Disclaimer: I do not in any way own Hellboy or any of its characters and stories (but I wish I did). I do own my own my characters and story that I come up with. Please do not steal.

Okay, this is my second Hellboy fic… my first one… well… I've decided to stop it for the time being. It was doing alright and everyone seemed to like, but due to certain reasons, I have to stop. If my dream ever comes true, you'll find out why. Anyway, as for this story, I wanted to do something a little different. I was thinking one day about what Hellboy could have been like before he became the demon butt kicking, smart ass guy that his is. He needed to be trained, right? Well, this is kind of a prequel… at least one of his first adventures. Mind you, that this not canon in any way. It is completely fanfiction… turn and run now if you wish.

For all those are left, I welcome all reviews, good or bad, long or short. I only ask that you try to avoid phrases like 'this story sucks' or 'you stuck'. If you don't like the story then state why. Hopeful I can then improve the story or character. Criticism is both a positive and negative tool that authors use to improve their stories and themselves. Trust me, you won't hurt my feeling. Without further ado, here is the story… finally.

Chapter One

A single pink rose sat on Professor Broom's desk. It had sat there for the last few days as he worked to finish the latest report from the field. He offended looked at it and thought deeply. What he was thinking, no one was quite sure, except for Hellboy. Both he and the Professor felt the same way about the rose and the thoughts that were attached to it. Professor Broom tried to hurry through the remaining paperwork so he could take care of the business associated with the rose. He had wanted to take care of it when he first got it, but the Bureau's case load had increased and he was needed to oversee some aspects of the different missions. His personal one would have to wait just a little bit longer.

"So, what's with the rose," Liz asked Hellboy for the tenth time.

"Sorry kiddo, can't say," Hellboy explain once again, "it's something between me and father."

"Hmph," Liz folded her arms, "then I'll just ask Abe, he has to know."

"Red I was wondering," speaking of the devil, "if I could inquire about the pink rose that has been sitting on the Professor's desk?"

Hellboy shot a smug smile in Liz's direction, "no… he doesn't."

"I see," Abe wasn't surprised, "so he won't tell you either?"

"No! He's being a big jerk," she stuck out her tongue at Hellboy.

"If you hold that face any longer, it will stick that way," a voice interrupted the name calling.

"Professor did you finish all that paperwork finally," Abe asked.

"Yes… finally," Prof. Broom sighed, "Hellboy… are you ready to go?"

Hellboy raised his eyebrow, "huh? Don't you want to rest for awhile? I mean you didn't just sent three days writing out reports, signing papers and dealing with Manning… and I know that you didn't get much sleep," he said somewhat sternly.

Prof. Broom looked at his son just as stern, "I may be old, but I am able to make decisions on my own. Now," he started down the hallway, "are you coming?"

Hellboy looked to Liz and Abe then at the Prof., "um… yeah… sure," he followed after him.

Liz and Abe looked to one another and seemed to come up with the same idea, "we're coming to," they said in unison.

The Prof. turned around, "… if you're going to come, then hurry up. The helicopter is ready and I would prefer leave before another day passes."

"Where are we going," Liz asked as she fell in behind the Prof.

"Somewhere very special," is all he would say.

The walk to the hanger was quiet, Liz and Abe weren't sure where they were going and they still weren't sure about the mystery of the single pink rose. They had some many questions, but both of them were a little afraid to press the Professor and it would have been useless to ask Hellboy. All they could do was hope that someone would start explain what was going on.

Professor Broom, for a moment, looked down at the rose he carried. Though it had been sitting on his desk for three days, it still retained its freshness and beauty. It was like it knew it had to make it.

"A pink rose…," Abe thought out loud, "one of the oldest know rose colors and are a symbol of love and appreciation… if I'm not mistaken."

Hellboy looked over his shoulder, "I don't even want to know why you know that."

"Yes Abe, the pink rose is a symbol of love and appreciation," Prof. Broom ignored Hellboy's comment, "in this case, it is more of a symbol of appreciation for something that I never got to say to someone very special."

"Who," Liz asked.

"How many times are you going to ask that," Hellboy sighed.

"That someone special is Natasha Ravecoft, a former agent," he again ignored Hellboy.

"Whoa Professor, I didn't know that you had a lady friend," Liz smirked.

"Was a lady friend… Natasha is no longer with us," Prof. Broom expression saddened.

"Oh… did you two have a fight or something," Liz asked innocently.

Both Hellboy and Prof. Broom stopped, releasing heavy sighs. There was something weighing on their hearts. Either wanted to say what it was, but it had to do with a woman named Natasha.

"Liz," Abe tugged at her arm, "I don't think they had a fight."

"Oh…," she realized what he meant.

"… how… how long ago," Abe asked quietly.

"Twenty years ago… on a mission in Greece… she saved Hellboy's life," Prof. Broom started to walk down the hallway once again.

