Fate
Um… Hey. I'm Jam and this is my first fanfic. This is a crossover between Beyblade and Fruits Basket (not many of these around, so I figured I'd write one). Basically, the story focuses mostly on Takao and his past. The story's written in either Takao or Kai's POV. Thoughts are in Italics. I am sad to say that I don't own Fruits Basket or Beyblades or any of the characters, plots, etc associated with these two animes. Fruits Basket is owned by Natsuki Takaya and Beyblade is owned by someone who I can't remember the name of but it's definitely not me so please DON'T SUE ME! . Anyhoo, let's get on with the story. Hope you enjoy it, ne: ) Btw, please remember to review it. I'd like constructive criticism please. Only flame me if you have to. Also, if I mix up names or screw up minor bits: gomen nasai!
Chapter 1: It Begins
Every time I succeed, my victory feels hollow. Ever time I laugh with a friend, I feel like I'm betraying them. Every time I tell myself it'll be all right, I know I'm lying to myself. I know I should be happy, for I am blessed with so much; good friends, fame and talent but all this means nothing. The shield that has formed around my heart remains strong and I fear nothing even brushes my emotions any more. I am hollow, empty, frozen in events of the past. I haven't the courage to face the present or looks towards the future. After all, what future is there to look forward to? My friends are unaware of my problems. I like it like that. I keep up this act for them, so they'll never know how pitiful and useless I really am. It's tiring keeping up this charade but it won't continue for much longer. The end is nigh and I am ready for it.
(Takao's POV)
"Oi, Takao. Wake up!"
I groaned. Go away, I can't handle getting up right now!
"WAKE UP"
I jumped; suddenly wide-awake as I felt a startling cold sensation. Looking around I spotted a smirking Kai holding an empty ice-cube tray.
"Time to train," he stated walking out of the room. I glared at his retreating back before moving my gaze to my alarm clock. 7:00am. Way too early! Swearing under my breath I quickly threw on some clothes, stumbling slightly in my half-asleep state. I paused for a second to look out my window. Dark clouds swirled ominously in the sky and silver rain fell steadily.
"God I hate rain," I muttered as I removed the ice cubes from my bed. Hearing an impatient yell from downstairs, I hurriedly finished my task and clambered down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Ah, he's awake", came a warm voice. I don't even have to look up to know who it is.
"Morning Rei," I mumbled. Shuffling past him, I opened the fridge and grab the half-empty bottle of milk. I gulped the whole thing down before leaning back and sighing in contentment. I love milk!
"Ew, that's gross Takao! Use a glass next time," laughs a bubbly blonde who had just entered the room.
"Morning Max," I replied as I moved zombishly across the room. I collapsed onto a chair as I turn to address Rei. "Hey, Rei I think I'll pass on breakfast today."
"What!? But you never turn down a meal. Are you sick or something?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
"I'm fine," I yawned. "I just feel lousy this morning. Maybe it's the weather."
"Or maybe you just want to get out of training?" Kai snapped as he entered the room. His two-toned hair was still damp from his shower.
"No, it's not that," I protested. "I'll train today, I just don't feel that hungry right now."
"Hn," came Kai's disbelieving reply. He took the seat across from me as Rei and Max brought out plates, cutlery and of course, the food. The aromas of the food, which would normally have tempted me, made me feel like throwing up.
"Morning little dudes! What's shaking," My Grandpa boomed as he entered the room. "Geez, that smells good! Huh? What's up with you Takao? You look like you're gonna be sick."
"I just feel lousy, is all," I muttered, clutching my stomach.
"Well the weather bureau said it's gonna rain all day. No doubt that's why you're feeling ill."
"What's the weather got to do with him feeling sick?" Max asked through a mouthful of rice.
"Don't you guys now?" Grandpa queried in surprise. "Takao always feels off when it rains. Haven't you guys noticed?"
