A/N: This chapter was written by me, Rory4 and Wrestlemaniac829

It got very late in the evening by the time that Frederick had arrived back at his farm. Indeed, it had been a long time since he'd seen it. The farm was just as warm and inviting as it was the day he left. As he got close, he noticed the lights were on through the windows. Dismounting his horse, Frederick slowly approached the door. As soon as he stood in front of the door, he began to knock.

Slowly, the door opened and a man peered through the opening to see. Frederick knew the face of that man: Jean-Luc. The moment he recognized Frederick, his eyes almost popped out of his head.

"Master Fred?" he asked, surprised.

"Yes, Jean-Luc," Frederick replied, smiling. "It's me."

All of a sudden, Jean-Luc pulled the door open and wrapped his arms around Frederick pulling him into a tight embrace. He practically jumped up and down in joy seeing his old friend and master again.

"'Oh master Fred, you're home. I thought you were gone for sure!"

"It's…good to see you too," Frederick gasped, pulling out of the hug. "Where are my parents?"

"They're in their bedroom," Jean-Luc replied, his tone changed. "Your mother doesn't feel well."

"I know."

Frederick soon passed Jean-Luc walking inside the house. Jean-Luc, on the other hand, having no wish to see the look on Frederick's face when he sees what happened goes outside for air. Frederick slowly walks up the stairs, eventually entering the upstairs bedroom door. Slowly, he opened the door and peered inside.

"Mother? Father?"

It was quiet inside the room, only a solitary candle cast it's gentle glow upon the ashen pale figure that lay gasping for air on the bed. Her sad husband sat ever vigilant by her bedside, holding a thin hand. So depressed the man was, it was as if he blocked everything and didn't notice Frederick slowly approaching him.

"Father?"

Somehow, it stirred the father out of it and he rose shakily to his feet. He turned towards the voice and at first when he saw the man, he didn't recognize who it was. But as Frederick got closer to the light, it slowly dawned on the old man and quickly he closed the distance between himself and his long lost son.

"Frederick! My son," he said, hugging the boy. "You're home."

"Yes father, I am."

"But… But how did you escape?"

"I didn't… She let me go."

"Let you go?" His father asked, backing away so Frederick could see the confusion. "How is that possible? That monster…"

"Father, she's not some monster," Frederick interrupted sternly, but then spoke gently. "She's a nice and caring person."

"Person? Hardly, son. No matter how, it's a miracle you're home!"

Frederick smiled before turning to his ill-mother, slowly approaching her and kneeled down to see her face.

"Mother, can you hear me?"

His mother turned to Frederick, at least she could hear him but the damage was worse than he thought. His mother's voice was hoarse and cracked as she spoke, her eyes glassy as she tried to focus on her son's form hovering above her. There was no denying it; the illness was at it's critical peak. The mother was slowly dying before his eyes…

"Frederick? It cannot be!"

"It is, mother. I'm home."

Just then, Jean-Luc's voice was heard from downstairs, the man calling out toward the La'Belle family.

"Master Fred, Miss Gabriella is here."

"Tell her I'll be right down!" Frederick called out, bending down to kiss his mother's forehead. "I'll be back."

Frederick left the bedroom momentarily, walking downstairs but stops midway when he sees her. For there, standing at the front door, was Gabriella herself. The moment she saw Frederick, she immediately rushed towards him and embraced him.

"Frederick," She said, as she embraced him. "You're all right."

"Yes, Gabriella," Frederick said, holding her. "I told you I'd come back."

"Frederick..." Gabriella hesitated, pushing him back so they can see eye-to-eye. "You and your family have got to get out of here."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Your parents are in danger. The town thinks they're crazy because they said a beast held you captive."

"Yes, I was. But, she let me go."

"You mean to say that the story is true? Frederick, what manner of beast would be able to hold you captive?"

"I know it's hard to believe, Gabriella. At one moment, I was like a prisoner in that castle and bound against my own will and away from the people I loved. Indeed, I was held captive by a beastly creature… Or at least, that's what I thought. As time went by... There was more to her than I realized."

"Her?" Gabriella asked. "Frederick, what are you talking about?"

"Nothing," Frederick replied, shaking his head. "Anyway, what do you mean my parents are in danger?"

"It's my brother… I overheard Gaston telling my father he was going into town. He said something about going to look for men to find you. But then, I saw him come home with three ugly men. He told them that they were coming for you and your family. He also mentioned someone named D'Arque…"

"D'Arque?" Frederick raised an eyebrow. "The man that runs… The Maison De Loon!"

