Another guestsurprise story. Enjoy and no flames!

Mrs. Potts was becoming ill; she needed specific treatment and the only treatment available would be in the other town with was a five day journey away. She was feeling weak and she knew she wouldn't die, but she wanted to speak with Vincent and Belle about Chip.

"I wanted to tell you all about Chip. He doesn't want to leave this town. He loves you all and the castle too much. His brothers and sisters have gone to live with my other relatives, but he really feels to stay here. May he stay?"

"Mrs. Potts, you don't even have to ask. Of course he may." Vincent replied, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you. But I am unsure of my return."

"Don't be afraid. Chip may stay here for as long as need be. If not forever." Belle replied.

"Do you really mean that?" Mrs. Potts smiled happily.

"Yes."

"Well, I only ask because even when I return, Chip said he wants to stay here forever. He almost thinks of you both as a second set of parents."

"I would never turn him out. Never!" Vincent replied.

"We think of him as a son as well."

"Good. So very good." Mrs. Potts replied. She knew she would not die, but if Chip wanted to stay and live at the castle, she did not want to take that away from him. The castle had been his first home after all.

The next morning, Chip sadly watched them carry his mother on a carriage towards town. He would miss her greatly but right now there was nothing that could be done. She had to go so that she would be well.

"Don't fear Chip. You'll be safe here with us." Vincent replied.

"I know Vincent. I just hope she gets better soon." Chip replied quietly.

"Well we will definitely hope for the best! You can write her letters as much as you like." Belle smiled.

"Thanks Belle! Now that I'm eight I can write better than most of my brothers and sisters!" He proclaimed proudly. Belle gave a soft grin and then took his hand as they headed back inside the castle with Vincent following.

Four hours later…

"Well young one, it's time for you to go to bed," Belle whispered, now gently holding Chip on her lap.

"Ok. Can you guys tuck me in?" Chip smiled.

"Of course." Vincent replied, now getting down on all fours and growling playfully. Chip squeaked in mock terror and began to run with the prince running behind him. Belle laughed as she chased after her husband and Chip. Chip was running in glee until he reached his room! He ran to his bed and then felt the prince pounce on him and pin him down and Belle came thundering in after them! Soon they were a laughing and giggling heap of arms and legs! After a few moments, they all settled down and Chip was curling up in his bed.

"Goodnight my little prince," Belle whispered, kissing him on his head.

"Goodnight mom…I mean Belle!" Chip said suddenly. This shocked Belle, but she for some reason loved when Chip called her mom.

"Goodnight Chip." Vincent smiled, gently nuzzling him.

"Night Vincent." He whispered, hugging the prince's neck. The two then sat up and made their way to their room.

As Chip watched them head out of the room, he glanced out of his window. He gasped as he noticed a figure looking at him from the snowy garden. The person looked tall and strong and whomever it was had beautiful blue eyes that seemed to peer at him from the darkness.

"We have an intruder on the grounds!" Chip said as he ran and threw on his robe! Quick as a flash he ran down the steps and into the garden. There was plenty of ice and snow and he was immediately beginning to regret his decision of running out into the dark, cool night.

"I don't see him anymore. Guess I may have imagined it all." Chip thought. He turned to go back when he suddenly tripped and twisted his ankle. He squealed in pain, but could not get up.

"Oh bother it all!"

"My my. Seems you gotten yourself into a predicament boy." A deep voice replied. Chip turned and saw a figure walking towards him and even Chip could see his white teeth shining in the darkness!

"Get away from me!"

"I knew you would not be long coming out to see who was out here."

"You're sneaking around the master's castle!"

"Master is it? Is that what you call him?" the figure asked, now crouching down in front of him. Chip gasped, seeing that he looked like a large-wolf like creature, half man and half wolf.

"MONSTER!"

"Not a monster boy! I am no worse than that master of yours that is a beast!"

"He isn't a beast anymore!"

"Oh isn't he?! Well, he will always be to me and he will pay for doing this to me." The man snarled. Chip bravely grabbed a stick and threw it at him. He easily dodged it! Chip then kicked at him with his good foot and he dodged that too! "Better watch your foot child or you may not get it back." And with those words, he pounced on him!

"GET OFF OF ME!"

"Stop struggling Chip." He whispered in the boy's ear, making Chip go stiff in fear.

"How do you my name?!" He gasped.

"I have been watching you for a while now. You are perfect for my purpose."

"And who are you?!" Chip gasped, trying to get up but the stranger did not let him.

"You may call me Gaston." He said as he got closer to the boy's face and within a few moments, Chip blacked out.

guestsurprise: A treat for you newbienovelistRD for posting my stories. I love Beauty and the Beast too!

newbienovelistRD: Thank you, guestsurprise! It looks great so far! Please keep going! :D