"The Call Of The Sea" (Chapter 3)
"Ichabod Crane" , Katrina said, "I know you love me"
"Ah, um, Oh, Of course my love" Ichabod stammered
"I am also well aware.." Katrina continued a bit sadly, "Your love for Abigail has grown and you feel powerless to stop it." Ichabod opened his mouth in a useless attempt to refute Katrina, but even he could not deny the truth.
"Ichabod", Katrina took his hand tenderly, "your love for Miss Mills was destined to be. Neither you or I have the power to stop it. Your fates are so intricately linked there is nothing either one of you can do to change your feelings."
"But, you are my wife." Ichabod sighed.
Katrina took a deep breath and said, "Yes, and as your wife, I have to face the truth. We cannot go on like this Ichabod. To ask you to disregard your feelings toward Abigail would be cruel and foolish. T he only way to rescue Abigail now is True love's kiss. Everyone in this room knows you are the only person who can save her You must stop attempting to protect me Ichabod. I am not a damsel in distress. I am a powerful Witch once again and I will be fine. You need to cease your feelings of guilt and face reality, that is what I intend to do. I love you enough to set you free .I've grown weary of witnessing you and Abigail denying your feelings and fooling no one but yourselves. It is time to make things right.
No one spoke for several moments until Jenny cleared her throat and said, "OK, now that everything is out in the open, can we please get all hands on deck here and rescue my sister, we're running out of time!"
"Of course" Katrina said. She cast a spell allowing them to locate Abbie's exact whereabouts. The spell also gave them the ability to remain under water for one hour.
The trio easily found Abbie crafting seashell bras and jewelry with Coral and Planktona. Ichabod took a few tentative steps toward her as the Merfolk looked on with curious apprehension.
"Well, it's now or never", Jenny said. "We don't have much time to get this done. Go get her tiger! Go on and kiss the girl." She playfully pushed Ichabod closer towards Abbie.
Abbie just stared at the newcomers. Who were these strangers? she wondered. Abbie had seen humans before of course, walking along the shore. They always intrigued her for some reason she couldn't put her finger on . This one who was gazing so intensely at her, was certainly handsome. His eyes were as blue as the sky over Sleepy Hollow Lake on a perfect day. His hair floated seductively about his charming face.
Ichabod could not believe what a vision Abbie was. Life as a mermaid only enhanced her loveliness. He needed her back in human form so they could resume their destiny together. He was grateful he no longer had to hide his feelings. He walked closer to her.
Aquadis, who had been watching the scene unfold, immediately swam towards Abbie and stood in front of her protectively. "What is your business here human?", Aquadis spat the words out with a jealous venom.
Ichabod knew a challenge when he heard one. "I have come to bring Abigail back home."
"This is her home, human." Aquadis hissed.
Ichabod tried to calm Aquadis, "No, you are mistaken. She does not belong here. She is a human who was enchanted by Merbruna, the Sea Demon."
The Merfolk gasped, they were well aware of Merbruna's power.
"There is only one way to prove the truth." Ichabod continued.
"True love's kiss." Everyone, Merfolk and human turned to see who let out the cackled response. It was Merbruna, in all of her hideous glory.
"If you think for one second I am going to allow some land witch floozy to screw up all of my hard work, think again! The spell is almost permanent! You, pretty boy," she shouted at Ichabod, "step away from the mermaid."
Katrina had had enough. She faced Merbruna and said "Did you call me a land witch floozy?"
"Yeah, Red, I did! What are you going to do about it?" Merbruna challenged.
"This" and with two flicks of her wrists, Katrina transformed the great Merbruna into a harmless lavender sea anemone.
The Merfolk were clearly impressed. Aquadis decided the appearance of Merbruna gave credence to Ichabod's story and he allowed Ichabod to approach Abbie. He loved Abigail, but if she were truly a human he could not condemn her to a life in the sea.
