Hello, my princes and princesses! I'm back! First, I want to apologize for the severe lack of updates—I've had a severe writes block and had been quite busy during last summer, a lot of running around because my grandfather was having some health issues. I also took a nearly month trip to Seoul, South Korea with my sister; in addition, I have also been working on a webtoon novel, more of writing than the illustrations as I want to hone my skills before publishing any images and I want to have a clear story to share also.

Chapter 17 has been in the works since my last author's note and now I'm satisfied with the results.

Now, lets all jump into chapter 17 of The Will of the Phoenix: Those to Hold On For.

"Hans!"

Hans stared at his trembling hands, the leather of his gloves in ruins and his palms an angry red; he could hear voices, muffled by his fear and the roaring of the flames that surrounded him. Hans hesitantly lifted his gaze, emerald eyes wide with horror at the fires devouring mainstreet—he tried to will the flames away, concentrating so much that his hands began to ache from the sheer force of his core fighting against the harsh embers that refuse to yield. It's finally happened…he's lost complete control of his powers. How could this have happened?

Hans looked among the people around him: Regina holding Robin close, the former thief dazed and nursing a sore spot on his head after the lamppost had fallen under the molten heat of the fire and struck him, Emma standing protectively in front of Henry, Elsa wearing a look of shock in her bright blue eyes, Anna standing beside her sister and sporting a worried face despite her raging anger early on, David and Mary Margret held each other close and were as mortified as everyone else.

"Hans!" Regina shouted, disappointment and anger evident in her tone. "What have you done?!"

"I...I-I...Mother, I didn't mean- I wasn't trying to-" Hans is terrified, afraid of his mother, father and everyone. The Fire Prince stepped back from his family, his eyes darting between his mother and father to his brother and Emma; Hans risking a glance at Elsa, his heart squeezing painfully in his chest at the fear and disappointment in her crystal blues.

"This has gone on long enough." Regina said, her eyes burning with disappointment and tears. She trusted her son to keep his powers under control, but it seems even that was too much to ask of him. "I've been patient, Hans, I've tried to teach you other forms of magic so that you would have more control…but I can't keep letting this slide."

"Mother…please, I—"

"No, Hans!" Regina couldn't stand to watch her son destroy both himself and everything he loved…her actions were going to cause great pain, but it's the only way she can save her son. "Enough is enough…"

Hans shivered at Regina's words, he knows what she'll do; he's scared, terrified of what's to come. He'll never forgive himself for this…but he can't live that kind of life, he just can't!

Magic collides, hearts shattering to pieces as two souls stand their ground; Hans struggling to keep himself from hurting his mother, Regina trying to subdue her son without causing him further pain—neither of them wanted this to happen, so many things could have been avoided had they paid closer attention to their actions; Regina could've been more gentle with Hans, been more aware of the emotional pain she was causing her son in pushing him away and given him more freedom to make his own decisions. She had pushed him too hard and now…they'll both pay the ultimate price.

"Mother…" Regina locked eyes with Hans, the agony in them crushing her very soul. "Please…don't make me do this."

"I'm sorry…My Little Phoenix." Regina can feel it, her son's spirit slowly crumbling away as she willed her power to take shape…he may never forgive her for this…nor will she ever forgive herself either.

Hans gave a sharp cry as his back slammed harshly against the break wall of the library, gritting his teeth as he fought against the great force pressing him against the building; the fire prince tried to wield his power, his hands screaming for mercy as small flames sparked sporadically along his palms.

"Don't." Regina insisted, using her own power to snuff out that of her son. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be, Hans."

"No...You promised…" Hans choked, his eyes never looking away from the cuffs slowly being wrapped around his wrists. "YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T DO THIS!"

Hans stared blankly at the cuffs, his eyes shrouded with dark circles and painfully red. He always feared the day when his mother would lose patience with him and seal his powers away…he never thought his fears would come to pass, let alone so soon—Hans had tried to resist the cuffs being buckled around his wrists, but his mother's magic was far stronger than his own and she easily overpowered him. He could never bring himself to raise a threatening hand against her…his love for Regina had cost him his freedom. Hans continued to gaze upon the gems centered and molded into the leather of his bindings, its glow made his heart ache…its power mocking Hans and flaunting its hold over him. The former pyromancer glided his emerald eyes to the harsh burns marring his palms and fingers, he'd been trying to summon the fires within his soul to the surface…but the bands kept his powers at bay and what little sparks he was able to release had backfired—the magic-nulling cuffs not only sealed Hans's powers but also prevented him from wielding them.

