Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken (vay, vay in de future).

Author's Note-Sigh- Fighting a cold, but I have a couple of days off, so maybe I'll try and finish this story. I'm not sure what happens in this chapter...I'm about to reread it. Anyway, thanks for all your reviews! They fill me with determination and joy! Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

First Born of the Thirteenth House

Part 3: Ran and Ken ( c )

Ken awoke the next morning feeling tired and depressed. He'd had the nightmare several times during the night, but he awoke in no doubt that what he was going to do was the right thing. The sooner he could be away from the House the better. Every fiber of his being confirmed it, and he'd learned long ago to trust his instincts.

After a quiet breakfast he and Ran had gone back to the chapel and viewed his family again. At some point someone had procured or constructed three coffins, and the bodies lay nestled inside them in folds of silk and brocade. Ken appreciated the effort.

Shortly thereafter they were summoned to one of Lord Hidaka's public offices so the transfer of the Seat could take place. Ken was more than ready, but he was a little surprised to find the office full of people he recognized as his uncle's top officials and advisers. He'd thought they'd be just the small group Yohji had mentioned the day before.

The two Princes, his uncle, Manx and Omi were standing at a medium sized table which had been placed in the center of the room. The officials and advisers stood around them looking curious and anxious. Lord Hidaka welcomed them warmly and motioned them to join the party around the table upon which was a large piece of parchment filled with writing, a small bowl, and a knife.

"This is the official document," Prince Keiji stated once they were all gathered. "It has been imbued with the authority and sanction of the crown. My brother Yohji and security officer Manx will serve as witnesses. From this day forth, you, Ken Hidaka, First Born of this the Thirteenth Great House and rightful heir to Makoto Hidaka, relinquish forever your ties to the Seat. Is this not so?"

"It is," Ken answered, ignoring the startled gasps that were heard throughout the crowd of officials and advisors when his name was mentioned. He could feel their scrutiny.

"And you, Lord Jiro Hidaka, wish to fill this vacated position and have the right by blood to do so?" Keiji asked.

"I do," Lord Hidaka answered, his face grave.

"Hold forth your hands," the Crown Prince commanded.

Ken and his uncle both held their right hands out over the small bowl on the tabletop. Ran retrieved the knife and carefully sliced across each of their palms. Their blood spilled and pooled in the small bowl before Ken healed himself and then reached out and touched his uncle's wound quickly healing it as well. The older man blinked in pleased surprise but said nothing.

Marking the exchange Keiji picked up a sharpened quill and dipped it into the blood and handed it over to Ken. The former servant took it awkwardly and scratched his name in the place Keiji indicated, hoping that he spelled it right. He frowned as he watched his uncle sign, noting the differences in their signatures. His didn't look very nice. He hadn't written his name in fourteen years and it looked it.

When his uncle had signed Ran sliced open Yohji and Manx's palms and they added their blood to the bowl and their signatures to the document, and finally Keiji added his. As the crown Prince finished signing, completing the official transition, a dark shadow seemed to pass from the room. Suddenly everything was brighter, lighter. A heaviness that no one had noticed was lifted away and the company breathed deeply. The air suddenly seemed fresher.

Lord Hidaka sighed and smiled. Coming around the table he threw an arm around Ken's shoulders.

"My loyal friends," he said loudly before any of the myriad of questions could be asked. "I know that you surely have questions about what you have just witnessed. Who wouldn't? And I can assure you that Ken's tale is one worth hearing. You're probably wondering how all of this came about and in that I am as amazed as you. Let me say," the Lord reached out with his other arm and caught Ran around his shoulders as well, "that when Lord Fujimiya arrived I knew miracles were in store, and indeed they have happened. Come, my friends, come to the drawing rooms and you shall hear all!"

And so Ken and Ran spent the remaining time before lunch in the drawing rooms with the entire household. Many people remembered Ken as a child and felt called upon to eulogize about his parents. They all either missed completely or ignored the fact that he'd been serving them for fourteen years as a wood boy, but he couldn't seem to forget it. By lunch his depression was warring with his anger which had been on the rise all morning.

Ran appeared as put out as he felt, and managed to get them free after lunch. When the cold red-head applied himself he had a glare that could be fatal, and no one dared to cross him. He took Ken and they returned to his room to await the interview with the men who'd attacked Ran. It was planned for after dinner.

