Author's Note: Boy oh boy, am I excited about the feedback I've been receiving! You know when I first started the story I didn't think I would get a lot of feedback in the first place because a lot of people don't seem to like the pairing that I've chosen, which is perfectly understandable but I was hoping that everyone would give the story a chance even if it's not what they were expecting. Besides, I love Lumielle! And there isn't anything on this earth that can possibly change my mind about that. Yeah, I'm stubborn, if any of you hadn't noticed.
Time to commence the responses!
Belle: That's such an interesting idea, and I might take that into account! Oh, and come now. You weren't being snarky, you were just trying to help! That's what your job as a reviewer is. Besides that, I love hearing from you. And to be honest, I try to pretend I'm talking to the real Belle when I read your reviews, haha! Oh yeah, and Gaston is truly…well…I wouldn't say evil-evil, but he's definitely evil. I think he may get what's coming to him in the near future. ;)
Noname: That's something I'll definitely think about. And yes! Belle's father is back and ready to rock and roll!
Claudaujay: I'm very pleased to hear that you took the initiative to try and read something new, while most would simply turn away from this story the moment they saw it was a LumierexBelle tale. And thank you for the critique! I admit, I try to make everything as detailed as possible, but there are times when I rush too quickly and find that it LOOKS rushed, which is the exact opposite of what I want. So thanks again for review, and I hope you critique me again in the future. And if you have any ideas as to where this story should go, please let me know! Because I am writing this as I go along, believe it or not.
Guest: Unfortunately, I wasn't the biggest fan of the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast, believe it or not. I thought it was like a carbon copy of the cartoon, and you gotta admit, the new songs kinda sucked. Plus, the animation for the Beast was just…well…animation. I really thought makeup could've been better. Haha! But thank you ever so for the suggestion!
Diamondback Mako: You're a teacher? Sweet! That's what I want to be when I graduate college! Preferably with older children, but you know. ;) I really like your idea about Maurice buying Mr. Potts or at least some of her children to keep them safe, so I just HAVE to incorporate that into my story. Hope you don't mind! :) As for Cogsworth being purchased by LeFou… That has to be the single greatest idea I've heard all day! Perhaps he could be used as a punching bag in the tavern where all the guys hang pout? Haha, poor Cogsworth XD He's one of my favorites as well, but if you've read my "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Fanboy and Chum Chum" stories, you'd know that I love to torture my favorites. I'm not sure why it's fun. It just is!
R.M. Tepes: That's actually a really good way to allow the enchantress to become a part of the story! Unfortunately, I have already plans as to whom is going to be bought and sold, but I'll try to incorporate that into the story if I can. So many of you have been giving me great ideas, and I wish I could use every single one of them in my story. Thank you so much for reviewing and I hope you do so again!
Singertobe: When I was little, I wanted to be Mulan, but that never happened, did it? Nah, I'm sure your chances of being a singer are way higher than mine could ever be. Haha! I mean, I can sing, but I ain't Mulan, amirite? And YES! THE AUCTION! MWUHAHAHAHA! It is finally happening! Truth be told I've never actually been to an auction before so this is going to be kind of tricky for me to write.
CassandraDayTree: I had no intention of killing Lumiere off, but now that you mention it…hm… Stop giving me horrible ideas! XD
A Person Who Likes Comedy: A freak show circus? That was actually my first idea, OMG! How'd you know?! I guess great minds think alike, eh? When I was first writing this that was my first idea that Gaston could organize some sort of freak show and carry the objects around the country, putting on performances and such. It's a great idea, but maybe for another story.
...
Out of the woodlands and into a golden lea of wheat emerged the wagon sequence, treading gradually out of the bleak ambiance of the forest into the soft warm rays of the sun. Most of the exhausted villagers, who hadn't slept for over a day, sighed and stretched their muscles with relief, happy to be out of that horrid weather.
"We're here," Gaston affirmed to his fiancé, and them to himself, muttered, "Let the auction begin…"
The enchanted objects were spellbound by the lovely view of massifs in the distance, of checkered-colored trees dotting the hilltops, and of the sweet-smelling golden grass of the fields, for they hadn't stepped outside the castle borders for over ten years. Most of them had forgotten what the outside world looked like.
"Wow!" Chip breathed, predicaments forgotten as he hopped up and down to get a better look of the beauty bestowed before them. "It's so pretty!" His siblings oohed in awe as well.
"So it is," his mother agreed, her eyes wide as she drank up the sight.
