The Dreamer and the Hunter - A Beauty and the Beast Story

A Threat to Us All!

When Belle entered the cottage after thanking and saying goodnight to Gaston, who thanked her again for going to the dance with him, she was greeted by her father tinkering away by the fire. He smiled and rose to his feet when she came in.

"Why Papa, you're still awake."

"Well of course, I didn't want to miss you. I am eager to hear all about the evening! So, how was it?"

She gave a content sigh, a smile on her face. "It was - wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. The music, the decorations, the dancing. And everyone looked so lovely! It was like something out of a fairy tale!" She twirled around, the skirt of her dress swirling as she did so. "And Gaston... I was worried things would be awkward between us, and it started out that way, but then it all went away. He was such a gentleman the whole time." She chuckled, recalling his efforts. "And then during the last dance it was like we had this connection, an understanding. It was indescribable."

"The bond two people share when dancing is a remarkable thing," her father agreed with a smile of his own. "I'm glad you had a nice time."

"Oh Papa, it was magical." There really was no other way to describe it. And that moment where it felt as though it were only the two of them there, just her and him, dancing together, everyone and everything else melting away and leaving just them. Such a strange sensation had filled her then - what did it mean?

Still pondering this, Belle changed out of her gown and returned it to the box and stored it away in her wardrobe. "Thank you Maman," she whispered before closing the doors.

Then, seeing as it wasn't too late, she settled down to do some reading. That is, if she could concentrate. Her thoughts kept trailing off to the evening, particularly that last dance. She had felt something then, this she was certain of. And furthermore, she was sure Gaston had felt it too.

"Hmm... What do you suppose?" Maurice stood before the window, peering out into the night. Belle joined him and saw the flickering of torchlight, multiple torches by the looks of it, drawing closer and closer. They stood and watched as the torchlight began outlining a procession of people and animals and carts, heading towards the town square. Distant shouts and cries could be heard - a procession of distress.

Belle and Maurice weren't the only villagers who'd noticed the newcomers. Pretty soon every door in Villeneuve was open and the townsfolk poured out, approaching the procession, all equally curious. Belle and Maurice left their own cottage and gasped.

It was a startling sight. These people looked tired and shaken, scared. There were many wounded. People spoke in hurried voices, children cried, and there was shouting.

"Help, somebody help us, please!" called the man leading the procession.

Père Robert came rushing out of the chapel. "Monsieur Armand, mayor of Petite Fleur?"

"Yes," confirmed the man.

"Whatever happened?"

"The beast, it attacked us, ransacked our village, and with no warning at all. Many dead, many wounded. We evacuated as soon as we could, mostly with what we had on us, nothing more. Our village now lies in ruins."

Upon hearing this there were gasps and murmurs from the townsfolk. Not long ago everyone was enjoying a merry fair in the town these people were now saying was destroyed.

"The beast!"

"The rumours are true!"

"Oh yes," said the mayor. "Very true."

"Is it really as horrible as they say?"

"Worse!"

Now there was nervous murmuring amongst the Villeneuve villagers.

The commotion in the centre of town caught the attention of those in the tavern. Gaston emerged, followed by LeFou and Madame LeBlanc.

"Oh Captain, thank goodness!" Monsieur Armand rushed to Gaston. "It's the beast, it attacked our village, we barely made it out alive. We lost many, men, women, and children!"

Gaston visibly stiffened but tried to remain calm. "Did you see this creature?"

"Yes, a fearsome thing indeed! It's huge-"

"With fangs!" shouted someone.

"And claws!" added another.

"Oh God," exclaimed the hunter. At first it was targeting flocks, then forest animals, then people. But now it was threatening villages. This was serious.

Gaston went and stood up on the fountain so he was raised above the crowd. Then he took his handgun and fired a shot into the air to get their attention. Everyone jumped, startled, and some screamed.

"Everyone, please. In times like these, hard as it is, we must try and remain calm." He certainly had a way with people, Belle had to admit, a way with controlling large crowds such as this especially.

"I have heard of the workings of black magic but I've never before beheld it with my own eyes. This creature will curse us all! It is a threat to our very existence! We're not safe until its head is mounted on my wall! As the leading hunter of Villeneuve and a retired captain of our army, and a member of this town, I say we kill the beast!"

There were roaring cheers from the crowd in agreement. Gaston took a torch and lit it. "I've rushed to the defense of this village before, and I will not back down now. Who's with me?!" He received another cheer, this one louder.

"Yeah!"

"Let's get the foul creature!"

"With the Captain!"

Then, taking his torch, Gaston threw it up and tossed it into a wagon filled with hay. It instantly ignited, setting in motion a ravenous hunt.

"Men, with me. Ready your horses, your weapons, and your courage. We have a creature to hunt."

(Cue 'The Mob Song' ;) Thanks so much for reading!)

(P.S. The next chapter is my favourite!)