Author's note: Hey guys. This is my first ever fanfiction, so gomen if it's too sucky. This scene takes place a few moments after the original season of Kaze no Stigma anime finished off. Contrary to the rating, this chapter is purely innocent, so no worries, the pervy stuff comes later. Please review. And without further ado, enjoy!

Special training: Ayano's pride challenged!

I looked up apprehensively, twisting my fingers, and looked into Father's grim face.

I was in trouble it seemed.

The outrageous part was, it totally wasn't my fault! No, it was that stupid, perverted jerk-face who-

Okay Ayano, calm down, I thought to myself. I really couldn't afford another lapse in my tenuous self-control. I'll just have to think of another way to get back at him, preferably when father wasn't around.

"Ayano." Father's voice called out, and I flinched slightly. As usual, he sounded calm and collected, completely opposite to my usual boisterous self.

"Yes Father?" I replied timidly, twisting my fingers harder.

"Have you reflected upon your actions?" he asked me.

"Yes Father." I repeated.

"And…?"

"Father I am very sorry. I promise I'll work on my temper, but really father, I was provoked. Kazuma-"I began explaining myself, only to be cut off.

"What's done is done, no point wasting any more time about it. Anyways, it's not like this hasn't happened before." Jugo Kannagi said with a sigh, "You and Kazuma always had a volatile relationship. Ah, the passion of youth!"

"R-relationship?" I stammered, my left eye twitching slightly, "Faaather!" I started to whine, only to be cut off, again.

"No what worries me more is that attack used on Kazuma. For the bearer of Enriha to smash of only a part of the store-house… I must say I am disappointed." Jura stated matter-of-factly, blowing on his tea.

"Hold on," I gasped,"are you saying you're disappointed that I didn't destroy the entire manor? That's crazy!"

"I am simply stating the fact that Enriha is one of the most powerful weapons in this world and its wielder should be able to cause colossal damage with a single strike. Blowing up the store house can hardly be counted as colossal damage" Jugo said dismissively.

I can't believe my ears. This is what he's complaining about. For the head of one of the most reputable clans, Father sure was… a bit strange.

Silent descended upon the room, broken only by a low snigger that quickly turned into coughs.

Damn that Kazuma. He sure is enjoying himself.

A vein pulsed in my temple, my hands clenching into fists.

"So," my father began in a loud voice, making me jump a little. "In light of recent events, I have decided to up your training."

"Wha- but Father. I've been training with Kazuma every day, for hours at a time. I need to keep up with my school work, the finals are coming up. And Nanase and Yukari are already complaining that they don't see enough of me these days. I haven't visited the cake shop in days!" I protested loudly, starting to get up and really let him have it.

"Calm down Ayano." Father said, his voice low but authoritative. "Do you think that I don't wish that you could be released from the burden of being the next leader of the Kannagi family? Do you truly believe that I don't want you to enjoy your life to the fullest? Do you believe that I enjoy sending you out to dangerous mission, my only daughter?"

I slumped down in shock. Father hadn't raised his voice, but something about his tone cowed me. In his voice I heard anger… or was it remorse?

Juga Kannagi took a deep breath before continuing: "I wish I was able to give you the world, my dear, and to shield you from it as well. However, it is not possible. I must thrust the responsibility of this clan's future upon your shoulders. The least I can do is to ensure that you are strong enough to carry that burden, strong enough to grasp your happiness and that of this family."

"Of course father, forgive me. I wasn't thinking." I whispered, my throat choked with emotion. Although I knew my father loved me dearly, it was not often that he displayed it so openly.

"So," father said, suddenly businesslike, "I don't want to interfere with your studies. Therefore, we shall start your training after your exams are over. The two months of your summer vacation should suffice. To keep you away from any distraction, you shall be shipped to Hotaru Island. Our family owns that island and I myself once trained in there. Kazuma, of course, will accompany you and oversee your training."

Wait-whaaaa?! No way, this can't be happening. Nanase and Yukari would kill me- we planned on going to the beach this summer. We even shopped for swimsuits!

And what's with Kazuma accompanying me?! Does my dad have no sense of preservation towards his daughter? Sending me alone to an island, with a man, with a pervert like Kazuma- anything could happen!

My cheeks started heating up.

Wait- focus Ayano!

"Oh don't give me that look Ayano. You know this is for your good."

For my good?! How could this possibly be for MY good?!

"Ayano," father chastised me, "you know you need to get stronger. I already know how strong you are, but for the leader of the Kannagi family, I'm afraid that's not enough. You learned how to conjure the Crimson flame, but you are far from being able to control it properly. Your attacks are powerful, but not precise. There's still plenty of room for improvement."

"But we defeated Pandemonium." I mumbled pathetically.

"And you had help this time. In our future, there is great possibility that we have to face such situations again. What would you do if, say, Kazuma hadn't fought beside you? What if he decided to defend Lapis rather than you?"

Father's words cut through me. I stiffened. By now, my hands were clenched into tight fists, my nails digging into my palms.

"That would never have happened." The sharp words cuts through the tense air.

Kazuma had stood up from where he was sitting behind me. Under my bangs, I peeked up at him. He however, was glaring at father, fury etched over his handsome features.

Looking up at him, at his protective stance, a rush of warmth flowed through me, followed by the stinging bite of truth. Father was right, I needed to be stronger.

"It's alright, I understand." I directed my words towards Father. "I'll begin my training as soon as the vacations start. I know I need to stop depending on Kazuma."

At my words, Kazuma opened his mouth to protest, but I interrupted him.

"Really Kazuma, it's fine."

He looked at me then, those chocolate brown eyes assessing me, looking deep into mine, right through me. I managed a brittle smile, wanting to placate him.

"If you say so." He replied after a moment of thought.

And with one last look at me, he turned around and briskly left, the corner of his coat whisking out of view.