Hello!
I know it's been forever since I uploaded anything here on Fanfiction, but I had this idea a not too long ago and I've finally decided to write it. One thing that kepts me busy all this time was college… Good news! I finally graduated with a BS in Neuroscience and a Minor in Native American Studies! Now, the hard part… Finding a job…
Please let me know what you guys think! Should I continue? I am motivated to write by reading your reviews and suggestions!
Anyways… ENJOY!
Belle
What could she do?
Belle was desperate to save her father, but now she had accidentally placed the Beast in danger, too! She had to think fast, how could she distract Gaston and the villagers? How could she prevent an all-out angry mob from storming the Beast's castle? She looked to the handsome man donning the elegant red captain's coat as he called for her to be locked up in order to prevent her from running ahead and warning the Beast.
Okay, if there ever was a plan, now is the time to set it in motion… Out of the blue, an idea dawned on the girl. "Gaston the Hunter", read the painting on the wall of his prized tavern. Well, if he's such a great hunter, let's put him through his paces and challenge him, thought Belle as Gaston's goons came toward her and grabbed her arms. "Gaston! I know what it is you really want!" Gaston's attention was now on the beautiful woman in the gold dress surrounded by his drunken goons, "If you're such a great hunter, prove it to me! Not by hunting the Beast, but by tracking me in the forest!" Gaston squinted his eyes in response, while his arms slowly lowered the enchanted mirror out of view of the crowd. His goons stopped in their tracks after I asserted my challenge, unsure of what action their leader would prefer they take.
That's it, take the bait… I knew he couldn't resist a challenge!
Belle struggled to hide a smirk as Gaston fully faced her now, and nodded for his goons to release her. He lifted an eyebrow at Belle as she continued to make eye contact with him, a silent dare to accept the challenge of the hunt.
"Really, Belle? You think you could hide from and evade me, the greatest hunter in all of Villenuave, in a tracking and hunting challenge? Within my forest, which I know like the back of my hand?" The hunter began to laugh at Belle's challenge, and it wasn't long before the whole village joined him.
Just keep playing at it, get him to take the bait and you can save Beast!
"What? You scared you would lose?" Suddenly, the villagers were so silent that one could hear a clothespin drop from the other side of the village. Now I know I've gotcha! Belle slightly grinned at the thought, knowing she had just messed with Gaston's ego in front of the entire village, He can't back down now!
Belle watched as Gaston's jaw clenched and unclenched repeatedly, his shoulders rising and falling as he attempted to breathe to control himself. LeFou moved ever so slightly closer to him, ready to intervene if necessary, knowing a very sensitive bundle of nerves had just been struck by the beauty his friend was determined to marry.
Quietly, Gaston began to laugh before sucking in a deep breath "No, Belle, I just don't want you hurting yourself out there. But, if you insist on this little display, then fine. How should this little game of 'hide and seek' play out? What are the stakes?" His smirk told Belle that he had a pretty good idea what was at stake, but he just wanted to hear it for himself. Belle sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes briefly, opening them once more to meet Gaston's iron gaze. "I go into the forest, on my own, and try to hide from you. After, let's say a few hours, you try to track me down." Belle's father suddenly stirred from his place within the carriage, "No! Belle! Don't!" Belle turned toward the carriage to offer her father a reassuring smile before turning once more toward the man in red.
"Fine." Gaston kept the smirk on his face as he turned toward the intrigued crowd of villagers.
"Now, for the rules…" Gaston's smirk faltered at Belle's words. Oh, he expected me to make it easy, huh?
The villagers now faced her, as did Gaston. "First off, I get a head start of half a day. Second, since I will be alone, you must be too. You cannot get help from anyone in the village. That means you cannot have anyone follow me, watch me, or help you track. If you get any kind of aide, I win automatically and you lose. Third, you and everyone in the village must promise to not go after Beast, no matter the outcome!" "But, Belle-" Gaston was cut off by Belle's next words, "Gaston, remember… I know what you want, and if you want any chance of getting it, then this is how it must be! Finally, you must let my father go free." She took his silence that followed as a quiet agreement. Belle could still hear her father's vehement words of disagreement coming from the carriage he was still imprisoned within.
"Fine. You have from sunrise tomorrow until 1:30 tomorrow afternoon to hide. After that, you best beware Belle, for I will find you." Gaston turned away to head home, but before he could leave to prepare for the events to come tomorrow, Belle added, "Well, if I only get half a day, then it is only fair you get the same amount of time to find me." A smirk formed on Belle's lips once more as she watched Gaston's shoulders cringe, a sign that he was unhappy that she was trying to turn things in her favor. He turned to face her once more, "Fine."
Gaston's smirk returned once again, "Oh, I almost forgot… And the stakes, Belle?" She closed her eyes tight and clenched her small fists, as she took in one more deep breath.
This is for Beast, you've gotta give him a chance!
"Me… If you find me, I will marry you. But if you don't, you must give up and allow me to marry whomever I so choose."
Soooooo, what do you guys think? Do you like it? Should I continue? Remember, I need reviews to fuel my creativity!