Oof. This… this, uh, is coming a bit late, huh? Wow. It's hard to pinpoint down any one reason- real life things getting in the way, having no motivation to start even when I have time, and then writer's block when I manage to get started, it's all a mess. I wonder what happened while I was awa-

*You forgot there actually had been an Leshy in the Hellboy comics, despite being a fan. Not only that, but that Leshy hated Baba Yaga's guts, and even helped Hellboy out.*

…Whoops. Well, that's no biggie- as Viosang described, the Leshy I wrote isn't quite accurate to the myths they know. However, they were keen to mention that it can vary from region to region- so, "Word of God" is that there are multiple Leshy in this world.

It is important to note that Hellboy could tend to alter both real religions and long disbelieved myths to fit the universe. Still, I tried my best to research them and keep them as accurate as I could. Still, if anyone more familiar with these creatures wants to correct me, I definitely want to hear to improve in the future.

Well now, 'other half of my brain that is making me remember things', if that's all-

*Luz's father wasn't a deadbeat at all, you moron.*

(glass breaking sound)

…

…

…

(cue Kirby death music as I crumple to the ground)

*To quote the YMMV Tropes page for this fanfic- "Reaching Out reveals that Luz's father is actually dead and that they implicitly had a good relationship beforehand, making this improvised plot point retroactively kind of mean-spiri-

HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL ABOUT IT?! I thought this was gonna be an unexplored thing! They didn't show us Phineas' dad and Ferb's mom, they didn't explore the Pines parents, they didn't go into Sasha and Marcy's folks! I thought this was gonna be another case of the creators letting us make our own answers! I didn't- I just… GAH! Don't I feel like an ass…

…

…*sigh* Believe it or not, I can work with this. But it will take a VERY long while to pay that off. I can't tell you anymore than that.

Oh boy… anyway, there were some good things that happened while I was gone. I discovered there was a Spanish translation of my fic being made! "El Punto de Ebullición del Infierno" by FakerDarkSouls on Wattpad. You're awesome dude, and I hope you and your readers keep enjoying the story. I guessed Luz was from Connecticut before the reveal, before anybody even thought, which absolves me of any and all previous infractions. I don't make the rules. Chapter 1 got looked at by the podcast "So You Think You Can Fanon", and they had very kind things to say about it- thank you guys very much, and I hope you look at more in the future! And of course, the rest of Season 2 aired, and it was great!

Unfortunately, with that last thing in mind… I've got good news and bad news. Bad news is, I'm going on hiatus until Season comes out and Owl House ends. I don't want anymore curveballs being thrown at me- yes, my story was always going to deviate from the original, but I want to make sure the deviations make sense. To add onto that… this chapter isn't all six stories- it's only two, essentially one third. Tackling only a few of the stories at a time helped me finally get down to brass tacks- I realized that having to anticipate writing something that was even longer than last chapter was discouraging me. So, I'm going two stories at a time.

The good news is, the hiatus won't be in effect until after next chapter- the next two short stories. The final short stories are… affected by the Owl House, to put it simply, and will only be written and posted after the hiatus. Until then, you can still expect one more chapter before I intentionally take a break.

Big thanks to my editor TakanaMakana, and for a little bit of the first chapter from Imawriteritswhatido for part of the first story.

Chapter 8.1: The Owlet and Other Short Stories-B.P.R.D Tales

The morning was as quiet as the night before. Deathly so. A glance around the room and I could tell that none of us had slept. I could understand that. I simply couldn't close my eyes. Not with everything I'd learned the night before. By the time I had finally fallen asleep, it was only a few hours till morning.

Eventually, everyone else joined me, all of them in the same state I was. Bags eyes and slouches… everything. Hellboy decided to make us something for breakfast, using supplies he got from his BPRD friends. The food of the angels, he said… or pancakes, as most people called them. No milk, so thankfully my Luz won't have another thing to add onto her woes.

"Might've had a terrible night, but we can at least start the morning off something nice." He said. I could tell he was trying his best to cheer everyone up. His results… varied. Most of the others dug into their meal as if they hadn't eaten in days… it was probably their way of dealing with the stress.

But Luz, Eda and I were not so eager. I had too much on my mind. Eda simply stood in her kitchen, drinking some apple blood. She wouldn't face us. And Luz… she could only poke at her food. Every now and then she would glance at me with worry. Perhaps hoping that I would change my mind, or maybe she was afraid of the answer she knew I would give.

If only she knew… I had no idea what I wanted anymore. Everything had become topsy turvy. This place didn't feel safe… but home doesn't feel safe either. What could I possibly do now? Where could I even hope to take my daughter to keep her safe?

I'd only just started to realize last night what was waiting back on earth. But maybe I was worrying too much about it? Or… perhaps I was not worried enough. I needed clarity… and I knew who to ask to get it. But first things first… I needed to get Luz out of the house.

I put my fork down and cleared my throat, grabbing everyone's attention. "Luz, about last night…" Luz tensed up, likely expecting the worst. "I think you and your friends should get some fresh air."

Luz doesn't say a word. Her head falls slightly forward before recoiling, her brain short circuiting for a moment. "Uh… wha?"

"It wouldn't be good to stay cooped up in here after last night. Perhaps Willow and Gus know some places that could take your minds off what happened?" I glance at the two young witches, who also seem a bit confused. When they realize I'm asking them, they snap out of it.

"Uh… y-y-yeah. I know some places." Willow speaks up. "I… guess we could go to our usual hangouts."

"That's good. I'm sure she would enjoy that. Just as long as Roger goes with you."

"Yeah… of course." Gus nodded.

I noticed Hellboy giving me an inquisitive look. I waved my hands, letting him know I'd tell him later.

Luz's remained bewildered for the rest of breakfast. Strangely enough, the anxiety of the situation encouraged her to eat. I did manage to catch her with several looks of content… guess I should start eat too. I'm worried it might be the only reprieve either of us have today.

It didn't take too long for the kids to get ready, even Luz. No doubt it was because I didn't turn her down like she thought I would. But I don't want to get her hopes up… it's not as if that suddenly means I'm letting her stay. Ugh… I'm thinking in circles here.

Out of their pajamas, the three children stood at the door. They were only waiting on Roger, who seemed to be talking with Hellboy about something. Eda was seeing them off.

"The gray goliath will be with you, so he'll keep you out of trouble. Just don't try to trick him…" She leaned in with a smirk.. "…He won't fall for it. Trust me."

Luz smirked back for a moment but drooped her head. She opened her mouth, only for nothing to come out at first. She eventually found the words. "Eda… if this is… if I can't stay, I…"

"Of course you can't stay."

She seemed put off by that. "W…what?"

"You've got a full day of fun with your friends to look forward to! No use squatting around this dusty old place when there's a whole town of cool stuff just waiting for ya."

Hooty took offense. "Hey! I bathe!"

"Yeah, in mud." She shot back. She placed her hands on Luz's shoulders. "And after all that excitement you'll end up stuck back here because my door is on the fritz. Chin up, kid. You're not out of my hair yet. So enough with the premature goodbyes, alright?"

