Part Three
Usually when Gaston spent the night at the pub it became a place to celebrate how amazing he was. Nowadays it was a place to pity him.
Belle's rejection had wounded his ego no doubt, but what hurt more was that he couldn't try to win her over, the girl having disappeared the night of his proposal. Her brother and sisters coming to the pub to try and appease him, stroking his damaged ego and telling him how Belle had just been surprised, that she would come around with time, just be patient with her. With a few drinks in him Gaston was just recollecting his resolve to pursue the girl when suddenly Maurice and Nicholas came into the pub. The old man had been trembling, eyes wide and glassy while his son held his arm and led him to their other siblings.
"Father!" Tristan gasped. "Where have you been?"
Maurice's voice was hollow, "Belle…it took Belle." He grabbed Tristan's arms, "Belle was taken by a beast!"
Gaston watched silently while Maurice's children tried to calm their hysterical father down. Not even Nicholas believed what he was saying. But the young man did explain how Belle had gone to look for Maurice-and she hadn't returned.
Gaston had led a small search party out, exploring the outskirts of the forest while Maurice kept insisting that they had to go deeper, that the beast's castle was in the darkest part of the forest. Gaston had rolled his eyes at the man, there was no way a fragile thing like Belle would have gone that far into such a foreboding forest. No, after a few days everyone except for the old man had decided that Belle ran away, and everyone had their own theory on why she did.
"She was such an adventurous soul, she wanted to put some miles behind her."
"She actually hated her new country life; she went to find a way to regain riches."
"She didn't want to marry Gaston."
That last theory always soured his throat and made him throw back another glass of beer. He sat before the roaring fireplace of the pub, antlers from his many kills hanging above the flames, usually a sight of pride they did not ease his soul tonight. But despite his melancholic drinking he had noticed a group of unfamiliar men, travelers, hogging one table to themselves. They had come in whispering but after a few pints their whispers became loud enough for Gaston to overhear.
"I ain't goin' back there!" The man who spoke was as white as a sheet, holding a grubby hand to his stomach.
One of his friends turned to him, "But imagine how much money we could get with a kill that big." Talk of hunting piqued Gaston's interest.
"Like we could kill it! It nearly ripped my intestines out! And it probably ate that girl we found!"
Gaston turned in his chair to get a better look at the men. Their clothes were ratty, hair a tangled mess and they were swaying in their seats from the effects of the alcohol. But the fear in their eyes was far too genuine. There was something out in those woods, and apparently not only it attacked them but also a girl who was out in the woods…
Gaston stood up to join them, lips curling into a smile.
.
When the Beast arrived at the dinning room Belle's smile was full of relief, standing up she met him halfway. "I want to apologize again," she explained, expression morphing from relieved to stricken. And while he knew it was awful he couldn't help but like how worried she was. She really cared for him…
But he still assured her, "I'm fine." He waited for her shoulders to relax before tilting his head to her. "Could I ask something of you?"
Her eyes glittered with curiosity and he took a moment to admire how large her eyes were, how warm the amber looked, matching her dark skin tone. "What do you need?"
"I'd like to-to have a dance with you."
He could practically taste her surprise, no need for the arched brows and parted lips. Belle looked him over as if she wasn't completely sure this was her Montague. "In the ballroom?" she clarified softly.
He nodded, self-doubt clogging his throat and making words stick to his tongue, so he only nodded a second time. And slowly, oh so slowly, a smile curved Belle's lips and- how could one person be so beautiful?
"You want to dance with me?" The elated way in which she spoke did not slow down the Beast's heart. He finally wrestled words out of his mouth, "I-I am not a very…coordinated dancer. But I'd like to try. With you."
Her expression, warm and sincere, felt like an embrace. "Lucky for you I was raised by a socialite and know many a dance moves." She held his hands in hers, so different yet so fitting. "Let's dance tomorrow; we can make a whole evening out of it."
The Beast had to swallow a large level of pride to ask Renard and Plumes to help get him ready for the evening. The fox and owl gushed over him, instructing him on how to groom his fur, help him find the perfect outfit. All the while telling him how happy they were for him.
"She was worried for you last night, you know," Renard told him while hunting through the walk in closet. "That's why we went looking for you."
The Beast examined his reflection in the mirror, something he hadn't done in a long, long time. Even with his fur well maintained now he had no idea what that girl saw in him, however he wasn't going to take back his invitation to dance. Instead he looked to Plumes who sat atop the mirror, "Is it bad that I was happy she was so worried for me?"
The owl blinked at him. "That means you care what she thinks of you."
Renard trotted out of the closet, "And that's never happened before! Not even when you were human!"
Plumes spoke while the Beast pulled on the outfit Renard had chosen. "Speaking of, tonight you must let your feelings for her known." The intensity of his eyes reminded the Beast that the rose only had so many petals left.
Renard was nodding in agreement, "You can't deny it. You care for the girl and tonight after the dance is a perfect time to tell her!"
"It's time to break the curse," Plumes added.
