Chapter 4: One Surprise after Another

Chapter 4 up! This is the re-edited version!

Disclaimer: Dark-Flame Alchemist does not own Kaze no Stigma except for her OC character, Karai Uchiha. (I almost typed Sasuke Uchiha xD that was close!)

Enjoy!

Karai's Point of View

As I was heading towards the room where I usually had a meeting with Jugo, I had a feeling that I was forgetting something.

I pondered and pondered, but nothing came across my mind. That was… until I stopped in front of the small steps where the entrance to the room was. Arguing could be heard.

"But father, it doesn't make any sense. They served our family for generations now, if you ask me, it's this guy that we can't trust, not them." That voice I definitely knew was Ayano.

I then heard his voice.

"If you ask me, you're a stubborn spoiled brat─,"

My eyes widened. That voice. It was Kazuma. My best friend since we were kids. The one who always needed me there to help him and disappeared the day he was banished. And also… the one I am in love with.

"I am not!" Ayano yelled at back at Kazuma.

"Once you've made up your mind about something you won't change it even if all the evidence proves you wrong," I heard him say. I chuckled at this because it is true. I sighed afterwards because a head shouldn't have that kind of attitude while judging a situation.

"If it was Kazuma, why would he not have killed you already?" Jugo asked Ayano.

"Well-well because…," She paused, figuring out what to say, until she found one, "Because he knows there is no defeating Enraiha─," she was then cut off by her father, "Don't be so arrogant. Your cousin Genma, our strongest fire magic user, proved to be no match against him in a fight."

Ayano sounded perplexed by what she heard, "He-he lost?"

I finished taking off my boots as they continued their conversation. I leaned on the pillar and waited outside the door for the right moment to enter.

"Ayano," I heard Jugo say, "Kazuma could do the same to you, his powers are far greater. Accept it. You are not even close to Karai's level yet."

I grinned because I knew that Ayano was frowning. I wished that I could have seen the face of Kazuma when Jugo said that though.

"Of course; Karai has always been strong. This one can't possibly be able to reach her level for a while," I heard him say. This made me smile.

Ayano groaned, "Don't remind me… It's bad enough knowing that she became head of the Uchiha clan earlier than expected." That sentence made me groan as well because she just spilled the beans of my title to Kazuma.

"Really?" I heard a surprised Kazuma say, "Since when?"

"You can ask her yourself in another time. It would be best if she told you herself. She'll be arriving soon. We should get back on topic," Jugo said.

I sighed in relief since he didn't tell them of my current situation and tell Kazuma about the ambush just yet. 'Thank goodness,' I thought, 'No need to get them worried… well I don't know about Ayano. Kazuma would freak, though, if he were to find out.'

"The Fuga clan used Kazuma as a scapegoat to divert our attention away from the real murderer," Jugo said.

"Yes. They've always been smart, but why would they want to kidnap Ren?" Kazuma questioned.

My eyes widened, 'What? It was Ren that they took as a candidate?' I thought.

"Why? Because he is part of the head family," Jugo answered, "It makes sense since they've tried to kidnap Karai as well." I lightly face palmed my forehead for thinking that he wouldn't tell them at all.

"What?" Kazuma said with a shocked voice.

"How would you know that?" Ayano asked curiously.

"She arrived here earlier this morning in a terrible state. She was put into the medical room to rest until she awakened," Jugo said, "but it looks like she already has."

'Dammit… I'm busted… guess that's my cue,' I slid the door open and saw every face in the room look at me. Jugo had a calm face as always, Ayano once again had a scowled face whenever she saw me, and then there was Kazuma… who had a shocked face filled with worry.

When Kazuma and I actually made eye contact, it felt like we were staring at each other for a long time when it actually was only a few seconds. I wanted to tackle and hug him to death and never let him out of my sight again. I kept myself from doing such a thing because I was, after all, the head of the Uchiha clan. He certainly looked like a different person now.

Kazuma and I smiled at one another. I then decided to say something, "It's good to see you again… Kazuma."

"You too… Karai," he said as we just kept looking at each other.

Jugo interrupted us, "Karai, how are you feeling? You must still be exhausted after what happened," he asked concerned as he and Ayano nodded their heads at me in respect after Kazuma and I greeted each other.

