Chapter V – The Village

"Belle? Belle, my love… It's time to wake up. We're here!"

Belle, who had fallen asleep on the way to the village, woke up as she felt Vincent's hand delicately caress her cheek.

Ahead of them lay the village which Belle had for so long desired to see. It was quiet; only a few villagers were in sight, going about their daily routine. Every day like the one before, thought Belle. Certain things just never change. Although her recent memories of the village were mostly bad and Belle knew she hadn't been very welcome there, it was still home. The place that had watched her grow from a child to a young woman

The green hills contrasted with the little houses of the village. The smell of fresh bread already permeated the air. Although the streets were still quiet, Belle knew that soon the whole village would be awake, striving hard for its survival.

Belle turned around and took Vincent's hand. She once again realized that he had left his royal clothes in the castle, trying his best to go unnoticed in the village. He wore a plain white shirt, tight dark brown pants, and a pair of boots that nearly covered his knees. Vincent seemed a little nervous, so Belle tried to comfort him.

"Vincent, you don't have to come. You lived ten years in total isolation and loneliness. I'll understand if you don't feel ready. I won't be long anyway, so you can stay by the carriage…"

"Belle, I truly appreciate your concern, but I've always known this day would come. As you said, I lived for ten years in isolation. But you set me free, and it's time I expand my freedom outside the castle walls," Vincent quickly embraced her. "Don't worry, Belle. We're together now, and nothing can tear us apart. I promise!"

Feeling comforted by his words, Belle kissed the prince and then glanced towards the village once more. Meanwhile, Vincent made sure that the horse, Phillipe, would be all right in their absence.

Finally, holding hands, the couple headed towards the village of all memories… the village where it all began.

"Look, look! It's Belle!"

Belle heard her name being called and quickly turned around to find three little children running towards her.

"Hi, Belle! You never came to play with us again!" exclaimed a small red-haired girl with green eyes. "Where have you been? Who's your friend? Aren't you going to tell us his name?" she asked, almost breathless.

Belle was just about to answer the little girl when a tall dark-haired woman approached.

"Come on, Valerie! It's time to go home!" she said as she quickly grabbed the little girl's hand and forced her to go with her.

Belle looked at Vincent, who kept contemplating the scenery around him. She decided to do the same, though it seemed the village had become so different. Or could it be the people that lived in it? That small, quaint village had become so cold and dark. Although she was already used to odd looks, today it seemed like the villagers were glaring at her, as if it was her… fault.

Amongst all that coldness, Belle found a spot that hopefully hadn't changed a bit: the bookshop. Making sure Vincent was following her, Belle entered and found the elderly bookshop owner trying to place a book on the top shelf.

"Let me help you," said Vincent. He approached and placed the book in its desired spot.

"Oh, merci beaucoup! It is so useful to have young men around nowadays!" said the old man with a smile.

"The pleasure was all mine," replied Vincent, while he slowly moved to the side so that the bookshop owner could notice the girl that stood at the door.

The old man, almost closing his eyes, took some time to recognize her face.

"Belle? Is that really you?"

Belle giggled. "Yes, it's me!"

She ran to hug the bookshop owner - the only soul in that village who had a warm look on his face.

"I haven't seen you for so long, my child! Where have you been?"

Before answering, Belle turned to look at Vincent. The prince wore a smile on his face, happy to see his beloved's joy.

"I was away from the village for some time," said Belle. "Let's just say I longed for a great adventure. But now I'm happy… very happy!"

"And I'm so happy for you too, Belle! Since you've returned, would you like to take a book?"

"Not today… I've still got mountains of books to read at home!"

As Vincent heard Belle say those words, he felt a knot in his throat. She had called the castle "home", something Vincent had never expected.

"That's all right," said the bookshop owner. "I'll continue tidying up this messy bookshop. I hope I will see you soon, Belle!"

Belle smiled. "Me too." she whispered.

The moment Belle and Vincent left the bookshop, they came across a vision that Belle had for longed feared.

Oh no, she thought. They found us.

Although only a few minutes had passed, already a mob had gathered outside the bookshop door. Among the familiar faces, Belle recognized Le Fou, Gaston's loyal follower. Although he was rather short, Le Fou stood out among of the crowd with an aggressive expression on his face. Before walking towards Belle, Le Fou glanced at Vincent.

"Hello, Belle. I haven't seen you for a while. Where's Maurice?" he said with an evil smile.

"Leave my father alone, Le Fou! He didn't do anything…"

"Neither did Gaston! But he's gone, Belle. No one's seen him since that night. And you're the only one who was there that night!" He came forward aggressively. "So tell us, what happened to Gaston? And where's the Beast? Did Gaston kill it? Or is it still prowling around, ready to kill us all?"

