Disclaimer - If you recoginize it, I don't own it. Understand?

(A/N - I need to add that in this chapter, Kai will act a bit like Takao. He will be somewhat OOC. I couldn't figure out how else to bring him into the story & I needed him for the opening of BEGA. None of the others would work in that scene so I had to bring him in earlier.)

I would like to thank Minako Mikoto, Cat & Golden-Phoenix-Ra for reviewing. Thanks ever so much! Golden-Phoenix-Ra, you will see the others' reactions to Takao's situation in the next chapter.

Chapter Two - Changing of Leagues

A week after they had watched the crowning of the Blitzkrieg Boyz as the new world champions, Boris Balkov returned to the BEGA building in a very good mood. He had officially taken over the league by bribing and buying out the board of directors. Mr. Dickerson had been fired and the BBA was fixing to undergo a major renovation. Takao couldn't wait until the new league was up and running. The beybattles would be even more intense than what he had experienced in the past.

It was kind of amusing to watch the news since there was a lot of speculation about what was going to happen. Ming Ming was benefitting from Balkov's new venture. She was being heavily promoted to the public in preparation for the unveiling. She was going to be the mascot of the BEGA organization. Personally, Takao couldn't stand the little prep but tolerated and respected her since she was a very good blader. He believed that his sister didn't care for her in any other manner as well.

The days past as Takao trained and waited for the opening. He was curious to see if any of his old friends would show up at the press conference. He was fairly certain that some of them would appear especially the Blitzkrieg Boyz when they discovered Boris' involvement. They wouldn't let an old grudge go so easily. It was just a matter of time before he was found.

It wasn't like he had disappeared completely off the face of the earth. He had called Grandpa and reassured him that he was fine. Grandpa didn't seem to mind when he heard that Akane was with him. He trusted his judgement and after all he was fifteen. He wasn't a child anymore and if Akane was involved then it had to be okay. The older Kinomiya had promised that he wouldn't tell anyone including Hitoshi of his whereabouts but to just say that he was all right. He wasn't ready to deal with them until it was absolutely necessary.

That was probably the longest week that he had ever had to live through. The facility was up and running and awaiting the new recruits that would soon be flooding in. The only difference was of who would stay and train. Most members of BEGA would just hold a card that would entitle them to certain benefits. Boris had handpicked everyone that trained within the facility. Only the strongest could stay and benefit from the league. The others would have to earn their place within these walls.

Finally the day arrived. He, Akane, Garland and Brooklyn watched the opening from a private lounge. There was a big flat screen television on the wall as their eyes turned toward it. Like he thought, he saw Daichi, Max, Kyoujyu and Hiromi in the crowd that had gathered outside. What surprised him even more was when he saw the twin tails of Kai's scarf. He joined the other four at the front of the crowd of people.

"That is surprising," Takao murmured as he pointed out Kai's appearance, "I didn't think he would arrive so soon." "He must be really curious about the league," Akane added, "or he has been keeping in touch with Max or possibly Kyoujyu. They use to be his teammates too." "It's just unlike him," Takao remarked as the scene outside got even more heated after Hiromi had insulted Ming Ming for her performance. "Someone is jealous of our pop diva," Akane teased with a laugh. "Now that was stupid," Garland added as he closed his eyes and sighed, "Ming Ming isn't what she appears to be."

"How well we know?" his three companions said at the same time, earning even a chuckle from Garland himself. "Now here is where it gets interesting," Takao thought as his eyes were glued to the screen. Of course, Max took up for Hiromi while Daichi challenged her to a beybattle. If they thought they were going to get a shot at BEGA's number 4 ranked blader so soon; they were quite mistaken. In order to earn a battle against Ming Ming, you had to beat the members of her band first.

The three of them were ranked within the top hundred of the BEGA league so it would be interesting to see how his former friends fared against them. Since it was going to be a three-on-three battle, Max and Daichi needed a partner. Kyoujyu was clueless and obviously drooling over Ming Ming since all he could do was stare at her. Kai appeared to mumble that this was a complete waste of his time but he pulled out his launcher and Dranzer anyway. He was loyal to his friends when it was needed.

Ming Ming's band launched their blades as did the two former Bladebreakers and BBA Revolution member. The BEGA blades responded to the beats of their music. Takao wasn't surprised to see his friends figure out their strategy and only moments later wipe the floor with them. Ming Ming then turned back into her innocent alter ego and Boris appeared. The expressions on their faces were classic as Kai glared at his former teacher. Max and Kyoujyu's expressions were guarded but Hiromi and Daichi were clueless since they had not been a member of the team during their first world tournament.

After a few heated words were exchanged between them, Boris offered a tour of the building to show that BEGA was a legitimate organinzation. It was obvious that he was going to try and recruit them. A few minutes passed as they watched a security guard drag Hiromi across the stage. Takao knew that she had been denied entry because she was not a blader. The building wasn't open to the public until the following week.