I smiled at him and nodded back, "I was able to heal myself, but not fully yet. I'm doing much better though." I began to go sit next to Kazuma, but some of my abdominal pain came back. I held my stomach for a bit as I winced, "Maybe not as much as I thought."

Everyone looked at me to see if I was all right. Once I was ok again, I let go of my abdomen and sat on the right of Kazuma.

I couldn't help but to admire the transformed Kazuma next to me. 'He really did change a lot,' I thought before coming back to reality. "How long did you know I was out there?" I asked curiously.

"Longer than you think," he chuckled, before having his serious face again, "Now, can you tell us what happened to you?"

"You want a detailed or shortened story?" I asked.

"Detailed, if you please," Jugo asked.

"Well, I was taking a very early stroll around the neighborhood after I finished training. Then out of nowhere this weird-looking guy attacks me. We just kept dodging and throwing magic at each other. I was able to hold my own, but he eventually injured me twice during the battle."

I lifted my shirt enough to show them the almost disappearing bruise, "He appeared in front of me and punched me so hard that I flew back, but I was able to land safely." I saw Kazuma's face and it was angry.

I put down my shirt and then showed them my arm, "I had to use my arm to protect myself from another attack when I landed. I was knocked off my feet and onto my back. I passed out for a second afterwards," I chuckled, "I then gave him a sneak attack myself that knocked him out. I got a real good look who he was at the moment… it was─," "Ryuya Kazamaki," I saw that it was Kazuma who cut me off and he looked beyond pissed.

"Correct. Once he woke up, he disappeared and reappeared a few feet away from me. We were going to go at it again when another wind magic user appeared next to him," My face became more serious, "He told him that I was taking too long to capture so they were going to go get another candidate. They disappeared before I could do anything more. It was a struggle, but I was able to get myself to this place just in time. I made sure Misao saw me before I went down. I woke up in the medical ward and here I am now," I finished.

"That must have been a terrible experience for you to have. At least you were able to defend yourself," Jugo said.

"I've had worse, believe me," I said with a sad expression, while taking a glance at Kazuma who looked back at me as well.

I looked at Jugo once again, "So it was Ren who they kidnapped…"

He sighed, "Yes, it was. So now you know the truth then, that the Fuga clan was responsible all along."

"Yup, now I get to kick their asses until they can't even sit no more," I said, smirking.

Ayano spoke up, "Wait a minute… Why would they want to kidnap you in the first place?" Ayano questioned, "You're not even a Kannagi."

"You weren't really taught about the Uchiha family in depth, but considering the situation and the fact that you are both part of the head family, you should know the history between the Kannagis and Uchihas." Jugo said to Kazuma and Ayano and then looked at me, "You don't mind at all, do you, Karai?"

"Of course not. It is part of their history anyway," I told him.

Kazuma and Ayano looked at Jugo with curiosity as he spoke, "Well, the truth is, the Uchihas were once part of the Kannagi family as well. There were a few members that thought it dishonorable to have our enemies as servants, specifically, the Fugas. They decided to break away from the Kannagi family a few generations ago and change their name."

Jugo paused for a minute before continuing, "Ironically, those members were the ones who possessed or were capable of possessing the black flame. All black fire magic users have common characteristics which you can notice yourself: black or dark-colored hair and pride. They are really Kannagis and Karai is part of the head family and is the head herself, making her an acceptable candidate, but they settled with Ren since they were able to get him first."

Ayano was confused with the whole situation and smacked her hands on the ground and said, "Wait, kidnapping? Revenge? I don't understand what you are talking about."

"You are too young to know the Fuga's history," Jugo said to Ayano, "the Fuga's were not always the servants of the Kannagi family; they were once a powerful and influential organization. Three hundred years ago, when the Uchiha family didn't exist yet, the Fuga's and Kannagi's fought in a bloody war. The Kannagis won only because they were able to seal away and trap the Fuga's source of power, a powerful and bloodthirsty yoma whom they worshipped," he explains, "His name was─," I cut him off before he could say it, "Lord Gehou."

