(il)legal stuff.
 I stole all these characters from more creative heads than mine, such
as Rumiko Takahashi, and Izumi Matsumoto. Catch me if you can!  Just
Joking, please don't hurt me, I'm a poor student, I really don't mean
any harm!


    Akane sat on her sister's bed. listening to Nabiki explain a concept
in economics.  She was bored waiting for her sister and friend to finish
studying.  Today she was more eager than ever to get to practice, today
her father was going to show them how to break boards!  She was glad
that Nabiki and Madoka got along so well.  They were in the same year,
and often studied together, trading lessons in language and math, but
she wanted to go practice! Soon, (but not soon enough to her mind), the
two girls had finished the lesson.

    As Madoka gathered up her books she grinned at Akane's anxious
expression, the excitement quite evident on her face.  <Akane is always
so enthusiastic about learning the Art> she thought ruefully.  <I
thought I was excited to be learning Kempo, but Akane loves it.>  She
imparted that enthusiasm easily, and Madoka always felt her own spirits
rise with the younger girl's.  <It certainly works  that way for Mr.
Tendo.  He seems to see each new accomplishment of Akane's as a reason
to go on living!>  She shoved away those depressing thoughts as she
followed Akane to her room so they could change into their gis.

    As they changed Akane asked her about her love life again.  "So have
you found him yet?"

    Madoka shrugged.  "Found who?"  Though she knew who Akane was
referring too.

    Akane nudged her gently.  "You know, that guy who saved you last
year from those bullies?"  At Madoka's lack of reaction, she added,
Akane added, "Your first kiss, remember?"

    Madoka finally blushed, Akane's needling always seemed to get to
her.

    Akane continued, a bit dreamily now.  "I think it's SO romantic how
he promised to meet you again in six years."

    Madoka tried to deflect the line of conversation onto back onto
Akane.  "Oh, I haven't seen him again since then, but I will.  What
about your own mystery man?"

    It was Akane's turn to blush a bit.  "That was ages ago!"  She
protested, "I was just a little kid!"  In fact she could hardly remember
what the boy in Ryogensawa had looked like, save the long scars down his
back, and the whistle he had given her.

    Madoka frowned a bit.  "Your telling me there isn't any guy you're
interested in?"

    Akane shook her head.  "I don't mean that, there is someone I, I
like, I guess, but..." She broke off.

    Madoka jumped on the pause.  "What? There is a guy?  Are you going
to tell him?"

    Akane shook her head.  "It's, it's sort of complicated.  He's kind
of unavailable."  She then grabbed Madoka's sleeve and tugged her into
the hall to prevent further questions.  "Come on, Dad is waiting in the
dojo."

*********************************************************

So their friendship continued.  Soun was glad for Madoka's presence.
His other daughters had lost interest in training in the Art, and she
had a natural talent that rivaled Akane's though in a different way.
Her grace and speed made a nice counterpoint to Akane's power and
endurance.  He found her fathers insistence that Madoka keep the
flexibility in her hands to be a good challenge to his training
techniques and imagination.  Once he had heard from her about the habit
of the other girls in her section of town to use normally inoffensive
objects as weapons, to avoid the strict weapons searches, he had worked
with her to develop her own weapon technique.  Four years, almost every
free summer day and most weekends during school the two girls trained
with him.  Their skill's had increased almost too his own level.  He was
saddened that his long retirement from active training had so dulled his
edge.  Then Madoka's father had almost stopped sending her, some
incident had occurred that worried him, though he didn't want to worry
Soun with the details.

    Madoka told Akane all about it the next Saturday.  "And then
Oryu-san said that I should never join a gang like she had, she saw
better for me."

    Akane nodded in agreement.  "She's right you know.  You could be a
great musician, like your parents."

    Madoka scowled slightly at that.  Her parents weren't high on her
list of favorite subjects lately.  It seemed they were always away on
one concert tour or another, and when they were around, they lectured
her about her habits, her attitude, or just the way she dressed.  She
tried to mollify her harsh glare.  Akane was one of the few bright
points in her life.  Except for Hikaru, she was the only person who she
felt safe opening up too, and Hikaru, well there were things that she
just didn't understand.  Akane didn't always approve of everything she
did, and she sometimes jumped to conclusions, but she did understand
her.

