Heeeellllllooooo, my fanfictionists! Vanitas here. I deeply sorry for the lack of updates on Angel of Mine and Futatsu No Kodou. I've been swamped with homework and other assignments this last few days, but I assure you that I will be updating them. For Futatsu No Kodou, I'm trying to write a perfect chapter on how Zero's and Akatsuki's engagement party went and other surprises that will come but nothing I came up with so far I really liked, so it might take so time. As for Angel of Mine, I need to re-read the last chapter, maybe edit a little, and see where to go from there.
Anyways, I would like to thank a special someone who inspired the creation of The Will of the Phoenix.
I graciously thank PrincessGabrielsa for inspiring me to write my own fanfiction. If you fans are curious about why she inspired me, I highly recommended reading her Helsa story "Follow Your Frozen Heart". Its a beautiful story and one of my favorites here on
Anyways, the school semester is about to end but I still need to finish my History Final. Expect updates along the coming week since that's when I be completely open to write chapters for all my fanfictions.
Ahem. Without further chattering, Ladies and Gentlemen here is Chapter 3 of The Will of the Phoenix.
Warning: Hans may still be a little OOC since I'm focusing on the sensitive little baby I know he is on the inside, but I made him a little cruel to certain people since he believes they don't understand him.
Additional Warnings: OOCness, slight violence and character death.
Hans stared at the beautiful charcoal sketch in his sketch book. A young woman with gentle eyes gazed at him from the ever white page; he had sketched her with the utmost care and paying great attention to the details, conjuring the vision of her beauty from memory. The young prince glided the piece of charcoal along the page, connecting the ends of the young girl's necklace before setting down the pencil and taking a moment to admire his work. Hans's heart throbbed painfully in his chest, he remembers the day he first met the young maiden as if it were only yesterday. Her bright turquoise blue eyes, rosy cheeks lightly dusted with freckles, beautiful strawberry blonde hair tied in a bun with parts of it braided and used as a headband, her bangs brushed to the right of her forehead and her thin petal pink lips.
"Anna..." Her name was like silk against his lips. Hans had been deeply in love with Anna and even to this day was smitten by her beauty. He remembered everything about his former fiancée, how her eyes would glow when she smiled, the way she blushed when he held her hand, her gentle voice and boundless energy...the young prince could even remember the details of the dress she wore on Elsa's Coronation.
Her coronation dress consisted of a black sweetheart bodice with rose, teal, blue and purple prints on it, and out-lined with a greenish-gold trim, and topped with off-the-shoulder dark green sleeves, a black satin-laced necklace cinched beautifully around her slender neck and bore a bronze pendant of Arendelle's symbol, an olive drab skirt with sashes (consisting of asparagus centers with pink, crimson, dark olive green, olive drab, and blue prints on it between cream sides), white stockings, and a pair of black ballet shoes. A soft sob escaped Hans's lips at the memory of his first encounter with the beautiful princess; he had fallen in love with Anna and even more so when she revealed herself to be one of the princesses of Arendelle. Hans wouldn't have cared even if Anna had been a commoner; he would've graciously married her because he was utterly infatuated with the strawberry-blonde.
"I love you so much." Tears poured from Hans's green eyes; he just wanted to crawl under a rock and die. It hurt so much to love a woman who detested him, considered him selfish and uncaring, cruel and incapable of love. Hans shut his sketch book harshly, bringing it close to his chest and laying down on his bed; he curled into a small ball and sobbed violently. "Forgive me, Anna...I...I'm so sorry."
Hans rubbed his eyes sluggishly. He looked to his nightstand and noticed the digital clock read 2:20 pm; Hans cursed under his breath, he had slept for 4 hours after crying himself to sleep. The auburn-haired man sighed, opening his sketch book and caressing the charcoal drawing of his beloved princess before closing it shut and slipping it into a small chest beneath his bed. Hans made his way to the washroom of his chambers and gazed at his reflection in the mirror. The young ginger barely recognized himself, his auburn hair lightly brushing the nape of his neck, bright emerald eyes now a dull coppery green and the freckles along his cheeks had become more prominent. Hans groaned at his appearance, he was truly letting his ex-fiancée's words get to him; however, no one could blame him―He loved Anna very much and having her call him "a monster" had broken his heart more than it already was.
"Maybe my brothers were right...I'm a fool for ever thinking I can be someone...let alone find somebody who would be dumb enough to love someone like me..." Hans sighed deeply and shook his head; he couldn't believe he was giving into his brothers' words. He wished there could be a time where all twelve of his older brothers would understand him, be there for him and love him, but Hans knew better. He knew the chances of his brothers loving him were non-existent. "You're nothing but a monster, Hans...and it's beasts like you that will never have a happy ending."
Franz panted softly as he carried Jurgen on his back through the Enchanted Forest. He sighed heavily, wiping away the sweat running down his forehead and then adjusting his hold on his younger brother's legs. Franz glanced at Jurgen, smiling faintly at how peaceful the 3rd prince looked when he's sleeping.
"Franz." The 1st prince looked to his left and met the eyes of his 4th younger brother Nathaniel. "The climate is becoming unsettling and in Jurgen's condition...this form of weather will only worsen his health." The clouds roared and soon the twelve princes found themselves caught under a harsh storm; Franz turned away from Nathaniel and returned his attention to his fevered brother; Jurgen shivered against his back, coughing weakly and burying his face deeper into Franz's back. "We should find cover."
Franz held Jurgen flush against his chest, resting his back against the stone wall of the cave he and his brothers had come across after much running through the Enchanted Forest. The 1st born prince focused on his ten other brothers, watching them sitting around the fire. He could hear them discussing Hans, several of them calling him many vulgar names despite knowing his fate in the North Valley. Jurgen whimpered softly in his arms, causing Franz to hush him soothingly and pull him further into his chest. The storm raged on outside the cavern, rain falling heavily from the skies and covering the world outside in a drizzling mist.
