Chapter Text
Kat came out of the pond and to the surface, swimming to the rock and climbing up.
"Alice?" She called out, hoping Alice would be by the pond but it was too much to hope. The idea that Alice was in danger had kept replaying in Kat's mind. She didn't know why her daughter hadn't come back in three days.
She started to walk and that was when she caught sight of two people, and from behind she knew it was Alice. Kat raced after her, to see Alice in a white dress with a man Kat didn't know – and the man twirled her around and then kissed her on the lips. Kat paused for a second before shaking her head.
"So, this is what you ditch your father for?" Kat asked, shocking the two.
"Mom?" Alice said.
"Ma'am," the man Alice was with said. "I assure you my intentions with your daughter are honorable and Elijah gave permission for me to take her on a walk."
"Elijah? So, we are in the 1800s," Kat said. She had expected it from Jacob book, but now she knew definite.
"Yeah, mom," Alice said.
"I thought you were in some danger," Kat said. "I had visions of you tied up in someone basement."
"Were there basements in the 1800s…?" Alice asked, and Kat paused, not sure of the answer to the question. "Nathan, some help here?"
"I don't…" the young man, Nathan, started, a little confused now.
"That's not the point," Kat decided.
"Well, I assure you I would defend Alice with my life," Nathan said, and Kat kind of found herself liking this new boy, but also a bit annoyed with him interrupting the mother/daughter conversation.
"Good. Now you, be quiet," Kat said to him, pointing and turning back to her daughter. "What happened?"
"I was pushed," Alice said.
"Again," Kat said sighing. "Why didn't you come home?"
"I tried. The pond won't let me go. Why did it take three days for you to come after me?" Alice asked; she had been expecting her mother to figure out she had time traveled when she didn't leave and come after her. "I had been worried something happened to you too."
"I thought you were with Brady," Kat said, confusing Alice. "Someone took your car and cellphone. They texted Brady you were cancelling and texted me you were fine and arrived safely..." with this, Alice eyes widen.
"I do not understand what you are talking about, but I will help you as best as I can," Nathan spoke, despite her telling him not to.
"Who exactly are you?" Kat asked, turning back to the boy as he spoke up again.
"Nathan Coyle," Nathan said and Kat took a deep breath in.
"Coyle?" Kat asked taking in the man in front of her.
"He's Thomas nephew," Alice said, and a small smile appeared on Kat's face.
"Thomas," Kat said rubbing her hands together for some reason. She didn't know why she suddenly needed to move her hands. "Is he here?"
"I traveled with him from New York," Nathan said. "He will be thrilled to see you. I can lead you to him – and get you some dry clothes," Kat had almost forgotten she was still wet from the pond; she was getting used to walking around in wet clothes after so many jumps.
Nathan started moving off and Kat put a hand on Alice's shoulder, stopping her for a second.
"So, erm, what about Max?" Kat whispered.
"He's not born yet," Alice pointed out. She had been feeling guilty for the last few days, getting so close to Nathan, but she couldn't deny the chemistry between them and decided to just go with it, knowing there was a reason she was here.
"I'd say something," Kat said as the two started moving after Nathan. "But cheating on your boyfriend in the 1800s with a Coyle is kind of my MO."
Kat now smiled as she recognized the old Landry Farm, the farmhouse all built up again. The last time she had seen it was right after the fire with Elliot himself.
"Uncle?" Nathan called, and Kat could see Thomas in the fields with William and Jacob Junior. She paused at how big Jacob Junior had gotten.
"Is it… 1820?" Kat had to make sure with Alice.
"It is," Alice said. "Why do you say it like that?"
"You never looked at Elijah gravestone, have you?" Kat whispered, and Alice shook her head, but before Kat could continue a familiar voice turned her head.
"Katherine," Thomas said. "My Katherine."
Kat couldn't stop herself as she rushed to Thomas and Thomas lifted her, twirling her. "My Thomas," Kat said when she was on the floor the two staring at each other.
"Oh, just kiss," Alice said, and Kat laughed.
"I like your daughter," Thomas said, and did as instructed kissing Kat passionately and Kat returning the kiss.
"Katherine," this was William, giving Kat a smile. "Father will be happy to see you. Is Jacob here?"
"Not yet," Kat said. "Where is Elijah?"
"He went to town," Thomas said.
"I think I better get on some more appropriate clothes and the four of us should head to town," Kat said.