Hellboy hung his head as he tightened his stone fist. He wasn't ashamed that he was saved by a mortal, but ashamed that he wasn't able to save her.

"It is a long story full of painful, yet wonderful memories," Prof. Broom sighed, "prefect for a trip."

"Are you sure you want to…," Hellboy asked.

"Just because you don't want to remember the events of the past doesn't mean I don't want to," he turned, "sometimes they're the only thing I have…"

"Sorry Father," Hellboy continued to hang his head in shame.

Prof. Broom smile, "the helicopter won't wait forever. We better hurry."

"Professor, if it's not to much trouble… could you tell us about her… about Natasha," Liz asked somewhat shyly.

"It was back during the Cold War… 1951 I believe," Prof. Broom started reminisce, "I was still the head of Field Operations and was still quite active in the field. It was a hard time in the world. Russia had set up its Iron Curtain and many things were uncertain…"

1951

December 12th

19:15

Somewhere over Russia

"I still don't understand why you need the Bureau's help with missing scientists," Prof. Broom read through the file folder, "isn't this a job for the military?"

The Major cleared his throat, "normally it would be, but this is a special case. The place that the scientists are being held has a… a bloody past. The Russian government set up the facility as an advance weapons research center about four years ago. However, something went horribly wrong," he motioned to some pictures in the file folder.

Prof. Broom looked through the horrifying pictures of mangled bodies and untold amounts of blood that was shattered across the walls. Some of the men depicted in the still photos seemed to be deformed and many parts of their bodies were blackened, like a severe case of frostbite or burn. He couldn't tell from the black and white pictures which one it was.

"What happen to these men," the Professor handed the file to the Major.

"Something killed them," he shrugged his shoulders, "from what the Russian reports say, three men survived. Two were so scared that they just sat there in a catatonic state, the other one, a soldier, just kept repeating the same two words over and over again."

"And that would be," Prof. Broom probed.

"Black Ice," the Major's face turned grim, "three days after being rescued the man apparently died of a heart attack during his sleep… a nightmare possible."

"Black Ice… hmm," Prof. Broom brought his fingers up to his chin in thought, "… nothing comes to mind particularly."

"The US and British governments would like you to investigate the abandoned research facility and if possible, destroy whatever may be there," the Major explained.

"What about the missing scientists? I read in the report that nine American and two British scientists are the ones being held by a mercenary group at the facility," he was still questioning his role in the mission, "am I to determine what the creature is or if it is still there and then you'll send in troops once it's safe to rescue them?"

The Major shifted uncomfortably in his airplane seat, "no… you are to determine and destroy the creature. The only rescue there will be is to come after you if the creature proves to be to powerful."

"But what about the…," the Professor started.

"The scientists and mercenaries are presumed dead," he finished the half asked question, "there was a specialty unit out there already to spy on the facility and retrieve the scientists, however… all radio transmissions have ceased as of two weeks ago. We sent in another unit to find out what happen, but only one came back and with this," he set down a bloody book, "he was writing a journal. He made entries detailing the enemies' movements and everything they observed."

Prof. Broom carefully picked up the journal and started to read a few of the later entries.

Private Daniel Parker

Date: November 19th, 1951

The Sergeant says that we're going to move within the next few days. He just wants to make sure that he has all the exits covered when we move in. He doesn't like the fact that we haven't seen any guards at their usual posts for about a week. He thinks that maybe their wearing down or at least he hopes so. He's starting to see things… like the rest of us. Nothing big, just figures in distance. I've seen them too, but they don't look human. They're too thin and rigid, like they're made out of ice. I suppose it's just the Russian winter is playing tricks on all us. I hope anyway…

He read another dated a little bit later.

It's out there. It's stalking us. Only me and the Sergeant remain. Whatever it was got the others; taking them out one by one. Sergeant thinks that maybe the mercenaries we were spying on may have become victims of the creature and possibly the scientists as well. The radio died about four days ago, so we can't order a rescue. The Sergeant still has hope that we can survive until backup arrives, but I have my doubts. I'm so tired… sleep is a God sent… but it could also bring death…

"This last one was writing in haste," the Professor observed, "did the soldier report anything?"

"No, not spoken anyway," the Major confirmed, "the only words he says are 'Black Ice'."

Prof. Broom grew concerned, "the same as the Russian soldier. Alright, is there anything else I need to know before this plane lands and I lead my follow investigators and your soldiers into an unknown situation?"

"Yes. If the mercenaries are still alive, they will probably be armed and very dangerous. If a fire fight starts, you and your men are to get to safety," the Major warned.

"A shoot out won't bother any of my members," Prof. Broom gave a small chuckle, "we've been in worse."

The Major smirked, "I'm sure."

