AN-I am sooo sorry! This took ages! Things have been kinda weird for me - first it was exam week, then lots of varying types of confusingness with my friends, then MAJOR writers block, then parental problems (well actaully, they had the problems, but as usual I was caught up in it) but then there was AVATAR! And Oh MY FREAKING GOD! Season three is so fawesome! That finale was like wow! I LOVE ZUKO! The Western Air Temple was soo funny...I love awkward happier Zuko. And then OMG with Azula and Mai and Ty Lee cus Ty Lee was all! And because Mai was all! over Zuko! Stopping ranting now. Anyway, I apologise again for the long wait, next chapter I intend to bring back some plot lines that have disappeared over the past few chapters. Oh! I keep forgetting to do this : A while back i was invited to join the staff of a community, but I declined. I just wanted to says thanks for the invintation - it's just, at heart I'm a InuYasha and Kagome girl, all the way (so I'm not entirely sure why I keep dragging them apart) but thanks anyway! And thanks to the reviewers for all their support, please keep telling me what you think - be it good or bad! Thanks (and sorry) again!

Chapter 8 - Training Sessions

"Ranma! How dare you treat P-Chan like that?" Akane and gathered her pet in her arms. "Oh you poor baby, mommy will take care of nasty Ranma for you." She rocked the piglet against her chest like a baby.

"Damn it Akane! How can you - ugh, whatever! I'm outta here!" Ranma stalked off and Akane sat back down in the living room with Kagome.

"He's always so mean to my poor P-Chan."

"He's just jealous - isn't he P-Chan? You adorable little thing you," Kagome fondly scratched P-Chan behind the ears. "Always getting all the attention."

Akane blushed, "Why would he be jealous of a pig? He's more pathetic than I thought! Well, that's assuming he actually does get jealous over me. You're ridiculous."

"And you're blind."

"I'm not! Anyway, I'm going to take a bath now." Akane crooned at the piglet and kissed it's nose. "Are you coming to take a nice hot bath with mommy, P-Chan?" P-Chan streaked out of Akane's arms and down the hallway. "I guess not…" said Akane, puzzled.

"Have you got any idea of how betrayed she'd feel?" Kagome glared angrily at the wall. "She'd be mortified! Akane's the decent sort, she's innocent and…modest! She's modest and … and, and you've been all over her! It's disgusting!"

A low moan sounded from behind her. "I know, I don't deserve her, but really I never meant any harm!"

"Of course you didn't think about how this would affect her, which is why we're in this mess."

"I did! I always think about her, I don't deserve her, I know I don't. She's too good for me; I'm nothing but a pathetic half-man." It was the half that softened her towards the dejected boy in the bathtub. He sounded far too much like a dejected half-demon.

"Fine. Keep acting like a pet. But," Kagome paused, putting lots of stress on that little word, "There's going to be rules."

#

Kagome's head pounded from her stressful morning conversation, and it didn't look like her day was going to get any better. This was because Kuno had decided that she wanted to be added to his list of 'lovers'.

"Kagome Higurashi!" Ranma and Akane froze, exchanging concerned looks.

"What do you want?" she snapped. Kagome was in no mood to deal with Kuno.

"I merely wanted to ask that this Friday you accompany me on date."

"I'm sorry, but I only date … swordsmen," she said, thinking of InuYasha and his Tetsusaiga.

"Hah! Well I'll have you know that I am a master of the sword!" From seemingly nowhere, he whipped out a sword and waved it manically above his head. "They do not call me Blue Thunder for nothing!"

Kagome spun to face her cousin. "Why was I not informed?" But then something within Kagome's mind went click! She'd already done what she could about Ryoga's crush on Akane, and now here was the perfect opportunity to do something about Kuno's crush on Akane and Ranma. With a devious plot in mind, she ignored her cousin to smile sweetly at Kuno. "Well, can you perform the Wind Scar?"

Kuno froze in place. "The…Wind Scar?"

"Yes, it's an extremely powerful sword technique that only the most capable can accomplish. Can you do it?"

"Uh…can't…say I can…" Kuno at least had the decency to look ashamed.

"Oh." Kagome sighed and turned away from him slightly. "I can't date you unless you can perform the Wind Scar." She sighed again, like his incapability was the saddest thing in the world.

"Kagome!" Kuno leapt forward and took her hands in his, so fast that she almost expected him to call her 'his woman'. "If I can perform this technique, will you date me then?"

"Would you do that for me?" Her eyes shone.

"Just tell me, what must I do to learn this technique?" He was getting uncomfortably close, but hell. If she could convince two terrifying lightning demons into letting her live, she could do this for sure. The problem was however, was he stupid enough to believe her? She remembered InuYasha telling her about some stupid errands Totosai made him do once, that he'd mistaken for training. "Please Kagome! Tell me!" Why the hell was she worried? Of course he was stupid enough.

