buried and forgotten. It was like they were on a creepy, supernatural scavenger hunt. After 30 minutes of searching they finally came across a promising lead. The depth and location were indicative of a buried body.

Henri handed Ichabod a shovel, "Okay, let's do this. I'm stronger than you so this won't bother me much. But Ichabod, please don't hurt yourself. I really don't want to pay your medical bills."

Using Henri's vampire speed and Ichabod's determination, Elizabeth's body was quickly uncovered. The poor woman's skeleton was still wearing a now tarnished necklace. "Well that's interesting, I remember the day she got that necklace. I have the salt, all we need is your spell Ichabod," Henri directed.

Before Ichabod could say the first word of the spell he was interrupted by a frantic Abbie. "Crane look out! She's behind you!"

Standing behind Ichabod was Elizabeth. She was dressed in a plain blue Edwardian-style day dress. Surprisingly her beauty was still visible, even though she was soaking wet and had matted hair. Elizabeth let out a loud shriek and pounced on Ichabod. Instantly Ichabod began choking on water and gasping for air. If Henri and Abbie didn't do something immediately, Ichabod would drown.

"Henri, circle her body with salt now! I'll read the spell," Abbie shouted as she retrieved the spell book Ichabod dropped.

Abbie was nervous, she'd only seen the spell once but never practiced saying the words. There was no room for error. If she got this wrong Ichabod would die. "Revertimini ad antiquitatem vestram sepulchrum," Abbie began nervously.

Instantly Elizabeth released Ichabod, clearly the spell was starting to work. Unfortunately Ichabod was still choking on water. Abbie looked over at Henri, he'd successfully circled her body with salt. "Vos enim non prius viva. Tu negotium rite celebrata. Recedemus," Abbie finished.

Elizabeth's form burst into water and she was gone. Henri and Abbie immediately rushed over to the gasping Ichabod. "Crane can you breathe," Abbie said as she shook his body.

Ichabod coughed and expelled the remaining water. "Thank you Abbie, you saved my life. I never thought that I would experience drowning. I found it considerably more uncomfortable than being buried."

Henri knelled beside Ichabod. "It worked! I had my doubts, but it's finally over. You're more brave than I ever expected Ichabod. And Abbie, you continue to amaze me as usual."

Ichabod sat up slowly. "We could not have done this without you Henri."

Henri inspected Ichabod's battered body and noticed the beginnings of a bruise forming around his neck. "Forgive me, I should have done this sooner," Henri said as he pushed his right sleeve up his arm. Ichabod and Abbie looked at each other suspiciously. "You're covered in bruises and you were nearly drowned. The least I could do is heal you." Henri revealed his fangs and bit down on his wrist.

The sight of Henri's blood made Ichabod nervous. "Henri, this is not necessary really. I'm perfectly fine."

"Don't be foolish Ichabod, take my blood! I'm sure this is the only opportunity you'll ever have to taste vampire blood," Henri said as he pushed his wrist towards Ichabod's mouth. "I promise you'll feel better and more powerful than you ever have. This is my parting gift to you."

Ichabod yielded and ingested a small amount of Henri's blood. Within a few minutes the bruises on Ichabod's body disappeared and he felt invigorated. "What are the side effects of ingesting vampire blood," Ichabod asked nervously.

"I only gave you a small amount so there won't be any side effects. If you drank a lot you'd think about me constantly. And if you somehow managed to die with enough vampire blood in your system, you'd turn into a vampire. But don't worry, you're fine," Henri smiled.

Abbie hugged Henri tightly, "Thank you, for everything."

Henri looked down at her and smiled. "Now that everything has been handled, I'll be on my way. I'm taking a midnight flight to Tokyo. I do wish you'd come with me, but I know that you won't. I want you to know that I'll never forget you Abbie."

Abbie ran her fingers through his strawberry blonde hair. "No, you can't leave now."

"I told you that I'd be leaving as soon as Elizabeth was taken care of. I've taken up enough of your and Ichabod's time. I have to go Abbie, it's already 7pm and I can't be late." Henri placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Will we ever see you again," Ichabod asked.

"I can't make any promises. Maybe one day we can all go on vacation together," Henri said as he walked towards Ichabod. "And thank you Ichabod for finding the amulet for me. I've been limited by darkness for so long, and you opened a whole new world to me. I have a letter for Abbie, I want you to give it to her for me. Not now, maybe in a few days or weeks."

After discreetly handing the letter to Ichabod, Henri slowly walked to his car. Henri looked back one last time at Abbie before he opened the door. "If you ever meet another vampire stay far away from him. They're not all as classy and nice as I am, remember that. I love you Abigail Mills, until the end of time."

Ichabod stood next to Abbie and looked down at her, clutching the secret letter in his hand. They stood silently as they watched Henri drive down the dirt road, into the night, and out of their lives. "It's going to feel weird not running around with a vampire," Abbie laughed.

"Yes. We must return to our ordinary lives of fighting demons and ancient evil. How will we survive the monotony," Ichabod responded humorously.

"We'll make it somehow. Come on Crane, it's getting late and we've got to be at work in the morning. Plus these shoes are killing my feet," Abbie said as she shook the car keys.

Translation: "Return to your grave. You are not living. You're business is finished. Be gone."

END

Thank you for reading all 13 chapters. I would love to continue to story but I don't have the time. Maybe there will be an episode that involves Abbie meeting a vampire :)