I had to smile at that. I don't get along too well with Eda… but I won't deny that she has a kinship with my daughter. It's beneficial, even. But that doesn't matter right now, at least not until I can figure out what it is I want.

Roger finally joins them. Luz walks up to me one last time before they head out the door. "Mom… what exactly does this really mean?"

Isn't that the question today? I let out a breath on instinct as I put my hand to her cheek. "…You'll know for sure when you get back."

She's not quite pleased with the answer, but she's not sad either. She sighs to herself and slowly walks out with her friends. Roger gives me a thumbs up and follows them out.

Not a moment after the door closes, Eda starts to scrutinize me.

"Eh, stop giving her the once over, Snaggletooth." Hellboy calls over from the table, digging into an inhumanly large stack of pancakes. "She wants to say something, she'll say it. That is what this is about, isn't it, Cam?"

I give a weak laugh. "Si. How could you guess?"

He pretended to think about it. "Hmm. I dunno, really. Just a hunch."

"Yes, well I would've probably kept Luz within arm's length if I didn't have my world view shattered last night." I pinch the bridge of my nose. "But I suppose it's also my fault for not really "listening" when you and your friends told me all those stories. It was all right there in front of me, but I was too blind to see it…"

He shook his head. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Lots of people tend to be like that."

"But I'm not exactly in a normal human situation anymore, am I? I said that the first day I got here but I didn't think about just how true that was." I sat down at the table across from Hellboy. "And now I don't know what to do again. Everything seems so dangerous and… I just don't want anything happening to my little girl."

"So… how can I help?"

I smiled. He's been so willing to help despite how small my problems likely seem to him. "Despite worrying so much that it turned me into an insomniac, there was one thing that finally put me to sleep. The only way I'm going to figure out where to go next… is if I do the same thing I did last time." I clasped my hands together. "I need context. I need info. I need to know just what danger lies in wait on earth…" I looked at Eda as she groggily drank a mug of her 'apple blood'. "…And the Boiling Isles."

Eda coughed up apple blood back into her cup, spilling some on herself. "Did I… am I hearing this right?" She stared at me like I was growing a second head. "You've been against this place since you got here. I thought you'd be done with it after last night. Are you saying that you'd actually… let her stay because of some ghost stories?"

I was about to protest her framing of it, but she didn't seem accusatory or even opportunistic. Just genuinely confused. I take a breath. "I won't say for certain… but if I can get the full picture, maybe I can finally figure that out."

Hellboy snapped his fingers and pointed at me. "Which is why you sent Luz out for the day."

"Si. I know what she would argue for. She is biased towards the Isles. But I don't think she has the full picture of what this place is really like. Yet at the same time, I had thought I had a nice, full picture of earth and the dangers it held… until last night." I looked at them both. "Both of you have seen the good and the bad of both sides. If I am going to decide, I need that realistic point of view, unhindered by both her idealistic viewpoint… and my own."

Hellboy nodded, while Eda just looked in deep thought. "I'm happy to help. But I'm not sure where to start." He said. "My resume's pretty large."

"Maybe you could start with something I'm familiar with."

He raised an eyebrow. "Familiar with?'

"Yes. Monsters I was told about since I was a child. Dominican legends. If I can get an idea of just how real they are… it would be telling, to say the least."

He dug into his pancakes while mulling it over. "Hmm. I've actually been to the Dominican Republic a few times." He snapped his fingers again. "I got it." He swallowed before continuing. "Let me tell you about the time I was called to the country in the eighties to investigate a string of disappearances…"

The Six-Toed Dog

Santiago Province, Dominican Republic. 1983.

The BPRD had been called in by the mayor of the San Jose municipality after a string of disappearances occurring in the towns surrounding the Armando Bermúdez National Park. Several villages and hamlets reported their young men vanishing, the only evidence of their kidnapper being a series of footprints in the mud that were impossible to track. The locals believed it to be a local legend, and the Professor seemed to think they were right. Abe was off dealing with some matter in Campeche, so it ended up being a solo job. Like pretty much all my missions, things got crazy pretty fast…

The jungle was quiet. Save for the light rainfall that pitter-pattered on the trees. It'd been falling for some time, as the dirt path had long since become mud. At this point I'd been walking so long I was starting to compare how far my feet fell into the slop.

My muddy stroll through the woods eventually pays off. Even in the darkness and the rain, I can see the candlelight coming from the hamlet ahead. Kinda late to be up, ain't it? Wonder if they were told I was coming… or maybe they're just too afraid to go to sleep.

If I'm even gonna begin to learn what this thing is or how to find it, I need to ask a local. But considering they've already got a monster harassing them, I might just freak them out. I stand there for a moment, water puddling around my feet, wondering which door I should knock on.

I suddenly get the feeling that someone is staring at me. A quick glance around the hamlet doesn't reveal anybody looking out their window… but a small four-legged silhouette is looking at me from behind one house. It wags its tail as it strolls up to me, looking up at me with a big ol' smile.

"Well, hey there pup." I give out a hand for her to sniff. "What are you doing out on a miserable night like this?" She actually placed her paw in mine to shake. But that's not what shocked me. No, upon looking closer, I noticed the dog had six toes on its paw. Or rather, all of its paws. "Heh. Well, how about that… Don't suppose you know who I need to go to, do ya?"

She yipped again, and suddenly ran off to a specific house. She barked at me, wanting me to follow.

"I… guess you do."

I still hesitate to knock, even after walking up to the house. But nothing's gonna get better until I introduce myself. Hope they don't scream too loud. I give the door three knocks. Shuffling sounds can be heard from inside; they're almost frantic. Slowly the door opens, just a crack, and I hear a quiet yelp.

"Don't panic. I'm from the BPRD. I'm here to help."

He opens the door fully. "No, I… I'm sorry. I know who you are. I just… you're really that big."

I chuckle. "It's the pancakes. All those carbs, you know?"

That actually gets a small laugh out of him. "I can imagine." He steps out of the way. "Come in. Let's get you out of that rain."

I step inside. The guy begins to close the door behind me. "Hang on. Don't you want to let in the…" I pause. Looking outside, there doesn't seem to be any sign of my four-legged friend.

"Let in whom? Do you have someone with you?" He asked nervously.

"…No. Thought I saw someone out there."

He looks outside with frantic eyes. "We should… we should talk."

I stare outside for another short moment before I let him close the door. "Right."

Before long we were sitting at his rather small dinner table, nothing but a single candle illuminating the darkness. The man looked around several more times before talking, as if he were being watched. I hand him a smoke. Might calm his nerves. "My… my name is Luis. I suppose I'm the closest thing to a leader this hamlet has." He sighed in frustration. "And yet I can do nothing to help it. I know what is out there, how to find it, but I… I'm just too afraid."

"You called the BPRD. Best decision you coulda made, I think. You're no good to these people dead." I take out a cigarette and light it on the candle. He does the same. "What exactly do you know, anyway?"