The Beast nodded, his chest swimming with feelings of anxiety, excitement, and something he didn't think he would ever feel again…
.
Belle spun in front of the mirror once again, going through so many dresses, trying to find the right one. "This is silly," she remarked when she found herself not overly fond of an eggshell blue number. "I've never cared so much over what dress I wear. That was my sisters' job."
Lapin and Chat sat on her bed and the two exchanged a knowing look before the rabbit spoke, "Maybe that's because you never had anyone you wanted to impress."
Belle's cheeks turned hot and she ran her fingers through her hair, an awkward bubble of laughter bursting past her lips. "You think so?"
Chat purred, "I'm sure the master is getting himself worked up into a right proper tizzy as well. He really wants to impress you."
Belle smiled softly at the words, her heart picking up its pace. She did another spin, this time the eggshell blue was painted over by a shining, golden yellow and she couldn't help a soft gasp. The bodice was a simple design, but it had wrapped off-the-shoulder sleeves along with matching yellow opera gloves, the skirt itself decorated with flowing yellow lace. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with ebony locks trailing down her neck in beautiful waves. Instantly she knew this was her dress.
The cat and rabbit cooed appreciatively, insisting she looked absolutely stunning and that the master wouldn't be able to lift his chin off the floor. Belle giggled at their reaction, her stomach fluttering with butterflies, some anxious, some excited, and some trembling with a feeling she had feared she'd never know…
.
"Look at you," Belle smirked. She had walked into the dining room to see the Beast in a blue suit, the tail coats and lining dashed in gold and a puffy white ascot hanging from his neck. She smiled at him, "Sir Montague you can clean up nice."
He let out a breath of laughter and shrugged, "I have my moments. Renard and Plumes, standing behind him, loudly cleared their throats. "My servants were a big help."
Belle stepped forward, holding the skirts of her dress in her hands and she spun a small circle before him. "Do you like the dress?" She didn't mention it was the eighth dress she tried on.
"Of course," he smiled at her. "You're wearing it."
Blushing pleasantly Belle accepted the seat he pulled out for her. The two usually sat across from each other but tonight they sat next to each other, elbows touching as they enjoyed the meal and company.
"Your fur is practically shining," Belle told him, noticing the shine in his gray fur. The Beast looked to his paw, admiring the slick fur. "I haven't fixed myself up in…in a long time," he admitted.
"I haven't dress up in a while either," Belle replied, running her fingers across her finely done hair. "I always preferred reading."
He nodded in agreement. "Yes, but doing this once in a while…it would be nice."
"I agree," she said, a spoonful of soup passed her ruby lips. "We could do it once a month."
The fact that they had that kind of time, that he could spend years with her…spend the rest of his life with her…
The rose is wilting.
The cold reminder brought his anxiety and self-doubt back, he swallowed against it. "Belle…" he tired to find the next words. "I wanted to…" He could find nothing.
Belle guessed his next words, it was an incorrect guess. "You wanted to go ahead and dance?"
He wilted slightly. "Yes."
Belle took his hand and led him to the ballroom, the room having been polished to perfection by the staff. The night sky was clear and to perfected by the staff. The night sky was clear and beautiful and the chandeliers lit, the light falling them and dazzling across their fur and skin. Renard and friends head slipped in after the two, making themselves comfortable at the piano. Meanwhile Belle pulled the Beast onto the heart of the dance floor. And Belle found it ironic that what felt like a life time ago, she had hated the thought of being in the same room with him. But now, now she pulled his paw forward to hold her waist, her hand lying on his shoulder. Their fingers interlocked and the Beast's blue eyes trailed to their hands, something unsure played across his face. Belle quickly called out, "Chat! Play me something."
A few seconds later a sweet tune filled the room and the Beast turned his attention back to his dancing partner. Belle's voice was professional and serious, but the twinkle in her eyes ruined the effect. "We'll start with something easy. We'll form a box." When his brow furrowed she continued, "Just follow my lead." She pulled him forward, moved to the right, pushed him back, and then to the left. They repeated the steps a few more times and Belle saw realization spark in his eyes, their feet were forming a box. When they had stepped into rhythm he pulled his gaze away from the floor to her. She smiled at him, "You are a natural." He returned her grin. "Now let's try a spin."
As the night went on the Beast showed a rusty but natural talent for dancing, mastering Belle's lessons fairly easily. It made her wonder about the past he refused to share. But her curiosity was short-lived, instead her attention focused on the dance. She focused on the way his paws held her, large but gentle, in the way her hair flew across her shoulder, in the delighted shine in his twilight eyes and the wonderful way her heart wanted to burst. The ballroom swirled around her, stars and candles and marble. She felt warm, and energetic, and happy.
The dancing was coming to an end when suddenly the Beast grabbed her waist with both paws and lifted her into the air. Belle let out a shock of surprised laughter as he spun her through the air, but he only spun twice before tripping over his own feet, sending them both to the floor. The Beast had landed on his back; Belle sprawled on his chest and both laughing.
