Chapter 7: The Story of Love and Happiness

Re-edited chapter 7 version up!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Dark-Flame Alchemist does not own Kaze no Stigma.

Karai's Point of View

After finally finding our way back to the Kannagi house, we went back to the room where we were having a discussion with Jug- I mean Father. It felt weird to say that after I've always thought my other father was my birth father. 'He better explain himself for the reason that none of them told me over the years.'

We had to wait for Ayano to change her attire after the incident with the clothing she wore before. When she got back, she was wearing the same uniform, definitely a spare, though, since her other one was brutalized. I frowned, wondering why she only woreher uniform when she could wear something else, but shrugged it off as she gave me my jacket back and thanked me before sitting down. I'll just ask her some other time. We have other important matters right now.

Jugo sat in his usual seat while the rest of us sat in a row: Ren, Ayano, Kazuma, and then me. We were all very anxious to hear what he had to say.

"Father, so what is going on? How is it that Karai and I are related and that you're her father?" Ayano asked curiously.

I just waited for him to say something as I slightly clenched my fists with anxiety to hear what he had to say for himself, and for my now dead parents.

"The truth is that Karai's mother, Hikari, was my first love and wife. She was one of the strongest of her clan while I was from mine. Both of us were part of our own clan's head families, which is why we were able to meet and eventually, fall in love," Jugo said with a smile, remembering the memories while we listened.

He continued, "Members of both our family did not approve our relationship because of the certain disbeliefs and tensions between clans for many years, but after a while, they gave in after realizing how our relationship could be the start of having peace again. Our joining together is the reason that the families decided to depend on each other once again and become close. We were actually the first two people of our clans to actually be a couple since the Uchihas had broken off from our family many years ago and changed their last name to what it is today. Before, the clans barely had anything to do with each other besides meeting for certain cases that needed the assistance of both clans. When I became the head of the Kannagi family, Hikari and I married and she lived with me at the Kannagi house. Under my leadership, the clans started to get along. Soon after, Hikari was pregnant with Karai and we were both happy," Jugo said as he looked at me with a smile and I gave a small smile back.

"She was two months along already when she needed to go back to the Uchiha house to go take care of some business for a few weeks. When she came back, I knew that there was something wrong with her because she wasn't as happy as she usually was. I kept on asking her, but it took days before she could tell me. She told me that even though she was happy with me, she couldn't forget her very first love, Daisuke, the one who you have called father all this time," Jugo said as I continued to look at him, bewildered by the information I was hearing.

"The reason why she went back to the Uchiha house was because the family needed to choose a new head and as a member of the Uchiha clan, especially of the head branch, she had to attend. Apparently, Kaname, the previous head of the Uchiha family and your other uncle, had died during one of his missions. His younger brothers were to battle to see who would be the new head of the family because of his untimely death. His brothers were your father, Daisuke, and your uncle Daichi. Your father had won and he was once again living in the Uchiha house. That was the first time that he and you're mother had last seen each other after a few years. She told me that he had disappeared after losing the last battle as head of the family against Kaname. He really wanted to win and was very upset that he felt he needed to leave for a while to become stronger. Your mother was heartbroken that he left, especially since he never said goodbye to her. When Hikari and Daisuke saw each other again, she knew that even though she loved me, Daisuke will always come first in her heart. Daisuke also realized once he came back that all he needed was her, but with luck, he also achieved his goal. " he paused for a bit before continuing once again.

"She explained that when she met me, she was still in love with Daisuke, but she fell in love with me as well. She was torn between the two of us, but she knew in her heart that your father was the one. She had gotten in a fight with him during her stay at the Uchiha house because he wanted her to stay with him, but she couldn't since she was already married with me and this is why she was upset," Jugo said sadly.

"So, out of my best judgment, I made the decision for her. I let her go be with the one she truly loved. She argued that she didn't want to hurt me, but I told her that it was all right with me as long as she was happy. I didn't want her to force herself to stay with me if she wouldn't be happy. Also, if she had kept on being stressed, she might have had a miscarriage and you wouldn't have been born. I even let her keep you and have Daisuke as your father because it was unfortunate that he wasn't able to have any heirs due to a critical injury that he had gotten when he was away while I knew I still could. It didn't mean that I didn't want you though because I did and I love you so much, but I did it for your mother's sake," I smiled a little.

"When you were born, alive and healthy, it was the most joyous day ever. You looked so much like your mother and some of me. You mostly had the Uchiha look so it wouldn't have been easy to tell who the father was, but everyone knew. It was obvious that you would grow up to be a black fire magic user which was another reason as to why you should have stayed in the Uchiha house. Also, even though your mother went back to the Uchiha house, the families continued to stay close. The Uchiha clan from then on wasn't as strict as they were before thanks to your father being the new head."

