Ladies and Gentlemen it is 2011! I can't quite believe it…2010 certainly has had its share of ups and downs, but that happens every year. So here's to hoping that this year will be good, and we begin with a brand new chapter…

I do hope you all had a lovely Christmas and got some nice presents, though I know for some of you it's back to school/work etc. (seems so strange being my first year not going back to school after Christmas…but its good!) So anyway, here is a chapter to brighten that up!

I cannot believe this fanfic is at 154 reviews though, it truly amazes me, and thankyou to everyone who leaves such encouraging and positive reviews. It's always welcome!

Music for Inspiration ~ Concrete Angel – Martina McBride and various Ludovico Einaudi music…

Please review and enjoy!

Waking up the following morning, Belle's eyes opened weakly in the early daylight, feeling tired from her lack of sleep during the night. Though as she sat up, Belle looked up to the surface of Abe's tank and remembered everything, it making her sit up as she realised she was alone. Looking around her, Belle noticed how she had been tucked into her duvet again, with a pillow supporting her up against the armrest. With "Palladio" playing quietly in the background of the room, Belle sat up, albeit somewhat wearily as she thought about the night before and blushed deeply. Though with it sank in the worry of the possibility that it hadn't been real…she could have easily been dreaming…what she had said to him about promising her it were real.

'Awake then eh?' Hellboy grinned coming into the room and startling her, Belle smiling upon realising who it was as she shuffled up on the sofa.

'Yes…I haven't been long though…where is Abe?' she asked, trying to make it as conversational as possible, and apparently succeeding as Hellboy leant back casually against the glass of the tank.

'Ah he's in the meeting room with Manning, Johann and a few others, they found some locational stuff or something or…yeah I got bored and walked out…' he concluded, Belle laughing at the thought of Manning's reaction to that when Hellboy continued. 'Abe said ya had a bad dream again last night,' he remarked, Belle thinking about it as she nodded.

'Yeah…it's horrible…I seem to lose so much sleep from it…'

'Well good thing ya had Abe, he said he stayed awake with ya until you fell asleep, but Abe's pretty good like that. He always took care of me an' Liz if anything was wrong. I always trusted him too; never wanted the fed's coming near me, they made a big deal out of anything that was different about me, whereas Abe just got the job done.'

'Yeah…' she returned weakly, looking over at the fire that was burning once again in the corner, the sight of the flames reminding Belle of her dream with an unpleasant memory hitting her as she shook it off.

'You alright Belle?'

'These dreams are getting more vivid Hellboy. Something is going to happen…I'm sure of it, what scares me is that I don't know when or how. Nor do I know what the outcome will be,' she sighed softly, Hellboy looking at her and seeing something she seldom showed. Fear…Approaching her and kneeling down in front of Belle, Hellboy made the clairvoyant look at him as he watched her with stern but assuring eyes.

'I know you're scared kid…an' yeah, I ain't gonna lie to you…if the FBI put ya with us, there's a good chance whatever these people want, they're going to be dangerous. But I'm also not lying when I say that we're not gonna let you go without a fight. We promised we'd take care of ya before we even knew you…and now that we know you, I don't need to promise that. Cause you're family. Just like a little sister, an' I ain't gonna let anything happen to you, neither is Abe. He's always thinking of your safety. Yeah, he's lost someone before, but you're different to him. Just don't give up on us Belle. Have faith whatever happens. Okay?' he asked, holding up his prayer beads that he wore around his wrist, Belle taking the cross in her hand with a weak smile as she observed the faded wooden prayer beads.

'Okay,' she nodded finally, feeling the strong warmth of his aura, the heat that radiated off his body warming her as he pulled Belle into a crushing hug.

'Right…now that you're awake, I wanna start your training.'

'Here at the bureau?' Belle responded, her amethyst eyes curious as Hellboy nodded.

'Yup. I used to train in my old room down the hall, the space is big enough and everyone else is in meetings. Perfect,' he grinned, taking Belle's hand and pulling her to her feet as they left the room.

'I'm surprised you'd opt to practise here...' Belle remarked, still with some disbelief. 'You're never gonna choose where a fight happens Belle. Not most of the time anyway. So ya gotta make the place work in your favour.'