"We're going to go and take a look at the BBA bladers," Akane stated, snapping Takao out of his thoughts, "want to join us?" "I don't think so," he replied, "I'm not in the mood for a confrontation just yet." "They are not going to see us," Akane added, "we are going to watch from the balcony overlooking the gym. Boris will definitely take them there." He sat back on the couch and thought about his former friends. If he knew Kai and Max, one of them might insult Boris which would likely result in a beybattle with a blader in the building.

Akane, Garland and Brooklyn left, leaving Takao alone. He mulled over her suggestion for a few minutes before grabbing his sunglasses from his pocket, putting them on and sprinting toward the gym. Fortunately, he knew the complex well and didn't even have to risk being seen by the others. He made it to the gym in time to hear Boris' passionate speech about creating BEGA for the sake of the children. As he thought, Kai didn't buy it. He had ask if all that was true, then why had he fired the previous director, Mr. Dickerson.

Takao did have to give Kai credit since he would have probably reacted in the same way under the circumstances but Mr. Dickerson's release had been necessary. Boris had to revamp the company and reorganize the staff. He was suppose to hire him back as a honorary consultant but Takao doubted that would happen with the past they shared. Kai threw more insults at Boris in both English and Russian. Garland raised an eyebrow as Takao glanced toward the spot he was looking. Moses was down on the floor lifting weights and he looked angry that Kai was insulting his boss. "He's in for it now," Akane mused as Moses dropped the weights he had been holding and engaged Kai.

Moses was trying to make Kai apologize to Boris. Kai of course refused to apologize so Moses challenged him to a beybattle to settle their dispute. Kai, now the current world champion, could not refuse a challenge as his eyes glinted strangely. If Kai thought that Moses was one of Boris' lackeys like he had been; he was quite mistaken. He had taken up blading to earn money to pay for an operation that his little sister needed. He couldn't earn that type of cash from an ordinary job so Boris had found and helped him out. He had taught him how to beyblade and he had become world class in a very short amount of time.

Boris had the staff set up a dish for their exhibition match. He briefly looked up to where they were standing on the balcony. His look made Takao nervous as he backed away so he wouldn't be seen by the others. His former friends had their backs turned to them as their attention turned to the middle of the room where the beydish was. The vid screen was on so Takao could still watch the match from his position further back. "This ought to be a good match," Garland remarked, "we get to see the world champion blade in person."

It was something to just watch Moses assemble his launcher. Takao had foolishly tried to lift it once but had only succeeded in straining his back since it weighed more than he actually did. Kai's mask fell for a brief instant as his eyes narrowed. Takao knew that look since he was wondering what type of power Moses was packing for him to use such a powerful launcher. "3, 2, 1 - LET IT RIP!" they yelled together as the blades were launched into the dish. This battle would give Takao the opportunity to see how much Kai had improved since their last match.

Moses' blade was spinning slower than Kai's Dranzer as Kyoujyu had his laptop camera out to analyze his opponent's capabilities. Kai was known for his straightforward power attacks and ordered Dranzer to slam Moses' blade. The gasp that escaped from his lips after watching his blade hit the other and sending it skyward made Takao smile. Gigars had easily repelled Dranzer with its superior spinning force. Moses' blade may have looked weak from the start but as many say 'looks can be very deceiving'.

"He's light on his feet," Garland remarked as they watched the flat screen, "has impressive evasion skills and incredible attack strength. No wonder he won the tournament and is the new champion. What do you think, Brooklyn?" Brooklyn was leaning on the railing and had his sea foam green eyes locked on the beyblades in the dish. "He's good," he remarked after a moment of silence, "but he will have to blade better than he is now to beat Moses."

Takao smiled since he knew that Kai wouldn't take that criticism lightly. Kai's skill had improved but Takao still believed that he could beat him. It always seemed like it came down to the two of them and he always won. It was like fate had deemed it to be that way on purpose. "Moses is fixing to go on the attack," Akane remarked, snapping him out of his thoughts of another battle against Kai, "let's see how the champion handles the true power of Gigars."

From their place on the balcony they could hear the gasps of the bladers below as Gigars chewed through the concrete pillars of the beydish as though they were tissue paper. Moses' beyblade may have less speed but it did possess more power than first thought. Even Kai seemed surprised as he ask Moses why he would join a venture that was run by someone with such a shady past as Boris. He went through a heartfelt speech about his little sister, Monica, who needed an operation that his family could not afford. Boris had helped him out and taught him how to beyblade so he could earn money to pay for what she needed.

That was why he wanted to be a professional blader and earn money from it. When you battled him, it made you feel like you were standing off against an armored tank. Moses now had Dranzer at his mercy as Kai looked between Moses and Boris. He appeared to be thinking over what his former instructor had said and considered the fact that maybe there was some truth to it. From all appearances, it looked as though Moses was going to win since Kai was a bit distracted and growling beneath his breathe as he fought his conscience.

