Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken (nuthin' but sweet moments until...)
Author's Note: Way more OOCness for Ran (but no one seems to mind ), and the beginnings of explanations. Hopefully I won't confuse people even more than I already have. If I do, I'm SO SO SORRY! Oh! And here's the plot twist! Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
First Born of the Thirteenth House
Part 3: Ran and Ken ( f )
Ran almost growled. Someone was shaking him and calling his name. Too tired to respond he'd just curled tighter into the warmth next to him, but the shaking had become more insistent. Finally he gave up and rolled to peer at whoever was bothering him.
Aya was sitting on the far edge of the bed and leaning over so she could grasp him by the arm.
"Are you awake?" she asked. Her voice held a hint of desperation and there was deep concern in her eyes. "Ran?"
"M' wake," he mumbled.
"I doubt it. Let go of Ken please, so I can talk to you," she said.
"What?" Ran turned to look at the former servant who was also in the bed only to discover that he had the younger man wrapped in his arms. He was cradling Ken against his chest much like he'd done in the tub. Ran felt his eyes widen and his cheeks heat up in a blush. "Sorry, Imoto," he muttered, more than a little flustered. Carefully, he unwound himself from Ken and sat up a little so he could face Aya.
"Niisan," she said softly, her eyes wide and luminous, "you haven't called me that since we were children."
Ran felt himself blush again, unsure of exactly what he had said that had so affected his sister.
"S-so what happened?" he asked, trying to regain his composure and some control over himself.
Aya's face became etched in concern once again.
"Those three professors aren't allowed to work with you and Ken. They've been reprimanded," she said with a frown.
Ran stared at her, unable to hide his shock and anger.
"What! That can't be all!" he demanded fiercely, his exhaustion forgotten in the face of his outrage.
"Shhh. You'll wake Ken," Aya cautioned sternly.
"Is that all?" Ran asked a little softer.
"There was a reason they did what they did," Aya said.
"What reason could possibly warrant..."
"He's a twin,"Aya stated, effectively ending her brother's tirade.
"W-what?" he asked, stunned.
"He's a twin, Ran. A twin," Aya repeated more gently.
Ran shuddered. Reflexively he scooped up the former servant and clutched him to his chest as if at any moment someone would charge in to take him away. Aya reached forward instantly, laying both her hands on his arm in an attempt to calm him. She'd been prepared for his reaction.
"Its okay, Niisan," she said calmly. "No one's going to take him. He's safe. You are both safe. Do you understand?"
After a few minutes of Aya's repeated assurances Ran nodded and forced himself to relax his grip on the younger male. Sighing when he realized that once again he'd lost control of himself. Would he always be this volatile when things concerned Ken? Would he always be this...open? He relaxed his grip, but continued to hold the former wood boy.
"H-how...," he cleared his throat and tried again. "How is this possible? Twins aren't allowed to be First Born. Matches that create twins aren't allowed. The seer..."
"According to Omi the Thirteenth House was without a seer for a long time. It appears that it was then that the late Lady Hidaka conceived and gave birth," Aya explained. "If one of the twins were positioned over the other in the womb then no one would've known. Not until they were born."
Aya watched in concern as her brother's usually pale complexion grew even whiter and his eyes became glassy. She gripped his arm tighter.
"Is his twin alive?" he asked unsteadily.
Aya shook her head.
"The professor's said his energy signature was doubled from just seconds after birth, so the other infant only lived a moment or two," she answered.
"Which explains why he's so powerful, and why his magic has dual properties. We thought it was his lack of being paired with anyone, but really he inherited the other infant's power which gave him double the potential," Ran muttered, glancing down at the peaceful face of the man in his arms. He looked almost angelic. Ran gulped. "Aya...what does this mean?"
She almost cried at the look on her brother's face. Suddenly Ran seemed more like the frightened child he'd been nine years ago than the strong, unemotional man he'd become.