"Hans…" A gentle, cool hand rested on his left shoulder before being followed by slim arms wrapping around him in a cold embrace. "Hans…please. Talk to me."

Hans continued to stare at the inflamed skin of his hands, ignoring the pleas of the queen he once believed to be his friend…and maybe something more; however, all of that had changed the moment the cuffs had been locked around his wrists. His dreams, faith in others, his confidence…everything he once believed in had vanished, leaving him hollow and greatly afraid of everyone…including his mother.

"Hans, please. I'm…I'm so sorry." Those words made Hans's heart ache. How many times has he heard Regina speak those words to him…more than he wishes to remember…empty words, that's what all these apologies are…words that only made Hans feel so much worse.

"Hans." The prince ignored the sound of his mother's voice, his heart throbbing at the reminder that she had broken her promise to him. "I know you're upset with me…but know that I did this out of love."

Hans grimaces at Regina's words, balling his hands tightly and turning away from the woman who had meant so much to him. He didn't want to look at her…he didn't want to hear her lies…she betrayed him and that was excruciating! Hans slid to his side and lay silently on his bed, his eyes burning with tears at the familiar comfort of the sheets…but his mind reminded him that this was only an illusion…a false comfort conjured by his mother to keep him sane. It was agonizing…torturous to think that his mother believed that this would earn his forgiveness…it won't and never will.

"Go away…please…" Hans whispered, willingly away the knot in his heart at the words he never expected to say to his mother…he hoped she would respect his wishes even though a part of him prays she doesn't.

The soft click of heels fading away was the final arrow in his heart…Hans immediately broke down…his cries falling on Regina's ears as she languidly left the halls of the horrible underground facility—it pained Regina to keep her son here, but it was the only place where he would be safe…hidden from the hatred and judging stares of the people he once called friends and family. Regina had no desire to keep Hans locked away, but his loss of control had forced her hand…more so the fear that overtook the people of Storybrooke and the panic attack that clouded Hans's sense of awareness and judgment.

"What have I done…" Regina leaned heavily against the large wall, pressing her back to the stone and slowly gliding down to the ground. "Hans…My Little Phoenix! I'm so sorry!"

How could she have been so cruel?! Hans trusted her and she selfishly threw it all back in his face…he begged her not to take his power away, made himself vulnerable and cried in front of everyone…yet, Regina refused to give him a chance to explain himself and she deeply hates herself for letting her frustration and sadness blind her to Hans's suffering. She's broken her son beyond his limit…and there's nothing she could do to amend her mistakes…nothing! Hans will never forgive her and she only has herself to blame.

Anna sat on a bench in the park alone, her thoughts drifting to the events that transpired a week ago. She had finally gotten Hans away from Elsa…but why isn't she happy? Anna hugged herself tightly, biting her lip as the deafening cries of anguish boomed in her ears…she could still hear him. Hans, crying and begging for Regina not to take his powers away; Anna shivered at the pure agony in Hans's eyes when Regina locked leather cuffs around his wrists, the gem glowing a bright red and then silence; no one moved, all they did was stare at Hans as the prince fell to his knees and gazed in horror at the bindings.

"You okay?" Anna jumped at the voice and turned her head quickly, finding her husband standing behind her with eyes filled with concern.

"Kristoff…" Anna whispered.

"You look really troubled." Kristoff said, taking a seat beside his wife.

"He's staying away from Elsa now…but I can't help but feel bad about what happened." Confessed the feisty princess.

"I don't blame you…" Kristoff hugged his strong wife tightly, caressing her head as she buried her face into his chest. "I can still hear those screams too."

"Regina…" Anna commented.

"She blames herself for it all." Kristoff muttered, recalling Regina sitting silently at Grany's diner with a photo of Hans in her hands and tears cascading down her beautiful face. "Henry says she hardly leaves the mansion…the only time Regina's ever seen in town is when she's visiting Hans."

"Kristoff…"

"Anna, I don't think seeing him is gonna make things better…Hans can't even stand to look at Regina anymore, that's what Robin's told me when he accompanies her…I can't imagine what Sideburns's reaction will be if he sees you…more so how he'll react to seeing Elsa."

