Author's note: This story is the sequel to my fanfiction "Them or us" made for the Hellboy movie universe. This takes place after that story, so I recommend reading it first. This story is based on Del Toro's movies Hellboy one and two. It is also very loosely based on the comics "Garden of souls" and "Plague of frogs" by Mike Mignola . The only character that belongs to me is Louise Moran and the storyline is my own as well. Thank you Mike Mignola and Del Toro for creating stories that continue to inspire out imagination. Cowoline.

- OOO -

Five people had been killed over the past two weeks. The authorities' official statement was that there was a particular aggressive alligator in the area, who was the cause of these deaths. He didn't believe it. Alligators didn't need to eat that often or in that amount, in that short period of time. And now his son had gone missing. The police said they would do anything they could to find him, but he didn't believe them and there was no way he would just sit by and do nothing. So instead of staying indoors and keep out of the swamp, he took his rifle and searched for his son, accompanied by his dog. Afternoon turned into night and he had still not found his son. It was raining and he was wet to the bone. His boots were heavy from the mud that they had collected from several hours of walking. The rain and the darkness made it impossible to navigate and his son's disappearance and the killing made him paranoid. He jumped at every shadow and started to see terrifying shapes in every second piece of shrubbery. The wise thing would have been to turn around, but the dog seemed to finally have gotten a scent of his son. He then heard the sound of something moving behind him. He turned around flashing his flashlight, but saw nothing. His breathing became heavy and he was beginning to tremble. If it was the cold or his anxiety that provoked he didn't know. When he turned around he saw it. Its large eyes were shinning red from the flashlight, its skin greenish brown and it was as tall as a man. It was anything but an alligator.

"God, have mercy..." He said in a low terrified voice as he was frozen in place.

- OOO -

Another Friday night, another party. Michael always liked these university parties, but this one he had looked forward to because she would be there. She never came to these things usually, but she made an exception, since they had just turned in their final paper for their P.H.D. He had an eye on her for months, but rumour was that she was already in a relationship. But since no one had ever met him, Michael had decided to try his luck anyway. Louise was pretty, funny and intelligent. She was not a person all guys went for, but her kind and confident behaviour made her irresistible to him. He had tried to convince her to go out with him before, but she had turned him down. Yet he kept persisting. One day he was bound to succeed, right? She was standing near the window drinking that sweet white wine she liked so much, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol. She was wearing a dark jeans and a purple shirt with no sleeves and many of the top buttons were unbuttoned. With her long sliver earrings, dark red hair in a ponytail and the dark make up that made her green eyes sparkle, she was as tempting as any goddess. Louise was strange. In some ways she was very feminine and in others not at all. Like her taking a P.H.D. in engineering. Everything about her seemed to be a contradiction. He walked towards her and she gave a sweet smile as he approached.

"Hey Mike. Want some?" She offered him some wine.

"Hey, no thanks. I still don't get why beer isn't good enough." He smiled teasingly, raising his beer.

"I prefer to drink something I actually enjoy. Especially, since it happens so rarely." She smiled.

"You could come to these things more often, you know. It would be nice having you here." He replied with a flirting smirk, that she chose to ignore.

"You know I don't stay for the weekends." Louise stated, seemingly indifferent.

"I know, I just don't understand why." He replied trying not to sound to annoyed.

"Because, I have someone waiting for me." She smiled with a blush. Michael grumbled on the inside. He couldn't make her blush with the most flirtatious remarks, but just the thought of that guy could make her turn scarlet.

"Oh yes, the imaginary boyfriend. I don't get it. You only see this guy on the weekends and he never shows up for anything important happening here. If he was worthy of you he would show up, when you have accomplished something. Like today." Michael stated seriously.

"Maybe I like the mystery? What girl doesn't want to be swooped away by some handsome stranger in the dark?" She teased in a sarcastic tone.

"I'm serious. He never visits you. He hasn't met anyone you know and you always stand ready for his every beg and call. You are usually so independent. This relationship can't
be healthy for you." He said concerned.

