Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
First Born: Sacred Flame
Chapter Five: The Game's Afoot
Nine weeks before the Summer Solstice
Ran slowly sat up and looked blearily around his room. Not seconds before Ken had bolted from the bed crying that he'd overslept and the red-head could now hear him crashing and banging around in his own room. Glancing in that direction he noted that Ken had left the connecting door open and he pondered closing it but decided not to bother. Ken would only come slamming back through in a moment to demand where and when the Lord was to meet with Lady Tomoe that day.
She had been among them for nearly three weeks now and the only thing anyone knew for certain was that she and Ken did not like each other. Everyday she and Ran would meet at the appointed time and place, and everyday Ken would come along and interrupt them. Usually at exactly the moment they were beginning to discuss the reasons for their courtship and whether it was prudent to continue.
Consequently little progress had been made, and despite the annoyance of Ken's interference Ran was hard pressed to say he minded it. Except the lack of progress was becoming irksome as Lady Tomoe, or Sakura as he was now permitted to call her, was obviously not going to give up. Both she and Ken seemed to have chosen their positions and dug in. It looked like it would be a long spring and summer.
At least Aya had taken the time to teach Ken some basic shielding techniques so she was no longer bothered by his emotions. But that too served as a means of guilt for Ran as he felt he should've been the one to do it.
The red-headed Lord sighed just as Ken came stampeding back into his room. The former servant's hair was wet and he was still buttoning his waistcoat. His top coat he dropped to the floor thoughtlessly as he fastened his eyes on Ran. The Lord felt himself smile.
"Where will you interrupt us today?" he asked, his voice teasing.
Ken snorted out a laugh and ducked his head.
"Is it working?" he asked, looking back up.
Ran considered a moment.
"I'm not sure that it is," he said softly. "She seems very determined this time. Of course, I've no idea why because we haven't had a chance to discuss it."
He gave Ken a meaningful look and the former servant ducked his head again.
"Well, maybe today I won't interrupt you at...?"
"Tea on the balcony off the drawing room," Ran smirked.
"Yeah, at tea. Maybe I'll leave you two love-birds alone," Ken stated.
Ran frowned at Ken's tone and the challenging look in his dark eyes.
"Ken, I don't like this any better than you do, but if I never have a chance to speak with the Lady I won't be able to challenge the reasons behind her suit," he said.
Ken slumped.
"Okay, I'll leave you alone today," he said. Scowling, he leaned over and yanked his top coat up off the floor. "Guess I'll see ya later then."
With that he turned and stomped from the room, slamming the door behind him. Ran winced then pinched the bridge of his nose when the door from his library to the hall also slammed.
Why couldn't anything ever be easy? Sighing he climbed from bed to begin preparing for the day.
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Ken stomped his way down to the guest floor Omi was staying on and headed for the young seer's room. On his way past a food tray he picked up a crust of bread and began chewing on it angrily.
In his head Ken could admit that Ran was right. He hoped some argument against the match could be discovered. But the thought of allowing Lady Tomoe even a chance at Ran made his heart ache and had him seeing red. He'd hoped the Lady would just get the hint and go away, but so far she didn't even seem intimidated and Ken was getting desperate.
As he neared Omi's suite his thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Ambassador Takatori leaving the seer's room. The young man followed him out and they exchanged a few words before the ambassador turned on his heel and strode off down the hallway. Omi sagged back against his closed door.
Ken approached, chewing thoughtfully.
"Hey, what was all that about?" he asked.
Omi looked up, startled, and quickly plastered a smile on his face. Although wide it was cheerless.
"Good morning, Ken-kun," he chirped.
Ken eyed him speculatively.
"Mornin'," he said. "What's goin' on?"
"Hunh? Oh, uh, nothing," Omi said shaking his head. "Absolutely nothing."
"It didn't look like nothing," Ken commented, popping the end of the crust into his mouth.
Omi looked at him as though he were debating what to say.
"Have you already eaten?" he asked, eyes narrowing.
"Hmm?" Ken asked, blinking.
The seer indicated that he was chewing something and Ken felt his cheeks heat up.
"Oh. No. Un-uh," he said, shaking his head and swallowing.
"Okay then. Let's go," Omi said, knowingly.
"Yeah, let's," Ken nodded.
They each fell silent as they continued on their way to the dining room. Ken peeked sideways at his friend several times only to find him frowning at the floor. Once they'd ordered their food and sat down Ken decided he needed to know what was wrong.
"Okay, Omi, what did Ambassador Takatori want?" he asked pinning the seer to his seat with a hard glare.
The younger man sighed.