"Attention! Prepare for landing!," the pilot yelled over the speaker.

"I believe this is my stop," Prof. Broom removed his bag from the seat next to him.

"Good luck Professor," the Major saluted.

…

"So you decided to go in even though you didn't have a clue to what you would be facing," Abe was a little surprised by the recklessness of the Professor.

"I was younger back then and good information was hard to come by, especially when dealing across enemy borders," he smiled, "and I did have some ideas to what we would be facing, I just wanting to confirm my suspicions."

"And where was Hellboy at the time," Liz asked glancing over at the half asleep demon.

"He was supposed to be in New Mexico training," he looked over at his son.

"But he wasn't," Liz was curious.

"Not where I was supposed to be," Hellboy opened his one eye and smirked.

"Yes, but that will come a little later in the story," the Professor wanted to continue, "our small group traveled across the barren waste land of Russia for hours. Everything looked the same and it was hard to tell where we were going half of the time. But we did eventually come across the abandoned research facility…"

…

The snow whipped through the air as the chilling wind howled. The sound of teeth chattering and heavy breathes fill everyone's ears. They were all cold and most wanted to retreat to the facility for shelter, but they also didn't want to run the risk of being surprise by the mystery creature or surviving mercenaries. The captain was going to make sure that when they moved, it was going to be as safe a possible.

"Captain, has there been any movement," Prof. Broom approached.

"No… it's been half an hour and we can't stay out here much longer," the Captain thought for a moment, "I think we should move in, but slowly and carefully."

"I agree," he nodded his head.

Both groups of men, three investigators from the B.P.R.D and seven soldiers slowly made their way to an open hanger. There was no other movement except for their own. An eerie glow came from the hanger, probably from the remaining lights.

"That's good," the Captain whispered back to Prof. Broom, "it looks like the generators is still operational or at least the back up one."

"That could mean that the scientists are still alive," Prof. Broom hoped.

"That could also mean that mercenaries are alive as well," the Captain narrowed his eyebrows, "we'll just have to keep our eyes and ears open."

They didn't speak another word to each other. They didn't want to give away the element of surprise. It would be their only ally in this unfamiliar place. The seven soldiers moved out ahead of the investigators, gave the all clear and signaled for them to follow. This went on for several minutes until they reached the hanger doors.

"Captain, there doesn't appear to be anyone in there," one of the soldiers called back.

"… move in," the Captain signaled for everyone to proceed into the hanger.

The group silently moved into the sheltered hanger, hoping it would be safe and a lot warmer. Their footsteps echoed in the empty place. Not a soul was to be seen or heard. Frozen breath glittered in the artificial light; it was strangely beautiful.

"Professor Broom," one of the agents got his attention, "you should look at this."

"Shh! Not so loud," one of the soldiers hissed.

"I suggest you take your own advice," the Captain glared as he followed the Professor.

Prof. Broom quickly came over to where Agent Jennings was pointing. Before he got there, he could smell the distinct of rotting flesh. Pulling out a handkerchief and placing it at his nose, the Professor looked down at the unfortunate victim. It appeared to be a man and by the uniform he was wearing, he was a soldier of the United States.

"Sergeant Willis… he was a good man and soldier," the Captain removed his hat in respect.

"Was he the Sergeant that was spying on the facility," Prof. Broom asked as he started to examine the remains.

"Yes… he was one of the best when it came to gathering information and surviving in places like this," the Captain turned away, "… and he was a good friend."

"I am truly sorry for your loss Captain," Prof. Broom gave his condolences.

"… we'll secure the perimeter," the Captain walked away.

"What do you think did this Professor," the agent asked in a hushed voice.

"I have a few ideas, but they seem highly unlikely," he continued to study the unusual claw marks.

"Why is that," Agent Jennings asked as he searched for his camera.

"Most northern creatures of the ice rather avoid people," he explained, "at least they use to. Plus the two men referring to 'Black Ice'… I still don't understand what it means. And there's something about the pictures of the Russian soldiers… the way that they were disfigured bothers me. This man, it looks like he died right here. In the pictures, however, it looked like they were trying to crawl away… trying to escape from something. Yes… the unfortunate Sergeant was surprised by something and it killed him."

"It almost appears that his blood was licked up afterwards," the agent checked over the blood smeared walls, "could it be vampires?"

"… no… they are a little bit more delicate about their meals," Prof. Broom looked over the body closer, "no… no bite marks," he checked the neck just in case, "Black Ice… Black Ice... claw marks…," he looked up at the smeared wall, "possible blood draining as a source of food… hmm…"

Creak… swish… crunch…

"What was that," the soldiers whipped their weapons around.

"It sounded like it came from in there," the Captain whispered as he pointed to a door that lead deeper into the facility.

"Should we have a look Sir," one of the soldiers asked.