"It's not what you think. I know you mean well, but I am happy with him." Louise explained.

"Why him? I would be there for you if you let me. What makes this guy so wonderful, when he doesn't even show up at a time like this? To celebrate your accomplishments." He asked seriously and tried not to sound pleading.

"He might not be here tonight, but I tell you this. If I am stuck in hell, he is the only person who is going to cross it simply to get me back." She stated seriously. So much so that Michael almost believed she meant it literally.

"Is it a race thing?" Michael asked suddenly, in a little insulted way.

"What?" She asked, as she spat out her white wine and her eyes widening.

"Is it because I'm black?" He said seriously and got angry as she started laughing.

"What? Why is that so funny?" He said angrily.

"Because, you are being idiotic!" She blurted out with a laugh and then composed herself before continuing.

" Sorry, that was unkind... It has nothing to do with that. It's just that I love someone else. If you knew..." Her cell phone made a noise. Louise took it up and read the text message. Instantly a bright smile appeared on her face and her eyes sparkled the same way as, when she was enthusiastic. She looked out the window and waved down to a black car parked in front of the building.

"And your jailor as summoned you." Michael grumbled. Louise shook her head.

"See you Monday, Michael." She said sweetly and gave him a peck on the cheek.

He looked out the window as Louise ran out the door. By the car stood a man in a black leather coat with the collar up, black gloves and a hat, even on a warm spring night. It was the same every Friday. He would stand by the car, text Louise and she would run down and throw herself into his arms. They guy never came inside or talked to anyone. Then when Monday came he would remain in the car as she exited it. On more than on one occasion, she had taken a few steps away from the car only to jump right back in it and kiss him. Well, Michael assumed that was what she did. Since the glass on the car was shaded he couldn't be certain. But her lips always had the brightest colour of deep pink after. Tonight was no exception, other than the fact that she was intoxicated. As soon as she came out the door she ran towards him, jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately. He always embraced her as if he was never going to let her go and yet, when Monday came, he would anyway. Michael couldn't figure it out. If they were so in love, as they seemed to be in the dark of night, why would they not want to spend every waking moment together?

- OOO -

Abe had to chuckle as he looked at her. It wasn't funny really, she wasn't feeling well. Then on the other hand it was completely her own fault. Still his heart felt a little ache seeing her lying in their bed, in pain, hiding her head under the pillow. She looked so pathetic and adorable at once. He went next to her side of the bed and sat down.

"Louise, wake up." He said lovingly to which she just groaned.

"You, my dear, have a hangover." He stated in a far too happy voice for his lovers taste.

"You would think stating the obvious would be a waste of your abilities." She grumbled sarcastically with the pillow still covering her head. Abe just chuckled.

"Stop being a baby. Sit up and drink this." He ordered still with a smile in his voice.

"You are positively the doctor with the worst bedside manner, I have ever met." She grumbled.

"That so." Abe stated without a hint of sympathy.

"Yes, and I know Red will agree." She continued to grumble. Abe leaned forward and placed his mouth just above the most sensitive spot on her neck.

"I don't remember you complaining about my bed manners last night." He said suggestively as his lips ghosted the sensitive area, sending a shiver down her spine.

"I was too drunk to remember." She stated coldly, but the smile she hid under the pillow told another story.

"No you weren't." Abe chuckled and removed the pillow earning a scowl from Louise.

"I'm beginning to understand why Red hates psychics. It's impossible to win an argument." She grumbled with a small crocked smile.

"Enough complaining and drink this." Abe said as he handed her an aspirin and a glass of water. She sat up and took the pill and drank the water.

"Thank you, love." She smiled sweetly at him handing him the glass.

"You're welcome. Did you enjoy yourself last night?" He asked as he stroked her cheek and placed the glass on the night table.

"Weren't you just boasting about contribution to the night?" Louise asked teasingly and heat instantly rose to Abe's cheeks.