The burnt ends of our tabs grow brighter as we smoke them, illuminating our faces briefly with each puff. They almost seem to match when each of us decides to talk. "It is a Ciguapa. I knew from the moment these families told me that their butter and meat were mysteriously disappearing."

"That's not one I'm familiar with."

"Some believe the legend came from the Taino. She is a woman of unrivaled beauty. She lures men into the woods, bewitching them with her eyes. They are never seen again."

"Like a siren."

"Yes." He leans on the table, silent. "I tried to stop it then, but I could not. I did not have the means. I could only watch as these families began to weep for their lost sons and fathers. Not just here, but in hamlets and villages all around. And then…" He buries his face into his hands. "My brother. He went to live northwest of here. Wanted to raise chickens. I couldn't stand the damn things when we were kids, but he always had a way with them. Kids liked to tease him and call him "Mama Gallina", or "Mother Hen". But he wore it like a badge of pride… I… I found out he went missing a few days before you arrived." He tries to suppress it, but he can't help but weep. "I have no doubt what took him. If only I could have stopped it…"

I let him grieve. He's likely had to hold it in for the sake of his fellows. God knows how hard it is to stay strong in a position of leadership. After some time goes by, I place a gentle hand on him. "My son, Julio… he's barely thirteen. What happens when she comes for him next?"

"Tell me how to stop it. And I will. No one else is getting taken on my watch."

He nods, wiping the tears. "It is… not orthodox, to say the least."

"That hard to come by?"

"It is not as simple as a silver bullet or a stake through the heart. See, it is difficult enough to track the monster. Since its feet are backwards, tracking becomes a nightmare. But the only way to truly capture a Ciguapais in on a full moon… with a certain kind of dog."

"Which breed?"

He shakes his head. "The breed isn't the issue. It's the… traits." He sighs in exhaustion. "It's… complicated to explain why. But the only kind of dog that can track a Ciguapa… has six toes on each foot."

"…You don't say."

"I know, I know, it's not like one of those dogs are just sleeping in any old kennel. I should know, I looked all over the country. God, I searched all over Hispaniola. But I couldn't even find one." He stroked his hair back, stressed. "I went into town, used a computer to look for any overseas. Still didn't find any, but even if I did, I wouldn't be able to afford it."

Something funny's going on here. "What about the dog outside?"

"…Outside?"

"Yeah. Six toes. Black and white? Seems friendly."

"Oh. You must've seen the pictures at the memorial." Memorial? "I'm afraid she is no longer with us. Though I wish to God she was…"

"You mean…"

"She died over a decade ago. She was beloved by all of us." He chuckled a little, shedding a few more tears. "We… we called her Seis… just a darling. A good… a great dog. I wanted so badly for Julio to grow up with her. But she's gone now."

"…I see."

"Usually, we'd have more time to find a different solution. But the monster is only supposed to attack on the full moon. Instead, she's been attacking practically every night. If we don't stop this now, none of these villages will have any men left. Our only hope is if you have any ways of tracking the creature. That perhaps the bureau knows other ways to find a monster like this. Otherwise… we might be lost."

I look towards the front door. "I don't think we'll need to-"

CRASH

We stand up quickly, spooked by the sudden noise. Footsteps pound through the small home towards us. A woman bursts into the dim light. "Luis! Julio is- GYAAH!"

"Carmen, calm down! He is here to help! What about Julio? What's happening?"

She rushes to Luis' side, fearfully looking between him and I. "I… I woke up from a nightmare about Julio and the Ciguapa. I went to go check on him and… and…. he's gone, Luis!"

"What?!" He and his wife rush to their child's bedroom, me in tow. The window's wide open. There's a fairly large sharpened stick next to it- a makeshift spear. Kid probably thought he could take the thing out, help his pops… bit off more than he could chew. Doesn't take a genius to know what happened next.

"No… no, no, no!" He turns to me. "Please. You said you saw something out there. Did you see where it went?"

"No…" I walk over, looking outside for a quick moment. The footprints are filled with water… they've lost a lot of form from the rain, but they're still there. No telling when it happened, but it won't help to ask that now. Dunno if there's still time… but I ain't gonna find out sitting here. I scoop up the stick and rush outside.

"W-wait, Hellboy! Where are you going?!"

"I told you I wasn't letting anyone else get taken! I meant it!"

"B-but the dog!"

"Trust me, Luis! I've got it taken care of!" At least I hope so, if my suspicions are right.

I follow the footprints for a while. At some point, I notice a set of footsteps join his… backwards footsteps… before going back down to one… then disappearing over a small set of rocks. It's when I get past the rocks that things get bad. Multiple lines of footprints, both going towards and away from the hamlet. Difficult is an understatement… how'd she even do this?

A small yip comes from my left. A familiar pup runs up beside me… as if appearing out of thin air. "Was wondering when you'd show up. Over a decade, huh?" She looks up at me silently. "Guess you're still looking after him, eh?" She barks in confirmation. "She took the kid. We don't have much time. Think you can make sense of this?"

She sniffs at the ground, going over all the pathways. She settles on one off to the left, giving a little yip.

"Good girl. Lead the way."

The path leads higher into the mountains. Every second it takes to catch up, I feel like I'm losing ten minutes to save the boy. Seis is like a machine, running through the forest at a breakneck pace. I nearly lose her a few times.

Our chase eventually pays off. Seis slows down close to a mountain side, a cavern not so inconspicuously sticking out among the rocks. Seis gives a subtle growl as she stares into the dark opening. I slowly trod up the mountain, readying my borrowed weapon.

A chirping noise stops me in my tracks. Almost like a bird. Coming from the cave… and it's getting louder. Damn. Was hoping to catch this thing off guard. That way I wouldn't look at it. If this thing bewitches anybody that looks into its pearly whites, I needed to make sure it didn't see me.

Seis growls again. Maybe I could close my eyes? Let Seis guide me? …Actually… I can look at her. Just not into her eyes. Maybe…

The footsteps draw closer. Seis sounds ready to tear someone's throat out. Eventually, it comes to a halt. It's about three feet away. I'd glare it in the eyes if I could… but I'm just a little more focused on her odd appendages. Hope she's not sensitive about her "condition". The darkness caused by the rain helps, but the continuous lightning means I can't rely on it.

She coos. "Sorry to intrude, lady. But I'm looking for somebody. A young kid who wandered off. Couldn't help but think he might be with you. No reason why."

The Ciguapa doesn't speak, chirping more as she slowly strolls up to me. The closer she gets, the harder it is to avoid having her face in my line of sight. Especially since she's shorter than me. She pauses right before me… before crouching quickly, hoping to catch my line of sight. Just a second too late- I blink and dart my head upward, so I'm looking at the treetops instead. "Ah, ah, ah. Not getting me that easily." I hear her growl. "Listen. All I want is the kid… and for you to stop taking people. You do that and I'm out of here."