I hid my face as tears began to fall after hearing a story like this. It was all too much. That was such a complicated story to take in all at once. Ayano and Ren looked very sad. Kazuma had comforting eyes looking at me and put one of his hands on top of my clenched ones.

"A few years later, I eventually met Ayano's mother, fell in love with her, married her and had Ayano. Everyone was happy. Daisuke, Hikari, and I asked everyone not to tell your generation about what I had told you until you were older, but I had to tell you already because I felt it was the right time. And also by myself since your parents died during that attack a few years ago," Jugo said as Kazuma's eyes widened.

"They died?" Kazuma said surprised, looking at me, since he wasn't aware.

I lifted my head up as my tears stopped flowing, "Yes they did. It was the Fuga clan who ambushed them, but we were never able to prove it was them. They were able to get away with it until now. I'm glad we took care of them before they killed any other members from the clans."

"So that's why you are now the head?" Kazuma said, still in shock.

"Yes. I am now the head of the Uchiha clan along with my Uncle Daichi. I was lucky I didn't have to battle anyone for my right since my uncle doesn't have any kids," I replied. I held out my hand in front of me and materialized Kaito Enraiha in it, just staring at it. 'Mother, father… you have finally been avenged. I'm sorry it took this long.'

"I'm sorry that your parents weren't alive to tell you themselves," Jugo said.

"No, it's all right," I got out of my thoughts and de-materialized Kaito Enraiha from my hand, "Things happen. You just got to move forward and become stronger. Besides," I said while looking at him, "I still have one parent, don't I?" I smile at him as he smiled back.

Ayano then spoke up, "Wait, so then isn't Karai supposed to be the heir to the Kannagi household also?" I realized that that is actually true. I could have been heir to both households. I might have even had to fight Kazuma. 'It is also a good thing that I didn't need to fight anyone for my right to become Uchiha head,' I thought in relief.

"That is indeed possible. If she had been living in the Kannagi household, it would have been her and Kazuma fighting to be heir as head, instead of you Ayano," Jugo said.

"Now that would have sucked," I looked at Kazuma who said that, "If I had to fight my best friend because of some title."

"At least that didn't have to happen," I smiled at him.

"Well, Ayano is already the heir and you're the head of the Uchihas, so there's no problem. Unless you want to fight Ayano for your right as heir and someday become head of both clans, you can if you want," Jugo explained.

Ayano cringed a little from what he said. I held my hands up in to protest, "No, that's all right. It would be hectic having to run both families. It'll be a good experience for Ayano to have some leadership. She just needs lots of training though, especially with that attitude of hers."

Ayano smiled at that statement with a twitch, trying to control herself, "Thanks a lot, Onee-san."

"It is still amazing that Ayano Nee-sama and Karai Nee-sama are sisters!" Ren exclaimed going all hyper like he usually is, "I mean, you can't even tell that they are since they're really different from each other!"

"Yeah, I can't believe it either. Never in my life did I think that that was possible," Kazuma said grinning.

Ayano had a stress mark on her head, "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Before a fight started, I spoke while getting up, "Well, I think it is time to go home already. It is getting late and I told Ichiru that I was going to be home by now. Thank you, Ju- I mean Father for telling me the truth." Yeah it's still going to take some time to get used to calling him that, but I'll manage.

"Very well then, Karai," Jugo said as he got up as well and gave me a hug, "I'm glad that you took the news well like I knew you would. We'll all get through this," he let go of me, "Would you like an escort to take you home? Maybe Kazuma, perhaps?" Kazuma was about to say something, but I spoke before he could.

"No, that's all right," I protested, "I already texted Ichiru to come pick me up. He should be here soon. Everyone, I'll be going now." Someone suddenly tackled me before I could leave or even blink.

"Don't go yet Nee-sama! Stay a little longer!" Ren yelled as he hugged me really tight. Everyone sighed from Ren's behavior.

"Sor-ry R-en, I got-ta go," I struggled to say as he kept constricting me.

"Ren! Get off Onee-san! She has to go already!" Ayano yelled at Ren, trying to pry him off me.

Kazuma sighed and used his wind to separate Ren from me. I was finally able to breathe. I got up and adjusted my jacket which Ayano gave back to me earlier, "Thanks Kazuma."

"No problem. I better get going as well. I expect my pay from the both of you," he said to Father and me.

"Of course you'll get it. Also, you and Karai are invited to attend a luncheon here tomorrow. I expect to see you two," Father said like we had no choice.

Kazuma nodded at Father. He then said his goodbyes to Ayano who was still mad at him and also to Ren who didn't want him to leave either. When he got to me, he gave me a hug. After he released me, he left the room.

