Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken (someday).
Author's Note: Thank you, thank you for all the reviews! And please enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
First Born of the Thirteenth House
Part 3: Ran and Ken (a)
Ran sat silently staring at the low burning fire in his room's fireplace. It was late but he couldn't sleep. Beyond the drawn curtains of his window a fierce snowstorm was steadily filling his balcony with the cold, white powder. But the howling of the wind didn't reach him.
Before him, on the table, was the remains of their dinner. They'd had a quiet dinner alone in his room on his insistence, but neither one of them had had much of an appetite. Both of them too worn out by their hours of discussion in the dark and cold of the underground cavern.
A soft noise from the bed broke Ran from his thoughts and he glanced at it in concern. He could just see the top of Ken's head peeking out above the heavy quilts and covers. The red-headed Lord hadn't minded giving up his bed. In fact, he'd insisted that the former servant sleep where Ran would know he was safe. To himself he admitted that he was afraid to let Ken out of his sight. The former wood boy had been too tired to argue and had fallen asleep almost as soon as he'd settled into the deep feather mattress.
Ran watched the younger man for a few moments but the noise was not repeated. Sighing, he returned to gazing at the fire.
He wasn't sure how long they had been in the cavern, but it had been dark when they'd emerged from the tunnel back into Ken's room.
Ken. That was his name. Ken Hidaka, first born to the Thirteenth House. His story was incredible, almost unbelievable. Yet Ran believed him. More, he knew Ken was telling the truth, and it frightened him.
The story had not come out easily. Ken had kept his secret for fourteen years. Slowly, carefully, Ran had begun to question him. Intellectually he knew that Ken would be compelled to answer because of their new bond, but emotionally he was worried about upsetting the younger man, and so had moved cautiously.
His initial questions about Tris had led to others about how he'd gotten to the bottom of the oubliette. It took a long time. Ran couldn't remember exactly when Ken had begun talking without his prompting questions, or when they'd repositioned themselves so they could lean into each other for support, but eventually the whole story had come out.
Ran shook his head. It was a miracle Ken had survived. Not only that, but he'd taken revenge on the author of all his pain and hardship. Unfortunately, killing Weston and his accomplice had not abated the former servant's sorrow or rage. Those were things they had yet to deal with, but at least he had begun to open up.
The red-head had to wonder whether it was irony or fate that had found Ken his second pairing in the very spot he'd lost his first one. Did Ken even understand the connection their magics had formed? Or the true nature of his connection to Tris? Ran doubted it. And he hadn't brought it up. It wasn't the right time.
So, now he knew what it was to be paired. Ran wasn't sure what he thought or felt about it, and he wondered what Aya would say.
Thinking suddenly of his sister caused Ran to groan inwardly. He hadn't even thought of how this could affect her, or their link. He'd never done anything without considering Aya first. Ran cringed. Things were already different and he hadn't even noticed.
Shutting his eyes he reached for her and she answered immediately.
"There you are!" her thoughts cried in his mind. "I've been waiting to hear from you. How...wait. Something's changed. What's happened? You seem...different."
"I'm paired," Ran sighed.
"Paired?" Aya asked, confused. "As in 'Paired'? As in your magic is bonded to someone else's?!"
"Yes," Ran answered.
"Aren't you too old for that?"
"Apparently not."
"So, who is it?" she asked and he could sense her curiosity.
"The wood boy. The servant who saved me yesterday. His name is Ken."
"Is he a child?" Aya asked.
"No," Ran answered.
"How old is he?"
"Nineteen?"
"You sound uncertain," Aya thought.
"He's nineteen," Ran stated.
"So, you are paired to this Ken who is a servant," Aya stated as though she were clarifying things in her own mind. "How did this happen? Does it mean you have to stay there?"
"He's not a servant. He's the first born of this House, and I don't know how it happened or why or what it means," Ran answered in frustration.
"Ran, calm down. Wait a minute. What do you mean he's first born? You mean the first born who was killed?" Aya asked, filling his mind with her strength and peace.
"Yes, the one who was supposedly killed. He survived," Ran answered, rubbing his temples.
"How?"
"That is a very long story and I am too tired to tell you now. Later, I promise," he thought.
"Okay," Aya sighed. Her waves of gentle reassurance increased. "So, what's he like? Is he nice?"
"..."
"Ran?"
"I...don't really know. He's powerful. He needed to be paired. Our magics were compatible, and...his chose mine."
"Then he must be a good person. You do sound tired. Get some sleep. I'll inform the King in the morning," Aya thought.
"Okay," Ran replied tiredly.