"Nothing," she stated firmly, trying to reinstate his confidence. "Its only the reason the professors attacked. They read it in his energy. The law is very specific regarding twins as First Born."
"But..."
"The King says since his twin died shortly after birth it'd be foolish to waste his potential now. And he's paired with you. His Majesty is unwilling to risk losing you. Personal affection aside our abilities have been very beneficial to the crown," Aya said confidently. "He sees even greater potential now that you're paired with Ken, and since it appears our connection hasn't been weakened by it."
Ran nodded his understanding and relaxed further, allowing Ken to slip back down to rest against the pillows at his side. Aya smiled softly then bit her lip wondering whether she should continue. Once he'd resettled Ken beside him she reached over and took her brother's hands.
"Ran, Ursula said your pairing was already strong, whether due to your ages or his need she doesn't know. But the healer told her," Aya hesitated then took a deep breath, "she said it can not be safely undone."
"I know," he said, giving her a small smile. "This morning Omi told me I'd have a choice, and I've chosen. There's no going back."
"Is this...truly what you want, Niisan? I know you'd do it just because the King and Keiji and Yohji want you to, but...is it what you want?" she asked.
Her eyes looked so full of worry and love.
"Yes, Imoto. I do want this. I want to be paired. I didn't know it until I almost lost him," he whispered. "Now the question is can I do it?"
"How can you doubt it?" she asked.
Ran chuckled softly and released one of her hands to rub at the back of his neck. When he did so he pulled his braid forward and looked at its disheveled condition.
"Easily," he said, dismissing his tangled hair. "We've only been paired...what? Seven days? I feel like I'm playing catch up, learning the rules as I go. And he's been so abused, so alone. Forgive me if Ran the incompatible doubts his partnership abilities."
"You're doing fine," Aya said with certainty. "Ursula says that so far you've done everything right. And Keiji and Yohji don't doubt you. Or the King. They all believe in you," Aya stated. "And you're not going to tell me Omi's visions are faulty?"
Ran smiled softly at his younger sister.
"They can't all be wrong. And I believe in you, and as you know I am never wrong."
Ran chuckled softly at that. Once again his sister had come to his emotional rescue. He had the feeling he'd need her help quite a bit more before things settled down into normalcy.
"Are you hungry? You haven't eaten since breakfast. Ursula said I should ring once you were awake and make you eat. You need to keep your strength up while your magic is circulating," Aya said. "If you eat I'll brush out your hair for you."
"Thanks, but...I think I'll cut it," Ran said, ducking his head.
Aya's eyes widened and her mouth fell open.
"But...you haven't cut it...since mother and father died," she said in a small voice.
"I know," Ran said, avoiding her eyes by studying the hand that remained clasped with his. "That was a life changing event and...so is this. I feel different, Aya."
She studied her brother for a minute. The man who tried so hard to be cold and indifferent to everyone and everything, except for her. And now Ken. He wouldn't be able to lock himself away like he had before. Suddenly she realized that when it came to her brother she hadn't lost him at all. She'd gained an ally.
"You are different. You're more you than you've been in nine years," she stated softly. "If you want...I'll cut it for you," she said almost shyly. "I'll brush it and rebraid it."
"All right."
Aya threw herself into his arms and hugged him fiercely. She had the sudden feeling that everything would be fine. The resistance she'd felt in Ran to his pairing after his arrival was gone, replaced by acceptance and a spark of determination. The knowledge that this was his fate, what he was meant for, solidified in her mind.
Releasing him she hopped off the bed, dashed to the bell pull and yanked on it. Then bounded back again, grabbing up a brush off the dressing table on the way. When she arrived back at the bed Ran moved closer to the side and sat forward so she could sit behind him.
As his sister undid his hair and began brushing it he looked down at the quietly slumbering brunet. His magic was still circulating between them, the spell still in place. He'd never sustained a spell for this long before and was surprised at its constancy. It hadn't weakened, as far as he could tell. But he could feel the stretch when he moved physically further away from Ken. So, somehow distance was a factor. He'd have to look into that.