"Yes, did the Beast kill Gaston?" yelled a voice from the crowd.

"Is he still alive?" yelled another.

Belle felt Vincent's hand sliding off her own. The mob begun pushing forward and Belle and Vincent got separated.

"Vincent!" she called. But it was too late. He had already disappeared amongst the crowd. She was now alone, not knowing how she was supposed to handle the enraged villagers.

"So, Belle? Aren't you going to say anything? Speak up! And say it loud so that the whole village can hear you!" yelled Le Fou.

"Gaston… he… he… fell," said Belle. "He fell off the castle roof and didn't survive the fall."

Belle knew she was telling the truth. At least it wasn't a lie. For a while the crowd was silent, but moments later a few villagers burst out laughing. Belle felt a lump in her throat.

"It's the truth!" yelled Belle.

"I don't believe you! If it weren't for you, Gaston wouldn't have gone up there anyway!" said Le Fou. "You're just like your father! I have no idea how you both escaped the cellar, but this time I'll make sure there's no way you can escape!"

Le Fou slowly approached Belle with a couple of strong village men behind him. They were ready to take Belle away. She took a few steps back, gradually feeling suffocated. Where is he? Belle asked herself. Where's Vincent?

Closing her eyes, Belle felt the villagers' shadows as they approached her. She began to panic, realizing there was no way to escape. But then, to her relief, Belle heard a strong, robust voice from the crowd.

"Leave her alone!" the voice ordered.

The shadows slowly moved away from Belle. She discreetly opened her eyes. At that moment all she wanted was to find refuge in the arms of her beloved. He hadn't abandoned her after all; he had decided to appear when she most needed him. Belle turned to face the man who had just defended her. Her smile quickly faded away. It wasn't Vincent.

"Luc? You… came back! But, but… how? Why?"

Luc was Gaston's only brother. Although he was one year older, the two looked very much alike. However, his eyes were warmer and bluer, and his black, thick hair was slightly shorter.

He had disappeared from the village about three years ago, more or less around the period when they're father had died. No one ever knew why he had left the village, but now Belle felt confused because of his return.

Luc's robust body approached Belle gradually, covering her own shadow.

"Hello, Belle. It's so good to see you again!" Luc looked her over from top to bottom, causing a chill in Belle. "You're still very beautiful, and I've been waiting so long for this day! It's a pity I've come back for the wrong reasons though. Receiving the news of my brother's death was most devastating. Not even you could imagine."

"I'm so sorry, Luc. But I…."

"Everyone says you were the only one there when everything happened. So tell me, Belle. How did Gaston fall? Who killed him?"

Belle was just about to answer, but she was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice.

"It wasn't her fault!"

It was Vincent. Pushing his way through the crowd, the prince rapidly placed himself next to Belle and took her hand, ignoring Luc's suspicious expression.

"Belle was there, but she's not guilty of anything! Just leave her alone! Stop blaming her for something she didn't do!"

Luc laughed. "So that would mean that she wasn't alone at the time. And you are…"

"Who I am and why is not important. All I ask is for you all to stand back, or I will be forced to use my strength!"

After Vincent's first threat, the crowd rapidly fell into a deep silence, awaiting Luc's response. He glared at Vincent, and then turned his face to Belle. He smiled, though there was still an evil look in his eyes.

"Very well. I know Belle, and if she says she's innocent, then I'll believe her. However, I will keep my eye on you. You haven't heard the last of me."

And without another word, Luc turned his back and disappeared amongst the crowd. The mob had become quite surprised by this calm reaction, deciding not to burst into a fight without his consensus. Luc had replaced Gaston's position in the village without even knowing it. The villagers strictly obeyed him and looked up to him. In this case, slowly one by one they all returned to their normal routine. After a while, Belle and Vincent were the only ones standing in the middle of that morning confusion.

The prince turned around and hugged his beloved. "I'm sorry, Belle! I couldn't stop the mob from pushing me away from you. They were just too much stronger than me. It was never my intention to leave you alone to suffer at a time like this. I…"

Belle gently covered his mouth with her hand and embraced him tightly. "I know, Vincent. It wasn't your fault," she whispered. "Let's get out of here."


A few thank you's……….

TrudiRose – Thanks for all the support and pointing out. You're right: there are a few things that can only be seen by an outside reader. I owe you one (once again, LOL).

LumBabsFan – No comment on THAT! (Pst… don't call me "hon" in public! People might suspect…). Love ya too )

DisneyPrincess: "your writing is sensual without being graphic and emotionless." Wow thanks! For a moment I thought I was gonna be accused of being a Disney porn writer / Thanks for the compliment and I hope you enjoy the rest.

God Bless,

Nikki