Disclaimer: I own nothing of Disney or LT.

A/N: If you couldn't figure this out, Pixel is a lamp instead of that candle because Pixel is more advanced than everyone, so obviously a step up from candle is lamp. trixie is a rollerskate because...well...just because she likes rollerskating. She was the hardest one to come up with at first. And then I realized I gave Stingy away to Robbie. I'm pretty sure I won't have to break this chapter up into two parts (due to the song,) but if I have to then it will be shorter than normal. I've gotten about four pages each chappie, but this might be a tiny bit smaller. I just don't want to run into any problems.

Hey, where are my reviewers? Thanks to those who did. :) the random steph song in here goes along with the Galaxy song.

Stephie and the Beast

Three: Take Me Instead

"Haha! Steph is going to be so surprised, Robbie." Stingy finished setting up white decorations.

Robbie had set up a wedding ceremony right outside of Steph's house. It was a wonder how she didn't notice. There were paper mache wedding bells hung from a terrace. Beneath the terrace was an impatient priest who tapped his foot and waited for the day to hasten. Random guests were scattered around like seasoning in a bitter, yet anticipated desert.

"Now," Stingy approached a small band, "When Robbie comes out with Steph, play the Wedding March nice and loud."

A few townsfolk were socializing while Robbie fixed his costume. He asked Stingy, "Are you sure she'll want to marry a pirate?"

He answered as-a-matter-of-factly, "It's the latest craze. Of course she will!"

"Here I go then. Master of Disguise. Ready to be the husband of the most beautiful, active-though that will change, fabulous woman in Lazytown." Robbie's confidence was too high for anyone to handle.

Knocking on Steph's door, he smiled and waited for a reply. At first, no one responded to the knocking. He hit the door with his fist once more.

"Oh," Steph opened the door and sighed, "It's you."

Robbie stepped in with his pirate's hat almost falling off. He flicked his fake mustache and checked that his eyepatch was still on.

"Robbie, there's no use dressing up. I know it's you."

"What are you talking about?" He loomed intimidatingly and added, "I'm Rottenbeard, a pirate from across the Atlantic. I've come to ask for a fair maiden's hand in marriage. It just so happens that you fit perfectly with the woman of my dreams. Will you marry me?"

Steph grunted and immediately tore the fake mustache from Robbie's upper lip. "That's what you get," She tried not to laugh as he yelled in pain, "for lying to me. Now please leave."

"But you don't understand what you'll be missing if you say no. Just imagine: A little house of our own, twelve of our own children running around, cake, candy, sweets, cake, cake, cake, and relaxation. A lazy and wonderful life planned out for our future."

"We don't have a future together, Robbie. Now, leave!"

Robbie tried to fight Steph as she pushed him towards the door. He leaned against it and protested, "You are really stubborn. What can I do to persuade you to change your mind? I'll buy you some chocolates! I'll find you the biggest and sweetest cake in Lazytown!"

"I don't eat sweets on a daily basis like you. I know what you can do for me..." Steph smiled maliciously, "You can leave me alone."

Robbie grinned and opened the door, "Alright! You just want some more time to prepare. I understand completely, Pinky. I will be back though."

As he left the small house, the band began to play the Wedding March. "Stop!" Robbie demanded as he dragged Stingy by the collar towards the priest.

"How'd it go?" Stingy asked, ignoring the frustrated look on Robbie's face.

"I'd rather not talk about it. Priest," He faced the impatient man, "I shall let you know when our wedding is. For now, it is postponed. Everyone is dismissed!"

About an hour later, Steph poked her head out of her house. She was so relieved that Robbie had left. Picking flowers in the back yard, she wondered when her drab life would positively change. The sun's rays broke through puffy white clouds, and birds began returning home. Night wasn't too far away, and Steph wanted the fresh air to soak in before heading to bed.

Steph: I'm glad he's gone... Can you imagine? Asking me to marry him. Me, the wife of a big couch potato...

Mrs. Rotten! Can't you just see it? Mrs. Rotten! His lazy wife. No way! Not me! I won't believe it. I want much more than this monotonous life!