She gives a fiercer growl. "Not sure what you're on about, but I ain't leaving with the kid. And if you're not gonna give him over… if you're gonna keep hurting these people… we're gonna have a problem." I step a little closer. "So… we gonna do this the hard way?"

…

She answers with a slash from her claws, putting a gash in my chest and flinging me back from the force. I land a good ways down the rocky hill, dropping the stick along the way. "Guess that's a yes…" I groan. The wound is already closing up, but damn if I wasn't expecting such tough claws. I dart my head back up, taking care not to look too high. But the Ciguapa's gone. I take out my Good Samaritan, keeping my eyes to the ground but my arm torso high. I can hear the mud being disturbed around me. Still no idea where Seis is.

Another slash hits me on the shoulder. I retaliate by shooting, but from the sound of it, I only hit the trees. Another across my back, another shot in response. I'm not getting anywhere like this… I'm essentially fighting half blind.

Alright, calm down. She's got you handicapped as far as sight goes… so just listen. Rain's not coming down that hard.

…

…

…

The mud gets sloshed to my right, and I throw a backhand, finally hitting her. She still dodges my bullets. Gonna need to hit her a little harder. Or maybe just not be a garbage shot…

Another sloshing of mud behind me. I wind up and wait for it…just as she's on top of me, I turn and give a blind hail mary. I hear the satisfying sound of a face getting punched, followed by her landing in the mud. Before I can shoot her, I hear parking from up the hill. Seis is standing outside the cave entrance. Was wondering where she went.

I hear the mud shifting ahead. Damn it… shouldn't have gotten distracted. Now I have to get another good punch in. Is she seriously running at me head on?

I swing at her again, but this time she's ready. I barely have time to cover my eyes as she uses the mud to slide beneath me. Bad move, I should've dodged. I get flung off my feet and face first into the instinct, I wipe at the mud in my eyes. And the first thing I see are… some rather gorgeous eyes. And the world just sort of… falls away.

Wh…what was I doing again? Something about… a kid? But… damn, she looks amazing. I… I can't take my eyes off of her. I feel something slip from my hands… and hear a beautiful voice.

That's it. No need to fight. Just relax, and let me… take care of you. Y…yeah. Sounds like a good time. Such harsh words you told me earlier. And hitting me… so rude. But I can forgive you. Such a poor, pathetic creature… so broken and tamed by these humans that you would side with them instead of one of your kin… you understand now, don't you? These cruel humans take and take and take, cutting down these once beautiful forests for ugly stone and metal constructs. I am simply taking something in return. She steps closer, her pretty smile gets… sharper.

Yes… I take their fathers and brothers and sons… until they receive the message. Then perhaps I will - "SCREEEEEEAAAAYYGGGGHH" An ugly screech interrupts her sultry voice. One of her gorgeous eyes is… gone. Red liquid pours from where it used to be as she backs away, covering her face in agon-

"YYEEEEEEEOUCH!" I grab my tail, clutching it in pain. Who the hell freaking bit me? It felt like… like a dog. "Wait a second…"

I finally register the rain landing on my face and remember where I am… what I was doing. Damn… I nearly let myself become a midnight snack.

"Sir? Are you… okay?" I suddenly notice a young boy standing next to me. He's holding the spear I dropped earlier, its tip bloodied. I connect the dots pretty quickly.

"Pretty dangerous thing you did, kid."

"I made sure not to look into her eyes directly… since she was staring at you, it was easier."

"So… you're Julio, right? Luis' kid?"

"You know my papá?"

"Well, he asked for my help concerning our little friend over there. And saving you, when you went missing."

"I… I'm sorry. I wanted justice for my uncle… I wanted to make her pay for hurting my papa. So when I thought I heard it outside, I went and looked… and then everything suddenly went fuzzy. I woke up in the cave up there. It was weird… it almost felt like something licked me awake."

"…Definitely strange."

"But now we can certainly kill her! She's wounded!"

I hold him in place before he can bum rush her. "Hey! Hang on, kid! We can't take her without a plan."

"But her eye is gone!"

"And she's still got one left. I think that's enough for her. If either of us get lost in her eyes… eye, again, we'll both be in trouble. She'll definitely hear us coming if we rush her." I pick up my gun, mud seeping from its openings. "And we definitely can't hit her from a distance anymore. We got to find a way to get close without getting that vicious stare of hers." As the mud drips onto my hands, I get the inklings of an idea. "Kid, when I give the signal, dig your hands into the mud and launch as much as you can at her. Right in her face, got it?" He nods, almost looking at her. "Don't look. Can't risk it. Just wait for my mark."

The commotion caused by Seis suddenly went quiet. The monster gave a low growl and I could here it shuffling around. Pretty soon the growling slowly got louder. Here she comes… the mud sloshes louder and louder as she steps ever closer. Not yet… not yet…

…

"NOW!" With a heave, the both of us fling a gallon of mud right into the creature's face. She screeches as her face is covered. With little time to lose, I snatch the spear from the kid's hand and drive it straight through her. Her wail catches in her throat, grasping at my arms. "You know, I could kinda get it. Your home keeps getting cut down. And it's a load of crap. But you lost me on account of you being a kidnapping, murdering bitch. So, use those freaky feet of yours and walk right into hell." I let go of the weapon, her body limply teetering backward splashing into the water. "How's that for taking something in return?"

I collapsed backward into the mud. That was a close call… but that seems to be a common theme for me. Maybe I should just rest for a moment.

I'm not able to shut my eyes for long though. "Uh, Mr. Demon Guy? Are you dead?" Luis' boy pokes me with a stick.

"Alright, alright. I'm getting up. Stop it already." He sighs in relief. He eyes the corpse of the creature. Must be a little shellshocked. "Well, kid, you might've gotten captured, but you sure make a pretty good spear. I think he'll be proud that your handiwork helped bring the monster down."

He smiles. "Really?"

"After he scolds the crap out of you, of course." He deflated a little. "Come on. Let's get you home."

We got back an hour or so later. Luis and his wife tore into Julio at first, but softened when it fully hit them that he was safe. I hadn't seen Seis since the fight. Guess she thought her work was done on this plane. The locals lauded me for helping them, even if I couldn't save the victims. But I let them know who the real hero was. Luis only smiled fondly, almost unsurprised. He was just glad she was still watching over them.

When I left the next day, I heard a bark up the road. Seis was standing there, seeing me on my way out. She then walked back into the forest, her form fading along the way…

"That's…" I leaned forward, rubbing my temples. "I can't believe that actually happened. A real Ciguapa? A living, breathing Ciguapa? And close to where I lived as a child…" I turned to Hellboy. "How did I never hear about this? Even as schoolhouse rumors?"

"Governments tend to want to cover up monster incidents. It could have a lot of reasons. Tourism, not wanting to use money on services to prevent monster attacks, public appeal for certain politicians… sometimes they genuinely think they're protecting the fragile minds of the people. It's up in the air whether that last one has merit, but rural areas tend to get hit with the consequences the hardest." He threw his fork on his plate, having long since finished his meal. "Not that it still doesn't seep through. But middle and high class urban areas just tend to go on like nothing happened. Kind of like how they do with… well, everything else really."

