Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13 eventual Ran/Ken.

Author's Note: Okay, I just have to say that as of this weekend this fic is officially a year old. I outlined the whole plot waiting for a friend at the airport last year (his plane was delayed). Now, for a little excitement. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

First Born of the Thirteenth House

Part 2: Ran (b)

Ken hovered in the dark of the backstairs outside the entrance to the drawing rooms which was closest to the route Weston usually took to his apartments. It had become his habit to follow the Chancellor from the after dinner festivities every evening, hoping for his chance.

He peeked through the tiny opening he'd created by holding the door slightly ajar, and waited. Things had broken up later than usual, and more people had attended and stayed. No doubt owing to the presence of the red-haired stranger. Ken wondered what the man thought of his nearest relations, then shook his head and chastised himself. All afternoon and evening he'd found his thoughts straying to the man. He had to remain focused or he might miss his opportunity. He had to...

Ken jumped, so startled he yanked the door wide and stared. Weston had just dashed across the far end of the corridor and started up the stairs...without his guard.

Heedless of the noise Ken slammed the door and bolted up the backstairs. When he reached the top he yanked the door open to reveal a wall. Cursing loudly he bolted up another flight of stairs and ran down the corridor at the top. He had to abandon the service hall for the one used by the family in order to reach the stairs Weston was on. Once there he peered down.

Nothing. Weston was gone. But as he began to curse a noise above him caused him to turn in time to see the Chancellor head down the hall at the top of the stairs. Within moments Ken was also in the hall, without a care for who might see him. He arrived just in time to see Weston disappear around the corner at the far end.

In the back of his mind it occurred to Ken that Weston was moving unusually fast. Almost unnaturally so. But he ignored the thought and shot down the hallway after him. He rounded the corner just as the head Chancellor entered the tower stairs at the other end of the adjoining corridor.

Ken grit his teeth and slammed through the servant's door that led to the front attic stairs. The tower stairs were tight and winding. If Ken could only get ahead of him by going up the straighter staircase to the attics. He could cut through from the front to the back attic and get into the tower via the roof if it wasn't too frozen. Belatedly he wondered what Weston wanted in the tower.

Like a beast hunting its prey Ken slipped up the stairs and crept soundlessly through the dark of the front attic, used for storage, into the back attic where the servants slept. With a strength born of years of hauling and cutting wood he brutally shoved open a window and clamored out onto the roof.

The slate tiles were cold and slick with ice in spots. Twice he almost slipped as he worked his way toward the back corner where the tower roof opened out under the House roof's edge.

As he approached the edge of the roof the tower came into view. Weston was already there, standing near the far side. The Chancellor had a bow in his hands and he was sighting down the shaft of an arrow at something somewhere below Ken's vision.

As silent as a cat the young man lowered himself from the roof, dropping to a crouch on the tower. He didn't feel the cold. He didn't release a breath which could betray him. Staying low he slipped through the shadows, seeking a position behind his target.

The Chancellor continued to sight down the arrow, his bow taunt and ready. Ken remained in his crouch and loped forward ready to strike. He came right up behind Weston and paused to see what he was aiming at.

Two stories below them, on a balcony off a bedroom located in the middle of the house, stood the red-haired stranger.

Ken's rage doubled. He seized Weston by the back of the neck and his belt. In surprise the Chancellor loosed the arrow and dropped the bow. Without a sound Ken hefted the man into the air and tossed him over the edge like a sack of grain. The Chancellor flailed uselessly as he fell and wailed in frustration and horror. Ken watched for only a moment before slipping back into the shadows and disappearing into the House.

-------

Ran blinked in surprise when he heard the arrow strike the floor of the balcony behind him. He turned in time to see a figure plummet from the top of the tower on the corner of the House. His angry scream carried to Ran's ears by the wind as he fell beyond sight into the ravine.

Slapping himself on the forehead with the palm of his hand Ran bolted back into his room.

