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

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

First Born: Sacred Flame

Chapter Two: The Suit for Ran

"So, Lady Tomoe's father wished for a union between her and Ran. This was three or four years ago," Yohji said, playing with the quill Omi had been using. "The Lady herself was only fifteen at the time, but in order to explore her father's reasons the King allowed a brief courtship between them."

"And what were his reasons?" Omi asked, leaning forward in interest.

"We never found out. After a few weeks Lady Tomoe expressed a great displeasure with Ran's 'cold and aloof' behavior," Yohji chuckled. "She broke off the courtship, withdrew her suit and departed."

"Heh-heh, cold and aloof, eh?" Omi giggled. "Wait until she meets Ken."

"Yes," Yohji said, frowning in thought. "I suspect he maybe the very reason for her renewed attentions."

"She would be intimately connected with two powerful men if the marriage were to go through," Omi mused.

"One with great magical potential and one with direct access to the ear of the King," Yohji nodded. "The later the very reason we suspected her father wanted the match in the first place."

"But your father is allowing it. Why? To ferret her out?" Omi asked. "Her reasoning seems rather apparent."

"I think my father's ideas run along a more trivial line," Yohji smirked.

Omi pouted and sat back in his seat to fix the Prince with his steady blue gaze.

"Yotan, playing with people isn't nice. Its something the King should be above," the seer stated.

Yohji reached across the table and ruffled Omi's hair.

"Don't worry, Omitchi. Keiji agrees with you," the Prince smiled. "He's going to start working on our father to change his mind."

Omi shoved Yohji's hand away with an exasperated sigh.

"So, how did Ran react?"

Yohji pursed his lips thoughtfully.

XXXXXXXXXX

Ken made his way down the stone hall. The hallways between class rooms, both those used for magic and non-magic training were smaller than the grand hallways in the House above. But the feeling he got from them was one of intimacy rather than claustrophobia. They reminded the former servant of the tunnels and passages under the Thirteenth House. A funny thing to miss but he often found himself longing for a quiet, dark corner to hide in. So far he'd been unable to find any secret passages at the First House, but that wasn't for a lack of searching.

As he approached the door he'd been directed to he tuned his ears to the room beyond. Not a sound reached him and he paused outside the door to listen more closely. Harsh, labored breathing came from within.

He eased the door open.

Inside was absolute destruction. Straw training dummies lay in pieces across the expanse of the room. Sitting on the floor in the middle of the carnage was Ran. He had his back to the door but Ken could see his shorn hair was disheveled and his shirt was sweat soaked and clung to his skin.

The destruction didn't bother Ken but the cast off pile of coats by the door caused him to frown. Ran was always, always careful with his clothing. Looking at the fire-haired Lord Ken could see his fist clenching and unclenching around the hilt of his sword, even though his breathing was beginning to calm. And he'd missed not only lunch, but their magic lesson. Something he'd never done before.

Ken had figured that something had simply come up, although he'd been a little curious why Ran hadn't sent him a note, but now he knew something was wrong.

Shaking off his worry he took a deep breath.

"Wow, just look at this place," he said, stepping into the room and quietly closing the door.

At the sound of his voice Ran's spine stiffened. Another bad sign. The Lord hadn't heard him enter. Cautiously Ken crossed the room, stepping over the remains of the straw dummies until he came to crouch before his friend.

Ran wearily looked up at him, not quite meeting his eyes. The normally pale Lord was flushed and still taking long, deep breaths. Physically he'd pushed himself as far as he could go.

"Have you been here all afternoon?" Ken asked softly.

"Hn," Ran nodded tiredly.

"You missed our magic lesson," Ken stated and frowned when he saw Ran wince.

"Sorry. I became...preoccupied with something," the stoic Lord answered.

"No problem," Ken said lightly and tried a small smile. "I was finally able to pull the static from the air and create an actual bolt. I split a log with it," he said proudly.

Ran smiled in return and wheezed out a chuckle.

"Good for you," he muttered, looking down into his lap. "I'm sorry I missed it."

Ken remained silent for a moment, studying his winded and exhausted friend and the room around them.

"So, you mad about somethin'?" he asked suddenly.

"That obvious?" Ran asked, not raising his head.

"A little," Ken nodded.

"Yes, I guess you could say I'm a little angry," Ran said sighing. He chose his words carefully. "Several...items...came up at today's meeting that...put me on edge. I thought I could work out some of my...aggression before our lesson, but...well, I guess I went a little overboard."

"Do ya feel less angry?" Ken asked.

