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

Author's Note: Here it is! The last chapter! I'd like to thank everyone for reading this! And all my wonderful reviewers, you make it all worth while! Thank you! Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

First Born of the Thirteenth House

Part 4: Kase ( c )

Keiji sat opposite Aya in the private drawing room in the royal apartments. He watched her carefully as she studied the cards she held and those laid out on the table between them. Her deep violet-blue eyes were intense as they focused on the cards but her expression didn't give anything away. Even after all the years they'd spent being raised in the same household he was no closer to being able to read either one of the Fujimiya siblings.

He sighed and Aya looked up at him.

"Aya, either you have the card or you don't," he said.

"Go fish," she said smiling widely.

Keiji cringed and reached for the pile of face down cards, then he cringed again when he saw what he'd drawn.

"You seemed to be enjoying watching me," Aya said with a smirk. "I didn't want to interrupt you."

The crown Prince snorted.

"You can be as bad as Yohji sometimes," he commented and she stuck her tongue out at him. "I was trying to read your expression."

"Any luck?" she asked still smirking.

"None at all. You can look as blank as your brother when you wish to," he said studying his cards.

"It's a gift," Aya smiled.

"Your Highness," Bertrand said, suddenly appearing in the door way. "Forgive the intrusion but there is a guardsman here with urgent news."

"Send him in at once, Bertrand," Keiji stated.

He and Aya both set their cards aside and rose to face the flustered young man who entered.

"Pardon, your Highness, Lady Fujimiya," the guardsman said. "I went to the King but he said I should come to you."

"Yes?" Keiji prompted.

"The gate opened not ten minutes ago, but naught came through but an old man. The seers say he's a wizard, your Highness," the guardsman said, his eyes wide with trepidation.

"Kase," Keiji said with certainty.

"He came through alone?" Aya asked.

"Aye, my Lady."

Keiji and Aya exchanged glances.

"Send someone for my brother and Omi," Keiji ordered and the guard bowed in response. "Where are Ran and Ken?"

"On their way to their lesson," Aya stated.

"Have them meet us on the battlements at the front of the House," the Prince said. "This wizard, you're tracking his movements?"

"Aye, your Highness," the guardsman said and bowed again.

Keiji nodded tightly.

Within moments they were standing out in the bright light of a cold winter morning. The sun glared off the snow and the white marble of the terraces behind and above them.

The crown Prince glanced briefly at Aya and marveled that she'd somehow managed to get her heavy cloak and find a pair of field glasses, which she was peering through. Keiji stepped to the powerful telescope mounted to the wall and gazed down the long snow covered field at the figure standing at the far end of it.

"He is alone," Aya commented. "And he's just standing there."

Keiji pulled back from the telescope and sighed.

"Perhaps its not Kase," Aya said.

The crown Prince frowned at her.

"Where are Ran and Ken?" he asked.

"On their way. Ken is full of anticipation. He's eager for revenge," she stated quietly.

"You can hear him?" the Prince asked, surprised.

"No, I can feel him. He's like an echo, a shadow beside Ran in my mind, but he's easy to read," she said smirking and glancing at the Prince. "He thought he'd killed the man who was responsible for murdering his family. He's not been happy since he learned otherwise."

"Keiji, we're here. Is it him?"

Yohji and Omi came jogging to a halt beside them and peered out over the field.

"We're not sure whether its him or not," Keiji answered.

"What's he doing?" Yohji asked squinting into the distance.

"Just standing there," Aya answered watching the still figure through her field glasses once again.

"May I?" Omi asked indicating the telescope Keiji was standing in front of.

The crown Prince stepped out of the way and allowed the seer to look through the lens. It gave a clear view of the elderly man wearing wizard's garb, standing in the snow at the end of the field just under the gate.

"Its him," Omi stated, his voice filled with certainty. "He's the one I saw in my vision."

Yohji and Keiji glanced at the seer and then at each other. Before either one could comment the sound of pounding feet made them turn in time to see Ran and Ken burst from the Palace out onto the battlements followed closely by the rest of the royal children.

"Where is he?" Ken demanded and then took Omi's place at the telescope. "Ha! He's got a new body alright."

"He's taken the body of a wizard this time," Omi said. "He's managed to double his power." He glanced worriedly at Ken, "He could be a match for you."

"What are you all doing here?" Keiji demanded, looking from one to the others of his brothers and sisters.

"Papa sent us," Princess Kishi chirped excitedly.

"What?" Yohji asked.

"I think he means this to be a test for them," Princess Hanako replied indicating Ran and Ken.

"Great," Yohji muttered.

"I wanna see Ran and Ken fight the wizard!" prince Jomei cried hopping up and down.

Keiji, Yohji and Ran frowned, and Prince Michio came up behind Jomei and Kishi and scooped them up onto his shoulders where they could see out over the wall.

"Where is he?" Princess Chiyo asked shielding her eyes and peering into the distance.

Scowling darkly Ran took the telescope from Ken and peered through it.

"He's alone. No army," he stated.

"No army means its just gonna be easier," Ken smirked, cracking his knuckles.

