Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.

Author's Note: Okay, I'm slowly recovering from last Tuesday's horrendous disappointment. Almost back to my normal self and ready to start fighting (the "Evil Dead" marathon helped enormously. drools Bruce Campbell! As did several of my favorite authors updating! Yay!) Alright, hopefully there'll be lots of excitement for all of you in this, the next to last chapter! Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

Once I Was Loved

Chapter 12

Ken slammed the door to the drawing room. Hard. He was angry and hurt and he didn't care whether he was acting childish or not. What Ran had said, not to mention the fact that he'd said it in front of everyone, riled him. It wasn't his fault he didn't know about weapons. And he didn't mean to be clumsy. And he didn't need the Earl's protection.

His mind flashed back on the night Ran and Yohji had saved him from his own stepfather and his face burned with humiliation. Crossing the front hall he slammed the interior door as he entered the vestibule and the heavy outer door as he exited the house.

It was hardly the first time they'd had that particular discussion. Ran often coddled him. Unintentionally reminding him of that night, or the one with Count Kase Kouichiro. Ken was beginning to resent it. He was strong. He wasn't afraid. He could learn about weapons if someone would teach him.

The young Duke stomped his way across the yard and leaned heavily against the side of the stables. Frowning in thought he took several deep breaths while digging a hole in the gravel with the toe of one shoe. He hated being left behind, or out of things. Suddenly he wished he was back home where he was in charge and had the final say.

After several long moments passed the door to the house closed softly and the Duke looked up to find Aya crossing the yard toward him dressed in a heavy cloak and carrying a bonnet. He scowled at her.

"What do you want?" he asked gruffly.

Aya stopped short and pouted at him.

"I came to see how you were," she stated. "But if you're going to snap at me then I shall just ignore you."

"Sorry," Ken frowned, dropping his head back down to watch his toe kick at the gravel.

"Look, forget about what Ran said. He's just worried about you and afraid you'll get hurt," Aya stated firmly. "My brother is the world's biggest ninny about the people he loves. He loses all good sense and reason when it comes to their safety and welfare."

"I know...but it still hurts," Ken muttered. "This isn't the first time we've been through this."

"Oh, I see. He's treated you like a child before."

Ken's head snapped up angrily to glare at his lover's sister. But the calculating look on her face froze him to the spot. He eyed her cautiously.

"What are you up to, Aya?" Ken asked.

"I have an idea," she said with a wicked smirk. "I plan to beat those highway men at their own game. Care to join me?"

"What? How?" Ken asked warily.

Smiling she pulled on the bonnet so it held her bangs up off her forehead. After tying it in place she unclasped the front of her cloak and opened it to reveal the green silk gown Kate had been wearing upon her arrival the night before. Ken felt his eyes widen.

"Well? How do I look? From a distance those thugs will never know the difference," she smiled.

"Aya, I don't think...," Ken started.

"Fine. I'll go alone," she stated, turning and heading into the stables.

"W-wait! You can't..."

Aya spun back around and met his eyes squarely. Her's flared with indignation and pride.

"Aren't you tired of being treated that way? Always being left out? Always being doubted?" she asked sharply.

Ken felt his anger spark again.

"Well I am," she said. "Come or don't come. Either way I'm going."

Frowning, Ken nodded and followed her into the stables where they saddled the horse Ken had been using. Apparently even the stable boys were in the house being armed. The thought twisted Ken's stomach in anger and disappointment. He mounted the horse and pulled Aya up behind him.

Spurring the horse they bolted out of the stables, across the yard, and within moments were down the drive and entering the woods.

"I've calculated the most likely place for the so called highway men to be," Aya said in Ken's ear. "Slow down to a walk as we leave the cover of the woods at the end of the drive."

He nodded and began to rein in the horse.

"The drive to Asataiyo is just beyond our's and the woods extend up that way. The rest of the road between here and the village is mostly clear," she said, holding tight to Ken's waist.

"You think that's where they are? So close?" he asked back over his shoulder.

"Is there a better place?" she asked. "There's room to hide and still have a clear view of our drive. And a straight shot back to Reginald's estate to report what they've seen."

"What'll we do once we find them?" Ken asked, shaking his head.