"Serves the damn brat right." Scoffed Linus, the 6th born Prince of the Southern Isles. Linus had always been the one to torment Hans the most, bullying him constantly and reminding their younger brother that he was worthless and pathetic.
"You shouldn't say such things." Responded Vladimir, giving Linus a disapproving stare. "You know Hans is very precious to Jurgen."
Franz smiled faintly at Vladimir's words. The Crowned Prince was proud that another one of his brothers was realizing how much they love their baby brother. However, if they were ever going to be a true family than all 12 brothers had to come to terms with the fact that the only reason they tormented Hans was to hide how much they deeply cared about their youngest sibling.
"Please." Retaliated Linus. "Jurgen needs to wake up and see the reality of things. He knows, we all know, Hans will never be King not when he's thirteenth in line for the throne. He'll never live up to our greatness. He's weak, worthless and pathetic. Plus, no one in their right mind would ever love a freak like him. Hans may be our brother, but he's a disgrace to the Westerguard name."
"Shut up, Linus." Came the weak, raspy sound of Jurgen's voice.
Linus cringed at the hoarseness in his 3rd older brother's voice. He turned to his fevered sibling, his heart throbbing at how weak and ill Jurgen looked.
"You have no right...to speak of Hans like that." Despite his weakness, Jurgen sluggishly stood. He shrugged off Franz's arm from his shoulder and glared at Linus coldly. "Neither of you have the slightest idea how much he's suffered. I'm ashamed to even call all of you brothers."
Linus was bewildered as were the rest of the princes. Jurgen never had the heart to speak so cruelly to either of them; Linus thought Jurgen had been joking, but the iciness in Jurgen's green eyes told him otherwise.
"Jurgen, you shouldn't over-exert yourself." Said Franz, hoping his brother would listen and lie back down.
"Shut it, Franz." Growled Jurgen. "Don't pretend to care. I know you could care less what happens to any of us."
"Jurgen, hold your tongue. Father would be furious if he heard you speaking to Franz like that." Warned Mathias, 7th born son of King Claudius and Queen Hannah. Mathias truly disliked the tone Jurgen was using with Franz as his eldest brother's bodyguard by order of the King; it's his duty to protect Franz from everything including their brothers.
"Don't talk to me as if you know who I am!" Snapped Jurgen, finding slight satisfaction at the fear in Mathias's eyes. "Every one of you has hurt Hans since the day we found out he was alive. Did either one of you take the time to get to know the baby brother we thought we had lost after our mother passed away?! I bet you don't even know what father had done!"
All 11 of Jurgen's brothers cowered at the burning hatred in their 3rd brother's eyes. His green hues that once held such warmth and love were now filled with loath and disdain. What had their father had done to place such powerful emotions in Jurgen? It's true that they do not know what King Claudius had done, all the princes knew was that Hans had suddenly appeared at the gates of the palace and immediately latched himself onto Jurgen. King Claudius had been shocked to see the small auburn-haired child, yet the shock was soon replaced with anger and resent; everyone could see that their king hated his youngest son, but could never understand why nor did they ever question it.
"After Hans was born, father couldn't stand the sight of him...he took Hans away and left him for dead in the kingdom of the Evil Queen." Jurgen bit his lip, hurt beyond belief that their own father would do such a horrible thing to their youngest brother. Hans was only a baby at the time and couldn't defend himself; Jurgen had seen his father sneaking away from the castle with their baby brother in his arms. "I saw everything and heard every cruel thing he said to Hans. It wasn't his fault mother didn't make it...but father blamed him anyway."
Franz shook violently. He couldn't believe what he had heard, at first he thought Jurgen had been lying than again his younger brother never lies. The Crowned Prince bit his own lip, tears trailing down his cheeks and onto the stone floor of the cave. How could their father do such a thing? Franz knew his father was cruel and uncaring, but to leave their newborn baby brother to die at the hands of a terrible and blood-thirsty sorceress was beyond barbaric.
"No...Father told us Hans died along with mother." Choked Nathaniel. He, along with the rest of his brothers, was hurt. Their father had lied to them and made them believe that Hans was to blame for the loss of their mother.
"He lied...and we believed it...You don't know...none of you do." Jurgen fought back an agonizing sob, tears cascading rapidly down his flushed cheeks. Franz, Claude, Nathaniel, Alexander, Linus, Mathias, Vladimir, Edvard, Edvin, Sebastian and Adam stared questioningly at Jurgen, confused as to what their brother meant. "You don't know how much it hurts to love someone who hates you. To know that nothing you do will ever be good enough. Hans loved us despite being treated like a nuisance; it's our fault he ran away and tried to usurp the crown of Arendelle. All our baby brother ever wanted was our respect and attention, but most of all...Hans wanted our love."
Jurgen was exhausted. The grief of hurting Hans so much and the shame of never protecting him from their brothers took a great toll on his body, more so now that he was sick with fever. Jurgen felt his legs give out but found himself enveloped in warm, strong arms. He tiredly looked up and met Franz's gentle blue eyes, confusion spread across the 3rd prince's face; Franz never showed such tenderness to anyone, let alone one of his younger brothers...and at that moment Jurgen realized that he had misjudged Franz.
"Don't worry, I've got you." Franz's tone was soothing and soft, his bright sky-blue eyes shining with love and care. Jurgen felt his heart shudder with happiness; a small tear slid down his right cheek, only to be wiped away by his older brother's bare hand. "Shhh shhh. Its okay, Jurgen. I'm here." Franz truly loved his brothers and wasn't about to let another one of them fall. He had let Hans down and he wasn't going to make the same mistake with Jurgen and the others; Franz knew Jurgen loved Hans dearly and would do anything to prove it to their baby brother, and the future king was going to make sure Hans understood that he was indeed loved.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Mrs. Bjorgman?" Growled Regina, growing quite impatient with the whiny strawberry blonde princess. "Stay away from my son. I won't allow you to hurt him more than you already have." Stated the former mayor of Storybrooke.