"More resigned," Ran answered.

"Hmmm," the former servant nodded. "Well, do I get to know what's got you this wound up?"

Ran sighed.

"The King has given us our first official assignment," he said.

"Really?" Ken asked, a tiny spark of excitement behind his eyes.

"In just over three months we are to travel north in escort to Keiji as he assists the Sisterhood of the Sacred Flame. Apparently their fire's about to go out," Ran said, listlessly waving his left hand.

"That doesn't sound very interestin'," Ken pouted in slight disappointment. "What else?"

Ran sighed again.

"Well, there's this Lady," he said carefully. "Lady Sakura Tomoe. We were involved in a courtship some years ago."

Ken felt as if a solid metal bar had just been rammed down his spine. He shook with the impact.

"She's returning to the First House," Ran continued. "The King wants us to renew our courtship and I'm afraid this time he really wants me to marry her."

FOOOOM

The blast of power Ken released knocked Ran over onto his back and sent the remains of the training dummies flying against the walls, where they smoked and curled until nothing was left but ashes.

Ran slowly sat back up, looked at Ken and raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry," the former wood boy growled, his eyes blazing with a cold fury. Not Ran. He couldn't lose Ran. Not to anyone.

"Well, at least no one has to clean up now," the fire-haired Lord commented tiredly, surveying the room.

"No, I meant sorry I burned up your coats," Ken stated, nodding toward the still smoking pile near the door.

"Oh."

XXXXXXXXXX

When Aya finally finished welcoming the new representative from the Eleventh House and her family, seeing that they were comfortably installed in their rooms, could find the nearest diningroom for supper and breakfast, and that their servants were installed in the staff rooms, she slipped gratefully into the royal apartment and made her way toward the Queen's parlor. She would have to give the new ambassador the grand tour tomorrow, but for the rest of the afternoon and evening it was important that she, her family, and their servants have an opportunity to start settling in and hopefully begin to feel comfortable.

As Aya entered the parlor on the far side of the drawing room she was struck by how similar it was to the King's study, while at the same time completely different. There was a large desk at one end, but it was carved in a delicate and decorative manner making it no less functional but far from intimidating. And there were just as many bookshelves lining the walls, but the books were interspersed with tiny figurines and glass vases in soothing, light colors. There were flowers too, on tables set between the chairs in the room which were laid out in an inviting and comfortable pattern.

Aya sighed a contented sigh as the muted tones of light mint green and white washed the day's stresses away. It was a very pleasant room and one which saw as much action as the study down the hall, but handled it in a somewhat more subtle manner.

Princess Chiyo, the second born in the royal family, was already there, seated in her favorite chair by the window. Her latest piece of embroidery in her hands. She looked up and smiled in welcome. Aya gladly returned it. Chiyo was like a sister to her. Her dearest friend and confidant.

Sighing again Aya moved toward the little green and white striped chair beside the Princess, where her own needle point was already resting.

"Tough day?" Chiyo asked still smiling. She gracefully brushed an errant strand of long, wavy brown hair back behind her shoulder.

"No, just long," Aya replied gratefully taking her seat. She picked up her embroidery and studied it.

"How did your breakfast with Ran go?" Chiyo asked. "I forgot to ask you at lunch."

"Was I even at lunch? I honestly can't remember," Aya giggled. "Well, as usual the main topic of conversation was Ken, but at least I got to see Ran for a little while."

"You sound a little jealous," Chiyo commented, glancing at her friend. "Are you?"

"No, not really," Aya answered softly. She set her stitching aside and met the Princess's green eyes with her own deep violet-blue. "I love Ken. He's sweet and cute and..."

"Bombastic?" Chiyo asked with a smirk.

"Yes, he is a little hot headed, but he balances Ran," Aya said, smiling. "No, I'm glad they're paired. But sometimes I do feel...a little left out. That's all."

"Mmm," Chiyo nodded, empathizing. "It is hard when someone you're close to begins to grow and change in ways you're not prepared for."

"You're right, as usual," Aya replied. "The adjustment is a bit harder than I thought, but I shall adjust."

"You always have the rest of us to lean on," Chiyo smiled.

"Thank you. The support of my royal sisters and brothers is a comfort I have come to rely on," the dark haired young woman said, returning the smile.

"Besides, the gift you share with Ran means you'll never truly be apart from him," the Princess continued, focusing on her embroidery again. "And you've had to share him before," she added with a smirk.

Aya giggled.

"Oh yes, with Yohji," she said.

