Act 13

After her failed run and her surprisingly pleasant discussion with the Beast, Belle returned to her bedroom and immediate dragged her sweaty self into a hot bath. Just that short run had left her legs, rarely used for such activity, sore. Artemis sat outside the bath, washing his paws.

"That was a short run," Artemis said simply. "But you did well."

Belle sunk low into the water. "I can't run in a dress. I ended up tearing my skirt. I forgot that in my dreams, I always wore more suitable clothing. Clothing more suited for men in this time period."

Artemis thought about what Belle said. "I think I might be able to solve that problem. When you're done with your bath, come down to the base. I'll have something for you."

The Beast sighed. Belle was a very strange woman. He didn't know what to think about her…

"You seem pensive Master," Mrs. Potts said.

The Beast looked at the mantronly teapot. "She's strange, Mrs. Potts. She doesn't talk like… all these odd words like jogging. She wants to wear men's clothing, pants, says they'd be easier to run in."

Mrs. Potts cocked her head. Pants were most unlady like. "Hmm…"

"So she's a little out of the ordinary." Cogsworth said coming up, Lumiere following behind. "I'd say she fits in quite well here."

"Oui, mon amie, ordinary is overrated." Lumiere stated. "Ordinary, why they are a dime a dozen."

Mrs. Potts found herself agreeing. "Why does she want to run?"

The Beast scratched his head in confusion. "She says it keeps her healthy."

Lumiere smiled. "Well then, that's a good thing. Physical fitness is very important. Perhaps Master, you should join her."

Belle snuck down to the painting of the Castle Magellan. She didn't want anyone to see her. It was bad enough the Beast had caught her running. She was acting more like Mina than herself.

Who was she anyways? Was she Belle or Mina? It seemed like such an asinine question, but what if the Mina persona was her true self and the demure, yet opinionated bookreader Belle was just to cover and protect Mina from the harsh, small-minded fools of the era in which she lived? It was a distinct possibility. Maybe the Mina personality was who she was meant to be but she was born too early.

She entered the base, still blown away to see the futuristic devices called computer.

Her dreams certainly featured them but to see them here was mindboggling.

"Artemis, where are you?" She called.

"In here Belle!" She looked around until she saw a room with bright light streaming out of it. She went in and gaped. It was a weight-training room. Half the room contained machines she recognized from her dreams. The other had mats, free weights, weighted balls, and a padded wall.

"Oh my…" Belle looked around until she saw a tall man with long white hair, wearing a pure white shirt and pants. "Who are you?"

The man smiled and bowed. "Don't be afraid Belle. It's me… Artemis."

Belle stepped back. "What?"

Artemis chuckled. "Sorry I never told you that I can take the form of a cat or a human. I prefer the cat form." Artemis said. "But you made me realize that this is neither the more-advanced Planet Venus nor the Moon Kingdom. This is 15th Century France. You'll need help that you can't get from anyone else." He held out some folded yellow-orange clothing. "Your workout gear. There's a place to change in that room over there." He indicated a room that had a symbol engraved on it… Venus's symbol.

Belle took the clothing and went to change.

Things just kept getting stranger…

AN: Lumiere seems oddly supportive of Belle's oddities. I wonder why.