The only major side effect seemed to be his exhaustion, and his lack of control over himself. The exhaustion was contributing to that he was sure, but he knew his emotions were raw when it came to Ken. Although he still wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was just the newness of the pairing, or the treatment the former servant had received from the professors. Just the thought made him burn.
Aya finished brushing out his hair and braided it again, tying it at both the top and the bottom.
"I'm done. Are you ready, Niisan? There's still time to change your mind," she said, leaning against his shoulder.
"Go ahead, Imoto. I'm ready."
She returned to the dressing table and retrieved a pair of scissors from a drawer. When she came back to the bed she paused to look at her brother for a moment, then leaned forward and lightly kissed his cheek.
"I love you, Niisan," she whispered. "I'm glad you're home. I'm glad Ken is here. And I'm glad the two of you are paired."
"Thank you, Aya," he said softly. "I'm relieved you feel that way. Truly."
Aya took hold of his long braid and cut it. The long strands of woven hair fell against the bed and she gently picked it up. It was heavier than she thought it would be. Carefully she handed it to Ran who sat and looked at it.
He could feel the ends of his hair tickling his shoulders where his night shirt slipped back. His head felt lighter. Things would definitely be different now and in his hands he held the proof.
"This is for you," he said to his sister. "I want you to have it."
Smiling, Aya took the braid back and pressed it to her heart.
He stood among the flowers and watched them. His parents and Tris. His family. He watched as they laughed and played, sat and talked. The sea of yellow blooms almost making the air look golden around them. He stood and watched and despaired.
No matter how hard he punched and kicked the wall of glass would not weaken. No matter how loud he yelled or screamed or pleaded they didn't hear him. They were locked within the shining field of gold and he was locked without...alone.
He placed his tiny hands against the glass and leaned against it. Why was fate so cruel? To keep him from them but allow him to see them so clearly as he slept? He knew that when he awoke the memory of their faces and voices would fade. He would be left without even those to comfort him.
Leaning on the glass he began to cry. Suddenly strong, slender arms wrapped around him and a deep soothing voice spoke quietly in his ear.
"Its okay, Ken. I'm here. You're not alone anymore."
Turning from the scene visible through the glass he looked up into a kind pale face framed by rose red hair. Beautiful impossibly violet eyes were regarding him with a serenity he hadn't seen there before. Sniffling loudly he threw himself into the embrace of the newcomer and allowed his presence to sooth away his sorrow.
Gradually the scene around him faded, but the arms holding him remained solid. He began to be aware of his body, of aches and something passing through him. Magic that wasn't his but that soothed the burning of the empty hole within him. Sighing softly Ken forced his eyes open.
He was stretched out in bed, but not the bed he'd woken up in before. Ran was beside him in the bed and holding him, watching him silently. That was strange but not unpleasant. Ken blinked up at the red-head while memories of their arrival and his trial filtered through his mind. If he'd had the energy panic would have set in, but he was too tired. His body felt heavy and he didn't want to move.
Ken tried licking his lips but found his mouth was cottony and dry.
"Where are we?" he asked, his voice raspy and weak.
"My room," Ran answered softly. "How are you feeling?"
"Weak 'n achy," Ken answered. "'N hungry, and..." he blushed suddenly. "I have ta use the water closet."
Ran smiled softly and shifted away from the former servant and climbed out of the bed. The younger man sucked in a breath as he felt the magic moving through him weaken slightly. As Ran moved around the bed the magic flexed and stretched, strengthening again when he came up on the side of the bed Ken was on.
"Is that you? The magic?" Ken asked.
"Yes," Ran answered. "Is it helping? The healer said your's would start to rebuild itself in a day or so. Until then we'll just have to share mine, little as it is. Magic is like blood. Losing some weakens you for a time."
