Ladies and Gentlemen I am back! Hello, welcome, seasons greetings...dear me it's 4 days until Christmas! How did that happen so quick? I'm back from Disney, feeling myself and ready for this new chapter that I wrote over the five nights I spent in Disneyland Paris! So lovely there and England has been covered in snow since I returned, absolutely unbelievable.
Anyway, now I have noticed we have gotten to a very far point in chapters already, yet there is so much more yet to happen (feels like I've barely gotten started somehow..) but here is Chapter 31 with a few surprises that even surprised me when I decided to write them into this chapter. But I do hope you enjoy!
Music of inspiration ~ "Danse Macabre" (beautiful piece of music), "The Lighthouse" from the Casper soundtrack, "Moonlight Sonata," and "Lost without you," by Delta Goodrem...
Enjoy and review! Thankyou!
Over the next few days, Belle had called on her dance instructor to brush up on her dancing, though her former mentor noticed just how much her dancing form seemed to have changed. Her music choice was powerful…energetic…and so was she. Her movements were so precise, so fluent, but she was incorporating as much into it as possible. Though her mentor was not the only one who noticed this as her Aunt watched from the doors of the studio one morning…
Seeing Belle as she danced to the powerful music of Danse Macabre, Belle began to try and take in the mood of music as she walked softly, barefooted in just tights, a long satin skirt and leotard. With the combination of violins and other string instruments, Belle used a combination of ballet like and contemporary movements as she began to dance around the hall, James helping her as a partner as he lifted her light form above him, Belle arching over his hand with such grace and elegance as she was lowered. Though as James stood back to watch his cousin, Belle took to a back corner of the room, her eyes aglow with emotion as the music broke into a strong bridge, Belle leaping in the air and holding her position for as long as she could muster, the solo dance holding such precision and energy as she finally stopped with the music…
Though it was later that same day that Belle sat, wrapped in a fleece cream blanket on the sofa, with Chance lay near her on the rug by the fireplace…Feeling somewhat content as she sat with a book in hand and soft jazz playing in the room, Belle was unaware that someone was looking for her. 'I wondered where you'd gotten to,' spoke a warm voice, Belle looking up with a smile to see Kath, Adam's wife, stood in the doorway.
'Ah I just thought I'd have some time to myself while things were quiet,' she responded with a light smile,
'Yeah, your Dad's talking to Rod at the moment, though it seemed to really get to you last night,' Kath remarked, coming in and sitting on the sofa opposite her. 'I get it though…why you'd be upset…I was livid, but I didn't feel it was my place to get involved,' she said honestly.
'You shouldn't feel you can't say what you want,' Belle smiled, knowing how it felt sometimes, when you didn't know how to honestly react to a situation. 'You know you're family here,'
'Too right she is,' Adam grinned as he joined them, 'so are things always this tense around here lately? Or is it just me?' he remarked, sitting next to his wife as Belle sat up, Chance looking over lazily with his bright blue eyes as he lay his head sleepily in his paws.
'No, the tension only seems to have been on Uncle Roderick's part,' Belle said with some distaste,
'Ah, Rod's actions last night weren't forgivable, but having said that, I'm not really interested in Rod. It's been good to see you for a change, after all, where would you be without me and my teaching of your brilliant driving skills?' Adam grinned, Belle and Kath laughing at the remark, her uncle always having been confident in his attitude…
'Is that a hint for me to shower you with compliments my dear Uncle?' she questioned with a raised eyebrow, Adam grinning as he slouched back.
'Well a little confidence boost never hurt anyone.'
'I wouldn't believe that,' Kath remarked, 'he's had enough confidence to last him a lifetime.' Though as Belle watched Adam sit up and take his wife in his arms, she could tell just how close their relationship was, the chemistry between them strong as Kath was moved onto Adam's lap with ease.