"And Ran?"
"Yes?"
"Relax," her thought was full of command.
"I'll try. I love you."
"And I love you," she sighed. "I can't wait to see you. And to meet Ken."
He could feel her cheeky grin. Ran snorted and closed the door in his mind. Well, at least his link with Aya seemed unaffected and with a bit of surprise he noted that for the first time he didn't have a headache after communicating with her. A noise from the bed attracted his attention. He turned to find Ken sitting up and regarding him sleepily with a slight frown.
"Were you just talking to someone?" the former servant asked blearily.
"No," Ran said, hiding his surprise.
Ken stared at him for a moment then glanced around the room suspiciously. When he could find no evidence of another soul he looked back at Ran.
"I thought I heard you talking to someone," he stated grumpily.
Ran just sat watching him. When he didn't react Ken flopped back down in the bed grumbling and buried himself in the bed clothes once more.
The red-headed Lord arched a curious eyebrow at the dying fire. That was unexpected, but very interesting. Ran snuggled down into the quilt he'd wrapped himself in and wondered what the morrow would bring.
-----
The next morning found Ran and Ken, freshly washed and dressed in another clean set of clothes, standing before Prince Yohji in the drawing room of his suite. Omi too was present, the two apparently having eaten breakfast together.
"So, here you two are," Yohji said grinning. "We really didn't expect to see you until...oh, sometime tomorrow perhaps."
Ran rolled his eyes, but Ken's glare intensified and his cheeks pinked.
"W-what?!" he demanded.
"Did you enjoy each other?" the Prince smirked. "Don't worry, I'm not jealous. The burning fires of passion had begun to cool between us. I knew Ran would be moving on."
Ran ground his teeth, and sighed.
"Hey! H-h-he...I-I-I....d-didn't," Ken sputtered angrily. "We're not-!"
"Ken. Yohji. Shut up," Ran said coolly.
Ken shut up and glared fiercely at the tall brunet Prince who continued to grin.
"Ken?" Yohji said and his smile broadened. "So, you're name is Ken, is it?"
The former wood boy ducked his head and shifted uncomfortably. He glanced sideways at Ran in an accusing manner.
"Ken?!" Omi cried, his eyes widening. "Not..."
"Ken Hidaka," Ran stated nodding.
"But...how?" the small blond asked in awe, looking at Ken as if he'd never seen him before. "How is that possible?"
Ken tried not to cringe under the combined scrutiny of Omi and Yohji, who had stopped grinning and appeared thoughtful. The Prince reached forward and gripped the shorter brunet's chin, tilting his head up.
"The official first born," he muttered. "You survived the attack on your family. You went into service here, and eventually sought revenge."
Although they were statements and not questions Ken nodded to confirm them. Ran had already told him he could trust these men. That he must, for the Princes had a say in his future.
"Very well, Ken," Yohji said, releasing him. "What now?"
Ken's brow furrowed and he looked at Ran again before returning his gaze to Yohji.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"What I mean," the Prince said, "is what do you intend to do now? Do you intend to claim your rightful place as head of this House?"
Ken frowned in thought for a moment before shaking his head. Yohji noticed Ran relax an infinitesimal amount.
"Then what?" Yohji asked.
Ken glanced at Ran again then shrugged.
"I don't know," he said. "I thought...well, that I would take my compensation and buy a farm or something."
"Become a farmer?" Yohji asked in amusement. His eyes flicked to Ran who was scowling in distaste and he was hard pressed not to laugh.
"I don't really want to," Ken said defensively. "It's the only other thing I've ever done!"
"The Tuckers," Omi muttered to himself as if he were taking mental notes.
"I see," Yohji said, schooling his expression. "Well, how would you like to accompany us back to the First House? There you can learn to use that power of your's, and put it to good use in service to the crown. Like Ran does."
Ken's eyes widened in surprise and he stared up at the Prince. He blinked a few times in thought, then a very small smile turned up the corners of his mouth.
"I can go with Ran?" he asked softly.
"Of course," Yohji said, smiling once again. "I've already sent a messenger to inform the King about you, and to have a proper seer sent for. Once they arrive Omi will be leaving as well."
"You're leaving too?" Ken asked, turning to the young ward.
"If at all possible," chirped Omi smiling.
Yohji and Ran exchanged a serious look while the other two were distracted. After a moment the Prince loudly cleared his throat.
"Before any of us go anywhere," he said, "Lord Hidaka and my brother must be consulted."
Ken took a surprised step back then clenched his fists and stepped forward again. His arguments were preempted by Yohji raising his hand for silence.
