Discovering that his suspicion of Anna is true, he should be excited— burning with excitement as he's crouching behind a few wooden crates. He should go to Curtis with this newfound evidence, with a smirk that screams I told you so! Then they can discuss the next steps of saving the world. It's simple— right? No…
He had ignored her title as a princess— the princess of Arendelle (whose sister is the Queen with ice/snow magic.) Curtis had fretted over that fact. And Hans didn't see why (—taking her out of the picture is for the greater good of humanity, right?) But now, he could see that her title can lead to a long path of trouble. He was willing to take or make the risks of his own behalf. But Hans would never if it involves the members of Ignis. (honestly, they're the only true family I have)
Before tonight, he never realized how young and free-spirited she is. Watching her run on rooftops, twirling and giggling like a free child. He almost, almost, had to remind himself that she's a vampire. That he hates the blood-sucking creatures. And yet, tonight, she didn't pose a threat. She was just having fun, he thinks.
Maybe— maybe Anna is not like the vampires he thinks she is, like Victoria, a past of his. She didn't show a hint of desire at the sight of blood. She refused the vampire's 'gift' and ordered them to leave— the first time he has seen her use her vampiric features (baring her teeth).
They called her queen— proof that she's the key.
She's didn't feed— proof that she'll affect his moral.
(she could be faking this, he tells himself and he wants to believe this, or maybe she just doesn't know how important she is to the darkness)
Hans groans. A long night this has been— and it has yet to end.
Hans gets on his feet and slowly approach the unmoving woman.
They've drained her— (He can't help to note: Anna tried to stop them, but it was too late) completely. Her pretty face is gray and lifeless. Another to add on the list of unfortunate victims he has come across to. He kneels at her side. He fights of any curious inquiries— was she a mother? A wife? Surely she was someone's daughter. Are they waiting for her to return home?
Unfortunately, that cannot happen.
He touches her cold forehead. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "truly sorry," because no one can find you, and what I'm about to do is right.
Hans says a quick prayer. The same one he uses before cremation. He takes off one glove and makes invisible markings on her face. He snaps his fingers, stepping back to watch the sparkling flames engulf her body in a blink of an eye. Normally he wouldn't do this unless the body is hardly recognizable— meaning vampires played mauled their meal. This action is always done with another member as a witness. Tonight is different. It's coronation week. Hans doesn't think it would be best to leave a drained body out on the streets for someone to find in the following morning.
When she is nothing but ashes, floating freely in the night sky, he puts on his glove. He doesn't head to the palace to his temporary accommodations. Instead, he goes to the place where Curtis is.
"They address her as queen," Hans recalls, accepting a teacup from an Ignis sister, Bella.
"So? They may have mistaken Anna to be Queen Elsa," counters an Ignis brother, Fredrick, as he twists his stupid curly mustache. Sophia and Lance reluctantly nod in agreement. Hans rolls his eyes. Leave it all to Fredrick to disagree with everything.
"Yes, of course. Two vampires offered blood as a gift to Queen Elsa, who was running on rooftops!" Hans hisses. "What idiot do you take me as?"
"An angry idiot," murmurs Fredrick.
It's a good thing that Bella stands in front of Hans before he can charge after the towering man. Black smoke streams from his nose like a raging bull. Bella's eyes dare him to push past her. If he had (just to get to Fredrick) he would certainly regret it later. The things she can do with a leather rope… She nods her head at the teacup. Inside is a clear, odorless liquid. Broth?
"I don't want this," he says, pushing it to her. She simply lifts the cup to his lips until he drinks the tasteless liquid. She smiles and sits next to Will, who is fast asleep in an armchair. Hans doesn't blame him. It is, after all, a little after 3 am. But Will is known to be the most lethargic member of the Ignis.
"Do you have any other evidence?" Sophia asks. "To prove your claim?"
"It's the best evidence," says Hans, finishing his drink. He places the teacup down on a nearby table.
"I'm sorry, but do you know what this means?"
"We've to kill her," Fredrick says in a bored tone.
"This is the princess we're talking about," Lance the larger Ignis brother says.
"I know that!" Hans snaps.
"We can't just kill the princess!" Sophia cries in horror.
"I know that!"
"By what Hans' claims, she isn't just a princess," Fredrick smirks. "She's the queen of something much sinister."
Bella covers her mouth, eyes widening in fright.
Hans scoffs. "Oh? The man who doubts now believe?"
Fredrick rolls his eyes. "I don't believe you. Your words alone are not enough. We need more evidence."