"… together and in tight formation," the Captain ordered, "Prof. Broom, you and your fellow investigators will be in the middle."

Creak… crunch… swish… "AAAGGGG!" a scream echoed through the air.

"Someone is still alive in there," Prof. Broom wanted to run towards the scream, but restrained himself, "it could be one on the scientists!"

"Or a mercenary," the Captain gritted his teeth, "… let's move it ladies! We have a possible rescue on our hands!"

Four of the soldiers ran through the door, guns ready to fire at anything or anyone. Prof. Broom hastily followed after the soldiers, just in case it was the mystery creature. He ran through the door and into a narrow, dimly lit hallway.

"AAGGG! NO! PLEASE DON'T HURT ME," a voice pleaded in a thick European accent.

The seven soldiers and three investigators ran towards the screaming, hoping that maybe they could save whoever it could be. The light was growing dimmer and dimmer as they came closer to the source of screaming. The four soldiers that were in front stopped suddenly at the edge of where the light ended and the darkness began.

"AAGGG! NO! You won't get me! You won't take me like you did Yuri! You won't rip me open," the voice continued to yell.

"We're so close," the Captain tried to peer through the darkness, "someone hand me a flashlight."

One of the soldiers, without looking, quickly reached into his bag and pulled one out. He turned it on as he handed it to the Captain. The Captain cautiously raised the light so it could pierce the darkness. Not much could be seen as he slowly scanned the area with his single beam of light.

Click. Clack. Click. Clack... the sound of someone running towards them suddenly echoed through the hallway.

"Run towards our voices," Prof. Broom yelled into the darkness.

"Hey," one of the soldiers tried to silence him, "it could be a mercenary."

"Thank the lord! Someone came," a frighten face appeared, "I thought we were surely… AAAGGG!"

As quickly as he appeared he was snatched back into the darkness by an unseen force. Without thinking, the soldiers pushed forward; some readying their guns, others grabbing their flashlights so they could see what they might be facing. Sounds of scratching and clawing, gnashing and crunching; horrible gurgling noises mixed with metal being torn into.

"Quickly men," the Captain urged on towards a faint light that was just ahead.

The gurgling noises of a dying man still could be heard. Prof. Broom knew there was no way to save the poor victim, but maybe there was a chance to see and possibly destroy the creature that took him. Reaching into his bag, Prof. Broom pulled out his flask of Holy Water.

The group came into the dimly lit area; it was an open room, by all the boxes and papers strewn across the floor the room appeared to be storage place. There was a single light hanging from the center of the room. It wasn't very bright and its dim light only cast eerie shadows upon the walls and ceiling.

Drip… drip… drip… slurp…

"What is that," one of the soldiers asked the Captain.

"I don't know," he looked around with the flashlight, "tight circle, everyone keep your eyes and ears open for anything."

"Hoorah," the unit answered back as they enclosed the Bureau's investigators.

Drip… drip… drip… slurp… the noises continued.

The soldiers aimed their flashlights wherever they thought the sounds might be coming from.

"Over there," the soldier held his beam on a limp limb of a man.

All lights followed quickly to where he was pointing. The increased light gave a bigger picture of what was making the noises. Hanging from the pipes was a strange snake like creature. It's black, scaly coils were nearly crushing the pipe as it hung in the air. The red glow from its eyes seemed to illuminate the area.

"Please… help me…," the man try to reach out to them.

The creature was holding him with its four arms. One was wrapped around the man's waist. Two others were holding the man's legs so he couldn't struggle much. The snake creature brought up it's forth hand up to its mouth, it was covered with blood. A bright, red forked tongue twist out of it's mouth and began to lap up the dripping blood.

Drip… drip… drip… slurp…

"Alright men, just take it slow and easy," the Captain brought up his handgun, "take aim and make sure your shots count."

"No, you can't," Prof. Broom grabbed the barrel, "you might accidentally shot the man. The man that is asking for our help and we should try to save him."

"He can not be saved," a deep European female voice came from the shadow.

BANG… a flash of light from the barrel of a gun.

"Now he is," the voice taunted.

The creature looked down at its now dead meal and gritted its long spike like teeth. Dropping the dead man, it turned its attention to the group of soldiers and investigators. It opened its open wide and released an ear shattering screech. The tight coils around the pipe loosen and started to fall towards the men.

BANG… BANG… BANG… three more flashes from the shadows.

The creature hissed and growled in pain as it retreated back up to the ceiling. Droplets of its black blood drizzled from its wounds.

"Go ahead, make my day you slithering piece of crap," the female voice came once again from the shadows, "I'm sorry I couldn't save Rendor, I will have to answer to God for that. You however," she finally emerged, "are going to hell."

The creature recoiled for a moment, but with one swift movement it was in the air, leaping towards the young woman.

"DUCK," Prof. Broom tried to warned her.