"Wait!" Aya cried suddenly, leaning forward against the wide marble wall. "Something's happening down there."

Everyone fell silent and leaned forward trying to see. Ran peered back through the telescope.

"Where?" he demanded.

"The ground! Under the snow...look!" his sister pointed below them at the field of white.

Through the intense glare they could just make out some movement. A ripple under the smooth expanse of white. As they watched black dots began to appear across the plain. Slowly growing larger and taking on shapes.

"What is that?" Ken asked squinting.

"Its...its men!" Aya exclaimed. "Men made of...dirt."

She lowered her field glasses and looked at her brother.

"Let me see," Keiji said and Ran relinquished the telescope to him. He peered through it scowling.

"That's his army?" Ken asked looking from Ran to Omi.

"You did say something was funny about them," Yohji said coming to stand behind the seer.

"Indeed," Omi nodded.

"What can they do?" Ken asked. "They're just clumps of dirt."

"Begging your pardon," Princess Hanako spoke up softly, "but if he were to create enough of them they could present a problem."

"Its winter," Yohji stated, "which means they're frozen. Arrows and swords will have no effect."

"Look at them all," Aya breathed, the awe in her voice causing the others to redirect their attention below.

The field was entirely brown and gray with no more white to be seen. Its length a twisting mass of thousands of bodies slowly advancing on the First House.

"We could take them out easily enough with magic," Keiji said eyeing the still growing throng. "But unless we get Kase as well he'll only make more."

"He won't stop until he has Ken," Omi muttered.

"Then let's go," Ken said looking at Ran.

The red-headed Lord nodded.

"Ran?" Aya asked uncertainly, clutching at his sleeve with her free hand.

"What do you intend to do?" Keiji asked.

"Ken has a plan," Ran stated.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at the former servant who grinned proudly. Then they all looked to Ran, their faces skeptical.

"I think it will work," the red-head stated coldly. "You did say this was a test," Ran said addressing Hanako.

The young woman with looped braids nodded.

"We won't fail," Ran said and he cast his violet gaze above and behind them.

As they all turned to follow his gaze they saw that most of the household had emptied out onto the many terraces and balconies, and were avidly watching the proceedings. The King and Queen stood on the one immediately above them. Their countenances contemplative and expectant.

"Right," Ken agreed. He turned and tugged on one of Aya's braids. "Don't worry, Sissy," he said with a smile.

She nodded.

"We'll need a travel spell," Ran muttered to Keiji.

"You!" the crown Prince called to the nearest guardsman. "Call down to the professors. Tell them Lord Fujimiya and Master Hidaka are on their way and require a travel spell."

"Yes, your Highness," the man barked and was away.

"It should be ready by the time you get there," Keiji said turning back to Ran.

"They're scaling the cliff-face!" Aya cried suddenly.

Everyone looked over the edge at the ground below. The dirt figures were climbing over each other, their progress slow but steady up the side of the mountain.

"There's more than enough of them to reach us," Yohji muttered.

"You two, get going!" Keiji commanded Ran and Ken.

They bowed and ran back into the House. The Prince met his father's eyes. The King merely arched a questioning brow.

"Then its to be a test for us as well, is it?" Keiji murmured. "So be it."

He turned from his father to his siblings.

"Michio, put them down," he commanded. "My brothers and sisters, our father wants to see what we can do to protect this House," he said loudly.

Without another word the royal children fell into a line with Keiji, Yohji, and Chiyo in the center. They clasped hands and focused their attention in the air above the outer wall. Aya grabbed Omi by the shoulders and pulled him back from the wall.

"What are they doing?" he asked curiously.

"They're going to shield the House," she answered.

"Shield spell on my mark," Keiji commanded. "Ready...Now!"

The air suddenly thrummed with the release of power and Omi blinked at the seven young people unleashing it.

"But they're not chanting," he said in awe.

"The royal children don't need to chant to synchronize their magics," Aya answered turning back to the view of the field. "That is one of the gifts of the First House."

Omi turned as well and together they awaited Ran and Ken's appearance below.

"Man, this thing is takin' forever!" Ken cried as he paced around the inside of the lift.

Ran continued to lean silently against the back wall. His arms were crossed over his chest and he appeared to be concentrating on the floor.

"Next time I'm just 'gonna run down the stairs," the former servant growled.

"Hopefully there won't be a next time," Ran muttered. "Are you sure about this?"

Ken stopped his pacing and met the steady violet gaze of the stoic Lord.

"Yeah, I'm sure," he said. "Besides I get the feeling the King wants to see what we can do, so we should show 'im."

"Hn," Ran grunted his agreement.

"Ran," Aya's voice invaded his mind suddenly. "Keiji and the others have created a shield around the House."

"Good," he thought back. "Do me a favor. Use the telescope and cue me when Kase gets within reach of Ken."

"Within reach? What do you plan to do, Niisan?"

"Just watch, okay?"

"We're here," Ken said as the lift came to a stop.

"Aya?"

"I'll do it. Take care, Niisan. Be careful!"

"We will," Ran thought. "Let's go," he said aloud as the lift doors opened.