Though as James joined them, Belle felt a sense of darkness wash over her, her eyes sharp as she looked outside…
'Everything okay Belle?' Adam asked, the clairvoyant finding it hard to look away, though she slowly nodded,
'Yes…I think so…'
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
Later that afternoon, Belle spent some time with Dale, taking a ride on the back of his motorbike as they took a trip to the mall. Though during their time out, Belle found herself feeling the tension between her and her best friend, it being a hardship she was finding difficult to deal with. Belle had known Dale for so many years, and whilst she had before questioned how she felt about him, since meeting Abe things were different. But she never really expected Dale to have serious feelings for her…the thought now worrying her as she rested her head into Dale's back on the drive to the mall, his hair blowing freely back behind him, his mood seeming to linger for the rest of their trip. Though he did seem to take some interest in Belle's shopping as he told her he'd never known anyone shop like she did.
Though it was only as they came to return, that Belle felt like her best friend was pushing her away from him, the pressure resting heavily on her young shoulders…
'Dale?' she remarked softly, 'is everything okay?' she asked gently, watching Dale who was seated in front of her on the bike. Remaining silent for a few moments, he finally turned to her before they began their journey back to Belle's home.
'Sure…what makes you think-oh…' he concluded, Belle nodding as he recalled Belle's ability.
'Yes…' she nodded, 'you've really not been yourself all day, have you?' she questioned, resting a hand on his shoulder in a comforting motion, though feeling the troubled thoughts in his mind, Belle began to question whether it was such a good thing.
'I just…I watch you sometimes and wonder if we're growing apart. I hardly see you anymore and it's becoming unbearable.' Sitting in silence, Belle hadn't realised just how strongly Dale felt about the situation…but she also knew who he blamed for it.
'Dale, you know it's not my choice,' Belle remarked. 'I haven't been able to see anyone…I've enjoyed so much being at home and yet I will have to go back…you need to understand that.'
'Why? Why can't you stay here? You can't possibly like it with…them…' he responded.
Looking into Dale's eyes, Belle was reminded of the cynical views people held over those that were different, it casting things differently in her mind as she thought of herself, her hands moving to her lap as she looked at them quietly.
'Them?' she finally repeated, looking into the dark orbs of Dale's eyes with hurt in the depths of her own, 'they're my friends Dale, they've taken care of me and just remember that every time you say or think something about them and who they are…you're doing it to me too…'
'Belle…' he sighed, 'I didn't mean…'
'Forget it,' she said dismissively, 'we'd best get back, I'll be expected soon,' she remarked, Dale looking at her for a moment, before finally nodding submissively and turning silently as she mounted behind him, Dale revving the engine before taking off down the road.
Holding onto Dale with her arms around his waist, Belle could feel the emotions and thoughts from him, her expression unreadable as she shifted slightly on the back. Though as they arrived back and Belle finally dismounted, she embraced Dale before he could say anything.
'Please don't apologise,' she remarked, 'but also, please don't offend the people in my life that I regard to be as close as family…' she asked, Dale not knowing what to say as he realised just how close Belle had grown to them.
So with little left to say, Belle left Dale with a simple embrace, her best friend holding onto her for as long as he could. Though as he left the gates, Belle felt something, a concerning worry as she glanced over the road to where an FBI agent sat in a black Aston Martin, watching her carefully, Belle glancing back one last time as the front doors were closed. 'Belle…there's something I need to talk to you about,' Adam remarked, taking Belle to one side instead of leading her into the living room.
'What is it?' she returned, Adam looking at her seriously as he folded his arms.
'Belle, since you were young I have done my best to ensure you have learnt useful things from me. I taught you how to drive like you do; how to speed with precision and how to use your talents behind the wheel if it is necessary for a reason. But now, there is more that I want to show you. I know you will doubt me when I suggest this, but at the same time, I want you to remember how you reacted when I first started showing you how to drive like you do now,' he told her, Belle listening intently to her Uncle, wondering what was coming next.
'I want to teach you how to ride,' he said simply,
'Horseback?' Belle responded, 'I can ride horses, not as well as some but…'
'Motorbikes,' Adam corrected, Belle's eyes widening slightly as she looked to see nothing to suggest he was kidding.
'You're not serious,' she began, Adam putting his hands on her shoulders as he looked into her eyes.
'Belle, in my experiences, having a wide range of skills at your disposal is always helpful, and bikes can sometimes be more flexible in use than cars…especially in tight spaces,' he remarked, Belle looking at him as she analysed him with her clairvoyance, her eyes showing a glimmer of understanding as she watched him.