Suddenly, they heard a knock and they turned toward the closed front door. The knocking repeated, pounding on the door and they could see a shadow of sorts through the opening under the door. They heard no voice, but they knew that someone or something was out there. And by who, it may very well be Gaston and the others arriving for Frederick and his parents.

"You don't think…?"

"Wait here," Frederick says quietly.

Frederick slowly approached the door, as the figure knocks louder than before. Jean-Luc holds Gabriella back, as she watches with wide eyes as Frederick nears the door. As he's close to the door, the knocking suddenly stops and for a moment he just stands by the door unsure of what to do next. If it was Gaston out there, he knew he couldn't fight him off... But he would have to do so, if it means protecting his family. He takes a deep breath, slowly reaches the door-handle, turns it even slower and slower... Then thrusts the door open.

But to Frederick and Gabriella's surprise, there, standing in front of the door, was a little deer fawn.

"It… It… It's a fawn," Gabriella replied.

"Wait a minute," Frederick spoke, raising his eyebrow.

There was something odd about this deer fawn, as it gazed into Frederick's eyes. It looked like just about every other fawn in the forest, plenty of them to go around. And yet why did this particular fawn come to his door? Any other deer would be too scared to even approach town… Unless… Frederick looks down and sees something in the fawn's mouth: A dress of sorts, a pink dress clamped in it's mouth.

"Katrina?" he asked.

Slowly, Frederick gripped the dress and slowly pulled it out of the fawn's mouth, giving her a chance to breath. The little fawn blinked for a moment, then looked up at Frederick, a bashful look upon her face.

"Hi," she said.

There was a gasp coming from behind Frederick. He turned around, as Katrina looked from the side. Gabriella, eyes wide, stood silent by the steps and was taken aback by what she just heard. She couldn't believe it.

"Frederick…" Gabriella finally spoke. "Did that fawn just... Talk?"

Frederick just simply chuckled in response, understanding that he hadn't told her about this yet. He picks up the little fawn in an embrace before turning to face Gabriella.

"Gabriella, this is Katrina. Katrina, this is Gabriella."

It was an awkward meeting between the two. Gabriella did her best to be polite, at least giving a slight wave toward the little fawn.

"Hello."

"Hello, Miss Gabriella," Katrina replied, nodding her head before turning back to Frederick.

"Katrina… Why are you not wearing any clothes?" Frederick asked.

"I'm a Fawn, aren't I? Fawns don't normally 'wear' clothes."

Frederick raised an eyebrow. "Katrina…"

"It was the only way to get through in case someone got suspicious."

"Hmm… Clever.

"Frederick, why did you leave the castle? Don't you like us anymore?"

"Oh, Katrina," He said, sighing. "Of course I do. I told Maria I'll be back; however, I must tend to my mother till she gets better."

"Your mother? Is she sick?"

"At the moment…" Frederick admitted, before reaching into his pocket. "But not for long."

"I don't believe it." Gabriella said suddenly, "Your parents WERE telling the truth!"

"Yes, Gabriella, it's all true. But right now, I need you all to come with me upstairs and help with my mother. She doesn't have much time."

Without waiting for a response, Frederick carried Katrina upstairs to the bedroom with Gabriella following close behind. The entered the bedroom as the father and Jean-Luc turned to them, almost expecting someone else. But luckily, it was only Frederick and the others though they were surprised when he came in carrying a fawn in his arms.

"Frederick," Peter said, raising an eyebrow. "Why are you carrying a baby deer in your arms? And… Why does she look so familiar?"

"It's a long story, father, I'll explain later," Frederick answered, gently putting Katrina down. "Dad, in the time I spent in the castle, I found something that could help mother."

"You have? W-What is it?

Frederick again reached into his pocket and pulled out the object for everyone in the room to see: A tiny vial with the red liquid inside. They didn't know what to make of it and were quite unsure of Frederick's plan or how it would effect Olivia.

"Will it work?"

"I know it will; Maria told me it would."

"Maria? You mean… The Beast?"

"I know it sounds crazy… What am I saying? I do sound crazy telling you this. But, she told me that this was the same medicine, mixed with rare herbs, that were used to treat patients with the same illness that mother has. There's no other way; you have to trust me, for mother's sake."