"Don't go outside, Ran," he muttered angrily as he strapped on his sword. "What good is a seer's advice if you don't take it?!"

He threw aside the chair and dashed out into the hall. The alarm had been sounded and people were beginning to appear in the family wing. Cursing again he returned to the balcony and retrieved the arrow. Where was his head tonight?

He marched purposefully from the guest wing into the family wing where many people were now in the hall chattering in confusion. He swept past them to the main stairs and started down toward the first floor. There he found Lord Hidaka wearing his dressing gown in the Gallery Hall outside his offices. He was speaking with several officers of the guard and looked almost frightened. When he saw Ran coming he scowled and waved his men away.

"Lord Fujimiya," he bowed.

"Lord Hidaka," Ran said tightly, following suit.

"It seems we've had some sort of accident. Someone has taken a misstep off the tower, although what they would be doing there on a night as cold as this no one can say."

"Perhaps this might explain it," Ran stated holding forth the arrow.

Lord Hidaka frowned at it. He reached out to take it as if he wasn't sure it was real. Before he could speak another guard ran up holding a bow. He spoke softly and quickly to one of the officers who took the bow and turned to his Lord. Hidaka held up his hand.

"In my office," he said. "Lord Fujimiya will you please join us?"

"I will."

With that the Lord turned and exited the Gallery. He walked straight through three large rooms with long tables with chairs around them and stopped in the fourth. It was small in size and held only one large desk which was situated in the far corner, three full book cases, and a fireplace with two chairs before it.

Lord Hidaka walked to one of the chairs, motioned them all in, and had the last to enter close the door.

"Now," he said to the officer who held the bow. "Report."

"Jenkins was sent to the tower roof after Lady Hitoshi saw the man fall. He found this near the low wall at the edge," the officer said holding the bow out. "He said from there it looks as though he'd have a clear shot at any one of the balconies at the back of the house."

"But there's no moon tonight," Hidaka mumbled examining the bow.

"No, but a few of the balconies were lit from within, my Lord."

"I was standing out on mine with the curtains to the room full back and the door open," Ran stated, handing over the arrow. "This struck just behind me."

Hidaka took the arrow and sat down heavily in his seat. After a moment of thought he wearily looked up at the officer.

"I suppose he lost his balance just as he shot? Slipped on some ice?" he asked.

"Its possible, my Lord, but Jenkins didn't report any ice. Perhaps we'll know more once we retrieve the body."

"There'll be no getting the body until tomorrow. Reassure everyone that everything is fine, but quietly try to discover who is missing. Tomorrow, if the weather is good, we'll go after the body," Hidaka commanded.

"Yes, my Lord," the officer bowed.

"In the morning you may use my horses and carriage if you wish," Ran said. "They are quite good at landings in tricky locations."

"Thank you, my Lord," the officer said bowing again and then took his leave.

"Lord Fujimiya, I must sincerely apologize to you. That such a dark deed was attempted in my House is beyond my understanding. Rest assured that the culprit has paid for the crime with his life, and we will do our utmost to discover whether he had accomplices," Hidaka said severely.

Ran paused to measure the man. He seemed very tired, but more self possessed than he had appeared earlier. Ran sensed the serious and honest intent of his words and bowed.

"Then I leave this in your capable hands and I bid you good night," he said with equal weight.

"I shall inform you in the morning of anything I discover," Hidaka called to his back.

Ran turned at the door and bowed again. He took his time returning to his room, his jaw tight, and brow furrowed in thought. Although he had expected action of some sort an assassination attempt after the first evening had barely ended was a surprise. Once back in his room he locked the door again and replaced the chair.

-------

Ken sat on the edge of the pit. He'd gone there immediately, feeling the pump of adrenalin following the attainment of a long sought after goal. More a habit now than any hope that Tris could really hear him he'd told his dead companion everything that had transpired on the tower roof. He'd been sitting there for a long time since, thinking. He'd planned for this day, longed for it, dreamed of it, and at last it was achieved. Now what?