'What do you know Adam?' she asked softly, her Uncle smiling sympathetically at his niece as he ruffled her hair,
'More than I probably should, but hey, why wouldn't I want to know what's going on in my little niece's life. Just trust me, okay? I'm doing this to put myself at ease as well you know,' he remarked, Belle nodding finally, though she couldn't shake the feeling something was very wrong.
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
On the way to the BPRD Hellboy sat grumbling under his breath about Manning as they were driven to their prior home. Yet as they rounded a corner, Abe suddenly sat up, his senses no less than acute as his hand met the glass of the window. 'Something's out there,' he remarked suddenly, seeing Hellboy's eyes open at the remark as the driver slammed on the brakes, bringing them to a sudden stop that threw the three passengers forward.
'Crap…' Hellboy cursed,
'What is it?' Liz began; Hellboy stopping her from moving as he sat silently when the door beside them flew open, it hanging limply off its hinges. Though as Abe and Hellboy withdrew their guns, a soft yet dangerous voice uttered an enchantment as the roof suddenly began to bend, the screeching of metal being unbearable as the team moved quickly out of the vehicle…Though it was only as they looked on that Liz recoiled in horror at the figure hovering before them…
'You…' she began, Ruxandra smirking coyly as she raised a hand and flew out at them, the team separating quickly as they fell to the ground…
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
Standing up in the living room, Belle found herself coming from her reverie with a shock, knowing something wasn't right, her action drawing attention from the others in the room.
'Belle?' James remarked,
'I'm sorry, please excuse me,' Belle returned, leaving the room with Glenna behind her, knowing what caused Belle's sudden behaviour.
'Belle, darling…'
'Something's wrong…I need to know what it is…My friends, the ones I've been staying with…they…I can't describe it…I just felt something…a strong wave of an aura…' Though to her surprise, Glenna merely nodded.
'Follow your instincts dear…do what you need to do,' looking at her mother as an understanding passed between them, 'I know it too well Belle, remember, I've been through the same things.'
Running a hand through her blonde hair, Belle was afraid of what may come as she pulled on a long midnight blue cloak, before leaving the grounds of her home, bidding a soft goodbye to those on guard as she approached the car she recognised so well.
'Miss. Lucivia is something-'
'Agent Steele…I need to know what happened today…' Belle returned in a fearful tone.
'How did you-' Agent Steele started, Belle missing what he asked as she desperately found herself scanning his thoughts for any shred of information he had. Though evidently realising he was getting an answer to his first question, Agent Steele finally told Belle what she needed to hear.
'There was an ambush on the way to the BPRD. They're all okay though, just minor injuries, though Liz has been banned from having to deal with any assignments until after the birth of her children.'
'I have to see them, where are they?'
'The BPRD…but Miss. Lucivia, I would not advise it, nor would Agent Manning. He has promised your Father your safety is assured. We would rather you wait forty eight hours…'
'No. I want to see them. To speak to them myself,' Belle insisted, coming to a conclusion he couldn't avoid. 'If you refuse to take me, I'll drive myself,' she said firmly, her eyes filled with a strong determination as the Agent finally gave in…
Arriving at the BPRD sometime later, Belle felt like her heart was beating at twice its natural rate, her mind not daring to believe as Agent Steele had told her until she saw they were okay with her own eyes. Parking up in front of the building, Agent Steele let Belle out of the car, her long cloak billowing behind her as she mounted the steps and entered the federal building. Feeling numerous eyes on her, Belle felt Agent's Steele's hand on her shoulder as he offered her reassurance, though the clairvoyant simply continued past those Agents, not looking into their eyes, as they stood on the platform that lowered them underground. With Agent Steele escorting her to Professor Broom's study, she turned to thank the Agent as they approached when a soft voice she had longed to hear spoke behind her.
'Belle?' Abe remarked in surprise, Belle looking back, feeling as if she could cry and exclaim in happiness all at once as she ran towards Abe and threw her arms around him. 'Abe…' she breathed, holding him as close as she could muster, Belle feeling relief washing over her as Abe held her, soothing her and offered gentle words. Though she couldn't say if all the emotion was hers or Abe's as well in that moment…she didn't care. He was safe…Agent Steele had then, been right. They all were safe…
'What the hell is with all the damn commotion? Oh, hey Belle, well now it's a party,' Hellboy grinned, Belle looking visibly relaxed as she looked to Hellboy.