"Yes, weren't they a cute couple?" Chiyo said, winking and sticking out her tongue.

"Very," Aya giggled. "But Ken is a somewhat more permanent change than a pretend romance with Yohji."

"But there was also...what was her name?"

Aya, who'd picked up her embroidery again paused and thought.

"Oh, you mean Lady Tomoe," she said with another giggle.

"Yes," Chiyo said joining her.

"That whole experience taught me that I really have nothing to worry about," Aya continued. "Ran was about as successful at courting as he would be at stitching this pillow cover."

"I dare say he'd be better at stitching," Chiyo laughed. "She was sweet, but woefully unsuited to Ran. Far too perky and doe-eyed for him."

Aya laughed and nodded.

"You know, I have to admit that I've often thought if we'd met under different circumstances we might've been friends," she said.

Chiyo smiled.

"Perhaps Ran has already found his someone special," the Princess said archly.

"Well, if he has I can find no sure sign of it," Aya said. "Anytime I think I've noticed something it turns out to be just a consequence of their pairing."

"Or so they claim?" Chiyo asked suggestively.

Before Aya could respond the door was flung open and the Queen rushed in.

"Well, here you two are," she cried, dashing over to them and sitting heavily in a chair.

"Ma-ma, what is it?" Chiyo asked in concern.

"Oh, your father's at it again, my dear," Queen Kimiko said, shaking her head. "Aya, my girl, have you finished installing the new representative?"

"Initially, but I was saving the grand tour for tomorrow when they're more settled," the young woman answered.

"Well, I'll have to hand that off to someone else. My dear, Lady Sakura Tomoe will be arriving in two days' time," the Queen said.

"Speak of the devil," Chiyo muttered as she and Aya exchanged stunned glances.

"The King has agreed that she may renew her suit to Ran," her majesty said.

Shocked, Aya jammed her needle straight into her finger.

XXXXXXXXXX

That evening after dinner Prince Keiji sat before his father in the King's study. The two silently observed each other across the King's massive desk. King Renjiro's eyes had a particular twinkle but the Prince's were dark and his expression sour.

"Well, father, I hope you're satisfied," Keiji said. "Ran's gone silent, you've managed to upset Aya, and judging from his expression at dinner Ken may actually want to kill you."

"Aya's upset?" King Renjiro asked surprised. "Whatever for?"

"One can only presume its because you've chosen to torment her brother with this ridiculous courtship," the crown Prince stated.

The King snorted.

"Its hardly torture, Keiji."

"Father, this is a bad idea and everyone seems to know that but you," the young man said, rising so he could pace. "Despite their strength and skill Ran and Ken are still newly paired. They're still getting to know one another and becoming accustomed to their situation. Ken is still learning about his potential. Anything that throws off the balance they've achieved is dangerous."

"They're not made of glass, Keiji," the King stated firmly. "At anytime there could be something that would require their immediate attention. They must learn to maintain whatever balance they need despite what's happening around or to them."

"Is this yet another test then?" the Prince asked.

"Heh-heh-heh, perhaps it is," the King chuckled. "What do you suppose would happen if I told Lady Tomoe that the time is not right for her suit?"

Keiji came slowly back to his seat and sat down.

"She would withdraw it for a time, but she'd be back," the King said, answering his own question. "Suppose I told her no, she is not right for Ran. She might be dealt with but how many more suits would follow from how many others?"

Keiji sat and considered.

"The best way to deal with this situation is to let it handle itself," the King stated. "I am quite certain the suit will be voluntarily withdrawn in a very short time, and in such a manner that will discourage others. With Ken around I can almost guarantee it. To my mind this should be most entertaining."

"But can you assure the Lady's safety?" the crown Prince asked.

"I'll leave that to you," Renjiro smiled and Keiji rolled his eyes. "Now, tell me the real reason you're so against this."

The crown Prince eyed his father for a moment as though he were debating whether or not to say anything. Finally he sat back in his chair with a tiny sigh.

"Aya suspects there maybe a deeper connection forming between Ran and Ken," he answered softly.

The King sat up straighter.

"Is there any evidence of this?" he asked, carefully keeping his expression neutral.

"Not so far," Keiji replied. "She says its just a feeling she has, but we both know that when it comes to her brother Aya has far more insight than any of the rest of us."

"Indeed," the King nodded. "Well, then recent events may help clarify things a little and our entertainment may be assured."

"Father," Keiji sighed in exasperation.