"There are some dresses inside. Susanna sent them over for me," Alice said and Kat had to smile at her daughter talking about Susanna as she went into the house, easily finding the dresses and changing into one.
She quickly went back to where Thomas held out his arm for her. "We should go into town," Kat said.
"The town still thinks of you as the White Witch. We'll go, but let's stay on the outskirts," Thomas said and Kat gave a nod as the group started to walk towards the settlement, saying bye to William and Jacob Junior as they did.
As they walked, Alice pulled her mom's arm, getting her to slow down and letting the two Coyles get a bit ahead.
"What did you mean about Elijah gravestone?" Alice whispered.
"He died in 1820," Kat said, and Alice frowned but nodded. "And all evidence we have gotten says we'll be involved. Well, at least you are."
"Not again…" Alice mumbled, not wanting to be involved in another family member's death but knew if that was what was meant to happen, then she couldn't stop it.
-The Way Home-
Jacob came out of the pond now, and ran towards the farmhouse at full speed, barely feeling the water all over him or the cold.
"William!" Jacob called, seeing his brother, and then paused at seeing Jacob Junior. "Jacob Junior?" His nephew was definitely a young teenager now.
"Jacob," William said giving a smile. "It has been too long."
"Uncle Jacob?" Jacob Junior said giving a smile.
"Is this 1820?" Jacob asked; he was sure he had gotten it right.
"It is," William said.
"Where is father?" Jacob asked.
"Went into town for supplies," William said.
"And… my sister and niece?" Jacob asked.
"Left with Thomas and Nathan into town," William said, and with that, Jacob went into the farmhouse. He first changed his clothes, glad his father had kept clothes for him, then he found the gun and loaded it. "Jacob what are you doing?" William asked, having followed him inside.
"I'm going to fix it, William!" Jacob said as he went running for town.
"Fix what?!" William yelled, but his brother ignored him.
"He has gotten strange since he went back to his world," Jacob Junior muttered, and William couldn't help but agree with his son as they watched Jacob run out of view.
-The Way Home-
Kat, Alice, Thomas and Nathan were approaching town, with Alice now wondering what part she'd play in her ancestor's death – her mom hadn't said any more of what she knew. Alice also wondered how much her mother did know and where she got this information from. It was over 200 years from their time.
"So, I am guessing now you are here, something interesting will happen?" Thomas voiced. Kat was holding onto his arm, and Alice was holding onto Nathan as they walked. If things hadn't started so dramatic Kat would feel like she and her daughter were on a double date again.
"I think we should tell them mom," Alice said.
Kat looked at her daughter but gave a nod.
"Okay. Elijah is going to die, and it has something to do with us," Kat said.
"Then we shall save him," Nathan said.
"We can't," Alice said. "Trust me, Nathan. If Elijah is meant to die today there is nothing, we can do to stop it. We have tried before and always failed. Everything we try, just made it happen."
"That is disappointing," Thomas said as they entered the town, but stayed far from the center. "We should still find him."
As there they walked, they heard a female scream and Alice jumped and turned, instinctively running towards the scream. Kat, Thomas, and Nathan paused for a second before following Alice to find a woman was standing over a man who was on the ground.
"He just fell!" The woman cried.
"His heart is not beating," Alice said, having checked his pulse. "Not breathing…." Alice mumbled and then put her hands on his chest and started CPR.
At this, Kat paused.
"Breath life back into…" Kat mumbled, remembering what she'd read, watching as Alice did rescue compression and breaths to the man, Kat hearing Alice sing a familiar song of 'Staying Alive' under her breath – Kat remembered from a TV show that song had the perfect beat for CPR.
The people around seemed confused, yelling at Alice, who didn't stop until the man who had fallen took a breath.
"You!" Thomas said, pointing at a young boy fast when he saw the man take a breath. "Go get Susanna now!"
Kat felt that was a good idea as the boy ran. They might need Susanna and her influence over the town.
"You… brought him back," a female said. "You're a witch!"
"What no… it was just…" Alice began but then paused. "Oh crap..." it dawned on her that CPR might not be a thing in this time or in this town yet. She really had no idea when CPR started.
"You claimed my husband soul for the devil!" The woman said, Alice now realizing the man was her husband.
"Stay away from her!" Kat moved forward. Her presence seemed to be ignored until then, but eyes turned towards her and Kat knew she was recognized right away.
