What is a Man?

IV Insight II

Summary: A series of somewhat disconnected oneshots that explore the alternate universe life of Hans, formerly known as The White Star of ancient legends. Ancient White Star Hans, Dark!Hans AU.

IV. Insight II

Lock

Lock was naive, weak willed, cowardly, and lonely.

He reminded Hans of everything the butler hated. (Because Lock reminded Hans of his old self.) Yet, Hans thought to himself, Lock was young, the wolf could still grow.

It was easy to see that Lock's strength was not in fighting for himself, but in fighting for those he cared about. If that was properly nurtured, the wolf would mature in a fine warrior. Hans had found that the potential of someone like that was equal or greater than those seeking enjoyment, control, or death.

And right now, Lock was isolated. He was stationed at the gorge, while his friends and family were far away. He often took many night watches, due to the Wolf Tribe having superior night vision to humans.

Perhaps some intervention was necessary.

Lock tensed as he heard a stick break behind him. He turned his head, ready to yell for help and fight if it was an enemy scout.

Surprise flashed across Lock's face, then he relaxed. "Mister Hans. Why are you up?"

"Couldn't sleep," Hans stated. "How are you doing?" He sat down on the log next to the wolf.

"I've. . .been doing fine." Lock's voice wavered.

Hans didn't comment on how unsure the boy seemed. "I brought mint tea. Would you like some?"

Lock chewed on his bottom lip for a moment. He hesitatingly replied, "If it's no trouble."

Hans poured the tea into two cups, and handed one to Lock. "My apologies, but there's no sugar or cream due to the rationing."

"No, no. It's fine. You don't need to apologize Mister Hans," Lock hurriedly assured. "Thank you for the tea."

"How much do you know about the stars and constellations?"

"A little bit," Lock hedged. "Mostly about how to use them to navigate."

Hans hummed thoughtfully. "So you don't know about any of their stories?"

"Stories?"

Hans smiled. "That one there is the Great Hunter. Once you find the six stars in the shape of a sword, you can find the hunter's body. And, you can see the Great Dragon if you follow those bright stars nearby that seem to be in a line." He glanced over at Lock and found that the wolf was absorbed in finding the constellations he had pointed out.

"Ah! I see it!" Lock exclaimed. He immediately flushed, embarrassed, and then hopefully asked, "You said there were stories Mister Hans?"

Hans told Lock stories of the constellations until dawn, when the next guard came to take over watch of the gorge's other side.

Lock would later tell these stories to his cousins when they had trouble falling asleep.

—

Alberu Crossman

"Your Highness," Hans greeted, a hand on his chest as he bowed.

Alberu Crossman nodded back. There was no familiarity in his gaze, other than recognizing Hans as one of Cale's men.

Hans watched Alberu walk to Cale's study.

He loved his descendants. Hans enjoyed watching the power struggles of the Crossman Family. He loved their fierceness and their secrets and their desperate races to the throne.