Disclaimers:
I do not own Sailor Moon and BakutenShoot Beyblade, otherwise known as Beyblade. Sailor Moon is written by Naoko Takeuchi in manga form and aired as a series by Toei Animation and TV Asahi in Japan and by Kodansha Comics in North America. Beyblade is written by Takao Aoki in manga form and aired as a series by TV Tokyo in Japan in 2001 and by ABC Family in North America in 2002.
It was late at night that a dark blue-haired male teen was sitting outside and looking up at the night sky. His brown-blue eyes were narrowed as he thought about what was going on with his life as of now. The next world championships for his favorite game, Beyblade, was just starting and two of his former teammates left to go with a different team. Then, his supposed teammate removed himself from the team and joined another. On top of it all, he was partnered by a red-haired little guy named Sumeragi Daichi while his so-called coach, his Hitoshi-onīsan, was getting onto his case about why his former teammates left him. It wasn't the greatest feeling when he thought about it. It felt as though the game that brought him joy was now bringing him down. 'Just because of a title, they left me,' thought the teen.
"Up late, Takao," said a male voice.
"Jīchan (Gramps)," said the teen, Takao.
"What's on your mind," questioned Takao's grandpa, Ryūnosuke "Ryū" Kinomiya.
"Just… things," said Takao, "Don't worry about me, jīchan."
"Is this about your homies that went on their own paths," questioned Ryū.
"How can you see through me that easily," grumbled Takao.
"You are just too easy to read sometimes, Takao," said Ryū.
"It's… It's just that why does something bring me joy is also now bringing me pain," questioned Takao with a lost expression on his face.
"You want my advice," questioned Ryū.
"Onegai (Please)," said Takao.
"You should step back on this spinning tops game this time," said Ryū, "Because the way I see it, you need a break from everything Takao."
"A break, huh," questioned Takao, "So, jīchan, if I decide to have a break, where will I go?"
"How about…?"
- In New York City: One Week Later –
"What do you mean Takao isn't here," shouted a brown-haired female, Tachibana Hiromi.
It was the start of the championships, and the one person who was SUPPOSED to be in the tournament was NOT even where he was supposed to be. Even within the crowd, his former teammates, the blonde male Mizuhara Max, the long black haired male Kon Rei, and the two toned haired male Hiwatari Kai were surprised to see that Takao wasn't with his team, which consist of his older brother-turned-coach Hitoshi, his classmate and somewhat friend Hiromi, their mutual friend and Beyblade technician Saien Manabu, or his preferred name, Kyōju, and the newest teammate Daichi. It became more of a shock when the Chairman of the official Beyblading Committee, Daitenji Kogoro, came up on stage to announce something world-shocking. "I am sorry to say that as a last minute," said Daitenji who was wiping off sweat from his forehead, "Kinomiya Takao withdrew from this world tournament."
"Nani," shouted everyone who knew Takao, along with the many Beyblade fans all around the world.
"Why wasn't I informed about this," questioned Hitoshi loudly.
"You mean your grandpa or Takao never told you," questioned a worried Daitenji.
"My grandpa knew," questioned a surprised Hitoshi.
"Anyways," said Daitenji, "Let us still start this tournament. Blader DJ?"
"H-Hai," called out a male wearing a bandana on his head, Blader DJ.
'Takao,' thought Max, Rei, and Kai worriedly.
- With Takao –
Takao was finally doing what his jīchan suggested: going on a break. His jīchan also suggested staying with his childhood friend-turned-imōto, Tsukino Usagi. No one, besides his jīchan, knew about Usagi and what she meant to him as a kid. Even though she is a year younger than him, the both clicked on that playground when Hitoshi left him with their jīchan long ago. He also recalled that Usagi didn't really play Beyblade, but that didn't stop them from playing other things. Now, he was in front of her house in the Jūban district and waiting for someone to answer the door. He hoped that he will not be questioned about his abrupt pull away from said tournament. It didn't take long for the door to open to see his childhood friend right in front of him. "Takao-nī," exclaimed a blonde-almost-silver haired female with silver-blue eyes, Usagi.
"Usa-imō," said Takao before smirking, "Miss me?"
"Hai," said an enthusiastic Usagi, "Come in! Come in!"
"Where's Ikuko-oba (aunt) and Kenji-oji (uncle)," questioned Takao.
"They left for the weekend with Shingo," said Usagi.