I sighed. "You've certainly painted a vivid picture for me, Hellboy. I think I can begin to understand the world you've been encountering your whole life." She looked at Eda. "Still, even with that on my mind, I'm not sure if occasional threats like that can top the constant danger of the Boiling Isles. Nearly every day Luz has been here so far, she has nearly died. The danger here just seems overwhelming in comparison. Unless, Miss Clawthorne, you can prove otherwise?"

The Owl Lady stared at me, before her eyes darted all over the place. She chuckled nervously. That didn't inspire much confidence. "Y-Yeah! Sure! Otherwise! You know, I have just the story for that. A perfectly normal, safe day where I experienced no horrors beyond imagination. It's even filled with cute little bunnies and birdies and wolverines…"

"Wolverines?" Hellboy parroted in exasperation.

"Yeah, they're pretty adorable… and uh, harmless, right?" The two of us looked at each other, before looking back at her incredulously.

She sighed. "Okay, okay. I can't give you a story you'd want to hear. But I do have one. And I know I can at least make my case with it." She got up from her seat. "But first, can we maybe clean up my house a little? There's still liquids all over the place. And I think my snake oil grew some snakes."

Well. That would explain what I just felt starting to slither up my leg.

I paced back and forth around the bench Willow brought us to. Mamá's out of nowhere indecision could result in anything. She could change her mind… or she'll double down. Or maybe she'll stay on the fence forever! Agggh! The anxiety this is causing is eating me up inside!

"Luz, you have to calm down." Gus said from the bench. "Are you just going to keep pacing till it's time to go home?"

"If it makes time go faster, then yes!"

"I can tell you, it definitely doesn't. Though I do have a theory revolving around 88 Titan toes per hour…"

"This place is rather beautiful." Roger said… before raising up his hand, a giant flytrap plant wrapped around it. "If… dangerous."

"I come here a lot when I want to take my mind off things." Willow explains. "I thought Luz might like to see the exotic plants, but…"

I finally stop. "I'm sorry, guys, but I can't get this out of my head. Mamá seemed so sure last night, but now it seems like I still have a chance. But it may amount to nothing. But waiting here is killing me. AAAAAAGHHH! It's like every second ticks slower and slower!"

"Luz, whatever's going on, it's in the hands of Hellboy and Eda. There's not much you can do." Willow tried to reason.

"No…" I argue back. "Maybe there is. Last time, Mami spoke to the rest of you… but then she came to me. If I can make an argument to explain why it's okay to stay on the isles, I can convince her, once and for all, to let me do magic!"

"But you already tried that." Gus brought up. "You told her the Isles weren't dangerous. Which… isn't true in the slightest, honestly."

"I don't know." Roger shrugged. "I can't say it's any worse than what the B.P.R.D. has to deal with."

I could just see the lightbulb above my head. "Roger, that's it! My mom wants to bring me home because she thinks I'll be safer there, but you and I both know just how dangerous the world- our world- can be! If we can show her that, the Isles will seem tame by comparison."

"That… seems counter-intuitive." Willow pointed out. "Not to mention, your mom might just see it as desperate."

"I don't have much choice, Willow. I can't just keep coming from the same angle. I need to try something new." I ran up to my homunculus friend. "Roger, you know some good stories, right? You're in the B.P.R.D. I can tell my mom the ones about Hellboy, but any other will help."

"Well, I haven't been on any field missions. I haven't been with the agency for that long, honestly." He stroked his chin. "I've only been on one. But I'm not allowed to tell anyone. It hasn't been… declassed? The point is, I've got nothing."

"Oh, come on, Roger. Nothing at all?"

He took a deep breath. "I could talk about the story of my brother…"

He looked reluctant on that. "…No. That one was… personal. I get that." I couldn't go that far.

He smiled. "Thank you, Luz." He sat back onto the bench. "Well… there is something I might have. In between then… and when I was born. Even just after my birth, I'd experienced the supernatural side of Earth…"

The Homunculus and the Princess

I had been wandering for quite some time. I thought myself a monster. I didn't begin to think differently until I had been found by Hellboy. But there was another moment before all of that… when I almost thought otherwise. Back when I had no name. I had been walking the country of Romania in the eight days between my revival and meeting my brother…

This country is cold. Especially at night. The wind rides along its mountains, brushing against every creature that should find itself without shelter, chilling them to the bone. Yet no matter how cold it gets, I still feel warm.

I should not. There is death on my hands. Mere seconds after being given life, and I had taken someone else's. It has only been two days since then, the image still burning in my mind.

Burning… I feel the fire of creation within me. It came from the woman. I absorbed every last bit of the fire from her. I stole her power. I stole her life force. Meaning my existence is even more undeserved.

I can feel that power seep out, should I focus. Curiosity had begot it. But it is… hard to control. Even letting out a small amount allowed large patches of grass around me to catch fire. Burnt old, sturdy trees. Scared and hurt animals in the environment. I have stowed those curiosities for now.

For now, I wander. Seeking any justification for my granted existence. Wondering if I can be forgiven.

My thoughts are interrupted by a scream. It rides the wind, resounding through what seems like the entire countryside. It pulls me to it, as if meant for my ears alone. But I am hesitant. Can a monster like myself really respond to a cry for a savior?

The scream rings out again and my body moves on its own. I run through the forest as fast as I can, trying to follow the voice. It becomes louder as I rush through the foliage. But as I made my way forward, I also began to hear something else: Growls and barks, brimming with ferocity.

A figure bursts from the bushes. A little girl, tears in her eyes, bumps into me as fast as her legs can take her. As she shakes off the sudden stop, she looks up to see what she's hit, and her jaw gapes. I imagine I am rather daunting to find in the middle of the dark forest.

More so is the set of teeth that comes in after her as a pouncing wolf readied his fangs to tear into the young girl. I react quickly, backhanding the beast onto the ground while the child recoiled as the wolf snapped at her hair, only to bite nothing.

The animal shakes off the hit, standing up and growling in defiance. As if called by their pack mate's failure, nearly an entire pack of the wild creatures emerges from the brush, staring down the one who interrupted their meal as they slowly circled the two of us.

The girl makes a snap judgement by moving closer to me, trembling as the wolves decrease the size of their circle. The one I smacked away moves up to the front, likely the leader. It growls, a warning for me to give them the girl.

I found myself responding out of instinct. "What do you want with her?"

Another growl, this time baring more teeth, told me that I was not to know.

I look down at the girl, seeing her eyes stare back into mine pleadingly... A young life, begging to not be extinguished. With only that look, I felt instinct take hold. Though I did not feel deserving of my life, this child more than deserved hers.

I looked back at the pack leader, furrowing my brow, not saying a word. It snarled back at me.