The wood boy had never thought past Weston's death, and he realized now that he somehow had expected that one event to correct all the others. Kill Weston and everything would be fine. Except it wasn't. Nothing had changed. Tris was still dead, his family was gone, and he was still in service...alone.

Ken shifted uncomfortably at the pit's edge. He had a few options, but none were very appealing. He could go to his uncle, reveal who he was and demand the Seat. That course would probably result in a one way trip to a mad house or worse. If he did take his rightful place what then? He'd be chained to the Thirteenth House forever. The House which had brought him nothing but misery and want. He'd be trapped there with all the silly nobles he despised. He'd be their head. That was not a very appealing thought.

He could leave. Now that Weston and his vile partner were both dead there was nothing left to hold him. Ken had never been able to solidly connect his uncle with the assassinations, and over time the fact that he had hired Weston seemed to matter very little. He could go to the wood master and ask to be compensated for all his years of service. Twelve years had to count for something, especially these last few when they'd gone down to ten wood boys. When he'd started there had been eighteen. Now they all worked later into the night and he had almost a whole wing to see to in addition to the kitchens.

Perhaps it would be enough to buy a parcel of land to farm. The only significant time he'd spent away from the House had been his time with the Tuckers. The memories had grown dim, but what else could he do? There were many farms around. He'd continued his search for the field of flowers and had found nothing but plowed fields instead. Surely one more farm could survive if so many were flourishing.

Briefly he toyed with the idea of using his magic for something, but although he was sure he was powerful he had no training. There were schools, but he had no sponsor. He wasn't sure what that was but he'd heard you needed one if you weren't wealthy. Even if he'd had one he had no idea where the schools were located.

"Well, Tris," he sighed. "I guess I'll go become a farmer. I'm sorry I can't take you out of the pit and bury you proper. I'm afraid to climb down there. Afraid I won't get out again. I hope you know that," he said smiling a little. "I'll miss you and I'll talk to ya even though I won't be here, okay?"

Ken rose and looked into the pit long and hard.

"Goodbye, Tris."

-------

Ran awoke early the next morning. He washed and dressed quickly. Before leaving his room he checked the view from his balcony. The temperature had risen overnight and a heavy mist had settled in the ravine. It was impossible to see anything, so he gave up and went in search of breakfast.

Once out of his room a footman approached and informed him he'd been invited to breakfast with the lady of the house in the royal apartments. Ran accepted and was led there immediately.

As he was shown in he swept the apartments with his eyes and was surprised to find a well kept, cosy suite of rooms. Done up in a timeless fashion and well maintained, they weren't in the least pretentious, but inviting and comfortable.

Ran was directed to a room with a view out over the court yard which was fitted up with several small tables for intimate parties. Lady Hidaka was seated at the one nearest the window, another was occupied by their four youngest children who ranged in age from nine to twelve. Ran wondered how many they had in total since he'd seen none but Takashi and two others the evening before. He turned his attention to the food. The table was laid with a variety of items, each sorely tempting. Lord Hidaka had not exaggerated the skill of his kitchen.

"Lord Fujimiya," Lady Hidaka said with a warm smile as he entered. She made to rise, but he waved her back into her seat. "I hope you managed to get some sleep after last evening's frightening events."

"Yes, my Lady. The bed was quite comfortable," he answered.

"Though the decor left something to be desired," she finished. "Forgive me. You don't have to say it, I am well aware how we appear to experienced and cultured eyes. Please, rest assured we do the best we can with what we have. It has not been easy being out of the King's good graces."

"My Lady," Ran said bowing to her.

"Please, my Lord, don't take my scolding to heart. And please don't stand on ceremony with me, for I won't stand on it with you. I am too tired, and have had too many children to follow protocol when my husband isn't present," she said still smiling. "I used to be a kitten of the Court. I played all the games and followed all the intrigues, but that was long ago. Since moving here with my husband I have learned the things life may require of us. I find Court manners little more than a waste of time."

