Chapter 126: Heart of the Beast Part 2: The Night of Love
The same night, at the castle and in the dinning room, Psyrox was talking with the ponies and with Tails, who were all listening to what he had to say while they kept on eating some of the food that Lumière and the other Castleware had brought them. Everyone got themselves a plate of food, everyone enjoying their meal before letting Psyrox continue what he had to tell them.
"You see, Sonic is a key being in his world." Psyrox said. "When someone who is key to that world is taken from it or is sent away, the world itself collapses, erasing itself from existence."
"Wait, erased?" Twilight asked. "How would it do that?"
"I have no idea how it would do that." Psyrox replied. "All I know is that if a key figure or item is removed from a world for long enough, then that world will start to collapse, disappearing from existence. And since Sonic is a Key figure and he's away from his world, it will start to collapse if we don't find him soon."
"And how will we find him?" Shining Armor asked. "He's gotta be anywhere right about now."
"Well, when we were pulled out of our world, there was a fork in the road in the wormhole." Tails answered. "When a bolt of lightning shot out and hit the container with those, Heart Pieces you call them, it scattered us into the four wormholes. Maybe he's at one of the worlds where the Heart Pieces are at."
"Maybe." Twilight said. "But I'm more worried about this Overlord. Rosy said they were facing an Overlord in the future, maybe this is the Dark Overlord that she's talking about."
"I doubt it." Psyrox replied. "But it's still possible. You never know what may occur with enough time."
"Well what we do know is that the Heart Piece is on Tails world and it's being used by a maniacal machine to build an army of robots." Shining Armor said. "And how are we going to get the Heart Piece from it? It's not like it going to let us come in and ask for it and leave all friendly like."
"I will admit, it won't be easy to get the Heart Piece from this machine." Psyrox replied. "We're going to need to fight our hardest to get this one when the time comes. But right now, we need to find Sonic the Hedgehog and get him home as soon as possible. Otherwise, his world and everyone in it will disappear for good."
"So where do we search from here?" Twilight asked. "If this hedgehog is that important, then we need to find him as soon as possible."
"We will find him, don't worry." Psyrox replied. "Right now we need to get the Heart Pierce that is on this world and then we'll start looking for him. There are a lot of worlds out there and I am unsure which one he'll end up in."
"Maybe he'll be in one of the worlds that has a Heart Piece." Twilight suggested. "Knuckles and even Tails appeared in worlds where a Heart Piece is at, maybe he will appear in one as well."
"Well, we don't know for sure if he'll be on a world with a Heart Piece on it." Psyrox replied. "After this world, there will only be three left. Two of the Heart And I doubt Sonic would be lucky enough to land back in his world."
"But there's still a chance he might be in one of the worlds that has a Heart Piece, right?" Twilight asked.
"Possibly, yes." Psyrox replied. "But let's not get our hopes up too soon. Right now, we should probably rest. We need to help Beast and Belle to solidify their love for one another before the last petal falls off the rose, otherwise the Heart Piece will be lost."
"Then we should head to our rooms." Maya said. "I'll talk with Lumière, see about getting separate rooms."
Maya walked out of the dining room and walked back into the main foyer, looking around for Lumière, but instead of finding Lumière, she found a shadowy figure who was standing in the middle of the foyer, turning to her and revealing it was Spyro, though she was glad to see him, she still felt guilty about all the things she's done while still under Malefor's control.
"Hey there Maya." Spyro said. "Glad to see that you are using your old name again."
"And it's good to see you again old friend." Maya said. "But... how are you here?"
"This castle has a lot of old magic in it." Spyro replied. "It's powerful enough to allow me to manifest myself in this castle and only in this castle. Beyond it, I will disappear and be forced back into this castle."
"So through this castle magic, you can be seen and heard, fascinating." Maya replied.
"Magic always has a little twist to it." Spyro replied. "Especially in this castle, where it has a powerful effect on the people who live in it."
"So tell me, if Beast does give love and get's back in return, will he turn back to human?" Maya asked.
"He will." Spyro replied. "But only if the girl he loves tells him she love him, otherwise it won't work. Beast really loves Belle, his feelings for her are strong as her feelings for him are strong as well. However, her love for him is not strong enough to lift the spell for only an act of true love will show her how much he truly cares about her."
"And what act would that be?" Maya asked.