"This may prove very fortuitous if it bears fruit," King Renjiro said, smiling. "No one may apply for a hand that has already been taken. Encourage Aya to keep her eyes and ears open."

"I think you maybe assured of it," the crown Prince replied.

XXXXXXXXXX

Ran slowly undressed for the night. He felt numb and sluggish, mainly from the overly long and far too strenuous practice session he'd put himself through. He felt foolish for doing it, but was at a loss of how else to rid himself of the angry anxiety he'd felt earlier.

The red-headed Lord couldn't fathom the actions of his King and sovereign. Except for the sickening idea that his Majesty somehow hoped this whole farce would prove entertaining in some way. Ran couldn't understand why he was being put through it. Again.

His previous courtship with Lady Sakura Tomoe had gone very badly three years before, and he was not anxious to repeat the experience. Initially he hadn't been entirely opposed to the idea despite the fact that the King had promised there would be no arranged marriages for either him or Aya. He'd even liked the Lady when they'd first met. She'd seemed sweet, and had even resembled Aya just the slightest bit. But it soon became apparent that she was far too young and naive to be entering into a marriage. Her head had been filled with fairy tale ideas of romance and intrigue. His civil and courteous behavior, and his quiet manners were not enough to please her. In the end she'd accused him of being cold and indifferent.

Well, perhaps he had been. After several weeks he'd found he had no real affection for the Lady, and was relieved to see the back of her. Why would she want to renew her suit? Why now?

Absently he noticed he'd changed out of his clothes and into his nightshirt. Glancing at his clothes rack he decided he didn't have the energy to set out anything new and would do so in the morning. With that he pulled back the covers and climbed into bed, releasing a tired sigh.

As his eyes closed the door between his room and Ken's opened and the former servant strode through in his nightshirt, startling Ran fully awake again. He watched as the younger man made his way around the foot of the bed and up the far side. Once there he threw back the covers and climbed in. Ran simply laid where he was and watched.

"I healed Aya's finger for her," Ken said as he settled himself. "She was going to let it go."

"Aya hurt her finger?" Ran asked. He hadn't even noticed. Thinking back the last few hours were nothing but a foggy blur.

Ken was staring at him.

"Yeah, she jabbed it with a needle," he said. "Pretty good too. You must be tired if you didn't notice."

"Hn," Ran nodded. "Thanks for healing it."

"No problem," the former servant said. "So, what's up with this courtship? No one would talk about it tonight."

"Mmmm...'fraid to," Ran muttered. Sighing again he pushed himself up in bed, realizing that despite his fatigue Ken wouldn't be put off. "The last time it was her father that was pushing for the marriage. We guessed that he was anxious for a connection between his lower house and the royal family. Its not uncommon actually. A lower house comes into some wealth or prestige, the next obvious step up the ladder would be a connection with a Great House, and what could be better than one with the First House itself? But the King's policy is that he won't use his children that way. His marriage to the Queen was a love match, as was his parents' marriage. But Aya and I aren't really his children and people in general see us as an opportunity. Perhaps even you now."

"Cuz of my connection to you?" Ken asked.

Ran nodded.

"After she withdrew her suit to me she married someone from the Fourth House. A cousin or something, and her father died shortly afterward," the red-head continued.

"She's already married!" Ken asked.

"Widowed," Ran said, shaking his head. "Last year."

"So, now she's going to come after you again?"

Ran glanced at his friend and pondered his choice of words.

"I suppose so," he said.

"Huh, didn't take her long to get over her loss," Ken muttered angrily.

"The marriage was arranged and she is still very young," Ran commented. "Its not surprising she would seek another match."

He stopped speaking and thought a moment.

"Yeah, but why you!" Ken asked heatedly.

Ran blinked at him.

"You," he answered before he could fully form the thought, but as he said it he realized it was obvious. "Your power and my connections."

Ken frowned darkly.

"So, what are we 'gonna do about it?" he asked.

Ran fixed him with a stern look.

"We are going to be polite and nice to her," Ran stated. "Understand?"

Ken pouted angrily.

"Understand, Ken?" Ran pushed.

"Yes," the former servant said.

Ran watched him for a moment before relaxing again. He breathed out heavily and rubbed his eyes.

"So...," Ken began tentatively, "were you as angry last time you had to court her?"

Ran hesitated only slightly before answering.

"No," he said quietly, watching the fire.

"Why not?" Ken asked so softly the crackling of the flames almost covered the sound of his voice.

Because I know what I want now, Ran thought, but he couldn't say it and he couldn't meet Ken's eyes.