'I never knew you were the tactical type Red,' Belle smiled, though she was granted a vision of his former training as a young teenager, the memories being fond ones for Hellboy. 'Back then I was taught all I know now. I just tend to bend the rules a little,' he smirked, straightening out his long coat as they walked down the corridor. 'Just remember, you do have some backbone in ya Belle, but you're vulnerable, you're innocent and you were definitely brought up as a lady. You just have a couple of extra perks that people don't expect,' Hellboy smirked, Belle throwing her head back and laughing at the remark as they walked to Hellboy's room, his comment about them fixing the wall making her smile.

'Yes, that was rather eventful wouldn't you agree?' she remarked, Hellboy nodding with a smirk as he then closed the door behind her.

'Well then…let's see what ya got.'

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

Watching Belle as she dodged and used light evasive movements, Hellboy had to admit he was impressed by her stealth and agility, though soon enough Hellboy stopped her in her tracks, Belle ending up falling back and watching as the demon stood over her. 'Well you lasted pretty well until then Belle, ten minutes ain't bad. You just gotta work on anticipating anything. It's always important to keep space around you for every eventuality. Cause if you get backed into a corner, it's damn hard to get out when you can't throw a strong punch.' Getting to her feet, Belle nodded as she stood back, finding it intense, but more helpful than she anticipated…

'Remember Belle, you might not want to hurt me, but you gotta hurt your opponent, and there is one easy target that will never fail you…'

'Which is?' Belle remarked in questioning, Hellboy thinking of a polite way to word it in the presence of Belle.

'I'm not gonna come right out with it, cause you are a lady…so let me put it plainly…what is precious to a man that could buy you a lot of time if your successful in hitting that particular area?' Hellboy remarked; Belle realising what he meant as a simple murmur passed her lips.

'Ah…'

'Exactly, now…speaking tactically, you would have a plan in defeating an enemy…that's most people. I- well I make it up as I go along,' Hellboy remarked plainly, 'but that doesn't mean I ain't got anything to teach you…cause,' he began when he suddenly lunged at her, Belle jumping out of reaching and landing squarely on the opposite side of the room. 'You gotta keep both eyes open. You an' Abe have the advantage. Most entities won't know you can see in their thoughts…but by doin' that-' he continued throwing his normal hand in a punch which she ducked and swung her legs around knocking him over to the floor with a loud slam. 'You can remain one step ahead…but bloody hell woman I was giving an example!'

'Yes, it was a good example to say the least…' Belle offered, standing to her feet and offering him her hand as he stood up. 'Anyone would have thought I might have needed to dodge,' Belle returned with a smile, Hellboy smirking at her as he got to his feet.

'You're good…'

'What can I say? I'm a perfectionist.'

'You also know what to do with your heels. True woman,' he murmured making Belle laugh as Liz walked in.

'Of course she is, so what are you two up to then Red? You're not surely trying to get her into trouble?'

'I asked Hellboy to teach me how to defend myself; I just don't want to be the reason for anyone of us getting hurt if I can help it.'

'…and you asked Hellboy? His answer to everything is punch it hard enough and hope it gets knocked out,' Liz remarked with a coy smile, Hellboy grinning as he put his arms around her.

'Ah but it always works, you can't deny that one,' he returned, Belle shaking her head as she put her arm around his waist.

'They want you in the library…' she muttered, Hellboy sighing dramatically as Liz glanced to his lips with an almost playful expression, 'hey I've had my share for the day; it's your turn…' she smiled leaning up to kiss him as Hellboy rested a hand gently on her growing bump. 'Love you,' she uttered softly, Belle smiling at the couple and somehow feeling envious of the love that they shared, knowing her own life was fast growing harder where love was concerned.

'Come on then Tinks, we better get going,' Hellboy remarked finally, bringing Belle from her reverie as she nodded finally,

'of course' she remarked, leaving the room and walking back down the corridor to see a few Agents now present, all watching her with curiosity, some averting her gaze upon catching the light in her eyes. Yet as she walked into the library, Belle felt like time stood still for her as she looked over to the table where Agent Krauss and Manning stood with Abe, the merman scanning over some papers on the table. Taking in everything about him there and then, Belle noticed that despite being dressed more formally, he still lacked his shirt, the clairvoyant trying to keep a harsh restraint on her thoughts as Johann looked up and greeted her pleasantly.