Peter backed away slightly, as Frederick moved forward with the vial in hand. He looks down at his mother, the suffering woman down to her last breath and the color slowly faded in her eyes. Without hesitation, Frederick pulled the cork off the vial with one hand, with the other he steadily raised her head and opened her mouth. Frederick watched as he poured the whole vial into her mouth and helped her to swallow. He put the vial on the tableside and waited for the mixture to take effect hoping it worked.

Just then, Olivia's eyes fluttered open. For a brief moment, she rises up sharply on the bed giving a loud gasp and eyes wide open as she stared ahead, everyone standing back. Olivia then falls back onto the bed, her breathing going erratic at first before coming down to a steady pace. They moved closer to Olivia and watch in amazement as her pale skin turned brighter, the sweating faded away, and the color in her eyes returned. Then, she turned her head to Frederick and stared at one another. She blinked several times before she smiled and spoke softly but normally.

"Frederick."

"Mother?" Frederick asked. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better than I've ever felt in a long time," Olivia replied, as she slowly rises up from the bed. "Oh, Frederick..."

Olivia wrapped her arms around Frederick, he hugged back as tears fell down his face. Everyone around the room stared happily at this sight, even Katrina who cried a little.

"Frederick…." Olivia says. "I had prayed that you would come back to us."

"I'm glad I could, mother. But, I'm afraid I have to go back to the castle now."

"What?" Jean-Luc spoke, surprised. "But, Master Fred, you only just got here!"

"I'm sorry, but I made a promise to Maria that I would come back once my mother was no longer sick."

"Now, Frederick," Peter argued. "I realize that you had been locked in that castle for a log time. But let's be rational about this, you can't leave now!"

"And what about our wedding, Frederick?" Gabriella added. "My father expected us to be wed, as soon as you were safely back home."

"Gabriella, I…"

All of a sudden, there was another knock on the door interrupting the conversation. This time, Frederick was no longer surprised. Because he knew that it had to be someone that had come for his parents. He didn't know who, but they have come as expected.

"Who could that be?" Jean-Luc asked.

"Jean-Luc, keep everyone safe in the room," Frederick ordered, heading out the door. "Lock the door and don't let anyone inside but me."

"Yes, Master Fred."

Frederick opened the door and stepped out of the room, but then turned around just as Katrina was about to follow him. But he waved a finger in front of her face and shook his head.

"Katrina, stay here and keep an eye on my parents. Don't make a sound; if I don't come back, make sure everyone is out of the room…. Quietly."

"Okay, Frederick," Katrina nods.

She then looks to Gabriella, who's unsure what to do next.

"Could you help me put my clothes back on? It's kind of chilly in here."

"… Sure."

Frederick nodded and slowly closed the door, he could hear a faint click from the other side. At least his parents would be safe inside should Frederick fail to hold them off. As he went down the stairs, the force of the pounding on the door began to rattle the foundation of the house. Frederick now broke in a running pace and stopped by the door. He opened the door and peered through the opening.

"Yes?" He asked, turning to see an old man. "Monsieur D'Arque."

"Why, Frederick my boy, there you are!" Monsieur D'Arque said in mock joy. "And all in one piece as far as I can see!"

"Why, Frederick my boy, there you are!" Monsieur D'Arque spoke, a mock joy in his tone. "And all in one piece, as far as I can see!"

"What's going on?" Frederick asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Straight-to-business are we? Well, may as well get this over with: We are here for Monsieur and Madame La'Belle."

"Oh, there's no need for that, Monsieur. I'm home now, as you can see."

"Oh, sorry to disappoint you, Freddy," A voice remarked, revealing himself to be Gaston. "But this man has already been paid for a job and we simply can't let him leave 'empty-handed'."

"Gaston."

"I'm sorry, were you expecting someone else?" Gaston asked, peering over Frederick a moment. "As D'Arque said, we are here for your parents. We know they're in here; where are they?"

"Look, Gaston, we don't need to do this. I'm here, so now we can proceed with the wedding."

"The wedding?" Gaston asked, raising his eyebrow. "You mean… The betrothal is on then?"

"Yes, of course. Gabriella just came over a little while ago. I'll go get her." Frederick looked to the stairs and called out, "Gabriella, Gaston is here!"

The sound of the door clicking open and closes can be heard upstairs, footsteps echoed from above as Gabriella came down to see what Frederick asked.

"Frederick, is everything all… AAAHHH!"