Anna is quiet. No words can describe the thoughts coursing through her mind, nor can she even describe the emotions she's feeling. All Anna ever wanted was to keep Elsa safe…Hans was a danger to her and Anna only did what she thought was right; however, could it be that she has made the wrong choice. What harm did Hans truly ever bring Elsa? Hans never yelled at Elsa, he was always awkward and timid around her…as if being around Elsa always made him nervous…he also never hurt her in any way…he did knock her to the ground! No, wait…that was an accident, Hans had gotten so surprised on his birthday that he fell straight over the couch and landed in a suggestive position over Elsa. Anna analyzed everything that ever happened between her beloved sister and cruel ex, but nothing negative came to mind…to Anna's shock and frustration, Hans had been nothing but caring to Elsa even when she was bullying him…Hans never did anything to purposely hurt anyone.

(oh my god…I ruined everything!)

A low groan escaped Jurgen's lips as he came to, wincing at the bright lights hovering above before slowly sitting up. The 3rd prince hissed at the sharp throb at the back of his head, his brows narrowing in confusion as his palm grazed layers of gauze wrapped skillfully around his head and beneath a few sections of his ebony locks. Jurgen frowned deeply at his memory, trying his best to recall what had happened before he lost consciousness; the weapon specialist grit his teeth as he remembered speaking with the mayor of this town, her brown eyes had resembled the size of dinner plates when he mentioned Hans…it almost seemed as if she was afraid of him—Why? Jurgen couldn't understand why the mayor felt threatened by his question, more so when he demanded that she tell him everything she knew about Hans and why he felt connected to him.

"There's something very strange about this town…the mayor, she was able to toss me against the wall without lifting a finger…that's physically impossible." Jurgen prided himself in being very well-informed and tactical; however, he couldn't come up with a plausible solution as to how the mayor was able to do what she did. "Still…she's definitely hiding something…I have no doubt it's something related to my connection with Hans, especially if she's desperate enough to nearly kill me to keep it a secret."

"It's human nature to keep secrets." Jurgen flinched at the unfamiliar voice coursing through his room, his senses on high alert and hand reaching for a weapon that wasn't present. "However, there are secrets that are best shared. Secrets such as…your connection to Hans."

"What do you know about that?" Jurgen asked, gritting his teeth in frustration as the voice continued to swim elegantly through the air.

"I know many things, deary, including the power you possess." Jurgen grew wide eyed at those words, his heart beginning to hammer violently in his chest. How…How did he know about that power? Jurgen himself only recently discovered he was able to wield fire…a vision had come to him…a vision of him battling a man resembling a cephalopod on a large ship during a raging storm.

"What's your point?" Jurgen shot back, his mind and heart screaming at him not to trust this unknown being. "How do I know you aren't lying to me? What do you gain from this?"

"What I gain is only for me to know." A man stepped out of the shadows, his hair a dark brown and brushing his shoulders…a cane kept the man balanced as he walked with a limp, judging by how he seems to lean rather heavily on the cane. "What's more important is what you can gain from trusting me?"

"You've yet to reveal who you are." Jurgen answered, his eyes guarded and fists tightening around the sheets of his bed. "Why should I trust a man who hides in the shadows?"

"I am a very influential individual. Well known in this town and realms beyond the one we reside in. Here, I'm known as Mr. Gold." Rumpelstiltskin stated, his eyes observing the mentally guarded prince before him. Jurgen was certainly not what he expected…then again, the lad had taken quite a beating before he arrived here in Storybrooke. "But to other realms…you possibly know me as…Rumpelstiltskin."

"I'm not interested in making deals with you!" Jurgen snarled. He may not recall much about his past…but his experience and mind refuse to allow him to forget a man as dangerous as Rumpelstiltskin, more so after an enemy of the Southern Isles met his end at the hands of this diabolical being of great power and ambition.

"Unfortunately, you don't have much of a choice here." Insisted Rumpelstiltskin, unsurprised by Jurgen's answer. However, the little deviant had something he wanted…Hans as well…therefore, the only way he was going to acquire what he seeks is through these two brothers. "I offer my services in helping you learn of your connection to Hans, but in exchange I'll need something of yours. Something…very precious to you."

Jurgen stared at the orb in his hands, his heart crumbling away as he recalled how he obtained this item. He'd traded the pendant around his neck in exchange for Rumpelstiltskin's help…it had pained Jurgen terribly to do it, his heart screaming at him to refuse the devious man's deal and search for answers on his own…but his mind had been triumphant, reminding him that he'll never be able to accomplish his goal alone. The injured prince sighed heavily, wishing with all his might to forget what he had done and follow Gold's words…the orb being the source of his answers.