He looks at me in agreement before glancing back at all three of us, "That is correct. It was sealed with a particular type of crystal imbued with powerful magic, Sanmai Shinka, a rare elemental fire crystal. Anyone who touches it will be burnt beyond recognition, but any immediate members of the Kannagi head family can be able to without their bodies burning. If any one of the members is manipulated by the Fugas, they can break the seal and free the trapped yoma."

Realization came to Kazuma and I, "No it can't be," Kazuma said quietly.

"Ren is going to be a sacrifice for their revived yoma," I said with eyes widened.

I looked at Kazuma's face and noticed anger like he had experienced this before and also because it was his brother being sacrificed. 'I wonder what he is thinking' I thought curiously as I saw his hands clench up.

"If that does happen, then the freed yoma would then take residence with the clan's chosen host. In this way, its powers can be extended to every clan member, making them most formidable indeed," Jugo finished, "We now know that the host they have chosen is Ryuya Kazamaki."

"Father, what will then happen to Ren?" Ayano asked worriedly.

"After he breaks the seal, the yoma will then devour him completely to every fragment of his soul as revenge, since it will know that he is descended from the ones that imprisoned it. The Fuga clan means to sacrifice Ren."

"All right, I have heard enough," Ayano said as she stood up, "We have to go find him, no matter what, and we can never forgive the Fuga clan for what they've done. All we've ever tried to do here was help them. You'd think they'd be thankful, instead they do this. It is totally unjustified."

"Unjustified, huh?" Kazuma asked her, "Are you sure about that?"

I sighed, 'Ayano doesn't know what she is talking about. Kazuma is right.'

"Of course I am, and you're not?" she retorted back.

"Ayano," I said to get her attention. She looked at me with anger all over her face before I continued, "what have the Kannagis exactly done for the Fugas? Except ask them for service. They basically were diminished as slaves."

"No way, as slaves? We've never thought of the Fuga clan like that!" she said surely.

"But you didn't look at them as equals either, did you? I mean, come on, the Kannagi family broke a once powerful people who didn't use fire magic. The magic they did practice which you consider inferior and you let the Fugas know this every day. Not too different from my situation now is it? Of course, I only had to put up with it for a few years. The Fuga clan has been doing it for three hundred. That is a long time to hold a grudge and now they want revenge. It seems they won't rest until every single member of the Kannagi family is dead," Kazuma stated before looking at me, "and also the Uchiha family."

He closed his eyes for a bit and then opened them, "And guess what? I don't blame them; I blame the Kannagi family for pushing them to this point. I don't blame the Uchihas though since they never took part in keeping them as servants."

"The Uchiha clan is a family of prideful people. Of course we would never ask people who we consider enemies to stoop that low. We always do things on our own or between our sister family now," I said to back up his claim.

"You're absolutely correct Kazuma. As head of the family, I tried to rectify the disparities that existed for so long," he paused for a moment, "Sadly, it was not meant to be."

"Yeah, now thanks to this family, they are going to take Ren's life," Kazuma said. Ayano looked at Kazuma for a second before turning back to her father.

"Father, please, where is the Fuga clan now? Just tell me and I'll go rescue him," Ayano pleaded.

"Ayano, you are not strong enough─," he was cut off by Ayano, "I can't sit here and do nothing! I won't let this happen! Ren's a kid! He wasn't put on this earth to be eaten by some yoma!"

I noticed that Kazuma flinched when Ayano said that last sentence. I was a little concerned. Maybe he did know somebody that was sacrificed as well with the way he was behaving.

I decided to let it go for now since we have more important things to deal with right now.

"Give me the location of the seal. I'm going now," Ayano demanded.

"Hold up; if you go up there, you won't make it very far," Kazuma stated, "Not with Ryuya on their side. What you need is back up," he replied before standing up, "And I don't mind providing it."

"Kazuma," Jugo said.

"He'll use all his powers to whip the spirits of the wind into a frenzy and when he does I won't be able to control them. See, wind magic isn't enough, but fire magic," he said, looking at Ayano, "That is a different story. Ryuya could be destroyed by Enraiha."

Ayano gave in, "All right, fine. Do you think that there is any chance it'll work?"

"Maybe… I guess," Kazuma said.

"Excuse me? Really? I guess Kazuma?" She yelled at him.