The red-headed Lord helped Ken sit up and swing his legs over the side of the bed, but they had to stop when a wave of dizziness washed over him. After a moment it passed, and Ran pulled Ken to his feet, supporting his weight as they moved toward the door beside the bed. Minutes later Ken was back in the bed propped up against the pillows with a glass of water, and Ran had summoned a servant to request some food be brought.
Ken sat nestled in the quilts and pillows of the bed, quietly sipping his water, watching Ran dart from the bellpull to the fireplace to the window and back issuing orders to the servant. Absently he noted the absence of the long braid and wondered what had happened to it, and how much time had passed since his trial.
After several minutes Ran appeared to visibly wilt and wearily returned to the bed to sit facing Ken.
"Breakfast should be here soon," he said.
"Breakfast? How long was I out?" Ken asked.
"Your trial was yesterday," Ran answered, sighing. "I slept most of the day too as well as all night."
"Is it hard? Sharing your magic?"
"No, just tiring," Ran smiled.
Ken blinked.
"Why are you doing it? Why are you taking care of me, Ran?" He needed to know. A Lord caring for a servant was absurd. Coming to his aide and now healing him, sharing his bed? Unheard of. All the things Ran had done for him defied explanation, even considering his true identity as a Lord's son.
Ran sighed.
"Because we're paired," he answered. "I've been trying to tell you for...well...days, but I couldn't find the right time, the right way to tell you."
"Paired? What...?" Ken started in confusion.
"Our magics are bonded together. Permanently," Ran stated softly. "Every First Born, with the exception of those of the First House, are paired at birth or shortly afterward with an infant or child from a lesser house whose magic is compatible with their own. It ensures that the First Borns of the other Houses won't surpass in power the royal family and threaten the hierarchy of the Kingdom."
Ken's hands tightened around the glass he was holding and he swallowed reflexively.
"Is that...was Tris paired with me?" he asked.
"Yes."
Ken wasn't sure what to think and stared unseeing into his glass. His mind was frozen. He met Ran's eyes again when the red-head reached over and rested a hand on his arm.
"Ken, your magic called to mine," he said. "It chose me, and in return I chose you. There isn't anything I won't do to help you or protect you. Nothing can change that. Understand?" Ran asked firmly.
The former wood boy nodded in reply, then his attention was drawn to the door and the tiny, buxom woman who was pushing a cart full of food through it. Behind her came Aya who smiled brightly when she saw Ken was awake.
She dashed past the little woman with the cart and ran around to the far side of the bed where her brother and Ken were sitting. The young woman was dressed in a navy gown and had her hair down. The dark strands blended and disappeared against the color of her dress. When she reached them she surprised Ken by wrapping him in a tight hug. Then released him to look him over.
"You definitely look pale, but better than yesterday. How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Tired and hungry," he answered, eyeing the cart which had made it to the foot of the bed.
"Well, that sounds good," said the tiny figure beside it. Her voice was like dry leaves crunching underfoot. Her eyes were sharp, almost black dots in her face. Black hair streaked with silver was pulled into a tight knot on the top of her head. "What would you like, young Master Ken? Eggs? Ham? We have fried potatoes as well and toasted bread. Perhaps some fruit?"
"Just fill a plate for him," Aya suggested. "And one for Ran as well, please. He's practically drooling."
Ran looked at her crossly, but his glare lacked any true malice.
"Well, what do you think of Ran's hair? Looks better don't you think?" Aya asked Ken cheerily.
The former wood boy eyed the red-head briefly before nodding. From the front it didn't look any different.
"Why'd you do it?" Ken asked.
"It was time," Ran said softly.
"Here ya go. Now eat," Ursula commanded, thrusting the filled plates at them.
Soon both young men were eating quietly under the watchful eyes of the women. Ken ate slowly but steadily, thinking over what Ran had said to him. He wanted to know more, much more. And despite Ran's assurances he still wasn't sure how he felt about everything. At least now he had an idea about why he felt safe and trusted the young Lord so implicitly. But was that a good enough reason? Was everything he felt dictated by his magic? Ultimately did he control his magic or did his magic control him?