"I just wasn't," he said, closing his heavy eyelids. Then he yawned widely and wriggled back against the pillows. He was so tired.

"You'd better go to sleep," he heard Ken say and he nodded in response.

"Good night...Ken," he murmured.

"Good night," came the answer from close beside him and for a moment he imagined he could feel a warm and welcome pressure by his side, but then he was asleep.

XXXXXXXXXX

The library at night was a rather spooky place with the candle on the table and the lantern hanging over the wide open sitting area the only lights. The one created wildly dancing shadows while the other kept them at bay. The two sources of illumination seemed to almost be warring with one another rather than working together to fight the dark. And the silence of the space loomed large around the solitary presence, making the area seem cavernous. At night the library wasn't the friendly, inviting place he found it during the day-light hours.

Omi shivered and closed the book he'd been studying. He didn't make it a habit of returning to the library after dinner, but occasionally when he'd found something interesting the librarians would leave him the keys and inform the night patrol that he was there. The guard had already come through twice, so the young seer knew that it was getting late.

Quickly and quietly he collected the books he'd been studying and reshelved them. Then he took a moment to note them on a list of resources he was keeping before blowing out his candle and heading for the door. The night guard would put out the lantern when he found the doors locked on his next round.

As he stepped past the tall shelves and into the ring of lantern light Omi shivered again. The room had become chilly as the fires had gone out. In the library and offices they were extinguished at night. It was far too dangerous to leave an unattended flame.

As he walked across the open floor of the sitting area he glanced up and studied the hanging lantern. It was iron and beautiful in its intricate pattern. A pattern that suddenly grew dim as his vision clouded.

A vision. He was having a vision.

Omi forced himself to remain calm and keep his breathing deep and even. He hadn't had one since the one he'd been sent over a month ago. The memory of which still shook him to his core, but he forced it out of his mind as his outter eyesight dimmed and his inner eyesight sharpened. He focused on the images before him.

Woods. Tall and dark against a night sky. A cool breeze that smelled of summer. Someone was laughing but the sound wasn't pleasant and there was a flash of movement in the trees. A child crying in terror and outrage. Then a circular room constructed of carved stones. Its domed ceiling held up by large stone pillars. In the center a circular dias upon which burned an orange flame.

The Flame burned in his mind. He could almost feel the heat as it became the focus of his vision. Suddenly he became aware of a figure on the far side of the dias partially hidden by the Flame. Omi gasped as his vision became more clear and he realized it was Ken.

His friend was standing close to the dias, his eyes closed and his hands raised and resting against his chest. His normally tanned skin glowed gold in the fire's light and Omi realized he appeared to be shirtless and standing close enough to the flame for its heat to tousle his hair.

He watched Ken closely but his friend never moved and then just as suddenly Ran was there. Wrapping his bare arms protectively around the former servant's shoulders the older man leaned close against his back and pressed his left cheek to Ken's right.

Omi could feel his own face heat up as the scene before him seemed to become intimate. Ran's pale skin reflected the flames orange color, his hair was made even more red. But Ken never moved or reacted to Ran's touch and the Lord also closed his eyes. The two men simply stood, pressed together, as the flame erupted and consumed them.

Crying out Omi suddenly found himself reaching out toward the empty seat in front of him. He was alone in the library and his vision was gone. Taking a deep, shuddering breath he staggered into the nearest chair. For a moment he just breathed, then pulled his small notebook from his coat and quickly began writing with the small pencil he kept within it.

XXXXXXXXXX

Author's Note: Uh-oh!

Thanks to Angel, Himawari, and Elfgoddess who reviewed anonymously. I'm not allowed to answer your reviews here anymore, so if you'd like a reply please include your email address!

And can anyone tell me how to update my account? I have two "tickets" in about it at the Help window, but I've received no answers and I'm now several weeks overdue and am living in constant fear. I haven't received an email about renewing like I did last year. Can anyone help?

Also, I just have to tell you guys this, I was checking a bunch of new books to see what labels they needed (mystery, western, sci-fi, etc.) when I picked up a new fantasy novel. "The Thirteenth House"! I almost dropped the book! I couldn't believe it! It's a sequel to another book and doesn't seem to have anything to do with my story, but it does have twelve great houses in it, and I saw something about 'firstborn' on the dust jacket. Can you believe it! It always amazes me when I see it, but this sort of thing happens all the time in the arts. Two human minds getting similar ideas at about the same time. Cool, hunh?

Oh! And I just bought "Loveless"! Its awesome!

Thanks for reading!