"He's my...he was married to my mother," he confessed warily.
Ken's eyes practically popped out of his head.
"You mean he's your step-fath..."
Omi clamped a hand over the former servant's mouth and glanced quickly around the dining room. When it seemed like no one was paying them any mind he released his friend and sat back down.
"Shhh," he shushed the other man, still flustered.
"Sorry," Ken whispered looking around the dining room.
"He's not really my step-father," Omi said softly. "Perhaps in the eyes of the world, but certainly not in practice or feeling. My mother had an affair and I am the result. It ruined her marriage to the Ambassador. We were sent to the Thirteenth House so he wouldn't have to acknowledge me publicly or live with the shame of my mother's betrayal. That's why when she died I was warded to your Uncle. Even then he wouldn't take me."
"So what does he want with you now?" Ken asked.
"He wants me to leave," Omi said, looking downcast.
"Leave?" Ken asked.
Omi nodded.
"Why? You're an adult now. What does your being here have to do with him?"
"I'm still an embarrassment," Omi sighed. "And since I've been socializing with Yohji and the royal family I've become a very public one."
Ken frowned.
"Well, what can he do? He can't send you away can he?" the former servant asked. "You're here with Uncle Jiro's blessing and a royal invitation."
"True, but he says he'll write your Uncle and demand my removal if I don't decide to remove myself," Omi said meeting Ken's eyes. "He claims he's been paying for my upkeep there, at the Thirteenth House."
"So what? Yohji won't let you go. He wants you here. Ran and me too," Ken added, a stubborn frown marring his face. "I mean, you're doin' all that research for Keiji on that Sacred Fire, right? He wouldn't be happy to have that stopped."
"Sacred Flame," Omi corrected with a small smile.
"Yeah. That's important," Ken stated. "Ain't it?"
"Yes, it is. You're right," Omi said, smiling brightly. "Thanks, Ken."
XXXXXXXXXX
Tea time arrived and Yohji found himself at a table set out on one of the balconies overlooking the back lawns and the ocean. Seated at the table with him were Aya, trying valiantly not to look depressed, and his elder sister, Princess Chiyo. Also present, but not seated was Ken. The former wood boy was glued to the balcony's railing, leaning out over it in an attempt to hear the conversation taking place below. By chance or design their balcony was directly over the one currently occupied by Ran and Lady Tomoe.
Yohji doubted Ken could actually hear anything as the breeze off the ocean was steady and creating a background of birdsong and flapping curtains.
All in all Yohji thought the day was rather pleasant. The sun was finally out, and the day was warm, including the breeze. Once the fields dried out the plowing and planting could begin for the year's harvest. It seemed as if spring had finally arrived and the Prince felt himself smile.
"You seem to be in a good mood," his sister commented over her tea cup.
"And why not? The day is beautiful," he said smiling. "As is the company."
Aya giggled and Chiyo just shook her head.
"Where is Omi? Doesn't he usually join you for tea? We did invite him, didn't we?" Aya asked.
"He was busy today," Yohji replied, pouting slightly. And yesterday and the day before, he thought darkly.
"Ken, come have some tea," Chiyo called to the former servant. "I doubt you can hear anything. Come and sit down."
"I can almost make out what they're sayin'," he said, leaning out a bit farther.
"Its rude to eavesdrop," Aya commented.
Ken glanced at her over his shoulder then returned to listening without offering a reply.
The two young women exchanged what Yohji took to be a knowing glance and Aya shrugged. But seconds later Ken sighed and stood up so that he was simply resting against the rail rather than leaning over it.
"I can't hear," he admitted with a pout.
"I doubt you could even if there wasn't a breeze," the Princess said. "Ran is so soft spoken."
"And so is Sakura...now," Aya added.
"You're right," Chiyo agreed. "I wonder what could've happened to alter her so."
"I haven't had the opportunity to ask, but I wonder whether she'd answer even if I did," Aya said. "She certainly has changed."
Yohji listened to them and nodded.
"I thought I remembered her more...spunky," he commented.
"To say the least," Chiyo smirked.
Yohji chuckled and sipped his tea.
"It is strange," Aya murmured, her eyes lost in thought.
"You know, Omi's been acting oddly as well," the Prince said, trying to draw Ran's sister into an easier topic.
"Oh?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Yes, he's been avoiding me lately. At least socially," Yohji pouted, setting down his tea cup with a loud clink. "For the life of me I can't make out why."
"Its that ambassador," Ken said absently.
"What ambassador?" the Prince asked, his brow furrowing.
As Ken was about to reply the breeze died down and the sound of two people laughing reached their ears. Ken's eyes went wide before his face darkened in an angry scowl. Before anyone could stop him he leapt over the side of the balcony and disappeared.