"Sorry, can't say." Spyro said. "What fun would it be if I went and told you right away."
"You're mean." Maya said, both her and Spyro laughing. "So, how should we go about helping Beast and Belle?"
"For now, nothing." Spyro replied. "All you can do is wait and help them prepare however you can."
"Well that's not a lot to go off on." Maya said.
"It's all I can say." Spyro replied. "Oh, and watch out for a guy called Gaston. He's got an obsession for Belle and we both know where obsessions like that go."
"You don't have to tell me twice." Maya replied. "So what do we do incase he does come?"
"Well, if Heartless aren't involved, nothing." Spyro replied. "Let it play out on its own. But if the Heartless or Nobodies are involved, protect Beast and the Rose. Primarily Beast for if he dies, then the Heart Piece will leave and find a new world to hide in, so whatever happens, don't let Beast die. Even if it means getting involved."
"Alright, no problem." Maya replied. "Don't worry Spyro, we got this. And we'll bring you back home soon. I promise."
"I know you will Maya." Spyro replied, fading away. "I know you will."
He then disappeared right as Lumière hopped into the Foyer, seeing Maya standing in the middle of the room and wondered what she was doing and why she was standing in the middle of the room.
"Mademoiselle?" Lumière asked. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong Lumière." Maya replied, smiling as she turned to him. "Just talking to an old friend."
"But... there is no one else here besides yourself." Lumière said. "Who would you be talking to?"
"Just... never mind." Maya said.
"Well anyway, your rooms are ready for you and your friends." Lumière said. "Tonight, you sleep in comfort for tomorrow, we have many things to do."
"Thanks again Lumière." Maya said.
Maya walked towards the stairs while the candle holder hopped along into the dinning room to let the ponies and Tails know their rooms were ready for them, everyone coming out of the dinning hall and followed the walking talking candle stick to the East Wing, where their rooms were prepared for them. Back in the village, Gaston and LeFou was meeting with a doctor from an asylum at the tavern, which Gaston said he'd take care of until the morning, allowing for the meeting, one in which Maleficent wanted to attend as they all sat down.
"I don't usually leave the asylum in the middle of the night." The doctor said, looking to Lefou. "But he told me you'd make it worth my while." As he said it, Gaston tossed a bag full of gold onto the table, which the doctor reached in and grabbed a coin and looked interested. "Ahh, I'm listening."
"It's like this." Gaston said. I have my heart set on marrying Belle, the daughter of the local inventor. but she needs a little... persuasion."
"Yeah, turned him down flat." Lefou said, instantly getting hit and getting his mouth stuck in a mug.
"Silence fool." Maleficent said.
"Everyone knows her father is a lunatic!" Gaston continued. "He was in here tonight, raving about a beast in a castle."
"Maurice is not dangerous." The doctor said. "He's harmless."
"The point is that Belle will do anything to keep him from being locked up." Gaston said, a dark smile appearing on his face.
"Yeah, even marry him." LeFou said, which he looked over and Gaston was ready to hit him again, but the little man put the mug over his head like a helmet, protecting himself.
"So you want me to throw her father into the asylum unless she agrees to marry you?" The doctor asked, Lefou nodding his head while Gaston crossed his arms. "Oh, that is despicable. Hehe, I love it!"
With the plan set, they all walked out of the tavern to get everything prepared, Maleficent walking next to Gaston as they exited the building into the cold night air.
"Your plan is set." Maleficent said, Pete walking up to them. "But do be careful with how you go carrying out your scheme Gaston. It can easily fall apart if you aren't prepared."
"Don't worry, I have this under control." Gaston said, walking in the direction of Belle's father's house. "She will be mine or her father will be locked away for good."
"Um, Maleficent, we got a problem." Pete said, getting their attention.
"Not now you imbecile!" Maleficent said, turning back to Gaston. "We must be cautious though. If the people hear about your little plan-"
"Don't worry about that." Gaston replied. "Maurice is already know as the village lunatic, so no one will believe him."
"Maleficent, this can't wait!" Pete said, causing the witch to sigh.
"Give me a moment will you?" Maleficent asked. "I better hear what this buffoon has to say or else he'll be annoying us as we head to Belle's house. You go on ahead, I'll catch up." Gaston and LeFou walked over to the carriage that the doctor used to come to the village from the asylum, turning to Pete with an annoyed look. "Now what is so important that you have to interrupt us!?"