"Ride as fast as we can toward the village. There's a turn off that heads into a flat marsh. This time of year its always dry. Its like a maze in there. If we can keep them busy chasing us they'll never be the wiser. Kate and Bastion may wed in peace," Aya stated, making it sound much simpler than it would undoubtedly be. "We'll give them as much time as possible before breaking away and heading back home."

"What if we're caught?"

"Don't be a pessimist."

"You don't have a plan for if we're caught," Ken stated, annoyed.

"We won't get caught," Aya insisted.

"Okay. Sounds good," Ken said, further slowing the horse. "We're almost there."

Aya's arms tightened around his waist. Whether in excitement or fear he couldn't tell, but he felt her answering nod. A jolt of nervous energy shot down his spine and into his stomach, but he ignored it. Aya was right. Ran, as well as everyone else, needed to be shown that they were capable of handling things themselves, and this would either prove it or...get them killed.

Gulping, he walked the horse out of the cover of the trees along the drive and onto the roadway.

"They're behind us," Aya whispered, then loudly she said, "Oh, Bastion, my love. Just think, in a little while we'll finally be wed, and I shall be the Countess Shadwell."

Ken looked behind them in time to see four horsemen emerge from the woods along the road to Asataiyo. Before they could gain an advantage he spurred his horse back into a full gallop, and they shot forward toward the village.

"Got 'em," Aya said triumphantly from behind him.

It didn't take more than twenty minutes to arm the household staff and give them strict orders on who was allowed on the grounds and who wasn't. Ran had Rumpold take careful note of who had which fire arms as he directed which areas of the grounds were to be patrolled by which group of servants. No one was to go anywhere on their own out of doors, and those left inside were to keep careful watch out of the windows. Once the staff had been seen to, himself and the Prince armed, and the armory locked back up, they headed toward the stables.

"Where has Omi gotten off to?" Ran wondered aloud, suddenly becoming aware of his servant's absence.

"He probably ran into Ken," Yohji said, which caused the Earl to frown darkly. "The chibi hasn't been too happy with how you've been treating him lately."

Ran felt his frown deepen.

"If the two of them want to sulk then let them," he spat angrily. He'd been counting on Omi's help.

Yohji refrained from saying anything else. Clearly his cousin's mood had deteriorated in the last half an hour. Those brigands on the road had better watch their step or they may truly regret it.

"Come on," the Prince said as they neared the stables. "Its nearing the lunch hour. We'd better hurry."

They accepted their horses from two concerned looking stable boys who were each brandishing pistols, and took off down the drive.

They sped through the woods and stormed out onto the roadway to...nothing. There was no one. They searched all along the road where the woods could conceal someone and found nothing. The highway men were apparently gone.

Ran and Yohji exchanged perplexed glances. Before either could speak though, the sound of an approaching carriage reached their ears. Within moments a black open top carriage being pulled by twin gray mares came into view. Inside sat Ran's attorney, Mr. Bartholomew, and the local minister, Reverend Haze. The lawyer's white wig blew in the breeze created by their hurried pace. His thin face pale and drawn and serious. The hefty bulk of the minister on the other hand filled most of the interior of the carriage. His face red, but whether from the drive or his weight was unclear. When their driver spotted the Earl and the Prince upon the road he reined the horses to a stop.

"Earl Fujimiya, a pleasure to see you in good health, Sir," said his attorney as Ran brought his horse alongside the carriage. "Prince Kudou."

"Mr. Bartholomew, Reverend Haze," Ran nodded his head in greeting. "Have you come unimpeded? Any sign of anyone on the road?"

"Not a soul, my Lord," Mr. Bartholomew answered. "Has there been trouble?"

"There was word from our messenger that the road was watched," the Prince answered. "But we've found no sign of anyone."

"Perhaps his eminence, the Count Misekake, has come to his senses and decided to quit this tomfoolery," Reverend Haze stated, causing his jowls to waggle.

"Let us hope," Yohji agreed. "But I doubt it."

"Well, since there is no trouble here let us to the couple and to lunch," Reverend Haze said, looking both unfazed and put out.

Mr. Bartholomew nodded his agreement, and the driver snapped the reins. Ran and Yohji rode escort, all the way watching for movement in the trees or sounds of pursuit from the road.