"First you have to be pure of heart. You must take a purifying bath and cleanse your mind of any perverted thoughts. And you have to be devoted to me; you must swear to use your powers to protect me always." She looked up at him seriously, as one of her hands moved behind her back with two fingers crossed.

Kuno looked torn for a moment, as if weighing his options. Eventually he came to a decision. "I can do this. Fear not sweet Kagome, soon we shall be together!" Kagome internally cringed. Akane owed her. Ranma owed her. Maybe she could call dibs on godmother rights.

The moment Kuno left, Akane pounced on her. "What did you just do? Do you actually want him around?"

"No. I just made a bunch of stuff up - I was curious to see how much he'd believe is all."

Akane wasn't convinced. Kagome didn't toy around with people - she was a very straightforward person. However, there wasn't much she could do. The damage was done and the consequences would just have to be dealt with when they came. So, sighing, Akane put the event down as another manifestation of Kagome's emotional problems. Behind Akane's back, Kagome sent a big wink in Ranma's direction, and he blushed as he realised what she was up to.

Ranma sped to class pretty quick after that, and Kagome was left trailing slowly behind Akane.

She could feel that hot prickling sensation behind her eyes, which told her she was crying. InuYasha looked horrified. "Don't cry!"

"Oh? Should I be laughing instead?"

"No! You should shut up and let me protect you!"

Then later, by the river. "InuYasha, do you want me to tell you how to use the Tetsusaiga?" She'd asked him. "…Well do you promise to protect me forever?"

Using the heel of her palm she rubbed away the forming tears.

#

Over the next couple of days Kagome watched the three boys like a hawk watching its prey. The second they disobeyed her, she would unleash her temper on them. It had proved a useful tool in teaching them proper etiquette - that and painful reminders.

"What did you say?" Akane looked at Ranma in disbelief.

"Jeez, I just asked if you wanted any help." Ranma felt something hard hit his ankle and he grunted at the sharp pain. He glared at Kagome, who was innocently playing knucklebones on the other side of the dojo.

"I'm not incompetent!"

"Well you sure as hell aren't showing it!" Another shooting pain in his ankle.

"You jerk!" Another knucklebone found contact.

"I mean, that's not what I meant!"

Akane raised a delicate eyebrow at him. "Oh? Enlighten me then."

"I don't think you're incompetent." Kagome coughed. "So, I'm sorry," Ranma choked out. "I just thought maybe I could teach you that pattern."

"Sorry? What's gotten into you lately?" Akane's expression took a less defensive edge. "But, I guess, I wouldn't mind you teaching me."

Kagome's small victory was short-lived however, as the next moment, none other than Kuno, burst through the Dojo doors. Groaning, she reached for the headless mop she'd taken to carrying around with her – especially for Kuno's training as he was far too dense for discreet things like knucklebones. But, with Kuno, the insane was expected so it wasn't like she stood out too much carrying it around – which was good.

As she readied herself for Kuno's next lesson, the other three teens had frozen in place, staring at each other. Kuno's gaze traveled slowly over Akane's pose – and Ranma's, one arm pressed lightly against Akane's outstretched one, hand lightly grasping her wrist while the other arm encircled her waist.

Akane followed Kuno's gaze, and blushed. She squirmed in Ranma's grip, but he only tightened his hold and glowered at Kuno.

Several tense, silent moments passed. Kuno frowned. He blinked. He opened his mouth to say something, only to close it after a few seconds of nothing. Kagome announced her presence with a slight cough.

To everyone's amazement, Kuno shrugged and strode to Kagome's side. "Kagome my sweet blossom," he crooned, "I have come to escort you to the six 'o' clock showing of 'Night of the Screaming Terrors'."

Kagome sighed. "Have you learnt the wind scar yet?"

Kuno's expression was momentarily sour. "Sadly…no…but! I have taken great pains to cleanse myself my love, and I wanted the opportunity to show you how devoted I am!" He stood with his feet spread wide and one arm punched in the air. Kagome could just see the fire in his eyes, the flames dancing along to the words; 'It's the eye of the tiger…'

Huffing, she stood and casually brushed off her jeans. Things were looking good with Ranma and Akane – they deserved some time alone without having to worry about her state of mind. Though, considering she was about to agree to a date with Kuno, of all people, they might just worry anyway. She couldn't blame them for that either. Several hours alone with the pervert…well, she was doing this for the sake of their relationship. The list of things they owed her just kept growing.

"Wait outside the front door, and I'll meet you in ten minutes." Kagome smiled sweetly at the astonished pair in the centre of the Dojo floor. "You two be good now," she teased as she left the room.

Akane caught Ranma's eye, and blushing, they both jumped away from each other.

#

Akane, panting and sweating, collapsed against the wooden wall. "What time is it?" she gasped as Ranma handed her a water bottle.

He didn't answer her question, but instead smirked at her teasing, "What? Couldn't keep up?"