"How are you?" the quiet Lord asked once they'd gained the seclusion of his room.

"Angry," Ken answered bluntly. "Its like they don't even care that I've been here all along as a servant. No one said anything!"

"They're probably unsure of how to respond," Ran said gently. "To many the idea is most likely horrifying and to others at the very least embarrassing. To not even know your own lost Lord's son and heir. To see him daily and not see him. Its unforgivable really. Even though you were hiding your presence rather effectively."

Ken sighed and pouted. His anger gave way to depression and he slumped.

"Yeah...I guess," he muttered.

"What shall we do now? You are free and it should now be safe for you to move about freely," Ran said.

"I want to see Weston's body," Ken stated.

Ran nodded and together they moved toward the door. As they reached it a knock sounded and a footman poked his head in. Ken recognized him as the one who'd been bringing their dinners.

"My Lord, Master Ken," he said and bowed low. "I have a note from Lady Hidaka."

He handed it to Ken and bowed low again before exiting the room. The former servant stared after him. The man's behavior very different from the other times he'd served them. Ran took the note from his slack hand and opened it.

"What was that? Just because he knows who I am now?" Ken asked.

Ran nodded and continued to read the note.

"What's it say?"Ken asked redirecting his attention to the silently reading red-head.

"She's invited us to tea later this afternoon. She wants to know if you're interested in viewing the family rooms," Ran said folding the note back up.

Ken stared at him.

"You mean where I used to live? Those rooms?"

"I guess so," Ran shrugged. "Are you?"

"Yeah," Ken answered after a minute. "I'd like that."

Ran nodded curtly again and opened the door ushering Ken out before him. They made their way down through the House. Every corner they took they were met with open stares and whispers. They were glad once they reached the outside and crossed the yard to the ice house.

"I'll be glad once all this is over," Ken muttered.

"Hn," Ran agreed.

Weston's body was laid out on a bench just inside the door of the building. It was actually cooler in the ice house than outside despite the harsh wind which had picked up. Ran pulled back the sack cloth shroud and they peered down at his mummified remains.

"What happened to him?" Ken asked. "I've never seen a body brought in out of the ravine lookin' like this."

"Neither has anyone else," Ran stated. "He's been dead for quite sometime and under the influence of a very powerful spell."

Ken looked at him.

"Who did it?" he asked.

"That's the question we'd all like answered," Ran said still studying Weston. "From what we can tell it looks like he was either already dead or very near it when he participated in your family's assassination."

Ken stared.

"S-so all these years I've been tracking a-a corpse!" he cried.

Ran met his eyes and nodded. Then he dropped the shroud back over the body.

Ken shivered. His thoughts went straight to that night and the other presence he'd seen beside the pit, but how could a ghost manipulate a corpse? Shaking his head he turned to leave, Ran right behind him.

-

"So, you have been serving as a wood boy here, hidden right under our very noses for fourteen years?" Florentine asked as she poured out the tea.

"Twelve actually," Ken replied. "For the first two I worked on a near by farm."

He studied his aunt as she finished pouring out the tea and began offering around various treats. Despite himself he liked her immediately. She appeared to be open and artless. A breath of fresh air from the other members of his uncle's Household.

She shook her head and sighed.

"Amazing," she said. "Simply amazing. That at such a young age you had the strength of will to live through what you had and still continue. And right here where you had suffered. I have to admit it floors me. The thought of any child going through that makes me shiver, but to know that you've been right here...well, it shames us."

Ken wasn't sure how to respond and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Please, drink your tea," Florentine smiled. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, but it can't be ignored. And to know that it was you, after all you'd been through, that saved our children. Thank you, Ken. From the depths of my heart, thank you."

He nodded and drank a healthy dose of tea.

"And how did you find us from the other side of the stairs?" she asked. "Are we too awful?"

"Not all of you," he answered honestly. "I never served in here," he added, glancing around at the small private drawing room. It did seem a little familiar but it wasn't the room he remembered his okasan using.