"Well, how do I put it?" Pete asked. "You know May and the little pony friends?"
"Of course I know them you fool!" Maleficent exclaimed. "Get on with it!"
"Well, they're here." Pete replied. "They're at the castle right now and are probably going after the Heart Piece now."
"Curse it!" Maleficent exclaimed. "They're already here!? Guess we'll need to speed up the plan then. I'll see what I can do with this muscle bound moron, you get the Keyblade warriors and their friends out of the way to allow us to get the rose."
"Well, that isn't going to be easy." Pete replied. "When we saw them last, they weren't good with their Keyblades, but now they are able to hold their own."
"Not against some of the larger Heartless." Maleficent said. "Send the Shadow Stalker to deal with them."
"You sure?" Pete asked. "Didn't do so well against Sora. Maybe we should-"
"No, the Shadow Stalker will do." Maleficent replied. "We don't want them interfering again. See that it is done!"
Maleficent walked after the carriage while leaving Pete behind, who was grumbling to himself about the order, walking away from the village while heading to the castle.
"This entire thing is getting to be more and more of a hassle than it should be!" Pete said. "We've been trying to get a single Heart Piece for weeks, but every time we get close to getting one, May and her little friends snatch it out from right underneath our nose! It's getting to the point where this deal I made with Maleficent has nothing for me to benefit from!" As he was talking to himself, he didn't notice that someone was watching him, listening to the conversation Pete was having with himself. "If only I wasn't indebted to her, I'd go after the Heart Pieces myself and use them to get revenge against that little runt king Mickey and take my rightful place as the king of Disney Castle!"
"Then why don't you?" A voice asked. Pete looked around to see who it was that was talking to him and found Xemnas, walking out from behind one of the buildings and approaching Pete. "You have the strength to fight him, why don't you go and claim your rightful place as king?"
"You kiddin'?" Pete asked. "Mickey's got a Keyblade and Maleficent won't trust me to peel a potato let alone take Mickey out of the picture."
"Well, there is a way for you to defeat him." Xemnas said. "And you already know how to do it."
"Wait, you talkin' about the Heart Piece?" Pete asked. "Sorry pal, that ain't gonna happen. Maleficent won't like me takin' the Heart Piece for myself."
"Who says she needs to know about that?" Xemnas asked. "And who says it has to be this Heart Piece anyway? There are three more out there and you can have your choice of either one. And I can tell you the location of one of the Heart Pieces if you let me have the one here in this world. So, do we have a deal?"
Pete scratched his chin for a moment, thinking over the offer that Xemnas was laying on the table for him as he smiled, thinking about what he could do with that Heart piece and how he'd be able to get out of debt with maleficent, looking to Xemnas with a dark smile.
"And I say, I'm all ears." Pete said, walking over to Xemnas.
At Belles house, Gaston was coming out of the house carrying LeFou and throwing him into the snow before getting onto the cart as the Mistress of Darkness approached.
"Why are you leaving so soon?" Maleficent asked. "You already have Maurice in the wagon?"
"He's not here." Gaston replied. "He must have gone looking for his supposed Beast again to find Belle. So I'm having LeFou wait here until they come back."
"But why does it have to be me!?" LeFou asked. "Can't I at least get a warm coat or something?"
"Not until Belle and her father come back!" Gaston exclaimed. "Once that kooky old man is out of the way, she'll have no choice but to marry me. And if she doesn't... well I can't be held responsible for what happens in the asylum."
"My, such ambition and such darkness, I'm actually impressed." Maleficent said. "And I might have just the thing to help you Gaston. Something that will help you achieve what your heart desires."
"And what would I need to get what I want?" Gaston asked.
"A gift." Maleficent replied, expanding her arms as a green mist was edited from her, getting Gastons attention. "Now hold still, and EMBRACE the power I give you! The power to control darkness!"
The mist moved along the ground, making it's way to Gaston before moving up and into his chest, gasping and finding it hard to breath as the darkness entered him, fear taking hold as he felt the darkness power infecting him before the pain went away, finding a new sensation as he raised his hand and a dark purple and black mist surrounded his hand smiling as he enjoyed the new power he got while Lefou seemed to shiver and shake, both out of fear and from the cold as he watched Gaston motion his hand and from the void, several Gargoyles, Hook Bats and a few Gargoyle Knights and Warriors appeared, Gaston backing away from them, but knew deep in his heart they wouldn't attack him.