Ran stared at her after her most peculiar announcement. She wasn't at all what he expected and found himself liking her. Despite his best efforts he began to relax, and her smile broadened.

"I'm sorry, but I thought it absolutely necessary to get that out of the way as quickly as possible," she said and poured some tea. "I can tell you are a serious man on serious business, and after last night I don't doubt it. But I can also tell that you have as much respect for the falderal of our place as I do. Cream and sugar?"

"Please."

"Would you care to try the eggs and ham?"

"Yes, please, my Lady."

"Florentine."

"Pardon?" Ran asked.

"Florentine. Its my name," she said serving him. "And your's is Ran, correct?"

When he nodded her smile widened. He would not have considered her an attractive woman, but he began to see how her personality improved her appearance.

"Eat up, Ran. I have a feeling this is the last reasonably quiet meal you may be enjoying for quite sometime. Oh, I'm not a seer," she said noting the expression that crossed his face. "I don't have that particular gift like our dear, sweet Omi."

When his fork paused halfway to his mouth she laughed.

"I knew you noticed," she said. "Yes, we know. But without a proper one from the King what are we to do? A House cannot be without a seer. We were once, you know, and it led to some of our darkest moments."

She stopped speaking to wipe her mouth with her napkin, dropping her eyes to her lap as she did so.

"No, I'm not a seer," she continued. "But I do get strong feelings from time to time which seem to hold true. So, eat up."

Florentine sipped from her teacup and glanced at her children to ensure they were eating. Ran watched her.

"My Lady, forgive me...Florentine," he said, "will your husband join us?"

She measured him with her eyes for a moment before speaking.

"My husband has gone out with a brace of men to collect the body," she said setting her cup down. "I was quite surprised myself when he declared he would go, but he seemed more himself this morning than he has for quite sometime. Soon he shall be returning with quite disturbing news which may throw us all into uproar."

"What news?" Ran demanded around the food in his mouth before he could stop himself.

Lady Hidaka smiled then turned serious again.

"We believe the body will prove to be that of Chancellor Weston," she stated.

Ran almost choked.

"Weston?!" he cried.

"Indeed," she said retrieving her cup of tea. "He is the only person unaccounted for. He dismissed his personal guard after our party broke up and hasn't been seen since."

Ran sat in stunned silence. He had expected Weston to act, but by sending a lackey to do the deed. He began to wonder about the man.

"He had no lack of ambition, Ran," stated Florentine after taking another sip of tea. "And he was not afraid to get his hands dirty, as you see."

The next few minutes passed in silence. She sipped her tea and Ran resumed eating.

"I look upon your visit as a wish granted," she said at last. "A lightening of our darkness. When we heard of your tour we prayed you would not pass us by," she said sincerely. "Forgive me, but I must ask, will Weston's treachery cast us once again from the King's regard? If so, I fear it shall be the end of us."

Ran set down his fork and met her eyes.

"My Lady, I believe there is nothing here that cannot be put to rights with the help and guidance of a gentle hand," he said.

"May the Gods bless you, my Lord," she whispered.

They were interrupted by the arrival of Ran's horses and carriage in the courtyard. They circled the yard before coming to a graceful landing. Lord Hidaka stepped down from the carriage a moment later followed by his eldest son. Hidaka's eyes looked right at their window. His face was grim. He paused only a moment before heading into the House.

Ran wiped his mouth and set down his napkin.

"And now you must leave us for business," Lady Hidaka sighed as he rose. She held out her hand and he bent to kiss it with a smirk. "Take care, my Lord. It was a pleasure speaking with you."

"My Lady," he said bowing, then exited the room.

Ran made his way down to Lord Hidaka's offices. Arriving at one end of the Gallery as the Lord arrived at the other. The two made their way solemnly toward each other. They met before the portrait of the slain Lord and his family which marked the entrance to the offices. Lord Hidaka motioned him in without preamble.

"We are not to be disturbed," he said harshly, then to Takashi who looked ashen he said, "by anyone for any reason," and shut the doors.