"The Ascension must be completed or you won't be going anywhere. Not to mention other things which need to be attended to," Yohji said sternly. "You can't just go slinking off in the night."
"Ken," Ran said calmly. When the young man met his eyes he continued, "Do you really want to leave Tris and your father where they are now? Or lay their bones to rest?"
The former servant dropped his fists.
"They weren't thrown off the cliff and carried over the boarder?" Omi asked curiously, then looked abashed when the other three looked at him, Ken's eyes darkening. "Sorry," he said sheepishly. "Where are they? The catacombs?"
Ken and Ran nodded.
"The walled staircase," Omi said and they nodded again.
"Yes, the mystery must be solved and the bodies laid to rest, so this House can move forward," the Prince stated. "Shall we go now? This has waited long enough."
"W-wait..uh...if I do give up the Seat to my uncle will I...will I lose my magic?" Ken asked.
"No," Yohji answered firmly. "The magic you receive from the Seat at birth is your's. What you will be relinquishing is your right to rule as head of this House. The magic shall remain within you. Understand?"
The former wood boy nodded slowly.
"Shall we?" Yohji asked again, motioning toward the door.
Ken looked uncertain, and Ran placed a hand on his shoulder. The two exchanged a glance. Finally Ken nodded again and they followed Yohji from the room.
-----
They were admitted without question to the inner offices of Lord Hidaka. The servants, retainers, and guards they passed watched them curiously. Outside the little office Lord Hidaka preferred Yohji had them pause in the anteroom. He felt the need to give some warning to Ken's uncle about their arrival, and he slipped into the office after knocking lightly.
Lord Hidaka and the Crown Prince were seated before the fire discussing what to do with Lord Hidaka's traitorous son. They glanced up at Yohji's entrance.
"I trust you have some news," Keiji stated.
Yohji bowed.
"The pairing is achieved," he said.
"Rather sooner than you anticipated," Keiji commented.
"Yes," Yohji agreed. "Much sooner, and it has brought to light some interesting answers."
"Pairing? What pairing?" Lord Hidaka asked in confusion.
"Lord Hidaka," the Crown Prince began, "I'm afraid we haven't been quite honest with you concerning the attack on Lord Fujimiya."
Lord Hidaka gave Keiji his undivided attention.
"To simplify matters that were already complex we let it be known that the attack on Lord Fujimiya failed. That he was not wounded. That was a falsehood. He was in fact seriously wounded, and should have perished from his injuries," Keiji continued. "But he was saved...by one of your servants using the Seat magic of your own House."
"What?" Lord Hidaka asked breathlessly.
The Crown Prince nodded, his face set in a stern frown.
"How could such a power exist yet remain unknown? Who is this servant? These were the questions I set my brother to answer, and one more. Could this young person be paired, their power harnessed?" Keiji stated.
The Crown Prince and Lord Hidaka turned to Yohji who nodded.
"The pairing is complete, and your questions and more are answered," Yohji said formally. "Prepare yourself, my Lord. The young man is without."
Lord Hidaka rose and stood in the center of the room. Crown Prince Keiji joined him, his expression unchanged. Yohji opened the door and ushered in the three who stood waiting in the room beyond. Hidaka blinked in surprise at Omi, who bowed to him. Lord Fujimiya bowed as well, but the Lord's eyes locked on the third figure who entered. He felt his breath catch in his throat.
"I...don't...Ken?" he whispered. "Little Ken...alive?"
The young man didn't answer but continued to watch him with dark, angry eyes.
"Ken!" Hidaka wailed suddenly.
The Lord of the House rushed forward and threw himself onto his young nephew. Clutching at him.
"How?! How?!" Hidaka cried, grasping the sides of Ken's face and looking into his surprised eyes. "How is this miracle possible? How can you be alive?"
Before anyone could answer the older man pulled Ken forward and planted a kiss on his forehead, then caught him up in a fierce hug. The former servant tried to struggle free, but his uncle was much larger and the force of his emotions gave him added strength. After a few minutes Hidaka willingly released him and glanced around at the others.
"How is this possible?" he demanded.
"That is something I too am interested in hearing," Keiji said.
Extra seats were summoned, and Ken was called upon to tell his story. Omi and Yohji listened raptly and not without concern. Ken's uncle and the Crown Prince never stopped scowling.
"Here all along," Hidaka muttered when Ken was finished. "Right under my nose and I never knew it. I can well imagine what you thought when you saw me in close contact with Weston. Ken, can you forgive me for not being here when you needed me most? When your parents needed me? I know I shall never be able to forgive myself, but can you, in time, forgive me?"