"What are these things?" Gaston asked.
"They are the Heartless my friend." Maleficent replied. "The power I have given you will allow you to command them. But tread carefully when using darkness for if you plunge too far into it, it will consume you."
"Don't you worry about me Maleficent." Gaston replied, getting back onto the cart. "I can handle myself."
The cart started on it's way to the Asylum to await for Gaston to inform them that Belle had returned, Maleficent opening a corridor into darkness and walking through, leaving Lefou alone in the snow, cursing his current predicament before hitting a post, knocking some snow down on top of himself. Back at Beasts castle, Belle was walking her horse around to give him some exercise while Beast watched from the balcony, watching as she walked around with her friend right as Maya walked out, leaning against the railing with the ponies walking up behind them, looking down at her.
"So, how did you two meet in the first place?" Cadence asked.
"Well, that's not exactly a good story to tell." Beast replied. "You see, her father broke into my castle late one night and made himself comfortable. And... let's just say I let my temper get the best of me, thinking he wanted to have a look at the beast that I am, so I locked him up in the dungeon to let him rot."
"You did what now!?" Rarity asked. "That's just so cruel!"
"I know." Beast said. "And I'm not proud of letting my temper get the best of me. The next night, she came to find her father and when she did, I confronted her, which she pleaded for me to let her father go so he could seek help from a doctor, saying she would stay in his place. I agreed and, well..."
"He started to have feelings for the girl when he first saw her." Cogsworth said, waddling over. "Lumière suggested giving her a proper room and he did, wanting to make a good impression with her after doing such a cruel thing. And as time went by, their feelings for one another bloomed and now they are in love."
"And I never felt this way for anyone since then." Beast said. "I want to do something for her. But what?"
"Well, there's chocolates." Shining Armor suggested. "And some flowers."
"And the occasional promise you fail to keep." Cadence said, nudging her fiancé playfully.
"Ah, no, no, it needs to be something special." Lumière said, hopping over. "Something that sparks her interests."
"Well, what's she interested in?" Rarity asked.
"Well, she's smart." Beast said, looking down to her. "And she loves to read a lot. She would tell me about the bookstore she'd..." That was when Beast had an idea, realizing he had the perfect gift for her. "That's it!" Beast then turned and ran back into the castle, leaving everyone confused as they walked after him, watching as Beast brought Belle back inside and was taking her to a section of the castle she hasn't been to yet, stopping in front of the door. "Belle, there's something I ant to show you." He began to open the door, but then closed it, turning to Belle. "But first, i need you to close your eyes. It's a surprise."
Belle gave him a dirty look, wondering what it was that Beast wanted to show her, but she closed her eyes anyway, Beast testing to make sure they were closed before opening the doors, excited to let her in as he took her hands and guided her in, the group walking after them and entering a dark room, finding it very difficult to see, so they used their magic to light the room up a bit, but Beast motioned for them to turn the light off, so they did, not wanting to ruin the surprise.
"Can I open them?" Belle asked.
"No, no not yet." Beats replied, stopping in the middle of the room. "Wait here, all of you."
Everyone waited with Belle, watching as Beast ran into the dark room and started to open up the curtains, letting in a lot of light into the dark room and when he was finished, Twilight's eyes lit up as they sparkled, finding they were in the middle of a large library, everyone looking in awe at how large it was while Twilight looked like she was no the verge of crying, pure joy and bliss in her eyes as she wiped away the tears.
"Now can I open them?" Belle asked.
"Alright... now." Beast replied.
Belle opened her eyes and saw the massive library, lost in wonder and amazement as she saw the massive hall of books and knowledge, almost as happy as Twilight was, though the lavender unicorn mare was far happier than she ever was in her entire life.
"Wow, I've never seen so many books in my life." Belle said.
"Me neither." Twilight said, wiping the tears out of her eyes. "It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."
"Well, besides Spyro that is." Rarity said, looking out the window. "He would have loved to see this as well."
"Do... you like it?" Beast asked.
"I love it." Belle replied, looking around. "It's wonderful."
"Then it's yours." Beast said, happy to make her smile again.