"A very foolish mistake you made." Jurgen grimaces at the words of a feminine voice, his emerald eyes drinking in the icy stare of a beautiful woman in a sheer white gown. "The most precious thing in my little puppet's life or not, I can't have you interfere with my plan."

"What are you saying?" Jurgen asked, trying to remain composed even though his senses were screaming at him to avoid this woman.

"Don't fight back." Asked the blonde woman, her eyes glittering with satisfaction as her ice slowly coated Jurgen's feet. "It'll only make it more painful for you."

"What are you?!" Jurgen hissed, struggling to free his feet from the ice encasing them. Control over ice…why does that sound so familiar to him?

Ingrid calmly strolled to Jurgen, smiling lightly at the anger in his emerald eyes. They're very much alike…Hans and Jurgen. Their eyes the same shade of emerald, glowing brilliantly in the light and filled with so much anger and passion. A pity that their reunion will have to wait a bit longer.

The Snow Queen frowned at the rate her ice is melting, Jurgen reducing her power to nothing but puddles of liquid; the power of the Phoenix is truly a force to be reckoned with; however, someone as inexperienced as Jurgen won't be able to manage for long. The power of the Phoenix is extraordinary, a rare phenomenon bestowed upon the royal family of the Southern Isles… only King Elias, the 13th prince Hans…and now Jurgen are the only royals to have been blessed with the Phoenix's presence. Unlike Hans, Jurgen has no self-awareness when it comes to his power…his lack of stamina and injured body will be his downfall. Ingrid drew her eyes to Jurgen's face, noting with glee that the young prince was growing tired—sweat gluing his bangs to his face and coating his pale face, his hands shaking from exertion and movements growing sluggish. It's only a matter of time until he collapses from exhaustion.

"You're quite strong, perhaps you can be of some use to me." Ingrid suggested, finding Jurgen's determination and stubbornness to be rather endearing.
"As if I would ever help you!" Jurgen growled, ignoring the quiver of his tired legs and grogginess of his brain.

"Willingly or not." Ingrid answered, a cold grin enveloping her face. "You're the bargaining chip that's going to keep my little puppet compliant."

Jurgen glared viciously at the pale blonde, gritting his teeth at the ache in his palms as he continued to melt the strange woman's ice; the exhausted prince didn't understand why Gold and this woman were targeting him, but it clearly had something to do with Hans. He isn't sure why, but something in his heart is telling him that Hans is in danger…Jurgen feels this sense of protectiveness over Hans, a deep connection that drives him to keep fighting despite his lack of knowledge of what that connection truly means.

Regina glanced at the mirror hanging from the marble pillar in the left corner of her meeting room, her heart twisting with discomfort at the memory of who lies beyond the gleaming glass. She didn't want to do it…she never wanted to bring harm to her son, but he had left her no choice after what happened on mainstreet. Shops upon shops decorated with flames, the leaves of several trees turning black, the street itself melting away under the intense heat and the dry air making it difficult to breathe; Hans standing in the heart of the chaos, his eyes drinking in the great fire and hands shaking with fear—he had tried to convince her that it was an accident…but Regina had already forgiven him for one too many accidents in relation to his loss of control; however, Regina can't help but feel that she has made a grave mistake.

Sobs drew Regina to the mirror, waving her hand solemnly at the decoration on the wall to reveal her crestfallen son; his eyes red from crying, hair disheveled and hands badly burned from forcing his powers to release through the magic-nulling cuffs. Regina placed her trembling hand against the mirror, gnawing on her bottom lip at the fact that she couldn't comfort her son properly.

"I'm sorry, Hans…I'm so sorry."

Hans grimaced at the rawness of his hands, hesitantly applying some burn cream he had in his washroom; he'd finally accepted that his powers are lost to him, the small sparks he's able to produce are taxing and painful. The Fire Prince wiped away the stray tears and found his gaze drawing to the mirror of his bedroom, the reflective glass having been replaced after Emma had broken it (disrupting the mysterious gate that had appeared between him and Jurgen)—Hans sniffled, his blank stare morphing into one of discomfort and pained anger as he tossed a black towel over it…unknowingly cutting off Regina's view of him from her office. Hans didn't know what to feel, so many emotions coursing through his mind…1) he's angry at his mother for betraying his trust, 2) he's hurt that she didn't try to listen to him, 3) he's disappointed in himself for his lack of control over his emotions…and 4) he's afraid…absolutely terrified of being left behind once again.

