Hey guys... so this chapter was supposed to go up a lot sooner, but me being me, I didn't pay attention to what I was clicking and I deleted the ENTIRE chapter and lost it, so I spent the next 15 minutes crying into my cup of tea, cursing myself and writing this chapter. Again. Yay!

In this chapter I tried to focus more on Genma and his ties with the Kannagi family, and how deep his loyalty is to the clan itself, considering that for the sake of the clan he banishes his own son, due to his son's "weakness" and though I'll never agree with why he did, or the fact that he did do it, what's done is done, and I wanted to show more of this complex feeling regarding the family he supports so much.

Also in the anime Ayano and Genma barely even share the same room as each other, so I wanted to expand on the reasons why and his reaction to Ayano's HUGE character change. Don't worry Kazuma and Ayano are still going to have a romance but that needs to take a back seat, to move the plot on in the story.

Chapter 3 – Full Moon

Ayano refused to look behind her, where a frozen Kazuma still stood. Ayano blushed, she'd never done anything like that before, especially to Kazuma of all people, she flushed harder, Gods she thought I need to calm down.

Ayano reached the library and stood outside for a moment, and steadied her heart, trying not to think of Kazuma and to focus on what was ahead. "Pardon my intrusion." Sliding to door open, Ayano was met with a barrage of books, with Genma slightly hidden behind several shelves of books. Approaching Genma, Ayano braced herself for the conversation that will transpire, "May I join you?" She asked, Genma looked up toward her, meeting her gaze.

"Of course princess, you may go where you please." He replied, slowly she pulled out another seat opposite him and breathed in.

"Uncle Genma, can I ask you a question?" The old man looked up to the fiery redhead and raised an eyebrow.

"Of course Princess, it is your right, but please understand that depending on the question, will depend on how I answer you."

"I understand." Taking his eyes off her, he closed his book carefully and placed it gently on the table beside him, then looked lazily upon Ayano, who stared back, unfazed and unwavering by his somewhat condescending stare, and did not flinch at his display of 'respect'. "I wanted to ask your opinion on something that I have to do."

"And what's that?" His tone was harsh and impatient, believing that the little girl in front of him was trying to waste his time. Again she did not waiver against his words.

"You are aware that The Seven Corners Gathering is getting closer, well it seems the Pire Clan in New Orleans require some help to get all their preparations ready for the ceremony. Well my Father has insisted to bring someone with me, to be my bodyguard and advisor on my trip. My thought process has me thinking about things like choosing someone that will support the family without even thinking about it, as well as being good at involving themselves in the politics of the Clan Families. I have someone in mind, but I wanted another opinion, so, what do you think?"

Sighing, agitated Genma replied "Princess, if this was all to find someone to justify why you need to take Kazuma, you don't have to do that, I'm not interested in what that child does, and, quite frankly, I'm insulted that you would come to me about this, at it's obvious that is who you may have in mind as you put it."

Resting her chin in her hand she listened to him, hurt by his words, but she showed no facial expressions. Calmly she replied "Actually Genma, I wasn't thinking of taking Kazuma with me, considering the obvious, like how he openly dislikes the Kannagi Family, let alone if the Clan were to rely on Kazuma on such a thing, there would be an uproar. Father can't go, as he needs to stay here and Ren is too young, but the only one who has even considered Kazuma is you. I was thinking of asking you, not commanding, nor ordering, asking if you would join me, to guide me. My Father was the one who suggested you, and I agree with him, you, who gave his so much good and wise advice, I thought you could join me and offer me the same. I wanted to see what you are capable, but I can now see that I may have jumped on that ship too quickly, considering that you immediately assumed who I would take, as if the look of disgust wasn't enough." Ayano sighed, "Shame really, that you still look at me in such a way really, I hadn't given much thought with my asking you I suppose." Ayano stood up slowly stood from her chair, and then bowed deeply. "Thank you for answering honestly Genma, have a good night."

Genma sat there, in that library watching her as she turned to leave, astounded by her; how the once ridiculous, hot-headed child now seemed to calm and handled being told something she didn't like so well, he expected her to shout, scream, maybe set the book on fire, but not that, not so calmly tell him off, tell him he was wrong and walk away, it shocked him seeing that reaction, that and her eyes. Her eyes as she sat opposite him, eyes glowing with excitement, asking him her opinion, her eyes filled with anger and distain when he shut her down and the one emotion that bothered him the most about those eyes, that hurt to look at them while seeing that within her eyes; humiliation.

Yes, the great Ayano Kannagi was humiliated, ashamed and disdainful of how he, Genma saw her; a hot-headed, angry, emotionally unstable child. but now, now she seemed to not even carry a slight trace of that once unpredictable temper, it was almost as if she regretted being the way she had been, and was willing to try to change everything about herself.

So without a second thought Genma stood up from his chair "Princess Ayano." She turned, face, once again impassive, but her eyes were churning with so many emotions; fear, guilt, worry, but also a wise streak he hadn't expected. "Princess." She turned fully to him then, giving the full attention he needed, he bowed deeply to her "It would be my honour to go with you to New Orleans, if you will still have me."

When she smiled, the whole room seemed to light up, the warmth of the eyes and smile seemed to melt Genma's heart slightly, seeing not only the mature Ayano, but also the small, beautiful, innocent little niece he missed so much, when Ayano nodded, Genma sighed quietly, relieved. "It would be my honour to have you travel with me Genma, be ready in an hour, we need to go. Tonight." she turned and paused "Thank you Genma." she said before opening the library door and walking away, straight to her quarters.

Genma was gobsmacked, was this the same Ayano, that would get infuriated by the smallest problem and would set things on fire unintentionally? Or the same one that chased Kazuma around the grounds to strike him down with her sword Enraiha? Genma didn't know what his brother was planning but knew what ever it was, he was almost looking forward to seeing more of this Ayano, the one he knew could be more than just a 'capable' leader if she tried, ha! Genma chuckled so that's why Jugo want me to guide her, he's giving her the ability to use the same tools as he did, to perfect her craft as a leader "Is that right Jugo? Am I a tool for your daughter to use? To prefect her almost natural talent as a leader?" Not that I blame you Genma chuckled inwardly to make he strong I would do the same thing.

Behind Genma, Jugo sat watching him "I hope you don't mind." Jugo mused.

"So was this her idea, or yours?" Genma asked

"Both. I suggested it, she jumped in and asked you herself, which was unexpected. She's becoming more and more worthy of being the Clan leader every day." Jugo smiled, pride swelled within his smile and heart, it was then Genma noted Jugo looked older than he did yesterday, like he had been though hell and back.

"So what is your reasoning on me going along with her?" Genma questioned

"I need you to be my eyes and ears during the time your with her in New Orleans, be her guide and her bodyguard, but you must protect her."

"Was that and order?"

"No Genma, that was a plea. Something is going to happen to Ayano and she is vulnerable outside of Japan, I need you to keep her safe while I can't." And with that, Jugo walked away, leaving Genma to walk the opposite way, preparing his bags to leave with Ayano, and the safety of the Clan.

To Be Continued...

So guys, I hope you like this chapter, the next 2 will be where everything will start to go wrong, but until then, thank you for the support and please don't be afraid to write to me, I will respond, I enjoy talking to you guys.

Thank you