'Thank goodness,' she exhaled, embracing him briefly before stepping back and nearly into Abe who rested a hand on her shoulder as she glanced between them.
'What are ya doin' here then Tinkerbelle?' Hellboy questioned, Belle not having a moment to explain as Agent Steele told the demon briefly of how she discovered what had happened that afternoon.
'I told ya not to tell her, cause I knew it would worry the lady,' Hellboy returned in disapproval,
'He didn't,' Belle said honestly, 'I need to speak to you…and I'll explain…' she remarked, knowing that though she had told everyone else she felt something strange, in truth the only aura she had felt that afternoon…was Abe's…
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
'So let me get this straight. You knew we were in danger because you felt it through-'
'Your-well Abe's-aura, yes,' Belle nodded. 'So it was the same person that attacked us outside my home?' Belle then continued, Liz agreeing with a disgruntled expression.
'Yeah. She's fast,' Liz returned, 'but she won't get past me again. I don't know what she's saying though when she speaks those weird incantations…'
'It is another language undoubtedly…' Abe remarked, 'perhaps-' he began when Hellboy and Belle continued in unison
'Romanian,' drawing the focus to them…
'Using what I could remember of what she used last time, I used as many translators as was possible to try and work it out. Before she said in rough translation, "from dark to light, and the depths of hell...give me the power to control the earth's natural grown elements at my disposal."
'Cheery…' Hellboy remarked with some sarcasm, 'well I grew up in Father speaking different languages, so it wasn't that hard to recognise,' he said calmly. Though as Belle expressed her relief at their safety, Hellboy remarked with folded arms, 'we've had worse…Have a little faith in us will ya Belle?' he grinned, Belle smiling weakly as she nodded. 'So how was Christmas at home?'
'Don't ask,' Belle laughed, 'though thank you for my gifts…' she remarked, 'I found them in my bag…I have to say I adored them. Though Red, a gun…really?'
'Hey I thought I'd give ya something useful,' he grinned, Belle shaking her head with a smile.
'Just be glad I didn't open it in front of my family!' she exclaimed, Hellboy roaring with laughter at the idea.
'I'm sorry if we worried you,' Abe remarked softly, Belle looking up at him as he leant against the surface of his original aquatic home. 'Though I do doubt it will be the last we see of that woman. The FBI has yet to find any records on her so far…'
'Not that it's a surprise,' Hellboy added dryly.
'But we barely know anything about her…' Belle began with a frown across her features.
'Actually, we have a name…' Liz returned. 'She said it was to be "courteous" in front of Red…she's called Ruxandra.'
'Hmm...Meaning "dawn,"' Abe noted, 'it is of Romanian origin…' Though their discussion was cut short as Agent Manning walked in, closely followed by Agent Steele and Dr. Roddel who eyed them all with equal distaste…
'I had heard of your arrival Belle, I trust you are alright?'
'Course she is. She's with us isn't she?' Hellboy responded,
'That's what worries me,' Manning returned. 'Though you should know it may be in your best interests to remain here tonight with Hellboy, Abe and Liz,' he continued, Belle saying nothing to disagree with the suggestion.
'So why's that creep following you around?' Hellboy questioned, looking at the scientist with disgust, Belle noticing how he looked over to Abe a couple of times who had shifted uncomfortably.
'I am merely ensuring you aren't causing trouble demon,' Dr. Roddel responded,
'Alright, you've had this coming for years,' Hellboy snarled, going for the scientist when Liz blocked his path, Belle standing up as Abe took her arms and brought her beside him, so she had no chance of getting caught up in their argument.
'Stop Hellboy. I'm in charge, okay?'
'If you're damn well in charge; then tell your little follower to stay out of my way,' Hellboy growled, anger deep in his tone.
'Roddel, out,' Manning remarked firmly, the scientist glaring at him for a moment as if betrayed before leaving begrudgingly.
'So what was the catch in doing that?' Liz questioned, annoyed that her boyfriend had been so wound up by the scientist, her dark eyes piercing as she watched Manning, determined to keep her fiery powers under control only for Belle's sake in her fear of the element.