"What am I gonna do?" Hans asked himself, calmly wrapping his hands in gauze.

It's been about a week since he last left his room, he resigned himself to avoiding everyone he once trusted…Henry futilely trying to coax him out of his room, Elsa texting him day and night (trying her hardest to apologize and comfort him), Regina constantly knocking at his door and offering him meals every day, David and Mary Margaret had stopped by multiple times to convince him to talk to Regina but to no avail…not even Robin could persuade Hans to leave his quarters, but he had been the only to even be allowed into the heartbroken prince's room without resistance (Robin being the only person not to scold Hans for his mistake or try to pretend that things are alright).

"Hans…" The quiet voice of his mother could be heard for the 12th time today. "My Little Phoenix, please…you have to eat something."

"Please leave…" Hans answered in a weak tone, he didn't want to face Regina…not when he feels so horrible about himself and his situation, heart shattered and his entire persona radiating misery.

"Hans…" Regina's voice is strained, seeping with pain and regret. "I'll…I'll leave it here for you."

Hans glanced up and was met with the smooth white of his bedroom door, Regina having retreated quickly from his room to give him space. The ginger turned to the plate on his nightstand, shaking his head numbly at the neatly served square of lasagna; Regina trying her best to be the mother she should've been when the emotional incident had occurred. Hans stood from his bed and gathered the plate from his furniture, shrugging his shoulders in defeat as he gave into his hunger…delicious…as expected—Regina always had a keen eye for quality ingredients for every meal and even desserts. Hans exhaled and finished the rest of the lasagna, placing the now empty plate on the nightstand and dragging his feet towards bed; the Fire Prince dropping onto the soft mattress and groaning at the vibrations coming across his pillow, his friends have been texting him repeatedly after Hans had revealed that he had lost his temper and have been confined to the mansion, Jake immediately calling it "house arrest" since Hans is restricted within the walls of his home.

"Jesse…" Hans mumbled, staring at the text the oldest of them had sent. Jesse is deeply concerned about Hans, always messaging the redhead to ensure that he's eating properly and getting enough sleep. Hans smiled faintly at Jesse's concern, the older male reminding him so much of Jurgen and how his brother would fuss over him as a child.

Hey Hans. I know things are tough right now, but remember that we're here for you. We're family now and family's got each other's back. You're probably not up for it, but I want to invite you to game and stream with us. I understand if you want to have your facecam off and just join us in a discord call. The invite is open, join anytime. With lots of Love and Support, Jesse and Crew!

Hans sniffled at the message, he feels so lucky to have amazing friends like them. This quad of friends know his background and the terrible things that he's done, yet they continue to show him support and greatly believe that he's changed for the better. Hans glimpsed at his console and headset, his heart hammering in his chest as he considers joining his friends in their stream; Hans isn't shy about streaming…but he is concerned about how his friends will react to the hoarseness of his voice, more so his subscribers and followers since he's been off-grid for the past few weeks.

"I'll…I'll just keep my facecam off…" Hans hauled himself out of his bed and collected his streaming gear, making sure that his webcam is active and that his headset is charged. "I do miss them…please…just don't ask questions."

Hans logged on and searched for his friends' streaming accounts, he messaged Jesse and waited for his self-appointed older brother's reply—Hans jumped at the sound of the notification on his phone and weakly smiled when an invite immediately followed suit, the ginger prince took a deep breath and calmly joined the call.

"Hello, My Wonderful Sorcerers and Sorceresses! Welcome back to another infamous stream, I'm your gracious host Skywalker59! Joining me tonight is my brother Ravager93, MythWrecker, TyLeonhart83! And our special guest and new family member 13thPrince!"

Hans chewed on his lip as he heard Jesse give an energetic introduction to his stream, his cheeks growing warm at the mention of his gamertag and now streamer name. He glanced at the rest of his friends who were currently streaming with their facecams on; Hans considered turning on his own camera, but shook the thought away as he recall how ill he looked when he washed his face earlier today—dark circles rimming his emerald eyes, making them appear a mossy green, face rather pale and lips slightly chapped…he understands that his subscribers didn't really mind if he was on camera or not, but Hans felt his followers deserved better than the beaten down man he is now.

