Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I'm x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x and welcome to my original Hellboy Fanfiction.

This fanfiction was based after the ending of Hellboy II – The Golden Army. So for those who haven't seen the second movie, there are a few references. Before writing this fanfiction I had never read the comics, although since it finished, I was introduced to the comics via the beautifully bound library editions that are being gradually released and are up to volume 6 out of (12?). Regardless, it had given me a better understanding of the characters and enabled me to learn about characters I have only done minor research on that had not featured within the films.

I was so surprised at how well this fanfiction was received. It's been about five and a half years since I started this fanfiction for the first time when I was about 16 and I never expected it to take off as well as it did. So at 21, I feel it is now time to breathe some new life into my work by re-writing it and making the story the best it can be. This will naturally take some time as it was my biggest fanfiction on the site and I am also working on 3 other projects (including the Life and Love Sequel) on here. So please do bear with me!

As an added note – thank you to all the readers who followed this story and to those who are just discovering it now. It's truly incredible to hear such glowing reviews, even now.

The Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, located originally in Fairfield, Connecticut had once been the headquarters for some of the most uniquely talented people in the world. Now, only three remained. Their skills were unparalleled. As a team, they had a higher success rate than even the most senior members of the FBI in dealing with national threats. Although; the threats this team handled were not on par with terrorists, it could be considered that these enemies were much worse. But of course; that was classified.

Following the events in Ireland with the Golden Army, none of the team had discussed much of what had occurred with Prince Nuada and his twin sister Nuala. Having officially resigned from the BPRD, Agent Manning managed to convince them to stay on as consultants to the Bureau, with help from Johann Krauss, with the condition of occasionally dealing with dangerous entities if required. In exchange for such a request, the BPRD relocated and allowed Hellboy, Abe and Liz to acquire the old headquarters for their own purposes. Initially they had been sceptical to accept such an offer, but eventually they came to the joint decision that if the building were re-designed and they were paid for their future help with the bureau, it would provide them with much better means than trying to find a new home, location and the money to support it all. Especially with Liz now expecting…

So with the underground levels sealed off, and a complete renovation, on the surface a beautiful stately home was created to replace the former bureau. It had taken months of work, but by November, the once FBI managed property now took on a completely different image, safeguarding the occupants from threats to their new home. Hellboy had perhaps been the most reluctant about the decision to stay. In spite of having spent so long in one location, he had wanted desperately to provide something new for Liz and their unborn children, even with so many memories of his Father lingering in the BPRD. His pyro-kinetic partner, however, saw it as an opportunity to begin life anew. After all they had gone through over the past few years, it didn't matter to Liz where they resided, as long as they were able to be a family. Nothing else concerned her. As for Abraham Sapien; nothing much had concerned him since Nuala's death. He had not provided his services to the FBI for some time and, while he hoped that a new home would bring back some form of normality, he knew it would be a long time before he could forget the encounters with the Golden Army.

In all the years they had worked together, Hellboy, Abe and Liz had come to rely on one another as a family. They looked out for each other, supported one another and would give their lives for each other. Yet they had all carried burdens at one time or another that affected them, either as individuals or as a team. Elizabeth Sherman had left the Bureau a record thirteen times, but as Professor Broom often pointed out, she would always return because it was the closest thing she had to call home. In the case of Hellboy; having been raised by humans, he was left with a desire to be as normal as possible. Having shaved down his horns since reaching adulthood; he so desperately tried to ignore his destiny and shun it to the best of his ability. Then there was Abraham Sapien, named after the President who had been assassinated on the same date found on the animation tank he had been left in. Abe's past had been the most questionable, with no real understanding of how he came to reside beneath the hospital at Washington DC. It had been understood after considerable testing that Abe held psychic abilities including telekinesis. He also became a source of knowledge for the bureau with his talent to read up to four books at once. Professor Broom's vast library had always interested him; and he had learnt many valuable lessons in life from the late Professor.

But even now, Abraham had no idea how to process Princess Nuala's death. He had seen many Agents die in the years he had worked for the FBI. But none had affected him such as this. But then, he had never loved, before her…

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

November. The time of year where fall gradually passed into winter, the last of the leaves falling as the cold weather began to draw in. The three occupants of the former Bureau, who had been kept busy with the re-development of their new home, were now settling in. But for the first time since the work had concluded, the three of them were left to come to terms with the mission they had been on a few months before. Hellboy had almost died, Liz bargained with the Angel of Death and Abe had lost his first love. Yet it was never openly discussed.

One afternoon; whilst Abe swam lazily in the comfort of his aquatic home, he had been reading when he noticed two Agents enter the room. Having recalled Hellboy being called out to a disturbance earlier that day, Abe observed them quietly, looking for a file amongst those on his desk before making their leave.

'Excuse me, could you just turn the-'

Too late, they had gone.

Curious as to why they would be in such a hurry or after one of the files on his desk, Abraham swam to the surface and placed his hands on the edge. Pulling himself up with ease, Abraham promptly dried off any excess water and dressed in something warmer before heading for the stairs. His room had been recreated to look very similar to Professor Broom's former office. Though it had been given a few alterations, keeping in with new technology and advancements.