"Abigail", Ichabod said gently as he took Abbie's hand. "We, I need you to come back to your life on the shore. The life you are destined to lead with me. Do not be afraid Abbie, I need you to return to my life."
Abbie listened, trying to understand. She was not afraid, in fact she felt an odd sense of comfort in this human's presence. She put her hands up to his face to gaze into his eyes. She saw truth, reassurance, and most of the love in them. Ichabod's face was so close to Abbie's now, he decided it was time. He leaned in and gave her a heartfelt, tender kiss.
The transformation happened quickly. Abbie Mills was now fully restored to her human form. She, oblivious to the stares of everyone else, kissed Ichabod again with a passion that made the Merfolk blush.
"Hey", Jenny laughed, "I think you two need to save some of that for later, like when you're alone. And please Crane put your coat on my sister, now that the fish tail is gone..."
"Oh, Right", Ichabod blushed, he hadn't realized Abbie was completely naked. He immediately covered her.
Aquadis watched the scene between Abbie and Ichabod sadly. Abbie, swam over to him and took his hand. "Aquadis, I never meant to deceive you or hurt you in any way. You were so good to me and I will always be grateful for that."
"Ah bee gill, You are lovely, and so special, even human you are truly beautiful. I will miss you, my sweet. I must admit I am envious. The human world offers numerous possibilities and surprises. Without you, my life has ceased to interest me. What I would not give to have a chance at a human existence.".
Abbie thought a moment, and said "Aquadis, I have an idea, but you have to be sure you want to be human. You know what they say 'the seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake'"
"Humans have that expression too", Aquadis asked in surprise. "Well, I suppose humans and Merfolk are more alike than I imagined".
"Maybe", Abbie said. "OK, I think I know who can make your dreams come true." Abbie motioned Katrina over. "Katrina, is it possible to turn a merman into a human?"
"Why yes it is." Katrina confirmed. "The same rules apply . If the spell is not broken in seven days. The transformation would be permanent'".
"So Aquadis, are you willing to take the plunge and become a human?" Abbie asked
"One question", Aquadis smiled and asked Katrina, "Are all the women as beautiful as you, and that lovely creature over there", he pointed at Jenny.
"Well", Abbie laughed, "there's only one way to find out. Ready?"
"Yes!" Aquadis said with enthusiam.
Katrina recited the incantation and instantly Aquadis was transformed.
"Oh my", Jenny smiled , as she looked at the 'au naturel' Aquadis,"I think you'll do just fine with the ladies on the shore." Ichabod tried to cover Abbie's eyes, but it was a bit too late.
"Katrina", Abbie said , "Could you conjure up some pants."
"Of course", Katrina created a stylish outfit for Aquadis's debut as a human. All the ladies approved.
"We really have to get back now", Katrina advised "our time here grows short."
Aquadis, said goodbye to his friends and family. They were all quite happy for him. He promised he would try to visit whenever he could. He rejoined his new friends as Katrina whisked them back to the Archives.
Katrina and Jenny decided to take Aquadis back to Abbie's apartment. Jenny said she would let Katrina take her room for the night, she would sleep in Abbie's room and Aquadis would sleep on the sofa bed. They insisted Abbie and Ichabod needed some alone time in the cabin. The 2 Witnesses couldn't agree more, and settled in to enjoy the first night of the rest of their lives together.
one year later...
Abbie and Ichabod are greeted by shouts of "Surprise" as they walk in to Austin's pub on Main Street. All their friends have gathered to wish them congratulations on their engagement.
Jenny ushers them to the table they share with her and Frank, Aquadis and Katrina. Jenny and Frank moved in together three months before, a week after his divorce was finalized. Katrina and Aquadis have been dating for the past six months. Aquadis, the romantic, wears his happiness on his sleeve. Katrina loves him so, she practically glows. Abbie and Aquadis have remained close friends. you can often find them on nights like this locking arms and singing sea shanties, only known to them.
Yes, it's safe to say that in the end everyone in this tale 'lived happily ever after!'