Frederick turned around to find himself staring at the front end of a gun pointed straight towards his head. Gaston gives Frederick a stern expression, such that it meant he was really serious. It was then that Frederick knew... He was deceived.

"Sorry Freddy… But there isn't going to be wedding… Ever."

"What is this?" Frederick asked.

"And you call yourself a school-teacher?" Gaston mockingly asked, laughing. "Haven't you figured it out yet? There was 'never' going to be a wedding."

"What are you talking about? Your father likes me, he wants me to marry Gabriella."

"Yes… My 'father' wanted the marriage to take place. Freddy, I, on the other hand, did you a favor and allowed daddy to have his way, to convince you to consider marrying my sister. But... I 'never' agreed to allow you into our family. You really thought I was just going to let you waltz into our lives and turn my sister into a La'Belle? As if you hadn't already taken something from me?"

"What have I taken from you?"

"My name, Freddy… YOU are not Gaston!" He yelled, shoving Frederick to the ground and chuckled as he entered. "Believe me, Freddy, I get it! You want to be me! I mean, who wouldn't? I've got it all! I've got the looks, I've got the master-plans, I've got this whole town in the palm of my hand… But wait, there's more. I can have any girl I want S-N my D."

For emphasis, Gaston pulled out a comb from his belt and combs his hair back.

"Styling my do. So, you want to be me? Frederick La'Belle? You want to be Gaston? Face it Freddy-boy, you never wanted to marry my sister for 'love'. All you ever wanted was my family's money because your family is poor as dirt... That's right. You know it, I know it, the WHOLE town knows it. You just want your family to be rich just like mine... Just… Like… Me."

Gaston lowered his head till it was close to Frederick's and gave him a hard stare.

"But if you want to "be" Gaston… You have to get through me, first."

"… Why are you REALLY doing this?" Frederick asked, shaking his head. "You already proved you're better than me."

"Oh, gullible-Freddy, it's because I can… Because, well, it's fun," Gaston replied, chuckling but then grabbed Frederick by the collar. "And because YOU made it personal. The limelight wasn't enough for you, so you had to move in on my sister."

"You're insane! You're the one who belongs in the asylum, not my parents!"

"I would… If my old friend, D'Arque, and his boys didn't work…for me," Gaston smirked, turns to two guards. "Seize them."

Just then, Gabriella ran towards Gaston, who turned around only to receive a smack clear across his face. Frederick turned in surprise to see Gabriella standing in front of him, a look of anger and hate in her eyes.

"You're a monster, Gaston!" She said. "I'm going to tell daddy about what you're doing!"

Slowly, Gaston arched his neck back forward and stood before his sister, a red mark along his left cheek. Gaston breathed heavily through his nostrils, sounding for all the world like an enraged bull. He then gripped Gabriella tightly by her wrists and squeezes tightly, as she gasps lightly in pain.

"I broke your wrists once, I can do it again, Gabi. You wouldn't want Daddy to find you the same way as the 'others', would you?"

Frederick pushed Gaston to the side, causing him to release Gabriella, who fell flat on her bum.

"Then I'll tell him!"

As he exited the house, he halted and his eyes were wide open to what he sees. A large group of people standing outside his house, all of them carrying pitchforks, torches, and any other weapon they can lay their hands on. The whole village had the house completely surrounded.

"What is all this?"

"We're here to escort your 'poor' parents to the asylum!" Monsieur D'Arque replied slyly, rubbing his skeletal hands together.

"And you got the entire town involved?! Gabriella's right about you, Gaston… You ARE a monster!"

Gaston whirled away from his sister, looking down his nose at Frederick, arms crossed over his expansive chest.

"I told you Freddy, I have this WHOLE town in the palm of my hand. Every villager you see before you, they all work for me! I'm the town-hero, I'm the one who hunts all the beasts, and everything in this town goes because 'I' say it goes. And anyone who opposes me faces the consequences… Just like 'all' the dead men in Gabi's sad little love story."

"What do you mean 'All the dead men'?"

"Oh, like you really thought you were Gabriella's 'first' suitor to woo her? Face it, Freddy, you're no different compared to the 'dozens' of men who wanted in on our lives: Dead weight ready to be tossed into a moat… Never to be seen again. And who's going to stand for you, Frederick? Who in this town will believe that your family is not insane? Are you going to deny that they were running around wailing about some terrible, horrible beast? Is anyone here going to oppose me?!"

