Ones Who Bump Back ~ A Hellboy Fanfic (Abe Sapien x OC)

Chapter 9: Where Do We Go From Here

Despite the constant efforts I had made to fall asleep, it seemed like forever before I finally let it take over me. In the morning, I threw on a set of clothes I had, all dressed in black like usual. I went over to my desk and took out one of my notebooks I had stored in one of the drawers and started sketching away.

I loved moments like these, where I got to relax and let the pencil in my grasp seem to move by itself, with only a moment to think of what I wanted on my page. 

Despite most people's impressions of me are of being stubborn and cautious, they don't seem to consider the softer side of me. When most people find out that me, a lycan, enjoys reading books and drawing, they're usually surprised due to the stereotypical personalities of werewolves; wrecking everything in their path, capable of tearing a piece of paper to smithereens.

As I finally managed to make the final glide of my utensil, I stretched back to see my final piece. It was my own little idea of the beast we encountered just hours ago. I only saw Sammael for a few seconds, with its multiple eyes, animalistic posture, and large drooling mouth. If I wasn't used to fighting off such terrifying creatures, or even being one myself, I may have run off screaming, like all of those witnesses.

I sighed, as everything came back together, reality crashing into me like a sledgehammer. Getting up from my seat, I tore out the page from my sketchbook, tucking it into one of the pockets of my ripped black pants. The sight of the rip made me sigh, my wolf-ears dropping slightly. It was only now that I realized I hadn't transformed in weeks. 

It made my skin crawl at the thought of avoiding the one thing that made me truly who I was. Being locked away underground prevents the sight of the full moon for me, and yet we can't install windows due to the fear of people trying to catch a glimpse of inside the bureau. I also knew that if I did transform, as I could at will, being a lycan and all, I could lose control of myself. I remember when I learned that the hard way, injuring a few agents when it happened for the first time at the bureau many years ago. If I remember correctly, some were bitten, causing them to become lycans themselves or died from the blood loss, something that still plagues my nightmares to this day. Ever since then, I have had to either prevent my transformation from happening, or tie myself down on something to prevent myself from hurting anyone like that again.

I tried not to think about it, getting up and leaving my room, heading down to get myself some breakfast in the main lobby.

As always, Red and Abe remained in their rooms, feasting on their servings of pancakes and rotten eggs, and I found myself alone. I was surprised that not even John or the professor came up to eat. Bringing myself a cup of coffee, I decided to visit a certain fishman, hoping that I wouldn't be invading his privacy this early in the morning. Thankfully, I wasn't, finding Abe outside of his tank, chatting with Professor Broom.

They turned their heads to face me, and Broom smiled, "Good morning, Vivian. How did you sleep?"

"Fine, I guess. But definitely not the best," I replied, sitting down in one of the chairs next to the two, sipping my hot coffee, hitting me with a bitter aftertaste despite adding sugar as always, before setting the mug down on the table beside me.

Abe chimed in, "So, are you ready to go back today?"

"Yes, today," I threw in my sarcasm, "Of course I'm not, but we got to do what we got to do."

I caught sight of the professor; his eyes seemed to be glazed with thought, and his smile had faded. I could feel his concern, but it wasn't for us going on the mission.

He seemed to sense my curiosity and turned to look at me, "Before you came in, I was talking with Abraham about what happened last night after we returned to the B.P.R.D."

"What?" I tilted my head, a brow lifting.

Abe huffed, "The mental hospital Liz resides in burned down last night. Not many people survived, and those who did are in critical condition."

My face tightened, "You're kidding me, right? We were just there, what the hell happened?"

"No one knows, everyone turned in for the night and then it burst into flames," Professor Broom sighed.

The large doors opened, and in came John Myers. The three of us stared at him, and Abe shook his head as I could feel him exploring the man's mind.

"I don't understand what's up with Red," Myers groaned, "First he's going off at me when I brought up Liz Sherman, and he isn't even willing to discuss it with me."

I chuckled, relating to the new agents struggles, "Well, he isn't much of a talker, and bringing up Liz really sets him off. Believe me, it happens to me every single time."

"But you don't understand, I feel like I can bring her back. She's probably upset about the fires she caused from the past, and I think I could help her."

Abe and I stared at him, both unfamiliar with this news of Myers' efforts. And now I was concerned about Red's attitude if he brought up that offer. All Hellboy wants is to bring her back.
Abe and the Professor got up and started gathering up a few of their things, setting up books and putting away equipment. I continued to drink my slowly cooling coffee as Myers huffed, "Look, Red doesn't want me with him, I know that much."

"You're doing fine," Broom declared as Abe removed his breathing apparatus.

"No, I'm not. Look, he respects Clay, not me," Myers stated as the professor studied him, "I'm sorry, but I'm not your guy."

"I'm dying, Agent Myers," Broom stated, which made him stop in his tracks on his way to leave the library, "Like any father, I worry about him. In medieval stories there is often a young knight who is inexperienced, but pure of heart."

Myers groaned, "Come on. I am not pure of heart."

I rolled my eyes halfheartedly, realizing that Myers had no knowledge of the professor's intuitions about him. Abe stared the young man down, "Yes, you are."

Professor Broom continued, "Rasputin is back for him. What I ask of you is to have the courage to stand by him when I'm gone. He was born a demon--you can't change that--but you will help him, in essence, to become a man."

"I know all of this is kind of new to you, and Hellboy isn't always the most likable person here. But Myers, I hope you understand that you can't give up on him just yet," I chimed in.

He looked away, "I suppose so, I just don't know what to do."

For a moment, I didn't know how to respond, so I glanced towards Abe, who caught my glance. "You stated that you were hoping to convince Liz to return, didn't you?" Myers nodded, so Abe continued, "Well, then I suppose you can try. I'm sure all of us, including Red, would appreciate it, even if it may not seem like he does."

"Yeah, that would probably be a good idea. I guess I'll gather up a few of my things and get going then," Myers said, exiting the library.

I turned back to look at the two older men, "I'm going to head out real quick too. I'll see you when we leave for the mission, Abe."

Abe dipped his head, "Alright. I'll see you soon, Vivian."

"I will be doing my own things today while you're gone, so I'll wish you two the best of luck  now," Professor Broom smiled faintly.