The title is taken from Josh Gad's (Lefou) line during the mob song, "There's a beast running wild, there's no question. But I fear the wrong monster's been released." Contains SPOILERS! So, if you haven't seen the new live-action movie and don't want to know, don't read this. I do not own Beauty and the Beast or anything Disney. This alternative would've spoiled the movie, but I just wish someone who cared had been there to witness Gaston's murderous actions and stepped in to help Maurice...with results, I mean!

The timing of this fanfic happens after Belle refused to have dinner with the Beast, but before Lumiere's grand feast in the Be Our Guest scene.

This is my first Beauty and the Beast fanfic, and after watching the live-action film in the movies, this scene has stuck at me like a leech because of how much it upsets me the way Gaston treated Maurice, all because things weren't going his way! But it was a startling but good plot twist in the movie, different from the animated version, showing us just how much Gaston really only cares about himself, and his dark side.

Hey, if you haven't watched the new movie, my sister and I went to the movies twice to see it! We liked it so much, and towards the end we were just bawling. I'd still advise parents to scrutinize it, in case they're questioning the content. Not all parents agree on what their children should see. But all in all, we really liked it and can't wait to watch it again! I still like the animated version-and glad we fell in love with it before we knew about the new one-It was an amazing remake of the original and I'm not saying that lightly! Reviews are quite welcome for this fanfic.

Don't get me wrong! I am not in any way sympathetic to Gaston here at all! Take my word for that! He's a cold but sly jerk. The way I describe him here, I'm trying to bring out how much of a lying actor he is, that's all.

"Sir, she is supposed to be here forever." Mrs. Potts remarked slowly. "And that's a very long time. It took less than five minutes for her to be separated from her father, for the rest of their lives! Surely a proper good-bye isn't too much to ask?" The teapot prodded gently but firmly. The Beast paced back and forth some more, grunting to himself. A proper goodbye for a loved one? It wasn't like he hadn't been deprived of it as a child! Why should he care about if it hurt Belle's feelings? ANd after all, she'd refused to join him for dinner, when he'd asked politely, which was no small effort! But the more he tried to convince himself that she didn't deserve the said act of kindness, and the more he thought on how beautiful she was and bravely selfless she had acted, the more ashamed he felt of how cruel he was being to her.

The Beast trudged to the bedroom his servants had issued to Belle and knocked. Belle quickly looked up and cautiously approached the door. "Who is it?" She asked nervously.

"You can go...tell your father good-bye." The Beast mumbled.

"Why should I believe you?" Belle replied curtly. "You were so cold to treat him like an animal instead of a person. Why should I take you at your word?"

"Because I SAID SO!" The Beast howled against the door. "Look, you promised to stay here forever. You wanted to tell your father good-bye. If you want that, you'd better do it now, before I change MY MIND!"

Belle stood there, stunned, angry, and confused. Was this a trick? Was he just waiting on the other side so that he could hurt her as soon as she made a run for it? Belle had no idea and didn't know what to think. But here he appeared to be giving her a chance to leave, a chance to say a proper good-bye to her dear father who'd been ripped away from her! Belle was scared. She didn't trust the Beast, but here was her chance and she was going to take it! There was no time to waste. She snatched her cape and threw the door open. She briefly glanced up suspiciously at the hideous creature towering over her, with that menacing glare of his. Surprisingly, he didn't reach out for her with his frightening claws as she was expecting him to. He only stared at her gloomily. "Thank you." She barely said as she quickly turned on her heel and ran.

"What if she doesn't come back?" Lumiere asked nervously.

"She won't." Cogsworth muttered. "Who in their right mind would want to stay here if they didn't have to?"

"I shouldn't have let her go." The Beast growled, pursing his lips. "She won't be back."

"That was very kind of you, Sir, after making her your prisoner." Mrs. Potts said wistfully. The Beast shrugged his shoulders in disagreement and huffed. "She'll be back."

"Your head is full of leaves." Cogsworth interjected.

"She was very frightened." Plumette added.

"She wouldn't return. Why should she?" The Beast sighed heavily, pacing the floor.

"Because she made a promise," Mrs. Potts said firmly. "No one forced her to. She made it out of her own choice and out of love for her father. I'll believe she'll be back."

"Ooo," Lumiere smiled hopefully, hugging himself with his candle hands. "Do you really think so?"

"I do." Mrs. Potts smiled.

Belle found Philippe out in the stable. She gently spoke to him then threw his saddle on, fastened the girth, and mounted. She rode as fast as she could away from that castle, away from the mean creature who had taken away all her happiness. She fled with all her might. BUT, as she reached the edge of the woods, for some sudden, unexplained reason, she suddenly halted the horse for a moment. Feeling resentful and not wanting to, something made her look back and gaze at the castle. It was dark and its eerie shadows look sinister against the night sky. She wasn't sure why she stared at it instead of running away, but she couldn't seem to pry her eyes away. Her plan was to find Maurice and stay home with him forever, promise or no promise! Yet, in order for him to be safe, she'd given her word to take his place. She hated this whole mess, yet she'd given her word. And Belle, the daughter of kind, steadfast Maurice was not a liar. And she had no intention of becoming one now...or did she? Right now, she didn't care what she'd said or hadn't said. Right now all she wanted was to be at her father's side! She took off again and raced into the dark woods.