"Are you okay?" he chuckled, eyes glowing up at her.
She grinned, "I could ask you the same thing. Next time make sure you have solid footwork before trying that again."
"Promise," he smiled, sitting up.
Belle let out a breath, "Want to take a break? I'd like to walk out to the balcony."
He nodded quickly and helped her to her feet. As they walked to the balcony Belle noticed the delighted and encouraging smiles of the staff.
The night air was cool and crisp, and Belle happily breathed it in. She stepped into the moonlight, leaning her arms on the stone railing as she gazed out at the gardens and the forests beyond.
She felt his eyes warm her back and she spoke without turning back, "A gentleman doesn't stare, Montague."
He snorted, "Why does everyone keep insisting I'm a gentleman?"
She looked over her shoulder, smile widening, "Because we all know there's a heart of a gentleman under all that fur."
He didn't roll his eyes at that, instead looking at her with sincerity. "Come here, I have something for you."
When Belle was before him he lifted her hand, palm up, and placed something smooth and cold in her hand. Belle's eyes widened-it was her father's locket. The Beast still held her hand, "I shouldn't have kept it, I'm sorry…I was so awful to you."
Belle met his eyes, "Something tells me someone was awful to you as well." His eyes grew glassy.
"I think…" she breathed thoughtfully. "I think we both needed someone, someone who can understand us." Her other hand covered his paw, "I've never met someone who understood me…not like you."
His throat bobbed and his words were shaky, "I feel the same."
Belle leaned her head against his chest, followed by the rest of her body. He wrapped a comforting arm around her and Belle spent a moment listening to his steady heartbeat that still felt like it was fluttering. For a moment Belle was completely content.
Then she clenched her hand around the locket.
"Belle." The Beast's breath made her hair shift. "Are you happy here?"
"Of course I am," she breathed.
However he heard the tinge of melancholy. He pulled back slightly to meet her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I…" she didn't know how to say it without breaking his heart. "I want to see my family again."
As expected his expression grew painful and his paw dropped from her back. "Oh."
"Please don't be upset," she begged.
"I'm not."
"I truly adore it here, I do, but I'm still reminded of them…and I can't help but hate how I didn't properly say goodbye."
"Belle," his soft, understanding tone silenced her. "Do you want to visit them?"
Her eyes nearly fell out of her skull, "You'd-you'd let me go?"
He stepped forward and his gaze was intense. "You stopped being my prisoner a long time ago. If you want to leave I will not stop you." His eyes softened and he swallowed, "But I would be very happy if you came back."
Belle took his hand in both of hers, "Just give me a week. Just one week to see them."
His insecure expression made her heart ache. "Then you'll come back?"
She hoped her smile showed her sincerity, "I promise."
His smile was just as genuine, "Best get ready."
She let out a delighted laugh and dashed off; she was out of earshot and didn't hear his next whisper: "Farewell, Belle."
.
The Beast and his servants sat in the room where he had first met Maurice, first bonded with Belle. Said girl had just left, giving them a swift goodbye and a renewed promise.
"Well I think it was very sweet to let her see her family," Lapin said. She laid next to Renard, they along with Chat were sprawled before the small fire. Plumes, roosting on top of the chair, hooted. "We don't have that kind of time! The rose will finish wilting any day now."
Chat was determined to stay optimistic, "She'll return soon, it'll be fine."
But then the Beast let out a sigh, "She won't be coming back."
Frightened eyes stared at him. "Why would you say that?" Renard demanded.
"Because she loves her family."
Plumes had puffed up his feathers in anger, making him twice his size. "The why did you let her go?!"
The Beast's chest twisted in agony, "Because I love her."
.
Belle, accompanied by Philippe and Darling arrived home at daybreak. Dismounting from Philippe she walked out of the woods, her house in sight. Walking closer she saw a familiar shape out in the yard, crouching by a broken wagon wheel. Maurice stood up straight and went stock still when he spotted Belle.
Rising tears blurred her vision and she smiled. "Papa…" She broke into a run, "Papa!"
Her embrace knocked him to the ground; tears streamed down their face as they kissed each other's cheeks and sobbed how they had missed each other.
Nicholas' voice suddenly spoke up, "Father, what's-BELLE!"
A moment later Nicholas appeared by their side, wrapping his arms around his sister. A few seconds later Tristan, Susan, and Lucy joined them, and to Belle's surprise they were just as happy to see her. Belle's family pulled her into a large family hug, wet with tears and warm with laughter.
.
News in this town spread faster than wild fire in a dry forest so Belle had been home for only a few minutes when the news reached the pub where Gaston loitered. He was still with the group of men who had explained there was a giant wolfish monster stalking the forest and that the girl they had seen was clearly Belle. LeFou, who sat next to Gaston, believed they were making it up.
Hearing the girl was not only alive but back the gears in Gaston's head started to turn. "Boys," he turned to LeFou and the gang. "Let's go see what my future wife has to say about this monster."