"After we've finished our tea feel free to explore," Florentine said, smiling softly. "I'm afraid I've no idea which room was your's, but I believe the Lord and I use your parents' rooms. You may look at them if you wish, and of course at the sun room. I believe that was one of your mother's favorites. You've been to the little office that your father used. My husband also enjoys its comfortable feel."

"Thanks," he muttered and ate a tiny cake.

"So, Ran, soon you are to return to the First House?" she asked redirecting her attention, but never really letting Ken out of her sight.

"Yes," the quiet Lord answered. "The day after the funeral which I believe has been set for two days from now."

"Indeed. It is better to get all this behind us and have a fresh start, but we have invited Tristan's family to attend and they can't come sooner. They are from an out lying village," Florentine replied, glancing fully at Ken.

He was staring with his mouth hanging open.

"Tris's...family?" he asked dumbly.

"Yes, I suspected no one had told you. He was the youngest of seven children of a land holder to the north of us. Although none of his siblings are at home anymore his parents have been invited. They should be arriving some time tomorrow afternoon," she paused to gauge his reaction.

Ken looked to Ran who seemed equally surprised and turned concerned eyes on him.

"I...it never...I didn't know he had any family," Ken said at last. "He was always here with me...wasn't he?"

"Yes, dear, he was," Florentine answered. She looked to Ran who shook his head slightly and she smiled. "He was always here and so how could you have known? Your father took him in as a companion for you."

After she said it she sipped her tea and left Ken to sort out his feelings. He looked again at Ran who nodded at his tea and treats. Absently the former servant began eating again, but stopped a moment later.

"May I see the rooms now?" he asked.

When Florentine nodded he rose and left the room.

"You are paired to him but he doesn't know it, does he?" she asked Ran.

The red-head silently shook his head.

"There hasn't been the right time to explain it," Ran said. "And I have to admit I'm just getting used to it myself. He has no idea what it even means, or that Tris was anything more than his friend and companion."

Florentine nodded in understanding.

"It is a complicated practice to explain, I know. My own eldest was paired in preparation for my husband's taking of the Seat, and a worthy partner was chosen for him as well. Of course, he never had to go through it, but my daughter's companion is with her still in her isolation," she said.

"Well, I'm afraid Lord Hidaka will have to go through it now," Ran said and Florentine smiled.

"Yes," she agreed. "I suppose he will. Do not take too long to explain it to Ken," she said and Ran searched her face. She smiled again. "Just a feeling."

-

Ken stood just inside the door to the large room and stared out the large windows at the snow that was starting to fall. The room was nearly empty except for a few straight backed chairs clustered on a rug near the windows. They had to be the tallest windows in the House. They stretched almost all the way to the ceiling which was a good twelve feet above the floor. Their panes were large rectangles stacked eight up and eight across, and the view was spectacular. It looked full South right down the length of the ravine.

He remembered the room and the view, but the chairs were different although their placement seemed right. He glanced at the huge fireplace which was cold and dark. The embroidered screen before it was the same one he remembered and he felt himself sigh.

It had been here, in this very room, that his powers had first manifested. That he had healed his mother's pricked finger just hours before she'd been killed.

Sighing again he moved over to the chair that stood closest to where her chair had stood and knelt before it.

"Okasan," he said softly, looking up into the empty space where her face used to smile down at him.

Off to his far left the door opened and Ran stepped softly into the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

"This room used to shine," Ken said.

-

Takashi Hidaka looked almost feral as he prowled his cell. His appearance had deteriorated from the well kept first son Ran had met almost a week ago. The young man's clothing was torn from his flight, and rumpled and stained from his days of incarceration. As the two Princes entered he met them with eyes full of hatred and an angry growl. They were followed by his father and three others.

When the young man's eyes fell on Ran his face turned ashen and he stepped back in shock.

"You!" he cried. "You're alive!"

"Indeed," Ran answered.

"But that's...that's impossible," Takashi stammered.

"I told you he was alive and well," Lord Hidaka spat darkly. "Do you now accuse me of lying?"

"I thought you were trying to trick me," his son answered, eyes wide with shock. "Weston said you would. He said..."

"I'm sure he said a lot of things," Hidaka nodded. "He said your cousin Ken was dead, but see, here he stands."

Takashi stepped back again and found himself against the wall. The young brunet scowling before him couldn't be his cousin. That was utterly inconceivable.