She didn't know it, but she was nearing the very spot where her father had seen the branch become hit by lightning and crash. She encouraged Philippe to keep going. Yet Belle couldn't help but notice that in these very same ominous woods, the land was looking different. The snow had melted away, and the green had returned to the plants and leaves. Belle found this very odd, especially since it was snow covered winter back at the Beast's castle. Belle was momentarily lost in her distraction and actually slowed the horse to a halt. She looked around her and wondered endlessly what had brought on this sudden change in the weather, at least here.

"Now, let's go home." Gaston snorted, turning on his heel and stomping in frustration back to the carriage where Lefou was waiting.

"Belle is not at home!" Maurice pleaded again. He'd told Gaston the same thing at least a hundred times in the passed few hours, but the arrogant army captain who had offered to help him wasn't buying it and kept treating Maurice as if this whole thing was just a delusional wild goose chase. Maurice turned again. "She's with the..." he said, looking in the direction of the castle, where he knew his sweet, innocent daughter was trapped. He did not see Gaston storming at him in a hostile manner until the larger, stronger man roughly snatched him by his coat collar. Gaston was in a very dangerous mood.

"You say 'beast', one more time...I WILL FEED YOU TO THE WOLVES!" He screamed right in the older man's face, his fury spewing totally out of control. Maurice gazed at him, wide-eyed in shock and dismay, and fear.

"Gaston, stop it!" Lefou calmly but firmly called from behind as he grabbed his friend's shoulders. Gaston ominously whipped himself around to face his companion. His shoulders heaved vigorously, his jaw was set narrowly, and his eyes were white with anger. But Lefou smiled and spoke soothingly. "Deep breaths, deep breaths. That's it. Think happy thoughts. Go back to the war: blood, explosions, countless widows..."

Gaston suddenly began to relax and his anger began to dissipate into shallower breaths. "Widows," he sighed contentedly. He smiled wryly and breathed more easily. Maurice looked on, stunned and horrified at what he had just heard. Gaston turned back to him, smiling widely. "Please forgive me," Gaston said casually, "that is no way to speak to my future father-in-law, now is it?" He chuckled, trying to keep up his 'dignified' facade.

Maurice did not return the smile. He only stared at Gaston with determination and sadness in his eyes. This night was turning out worse than he'd imagined and he still could not fathom the audacity of the village 'gentleman' who had just a moment ago harshly mistreated him, and for no reason. Maurice had chosen to respect his daughter's decision in not looking on Gaston as a potential suitor, but Maurice had at least thought the war hero was a decent enough fellow. He'd thought. That was then, this was now. Maurice had seen Gaston's temper erupt, to a severe boiling point. Nevertheless, he bravely spoke, "Captain, now that I have seen your true side, you will never marry my daughter."

Gaston froze for a moment and all was eerily silent. His face contorted in outrage. Then, without warning, he sucker punched Maurice in the face with his vice-like clenched fist! Maurice instantly became unconscious and collapsed back on the ground, out cold. Neither Gaston or Lefou said anything at first. Lefou was afraid to speak, while Gaston was weighing his options, trying to figure out the best thing to do next.

Belle had snapped herself out of her daydream and urged Philippe to continue on. She was trotting along the bottom of a ridge when...Belle heard voices! As she listened, she recognized one of them...or did she? The voice was all too familiar, it was Gaston and Belle's heart began to sink. But at this point she just wanted help to get back home. Even if she couldn't ordinarily stand the guy, he was nearby which she hadn't expected. Despite her inner distaste, she decided to go faster. But, as she neared the occupants of the voices, she suddenly grew troubled. She could hear that Gaston sounded enraged. Deeply enraged. And though she had no idea why, she suddenly felt the urgent sense that something was terribly wrong! Adrenaline pumped through her body, and she nudged Philippe to press on. "If you use the word beast one more time..." Gaston snarled viciously, tightly clenching Maurice by his coat, his eyes full of rage, "I will feed you to the wolves!" Belle instantly froze. She couldn't see them yet, but she had definitely heard that! Gaston's uncharacteristic aggressive manner made Belle shudder. She forced Philippe to a canter. Something was wrong!