Three days later Ken sat in an armchair before the long glass doors in Ran's room. Despite the fact that his own magic had begun to come back, and the Lord's magic had been removed the day before, he was still staying in the red-head's room and beginning to feel a little trapped. He was still weak and could feel his own magic slowly rebuilding itself, but at least he could move about without assistance. Ran had barely left his side and Ken had tried unsuccessfully to hide his annoyance. He still instinctually trusted the red-head, but now that he understood why, that feeling angered rather than soothed him.
They'd been able to talk. Mostly about being paired and what it meant. What it meant to Ken was control. An effective way for the throne to collar any Seat family with enough power to challenge them. Although Ran readily admitted that was true, he didn't see the harm. He'd never been paired before. He'd never been told that the one person he'd completely trusted and relied on was with him to control him. That's what Tris had been. His best friend. The only brother he'd ever known was actually little more than a chain for his potential.
Ken doubted that Tris had been anymore aware of their pairing than he had, but it didn't change the fact that they weren't friends for any of the reasons he'd always believed. And Tris had been killed because of it.
The former servant sighed and shook his head. He couldn't shake the thought that he was being used. That Ran, Aya, Omi, and the royal family were only interested in him because he was powerful. The thought was extremely depressing but he couldn't get past it. And he knew Ran was still hiding something from him. Oh, he'd finally confessed that he and Aya shared a gift he'd never mentioned. They'd even demonstrated it, but Ken knew there was something else.
He had asked a few times about why the professors had attacked him and each time Ran inferred it was his potential that had startled them. But Ken knew he and Yohji had each assessed his power themselves without incident.
Sighing dejectedly the former servant continued to stare out at the court yards and ocean.
From just outside the bedroom door Ran watched Ken sitting and staring out the window. The red-headed Lord wasn't sure what had happened, but over the last few days as the former servant's health and strength had returned with his magic he'd sunk into an angry depression. Ken had become taciturn and sullen, often not speaking for hours on end. Ran tried to get him to talk about it with no results. The former wood boy had barricaded himself back behind the wall he'd constructed immediately after discovering his mother's body. But why?
"Ran? What are you doing?"
He jumped before he could stop himself and turned to face his sister who was approaching from the hallway.
"I was watching Ken," he admitted.
"Is he any better?" she asked, joining him in peeking through the crack in the door.
"Physically he gets stronger everyday, but emotionally I think he's gone backwards," Ran said. "I thought he would be happy to be paired again. He and Tris were so close."
"Its not the twin thing is it?" Aya asked and Ran cringed.
"I haven't told him yet. I'm afraid of what it will do," he muttered.
Aya quietly closed the door and turned to face her brother. She studied him in silence for a moment. Since he'd stopped sharing his magic with the former servant Ran had resumed his mask of cold indifference with everyone but herself and Ken.
"Perhaps a change of scene is in order," she said. "He's been here four days and he hasn't left your room in three. He's seen none of the Palace's true grandeur or pleasures."
"Aya, he's not well enough for that. He still spends most of his time sleeping, and I'm worried about the rumors that are going around. I don't want him to be set upon by curiosity seekers as soon as we're outside the royal apartments," Ran said, hoping he didn't sound whiney.
"Well, I'm not sure that can be avoided, Niisan. You two are the talk of the House," Aya chuckled softly. "But I think I have an idea. Leave it to me."
Author's Note: Phew! Well, so Ken's a twin and there's some info on pairing. Man, what a week. Sorry, I meant to put this up early this morning, but my whole plan for the day was blown about five minutes after I woke up. Oh well, it may turn out to be for the best. Well, I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for all the reviews! They really are wonderful. And Thanks for reading!