"What do you suggest then, genius? To kidnap her and asks a series of questions? I'm sure she doesn't even know that she's the queen!"
"All the more reasons why we shouldn't trust your words! You're too impatient."
I am not impatient! Hans screams in his head. He wants to throw a ball of fire in Fredrick's face, hopefully burning his mustache in the act.
"We should wait for more evidence," Sophia suggest. "Anna is too sweet to be the vampire queen."
Hans rolls his eyes. "You're a vampire hunter Sophia— they can deceive. You know this!"
"She can be an ordinary vampire," Lance supplies.
"How is that any better?" Fredrick points out.
Why won't they believe him? He is the one tasked to burn the key. The prophecy said he'll sense it the moment his element meets the opposite. When fire and water meet. He is the fire. And he fell in the water after meeting Anna. That's how he knew Anna was the key. He sensed it.
At this moment, Hans realizes he should be bursting into flames from the growing frustration. But he's not. Why? He looks at Bella. Oh. the tea— or broth. She gave him something to prevent him from firing up.
"All vampires are no good." Hans reminds. This particular vampire can end civilization.
"Even Victoria?"
This time it's not Bella who stops Hans from giving Fredrick a black eye. It's Curtis. He's been watching the brothers and sisters bicker back and forth. He hasn't said a word since Hans knocked on his door. So when snaps his fingers, creating a short fiery spark, all pairs of eyes (besides Will) lands on him. He stands. "I understand the importance of this meeting," he says to Hans. "But three in the morning is not the appropriate time to argue whether or not Princess" (he puts stress on the title, glaring at the redhead man) "Anna is a dangerous threat. We can discuss that at a later date. Now…" Curtis dramatically inhales. "Get out of my room."
"And here I was thinking you were about to say something awesome," Lance mutter.
"That was awesome," Fredrick huffs out.
"Go back to your rooms!" Curtis points to the door. Hans sighs and wanting to be the first to leave the room and his embarrassment but— "Except you Hans. You stay behind."
One by one, leading with Fredrick, his brothers and sister file out the room. Bella softly shakes Will, to which he instantly awoke and hurried out the room. Hans glares the man— has he been pretending the entire time? Bella is the last to leave, placing her hand on his arm for comfort. He hopes that she's on his side.
Once everyone has left, Hans runs a hand through his hair. "I know she's the princess everyone loves," he says. "but you have to believe me, Curtis—"
"I do believe you, Hans,"
"—she may not know it but she's dangero— wait, you do?"
"Of course, I trust your judgment," Curtis says, rubbing his eyes.
Hans squints at him. Is he just saying this because he's tired? Hans almost feels sorry to wake him up. Perhaps he should've waited until the morning.
"But I also agree with them," Curtis adds and Hans' shoulders' sinks. "They need more evidence."
"I don't think I can find any other evidence to offer them, Curtis. Time is running out." Hans hits his fist into his gloved hand. "We need to do something before the dangerous part of the prophecy arrives."
The bald man sighs, not because he's tired but because he is annoyed. "That is not how prophecies work, lad. You are far too impatient."
This isn't the first time someone has called Hans impatient, nor will it be the last. And at most times, Hans can agree with them— to a certain degree— but tonight, impatient is good for this type of situation. The end of the world is coming. It's near. And Anna is the trigger. They just need to get rid of her.
"My prophecy is completed, Hans," Curtis informs. "Finding the incendiary hero and training him to be fit for his very own prophecy. I knew what was best for mine, and you know what best for yours. Do what you feel right—"
"I feel to right—"
Again, Curtis raises his hand for silence. "Trust your instincts and feelings. I stand by your side." Curtis lays his hand on Hans' shoulder. Right here, he feels like the little boy being told to be more patient. Or go back to the palace, and rest after a long day of training. "But it's late," says Curtis. "You should go to sleep."
"But we need to—"
Hans bites his tongue. He has a strong respect for Curtis. The man who raised him to be this hero. But Hans has his mind made up. It's his prophecy and he shall do whatever he needs to do to prevent it. Because that's what the hero does. Maybe Curtis doesn't know what it takes to be a hero. He isn't the hero. "Fine. Good night."
GTG: it's been long. And this may be a boring chapter. I don't have much of an excuse other than I had writer'sb block. And it's not good to force yourself to write your stories. But I do apologize for the long wait. I thank you all for your patience and thank those who followed/favorited this story. If you're new to this story... *seriously inhales, prepare to type something seriously mindblowing*...HI!
Chapter Seven shall be up soon