Trying to recall what closed files had been in his possession, Abraham noticed the door open once more and a large red figure stood in the doorway.

'Hey Abe, buddy, you got a minute?'

'Of course, what-' he started when he felt a presence enter his mind. It was fleeting, the telepathic connection he had breaking almost as quickly as it occurred. Realising something was within their home; Abe was brought from his thoughts by Hellboy, his friend approaching him with concern.

'Abe, you okay?'

'Yes I just thought I felt something…what's going on?'

'Thought it might be something for your expertise. The FBI couldn't wait to get their hands on some newer model, but as it turns out, they're not getting anywhere. But I think you need to take a look.'

Walking with Hellboy from the room, they proceeded own the corridor to the main entrance hall. Putting on his black leather gloves, Abe still remained uncertain of what was happening when Abe opened the door to what had been turned into a living room where an unusual sight was presented to him.

All the furniture had been pushed back to the edges of the room; a number of FBI agents had been stood around, discussing the issue at hand when, having moved into a more central view, Abe saw the centre of the attention. A young lady with sat looking around her fearfully as the Agents watched her carefully. With a large towel wrapped around her, the only visible attributes that could be see were her slender hands, pale features and her long, honey blonde hair. Yet perhaps her most unusual attribute was the striking amethyst eyes that searched the room for a friendly face. They were enchanting to those who looked into them, despite her evident fear. Being the first to speak, Hellboy explained to Abe what they knew of her.

'We tried asking for a name but got nothing. I found her whilst I was out fighting the entity that needed dealing with. She basically got caught in the crossfire while I was fighting the bloody thing and took her as a hostage. Dragged her into the water by causing a freak wave. The thing took bullets like it was some kind of treat. But somehow, she managed to control the water and got herself close enough to shore to escape its grasp. I knew she had something strange about her, so I brought her here. Then these idiots took over and are now afraid to go near her.'

Giving Abe a look to imply it was nothing new, Abe nodded to Hellboy before glancing over at the girl with sympathy.

These people were making her feel like an outcast, a freak…something that Abe remembered from his first experiences within the bureau. He didn't wish for her to be put through the same. They had taken chances on far worse in the past.

'Red…' Liz remarked, joining them after hearing the commotion going on outside. Though before she could ask about the blonde girl before them, she finally spoke, her voice soft, yet tired and strained.

'Why…' she almost whispered. 'Why can't you just let me go? I'm not a monster. I won't breathe a word…please…I don't want to be here,' she remarked, choking on her words.

Sighing at the realisation he was going to have to make the first move, Hellboy began to speak to her, knowing she needed to feel reassurance, as opposed to threat and fear.

'You've got nothing to be afraid of. These guys might look a bit scary in their black suits, but that's just because they want you to think that when actually most of them are just heartless and a bit stupid.'

Watching her shrink back a little, still unnerved by Hellboy's appearance, Abe felt Hellboy hadn't worded himself well. Though before he could react, Abe approached her carefully, not wishing to startle her.

'It's okay, there's nothing to be scared of,' he uttered, his soothing voice being welcomed by the girl. Yet she hesitated at being approached by someone with an appearance such as his. Frightened at what he might do, she edged back a little, away from his outstretched hand.

Responding by withdrawing his hand for a moment, Abe knelt down carefully to her level, the flexibility he demonstrated not concerning her as much as he thought it would, when he breathed softly assuring words to her.

'We won't hurt you; I promise…none of us are here to hurt you. We just want to help.'

Watching as Abe gentle held out his hand too her, gloves by black leather, she seemed to observe him for a moment, considering his words carefully. Finally; raising hers, she hesitated slightly before allowing her fingertips to move across his palm, her hand in his as he smiled at her graciously. Closing his hand gently over hers, she looked into his blue eyes as a tear slipped down the silk of her cheek. She was offering her trust in him and for a moment, she forgot they were being watched.

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

'You know, I dunno why we came back here,' Hellboy grunted as they all sat discussing the matter while the girl slept.

'You know why Hellboy, besides, we need to think of them before ourselves,' Liz responded, placing his hand on her growing bump. Sighing as he nodded, Hellboy leaned back into the chair, still disgruntled by the FBI's intrusion. Though as they heard the door, Hellboy and Liz welcomed Abe into the room before Hellboy resumed lighting a cigar.

'How is she?' Liz asked, Abe considering the question as he tried to find words to explain it.

'She is very unnerved and on edge. We can only hope she will sleep from exhaustion. I understand her though. Those Agents didn't handle her arrival in the best way. They interrogated her when she clearly poses no direct threat to us. I think we can help her, if she trusts us enough to confide what exactly she can do and even where she came from.'

'She may not even know,' Liz offered, Hellboy shaking his head to disagree.

'No, I saw the way she was dressed, I still have her bag,' he responded, holding it up from behind him. 'Didn't want the FBI getting their grubby hands on it and analysing her. Believe me, I think she was running from something.'