"You can't be my cousin! He's long dead from the treachery of..." he stammered to a halt and turned his eyes on his father once more. "Weston said...he...Father, he said you had my uncle and his family killed so you could have the Seat for yourself," Takashi said in confusion.

"He what?" Lord Hidaka demanded.

"He said the Seat knew and that was why the Ascension failed. He said...," Takashi bowed his head in confusion and shame, "he said our House was failing because of your treachery. That our only hope was...was for me to avenge those slain and claim the Seat. He said Lord Fujimiya was here on a pretext and had really come to conspire with you against the throne. When Weston died I thought his words had been proven true. I..."

Before anyone could act Ken launched himself forward and caught Takashi by the collar. Though smaller than his cousin Ken had no difficulty holding the man up against the wall so he could get right in his face.

"Weston," he spat angrily, "threw me into a thirty foot pit when I was five years old. Weston had my parents and best friend murdered!"

"Weston murdered your family?" Takashi gasped.

"He deserved what I did to him," Ken hissed darkly.

"W-what y-you did?"

Ken's smile was a sneer and Takashi shuddered. Behind Ken's back Yohji motioned at Ran who ignored him.

"Ran," the Prince hissed.

"What?" the red-head asked coldly not taking his eyes from where Ken had the Lord's son pinned to the wall. He knew what Yohji wanted, but he wasn't about to interfere. "Death is no more than he deserves."

"What do ya say?" Ken asked his trembling cousin.

"I say...I agree with you," Takashi answered in defeat. "I've failed you, Father, and disgraced myself and our House. How I could've believed him and acted on his behalf I just can't see. I know there can be no forgiveness, and I ask for none."

He hung limply against the wall. The fight and arrogance he had displayed before were gone. Ken glanced back at Ran who nodded. He released Takashi who slumped bonelessly to the floor. Lord Hidaka stepped forward to gaze down at his son.

"So, Weston's treachery reached even farther than any of us suspected. And what was his plan for after my death?" Lord Hidaka asked loudly. "What would he say when your Ascension failed as well?"

Takashi didn't respond, he only shook his head. His father sighed.

"Takashi," he said and waited for his son to look up at him. "Ken has relinquished his rights to the Seat and the Ascension, my Ascension, has taken place. Your elder sister has been sent for. Weston is dead, and we can only hope his evil is at an end. Since you are my son I can not judge you. It is to the crown and Lord Fujimiya you must look for your fate."

He stepped aside and turned to face the others in the small room. The two Princes and Omi were watching them silently. Ran stood near the door with Ken beside him. The former wood boy had his back to the room as if he was done with it and everyone in it.

Takashi rose shakily to his feet and faced them.

"Command me," he said. "Take what you will. Ask what you will. I'll give anything. Even my life should you ask it."

Keiji arched an eyebrow before looking pointedly at Ran.

"It is for Lord Fujimiya to decide," the crown Prince stated. "Your offences against him were grievous and nearly fatal. I will follow his wishes in this matter."

Ran didn't move at once, but stayed by the door and measured the subdued man with his eyes. His steady stare sent shivers down Takashi's spine, but he didn't flinch away. After several long moments Ran approached him until they stood eye to eye.

"You will stay here and serve your father, and your sister after him. If I hear that you have even thought about completing the designs of Weston or carrying out some of your own I will kill you."

With that Ran turned and exited the room. Ken glanced briefly over his shoulder at his cousin. His dark eyes promising much more than death before he followed Ran.

"Is that all?" Takashi asked. "Surely this is not enough."

"I agree," Prince Keiji stated. "If your fate had been in my hands you wouldn't have lived to see the morning. However, I said the decision was Lord Fujimiya's and he has made it. Do not take his words lightly, Takashi Hidaka. He will not be the only one watching you after this. Yohji?"

The lanky brunet bowed to his brother and stepped forward. Without preamble he reached forward and rested the palm of his left hand against Takashi's forehead. After a moment he stepped back beside his brother.

"You, Takashi Hidaka, are a marked man. From this moment forward you have no rank in this or any other of the Great Houses. You have no right of Ascension should anything happen to your sister. You shall follow the path laid before you by Lord Fujimiya. If you should stray we shall know of it and there will be nowhere for you to hide."

