Hi everyone!

Goodness it's been a while...I'm sorry I haven't updated in about three weeks...but with my birthday, exams, and such all going on at once, I've unfortunately been struggling to find time to work on this chapter. But it's finally finished so I hope you all enjoy it :) it's 21 pages long...so I have worked at it this birthday special!

I hope you all enjoy this chapter which has everything from romance, secrets, new mysteries and a slightly comical start to an unusual mission...Some good moments!

Also thankyou to everyone for the lovely birthday messages, I had a wonderful party and a great day!

Music for inspiration – The West Wing – Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast)

Enjoy and review please!

It had been at 6am that morning when the FBI had come to collect Belle, though she was deeply asleep, Hellboy being surprised to find her in Abe's room, though as he woke Abe up, the merman was also surprised to know that she'd be leaving so early.

'Why are they here now?' he asked with a tired expression, a frown across his features.

'Apparently they think it's safer to drive her home while it's still dark rather than in the day. I dunno, I didn't really ask...I was more annoyed by the fact they woke me up at six in the morning,' Hellboy growled irritably, Abe shaking his head a little as he tried to wake himself up a little more.

'But Belle's asleep.'

'Well they're not disturbing her. Just gotta hope she's a pretty deep sleeper,' Hellboy remarked, 'so you carrying her then? Or shall I do it?' Hellboy offered looking to Belle with some pity.

'I'd imagine she's less likely to awaken if it's you, as my skin will be quite damp to her.'

'Yeah okay Brother Blue, though remind me why she's in here?' Hellboy asked with a smirk.

'She fell asleep earlier,' Abe amended quickly, though Hellboy could see his best friend tense a little.

'Relax buddy,' Hellboy remarked. 'Nice to see ya got a new friend,' he said, Abe thinking about what his friend said as he watched Hellboy carefully lift the sleeping girl in his arms. 'Right...' he muttered, 'better get her to them before they start

Though as Hellboy carried the sleeping Belle upstairs, he found that she continued to sleep contently in his arms, the FBI agents waiting seeing Hellboy and Abe, greeting the latter quietly...

'Good morning,' Abe nodded in an equally quiet tone, his expression somewhat plain as he walked past them, two agents opening the front doors to allow them out into the cold morning.

'Took you long enough Hellboy,' Manning said, 'do you realise how damn cold it is out here?' he grumbled, their breath being visible in the early morning air.

'Says the guy who arranged this? If I wasn't determined not to wake the girl up I'd tell ya exactly what I thought of the way ya run the bureau...If ya can call it "running the place" that is.' Though as Abe quietly intervened, Hellboy looked down again to the sleeping Belle in his arms and moved around Manning to the car with the back doors being held open to lay Belle inside.

'Don't disturb her. Got it?'

'Sure Red,' the Agent nodded, Hellboy and Abe standing back as the door was quietly closed ready for the cars to be driven away. Though as the engines came to life, sounding somewhat louder in the cold morning atmosphere, Abe and Hellboy couldn't help but think that it would be good for Belle to go home and return to the life she was so accustomed too...

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

Yet it was only later that morning that Belle finally awoke, her eyes flickering open to see a bright shine of light in front of her. Lifting her hand over her eyes to shadow it briefly as she woke herself up a little more...though as she sat up, Belle realised she was no longer on the sofa that she had fallen asleep on, but in bed...her bed. It seemed difficult to believe but as she looked around the room and saw her cases by the door, Belle was off the bed quickly, opening her bedroom door and walking out onto a landing that was only too familiar. Glancing over the golden banister Belle looked down into the grand hallway that made up the entrance to her home, she could hear talking though what the people were saying only became more audible as she walked down the sweeping staircase, and down towards the living room where she was able to trace three auras. The first two belonged to her mother and father, but the third was Manning's, his uninteresting voice bringing her to sigh slightly as she walked to the living room door to see her parents sat together.

'Belle!' Glenna exclaimed, getting up and embracing her daughter with a bright smile, 'oh I'm so glad you're awake, I wanted to waken you when they brought you in, but Harold thought it may be better to let you sleep,'

'How did I...?'

'Oh Agent Manning arranged for you to be brought back in the early hours of this morning as he thought it would be safer...'

'Why didn't you tell me that?' Belle asked looking to the middle aged agent, 'I could have been ready when you called.'

'It was a last moment decision,' Manning replied smoothly, 'we thought it would be in your best interests. Besides two of your assigned agents said not to disturb you, hence why you weren't awakened' he said with a slightly raised brow, Belle seeing on the surface of his mind who he meant.

'It still would have been more courteous to tell me considering I woke up feeling very disorientated and it is not pleasant,' Belle replied feeling unhappy that she hadn't been able to say goodbye before leaving for the weekend. Though her attention was drawn away from Manning as Harold also got up to speak to Belle...

'It's wonderful to have you home Belle, though why don't you go and refresh yourself, you must be tired after all this,' Harold remarked, Belle smiling slightly at him, though her feelings towards Manning remained somewhat frustrated as she didn't glance to him again before leaving the room.

Returning to her room, Belle looked around as she walked through; trailing a hand along the duvet of her bed as she walked to the balcony that over looked the gardens. Breathing in the fresh morning air, Belle opened her eyes and wondered why she hadn't been awoken...Manning had implied that someone made it clear not too wake her. But who it was she didn't know...

Perching herself on the balcony, Belle overlooked the gardens thinking quietly how long it seemed to have been since she was here. Yet it was only when she heard a loud bark, that her attention was immediately captured. Crossing the room again, Belle was met halfway on the stairs as the beautiful white Samoyed she loved ran up to her, lifting his full body and resting his front paws against her shoulders as Belle ran her hands through his fur, laughing as he licked her playfully. 'Down Chance,' she said; still laughing as Chance lowered himself and turned to walk contently beside his mistress as she then walked down to Harold, Glenna and a rather nervous looking Manning.

'Shouldn't that th- er dog be on a leash?' he asked, Chance sitting beside Belle as she rested her hand lightly on the top of his head.

'Not while he's in the house, Chance is very tame,' Belle remarked, smiling at her wolf like companion and sensing that somehow Manning probably preferred Hellboy's cats.

'Right...well I'd better be off, er, got a lot of paperwork to do,' Manning remarked, not taking his eyes off Chance as he half walked, half backed up to the front door.

'Thankyou Agent Manning, we will see you Monday morning,' Harold said calmly, Manning nodding before leaving the door with one last glance to Belle, the clairvoyant hearing his thoughts of dread at what she might say to her parents, Chance having gone to follow Manning to the door when Belle sat down and put her arms around him, Manning quickly making his escape at this point so as to avoid the dog running up to him.

'Maybe it should have been mentioned that dogs sense tension,' Belle suggested with a smile, Hatold and Glenna both looking to their daughter and laughing lightly, though in her happiness at returning home, Belle was pleasantly unaware of the worry and nerves Glenna felt, only hoping Belle's birthday would be one to remember for the right reasons.

