Gaston’s Story, Part III
By TMN
One winter day, Gaston and his friends were at the tavern, joking and sharing hunting stories. Gaston had his audience enrapt with his claim of seeing the Castle, when suddenly, Belle burst in. Gaston’s heart melted. “Help! My father…where his he? Is he lost?”
The bartender answered, “Belle, both you and your father have been gone for months. We have not seen either of you for a long time.”
“No, you don’t understand, we were at the Castle…” A hush settled in the tavern.
“Did you see the Beast?’
“Was he terrible? Ugly? What magic powers did he have?”
“No! You don’t understand, the Beast took care of us, but my father left, and got lost, and I’m looking…”
“Your father escaped the Beast?!? Where is he?”
“Wait a minute, if her father escaped, then the Beast must be out looking for him as well!” cried one village. “Our children are in danger!”
Gaston’s eyes lit up. He had a plan. It would set him for life, and win Belle’s heart. He stood up, and said, “Gentlemen, it is clear we have only one thing left to do. We must kill the Beast! It will come in the night! It will eat our children! But we will not allow this to happen! It is time to take some action! It is time to follow me through the mist and woods to its Castle! We will hear him roar and foam, but we won’t go home until its head is mounted on my wall! Who’s with me?”
“We ARE!”
Belle’s face blanched. “No, Gaston! The Beast is kind. He’s gentle. He’s an absolute gentleman…”
Gaston noticed the fire in her eyes. The thought never consciously formed in his mind, but his primal instincts knew. Belle was in love. Something clicked inside Gaston. This was no longer a hunt between man and Beast. It was a battle. A suitor’s battle for the heart of a worthy lover. There was no turning back for Gaston now. The Beast must die. “Belle, the magic of the Beast has you enchanted. Stay here, where it’s safe. I will release you from the spell. Men, let’s go!” Belle’s protests were drowned by the cheering and the clanking pitchforks and torches.
The mob rushed into the forest, Gaston confidently leading them the entire way. He knew exactly where to go. They chanted “Kill the Beast!” the entire way. However, when they reached the gate, an ominous silence reigned. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts, mentally preparing for the siege that they would soon unleash.
One of the villagers quipped, “Gaston, if you kill the Beast, the Castle is yours.” Gaston smiled. He could get used to being called Prince Gaston. But it wasn’t his main concern. The castle probably did have its share of riches and spoils, but Gaston was after the greatest Treasure of all. He turned back and saw Belle. Somehow, he knew she would not be the one to stay at the village, even when he had asked her so politely.
He turned to the mob and said one simple sentence: “Take whatever booty you can find, but remember, the Beast is mine!” The mob cheered and rushed the Castle gates. They bolted down the door into a dusty, dark room. They creaked and tiptoed into the Castle, trying to find candles to light the room. When the last man had entered the Castle, the door suddenly shut. Lights blazed on. Everyone tensed. Everyone kept their eyes open, watching for the Beast to strike.
Suddenly, every furniture, every appliance, every utensil sprung to life and started to attack the mob. Everyone yelped in panic and surprise. Gaston fought off a wardrobe, wondering just how extensive the Beast’s magic was. Fear struck the mob, their fighting spirit suddenly gone. One by one, they deserted the mission, rushing back home through the dark of night. Gaston punched a chair, wondering where LeFou was. He knew his friend would not abandon him, but he also knew LeFou was probably in trouble.
“GASTON WATCH OUT!!” Gaston turned around, and saw the kitchen stove wielding a butcher’s knife. There was no escape. He knew his life was over. The stove threw the knife, and Gaston expected a slender puncture into his body. Instead, a small body collided against his. It was a dwarf’s body. Gaston got to his feet. One quick glance at LeFou, and Gaston knew the knife had done its job. Tears streamed into his eyes. LeFou smiled weakly. “Hey, would you look at that. I saved you after all…”
“LeFou…I…Hang in there my friend. I will get you out of here.”
“No…go..get…the Beasss…” LeFou’s eyes faded, and he was gone. Gaston looked up. All the villagers had fled. The furniture had again become inanimate. It was silent. Gaston cradled his friend’s body one last time and kissed his forehead. I am alone once again. He reached behind his back for his rifle. It was time to hunt.