Wolves lunged at me from all sides, fangs bared. I push the girl to the ground and use my body to shield her as I immediately feel them sink their teeth into my shoulders and back, trying to tear my flesh. One tries to come in low for the girl, only to find my hand gripping its throat as I tossed it away. The rest I fling from off the top of me, their rabid bites unable to pierce my hide.

What happens next is a blur. A whirlwind of wolves attacking. Punching or hitting them away. The girl crying, unable to handle it all.

I don't know how much time passes before the pack starts backing off. They slowly break off from the onslaught, limping and panting, except for one. The pack leader, unwilling to accept defeat, makes one last desperate try by going straight for my throat. But, despite its reckless abandon, the hunt finally ends as I slammed my fist into its face. The audible sound of bone cracking fills my ear and echoes through the forest. It gets up, its jaw dangling, clearly broken and with eyes full of hatred. It can only give one last growl before running back into the woods. The others follow, whimpering.

The girl remains curled up, now silent. She seems to be afraid to open her eyes, as if expecting to see a row of teeth closing on her if she were to do so.

"They're gone."

Slowly, she opens her eyes. The tears come forth again almost instantly as she rushes to me, crying into my leg. "Mulțumesc! Mulțumesc mult! Am fost asa de speriat!"

I didn't quite understand, but it sounded like gratitude. "Uh… you're welcome."

She backs away, wiping her tears away. "Sor… Sorry. Speak… English?"

"Y…Yes."

"Still learn. Not speak well. But I… understand." She struggled to say.

I nodded. "Do you know the way back home?"

"Yes… I… understand woods." But she scrambled in front of me. "But, please! Come with?"

I was… hesitant, to say the least. "I don't think… I shouldn't."

"Please? I… do not feel safe."

I sigh. "Very well. I will be right behind you."

She smiled in relief. "Mul- uh, Thanks you!"

We made our way to her village. She was still rather spooked, looking at each shadow and jumping at every small noise in the brush, not surprising after such a close encounter. "Should have been home long ago. But I… lost time, playing in forest. Got dark. They… the beasts… blocked me on big road. Then big lup… bark at me. Push me to come with him. Could not reach father."

I listened, curious. "Do… you know why?"

"No. Only that want me living. Had no choice. I go with them. I see empty spot. Run…"

""Into me. I see." As we made our way through the wilderness, I began to perceive an orange glow coming from ahead. "Lights from the village, I presume."

Sure enough, houses appear in the dark. There looks like a lot of movement going on. Seems the girl's disappearance was well noticed. "I believe I should go."

"Ce?" She looked at me confusingly. "No! You save me! Come! We cook for you! Give you warm bed tonight!"

"I can't. I'm not fit to be in that village. Among those people."

"How can you say that? You are hero!" She protested.

My eyes widen. Hearing her call me that… it makes me… happy. Makes me feel like… less of a monster.

Distracted by her words, I don't notice the voices from the village growing louder. Before I can react, they are upon us, surrounding me with weapons. They shout things at me in their language, and though I don't know what they're saying, I can see the anger and fear on their faces.

One man comes through the crowd, scooping up the girl into a hug. "Adelina! Esti in siguranta! Eram atât de îngrijorat pentru tine! Unde ai fost?!"

"Papa! Eu-"

"Tu!" He quickly turns his attention to me. "Cine ești tu?! Ce ai făcut cu fiica mea?! Răspunde-mi, la naiba!"

Adelina stood in front of him. "Tata! Oprește asta! M-a salvat!"

The man looked at her, shocked. They exchanged words, likely describing the situation up till this point. He glanced at me now and then, his look softening.

"I… thank you, stranger." He sighed. "You saved my daughter, and I am truly grateful for that. But you must leave now."

"Ce?! Tata, did you no hear me?! He is good man!"

"I will not argue with you on this, Adelina. Good man or not, the entire village is already on edge with a monster on the loose."

"One monster?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"I'm sorry, but it is none of your concern." He spoke solemnly. "Just know your presence agitates my people. You may leave with no quarrel from us. But never return to our village, and stay away from our people. Please."

"Tata!" Adelina angrily shouted.

"Adelina." I stopped her. "It's fine. He's right. I do not belong here. It was good to meet you, but I must go." I moved out of the crowd, making my way back into the forest.

A day since that incident. I am no closer to finding justification for my existence.

I've taken refuge in a cave, decently far from the village. It's quiet, and the animals walk by without much regard for me. It's rather nice to see them, if only because they take my mind from thinking too much. I will rest here for now, move on tomorrow-

"Hello!"

"AHH!" I stumble backwards as the girl from before hangs down from the cave entrance. She looks rather eager to see me. "Adelina? What are you doing here?"

"Came to see you!" She smiled.

"You shouldn't be here. How did you even find me?"

"Told you. I know forest. Live here, you know?"

I shake my head. "Okay, but why? Your father didn't want me anywhere near you. You've already been saved, and I have nothing more to do here."

"Well…" She kicked the ground. "I do not even know name."

I turned away. "…I don't have one."

"Ce? No name? That is bad. All people need name."

"I do not. Monster is the only title I deserve."

"Why you say such things? You are kind person. But you hate you more than village does."

"…That… is none of your concern." I mirrored her father.

She huffed. "You sound like Tata. Never trust other people. But I make you not say bad things!" She went outside the cave, before bringing in a basket. "I give you this. Full of good food! You eat it."

I looked at the basket, filled with fruits, vegetables, and breads. It did look rather delicious… And she was staring at me rather expectantly. "You're not going to leave till I eat, are you?"

She shook her head.

"You do realize it will be dark soon, don't you?"

She teetered back and forth. "Yes… but that mean that you guide me home again. You too nice to let little girl go out in dark alone."

I grunted in annoyance. "Devious child… fine." I took a bite from one of the breads. It was rather sweet. A very addicting flavor… "Well… you were right. This is good food."

She smiled. As I ate my way through the basket, we talked. She would try to ask things about me that I didn't feel comfortable revealing. So instead, she moved on to things about herself. Her favorite foods, her favorite flowers, the silly things she heard around town, the games she played… it went like that until I noticed the sky turning darker.

"I think it's time for you to go." I pointed outside.

She stomped the ground. "La naiba! I forgot thinking of name!"

"It's fine. You don't have to worry about that. You should get home."

"No! I think name for you. For now, I call you Gri."

"Gri?"

"Yes. You are much gray. But I find name for you, promise."

"You don't even know if I'll be here tomorrow."

"Oh. I know you be here." She sniggered, before leaving.

I shake my head. Such a strange girl…

I don't know what spurred me to stay today. But here I am, sitting in the same cave as she shows up with more food, another big smile on her.

We talk some more. Mostly about things we enjoy. But today, the conversation steers towards something different.

"I am… sorry. Sorry that Tata force you out. He was not unkind before."

"Before?"

"Before monster." She shuddered. "It arrive over year ago. Villagers that see it say it has head of dog. Others say bear. But all say it is large and ugly."

The event from a few days ago comes to mind. "This wouldn't have anything to do with when I saved you, would it?"