He led Ran back to the small office they'd been in the night before. A cheery blaze in the fireplace greeted them.

"Please sit, Lord Fujimiya," he said moving to the desk.

Hidaka retrieved a wine bottle and poured himself a goblet full. Ran watched him stoically, his expression unreadable.

"Forgive me. I don't usually indulge this early in the day, but what I've just seen...," he took a healthy swallow and moved to sit across from Ran. "Thank you, for the use of your carriage. It was most helpful."

Lord Hidaka took another long swallow before meeting Ran's eyes.

"It was Weston, as we supposed. My wife told you?" At Ran's nod he continued, "But still it was a shock to see him. His body is...decayed almost beyond recognition. To see it you would think he has been dead for ten years at least. I've seen many a body. Even ones that had fallen from a great height such as he did, but I have never seen any in such a state. Not one night dead. The wolves didn't even dare touch him."

He took another drink and rose to refill the goblet. Ran waited.

"I confess I never truly trusted Weston. There were things that didn't sit well with me. Incidents. But this...this speaks of a dark magic. Indeed we are cursed," Hidaka said once he resumed his seat.

"Cursed?" Ran asked, surprised.

"Aye, cursed," Lord Hidaka nodded. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "Weston wanted power, more than I could give him. I often wondered, with no way of obtaining such esteem and influence, why he stayed here. It was as if he were tied to the place. He wanted the prestige we used to have before the alliance, and he made no secret about it. Even I, at one time, longed for such a thing," he shook his head regretfully and wiped a hand over his face. "Lord Fujimiya, I believe Weston intended to murder you and use your death to incite hostilities between us and our nearest neighbors. I can only assume his hope was that a renewal of aggressions would cast us in a favorable light and make us once more invaluable to those above us. Or that your death would ensure a final break between us and the crown, but how he thought we could continue alone I have no idea."

"Did you support him in his ambitions?" Ran asked without a hint of emotion.

"No, but I kept him hoping, guessing. The man was dangerous. I didn't dare leave him to his own devices. I knew when I arrived here that he was cunning, but I had no idea...," he shook his head and took another drink then sighed. "That's not true. I always suspected...Lord Fujimiya, you are familiar with the terrible tragedy suffered by my brother and his, are you not?"

Ran nodded.

"Indeed. Who isn't? When I first arrived I was...well, I was young. I was in shock, and I admit I was ambitious. Although younger than my brother I had been married somewhat longer and already had quite a large family. I was grieved for what had befallen him, but I was hopeful as well. Like many siblings we didn't always see eye to eye. I thought my ideas...I hoped...it doesn't matter now. When Weston informed me that the assassins had been caught and dealt with I was more than willing to believe him. I saw the promise of a rise in station before me, and a chance to try the ideas I'd had that my brother had rejected. I recognized Weston's ambitious nature and I thought I could use it."

Lord Hidaka stopped speaking and stared into the fire, seemingly lost in the past. After several minutes passed Ran cleared his throat.

"You mentioned the Ascension Ceremony last night," Hidaka continued not turning from the flames. "When we came here we came in grief, but with the hope of a bright future. Imagine our shock when the magic of the Seat refused me. Imagine how our grief doubled when instead of receiving the blessings of the First Child our beloved daughter ran mad. Cursed! Cursed by the very magic that should've embraced us! But how or why? To this day I cannot answer these questions. The King," Hidaka spat, "had no choice but to leave me in the Seat. My father had no other children to try against the magic's choice. We sent my daughter away to an abbey where she still resides, and we remain here. The King could not leave the Seat of one of the Great Houses empty, but neither could he show affection or approval to a House with a failed Ascension."

Hidaka stopped speaking once more and drank.

"What of Weston?" Ran asked.

"At first I thought he'd be more useful than I had foreseen. With the failed Ascension I needed to utilize every opportunity, every chance, and I saw him as someone who'd recognize these when he saw them. And he was. But as time passed I began to wonder about his history. How he'd caught one of the assassins and made the man name the others. I started to question and doubt."

