Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: Well, this is the last part of the story. And I just want to say that this isn't a "angry dead baby seeks revenge story", so if you thought that it was then keep reading! It occurred to me that maybe some people thought that after the last chapter. So please enjoy! Oh! And Happy Easter for those of you that celebrate it, and Happy Spring to everyone!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss. (Man I hate having to write this every time!)
First Born of the Thirteenth House
Part 4: Kase ( a )
He awoke in the dark. His energy so depleted he couldn't even produce enough light to illuminate his own form let alone the area around him. But he was beyond the necessity of sight, so he sat in the dark and waited, feeling his location. He was safe deep in the bowels of the catacombs under the Thirteenth House. It would take some time, but eventually his strength and his power would return.
For a while he couldn't recall what had happened. How he'd come to be in this dark place, weak and alone. Then he'd remembered. Like a brilliant revelation he'd recalled being on the tower roof. Feeling the hands lay hold and heft him. Feeling the icy cold of the wind against his borrowed form as he fell.
And in one brief moment, one frozen second of time, he'd seen the face of the one who'd killed him. And in that moment he'd known he'd made a drastic miscalculation. A fatal error.
As he waited he thought. In his mind connections were made. Answers to questions asked long in the past began to become clear, and a long dormant anger began to boil.
He was moved to action when he felt his spell broken. The one he'd cast on the bricks cutting off access to the torture rooms. It was a simple spell designed for the purpose of notifying him if anyone broke through the wall. It was not very powerful but it was enough to give him the strength to move.
He could not move quickly, he hadn't yet returned to his full strength. Nor did he want to risk revealing himself to whoever had broken through the brick wall. Although he could not identify them from their magical signature he could sense their power. So he took his time, a lot of time, to reach the wide staircase and what remained of the bricks.
By then the intruders were gone. Days, perhaps even weeks, had passed. He couldn't be sure. He had no way of measuring time's passage. But their signature was cold, and he couldn't find its like anywhere within the House. Nor could he find a trace of the one he despised. The one who had destroyed all his careful plans and ambitions...twice.
When he reached the chamber he saw at once the damage that had been inflicted. He could imagine the reaction of his enemy upon entering, and the destruction seemed to support his suspicions. He had intended to visit the pit to confirm what his eyes had told him when he fell from the tower, but he realized there would be no point. Both bodies would be gone. The one who'd died, and the one who'd escaped.
From the hidden chamber deep below the House he tasted the atmosphere above. Things had changed. He could feel it. The Seat magic was invoked and active. That meant nothing to him except that the one he sought was no longer in line for Ascension, which meant there was nothing for him now at the Thirteenth House. Nothing for either of them.
"So where did you go?" he asked the air around him. "Where. Where. Where."
Perhaps he should risk a trip up into the House. There really wasn't any other way for him to get the information he required. But he could sense the animosity. The watchful presence. And he realized suddenly that it was the Seat magic itself watching him.
It had never occurred to him that the magic itself could be sentient. The idea intrigued him. That the deep well of natural magic below each of the Great Houses could be self aware had been unthinkable. But if it proved to be true then it explained much.
Cautiously he eased himself up toward the living areas of the House. Careful not to cause a reaction from the Seat magic which continued to silently monitor his presence. The Lord, who was now in full possession of the power, had not become aware of him and he hoped to keep it that way. His strength had returned but he was no where near powerful enough to take on the Seat. At least...not yet.
After a short time he found that the closer he got to the household the closer he was being watched. Finally he decided to try a different tactic, and left the catacombs and the House entirely. He learned everything he needed to know listening to the gossiping servants inside the barns and stables.
"So, you have escaped me once again," he said to the cool, crisp air he couldn't feel or taste. "Well this time, little brother, I shall follow."
"How can you stand this place?" Prince Yohji asked looking around the tall book laden shelves surrounding them.
"I like it here," Omi replied turning the page of the book he was studying, or trying to study.
They were in the library. Tucked away in a back corner at a quiet table which Omi had covered with books. He'd been reading quite contentedly until the Prince had found him. Something that seemed to becoming a habit for the tall, lanky royal although the reason was beyond the seer.
"Dust covered fire trap," the Prince muttered and Omi sighed.