"Ha! I made you blush!" She declared, as if it were a victory. He leaned in and kissed her a little roughly.

"That wasn't what I meant and you know it." He growled teasingly against her lips and she chuckled.

"It was entertaining, that's for sure. I missed you though... especially, when Michael kept hitting on me. That guy simply does not know how to take "no" for an answer." She sighed.

"I'm sorry, I would have been there but…" Abe started to apologize.

"It makes you uncomfortable and that's perfectly alright. As long as I get to come home to you, it's fine." She smiled sweetly and kissed him again. He sighed with relief. Despite her childish teasing and mockery, she was both wise and understanding. Still a part of him continued to have that nagging feeling. He pulled away and looked at her lovingly, but sad.

"I wish I could give to the support you deserve." He sighed resting his forehead on hers. She pushed him back slightly and gave him a kind smile.

"You stayed up with me two nights in a row, while I finished my report. And after that you even read through it to help me check for errors. Not to mention you made sure I have a job, when I'm done. You are supporting me constantly and it means the world to me." She smiled stroking his cheek.

"I was happy to do it, but it's not just that... I can never be a full part of your life, without exposing you to ridicule or harassment." Abe sighed sadly and she gave him a confused look.

"Where is all this coming from? Michael... you read my mind and saw the conversation I had with him, didn't you?" Louise said and with the realisation gave him a stern look.

"Well, yes... It was on your mind on the way home, it was difficult not to notice." Abe said slightly apologetic.

"Damn it Abe!" She growled.

Abe knew he had crossed a line of some sort. She would never use his nickname unless she was scolding him. The worst part about it was that her mind would be racing so fast, he couldn't keep up with her thoughts. It made her impossible to read, unpredictable and in addition to that she could have a wicked tongue. She could crush even the best made arguments.

"I know you can't help but read my mind, but seriously! When you do, would you at least have the courtesy of reading my emotions along with it? I was thinking about it because his interrogation annoyed me, not because I have doubts about you and me." She said sternly and took herself to the head. This was not helping her headache.

"I was, but have you considered that this is emotionally trying for me? Knowing that I cannot be there, when I want to?" He snapped.

"Of course I have considered it and you know it! But you of all people should know better, than let such thoughts be inspired by jealousy." She snapped back and he cringed.

She might not be psychic, but she knew him so well, that he could hide almost as little from her as she could him. Louise let out a sigh and lay back down. He instantly regretted that he snapped at her. She was after all just trying to get through to him how much she cared. He leaned forward as he stroked her cheek and she offered him a small smile.

"I can't wait to be done with my study. Then I can finally move in here instead of travelling back and forth. If you still want me?" She replied, the first part sweetly and the next teasingly. He leaned forward further and kissed her.

"You know I do." He replied and gave her another small kiss. "Now get up. I think we better get something solid in you." He continued as he sat back up and she gave a groan.

"Alright, I surrender to the power of logic, good reason and concerned boyfriends." She sighed with dramatics and Abe chuckled as he went down the stairs. Almost the instant he was down he heard her again.

"Aaawww Abe! What the hell is my shirt doing in your tank?" She scolded, but Abe just smiled.

"It wasn't on purpose. I was focused on other matters, remember." He replied with a chuckle before walking out of the library.

Louise shook her head, as she fished her shirt out of the water and twisted it to get the water out. She couldn't believe that Abe had been jealous, but she had to admit it was endearing. She just didn't like when it inspired such dire thoughts. Only seeing each other in the weekends was straining on both of them. A part of her thought this level of attachment slightly ridiculous, but after all they had gone through together these past nine months, perhaps it was normal. She chuckled to herself at the irony. The most normal part of her life, in the first long while they had known each other, had been her feelings for him. He was right in a way. They could not just go out like other couples. Even seeing a movie, without people starring at him, would be impossible. It didn't bother her either way. If people were starring, it would be their problem and if Abe was more comfortable with avoiding it, she understood that as well. Thankfully in a month there would be one aspect less of their lives that would be separate. She grabbed some clothes and put them on. She felt a little queasy, so perhaps getting something to eat wouldn't be a bad idea.