I went to give Ayano a hug and Ren right after with Ayano holding him to make sure he doesn't kill me.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow," I said before leaving the room, putting my boots on, and going to the entrance as well to wait for Ichiru.

When I was almost there, I saw Kazuma standing in front of it and guessed that he was waiting for me. When I finally made it, I leaned on the wall.

"So do you have a place to stay as of now?" I asked him curiously.

"After that idiotic Ryuya destroyed the building that I was staying at, I'm going to have to look for another place to stay," he said in annoyance.

"We have extra rooms in my household if you want," I assured him, "Nobody minds you staying there."

"Nah, that's ok. I can find a place on my own. Thanks for the offer though," Kazuma said.

"Ok then. The offer still stands whenever you want," I told him.

He chuckled, "All right."

"By the way, how are you right now? Still feel like collapsing?" I asked him with concern.

"I'm better, but my head still kind of hurts," he frowned.

I smiled at him before I placed my hand on his forehead and a small black flame appeared as I healed his headache. The flame goes away and I pulled my hand down, "Feeling better now?"

"Loads. Thank you, Karai," he smiled softly.

"It's no problem. It's just like the good old days when I used to do that for you," I smiled back at him.

"Yeah," he said before giving me another quick hug, "Well, I'm off. See you later," He said before he was surrounded by a gust of wind and flew off.

"See ya, Kazuma," I said before he faded off into the night. Ichiru just arrived as he beeped the horn to get my attention. 'Oh boy, he's going to lecture me to death,' I thought as I walked to the car.

~…~

"You did what?"

I sighed as Ichiru kept yelling at me as I sat on my bed and he paced around my room back and forth like a chicken that lost its head.

"You almost got killed for heaven's sake!"

When we got home, we went immediately straight to my room to talk about what happened today. I had just finished telling him about the ambush that occurred this morning and how I made it to the Kannagi house in time before I blacked out when he started to freak out… and that was only the beginning of how my day went.

"But I didn't and I am all right. I was able to heal myself," I assured him, "I don't go down that easily you know."

He sighed, "I know that, but next time, take someone with you to make sure that you are still alive before the family members freak out if they hear that their head was on the brink of death."

"Like you?" I snickered, but stopped when he glared at me.

"Fine… I'll think about it," I sarcastically said, "But I did tell you and you were fine with it, you know."

"Yeah, that was my mistake. Next time, I'm coming with you."

"Fine, whatever," I said before telling him about the fight with the yoma and how the Fuga clan was definitely involved with the ambush a few years ago. I also mentioned how I had to work with Ayano to go rescue Ren. I didn't tell him yet about Kazuma being there as well.

"What? I thought you disliked Ayano?" He asked in confusion after he stopped pacing.

"Well, I had to because of Jugo, who I found out was my real father," I calmly said.

"What?" he said, looking shocked. I explained to him the whole ordeal that Jugo just told me hours ago.

He just looked at me, "Are you serious? Doesn't that mean Ayano is your half-sister?"

"Yup. We're beginning to get along now, surprisingly, since we found out," I then paused for a second before saying something again, "Oh yeah, Kazuma helped out as well, by the way."

He continued to stare at me, "Really? He came back already?"

"Yup, he just left when you arrived to pick me up," I said.

"Well, how is he?" Ichiru asked.

"He's doing pretty well. He changed so much," I said, "His last name, attitude─; he even acquired magic of his own."

"Seriously? That's great! So he's a fire magic user now?"

"Nope."

He gave me a confused look, "Then what? I assumed since he was born into a family of fire magic users, he would be one."

"He's a wind magic user," I said as I lied down onto my bed, "And a very powerful one too."

"Wow, that's amazing. Who knew that he would be able to pull it off!"

"Mhmm," I said as I continued to just stare at the ceiling.

"So, how are you doing?" He asked with concern.

"I'm all right. Don't worry about me," I paused before continuing, "It was just so strange… to see him again, after all these years."

"You mean after he left without saying anything to you?"

"He had his reasons. Besides, he apologized."

"Still, he did hurt you."

"You know I can't stay mad at him that long."

Ichiru sighed, "Yeah, I know. Well I hope things get better. That's so much to take in for one night so just take it easy," he gave me a hug and a kiss on the forehead before he opened the door, "I'm going to report to Uncle Daichi what you told me before I go to sleep. Good night."

"Night, don't let the bed bugs bite," I said smirking, "or flame you."

"Hope not," he chuckled.

"Oh and I'll be going to my usual spot soon. Just to let you know."

He looked at me, "In the middle of the night?" he asked before sighing, "All right then, make sure you don't get ambushed again. I am too tired to go with you so I trust you to do fine on your own. Take care of yourself."

"I will."

He nodded before leaving the room.

I checked my watch to see that it was 9:15, 'I think I'll go there at 10:00,' I thought.