Ken's angry eyes shifted to the floor.
"I don't know," he answered.
Hidaka nodded.
"Fair enough," he said. "For my own part I never trusted Weston, as Lord Fujimiya can attest."
Ken turned to Ran with a startled expression and Ran nodded.
"But I never suspected his involvement was How he knew of the catacombs is beyond me," the Lord muttered, frowning. "It is something only the heirs and potential heirs know. A closely guarded secret for obvious reasons. And now Weston's own death a mystery."
"A mystery?" Ken said. "I threw him off the parapet."
"What he means," Keiji said, clearing his throat, "is the corpse's condition. From the looks of him he's been dead ten years at least."
"Why didn't you tell me that?" Ken demanded of Ran.
"Would you have stayed awake to listen?" the red-headed Lord asked coldly.
When Ken continued to pout at him Ran sighed.
"You were exhausted and so was I," he said more softly. "And I knew you'd be hearing it today."
Ken continued to gaze at him for a moment longer, his eyes searching for something, then he turned away.
"It takes a tremendous amount of power and skill to manipulate a corpse. The fact that he appeared alive and well up until three days ago speaks strongly of the one possessing him," Keiji stated. "The danger to your life may not have ended with Weston's death."
Ken snorted derisively, but his uncle reached forward and grasped his hand.
"He's right, Ken. Once its known you're alive anyone who hasn't yet been brought to task could pose a threat," Hidaka said, frowning. "I'm sure this has occurred to Lord Fujimiya."
Ken glanced from one Lord to the other and Ran nodded again.
"My Lord Hidaka," Yohji interrupted smoothly, "I'm sure the danger shall be very much lessened once Ken relinquishes his rights to the Seat."
Hidaka stared agast at the Prince.
"W-what's this?" he sputtered.
"I'm leaving," Ken stated bluntly.
"But it's your rightful place!" his uncle cried. "You belong here! You are my brother's son and heir. It doesn't matter that you've lived as a servant, what matters is you're alive and this House needs you."
"No," Ken responded angrily. "I hate it here an' I'm not stayin'!"
"Ken!" Ran said loudly in warning.
The former servant shut his mouth and stared angrily at the floor. His uncle looked from one to the other pleadingly.
"My Lord," Omi said softly, attracting everyone's attention. "What this House needs is you armed with the full potential of the Seat. The Ascension did not fail. It could not take place because Ken is alive, but it can take place with his release of his rights."
"But it is too late," Hidaka said sadly. "My eldest has gone mad. For her own safety she has been placed in the care of the sisters in the Taemanai Cloister."
"Her faculties shall be returned and you shall Ascend," Omi stated quietly. "I have seen it. Just as I know Lord Fujimiya and your nephew shall leave here to go onto great adventure, and they shan't be alone."
Ran and Ken stared at the young seer in surprise before looking at each other.
"You have seen this, Omi?" Lord Hidaka asked.
"I have, my Lord."
"Then so it shall be," he said, slumping in his chair. "I'm sorry to be losing you again, Ken, but this House has not been kind to you. You, more than anyone, have suffered under our curse."
Ken didn't respond, but shifted in his seat.
"I think the transfer should take place as soon as possible," Keiji said. "Until that time Ken should remain unknown. Can it be done tomorrow?"
"Yes, I believe so," Yohji answered. "You are here in an official capacity with Manx and I for witnesses. Omi can function as seer. Father has already sanctioned Lord Hidaka to take his brother's place and since its simply an incomplete Ascension and not a failed one it should be quite easy."
"Good. The less drama the better," the Crown Prince stated. "Until tomorrow then you should stay out of sight," he said to Ken.
"What about Tris and Otosan?" Ken demanded. "I want them out of there."
"Why can't the four of us and Manx do it? Quietly?" Ran asked.
"Quietly," Keiji stressed. "Utilize those catacombs you know so well," he added, fixing Ken with a warning glare.
"Please, when they have been recovered may I be allowed to pay my respects?" Lord Hidaka asked. "I feel it keenly that even this small task is something I can not do for my brother."
Ken frowned at him, but nodded.
"Is there a place we can house them until all may be known?" Yohji asked.
"They will go nowhere but the chapel," Lord Hidaka stated firmly. "I shall bar everyone from it. Let them think what they will, but I won't have them go anywhere else."
Ken looked at him and for a moment his eyes softened. Quickly nodding he glanced away.