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

Meanwhile, with the knowledge that Belle would be gone for two days, the FBI had virtually dropped any planned form of contact with Hellboy, Abe or Liz. So with this space of time free, Johann took it upon himself to visit the team. Having not met the girl he knew they were watching over, he was unaware of what she may be like. But he somehow found it hard to trust the FBI's involvement, this provoking him to inform the team in light of the unusual friendship they had formed.

So as Liz gazed at the golden coloured flames which ran delicately over her hands, her expression was slightly concerned, though she quickly retraced the fiery element as the doorbell rang...

At that time, Hellboy had been sat in Abe's room, the merman talking to him about FBI procedure when the doors opened wide.

'You are not ze only von to disagree vith ze FBI's judgement,' Johann commented dryly, Liz walking in with the ectoplasmic agent, unfazed by his form as she went to sit on the sofa, Hellboy standing up as Liz explained that Johann was there to talk about the bureau.

'So ya heard about the new kid eh?' Hellboy asked plainly, Johann turning his glass head piece towards him and nodding.

'Ja, I had heard of it. Zere iz a lot of speculation about zis young lady,'

'Why? She needs protection...so what? Not the first time anyone's been under FBI protection with us...'

'It iz not zat Agent Hellboy...Ze underlying problem iz zat people vant to know why it iz zat she iz here...Ze FBI iz getting more untrusting by zr day. You can see it. Agents don't trust one another, Zere superiors...'

'Why would that happen?' Abe queried, 'and why would Belle's staying here bother them?'

'Vhen zere iz someone being put under FBI protection, zere iz a lot of discussion and planning vhich must go into it. However, the placement of Belle vas decided very quickly, especially considering ze team she has been placed vith. Zis alone is causing a lot of questions to be asked, though I do not know all ze details. I am merely telling ze three of you to be careful who you trust,' he said, Liz Hellboy and Abe exchanging glances, when Abe turned to Johann.

'What does the FBI know of Belle exactly?'

'More zen zey vill allow you to know...I have yet to read any file zat zey may have on her. But zere is something I believe zey are keeping quiet.'

'Well there's a first. I knew there had to be something else to all this,' Liz said disapprovingly as she sat back and ran a hand through her hair.

'Tell me...vat do you know of zis girl? Iz zere anything different about her?'

'She's a clairvoyant,' Abe answered, 'we discovered it at our last mission.'

'She told you?'

'Yes, though none of us informed Agent Manning, let alone the FBI...' Abe explained, now having risen to the top of the tank in order to speak more clearly, Hellboy leaning against the glass face of the tank as they talked.

'I think you are vise not to tell them,' Johann agreed.

'So what do ya reckon they know? Something's got ya attention if you're telling us this,' Hellboy remarked, watching Johann expectantly.

'I am not avare of vat zey know for definite. But I believe ze suspicion is drawn from ze fact zat ze creatures which have been targeting Belle are entities.'

'Well the FBI aren't gonna get much out of Belle. Even she doesn't know what's going on,' Hellboy stated, Johann looking to Abe who nodded slightly, while Hellboy muttered, 'or take his word for it...lousy gasbag...'

'It would seem that Belle's parents are keeping her in the dark just as much as the FBI are with us,' Abe continued, ignoring Hellboy's comment, feeling it would be better to try and avoid any argument between their former boss and Hellboy. 'I haven't been certain, but I do believe Belle could potentially be in even more danger if we have no idea who or what wants to hurt her and why.'

'Well unless Belle finds anything out I doubt Manning's gonna hand it to us on a plate,' Liz commented dryly.

'If I may, I vould like to do some research into zis. If you do not mind some assistance...?'

'Why do you wanna help us?' Hellboy questioned with a raised brow.

'After ze last encounter I have yet to find any reason to trust Manning's methods of procedure. He cares very little about ze vell-being of ze agents zat vork under him. He may be good when following the handbook and following ze rules, but he has no potential as a leading member of zis bureau...'

'So you wish to have him brought up in front of his superior's by proving he is not acting in a way that follows procedure by withholding information?'

'Ja and get him to understand ze meaning of teamwork.'

'Heh...hitting over the head with somethin' would probably be more beneficial than that. Then you get two benefits. You know him senseless and it makes ya feel a hell of a lot better. Can't see Manning caring otherwise,' Hellboy remarked sitting beside his girlfriend who rested her head against his shoulder.

'He vill Hellboy trust me on zat. Manning cares about his position. He vill not vant zat put in jeopardy.'

'So what will you do if you find anything on Belle?' Liz asked, 'surely that's more important.'

'Of course, I vill be bringing anything I find regarding her here, zen you may see it and learn vat you need to in order to keep zis girl safe.'

'Why doesn't Belle just read her parents minds? Surely that makes more sense...' Hellboy said, thinking he was stating the obvious.

'I don't believe Belle would want too deep down Red. I think she may be afraid of what she would find,' Abe said softly, Hellboy and Liz looking on in some understanding. 'I think it's sometimes easy to forget she is eighteen, nineteen tomorrow. Things were understandably difficult for us all, particularly Liz in coming to the bureau at the age of ten...and it's a similar story for Belle. Though she's an adult, she is still very young and this is difficult for anyone, no matter what our ages. Worry over something like this can be frightening for any of us,' Abe pointed out, his own grieving and past fears mirroring what he was saying.

Though as the subject then gradually changed to the bureau and how it was being run in their absence, Johann sighing slightly as he sat down. 'It iz a long story, but I have not seen everything zat has been going on...Agent Manning has tried to cover it vell. Even now I am only here over ectoplasmic reseatch notes zat needed to be looked over by me. But I do not believe ze running of zat place is correct...' he admitted, the formerly retired team frowning as Johann told them some of the changes which had been made since their departure.

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

Belle's birthday had come very quickly following her first day back. With Saturday being an eventful one in spending time with her Mother and Father, having an evening meal with them that was large enough to feed even Hellboy, Belle then spent the rest of the evening with Dale who had been only too happy to see her. Yet one thing Belle was aware of in being home; was that she would more than likely have no choice in seeing Liam. Knowing that his parents were such good friends with hers made things quite difficult, especially considering this parents were lovely people. But she wouldn't say anything to her Mother or Father, let alone Laura and Phil. It wouldn't be appropriate. After all, she could always ask Dale to discreetly make Liam behave...or Hellboy, Belle chuckling softly at the thought, knowing only too well Hellboy would probably be will to do that. Even Dale had always stood by Belle, which never faltered no matter what life had put them through to that day. She could only hope that if she confided in him, that they would pull through that as well...

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

Looking outside that night, Abe walked around his room glancing through various book in curiosity, his thoughts being on numerous things when Hellboy came into the room carrying a six pack of beers in his hand.