'None, I just thought Belle needs one visit here without any drama,' he answered, barely looking in her direction, though Belle's eyes widened slightly at realising what he had been referring too. The night her cousin had been hit by her uncle, he had been there. He remembered it…So why do that for her…pity? She wondered. 'I'll er, let you know if we find out anything on that girl,' he continued, glancing to Belle once again before leaving them all alone.
'What was that about?' Hellboy returned; Belle shaking her head dismissively as they all sat down again for a short while…
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
As Liz felt increasingly weary later that night, she and Hellboy left to stay in their old room, leaving Abe and Belle alone.
'What a day…' Belle uttered, sinking back into the leather sofa as she looked across to Abe who smiled at her softly.
'It was touching you wanted to ensure that we were safe,' Abe remarked, Belle smiling weakly as she looked down at her hands.
'Of course I did…I don't know what I would have done if…I mean…I would have been beside myself…' she tried to explain, though the words failed her, Abe understood.
'Belle…' he began, the young woman before him looking up with such endearing eyes, it making his emotions somewhat erratic as he tried to figure out his thoughts, knowing how he wanted to hold her…to keep her safe. Yet he found it so hard to say it himself, the fear of rejection overshadowing what little self-confidence he had in the situation at hand.
'Shall we- perhaps listen to some music?' he offered, Belle nodding silently, understanding the nerves he felt. Butterflies were dancing inside her and she couldn't help but feel a rising blush to her cheeks. Though as a recognisable piece of music began to play called Moonlight Sonata, Belle found an idea that she knew had the potential to put them at ease…but also to help express what neither could seem to say aloud.
'Abe...?' she breathed as she approached him, 'I've noticed you express yourself frequently with your hands…' Belle remarked gently, Abe looking into her eyes as he nodded slightly.
'Yes…I have grown quite accustomed to it,' Abe returned softly, Belle smiling at him kindly as she remarked,
'Perhaps I can show you something…a different way of showing how you feel with your hands…I have often found dancing as my outlet for emotions…I don't know what you know of it…' she remarked, Belle seeing it on the surface of her thoughts as his gills expanded slightly.
'Dancing…' he said a little nervously, Belle nodding as she wondered whether he had ever danced before. Though he answered the question for her… 'I have seen people dance…though never done it much myself. The professor felt it natural to teach me at least the basic understanding of it, though I know that…from what I've read…well…' he trailed off, nervously entwining one of her hands in his as he then placed the other on her waist, Belle smiling as she recognised the form, 'it should be like this…'
'Yes…' she nodded, almost breathlessly, as she began the steps she knew so well from the traditional ballroom dancing she had learnt, Abe leading her almost effortlessly, his natural grace making him an idealistic partner. Feeling as he began to relax, Belle began to take in everything about him as he held her. The cooling sensation of his skin against her hands…the soft warmth of his aura enveloping her in a way she had never felt before. Belle had often been able to sense aura's from others, learning their natural personalities from it. Though she had never experienced anything quite like Abe's…from their first meeting, he had soothed her, given her a feeling of safety…yet now, she felt differently.
There was a stronger, more drawing feeling that she felt as she danced, both Belle and Abe slowing considerably as the music came to a stop.
'Abe…?'
'Mm…?' he responded softly, Belle biting her lip as she stood back and finally uttered,
'I'm sorry…about your friend…Nuala…' she offered carefully, feeling the tension in Abe's arms, though for that moment he said nothing. 'I can only imagine how hard it must have been…I've lost relatives…some close…it's devastating…but while there is little I can say, I can promise you something,' she remarked gently, looking up into his deep blue eyes and putting a hand to his cheek, Abe's gills expanding a little more.
'What is it?' he asked of her, Belle pausing for a moment before saying,
'I won't do the same thing to you…I won't put you through that…put anyone through it…I promise you.'
Though what happened next was something Belle hadn't expected, Abe had pulled her against him tightly, his deep eyes being glazed as tears fell silently down his face in a way he had once believed were never possible. Though Belle had then felt it, how Abe trembled slightly, Belle having her arms around him as she rested her head against his chest. 'Abe…' she breathed quietly, understanding the flood of emotions he was going through as she stood there and silently supported him.