With that Keiji and Yohji left the room. Omi glanced at Takashi briefly before following them and leaving Lord Hidaka alone with his son.

Takashi stared at his feet unable to meet his father's eyes. Lord Hidaka moved to stand directly before him.

"Takashi," he said softly. "How did this happen?"

The young man trembled.

"I...I d-don't understand it," Takashi said, his voice shaking. "I knew he was right. I could see the truth in his words."

He shook his head, still staring at the floor.

"Weston...I don't know what kind of power the one who moved him had, but it was strong indeed. I'm afraid we may not have seen the last of it," the Lord sighed.

"He knew," Takashi said, his voice little more than a whisper. "He knew my jealousy, my desire, my...shame about how far we'd fallen. He fed them with his lies and I believed him."

Finally he met his father's eyes. His own were filled with a terrible guilt. Tears ran freely down his ashen cheeks.

"I wanted it, Father," he said, little more than a whisper. "Gods help me, but I wanted it."

Lord Hidaka pulled his son against him into a fierce hug.

"Its okay, son. There isn't anyone who hasn't wanted something they can't have. You're man enough to admit it and face the consequences of your actions," he said, rubbing his son's back against his trembling. "We'll get through this, you and I."

Takashi pulled back, swallowing the rest of his tears, and nodded in agreement.

"Come now. I must take you to your mother," Lord Hidaka said trying to make his voice light. "She's been worried sick over you."

Again Takashi nodded and together they headed for the door.

-

Ran watched Ken silently as he laid out his black mourning clothes. The former servant was slumped listlessly in one of the armchairs by the fireplace. He'd been acting less and less energetic over the last two days and Ran was beginning to worry. But the reason seemed obvious. Tris's parents had arrived the day before and they'd had a rather hard meeting with them, and the funeral was starting in less than two hours. Ran had to admit that he'd be far more disturbed if Ken weren't depressed.

"What're you doing?" the former servant asked suddenly, glancing over from his seat.

"Laying out my clothes. We have to change for the funeral," Ran answered. "I believe they're still trying to locate something for you."

Ken sighed.

"Its really almost over, isn't it? Its happening so fast," he said, studying the floor once more. "But...I guess I wouldn't want it to go any slower. I want to get away from here."

"Is there anything you'd like to take with you?" Ran asked.

Surprised by the question, Ken paused in thought. Although he had technically lived in the same house his whole life he hadn't acquired anything of any value. The things he'd had as a child had been boxed up in the two years he'd been on the farm and he hadn't seen them since. After a moment he shook his head.

"No," he answered. "Just havin' my family properly buried'll be good enough."

Minutes later a servant arrived with clothes in black and dark grays for Ken. They changed and soon were summoned to attend the funeral. Despite the fact that there had been less then three days of preparation the chapel was full of flowers.

Ken had to admit that he was touched that someone went to the trouble of traveling to get them. Since it was winter they must have gone fairly far afield.

His uncle and aunt spoke of his parents. Tristan's family spoke about how proud they were that there son had been chosen to come to the House and how happy Tris had seemed there. The ceremony itself was solemn. The clerics spoke, and the choir sang. Then the bodies were formally placed in the family shrine behind the chapel. Afterwards Ken had more time alone with Tris's parents.

The dinner that followed was much more subdued than the previous meals Ken had attended, and once it was over Ran led him back to their rooms to begin packing. In the morning they were to leave.

-

Author's notes: Sorry if that was too depressing, or lacking in action, or quiet. There are going to be a few of these types of chapters because I have to cover the emotional impacts of events on the characters, and try to get Ran and Ken into the position I want them in...a-hem...emotionally. Anyway, sorry. But the plot is moving forward just a bit slower than before. In about six or seven more chapters it'll speed toward the end. Promise. Next chapter its off to the First House we go! Now, if you're of a mind, please leave a review!

