Good Evening everyone! Hope you're all okay and have had a good weekend. Rather depressing that it's Monday now...but there's always this weekend to look forward too...Anyway here is the next chapter which will involve Belle's meeting with Hellboy, Abe and Liz...It's set to be a very interesting chapter I can assure you.

I'll say no more on it but I hope you all enjoy and please review, thankyou!

Music of Inspiration: This chapter was a variation of music, mainly classical, including "finale" from Hellboy II

Once alone Belle began to walk down the hallway, looking into some of the rooms as she passed. One of the Agents had told her that her room would be at the back of the house, on the floor that dipped down past the hallway and around the corner.

Though as she came to the living room and pushed the door open lightly, a small cat emerged, jet black and purring with vivid blue eyes as it wove around her ankles. 'Hello there,' she smiled, kneeling down and reaching to stroke the cat when it lifted its head, rubbing it against the palm of her hand before leaping into the hallway and slinking off into a different room. Smiling fondly as she stood up to full height again, Belle looked into the living room, finding it to be not as spacious as her home, though still a good size with a feeling of warmth about it. Yet as she walked in carefully, careful not to disturb anything in considering herself a guest, she took a seat in one of the large leather arm chairs, Belle wondered how long it would be before she met her new companions and what they would be like. There didn't seem to be any pictures in the living room or in the hallway, leaving Belle still none the wiser. Though she soon settled a little, taking a book from her bag and beginning to read from where she had left off.

Belle was an avid reader...ever since she was little; she had been brought up amongst fairytales, with her mother telling her of the Princesses and Princes living in grand and – in some cases – enchanted castles. Though Belle's smile fell slightly at remembering her situation, and glancing down at the cover of her book, Belle finally began to read, getting through two chapters quite easily when as the light began to dim outside, a cars headlights shone through the large open windows. Standing up and leaving her book on the arm-rest, Belle felt slight nerves, hoping that the first impressions would be only good. Though as the car rolled to a gentle stop, Belle realised that it was her own Mercedes, the engine recognisable as it got nearer, with the silver paintwork gleaming in the outdoor light. So going to the entrance and opening the front door, the Agent handed Belle her keys and informed her that Agent Manning would be visiting the following day. 'Thankyou, for bringing my car over,' she said graciously.

'It wasn't a problem. Nice car to drive,' he responded lightly, when he looked into her eyes, considering something as Belle saw in his thoughts, though unintentional as it was. 'Tell me something Miss. Lucivia...how much do you believe in myths...or in things that are believed to not exist...' the Agent asked her carefully, Belle looking to him with a questioning expression.

'I'm not sure I follow...though I believe there is some truth to every myth...' she answered, the Agent nodding slightly. 'Why do you ask?'

'While you are here I don't doubt that you will see things that you have never seen before...but remember...have trust in those that are here to look after you. They won't let you down, given the chance.'

As Belle watched the Agent for a moment, a little uncertain of what he was trying to tell her, it was then that another car drove up, sleek and black as the Aston Martin had been. 'Well I must take my leave Miss. Lucivia, just remember what I said.'

'I will...thankyou,'

'By the way I wouldn't expect them too soon. They're a bit caught up with an old boss, but just make yourself at home, I'm sure they'll be back as soon as they can,' he called before going to get in the car.

'That's quite alright, I don't mind the wait,' she smiled, the Agent then bidding her goodbye before leaving again. Returning inside, Belle then waited into the night, nobody arriving after the two Agent's until half eleven that evening when finally a car pulled up on the drive that had been different from the others. Though Belle didn't have a chance to see what type of car it was, or the person getting out of the driver's seat. Hearing the front door open, Belle heard a voice call in. 'Hello?'

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

Meanwhile, during that afternoon, Hellboy, Abe and Liz had been called to meet with Johann, the discussion being about Agent Manning and the FBI's intentions for the now retired team. Though in reality, Abe noted that it was more about Johann wanting to advise them on being cautious before returning to his segment of the FBI. It had become clear that Johann's trust of the FBI was failing especially in the bureau, though it had been after Manning had returned to his offices that evening, that he noticed the four in a quiet conversation and abruptly requested to speak with them. However Liz had then excused herself upon hearing the new girl had arrived at their home, knowing that it wouldn't be fair to leave her waiting...a leave Manning didn't seem to find, though Liz was quite aware Agent Manning was probably more interested in speaking with Hellboy and Abe. Presuming he hadn't told her already, the girl would undoubtedly find it a shock meeting them, though she apparently wouldn't do for another night by the tone Agent Manning had when she left. Getting in their four by four and pulling out of the FBI base, Liz knew Hellboy and Abe would be getting dropped off by the FBI once finished, Liz thinking it more to do with the fact of Manning worrying about what Hellboy's driving would be like if left alone with their big four by four. It was a dark red in colour, with one sided glass windows that had been tinted in order to allow Abe and Hellboy to be there without gaining too much attention.

