Here ya go folks! I have started a sequel to my first Beauty and the Beast fanfic, Down from Below. Thanks to the encouragement of other authors. Please, all you loyal readers, please review and follow me! You are all so valuable to my work.

This sequel is - hopefully - better than the last story. Gonna steer more toward Scarlett trying to slay the demons of her past, her time kidnapped by Paracealcus, and learning her new life and a lot of Mouse, and more of Mouse as he is maturing... I feel like maybe I forgot him a bit lol. I've added dashes in his words because he talks sort of in third person. But gonna show how that gets better as the story goes on. Hey it's my story lol. Gonna move kinda slow, and get more feeling in the story. So Mouse and Arthur for Thunderhoof and a sequel for all of you other lovely readers. Let the writing begin!

The glimmering phosphorescence of the lake before them shone on the faces of its watchers. Vincent sat almost at its edge, reading aloud from Les Miserables. A young man sat near him, watching intently, as if picturing every word the soft-spoken lion man read. His light hair hung in his eyes, but didn't seem to bother him as his faraway expression revealed he was not mentally in the cave. Near his feet sat a young woman, her copper hair shimmering in the phosphorescence, eyes set upon the contemplative face of the young man. She stroked the soft fur of a raccoon that lay curled into a tight ball on her lap, whiskered face covered by a fluffy tail. A peaceful scene. One wouldn't be able to tell that only days before, terror had dampened the joy of the underground tunnel. Everyone sort of ignored its occurrence, however. It was as if it had never happened. Vincent read on calmly, his eyes on the words, but his mind on the young couple sitting near by. They were both young, inexperienced, and had a lot to learn.

They were interrupted as a kind faced woman wearing the clothing of Above came down the tunnel into the cave room. "Hello, everyone."

Vincent closed the book gently and smiled. "Welcome, Catherine, to our starry hideaway." He stood and took her hand and they embraced in a hug.

""Well, thank you Vincent. Father told me you would be down here." She hugged Mouse and knelt to hug Scarlett.

"Hello, my dear. I have brought you some things to wear for the party tonight." Scarlett stiffened at the touch and hug but spoke politely.

"Thank you, Catherine. I really appreciate that." Her face held a distant smile and she absentmindedly hugged the raccoon, who chattered at being woken so abruptly. He curled back up again and tucked his nose in Scarlett's hand.

Mouse looked at Vincent, bewilderment clear on his face. "Party?"

Vincent smiled again. "Not everyone knows yet, Mouse, but Fathers Birthday is today and we are all having a surprise party for him in the Cathedral room in a little while."

Amid the scattered happy exclamations, Scarlett smiled and spoke suddenly. "He has been in such a grumpy mood today. I'm sure he thinks everyone has forgotten."

Ever since her rather tumultuous entry into the world Below, Scarlett and Father had been close. The only person closer to him was Vincent. Father was very protective of Scarlett as he was about all of the Tunnel dwellers under his care. But somehow, he and Scarlett connected in ways not everyone seemed to be able to accomplish. To many, he appeared harsh and difficult. And at first even Scarlett had seemed to think so. But she seemed not to care and spent many hours quietly reading by candlelight in his library.

Catherine laughed. "Well, he will soon be cheered up. I met Winslow on the way here and he has taken all the candles there to be lit and Jaime and Pascal are taking down the food Mary has prepared."

Vincent put his arm around Catherine and pulled her close. "Very well, let us go see if they need any help. Mouse, take Arthur and put him in your room."

Mouse frowned. "Arthur-not-welcome- at party?"

Vincent smiled gently and laid his free hand on the young man's shoulder. "No, Mouse. Arthur's is always welcome. But I do not want him setting his fur on fire with a candle."

Mouse nodded quickly, his love for his pet very evident in the way his eyes widened in horror at the idea. "Vincent-right. Mouse make-Arthur-stay-in-room."

Vincent patted his shoulder. "Good lad. Catherine, why don't you take Miss Scarlett to the women's chambers and help her get ready."

Scarlett shuddered but no one could see it in the blue glow of the lake. But Vincent felt the shaking of emotions and pulled her close for a hug. "Go with Catherine, my dear. We have a party to get started."

Catherine and Scarlett walked in silence, Scarlett a little behind. The last time she had been to those chambers, she was recovering from her near death experience Above. And now she felt as if she was replaying it all over again. The scars, the cool water washing away the feeling of unworthiness. She shuddered again. She didn't want to go there. But a small piece of her was beginning to notice Mouse differently. He was always being such a gentleman and she found herself blushing at the idea of dressing up for the party.

They passed the library where Mouse had waited for her, and a little ache in her heart reminded her of how she wished he was there too.

"I have a lovely emerald green dress I brought for you Scarlett. You are going to look just stunning for the party," Catherine spoke gently, trying not to startle Scarlett, because she looked as if her mind was somewhere far away.

Slowly, Scarlett became aware of the room again, and the gentle splashing of the water running out of the natural spring.

She smiled stiffly at Catherine and nodded. "I do appreciate your help, I really do. I just-" She hesitated, then shook her head.

Catherine laid a hand on her shoulder. "We are all here if you need to talk."

Scarlett nodded. "I know." She laid her hand over Catherine's and squeezed it. "I know."

Mouse paced outside of Vincent's chamber, startling when the giant man came out, dressed in his best. Mouse clasped his hands together. "Vincent - can- Mouse - ask a- question - please? "

Vincent nodded once. "Go ahead, Mouse."

Mouse hopped from one foot to the other, excited. "Mouse- like- to- prop- propo- marry -Scarlett."

Vincent smiled at the excited young man, then motioned for him to enter the chamber. Mouse hesitated, then entered, sitting down on a chair. He looked slightly confused at the lack of excitement.

Vincent sighed and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Mouse, I am going to talk to you as man to man. You are quite a man now. Mouse, Scarlett - is broken. She's had nothing but trouble in this life. Her family tried to kill her, Paracealcus has tried to kill her, and I feel in her heart that she thinks she is broken beyond repair." Mouse tried to retort, but Vincent held up a paw. "Mouse, what do you love about her?"

Mouse looked away, and his face relaxed. "Calm-strong-beautiful-amazing-mature-"

He looked at Vincent almost pleadingly. "Mouse love Scarlett."

Vincent sighed and walked calmly away then turned and walked back. "Mouse, it will be a major change for both of you. One, you will have to stay Below more. Going Above will put you at risk, your family at risk, and" he hesitated. "And all of your community at risk."

Mouse cocked his head and thought for a moment. Understanding dawned on his face. He nodded. And the expression in his eyes showed that he understood. He knew in his heart he could do whatever it took. He wanted Scarlett to be his girl. No matter what.

"Mouse ready." He spoke bravely. He stood and grasped Vincent by the shoulders. "Mouse care -very much. Mouse protect Scarlett with- life." Vincent clapped a paw on Moises shoulder and nodded. "Then you have my blessing. But you might want to talk to Father once we are all down at the party."

Mouse nodded and sprinted away, throwing over his shoulder: "Okay, good! Okay, fine!"