The brave girl on her horse was still in the shadows of the trees, very near the tree that had been struck by lightning. She slowed Philippe to a trot and snuck between the trees that kept her hidden. She wasn't sure what had set Gaston off so thunderously, and though it frightened her to find out, she couldn't rid of the feeling that someone needed her help, someone who was Gaston's unfortunate victim. Closer to the carriage lantern light and the beams of the moon, she found them. "Philippe!" Belle gasped under her breath. She watched in horror as she saw her father, her kind, dear, wise father tied helplessly against a tree. He didn't seem to be aware at all of what was happening to him! Belle's heart thudded loudly in her chest and echoed in her ears. "Papa!" She cried. Philippe's sides shivered. Belle was equally blown away to see that it was Gaston who was tying her father up! She tightly gripped Philippe's reins in anger.

"If Maurice won't give me his blessing, then he's in my way." Gaston said a matter-of-factually, as if this wicked deed he was doing was an everyday occurrence to him! He finished knotting the rope and stepped back in satisfaction while Lefou only stood at the carriage and watched. "Once the wolves are through with him, there will be no one left to take care of Belle...except me." Gaston sighed in triumph.

Gaston might as well have just taken a fist to Belle herself! Belle's stomach felt as if he had punched her and for a moment, she felt dizzy. She could NOT believe what had just transpired! It was like being in a bad dream. She heard nothing of Lefou's words in trying to convince Gaston to look for an alternative choice. "NOO!" Belle screamed and dismounting her horse, raced to the tree that held Maurice captive.

"Did you hear something?" Lefou asked nervously. He wasn't feeling so good himself. As a matter of fact, he felt sick to his stomach and was breaking out in a cold sweat which gave him the chills. This whole scenario wasn't supposed to happen, but now...now they had a witness, who would probably count him as equally guilty for Gaston's dark deeds. Gaston, on the other hand, didn't say a word, but angrily stood up in the carriage and pulled out his pistol.

"NO!" Belle called out again and came into view. Both men were dumbfounded and their jaws dropped. Belle heavily dropped to her knees at Maurice's side, and anxiously touched his face. "Papa! Papa! Are you all right?" She wailed. Maurice didn't respond at all. "Papa," Belle bit her lip in tears, "Papa, I'm here." Maurice barely stirred. It took great effort to open his eyes, and even then, he couldn't see clearly. He dazedly saw the form of his daughter's beautiful face.

"Belle?" He whispered in surprise, affection, and worry.

"Oh, Papa," Belle cried, tenderly stroking his face, "Are you hurt? What have they done to you?"

"But...how did..." Maurice tried to speak but he was slowly slipping back into unconsciousness.

"Never mind." Belle shook her head. "I'm right here, and I'm taking you home!"

"Belle...you must..." Maurice spoke barely audible, then he became unconscious again.

Lefou shivered, half from fear and guilt, and half from relief. "Thank God." He whispered, earnestly happy that someone had come to Maurice's aid, preventing Gaston from fulfilling his murderous action. Yet he knew Belle would loathe him for associating with Gaston when he did this. Well, he'd cross that bridge when he came to it.

"What?" Gaston gasped, lowering his pistol, but his eyes were wide. Had she seen anything? Had she seen what he'd done? Did she know it was him who had knocked Maurice unconscious and was planning to leave him for dead? Had she witnessed it?! If so, she would never marry him now! But Gaston, being the ego maniac that he was, wouldn't give himself a chance to find out about that outcome! He'd have to try to cover it up like he was good at, and quickly. Hero time, he thought to himself.

Secretly hoping that Belle hadn't noticed them, Gaston hopped down from the carriage, and 'anxiously' hurried towards the tree. Lefou stepped forward too but kept his distance. "Ohh, Belle," Gaston panted tenderly, leaning hunched over with his hands on his knees and breathing heavily. "Belle, my darling, beautiful girl," Gaston continued dramatically, "we heard you were in trouble! We came to help your father search, and then..." He continued to feign gasping for breath, "then we found poor old Maurice here, tied to a tree! Like an animal hide. You can't imagine our dismay and worry, for both of you when we saw him. Then you appeared! Oh, my Belle." He smiled wryly, his voice filled with longing. "I'm so glad you're safe! I thought I'd lost you forever." He approached her as if to offer comfort and reassurance.

Belle sharply turned her head up at the 'noble' thug, and stared at him in absolute disgust, and then some. Her face grew hot with fury, and her usually vibrant, soft eyes glistened in indignation. Her jaw set angrily. She stood up and glared at him with such a voracity that Lefou gulped hard.

Gaston, he thought to himself, I...think it's time to let this one go! She looks ready to bite your head right off!

Needless to say, Belle had not been having the most pleasant of days already. She'd found her father to be an innocent prisoner, the Beast had called him a thief! She'd been imprisoned at the Beast's castle, losing all her hopes and dreams, not to mention dealing with her captor's fits of temper. No, the girl had been having a rotten day already. But this?! This whole malicious act against her father had only thrown gas on the fire! "Don't you come near my father!" She snarled up at the pompous jerk gazing at her with thirsty longing. Gaston halted and stared at her. Lefou bit his lip, not sure if he should rescue his friend or let his friend's crush give him the branding he deserved. "What kind of inhumanity are you trying to commit?" She blurted out, her chest heaving from the rage inside.