"I… did not think… at first. But Tata tell me something last night. Said I should not go far from village anymore." She rubs her shoulders. "He say that monster take princesses."

"What does that have to do with you?" I question.

"I am daughter of… may-yor? Uh… village leader. Tata says that is enough for monster. So, he is protective of me."

"I see. So, the wolves… were helping him." I tilt my head. "But why?"

She only shrugged. "I do not know. But I know mean bad." The two of us sat in silence. Suddenly, Adelina stood straight up, spooking me. "I know! You fight monster!"

"What?"

"Yes! You fight monster! Kill it! Save my village!" She explained. "You become loved by village, and don't have to stay in cold cave anymore!"

"I… don't know."

"It will be fine, Gri! You are strong! You fight pack of wolves!" She walked out of the cave, a skip in her step. "I go and tell Tata! He will love idea!"

"But never return to our village, and stay away from our people. Please."

"Uh, Adelina, that's definitely not-" Aaaaand she's already gone. Well… this will be interesting.

She did not come back the next day. I could only guess that her father did not approve… neither her plan, nor that she had been coming to see me. I assume he denied her from ever seeing me again. That's probably for the best, considering what I am.

Still… the time spent with her was… enjoyable. For the short time we spoke, I felt far less hatred for myself than I did before. Perhaps… I can at least rid them of the creature that haunts them, as thanks.

"MONSTER!"

A yell from outside disturbs me from my thoughts. That sounded like Adelina's father…

Walking outside, I see him as well as several villagers surrounding me. All have weapons. "Where is she, beast?!"

I look at him in confusion. "What do you… what are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, creature! Last night, my Adelina starts spouting off some crazy plan to fight the Căpcăun. She mentions coming to see you! I ground her for disobeying me, but come today, I find her missing! Where is my daughter?!"

My eyes widen in horror. "I don't have her…"

"What?"

"I don't have her. I thought she was still in the village." He glares at me. "You may check my dwelling, but you won't find her here." The man narrows his eyes, then gestures two villagers to look inside. After a short time, they come back out.

"He is right. Adelina is not in there." The bigger one confirmed.

The father's expression reads that of despair. "No. No, no, no. Oh, my sweet little Ada…"

I can already connect the dots. "The monster she spoke of… it has her, doesn't it?"

"The Căpcăun. A terrible ogre. A being of pure evil… it arrived on the borders of our territory a year ago."

"What does it want with your daughter?"

He sits down on a rock, his grief weighing him down. "The Căpcăun… in tales they would take princesses for no other reason than to be an enemy for knights to fight against… It is only now, as a grown man that I understand why it truly does so… when I saw it that first night, I could see in its eyes… no mercy or empathy. Only the unforgiving indifference of nature." He took a leaf from the ground, turning it in his hands. "It took my daughter as leverage. We feed it and protect it, she will remain unharmed. It does not care if my people starve, or if my little girl is hurt, only that it gets what it wants from us, like a parasite."

"He will not. I will save her."

"W-What? Are you insane? It will have retreated to its dwelling by now! Fighting the beast in his own home is suicide!"

"I'm tough."

"Tough doesn't matter. A Căpcăun may be a giant brute, but they are also surprisingly clever. In many stories, they lead heroes to their demise."

"Then I will be on my guard."

"And I'm supposed to trust you?! I told you to stay away from my daughter, and now because of you, she has been captured! Why should I even let you handle this?"

"Adelina is a kind soul. I may not be worth much, but I know she deserves to live. I owe her that much."

He stared at me. Finally, he let out a breath. "Fine. I will take you to where it hides."

We quickly moved through the woods. Time was of the essence. Maybe it wasn't the best time, but I felt… anxious. Perhaps this was the answer I was looking for. If nothing else, Adelina depended on me.

We came upon a cave, far larger than the one I had stayed in. It smelled of death and waste. Skeletons of animals and men alike littered the outside, trailing inside.

"Everyone, be on your guard. We must attack it together."

"Wait." I stopped him. "Where are the wolves?"

"Wolves? What in God's name are you talking about?"

"When I found Adelina, she was being chased by wolves. They did not dare harm her. We thought they had to be working for the monster…"

I have only a split second when I hear the growl from behind us. I slam my arm into the pouncing wolf, sending it back. In a flash, the rest descend upon us. Man and beast fight, blood flies everywhere. I run to help Adelina's father against a large one.

"No!" He shouted back at me. "We can handle ourselves! You are the only one who can fight the monster by yourself. Save my daughter! Go!"

I nod, venturing into the cave on my own. The rancid smell becomes worse every foot I go. Even more skeletons litter the ground, more of them human. I hope to God that one of them isn't her.

Eventually, I stumble upon a large, open area. The smell is at its worst. I look around, but it's hard to see with the lack of light. I nearly trip over something. Looking to the ground, I see one of the wolves, its body horribly mangled… and a familiar broken jaw.

I hear a voice rumble from the shadows. A large figure shifts in the dark. I can see that it stands about two heads taller than me. A growl resounds through the cave, rumbling my insides.

I remain undeterred. "Where is the girl?"

It moved closer, and I could see some of its features. Its face was caught between man and animal, with mangled teeth and pointed ears. Patches of matted hair dot its head. It seems to understand my demand well enough... and is not pleased. It bares its teeth and fangs, all of them covered in dirt and dried blood.

My heart skips a beat, hoping my friend isn't the one staining those sharp edges. A heat builds within me, but I force it down quickly. "The girl."

It grumbled in response, narrowing its eyes. Before he says anymore, I hear a familiar voice. "Gri! I am here! Punch monster and win!"

It stomped the ground, making it rumble, attempting to intimidate the girl into silence. I hear Adelina scream as the beast leans into a dark area. The sounds of her whimpering

The fire burns hotter, and I find it more difficult to keep it suppressed. Smoke rises from my fingers. "You will let her go. Or I will make you."

The creature guards its hostage jealously. It slings mud from its resting place at me- challenging me to come and take her.

In hindsight, I should've seen that as a warning. Instead, as I took a few steps forward, I felt the ground beneath me shake. I looked down to see the very earth sinking, along with my leg. A symbol of some kind glows, piercing the dark. I struggled against the ground as it continued to swallow me, more of the stone floor around me becoming soft dirt. But I could not free myself.

The beast only stared at me, its beastly eyes boring through me.. When Adelina's father said the beast was clever… I did not anticipate that he meant this. But I should've known better. If it were somehow controlling the wolves, there was no telling what else it had prepared. My limbs begin to lose strength as the makeshift quicksand limits my movement.

"No! Gri! You can get out! Do not stop!"

It lifted the girl, growling at her again. It makes for the door, intent on escape. I

"Stupid monster! Let go!" I cannot see what happens, but the creature roars in pain. Adelina must've hurt it somehow.

Suddenly, a scream pierces my ears… a cry of pain. Adelina's cry. He… he hurt her.

The rage in me built rapidly. I felt the burning sensation from before, ready to burst… but this time, I didn't stop it.