'Hey Abe,'

'Red,' Abe nodded in greeting lifting a black book from its shelf.

'So what did ya make of the gasbags theories earlier?' Hellboy said plainly, Abe looking to him with a thoughtful expression.

'I do believe there's a lot of truth in it,' he remarked honestly. 'I simply worry about what affect that may have on Belle,'

'Ah she'll be fine, the FBI won't be able to do anything to her...besides I reckon she could probably handle herself. She may be a woman, but even the quiet ones have got strength. I mean you pretend you can't fight and let's face it, I'm lousy with a gun and you can hit a target almost every time no matter what the hell the range is.'

'Being a skilled marksman isn't something I readily like to admit because it's something I seldom use,' he responded fairly.

'Yeah deny it all ya want Abe old buddy, but I know ya better than that. Speaking of which, what do ya think it is with Belle? Why she's in danger?'

'It's through nothing she has done herself, so it will be a family related problem. There must be something in their past heritage that they're hiding from Belle,' Abe remarked.

'You think you could work out why she's being threatened?' Hellboy asked opening a can of beer,

'I don't know...I can only try, but Manning's thoughts seem more carefully concealed than usual if I cannot find anything, unless he knows less than we might think,' he suggested, Hellboy scoffing at the idea.

'Manning wouldn't know how to keep what he was having for dinner from you Abe, you can read any of us without even trying, not that it's an invitation,' he added in warning.

'My point is, Belle doesn't know anything about why she is here, Manning is our only clue and he hasn't been easily readable.'

'Now there's a first...'

'All we can do is hope that Belle can find out something for us...I know she desires to know why she's here. It's constantly on her mind. But at the same time as I said before, I believe she is afraid of what she might find.'

'She deserves to know though Abe...and for god's sake how the hell can we watch over her if we don't know what the enemy is supposed to be?'

'All we can go on is what we know and anything else we gain. Though considering she is new, you have taken to her quite well...'

'Belle?'

'Yes...you don't usually warm up too new people...Johann being one example...' Abe suggested.

'...and you're surprised by that?' Hellboy replied sceptically, 'not your best example Blue...I got on with the Princess alright didn't I?' he said before stopping himself, aware of the subject he had just touched upon and seeing the emotion in Abe's blue eyes. 'Look, with Belle...she's nice to me, and I like her. Johann got on my nerves from the minute I thought he was like Manning and don't even get me started on Myers. But with Belle, she's new and yet...she's not afraid of us...considering she was brought up amongst...normal people.'

Considering what Hellboy was saying, Abe nodded as he sat down beside his best friend, 'it amazes me as well. I suppose not everyone is that way,'

'Yeah one down, now we just got the rest of the world to convince that we're not the bad guys,' Hellboy remarked, Abe watching him calmly, knowing just how he felt. It had often bothered them how they seemed to be unaccepted by the people they helped...But Abe knew that for Hellboy it had been harder. Since he was found by Professor Broom, Hellboy had been treated with at least some level of respect and kindness, yet as he became older, the restrictions started. From little things like the distances and way he could travel to eventually losing nearly all his freedom, it was Manning that had originally overseen the heavy precautions against the world seeing a fully grown demon amongst them. Though it was true that Manning took an instant disliking to Hellboy, believing he could never be one of them, and being the first to seal Hellboy in his room after an argument that forced Professor Broom's only son to try and run from the bureau, making it his first attempt at escape.

Abe knew this pained his friend and was what began his constant breaking out and rebellious nature, something he had often tried to make Agent Manning see, as had Professor Broom, but to no avail. Though in the end, Abe knew that all he really sought beneath the tough exterior was for people to not be afraid of him...and to treat him as he had been brought up by his Father. As one of them...

'So, what do you think of her then?' Hellboy grinned, unaware of what Abe was thinking about at that moment, as his best friend looked to him, it taking a few seconds to register what Hellboy had just asked him.

'She's a very well-mannered young lady...kind hearted it would seem...'

'Come on Abe, ya can do better than that. Be honest. This is me you're talking too remember?'

'I know, I just worry-' he began

'What whether she likes you or not? Buddy let me tell ya, I've seen her with you...and trust me, from my experience, she does like ya,' he remarked.

'That's not what worries me...what unnerves me is the thought of finding closeness with someone else and losing it all again,' Abe breathed looking over at his tank.

'I've spent many years alone Red, but with yours and Liz's friendship since being brought to the bureau, I never thought there was anything missing. I was so curious about the world around me, and I was always lost in books, thinking them to be of such importance...I still do now. But when I met Princess Nuala, I realised that I was missing something,' he sighed, Hellboy lowered his head slightly before looking at his friend with complete understanding there in his eyes.

'I know how ya feel. You lost something you were only just learning to love and that's the toughest thing anyone can go through. I respect you though, in seeing how far you've come, cause I never expected ya to be able to do as you used to. Especially working the field again...and yet ya proved me wrong.'

'I know...I just find it hard because something happens to remind me of what I've lost before. But that night I tended to Belle...I felt guilty in knowing if I had only given her more of a chance and watched her more carefully...I may have known sooner about her gift. That's why I want to try and know her a little, understand her because she's had a background so different from ours...'

'Yeah, normal. But Abe ya can't keep blaming yourself for things you never knew was gonna happen. If I blamed myself for every bad thing that's happened in my life, I'd probably be trying to drown my sorrows in some damn gutter and you'd be there pullin' me right out.' Though it was then that he stood up decisively thinking he should probably leave Abe to think things through but turning back to him with plain honesty in his final remark. 'I ain't pretending to be good at this whole "advice" thing, that was always yours and Father's department. But maybe ya should just give this girl a chance...' he said, raising his stone hand in a brief gesture of goodbye as he turned to leave when Abe stopped him.

'Red.'

'Yeah?'

'You're advice...don't believe it's not as good as your Father's. You learnt from him and I see more of him in you, every day,' Abe said calmly, Hellboy looking on with some emotion when he suddenly grinned broadly.

'See? Told ya; you know just what to say in a problem' he smirked '...night Abe.' Though as he left the room and closed the door, Hellboy sighed looked down to the wooden prayer beads around his wrist, trying to blink back any hint of the tears that shone in his eyes as he muttered, 'if I'm anywhere near the man you were Father...I would really be blessed...'

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

Waking up that Sunday morning, Belle had been awoken by Glenna coming in and opening her daughter's curtains wide. 'Happy Birthday sweetheart,' she smiled softly, kissing Belle upon the forehead before standing up.

'Mm...Thankyou...is it early? I normally wake you and Father up?'

'Yes it is. It's only seven thirty but we'll be having guests today.'

'Really?' she sighed, 'I was hoping for a quieter birthday,' she said admittedly.

'Why's that darling?'

'I don't know...it's just...when we have a lot of people here, the time seems to go too quickly, and before I know it the days over. I just want to make the most of spending some time at home, perhaps with just a couple of friends. Though you've invited family haven't you?' she asked softly.