    Madoka had recently been getting a lot of unwanted attention from
guys, and had taken some fairly drastic measures to drive them off.
Akane didn't agree with some of her techniques, but she hadn't matured
as much physically yet, so Madoka could understand her attitude.  It did
seem crazy sometimes.  She felt pretty bad sometimes, rejecting every
guy who came along, especially the nice ones.  It had been even harder
recently, her senpai Keichi had asked her out before he left for High
school.  He was a really sweet guy, and had seen through the cold mask
she wore, she hadn't wanted to reject him, but...  Her first love would
return someday.  At least, that's what she kept telling herself.

    It had been easy enough to start hanging out in the 'wrong' places
with the 'wrong' people.  She had even taken up smoking occasionally,
all part of the act.  It kept the nice guys away, and the jerks who
still hit on her caused her no grief when she spurned them.  When Akane
protested that such an attitude was too extreme, the girls had drifted
apart for a few weeks, but their weekly sparing sessions had continued,
and Akane soon came to accept her friends quirks, without agreeing with
them.  Madoka had just smiled at that when Akane told her, and said
"You'll see."  in a mysterious fashion.

    Actually, Madoka found she was rather glad of Akane's reaction.
Hikaru had adopted Madoka's tough girl attitude, and had taken it up in
her usual enthusiastic way about things.  Madoka felt a bit responsible
for her.  Yusaku had just been confused at Hikaru's new attitude, and
was keeping a polite distance lately.  <Why can't he just tell her how
he feels already?  Oh I suppose it's just hopeless.>  Madoka's parents
weren't so blas� about her actions recently.  Somehow they had heard
about some of the things she had been doing, <Sis probably> , and had
curtailed her outside activities.  <I'm just glad Dad still lets me come
to the Tendo's on week ends.  I have to be strong till HE gets here.
But what if he never comes?>  She put that negative thought out of her
mind each time it popped up, but it depressed her sometimes.

    The training sessions with Akane were a big help at relieving
stress, even though Mr. Tendo hadn't been doing as much training
recently as she would of hoped.  She let out a woof of air as she landed
hard from a particularly good throw by Akane.  As she sprang to her feet
and charged again, she distracted Akane by saying, "So, Dr. Tofu notice
you yet?"  As always Akane's guard dropped a bit at that name, and
Madoka took advantage of the opening to poke Akane in the nose softly.
"Gottcha."

    Akane overbalanced backwards and fell on her seat.  "Hey, that
wasn't fair!"  Madoka just laughed, and soon Akane joined her.  She
really enjoyed Madoka's company.  The older girl was really easy to talk
to, and it didn't hurt that they shared so many interests.  <If only
Madoka would give up on that guy.>  Akane sighed at that thought.
<Madoka deserves a nice guy like Dr. Tofu.  I just wish she would give
someone a chance.  Then maybe she could give up those habits of hers,
and be the cheerful girl I remember.>  She shook her head in
frustration.  <Oh well, at least she can still laugh with me.>

*****************************************************

    Almost a year passed, and Madoka's mask of anger and indifference
deepened, as did her beauty.  Her act was working on her classmates at
least.  The only guy who ever gave her a glance of regret was her
sempai, Morisato Keichi.  She was glad he would be leaving for college
next year, he was a really nice guy, and deserved someone better than
her.  <And I'm still waiting for him.>  Recently things had gotten a bit
difficult.  Her mother had been back at home more often in the last
month or so, and had started trying to modify her youngest daughters
attitude in earnest.  Finally giving up on her 'subtle' suggestions, she
got her father to stop paying for Madoka's extra activity's, and cut off
her allowance, in the hopes that it would put a halt to her daughters
unsocial activities.  That week Madoka had to tell Soun that she wasn't
sure she could continue to pay for the lessons, or even the train ride
to the area.  Soun didn't want to lose his only paying customer,
(besides which she was a good friend to Akane).

    The next weekend he asked her if she might be interested in a part
time job after school.  "You see, an old friend of mine is starting up a
little cafe not too far from where you live, If your interested, I'm
sure he'd hire you."