"Ken!" his three companions cried in astonishment and fear.
Yohji reached the railing just as a startled shriek came from below followed by a loud expletive. He peered over the side anxiously, relieved to see no sign of Ken on the lawn far below. From the lower balcony came the sound of Ran's voice. Exactly what he was saying was unclear but it sounded like a lecture. An angry one.
"Aya?" Yohji asked turning from the rail.
Ran's sister was sitting stiffly in her chair, both hands covering her mouth. She blinked at the Prince for a moment before nodding.
"He's okay," she said at last, her voice tremulous. "Ran says he's okay and he's sending him back up."
Yohji sagged in relief.
"Thank the gods," he muttered.
"This business has gone too far," Chiyo stated, one hand pressed over her heart the other gripping the table's edge.
"Perhaps you will have better luck convincing Father of that than Keiji and I have had," Yohji frowned as he made his way back to his seat. "Are you both alright?"
Aya took a deep breath and nodded.
"Yes, thank you," she said.
"I'm sure I'll recover," Chiyo stated, although she still had hold of the table.
A few minutes later the door to the room opened. Ken entered and crossed sullenly over to the door to the balcony. When he reached the table he looked more angry than contrite.
As he neared Aya sprang from her seat and let fly a hard slap, catching him across the left cheek.
Ken stared at her in shock. One hand rising to his reddening face.
"Don't you ever, ever do anything like that again!" she cried then clutched his coat and burst into tears.
Ken stood in awe for a few seconds before trying to comfort her.
"I don't believe I can add anything to that, do you?" Yohji asked Chiyo as he calmly returned to sipping his tea.
"No. That more than sums up my sentiments," his sister replied, also taking up her tea cup.
XXXXXXXXXX
The following afternoon was declared a day of rest so everyone could take advantage of the unseasonably fine weather. The members of the royal family decided it was a perfect day for a game of paille maille out on the lawn and Lady Tomoe and Omi were invited to join them.
Paille maille was a favorite of the royals and of the First House in general. It involved trying to hit various colored balls through a series of metal hoops strategically placed inside the white outline of a large rectangle painted on the lawn. Four of the hoops were set seven yards inside the corners of the rectangle, and the other two were each seven yards from a brightly painted wooden stake which had been stuck in the exact center of the field, one above the stake and one below it. The stake was painted in bright stripes which matched the colors of the balls and their corresponding mallets.
Everyone was in great anticipation of the game as it was not only the first of the season, but also the first event where Lord Fujimiya would be on view with his newly paired partner, Master Hidaka, and his intended, Lady Tomoe.
Lady Tomoe was thrilled to accept the invitation and set her sights on finally getting her intentions set in stone. She would not be persuaded to back down, and her best chance at winning the approval and backing of the Court was to make a good appearance at the game.
After some careful consideration Omi decided to accept the invitation despite the objections of his would be step-father. The event would be watched by nearly every resident of the First House. He'd decided he would not be leaving and his attendance would be viewed as a public declaration of that fact. The idea made him smile in anticipation.
For his part Ken was looking forward to being outside. At the Thirteenth House once the weather had warmed he'd left the kitchens and joined the outside crew in chopping the firewood that would be used the next winter. It was hot, dirty, exhausting work but it'd always left him with a feeling of accomplishment, and the fresh air and sunshine were glorious.
He excitedly followed Ran from lunch down to the second lawn back from the Palace. The rest of the royal family was already gathered there, and quite a group of people had already claimed positions on the first lawn. Many others crowded the balconies on the wings and across the back of the Palace. All eager to watch the first sport of the season, and the game might prove interesting as well.
"The object is to get your ball through the hoops in a minimal amount of moves, and be the first to hit the stake in the center," Ran explained as he and Ken stood looking over the field. "You start at the lower left hand hoop and continue on from there, all the way around to the lower right hand hoop. Then cross to the lower center hoop and avoiding the stake pass through the upper center hoop and turn to the left to begin going back through."
Ran traced the path in the air with his finger as he spoke and Ken watched closely.
"Okay, I think I've got it," the former servant said. "How do we move the balls? Kick 'em?"
"No. There are mallets," Ran said, fighting a smile. "They're colored and the balls match. We play in pairs and add up points so that there are two ways to win. First to the stake and highest number of points."
Ken nodded.
Omi joined them a few minutes later and was greeted by a grinning Yohji who looked a little relieved.
"You came," the Prince said softly.
"Yes," Omi replied.
"I wasn't sure you would."