"I can't say I have," Rei answered. "Why didn't you tell us Takao?" he questioned, his gaze moving towards me. I stared back at him incomprehensively. I could see his lips moving but all I could hear was white noise. My vision started to blur as I continued to watch Rei. He looked positively alarmed now. He was obviously yelling something, but what? I turned my gaze to Kai who sat next to Rei. He looked alarmed as well. I watched fascinated as he moved around the table towards me. Suddenly I felt my chair give way under me and I then I was falling…THUMP. I hit the ground. Lying flat on my back, I shut my eyes and began to take deep breaths in an attempt to rid myself of the nauseous feeling in my stomach. As I continued to breathe, I felt myself being lifted onto a mattress in the living room. I opened my eyes tentatively. My vision had thankfully steadied and I the white noise had quietened, allowing me to hear the anxious voices around me. I spotted Grandpa and tuned into what he was saying.
"This isn't normal. The rain shouldn't have affected him this much."
"It's not just the rain," I gasped. The voices of my friends dimmed as I focused all of my attention on Grandpa. "The end is nigh and my body knows it." I smile, ignoring the questioning noises of my friends. My vision begins to fade. The last thing I saw before the inky blackness consumed me was a lone tear sliding down Grandpa's cheek.
The first thing I felt when I returned to consciousness was the throbbing in my head. Next came the nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach. I groaned, slowly rolling onto my side. It hurt!
"He's awake," I heard Max shout. I opened my eyes and peered blearily at the people assembled around me. Kai, Rei and Max sat fretfully around my mattress. Kai was (as usual) the most composed whilst the other two were clearly freaking out.
"Takao…" Max began uncertainly.
"I'm all right," I responded tiredly. Shakily, I sat up. "Where's Grandpa?"
"He went to call a doctor," Rei answered. He glanced at me nervously. "Um, Takao, do you remember what you said to him before you passed out?" Noticing my blank look, he continued. "It's just Grandpa almost broke down when you said what you did. I'm curious. What did you mean when you said 'the end is nigh'?" I looked around. It was obvious they were all wondering about what I had said. They'd probably been discussing it whilst I was out cold. I sighed, rubbing my temples.
"It's nothing. I was just really out of it when I said it. You shouldn't dwell on it."
"But then why did Grandpa…" Max began.
"Leave it alone!" I cut him off angrily. I clutched at my chest as a sharp pain jolted my heart. "Just forget about it, okay?" I panted. I glared at them whilst all three stared back in shock. They obviously hadn't expected such a reaction.
"Takao, yelling at those who are worried about you won't land you many friends," came a quiet voice from across the room. I looked up, startled.
"Hatori!" I gasped.
"Long time no see," he replied sedately, walking towards me. "Master Kazuma called me here. He said you were feeling ill but from your conversation just now, I can tell there's more to it than that. He also told me you sensed the end approaching. I can see why you may be feeling a bit off." He paused to consider Kai, Rei and Max. "Could you please join Takao's Grandpa in the kitchen? I would like to speak to Takao in private."
"Fine," muttered Kai. He left the room silently, a reluctant Max and Rei trailing behind him. They still hadn't fully recovered from the shock of being yelled at.
I turned my attention back to Hatori. "It is time, isn't it?" I asked him, half-afraid of the answer.
"I don't truly know," he shrugged, sitting down on the floor next to my mattress. "Akito has become quite reclusive recently. No one knows what she is thinking nowadays"
"Well, that's not really surprising, " I reply. "After all, you're all free from the curse now. You're no longer bonded to her anymore."
"It will break for you too, one day," Hatori reassured. "And for her."
"One day," I mused, a bitter smile on my face. "I really do hate those words."
"In any case," Hatori continued," you can't afford to lose hope. If you're instincts are right and the end is nigh, you can't just let your body give up."
"I'd rather my body waste away than the hell that's planned for me," I remarked heatedly. "I refuse to spend the rest of my life trapped in that godforsaken room!"
"There's still a chance…" Hatori began hesitantly but I cut him off.
"No! There are no maybes. It's gonna happen, Hatori. Whether I like it or not. Neither you nor the others will be able change this fact. You are outsiders now. Akito never listened to you even when you were the Dragon. Do you really think she'll listen to you now? I'm doomed, Hatori. Ever since I was born, I was doomed to this fate, this suffering. There is no escape!"