They ran down the hallway to the first practice room they came to. A robed apprentice was standing outside and ushered them in where Ken pulled up short, staring. In the center of the room, in a wide loose circle, stood ten professors chanting.

"What are they doing?" he asked Ran.

"Casting the spell," the stoic Lord replied. "The words help them synchronize their magics."

"Gentlemen, hurry please," the apprentice said urgently. She looked a little flustered.

"Can they aim for the center of the field out front?" Ken asked her.

"They will do their best," she said. "Traveling spells are usually used for objects not people."

"Oh," Ken gulped.

Ran dragged him into the center of the circle and nodded at the nearest professor. Before Ken could blink they weren't in the room anymore but out on the field.

Hard, cold bodies pushed and shoved against him, and it took Ken a few seconds to realize they were in the throng of dirt men steadily marching on the Palace. The creatures were much larger than they'd appeared from the battlements, and they showed no awareness of him at all as they continued to plod past, occasionally bumping him into another one of their number.

Ken fought to gauge their location, but he couldn't see over the heads of the massive creations. He could feel Ran struggling against their onward flow directly behind him.

"I can't tell where we are," he called back.

"Does it matter?" came the reply. Ran sounded annoyed.

"I guess not," Ken said. "Well, if you're ready then do it."

"Fine."

He felt Ran's hand land with a smack between his shoulder blades.

The fire-haired Lord opened the bond between them and pulled. As quickly as he could he drew out Ken's magic and took it into himself, gritting his teeth against the discomfort. He drew in as much as he could stand and then drew some more, until he was gasping and dizzy with pain then he released his companion and fought to remain on his feet against the crush of frozen solid bodies and his swimming vision.

"Ken," he bit out as he lost his footing and dropped to his knees.

"Right," Ken said.

The former servant opened himself fully to his magic. He brought the sounds of his parents dying and the visions of their remains up from the depths of his mind. He focused on Tris's face as he was pushed crying and screaming into the pit. As his vision swam red he reached inside himself and released his rage.

Aya and Omi gasped as a ring of energy ripped through the advancing figures of dirt, obliterating them. It spread outward toward the edges of the field leaving nothing behind it but dust falling gently to the ground. It washed up against the side of the mountain and engulfed the tower of climbing figures, brushing against the shield. A few yards shy of the edge of the multitude of dirt figures it began to fail, and rapidly faded to nothing. Leaving a few of the creatures struggling onward from the sides of the field.

"By the gods," Aya gasped.

"That was Ken," Omi stated. "Look."

He pointed to where two figures were just visible in the heart of the newly cleared field. Aya looked through the telescope.

"What's wrong with Ran?" Omi muttered watching through Aya's discarded field glasses.

"Niisan," Aya murmured.

Ken dropped to his hands and knees breathing heavily. He hadn't used everything but damn near it. Raising his head he looked around blearily but with satisfaction.

"Heh...see? No...self shielding," he panted.

"Hn," came the strained reply.

Dropping his head again Ken tried to look behind him at Ran. He could just see one pale hand, the fingers gripping clawlike into the frozen muck covering the ground. He could hear labored breathing and the occasional groan.

Ken forced himself into a more upright position by bracing his hands against his thighs. The army was all but destroyed, but where was Kase?

"And what do we have here?"

The voice came from directly in front of him and Ken blearily looked around trying to focus on something. Suddenly all he could see were robes and he peered up into cold, blue eyes that held a certain amount of twisted glee.

Ran, lying prone on the ground, grit his teeth and increased his shield when he heard Ken gasp in surprise. The red-headed Lord dug his fingers harder into the soil in an effort to focus. He had to hold on just a few minutes more.

"Ran, he's standing about two feet in front of Ken," Aya's voice spoke into his mind.

"Kase," Ken said blinking up into the old, wrinkled face of the wizard. "Nice body you've got there. Looks better on ya than Weston's."

"Go ahead and laugh, little brother," the elderly man said taking a step closer. "What it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in potential. Old Origen here, like myself, was a master in the magical arts. Animating lifeless matter was a specialty of his."

"Didn't seem to help you much," Ken muttered, trying to stay focused. His mind was beginning to wonder as his body went into withdrawal.

"It helped me enough," Kase replied coming nearer another step. "It drew you out. Look at you now, little brother. Almost powerless. Impressive as it was you've wasted it all on my mindless minions and you've yet to deal with me. Even your silent companion had to shield himself against your attack and used up his pitiful little droplet of magic doing it. You make this almost too easy."

Kase took another step forward.

"Ran, now!" Aya cried.

"Ken," Ran muttered trying to rise from his sprawled position on the ground. He was afraid Ken hadn't heard him. His voice was weak and his head was swimming.

"Ran, Ken's grabbed him," Aya said into his mind.

Rolling onto his side the red-headed Lord reached out blindly and grabbed.

Ken's hand fisted into the material at the front of Kase's robes. His own power surged back into him and he released it into the startled wizard. Bright blue claws of solid energy erupted from Ken's knuckles and hooked into the spirit inhabited form.

The old man gasped.