.
"You didn't have to run away to prove a point, Belle," Tristan was saying.
She sat at the table with her family, all enjoying a cup of warm tea. Her older brother's words made Nicholas scowl at the man. "You were trying to make her marry a man she didn't love!" To Tristan and the twins' credit they did look guilty.
"I wanted to find Papa," Belle explained.
Maurice looked to his daughter, "How did you escape Belle?" Her siblings' interest instantly piqued, obviously their father had told them about the Beast.
Belle looked to her father. "He let me go."
Jaws dropped to the table and Maurice looked at his daughter as if he didn't believe her. "That horrible beast let you go?"
"He's not horrible," Belle insisted, just managing to not raise her voice. "He's changed. He knew I missed you all and let me come home. He even gave me your locket back." She decided to wait to tell them she would only be here for a week. Even if the Beast hadn't asked her to come home she would still return to him. She loved her family but she also-
Nicholas interrupted her thoughts. "Belle…your bag is shaking." They turned around to see Belle's knap sack (she had taken it with her to carry small amounts of food and Maurice's locket) shaking to and fro before suddenly a fluffy white head popped out.
"Chaton!" Belle smiled.
The kitten returned her smile, "Belle!"
Her sisters shrieked when the kitten spoke but Belle had stood up and walked over to Chaton to pick her up, "You little stowaway." She turned to her family, "Everyone, this is my friend Chaton."
Maurice smiled at the kitten as she was placed on the table, "I remember you."
Nicholas looked absolutely entranced by the talking cat while Tristan and the twins looked convinced they were dreaming. The kitten greeted all of them in turn before turning back to Belle. "Why did you leave Belle? I thought you liked us."
Belle's heart ached, "Of course I like you. But I missed my family."
Chaton pouted, "Why didn't you just bring your family to the castle?"
"With the beast?" Tristan scowled.
The kitten glared up at him, "He's very nice now! And he loves Belle, he'd let you move in!"
Belle blushed, embarrassed by the kitten's blunt words. But luckily a distraction came as the sound of Chaton's rumbling stomach. "I'm hungry, is there anything to eat?"
The day passed quickly with Belle and Chaton telling Maurice and the others what castle life was like, though Maurice and Nicholas were the only ones to accept that there was just a castle in the woods filled with talking animals. While they talked Chaton showed obvious favoritism to Nicholas, sitting in his lap and purring as he rubbed her head. When they weren't talking about how Belle's time had been they had talked how her family had coped. Life had more or less stayed the same despite her absence, still having to work and still bored out of their minds. Susan mentioned how Gaston had been in a state of melancholy after she left and had even led a rescue party. Belle had rolled her eyes and said he had done it because he hated to lose-which was true. And to Belle's relief no one tried to defend the man.
But say the devil's name and he will appear. When night fell there was a knock on the door. While Belle and her sisters knitted, Nicholas played with Chaton, and Tristan tended the fire, Maurice opened the door. His words instantly sent Belle on edge: "What are you doing here?"
"I heard Belle had returned." It was Gaston.
Belle stood up, fright making her skin chill. Her siblings stood up as well, Nicholas and the twins standing before her protectively and it eased Belle's fear slightly.
"What's wrong?" Chaton's voice had grown scared, burrowing into Nicholas' palm.
"It's going to be fine," Nicholas whispered to her. "Just stay quiet."
Maurice was still talking to Gaston, blocking the door, "Where did you heart that?"
Belle could imagine the egotistical man waving his hand dismissively, "You know how gossip is in this town. Is it true?"
Maurice was silent for a few moments but ultimately decided he couldn't hide his daughter forever. "Yes."
"Excellent!" Gaston's voice smiled. "May I see her?"
"Her opinion of you hasn't changed," Maurice snapped. Belle had to bite her lip to keep from laughing; she obviously got her attitude from her adopted father.
But Gaston wasn't deterred in the slightest. "Not yet, but I'm here not to propose but to ask her some questions. I know of the monster that had attacked her."
Those words sent Belle past her siblings and her father, standing in front of Maurice and glaring up at the smug chiseled face of her worst enemy. "What are you talking about?"
His smile didn't wane, "Belle, darling. Thank heavens you're all right. I heard that you had been attacked by a ferocious beast."
Her brow furrowed, "Who told you that?"
Gaston stepped to the side to see that behind him was a whole mob of townspeople; they were carrying torches and pitchforks and looked frightened and furious. In the front of the crowd was LeFou and…Belle's heart dropped. The bandits that had attacked her were there, and by the leering looks they remembered her all too well. Belle took a step back, grabbing her father's arm for courage. She turned her eyes back to Gaston, "Why are you listening to them?"
"We've all been listening to them," Gaston waved his arm to indicate the mob, "We've seen the damage such a monster can do." Gaston looked to one of the bandits and he lifted his shirt, across the flesh of his stomach were five long red welts, claw marks. Belle took a small moment to enjoy the satisfaction that the Beast had nearly ripped the disgusting pig's guts out. But then she had to come back to reality and how, to all these people, and maybe even her family, this was a poor man who had nearly been killed by a savage monster.