"Thank you." Belle said, hugging Beast.
"Wow, would you look at that." Mrs. Pots said.
"I can't believe it worked." Lumière said.
"What!?" Chip, a small tea cup asked. "What worked!?"
"It's all very encouraging." Cogsworth said.
"But I didn't see anything!" Chip exclaimed.
"Because you don't understand little Chip." Maya said, picking the tea cup up. "Beast gave Belle a wonderful gift, something she would absolutely love. And it is from there that their feelings will continue to bloom all the way to breaking the curse."
"Come on everypony." Cadence said. "We should leave them alone for now. Let the two love birds spend some time alone."
They all left the library to allow Beast and Belle to have some time alone, everyone going about what they wanted to do, which Twilight snuck back into the library to do some reading while Cadence and Shining Armor found a private little place to spend some alone time, which they hadn't had much of ever since they started the journey to find the Heart Pieces. Rarity was walking around the castle, looking at some of the art and at some of the decorations while using a sketch pad to make some designs she believe could be a hit while also making little notes to herself about a special project for when they brought Spyro back. Maya however was outside, leaning against a tree and twisting her hand around, turning snow into water, then into air, then back to water before it turned to ice, fashioning it into an icy dagger before sending it into a wall, landing a bullseye out of the makeshift target she made while looking up into the sky, enjoying the winter day outside.
"It seems Beasts little gift had a major impact on Belle." Maya said, looking to her right and finding Spyro was leaning against the tree she was on. "Kinda reminds me of our first date in Hollow Bastion."
"Oh, which one?" Spyro asked. "The one where we had to fight through a hoard of Beast Men just to get to the beach or the one where I had to pull you out of that pit full of tentacles before you were-"
"Ok, you can shut up now." Maya said, the two of them laughing as they remembered the good times they had. "So tell me, did it hurt you that after a couple months I started to date Riku?"
"I will admit, I was heart broken." Spyro replied, looking to Maya. "But you just followed your heart, which I don't blame you for. Sometimes, if you love someone enough, but they want to do something they want to do and love, or found someone they truly love more than you, you just need to let go. Besides, he's a good guy, strong, sleek..."
"But he's nothing like you." Maya said getting up. "He is cute, I will admit, but he doesn't exactly have the childish, if not lame, sense of humor you have."
"Oh well that's nice of you to say." Spyro said, making her laugh. "I sacrifice myself to make sure that the worlds remain in balance and this is how I'm treated? Should have had the Heartless take my heart. I'm actually kinda curious what my Heartless would look like."
"Well I'm not that curious." Maya said, looking to him. "Hate to imagine what kind of Heartless that would come from you. Probably something just as overpowered as you are."
The two of them started to laugh, but as they did, music started to play, indicating that a song was about to play, looking out to see Belle and Beast coming outside, which she handed him some bird seed and he tried to present it to the birds, but they flew away about every time.
[Belle]
There's something sweet and almost kind,
But he was mean and he was coarse and unrefined.
And now he's dear and so unsure,
I wonder why I didn't see it there before.
She knelt down and moved his paws onto the ground, using more of the seed to make a trail for the birds, a bird pecking at the seed before bouncing into his paws, eating the seed as more of them came around.
[Beast]
She glanced this way, I thought I saw,
And when we touched, she didn't shudder at my paw!
No, it can't be, I'll just ignore,
But then she's never looked at me that way before!
Belle then moved behind the tree, feeling her heart rate spike as she felt her feelings for Beast become stronger than before, removing her hood.
[Belle]
New and a bit alarming,
Who'd have ever thought that this could be!
True, that he's no Prince Charming,
But there's something in him that I simply didn't see!
A moment later, she looked back and saw that Beast was covered in birds, Shining Armor and Cadence coming out to see the birds fly away, looking to Belle excitedly, but got a face full of snow, shaking it off and seeing Belle laughing, which he got a large snowball of his own ready, chasing Belle around and having fun.
[Lumière]
Well, who'd have thought?
[Mrs. Pots]
Well, bless my soul!
[Cogsworth]
Well, who'd have known?
[Mrs. Pots]
Well, who indeed?
[Lumière]
And who'd have guessed they'd come together on their own?
[Mrs. Pots]
It's so peculiar!
[Lumière, Mrs. Pots, Cogsworth]
We'll wait and see!