"Hey, Kase, I guess I forgot to tell ya," the former servant said with an angry smirk. "I've learned a few things since I been here."

The old wizard scowled and tried to twist free. Behind Ken Ran shook off the remains of his discomfort and rose shakily to his feet. He pinned the old man in his violet glare, putting his entire focus onto the frowning figure. In one smooth arc the fire-haired Lord unsheathed his sword and cleaved the wizard's head from his body.

Ken didn't let go but tightened his grip as the body fell away and revealed the spirit inside it. The apparition still caught and held by the former servant's claws.

Kase continued to struggle but could not break his hold.

"Ya see," Ken said almost lazily, "Omi 'n Ran, they figured out what you are. Once we knew it was just a matter a me learnin' how to do this."

Ken squeezed the blue claws tighter and Kase hissed.

"Just end it," Ran said wearily as he sheathed his sword.

Kase grimaced in useless rage.

"Everything...everything I did has been for nothing," he rasped.

"Go to Hell, Kase," Ken said darkly.

"I'll be waiting there for you, little brother," the apparition spat.

Ken squeezed his claws together and tore free the glowing heart of the spirit. Kase didn't even have time to cry out and he was gone.

"Just stay dead this time," Ken muttered as he retracted his claws, pulling what little magic was left back into himself.

He sat heavily on his knees and swayed a little. Ran came around him and dropped to the ground one leg on either side of Ken's as he wearily pulled the former servant against him and cast the sharing spell, then leaned forward to rest his head in the crook of Ken's shoulder as Ken's head rested on his.

The former wood boy sighed as Ran's tiny bit of magic washed through him.

"Told ya it'd work," he mumbled.

"I feel like crap," Ran responded and Ken snickered tiredly.

"Ya know ya grabbed my butt," he muttered, his drowsy smirk evident in his voice.

"Hn," Ran snorted. "It's the only thing I could reach."

They both fell silent then, totally spent. Within moments they'd slipped into the welcome dark of slumber.

"He's gone," Omi stated lowering Aya's field glasses. "Are Ran and Ken alright?"

He looked to Aya who didn't answer for a moment. She was still peering intensely through the telescope.

"Yes, I think so," she said at last. "They are very weak. Ran is casting the sharing spell again, but Ken is conscious or was."

"Yohji, get down there," Keiji spoke from behind them.

"On my way," the lanky Prince responded smartly.

Aya and Omi turned to find the royal children had released each others' hands and were once again looking out over the field.

"Ran and Ken aren't moving," Jomei said, his and Kishi's eyes wide.

"They're okay. Just very tired," Aya said smiling softly at the youngest royals.

"Gods, the gate!" Princess Chiyo cried suddenly, pointing. "Something's coming through!"

Keiji stepped forward and took the telescope from Aya and looked through. Omi raised Aya's field glasses again.

"It's a horse and rider," he said anxiously.

"He's cloaked. I can't identify him," Keiji added.

"He's heading down toward Ran and Ken," Aya said, a note of panic in her voice. "I can't get them to answer me!"

The rider emerged from the gate and rode toward the House. As he approached he looked down at the field and noticed the churned up soil and two figures huddled near the center of the muddied area. Turning his mount he changed course and descended quickly toward the unmoving forms in the field.

As he drew nearer he could pick out the brilliance of blood-red hair contrasting with dark brown. The two figures were obviously male and leaning on one another for support.

His horse landed heavily and he climbed gingerly from the saddle as though he were no longer in his youth. After digging in one of his saddle bags he drew out a round weight, and fastening the reins to it he dropped it on the ground almost absently.

Turning from his horse the heavily cloaked figure cautiously approached the still unmoving young men and crouched down next to them. It was clear they were both either asleep or unconscious. Glancing out to the edge of the field he could just make out the remains of what appeared to be figures made of dirt. They were unmoving, as if frozen in the midst of an afternoon stroll. His gaze came back to the two young men and for a moment he simply looked at them before slowly reaching forward.

"And who might you be?"

At the softly spoken question his hand paused, just short of the brunet's shoulder, before slowly withdrawing. The man sighed and rose to his feet, turning to observe the well dressed, lanky man behind him.

The young man was holding a sword.

"Would this happen to be Ken Hidaka of the Thirteenth House?" the cloaked man asked in a rough, weary voice.

"I'll ask once more, who are you?" Yohji asked again, leveling his sword at the new arrival.

The man pulled off his hood to reveal a head of wild gray hair surrounding a scarred face deeply furrowed with age or hard living, and surprisingly bright aqua-blue eyes.

"My name is Mareo Nobu," he answered.

Keiji walked wearily into his father's study. A servant was pulling the drapes to block out the fading light of the sunset and the oncoming chill of evening. A wood boy was stoking the timbers in the fireplace back into a healthy blaze. Behind his desk King Renjiro sat and stoically watched his son who took a seat and waited for the servants to depart.

"Are Ran and Ken recovering?" the King asked.

Keiji nodded curtly.

"They are back in Ran's room. The healers say Ken did not drain himself as severely as before, but Ran pushed his own limits. They should be fine in a few days," he answered coolly.