But now as Liz drove into the gates that led up to her home, she looked on the drive at the parked Mercedes, also seeing the light in the living room as she parked up and got out of the car with care, she was more focused on their new guest. So walking up the steps and letting herself in, Liz saw the few cases by the door, and then looked around before saying "hello?" That was when she saw her. As a young lady emerged from the living room door, pushing a strand of hair back out of the way, Liz initially thought the girl looked her age, though the way she presented herself as Manning has suggested was mature, her personality quite pleasant as she spoke softly. 'Hello, I'm sorry if I was intruding being sat in the living room I just wasn't sure when you would be returning.'

'You don't need to apologise for that, it's fine...I'm sorry no one was in when you arrived though. It's been so busy today and we weren't told that you were coming this afternoon, we thought it would be later tonight.'

'That's alright,' Belle responded, 'though I'm afraid I wasn't told your name...'

'Yeah the FBI aren't always the most informative, we weren't told yours either...I'm Liz Sherman,'

'It's nice to meet you Liz,' Belle smiled, 'my name is Belle Lucivia,'

'Belle...nice, at least it's not as common as Liz,' she remarked, Belle smiling slightly, when Liz offered her something to eat, 'or would you rather just see your room?'

'I am a little tired actually,' Belle admitted,

'Well then, I'll show you to your new room' Liz remarked, 'I know this is probably all going to be very new to you but I hope you find everything okay here.'

'I'm sure I will,' Belle responded as she was taken down the corridor and a couple of stairs which led to three doors, Belle being shown the one on the left. 'Here we are,' Liz said, leading Belle inside to find a beautifully decorated room of white and cream that had a classic look about it. The ceiling was pure white with circular designs around the chandelier lighting in the middle. The edges of the ceiling that moved down to the wallpapered walls were also white with a large design that had a stem of blossoms in blue going across the one wall which opposed her new bed. The bed itself had a frame made of metal though it was edged in marble, the designs on the marble being delicate and cream with sphere's for the bed posts that look like crystal. Seeing two wardrobes stood in the far corner, Belle's attention was taken to the fairly large window at the back of the room, edged in white with the windowsill beneath it that was clearly a good enough size to sit on comfortably, the curtains long and velvet being a deep blue in contrast to the wall decor. 'You can rearrange this room however you like while you're here, I'm sure you'll make it a little more homely once you're things have been brought in.'

'It's lovely,'

'Well you'll be able to meet the other two in the morning...Agent Manning wanted to speak with them briefly about your stay. But I'm the only girl here, just so you know. I just hope you don't find meeting Red and Blue too intimidating. It's not really easy to know what it will be like when you meet them, though they are both very good hearted people.'

'That seems to have been mentioned frequently,' Belle noted partly to herself, 'but why wouldn't I get along with them? I mean you're all doing such a good thing in allowing me to stay here.'

'Well not many people understand or even try to understand them; I can't say I've not had my share of it too. But it's just a question of whether you're different to most...'

Belle hadn't been exactly sure how to take all of this, it had been such a difficult day and Belle was finding more and more that seemed to go unanswered. 'I'll let you get some rest then, you're probably tired,'

'Yes...'

'If you need anything, my rooms around the corner and up the stairs,' Liz said about to leave as Belle thanked her when she then said,

'Liz...?' the pyrokinetic looking back as Belle remarked, 'I'm not like most...' Liz looking at her for a moment, and seeing her eyes sparkle in the light, wondering how she had missed that when first looking at Belle. Smiling at her and nodding, Liz then bade her goodnight and closed the door.

Looking around the room which was now her own, Belle took off her shoes and feeling the thick softness of the carpet beneath her feet, before walking over to the windowsill, settling herself there as she looked out over the dimly lit gardens. Sighing as she met her own wistful gaze in the windows reflection, Belle continued to think about her newfound reality even as she drifted off into her first sleep at her new home.

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

It had been another hour and a half before Hellboy and Abe got in at one am, Red looking particularly irritable, though Abe just seemed weary. 'So how many hours did they drag us out for?'

'I believe-'

'Actually it's probably best not to tell me,' Hellboy said decisively. 'I think I'm just gonna get some sleep...though it looks like we've definitely got company,' he remarked seeing the cases by the door.

'Apparently so...' Abe nodded, 'though I don't think she'll be awake at this time...'

'Yeah, and I told Liz not to wait up...though she'll probably still be up anyway...but honestly she needs the sleep with the hours she's been getting up at lately.'

'Well after feeling ill for the past few mornings, a late night might help her sleep through it tonight,' Abe said thoughtfully.

'Yeah...well goodnight Abe, see ya in the morning. Should be interesting seeing how this kid takes to us,'

'Goodnight Red,' Abe responded, the two splitting off as they went to their rooms, Abe not commenting on the new arrival, his mind on just how she would react to them. Though it naturally concerned him more than it did Red...something Abe sometimes admired about his best friend...Though as Abe went down to his room and put a hand to the door handle, he glanced the room beside it, and paused for a moment, wondering just what they're new guest would really be like...

'So...what's she like?' Red asked Liz as he came out of the bathroom, drying his face off with a towel, his girlfriend looking at him with a calm expression.

'She seems nice...definitely upper class, but not as bad as you'd expect. She seemed really grateful,' Liz said thoughtfully.