A few days more!
There may be something there that wasn't there before!
A few days went by and Belle and Beast were in the library enjoying a book together, everyone, including the ponies and Maya outside, seeing how happy they were and smiling as well.
[Cogsworth]
You know, perhaps there's something there that wasn't there before.
"What?" Chip asked, looking at everyone.
[Mrs. Pots]
There may be something there that wasn't there before.
"What's there Mama?" Chip asked.
"I'll explain to you later." Mrs. Pots replied.
They all walked away, leaving them alone when Cogsworth ran up, stopping them as he had something to say.
"Uh, I hate to be a worry-wort, but we're running out of time!" Cogsworth said.
"What do you mean darling?" Rarity asked.
"I mean we only have a little over twelve hours before the last petal falls and the spell becomes permanent!" Cogsworth exclaimed.
"Wait, we only have until morning to break the curse!?" Shining Armor exclaimed. "Shoot, what are we going to do!?"
"Relax dearies." Mrs. Pots replied. "When we saw how the master and Belle were lost in each other's eyes, we got busy cleaning the ball room back up after it was destroyed by a Heartless, ready for the masters dance."
"Now all we need to do is get them ready!" Lumière exclaimed.
"Oh, I can help prepare Belle for the dance tonight." Rarity said. "I run my own boutique, so I know everything about fashion."
"Magnefique!" Lumière exclaimed. "Monsieur Armor, could you help us get the master ready?"
"Of course I can." Shining Armor said. "I was a captain about to get married before the wedding was ruined, so I know what will work for tonight."
"Terrific!" Cogsworth said. "Maya, could you and your other two friends help us finish preparing the ballroom? We don't have a lot of time."
Everyone ran to where ever they were needed, Maya, Cadence, and Twilight helping to finish cleaning up the ballroom while Rarity was working with Belle to get her ready, going through all the dresses before laying eyes on the yellow one she wore previously, doing a few adjustments before letting Belle wear it, the princess of heart looking herself over in the mirror as she examined the altered dress.
"Rarity, it's beautiful." Belle said. "Better than when I wore it before."
"Oh Belle dear, it's no trouble." Rarity replied. "And with how this dress now fits you, better than before, you're sure to steal Beast's heart."
"You really think so?" Belle asked.
"I know so darling." Rarity replied. "Now come on, I'm sure Beast is waiting for you."
In Beasts room, he was finishing up his bath, getting a bucket of water dumped on him by a walking coat rack.
"Tonight is the night young master." Lumière said.
"I'm not so sure I can go through with this." Beast said. "I mean, I don't think I can dance all that well."
"Aw come on Beast, you got this." Shining Armor said, looking to the rose. "Besides, you're running out of time. You can't afford to have cold hooves right now. Well, cold paws in your case, but still, you can't afford to be timid."
"Shining Armor is right sir." Lumière said. "You need to be bold and daring!"
"Bold... daring!" Beast said, shaking the water off before walking to the mirror.
"Ok, not called for." Shining Armor said. "Still, you can do this big guy. Tonight will be the most romantic night of your life."
"He is correct sir." Mulière said. "There will be music, romantic candle light, provided by myself of course. And when the moment is right, you can confess your love to her."
"Yes... I can... I... no... no I can't." Beast said.
"Aw come on Beast." Shining Armor said. "You love her, don't you?"
"More than anything." Beast said, getting his hair cut by the rack.
"Well you need to tell her then." Shining Armor said, getting some of the clothing out to see what would work best, finding a large blue coat that would work. "I remember when I told Cadence how much I loved her and we're engaged now. If you want to have her love you, you need to tell her." He turned back around and saw the look Beast had, a lock of hair standing up with a bow in it and some of his fur in curls, Shining Armor doing his best not to laugh as he regained his composure. "Honestly Beast, that look is ridiculous."
"I am in full agreement with you Shining Armor." Beast said, which the rack got back to cutting his hair as Cogsworth waddled in, looking happy.
"Your lady awaits." Cogsworth said.
A while later, Beast came out of his room and stopped just short of the stairs, looking nervous, but then he saw Belle, his jaw dropping as he saw her in the recently modified dress, totally mystified by her. She then descended the stairs and waited for Beast, who was still frozen in spot before Shining Armor gave him a nudge, Beast walking down the stairs and at the top, the two of them bowed before Beast looped his arm, Belle taking it as they descended the stairs together.