Lord Hidaka looked at Ran suddenly and leaned farther forward.

"Seven years ago a man came here who I hoped could shed some light onto the assassinations of my brother and his family," he said. "Weston had been seeking him for quite sometime, but I found him. I brought him here and we met. Weston had been conveniently sent from the House seeking information and a possible cure for the illness which was accosting our children at that time. I asked this man for information and he agreed to give it, but he wanted certain assurances. We agreed to meet again after I'd had a chance to guarantee what he'd asked for, but as he was leaving he tripped and fell down the stairs. Broke his neck. Died instantly. His death was an accident, but the relief in Weston's face upon his return, even he couldn't hide it. I knew that the man wouldn't have lived to our second meeting. By that time Weston's place was set, and without the King's support or the backing of another Great House I felt I couldn't remove him safely."

"When did he start using his own personal guards?" Ran asked.

"Hmmm?" Hidaka asked, then paused in thought. "Huh, now that you mention it, right about that same time. You think he didn't feel the man's death was an accident?"

Ran shrugged and Lord Hidaka snorted.

"Well, after what happened to him last night, perhaps he wasn't wrong," he said.

Lord Hidaka sat up straight in his chair and faced Ran.

"There have been other times that I've felt our curse maybe lifted, but it has never come to pass. Today I feel a beginning of hope. However, I want to caution you. The end of Weston may not see an end to his treachery. There are those within my Court who have been under his influence. Heaven knows what they may try," he said solemnly. "If you like I can assign you protection. In fact, I insist on it."

"No," Ran stated firmly. "No, thank you, my Lord. If his accomplices cannot act then how are they to be discovered?"

"True...," Lord Hidaka agreed but he appeared worried and dissatisfied. "Dare I hope that you have been sent here to this purpose?"

Ran allowed a small smile to flit across his face. He rose and bowed to his host.

"I'll be in my room for the rest of the morning. I shall see you at the noon meal," he said as he walked to the door, but once there he looked back. "Where's the body?"

"My men are bringing it up the cliff trail on a litter. They should be here before nightfall. The way is sound, and most of the ice has melted," answered the Lord.

Ran nodded and left the little office. Lord Hidaka looked weary, but his eyes shown with determination and hope.

-----------

Ran closed the door of his room and settled in the chair that looked most comfortable taking brief note of the red rose on his pillow that meant their spy had been by and would return later. Putting aside the thought he shut his eyes and opened the door in his mind.

"Finally," Aya answered immediately. "I've been tense all morning. I expected to hear from you earlier."

Ran felt himself smile.

"Sorry. There's been quite a lot happening," he replied.

"Do tell," she demanded and he did.

It took him quite a while to impart everything he'd learned to his sister. She was, he knew, seated somewhere with a sheath of paper and busily writing it all down in her peculiar short hand. How it was she always knew when he would contact her he'd never figured out, but she always seemed to be prepared. She on the other hand had the knack of catching him in the tub or on horseback. He often wondered whether that was by accident or design on her part.

"Is that all?" she asked sarcastically when he'd finished.

"Yes, and I have to go or I'll be late for lunch," he said.

"Then go and be careful. One attempt on your life is more than enough," she said seriously. "Love you."

"Love you too," he said and closed the door.

Opening his eyes he winced and rubbed his temples. The headache was worse than usual. He suspected he would need a tonic. The longer communications took a lot out of both of them. They had always thought the more they used their gift the stronger they'd become, but that hadn't turned out to be the case.

He climbed wearily to his feet and debated about taking a nap before shaking his head against the idea. No, he was expected at lunch. After recent events he didn't want to frighten his hosts unnecessarily.

Ran opened his door and left his room headed for the main hall and staircase.

"Ah, there you are," Takashi Hidaka said rounding the corridor. "Father sent me to find you. He said...are you alright? You're very pale," the young man said in concern as he approached.