Belle released her father's arm and stepped forward, her eyes glared at the group of bandits, wishing she could set them ablaze. "The only monsters are only those bandits!" She pointed to the group of men. "They attacked me in the woods, would've killed me or worse. Montague saved me!"
Her words were meant with silence. And then Gaston curled his lip at her, "Montague?"
Belle looked up at him, holding her ground and raising her chin. "It's what I call him. You're nothing but a filthy liar, Gaston. He's kind and gentle and my friend."
He scowled at her and for a moment he looked as ugly as his personality. "If I didn't know better Belle I'd think you had feelings for this monster."
Belle bared her teeth, "He's not the monster Gaston you are!" Her words got surprised murmurs from the crowd, Belle's family staying silent.
Gaston stared at Belle with hate flaring in his eyes and she saw she had finally got it through his thick skull that she would never be his. But what she forgot was Gaston's mindset: if he can't have Belle no one would.
He turned his back to her and addressed the mob. "It's worse than I thought. Instead of killing her this beast has turned her against us! This creature kidnapped her own father and she is defending him! For all we know she had told him all about our village, she might be planning to help it come and kill us all!"
Gaston controlled the mob like a puppeteer, pulling their strings and turning their heads to share frightened words, widened their eyes and opened their ears to him. "But not if we kill him first!"
No. The crowd erupted into bloodthirsty cheers. Gaston stalked down the steps of the house Belle ran after him, leaping on his back and crawling at his shirt. "Don't you dare!" But when Gaston got over his surprise from her attack he easily peeled her off him and pushed her roughly back to her house, Maurice reached out and grabbed her before she fell to the ground.
Tristan and the twins followed after their father, Nicholas and Chaton no where in sight. "That was uncalled for, Gaston!" Tristan snarled at the man, Susan and Lucy checking on their sisters. Gaston placed his level gaze on Belle's brother for a few seconds, but then he snarled right back. "You're either with us or against us."
And despite Belle's growing fear she felt a deep love for Tristan and the twins when they protectively stepped in front of her, having finally see the horrible man Gaston was and taking their sister's side. But her happiness was very shortly lived, Gaston flicking his wrist at the mob and several men stepped forward and grabbed the family, dragging them kicking and screaming to the barn.
"Don't listen to him!" Belle begged of the people. "I know you're scared but the Beast would never hurt any of you!" But her pleas fell on deaf ears and the family was tossed into the barn, using a log of wood to bar the doors from outside.
Belle had jumped up as soon as she was released and slammed her fists on the splintered wood of the door, even when she felt splinters dig into her flesh she didn't stop pounding against the door, not until Maurice pulled her back.
"Belle, stop it," he begged. "You can't open the door that way."
That fact brought her to tears; she slid down to her knees and covered her face with her hands, "It's my fault! It's all my fault!" I'm so sorry!
.
Chat's fur was bristled. Chaton was playing hide and seek but her mother was in no mood to play along. She sat in the library with Renard, Plumes, and Lapin, all sprawled around the room and quiet. The master had vanished to the west wing and hadn't returned.
The rose only had one petal left, and the servants were accepting the fact they would never be human again.
Renard's voice was soft and sad, a tone he had never used before: "Maybe it would've been better if she had never come at all."
Chat tried to think of something but any comfort would feel so empty. Plumes feathers were practically drooping and Lapin's nose wiggled, looking around at the three animals as if they had the answer. She looked ready to hop out of the room when suddenly her long ears shot up, eyes moving to the window. "Someone's coming."
A moment later all their heads lifted, hearing the distant sound of people. "It couldn't be…" Renard breathed, rushing to the window with the others on his tail.
"Is it her?" Chat asked, pressing her paws against the window glass.
The four animals' jaws drop when they saw it was a mob, torches burning against the night sky and heading straight for the gate.
Renard snarled, "Intruders!"
"What do we do?" Lapin asked frightfully, "They're going to storm the castle!"
Renard dropped to all fours, "Not while I'm still standing! Human or not this is our home and we'll defend it!" He flexed his sharp claws and bared his teeth, "Let's put these to good use."
.
Belle and her family were trying to figure out if they could dig their way under the door when a familiar voice called out from the other side. "Belle! Father!"
"Nicholas!" they all cried out. In all the chaos Belle had forgotten he had vanished during the confrontation.
"I went upstairs to hide Chaton when Gaston arrived," he explained from the other side of the door, he grunted as he started to remove the log. "Then I heard the shouting and thought it was better to stay hidden for a while."
Chaton's voice spoke up, "Good thing we did! Now we can get you!"
The log fell to the ground with a thud and a moment later the barn doors swung open, moonlight outlining Nicholas, Chaton riding on his shoulder. Belle was already pulling Darling to the door, pulling herself up on the mare and grabbing onto her mane. "I need to get to the Beast," she told her family. "I need to warn him."