Gaston put on his best agonized face and his shoulders sagged. "Belle," he sputtered in an anguished voice, "you're very mistaken! Why, I..."

"Don't waste your words, Gaston!" Belle retorted back before he could finish. She was already beyond ticked off, and this guy who had just openly contemplated murdering her father still thought he could actually win her over with his old schmooze act?! She would have none of it it! In her eyes, this cruel act of selfishness, malice, and hate was beyond redemption.

I think we should just leave, Lefou thought nervously, wanting to say it aloud, but afraid to.

"Belle," Gaston said with fake sympathy, "Calm yourself. Obviously, you are deeply stressed and worn out from all that's happened today."

"Those are the first words of truth you've ever spoken to me!" Belle declared icily. Gaston was actually taken aback this time. Apparently, Belle had seen and heard too much of what he didn't want her to. And this time, he was not surrounded by his army of worshipers. They were all safe and warm at their homes, where he should've been right now, no thanks to 'crazy old Maurice'. Gaston was losing this battle, fast. But he would not give in. He had to pull another tactic quickly. But Belle was heading him off faster than he ever had any of his helpless prey while out hunting. And she was far from finished with him. "Oh, I am stressed," she said with sarcasm that was anything but polite. "You were going to leave my father here to die! You were going to let him be killed, just so you could marry me."

"Oh, Belle. You've misunderstood," Gaston said feebly, but it was the best he could muster.

"You're lying, Gaston!" Belle thrashed her words at him. "You're a liar! I heard you threaten him. I heard you say you'd feed him to the wolves! Or have I got that wrong? Have you magically, suddenly learned ventriloquy?" She huffed. Gaston huffed through his nose, fighting to not flare up in anger as he had with Maurice-that would blow any last, flimsy hopes he had left of marrying Belle-, but it wasn't easy with the heated words she was throwing at him right now. In honesty, he was thankful that his admirers were not here to hear her say such things.

"This is the first I've heard about it." Lefou spoke up cooly, hoping to somehow cool down the fireworks that were brewing. Gaston pursed his lips and tilted the back of his head as a signal that his pudgy friend was being no help and for him to shut up. Belle, however, completely ignored the narcissist's sidekick's remark. Her eyes were glued on the big, surly brute who was the sole genius of her present distress and rage.

"How did my father end up unconscious, and tied to a tree like this? Well?!" Belle continued fiercely. "He didn't do it to himself!"

Gaston pasted on as best a concerned smile as he could-it gave him an excuse to show his teeth without revealing too much how very offended he was-, and reached out his hand toward Belle, but she took a step backward away from him. "Come, Belle," he said politely, trying to stay calm. "We must get you home. You're confused. You're tired. You need a good night's sleep..." You need a good dose of Gaston celebration, he thought to himself. That'll calm your raw nerves.

"I'm not going anywhere, with you!" Belle fired back. "And I am not confused! So this is what it's come to, Gaston? I refused to marry you, so you're going to kill my father, to get what you want?! Have you gone mad!?"

"Now, Belle. Do you truly believe that I, the man who loves you, the man who can give you everything you ever wanted, would stoop so low as to commit cold-blooded murder?" Gaston asked hurtfully, pretending to be crushed, and placing his hand on his chest for further theatrics. "Do you realize what you're saying?" Their eyes met but unfortunately for Gaston, he found not a trace of sympathy or breaking down from hers. All he saw on his receiving end was ice and fire, and his efforts to extinguish the high-riding emotions only seemed to continue to go south.

"Yes." Belle answered without hesitation. "And you don't love me, Gaston. You never have!" Gaston puffed out his chest in offense at the insult. "If you did, you would never do anything like this!"

Argumentative as she is beautiful, Lefou chuckled to himself. Well, that is one trait about her that Gaston actually knew what he was talking about!

"I came out here, to help him!" Gaston raised his voice, startling even himself at using such a tone at the girl without keeping it in check. Belle shrinking back and bracing herself with her shoulders was not lost on him either. He could not let her see his dark side, which was threatening to come to the surface again. "I had to! No one else would. Your father begged the other villagers, but they all thought he was crazy. Naturally, I had to step in and defend poor old Maurice." Gaston lied.

Arrghh! Don't bury yourself too deep, pal, Lefou thought. He was used to Gaston's lies and his effective specialty for manipulation and mixing half-truths to create doubt. But this time it was different: this was a case of attempted murder, with a hostile witness, and Lefou truly didn't want anything to do with it. He'd hate to see Gaston ruined, but his friend wasn't doing much too get himself out of the hole he kept seeming to bury himself deeper in.