    Madoka agreed to meet the man, who, though his appearance made her
slightly nervous at first, was quite personable.  She soon grew to like
him.  As they worked together, he would tell her stories about his life,
and she found herself responding in similar fashion 'Master' seemed to
illicit such confidences.  With a way around her mothers restrictions,
she relaxed her hostile attitude at home, and soon her mother relented
on the severity of the restrictions, and she found herself back at the
Tendo Dojo.

    As the school year began, she told Akane about Hikaru's new
boyfriend.  "And then he dove in!"

    Akane gasped.  "Really? What happened?"

    Madoka nodded.  "Oh he got to the kid in time.  He was so sheepish
when the mother thanked him.  He was so cute when he blushed.. um he was
shivering, so I lent him my coat."

    Akane nodded, having noticed the slip.  "So you like this guy
right?"  <I hope so.>

    Madoka shook her head.  "Nope, he's so indecisive.  He was supposed
to be on a date with Hikaru!  He just left her in the lurch.  I went
home in the rain then.  The next day in school she tells me that he made
up with her by telling her he was with his dad.  I didn't know what to
say."

    Akane scowled then.  "Why that jerk."

    Madoka nodded, "Yes, he made up that lie when she went to his house
to confront him, and she ended up staying the night!"

    Akane gasped again.  "What?!"

    Madoka shook her head at Akane's expression.  "Oh, he didn't do
anything, Hikaru told me they just talked and listened to music, and
they lost track of time."

    Akane shook her head in puzzlement.  "It sounds like she really
likes this guy."  Akane was a bit disappointed, <For a while there I
almost thought Madoka liked him, but he sounds like a jerk, playing with
Hikaru's feelings like that.>

    Madoka nodded at Akane's assessment.  "Yeah, she does.  I saw her
with him in the infirmary, they were getting pretty close."  Madoka
could still picture the scene in her mind.  "He's so immature though, if
you can believe it, he actually called me up that night to make an
excuse about it, he explained that it was all an accident."

    Akane growled. "Why that two timer! Does he want you too?"

    Madoka frowned and nodded.  "Oh I'm not sure he's THAT bad, he's
just wishy washy, can't make his mind what he wants."  <Why do I like
him then?>

    The next weekend she told Akane how Kasgua-kun had found her at
ABCB, and how Master had gotten him to work there as well, so he'd share
her secret (As part time jobs were frowned at, at school.)  She recalled
to Akane his awkwardness, and how she had finally decided to forgive him
for his actions with Hikaru.

    Akane was really surprised at that, but jumped at the chance
anyway.  "So you do like him then?"

    Madoka wanted to deny it, but.  "Oh, OK, he is kind of cute, in a
sweet and awkward sort of way."

    Akane grinned.  "I knew it, you do like him!"

    Madoka blushed remembering the last night the had worked together, a
few drinks and she had gotten pretty forward. <Good thing I didn't tell
her about that.  What does Kasgua-kun think of me now?>

    The next weekend Akane got a call from Madoka.  "I'm sorry, but
something's come up."  Akane was disappointed, but Madoka promised,
"I'll tell you about it next week."

    The following week as they were stretching before practice, Akane
was saying... "So the Scout turned out to be Kasgua's father?"  Akane
was shocked.

    Madoka was quick to reassure her.  "Oh, it wasn't anything like we
feared.  Everything was fine, I stayed and watched the whole thing to be
sure."

    Akane looked up at her from a long knee stretch she was doing.  "So
his father is a model photographer?"

    Madoka shook her head. "No, not exactly, he usually shoots
landscapes and buildings.  He was just doing the model work as a
favor."  She bent over backwards, stretching out her back muscles as far
as the would go, almost placing her hands on the ground.

    Akane relaxed from her position and asked.  "So how'd Hikaru do?"

    Madoka snapped upright and looked at Akane thoughtfully.  "You know,
I'm not really sure.  he wanted shots of me too, so..."

    Akane looked up at her from her seated position where she was just
finishing a split.  "What?  Are you serious?"   Madoka blushed a bit at
Akane's frank examination of her.  "Well you do have the body for
modeling."

    "Akane!"  Madoka was a bit shocked at the idea.