"You can't go alone!" Maurice told her. "I'll go with you."
Tristan stepped forward and grabbed Maurice's shoulder, "Father you stay with Susan and Lucy, me and Nicholas will follow Belle on Philippe." Maurice still looked unsure but Belle was done waiting. She had to get back.
Kicking Darling the mare whinnied and darted to the forest, her brothers scrambling to mount onto Philippe and follow after her. As the dark woods swallowed Belle and Darling the girl made a deal with the heavens above. Just let him be okay when I get there and I'll tell him what I should've told him before I left.
.
Chat had run to the west wing to tell their master. He sat before the rose, blue eyes blank. "Pardon me, sir-"
He was already shaking his head, "Leave me in peace."
"But, sir, the castle is under attack!" The rest of the staff had already gone to the first floor to prepare for the attack.
The Beast released a breath that was both sarcastic yet painful. "Of course it is…" He closed his eyes and looked to wilt right before the cat's eyes. "Let them come. None of it matters anymore. Nothing matters anymore."
Chat looked at him helplessly for a few moments before shaking her head and dashing back to the others. She found them blocking the front doors, the wood shaking on its hinges. She hurried downstairs and pressed her paws against an empty square of wood, vibrations running up her paws, "What's going on!?"
"Then chopped down a tree and are trying to break down the door!" Abel told her, he and his pups pressing their shoulders against the wood. "Renard we can't hold them back!"
"I know, I know!" The fox was looking around the room, "Okay! I have an idea!"
.
With one more hit the doors flew open, revealing the dim interior beyond. Gaston's lips curled into a delicious grin. "Take whatever you want," he told the mob. "But remember, the Beast is mine."
"What about us?" the leader of the hunters glared at him as the group walked into the castle.
Gaston met his glare head on, "You really want to face the monster that nearly tore you in half." He watched the torn look in the man's eyes, on one hand he wanted the money he could get from killing such a creature, on the other hand there was the fear that said creature would finish the job. Gaston didn't wait for an answer, instead heading up the stairs while the mob looked around the first room.
Then there was an inhuman shriek.
Our from the crooks and crannies and side rooms and ceiling came a legion of animals. The leader of the hunters was knocked down by a feral fox, an owl and several other birds flew overhead, clawing at the mob's head. Even a rabbit bite LeFou's ankle.
Gaston cursed under his breath and dashed up the stairs, he had no interest in these animals. His prize was somewhere else in this castle and he was going to find it.
.
Darling was covered in sweat when she broke from the trees, arriving at the castle with its open gates. Belle sucked in a breath and urged the mare on, Philippe and her brothers following after. Belle dismounted Darling before the horse had completely come to a stop, running inside the castle's open doors and stepped into chaos. The servants were making a mockery of the mob. She saw Chat and a few other felines of the castle, chasing down a few men. Abel and his pups nibbling on one mob member, not making him bleed but definitely scaring the daylights out of him. She also saw Renard clawing at the bandit the Beast had attacked.
"Wow," was all her brothers could say when they reached their sister and saw the sight before them. Chaton saw her mother and cheered her and the other animals on, digging her tiny claws into Nicholas' shoulder.
Belle turned to his brothers, "I need to find the Beast. You help here."
"But Belle-"Tristan began but was interrupted by his younger brother.
"You be careful," Nicholas ordered, "Gaston is probably looking for him as well"
Belle smiled at them, "This is me we're talking about. I can handle anything." She whirled around and dashed into the madness. She heard her name being called out happily, Renard having pinned the bandit down and smiling at her with adoration and relief. She smiled back but didn't stop, almost at the stairs a rough hand dug into her shoulder. Belle was turned around to stare into the snarling face of one of the other bandits, he held her arms in a vise-like grip and she remembered him as the bandit who had tried to lift up her dress. There were bite marks across his arms and bleeding cuts on his head.
"You're not going anywhere, sweetheart!"
No fear iced Belle's veins, instead a furious fire set her blood ablaze and she knew she had no time for this piece of scum. So she kicked him in his nether regions.
"Do not call me sweetheart," she said simply as he fell to the ground, moaning in pain and cradling himself. Belle hurried up the stairs and made her way to the west wing, vaguely realizing she had never been to the room. But now was not the time for idle curiosity now was the time to punch Gaston in his perfect, smug face. Something someone should've done a long time ago.
.
The Beast wished he could be left in peace, when Chat had first come into the room his stupid heart had fluttered with hope that maybe Belle had come back. Maybe he could finally tell her how he felt.
When heavy footsteps reached his ears he forced his head up to see a strange man standing there. Slick black hair and a face like a Greek statue he was someone he imagined any woman would love to be with. And he was aiming an arrow to the Beast's heart.
He turned his back to the stranger. Go ahead, it's already broken. But despite his melancholy when the arrow sliced across his back he still reared up and screeched in pain. He had hardly gone quiet when the man slammed into the Beast, knocking them into the glass that shattered from the impact. He rolled down across the slick shingles of the room, landing on a lower balcony, the man landing on his feet before him. Breathing through the pain licking down his spine the Beast tried to stand up-but then wondered what was the point? It was all over.