"And so you're just going to give up? You're going to resign yourself to fate without a fight" Hatori queried. His stormy blue eyes stared at me piercingly.
"No," I stated calmly. I met his gaze steadily. "Like I said, I'd rather my body waste away than be stuck for eternity in that hole."
"You're serious?" Hatori gasped disbelievingly, his eyes widening in shock.
"Yes, deadly serious," was my steady response.
(Kai's POV)
Ignoring my instinct to remain with my teammate, I left the room with Max and Rei following listlessly. It was obvious that both Rei and Max were still a bit out of it because of Takao's outburst just then. God, even I wasn't expecting an explosion like that. Sure I've seen him pissed off before but this was different. The usual light in his eyes was gone and his whole body radiated the message 'back-off unless you want your life cut abruptly short' I've never seen him like that before. It must be something big if it sets him off this much. I wonder what it is?
"So Takao's with Hatori now?" came a saddened voice, breaking my reverie. I looked up to see Takao's Grandpa sitting at the kitchen table, untouched coffee in front of him. I poured myself a cup whilst Max and Rei collapsed onto chairs. I leaned against the kitchen counter and took a sip. Good coffee!
"Yeah, he is. He said he wanted to speak to Takao in private, hence why we're here," a clearly shaken Rei replied to Grandpa's query.
"Are you guys all right? You look like you've just had quite a scare," Grandpa remarked, eying the still quivering Max.
"Uh, yeah. It's all good," Max mumbled. "I… just didn't expect to get yelled at like that."
Grandpa's eyebrows rose into his hairline. "Hatori yelled at you. That is kinda unexpected."
"No, Takao did," I chipped in. Noticing the questioning look in his eyes, I continued. "Rei asked him what he meant by the 'end is nigh' and Takao flipped out."
"Don't take it too personally," Grandpa sighed, massaging his temples. "Takao doesn't take kindly to people asking really personal questions. You're not the first ones Takao has snapped at."
"What!? Takao still has secrets from me?" Max cried. "I thought I knew everything about him"
"Actually, now that I think about it, I don't really know that much about him. I mean, I know like basic stuff since we've spent so much time together but apart from that, I don't know a thing," Rei murmured.
I frowned. Rei was right. Just who the hell was Takao Kinomiya?
"That's true," agreed a now composed Max. "He knows all about our pasts but what about his? Where are his parents? How did he and Hiro grow up? Did he always live here?" These last questions were directed at Takao's Grandpa.
"I'm afraid you're gonna have to ask Takao these questions, not me. He is… an intensely private person despite his open personality. He probably wouldn't like it if I told you boys everything," Grandpa responded uncertainly.
"But why?" Rei asked curiously. "It's not like we're asking really personal questions. Can't you tell us anything?"
I studied Takao's Grandpa critically. Why did he look so nervous? Rei was right. Asking where Takao's parents are wasn't that big of a deal. In any case, both Takao and his Grandpa know that we haven't had the easiest pasts, especially Rei and me. Surely Takao's can't be that bad. I mean, look at him. He's too happy and carefree to be hiding some dark secret. Isn't he?
"I… still think it's a better idea to pose these questions to Takao, not me. Sorry dudes but this isn't something that should be spoken about…casually," Grandpa finished lamely.
Hearing footsteps approaching the kitchen, I turned away from the now sweating Grandpa and turned to face that Hatori guy. Who was he anyway?
"How is he?" Grandpa burst out.
"I…I don't really know," was the stuttered response.
"Are you okay, Hatori?" Grandpa asked, alarm on his face. "I've never seen you look so flustered before."
I narrowed my eyes. Now that I looked closely, he did look a lot more frazzled than when he first entered. It was obvious that this guy was normally one of those cool, calm, collected types but at the moment his eyes were widened slightly in disbelief and his hands shook ever so slightly. It would have taken a lot to shake this guy up. What the hell did Takao say to him?