"You don't have to stay if you don't like it," he said somewhat crossly, then glanced up at the Prince with narrowed eyes. "Why are you here?"
"I wanted to see you," Yohji said, flashing his most brilliant smile.
"You wanted something from me, you mean," Omi corrected.
Yohji pouted.
He'd been completely unable to figure the young seer out. They got along well, very well, and enjoyed each others' company. But there had never been anyone who didn't fall for his charm or wasn't interested in him for his rank or privilege, or intimidated by it. Until Omi. And that made the Prince nervous, but it also drew him to the young seer. As did Omi's ability to read him like a book.
The youth was not unlike Ran in that. But unlike the fire haired Lord Yohji's flirtations could unnerve Omi. Ran simply accepted them or didn't, and he wasn't adverse to putting Yohji in his place. But Omi had the most delightful reactions. He was very amusing and Yohji found himself wanting to trigger those reactions more and more each day.
"Well?" Omi prompted when the Prince failed to answer.
"We've been unable to locate Mareo Nobu, and I was just wondering if you'd had any visions lately," Yohji answered suddenly completely serious.
"No," Omi answered. "And I can't force them. But I would've told you if I had. I have to report them now that I'm registered."
"I know. I was just hoping," Yohji replied flopping down in a chair and pushing aside a stack of books so he could see Omi sitting across the table. "The man who was paired to Ken's father is proving most elusive. Its almost as if he knows we're coming. Our scouts just seem to keep missing him."
"Well, it could be that he does," Omi said, then leaned forward. "From what I've read there could be a residual amount of Seat magic left from his pairing. They were paired for many years."
"How many?" Yohji asked.
"Well, if it was the standard arrangement then from infancy to whenever it was undone. Thirty years or more," Omi said. "Even if Nobu's potential were the size of Ran's any residual Seat magic would enhance his abilities. Not greatly, but enough to cast mid-level spells at least. Higher than Ran and Ken can do now."
"Don't be too sure," Yohji muttered.
"Eh?"
"According to the professors training them their connection has surpassed any they've ever encountered. So far they are only teaching them low level spells, but they feel those two could easily handle the hard stuff," Yohji confided.
"Have they told them that?" Omi asked.
"Not yet," Yohji answered. "They're afraid Ken is still too angry and volatile."
"Heh. Well, they'll have a long wait if they're holding off until he cools down," Omi snorted.
Yohji smiled and nodded, but his smile faded as he watched Omi's laughing eyes grow wide and blank. The young seer's hands curled violently around the edges of the book they'd been resting on, and his whole frame began to shake.
"Omi?" Yohji asked in concern.
He reached forward and gripped one of the youth's hands only to find it deathly cold.
"Omi!" he cried and dashed around the table. Grasping his friend's shoulders and shaking him.
Omi gasped and fell bonelessly toward the floor. Yohji caught him. Dropping to his knees he cradled the young man against his chest.
"Omi?" he asked more gently.
The youth blinked up at him.
"He's coming," he whispered.
"Did you hear me, Ken?" Ran asked as he and his brooding companion strolled down the main hall toward the stairs.
Ken merely nodded.
They were on one of the lower floors and on their way back to the royal apartments after a long practice session with one of their magic professors. It had been nearly three weeks since they'd arrived at the First House and in that time Ken had learned very little beyond the fundamentals of being a magic user, and he was getting sick of it. He wanted to advance but for some reason no one would let him. And Ran wasn't much help.
He'd learned several things about the man he was paired to. First he was almost as stubborn as the former servant was himself. Second his taciturn nature could be extremely intimidating. And third he loved his sword almost if not more than he loved books. He was an amazingly skilled fighter and he wasn't adverse to using those abilities to back up a point. Something the former wood boy had learned not long after he'd recovered from his trial. And the big problem for Ken at the moment was that Ran agreed with the professors about the pace of their lessons.
Today he'd floated a candlestick for half an hour. Woopy. He could've floated it all day, it didn't tax him. Besides that they'd gone over, again, the importance of self-shielding, and made Ken do it. Repeatedly. Boring. And now Ran was lecturing him about it. Again.
He sighed.
"It is important," Ran muttered.
"I know, I know," Ken scowled. "I get it. If you don't shield yourself from the magic you get the backlash. Got it. Can we move on now!"