Brooklyn stood up suddenly and started to walk away. "Where are you going, Brooklyn?" Garland called, "the battle isn't over." "Kai is going to win," he said with a secretive smile. "Is that so?" Garland smirked. "Trust me this match is all ready over," Brooklyn replied with a wave before he went out the door to the garden.

Garland seemed frustrated at the ginger-haired boy but Takao and Akane only exchanged a smile. A battle yell from Kai and a surprise gasp from Moses turned their attention back to the match. Kai was now fighting back and winning. "You've got to be kidding me," Garland remarked, "Kai is making a comeback. How?"

The three of them forgot about Brooklyn's departure and watched as Kai regained control of Dranzer and using a power slam sent Gigars flying out of the dish. Moses was upset that he had lost. Kai held out his hand as Dranzer flew into it and turned back to his friends. From what Takao could tell, Kai was going to have to replace his attack ring since Gigars had shredded it. Boris applauded Kai's win and complimented him on his performance.

Moses was on his knees as Garland and Akane were shocked that he had managed to win. Takao wasn't since he had saw Kai's victory as easily as Brooklyn. "Not bad," he thought as Kai turned his attention to Boris, "I am almost ready to challenge you again." Kai refused to say if he would or would not join BEGA but gave a chilly warning that he would be watching. From the expressions on the other three bladers' faces, Takao thought that perhaps he had been wrong. If Kai didn't join, then maybe the others would. It seemed possible at that moment but a mere moment later would change everything.

Kai stalked off with his scarf trailing behind him but Max shook Boris' hand as Garland smiled. "Maybe we were wrong," Akane admitted, "Kai might join after all. I mean he didn't really say which choice he would make. All he said was that he would be watching." "Indeed, Akane," Garland added with a smile and the two failed to notice that Takao had done a disappearing act like Brooklyn.

Takao had walked away with a need to clear his head. Seeing his former teammates in the flesh only brought back the feelings and emotions again. He walked outside into the small garden to see Brooklyn laying in the grass with a bird perched on his finger. He tried to sneak away but it seemed that luck was never on his side. "You are not disturbing me, Takao," Brooklyn remarked as he gasp, "you seem a little distracted. Does it have something to do with the exhibition match?"

How did the ginger-haired teen even know it was him? It could have been anyone but he had the uncanny ability of being able to tell who it was without even seeing them. Takao had a need to confide in someone and he felt like he could trust Brooklyn more than any of the other boys. He wouldn't spread a rumor since he didn't talk to the other bladers that much. "Seeing my old friends brought back some unpleasant memories," he admitted as he took a seat next to the ginger-haired boy as the bird pecked his lips in a kiss and then flew off. Watching Brooklyn's ability with animals was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. It was quite breathtaking.

"Your eyes betray you," Brooklyn remarked as his eyes turned toward the bluenette, "I can see you have feelings for the new world champion. How long have you harbored such feelings for Kai?" Takao hadn't expected him to be so straightforward. "How do you know?" he ask as he stuttered. "Anyone perceptive enough can see it," he admitted as his eyes turned back to the sky, "all one has to do is look. I am not blind to these matters like many of the others."

"Well if you are so perceptive," Takao smirked, "then why don't you see the feelings that my sister has for you? Theyare right under your nose after all." Soft laughter followed that question as he turned back to Takao. "I have known of Akane's attraction since we met," he added with a grin, "and I have all ready seen our future together. I don't have to do anything to make it happen since our coupling was decided in the stars before either of us was born. I knew she was destined to be my soulmate when we first met but you have to become friends before you can become lovers."

Takao now understood how everyone else felt about Brooklyn. His cryptic words were alluring and frustrating at the same time. "How do you know everything?" Takao fumed, wanting a straight answer. "I was destined to know," the ginger-haired boy remarked with a shrug, "that is my destiny as it is yours to face off against Kai in one final battle. Your spat will not heal until the two of you admit your feelings for the other."

Takao gulped and sweatdropped since that had took him by surprise. "Who else knows?" he ask with curiosity. "The others don't notice the little things," he added with a superior smile, "like I do. They are always in a hurry to practice or do whatever else that they don't take the time to appreciate the little things like I do." "Well, if we were all naturals," Takao remarked, "like you; then we wouldn't have to practice. A word of advice from a former champion; when you want to learn the true meaning of our sport, come to me and I will teach it to you. I think there are a few matters that I am an expert in, even over you."

Takao patted Brooklyn on the shoulder as he blinked in confusion. He obviously did not understand the meaning behind his advice. Takao shot him a smile before he wandered off; humming to himself. Their conversation put him in a better mood and he knew that if Brooklyn had seen a vision of another battle between he and Kai, then it was destined to happen. Now all he had to do was prepare for it and show all of his former teammates who was the best out of them all.

AS