"I'm deeply hurt and shocked, Belle, that you would ever think otherwise." Gaston pouted, trying to sound heartbroken. He paced around, huffing through his nose, his mind racing as to how to convince her that he could get back in her good graces. Belle was a smart girl, and she was seeing through all his lies right now, the last thing in the world Gaston wanted! And he would not admit this to himself, but he was running out of optional persuasive arguments. He was so used to winning the battle this way, and with Maurice's meek personality, it had worked pretty good. But with Belle, it seemed to be a different story. She was not about to back down.

Belle glared at him as he stomped back and forth, fighting to keep his temper. Then her ferocious gaze fell on Lefou. However, she stood protectively by her father, not trusting the narcissist who had put him there. Lefou gulped as he felt Belle's cold stare. "Monsieur Lefou?" She addressed him in an unfriendly voice. "Why didn't you stop him? Were you going to just stand by and let him do this?!"

Lefou fidgeted uncomfortably. He wished he was anywhere else in the world but here right now, and Gaston's quick whip of the head, dangerously facing him with venom in his eyes only added to the nausea Lefou already felt. Gaston, his hero, was his friend, but inwardly Lefou felt more like the exalted man's stooge than his friend right now. Belle? Lefou wasn't or at least hadn't been considered as a friend to her, which wasn't surprising, what with all the time he spent at Gaston's side, admiring the man and trying to gain acceptance from him. Yet, tonight he'd seen a different side of his hero: a dark, uncontrolled, frightening side which Lefou had almost never seen, at least not ever as full blown as tonight! Belle had never given Gaston a second glance, but Lefou himself had always known that she was, although not really respected, a respectable person who cared deeply about her father no matter how much everyone else ridiculed him, or her. The extreme disappointment, anger, and hurt in her eyes only added to his guilt pangs, but he couldn't deny to himself that she was searching him for truth, if not help! But it wasn't like he hadn't tried to stop Gaston, but it wasn't like Gaston had tried very hard to listen to him either. Lefou took a deep breath and finally spoke up, "I did suggest that this wasn't a wise choice." He tried to say it calmly but casually, trying to mildly speak up for himself in defense to Belle, but at the same time not completely defaming Gaston who was staring him down with a look that said,

If you say one word about what really happened, you'll regret it!

"A wise choice?" Belle repeated, unimpressed. "Is that the best you can do?" Lefou bit his lip, not sure what else to say.

"There! You see?" Gaston spoke up in smug, relieved tone. "Lefou is my closest friend, he can see me inside out, and he doesn't find me capable of murder," then he flashed a piercing look at his said companion that Belle couldn't see, "do you?"

"I always knew you were insincere, Gaston," Belle said sharply, "but this is a horrible thing you've done. You were going to kill my father! You can't deny it! I heard you, and I saw you!" Gaston clenched his fists into balls and he gritted his teeth hard, trying hard not to lash out at the trophy wife he was determined to have despite all of his obvious shortcomings. But Belle's words ran into him hard, and as true as they were, he refused to see himself as a cold-blooded killer. In his eyes, he was only going after his desires. He couldn't let himself though get out of hand as he had with Maurice, not at this time. "Aren't you the least bit remorseful?" Belle continued, her voice not leaving place for argument.

"I...I...you must forgive me, Belle," Gaston pretended to be shocked at his own deed. "I swear, I've never done anything like this, to anyone! I...I can't imagine what came over me." He hung his head 'shamefully'. That's right, a little honesty, he thought, and she won't hold it against me. There, that should smooth it over. Belle is not a hateful girl. She'll see that this isn't as bad as she believes. She'll see me for the magnificent, noble specimen I truly am and receive me this time. She'll console me in my 'self-condemnation', grant me forgiveness, and become my wife. Then I shall be the most adored, exalted man in all of Villeneuve. Gaston felt satisfied and relieved at that thought. He'd given it his best shot. He couldn't possibly miss now! Gaston NEVER struck out, at anything! Well, with the exception of 'crazy old Maurice'. But that blunder would not happen again and certainly not at this time, he was sure of it.

"You're a liar, Gaston!" Belle glowered. "A selfish liar. I see now that no one can say 'no' to you and possibly remain unscathed. You're a murderer, Gaston. And like I said before, I shall never marry you! Ever!"

This time, Gaston sharply turned his head in her direction, his eyes wide with rage. She'd called him a liar, which he waved off as strategy from all the times he'd done it throughout his life. She'd called him a murderer: to Gaston it was just another remaining option to get what he wanted, if he couldn't through flattery and his prey was an inflexible stubborn subject. He did chide himself that he should've known better than to try to hide those things from Belle. After all, she was not stupid, and he'd never been able to convince her that those traits were only part of his great virtues: she'd always seen it clearly. But, the worst was that she'd turned him down, again! No girl ever turned down Gaston, and didn't change their mind later. They could usually be won over by his robust, attractive looks and massive strength alone, not to mention his charming flattery and sophisticated poise. Those were his most effective weapons. If not, he just had to turn it on harder until they decided that he wasn't so bad. Belle had flatly, coldly, completely rejected his offer of marriage again!