"Good. And our guest? Is he comfortably installed?"

"Yes, and more than willing to answer our many questions," Keiji said.

"All in good time," the King said leaning back in his seat.

"And you, father? Were you satisfied with the results of the "test"?" Keiji asked with a slight scowl.

"Indeed. More than I expected, in fact," King Renjiro answered smugly.

"Alright, father, what was that all about?" the crown Prince demanded. "You and I both know you could've taken care of Kase and his dirt army without leaving your office."

The King studied his son before sighing.

"What I learned, Keiji, is that not only is young Master Hidaka considerably more powerful than I suspected, but that his pairing with Ran has yielded a closer partnership than I thought possible in such a short time. I also learned that when it comes down to it Ken is willing to risk himself to protect this House and those that dwell within it," King Renjiro stated, then winked. "And if I'd used my own considerable power I wouldn't have had the pleasure of watching my own children in action."

Keiji shook his head unable to fight a smile.

"Someday, my son, you will realize that a monarch must put aside personal feelings. Sometimes small risks must be taken, and sacrifices made," the King said softly.

"I do know it, father," Keiji said. "But I have to wonder whether it was more about our protection or his own revenge."

The King smiled knowingly.

"Another thing to consider, Keiji," he said, "is that what we saw today was not a show of skill. It was simply a release of power, destructive power. In other words, Ken should not only become capable of much more than that with hard work and study, but due to the dual nature of his magic, he should also be capable of an equally powerful demonstration of creation."

A short time later Yohji, Omi, and Aya had joined Keiji and his father in the King's study. They were awaiting the arrival of the man who'd been paired to Ken's father. His sudden arrival had been more than a little startling considering the timing of it, and the prospect of finally having some answers to their many questions had them all on edge.

When a butler knocked to admit the man more than one of them jumped.

"Come in, sir, and make yourself comfortable," the King said from behind his desk.

The wild haired man entered and bowed formally before taking the empty chair in the loose circle set before the massive desk. He'd changed his patched travel clothes for a worn and well used formal jacket in heavy red velvet with wide gold cuffs and collar, and a plain pair of brown leggings. The red velvet seemed to highlight the gray of his hair and the strange aqua hue of his eyes.

"So, you are Mareo Nobu, formerly paired to Lord Makoto Hidaka," the King stated.

"I am, your Majesty," he answered in his gravely voice.

"Are you aware, sir, that we have had people seeking you for several weeks now? And today you're arrival seemed most well timed," the King said.

Mareo smiled. It deepened the lines around his mouth.

"I was not aware that you had people looking for me, and my timing was purely accidental. I've been trying to get here for the last few weeks," he said. "I had a dream, a very clear dream, and so I set out. My horse, unfortunately, is almost as old as I am and she is not fond of traveling using the gates."

"So, you are saying it was providence then?" the King asked.

"No, your Majesty. I'm saying it was the Seat magic of the Thirteenth House."

The declaration caused a startled gasp to escape Aya and several glances were exchanged around the room, but Mareo's eyes never left the King's.

"Please do continue," the King said sitting back in his seat.

"I was paired to Makoto when I was three. He wasn't even out of diapers but even so our pairing was solid, and we grew up together in a close and confiding friendship. We shared a love of adventure. Often we'd be away from the House for days or even weeks hunting and fishing. As you can well imagine this did not sit well with Makoto's father. He felt his heir should take a healthy interest in the affairs of the House and have an active roll in running it. That did not sit well with Makoto," Mareo sighed and shifted a bit in his seat. "When Makoto was in his early twenties he went to his father and argued to be freed from the line of succession, and that the Seat be passed to Jiro, his younger brother, instead. After much discussion and deliberation the Lord Hidaka agreed and preparations were begun to pass the Seat to Jiro."

"Ken's uncle was meant to inherit?" Keiji asked, stunned.

Mareo glanced at the crown Prince and nodded.

"Lord Hidaka saw the reason behind Makoto's arguments, and I agreed with them as well," he said. "Makoto was not made to govern. He had no interest in taking the Seat."

"But he did inherit," Yohji stated. "So what happened?"

"Although we could never find any proof of it, we always suspected an outside influence acted upon Makoto's father to change his mind. But with the seer gone there was no way to confirm our suspicions and any spells we cast to try to find such an influence came back to the well under the House," Mareo said sighing again.

"Yes, the dead seer," Omi said suddenly. "The House records say he was found dead after the marriage of Makoto to Akiko."

"No, that's wrong," Mareo said. "He was found dead before. Long bfore. The records must have been altered."

"We have confirmed that they were indeed altered as your name doesn't appear in them as Lord Makoto Hidaka's partner," Keiji stated.

"My name?" Mareo asked, then shook his head. "The seer was found in his room. It appeared to be a natural death, but most seers are able to foresee their own passing and prepare for it. In this instance that was not the case. After the seer's death Lord Hidaka began talking about prophetic dreams. He claimed that he himself was the seer's replacement and therefore we needn't send to the First House for another one. He also claimed that Makoto was destined to Ascend to the Seat, and that if Jiro were to Ascend instead the House would be doomed to disaster. He stopped the preparations for Jiro's Ascension and began insisting that Makoto do his duty. And he arranged the marriage."