'Actually no...Most of the family are dealing with business matters, so they intend to visit and stay for a week or so at Christmas instead. So I just invited some family friends over and I called Dale too,' Glenna offered, Belle smiling as she hugged her Mum. Though it was as she did that Belle heard something that worried Glenna in her thoughts; Belle not having time to make any sense of it as Glenna looked at her daughter...

'Well I'll leave you to get dressed,' she smiled, getting up from the bed and going to leave the room. Though it was as the door closed that Belle's curtains blew with a cold air, her attention being drawn to the balcony as she walked out into what she now saw as a misty morning on the grounds...yet this mist seemed to unnerve her a little as she quickly retreated back into her room rather than sitting on the balcony's edge for a while.

Trying to put any worries out of her mind that day, Belle put on a white kimono style dress and a long pendant that her mother had given her. It was a pure white gold in colour, with a large diamond encrusted in it that was then surrounded by delicate sapphires. After putting in a set of earrings and some comfortable heeled slippers, Belle then went downstairs to find much to her amazement half the staff that worked for them.

'Happy Birthday Belle!' they all exclaimed grinning broadly.

'Whats all this?' Belle asked in surprise.

'Well we heard you were home for your birthday, and we wanted to give you a surprise,' one of their security guards remarked, Belle being led into the living room to find her presents laid out across the sofa and surrounding it, with a large hamper being on the centre coffee table.

'Oh thankyou...so much,' Belle smiled. She had always gotten along well with the people who worked for her parents and befriended many of them. So to see them all here started her day positively.

Throughout that morning, Belle had spent her time mainly with her parents, enjoying their company, and knowing they took delight in watching their daughter open her presents. It was something which never had altered year by year...Belle and her parents always had spent the morning of her birthday together as a family and this year was no different. Though as the afternoon went on, Belle was joined by Dale, amongst other friends and family friends as Glenna had suggested that morning, Liam being with his parents as they all joined the Lucivia's for dinner.

'Happy Birthday Belle,' Liam said, Belle having little choice but to embrace him, the spoilt former love interest to her holding her a little too tightly for comfort. 'I'd like to speak with you later,' he murmured in her ear.

'Maybe,' she answered, pulling away and turning to his parents with a pleasant smile, despite seeing Dale in the background with a disgusted look across his face at the way Liam was acting with her.

'Just one hit that's all I'm asking...' Dale muttered as she rejoined him,

'No Dale,' Belle said with a half smile,

'Come on...I won't even knock him out,'

'Please just behave...he hasn't done anything that really deserves it. Maybe to us, but his parents wouldn't see it like that...I promise you though, if he does anything you can be the first to do as you please, is that okay?' Belle suggested, seeing him grin as he put an arm around her.

'Sounds like a fair enough suggestion,' he smirked putting an arm around her waist, 'though until then I have something even better, come with me...we've got time before dinner right?'

'Yes why-' she started when Dale pulled her down the hallway and out of the front doors.

'Where are we going?'

'Not far,' he said perching her on the wall by the steps.

'Apparently so,' she smiled, 'so what did you want to do that you thought would irritate Liam?'

'Well that probably did it cause he knows I'm alone with you,' Dale remarked, 'but I wanted you alone for a few minutes anyway,' he added, taking out a present from his black leather jacket and handing it to her. 'I wanted to be the one to see you open it...'

'Oh Dale, you didn't have too...' Belle began,

'Just open it,' Dale encouraged with a smile, Belle complying as she gently pulled the ribbon watching it open out and carefully opening the packaging to find a box inside. Looking at Dale before opening it, Belle found inside a gold bracelet that had a thin gold band, held together by a thin chain on each side that linked to the clasp. Lifting the chain out of its box she was stunned by it, having not expected such a gift.

'It's beautiful,' she smiled as she read the inscription.

"For Belle...My dearest friend..."

'Dale this is...beautiful...thankyou so much,' she said, embracing him,

'Whenever you feel as if no one's there or you can't talk...just look at this and remember you're never alone,' Dale whispered, Belle holding onto him as she returned softly,

'I will...'

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

It was late that evening before everyone had left, and while Belle was tired, the day was far from over. 'Well I suppose I'd better go and gather what I'll be taking with me tomorrow,' Belle said softly to her parents, 'thankyou so much for today...it's been wonderful,' she smiled. Though as Glenna and Harold exchanged glances, Belle could see something wasn't right when her father spoke to her.

'Belle, we need to talk to you, there's something you need to know,' Harold said, Belle looking at the frown present across his features before looking to Glenna who held a saddened look in her blue eyes, knowing this had the potential to shatter their relationship with their daughter...

Taking her into the living room, Belle was sat down in a chair, her parents sitting on the sofa opposite her. 'Belle...I know you have been questioning what has been going on over the past couple of months, and while we have wanted to tell you...it has been difficult to know what we can safely say. So please do not judge us too much for waiting until now to tell you some of what we know,' Harold explained gently.

'What is it?' Belle asked nervously, Glenna thinking it would be best to continue for her husband, understanding exactly her daughter's situation.

'Belle I don't know if you've ever felt that you're different to other people; because of something that you've never known anyone else to experience...it's true when we've always said, a person's differences is what makes them who they are...and well...we've always encouraged that because we know what it's like to have things which make us different. I thought it would be so easy to see with you...to know whether you had the gift we have always believed you would gain as you grew up...'

'What?' Belle said her expression one of shock as Glenna and Harold exchanged glances before looking to their daughter again, though Glenna knew in that moment that Belle was aware of her gift. So leaving her husband's side she went and knelt down in front of her daughter and took Belle's hands.

'Darling...'

'You know what I can do...you've always known that I can hear others thoughts?' she said looking at Glenna with sadness in her eyes. 'Why? Why did you leave it this long to tell me?'

'Believe me if we had any idea...'

'But how...? How did you know all this time?' she questioned, her voice not demanding but desperate for the truth.

'Because...you have my gift...'

Looking at Glenna and then to her Father who nodded solemnly, Belle was at a loss for words, everything she had ever considered when she thought of what it would be like telling her parents being lost. 'Please let me explain,' Glenna implored, Belle looking into her blue eyes and nodding slightly without saying a word as she quietly listened.

'When I was growing up, my grandmother and your great grandmother told me that sometimes we are blessed with a gift that very few have...they vary in shape and size...to how they affect our lives. But we must always remember that if we have a gift...we are blessed. Not cursed. I don't know how much she knew about the thoughts I could hear from other people, the way I could read their minds...feel their emotions. But for a long time I tried to believe her. Believe that I was blessed to be able to do what I could. But as the years wound on, I found it more difficult having no one to confide in...I told my grandmother before she died, because up until then at the age of twenty I'd had no one...my mother seemed to possibly be aware but she would never talk about such things. You're Father naturally knew after some time of being with him...and things felt okay until I became pregnant.'