I got up from my bed and went to take a shower. When I finished, I put on black jean shorts instead of my usual jeans, my regular tank top, boots and fingerless gloves. I decided to leave my jacket off since it was a warm night out. I blow-dried my hair until it wasn't wet anymore. It was 9:45 already, so I headed for the meadow already.

Once I got there, I was surprised and at the same time, wasn't surprised to see Kazuma in the meadow. He was spacing out as he stared at the tree.

"I knew I'd find you here eventually," I said as I walked there and stood next to him.

He got out of his daze, turned to look at me and smiled, "Of course. This was the only place where no one bothered us. It's been a long time since I've cleared my mind."

I smiled, "Then I guess it's a good think you came back."

"Yeah," he said.

"So where did you fly off to after you left the Kannagi house?" I asked.

He looked at me and smirked, "I just went to see how my old man was doing in the hospital since I'm the reason he's there in the first place. Then I went to a few other places before coming here."

"Oh yeah," I giggled, "I heard about you fighting your father and beating him up. I wish I could have seen that."

He chuckled, "Yeah, too bad. It felt good to be able to kick his ass."

We got off that topic as we just leaned against the tree and stared at the grass moving in the rhythm of the wind, talking about memories that happened years ago and laughing from the good times.

At some point, we didn't speak for a good few minutes until I decided to ask him something, "So… how did you manage to change so much in just a matter of four years?"

He answered with pauses between each sentence, "Lots of things happened. Good and bad. And it all happened in China," he said with a calm, yet expressionless face, "I'll tell you some other time though. Not now."

"Ok, I won't bother you about it," I said softly.

He smiled at me, "Thank you," before looking at the scenery again, "So how were you doing?"

"Lots of training to improve my skills and to be the head. Losing loved ones. Becoming the head of the clan so early. Finding out about stuff… Basically, lots of things happened," I said with no expression.

"I'm sorry about your parents. They were great people," he said sincerely.

"Yes they were. I can't believe there was a story to them and my real father," I said before sighing, "At least I still have my birth dad and now a half-sister," I said before muttering, "Who can be annoying at times."

"Yup, that's true, but she has her moments," he said, chuckling a bit, before having a serious face on, "You know, even though my parents are still alive, they still abandoned me."

"That was pretty mean, but maybe it was a good thing, yet still bad. I mean, look at you now! You are a powerful magic user," I assured him.

"Yeah, I bet I could beat you now," he said grinning.

"Ha, we'll see about that!" I playfully said as I got off the tree and stretched my arms a bit, "but not tonight, I'm beat tired after all that happened today. I'll kick your ass some other time."

He chuckled, "Watch out, I may just kick yours." He got off the tree as well.

I laughed, "So did you find a place to stay tonight?" I asked.

"Yeah, I was able to get a penthouse somewhere in the city."

"Wow, you were able to get an apartment like that in over a few hours?" I said, bewildered, as he shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal.

I sighed for like the hundredth time today, "At least you found an apartment or else I would have dragged you to one of the spare rooms in my place." I stopped stretching and turned to him, "Well, I'll see you at the Kannagi house tomorrow then. I'm going back to get some sleep."

"Yeah, same here," he said as we gave each other another hug and let go.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" I got an envelope out of my pocket and handed it to Kazuma, "Here's your pay for all of your hard work. I brought it with me in case I saw you tonight. And it looks like I did," I smiled at him.

He smiled back before taking it and putting it in his pocket, "Thank you very much. It has been nice doing business with you," He then turned around and walked a few steps away from me before stopping and turning his head, "See ya," he said before a gust of wind surrounded him again and he flew off into the night once more.

I shook my head before heading back to the household and to my room. I changed into my sleeping clothes before going on my bed. As I laid my head on my pillow, trying to sleep, I couldn't help but think about what Kazuma had been doing when he was away since I was worried to death about him. I really wanted to know, but knew that I had to wait until he was ready to tell me. Before I knew it, I fell asleep from thinking too much.

End of Chapter 7! ^_^ Hope that made all sense to you guys. Sorry if it didn't for some people.

When I was re-editing this many nights ago, I was also watching the new episode of Bleach on Cartoon Network. In the episode, Captain Amagai killed himself when he found out that his revenge was all for nothing -_- I really don't see why he had to do that.

Btw, if you are wondering what Ichiru looks like, his appearance is basically Zero from Vampire Knight except with black hair since all Uchihas have black hair. When I was creating him, I just picked a name from any anime that I knew and when I named him Ichiru, I couldn't stop seeing him as Zero since he's Ichiru's twin! It was so frustrating since he has silver hair, so that's what he looks like except his personality is definitely different from Zero's XD. I still see him with silver hair though and I don't think that will change in my mind so I gave up on trying.

Please review!