The man kicked him in the ribs and the Beast flinched. The stranger's taunting voice spoke above him, "Get up and fight!" Another kick and he let out a mocking laugh. "What's the matter then, Beast? Too kind and gentle to fight back?"
The Beast only closed his eyes and waited for the man to grow bored and once more fire his arrow, he hoped his servants were okay, he hoped they could find a better life even with the curse. He hoped-
"STOP!"
The Beast's eyes flew open and he looked beyond the man's shoulder to the broken glass of his room…and there she was. Belle's hair was loose and flowing across her shoulders, her eyes were wide with fright and anger and she looked ready to jump down after them. And she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
The stranger followed his gaze to see Belle; he then scowled and turned back to the Beast, a new arrow notched. But this time the Beast slammed his foot into the man's stomach, knocking him across the balcony and hitting the wall. The man pulled himself back to his feet, eyes blazing with blood lust.
"Don't you dare hurt him, Gaston!" Belle screamed out, jumping past the broken glass and clumsily sliding down the shingles, she knocked into Gaston and the man stumbled, his bow falling out of his hands. She pulled away from him and started to hurry to the Beast but Gaston grabbed her before she could, pressing her back against his chest and pulling out a knife.
The Beast snarled and moved forward only to stop in his tracks when he turned the knife on Belle, the sharp edge pressed against her neck. "Don't move," Gaston ordered, looking crazed.
The Beast's heart had stopped but Belle didn't look nearly as frightened. "You coward," she growled.
Gaston laughed, not moving the knife. "Come now, Belle. Do you honestly want to be with that when you could be with me?"
Belle looked at him with disgust, "He's not holding a knife to my throat."
But Gaston had turned his attention to the Beast. "What gave you the right to think you could have her all to yourself?"
"Let her go," the Beast begged. "This is between you and me. Let her go please."
"Between you and me?" he echoed, "Don't be ridiculous. This is between me and Belle and her choice." He looked down at the girl and his voice changed, sounding soft and sincere. "This is your last chance, my dearest. Choose me and live, choose him and die."
Belle slowly turned her heard to give Gaston her iciest looks and for a moment that felt to the Beast like eternity she was silent. Then she spoke: "I've chosen the third choice." And then before Gaston could react she shot her head back, knocking her head into his face and breaking his nose, the knife moved away from her neck and Belle pushed out of his grip. But as she did so the knife sliced across her cheek, ripping over the flesh and making blood stream down her face. Belle cried out in pain and the Beast surged forward, grabbing Gaston by his shirt and slamming him back into the wall, knocking him unconscious. He dropped the man to the stone floor and quickly hurried to Belle, holding her face in his paws to examine her wound.
"Are you alright?" he felt like he couldn't breathe. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Then why are you crying?"
Belle smiled through the tears that had started to fall, "Because I'm happy! You're okay!"
He smiled at her, the unbearable ache subsiding in his chest and he pressed their temples together. "I am now that you're here."
They took a few moments collecting their breath and letting their heartbeats slow down before Belle spoke. "Are you sure?"
He blinked and pulled his head back to look at her. Belle ran her finger over the dried blood on her cheek, the wound having stopped. "I think this'll scar. I won't have the 'flawless' beauty other men had always complimented."
"That's not the beauty I care about," the Beast's voice was soft. "I worry about the beauty inside you, and it's still shining. You could be covered in scars and you'd be absolutely angelic in my eyes."
Her smile only widened and she giggled breathlessly, "Don't be such a sap."
He wanted to join in with her laughter but a second after she had finished speaking he felt a jagged bolt of pain through the small of his back. He howled in agony and Belle let out a scream, Gaston had risen and stabbed him when they were distracted. The Beast violently whirled around, dislodging the man who hit the railing of the balcony, bloody dagger in hand. He lifted himself to his feet, eyes inhuman, burning with lust for Belle and jealously for the Beast and hate for them both. But before he could take a step forward Belle ran at him, "Don't touch him!" She pushed him, and the man was sent over the edge flailing and screaming as he fell into the dark.
The Beast dropped to his knees and then fell down. His vision was starting to turn black and his ears were growing numb. He vaguely heard Belle call his name; he also heard what sounded like Renard, Chat, and Plumes. They all sounded so scared.
Belle appeared in his sight, her tears streaming as she pulled his head onto her lap.
"Beast," she sobbed, "Keep your eyes open! Look at me!"
He smiled at her. "I'm fine," his voice was so quiet.
"No you are not you're hurt! We need to find something to stop the bleeding!"
He slowly shook his head, "No…it's too late."
She only cried harder, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Beast. This is all my fault! If I had never left they would have never known about you."
He reached his paw out and his took it, her fingers were trembling. "It's okay. I'm happy…I got to see you again…one last time."