"Turn here," Aya commanded in his ear as they approached a small group of trees on their left which marked the turn to the flat marsh.

Ken obeyed. Guiding the horse into the turn and spurring up and over the sharp rise in the trail. Below them, down a sloping embankment, the land opened into a maze of twisting passages between and around tangled clumps of vegetation and gnarled trees. The earth appeared dry and cracked, but Ken could see the tell tale signs of past flooding. This then was the flat marsh Aya had mentioned.

Not allowing their horse to slow, he drove it down the hill and into the uninviting terrain. From the hilltop they would be visible, but hopefully the horsemen would follow them in without stopping to think about it. And hopefully they could find their way out and back to the manor without getting caught.

A few meters in Ken veered the horse sharply to the right. As they turned he made note of the other riders coming over the hill without slowing. Then they were out of view.

"Three," he called over his shoulder, cutting the horse to their left down another path.

"What?" Aya yelled.

"I only counted three," he replied. "There were four before."

Aya glanced behind them as he cut the horse again. She couldn't see their pursuers, but she could hear them. They were still close.

"Do you supposed the fourth went to tell Reginald?" she asked, trying to shift her weight with Ken's as the horse turned again.

"Let's hope he doesn't run into Ran and the others," Ken called. "Then this'll be for nothing."

Aya would've nodded but was too busy trying to stay on the horse. She hated to admit it, but this wasn't as easy or as fun as she'd thought. At least not now that they were off the road. The Duke, however, seemed to know instinctually how to move. He shifted his weight with the large animal and made the hard riding appear effortless. And he didn't seem to be frightened in the least which she found quite vexing. Although, she honestly had to admit to herself that her fear stemmed mainly from staying seated on the horse, rather than the idea of getting caught.

They turned sharply once more and Aya clutched onto the Duke. The horse whinnied in protest. Their pace down the road, and now in the marsh, was beginning to wear on the animal. Ken rode it straight for a moment then turned sharply twice more, tucking them behind a clump of trees, and reined it to a quick stop.

They all sat listening intently. The horse panting heavily. Their breath misting in the chill air. Tensing as the highway men neared, caught the first turn, but missed the second and drove past them.

As soon as they'd gone by Ken spurred their horse back out the way they'd come. Behind them they could hear the surprised shouts, curses, and protests from their pursuers as they attempted to stop and turn in the close confines of the passages.

"Is that long enough? Or should we go round again?" Ken asked over his shoulder.

Aya paused to consider. As much as she'd love to be off the horse, or at least out on the road, she wasn't sure enough time had passed.

"Better go again," she said. "Just to be sure."

"Right," Ken smiled wickedly, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Hang on."

The trip back to the manor was as quick and unhampered as their ride out had been. Despite their luck, or maybe because of it, Ran was uneasy. He was sure there was something wrong somewhere, but since all appeared serene and calm there was nothing he could do. He hoped the proceedings would move along quickly so he could apologize to Ken and put their latest tiff behind them. He'd skip them all together if he didn't have to act as host.

They arrived at the house and were welcomed by his mother, who was both surprised and relieved that they'd returned so quickly and unscathed. She led everyone to the drawing room where Mr. Bartholomew went over the drafts of the marriage contracts he'd drawn up. Some slight changes were made, but soon everything was agreed to and the documents were signed.

Once that task was completed the couple stood before the Reverend Haze, who began a short but stern sermon on the most somber and serious reasons for matrimony. Despite that the Countess stood beside her daughter beaming with joy and pride. The Prince stood by the young Count to act as witness. Ran and his mother, as the host and hostess, stood back a little and watched.

"A pity the Duke couldn't be here," Elinor stated in a soft whisper behind her raised fan.

Ran felt himself frown.

"He could if he wanted to. Nothing's preventing him," he replied shortly.

"After how you spoke to him? Hardly. And in front of all of us. It was very wrong of you, Ran. Very wrong," his mother chided. "He's a young man. A Duke, which means he's a man of consequence and deserves to be treated as such."