Belle narrowed her eyes at him but stood her ground as he shook like steam blowing from a tea kettle. "What are you going to do now? Hit me?" Belle asked coldly. Gaston stared at her, not sure what to do. He couldn't bring himself to strike her beautiful face, as he had with Maurice, but he was a fraction of inch close to hitting something! Gaston was furious, furious that Belle had called him everything he claimed that he was the opposite of, furious that she had seen what he'd done, and furious that once again she'd told she wouldn't ever become his wife! He didn't know what to do. He had always been the one to corner his victims, but in this case, he was the cornered victim. The thought alone sent his mind whirling.

"Don't lose your head, don't lose your head." Lefou finally said to Gaston, hoping his friend would just cool it. It seemed to work, for Gaston froze and let his bristled shoulders become lax. He let out a heavy sigh as Belle watched his every move.

"It's all right," Gaston said calmly, with a smirk on his face which only made Belle cringe even more. "It's all right. I understand that you don't trust me, Belle. And it's no surprise after how vulgar I've acted."

"Save that for your next infatuation." Belle snarled. Gaston started to lose it again but quickly let his old methods take over.

"It's all right. It's perfectly all right," he sneered. "She's afraid of me, Lefou. Can you imagine? Belle actually thinks I want to hurt her! So, you won't come back with me, heh, Belle?" Belle reached down and grabbed a fallen branch, just as she had when she entered the Beast's castle. She clutched it tightly at her side, ready to use it in defense if necessary. Gaston was right about one thing: she didn't trust him! "I see." Gaston sighed in fake resignation. "I understand, Belle. I understand. Perfectly. You're terribly traumatized from all this, and it's effecting your judgement. You aren't able to think clearly. I wouldn't dream of causing you any further distress when you can't bear to be near me, even though I came here to help you!" He just had to throw that in. "We'll leave you alone to compose yourself. Come along, Lefou!" Gaston ordered, his voice hard, all his fake tenderness gone. He climbed into the carriage. Lefou stood there uncertainly. Wasn't Gaston leaving Belle behind to fend for herself, just as he had Maurice?

"Uh..." Lefou hesitated.

"I said, let's go!" Gaston thundered. Lefou gave one last questioning look at Belle then climbed up next to his companion.

"Just so you know, Belle," Gaston called out to her, "I'm the only one who can help you! If you don't believe me, it pains me to say that you'll have to learn the hard way!" His voice sounded full of regret, but the look he gave her was cold and uncaring. He snapped the reigns and the horse trotted off. Lefou looked back as they went away. Belle was still standing near Maurice, clutching the branch, and her eyes still full of daggers. Lefou finally faced forward and for a few moments, they rode in silence.

"Are...are you sure this is a good idea?" He finally asked Gaston. "I don't see how this is going to help your original plans. Maybe...maybe we should just forget about this whole marriage scheme, and..." Gaston shot him 'the look', the one indicating that he better keep his mouth shut! Then the tension ceased and he smirked in amusement and shook his head.

"I was a fool to think everything in life would go perfectly for me, without a few setbacks." He remarked nonchalantly.

"But, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Lefou asked timidly. "Wasn't that a little extreme?"

"Relax, Lefou." Gaston smiled, patting his sidekick's shoulder. He sat back calmly, enjoying the ride. His whole plan was to leave Belle to fend for herself-who else cared what happened to Maurice-, and in the end everyone would watch as Belle in distress would come running to Gaston for help. Or, if something happened to her and they heard her scream for help, Gaston would come rushing back, rescue her, and then return to the village a hero again, only this time he would have his wife that he'd been preying on since the first day he'd seen her. "I will have Belle for my wife." Gaston said smugly. "Make no mistake!"

I don't see how, Lefou shrugged to himself.

Though Belle was frightened to be left out alone, the only one to defend herself or Maurice from marauding predators, she was relieved that Gaston wasn't here so she didn't have to look at his handsome, sniveling, deceitful face. She was still wound up and furious with him for trying kill her father. She heard many different night sounds that made her shiver. Suddenly, she heard heavy footsteps and heavy breath behind her! She braced herself and held up the branch, preparing to whack whatever was behind her. She rapidly whipped around to see… "Philippe!" She gasped, then laughed. "Oh, Philippe. I'm sorry. You startled me." The horse nudged her gently, his warm nuzzle helping to soothe some of the tension in her body. "Well, they're gone. And good riddance!" She growled, looking down the road. Then she looked down at her father. He was still comatosed to everything around him. All at once she felt very sad again and couldn't stop the hot tears that welled out of her eyes.