"The White Witch returns," someone else said as Alice backed away into Kat's outstretched arms, Kat realizing both of them were wearing white dresses. "That is your whelp?"
"Whelp?" Alice asked.
"Child, basically," Thomas said coming up and putting a protective hand on them and his other on his gun; Nathan going in front of them as well.
"Stay back," Nathan said looking over the town and exchanging looks with his uncle. The two knowing they would do anything to protect the two woman.
"When did you learn CPR?" Kat asked.
"Seemed like something good to learn," Alice mumbled back.
"She has saved your husband. Nothing bad has happened here," Thomas spoke up.
"You may like your soul being claimed for hell, but I would prefer my husband dead over his eternal torture," the woman said.
"What's going on here?" The familiar voice called, and Kat turned to see Elijah walking up.
"The Landry come to defend his witch," one of the town people said.
"Witches," another said. "The Imp has been staying with him!"
"Katherine," Elijah said, giving Kat a nod as he approached the group. "Friends, we are better than this as a people. Katherine and Alice are good people. Good friends. They just come from a different place and know different things."
"We watched her take our moon," someone yelled.
"That wasn't magic," Kat said. "I just knew it was going to happen.'
"And she just revived my husband from death with her hands, breath, and a spell. I heard her mumbling it: Staying alive," the woman said. This caused Kat and Alice to almost break into laughter, but they held their composure.
"It's just a technique anyone can learn," Alice spoke up. "It is used often at home. I could teach you."
"I would never partake in black magics," the woman said Kat tightened her hold on Alice's shoulder and forced her to back away.
"I think what Alice is saying is there is no black magic here," Elijah said. "Think rationally, everyone."
"Cyrus was right four years ago; the Landry has sold his soul to the Devil," a man said and two men took out their guns. Thomas took his out as Nathan reached for his own. "We must stop this evil from our town."
Before either the townsfolk, or the two Coyles, could fire a different gunshot was heard and one of the townsfolks holding his gun to Elijah fell, the other one, with his gun out, turned and shot at the shooter. Kat turned in time to see Jacob get hit.
"Jacob!" Kat cried, and Kat and Alice both ran towards Jacob who had fallen to the floor. Thomas and Nathan were with them both of them holding a gun out. Thomas pushed Elijah back as Elijah also went over to his son.
"Enough!" A voice called out. Susanna Augustine had arrived as Kat inspected Jacob's wound. Lucky, it seemed to have been bad aim, and the bullet had hit him on his side. With medical attention fast he should be able to recover.
"What did you do?" Kat asked Jacob. She knew this wasn't supposed to happen.
"The book about the pond. It gave me a way to manipulate the pond so I could change time," Jacob whispered and Kat sighed.
"Witch hunts are no longer allowed in this town," Susanna was saying, moving forward. "Cyrus and I forbid it."
"Since when does Cyrus forbid witch hunts?" a man said. "He wanted to hang the witch!"
"Since he realized all it brought was misfortune to the town," Susanna said. "Burning Landry Farm at a time we should have all stuck together, injuring himself in the process. Witch hunts bring only pain and have very little proof. Katherine and Alice are welcomed in this town as friends."
"See, Susanna will handle it. No one need die…" Jacob said.
"Maybe he's right," Thomas replied.
"I don't understand what's going on," Elijah frowned unsure what the group meant about no one needing to die.
"You welcome witches as friends," the wife of the man Alice saved said. "But they prove their magic. They stole my husband soul."
"She makes potions herself," another person said. "I always thought she was a witch. Have you bewitched Cyrus?"
"I speak for my husband," Susanna said.
"Let's go to Lingermore and hear it from his mouth," another said, taking hold of Susanna.
"Let her go!" Thomas said, now pointing his gun.
"Grab them too," another said.
"Thomas, we need to go," Kat said and Thomas gave a shot, giving out some warning shots with Nathan as well as Elijah helped Jacob up; using the distraction, the group of six running out of town towards the forest.
"I can't," Jacob said, slowing down. He was bleeding too much. He would never make it to the pond. "Go… without me."
"I won't leave you my son," Elijah said putting an arm around Jacob.
"Nathan, get Alice to the pond," Kat said, giving Thomas a nod; they would stay here and give Alice and Nathan time to get to the pond. The two were younger and could run faster. "Alice, it's a book with a blue cover, get it and figure out what Jacob did and correct it!"