Firey-icicles: Well, those naughty professors were going to kill him, but Ran stopped them. Go, Ran! Yay! Thanks for reading:)
Bine: Hi! Oh, I'm glad you like starting your week with a FBTH chapter! Thanks! Yup, its all written. The once a week updates make it possible for me to edit and not go insane. Omi gets an actual vision, like a scene or picture. Not unlike what's his name from Legal Drug. Oh, thank you! I'm glad it was such a visual image. I was hoping it would be. Thanks for reading:)
Constantine: Hello! Heh-heh-heh! Thank you! And thanks for reading:)
Shikigami-kun: Sorry, no I'm not trying to give you a heart attack...but did you have one? 6.6 Thank you, thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. Was there enough fluff for you in this one? There's a little more next time, and more revelations too. Thanks for reading:) P.S. Sorry I didn't update early. I thought it would make answering reviews into too much of a nightmare, and I do so love to answer them. :)
Marsupial: Hi! I didn't realize it would be taken as such a cliff hanger. So that was sort of a surprise for me too. Did you get any answers from this chapter? Don't worry, there are more coming. Thanks for reading:)
Ranny Boy: Hi! I'm glad you like it! And now you know what the professors learned, but there's more to come, so hang in there. Thanks for reading:)
RuByMoOn17: Oh! I agree with you. Unfortunately this chapter and the next one are mostly them by themselves. I needed to get through some stuff with them before I could move on. But after next chapter all the characters come back in force, so hang in, okay? Thanks for reading:)
Cat in the Web: Ha-ha-ha! Because I'm evil! Hee-hee-hee! No, actually I stopped there because that was the best place to break it. Sorry. Well, but now you know what the professors learned and why his magic is special. I hope it was worth the wait. Was it? O.O Thanks for reading:)
Elfgoddess00: Hi! Heh-heh-heh, everyone is asking me that question. Well, what'd you think of what happened next? Thanks for reading:)
Beautiful-alone: Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you! I'll try to. -bows- Thank you for reading:)
Krysana: He's not? Okay. Did you enjoy the extra gratuitous snuggling? I think there's more in this chapter actually. ;P Thanks for reading:)
RosefaerietaleRed: Thanks! I'm happy they have each other too, although it looks like there's trouble in paradise, ne? Thanks for reading:)
Silverfrost: Thanks! I hope you liked this one. Sorry you had to wait. Thanks for reading:)
Seph Lorraine: Hee-hee-hee! Thank you, Seph-San! I'm glad you like Aya. She's not as independent as my other Aya, but rather more sweet. Oh, you caught that line did you? Did I mention she's a tease? And, of course, she's right. ;P You shall soon have all the answers to who was controlling what, and you may even be able to guess after this chapter, ne? Thank you, I'll try to stay awesome! You too! But, hey, where's more of "Somewhat Damaged"? Hunh? Hunh? I want more! Thanks for reading:)
Jo-9tails: You don't sound like a dork! I said I'd build it slowly, and I am. I know everyone's anxious for things to really begin, but I'm serious when I say it'll be in the sequel! Well, were the professor's actions explained/justified enough? Don't worry, there's more coming. Yeah, I used the Gluhen Ran...well, the Gluhen Ran's hair on the Side B Ran's body. I do love the new illustrator! Oh, oops! Sorry, I cut the braid off. Er, I guess you could fight Aya for it. O.O Sorry! Thanks for reading:)
Akimoto Kin: Sorry that was frustrating. I was trying to make it seem that way, glad it worked. Women are always the first to notice such things. Especially if its someone they're close to. -nods- Fluff enough for you? Thanks for reading:)
O.bi.Sess: Thank you! Sorry! Sorry! But all the lovey dovey stuff is in the sequel! Thanks for reading:)
Makami: That's okay, everyone is busy these days. Me too! Thank you, and I like that phrase as well. Shonen-ai just sums it up so beautifully for me. Thanks for reading:)
So sorry if the last few answers to reviews seem rushed! My hubby is calling me to lunch and I have to pee and I want to post this! Sorry! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