"The backlash is dangerous," Ran stated crossly. "Its what weakened you so badly after you healed me. Remember?"
"Yes," Ken sighed again. "And after I healed myself, put out the fire, healed Omi and all the other kids. I get it, Ran."
As he spoke he unbuttoned his waistcoat and began pulling it off. His topcoat was already tucked under one arm.
Ran watched him, frowning.
Another bone of contention. The amount of clothing he had to wear often made him uncomfortably warm, but Ran thought it was unseemly to go anywhere without being covered from head to toe. He didn't approve of Ken "stripping in public" as he called it.
"For most magic users self-shielding is the first spell they learn. By the time they're old enough and skilled enough to move forward in their lessons they've been doing it for years and its second nature to them," Ran commented, deciding to ignore the fact that Ken was now wandering through the halls in his shirt sleeves and attracting quite a bit of attention. He was trying to pick his battles without much success. "It is not second nature to you. Half the time you forget, and the other half your spell isn't strong enough to protect you."
Ken sighed again.
"Can you please put your clothes back on?" Ran asked giving in to his ire.
"I'm hot," Ken commented.
"I know, but..."
"Don't say it!" Ken cried angrily. "I don't care if its "unseemly", 'n I don't care if people're starin'."
Ran sighed.
"If you wear them you'll get used to them," he said softly.
"That's what everyone keeps sayin' bout everything," Ken whined. "When? When will I get used to wearin' too many clothes? An usin' my magic to float candles, an fightin' with swords, an eatin' with all those...things!"
Ran didn't reply.
"An why do I have ta do all the changin'? Why can't people just get used to me the way I am?" Ken continued, swinging his clothes as he gesticulated. "What's so wrong with me?"
"Nothing, Ken," Ran stated calmly. "Its just that you were a servant before and now you are recognized as a Lord's son, a Lord's nephew, paired to a Lord who's ward to the King and living in the First House. Certain things are expected of you. That is all. You don't have to change who you are, just how you present yourself. And as for the backlash it can effect me now too, so I'd appreciate it if you would shield yourself properly."
Ken blinked at him then resumed frowning at the carpet. Finally he sighed and nodded.
"I am trying," he muttered.
"I know you are," Ran replied.
"Its just not what I expected," the former servant said pouting. "I mean, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't this. I guess I'm just bored."
Ran looked at him sidelong for a moment, thinking.
"Well, perhaps I could speak to our professors," he said. "After all, I do have quite a bit of experience and have studied the higher forms of magic use even though my own potential limited my ability to apply them."
"Really? You'd do that?" Ken asked in surprise.
"Certainly. I've seen your abilities at close range and I know you're beyond floating objects," Ran said not meeting the large brown eyes that were trained on him. "I have to admit that it is getting rather...old."
Ken grinned and grabbed Ran in a tight bear hug before letting out a loud whoop of delight. It attracted much more attention than his state of dress and Ran hastily shoved the former wood boy away from him.
"Shhh," he shushed Ken. "Behave yourself. Put your clothes back on."
Ken's grin broadened at Ran's flustered orders but he complied. They were almost at the grand staircase that would take them up to the royal apartments, and the stairs were always colder than the hallways. He shrugged back into his waistcoat and topcoat.
By the time they reached the royal apartment he'd shed them again and was once more carrying them under one arm. Ran didn't say anything, contenting himself with rolling his eyes.
Bertrand met them at the door and handed Ran a folded piece of paper.
"From Prince Yohji," the elderly servant said bowing then eyed Ken up and down.
"What's it say?" Ken asked ignoring the servant's disdainful glance.
"Omi had some kind of attack," Ran answered still reading.
"Is he okay?" Ken demanded.
"Yohji doesn't say. He wants to see us in Omi's room once we're washed and changed," Ran said.
Ken dashed down the hall towards his new room.
"Thoroughly wash with soap, not just water," Ran called after him. "And hang up your clothes don't...," the sound of Ken's door slamming shut interrupted him, "...just drop them on the floor," Ran finished, sighing.
Bertrand sniffed and exchanged a scowl with the stoic Lord.
Ken bolted into his room and heaved his coats in the direction of his bed as he sped by. They didn't quiet make it but he ignored them as he dashed behind the screen that concealed his wash room. The tub was half full of steaming water and he quickly began pulling off his boots.