"Come on," Nathan said, taking Alice's hand to stop any argument as they heard the townsfolk approaching. There was no time for long goodbyes.
"I'll be back," Alice called to her mom as the two ran through the woods away from them just as the townspeople appeared through the trees.
Thomas held out his gun, starting to shoot at the approaching men as they shot back.
"Stop!" Kat said. "Fine! You are right: I am a witch, and if you don't leave us and release Susanna, I will curse you all to Hell!" That paused them for a moment, but not for long as someone said called to 'hang the witch'.
"Nice try…" Thomas said as they backed away slowly.
-The Way Home-
Alice and Nathan ran fast through the woods in the direction of the pond. The two could hear people running after them, but it seemed Kat and the others had given them a good lead.
"The Pond!" Nathan said, as they came up to the pond.
"It does not look happy…" Alice said as she got onto the rocks; the normal calm water seemed to have some ripples in it, even foaming at the edges, and Alice wasn't sure how. Her only thought was whatever Jacob had done, had affected the pond and she hoped it let her travel back to 2026.
"You'd better jump," Nathan said as they heard the town getting closer.
Alice paused though, looking at him. She knew when the town came, they would either take him or kill him. Looking at the man she had spent a good portion of the last three days with she couldn't let that happen.
"Jump with me," Alice said; it being a sudden idea she'd had, and she held her hand out to Nathan.
"My uncle said we couldn't," Nathan frowned.
"Jacob broke the rules already! Maybe all the rules are broken," Alice reasoned, and could see Nathan was uncertain. "What's the worst that happens if you don't travel with me? You get wet before they kill you?"
"Point taken," Nathan said, taking Alice's hand and getting onto the rocks next to her.
Alice gave Nathan a nod as they both jumped into the water…
-The Way Home-
In the present, Elliot stood in front of Landry house with the weird Pond Rule book in his hand. Del was with him, as well. Moving his hand over the blue cover as he had looked to figure out exactly what Jacob had done.
"From what I can see here, Jacob found a way to manipulate the pond," Elliot said. "I think he's trying to save Elijah."
"That boy…" Del said shaking her head. She needed to have a long talk with him one day about impulsive moves.
"Something is wrong… I can feel it," Elliot said, shaking his head. "Maybe we should see if we can use this to travel to…" Elliot stopped as he noticed a car approaching the house, frowning as it parked and it's driver got out. "Nick?"
"Hey," Nick said as three other people got out of the car; one, female, must have been about the same age as Elliot while there were an older female and older male with white and gray hair who must have been around Del's age. "I'd put that book down El..."
"How do you know about the book?" Elliot asked as Nick came over and put a hand on the book, Elliot not letting it go. Nick and Elliot staring at each other both keeping a hold on the book as they did.
"Who are they?" Del asked. "They look... familiar," as Del said it, her dog Fynn ran up to the two females, greeting them as if they were old friends, the pair petting him with a smile as Fynn wagged his tail happily.
"It's a long story which shouldn't be told right now," Nick said, seeing the looks on both of their faces. "Do you two trust me?"
Del and Elliot look at each other and then nodded. "Yes," they said together.
"Then give me the book," Nick said, and Elliot let go of the book and Nick pulled it towards him taking it in both hands. "Go into the house, and if you see anything weird… just ignore it," Nick then paused. "Oh, and if my moms call you, don't answer the phone. In fact, turn your phones off."
"Nick, what's going on?" Elliot asked.
"What's happening has already happened before," Nick said.
"That's not an answer," Elliot mumbled.
"Best I can give you," Nick shrugged.
"You never answered. Who are they?" Del asked; her attention had been with the people who had arrived with Nick, who stayed back by the car, clearly letting Nick lead. Del couldn't get over the feeling she knew them, despite never having seen them before.
"People who have been waiting for this day for a very long time," Nick said, giving them a smile. "All will be explained when Kat, Jacob, and Alice come back. I promise. But go into the house and turn off your phones," Elliot and Del shared a look, but nodded and moved back into the house as Nick went to the car.
He held the book up to the younger female.
"Got it," Nick said. "What do we do with it?"
"Hold onto it," the female said, and Nick nodded.
"We'll hold down the fort here. You two should go wait," the older male said and the two females nodded. The younger one kissing Nick while the older one kissed the older man.
The two females nodded at each other as they headed for the wood and towards the pond. Nick and the man stood there watching as the two disappeared.
"Now we wait," Nick said.