She glared at him. "Oh, like it was all so easy for you." She chucked a towel at his head. He shrugged and mopped off the sweat from his face. He stretched his arms back before moving to sit beside her. Akane bit her lip, her cheeks dusted with pink. "So…the time?"

Ranma looked at her for a moment, clearly too lost in his own thoughts too fully understand what she was saying. "Time for what?"

"No, what time is it?" She rolled her eyes.

"Hell if I know. What'cha want to know for anyway?"

"I'm just wondering when Kagome is going to be back."

"Does it matter?" Akane punched him lightly on the arm to which he muttered a light "Stupid violent chick," under his breath.

Pointedly ignoring his comment Akane continued. "It's just…she's on a date with Kuno, don't tell me you're not worried either. There's no way that's possible."

"She's nice I guess." Ranma sighed. "Okay, maybe a little worried." Akane gave him a curious look. "What? You're the one who insisted I liked her in the first place."

Akane turned from him. "It's nothing," she said in a tone that suggested that it wasn't 'nothing'. Ranma scowled. "So…" she continued in a brighter tone. "You want to go spy?"

#

Kagome walked out of the theater unimpressed. The movie had been as lame as the title had suggested. Another girl passed, clinging to her boyfriends arm. "Oh that movie was terrifying!" the girl squealed. The girl looked scared as well, white and wide-eyed. So maybe it was just her then? Beside her, she heard Kuno sigh wistfully. He'd seen the couple too. There went his master plan. Well, it was his fault for trying to scare a girl who'd had led a double life as a demon-slaying priestess.

She couldn't help but think that if she'd seen the movie with InuYasha, they'd both be laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. She watched Kuno out of the corner of her eye. InuYasha definitely wouldn't have tried to scare her for his own perverted kicks.

"I better not hear you say you're scared, or you want to go home...With all that you've seen here, are you really surprised?"

No, InuYasha would be telling her to toughen up … or letting her know that he was going to protect her no matter what the cost. Which would only serve to frighten her more than whichever demon was attacking them at the time.

"So Kagome, did you enjoy the movie?" Kagome glared at Kuno. No she did not. But, she was in a bad mood now. She shrugged and kept walking. "Ah! Kagome, let us go for a meal."

"Sure." She replied bluntly.

#

Akane and Ranma had followed the oblivious pair through the mall, sipping milkshakes, until they'd gone into a restaurant. Now, they watched as discreetly as they could through a window. "You know," said Ranma conversationally, "I never thought Kagome was the type to be so…calm over horror movies."

Akane shrugged. "She never used to be." She chuckled abruptly. "There was this one time where I was staying at the shrine, and we'd watched this freaky movie about … well I don't actually remember – but we just never stopped screaming. Eventually Aunty just came and turned off the TV." Akane laughed again. "I think she handed us some cartoons to watch then."

Ranma looked thoughtful. "You guys used to really be close, didn't you? But you've never really talked about her."

"Yeah, we used to be close." Akane looked at the floor sadly. "But then, when she turned fifteen – about a couple months before you showed up – she didn't answer any of her birthday calls, never sent any letters, and didn't even acknowledge my existence. I was a little angry with her at first, but then I found out that she'd been getting really sick, and I just felt bad. After that, she just kept getting sick, and I was off being dragged into all your battles. I never even had the time to visit her in hospital…" Akane was crying now, tears rolling down her cheeks. "We…just lost touch…and now, she's moody and something's really changed her and I don't think it's just Gramps…and I'm scared. She seems like she's getting better…but she's so…so different now and I don't understand." Akane began crying more freely now and Ranma stood beside her, bewildered and not sure what to do.

A sharp pain erupted in his shoulder, and cringing, he looked up into Kagome's furious eyes. "What the hell did you do to her you jerk?"

Ranma took a step back. "No-nothing I swear!" He froze as he saw Kuno running up to the scene, wearing a bowl of hot noodles for a hat. Just what the situation needed.

"You cad! Breaking Akane's heart like that!" he yelled.

Kagome whirled on him and Ranma thanked god she was currently otherwise occupied. Kagome could be scary. "Kuno! Devotion to me! Not Akane! Now prove your devotion and go home and cleanse!" She shrieked. Kuno bowed his head and left like an obedient puppy. "And now, what the hell did you do?"

"I said I didn't do anything!"

"Why do I find that so hard to believe?" People had started gathereing, to watch the teens argue. Akane had dried her tears, but she was so stunned by Kagome's behavior – which was completely different to any other side of Kagome she'd seen – that she could do little but watch in amazement.

"Because you're an idiot!"

"Oh, I'm the idiot? Says the boy who decides a cursed spring would be a good place to practice kicking things!"

"Yeah, I do say so!"

"Ugh, you are such a jerk!"

"Idiot!"

Kagome took a deep, but not at all calming breath. "That is it! Sit boy!"