    Akane laughed at her friend's reaction.  "Just kidding."

    Madoka looked over at Akane, who was now standing over, bent with
her palms flat against the floor."  She admired her friend's
flexibility, and suddenly realized that Akane was beginning to finally
mature, her curves were more evident than before.  <I bet she'll soon
agree with me about boys.>  She asked then.  "So how did you do on your
mid terms?"

    Akane grinned at that as she straightened, and shook herself a
little, finally done stretching.  "Not bad at all, I place 9th in my
class.  How did you do?" Madoka grimaced a bit at the question, and
Akane noticed.  "What's wrong?  Didn't do so well?"

    Madoka looked up at Akane.  "Oh."  She shook her head slowly.  "I
did fine, but my study partner scored so low..."

    Akane blinked at that.  "Study partner?"  <She doesn't mean Nabiki,
she did great, as always.>

    Madoka forced a laugh.  "Yeah, he was too busy coaching Hikaru to
study seriously."

    Akane was astonished. "You don't mean... With both of you?"  She
paused, amazed at Kasgua-kuns actions.  "What, does he think he can have
both of you?  What did you do when you found out?"

    Madoka sighed, putting her face into her hands, shaking her head
slowly.  She then looked up and smiled softly.  "Oh, I went easy on
him."  <Why did I let him off the hook so easy?>  "Oh!"  Madoka
exclaimed, jumping up from where she was finishing her own stretching
routine.  "I just remembered!  Yusaku, you remember Yu-kun right?"  At
the other girls silent nod she continued.  "Well he finally decided to
tell Hikaru how he feels about her.  He's been serious about her for so
long."

    The two gossiped together for a few more minutes before sparing.
Akane felt that Madoka was avoiding some subject, but she didn't want to
pry.  Madoka was still thinking about the incident a few days before
when she had gotten Kasgua-kun drunk.  He had said some things with
brutal honesty, and caught her off guard, then almost kissed her.  <If I
hadn't stopped him, he would of kissed me too.>  A deeper voice was
saying, <So why didn't you let him?>  But she ignored it.

    The sparing session was educational for Akane especially.  Lately
Madoka had been winning more often than not.  Soun had deduced that she
had seen "Real Combat"  as he called it.  He was so happy at her
improvement, that he never asked her who she had been fighting, to her
relief.  <Though I haven't had to deal with them for a few weeks now.>

    Akane was glad enough of the additional challenge, but noted some
other small changes about her friend.  <She's not smoking anymore, and
she doesn't seem as.. fierce lately.  Sometimes she just relaxes and
acts like a girl her age, even Nabiki has noticed.  What ever this
Kasgua-kun's faults, at least he's done that for her.>

    Madoka was also conscious of the change, and wasn't unhappy with
it.  <At least Hikaru's gone back to her old cheerful self.  Now if
Yu-kun could only get up the courage to tell Hikaru how he feels.>

    Two weeks later, Madoka had to skip another Sunday practice.  Her
call to the Tendo's that Friday had disturbed Akane quite a bit.  It
seemed that her parents had decided that since Madoka's sister was
finally married and moving out Madoka should come to live with them in
America.  Akane told her that she understood her decision, and wished
her well.  The next few days Akane spent thinking about her friendship
with Madoka.  <I guess I'll really miss her.  She's the only person who
really understands me.>  That monday, the day after Madoka's flight was
too have departed, she called Akane.  They talked for several minutes.

    "Yes, I canceled my trip.  Akane? Are you crying?"

    Akane denied it.  "Of, course not. So why?  I thought you had
decided that you needed to spend some time with your parents?"

    Madoka sighed to herself.  "I'll tell you all about it when I see
you this weekend ok?"

    That Saturday Madoka was almost an hour late to practice.  She
apologized to Soun.  "I'm sorry Sensei, something came up."  He accepted
her explanation and began as if nothing had happened.  Akane was
disappointed however, they barely had time to talk afterward before
Madoka had to leave to catch her train.  She had tried to explain.  "And
then I saw him coming up the steps.  Actually I heard him.  He was
counting them like the day we met.  He spotted me by the swings, and he
came over and sat down next to me.  Then he tried, in his awkward, way,
to tell me why he didn't want me to go.  He was so sweet.  I could tell
how much he wanted to just tell me how he felt about me.  Finally I
couldn't take it, so I laughed and told him I had never intended to go
to America."