"But Regina, I was trying to keep Henry and everyone safe from Hans." Anna knew her words had hurt Hans deeply, but she still consider him cold-hearted despite knowing his back story.
"Henry is safe and loves Hans. You have no right to try and keep them apart. I know for a fact that Hans would never hurt Henry, he rather be the one to end up hurt than his younger brother. Hans isn't his brothers, he isn't heartless and cruel. You're simply too blind to see the truth, to naive and hard-head to allow yourself to believe that he isn't the frozen-hearted man you believed him to be." Regina quickly turned away from Anna and left Granny's diner to find her precious sons. It was understandable that Regina would be over-protective of Hans, especially since she was the only mother he had ever known. If anyone dared to hurt one hair on Hans's or Henry's head than they would face the sorceress wrath.
"You really shouldn't work up Regina, Anna." Suggested Emma, still feeling the tension in the diner despite Regina's departure. "She's really protective of people she cares about, especially Henry and Hans." Emma knew Anna meant well, but trying to separate Henry and Hans would only fuel Regina's anger.
"Emma, Hans is dangerous and Henry could get hurt." Insisted Anna, hopping the blonde would see reason and help her separate the new brothers. "I know Hans and he'll do anything to get what he wants. He left me to die and tried to kill Elsa to become King."
"I thought his reason for doing all that had been established. You really need to learn to let things go." Having grown annoyed with Elsa's sister, Emma paid for her hot cocoa with cinnamon and left the diner in search of Killian.
"Anna..." Kristoff touched his wife's dainty hand, his eyes filled with worry and compassion.
"Why can't they see...I'm only trying to protect them, but they're too blind to see his frozen heart." Anna clutched her hands, chewing on her lower lip hard. She wanted to protect her new found friends from her treacherous ex-fiancée, but neither one of them will listen to her.
"Maybe Emma's right." Said Kristoff, feeling Anna tension under his hand. "You have to let it go. We know why Hans wanted to take the crown of Arendelle and saw why he became so cold. I think anyone would turn out like him if they had to live their life being ignored and treated like scum."
Elsa observed Hans from under a large oak tree. The young prince had been sitting on a small bench in the park for the past two hours and the Queen had been growing quite curious as to what the redhead was doing. Elsa occasionally caught Hans glancing at his surroundings before returning to the item in his lap; slowly the Queen of Ice and Snow approached the 13th prince, her heart pounding roughly in her chest as she neared the bench.
"What do you want, Ice Witch?" Growled Hans, the coldness of her aura making the flames of his core shudder. He came to the park to find peace, but his peace was now disturbed by a woman he truly detested. He shut his sketch book quickly before Elsa's wandering blue eyes could catch a glimpse of its contents.
"I-I'm so sorry, Hans. I was...I was just curious as to why you're out here...alone." Elsa had lost her composure. The venom in his voice sent shivers down her spine, but not one's of fear...the shivers were of excitement oddly enough.
"I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you." Responded Hans, his patience wearing thin and the intrusion of his alone time only soured his mood. Plus, why does she care if he's alone? Anything he does in this town should be of no concern to her. (Oh right...Anna's here...She's making sure I don't go anywhere near her...). "Moreover, what I do in my time is none of your business."
"Enough with your silver tongue, Hans. I only wanted to know why you're here. Is it so hard to believe that I might actually―"
"Care?!" Hans scoffed, leaving his seat on the bench and turning his hardened gaze to the Queen of Arendelle. "You, care about me?! Don't make me laugh! I'm not a fool!"
"Why do you continue to deny that there are people who do care about you?!" Shouted Elsa, feeling the air around her grow colder by the minute. "You act like you don't care what others think of you, but in truth you do! Stop pretending to be cold and uncaring! I know who you are, Hans. You only choose to be cold to others because you're afraid of letting people in. You don't want anyone to get too close because you're afraid that one day they'll turn against you and abandon you just like your brother!" Ice shot in all directions, hitting several trees, freezing the beautiful lake and turning the evergreen landscape into a winter tundra.
Hans stared in horror at Elsa's words. The young Queen had hit a very tender spot, stabbing Hans to his core with the reminder that his beloved older brother had turned away from him. Hans gazed at the still green ground surrounding him, the grass slowly being burned by the fire emitting from his boots. Memories of Jurgen's betrayal plagued his mind as did the torture his brother put him through in the dungeons of the Southern Isles. It hurt; it hurt so much to still love the person who made him suffer.
"You're pathetic, Hans."
"You'll always be the unwanted son."
"Poor little Hans. Does it hurt to know that no one is ever going to love you?"
Screams echoed throughout the dungeon as rough leather met his exposed back. Tears stained his cheeks; the pain of the lashes marring his back shook him to his core. All Hans could hear was Jurgen's laughter as the wipe cracked against his back once more; the young prince wanted Jurgen to grow bored and leave him to his misery, but it would appear his older brother was far from being done with him. Why couldn't they see what he wanted? Was what he wanted too much to ask of the people he cared for deeply?
"Can't take a little pain, baby brother?" Taunted Jurgen, circling Hans's beaten form before stopping in front of his youngest brother. Jurgen grabbed a fistful of auburn hair, wrenching Hans head back and chuckling darkly at the weak cry that escaped the 13th son's bruised lips. "What? Tears already? How about I give you something to really cry about?!"
Before Hans could register Jurgen's words, a hard punch was delivered to his vulnerable stomach. Hans coughed harshly as the wind was knocked out of him, blood trickling from his lips and trailing down his chin; the young prince tugged weakly at the chains keeping his arms apart from the rest of his body, hearing the links rattle ever so slightly. The weakened prince was growing exhausted, his vision beginning to blur and senses going numb, but a slap to his face awoke him from his fall to unconsciousness. Hans internally shivered at the iciness in Jurgen's eyes and the amusement that followed it. He loved Jurgen so much that he couldn't bare the fact that his older brother would never come back to him.