The villagers just stood where they were, tightening their weapons and pitchforks. Hardly any other emotion on their face was shown, but the fear was felt and Frederick could see it. No one was going to stand against Gaston. He smirked and laughed humorously.

"I am 'always' right, Frederick. You and your family were imprisoned in this town for all your lives, and your imprisoned… Now."

"I don't think so!"

Suddenly, Frederick whipped out the magic mirror that he had accidentally taken with him and stared into it.

"Show me Maria!"

And all at once, the mirror flashed in a blinding haze. Frederick flipped the mirror around to face everyone in front of his house. And there, low and behold, Maria in all her glory, crying her heart out as she stood out on her balcony. To all the villagers watching, however, she was making a call for blood, like a terrible beast from their legends come to life.

"Everyone, don't be afraid! I know she may look dangerous, but I have seen this beast for myself. She's very kind and gentle; she'd never hurt anyone."

Suddenly, Frederick felt a hard shove on his side as Gaston elbowed him and pulled the mirror out of Frederick's hand as he fell. Gaston faced all the villagers.

"Kind and gentle? This 'thing'? This 'animal'? This 'monster'? You see, he's just as crazy as his parents. I've hunted many great beasts before and I know this type. A blood-thirsty creature, which will rampage our village in the middle of the night! Kill us all!"

As Gaston spoke, he stared deeply into the eyes of each villager, every person surrounding him. The hunter in him was out in full-force, he had everyone's attention.

"We're not safe until its head is mounted on my wall! I say we KILL the beast!"

Soon, Frederick's blood began to boil at critical levels. Every word from Gaston's mouth was like a dagger stabbing into his heart and finally… He couldn't take it anymore. Enraged, he pulled back his arm and punched Gaston clear in the face, causing him to fall over backwards and everyone to gasp.

"If you lay one hand on her, Gaston, I swear to God, I'll tear you limb from limb!"

Gaston slowly stood up, wiping his mouth. He spat out blood from his mouth, but that wasn't all he spat out. For in the midst of the red pool there were a tooth or two floating on top. Gaston stared at them for a moment, silent at first. But then, he simply shook his head and laughed it off.

"You really think you can stop me? Look at him," He called to the frightened mob. "He defends this horrible creature! He would have us in imminent danger! He would sacrifice his own people to save the life of the devil himself!"

"Don't listen to him!" Frederick cried, but to no avail.

Frederick's voice was covered by the mob's shouting, Gaston was thriving on the control he had over the crowd. He turned to stare at the Beast in the strange mirror, but all he saw was opportunity: He would take everything from Frederick, and gain everything he wanted. The fall of yet another of Gabriella's suitors, and a new trophy for the spot over his fireplace. He approached the three hunters, those he hired to hunt down Frederick.

"Lock them all in the cellar; make sure they cannot escape," He ordered.

"Wait, Gaston," Hans the German Hunter spoke. "If there is a beast roaming a castle, then you need the best to capture it. I say we capture the beast… Together!"

"Aye!" Angus the Scottish Hunter shouted. "I aim to skin it's hide and wear it as me own!"

Gaston smirked at the three men, knowing he could count on them, nodding in approval.

"The rest you may have; but remember, the head is mine! Before we depart, make sure we cannot be followed by those who wish to stop us."

As Gaston stomped away to ready the horses, Angus ordered for the townspeople to capture the parents and their valet, while the rest grabbed Frederick and Gabriella and hurled them into the cellar. The rest pull out Peter and Jean-Luc, who struggled against their grasp.

"What are you doing?" Peter asked, outraged. "Let me go; my wife needs treatment!

"Ow, ow!" Jean-Luc shouted, dragged harshly. "Not so hard!"

"What of the old woman?" Angus asked.

"I said ALL of them!" Gaston shouted, mounting his horse. "Carry the hag down in her bed if you must! And make it fast!"

Soon, it was not long before Olivia was carried out the door and the townspeople did in fact carry her by her bed. But then, they dipped the bed to the side and caused Olivia to fall into the cellar, though Peter managed to catch her in time. But they were too late to stop the cellar from being locked and barred.

"Come comrades," Wolfe the Russian hunter announced. "We have a beast to kill. Tonight: We bathe in it's blood!"

The entire mob cheered, excited for the downfall of the dreadful beast that may plague their village. In a few moments, by the time they all left, there was nothing but the smoky dust floating through the cold night air, gleaming like a promise in the moonlight. For there, the night unveils it's cruelties… Doom for Frederick, his family, and Maria.