When she walked into the shared living room and kitchen, she saw Red sitting on a chair at the dining table with Abe. Red grinned when he saw her.

"Oh, I know that look. You need some coffee squirt." Red said with a smile as he raised his mug. Louise cringed. Coffee was something she had never learned to drink.

"Don't worry, I made some tea for you." Abe chuckled and she sat down next to him. As he handed her the mug, she gave him a small kiss on his cheek.

"Abe, you can't spoil her like that. You raise a high bar for the rest of us. Next thing you know Liz will start bugging me about how I should pay more attention to her needs." Red grumbled, slightly joking.

"I apologize." Abe chuckled.

"So I get to suffer, because you don't want to spoil Liz? Damn." Louise replied with a smile.

Abe was about to reply, when his phone rang. He answered it and walked away from the table. Red pushed some toast towards Louise.

"Eat."

"Yes sir." Louise replied with a smile and then looked at Abe in the other end of the room. "How has he been?"

"He seems to be fine. Why?" Red gave her a curious look.

"He just seemed concerned earlier. It's probably nothing, but sometimes he doesn't tell me everything. I can't always decide if it is relation to me or if it's just something he
is doing for the bureau, he can't tell me about." Louise shrugged.

"Well, he does miss you, when you are in New York." Red concluded.

"I know, but as long as I am studying it is easiest for me to be there." Louise sighed.

"How long until you are done?"

"My final exam is in three weeks and my graduation in four."

"And then it's of working for the bureau?"

"Yup, if Johan gets his way."

"Good thing it isn't me. It always pissed me off to have Manning breathing down my neck." Red grumbled and Abe returned to the table.

"I'm sure it won't be that bad. I am after all going to be a researcher and developer, not going to do fieldwork. And even if it is, I'm sure it is worth it." She smiled looking at Abe, who stroked her back. He then looked at her with an apologetic expression.

"What?" She asked.

"It was the bureau. They have found something they want me to take a look at right away." Abe explained sadly.

"Can't they do it themselves?" Red grumbled.

"Apparently my expertise is needed. I'm sorry dearest." Abe said looking at Louise.

"You don't have to apologize for having to work. I know I'm not the most important thing in the world." She said seriously. " Though, it would be so much more fun if I was." She continued with a fake pout that made both Abe and Red chuckled.

"I'll try and see if I can take some of it with me and examine it here. I'll be back as soon as I can." Abe said and gave her a kiss in her hair before leaving. When he was out the door, Red looked at Louise with a smile.

"So gun practise or Halo?"

"Both." Louise said enthusiastically, the headache seemingly passed.

- OOO -

When Abe arrived at the bureau, he was anxious to get in and out of there as soon as possible. He was a little irritated that they needed him, when Louise was home. He tried to comfort himself, with the fact that in a month she would be living with him permanently. He had never thought of himself as being the jealous type, but a part of him was terrified, that being away from him meant that she would realise all that she was missing and find someone else. Not that she had given him any reason to doubt her.

"Hey Fishstick." Manning called from down the hall and Abe went towards him.

"Hello Manning. Would you care to show me why I am here? If you don't mind." Abe requested politely, eager to get this over with.

"Sure, follow me. You will find this interesting."

They walked a little further towards one of the examination rooms and as they walked through the door, Abe nearly fell over. On the examination table was a body of something that looked like a mixture of a frog and a man. It had large eyes, green brown rough skin and webbed hands and feet. In all the time Abe had been with the bureau, he had ever come across any creature that reminded even slightly of himself.

"We have been investigating some unusual killings the past two weeks. Last night the agents managed to track this thing down and kill it. As you can see there is some resemblance and we thought you expertise would be needed." Manning stated.

"Well, it is clearly amphibian, but that does not mean that it is necessarily related to my case. I will look into it however." Abe replied and got ready to examine the creature.