"Oh no you don't. I'm not through with you yet, Hans. Big brother isn't done playing with you." Mocked Jurgen, gripping Hans's chin and lifting his exhausted brother's face. Jurgen marveled at the pain in his baby brother's eyes, taking in the torment and vulnerability shinning in those dead, green orbs. "I'm going to make your time in jail at nightmare."
"Hans...Hans...Hans! Can you hear me? Hans wake up."
Hans groaned and opened his eyes, finding Elsa hovering over him with worry written all over her beautiful face. He sat up slowly, feeling a headache coming on as he tried to remember what had happened. Hans knew he had been reminiscing the pain Jurgen made him feel when he was still in prison in the Southern Isles; the young redhead could only assume that the memories had overwhelmed him and rendered him unconscious. It was expected since his body had yet to fully recover from the accident back in the North Valley.
"Hans. Are you okay?" Asked Elsa, placing her hands on his shoulders and shaking him lightly. He was still lost in his memories and didn't even feel the touch of her hands. "Hans." She said again, moving her hands to his face and gazing deeply into his emerald eyes; Elsa felt heat rush to her cheeks at the warmth radiating from the handsome prince's skin, but ignored it and focused on bringing Hans back to reality. "Hans. Hans snap out of it!" Continued the Snow Queen, shaking the oblivious prince lightly until rough hands shoved her away. "Hey!"
"Don't touch me!" Snarled Hans, plucking his sketch book from the ground and running back towards the sanctuary of the Mills Mansion. "J-Just stay away from me!"
Young Hans roamed the castle halls with a scowl adorning his handsome face. At 15, he was considered a trouble child by the servants of the palace. Many of them had grown accustomed to seeing the youngest prince happy, smiling like he hadn't a care in the world; however, ever since the breaking of his bond with Jurgen, Hans had become cold and isolated. Hans turned the corner of the hall and was met with the very brother who had broken his spirit.
"So the devil rears its ugly head." Muttered Hans, soft enough for only he and Jurgen to hear. (How can I still love him even after he betrayed me? He lied to me...but I can't hate him no matter how hard I try).
Jurgen stared at Hans boredly, drinking in the stone gaze of his youngest brother. For a moment, Jurgen missed the smiling auburn child Hans once was, but that longing was squashed when Hans's frown deepened. The 13th prince was nothing to him. Hans could be drowning at sea and Jurgen wouldn't care. The 3rd heir had finally opened his eyes and realized how worthless and insignificant his baby brother truly was.
"Well look who decided to grace me with his unwanted presence." Retaliated Jurgen, growing annoyed that Hans didn't even flinch at his words. Perhaps it was true what the servants had said: Hans had become cold to the core and shut out everything he once knew. "You're nothing Hans, that's all you'll ever be. Nothing." Finished the 3rd prince, internally shivering at the coldness that radiated from Hans as his baby brother purposely bumped him before continuing down the corridor towards the library.
Once the sound of the library doors being shut reached his ears, Jurgen grimaced at the image that plagued his mind. The tears in Hans's eyes still haunted him even after two years; Jurgen didn't know why he begun to treat Hans like a pest, but couldn't stop himself from being cruel. A small part of him still loved Hans, fighting against the hatred that threatened to overpower his affection for the youngest prince.
(You know you love him...It pains you to hurt him...I wouldn't doubt that he's in there crying his eyes out...I want nothing more than to go into that library and hold him in my arms...Tell him I didn't mean any of the horrible things I said...).
"Ridiculous. Why should I care about worthless trash like him? He'll never be King...He'll never amount to anything. His existence means nothing to me."
Jurgen slowly awoke from his sleep, regret washing over him. He remembered that day well; his theory had been true when he heard soft sobs coming from the library, but as always he ignored Hans's pain and went about his day. Why is it now that he regrets all the pain he made Hans feel? Jurgen couldn't understand how it dawned him, but couldn't shake the feeling that somehow there was more to his sudden hatred towards Hans.
"Ah." Jurgen hissed as a sharp pain shot through his right eye and then his left. He furiously rubbed at his eyes, groaning at the discomfort that followed the action. Jurgen stopped and gazed at his glove, eyes narrowing at the small fragments clinging to the white fabric covering his hand. "What the?" Jurgen removed his right glove with his teeth and plucked the odd pieces from his left one, bringing it close to his eye level and observing it carefully. "Is that...glass?" The raven-haired man shook his head and pocketed the tiny fragments of glass before lying back down on his bed roll and drifting into a deep sleep.
Darkness. That was all Franz could see. An endless abyss of blackness and emptiness. Where were his brothers? Were they alright? Did they know he was missing? And what of Hans, did they find their baby brother? So many questions, but no answers and not even the faintest glimmer of light. Franz walked through the dark depths, the blackness never ending and leading nowhere; it wasn't until a faint light caught Franz's eye did hope rise in his breast. A body lay un-moving a distance from the Crowned Prince, the only distinguishable feature being a mass of auburn hair.
"HANS!" Cried Franz, rushing to his baby brother and gathering him in his arms. "Hans...Hansy, wake up!" His tone desperate and thick with tears, given no response, Franz took in Hans's form and felt his blood run cold. His youngest brother's hair was drenched in blood, darkening his auburn locks, bruises marring his face, several small cuts lined his cheeks and blood trickling from his split lip, but the sight that froze Franz to his core was the growing red stain along his stomach. "Hans...Baby brother."
"F-Franz." Gasped Hans, pain shooting through his battered body. "Franz...It...It hurts." Choked the young prince, blood seeping through his gray coat and trickling from his bruised lips.