"RAAAAAAAAGH!" I cried out, fire blasting from my spot. The magic quicksand hardened, then exploded out from under me. The flames surged forward, hitting the creature head on.

The monster screeched in agony as the flames seared. But I wasn't finished. I leapt forward, tackling the Căpcăun to the ground, before relentlessly wailing on him. I ignored its cries of pain, smashing my fists into his face, over and over. I was too blind to see the crimson liquid staining my hands.

No, only the sound of a young girl, whimpering. I stopped suddenly. The fire had lit the cave brightly. I almost wish it hadn't. An intense burn seared across her hand. She clutched it in agony.

"Adelina… I'm… I'm sorry, I-"

She recoiled; her eyes filled with nothing but terror. It was then that I noticed the blood seeping off of my hands. Like they had been dipped in paint. I looked back… the monster's body lay still, its skull mutilated beyond recognition. Its innards lie all across the cavern floor. A ghastly sight.

This wasn't just the work of a monster… but a complete monstrosity.

I clenched my hands, realizing that I had justified why I should not walk this earth to begin with. "Let's… go." I stepped out of the way of the cave's exit, and she slowly got up to leave. I willed the fire to cease as we left.

The sight up top was not much prettier. Many wolves dead, but some villagers weren't so lucky either. Adelina's father rushed to her. "Ada! My child! What… what happened to you? Who did this?"

"The fault is mine."

Any relief he was feeling was suddenly overtaken by anger. "You?! I trusted you to save her! Now look at her! Her arm could be damaged beyond repair!" He shouted, verbally tearing into me.

"F-Father, wait…" Adelina spoke up. "It… It is not… it was accident."

"Enough, Adelina. We're taking you home."

"No." She pulled away, wincing from the wind brushing against her burn. "Gri saved me. Gri stop…" Sh paused. "Gri killed monster. Village is safe. I am safe. He is savior."

"No…" I said, grabbing the attention of both. "I am not. I am cursed. A frightening monstrosity…"

"G-Gri. No… you only scare me, it… I was not…" She shook her head. "You saved me."

"I hurt you."

"You are good man!"

"I am an abomination." I glared at my hands…. the blood having long since dried. All these hands were fit for was murder. "And it was foolish for me to think otherwise. To dream of something better."

"No! I… Gri… I know you are good man."

You wouldn't. Not if you knew that there was the blood of an innocent man on my hands. "I'm… sorry, Adelina. Thank you… for everything. But there is only one fitting fate for a disgrace like myself."

I walked away. Away from the first friend I ever made, from the only possible place that might've accepted me.

"Goodbye, Adelina."

I drowned out Adelina's cries, until I could hear them no longer.

And just like that, any thought I could be anything more than a murdering godforsaken creature was silenced. Not long after, I took a cross to the highest point I could find, and begged for an end to my suffering….

"And I suppose I was granted it. Though, not the way I had thought."

I saw Roger suddenly become sheepish… probably because he noticed us welling up with tears.

"O-Oh, I'm so sorry. Was that… Was that too intense?" He scratched his head. "I only meant to talk about the ogre, and the girl in danger. I guess I got… too into it."

"No, it's… *sniff*… it's fine. I mean, I asked for it. Literally." I replied. "It's just… I'm sorry you went through all that. I didn't mean to push you to talk about it."

"It's fine, Luz. Nothing I can do about it now."

"Have you… ever gone back to find that girl?" Willow asked, also sniffling.

"…No. I've never felt quite brave enough to go back. What could I even expect?"

"I think… she'll be upset that you left." I told him. "But also… happy. Happy that you're okay. And happy you have a name now." He smiled at that.

"I always wondered… how humans did without magic. I guess I know." Gus said, wiping away his tears.

"It's not always that bad. Honestly, people on the Earth side usually live calm, quiet lives." Roger said. "But when it happens… it can get pretty bad."

"Exactly. That's what my mom needs to know." I argued. "Mami wants me to go back to the earth side because she thinks I'll never be in danger from magic and monsters. But if anything, things are just as dangerous over there. At times, even more than here! And Mami…"

"…Uh, Luz? You cut off there." Willow tried to get my attention.

But I… had a sudden revelation. I'd read so many stories, fantasized about the possible reality of creatures, followed the adventures of Hellboy… but now, every single ounce of that could be true. And if the Boiling Isles were any indication, they were dangerous. Cryptids, demons, witches… and if they were anything like the Leshy…

…Two years ago. Two years ago, a boy in my class went missing. Around that time, there were reports of mutilated animals, from as small as cats to as large as cows. A few days later… his body was found. It… wasn't pretty. His father was sent to jail, convicted of the murder of his own child. But a week later, he was released, and all crimes stricken from his record. People were outraged. That's when several BPRD agents stepped forward… and revealed a werewolf had been the cause.

What was weird was… people just shrugged it off. Sure, there were people who thought it was a conspiracy, thought they were covering some corrupt bailout for a murderer. But most people just… went on with their lives. As if it were an everyday occurrence.

I knew that boy. He wasn't my friend, but… I knew him. He liked basketball and was the class jokester. His dad was a friendly face that always volunteered for school events. And while the rest of the world moved on, he was left to mourn. Left to be personally inflicted by the supernatural side of the world. He just sort of… broke down after that. I'd hear parents talk about it.

He took his life a year afterward. People mourned… and then moved on. Not thinking about what had happened to that family. The monster that shattered them. Why not? The BPRD stopped it. They always do. So, why think too hard about it?

And I guess… I'm guilty of that too. I always saw the romanticized side of things. The adventure, the magic, the awesome agents, but… there were people that were at the center of each of their cases. People who inspired the stories of the comics. People whose lives were ruined by… magic and monsters. People… my age. Whether it be a girl from halfway across the world… or a boy sitting right next to me in math.

In my little town of Connecticut, which has Mami and I's favorite chimichurri place, served just right by Mr. Rodriguez… where Mrs. Collier, the librarian, knows just which fantasy stories I might like… where every kid I'd ever known, mean or nice, plays and hangs out, only caring about the next school sporting event or video game or boy band concert… where my Mami and I live. Where I've grown up, where I've had so many memories, good and bad. How much of that would be torn apart without the B.P.R.D. there? How much had they already stopped? What's actually waiting around each corner?

And… and… how safe will my Mamá be when those creatures come knocking on our door? When Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. aren't there to help?

…This was supposed to help. Not make me feel worse.

Sorry it's not all the short stories. The next two are coming, but after that, prepare yourselves for a wait- this time on purpose.

During the hiatus, and even before, I'll be going back to some previous stories I've neglected. I've been away way too long from "The Games Rich People Play" and "Exiles: Across the Multiverse". I'll likely even be doing some oneshots and even some fun little mindless writings.

Mellra- Yes, buy like I said, I want the AU moments to make sense. So, waiting until the series ends.

Ultimatrix bearer- There is no Wild Magic in Titan Sing Se.

The Cowardly Christian- I'm so sorry that happened, and I apologize for being away. I hope things have gotten better since this review.