'Miss. Lucivia, it is good to see you again,'

'…Same to you,' Belle responded courteously, when she came to glance at the pictures upon the table, Abe stammering over his words as he met her gaze for a brief second.

'Erm, so, I…how did you find these?' Abe asked, looking through them as Belle stood with Abe and Hellboy, Manning taking a drink of his coffee before answering.

'An FBI agent who later disappeared…These pictures were discovered on his underwater video footage which we got still frames of.'

'He's still missing,' Abe remarked, having examined the pictures carefully through his gentle touch. Though as Belle came to look at one of the pictures it was instantly recognisable to her, her mind having a flashback of images as she looked at it…though the symbols upon the picture rendered her faint…

As Abe watched her though, he felt her rush of thoughts as he touched her arm, the merman reaching out to put his hands on her shoulders as he steadied her, seeing how Belle suddenly grasped the table.

'Belle, what did you see?'

'I…I've see this place before, in my dreams. It's so clear. But the place itself…I don't know its name…' she breathed unsteadily, looking in Abe's eyes with concern there as he offered her a reassuring look in return.

'May I?' Abe asked of her, Belle seeing his hand outstretched by hers.

'Yes,' she nodded more calmly, Abe resting his palm against hers

'Stony point…' Abe remarked, marking it on the map of the area surrounding Connecticut.

'That's two hours from here…' Manning responded, Abe being about to withdraw his palm, though something stopped him. Feeling the nervous emotions and thoughts from the young lady beside him, Abe looked into her eyes questioningly, not knowing what he could say that that moment when Manning interrupted the connection. 'You knew about this Johann? That she can read minds…?' Manning repeated in disbelief, Belle looking between them at the words…

'You…' she began looking at Johann in shock. 'You told him?'

'Not at all, it vould seem he knows of his own accord,' Johann returned, Belle searching Manning's thoughts and seeing an image of her own Father telling Manning, her image falling into place as she realised the timing.

'At the family ball this Christmas,' she breathed, looking up at Manning,

'Wait…what?'

'My father confided my abilities in you?' she repeated, Manning nodding as he settled down the pictures he held, running a hand across his receding hairline.

'Mr. Lucivia told me in complete confidence at your Family's Christmas party. He told me because he thought the FBI had a right to know everything. Wise choice at that, he's a good business man…' Manning continued before trailing off, Belle feeling like that was all she was. Some kind of business transaction. Dropping her gaze as she looked at the place upon the map, she felt an overwhelming sense of emotion, her lack of response from then on reflecting her hurt at the fact her Father hadn't told her what he had spoken to the FBI about.

Though as she came to a conclusion, Belle finally glanced up, 'If you intend to send Red and Abe to investigate this…then I want to go as well,' she now remarked as she straightened up.

'Hell yeah,' Hellboy smirked, 'sounds like a plan Tinkerbelle.'

'But Miss. Lucivia,' Johann began, disregarding Hellboy's remark, 'you know zat it vould be safer for you to remain at ze home vhere you have resided for ze past few months vith Liz…' Johann offered, Belle understanding the concerns presented to her. Yet she knew that there was a definitive link at Stony Point and this underwater chamber. A link to her…and she had to know what it was.

"Belle, please think of your own safety. Myself and the big monkey can handle this…I don't want you to get hurt" Abe breathed into her thoughts, Belle trying to put it out of her mind as she looked to Manning.

'Agent Manning you know I have a good use to this team. I can communicate with Abe and the others through my clairvoyance, and with Liz out it makes you one short,' Belle countered, Hellboy agreeing with her.

'Well course me and Abe would want Belle with us, after all, your men have proven incapable of watching her when we're not "allowed" or sent on these damn missions. But what you forget Manning is that you don't work above us anymore. So the choice is ours' he said decisively, Manning sighing heavily as he nodded.