"Hans, who did this?" Demanded the 1st born prince, his eyes misty with tears and concealed hatred. Hans's eyes were glazing with death, blood pooling around him and staining Franz's bare hands as his older brother held him. "Tell me, baby brother. Tell me and I'll make them pay!"
"Big brother...It-it w-w-was―" Hans fell limp in Franz's arms, his body growing cold and face turning white.
"Hans? Hans!" Franz shook Hans harshly, refusing to believe that he had lost their baby brother. "No...No. HAAAANNNSSS!" Anguish tore at Franz's heart. The eldest prince brought Hans close to his chest and buried his face in the redhead's blood-stained hair; tears dripped into auburn locks and journeyed down bruised cheeks. Franz couldn't bare the pain of knowing he lost Hans forever, nor could he handle the fact that he now realized how much he deeply loved the young auburn-haired prince. "Forgive me, Hansy."
"What have you done?" Franz heard a familiar voice say from behind. The future king slowly lifted his gaze to find Jurgen standing a short 15 feet away from him and their deceased baby brother. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
Jurgen dropped to his knees and quickly pulled Hans from his eldest brother's arms, completely ignoring the agony in his Franz's blue eyes. The 3rd prince clutched Hans tightly to his chest, tears cascading rapidly down his cheeks and onto his baby brother's beaten face; Jurgen sobbed harshly, refusing to believe that he would never be able to tell Hans how much he loved him and that he didn't mean any of the horrible things he said to him when they were young.
"Jurgen." Muttered Franz, kneeling beside his 3rd younger brother and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm...I'm so sorry."
"Why?" Responded Jurgen, his eyes never leaving Hans's pale face. The 3rd eldest prince turned his gaze to Franz, green orbs shinning with pain and sorrow. "Why did you do this...How could you...HOW COULD YOU KILL OUR BABY BROTHER?!" Roared Jurgen, the sadness in his eyes replaced with unyielding hatred.
"W-What? N-No. Jurgen, I- I didn't kill Hans." Stuttered Franz, terrified by the rage in Jurgen's emerald eyes.
"LIAR! It's all over you! The proof is all over you and in your hand, Franz!" Jurgen was furious and heartbroken. Franz had broken his promise, the promise of reuniting him and Hans; his own brother had taken away the person he loved most, the person most precious to him.
Franz shivered at the sorrow and anger radiating from the brother he tried to protect. The Crowned Prince looked at his appearance and saw red. Blood painted his gray cloak and bare hands, but not just anyone's blood, the blood of his baby brother! Franz soon found a sword in his left hand, the blade too stained with Hans's blood.
"Murderer..." Softly declared Jurgen, his gaze becoming hollow and empty but eyes burning with tears. "Murderer!" The 3rd prince said a little louder, lowering Hans to the ground and unsheathing his sword.
"No...No. Jurgen, please I swear I didn't kill Hans. I-I would never." Franz dropped the blood drenched sword, his eyes drowning in fear and shock of what he had seen. Pain soon spread throughout Franz's body as Jurgen ran him through his sword until it exited his back.
"MURDERER!" Shouted Jurgen at the top of his lungs, green eyes blazing with fury.
The 1st born woke in cold-sweat, his bright blue eyes wide in horror and shock, and his heart thudding violently in his chest and long blonde hair drenched in perspiration. Franz panted softly, the nightmare plaguing his mind and sending shivers down his spine, pawing at his stomach for a gaping wound and meeting the warm fabric of his winter cloak. He sighed and remembered what Jurgen had said to him...his younger brother had screamed at him that he had killed Hans in cold blood. No...He would never have the heart to take the life of their baby brother. Franz shivered at the memory of Hans's lifeless form and the burning disdain in his younger brother's green eyes before Jurgen ran him through his sword.
"Franz." Franz continued to take quick breathes, turning his gaze to his ill younger brother. Jurgen's eyes were dull, glassy and out of focus. It broke Franz's heart to see Jurgen so weak, fragile and completely vulnerable; Franz could remember the last time Jurgen had gotten this sick. It was the day they discovered Hans had run away from home in the middle of the night and Jurgen's protective nature had taken over, and the young men had worried himself sick and to the point where he couldn't even leave his bed chambers. "Franz. What's wrong...?" Asked Jurgen, his glassy green eyes shadowed by dark circles and filled with concern.
The eldest prince shut his eyes, attempting to will away the horrid nightmare from his mind and finding it nearly impossible to forget the sight of the light leaving Hans's eyes, and Jurgen's murderous anger. Franz sighed and held Jurgen close to his chest, his brother chasing away all his fears and giving him peace; the future king couldn't help but wonder why such a dream came to him, but chose to put it to the back of his mind if only for Jurgen's sake. Tears trailed down his cheeks and dripping onto his younger brother's soft raven hair, Franz held his younger brother closer when Jurgen flinched at the feeling of tears raining onto his head. Franz was scared. The guilt of losing Hans and the fear of losing Jurgen in the process brought more pain to his heart; the loss of their baby brother was eating him alive and the fact that Jurgen was sick only worsened the situation.
"Franz?" Jurgen was confused and at loss; he knew his brother was dying inside when tears fell into his now unruly hair. Jurgen could see Franz felt ultimately responsible for Hans's fate even though there was nothing either of them could've done to save their baby brother.
"Shhh. Just let me hold you." Whispered Franz, burying his face into Jurgen's untamable black locks.
Jurgen didn't argue and allowed Franz to revel in the feeling of being able to hold close to him. He wished for this moment for a long time even before Hans was born...and to think that the loss of his beloved baby brother would be the thing to trigger it. It made Jurgen sick to his stomach to know that Franz was only holding him out of fear of losing him, but what could he do to assure Franz that he wasn't going anywhere. He had no control of events that can happen and have happened, all Jurgen could do was be there for his brother even if it means being the key to keeping Franz sane.
(He's losing himself...overwhelmed with guilt...Hans...I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for everything...and perhaps forgive Franz as well. Baby brother, if you could see the mess our brother has become...would you sympathize him or walk away and never look back?)