'If you can hear thoughts like me though...how could you not see that I was going through the same thing?' Belle asked, finding it hard to accept what she was being told, Glenna swallowing with tears in her eyes as she felt more and more like she had let her daughter down as she continued.

'When I became pregnant, I was so frightened about everything because it was so new, I just wished I was normal...I wished I didn't have the thoughts of others to burden me. I wanted my gift to disappear...and it did. The moment you were born,' she breathed, Belle constantly glancing to Harold who also remained silent in this time.

'The voices got a lot quieter during labour,' Glenna said reflectively, regaining Belle's focus. 'I thought it may have been the stress of labour and my thinking only of you...but the closer it came to your arrival, the more faint it was, until finally...you were born...and all went quiet. I could no longer hear the hopeful thoughts of the nurses, the calculating ones of the doctors...or the soothing ones of your Fathers. That was the moment I knew that you had inherited my gift.'

Sitting back in the chair, Belle didn't know what to say. So it was something to do with her abilities. But could she really call them hers if it had been her mother who had been born with the gift? With all these thoughts running through her mind, she found it hard to know what to say to her parents. 'Belle...would you like some time to yourself for a while?' Harold offered softly, Belle looking up into her father's eyes, hers feeling somewhat misty as she stood up.

'Please...' she nodded, leaving the room without a further glance at them and ascending the stairs. Getting to her room, Belle sat on the softly carpeted floor and put her arms around her dog who sat patiently and calmly with his owner, knowing by the way she sat and held him that his mistress needed comfort. Though it was as she sat there that after a while she felt two hands on her shoulders, Belle exhaling a sigh as she continued to look down into Chance's fur.

'Belle I know your upset we kept this from you,' Harold began softly, 'it was something we have found very difficult to do. But if we'd had any idea that you might have known about your gift we would have absolutely told you sooner...'

'Does agent Manning know? Did you tell him first?'

'No, he knows you have a special gift but he doesn't know what you can do Belle. As far as he knows your abilities are dormant...'

'Then what is it that wants to hurt me?' Belle asked, Harold shaking his head as she looked round to him. 'I don't think now is the right time for you to know everything.

But let me tell you a little about moon phases...'

Sitting there, Belle listened to the untold details of her birth, everything which had occurred on that day nineteen years ago. 'The day you were born, everything was going well, your mother had wanted a home birth and it was a quiet evening. The pains weren't too bad, and the doctors said you were doing well. But that night was known as a "gibbous moon phase," rare, and is a phase that is between a full moon and half moon. But on that night something was strange in the planet alignment, as we were told by a relative of your mothers who had known of her gift since she was only a child...and the moment you were born, we believed that those planets aligned in that exact moment, and as you opened your eyes, they were a beautiful shade of amethyst...and that was when we knew you were going to be so special...' he said softly. 'We don't know for sure what it means other than something happened that night which made you gifted in more than one way.'

'Did the relative know what it could mean?'

'She only knew that one other relative who had an unusual gift also had something unique about her, like you and your eye colour. But what the gift was...we never knew.'

'Do you think that's what the people who are trying to hurt us want to know?'

'It's possible...but for now, I don't want you to worry. I believe you are in good care from what you have told me, and I know that in the end you will be safe and happy...Just promise me that you will be careful and safe...'

'I'll try my best,' Belle answered with a weak smile as she looked up at her Father.

As Harold kissed the top of Belle's head softly, he then held her in his arms, and whispered in her ear. 'Remember something for me Belle...remember that your Mother and I will always love you, and that sometimes, though decisions can be difficult to make, if there is something you truly believe in...never give up and never hesitate...when you know it's right in your heart.' Holding on to her Father as she put her arms around him, she whispered back,

'I will...I love you both...no matter what happens,' she breathed softly, Harold sighing as tears began to sparkle in his dark blue eyes...

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

Leaving her home again the following day, Belle kept her goodbyes short with her family, not wanting it to be too emotional, though as her Father went to speak with Agent Manning, Belle spoke to her Mother, wanting a moment alone.

'Well dear, make sure you look after yourself,' Glenna smiled, 'we'll be expecting you home again soon, we'll both miss you...'

'So will I...but can I ask you something?' Belle remarked softly, Glenna looking into her daughters eyes and knowing what she was about to be asked. 'Do you regret losing your gift?'

Closing her eyes for a moment, Belle watched her Mother quietly, hearing the thoughts that had been brought into the front of her mind, her memories of her years before having Belle all flooding back.

'I suppose I do, yes...but I don't regret the choices I've made, and having you in my life Belle...that's something I would never change.' Smiling as she embraced her mother goodbye, Belle then got in the FBI car where the Agents escorting her back we're waiting patiently.

'Goodbye Belle,' Harold said softly, kissing his daughter one last time as she got into the car.

'Goodbye,' she returned softly, waving as she was driven out of the gates...and away once again, from her home.

Having been told that Hellboy, Abe and Liz were at the BPRD, Belle was looking forward to seeing them, having somehow missed being with them during her weekend away. Though as she was directed to Abe's old room while Manning spoke with Hellboy and Liz, Belle was unprepared for what she was about to find.

At first she thought she had come to the wrong room from the conversation that was ensuing inside, though sure enough she heard Abe's slightly unnerved voice coming from within the room, and placing her hand upon the door, she knew something was wrong...

Peering through a crack in the door, Belle watched as Abe moved awkwardly back away from who she could only assume was a member of the FBI, losing his usual lithe sense of movement. 'What's the matter Sapien? Remember what should have happened to you when you were brought here all those years ago?' the Agent questioned, his tone dark.

'I…you shouldn't be here Dr. Roddel…' he began when the scientist removed a medical knife, Abe's gills expanding, as fear shone in his eyes.

'…and neither should you…Remember this Sapien…it's the same-'

'Abe…' Belle started, startling them both as she came into the room. 'What's going on?' she asked looking to Abe who watched her with a mixed expression of surprise and anxiety.

'Should you really be here? A child?'

'I'm nineteen and yes, though I should be the one asking you what you're doing with a knife.'

'You don't know what you're dealing with girl.'

'...Hellboy will be down here in a moment...I don't think he'd appreciate to find anyone threatening Abe. I know I don't' she answered, looking between Abe and the doctor.

'That demon is the whole reason years of research were lost for me...and what does he care? He's allowed to walk around as he pleases. Disobey the rules. He's a monster and he should be contained...properly dealt with...'

'That's barbaric. Why would you want to do that to someone?' Belle said with concern shining in her eyes, the scientist finally turning to look properly at her.

In his eyes she could see how they were somewhat sunken with age. The grey colouring of them dull next to his obsidian black hair that was tied back, it being just below his shoulders in natural length though with his tall and thin frame; his hair colour only made his pale features look gaunt, though he unnerved her in the way his eyes seemed to study her.

