Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Cosette and any general alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.

Innocence Of A Child Chapter 22

As Belle departs the castle grounds to retrieve Maurice from the village the Beast retreats to the absolute highest turret to both watch her leave and await the return.

At first the castle staff were extremely reluctant to allow Belle to leave since to them she is their last hope, but were relieved to hear she would be back posthaste as soon as possible. But the initial apprehension that all of them felt as a whole is soon replaced with anxiety. Despite what a success the nights dance had been neither Belle nor the Beast had openly declared love for each other even though it's become obvious that the latter has finally learned to do so much to their delight. Unfortunately Belle must reciprocate or else they're all doomed.

Trying to keep their minds off the stress Plumette, Chapeau, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and Cogsworth try to take their minds off this in the foyer while watching Cosette, Chip, and Fru Fru playing together.

The final petal is nearing its time with hope fading even though some are still trying to keep it alive in this bleak hour for them.

Dancing a slow waltz together with Plumette, trying to look on the bright side of things, Lumiere said "At least he has finally learned to love."

Rolling his eyes, scowling, Cogsworth retorts "A lot of good that does us if she doesn't love him in return."

Shaking her head, trying to keep the burning hope alive, Mrs. Potts said "No. This is the first time I've had any real hope she would and let's not be disheartened. She is coming back."

Suddenly the sound of a horse whinnying in the distance causes all activity to stop and all of them become drawn to the nearby window.

Excitedly, Chip said "Did you hear that, Mama? Is it her? Is she coming back?"

Clapping her hands, bouncing happily on her heels in delight, Cosette said "Belle and Papa are here!"

"Could it be," said Lumiere.

Grinning, Plumette gasps "I told you."

All of the staff including Cosette press to the window to get a better look after Plumette uses her feathers to clear the precipitation from the window as the frost melts.

Only the site arriving is not what is expected.

That's not Belle or Maurice. There's an entire mob outside led by Gaston! The lights from torches in the trees show them rapidly approaching.

"Sacre bleu! Invaders," exclaimed Lumiere.

"Ruffians," said Mrs. Potts in disgust.

Hands pressed over her lips, incredibly frightened, Cosette said "Oh no! What are they doing here?!"

Thinking fast as the staff converges at the front entrance doors, Cogsworth ordered "Man the barricades and hold fast! I shall go warn the Master!"

"Take Cosette with you! It's too dangerous for her down here," said Mrs. Potts, pressing against the doors with the others.

"Right," said Cogsworth, nodding. "Come, Cosette."

Cosette follows Cogsworth without question although casting a worried glance filled to the brim with fear and concern towards those they're leaving behind. Soon afterward Cosette flinches at the booming bangs originating from the massive front doors as the villagers work to break it down. Cogsworth was climbing the stairs on the turret with great difficulty so with no time to waste Cosette picks him up and carry's him the remainder of the way.

Beast is found kneeling hunched among the stone gargoyles lining the balcony staring longingly out in the direction Belle had gone. Obviously he'd seen the mob coming and is now peering down at them from his perch with a stony and steely expression covering his face.

Cosette places Cogsworth on the floor as she rushes over to press herself against his side in a huge, trembling and seeking comfort.

Obliging Cosette's wishes, gently holding her close and placing a light kiss on her hair in reassurance, Beast murmured "It's all right, Little One. There's nothing to fear."

Panting heavily, clearing his throat, Cogsworth said "Oh, excuse me, Master. I'm so sorry to disturb you, but we have a situation."

"Yes, I know. I can see them. We have visitors," said Beast, solemnly, rubbing Cosette's back as she sniffles against his chest.

"The castle is under attack. They're breaking down the doors. We cannot hold them for long. What do you want us to do," said Cogsworth, fidgeting nervously.

"It's no use trying to prevent them from entering. Just let them come and we will send them running back to the pathetic hovel they call a village from whence they came," declared Beast, firmly steadfast in the face of this adversity.

Authors Note:

Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

Right now during this epidemic with the coronavirus that's impacting every nation in the entire world we really do need find whatever sources we possibly can in order to lighten our spirits. Especially those who are unfortunately stuck sick or those locked in self isolation in order to prevent both contraction and spread of the illness. For those of us who have the abilities to do this we have a duty to keep up morale and that's exactly what I wholeheartedly desire these new stories and updates concocted during this time do for you.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.

I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, A Revolutionary Romance, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Green Lantern Odette Dupree: First Flight, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8th Loser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D

By the way Rorschach's Legend. Mandalorian: The 2nd Foundling, Eira Byrnison, and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender are some of the best newest additions to my profile. If you're a fan of the Golden Compass and Watchmen which are the new series on HBO then you will love these. Then if you haven't saw them yet then I recommend that you check it out. Since there are still just recently uploaded I really would enjoy hearing other peoples thoughts on the subject matter so far. So feel free to do so if you have the time.

I have other grand news! I was a patron at New York Comic Con 2019! Ah! I'd been dying to go for years and now I had the opportunity. The Jokers from Impractical Jokers have been here along with Tom Hiddleston and so many others. Over those few days I actually got my picture taken with a couple of other actors/actresses and some really great panels. It really is so exciting there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime so there's no way in hell that I was going to waste a single second of it. No one ever should with something like this. Ever! ;D

For future preferences I highly recommend that you all keep an eye out for when tickets for New York Comic Con are available for purchase again for next year. This is a huge event and you should jump on it whenever you have the chance. Unfortunately this year it appears like Comic Con might be skipped not just in New York, but also in all it's regular places during the course of scheduled events. I think we all know the reason for it is plain as day.

The coronavirus.

Can't exactly blame with how dreadful things are getting in escalation and the fact that places like the Javits Center in New York have been temporarily converted into makeshift hospitals in order to deal with the overflow of people contracting infections from this rapidly spreading virus that might as well be called a plague at this point. Let's keep fingers crossed that an aim is to have this pass us before then so things can get back on track. If it is then New York Comic Con might be exactly what people need in order to lighten their spirits after all this darkness. Stay safe everyone and long to eventually see you there.