Precognition74: Sorry. You're right though, there has been a drop in tension. Sort of like when something exciting happens. At first there's this influx of energy and a lot of things seem to happen at once and then there's dead air. Everything settles down and people return to the normalcy of their lives. Don't worry. It's a temporary lull. There is more excitement to come. Please just hang in there, okay? Thanks for reading:)

Akimoto Kin: Yeah, I couldn't leave Tris down in that pit, poor boy. As for the magic I thought it would just naturally be a part of them, like an extra hand or something. Once you know how to use it its there for you. And I suck at writing magical spells. They do use spells, but its more like once you know them they're just a means of flexing those magical muscles in a certain direction. The characters would just "do it" and make my job easier. Okay, so actually I'm just lazy. Yeah, I've got Ran worrying over Ken a lot in the next couple of chapters. I hope he's not too...squishy. Well, we'll see I guess. Thanks for reading:)

Chubby-King-Chocobo: Yeah, Ran playing with dolls. Somehow I can't help but think that if Aya asked him to he'd do it. -snicker- Thanks for reading:)

RoseRed5: Thanks. I'm glad you like it. I do like it when things move slowly. I just hope everyone can hang on and doesn't kill me when its over. Thanks for reading:)

Marsupial: You don't suck! Review when you want to. :P I think most people assumed that about Ken's mother. And don't worry, Ran will take care of him. Promise! Thanks for reading:)

Shikigami-kun: Yeah, I think that's what most people thought about Ken's mother. Hmmm...wow, that would've been cool, but no. The timing is wrong for it to have been the same wizard. You'll see why later on. ;) Thanks for reading:)

Rhidaka: Thank you so much-blush- I'm glad you like it. Please don't hold your breath for their first kiss though, okay? Thanks for reading:)

Mondtanz: Really? The edge of your seat? Cool. Actually, I was hoping to surprise (and not in a good way) people by including Ken's mother's fate. I wrote it that way from the beginning. It was a good way to introduce...well, the flip side to Ken's healing abilities. -evil grin- There's a clue in this chapter to help with your brewing ideas. ;P Actually, I think in the series they just stood by because they understood there was no comforting for him. That and they're "men". They told Omi to stop crying and "be a man" after all. Jerks. Sorry. I'm digressing. Thanks for reading:D

RuByMoOn17: Thanks! This one was kinda long too, but I think the next one is longer. :) Share! Share! Share-yanks harder- Thanks for reading:)

Swtjemz: Yeah, I'd have blown everything away too. Yohji knew Tris was Ken's first pairing because he knew the history of the House. He knew Ken and Tris were paired as children, so once he knew Ken was the First Born the he knew who Tris was. And...well-scratches head- I'm afraid I'll have to go reread it. My cold is making it hard for me to remember details. That and I've been writing another story for the last week. Sorry. I think second pairings are rare, but with this one Ken's magic chose Ran's so the chances of it working were higher than average. How's that? O.O The jury is still out on YxO, but I am thinking about it. However, it'll be even longer in coming than RxK. A chill of foreboding can be a very useful thing. -evil grin- Thanks for reading:)

Krysana: Glad you liked it! Yep, it went straight down. -returns speculative look- Thanks! Gambatte to you too! I think I've had some luck in that I've got a few days off and plan on using it to write. RL can take a hike for a day or two! Thanks for reading:)

Makami: Yeah, well...I'm part Scottish so I've been hearing about heather all my life. I've no idea what it means though. It gets too cold here for it to grow. It only lasts a season. Well, there is a wild plot twist coming but it doesn't have anything to do with Ken's uncle, and its actually about six chapters away. So you can relax for a while. Now I have to apologize for not yet getting to read your stories on your new site. Sorry! I've been busy lately, but hopefully this week I'll get to. Thanks for reading:)

Elfgoddess00: Hi! Thank you, thank you-bows- As far as the Solstice goes I think I'm going to stick with what I've got and make it work. The world, nameless as it is, isn't the Earth so I can set the dates and make them stick. Thanks! Thanks for reading! ;)

Seph Lorraine: Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it. I had to let Ran leave it to his uncle. Its time yet for more from him, but never fear more is coming. -snicker- "Cold, stoic, katana-wielding, doll-playing, assassin of death". I love it:D I actually looked his name up in my dictionary and it means something like "the immortal florist" or "the indestructible flower". Of course, it probably doesn't because I was looking up the romanji and not the kanji which probably has a completely different meaning, but it still gave me a giggle. Ran Fujimiya, immortal florist. Hee-hee-hee! Okay, my cold medicine is getting to me. Time to post. Thanks for reading:)