'So...you must be the new girl that has been such a big matter of discussion,' he commented dryly when he noticed something. 'Purple eyes...something so few are born with...They must have reason in you being here, but I wonder what that reason may be? Not that the Icthyo Sapien couldn't tell me given his psychic abilities...' he uttered turning to look back at Abe who stood by his old tank, willing Belle to leave before anything dangerous happened.

'Why are you doing this? What right do you think you have to-?'

'What right? What right? Do you have any idea how long I had worked for this? How long I spent putting time and research into my projects...and the minute I come close to a breakthrough at what should have been the peak of my career that demon stopped it all,' he seethed, fury building in his tone as his hand began to shake with the blade still firmly in his grasp.

'But do you think wanting to put people in danger is right when it's only you that can gain any benefit?' Belle said, trying to reason with the estranged scientist in the hope of getting him to put down his knife. Though as she spoke, Abe was desperately trying to calculate the situation, not knowing what Dr. Roddel might do if provoked.

'Who cares? Animals get tested on all the time, what difference does it make when scientific discoveries are made possible by it? After all that's what we all are isn't it? Animals...'

'Please don't raise your voice to her,' Abe remarked, distracting the scientist's attention from Belle who only looked to Abe with worry in her eyes.

'What did you just say to me?' he questioned approaching Abe again, now at a quicker pace. 'What did you say?'

'I said, do not raise your voice to her,' he repeated, though there was a clear edge in his tone as he tried to remain calm.

'You think you can tell me what to do? I nearly had you dissected once before and I wouldn't hesitate to do it now-'

'Stop!' Belle exclaimed fearfully standing in front of Abe, 'stop this now, please...'

Though it was then that the doors opened and Manning walked in, closely followed by Hellboy and Liz.

'What's with the racket? God don't you know I have a headache?' Manning began, massaging his temples, Belle seeing the medical knife now easily hidden away though it didn't deter her...

'Agent Manning I-'

'We must apologise,' Abe cut in smoothly, resting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing it gently as an indication to Belle to say nothing. 'I was looking for a book and there was some confusion from one of your scientists, as to why we were in here,' he explained carefully, no trace of fear no present in his voice, though he knew Belle was still tense.

'Oh. Well I doubt Roddel would know you used to stay here Abe, he hasn't worked for this segment in years.'

'Yes I am aware,' Abe nodded, 'well I believe Belle was directed here to wait for you whilst you finished discussing any matters with Red and Liz,' Agent Manning looking to Belle who could only nod, not knowing what she could now say. Though she realised that Hellboy was looking at her, his eyes narrow as he looked for a moment at Dr. Roddel, Liz also glancing between them and taking Hellboy's hand, sensing the tense atmosphere.

'Well I'm done with you for the day. You're all free to go,' Manning said dismissively, evidently more interested in his aching head than in what had been going on in that room. It took a moment for Belle to move however, feeling it wasn't fair that nothing had been said, though it was Abe who once again guided her, placing a hand on her lower back and gently encouraging her to walk forwards.

'Oh...yeah. What were you gonna say earlier? Before Fishstick cut in?' Manning asked, Belle looking back, her lips parting slightly when she sighed and shook her head. 'I was just going to say, I think maybe you should take something for your headache, you don't want it to get worse,' Belle suggested, her tone polite, though as she went to leave, Dr. Roddel then remarked darkly,

'You should start believing in horror stories Miss. Lucivia, you're in one.'

'Excuse me?' she replied, Manning giving the scientist a look which silenced him, though Hellboy went to push past the three of them when Abe stopped him.

'Don't Red...not here,' he muttered, the four of them finally leaving and walking down the corridor, when Hellboy finally spoke up as they got out of ear shot.

'Okay what the hell was that about?'

'I'll explain on the way back,' Abe answered, continuing to guide Belle who remained silent for a while.

'Are you okay?' Liz asked, 'I didn't know they were bringing you here?'

'I thought it would be best to leave this morning...and they didn't want me to be alone with you all being out...so they brought me here,' she answered, not responding to the former question as they got onto the lift panel that rose them up to the main reception.

Though it was only as they got outside and safely in their car that Abe would explain what had happened.

'Well as ya can tell, ya ain't missed much,' Hellboy commented.

'Apparently so,' Belle replied dryly. 'Who was he?'

'Dr. Roddel is an FBI scientist who worked for the Bureau when I was first brought here, he was primarily responsible for handling anything which the field agents can't identify or anything of suspicion,' Abe answered thoughtfully.

'But why would he hold a knife to you?' Belle replied in concern.

'Because I was his biggest project,' Abe responded, Hellboy looking round with a livid expression.

'I damn well knew it! I knew I recognised him. Bastard. I could have had him.'

'No...' Belle said, looking to Red and Liz who nodded in answer to her expression

'Yeah...You'd hope he was lying wouldn't ya?' Hellboy remarked sitting back. 'When they found Brother Blue, he was brought to the bureau because of what he is...and because no agent had seen anything like him before. They were forever putting him through tests that were physically and emotionally tough. The trouble is; unless their told, the FBI don't know when it's time to stop.'

'The day Red first met me, was also the first time I saw something which didn't scare me,' Abe admitted. 'All these people I had seen previously had only been there to perform some kind of test on me...and Red was the one to come in and say "stop." He and Professor Broom are probably the only reason I'm still alive now.'

Looking between the three of them, Belle was in shock. The people she was residing with had been through so much, and so many questions clouded her mind that she wanted to ask. But even that night as she got settled back in and decided to see if Abe would like some company, Belle had no idea of the extent of his worries. Knocking on his door and waiting a moment, as it slowly opened, Belle asked if she may join him for a while, not expecting what she was about to see.

'But of course,' he answered standing aside. 'Please make yourself comfortable,' he said politely, gesturing to the sofa, though Belle realised that he was only in the swim shorts she had seen when he was in his tank.

'Oh I-I'm sorry I wasn't disturbing you was I?'

'No, not at all,' he responded tilting his head slightly, when noting that she glanced between his eyes and torso. 'Ah, erm, would you prefer it if I-'

'No, its fine I just didn't know if I was disturbing you,' Belle amended quickly, sitting down as Abe had offered, the merman smiling though his cheeks darkened a little in colour as he walked around to gather the books off their golden stands, having finished them.

'Are you okay?' Belle asked, Abe stopping where he was and looking at her for a moment.

'I am now...yes,' he responded softly, 'are you?'

'I think so. I was a little shaken earlier though.'

'I'm sorry Belle, I never wished for you to walk in. It was perhaps my most dreaded outcome for you to have found me,' he said apologetically.

'Please don't be sorry,' Belle replied gently. 'It's not your fault, though I wish you'd let me say something.'

'I stopped you though because I felt it would only cause problems and bring back memories that I would rather stay in my past. All that I told you before was my first memories of being with the bureau and while they weren't all bad, I didn't want to cause trouble in bringing everything back.'

