Worlds Apart

Chapter One

One Christmas Eve in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Broom and his two adoptive children were getting ready to retire for the night. The eldest, Aili, was taking care of her long brown hair. Her pale skin contrasting greatly with the dark color of her hair and golden eyes. Her original parents, were elves of two separate clans. One royal, one peasant. She had the soft jaw, lips, and brows of her mother. But the striking eyes and dark hair of her father.

Broom's youngest child, Anung Un Rama, was quite different from his sister. He was a demon with skin as red as blood, and eyes yellow as the sun. His features, youthful and full of wonder. One of his horns broken off half way, the other untouched. As he watched "Howdy Doody" on the box-like television in front of him.

"My son, will you turn off that wretched puppet? Brush your teeth!" Dr. Broom scolded the young demon, who in turn mumbled something under his breath. 

"Rama, you know it is rude to mumble." Aili scolded her brother. The young woman wearing the long white robes of her people, who had long since been forgotten.

"But, Lili- Howdy Doody's real!" Hellboy said, exasperated by both his elders. Pointing towards the television.

"Really?" Professor Broom said, walking over to the television and switching it off. "Well then, it seems that Mr. Di-Di Do-Do. Has to say Goodnight." The professor added. Making Hellboy groan, upset. 

"Remember, Rama. You must be asleep when Santa Claus comes down the chimney." Aili mused simply. A smile gracing her pale coral lips.

"But it isn't even a chimney!" Hellboy argued. Professor Broom clicking his tongue at the young boy.

"He has his ways." The professor said, not expecting what the boy was going to say next.

"Then I want to wait up! Watch him do it!" Hellboy said with excitement. Aili shook her head with a small chuckle.

"I suppose you will not be receiving presents from him this year, then." Aili said tauntingly.

"Nonsense." Professor Broom said, in response to the boy's suggestion.

"Alright, I want a story then!" Hellboy insisted. Desperate for even one more moment awake.

"A story does sound rather nice.." Aili said in agreement, the young woman's eyes lighting up happily at her brother's request.

"No, no stories tonight." Professor Broom said, rejecting the idea. Both of the adoptive children getting upset this time.

"Just one! And then I'll go to bed right away, I'll- I'll brush my teeth! I promise!" Hellboy pleaded. Getting up to go and brush his teeth. Aili's hopes rising for the prospect of a story.

Professor Broom simply smiled, going to retrieve a book from his chest of stories. Aili patiently sitting upon the old, dusty floor. A blanket was laid out specially for her with a pillow so she could be more comfortable. Hellboy began brushing his teeth just as Professor Broom had sat down in the chair.

"It is said.. that at the dawn of time, man, beast and all magical beings. Lived together under Aidlin the Fathertree." Professor Broom began. Aili had recognized this story, it was the story of Bethmoora and the Golden Army. "But man had been created with a hole in his heart. A hole that no possession, power, or knowledge could fill. And in his infinite greed, man dreamt of expanding his dominion, over the entire Earth." 

Aili had always wondered if Professor Broom felt that way about the human race. If he felt that they were greedy creatures. But she would never dare to ask. Continuing to listen to the story.

"The blood of many an elf, over, and gobelin was spilt in that war with man. And King Balor, the King of Elfland. Watched the slaughter with dread and dispair." The Professor continued. Aili looked to the floor sadly. Her parents had been slain in that battle. She was merely a young adolescent when it had happened. Hellboy comforting his older sister after he had finished brushing his teeth with a hug.

"But one day, the master of the goblin blacksmiths offered to build the King a golden mechanical army. That would never know hunger, and could not be stopped..." Professor Broom said, Aili had been there for the rise of the army. And he wanted to let her have a bit of spotlight as well. Looking to her. "Would you like to continue the story this time, Aili?" He asked. The girl nodded, knowing it by heart.

"Prince Nuada begged his father to agree.." Aili started, her voice smooth like freshly fallen snow. She could swear that the Prince was listening to her even then. "Build me this army! The King said... and so, a magical Crown was forged." Aili added, looking to Hellboy as she spoke. "That would allow those of royal blood, to command the Golden Army if unchallenged.. I am King Balor, the leader of the Golden Army! Is there anyone who disputes my right? And in his throne room... no one challenged his word." She said.

"But wait, what if someone challenged him? Would there be a fight?" Hellboy asked, Aili chuckled softly.

"Well, undoubtedly.. a challenge must be answered. But do you want to hear the end of the story or not?" Aili said softly. Hellboy nodding and returning to listening. "The world was changed... and the next time the humans marched. They felt the earth tremble beneath their feet. And saw the sky darken with monstrous shapes." She said, the image of the army she had seen so long ago now in her minds eye. "The Golden Army held no remorse.. felt no loyalty or pain. And King Balor's heart grew heavy with regret.- so he called a truce. And divided the crown into three pieces. One for the humans, and two for himself. In exchange, man would keep to the cities. And the magical beings would own the forests." She said. "This truce would be honored by their sons, and the sons of their sons... until the end of time. But Prince Nuada did not believe in the promises of man. And it is said that he went into exile. Vowing to return when his people needed him most. So the Golden Army lay dormant, locked inside the Earth. Awaiting the day that the crown is made whole again." She said finally. 

"And it is still there, silent, still... and indestructible." Dr. Broom said. 

"What does that mean? Industrible.." Hellboy asked. Having gotten cozy in his bed. Aili now cozy on her blanket.

"Indestructible, means that nobody can destroy them. Go to sleep, my children." The Professor said calmly.

"It's just a story, right Paps?" Hellboy asked. 

"Is it now?" The professor asked. Seeing Aili stiffen significantly.

"Yeah! C'mon, those guys can't be real." Hellboy said, sure of himself.

"I am sure you will find that out soon enough, Rama.." Aili mumbled. Closing her eyes to sleep.. Hellboy following in suit soon after.

((Hello! And thank you for reading my first chapter of World Apart! This book is an alternative version of Hellboy: The Golden Army. So it will indeed have some differences. But all credit for the main script and original characters goes to the creator of the movie! Thank you!))