"So, you are by yourself," questioned Takao worriedly.
"It's not that bad," said Usagi, "I CAN protect myself. You know this."
"Yeah," said Takao, "I remember."
How could Takao forget? Even after Usagi moved districts, Takao and Usagi always communicated with one another through emails. He remembered how Usagi, one day, emailed him while he was actually doing the Asian Tournament in China. There was so much detail in that email, but what stood out to him was Usagi proclaiming herself as that short skirt-wearing magical girl called Sailor Moon. He could also see the resemblance when he saw the picture a Japanese online news outlet posted on said heroine. He still wanted to have some words to the person who created that particular outfit, but he knew that he needed to probably invent time travel to do that. Takao mentally shook his head as both sat in Usagi's living room. "So, dear nīchan from another family," said Usagi, "What's going on?"
"My team left me," said Takao bitterly, "All because they wanted the title as the #1 Beyblader in the World. I know that they want to grow and also battle me to see if they can defeat me, but leaving for a title and trying to beat me in front of others?"
"Takao," murmured Usagi.
"And don't get me started on Hitoshi-nī and Kai," said Takao, "I mean, they mean well, but Hitoshi-nī is just telling me to suck it up and deal with everything while Kai… Kai didn't even have the decency to tell me… me… that he was leaving the team to go to Neo Borg's team."
As Takao ranted and raved how he truly felt, Usagi was about to cry from the emotional backlash. She could feel that Takao really thought that his teammates betrayed him. However, the one thing that stood out was that Takao felt alone after everything that happened to him. She could feel that he couldn't understand why they left if all they wanted were to defeat him in the first place. He, of course, thought that they would just beybattle him without the title and tournament in the way, but they just… left. Usagi could feel that Takao was about to break and did the one thing that could help. With Takao, he was still ranting and raving about everything, especially about Daichi and his personality when he felt arms around his waist. Takao blinked before looking down to see Usagi hugging him in comfort. "Usa," questioned Takao.
"I'm sorry that they did that to you," said Usagi, "I'm sorry that they would leave you just to gain a meaningless title."
"Only you would call being the #1 Beyblader in the World a meaningless title," chuckled Takao as he hugged back.
"Well, it's true," said Usagi, "It's just a title. Besides, games are all about winning or losing. Doesn't matter if you win or lose but how you play the game."
"Yeah," said Takao, "Anyways, that's why I'm here. I'm taking a break on being a blader for a while."
"You think you'll beybattle again," questioned Usagi.
"You want to try beybattling," questioned Takao back.
"Yeah," said Usagi, "It could be fun. Besides, I need a break before a new enemy shows up."
"Then, first we have to make you a Beyblade," said Takao with a smile on his face while thinking, 'Maybe this is what I needed to bring joy back into beyblading. Arigatō, jīchan.'
- After The World Tournament & The Challenge Against BEGA –
"So, this is where Takao is," said Max as he looked around the neighborhood.
"That's what Gramps said," said Rei.
It was after the World Tournament where Kai and his new teammate, Ivanōfu
Yūri, won the championships. Kai felt very dissatisfied because he couldn't battle Takao at the finals. Max and Rei were on the same mindset as they ventured to the Kinomiya Dojo to see if Takao was there. To their disappointment, Takao was not at the dojo. They couldn't also hunt him down because apparently, another crisis came up in the form of an old enemy… Vladimir Volkov. What also followed Vladimir was the takeover of the BBA headquarters and transforming it into his own headquarters, BEGA. Even Hitoshi was pulled into the thrall of BEGA, leaving the team without a fifth member. Takao's grandpa finally told them where Takao was, leading to them being in the Jūban district. They were just thankful that they left Hiromi and Daichi at the dojo. They, especially Kyōju, didn't want Takao to fight with the two while they try to get Takao to be the fifth member. "I can't believe Takao was in Japan the entire time," said Max.
"Well, according to Gramps," said Kyōju, "He went to a childhood friend to relax from whatever was bothering him."
"Bothering him," questioned Max.
"H-Hai," said Kyōju, "Well, he still couldn't fathom why you all left."
"We wanted to prove ourselves and grow," said Max.
"Hai," said Kyōju, "I know, demo I think that Takao is projecting something else."