[Mrs. Pots]
Tale as old as time,
True as it can be.
Barely even friends,
Then somebody bends,
Unexpectedly.
They walked to the dinning room where they had dinner, just the two of them while everyone else stayed back and watched, seeing how happy they were, enjoying each other's company as they ate.
Just a little change,
Small to say the least.
Both a little scared,
Neither one prepared,
Beauty and the beast.
Belle got up and walked over to Beast, taking his hands and pulling him away from the table and the two walked to the ballroom, which was beautiful, freshly cleaned, everything polished up and looking very presentable for tonight as Belle and Beast got ready to dance, which Beast was nervous before staring to dance.
Ever just the same,
Ever a surprise!
Ever as before,
And ever just as sure,
As the sun will rise!
As Beast and Belle were dancing, Maya leaned against the pillar while the ponies sat down, enjoying the dance as Cadence and Shining Armor leaned into one another, smiling as they swayed back and forth, enjoying everything while Rarity ogled at the couple, imagining herself and Spyro dancing, breathing in a deep sigh as she imagined it and herself in the very dress Belle was wearing, making a mental note to herself to make the dress when she gets back to the boutique. Twilight also enjoyed the dance, smiling and looking down at her ring, imagining dancing with Spyro as well, remembering their time at the Grand Galloping Gala as she watched the happy couple dance, though she and Spyro didn't dance at the Gala, she enjoyed her time with him none the less, coming up with what they could do once he was back.
Tale as old as time,
Tune as old as song!
Bittersweet and strange,
Finding you can change,
Learning you were wrong!
Certain as the sun,
Rising in the east!
Tale as old as time,
Song as old as rhyme,
Beauty and the beast.
Everyone was happy that the two of them were happy as Belle put her head against his chest, Beast looking surprised before looking to them in pure joy, everyone showing their support and how glad they were, Lumière shushing the candles, which they dimmed down, making the atmosphere more romantic for the two of them.
Tale as old as time,
Song as old as rhyme,
Beauty and the beast.
[Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Cadence]
Beauty and the beast.
Belle and Beast finished their dance and walked out to the patio, which everyone else left them alone as Mrs. Pots took Chip to put his to bed while the ponies and Maya stayed in the ballroom, letting the two of them have some alone time.
"They're perfect for each other." Rarity said. "Even if Beast was a bit boorish at first. Now he's a perfect gentlemen."
"Beast always had the potential to be a great person." Maya said. "He just needed to see it for himself."
"And sometimes you need something bad to happen to see those who truly care and love you to know who will be there for you." Cadence said. "Come on everypony, let's give them some time alone."
They all got up and walked for the entrance into the ballroom, wanting to let the couple have some time alone. Meanwhile outside on the balcony, Beast and Belle were sitting down, enjoying the night as they had a great time dancing, sitting on the bench in the garden together and holding hands.
"Belle..." Beast said, moving closer. "Are you... happy here?"
"Of course I am." Belle replied.
Beast was glad she was happy, ready to confess his feelings for her, but then he saw the look on her face and saw how unhappy she was, growing concerned.
"What is it?" Beast asked. "What's wrong?"
"I wish I could see my father again." Belle said. "I miss him so much. If only for a moment, I'd love to see him again."
Beast knew he wanted to make her happy, wondering how he was going to help her see her father again when he thought of something, knowing it would work.
"There is a way." Beast said, getting Belles attention. He got up and helped Belle up as well, taking her back into the castle and back to his room where he got his magic mirror out, presenting it to her. "This mirror is magic. It can show you what you want to see. All you need to do is ask."
Belle took the mirror in her hands, already knowing what she wanted as she looked into the mirror.
"I'd like to see my father, please." Belle said. As she asked, the mirror started to glow green as her father appeared in the mirror, showing he was trudging through the forest to find the castle, which he collapsed and started to cough, his sickness taking over and making him weaker. "Papa, no."
"What's wrong?" Beast asked.
"He's sick." Belle replied. "He may be dying! And he's all alone."
Beast look back to the rose on the table in front of him, wondering what to do when he looked up, seeing Spyro standing on the balcony, leaning on the wall and smiling at Beast, nodding his head as he disappeared, letting him know Beast had the power to help, all he needed to do was do it.
