Preface
The Legend
There once was a fair young prince who lived in a gorgeous castle. Though he was given everything he wanted, he was a savage, greedy boy who had no sympathy for any of his servants and paid them mere pennies for their work.
One day an old woman came to the door of the castle, offering the prince a single red rose in exchange for shelter from the cold night. The prince was disgusted by her ragged appearance and turned her away.
"Do not judge what you see," the old woman said, "for you are easily deceived by appearances." The prince, entertained by the idea that his first instinct was wrong, laughed and sent the woman on her way a second time. Immediately, the age melted from her face, and the woman stood before the prince as a beautiful young magician.
"You were warned," the woman growled. A surging yellow light shot from the magician's hands and engulfed the prince, burning his skin. "You have shown me your true self, young prince, and will be marked for your sin," she said. The prince transformed suddenly into a hideous, snake-like beast.
The light shone brighter still and traveled through the entire castle, touching each and every one of the people inside. The prince cried out helplessly, and reached out to the woman.
"Your pain moves me," she said. "I will give you a chance." The woman picked up the rose that still lay at the prince's feet. "Before this enchanted rose loses its final petal, you must learn to love and be loved in return. Then you will return to your original form. If not, you will remain a beast forever."
The magician disappeared, leaving the prince to walk quietly back into the castle, clutching the rose to his chest, never to set foot out of his home again.
Author's Note:
This is an introduction or prologue or preface to my story, Levi and the Beast. As you've probably guessed, it is a parody of Beauty and the Beast, the Disney movie. Or maybe you read the description. Either way, be ready for some funny/dramatic chapters full of GaLe!