He'd been in his room now for about a week and he definitely enjoyed it. It was a mirror image of Ran's, although not quite as tidy, and enjoyed the same ocean view. He didn't have as large a balcony, or the little library room Ran had, and his bed wasn't nearly as large, but it was still the first room he'd had all to himself in fourteen years and he loved it.
But as he started to unbutton his shirt after pulling off his cravat he paused. Something didn't feel right. The air in his room was cooler than it normally was. Ken leaned out and checked the fire in the fireplace. It was well up and blazing cheerily.
Cautiously he stepped out from behind the screen and scanned his room as the hairs on the back of his neck began to prickle.
At first he didn't see anything, but then there slowly emerged a familiar figure from out of the shadows in the corner beside the door. The figure chuckled maliciously.
"Hello, KenKen," he said. "Its been a long time."
"Kase," Ken breathed then he acted.
The former wood boy charged the figure of his long dead brother, and fell straight through him. He rolled into a crouch in front of the hall door and turned to face his twin.
"What's this? No heartfelt hello for your long lost brother?" the apparition sneered at him.
"It was you wasn't it?" Ken spat as he rose slowly to his feet. "You were controlling Weston."
Kase's pale colorless form smirked.
"Just figured that out didn't you?" he asked. "You never were overly bright."
Ken clenched his fists.
Suddenly the side door next to the bed flew open.
"I knew it," Ran said marching in and pointing accusingly at the two coats quietly resting on the floor. "Why won't you..."
"Ran," Ken cried in warning.
The note of panic in his anger laced voice instantly caught the red-head's attention. The Lord glanced up and stared incredulously at the tall figure before him.
The apparition was about his height and dressed exactly as Ken was. Right down to his undone cravat and bare feet. But he was completely colorless and lit from some internal source that almost seemed to absorb the light from the room. The creature turned to face him and Ran found himself gripping the hilt of his sword.
"Ran?" the apparition said as his black eyes settled on the red-head. "And who are you to my brother, Ran?"
The stoic Lord narrowed his eyes and looked the creature up and down.
"Kase, I presume," he said darkly. "But we have met before, haven't we? In your former life?"
"You are well informed," the apparition said studying Ran more closely. "Ah, I see. My little brother is paired again, but I can see you are very different from the other one."
"Kase," Ken growled from his position near the door to the hall. "What are you doing here?"
"Why checking on you, of course," he answered, turning once again to Ken. "I thought you were dead. Was sure of it, in fact. Imagine my surprise when I find your magical signature all over our dear father and mother's tomb. I really should've made sure all those years ago, but I didn't think you could possibly survive that fall."
Ken's clenched fists tightened and he scowled darkly.
"Of course, now I can see that it makes perfect sense," Kase continued. "It explains everything."
"You'll pay. I swear I'll find a way to make your soul rot in Hell!" Ken snarled.
"Better be quick," Kase smiled.
"Get out," Ken growled.
Kase smirked at him.
"Get out of here NOW!" the former wood boy cried.
"Ken," Ran called.
He held out his hand toward the younger man who smirked darkly at the apparition before obediently trotting to Ran's side. When he was within reach Ran rested one hand firmly on Ken's shoulder and fixed Kase with his cold violet eyes.
"Just as I thought. Nothing like the other one," Kase said.
Ran drew up Ken's power but before he could unleash it the apparition faded away. Cautiously he used the magic to scan the room, then the hall, and then the apartment.
"Is he gone?" Ken asked, looking around.
"I believe so," Ran answered, releasing Ken's shoulder.
"What happened?"
"He sensed what I was going to do," Ran answered still gazing around the room.
"Dammit!" Ken swore angrily, turning on Ran. "If you people would show me how ta use my power I could'a taken him out before you came in!"
Ran nodded.
"I'm beginning to agree with you," he said then walked over and pulled the bellpull beside the bed.
Ken stood where he was and raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. Seconds later a knock sounded on the door.
"Come," Ran called.
"My Lord?" Bertrand asked as he stepped inside.
"Summon the Crown Prince. The House has been breached by a hostile entity," Ran stated.
"At once, my Lord," the elderly butler said and bowed out of the room.