"Hello Myth Believers! Tonight is going to be an amazing stream! As many of you may have noticed, we're co-streaming with my older brother Skywalker59 and closest friends MythWrecker, TyLeonhart83 and 13thPrince! Buckle Up, my amazing audience because we're going to wreck some killers!" Jake echoed his brother's colorful personality as he presented his own stream introduction.

Hans fidgets nervously on his stream, his dull green eyes scanning the numerous messages in the chat asking how he is and that they missed him; Hans is still baffled by how loving his community is and how much its grown thanks to the unyielding support of his dear friends. The Fire Prince chewed on his lip, struggling to keep his tears from cascading down his eyes as he continued to read through his stream's chat, many individuals wishing him well and for him to recover; Jesse had mentioned in one of his streams that he's been feeling unwell lately which is why he hadn't been streaming for the past 2 weeks…it's only now that Hans has found the courage to return. Hans flinched at the sound of a text arriving on his phone, the ginger hesitantly collected his phone and viewed the message—Hans's heart skipped a beat as he read that Jake had added a special gift for him to use in his stream, Hans followed the directions Jake kindly included in the message and found himself in crying at the addition to his streaming screen.

Smiling proudly in his place is a beautiful avatar. The digital being's eyes are a vibrant emerald hue, soft freckles gliding across their nose and cheeks, auburn hair brushing against smooth but freckled cheeks, locks arranged in flawless waves along the avatar's face and ears, soft stubble lining their jawline and chin. Hans sniffled softly and weakly chuckled at the gentle resemblance to himself, the avatar wore an outfit similar to one he had worn months ago but with a red tank, denim jacket and a sterling light scarf, a platinum sword is strapped to the back of the avatar's back and golden yellow headphones rested atop of the animated figure's head—Hans lightly touched the avatar on his screen, deeply touched that Jake had done this for him out of the kindness out his big heart.

"H-Hello everyone." Hans said softly, his voice rough and low from exhaustion. The ginger chuckled lightly, his subscribers going wild in chat as numerous followers fawned over his new avatar; Hans quickly sent a text to Jake, graciously thanking his loyal friend for the amazing upgrade to his stream. Jake returned his message with a wink and of course his good nature kissy face; Hans remembers the first time Jake sent it, he'd been so flustered that he'd left poor Jesse on read for a week until Aiden explained that Jake did that to each one of them including his own brother—apparently, kissy face emojis are Jake's trademark in every sentence…an innocent and sweet gesture, a small joke amongst the group, even though Jake later confessed that he did find Hans handsome. "I'm sorry I've been away for so long. Things have been happening lately and I haven't been feeling my best. I appreciate you all being here tonight and welcoming me back with all these subscriptions and donations."

Far Away from Storybrooke, smiling happily in their own stream are Aiden, Tyler, Jesse and Jake. The Quad of streamers are overjoyed to have Hans back in action, a bit worn out and ill, but their dear friend is here with them; the four friends missed Hans terribly when the ginger had gone MIA once again, they couldn't stop worrying about the younger streamer until Hans sent a brief message to their group chat explaining that things are rather complicated at home and that he'll give them further details soon. Jesse and company never expected that Regina would keep Hans on lock down at home over something that was beyond his control, Jesse is beyond furious and wanted nothing more than to go barging into the mansion and relieving Regina of her parental rights (Jesse being the eldest of the five of them and most protective; the older Walker's big brother instincts feverishly showing as he raged about Regina's irrational actions towards Hans's mistakes and lack of care for his feelings). Hans had tried his best to soothe Jesse's rage, uncomfortably defending his mother but couldn't find it within himself reasons to justify Regina's decisions; all the Fire Prince did was listen to his friends encouraging words and Jesse's unconcealed fury—Hans is deeply touched by the care (love) his friends shower him with…even though they've only known each other for a year and several months; the four gamers speak to Hans as though they've known him for years (kindred spirits is what Emma had called them when he shared his experiences with Jesse and company through gaming and co-streams).