Cogsworth, always the 'philocalist', had craned as far over the teacups as his wooden body would allow him to just to relish in the warm sun and dry out his damp mahogany. Lumiere joined him, grasping the metal bars of their cage to catch a glimpse of the dazzling landscape.
"Mon Dui," he said under his breath, a rare smile spreading across his waxen face. "Fifi would have loved this," he gushed in delight, allowing the horror at present to slip his mind. "It's absolutely magnificent!"
"Isn't it at all?" Cogsworth agreed, unable to tear his eyes away. He felt terribly sorry for his fellow enchanted objects, like the doorman, plates, footman, and other silverware, whose cages had been covered with parchments, obscuring their view of everything.
"What's it like?" Hissed the doorman, and Cogsworth told him.
The wagon stopped with a soft creak, the spokes of the wheels settling uncomfortably as it came to a halt. Gaston tugged the reigns of his horse; gently ushering him to stop as well as the village came into view. Just one field over, and they would begin the mart.
The striking change in atmosphere did little to lift Belle's heart. It had been pained too much, too fast. All she could do was just stare at her old home, the place she was raised in, the village she hadn't seen in over several months. It was insane, but comforting to see that nothing had seemed to change-appearance wise-about the place at all. However, knowing that its occupants had conquered her new home and had taken tenure over her new friends made her quite nauseous indeed.
"Home," she inadvertently uttered with a hefty sigh, and Gaston gently squeezed her shoulder.
"That's right, Belle," he established pompously. "A home, wedding, and auction await us!"
The young woman clenched her fists, and tensed, beset at the thought of any of those occurring. That was right. Gaston had the intention to make a profit off of her dear friends. He planned to sell them to various noblemen and women, and perhaps to the wealthy ones in their village if they showed interest. Which they most likely would. Who wouldn't be gripped by walking, talking enchanted objects?
And the Beast. Belle closed her eyes, gritting her teeth as she struggled not to cry. Only the Lord knew what Gaston was planning to do with the body... Knowing him and his collective persona, however, the beast's head would probably be hanging overhead a mantelpiece by the end of the week.
"Which do you think should come first?" Gaston asked her, wrapping an arm around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Oh, why does it matter?" Belle sharply dismissed, shrugging him off of her and dismounting from the horse before landing gracefully on the soft grassy ground. "Either way," she went on, "you'll be so pleased with yourself..."
"What are you doing?" He asked in confusion as she walked past a cautious villager.
"Mademoiselle..." the bystander started, but Belle shook her head.
"I'd rather walk the rest of the way, thank you," she announced, and began her trek to the much more guarded area of the wagon train, which had just begun to move again, with her head held high.
The villager made a move to grab the young woman and drag her back up to the front, but Gaston held up a hand.
"But, Monsieur-"
"Keep an eye on her, my good man. That's all you need to do."
...
Lumiere, who had been watching the entire time, barked out a slight laugh of disbelief. "Did you see that?" He asked Cogsworth, furrowing his brows when his friend failed to answer. "Mon ami?"
Cogsworth, it seemed, was still under the spell of the view, and Lumiere gave him an amused look. "I simply must sketch this out," he was sighing to the doorman, "Oh, if only I had fingers-"
"Cogsworth!" Lumiere elbowed the clock and gestured to Belle, who was coming their way.
"Oh!" The clock exclaimed with great surprise. "Why, she's coming! But-" he frowned. "-how?" Lumiere smiled and shook his head, knowing that his friend had missed pretty much everything.
"That's my girl," Maurice chuckled as Belle approached, and he helped her stop of the moving wagon, allowing her to sit beside him and the cages. "Still want to walk?"
Belle allowed herself to smile and respectfully folded her hands on her lap. "I suppose I could visit," she admitted. "If not for a while."
Maurice's joyful face softened into one of sympathy. "How are you holding up, my dear?" He asked gently, wrapping an arm around her petite shoulders. The young woman's lips stretched into a thin line. Well...she didn't want to worry her father anymore than this predicament already had, so she gave her best smile and managed a small, "Fine."
...
Back up at the front, LeFou was more than confused. "Gaston," he asked, borderline frantic, "are you sure it's okay for her to be back there with those things? And with her father too? What if they-?"
"LeFou," Gaston sharply cut in, "That area is heavily guarded." He gestured toward the end of the wagon train, which was indeed packed with villagers walking along either side. "I doubt we'll have a problem." Anyone could tell he was angry with Belle leaving him alone. It was more than evident.