    Akane smiled.  "I'm glad."  Then she frowned.  "But why were you
late today?"

    Madoka was looking at the time.  "Oh, I'm sorry Akane, I'll tell you
tomorrow, I gotta run if I want to catch my Bus.

    The next day Akane listened to Madoka's story.  "You see,
Kasgua-kun's sister was taken away during a shoping trip by a nimwit."

    Akane looked at her, and decided the story couldn't be that scary,
If Madoka had such a contented look on her face.  "What happened?  Was
she ok?"

    Madoka laughed confirming Akane's suspisions. "Yes, she was fine.
The guy was really fairly harmless.  Actually, what struck about the
whole thing was how lucky Kasgua was to have younger siblings.  I wish I
had someone like them to worry about.  It was nice to see how concerned
he got about her before we found her."

    Akane nodded.  "I guess so."  She laughed.  "I can't see Nabiki
worring about me though, she'd probably be giving odds as to how many
pieces the guy would come back in!  Kasumi would probably ask me if I
had nice time when I got home."

    Madoka shook her head.  "Your sisters would worry, you know that.
Nabiki would pretend she wasn't, but she'd be the first one to get
people looking for you.  And Kasumi would be fretting almost as much as
your father."

    Akane nodded slowly.  "Your right I guess, I love them too, it's
just that sometimes it almost seems they're not my sisters so much as
Nabiki is my banker and Kasumi is my mom.

    Madoka laughed at that, and they went to join Akane's father in the
dojo.

**********************************************

    The next few weeks went by fairly uneventfully for Akane.  She
didn't realise that Madoka was slowly coming to a painfull decision.

    Madoka had come over on Sunday like normal.  They were in Akane's
room changing, when Madoka collapsed on the bed sobbing.  Akane was
astonished and unsure of how to deal with her friend's bizare behavior.
She sat down next to her, and put her arms around her.  "Madoka-chan?
What's wrong?"

    Madoka didn't even notice the sudden difference in the way Akane
said her name, she was too distraught.  "Oh I can't do this anymore,
Akane!"  She hugged the other girl tightly.

    Akane held her while the tears flowed.  "What can't you do?"

    Madoka's eyes were puffy as she sat back releasing Akane.  "I just
can't keep seeing Kasgua-kun.  Hikaru has noticed how distant he's been
with her lately, and she's really sad.  I know I'm the reason, I just
need to make it plan to him that I'm not avaliable, and he'll turn to
Hikaru."

    Akane nodded knowlegebly.  "OK, that might work."  She looked
speculativly at Madoka then.  "If your feelings aren't important."

    Madoka sighed, and rested her head on her hands.  "Why am I getting
so upset?  I know what your saying, but my feelings for him aren't.. I
mean they shouldn't be that strong."  She looked up at Akane's concerned
face.  "Besides, this is Hikaru, she's like the little sister I never
had, how can I do this to her?"

    Akane moved forward and gave Madoka's shoulders a quick squeeze.  "I
hope your right."  She caught her gaze.  "You know, I bet he feels the
same way you do."

    Madoka looked at her uncomprehendingly.  "Huh?"

    Akane nodded.  "Yes, maybe he doesn't want to hurt her either, but
he can't decide because he's woried about it."  She squinted a bit.  "Or
he could just be a two timing jerk!"

    They both managed a small laugh at that before Madoka got up from
the bed.  "Well, whatever he is, I'm not sure, but I'm sure I'm going to
beat you again today!"

    Akane nodded happily.  "You can try!"

*********************************************************

    The term was over when Madoka showed Akane the photograph.  She was
thrilled at the idea.
"Wow! You say you really saw a UFO? That's so cool!"

    Madoka nodded. "Yup, Kasgua-kun and I saw it a few days ago."
Briefly a frwon passed over her face.  "He denied seeing it later at
school, but afterwards he told me he was just afraid of what the others
would think."

    Akane frowned back. <Everytime I think I might like this guy, he
does something like this.>  To Madoka she said, "What a whimp, you
should give up on him.!