"The marriage to Akiko," Omi said.

"Yes," Mareo nodded, his eyes drifted to the floor and for a moment he was silent. "Poor sweet Akiko. The Lord learned about her in one of his dreams. The supposed perfect match for his son. She came form a lower House in the southern regions of the Kingdom. Her family was wealthy but held no real power. They were influenced by the Lord's assurances and swayed by the idea of a connection with a Great House. So the marriage was agreed to, the contract written, and the approval of the First House sought. All before Akiko and Makoto had even seen each other."

"And we approved it," the King stated and everyone looked at him. "I had my assistants find the documents. Ken's Grandfather assured us that a seer had been witness and that no complications were foreseen."

"The old Lord believed he was the seer," Mareo stated, shaking his head again. "We could never convince him that what he saw in those dreams maybe no more than a fantasy. He believed he was seeing the future and couldn't be persuaded otherwise."

"Did Makoto ever have any of those prophetic dreams?" Omi asked carefully.

"No," Mareo answered. "And he sent for a replacement seer but one never came."

The wild haired man sighed deeply.

"His father was old and he was ill. He was worried about the future of the House," he said.

"He was ripe for deception," Keiji muttered.

"Yes," Mareo agreed.

"And so she was sent to you? Ken's mother?" Aya asked, prompting the man to continue.

"Yes, she was sent along with only her lady's maid to accompany her. Makoto was not pleased with the idea of marriage. Jiro had married quite young, a love match, and had at that time six children to show for it. Makoto saw it as an end to his freedom and one more thing to tie him to the House," Mareo went on. "When she stepped from the carriage I knew the whole thing was doomed. She was truly lovely, a vision, but she was also very delicate and very proper. It was immediately obvious that she was used to the manners of a gentler climate and had never been exposed to the rougher things life can offer. I didn't think she'd last her first winter. From his expression I knew Makoto was having the same thoughts, but there was nothing to be done. The arrangements were made. We all just followed along and played our parts as dictated by the old Lord."

Mareo sighed again and shifted once more in his chair.

"Thinking back on it I realize I should've attempted to reach the First House and advise you of the wrongness of the match, and the dissimilarities of the couple. Let you know that no true seer was consulted," he shook his head.

"Why didn't Makoto and Akiko express their own disinclination to wed?" Keiji asked. "Surely they wouldn't have been forced."

"As far as Makoto was concerned he didn't want to marry anyone but knew he'd have to, so why not the bride found for him by his father? And Akiko's family was very pleased with the match. Her refusal wouldn't have been looked on favorably," Mareo said. "While Makoto's father was alive things were...alright. Not smooth or amicable by any means, but the old Lord doted on Akiko and she was very fond of him. Also, at that time Jiro's wife, Florentine, was a great friend to her. However, things changed after the old Lord died and Makoto Ascended the Seat. The old man's support and favor were gone and Jiro and his family were sent here as ambassadors to get him out of Makoto's hair, they didn't agree on the running of the House. For my part I always felt Jiro's ideas were sound, but it'd be Makoto's job to carry them out and that didn't sit well with his pride."

"So the brothers didn't get along? Do you think Jiro could've had a hand in the murders?" Keiji asked.

"Absolutely not," Mareo stated coldly, fixing the crown Prince with his strange eyes. "They did get along in every other instance. The problem was Makoto had no real interest or talent in the running of the House and no desire to learn, but he'd been trapped into the position. He was frustrated and angry and unwilling to take the advice of a younger brother with more understanding and more skill. Besides, hasn't the Seat accepted Jiro? I assumed because Ken was here that his uncle had Ascended the Seat."

"Yes, his Ascension was completed some weeks ago," the King said. "The Seat would never accept an individual responsible for a Lord's death."

"Please, Sir Nobu, what about Akiko? And the twins?" Aya asked.

"Ah, yes, the twins," Mareo sighed. "Akiko and Makoto had been married for four years when she finally conceived. Despite their lack of mutual affection they both agreed that the line of succession should be secured, but none of their attempts bore any fruit. Makoto was getting more and more frustrated and letting more of his duties slide. Akiko was sinking into depression with her only means of support the maid she'd originally brought with her. I think they were both getting ready to give up when suddenly it happened. She was pregnant. The whole household was filled with anticipation, and despite being ill a great deal of the time Akiko herself made sure everything was ready for the arrival of the babe. Even Makoto rallied and applied himself to his duties with new energy. He had me collect wood which he fashioned into a small bedside cradle for the infant. And then the fateful day arrived. Akiko went into labor."

Mareo shut his eyes for a moment as if preparing himself. When he opened them he looked very old and tired.

