Belle paced anxiously in the cellar. She and Maurice had tried everything they could think of to escape, but to no avail. Belle was sick with worry and guilt. This was all her fault. If the Beast died, she would never forgive herself.
All she could do was pray that somehow the Beast had managed to fight off Gaston and the villagers. It was a slim hope, but it was all she had.
Suddenly she heard a commotion outside. There was a tremendous hubbub of shouting voices, and other sounds too - hammering and banging and the ring of metal on metal. She couldn't identify it at all.
"What's going on?" she called. "Let us out!" But no one heard through the din.
The noise seemed to go on for hours. Belle felt that she would fly into pieces from the tension if she didn't get some answers soon.
Eventually the noise died away as the villagers returned to their homes. Belle heard footsteps and female voices outside the cellar door. "Who's there?" she called. "Let us out!"
The footsteps stopped. "That's Belle," a voice said. "Should we let her out?"
"We might as well," another voice replied. "She can't do anymore harm now."
The cellar door opened. Belle saw the town's sexy blonde triplets. Their names were Bambi, Bunny, and Bubbles, but Belle could never figure out which was which.
"What happened?" Belle asked breathlessly. "Did Gaston kill the Beast?"
"No," said Bambi (or Bunny or Bubbles). "He vanquished the monster, but then decided to bring it back alive. He's so brave!"
"Alive? Why?" asked Belle, puzzled. She was relieved, but confused.
"Monsieur Gaston is so clever," said Bunny (or Bambi or Bubbles). "He says that capturing the Beast will make our village famous. People will come from miles around and pay money to see the monster. We'll all be rich!"
"But it is dangerous," added Bubbles (or Bambi or Bunny). "The creature is ferocious. Gaston says that right now he'd tear us all to bits if we got too close!" She shuddered. "The men built a big cage for the Beast in Gaston's basement. Gaston says he needs time to tame the Beast and show it who's master." She sighed dreamily. "Gaston is so powerful. He could show me who's master anytime!" Her sisters giggled.
"I need to see the Beast," said Belle firmly.
The blonde triplets sneered at her. Belle was such a troublemaker. "You can't," said Bunny (or Bambi or Bubbles). "No one can see the Beast until Gaston says it's safe."
Belle gritted her teeth in frustration. Without another word to the simpering sisters, she headed straight for Gaston's house.
But when she got there, she found five burly villagers barring her way. "I have to see the Beast!" Belle insisted.
"Sorry," said one of the guards. "Gaston gave us strict orders that no one is allowed inside. Especially you, Belle."
Belle looked longingly at the house, wishing she could see what was happening within.
o o o o o o o o o
The Beast awoke to find himself in a large cage. There was a throbbing pain in his head. On his arms and legs were heavy metal shackles attached to thick chains. Experimentally he pulled at the chains, testing them. Too strong to break, even for him.
He felt eyes on him and looked up to see the same arrogant young man who had attacked him. The Beast's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"I'm the man who's going to marry Belle," Gaston replied.
The Beast stared at him. "Belle? She wants to marry you?" She had never mentioned a boyfriend, or any interest in marriage, for that matter.
"Well, not yet," admitted Gaston. "I've asked her before, but she turned me down. She needs a little...persuading. And you're just the thing I need to persuade her."
"I'll never help you," growled the Beast.
Gaston's eyes darkened. "It's not a request. You have no choice."