Hans stared at himself in the mirror. Mary Margret had insisted on buying him new clothes and dressing him up since David had given her the slip while she was speaking to Regina. The clothes she chose for him were strange, but they didn't make him look awful: teal straight leg jeans, a knitted blue v-neck top, a burgundy denim jacket and black/blue sneakers. Hans sighed deeply and ran a hand through his auburn hair, disliking the fact that it was now touching the nape of his neck. So much had changed in only a few short weeks; Hans had allowed others near him: Hook, Robin Hood, Jefferson and even his daughter Paige. He only permitted four people into his heart, but Henry told him that it was progress even if the number was small. Hans smiled at the thought of Henry; it was bizarre how a small child had wormed his way into his cold heart.
"Well, look at you." Hans looked into the mirror once more and saw Regina standing behind him, her smile making his heart flutter with joy. Regina places her hands on Hans's shoulders and rested her chin on his head. "You look handsome, my Little Phoenix."
Hans blushed at the name his mother used. It had been years since he heard that affectionate name. The sorceress always seemed to know how to make smile, laugh and flustered; Hans believed it was because she knew him better than he knew himself. He had missed her so much and felt guilty for not being able to remember the woman who had raised him for five years before leaving him in the care of the royal family of the Southern Isles.
"How about we show everyone how handsome you are?" Suggested Regina, ruffling Hans's auburn hair and laughing at the frown that painted his face at the action. "You've grown up so much, Hans. My only regret is ever leaving you in Castle Alexandra." Hans turned away from the mirror and wrapped his arms around Regina. The former Mayor smiled faintly and returned the embrace, running her fingers through soft auburn tresses and feeling her beloved son shiver at the touch. "I'll never leave you again, I promise."
Anna couldn't believe what she was seeing. Hans, the dastardly, jerk of a prince was dressed in the clothes of the modern world. The thing that made matters worse was that he looked good, very good in jeans especially his backside; Anna scolded herself for checking out her ex-fiancé but Hans looked beyond gorgeous, more so since the burgundy jacket made his emerald eyes glow. Anna glanced at his left arm, guilt stinging her heart at the knowledge of what was hidden beneath the sleeve; the young strawberry blonde couldn't let go of the fact that Hans had nearly died because of her. But she can't help but be angry at him; he did break her heart and leave her to freeze after all.
"People make bad choices when they're mad, or scared, or stressed."
She remembered well what Bulda had told her when she first met Kristoff's family. They had about how she was perfect for Kristoff and how powerful love truly was. Love could bring out the best in others and at times the worse in them; Anna wondered if throwing a little more love Hans's way would bring out the absolute best in him. Anna had loved Hans and was angry and hurt that her love wasn't enough for him. Everyone knew why Hans had done what he had done, but letting go of the pain he made her feel was going to take time. The young princess was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she failed to notice a pair of bright green eyes staring longingly at her.
Hans had been staring at Anna for quite some time, drinking in her enchanting turquoise blue eyes, breathtaking smile and angelic face. His beautiful green eyes shining with longing and heartache: Hoping for Anna to notice him, know how much he loved her, wishing to be the one by her side, kissing her and holding her close. It stabbed his heart to know that she had forgotten him, replaced him with someone who she deemed worth so much more. He regrets hurting her so; he loves her so much that he dreams of her every night, his thoughts filled with her laughter, her smile and the warmth of her body when he had held her in his arms after she returned from the North Mountain weak and cold. Hans felt his heart lodged itself into his throat when Kristoff leaned over and kissed Anna lovingly on the lips; he was trembling, his heart threatening to explode, tears filling his eyes and fire surrounding his feet.
"Hans." Henry called out, noticing the small flames gathering around Hans's new sneakers. The young brunette quickly ran to his older brother's side and took hold of his right hand, immediately bringing Hans out of his break down and in time for him to extinguish the flames before anyone else noticed. Henry pulled Hans away from the scene and out of the store, hearing Hans's breaths quicken once more and his hand growing warmer against the redhead's. "Hans, it's okay. Calm down."
Hans was lost in his own world: the kiss shared between his former fiancée and the big oath continuing to plague his mind. He was stuck in an endless nightmare! Hans knew it wasn't safe for anyone to be near him, especially Henry. The young prince shook with trauma and freed himself from Henry's hand, and ran off.
"HANS! Hans come back!" He heard Henry cry, but didn't look back. Hans had to protect Henry, he had lost two people most precious to him and he wasn't going to add the small brunette to that list.
Henry watched helpless as his older brother disappeared into the streets. He knew the reason why Hans had run off, the heat against his hand had been growing and nearly made him scream in pain. Hans was afraid of hurting him, hurting everyone in Storybrooke. Henry thought Hans had gotten past his fear, but it seemed that it was going to take more than a couple of hugs and brotherly bonding for the auburn-haired prince to overcome his phobia of harming the people he loves.
"Hans..."
After running through the forest for so long, Hans had collapsed near a small river bank. The fire wielder panted harshly; sweat coating his face and drenching his hair, tears cascading down his cheeks as he recalled what he had seen. It was agonizing. So painful to watch the woman who held his heart, kiss another man. Hans sobbed loudly, clutching the front of his shirt to ease the excruciating pain in his bleeding heart. The broken prince curled into a shivering ball, flames erupting from the ground as Hans allowed himself to cry, bemoaning the loss of his true love and his weaknesses and faults.
"Hans?" Said a gentle voice. Hans ignored the call of his name until a soothing but cold hand touched his shoulder. "Hans." The sweet voice called again, squeezing the crying prince's shoulder in a comforting manner.