"Makoto and I were not present in the room, we waited without while two midwives saw to Akiko. Although we had been present at many a birth in the stables and barns none of those prepared us for the sounds coming from that room. Akiko's moans and cries shook us. Makoto was a tall, broad man and she was a small delicate woman. He was cursing himself, supposing the babe was too large for her to handle. But all worry was forgotten when we heard the cry of an infant. One of the midwives called through the door that it was a son and then Akiko started moaning and crying again. Before many minutes had passed we heard a second baby crying. Twins. Twins had been First Born," Mareo said with a shake in his rough voice. "We couldn't even fathom what that would mean before Akiko started screaming, not in pain but in horror, and that's when we entered the room."

Mareo stopped speaking and swallowed against a lump in his throat.

"Akiko was on the bed with the younger of the midwives beside her resting one of the babes on Akiko's stomach. There was a great deal of blood but the two woman were looking at the third. The other midwife was at the end of the bed...she was holding a pillow over...," Mareo raised a hand to his forehead and clutched it. "We knew. We knew instantly. I really thought Makoto would kill that woman. That was my first thought in that room, with all that blood, and Akiko screaming, and the one babe crying. But he didn't. He turned to me and said, 'you take care of it,' and then he went to his wife. For the first time he was gentle with her. He put the crying babe in her arms. She kept saying, 'my baby, my baby,' and he said, 'here is your baby.' I removed the elder midwife while the younger continued to see to Akiko. And I took the poor dead babe away to the chapel. The midwife had suffocated him, but afterwards she couldn't recall doing it. Makoto and I buried the lad in the family crypt. Poor little thing never even had a name. The midwives were sworn to secrecy. The one who'd done the deed was so distraught she gave up the practice. I expected Makoto to have her imprisoned or executed but he surprised me again and let her go. That's when I asked him why, and he told me...it was the Seat. The magic of the Seat had possessed her and for some reason it chose one babe over the other. That might've even been what happens when twins are born, we didn't know. But Makoto was convinced that his living son was special and meant for greatness. The Seat itself had chosen the lad, his destiny must be important. But Akiko was in a bad way. After the birth she refused to let the babe, Ken, out of her sight or let anyone near him."

"So, that's why your pairing was undone?" Omi asked.

"Yes. The babe needed his mother, and she needed help. It was all we could think to do. Makoto was desperate and I hoped it would do the trick," Mareo said.

"A miracle it worked," Yohji snorted.

"Indeed. The chances were slim at best, but it did work. Akiko and Makoto acquired a deeper understanding of each other through the pairing which led to the mutual affection they'd lacked before," Mareo said. "Shortly after that I left. I just couldn't bear to stay with them after the pairing was undone. Inside me there was a terrible hole, a jealousy. As long as I stayed with them I couldn't get past it. There was a flu going around and I used the excuse of trying to get healers to the outlying towns and villages to leave. I think Makoto could see through it, but he let me go. After that I returned briefly to my parents' home and from there headed west. Eventually I ended up in the islands where I attempted to build a small life for myself. When I heard about the murders I almost returned to the Thirteenth House, but I couldn't face it. Makoto had been like a brother to me. I'd sacrificed our bond for his wife and babe. I couldn't bear the thought that it had all been for nothing, that his certainties about his son weren't true. That he'd been wrong about Ken's destiny. Why would the Seat choose the babe for life and then allow him to be murdered? Then a few weeks ago I had a dream, a powerful dream. A young man with Makoto's coloring and Akiko's fine looks climbing out of darkness and coming into the light. I saw this House and that fire-haired lad. I knew at once that Ken was alive. That he'd survived the attack on Makoto and Akiko, that the Seat had somehow saved him, and his father was right about him. That's when I began my journey here."

Ran sighed deeply and opened his eyes. He blinked against the golden haze of the many swaying yellow blooms all around him. He was still holding Ken, still resting his head on the younger man's shoulder, but somehow they were seated among the sweet scented flowers of the Nohara Kin'iro. He jerked up straight in confusion and discovered Ken was awake and smiling at him.

"Are we...dreaming?" Ran asked, noting that their clothes were the same ones they'd been wearing out on the frozen field.

"Yes," Ken answered. "This is where my parents and Tris wait."

Ran followed Ken's gaze when he turned and looked into the distance. There he could see three figures standing on a hill watching them. Suddenly filled with an unreasonable fear Ran reached out and clutched onto Ken's coat. The former servant's smile widened into a grin and he met the red-headed Lord's eyes.

"Don't worry, they're patient. They know they have a long wait," he said chuckling.

Ran relaxed a little, but couldn't bring himself to let Ken go.

"Is this a memory?" he asked.

"Yes," Ken answered. "Its thanks to you that we're here."

"Me?" Ran said, surprised.

Ken leaned forward tiredly and rested his head against Ran's shoulder again.

"I could see the field, but I couldn't reach it. You helped me reach it. Thank you," he murmured.

"You're welcome," Ran replied softly.

They stayed like that for a few minutes. Sitting quietly, listening to the gentle breeze. Then Ken leaned back again, just slightly, enough to peer up into Ran's eyes.

Tentatively the red-headed Lord reached up to brush long brown bangs away from warm chocolate. Slowly, shyly, blushing madly they began to move closer together until their lips just touched.