"But what if they start plotting something?" LeFou muttered uneasily. "I mean, aren't you worried?"
Gaston would never admit that he was anxious, not even to himself. He was far too buoyant for that. "Not at all," he smoothly replied. "If they do try anything, my men will report it back to me."
"Well...alright," LeFou sighed.
"That means you," Gaston reminded the little man, pointing towards the back of the wagon train, and LeFou pouted.
"Dang it," he grouched, stomping towards the back.
...
"Oh, I just have to hug you again!" Maurice whispered, and he wrapped his arms around his daughter, who laughed and returned the hug just as lovingly.
"Likewise, Papa."
The enchanted objects watched the exchange and smiled at each other. They were so pleased to have Belle and her father reunited after so many months apart. It made them think, made them wonder if they were solely to blame for the separation, and if it had all been for nothing. After all, they weren't human again.
"No, it wasn't for nothing," Lumiere thought to himself. "If she hadn't have come, then we never would have met such a special young woman. And now, we have another purpose. We may not be human again, but we have responsibility again. I-We need to keep her safe."
"So I've been thinking," Maurice told them all, snapping Lumiere out of his thought process. The man lowered his voice so that the villagers walking on either side of them couldn't pick up on what he was saying. "If Gaston is really planning an auction, than maybe I should buy the children and their mother." He gestured to Mrs. Potts and the teacups. "You know, to keep them safe. Would that be alright with any of you?"
Mrs. Potts' dreary face grew brighter with a big smile of hope, only for it to be wiped off by a certain clock. "It sounds fine to me, but don't you believe Gaston will raise the prices if you do that?" Cogsworth gently put out. The children, who had only now been looking forward to this plan, all groaned in disappointment. "I doubt he'll want you to buy the children for personal reasons, since you're Belle's father and all."
Maurice, clever as he was, hadn't thought of that. "Oh, well..." He thought for a moment. "Well, if I can't buy any of you...maybe we could just stall."
"Stall?" Lumiere was interested. "How do you propose we do that, Monsieur?"
"Well, I doubt any nobleman or noblewoman will want to buy you in the condition you're all in," he vaguely gestured to them all. "No offense."
"None taken, Monsieur," the candelabra brushed off, and Belle smiled a small smile at him, which he returned.
"Well, hear this. I can take you all in my shop, fix you up, and when the moment is right," Maurice lowered his voice, "you can make your escape."
"Are you certain Gaston will allow you to do that?" Mrs. Potts inquired with uncertainty.
"I'm sure he will, if he wants to make a profit," the old man pointed out.
Lumiere nodded. It was a reasonable plan, but something was nagging him... "Where do we go if we do escape?" He asked.
Maurice bit his lip. "That's hard to say, and I think that's something you need to ask yourselves. Where do you WANT to go?"
"Anywhere but here," Cogsworth sighed, "I'm afraid. I personally wouldn't mind being a part of a catering service, since I was head of household."
"And I wouldn't mind continuing my career as maître d'," Lumiere put in. "I'm not whole without a soul to wait upon."
"Serving guests has always been a pleasure of mine," Mrs. Potts admitted. "Is there a tavern here? Perhaps they'd be interested in buying us. That wouldn't be so bad."
"It wouldn't," Maurice agreed, "if that wasn't the place where Gaston and his lackeys mosey about."
"Ah..." That was the last thing they wanted.
What about Belle?" Lumiere inquired. Everyone looked at him, including Belle, who looked just a little surprised and a bit pleased.
"I'm quite certain she can take of herself." That was Cogsworth, and Lumiere elbowed him in the side. That was becoming a new habit of his, since he had no wicks to burn anymore. The clock yelped out in surprise at the sudden jab, and rubbed his sore side accordingly and glared at his friend.
"Cogsworth, I am surprised at you!" Lumiere exclaimed. "She is still our guest, isn't she?"
"Quite," Cogsworth reluctantly admitted. "But she's not our responsibility anymore-"
"Oh, but it is our duty to serve our guests, is it not?" Lumiere pointed out.
"We may not be in the best, ah-situation to do so, old friend."
"But she needs our help!"
"WE need help, Lumiere!"
"Here they go again," Mrs. Potts sighed, and would have the rubbed the space between her eyes had she hands. "Jabbering on as usual."