Abe's POV
I wasn't sure how it happened, in all these months I had never felt the pain of my loss so much. Yet Belle was still with me…offering me a promise that changed everything. I couldn't let go. Not yet. I needed her more than I had ever realised before, though looking down at her soft blonde hair and her expression, I couldn't help but feel like she needed me too…
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
It had been five am the following morning when Belle had awoken from a nightmare that had disturbed her night of peaceful sleep once again. Though as she woke up in sudden shock, her breathing was sharp and heavy as she tried to calm herself…yet she was not the only one who had woken, Abe also looking over to her in concern, at realising she had experienced another bad dream. Remembering how she had been the last time he had seen her go through such a thing had been a horrible memory for him, the merman unable to bear seeing her so frightened. 'Belle,' he remarked softly, his voice carrying from the tank as he brushed a hand against the surface of the tank before proceeding to rise to the surface and get out, not wanting to leave Belle alone.
'I'm sorry,' she started weakly, 'I didn't mean to wake you…'
'Don't apologise,' Abe soothed, his voice gently as he came down to her, his hands gloved to ensure they were dry enough as Belle sat up on the sofa, the duvet that had been draped over her falling from her shoulders. 'Another nightmare?' he asked gently as he sat beside her, Belle nodding weakly,
'It scares me so much…it just always seems so real…' she said, her tone uneven as she tried to settle herself down. 'It's okay, a dream can't hurt you,' he assured her softly, Belle leaning forward and resting her head on his shoulder, her hand falling upon his bare chest as she sat a little more contently.
Though her actions had at first surprised Abe, he quickly recomposed himself, sitting back more comfortably holding her light form delicately as she began to drift off in his arms, a feeling overcoming him, stronger than he'd ever felt before…
'Abe…can I ask you something?' she asked softly as she rested in Abe's arms, the merman looking down at her as he nodded. 'Do you remember…that night when you first discovered I was clairvoyant…and I asked you to stay with me when I woke up…?'
'Yes?' he responded, wondering what she was going to ask of him as she lay with her head against his chest now, looking down at his hands as she sat curled up beside him.
'Was that the moment when you started to not be so…afraid of me?' she questioned softly, Abe sitting up and bringing her to look up at him as he thought over her question. He had never really thought that Belle considered him to be afraid of her when they first met…but he supposed he had been nervous in getting to know her. The worries of what she may think of him being something he didn't even consider now.
'I was never afraid of you Belle…but what I felt for you…' he explained, finding it hard to say the words, though he kept himself relatively composed, Belle sitting up and looking into his eyes as she took in what he had just told her.
'…what you feel…?' she returned, her breathing hitching slightly as she felt his hand on hers, now without its glove.
'Yes…though your gift…I read about it…but there was something in the meaning…it also means devoted love. Belle, did you really mean it as that?' he questioned, Belle finding herself not knowing how to respond, though she didn't want anything to ruin that moment between them. The chemistry and burning desire was so intense between them, Belle found almost like it was getting hard to breathe.
'Yes,' she finally stammered, Abe's eyes showing nothing to suggest he wanted to move away from her, only kindness and love as he took her hands, holding them carefully, when he put one to the delicate skin upon her face. Cupping her cheek gently in his hand, Belle realised they were moving closer, her free hand reaching to touch his shoulder as her body began to lean against his. Pausing for one last moment, Belle only whispered, 'promise me this isn't a dream…' Abe offering a few words in her ear, before he gave in to his desires and met his lips with hers, the soft embrace becoming stronger as they showed their affection for one another in a kiss that only they were a witness too…Abe's words lingering in Belle's mind. I promise…
Now I just know I'm going to get floods of excitement from the ending to this chapter, and hey, for once no cliffhanger to those who love to hate them so much ;)
I just want to say, thankyou, to the people who review, support my work and in general make me proud to be a writer...you have all in your own way been amazing over this fanfic (and for some the last too) "AngelProtectress", "LadyAquanine73551", "StormyChild95", "hecatemoondancer", "Kim", "My names not Alice", "forever'nAlways" and "HarutaYari", thankyou, for all your reviews.
So from myself, all there is left to say is have a Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a wonderful day on Christmas day!
Merry Christmas!
~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x