'Fine, fine. God, I need an aspirin. Look just be ready...as its New Year, we can't get clearance for three days…but Belle if I may speak to you for a moment; with Johann?' Manning remarked, Belle nodding slightly in agreement as she went outside the door with them, Hellboy glancing back as the door was closed.

'Do not vorry young von, you are not in trouble,' Johann offered kindly. 'Though I believe you should know vat iz going on, for both your knowledge and safety…'

'…which I also thought would be a good idea,' Manning added before glancing between them, 'well…I, you…never mind,' he concluded, Belle being curious at what she was going to be told.

'Zis voman Ruxandra has shown up on no government file. But we do believe that she iz in direct communication with those who seek to hurt you,' he remarked, Belle feeling as if a heavy weight suddenly rested on her as a lump formed in her throat.

'So you think things like these attacks are going to get worse?' Belle remarked, remembering how she had nearly been crushed only a couple of weeks ago.

'We're monitoring the situation…I have my best men on it. But as much as I call him…Hellboy will do the best he can. The three of them were the strongest team we had,' Agent Manning remarked, Belle smiling slightly as she put a hand on Manning's shoulder.

'Then you shouldn't act so resentful towards them…You mean well, and though I've seldom said it…thankyou, for doing as my parents asked, and for helping me…I really appreciate it…' she continued, seeing the flicker of surprise that passed in Manning's features. 'After all…if it weren't for you I wouldn't have met Abe, Hellboy and Liz…and it just seems like something unthinkable now to me,' she remarked softly, her blonde hair brushing softly against her features.

'Johann…will you tell Abe and Hellboy that I've gone outside for some fresh air? I need to clear my thoughts a little…'

'Ja, zat iz not a problem, vould you like an escort?'

'I'll only be just by the front doors, so no…but thank you for the offer,' Belle returned graciously, walking away with a lot on her mind, though as usual, she concealed it effortlessly…

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

'So, what do ya reckon they're talkin' to Belle about?'

'I'm not sure…perhaps arrangements for her return home,' Abe guessed, setting up a few of the books that he had brought with him.

'Yeah, I'll tell ya what, that lady gets moved from place to place more times than I can count. Hardly lets her relax…' Hellboy remarked, 'though I'm glad Liz is resting for a change, I haven't said it to her, but I've been worried that she's overworking herself too much. She's started having nightmares again. Just glad I'm there to help her through them this time…you know?' he remarked, Abe knowing all too well what it felt like to see something so disconcerting as a loved one in distress. Though as Hellboy stretched out he began to think about Belle's home…

'Pretty big that place isn't it? Belle's house…'

'It is,' Abe nodded, 'I do worry for Belle though…she is taking a lot on herself, the FBI don't seem to be making things easier on her,' he sighed, 'I just wish there were some way I could help.'

'What ya on about Abe? You know she looks up to ya…she enjoys spending time with you…and she had the choice of another room to sleep in last night, but she was perfectly happy to sleep on the sofa in here. I mean it Abe that girl cares about ya more than you seem to think…'

'I know…I just see the people she's surrounded by and think about how much others have to offer her.'

'Ya gotta remember what you can offer her though buddy, she ain't that different to us. Besides, she was asking for ya this morning when she woke up, that is.' Seeing Abe pause as he turned round to look at Hellboy, his best friend shrugged out of his coat as he grinned at him.

'She…she asked for me?'

'Yeah, she seemed kinda disappointed when she found out you weren't there…' Hellboy responded, Abe thinking about that as Johann walked in the door.

'Alright Johann?' Hellboy remarked casually, 'where's Belle?' the ectoplasmic form within the containment suit looking between Hellboy and Abe as he answered.

'She is up on ze main level, getting some fresh air. She requested zat I tell you,'

'Is she on her own up there?'

'Zere are Agents keeping an eye on her ja, but not closely,' he returned, Hellboy nodding as he got up.

'Right then, well I'd better go check on Liz, do you wanna check that Belle's okay?' he suggested, Abe agreeing, though he felt a wave of nerves wash over him.

'Yes, of course,' he nodded, Hellboy smirking as he went to leave the room, only pausing to pick up Belle's cloak and hand it to Abe.

'She'll probably want that,' he grinned, leaving them alone as Johann turned to Abe.

