"Let's never do that again," Sora groaned. The brown haired teen clambered down the gang plank rubbing his sore neck. The ship had just barely stopped in time to avoid crashing into the Beast's world. With shaky limbs the gang hurried off the ship, glad to be on solid ground.
"She did good for her first flight," Azami shrugged. "Anyways we were able to get here in one piece so let's get this over with shall we?" Azami led the way into the dense forest surrounding the overshadowing castle ahead.
"I bet Belle and Beast will be so surprised to see us!" Sora exclaimed. A wide grin split across his face at the thought of seeing his old friends again.
"I wonder if they've changed a lot?" Goofy wondered, the same grin mirrored on his face.
"Well it wasn't as cold as it is now!" Donald snapped. The small duck was visibly shaking in the cold, his breathes coming out in large puffs of white. It was probably because his clothing choice was the less suited for this type of weather.
Everywhere they turned they saw white. The bare trees, ground and castle gates just up ahead were covered with thick snow and ice. The trees bore no protection for the group against the biting winds and the trek across the snow covered ground was proving difficult, the frozen precipitation freezing the feet of poor Donald. All and all the group was not dressed for this sort of weather but they all had it better than Donald.
"We're almost there," Azami mumbled reassuringly. "Maybe this Beast guy will have a roaring fire in this large mansion of his."
And the mansion was very large. Wrought iron gates set up a perimeter around the grounds of the castle, shutting off the forest and it's many dangers from the inhabitants of the manor. Statues of hideous gargoyles decorated almost every edging and tall, intimidating towers rose several feet above the main portion of the mansion, casting dark shadows across the grounds. The white brick that made up the manor was covered in most places in moss and the places that weren't infected with the green algae were dirty and a worn color.
"It doesn't look like the friendliest of places," Riku commented. He warily took in the less than appealing sight of the castle before him.
"It does look a little rough around the edges," a light, melodic voice spoke up grabbing the attention of the group.
Behind them stood a beautiful woman who offered a kind smile in their direction. Her hair was auburn and tied back by a blue ribbon that matched her outfit: a long sleeved white shirt under a blue dress and white apron and black shoes on her feet. Her kind brown eyes dance happily in their sockets as she took in the familiar faces of the group. Azami noticed in one hand she held an axe and in the other she tugged a sled behind her with a pine tree lying upon it.
"Belle!" Sora, Donald, and Goofy exclaimed. Azami and Riku watched from a distance as the trio rushed to crush the woman in their arms. Under the weight of the three, the woman – Belle – could only laugh.
"It's good to see you all again!" Belle yelled over the affectionate noises the three were making. "And I see you've brought more friends!" At the mention of their companions the three broke the embrace with Belle and turned to introduce Azami and Riku to their old friend.
"Belle, these are my friends Azami and Riku," Sora introduced. Belle offered the two a kind smile.
"It's nice to meet you both."
"Belle, what are you doing out here by yourself, won't the Beast worry if you're not in the castle?" Sora was surprised when the lovely maiden made quick silencing motions with her hands.
"The others and I would like to throw a small Christmas celebration in the castle. The Beast he….he doesn't like Christmas too much so we thought we'd surprise him."
"The Beast doesn't like Christmas?" Sora asked. It seemed like the very thought of someone not liking Christmas was appalling to the brunette.
"Let us continue this conversation inside," Bell suggested as she moved past the group. With the help of Riku and Sora, Belle opened the wrought iron gate leading into the courtyard of the castle.
With Belle leading the way the group walked up the path of the courtyard, warily taking in the gargoyle statues that looked as if they could come alive at any moment. It was merely a second later when the group and Belle walked into the main lobby of the castle.
The lobby was dimly lit by few candles placed a few feet apart from one another on each side leading the group towards the grand stair case that curved to the left and right. The room was massive in size and intimidating in décor what with the dark tones and crude painting decorating the walls. Azami found herself wondering how a person like Belle who was so full of light chose to stay in a place as gloomy as this.
"Belle!" a small, squeaky voice called up from somewhere in the room. "You're okay!" The light sound of china skipping across the ground reached the ears of the group and much to the amazement of Azami and Riku the sight of a tiny, smiling cup rushing towards them.
A small, china cup mostly white in color with a little purple around its rim smiled up at the group. It's large curious eyes observed the group with a large smile. A small chip on its rim greeted Azami as the cup turned his gaze upon her.
Belle laughed softly at the cup's words. "Of course I am Chip! And I got a beautiful tree for the ballroom!" Chip jumped eagerly at her words.
"Mama, Lumiere, and Cogsworth just finished decorating! All that's left is the tree!"