Max and Rei hummed in contemplation while Kai just crossed his arms and glared. All four of them were finally in front of a two-story house in the suburbs of Jūban as the three teammates talked to one another. It wasn't long that they heard the shouts of Seiryū, along with a bright blue light, coming from the back of the house. All four of them looked at the blue dragon Seiryū before bolting to the back of the house. There, they found Takao with a bright smile on his face battling against a female. It wasn't long that the four were surprised to see a silver light before a somewhat familiar fox-like creature came out. Yet, this fox-like creature had two tails with orange eyes. A final clash between blades occurred before the fox disappeared and its Beyblade was out of the stadium. "Nice to see you still blading, Kinomiya," said Kai.
"Kai," said Takao, "Mina (Everyone)."
"This is where you ran off to," said Kai, "Like a coward?"
"Not a coward if the one person who really cared about me back home suggested a break," shot back Takao heatedly.
"A break," questioned Kai, "You haven't been seen in days, Kinomiya!"
"Yeah, well," said Takao, "I'm helping out here."
"Helping out," butted in Rei, "With what?"
"And who's the pretty girl," piped up Max.
"Max," said Takao, "I value our friendship a lot, demo if you hit on my imōto, you are in for a world of hurt."
"IMŌTO," exclaimed Kyōju, Max, and Rei.
Takao sighed as he looked at the girl in front of them. He really wanted to ask her if it was alright to tell them what was going on with this district. He knew that they were probably trying to get him back to be the fifth blader against Vladimir and his bogus BEGA headquarters. He, however, was worried because Vladimir wasn't the ONLY enemy in Japan. He was pretty sure that whatever Usagi was up against was way worse than whatever the Bladebreakers were up against. With his eyes connected with Usagi's, they were both having a silent conversation, and this conversation was watched by the remaining Bladebreakers. They saw the girl give a slight nod before picking her bey up and going into the house. "So, her name is Tsukino Usagi," said Takao, "And she's my imōto in all but blood."
"So, she's not really related to you," said Rei.
"Un," nodded Takao, "She's been my childhood friend since Hitoshi left me alone with jīchan as a kid. Demo, I'm sure that you aren't here for meeting Usa-imō."
"That's right, Takao," said Kyōju, "Something awful has happened to the BBA Headquarters! And! Vladimir is back!"
"I heard," said Takao.
"If you heard, then why didn't you come back to meet with everyone," questioned Max.
Before Takao could say anything, Usagi came back out of the house, pulled Takao with her, and ran down the street. The four that were trying to convince Takao to come back to battle with them against Vladimir and BEGA gaped before racing after the two. It wasn't long that all six of them stopped to stare at one ugly monster, along with four females in very short skirts. Since Takao was going to explain about whatever was going on, this was the perfect time to show rather than tell his former teammates what was going on. "What is that thing," questioned Max.
"I d-don't know, demo," said Kyōju, "We should g-get away from here."
"Demo," said Rei, "We can't leave these injured girls alone."
"Rei is right," said Max, "Can our Seijū (Saint Beasts) help out?"
"Way ahead of you, Max," said Takao.
"Huh," questioned Max before something shocking happened…
"Go! Shoot," shouted Takao as he released his Beyblade, "Seiryū Knight Power!"
"Moon Eternal Power," shouted Usagi who held up a brooch.
Seiryū, one of the four sacred seijū, came out in its blue dragon form before wrapping itself around Takao while a silver white bright light surrounded Usagi. The four boys stared in shock while the transformation was happening in front of them. As the lights died down, Takao and Usagi were now wearing something different. The most obvious, yet surprising, thing was that Seiryū shrunk and was around Takao's neck like a scarf, Takao's Beyblade nowhere to be found. "We'll explain later," said Usagi.
"Just who are you," questioned Kai.
"Sailor Moon/Dragoon Knight," said Usagi and Takao together.
"E-Eh?!"
- After The Battle: Usagi's House –
"Kinomiya," growled out Kai, "Explain."
After it was all clear, with the monster turning back into a human of all things, Takao discreetly made sure Usagi, he, and his former teammates were the only ones at the scene before leading them back to the house. Usagi was questioning Max and Rei their Beyblading techniques while Takao was watching over her from behind. Kai and Kyōju were also walking quietly while the three in front converse. However, Takao could also tell that Max and Rei wanted to question Usagi. It was just a good thing that Usagi's parents decided to go on a day trip together. Even Usagi's otōto was out and staying over at a friend's place. Once inside, Usagi sat next to Takao while the others sat on the opposite sides of the duo. Takao wasn't disappointed when Kai was the one who broke the silence just as his mental countdown reached one. "Well, you have Vladimir to deal with," said Takao. "And Usa-imō and I have magical monsters on our side."
