The Hellboy Chronicles: The Elemental Equation

Chapter 2: Dinner with Friends

Chapter 2

Dinner with New Friends

Agent Clay leads Roxy down the hallways of the BPRD. As she walks, she looks around. The halls are filled with odd relics and artifacts. In one corner is a man who seems to be made from clay enclosed in a glass case. Along another wall is a line of various weapons, some she recognizes, others that are completely odd and would seemingly be impossible for an average human to wield. Agent Clay notices Roxy wonder.

"All of these odd objects are from previous missions the BPRD has completed."

"Missions?" Roxy asks bewildered.

"Yes." Agent Clay responds. He notices her continued look of confusion. "Do you even know what we do? Hasn't the Professor told you?"

"Not exactly what the BPRD does, no."

"Well, I think it's best if he explains it to you. I'm just one of monkeys they send out to watch Hellboy and Abe's back." Agent Clay shrugs.

Roxy doesn't reply and continues to walk alongside. They come to the entrance of the library. Agent Clay raps his knuckles on the column of the entry way.

"Ah, here she is." Professor Bruttenholm exclaims. "Thank you Clay for fetching her."

Agent Clay nods at the Professor. He turns to Roxy and motions for her to enter the library before he leaves back down the hallway. Roxy enters the large library. The ceiling is almost 20 feet high and lines with shelves on books that from floor to ceiling. There is what looks like a large fish tank along one wall. In the center of the library, there is a large table that had been obviously laid out for this special occasion. On the table is a feast of all kinds of foods imaginable. More food that seems possible for 4 people to eat. There is a total of 4 of us, right? Roxy muses to herself.

"Ah, Roxy. Welcome. Welcome." The Professor envelops Roxy in a strong hug. "Let me introduce you to the family."

He walks her to the dining table. Hellboy pauses and stares at her. She looks completely different. Roxy smiles at Hellboy happy to see a familiar face. But there is one person she hasn't met yet. But, she's not sure if she should call him a person. He is tall and very skinny. His skin is bright blue and he has the face of a fish, large gills in his neck and eyes four times large than any human.

"You've met my son, Hellboy already." The Professor says as he motions an open palm towards him.

"Hi again." Hellboy muses. Roxy gives him a shy wave.

"And this is Abe Sapien." He motions to the blue man she is bewildered about.

"Hello, Roxy. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I've heard a bit about you already." Abe calmly says.

Well, I guess that's who the fish tank is meant for. Roxy thinks to herself. "Hi, Abe."

"Let's sit and enjoy our feast, shall we?" The Professor says as he pulls out a chair and tenderly falls into it. Roxy picks the chair across from Hellboy. Abe sits across from the Professor. The Professor and the 2 odd men begin eating. Abe has a rather pungent meal made specially for him, while the Professor and Hellboy pile their plates with various foods. Roxy is hungry but unsure of the situation.

"The food's not going to eat itself." Hellboy says to her as he shovels a forkful of pancakes into his mouth. "Try the pamcakes."

She forks a few pancakes onto her plate. She remembers these dessert like confections from her childhood. She drowns them in syrup before taking a bite. She moans in joy as happy feelings rush over her.