"I'm sorry. I've been...busy of late," the seer apologized.
"You'll partner with me, won't you?" Yohji asked dismissing the other topic with a curt nod.
"Partner?" Omi asked.
"We play individually, but join our points. It makes the game more interesting in terms of strategy and usually prevents ties," the Prince answered.
"I'd be happy to partner with you," Omi said, smiling.
"Good," Yohji said.
Just then the crowd on the upper lawn parted and Lady Tomoe made her entrance. She had changed her dress since lunch and had done her hair up in an elaborate pile of twists, braids, and curls. Obviously well aware of the importance of her first public occasion on Ran's arm.
The crowd murmured in awed approval as she descended the three stone steps to the lower lawn and made her way over to where Ran was explaining the game to Ken. When she reached them she curtsied and held a delicate pale hand out to her intended.
Ken frowned when Ran stepped forward and leaned over her hand to kiss it. There was a smattering of applause from the crowd which startled and confused Ken until Lady Tomoe's eyes met his, and she flashed him a triumphant smirk. His frown became a scowl.
"We are going to be partners, aren't we...Ran?" she purred as the red-headed Lord stood erect once more.
"Certainly," he replied without an ounce of emotion.
That seemed to put her off a bit but she rallied and cast a bright smile at the royal family, while Ken narrowed his eyes at her.
"I'm going to be Ken's partner!" cried Princess Kishi suddenly materializing beside the former servant and latching onto his right arm.
"No, I am!" Prince Jomei yelled, laying claim to his left.
A brief tug-o-war ensued which ended when Aya declared she would be Ken's partner, and that the two youngest royals would benefit from learning to work together. They pouted but relinquished the slightly rumpled brunet to Ran's sister who helped him straighten his coat while the crowd twittered in amusement.
"Are they gonna be watchin' the whole time?" he whispered to Aya, casting the gathered populace a suspicious glance.
"Mm-hm," she nodded.
Ken pouted and glanced around at the watchers who were crowding the available balconies and the upper lawn. He wasn't used to being on display and he was beginning to realize that it couldn't be avoided. Not at the First House, and he didn't like it.
Keiji and Chiyo partnered up and Michio and Hanako made up the last team. As the King and Queen took the seats which had been set out for them servants began handing out the mallets and the referee announced the rules. He had a board and a tiny pencil for keeping score.
As Ran and Sakura were the couple of the season they got the red mallets which got the privilege of shooting first. Ken and Aya were given the yellow, Omi and Yohji the orange, Keiji and Chiyo black, Michio and Hanako green, and Jomei and Kishi the blue.
"Let the game begin!" cried the King, and everyone stood back as Lady Tomoe stepped into position to hit the first ball.
There was a loud crack which reverberated off the walls of the palace and her ball sailed across the even lawn toward the first hoop. The crowd murmured its comments and clapping was heard.
"Well struck, my Lady!" the King cried. "Well struck. This game will be a good one I warrant."
"Yes, indeed," the Queen agreed.
Lady Tomoe smiled at them and curtsied, then turned her smile on Ran. He returned it with a small one of his own and muttered a soft compliment. Sakura beamed and Ken ground his teeth.
Aya struck next, followed by Chiyo, Hanako and Omi who quipped about being an honorary 'mistress of the field' as all the other first partners were ladies. The crowd laughed and applauded. As his ball rolled easily through the first hoop Yohji clapped him heartily on the back.
Chiyo and Hanako were next followed by Princess Kishi who struck her ball and jumped up in delight when it almost went as far as Chiyo's. The crowd applauded the little Princess and she curtsied.
The King and Queen smiled at one another.
Ran stepped forward and began the shots of the partners. His first shot rolled easily through the hoop and bumped Omi's. There was applause which he ignored and a smile from Lady Tomoe to which he nodded in response.
Ken lined up his shot carefully and let fly with an angry swing which sent his ball tearing across the lawn. It knocked Lady Tomoe's off course before sailing through the hoop and plowing into Omi's and Ran's, sending theirs' off in opposite directions.
There were gasps from the crowd who watched Ken smirk at the Lady who smiled tightly and complimented his shot. No one missed the fire in their eyes or the sparks that passed between them. Suddenly the game took on a whole new dimension of interest as surprised glances were exchanged and Lord Fujimiya gripped the bridge of his nose.
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Author's Note: Paille maille is the ancient French name for croquet. The field they're playing on is not the original one, I think, but the one that inspired its popularity. I studied it about a year ago when I started this thing and I can't remember it all now.
Also, Thanks to Cat in the Web! How do you like her now? Hee-hee!
And Hi, Aubrey! Thanks!
