Hans/Shadow lay around the house uselessly for days. He hated himself. And he hated how pathetic he was. Granted, as a ship's captain, he knew that shipwreck survivors needed water and rest to recover, but this time the survivor was him, and that made it insulting. He wanted to feel powerful.
Then there was the issue of little Sophia.
Fortunately, Sophia was a total sweetheart. She was a small brown-haired girl with big blue eyes. Her hands were a bit rough, but still kept some baby fat.
As pathetic as the situation was, she kept him alive by keeping his drinking-bowl filled and helping him shift when he got sore. Hans, though unaware of it, was beginning to change. The weakness he felt, and the support he received were slowly beginning to thaw his icy heart. No more did he view himself as an assassin in enemy country. Sophia's small shack was beginning to feel like home.
"Here ya go, boy," She chirped, "I know how dogs like carrion!"
Hans sniffed the disgusting offering with distaste. He'd had the finest meats since he could cut his teeth. And now he was reduced… to this?! Still, the dog part of his mind didn't, well, mind, and swallowed the offering of (bird?) whole.
Ew.
Hans swallowed. Sophia patted his head, "Good boy…!"
He let out a low growl.
I most certainly am not a good boy! If you only knew what a bad boy I really was!
No doubt as a citizen of Arrendelle, Sophia knew the infamous Hans. Certainly she would have made a big deal about him; the queen. Hans' mind wandered to the woman in white, pursuing a fantasy he was none-to-proud to have. In a way, he was embarrassed that right now, he just felt like hugging her even though he no longer had hands. Also, if she got her hands on him he would likely be strangled to death. The idea that Sophia may not recognize his name bothered him. It was a matter of pride, after all, that people fear or respected him.
Still, Sophia's soft hands were reassuring. He felt safe and secure. For a brief moment, Hans let down his guard.
But for only a moment.
Sofia's step-father arrived home, "Sofie! Where are you?"
Hans could smell the booze from his spot on the back porch.
Listen to me, kid, he thought, looking into her ice-blue eyes, don't go, I'm begging you, don't go. You don't know what could happen to you…!
Sophia hugged tightly to her Shadow. Then her father screamed at the top of his lungs, promising her a red behind if she didn't appear soon.
"I gotta go, boy, stay here, stay!" She got up and left.
Yeah, like I'm going to take orders from a little girl, Hans thought to himself, I'm Prince Hans Westerguard of the Southern Isles. No mere girl can command me!
He rose onto his front legs. Then he lay back down.
…once I get my breath back, I will ignore what you're telling me to do.
His breath huffed with difficulty. Voices came from the front yard, one loud and angry, the other quiet and scared.
Sophia…!
"Ah!" The scream of a young girl pierced the air.
Noooooo!
Without thinking about it, Hans scrambled wearily to his feet. He felt better than he had in days.
I don't need anybody to baby me!
He ran to the front yard. Sophia was on the ground clutching her face. Rage filled Hans as he leapt between the two figures, growling. His animal mind just took over, protecting the young girl. After a second, though, Hans regained control.
What am I doing? I just put myself in a dangerous position!
Unfortunately, the drunk noticed the dog, and kicked him out of the way before using Sophia as a stepping stool. Hans/Shadow yelped with pain.
Well, that was stupid of me. Hans thought some unkind things about the captain, namely how long it would take to chew through his neck.
Sophia was sobbing on the ground. Regardless of what he may have thought about women previous to this, something about her there… affected him. She as just a little girl. The dog part of his mind took control, going to his master to lick her face.
She stopped crying.
"Oh, Shadow, I wish some prince would come along to save me," She sighed. That put a dagger right through Hans' heart. Here he was, angry, swearing vengeance at the captain, and this poor girl needed a prince and he was…. Powerless.
Someday, Hans swore, I will return and take you far, far from this life.
Hans curled up beside her, waiting for the girl to calm down. She grabbed his fur, getting ahold of herself. Hans watched the gentle courage with admiration. Finally, she lifted her head, "Dad actually brought food home."
She revealed a piece of bread smaller than her hand. There was no way that was enough to feed her, let alone both of them. Still, Sophia split it in half.
"Here boy," she said smiling, "Go on, eat up."
Hans/Shadow guiltily gobbled it up, hating himself more than he ever had. He could no longer see people as pieces on a chess board; they were living, noble creatures with more to them than he gave them credit for.
Click.
Shadow's ears perked up, registering the sound. Hans immediately recognized it; it was the collar! She could loosen it! He could be free!
Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, Hans silently screamed, just… two more clicks and I'm free.
But instead, Sophia went back inside, leaving a very disappointed puppy behind.
Sofia, please, I swear on whatever oath I can still swear on; I will save you from this if you'll just free me….
A.N. Looks like he's making some progress. By the way, I publish based on how many reviews/favs I get.