Hans lifted his gaze hesitantly; his heart pounding loudly in his ears as green met ocean blue. Elsa was kneeling beside him, her cool hand on his shoulder and the other motherly wiping away the stray tears that trailed down his freckled cheeks. Hans glanced at his surrounding, noting the fire had been extinguished and leaving behind a cloud of smoke; the redhead bit his lip and tried to scream at Elsa to leave him be, but all that came out was a weak whimper. The 13th prince cursed himself silently for showing such weakness to the very woman that had ruined his happy ending. Hans hated Elsa because if it wasn't for her, he would still have Anna by his side.
"Go Away!" Warned Hans, slowly gaining control of his emotions and showing how much he loathed her. "I thought I told you to stay away from me, witch."
"I'm only trying to make you feel better and the least you could do is be a little more appreciative." Elsa frowned. Hans was being very rude when all she wanted was to cheer the unhappy prince up. It was difficult to believe that this hot-headed jerk was deeply in love with her little sister, but then again people tend to hide their sadness with anger. Elsa had come to realize that Hans was one of those people.
"Appreciative?!" Hans huffed at the thought. "Why in the world would I show any appreciation towards you?! You ruined everything!"
Hans shoved Elsa away and stood to his feet. Eyes blazing with anger and fire consuming his hands; Hans wanted nothing more than to cause the queen pain, but he knew doing so would only make Anna hate him even more. Hans soon found himself surrounded in purple smoke, Elsa's presence disappearing and replaced with one he openly welcomed.
"Hans." Regina said, bringing Hans close and hugging him tightly. She had seen the way he had looked at Anna when the ginger was lost in her thoughts; the longing in Hans's eyes broke her heart and even more when her Little Phoenix nearly exploded with pain when the ice harvester kissed the princess he loved. "It's okay. I'm here, I'm here."
Hans buried his face into Regina's shoulder, tears rapidly showering his cheeks and soaking the sorceresses' purple sweater. Regina was the only one to every really see him fall apart, not even Henry had ever witnessed Hans cry. It wasn't that he didn't trust the 11-year-old boy; he just didn't want to risk Henry thinking he was weak. On the outside, he was stone-cold to others except for the Charmings, Regina, Henry, Emma and now Killian, Robin Hood, Paige and Jefferson, but on the inside he was a small boy deprived of affection and longing for one to mend his broken heart. Hans flinched but then relaxed when Regina threaded her fingers through his long auburn hair, her digits brushing lightly against the top of his head and sending shivers down his spine.
"Why…" Muttered Hans, his words slightly muffled by the cotton fabric of Regina's top. "Why does it hurt so much?!" He sobbed lightly, feeling small flames flicker against his fingers.
"You love her from the bottom of your heart, Hans. Love is powerful and at times comes with great consequences. I know what it's like to lose someone you love." Regina said, remembering the day she lost Daniel and then lost him again when she was forced to send him away with her magic. "Love will come when you need it most, Hans. Believe me, I know." The dark-haired woman smiled when Hans let out a choked laugh, lifting his head from her shoulder and wiping away the tears from his eyes before smiling brightly. "Have faith, My Little Phoenix. Have faith and have hope."
Jurgen lay awake in Franz's arms, remembering everything that happened before Hans ran away from home. The 3rd prince reminisced on the night he found Hans lying unconscious in the hallway outside the library; his baby brother had spiked a fever after coming home soaked to the bone during a summer storm. He had been so scared when he found Hans: his baby brother's face was glistening, cheeks flushed with fever and skin warm to the touch.
Jurgen roamed the halls of Castle Alexandra with a frown on his face until he caught sight of Hans sleeping on the floor outside the doors of the grand library. The 3rd prince rolled his eyes and decided to wake his foolish baby brother before their father came storming down the hall. The old king disliked Hans being lazy and would kick him harshly just to get the 18-year-old up and moving.
"Hey."Jurgen nudged Hans with his boot, earning a soft groan from his youngest brother. "Get your lazy arse off the floor, Hans!" He growled when Hans continued to ignore him. Jurgen was about to kick Hans in the stomach when he noticed the shivers running down the youngest prince's spine. "Hans?"
Jurgen titled his head curiously before turning Hans on his back with his foot. He felt his heart stop at the sweat coating Hans's face and the deep color of his freckled cheeks. Jurgen knelt beside Hans and took him carefully in his arms, feeling his baby brother tremble against his chest. The 3rd prince removed his left glove with his teeth and placed his bare hand against Hans's forehead. (He's running a fever. Tch. I told him never to go outside during a storm when he was ten. Idiot, of course he never listens.)
"Great. Now I'm stuck taking care of you."Despite his frustration, Jurgen knew he was the only one, out of all their brothers, who cared about Hans. Ella wasn't available to leave him in her care since, amazingly, their father had given the nursemaid the day off. "You never learn…do you, baby brother?"
Jurgen carried Hans through the empty corridors of the palace before finally reaching his bedroom; the 3rd heir believed it would be best to nurse Hans in his room since he would have to pass Franz's chambers to reach Hans's bedroom. He settled Hans slowly under the blankets of his bed, hushing the teen softly when small whimpers escaped his lips. Jurgen quickly went to the washroom and brought back a bowl filled with cool water and also bringing a soft towel over his shoulder.
"You're nothing but trouble." The dark-haired prince said, lightly dabbing the towel against Hans's reddened neck and along his cheeks. Jurgen wrung the towel before placing it gently on his baby brother's forehead, smirking lightly when a relieved sigh reached his ears. "You owe me big, Hans."
It was funny to think that Hans had no memory of what Jurgen did for him that day. Jurgen treasured that memory deeply because it had been the only time he was able to nurture Hans with love and not have his baby brother glare daggers at him. The times he ruffled the redhead's hair wasn't to annoy or mock him, but it was Jurgen's way of showing Hans affection even though the gesture was accompanied by insults and teasing.
"Oh, Hans. If only you knew how much still mean to me." Jurgen sighed and closed his eyes, and soon found himself walking down memory lane holding Hans's small hand as he had done when the ginger was only a child.