    Madoka just laughed then shook her head.  "Oh I don't know, he's not
exactly a jock, but he can be brave, and even noble in a way when it
counts.  I just wish..."

    "What? Akane said impasciently as Madoka paused in thought.

    "Oh, he's just not serious about somethings.  We had a study date
yestersday..."  Madoka paused again recalling the events in question.

    Akane prodded.  "And what happened?"

    Madoka explained.  "Well, he went swimming with Hikaru first, so
when he got to the library he was tired and distracted.  He finnaly fell
asleep, so I left him a note and went home."

    Akane looke disapointed.  "Is that all?  What about the fireworks?"

    Madoka nodded.  "I had wanted to go to the fireworks with him after
we finished the homework, but he had just barely started before he fell
asleep, so I went to ABCB to let Master go out with his wife.
Still..."  She smiled at the memory.  "He did finish the problems after
he woke up, and then he came by and brought me some sparklers."

    Akane shook her head, fustrated.  "I can't tell, is this guy a total
jerk, or a nice guy?"

    Madoka chuckled at her friends rye tone.  "I think he's just
indecisive."

    There were a few good weeks of summer left, and the friends spent a
few extra days each week sparing.  Akane soon learned to adapt to
Madoka's new found 'fighting spirit' as her father called it, and Madoka
improved her resistance to Akane's strong attacks.  One Sunday near the
end of Summer, Madoka invited Akane to the beach Monday.  "We've got a
great deal on the tickets, half off."

    Akane was sorry to tell her she already was going on a family trip.
She was curious though.  "Why so cheap in the regular season anyway?"

    Madoka shook her head.  "I have no idea.  Well, have fun, I'll see
you next week!"

    Next week came, and the next.  Madoka wasn't sure if she wanted to
tell even Akane about everthing that had happened on the island when she
had been stranded there with Kasgua-kun.  Still, the events of the tenis
camp she could talk about.

    Akane sat there listening with an air of facination.  "So then what
happened?"

    Madoka continue to tell the tale.  "Well after Hikaru saw us
together in that position, she just ran off.  The next day when
Kasgua-kun tried to talk to her, she ran away again, this time into the
arms of our lady killer coach!

    Akane gasped.  "Then what?"

    Madoka smirked.  "He decided to take her for a little boat ride, and
tried to take advantage of her.  Hikaru panicked and fell out.  We heard
here cries and ran to the lake.  The coach was just paddling around in
circles, and so Kasgua-kun jumped into the water to save her.  The coach
just yelled about how the water was too cold, but Kasgua got her to
shore safely.  Then he colapsed, and slept the rest of the day till
morning.  Hikaru still didn't seem ready to forgive him, but she had by
morning."  Madoka laughed.  "If you can believe his gall, the coach
tried to grab me as well that night."

    Akane grinned back, anticipating what came next. "And?"

    Madoka smiled grimly.  "And I rearanged his pretty face of course."
She continued in a more serious tone.  The next day I spotted Kasgua-kun
talking to a strange girl, when he didn't show up in camp that afternoon
we all went looking for him.  I found him, in a cabin with the girl, and
both of them were in their underware!"

    She enjoyed the shock on Akane's face.  "What? Huh?"  She looked
very confused.  "THen why do you look so pleased?"

    Madoka smiled and explained.  "...So she had tried to seduce him,
and failed, see?  After I found out about the operation, I wasn't even
really mad at her."

    Akane was dabbing tears from the corners of her eyes.  "I hope
she'll be alright."

    Madoka nodded.  "Me too."

*****************************************************

    The school year began fairly uneventfully for Madoka, but for Akane,
her first year in Highschool would be one she would always remember.

    Akane heard Kasumi call her from downstairs.  "Akane! phone call for
you!"

    She grumbled and put down her homework.  "Probably that Kuno again.
He's such an idiot.  How dare he auction me off like some prize at the
fair!"  She came down the stairs in a rush and yeled into the phone,
"What!"

    Madoka winced on the other end. <Ouch>  She said tenatively, "Um, if
I called at a bad time?"

    Akane imediatlt appologized.  "Madoka-chan?  Oh no, I'm sorry,
what's up?"