Hans felt sweat trickling down his he avoided being downed by a perma-tier 3 Myers, the pallet stunning the killer temporarily and giving Hans a small moment to calm his nerves. The Shape had been chasing him relentlessly throughout Midwich, purposely ignoring 2 gens being completed as they continued to trail behind the dark-haired survivor; Hans couldn't fathom what he had done to make this killer is persistent, he'd only been working on a generator in the piano room with Jesse when he heard the quiet breathing of the Shape coming from the bathrooms of Midwich—Hans and Jesse immediately jumped off the gen, barley avoiding being hit by the large kitchen and grimacing as they heard it connect with the metal of the gen. The blank stare of The Shape slowly turned and zeroed in on the Saboteur (Hans's chosen survivor) before beelining towards Hans and proceeding to chase him around the piano, the player's ears on the other side deaf to the gen being repaired beside them.

"Two gens done, three to go." Tyler calmly stated through their discord call. "Lord, this map is a nightmare to find gens on."

"Is that Myers still chasing you, Hansy?" Asked Jake, sounding greatly exasperated that The Shape had yet to try and protect its generators.

"Like a cat chasing a mouse." Confirmed Hans, growing rather tired at the fact that he's been in chase across the entirety of the map. "Why is he targeting me?"

"Not sure. Usually a killer would give up chase after losing this many gens." Said Aiden, casually walking by as Myers continued to play ring-around-a rosie with Jake Park around the science room table before being stunned once again by a pallet. "And there he goes, oblivious to another survivor standing at the door."

"Is anyone else getting a little…bored?" Questioned Jesse, completing their 3rd gen in the courtyard.

"Honestly, I'm feeling very ignored." Answered Jake, finishing the generator at the end of the hall. "This Myers has a personal vendetta against you, Prince."

"I'm unsure what I did to upset him so much." Added Hans, stunning the killer with Head-On after giving him the slip at the lab room before jumping into a locker silently (courtesy of Quick and Quiet) and exiting it just as fast when Myers closed in on it.

"Why do I feel it's one of those survivors that you bested in one of your Killer Streams?" Thought Tyler, casually dropping a flashbang in Myers's way when he neared the main door of the small library.

"I wouldn't doubt their stream sniping too since they seem to always know where I scurry off to." Proposed Hans, collecting a spare flashbang from the floor of the medical wing. "I wonder…" Hans pressed a few select keys on his laptop and placed a blurred overlay on his stream. "Just a moment, my friends…I need to test a theory."

Hans calmly maneuvered his character through the open door of one of the main entrances of the elementary school; the Fire Prince narrowed his eyes and watched the large man walk by him, Hans nodded in acknowledgement of what happened and glanced at his chat to see that one of his subscribers is confirming that the killer is stream sniping him and complaining that he can't really see where he is anymore. 13thPrince and company quietly waited near the doors of Midwich, concentrating on the amount of time it takes for the killer to patrol both exit gates—Jesse and Hans alternated between opening the gates, Jesse allowing himself to be chased off the gate and Hans waiting for The Shape to check his gate and then migrate to the other; Hans peaks at his chat once more, rolling his eyes at the mention of the killer complaining that all the survivors will escape at this rate because one of the streamers decided to be a whiny coward with his stream.

"Alright, both gates are open. Let's dip." Jake stated, exiting the map and sighing in relief as the rest of the team made it out just in time.

"Good job, everyone." Congratulated Jesse, checking on his own stream chat to find several of his subscribers commenting that the killer had indeed been streaming sniping 13thPrince and is currently harassing him in his own stream.

Jesse gritted his teeth at the audacity of another stream bullying his youngest (Jesse and company-appointed) brother for protecting himself from stream sniping; it was truly despicable how egoistic and desperate gamers were these days for an easy victory—a ray of hope soon shined on Hans as his mods came to his aid, banned the toxic individually and reported him to the reps of the streaming platform and game devs about the individual's behavior; Jake informing him within 5 minutes that the killer had been permanently banned from the game and the streaming platform for his toxic behavior, violating t.o.s. and in-game violations.

"Alright! Great Work, Team, first round is a success!" Cheered Jesse, grinning joyfully at his chat before taking a well-deserved drink from his water bottle.

"Well, that was a bit stressful and kind of boring." Jake commented in his stream, brushing back his messy hair and pinching the bridge of his nose at the memory of Hans being chased for all 5 gens while the rest of them were seen and completely ignored.

"Agreed. Also, one of my subscriber confirmed that the killer was indeed someone 13thPrince bested in one of his Killer Streams," revealed Aiden, shaking his head at such childish behavior from a once popular stream who has now lost much respect from the streaming community and those of the DBD community as well (there are a select few who continue to support those individual despite his awful actions), "he wanted payback. Apparently, he didn't appreciate Hans outplaying him as Myers."