"I'm fine, I just wasn't expecting Takao to say what he did." He paused, as if silently debating with himself. "Did you know?" he suddenly burst out.
"Know what?" Grandpa questioned, worry threading his tone.
"What Takao's…plans are, in the event that, um… things come to pass," Hatori replied. From the covert glances he kept sending Max, Rei and I, it was apparent that he didn't want to say anything obvious in front of us.
"I didn't know he had any. To be honest, we've both steered clear of that particular subject. It's not really something either one of us wants to dwell on. Why? What does he plan to do?" Grandpa cautiously queried.
"He's…" Hatori paused, once more looking at Rei, Max and I. "He's going to let everything end before it can begin."
What the hell did that mean? I could see the same curiosity in Max and Rei's eyes. I focused my attention back onto Grandpa and Hatori.
"You don't mean…?" Grandpa gasped. Hatori nodded.
"I'm afraid he's serious," Hatori commented.
"Shit," Grandpa muttered. I saw Max's eyes widen. None of us had ever heard Takao's Grandpa swear before.
"Yeah," came Hatori's reply. "In any case he's sleeping at the moment. I've given him some medicine to help with his nausea. The rain should let up by tonight so he should hopefully be well again by tomorrow. I suggest you let him sleep in tomorrow as well. Taking a jog and practicing martial arts at 4am won't do him much good with him in this condition."
"You try telling him that," Grandpa grumbled. "He hasn't missed a day for the past 10 years. He even went jogging the day we had that typhoon. He's not going to let up just because he's feeling sick."
"Wait. What do you mean 4am jogging and martial arts sessions?" Rei interrupted. "Takao always sleeps in."
"No, he just always falls asleep after he finishes his training," Grandpa supplied.
"That's impossible," I interjected. "I would have heard him if he got up before I did."
"Maybe he only goes out when he had a separate room to the rest of us. Though I can't really imagine Takao waking up early for any reason," Max chipped in.
"No, Takao wouldn't have stopped his training even if you guys did share the same room," Grandpa answered.
"But I would have heard him if he had left the room early," I insisted.
"No, I doubt you would have," Hatori interrupted. "Takao can be very quiet and sneaky when he wants to be. Trust me, if he doesn't want to be caught, he won't be."
"How would you know?" Rei queried.
"I'm his cousin as well as his doctor," he replied.
"Sorry, I forgot about introductions," Grandpa interrupted sheepishly. "Boys, this is Takao's cousin Hatori Sohma"
"It's nice to meet you," Hatori stated, bowing slightly.
"It's nice to meet you too," Rei replied, bowing. "My name is Rei Kon. This is Max Mizuhara and Kai Hiwatari."
Max and I bowed as Rei introduced us.
"I didn't know Takao had any cousins," Max commented. "I thought his only family was Grandpa and Hiro."
"No, Takao has many relatives but I'm afraid very few of us bother to keep in contact. The only ones I think Takao really keeps in contact with are a handful of cousins," Hatori explained. "In any case," he continued, turning to Takao's Grandpa, "I must be going. Akito is expecting me."
"Does he know you're here?" Grandpa inquired, his face suddenly tense.
"No," Hatori replied shortly. Grandpa's face immediately relaxed. "He currently believes me to be with Shigure," Hatori finished.
"Good," Grandpa sighed. Hatori just nodded in response.
"Call me if anything else pops up," he directed to Grandpa.
"Will do," Grandpa replied, standing up.
"It was nice to meet you boys," he nodded to us before he and Grandpa exited the room.
When they were gone, the three of us turned to face each other.
"What did you make of that?" Rei asked.
"It's something big," I concluded. "And it's happening soon."
"We have to find out more about Takao," Max contributed.
"I agree. I wonder if Takao will be more open to answering questions tomorrow?" Rei mused aloud.
"He better be. There's no one else we can ask, especially as Grandpa won't help us," Max sighed.
"We can't do anything at the moment. Let's get some training done. Maybe it'll help us think," I suggested. Max and Rei just nodded and began walking towards Takao's beydish. I followed slowly. What the hell is going on, Takao? Who are you?