'So you liked her?'

'On first impressions yeah,' Liz nodded, Hellboy coming over and sitting on the edge of the bed, his chest gleaming red in the lamps light.

'Well we just gotta see whether her opinion of it changes tomorrow...'

'You really don't think she'll stay do you?'

'I dunno, I haven't met her yet...it's just...after what happened before...'

'Not everyone's scared of you Red,' Liz said coming behind him and putting her arms around the back of his neck. 'You just think that they are because of one bad night...'

'They were afraid of me Liz...sometimes I just expect that reaction now, I just hope the little ones never have that...'

'They won't,' Liz whispered, kissing him on the cheek. 'Besides, all that matters is that we will love them, and they will have good lives. That's what really matters,'

'I guess you're right...and you never know this girl just might not be afraid after the initial shock...'

'Don't talk like that. I mean come on...I met you when I was eleven...and you didn't scare me...'

'Yeah...I remember babe,' he said softly, moving up the bed and taking her into his arms as Liz lay against his chest. 'I remember...'

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

The following morning, Belle had awoken fairly early, the daylight shining in and showing her room in a delicate light as she sat up, wondering whether anyone else would be awake yet. Though Belle still decided to get up, thinking that she may be able to have a look around outside if no one else was around...Yet she wasn't the only one who had woken, Liz was also wide awake, being unable to sleep in late recently due to her pregnancy waking her up and leaving her feeling a little nauseous. But once over this initial feeling as she sat up for a while, Liz then pulled on a black silk dressing gown over her black pyjama's and walked out of the room and down the few steps that led into the hallway and towards the kitchen. Putting on the kettle and leaning against the worktop, Liz had been rubbing the sleep from her eyes, catching her reflection in the silver refrigerator and shaking her head as she turned to pour herself some tea. Black with no sugar...she noted with a slight smile when a sound made her pause. Settling down the kettle and going out into the hallway, Liz met Belle who looked at her in surprise. 'Oh! I'm sorry...I didn't think anyone would be awake...I was just...'

'It's alright,' Liz said, easily dismissing it. Belle was already dressed a wrap over dress that looked a little like a kimono, its fabric being purple silk, with a thin sash around her waist being a lighter shade of the same colour, the sleeves being long and flowing outwards slightly as it got nearer her wrists and hands. With her hair now down however, Liz was surprised to find that Belle's hair was down to her waist, though it had a little more styling at the front.

'Do you want anything to eat or drink? You must be hungry?' she suggested, the thought having slipped Belle's mind. She hadn't eaten since the previous afternoon and in all honesty she had felt quite hungry.

'Yes if it's not too much trouble...' she then responded,

'No, not at all...' she replied, going back into the kitchen and preparing Belle a light breakfast, before suggesting they go and sit in the dining room.

'Are you not eating?' Belle asked as she bit into her toast, Liz shaking her head.

'No...I can't say I often eat much in the morning lately...'

'You're pregnant aren't you?' Belle responded, putting it in such a way that didn't seem out of the ordinary, or suggest that Belle had done anything other than guess it.

'Yes,' she smiled, 'I guess I am showing more now,' she responded, though her dressing gown hid it better, though in wearing black Liz had found it seemed a bit smaller than it was.

'So how far along are you?'

'About five months, I have to go and have my next scan in a couple of weeks,' Liz responded taking a sip of her coffee. 'I just wish the morning sickness would pass.'

'I'm sure it will...' Belle replied.

'Listen there was something I wanted to speak with you about this morning,' Liz then began, setting her drink down and looking at Belle, wondering exactly how to explain Abe and Hellboy to her. 'I told you that there are two others you'll be staying with, and I think that I should tell you a bit about them before you meet them,' she remarked, though Belle heard a voice from down the hallway which interrupted Liz.

'Morning Brother Blue...'

'Good morning Red...'

Belle's POV

That voice...I recognised it...the latter anyway, but I just couldn't believe it...not without seeing it. Though that was when Liz spoke again.

'Looks like you'll be meeting them sooner than expected...I'll come with you,' she remarked standing up, walking past me and then waiting for me to stand and follow, which I did, though I still wasn't prepared for what I was about to see.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

As Belle walked out of the dining room door and into the hallway, she then heard a deep voice speak behind her, 'looks like everyone's up then, I was wondering when we'd finally meet the new arrival,' Belle turning and seeing a large tall figure behind her, this startling Belle as she looked up into his golden eyes and red features and almost froze into place. Though it was the merman on the left that surprised her the most, a gasp escaping her lips...Hellboy looking from Belle to Liz in confusion, neither of them having any idea that Belle and Abe had met, the two watching each other in equal surprise, with Abe's eyes not leaving hers for a moment...

'Abraham...' she breathed.

So Belle has met the team, but what will her opinion's be, and will she stay? it's all going to be coming up in the next chapter, as well as Abe's reaction to meeting Belle again.

I hope you enjoyed, please do review, it's much appreciated, and thankyou to all of those who've favourited and added this to their story-alert. But please review, it's great to hear you're opinions and thoughts on each to all those who have already...

I will be updating soon,

~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x