    Madoka grinned to herself and said.  "Well if your in a bad mood,
this ought to cheer you up, Shu's band decided to use the music I wrote,
and I'll be playing with them tonight at the club, you want to come?"

    Akane was estatic.  "Really?  That's great!  I'd love to come, how
much is the ticket?"

    Madoka laughed brightly.  "Oh, I'll see you get in free, so why
don't you bring a friend?"

    Akane thought for a moment before saying.  "I'll bring Nabiki.  I
think she's free tonight.  She'll probably want to be your agent!"  They
laughed together at that.

    After the show, Akane went back to the girl's dressing room.  Yukari
had already left with Shu, and Nabiki had gone after them to discuse a
gig, so Akane had a few minutes before she could go home.  She
enthused.  "Oh Madoka-chan, you wrote that?  It was great!"

    Madoka blushed a bit.  "Oh do you think so?"

    Akane nodded, "Of course."  She looked at Madoka closely.  "So that
guy, was he?"

    Madoka nodded.  "Yes, that was Kasgua Kyosuke."

    Akane grinned.  "Looks like Yukari knows about you two, huh?"

    Madoka blushed brighter.  "I guess so..."

    Akane broke the silence.  "So was tha guy with Hikaru, Yusaku?  He's
gotten a lot bigger since I saw him last."

    Madoka nodded, glad to change the subject.  "Yup, looks like he
struck out again, hmm?"  They both chuckled a bit at the memory.  After
a few moments Madoka's face took on a more serious cast.  "Um, Akane?"
She said, uncertain how to bring up the subject.  Akane nodded, looking
at her.  Madoka sighed and continued.  "Well, with school and weekends
so busy now at ABCB, I think I'm going to have to cancel our regular
Sunday sparing."

    Akane frowned.  "Oh that's too bad."  She looked sad at the notion.

    Madoka also looked sad.  "I know, but we'll still get together on
Saturday afternoons right?"

    Akane nodded wistfully.  "Yes, I guess, that's really too bad
though."

    Madoka grinned at Akane, trying to break the mood.  "Hey, your the
one who's going to be running a Dojo, I plan on writing songs for a
living!  I don't need to be Miss Kenpo you know."

    Akane smiled to acknowlege Madoka's point.

********************************************************

    That Saturday Madoka asked Akane how highschool was treating her,
and was astonished at the girl's irate answer.  "He what?"  was the only
thing she could think to say.

    "That's right!"  Akane said in a huff. "he told them them to date
me, they only had to defeat me in combat.  I can't believe his nerve!
Actually I can't believe any of them.  Boys!"  She said the word like
she was swearing.

    Madoka took it in at last, then finally grinned slowly, impishly.
"So you finally see my point about them?"

    Akane nodded vigerously.  "Oh yes, they are way too much trouble.  I
wish I had been taking notes when you told me how you kept them away!"
She looked at the ground wistfully all of a sudden.  "If only..."

    Madoka nodded knowingly, recoginizing this expresion.  "Oh ho, still
daydreaming about Dr. Tofu?"

    Akane nodde sadly.  "I don't think he'll ever notice me.  He's all
too obviously in love with Kasumi, but I can dream can't I?"

    Madoka nodded,  "Of course you can."  She glanced up and down at
Akane and wolf whistled apriciatively.  "I can see why all the boy's are
going after you though, you've really filled out this summer."

    Akane groaned.  "Madoka!"  She sounded was scandalised.

    Madoka grinned and laught to show she was joking, and Akane
gradually relaxed.  "Why don't you tell me again how you kept the boys
away?"

    Madoka shook her head.  "No, you were right back then, it only kept
the nice guys away from me, the jerks didn't seem to get the hint."

    Akane grinned, suddenly sure of an easy victory.  "Oh?  Then how did
Kasgua-kun fall for you?"

    Madoka blushed slightly.  "I, um, let my guard down for a second?"





Ok, tell me what you think?  This Chapter was primarily to esatablish
Akane and Madoka's relationship, as well as fix the start of the story
fairly well in the readers minds.  The next Chapter, things get strange!
(As you all probably have guessed by now.)

Like, Dislike, have a great idea that needs sharing?  Please send it to
me!