'Sometimes you need to bring back bad memories if you want to find closure though,' Belle said reflectively.

'Closure...it's something that seems to evade me sadly,' Abe responded, Belle moving up on the sofa with a soft smile.

'Well I'm here to listen if you want to talk. You were looking for something today weren't you?' she asked, 'in your old room I mean...'

Watching her with curiosity Abe finally nodded and sat down a little tentatively beside her.

'It was a book I left behind...small and blue containing poems...it was called "The Poetical Works of Alfred Tennyson."

'It meant a lot to you?'

'Yes...it was a lovely book but...a friend I once had enjoyed it. I lost that friend and I realised I didn't want to lose that book too,' he explained not looking at Belle directly.

'Did you find it?'

'I had no chance to try...The moment I began to look Dr. Roddel came in, but I do believe it's still there...and I must thankyou...no one other than Hellboy and Liz have ever stood up for me like that before...'

'You didn't deserve to be treated like that...it was horrible and I hated to watch it,' Belle admitted. 'You've been so kind since I arrived here, and I'm ever so grateful...' she smiled.

Thinking about this as Abe then continued to ask about Belle's birthday, he realised all wasn't right for Belle either as she told him about all her parents had said.

'Do you believe other relatives know about your heritage?'

'I think it's possible yes,' she nodded, 'but all I can do now is try and find out who wants to hurt me and why...' she said thoughtfully.

'That may be easier than you think if we know enough about your family's history and anything it links too...any myths for example or history behind your gift perhaps...' he remarked, Belle looking down for a moment when Abe put his hand on her shoulder.

'It will be okay...I promise.'

Whether it was in light of the way Belle had stood up for him that afternoon or the way Abe had saved her life, Abe and Belle seemed to have gained a slight bond or connection. Though even with having so much on her mind as she went to leave that night Abe was surprised after they had bade each other goodnight when Belle asked again if he was alright.

'Yes,' he nodded, Belle smiling softly as she answered,

'I'm glad...' before leaving the room, Abe looking after her, once again with genuine curiosity...

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

'Red can I ask you something? I need a bit of help,' Belle asked the following afternoon, having gone to Hellboy and Liz's room whilst Liz was resting on the sofa, Hellboy being stood at the bathroom mirror shaving down his horns.

'Sure what is it ya need?' Hellboy responded, putting the sander down and looking over to her, Belle thinking about how to word her unusual request.

'How would you got about getting into the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defence without being seen or caught if you wanted something in there?'

'That depends, what is this something?' Hellboy asked, intrigued by her suggestion with a grin already present on his lips.

'A book...' Belle began,

'Couldn't you have made it something a little more valuable if you're gonna break into an FBI base?' he asked raising an eyebrow,

'It is of value...to Abe.'

'Abe...?' Hellboy replied, Belle sitting down on the stone seat as she nodded lightly.

'He told me about a book that meant a lot to him, but apparently it was never returned to him after he left it following your last mission with the FBI. I don't know much about it; only that it's small and blue.'

'Well that narrows it down...Have you seen how many books he has? There's thousands...'

'Most of which are here aren't they?' Belle replied, Hellboy seeming to consider it as Belle continued. 'Please Red...I just know that book means something to Abe and well, I wouldn't trust anyone else to help me do this...'

'Tinkerbell you just made yourself a new best friend,' Hellboy beamed with pride, 'we'll go tonight.'

'Tonight?' she replied in surprise.

'Yeah, just make sure you don't say anything to Liz, and leave the rest to me,' he said confidently, walking past Belle when he turned back and added, 'ya know I never said I wouldn't do it from the start,' he grinned, making Belle smile as she looked after him going inside. Though as she looked back over the distant landscape of bright greenery, she breathed deeply, wondering just how difficult it would be to get in and out of the bureau safely, but as she had told Hellboy...she would have trusted no one else.

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

'I knew I liked ya,' Hellboy grinned as Belle pulled up easily where Hellboy directed that night, having driven quickly towards the bureau, her easy speed and precision behind the wheel surprising him.

'Well it's a good job I know how to turn quickly,' Belle laughed, 'remind me why I let you give me directions...?'

'Easiest way; trust me Belle. But ya sure kept that quiet. You don't look the type to be so good behind the wheel. Well not in the style of grand theft auto anyway,' he smirked, Belle shaking her head with a light smile as they got out of the car.

'You'd be amazed if you knew everything about me,' she said, Hellboy raising an eyebrow.

'I gotta start spending more time with ya Tinkerbell. Abe and Liz have had ya to themselves for too long,' he remarked as they closed the car doors.

'Okay, we're gonna go around the back and break into mine and Liz's old room cause security has gone way down around there since we left strangely enough,' he grinned.

'Breaking in?'

'Well we can't go in the front door. Don't worry Belle, it'll be easy to get in, though ya might want this,' he said more seriously, taking out a large silver case from the back of the car and opening it up.

Lifting out a recognisable oversized pistol which Hellboy affectionately named "The Good Samaritan," he then lifted up a little black cover in the corner and took out a small hand gun.

'Will I really need this?'

'It's just for safety...she's called "faith," it's a gun I had modified for Liz...it's good cause it can take any bullet, though you'll be using these,' he said indicating a pouch which contained clear, thin bullets with a transparent liquid being contained in the shell.

'What are these?'

'Think tranquilizer darts in disposable bullet form. You hit your target anywhere and it'll knock them out for a couple of hours. The bullet shells are disposable because they break easy...so when it hits the target they shatter and dissolve with the liquid, causing no visible damage.' Though seeing the look on her face, Hellboy clapped her shoulder with his normal hand and said reassuringly, 'don't worry, no ones gonna shoot ya. It's just there's a lot of entities in that place, and I wanna make sure you're safe in any circumstance, otherwise I wouldn't be doing what I promised I'd do...to protect ya.'

'Okay...Thankyou Red,' Belle smiled, Hellboy appreciating the way that she always acknowledged him, Abe and Liz.

'Ya welcome. Ya even started using a nickname for me,' he grinned. 'But let's cut the sentiment and get this done before Liz realises were gone,'

'Why do you think she'd be annoyed?'

'Well put it this way...I don't think she'd kill me, but she'd give me a few burns to remember...literally,' he said with a half grin, thinking about the benefits of being fireproof.

Though as they then left Belle's Mercedes unattended, the pair walked through an opening which led into the forestry that surrounded the bureau; Belle remaining by Hellboy's side as they walked through. With his floor-length leather coat and black attire, his large gun was now also holstered against his waist, his hand resting against it in case there was any need to use it quickly. Belle was also in all black that night – following Hellboy's suggestion – with her hair being drawn off her face in a neat bun.

'So is your room near Abe's?'

'Well ya gotta cross down the meeting hall and pass a couple of entity containment cells. But other than that it's a clear run.'

'Will there be many agents around?'

