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

Chapter 14: Confrontation

(AN: Second chapter for New Years! Goodbye 2019, and hello 2020!)

Manning narrowed his eyes, halfheartedly, "I heard how your mission back in New York went. You must have been really careless leaving those agents alone."

I sighed, "Almost every human agent who tags along with us dies on missions, especially when facing creatures that are much more dangerous. What's the big deal now that you finally say something about it? We found what we were looking for. We accomplished our mission, didn't we?"

"Yes, you did. However, Agent Lycan, if I heard correctly, your mission was to destroy the eggs, and because of Fishstick's casualties, they weren't dealt with. So no, your mission wasn't a success," he replied, refusing to look at us. He struck a match to light up his cigar, "At least he'll make it. Not everyone was so lucky. We had two agents die today, and I doubt Clay will survive the night."

I glanced over to see that Red had turned his back to us, watching Abe as he rested, "Not now, Manning. Please."

My ears dropped again as I heard the tone of Red's voice. Manning continued, "Look, my problem with you is that you're both reckless. These men trusted you to lead them as a team. Where were you two?"

"We chased after some guy who probably has something to do with this Sammael problem, knowing he'd lead us away just to leave those agents defenseless," I replied.

"So? Why did you, when you knew what leaving them behind would do if something happened? I thought you could sense danger, Miss Lycan. Why didn't you stay if that's true?" questioned Manning.

My amber eyes narrowed, "I'm an empath, not a fortuneteller. I can't predict what's going to happen in the future, only the emotions and feelings of others in the present and past. It was either I stayed with Clay in that labyrinth, or I left him alone to hopefully find Red by himself. Besides, even if I did stay with Quarry and Moss, I could've gotten myself killed, adding another agent to the body-count. How does that sound for you?"

Hellboy cut in, standing beside me, in my defense, "Look, we knew those men better than you did."

"Oh, I see. That makes it alright, then," Manning pulled the cigar from his mouth.

Red stepped closer to him, his tone getting more agitated, "No, it doesn't make it all right. But although we didn't destroy those eggs, I still stopped that thing, didn't I?"

Manning nodded, trying to stay calm. A smile slowly crept onto his lips, "Yes, you did. That's what you do, and that's why we need you. You have an insight, and you know monsters."

Hellboy continued to drift closer to the suited man, while I took a step back, my head lifting with caution as I clenched my hand into a fist, "What are you trying to say?"

Manning's gaze kept switching between us, before nearly getting in Red's face, clarifying, "This whole thing is a farce, you know that right? In the end, after you killed and captured every freak out there, there's still going to be a few left. And that's you."

I tensed up in defiance, "We may be monsters, but we're here to protect mankind, not destroy it."

Red shot a glance at me, making me purse my lips. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was trying to tell me, 'I got this'. He nodded slowly, as Manning began to walk away, towards the door.

"Hey, Manning?" Hellboy intruded, causing him to turn back to us, puffing smoke from his cigar, "I wish I could be more gracious but..."

Hellboy rushed over to Abe's tank, where a water filter was, pulling it off of where it was attached to the wall, causing sparks to fly across the tile floor. A devious smirk grew on my lips as I turned towards Manning, "I advise you to run."

Manning didn't think twice, screaming as Hellboy chucked the metal cylinder at him. He moved out of the way just in time, letting it shatter right through the glass pane. Manning took that advantage to run out of the room, turning his head towards the elevator before yelling, "I want those things locked up, starting now! Right now, you hear me?"

Hellboy and I approached him, unwavering, causing Manning to retreat as we let the glass shards crunch beneath our shoes. I turned my head to see who he was talking to, seeing a group of agents, which included Professor Broom and Myers.

I let my jaw drop, almost gasping when I realized that just behind the professor was none other than Liz herself. Oh my god, John actually did it, I thought, a smile creeping on my lips as I met contact with her dark eyes.

She soon broke it, rolling her eyes. With my sensitive ears I could hear her say, "Nothing's changed. Home sweet home."

As the agents went back to work and Liz picked up her luggage, walking down one of the hallways, I looked over my shoulder to see that Hellboy was staring in shock at the sight of her. I could hear his slightly heavy breathing as he watched her wander off, "Liz?"

John stood frozen for a moment, a little worried with the way he was welcomed back at the B.P.R.D. Red pointed at the rookie, his tone changing to a much happier one than moments before, "You did it, buddy! You did it!"

Professor Broom decided to head back to his work, knowing the issue had been resolved, and John, still nervous, walked away at a quick pace. 

I rubbed my hand against the back of my neck, "Was that really necessary back there? You scared the absolute crap out of Manning. Besides, I don't really think John and Liz appreciated that as a welcome home."

Red sighed, back turned to begin towards his room, "Well, for what he said about us? You're telling me he's talking to us like that, and one day he's going to run this place? He calls us monsters, and yet he expects we're going to respect him when he finally becomes our boss? I think that was necessary. Teaches him a lesson to watch his mouth. Anyways, I'm going to my room to relax and enjoy some beer. Have a nice night, Viv!"

I watched him as he walked away; my gaze shifting to the ground, a little defeated. Manning wasn't entirely wrong. Red and I can be reckless at times, and this incident only proved his point. I tried not to think about it and decided to go to my room for a bit.

However, I stopped, glancing over at Abe one last time. He looked so peaceful in the recovery tank. I honestly didn't want to leave his side until he woke up again, but I knew that he'd still be there tomorrow and I'd get to check up on him then. It would only be for a few hours that I'd be without him. Good night, Abe. I'll see you tomorrow. I smiled as he grew out of sight, retreating down the hallway to my quarters.