A/N: Here's another Les Mis AU. Again, in all my Les Mis stories, I will be using the cast from the movie (so Hugh Jackman as Valjean and Russell Crowe as Javert). This is meant to be a Beauty and the Beast!AU, with some modifications.
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There once was a young man named Jean Valjean. He was a poor, beggar boy, who stole what he could to provide for himself, his sister, and her bastard son. Valjean's nephew became sick, and was close to death. He needed a hospital, but Valjean had no money. At a loss of what to do, Valjean and his sister fell into despair.
One day, as Valjean snuck into a tavern, a rumor floated around of an old sorceress who had died, leaving behind a house full of treasures. Valjean eavesdropped on the group of men having the conversation, and discovered that the woman's house was a few miles from town, in the swamps.
Valjean bid his sister and nephew goodbye, hopeful that he would return with enough treasures to afford his nephew's healthcare. Valjean set out on his journey, taking two days to finally reach the old house. The roof and walls were full of holes, the chimney had crumbled apart, and moss covered what was left of the structure.
Though the house was obviously abandoned, Valjean was hesitant as he snuck through the heavy door. He gasped, almost falling back on his ass as three cats ran past him, screeching. Valjean caught his breath, then proceeded inside. Light filtered in through the damaged ceiling and walls, but still, it was dark.
Searching blindly, Valjean found a wooden chest and pushed it open. Inside, gold and jewels glittered and shone like stars. A greedy grin spread across Valjean's face as he began to fill a sack he had brought along. There was so much here, he could possibly make a second trip and fill another bag. He could hardly contain his excitement. Not only would his nephew get the care he needed, they would be able to live the lives they deserved to.
When Valjean's bag was full, he started for the door, but a sudden, strong gust of wind slammed it shut with an ominous bang. Valjean's breath caught in his throat and he stumbled back. Out of the darkness, a voice boomed, "Who dares to steal Madame Custance de Sauveterre's treasure?" It was obviously a woman's voice, but it was deep and raspy.
After clearing his throat, Valjean answered, "My name is Jean Valjean. I was told that the sorceress that lived here had passed."
"And so you deemed it right to steal my treasure?"
Valjean looked for the woman in the dark, but couldn't see her. "My sister's son is close to death. I need this treasure to get him the proper care that he needs."
Silence overtook the room for a minute, before the old woman replied, "Go on, take the treasure, take care of your nephew, and never return. But be warned, Jean Valjean, I have laid a curse on your name. However, I am old now, so it will take time for this spell to take effect."
Valjean held back a laugh. "Oh, is that so? And, how long will it take for my name to be cursed?"
The woman was quiet, as if pondering her reply. "Five years." When Valjean chuckled, she thundered, "Tread carefully, Jean Valjean, for this curse is beyond anything you can imagine. The ugliness of your soul shall reflect on your face. You will be turned into a horrid beast." When Valjean said nothing, Madame Custance added, "There is only one way to prevent this curse from taking effect."
"And what would that be?" Valjean didn't sound affected, but he trembled lightly despite himself.
"Use these next five years to become an honest, good man. Use this new-found wealth to care for others, and do nothing for yourself. If you can become completely selfless in the next five years, this spell will be broken. But if not, you will be doomed to be a beast, until you can find someone who will love you despite your atrocious nature."
The door slowly opened, and when light streamed in, Jean Valjean was alone. Swallowing dryly, Valjean ran out into the swamp, his treasure in tow.