"Demo," said Rei, "How did this happen?"
"It started when I took my break that jīchan recommended," said Takao, "Right when my mind was almost breaking from you guys leaving the team. We were all so psyched to become a team again. Then… I don't know what happened. All of a sudden, you guys left. I felt… abandoned. Just for a title?"
"Takao," said Max, "We left to get stronger."
"That's… actually what Hitoshi told me," said Takao while also muttering, "And some other unsavory words…"
"Takao," said Rei.
"The thing is," said Takao who continued on, "The thing is… I asked you guys… I asked if we were still friends, and… I never have gotten a response back. Don't get me started on the abrupt change in teams with Kai."
All three of them winced at Takao's words. Just like what Kyōju said to them, this so-called argument stemmed to something else… abandonment issues. Kyōju, on his part, winced at how the four are FINALLY settling this problem between them. He could tell that the team leaving was the iceberg that finally made Takao suddenly snapped. However, the big thing is how this tied into whatever is now going on between Takao and Usagi. It wasn't long that Max had tears in his eyes before flinging himself onto Takao. "Hontōni gomen'nasai (I'm so very sorry)," cried out Max.
"Same here, Takao," said Rei, "I guess we should have explained more. Demo, also should have answered your question about still being friends. We didn't mean to make you feel abandoned."
"Gomen," said Kai, "I… should have told you something before jumping ship."
"T-Thanks, guys," said Takao, "And, I'm sorry for going off without letting you guys try to win the title."
"As long as we can beybattle against you," said Rei, "I think it is fine that we don't have that title."
"As I said," said Usagi, "What a meaningless title when the greatest one ever is friendship."
"True, Usa-imō," said Takao.
"Since the problem is all cleared up," said Kyōju before questioning Takao in a panic, "Takao, what was that we just witnessed?! And! Are you also going to join us in defeating BEGA?!"
Takao and Usagi sweat-dropped when they heard Kyōju's rapid questions. They forgot that they didn't really explain what was going on in Jūban. Takao, however, still diverted what was happening because he really didn't want to tell his friends HOW he could transform and fight the magical monsters. If they found out, Takao was sure that they would want to help fight WITH their seijū as well. He did NOT want his friends to get hurt. Because of this thinking, Takao just responded, "How about telling me what BEGA, especially Vladimir, is doing and how you are going to beat him?"
"Well, Kai was the one who challenged Vladimir to a five-on-five Beybattle," explained Rei, "We have four members, demo we need another one."
"Let me guess," said Takao, "It's you three and that little monkey boy Daichi."
"You got that in one," said Max with his own sweat-drop.
"And now we are asking you if you will be the last member," said Kyōju.
"I don't kn-," started Takao.
"Takao-nī," said Usagi pointedly.
"Demo," said Takao, "It's that annoying Daichi! You know he's going to be demanding a Beybattle!"
"Takao-nī," said Usagi.
"Also, the Youma," said Takao, "What about the enemy we're fighting here?"
"Nīchan," said Usagi with her arms crossed.
"Fine, fine," sighed Takao dejectedly, "I'll be the fifth blader. Demo, after that, I'm coming right back here to help out."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," said Usagi with a smile.
"What just happened," whispered Max.
"I don't know," whispered back Rei, "Demo, just be glad that Takao agreed to be on our team again."
"Agreed," nodded Max & Kyōju, a satisfied smirk on Kai's face.
AN: I was trying to create a story from Takao's point of view. He feels abandoned by his teammates because when Max gave the news about the new world tournament, all of them were hyped to be tagged-team together. Then, it just spiraled with three of them leaving Takao alone with someone who disregarded Takao's rejection in battling against him once more after said person was already defeated once. Don't get me wrong. I like motivated people, but how Daichi went about it was very annoying, especially when it showed him living with Takao in the show without warning. So, yes, I created Gramps giving Takao advice to just take a break from everything… which leads to Usagi being introduced as a childhood friend. Then, everything spirals in my story about how the rest of the team found Takao who is now fighting evil with Usagi. It does, however, lead to everyone apologizing. So, that's a good thing. ( •́ .̫ •̀ ) Anyways, happy reading! |・ω・`)