The Earl felt his shoulders sag at his mother's words. He knew she was right, but he couldn't let go of his compulsion to keep Ken safe. Not after the night before at Asataiyo, a perfect illustration of Ken's inability or unwillingness to deal with unexpected events in a rational manner. Ran couldn't get the sound of the gun shot out of his head. The panic that had pierced his heart at that moment. Unconsciously he glanced down at Makoto who was seated by the Countess, avidly watching the proceedings. His large ears pricked up with interest.

Ran felt his frown become a pout .

"If I'm not very much mistaken, the Duke will attempt to prove to you his capabilities," Elinor continued, her eyes never leaving the happy couple before them. "If you continue to provoke him he may do something rash."

Ran's eyes widened as the very real possibility of Ken pigheadedly attempting something alone struck him.

"I wonder if Aya is with him. Perhaps she can calm him down," Elinor said and folded her fan.

At the mention of his sister Ran's eyes traveled the room. He'd almost forgotten about her. Pressing his mouth into a determined line Ran resisted the urge to leave the proceedings right then and go in search of his sister and lover. Once the wedding was over he'd go fetch Ken and apologize. He couldn't wait for the whole business to be over with and then they could be on their way back home to the Duke's estate. If Ken still wanted him there.

He was having fun, she was sure of it. The Duke was thoroughly enjoying himself. She'd suspected as much after he'd given her that wicked grin. Leading them out of the marsh only to turn and dive back in. Heading off in a new direction just as the highway men got near enough to see them. Leading them on a frenzied chase. But it'd been his laugh that had confirmed it.

Aya had wondered what he was doing when he hadn't doubled back as he had the first time. But since most of her focus was on remaining seated she hadn't really turned her mind to it. Then, as they'd come around yet another left turn, Ken had whooped in delighted laughter.

Amazingly they were headed back out of the marsh. He'd taken them in a wide and intricate circle.

That's when she'd realized that not only was he obviously enjoying himself, but he was good at what they were doing. He'd gotten them out of the maze like flat marsh twice without getting them caught, and with apparent ease. She had to admit to herself that she was astonished.

Her amazement lasted only a few seconds.

As they bolted toward the rise of the hill a figure on horseback appeared at its top. The loud report of a gun sounded and their horse shied in fear and halted. It was the fourth rider, and beside him was Reginald. The Count sporting a wicked looking black eye.

The two descended the hill to the cut off their escape as the other riders came up behind them.

They were caught.

"Well, Katherine, it was a good try," Reginald said, dismounting and walking toward them. "Unfortunately, you've done nothing more than prolong the inevitable, and signed your fiance's death warrant."

Aya leaned out from behind Ken, who was glaring down at the Count and grinding his teeth in a very Ran-like manner. She smirked at Reginald as his shocked expression confirmed he recognized her.

"Miss Fujimiya," he gasped.

"Count Misekake," she nodded, unfastening her bonnet and shaking her bangs back down onto her forehead.

He scowled up at her.

"So, you tricked me," he muttered darkly. "And I suppose I was right the first time I met this young man. He is not the Count Shadwell, but your brother's...thing."

"Yes, you fell for it marvelously," Aya said, ignoring his comments about Ken. "Just as I knew you would."

"Just as you knew? So, this is not some scheme of your brother's doing."

"No, it is all mine," Aya smirked proudly, patting Ken on the shoulder to indicate that she wished to dismount.

He wasn't pleased with the idea, but dutifully lowered her to the ground and hopped down next to her. He didn't want the Count getting too close. Not that anything he did would matter in the end, he realized. All of Reginald's men were armed and they had nothing but Aya's bonnet and their horse.

"That's better," Aya sighed, straightening her dress and cloak. "Thank you, Ken. Well done."

He didn't respond but continued to glare at Reginald and his men. The Duke didn't like the way they were looking at Ran's sister. And he didn't like the way Reginald's eyes shifted to him and narrowed.

"So, I take it Kate is indeed ensconced at your brother's estate?" the Count asked, turning his eyes back to Aya.

"Indeed, and by now well on her way to becoming Countess Shadwell," the young woman answered, her own eyes narrowed and dangerous.

"I see," Reginald replied, his countenance darkening in fury. "Then you have finished me. But imagine your dear brother's face when he finds you, his beloved sister and young plaything, dead."

"You wouldn't dare," Aya said. "What good will it do?"