Quite suddenly Ran found himself wide awake in his bed. Blinking rapidly he looked around his room. The curtains were drawn indicating that it was night, and a hearty fire was crackling away in the fireplace.

Sighing he glanced to Ken who lay beside him. As he watched the former wood boy's eyes fluttered open and met his.

Ken smiled and rolled over to him.

"You woke up," he accused sleepily and pressed a soft kiss to Ran's lips. Then he sighed and snuggled in. Within seconds Ken was fast asleep again.

Ran felt his cheeks flush and gingerly touched his lips. Had that been real? It had felt nice and surprisingly natural. Smiling slightly he shifted to a more comfortable position, cuddled up to Ken, and was asleep within minutes.

The Middle

Author's Note: I admit it, I'm evil. ;) But I did warn you! Thanks again for reading and please, please review! If you'd like a response please leave your email or log on when you review! Thanks!

Fieryicicles: Hee-hee-hee! He is a mother-hen isn't he? Sometimes. Thanks for reading:)

Constantine: (From 18) I have ISSUES with Kase too. -nods- But I don't think the others were being mean per-se, just getting to the end of their ropes. But its all good now! Thanks for reading:)

Shikigami-kun: Yep, an early update, and another one too. Can't help it lately. I hope the battle was okay. Keith didn't think it was long enough, but when I asked him to help me elaborate it he couldn't. 9.9 Oh, well. At least I'm feeling a little bit better now. Thanks. Hey, where's MMH? O.O Thanks for reading:)

Sansele: Yeah, Kase is pretty bad in this one. Much worse than he is in cannon. Guess you know what happens to Origen now. Poor old guy. Yes, I plot everything out well before hand. I write little outlines (which can change) and refer to them as I write the stories out in single subject notebooks. I hope that kiss wasn't too quick for you. Its in the original outline, but now that I'm here I'm wondering if it isn't a bit too quick. Hmmm. Well, I'm glad you've enjoyed it thus far anyway! Thanks for reading:)

Precognition74: Actually, as you probably now realize Kase wasn't Ken's twin at all. Kase set everything up so there would be twins and so he could possess the eldest of them, and then later at his leisure kill the other. That way all the power would be his. But he was foiled by the Seat magic which had him killed, and later healed Ken when Kase tried to have him killed so he could possess him. The Seat magic healed Ken in the pit and protected him from Kase. Are you thinking of Tris? Ken remembered Tris fondly from his youth. Hmmm. Oh well, thanks for reading:)

Mistskeeper: Thanks. I do feel a bit better. That's absolutely correct. Sorry to make you think so much. I'm preparing mentally for tackling Schwarz. And just let me know if I can pet him, okay? I just love kitties! OO Thanks for reading:)

RuByMoOn17: (From 18) Thanks! (From 19) Thanks again! Thanks for reading:)

RosefaerietaleRed: Yeah, I twisted. Couldn't help it. Oooo, I'm glad you liked the ending of the last chapter. I needed to end it and I didn't want to explain. I guess I was thinking of it as a teaser, so I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for reading:)

Cat in the web: You're welcome! Yep, Kase is definitely Mr. Nasty in this one. Yeah, Ken's actual twin is the second victim after the Seer. Poor babe didn't have a chance. I felt kinda bad about writing that, but that's where my muse went. What can you do? O.O Yep, you're right. The warning vision Omi received was from the 13th House which has been very busy, and will continue to watch over Ken in the future. After all, it allowed his creation. Thanks for reading:)

The Weaver Atropos: Hee-hee-hee! Closer and closer... Well, now you know about the army. Not too impressive, hunh? I had a much larger plan for them, but it didn't pan out in the writing of the chapter. There was just too many other things I needed to include and the chapter was growing beyond control. Something needed cutting and that was it. And poor you! I get sinus infections once or twice a year, but I still eat chocolate. -pats your head in sympathy- Thanks for reading:)

Makami: Well -blush- you're welcome! I only have the first three DVDs of Fruits Basket, but all the manga. I also read Gravitation and a bunch of others. Too many to list. Well, I'm glad you liked the last chapter! I hope you liked this one too. The final round up...for part one anyway. Yes, more Ran/Ken in the sequel, more Omi/Yohji teasing, and some adventure...hopefully. Still writing! Thanks for reading:)

Krysana: Thank you so much! I enjoy reading your work too! Yeah, Kase turns out to be THE bad guy here. You are more than welcome for the break. I remember school as being exhausting. Thank goodness that's over with! ;P Thanks for reading:)

Swtjemz: Good, I surprised you! That was my plan all along! Wha-ha-ha! You're the only one to mention all the other royal kids! Yep, you did get to see them in action. A little anyway. Thanks for the hug! I won't give you my germs! And thanks for reading:)

Elfgoddess00: Thanks! I'm glad you were on the edge of your seat! What'd you think of the end? Did I ruin it for you? Actually, Kase was bad but not even close to the King's power. His power rivaled Ken's at the end which was as strong as Keiji by himself as Crown Prince. Normally only the first in line for the thrown would be that powerful. So, we'll see what happens in the sequel, hunh? Thanks for reading:)