'Not likely...it is two am...and no one other than Manning is usually stupid enough to stay later than they have to. So the main guys we'll probably be watching out for are the night-guards. But you'll be able to find out more about whose inside with ya psychic powers won't ya?'

'Yes...It'll be easy enough when were there,' Belle answered, watching Hellboy leap over a particularly large, but low down branch. Though as he turned to give her a hand, Belle already had her left palm against the wide branch and vaulted easily over it, landing on her feet and rising up to full height again.

'Yeah...there's definitely more to you than ya let on,' Hellboy said, evidently impressed.

'As I said, you'd be amazed if you knew everything about me,' Belle responded.

However as they both approached the BPRD, things became quiet between Hellboy and Belle, the young clairvoyant lifting her hand and sensing for what might be ahead of them. 'The west side seems to be our best option,' Belle said conclusively, her voice quiet as she looked up to Hellboy.

'Yeah that's the side were headed for,' Hellboy nodded, 'alright, let's go...' Moving at a swift pace, Belle kept up easily to the demon in front of her, the ground beneath them rustling with the breaking of fallen autumn leaves. It was easy to tell the weather was getting colder in Connecticut, by the heavy frost that was already starting to form over the forest floor, the blades of grass now an colour of icy dew. Though as they quickly crossed the bare stretch of ground that surrounded the bureau for a few metres along, Belle became very aware of any agents that may be walking around... 'Are there no cameras along here?'

'Nope...All the camera's look at main points of entry...namely doors, windows...'

'So how are we getting in without being seen?'

'Easy...' he answered, approaching a side wall of the building that stood out another metre from the rest of the building. 'Stand aside a sec,' he requested, Belle doing as he asked, not expecting what happened next as Hellboy took his stone fist and punched hard into the wall.

'Red!' Belle gasped 'what are you doing?'

'Getting us inside...'

'We'll be found out if you do that!' she remarked, looking around her anxiously, it surprising her that no alarms or sirens had started sounding.

'Don't worry,' he said, smashing his stone hand into the wall again. 'Every wall around my room, was rock solid,' he said breaking a large hole into the concrete, 'the FBI won't hear a thing on the other side...'

'How do you know that?' Belle asked, stepping back quickly as a piece of concrete fell forwards, breaking in half on the ground.

'How do ya think I used to escape this place when I wanted to get out or see Liz? It was either break open a metal door that sealed me in and face the FBI on the way out. Or improvise...' he said, the wall smashing inwards as he hit it one final time before standing back and watching the wall crumble to reveal a shaft.

'I would say ladies first, but it might be a bit of a hard landing on ya...so...' he started, picking Belle up and throwing her over his shoulder. 'We're just gonna have to do this together,' he grinned

'Hellboy wait a second-' she started, but it was too late as he jumped straight into the shaft, Belle holding a hand to her mouth to prevent her from making any sound as they landed heavily to the floor, Hellboy dropping her down and allowing her to stand up.

'Well that wasn't too hard...what dya reckon Tinkerbell?' Hellboy asked with a grin, Belle looking at him with an exasperated expression.

'Don't make me answer that...' Grinning at her as they looked around them, Belle for the first time, saw Hellboy and Liz's old room.

It was fairly large with a colour theme mainly consisting of black and red, though from the looks of it, it had been well lived in, the amount of cat beds, dishes and furnishings around the room being evidence of that. 'Wow...'

'Yeah sorry about the mess, if I knew you were coming I'd have cleaned it up a bit,' Hellboy smirked, walking through. 'Right now...if ya hear any alarms go off, don't panic, just do as I say, and if all else fails...run,' he said plainly.

'Well I doubt anything could go wrong with that plan,' Belle answered, Hellboy being about to respond when they heard voices.

'Oh crap...' he muttered, striding over to a large circular door and listening. 'Okay...they're gone, we're gonna have to make this a quick move, you ready?'

'As I'll ever be,' Belle answered, Hellboy nodding and quickly opening the door shaft with one hand.

'Good job it's not locked, can't say I felt like putting my hand through a metal door as well. The wall I can get away with,' he remarked, letting Belle go first into the bureau corridor.

'Right...go straight ahead and then take a left,' Hellboy directed, the pair of them moving carefully along the passage and looked down to see the meeting rooms lined on each end of the corridor.

'All clear,' Belle said in answer to Hellboy's questioning expression, both of them walking brusquely towards Abe's room when Hellboy stopped at a glass case. 'Red?'

'You carry on Belle...I'll be right behind ya, I just...need to look at somethin'' Hellboy answered her, Belle seeing the look in his eyes as he looked at something in the case and nodding.

'Take as long as you need,' she smiled, going on alone, knowing her way now to the room she had been in only a day before. Pausing a moment before opening the golden doors, Belle looked into the dimly lit room and walked in cautiously. Looking around her, Belle glanced over the empty bookshelves and sighed. This may be more difficult than she thought...

Walking over to a nearby table, Belle turned a little golden dial that rose the light more so she was able to see more easily...looking around the room Belle felt an age of memories and experiences which had gone on in that very room. Moving carefully around the room, trying not to disturb anything, Belle walked over to a desk that was on a risen part of flooring in a nook of the library that had once stood old and proud around the room. Though as Belle continued to look around, she hoped Hellboy would join her soon, the idea of being alone in a classified FBI base when she had no permission becoming a more unnerving thought to her. Though it was then she found it. On the floor amongst some cluttered papers she saw a corner of blue. Sitting on her knees as she lowered to the floor; Belle carefully moved the papers aside and lifted the book from the floor, running a hand over its cover. 'The Poetical Works of Alfred Tennyson...' she breathed, smiling at her luck in finding it as she stood up when the door closed and she turned to see Dr. Roddel stood in the doorway, a gasp escaping her lips as the book fell from her hand...

So what will Dr. Roddel do? And how will Belle possibly get out safely?

For those who don't know, or who haven't read the comics...Dr. Roddel was a scientist at the BPRD and (as described in this chapter by Abe) was one of the scientist's responsible for conducting experiments on Abe when he first arrived at the BPRD. It was during this that he, and another scientist wanted to dissect him to further their research, though Hellboy came in and stopped it. I haven't read the comics myself but I came across his character whilst reading some information on Abe. So that's a little information for you. I don't know exactly what Dr. Roddel looked like as there were no pictures or descriptions of the character that I could find. Though if anyone knows that it is much different than how I have described, please do let me know :)

I hope you have all enjoyed this chapter special, and I do apologise for the 3 week delay in uploading it...but I hope it has been worth the wait and I shall update soon :)

I'm also not enjoying the lurkers who are reading but not reviewing...please review! It means a lot and keeps me going with this.. it's much appreciated.

Thankyou to LadyAquanine73551, AngelProtectress, Forever'n'Always, revoLodloV, Stormychild95 and Kimm for your reviews. They're always a pleasure to see..

Goodnight!

~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x