Ken looked at Ran wearily.
"Take your bath," the red-head said softly. "I'll see to this and meet you down in Omi's room."
Ken nodded, but after Ran departed he looked nervously around the room. Suddenly it seemed cold and lonely. Shivering slightly he stepped back behind his dressing screen.
Author's Note: Ba-Bam! What'd you think of that? Is everything starting to become a whole lot clearer? I hope so. We're really into it now. Only two chapters left! I hope everyone is still enjoying this...O.O. Thanks for reading! Please, please, please leave a review!
Fieryicicles: Well, hopefully the bit of excitement and plot distracted you. Did it? Thanks for reading:)
Precognition74: It's the same Kase, and he's up to the same stuff, he just wasn't Ken's best friend in this like he was in the series. I made up some characters, but in Kase's case (ha-ha) I just lifted him from the series and used him. Ooohhhh, "never mind". I'll have to remember that. I think "ttyl" is "talk to you later". I still have no clue what LOL means and everyone writes that to me all the time. Thanks for reading:)
Shikigami-kun: Thanks! Good to be back! Well, my hubby's a spring babe and I'm a winter. I was actually looking at their birth dates and that whole thing just occurred to me. And guess how many days after the Solstice Ran's birthday is! OO Mareo Nobu will show up and explain himself, so don't worry! I'm just glad you're finding it so exciting! Thanks for reading:)
RuByMoOn17: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for reading:)
Mistskeeper: Sorry for hurting your head! O.O Well, by now you've seen that your guess was halfway to the truth of the matter. What'd you think? Yeah, no Schu, sorry. You're not the only one who's been after me to write Schwarz. I am going to eventually. Right now I'm reading some Schwarz stories to help me get a handle on them. I actually hated them before seeing "Gluhen" and didn't want to have anything to do with them. Now I'm more open minded! No, don't hide Mist! Here, kitty-kitty! Thanks for reading:)
Silverfrost: Thanks for the glomp! Yep, I'm back and so is my story! Well, at least for two more chapters anyway. Thanks for reading:)
Swtjemz: Hi! I'm actually more like Ken if I've been allowed to get enough sleep. Oh, thanks. I wasn't sure whether to include that or not, but its got foreshadowing for the sequel, so I needed to include it. Glad you liked it! Thanks for reading:)
Makami: Naughty slacker! Actually, I can't say anything. I didn't pick up a pen except to write post cards while I was in Florida, and I was off the internet the whole week! Really? You're not the only one to say that, but I assure you it was unintentional. I thought the development of their relationship slowed with this chapter, but everyone else seems to think otherwise. Cool! There's actually one more bath scene. ;P I LOVE "Only the Ring Finger Knows"! So far that's my favorite of the "yaoi/shonen ai" comics released so far. Its so sweet! I wish there was more to it! Thanks for reading:)
Seph Lorraine: I promise that ALL your questions about Kase WILL be answered in the next chapter. I swear! And Mareo Nobu will come along and introduce himself in the last chapter. Actually, I kinda can't wait for it all to be revealed to see what people really think of it. I'm just a little excited. You know, I never thought of Harry Potter when I wrote this, but I suppose there could've been an unconscious connection. Then again, evil spirits using people as hosts is hardly a new idea. Yeah, Ran the grammar nazi! He's trying to change Ken, as you saw in this chapter too, or actually help him to adjust to what's expected of him at the First House. Sorta like my other story, actually, hmmm...? I knew you'd like the "release you back into the wild" part! Well, I hoped you would! Hee-hee-hee! Aya is very wise. And a tease! Thanks for reading:)
Akimoto Kin: I'm back:D He's the easiest Mr. Nasty when it comes to Ken, that's why he's still being a pain in the butt! Oh, I'm glad you liked that part about him and his folks. Thanks! He's determined to be best friends! Yeah, Ran'll be doing a lot of correcting with Ken, but according to my spell checker you could actually use either one! O.O Yep, 86 royals, so that doesn't even count all the other people. I'm still working out all the logistics for getting their food, shoeing their horses, repairing weaponry, clothing...you get the idea. :P I always forget half of what I want to say whenever I review someone! I hate that! Then I think of it later, and FFnet won't let me back on. :( Oh, well. Thanks for reading:)