"Well we mustn't keep them waiting!" With help from the group, Belle managed to get the tree off the sled and up the stairs before finding a way to get the large pine tree through the doors of the ballroom. Much to the relief of Sora and Donald, the group quickly set the tree down as soon they cleared the doorframe of the spacious room.
The room was drastically different from the previous one. It was well lit by multiple candles situated in a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling, The colors that decorated the room gave off a joyous feeling that couldn't be found anywhere else in the castle. The gothic styled windows shimmered beautifully against the candle lights which in turn accented the ceramic floor tile that shone brightly in blues and golds. What appeared to be holding up the massive domed ceiling decorated with blue skies and laughing cherubs were large pillars that at the moment were wrapped in green garlands. All in all the room was decorated spectacularly, capturing the image of the holiday.
"You all did a wonderful job! This place is stunning!" Belle exclaimed. It was then that Azami noticed the small smiling objects standing before the group, glowing in pride at their beautiful handiwork.
"Of course it is stunning!" an angel figurine spoke up, her tone dripping with pride. "I am the Royal Decorator after all, if it looked anything but stunning I would be ashamed to show my face!" The figurine was no doubt beautiful dressed in fine white robes complete with angel wings and a glowing halo. Her pale skin made her vibrant blue eyes and blonde hair stand out as she stepped forward. Her nose was turned slightly upwards a fitting image to go along with her slight French accent and pompous attitude.
A loud, amused chuckle sounded at the angel's comment. "That is Angelique's way of saying thank you Mademoiselle." The suave, French accented voice belonged to a skinny, gold candle holder. Most of his body was the gold that started on his large lower lip and extended to the bottom of his lanky frame. The parts that weren't covered in gold were made of wax and the tips of his head as well as both of his hands were lit by small flames. His charming gaze was directed at Belle and Azami.
"We're glad you like it dearie!" a stout teapot exclaimed. The teapot resembled Chip in every way save the fact she was missing the small chip in her rim. Her kind eyes that matched her kind smile greeted the group before her warmly.
"Now if only the master approves!" the final member of the enchanted objects fretted. The robust clock glanced about the room worriedly, mentally checking over every aspect of the room. His face resembled that of a clock, the small and big hands that usually kept time on a regular clock standing as his mustache. His body was rectangular in shape with a gold, circular pendulum inside a case taking up the space where his stomach should have been. When he felt that the room was presentable enough he turned his scrutinizing gaze upon the group. "You have brought back not only a Christmas tree but friends as well!"
Belle seemed unfazed by the clock's rude turn and offered him a soft smile. "Sora and the others actually happened upon me just as I was returning!"
"Bon Jour Sora and friends; it is good to see you all again and for our new guests Bon Jour and welcome to our castle! My name is Lumiere; I am the castle's maitre d'." The three branched candelabra bowed low in a gesture of welcome. The clock, who appeared to be a little miffed by the candle's introduction, scoffed loudly and pushed Lumiere aside.
"It is my job as the majordomo to welcome all new guests to our castle, not yours Lumiere!" He turned his attention to Riku and Azami, cleared his throat and dusted off invisible dirt from his front before bowing humbly. "I am Cogsworth, and if you need anything I will be all but happy to assist you during your stay at our castle. Would you like to start off your stay with a tour?" A loud yelp of surprise ripped from the clock's mouth as he shot into the air, his backside smoking. Lumiere, who was obviously the culprit of the crime, laughed loudly at the undignified response.
"Please excuse Lumiere and Cogsworth, we haven't had guest in a long time; they don't quite remember how to act in front of company." The motherly teapot shot the two bickering objects a disapproving look which instantly stopped their antics. The teapot turned her gaze upon Riku and Azami once more and smiled kindly. "Where are my manners? My name is Mrs. Potts; would you like a cup of tea?"
"No thank you," Azami and Riku muttered.
"Well what are we doing just standing here, like we have nothing to do?" the angle figurine snapped. "That tree won't decorate itself!"
"Angelique is right," Belle said. "We should hurry and set up the tree, I don't want the Beast finding us too soon!" At her words the enchanted objects as well as Azami and the others hurried to help finish the decorations.
Preview:
Suddenly, the doors to the ballroom flew open, grabbing the attention of everyone occupying the space. Out of instinct Azami called forth her Heartless mask.
Standing in the doorway of the ballroom stood a ferocious looking animal that towered over everyone in the room.
"What is that thing, a Heartless?" Azami asked. She moved to put her mask on her face but was quickly stopped by Sora.
"That's the Beast! He's our friend!"