"Good? Why it will do me a great deal of good," Reginald spat, his eyes suddenly lit with an insane fire. "To finally make your brother suffer as he has made me suffer. Yes, I shall enjoy that."

"You wouldn't dare," Aya repeated less certainly. She stepped closer to Ken who thrust an arm out between her and the Count.

"Wouldn't I?!" Reginald cried. "It certainly won't be the first time, I assure you. Just how do you think I came to all of this?!" he said and spread his arms, gesturing wildly around him as though he were showing off a kingdom.

Ken and Aya both gaped as they caught the implications of his statement, and the madness in his eyes.

"Do as you wish," he commanded loudly, turning and heading back toward his horse. Once he was mounted he sneered down at them. "Just be sure and leave their bodies where they can be easily found."

With that he spurred his horse and disappeared over the little hill. They could hear the retreating hoof beats as he rode away, back toward Asataiyo.

Ken pressed Aya back behind him. Squeezing her between himself and their horse's right side. The horse was nickering nervously, and stamping its hooves.

The fourth rider approached, a nasty smirk on his unshaven face. He loomed over them on his mount. He fit the picture of a highway man with his grubby, dark clothing, and unkempt appearance. He eyed Ken as he came alongside and aimed his pistol directly at the Duke's chest.

Suddenly one of the men behind them let out a surprised gasp, and fell from his horse, momentarily distracting the rider before them. As the gun wavered to the right Ken acted. Shoving the gun away the Duke reached up and grabbed the front of the thug's waistcoat. With an angry snarl he yanked the man out of his seat, up over his head, and threw him in an arc which sent him flying over the back of their horse. He landed on the far side with a sickening crunch.

"Get down!" Ken commanded Aya as he retrieved the gun and sought a target over the back of the horse. Although he'd never fired a shot in his life he'd certainly seen guns used before. He was fairly certain he could hit something if he tried. Aya crouched beside him holding tight to their horse's reins.

As he peered over the horse's back he noticed the man who'd fallen originally hadn't gotten back up, and another one was in the process of falling. A strange looking dart was sticking out of his shoulder. The one remaining took aim at Ken with his pistol as Ken aimed at him. Before either could fire an arrow pierced the rider's hand. The man cried out, dropping his gun. Casting a harried glance around him he gathered his reins into his good hand and departed as quickly as he could.

Left alone with three downed riders and their mounts Aya and Ken looked at one another in shock.

"Are you alright?" they asked each other.

"Yes," they both answered.

"Are you two okay?"

They both turned at the sound of the familiar voice.

Omi stood on the top of the hill holding his horse's reins in one hand and a crossbow in the other.

"That was you?" Ken asked incredulously.

"Yes. Didn't I ever tell you? I'm a marksman," the young servant stated. "I've deadly accuracy with the bow, and I'm damn good with my darts."

Ken blinked in surprise then scowled. One more thing he hadn't been told. Of course, its hardly the type of thing to come up over polite dinner conversation, but still he'd been living with Ran and Omi for six months. Surely it should've come up at some point.

"Stop standing there scowling," Omi called down to him. "That guy high tailed it back toward Asataiyo. We'd best get back to the estate before Reginald sends out anymore thugs. Who knows how many he's got stashed away."

Ken nodded and mounted his horse, pulling Aya up into place behind him. They joined Omi up on the road and took off.

"By the way," Omi said as they rode, "that was amazing riding. I've never seen anything like it. Does Ran know you can ride like that?"

"I didn't know I could ride like that," Ken answered, his frown softening. "Was it really that good?"

"Yes, it was. You should show him sometime. Its quite impressive," Omi chirped.

Ken smiled, starting to feel a bit better.

"How did you know where to find us?" Aya asked.

"I saw you ride off and I followed you. Got to the road just as those thugs were off after you," Omi answered. "After telling Rumpold about getting the staff armed I went to my room to collect my crossbow. I left it here last year when we left, but I've been practicing since our return. On my way back downstairs I saw you through the Gallery windows."

"I'm relieved that you haven't lost your touch," Aya smiled. "And your timing was impeccable. What's in the darts? A sleeping draft?"

"A potent one. Acts instantly, but doesn't last too long," the young man answered.

"Interesting," Aya mused.