'Well, she hasn't done anything wrong,' Liz mused,

'That won't stop those Agents from wanting to take her in,' Abe responded. 'She has demonstrated abilities of some kind and they will want to know how she has stayed under the radar if she has had them for a long time. I just don't want to see her put through the things we have experienced.'

Watching him stand and disappear from the room, Hellboy and Liz sat considering their options when Hellboy was reminded of something.

'I just realised, I never had that talk with Abe about giving that piece of the crown to Prince Nuada.' Hearing Liz groan as she rolled her eyes, she got up and also left the room, uttering her disapproval.

'So much for some sympathy…'

'What did I say?' he questioned, oblivious to the sensitive matter going on as Liz went to their room, where many renovations had been made, leaving them with a spacious bedroom that was of course, fireproof.

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

Having passed through a side door from his own room, Abe found the girl lay under a warm duvet. Seemingly asleep, Abe walked carefully, so as not to disturb her and placed a cup of tea by her side. Lifting his hand, Abe could feel the girl's thoughts radiating, telling him she remained awake.

'You have nothing to fear, no one will harm you here,' he offered, receiving no response. Respecting her wishes, Abe left the room, understanding why she would not want to speak to anyone, given the circumstance.

'Ah, Abe,' Agent Manning's voice remarked, bringing Abe's attention to the door, 'where is the new girl? I thought we should run some tests and see just what she…'

'No,' Abe stated calmly, cutting off Agent Manning before he could go any further.

'But…'

'She's tired. You had your chance to talk to her, so if Abe tells you to back off, then that's what you're gonna do. I highly doubt she can be considered a deadly threat. Do you?' Hellboy said in an agitated manner, towering over Agent Manning as he walked up behind him.

Clearing his throat, Agent Manning seemed to think better of what he intended to say and instead nodded to them both before reluctantly leaving.

'Just keep an eye on her.'

'Yeah yeah,' Hellboy responded, clearly uninterested as he shut the door in Manning's face.

'Thank you,' Abe said gratefully, his tone laced with a weary exasperation as he walked over to the nearest row of books. 'It's been a long day,' he uttered, massaging his temples as he did so.

'You know Abe, you haven't really said much since that whole Golden Army thing…you wanna talk about it?'

The concerned question made Abe smile. He knew Hellboy couldn't have asked such a thing in an easier way. But none the less, he knew it was best to be honest, rather than to deny the truth.

'What happened that day was something that my mind often wanders too. I now consider the actions we take more carefully, because the last time I thought I did the right thing, Princess Nuala sacrificed herself. It may have been for the greater good; but I only wish it could have ended differently. I suppose some things just aren't meant to be…'

'Abe, listen, I know things don't feel great right now, but you'll find someone. Maybe the Princess wasn't right for you,'

'But she was like me…she understood me. I won't meet anyone like her again…'

Deciding to try his point of view from a different angle, Hellboy considered his relationship with Liz.

'Look, I know I may not be in the best position to give love advice. But you did everything you could to try and keep the Princess safe. You risked a hell of a lot to do that, and she knew that. But she also knew it was her time.' Patting him on the back, Hellboy watched the merman who had become a brother to him and smiled sympathetically.

'Trust me buddy, you'll find the right one.'

Nodding appreciatively, Abe bade Hellboy goodnight and once alone, thought over everything his friend had said.

He knew Hellboy had been trying to help. Though as he selected four new books to read, Abe couldn't help but feel overcome by a wave of sadness. Deciding to put on some music, Abe selected a Ludovico Einaudi CD and placed it in the player. Though as he readied himself to get into the tank beneath him, Abe thought of the girl sleeping in the next room. Her striking eyes were beyond captivating. Yet her irrevocable pure aura that he could feel from the touch of her hand had left him curious by her. It was those very eyes that had prevented Abe from learning anything of her by her touch, something that Abe had never experienced until now…

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

'Do you think he's alright?' Hellboy asked as Liz sat reading a pregnancy book, her eyes flitting from its pages as she observed Hellboy's concerned expression.

'I think he's trying to be. Then again, I also don't think he fully understands what he's feeling right now. She clearly meant a lot to him and Abe has watched you and I make sacrifices to save each other. Each time we have both come out of it together…but when Abe tried to save the Princess, she sacrificed herself regardless. That's bound to weigh on his mind.'

'I just dunno what to say in situations like this. He says he doesn't believe he'll ever meet anyone like her.'

'Well you can understand where he'd get something like that from…' Liz mused. 'How many times did you talk to Abe about me? How many times did you tell him that you would never find anyone like me? Abe is like you. He cares for anyone who needs his help. He demonstrated that today. I think it will just take some time before he opens up to what he's feeling.'

So there you have it, Chapter 1 completely re-written. I will aim to try and get one chapter re-written each week until it is done. Perhaps two if I'm lucky.

But for now, I have Chapter 1 of the Sequel to finish!

~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x