"I never fought against a guy like him, all right? For all I know, he could kill the both of us," Kazuma finished.

"Really? Then I'd better go and find a new partner─," she started to say before getting cut off by her father, "No you won't," he said, standing up.

"Kazuma's going with you, along with Karai," Jugo said as I stood up myself.

"But why, father? And why does she need to come as well! I already can't stand this jerk!" Ayano protested.

"Jugo told me if we ever found out that the murders were the Fuga clan, I would be able to take care of them personally," I said to Ayano, "So I am coming with you."

I put up my hands, "Besides, I am far stronger than you," Kaito Enraiha appeared in my hand, "And I possess this. Isn't two magic users better than one? Or should I say three since we have Kazuma?"

"B-but you're injured! You're just going to slow us down!" Ayano yelled, trying to get an excuse for me not to go.

I felt my body at full energy already which was good. To prove her wrong, I put away Kaito Enraiha and put my hands on my abdomen, then my arm. Small black flames emitted from them. Once they faded I took them away, "Ok I'm ready to go!" I stretched my body and felt no more pain. A slight scar is still visible on the arm, but the bruise on my abdomen disappeared.

"What? Why didn't you do that earlier then?" Ayano yelled once again.

I insulted her, "I needed to rest my energy first baka."

"Why you─!" Ayano exclaimed, getting pumped to fight me.

Kazuma ignored Ayano talking and looked back at Jugo, "Great, so what will you pay me?" Ayano and Jugo look confused. I understood why.

"Sure I said I'll go help rescue Ren, but I never said I'd do it for free─," he said before getting cut off by Ayano, "You're family is in trouble, and you're asking for money!"

"But you're not my family, not anymore. Just for the record, my last name is Yagami now," he stated.

"How could you!" Ayano said, feeling betrayed.

"Very well, just name your price," Jugo said before he looked at me, "It is the Kannagi family's fault that you were injured so we'll pay for the injuries you've gotten."

"Are you kidding?" Ayano yelled in disbelief.

"There's no need for that Jugo, but if you insist then you do what you want," I said to Jugo before I turned towards Kazuma, "And whatever Jugo is paying you, I'll pay half of that since I'm going to need your help as well."

"If that is what you want Karai," Jugo said, "Kazuma step outside please. I need to talk to Karai and Ayano, alone. They will meet up with you when they are done," Kazuma shrugged and left the room.

Ayano and I sat down on our knees before him.

"Father, I understand why we are paying Karai for her injures, but that guy is a jerk, how can we pay him to save his own brother? How can he talk about money when Ren's life is at stake?"

"Ayano, you're misunderstanding his situation," I said, causing her to look at me, "Helping Ren means helping the Kannagis and Kazuma has made his feelings clear about that, but he can't just let his brother die," I said, with arms crossed.

"So," Ayano said, looking back at her father, "if we pay him, he can save Ren and still preserve his honor."

"I see now, but I still don't trust him father, not at all," Ayano said, doubting Kazuma.

"You're going to have to, as well as trusting Karai," Jugo stated.

Ayano and I glared at each other when he said that before he continued, "All of you must work together, if not, our enemy will have already defeated us, and Ren will be lost forever."

Jugo then closed his eyes and sighed, "Ayano, Karai… there is something that I need to tell you which I hope will help you two get along with each other."

~…~

After the conversation with Jugo, Ayano and I got up, bowed at Jugo and then left the room and went outside to where Kazuma was waiting for us in front of the entrance.

'One surprise after another,' I thought bitterly as we reached Kazuma, 'First Kazuma shows up which is a good thing, but what Jugo told us… of all the times he could tell us such information, it had to be now.' I calmed down, trying not to make such a fuss about it.

After we got to him, we started going towards the car. Ayano went ahead while Kazuma and I were catching up behind her, "We'll talk after all this, okay?" I told him without meeting his eyes.

"Of course," Kazuma said before we all got in the car with him driving. Kazuma drove off as we went to go save Ren.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! It was just all right for me. Tell me what you think.

What do you think Jugo told Ayano and Karai? Well I am not telling so you are just going to have to wait for the next chapter so watch out for it in the next two weeks! xP

Thank you CMR Rose for reviewing last chapter =) Glad you liked it!

Read and Review please!