Hans stared all the dark blue ceiling of his room, the neutral color giving him a sense of calm and easing the stabbing sadness in his heart. He thought back on the precious moments he had with Jurgen before his older brother turned against after his 13th birthday. The memories were faded but he could still remember the way Jurgen smiled at him and the warmth of his arms around his slim form. Hans groaned and covered his face with his hands; the 13th prince would never admit it but he truly missed all the good times, everything he and Jurgen had. He missed Jurgen so much that he even sketched him, the page tucked safely away in the core of a memoir Regina had bought him earlier today.
"I don't understand." Mumbled the fire wielder, sliding off his bed and rummaging through the contents of his secret chest before finally pulling out a burgundy journal. Hans flipped through the pages until he came across the detailed sketch of his beloved older brother. He stared at it tentatively, memorizing the features of his brother's face and tenderly touched the page with his fingers resting against the center of Jurgen's chest where his heart resided. "That night…why were you sleeping in a chair when it was your room? Plus, why did you take care of me when you could've just dumped me in my room and left me to deal with my fever?"
Hans awoke sluggishly from his sleep, he was confused and completely drained; his whole body ached and hisbrain pulsed harshly through his skull. Hans slowly sat up, feeling a soft towel fall into his lap and finding his legs covered by warm blankets. The youngest prince set his hand on the mattress and felt silky hair brush his finger tips; Hans flinched and looked to his left, and found a familiar mass of raven hair. (Jurgen?) Hans was stunned. There sleeping beside him with his head resting closely against his thigh was his 3rd oldest brother.
"Why is he in my—" Hans looked around the room and realized that he was in Jurgen's bed chambers rather than his own. "Th-This is Jurgen's room...Did…Did he carry me here?" The 18-year-old chewed on his bottom lip,eyes stinging with tears. He still cared; Jurgen still cared about him even though he treated him like a pest and avoided him for 3 years as if he had the plague.
Hans hesitated at first, but then delicately ran his fingers through Jurgen's raven hair. He smiled sadly when Jurgen sighed and smiled in his sleep; the 3rd prince's hair was one of his weak points and Hans knew that the only way Jurgen would sleep was if someone brushed their fingers through his dark locks.
"I love you, Jurgen." With those words, Hans lay back down on Jurgen's bed and drifted off to sleep; he would treasure this night forever since it was a moment that he didn't receive an insult or injury from his precious older brother.
Light tears streamed down Hans's blushy, freckled cheeks. Was it true? Did Jurgen still care for him deep down or was it only out of pity that his older brother bothered to take care of him? Hans was at war with his heart and his brain. His heart telling him that Jurgen still loved him, but his brain continuing to remind him of all the torment and torture his brother put him through. The young prince was confused; Hans knew that Jurgen didn't care, the older man had established that when he openly hurt him and told him that he would never love him. But, Hans still held onto the small glimmer of hope that Jurgen will come back to him and be the brother who protected and loved him when he was only a child.
"Jurgen..." Hans bit his lip harshly, a sob threatening to rip from his lungs. He didn't want to cry and alarm Regina that was having another emotional break down. The wonderful sorceress had done enough for him and he didn't want burden her with more of his problems. Hans is a grown man and needs to learn to deal with his own troubles despite the burning need for salvation and comfort. "I miss you, Jurgen."
"Jurgen..."
Jurgen glanced over his shoulder and peered through the forest. He could've sworn he heard Hans calling his name, but how could that be if his baby brother was nothing more than a ice statue waiting to be thawed back in the North Valley. The 3rd prince puzzled and continued to follow his brothers despite Franz constantly offering to carry him; Franz's anxiety was beginning to annoy him, but he didn't blame his older brother for worry so much since it was evident he was still very weak. Jurgen didn't like being babied and wasn't about to let Franz know how much he wanted to be carried for a while.
"Jurgen." The 3rd heir looked ahead and found Franz and his 10 other brothers gazing at him in concern. Franz's blue eyes were filled with worry and sadness, it was clear that he knew Jurgen was on the verge of collapsing. "Are you alright?"
Jurgen sighed and sat on a large stone. He wasn't physically exhausted but emotionally; Franz had warned him not to take everything he did to Hans to heart since it would only drain him more. Black boots came into Jurgen's line of vision and the dark-haired man lifted his gaze from the ground and found Franz invading his personal space; Jurgen would normally berate annoy for overstepping their boundaries, but right now he was too tired to argue.
"Do you think..." Jurgen muttered softly. "Do you think he'll forgive me?" Jurgen had never been unsure of anything, but the chances of gaining Hans's forgiveness were very low especially after the harsh things he said to him before their baby brother met his fate.
"I can't say for sure, Jurgen." Answered Franz, his heart giving a small pang at the pain in Jurgen's eyes. "But I do know one thing...Hans isn't the type to hate anyone completely...He's too good-hearted for that...and its thanks to you." Franz smiled at the glow of hope that shined in his brother's green hues. "If he forgives anyone, it'll be you Jurgen.
Franz didn't rightfully know if Hans would forgive any of them, but he hoped their baby brother knew no one loved him more than Jurgen.
Well would you look at that. Jurgen actually does care, more than he lets on. I have to say that when I first saw Jurgen in "Rocky Road" I felt that he would be the brother who be the least mean to Hans even though he did threaten to throw Hans into the fire for talking back to him.
You guessed it. Hans's un-necessary anger and sadness is because he believes that Jurgen never really cared about him, but a small part of him, the innocent and lonely child inside him, holds onto the hope that Jurgen did and still does love him.
Also, what kind of father blames a baby for the passing of a wife that gave birth previously to twelve boys. Twelve Boys! Plus, leaving an newborn to fend for himself against a sorceress. Barbaric, absolutely barbaric.
Thanks for reading Chapter 3. Please rate and review. And again, I apologize if Hans is still a little too-emotional.