Warnings:

Contains some harsh language. (Possibley some yaoi later on in the story)

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of it's characters. (Unfortunutly)

Act one: Preparation and Anticipation

Rei shoved a toothbrush into his backpack and picked up a folded piece of paper. He opened it up and went over the list again, just to be sure he didn't forget anything. He scratched his head in confusion, trying to figure out if that letter was a c or an e. Oh how he wished he would have practiced his penmanship more.

A part of him was excited for school. Yet he was also afraid. Afraid that people would think he was weird, afraid he wouldn't make any friends. After all, he was so much different from everyone else, being a neko-jin. The Blade Breakers had never cared he was different. But something told him not everyone was going to be as understanding as his teammates.

'I just know they're gonna give me hell' He sighed and remorsefully zipped his bag closed. 'Here we go'

---At Max' House---

Max barred his teeth in frustration as he continued trying to stuff more sugar into his already-full bag. "No use," He sighed. He set the bag of sugar down beside his bed. "Oh well. I guess I can always buy some more when I get there." He pulled twenty dollars from his little wooden chest. 'I hope this will be enough.'

Max looked to his dresser. It was crowned with an assortment of pictures. Mostly of him and the Blade Breakers at tournaments. There were also some of his family and his old friends in America. He smiled as he pulled a select few down and somehow managed to stuff them into his bag.

"It's going to be hard to be away from home for so long," The teen whined. He desperately attempted to lift his overweight suitcase but to no avail. 'This is gonna be a long year...'

---Takao's dojo---

A few jellybeans dropped and scattered across the wooden floor. "Whaaa!" Takao knelt down hastily and collected them in his palms. "Whew, that was a close one," He sighed in relief as he threw the jellybeans into a mess of other objects inside his bag.

Takao closed his eyes and flopped down on his bed. "So... tired..." He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. His beyblade lay in front of him on his pillow. He scooped it up and put it in his bag. 'I hope we'll still have time to beyblade when were in school' He buttoned his bag shut.

Takao's weary eyes closed and he rolled over on his stomach. 'I'm not so sure I'm ready for this'

---Hiwatari Mansion---

"I can't wait to get out of here," Kai said tonelessly. He walked over to his dresser and grabbed his Dranzer off the top. He then fitted the newest piece onto his beyblade, a look of satisfactory crossed his face. He clenched his Dranzer in his fist then slipped it into his pocket.

The cold-hearted Russian didn't know what to think. Going to school again wouldn't be an easy task. Sure he knew how to take care of himself, but fitting in wasn't always his strong point. Not that he was scared. Even if he was he didn't show it. No, fear was not an option for Kai. Confidence was his motivation but never too much.

He opened a drawer and pulled a pair of glasses out and carefully tucked them into his bag. 'Why did I have to lose my damn contact lenses'

---Kyouju' place---

"I've no idea what to pack Dizzi," Kyouju acknowledged tuning to his computer. "What do ya mean Chief?" Replied the optimistic bitbeast. Kyouju sighed as if he didn't even know what he meant. "It's been a while since I've been in school, Dizzi," He stated blankly. "Don't worry about it Chief, you'll have no trouble, I'm sure." Kyouju smiled. "Yeah, I guess."

Kyouju packed some computer software into his duffle bag and zipped it closed. He closed his eyes and lay down on his bed quietly. 'It will be kind of nice to be in school again. Maybe we can even meet more beybladers.'

---The next day---

The five beybladers met at the train station. Each of them anticipated the train's arrival quietly. Not a word was spoken since they had arrived, none of them knew what to say. Departing so far away from home was not so very easy but at least they had each other.

Finally the silence was broken. "Hey I'm hungry. They will have food on the train, right?" Takao questioned eagerly, rubbing his always-hungry stomach. Rei put a hand on Takao's shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry about it Takao. I'm sure there'll be plenty of food once we get to- Where is this school anyway?" Rei answered, changing the subject.

"Good question," Answered Kai as he pulled a brochure from his pocket. He tried to read it but the words where all a blur without his contact lenses. 'Damnit! Stupid writing, why does it have to be so damn small?' He strained his eyes to read the 'small' writing. Still a blur. Poor Kai would do anything to avoid putting his glasses on. He actually didn't look bad in them, but he was very self-conscious about the matter.

"Kai do ya need some help?" Offered Max. "I know how to read. Don't be a stupid-ass, Max," Kai snapped. Max stepped back a few paces. "Relax Kai he was just trying to help!" Kyouju piped up. Kai shook his head. "I don't need any damn help, got it?" He replied then continued scanning the brochure, which he couldn't read at all.

Finally he lifted his eyes from the paper. "It doesn't say where it is," He said emotionlessly. Of coarse it probably did say but he didn't want anyone to think he couldn't read. "Oh well," Was Max's short reply. They all sighed and went back to being quiet again until the train arrived.

"Yes! It's finally here! Man was I ever getting sick of waiting," Takao practically shouted. Max nodded his head in agreement and stuffed a hand full of sugar in his mouth. "Let's go!" Kyouju said hopefully.