When Ken didn't comment Omi cast a concerned look over to his silent friend. He was relieved to see a small smile gracing the Duke's face. Now if only the Earl wouldn't kill him all could conceivably be well.

Ran made his way upstairs to the guest wing. The others had gathered for lunch, but when the Duke, Aya, and Omi had still failed to present themselves the Earl felt motivated to go and get them. He stopped before Ken's door and knocked.

No answer.

He knocked again.

"Ken? Its lunch time," he said, trying not to sound testy. He turned the nob and swung the door open. "Look, I know I was...Ken?"

Ran stood frozen in the doorway and surveyed the empty room. Despite the many other places the Duke could be he knew where he'd gone. A lead weight seemed to form in the pit of his stomach. Spinning around he bolted toward the stairs only to meet Yohji on his way up.

"A footman just informed us that he saw Omi leaving on horseback about an hour ago, and the stable boys reported that Ken's horse is gone as well," the Prince said, his voice strained.

"Ken isn't in his room," Ran confirmed.

"Damn," Yohji swore. "The missing highway men..."

"I know!" Ran cried, moving past him. When his feet hit the floor of the hall he charged the door with the Prince close behind. If anything had happened to Ken or Omi the perpetrators would pay with their lives. If nothing had happened he intended to beat some sense into the both of them.

Author's Note: Well, if Yohji can have his wire then why can't Omi have his bow? And I figured riding a horse can't be THAT different from riding a motorcycle...right? I've actually only ridden once...on a horse! NOT a motorcycle. I'm afraid I'd like that too much to try it and my husband would live in fear. Anyway, KenKen is a brilliant rider, so why not? Well, next one's the last one, so I hope you all like it. I have notes for the third story, but right now I'm working on something else. A fantasy which I plan to start posting after this is finished. Its darker and not as funny as this series, but I'm hoping it'll be interesting. Anyway, thanks for reading! Please, please, please review! Thanks.

Fieryicicles: I guess you'll just have to wait until the next chapter to see how or if he makes it up to Ken. ;) Thanks for reading.

Mondtanz: I don't mind about your sporadic reviews, I was just glad to hear from you again. I'm glad you found the last chapter so funny. Sorry this one wasn't, but we're stepping up to the big conclusion. Yeah, Ken is good with his hands ahem (Wow. My mind just went somewhere baaad). And I haven't forgotten that. Well, were you surprised about what happened with the "Highwaymen"? Thanks for reading.

Celeste1: Yeah, drama can mean funny and sad and everything, so its so of limitless. But as you can see Ran was safe from the guns. I don't like guns AT ALL, and I got really lazy at the end of this (and sick) and didn't do any research about what sorts of guns they used in the Eighteenth Century. I meant to, but oh well. Are you still on the edge of your chair? I hate to say it, but that's where I want you! Thanks for reading.

Swtjemz: Yeah, poor Ken being told to stay home. I guess we saw how well he took that, hunh? What'd ya think? And don't worry about dear old spiteful Reggy. We'll be seeing him in the last chapter as well. Thanks for reading.

Chitoshiya no Tohma: Yeah, the last chapter was much more serious, and this one too. Sorry, but it couldn't be helped. And no "amorous activities" either. Sorry. But I'm glad you still liked it. Thanks for reading.

Seph Lorraine: Cool! I'm glad you liked the punch out. Sorry I stressed your friends and family. See?! I haven't forgotten that Ken is hot headed! And Reggy deserved it. Heh-heh, actually I'm currently writing four other stories and that doesn't include the next in this series which I have a lot of notes for. But there is one I'm anxious to post, so I've been trying to get it ready. Now I'm running out of time! And I love constructive criticism! How else can we grow and improve? Thank you! Thank you! bows You're an awsome writer too! I'm always anxious for your updates as well!!! Thanks for reading.

Ranny Boy: Hi! The next update will be the last one. Thanks for reading.

Allis: Yay! Over 100 reviews! How to celebrate? Heh-heh-heh, yeah, Ken punched him. Apparently that had no effect on Ran though. We'll see if this does points upward to fic. Yohji is both a womanizer and a gentleman. I just don't write the womanizing side like I should. I can't fit it in as well. Hmmm, I'll have to work on that. Thanks for reading.