Belle threw down the branch and vigorously started in on trying to free Maurice of his captive ropes. She tried and tried, but Gaston had knotted them with purpose and Belle could not pry them loose no matter how hard she tried. This brought on more tears as she dropped to her knees, heartbroken. She crouched over to her father in defeat. She snuggled as close to him as she could and keeping the branch at her feet, wrapped her arms around Maurice, resting her weary head on his shoulder. "I'm here, father." She whispered. "I'm right here. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise!" Philippe stood close to them, keeping a silent vigil.

Belle kept watch for any possible dangers that would threaten to harm them and prayed that God would keep them safe. This was where she belonged, with her father, even if it was out in the dangerous woods. Yet, the Beast would surely come after them if she didn't return! After all, it was her fault that Maurice was even in this trouble, and she had begged the Beast to punish her instead of Maurice. She dreaded the thought of returning back to the castle, though she had met some kind friends there, even if they were household items.

Philippe's ears twitched and he turned his head. He softly grunted and Belle heard footsteps. She slowly reached down and gripped the branch in case it was a robber or other sort of ruffian. Almost as suddenly as the steps had reached her ears, just as suddenly she looked up and saw Agathe, the mysterious, outcast beggar woman standing right in front of her. Belle gasped in surprise, then gaped in confusion. "A...Agathe?" She sputtered. The older woman didn't say anything, but just knelt down beside her and took Belle's hands. She squeezed them warmly and Belle smiled gratefully at her. How did Agathe know they were in trouble? "How did you..." Belle began to ask.

"Shh." Agathe held her finger to her lips. She very slowly studied Maurice and the ropes, like a detective. Then she stood up and placing her hands on the tight knots, effortlessly loosened and opened them, no sweat! Belle's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. How did Agathe do that?! In a matter of moments, Maurice was free of any ropes. Belle smiled as tears filled her eyes again and she held him close. Agathe could see that he was not well. She stared at Belle who gazed at her pleadingly.

"I...I have to go." Belle said in a broken voice. She hated to leave her father again, all she wanted in the world right now was to be with him! But, she'd promised to stay in the castle so Maurice would be safe. And who knew how the Beast would react if she didn't come back! Although she still planned later on to escape from the castle, and now was her chance, fear for Maurice's well-being from the Beast whirled around in her mind. She knew what she had to do: she must return to the castle, though it broke her heart to do so.

"I will take him." Agathe said in a slow, simple statement. Belle hugged her.

"Thank you." She cried. "Take good care of him, and make sure he's safe! And if you see Monsieur Gaston, do not let him anywhere near Father!" Agathe faintly smiled and nodded, like a lady in waiting bowing before a princess. Belle hugged Maurice tightly, soaking in his presence. She had so much she wanted to say to him, with him awake, but then, maybe it was better this way. She would return to the castle, for his safety, and it would hurt him so to have to say good-bye to her again. Belle could picture the pain in his face, and it cut her deeply to imagine the thought. Yes, it was better this way. Tears poured down her face and she whispered as she lay on her father's chest. "Be safe, father. You've got to be all right, for when I return to you! And I will escape. I will come back to you! I promise!" She kissed his face fondly, then reluctantly stood up to leave. She glanced up at Philippe, then tried to hand the reins to Agathe. "Here, take him. He can help you." Belle said. But Agathe silently shook her head and shoved the reins back into Belle's hands. "But...you can't carry him back, all by yourself!" Belle protested. Agathe pushed Belle toward the horse, determination on her face. Belle was again astounded at the mysterious woman's generosity. "Bless you." Belle said, once again hugging the outcast, then she mounted Philippe. Agathe signaled for her to depart. Belle hated to leave but Agathe insisted. Slowly, Philippe headed back in the direction of the castle. She watched behind her as Agathe trudged along, half carrying Maurice. Belle prayed they would be safe and that her father would survive.

As Belle rode her dreary way back to the castle on her faithful steed, a thousand different thoughts and emotions were rushing in a tidal wave through her mind. So much had happened today and on this night that she felt drained. At least Maurice was safe, but would he be all right? She was still filled with deep resentment as she pondered on what had possessed Gaston to blow up like a volcano and drove him to commit something so dastardly as she'd witnessed. And he'd still had the audacity to try and charm his way out of it!? Belle had never felt more distaste for him then she did right now! All of his previous advances had indeed been conceited and annoying, but after tonight, she knew he would never, ever be worthy of her heart! She was still angry at Lefou for just standing there, yet as she thought about it, she granted that Gaston was not the easiest person in the world to diffuse once he'd erupted. Maybe the fat little man had tried like he said, but he had still been there and Maurice had still ended up tied to a tree and almost left for dead.

"The master has not returned yet." Plumette sighed, brushing her wings softly against Lumiere's shoulders. He reared back his head and sighed in contented bliss.