"Don't you dare talk like that," she said hotly, "You're going to be just fine. We'll get you fixed up and then we can spend the rest of our lives here, dancing and playing and reading."
His eyelids lowered, "That would've been paradise."
"Beast I order you to live," Belle's angry voice wobbled. "If you die I'll die too, and then I'll follow wherever you go." Her voice broke and her next sentence was more of a sob than words, "I'll go wherever you are sent but I will not abandon you."
How had he gotten so lucky? How had he met a woman who cared for him so deeply? That thought reminded him that there was one more very important thing he hadn't told Belle. But he had to be careful about it.
"This is how it looks."
Through her tears her brow furrowed.
"You-you always said how Romeo and Juliet were so in love. No, this is what a it looks like when someone dies for their true love."
Her eyes widened the amber glassy. He breathed out his next words, "I love you, Belle."
She swallowed and so many emotions came across her face, "I love you, too." And oh, how was it possible simple words could be so sweet?
He closed his eyes and Belle shook him, "Don't you dare! Look at me, look at me! Open your eyes!
Belle couldn't breathe, she couldn't think, she could only feel. Feel pain tearing her heart into a thousand pieces, feeling the hot tears slid down her cheeks and across the caked blood. Felt her entire body shaking as she felt into his chest, burying her head into the fur of his neck. "Don't leave me! Please don't leave me! Not now, not after they had just confessed to each other. It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair!
Unbeknownst to anyone-the last petal fell.
.
Nicholas cheekily waved goodbye to the fleeing mob, all covered in bite marks. He and Tristan stood with the cheering animals, proud of themselves for defending their turf and apparently hadn't noticed the two men still in the castle.
Chaton was purring in her ear. "We did it!" she exclaimed even though she and the two brothers mainly stood awkwardly by while the other animals sent the mob running.
Nicholas turned to look at the staircase where Belle had vanished, she hadn't returned yet and he was starting to get worried, "Maybe we should go check-" he stopped mid-sentence when a golden glitter shone at the corner of his eye. He turned his head to see Chaton being enveloped by a golden light. "CHATON!" he gasped before falling to the ground. The golden light faded and instead of Chaton there was a small girl in a white dress, blue eyes wide and silvery blond hair tangled. She sat up on his chest, eyes looking at her now human hands then slowly turned her head to look at Nicholas. She broke into a wide grin as around her the rest of the animals were enveloped by golden light.
.
A sudden light shown beyond Belle's closed eyes, her eyes popped opened and she let out a cry of surprise, crawling back a few paces as the Beast was encircled in a glowing light. Renard, Chat, and Plumes looked thunderstruck.
In the circle of golden light Belle could make out the silhouette of the Beast, it grew smaller, leaner, no longer wolf like and her lips parted in awe. The golden light fell away and instead of the Beast there was a man, his hair a fair shade as well as his skin, he slowly pulled himself up and to his feet, staggering as he did so. Belle watched, transfixed as he examined his body, his legs and now healed torso, his hands. And then he whirled around so suddenly he nearly tripped.
Belle was suddenly starting into twilight eyes. She breathed out a word, "Montague?"
He smiled, "Belle…"
She rose onto shaking legs, still unsure she was truly seeing what she was seeing. He walked to her, grabbing her hands, interlocking their fingers and familiar blue eyes shone down at her with love. And then she was positive.
Belle released a shaking breath and smiled at him, "It's you. You're okay!" She suddenly held his face between her hands and pulled him to her lips, he instantly returned the kiss, his warm hands caging her. Fresh tears, joyful tears, fell down Belle's lips. When they pulled away he whispered, "You broke the curse. You saved me."
"Just like you saved me."
They pulled each other into an embrace, cheeks aching from smiling "I love you," she declared happily.
His voice was softer but no less happy. "I love you too, my Capulet."
Sudden whoops of excitement brought their attention to Renard and the others, only to see the fox, cat, and owl had vanished. In their place was a ginger young man, an older lady with silvery blond hair, and a bespectacled man with a heavy set.
Human Renard ran to them, "I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!" He pulled them into a tight hug that Chat and Plumes quickly joined in. Belle laughed along with them, happy and in awe and in love.
She had never needed to go far away to have the adventure she always read about.
.
Morning light shined on the ballroom, the now human servants and Belle's family surrounding she and the prince as they dance and spun to the happy music, he sun casting gold, purple, and red light over the ballroom. Renard had an arm around Lapin while he and Plumes argued over who had said Belle would break the curse. Chat and Chaton sitting at the piano while the older woman play an elegant and loving song. As they did so she once again brought up the cut on her cheek, it was slowly becoming a scar.
"I think it gives you character," he smiled. "It's a testament to your bravery."
She smiled at him, glad to know that the one man whose opinion mattered to her didn't care if she her skin was flawless or not. But her lips turned up into a thoughtful frown as she looked up at her prince.
He blinked, slightly concerned. "What is it?"
"Would you ever consider growing a beard?"