"I'm fine. A headache. Its nothing," Ran said as Takashi turned to fall into step with him. He didn't feel the long blade of the dagger until it was removed roughly from his chest.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Takashi spat. He stepped away as Ran staggered into the wall.

The last thing he saw was Takashi's back as he turned and strode away. Then everything faded to black.

------

Author's Note: Oops. Heh-heh. Surprise! Another cliff hanger. Heh. Thanks for reading! Please REVIEW!

Precognition74: Yes, the boy in chapter 3 was Omi, and you've got that name for a reason, right? Thanks for reading! :)

Rapunzel4: Oh, thank you. Its actually easier for me to have a schedule. Otherwise you'd never hear from me, or I'd post the entire thing all at once. Aaagh! Grammar mistakes!! No, no, NOOOO! Okay, so I knew about that one, but I was too lazy to fix it. Somehow I just knew you'd notice! ;D Yes, Ran/Ken eventually, but don't hold your breath. Please. I can't be held responsible if you do. Patience is a virtue and one you'll need for this fic! Don't worry. I lurk too. Thanks for reading! :)

Swtjemz: Yay! You're on the edge of your seat! Are you still? Thanks, I'm working really hard on building up the mystery and keeping it going. This one is taking a lot of rewrites to get right. And I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you again as far as Schwarz is concerned. So sorry! bows Thanks for reading! :)

Shikigami-kun: Apparently not. Although, it could be argued that his mind is on other things. Yeah, Ken is 19. They are all their correct ages in this one. Well, it did get to fruition...lot of good it did him, ne? Your other questions I shall leave for the future. They will be answered eventually! ;P Ran/Ken forever! Thanks for reading! :)

Akimoto Kin: Thanks! No problem, don't worry about it! Yeah, Omi's gift is the gift of sight, and Youji's a Prince again. I think I have issues with that I must be working out. I can't get past it. Well, a lot is going to happen! Hopefully it'll all be interesting. Thanks for reading! :)

Mondtanz: You're welcome! Hey, I only have dial up at my house. Yes, Ken does have the strongest power in his House. Its true that bugnuks are very fitting for vengeance. I'm glad that you'll brave the dial up because otherwise you most definitely will miss the introduction! If I get the chance to actually read a real book I'll give Bujold another chance. Now to save your wallet I'll give you a bit of advice. Use your local library. They have a wonderful thing called Inter-Library Loan. That means if they don't have the book they can request it from any other library in the country! And lots of libraries now have comics and manga too! So, check it out next time you find a series you love, but can't afford. Thanks for reading! :)

Ru-chan: Thanks! I'm glad you like it so far! Thanks for reading! :)

Makami: Thanks! I do agree that we're closer to our own writing, but some times we're too close and we can't see the flaws. Or at least I am. I always ask my husband to read my chapters not only to help proof them, but also to help me with the flow of the story, and the building of the plot. I'm always worried about losing it somewhere, and helpful critiques are always welcome to me, but certainly not flames. Flamers should be roasted. Heh-heh-heh. I like it when he uses his claws too. Thanks for reading! :)

Marsupial: Hey! Welcome back! Thanks, I'm glad you like it so far! Yeah, the magic is part of their daily lives, well for most Houses. The Thirteenth has problems. Thanks for reading! :)

Seph Lorraine: Well, I'm afraid you must be even more afraid for him now, hunh? Sorry! I had to! Please forgive me! I'm glad you like Omi, Youji is coming. Hang on! Hee-hee-hee. Yeah, too bad! He didn't like being groped either. Poor guy. The things we put them through for our own enjoyment. ;P Ran/Ken shall prevail! Thanks for reading! :)

Ranny Boy: Little Ken lights flashed? How cute! Are they flashing now? Thanks for reading! :)

Velvet Copper: Ha-ha-ha! Alter it, hunh? Hmmm. Why don't you just hang on and keep reading. wink Thanks for reading! :)