Chapter 36-Fight For Love

It had been unavoidable for the Beast to not realize what was taking place just outside the walls of his seclusion. Everyone knew how strong his senses were and he may even have known of the approaching mob before they did. He could have easily backed them down, but the staff like Belle did not what to impose this upon him, and as the castle was just as much home for them it was not a difficult choice.

They knew the level of noise being created had not escaped their master, and they had kept to the notion he would not try to get involved. Their assumptions had proven correct as the Beast remained where he was. Altering between gazing at the rose, and then out the window. Every now and then the scream of a villager would break into his train of thought and he would momentarily feel a great sense of pride and admiration towards his staff and their willingness to take this stand.

It seemed crazy but he felt it would have been selfish of him to race out there, save the day and take this away from them. While he knew he was also reluctant to fight due to his will to live being nearly wiped out, he decided this was a better way to think. Rather than bring up the tragedy at hand here.

It really was a fascinating ability of his, to actually make out each individual persons voice, only there was one voice he longed to hear and couldn't. He knew already that these men being here, meant Belle had not been successful in her attempt and as she was not among them now it was highly likely for her to either be hurt somewhere or….he didn't even want to think on that, not yet .

He was completely unware of any threat that currently dwelled within the castle was, nor that it was already making its way towards him.

Belle had made it back, and while it was unknown how, the route had caused her to arrive at the back of the castle. The raindrops had begun mere minutes before she had arrived and now thunder came Riding Phillippe into the stable she rushed up the same stairs Gaston had shortly before her. While the only sounds of a struggle she could hear were coming from the front entrance and that's where she expected to find the Beast.

But…something was telling her to go to the west wing. This was hardly the time for the rose to try and call her, but suppose that wasn't it. She had a powerful feeling that the west wing was where she needed to seek him first. Knowing just how curial every choice she now made was she headed away from the entrance way. "If this is just some doing of that rose, I swear I'll rip it's petals off." She muttered to herself and began running up the stairs.

The Beast barely acknowledged the hunter as he entered the room, regrets about Belle was his primary thought, but that small fire of hope within wasn't giving up yet. He had a feeling just who this man was and if anyone knew what had taken place in that village this was the one to be asking. "What have you done with Belle?" his tone sounded drained of all energy.

Gaston stood there momentarily, a club hidden behind his back. He sized the Beast up, impressed with what he saw, but in no way would he back down. He was the type who never dared to shy away from a challenge, no matter how great the odds were stacked against him. This was what one might consider his greatest weakness.

He was admittedly confused by the sight of an animal wearing clothes, but he had never expected this creature to speak. Was this some kind of trick? Never the less he brushed his surprise off and with no show of fear he walked directly towards the beast and with his most arrogant tone, addressed his opponent.

"Why do you even care, what could she be to a monster like you?"

The Beast needed no time to reply "She means more to me than life itself." It happened so fast then that he never saw the club, he only felt its striking blow which brought him to his knees.

Again it struck only this time on his back, followed by a strong kick. Gaston was laughing above him, a cruel sound that stung his ears. Fight back his mind screamed, and the animal inside threated to rip this man apart. You are stronger, get up and fight back.

Then the laughter stopped as quickly as it started and Gaston lowered the club he had raised to deliver another blow. "Why don't you fight me Beast?" In response the Beast looked up from where he had fallen, with his eyes bearing such a human like resemble that Gaston gasped slightly.

What did it truly matter if Belle was gone, if his time with her was to be done, then there really was nothing left for him to live for. Quietly the Beast said "Just go ahead and kill me, I can't live without her."

Gaston could hardly believe that this massive creature would not even try to defend himself. Then he smirked realizing the Beasts point. "If you believe that Belle is dead, then you my friend are greatly mistaken. No I have much bigger plans for her." The Beasts eyes shot wide open and a rush of adrenaline fueled him to leap up at Gaston who was not expecting this.

But the hunter's skill with weapons was not to be matched and in his already bruised form the Beast wasn't fast enough. The club again made contact and he backed away before another could come. He was on the balcony now, the rain pouring down soaking him in an instant. Gaston was right behind him, abandoning the club he was fast with his bow and made no haste in figuring one directly at the Beast chest.

But the Beasts strong instincts did him credit and he turned in time for the arrow to only graze his shoulder. He was not so lucky with the one that followed, and collapsed on the ground, praying for a miracle that maybe Belle would be all right, that she could survive and get away.

Gaston was coming closer, a grim smile spreading on his face. "What's this? Your still alive? Well I think I know just what to do about that." He pulled a hunting knife from his boot, and as he raised it to deliver the final wound, the Beast knew this was the end for him. Silently he begged for Belle to forgive him and closed his eyes hoping this would all be over soon.

But before Gaston could make his move, a voice called out, cutting out from the shadows behind them, making its way through the rainfall. "Gaston NOOO!"

Author notes: Thank you again to all my wonderful readers, I hope you have enjoyed everything so far. I promise I will update soon