"I still can't believe it." Cogsworth shook his head in disbelief. "The master actually followed her! Well, heaven help the poor girl if they run into each other! We'll never be human again."

"Calm yourself, Cogsworth." Mrs. Potts interjected quietly. "We must be patient. And the master wanted to make sure that she wasn't killed on the way to find her father. Very admirable, if you ask me." Just then, heavy footsteps were heard stomping up the stairs. The household staff were all very, very familiar with those footsteps. But they weren't in the frightening manner this time. The Beast entered the hall where his servants were waiting anxiously and stood there. He looked confused, but Mrs. Potts and Lumiere were pretty sure that they also saw a glimmer of hope in his face.

"Well, Master?" Lumiere asked anxiously, too excited to wait any longer to know what happened.

"I don't believe it." The Beast shook his head.

"Believe what?" Plumette asked.

"She...she's coming back." The Beast said in disbelief. His servants all gasped.

"She is?" Chip jumped excitedly.

"She's just about to enter the courtyard. I saw her as I tried to sneak back in here." The Beast explained.

"Blimey!" Lumiere cheered. "Hallelujah! She is the one! She has to be. Oh, Plumette, just think of it. Love will break the spell." He pulled the dove handle duster close to himself.

"Lumiere," Plumette smiled and giggled, "let's not get the cart before the horse now." Lumiere ignored her and nuzzled her beak with his nose.

"Master, she really is coming back?" Mrs. Potts asked.

"Well, it'd be foolish not to." The Beast shrugged. "It's cold out, and there are wolves and wild animals about. It really is safer to stay somewhere with a roof over her head."

"Yes." Mrs. Potts agreed warmly. "Well, as you said, Master, it's cold out. I'd better get things warmed up for the pretty lass. After all, the poor soul has been through quite an ordeal today." As his servants left, the Beast slowly retreated to his 'cave' in the West Wing, to gaze again at the doom-filled enchanted rose.

As Belle neared the end of woods, an extremely strange feeling washed over her that she couldn't understand at all. Maybe it was because she was in unfamiliar territory, but somehow she felt relieved to know she would reach the castle. She supposed that was because it meant she would have shelter for the night, and not be left out in the cold to freeze. No, it was more than that. She remembered how the Beast had looked at her the first time she saw him, his eyes had been full of anger yes, but also...also suspicion, curiosity, and perhaps even longing? Then she remembered how Gaston had looked at her tonight and she cringed and actually shivered. It wasn't that she believed he would actually hurt her...yet, but when she remembered his violent manner and seeing her father in harm's way, and the...the terrible words Gaston had used just before she'd made her appearance...It was bitter and startling to digest. She'd always known there was something she did not like about the popular, sought after 'gentleman' that everybody in the village looked up to, but now she knew for sure that it was more than mere pettiness. It was something than ran much deeper, and darker.

Belle realized for the first time how thankful she could've been for small favors. Yes, the Beast had mistreated her father by locking him up, sentencing him to imprisonment forever, and calling him a thief. Yet, at least he hadn't beaten him or mauled Maurice, as you would expect a frightening creature like him to do so! Yes, Maurice had been sick and a damp, unhappy dungeon was no place for him. But still, Belle had been able to talk to him, and he hadn't been physically scathed, a blessing she hadn't realized until now. And, the Beast hadn't attacked Belle or even hinted at it when she rushed out after he permitted her to go to Maurice! Gaston had verbally and physically assaulted her father, all out of impatience and malice. He hadn't tried very hard to control himself when things weren't going the way he wanted them to, and now Maurice was paying for it, maybe with his life! Gaston was so possessive of Belle, without officially permitted dibs on her at that, that if he couldn't get her, he would give into his destructive emotions, perhaps at the price of others besides Maurice! He had mauled the older man, his elder, which had deprived Belle to give him the proper goodbye, that the Beast had let her do! Was it possible...was it more than just mere coincidence that the Beast let her go, at the moment that he did? If she hadn't arrived in the woods when she did, it...it might've been too late! Maurice might not have survived the night! Belle was amazed at the timing of her arrival. It couldn't have been mere chance!

As the castle finally came into view, Belle had to admit that she was looking forward to a warm room with a cheery fire, and the kind voices of the objects who obviously adored her. She only hoped that her father would be just as comforted tonight, and as far away from Gaston as possible! As she dismounted Philippe and gazed up at the castle, knowing that she would have to face the Beast again-whom she had to admit, she owed a 'thank you' for the favor-, she had to ask herself a very serious question, thinking of both Gaston and the Beast: "Who has been the real beast tonight, the real monster, the one that I'm really confronting for justice and decency?"

Whoa! This turned out much longer than I had originally planned. Okay, maybe it was dragged out a bit, but I wanted to express the thoughts and emotions of the bystanders too. Reviews are welcome.