"Unfortunate." Tyler said, flexing his fingers to ease the tension in his hands from holding his controller for so long. "What have gaming communities come to? Supporting people who harass others and believe it's alright for them to cheat."

"All we can do is try to keep our streams clean," Hans said, rubbing his temples behind his avatar and sighing heavily at the headache growing into a migraine—the killer had been brutal, voicing his strong hatred of Hans for humiliating him in front of his subscribers (the stream had a very strong win streak until Hans had out-played, the once popular streamer had lost a great deal of his subscribers and followers because of his negative attitude towards losing to an honest gamer and streamer during his win-streak. "And report anyone being greatly pernicious to fellow gamers, streamers and members of our community. I do want to thank everyone for being supportive of me and defending me in chat, but I don't want any of you to become victims of someone's unreasonable wrath over a simple game; the mods did a wonderful job in moderating the chat and keep interactions clean, but that doesn't mean you all don't deserve credit for doing what was right. Once again, thank you!"

Jurgen groaned softly as he came to. The 3rd Prince grimacing at the harsh throbbing circling his head and emitting strongly from his left temple—Jurgen slowly rose from the ground, hissing at the teeth-gritting sting of the newly discovered wound, he drank in his surroundings and found himself baffled at the mist clouding the ground and all around. Where was he? How did he get here? Jurgen glanced left and right, mist upon mist filling the strange open area…the 3rd Prince grits his teeth once more, the memory of his encounter with the cold and mysterious blonde woman flashing through his mind and sending chills down his spine. That intrusive wretch! She knows something! Why else would she be so insistent in keeping him from Hans or the fact that she claimed that he's the bargaining cheap that'll keep her puppet compliant—Jurgen hated people using others for their personal gain and this blonde hell sprite was no exception, it didn't matter that she was a maiden…Jurgen isn't going to sit idly by and let her use him like a chess piece in her unhinged game.

"Quite a mess you've gotten yourself in." Jurgen clenched his fists, sweat trickling down his brow and along his neck as he internally panicked at the voice swirling through the fog. "I must say, Ingrid has outdone herself; however, she should know better than to cross me."

"Ingrid?" Jurgen asked, his senses on high alert and emerald eyes trailing across the endless white smoke swaying around him.

"Why…the woman who decided you would be the key component to her ploy." Laughed the familiar voice of Rumpelstiltskin. "I understand her need for you, but at what costs would she pay to ensure your compliance."

"Why would I yield to her will? I'd only be hurting him."

"You don't understand much about why you care for Hans, but you can't help but listen to the silent cries you hear from him."

"You say we're connected." Answered Jurgen, unable to deny the strange but helpful man's words. "You never explained how."

"I have withheld information from you, deary, but knowing your connection to Hans won't benefit you at this moment." Stated Rumpelstiltskin, the grin shining in his voice as he took pleasure in pulling Jurgen's strings.

"You're very fortunate that I require your assistance, I would scorch you otherwise." Growled Jurgen, his vision beginning to blur from the blood streaming from his wound. It isn't that severe…is it?

"Now, Now, young Jurgen. There's no need for such threats." Chuckled the deranged dark sorcerer. "I'll give you what you want, but I will need something in exchange."

"What more could you possibly want that I have left to give?!" Snarled Jurgen, his patience was wearing thin with this back and forth charade.

"It's not what you can give, deary, it's more of what you do…for Hans."

Looks like Gold and Ingrid are having a custody battle over Jurgen. Hans is also slowly spiraling away from the connections he's made with the people of Storybrooke, he's lost complete faith in Regina after she sealed his power. All the decisions Regina has made to keep Hans safe have backfired and driven him further away. The end of part 1 of The Will of the Phoenix is nearing its end and Part 2 will begin in a new location. Yes, I made Hans a streamer because a lot of his everyday activities are things I hope to do one day and I like to give Hans a sense of normality. Hans's friends are more family to him than everyone else has been and Hans is grateful to them for it; if you didn't make the connection, Jesse and company are the people that Hans holds on for because they help ground him after everything had spiraled out of control for him.

What do you think Gold wants Jurgen to do and how will Ingrid use Jurgen against Hans? Do you think Hans will ever forgive Regina and everyone and reconnect with them?

Stay Tuned for the next chapter of The Will of the Phoenix, coming soon.

I love you all! Stay safe and remember to keep the things that make you happy! VanitasRyuzaki signing off!