-----
Author's Note: Well, his identity is revealed, at least to his uncle. I apologize that more didn't happen in this chapter. Just a lot of talking. Sorry. There'll be a few chapters like that off and on. I'm not sure it can be helped. Hopefully the next chapter will be more interesting. Thanks for reading and please leave a review!
Mondtanz: Well, now you know what they say to his uncle. What'd ya think? Not too dramatic, hunh? To be honest I just wanted to get past this part and move on and I think it shows. Sorry. And originally I had it that his uncle was evil, but then I got a better idea. ;) Thanks for reading! :)
Ranny Boy: Yeah, Yohji is sneaky all right. Heh-heh. And I tried to include more of him and Omi together as the story goes on, but for a bit it'll just focus on Ran and Ken. They are my favorites so I can't seem to help it. Thanks for reading! :)
Sara-chan: Ran will say it himself in...I think the next chapter, so don't panic. ;P Thanks for reading! :)
Baka-Chibbi: Yeah, Ken punched Aya, and then Aya punched Ken, and then they went AFTER each other and Omi and Manx just looked at each other and quietly left the shop. Then late at night Yohji came home and found the two of them passed out and the shop DESTROYED! It was cool! Well, I thought it was. Thanks for reading! :)
Akimoto Kin: Hey! There you are! I was just about to email you. I'm glad you've been able to read them. Thanks! Yeah, there is a lot and I'm trying to unravel it slowly, but I reach a point...about six or seven chapters from now, when I just blow the whole plot wide open. Ran will explain it himself next time, I think. And yes, they will have a deeper connection but that doesn't mean an easier one. Its so good to hear from you again and thanks for reading! :)
O.bi.Sess: Thank you, thank you! And thanks for reviewing...twice! I haven't decided whether Omi and Yohji are together or not. I'm still playing with that one. Thanks for reading! :)
Shikigami-kun: Well, I think its good they're paired. It remains to be seen what they think. Don't worry. Revealing Ken doesn't answer all questions. I'm not sure about angst and turmoil, but there's more mystery. And your drawings are great, but I still want more MMH!!! Who was the guy you adapted into Ken? Thanks for reading! :)
RuByMoOn17: Hey! Learn to share! :waggles finger at you: Thanks for reading! :)
Makami: Yeah, I know, I have that problem from time to time. I've even had to wait a whole day before it would let me onto someone's story. And then every once and a while I'll try to review and it'll tell me I've already reviewed that chapter. Very frustrating! Elvengoddess00 told me to highlight the chapter number (or whatever) and replace it with the one you want in the chapter index. I haven't tried it yet, but she said it worked on her fic! Yes, Heather is actually my real name. I just couldn't come up with a good nickname, and then I see everyone elses' and I'm jealous, but Oh well. Thanks for reading! :)
Snow girl that melts only in honey: Heh-heh-heh...maybe I won't post that other story. I'm really not ready to die! ;P Don't worry, I think we're past the worst of the cliffhangers in this story. :pets head: Thanks for reading! :)
Seph Lorraine: Well, now its out in the open anyway...partly. I'm glad you like the mystery! I try! But I do love Ken in "Somewhat Damaged", and Ran too...and Farfie! I know artists like that! O.O Their relationship will develop really slowly still. I don't want to rush it, but I do worry about it being too slow. Oh well. Its almost all written now, so it's a little late to change everything. Although I am rewriting. Oh, thanks. I'm glad I can make Mondays a little more enjoyable for you. Thanks for reading! :)
Krysana: Ken accepts it as natural because he doesn't know what happened...yet. Heh-heh-heh. It remains to be seen whether he'll be happy or not. Thanks for reading! :)
Precognition74: Omi wants to be recognized as important enough to leave the Thirteenth House, which he already has been. Yohji sees all! Ha-ha-ha! And he's not even a seer! Thanks for reading! :)
Jo-9tails: Hi! Thanks for reading and reviewing...twice! There were two people that did that. Thank you so much, I'm glad you like them! Noema and noessis? I know its been a while since I was in school...but what are those? And yes, you are a bad girl for reading in class! :waggles finger: But I'm glad you liked it! Kitty eyes don't work on me because I have a cat and I'm used to them, but I update every Monday. YxO...undecided. Thanks for reading! :)
Silverfrost: I'm often too lazy to sign in too. Thanks! And thanks for reading! :)
Rapunzel4: Well, Ran does now. I'm glad you don't mind waiting a week. I sort of like to do it that way, because it gives me a chance to prepare each chapter with a final edit and respond to all the reviews. I always spend time trying to guess what happens next in peoples' fics. I hate having to wait! Thanks for reading! :)