'You are fond of ze girl zen, ja?' he remarked, Abe looking up at him as he held the cloak Belle had worn the night before.

'I think it's fair to say Belle's left quite an impression on everyone,' he responded honestly, but carefully, Johann nodding to him as Abe went to pass, though he thought to say one last thing.

'Never let someone go if zey mean zat much to you Agent Sapien, it iz better to say it and face the possibilities of either outcome, zan to never have said it at all…' he remarked, Abe thinking about that as he went along the marble corridor, and up on the elevated platform that lifted him to the main level of the bureau.

'Abe…' a couple of Agent's nodded as they passed him, the ichthyo sapien trying a little too hard to act normally as he then went to the front doors, seeing Belle sat on the step, watching silently as snow fell once again, coating the ground in a glistening white blanket.

As Belle sat looking out into the quickly darkening sky, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh…Manning had said in plain terms that things were getting worse…but there was little she could do to help matters. Yet she couldn't help but feel some betrayal, her Father having not told her that he had spoken to Manning about her psychic abilities. Looking down at her hands as she sat there, her heels resting against the steps beneath her, Belle wondered if her Mother ever missed her abilities. She knew from the thoughts Glenna emitted that the moment she lost them, she felt like a piece was missing. 'Belle…?' Abe spoke softly from behind her, hoping not to startle the young clairvoyant as she looked up at Abe and smiled kindly.

'Hello,' she replied gently, Abe knowing how cold she must have been from the way she sat, her body being hunched over slightly as she held herself more closely together, trying to keep warm.

'Johann said you were out here, I just, well…I…I brought your cloak,' he offered finally, placing it over her shoulders and feeling her shudder slightly at his touch, Belle offering for him to stay with her. So in compliance, he sat beside Belle, observing her for a few moments innocently, until she turned to glance back, Abe trying to think what to say when Belle smiled at him.

'It's okay, you know…' she said softly, 'I don't mind if you don't want to-'

'No, no,' he interrupted, 'I mean, I…oh I don't know what I'm saying really…but, if you would give me a chance…will you come inside with me?' he asked, Belle nodding as he rose to his feet and reached for her hand.

Returning to the library, Belle had to say that she found the warmth of the room a comfort, but also that she was alone with Abe. Yet it felt like the butterflies wouldn't leave her alone, Belle unable to deny her anxiousness at the possibility that he regretted it.

'I'm sorry Belle, I just thought we'd have more privacy in here…to talk, I just suppose I'm finding it hard to know what to say…'

'Then perhaps I can start…Abe…I…I really like you. I think you're intelligent, kind…' Belle began in something of a rush, feeling as if her voice was going to break as she prepared herself for the worst result of the scenario she was in. 'But…I don't want you to feel like you have to be sorry if you regret it. I understand…' she breathed, trying to hold herself together as Abe watched her in sheer surprise. He hadn't expected it at all. She really believes I regret it? He questioned within his thoughts, it hurting him to see her that way.

Stepping forward, Abe somehow felt like he knew what to do, taking Belle's hands in his and making her look at him as he offered in her thoughts. It's alright Belle…I'm so sorry for worrying you like I have…I was going to say how sorry I am for not being there this morning. I had no idea you would want to see me…in truth, I suppose I worried myself what it would be like when I spoke to you today. I had almost convinced myself you would have regretted it all. Being with someone like you, it makes it hard for me to know what to say aloud…because I was always afraid of what you make think of me. In my mind like this…I find it easier I guess…but Belle, please don't be upset, I wanted to tell you the feelings I have for you, so much and even after last night, I still never believed I truly had that chance. I know your scared of what is to come…but your protection is my priority…I won't let anything happen. You're too precious…to all of us…me, Red, Liz…your family. So never give up, because we won't do that to you. Ever…

Putting her arms around Abe, Belle was held close against his chest as she closed her eyes, feeling the warmth from him as she relaxed; his words so beautiful and endearing to her as she came to feel his heartbeat beneath her hand…

So they do share their feelings! But will other events make things complicated? So much yet to come! I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter of 2011!

Please review!

Thankyou and goodnight!

~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x