I want sports candy and to play anywhere. I want to laugh and sing and yell. And for once I would feel grand, To randomly do a handstand, I want so much to run on free land.

Neigh! Neigh! Magnus, the rambunctious horse, galloped towards Steph with worry painted across his fragile face.

"What's wrong, Magnus? Where's Uncle Milford?" She glanced around frantically.

Steph's decision to climb on Magnus came surprisingly. The horse knew instantly to take her where Milford was seen last. As they galloped away, the sun started setting. An array of pink and blue hues collided like watercolors with the white clouds. This night was gorgeous, but decietful. Steph dreaded any oncoming distress as she and Magnus entered the darker of two paths.

An eery sensation washed over Steph as Magnus stopped in a small clearing. She ordered the horse to keep moving since her Uncle was nowhere in sight. The night seemed to be crawling towards them faster and faster as they continued into the forest. Nothing but singing could keep Steph calm in these scary times. Even Magnus seemed to be humming along.

Steph: Look upto the sky, it's our source of light. Past the trees, I ride. We've traveled very far. Put on a brave face, as we search for a safer, brighter place.

Forget all things you see. This forest is too scary. Stay under the silver moon. Uncle, I'll help you soon.

I really want to know, where we will have to go. Through storms, or heat, or snow. Maybe past the shooting stars. Keep a steady pace, as we find a less frightening place.

Forget all things you see. This forest is too scary. Stay under the silver moon. Uncle, I'll help you soon.

Out of nowhere stood a huge castle, gleaming with malice. Stephanie and Magnus faithfully rode towards the gates. Lack of courage would not prevent either one from leaving. Steph hopped onto the ground. The gates were open and ready for her arrival.

"Stay, Magnus. Good horse." Steph reached in her pocket for a crunchy carrot. She fed Magnus awardingly and continued her search for Milford.

The stone castle was even more intimidating once she saw it up close. The rusted door opened with a few squeaks. Stepping in, Steph startled herself with the sound of her shoes tapping on the marble floor. Temptation caused Steph to call out for her uncle a few times. She advanced deeper inside the huge home. Every pore on her body leaked with fright.

She advanced in the castle, aimlessly wandering. A few noises caught her attention, but did not stop her. A few lamps were lit and hung along a wall. She climbed a spiral staircase into the blackness of a tower.

"Hello?" Steph called again. "Uncle Milford!"

All over the castle there was rumor of a girl entering the territory. Zig and Bessy couldn't believe it when pixel told them it was true. Trixie wished it wasn't so. As for Sportabeast, he was on the female's trail. Up a cold staircase he climbed, into the tower. In one corner stood Steph, holding onto her Uncle's hand through iron bars.

"Who are you?" the Beast yelled, "What are you doing here?"

Steph stood with her backbone straighter than usual. "Let my Uncle go. Please let him go. He's so cold."

"He's my prisoner. He trespassed, and so have you. Leave my castle now!"

Even though the Beast was in the shadows of the tower, Steph could tell he was abnormally large. She tried to muster up some strength and confidence. She contemplated any options. As the Beast paced slowly, Steph knew his patience wore thinner than a strand of horse hair. Her brain juggled pleanty of thoughts and found only one rational decision.

"What if . . ." Steph said, "Take me instead."

"No!" Uncle Milford protested.

The Beast stepped closer to Steph, still covered in darkness. His rumbling voice scared even the mice hiding under the floorboards. "You would do that? Very well then. No tacking back your wish. It is granted. Lifetime in my home."

Milford again protested, "No! Steph, I'm old and- You have such a long life ahead- Don't- Just don't."

Leaping towards the prison-like cell, Sportabeast ripped open the iron bars. He was being watched by Steph, who finally saw his monstrosity in appearance. She was tempted to scream. His furry body and sharp teeth were indescribably fearsome. Uncle Milford was carried away, out of the tower. Steph sat by the cell, crumpled up in a juicy mixture of shock and disappointment.

"Let my niece go!" Milford kept struggling on the way out of the castle.

"You don't have to think about her. Go on with your life."