"Go to him then." Beast said.
"What?" Belle asked. "What did you say?"
"I release you." Beast answered. "You're no longer my prisoner. Go to your father and help him, before it's too late."
"You mean..." Belle asked.
"Yes, you're free." Beast said. "Now go, before his condition gets worse."
"Oh, thank you." Belle said, putting her hand on his paw before looking back to the mirror. "Hold on papa, I'm on my way."
She took a few steps away before stopping, turning to give the mirror back to Beast, but he pushed it back to her.
"Keep it." Beast said. "So you can always have a way to look back. And to remember me."
"Thank you." Belle said. "For understanding how much he needs me right now."
Belle then ran to the door, leaving Beast alone as he looked back to the rose, his heart aching that he may never see her again.
"You did the right thing Beast." Spyro said, Beast looking up to Spyro. "Her father needs her now more than ever. By releasing her, you guaranteed her father's survival."
"She means everything to me, old friend." Beast said, placing his hand on the glass case. "If it means letting her go, I'd do anything to make her happy."
"Well your highness, it seems everything is going swimmingly." Cogsworth said. "I knew you had it in you."
"I let her go." Beast said.
"Yes, splendid." Cogsworth said. "You... wait... you did what?"
"I let her go." Beast replied.
"But... why?" Cogsworth asked.
"Because... I love her." Beast answered.
Outside in the main foyer, everyone was walking up the stairs when they saw Belle running down the steps, running for the door with a mirror in her hands, confusing them.
"Uh oh, did they have another fight again?" Twilight asked.
"I don't think so." Maya replied. "She didn't have tears in her eyes or look sad. We better ask Beast what happened."
They all walked up the stairs, heading towards Beasts room when they saw Lumière, Cogsworth, Chip, and Mrs. Pots there, looking surprised.
"He did what!?" They all shouted at Cogsworth, surprising them.
"Yes, I'm afraid it's true." Cogsworth replied.
"She's going away?" Chip asked.
"But he was so close." Lumière said.
"What's going on?" Maya asked.
"Beast has release Belle." Cogsworth answered. "Returning her freedom to her and letting her go back to her father."
"Who's probably worried sick about her." Shining Armor said.
"After all this time, he's finally learned to love." Mrs. Pots said.
"That's it then!" Lumière said. "That should break the spell!"
"It's not enough I'm afraid." Mrs. Pots said. "She has to love him back in return."
As the staff was looking upset, Maya and the ponies moved away, sitting together to discuss what happened.
"So, if Beast released Belle, then it means he truly loves her." Twilight said. "But what was the reason for her to be released?"
"Wait, Belle had Beasts mirror." Maya said, confusing them. "Spyro told me when he first visited Beast, he saw that his mirror was magic. Letting you want you asked to see. I bet Belle asked to see her father and something terrible happened to him. So Beast must have seen how upset Belle was and allowed her to go and help her father."
"Then we should probably go and help her as well!" Cadence said.
"No, I'll go." Maya said. "You guys stay here at the castle and make sure nothing happens to Beast. I'll be back as soon as possible. And hopefully with Belle."
Maya ran out of the hall and outside, conjuring a wave of water and riding it as she followed Belle, who saw her friend and saw her nod, letting the princess of heart know she's there to help as they rode into the forest, hearing Beast roar as they rode. They soon entered the forest and looked around, hoping they weren't too late when they found Belles father face first int he snow, rushing over and dismounting, kneeling to the unconscious man as Maya took his pulse.
"Papa." Belle said, fearing the worse.
"He's alive." Maya said, giving Belle hope. "But he's Hyperthermic. We have to get him someplace warm now!"
"Quick get him onto Phillipe!" Belle said.
Maya and Belle worked together to pick him up, each taking his arm and carrying him to the horse and putting him on, Belle getting onto her horse while Maya called another wave of water, riding it and along side Belle as they made their way back to her house, stopping and dismounting before helping Maurice down and up the stairs, heading in to keep him warm. However, they failed to notice the snow man there, it's arms twitching as if it were alive when the head exploded, revealing it was LeFou, who disguised himself as a snow man to not be notice by Belle or her father.
"They're back!" LeFou said, shaking his disguise and running to town to get Gaston and the doctor, ready to carry out the hunters plan.