"At least it's not a petty argument," Belle amended with a small smile and sigh for her friends' sake. She wasn't the least bit offended by Cogsworth if one were to really think about it. Her predicament, while ghastly, wasn't as nearly as physically dangerous as her enchanted friends' one. Their lives were in danger. Their wellbeing! And Gaston had an actual grudge against Lumiere while LeFou had one against Cogsworth! She couldn't let that slide, and understood why Cogsworth was bitter the way he was. She was the one, after all, who had shown the village the Beast with that magic mirror.
Mrs. Potts smiled at her sadly. "Of course not, Dear. Now, boys!" She snapped, catching both Lumiere and Cogsworth off guard and mid-argument with her firm tone. "How is it that both of you see fit to scrabble like cats and dogs at a time like this?"
Both of them had the courtesy to blush guiltily, for neither of them had an answer to that.
"Lumiere, I understand your concern about Belle, and Cogsworth, I understand your concern over the others, and that is perfectly acceptable!" She exclaimed. "We're ALL going through hard times right now, and no life is more valuable or more precious than the lives of each and every one of us."
Maurice raised his eyebrows, impressed by her words. "Quite the speaker."
Mrs. Potts beamed at him. "Great big speeches come along with being a mother, I'm afraid. Chip and his siblings understand that more than anyone."
"I beg your pardon, mademoiselle," Lumiere tried to apologize, but the porcelain teapot just sighed.
"How I wish you two could just work together for once..."
"I'm sure we can all come together," Belle whispered quietly so that the villagers on either side of them could not hear, "if we really try and believe in each other."
"Ahem. Quite right," Cogsworth agreed awkwardly, and he had the courtesy to look sheepish. "I-I do apologize, Madame," he said to Belle, who smiled kindly.
"Apology accepted," she affirmed, and the clock wiped his forehead with relief.
"Belle," Maurice started slowly. All eyes turned to him as he tried to think out a plan for his daughter. "If everything goes to complete...well, you know, you should run. Just run away when you get the chance."
"And go where, Papa?" Belle shrugged her shoulders. "As much as I'd like to abandon this place, I can't just leave my friends behind. I can't leave you behind either."
Lumiere tried to persuade her, "But, Mademoiselle, are you sure? For us?
She smiles and takes his waxed hand in her own and pats it gently. "You know I am, Monsieur. For you."
That stole his breath, and Belle quickly added, "All of you." She smiled at her friends. "What about all of you?" She asked. "What do think we should do?"
"Play it by ear?" Cogsworth shrugged, and everyone stared at him with surprise.
"What? No elaborate plans?" Lumiere inquired curiously. "Nothing?" Usually, his friend was quite the perfectionist, and would not enact anything unless he knew that it was up to his standards. But this WAS different than the typical predicament they would be up against back at the castle.
"Well, as of right now I have no idea what will happen," Cogsworth admitted. "I don't know if Gaston truly intends to sell us or if he just wants to keep us as his play things. As leverage, that is. That's all we are to him, anyway."
"Leverage?" Belle whispered, covering her mouth. "You knew about-?"
"Afraid it wasn't inconspicuous, my dear," Mrs. Potts sighed sadly. "That horrid man-you mustn't allow him to cheapen you, child. Keep your chin up. And if you really do marry him..." she trailed off, unsure of what to say next, but Belle smiled at her reassuringly.
"I understand, Madame."
Lumiere personally couldn't stand the thought of Belle marrying that cretin. It would've made him burn had he wicks. But there was really nothing he could do about it.
Unless...he conjured up a proper plan to put Gaston in his place. But how could he do that? He was absolutely no match for the man's strength, and even as a human, Lumiere was very lanky. Trying to fight Gaston would be like punching a boulder, and would bring nothing but pain on his end.
But would the pain be worth it? That's what Lumiere was asking himself as the wagon came to a final stop.
"Here we are!" Came Gaston's announcement, rearing his horse. Belle looked up and felt the color drain from her face. All around were villagers who hadn't come to raid the castle. She couldn't blame them for being curious, but these WERE the same folks who ganged up against her and her father. What were they going to do now?
And then she remembered… The Beast. His body. Here.
The enchanted teacups all clamored about, trying to get a better look while traveling villagers sighed with relief. Lumiere and Belle caught each other's eyes just as LeFou covered up the cage with a parchment. The teacups within the cage all cried out at the sudden darkness, and the innocent villagers gathering about all reared back with surprise.
"Mama, what was that?" a small child asked her mother, and her brother tried to get a closer look.
"Ready to go?" LeFou asked Belle, whom was just beginning to protest him covering up the cage, when Maurice put a hand on her shoulder. "Gaston is waiting," the little man pointed out, jabbing a thumb towards the front of the line.
"They'll be fine," her father promised. "I'll make sure of it myself. Gaston!" He called up to the front of the wagon train. He hopped off and went towards the front, where Gaston was waiting skeptically.
As they chatted, Belle carefully watched as LeFou walked off, and she carefully lifted the parchment, only to come nose-to-nose with Lumiere as he tried to stick his head through the bars.
"Oh!" She exclaimed, drawing away. "My apologies, Monsieur!"
"No, no!" He assured her, beckoning with his wax "hands" for her to quiet down. She obeyed, and leaned in to whisper.
"How is everyone holding up in there?" She asked, trying not to think about the Beast.
"Splendid!" Came Cogsworth's sarcastic reply. "I mean, we've only been abducted from our home and stuffed in a cage." Belle looked around and paled. There were people everywhere. What if they heard? What if they grew suspicious of her?
"Oh, quiet down," Came the scolding tone of Mrs. Potts, and the two began to argue.
Lumiere sighed and looked back at the young woman. "We'll be fine. Your father will take the children in and fix them up if he can and you can..." he trailed off. "Er-What do you plan to do, mademoiselle?"
Belle was surprised. "Well, to keep you safe, of course! That's what's most important right now: is your safety."
"Wha-? Just me?" Lumiere stammered with surprise, which was odd for someone as smooth as he.
Belle smiled a little, and it must be confessed that she was a tiny bit amused by his stuttering. "Yes, you and Cogsworth are my main priority right now, since you might be auctioned off."
This gave Lumiere pause. "Ah yes! But make sure to take care of yourself too!"
Belle just shook her head and smiled, which caused Lumiere to internally groan.
He almost hated how she wouldn't try to protect herself when her freedom was in danger of being taken away. He couldn't save Fifi; he would never forgive himself if he couldn't save Belle.
"I'm telling you; look at the state of the clock!" Maurice, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, yanked off the parchment to reveal the enchanted beings beneath, who all gasped and trembled at the sight of Gaston. Mrs. Potts lid clattered and clicked as she shook. "Look! Does that look like someone a noblewoman or nobleman would want to purchase for themselves?"
Gaston gave him a dumb look. "Old man, they talk."
"Sure they do," Maurice agreed, ignoring the quip. "And that's all well and good. Function over form is what I always say. But hear this: if you really want to make a profit, you want them to be in tip-top condition! I mean, look at the clock!" He pointed at Cogsworth, who stiffened.
"What about it?" LeFou asked, walking up to them. He grinned at the clock. "That there's my handiwork. Why would we want to ruin it?"
Maurice's nostrils flared. "Now see here-" he started with a growl, grubbing LeFou by the collar.
Gaston groaned and separated the two men before it could get out of hand. "Alright, old man," he finally caved. "I'll allow you to fix them up." Everyone in the cages sighed with relief. "Except... that one." He pointed to Lumiere, who stiffened and paled.
"Uh-oh," Chip whispered, and huddled close to his siblings.
"He'll come to my work shop," Maurice said firmly. "You want to get rid of him, right?" Before Gaston could answer, he quickly opened up the cage door and took Lumiere by the base. His eyes were apologetic as he closed the door again before any of the enchanted objects could make a break for it.
"Look," he said, holding a trembling Lumiere up in front of the two other men. The innocent villagers who were standing nearby, observing the wagon train, oohed and aahed at the golden finish of the object. "Look at those indents! The scratched paint! Why, even his wicks are missing," Maurice discovered upon further inspection.
Gaston and LeFou glanced at each other. "We're well aware."
"Then let me fix him. And then someone can buy him and he'll be out of your hair forever."
Gaston was conflicted as he locked eyes with the trembling candelabra, which was trying to keep still under the eyes of the villagers.
Maurice, still under the presumption that they needed more convincing, opened up the cage once more and drew out a reluctant Cogsworth, who nearly fainted at the sight of LeFou and Gaston.
"Oh no, no, no," he moaned, covering his eyes. "Not the master's murderers."
"And how about this one?" Maurice asked. "Look! His door is completely shattered! What buffoon did that?"
LeFou rolled his eyes.
"Oh, alright," Gaston sighed. "They can go with you. But I want them in tip-top shape, like you promised, in no less than a week. Understood?"
"Yes!"
"Then go. And do not fail me, old man."
...
Author's Note: Next chapter we're meeting the Beast himself! Oh boy... Please leave a review! I respond to each and every one.