Passion

Takao collapsed with a groan, his mind filled with what had happened. He had beat Kai and become part of a new team put together. He just couldn’t sleep with everything that had happened. He couldn’t believe that he had become the champion and he had a team. They would be going all the way to the top.

Rolling over Takao gave a groan and then jumped from his bed, hurrying into the dojo. He just wanted to get beyblading again and he couldn’t believe that he would be going to China. Despite the fact that Kai was nothing but a wet blanket he was excited about being on the team with Max and Rei. Stepping over to the bed opposite his, noting that Jonouchi hadn’t returned. He had hoped to say goodbye before he left for China, but it seemed that he wouldn’t get the chance.

He knew he would be seeing him again and then he would just have so much to tell him, about how he swept the beyblading world. Even if he had no idea what he was getting into it didn’t matter to Takao. He knew he would win; nothing else would suffice. When he was world champion he would be a hero to those around him and nothing else would matter.

He would have to be separated from his family while he was traveling but since it was only his grandfather the idea of traveling the world far outweighed everything else. This was a brand new adventure and he had no idea what was waiting for him.

Stretching Takao gave a groan, his muscles not liking the abuse of the day. Kai had really tossed him around and it was awesome beyond belief. With a grumble he took a step closer to his bedroom door, the floorboards creaking beneath him. As he tilted his head back his gaze landed out the window before leaning against it. The stars were bright and remembering the wish he had made on Dragoon he made another one. This time he wished to go all the way. All the way to the World Tournament. That was what Takao wanted and if he did maybe his father and brother would notice him again. Maybe they would care enough to come home to him.

Maybe some of those that didn’t know him that he was using beyblading as a means to an end but they didn’t know him. They didn’t know his love for the sport or how lonely it was.

Just his luck…

Eyes flickered over to the figure in the seat next to him and Jonouchi shut his eyes, trying to ignore it, knowing it would fail. The smell permeated his senses and he felt sick to his stomach. He would survive it as long as he didn’t turn and spend this entire ride talking, or more insulting.

A hand was brought up, covering a yawn, fangs showing for a moment. Tilting his head to the side Rei focused on the inu-jin next to him. “Don’t tell me you’re coming back with your tail between your legs.”

Brown met gold again as Jonouchi gazed at the one that seemed to always be there, one step ahead of him. He had made it further than Jonouchi ever had. He had everything that he had ever wanted and the idea infuriated him. Fingers clenched tightly at his seat, glancing away from the neko-jin before the young teen rested a hand on Jonouchi’s arm. Nothing had to be said as they both realized the other was in need. It was always and unspoken need, always searching for more than this meager life controlled by wild instinct.

They were animals and what’s worse, both of them were fully aware of this, this hunger for more consumed each of them and though they would never say a word they understood each other. Deep down his need was too great, unfulfilled by the young virgin. Kai… Why did he think of him now when it had just been one night, one night he would have again and again?

“It’s getting hot in here,” slowly he stood up, leaving the opportunity open. Jonouchi stared blankly, not saying a word as his hands rested in his lap. The gaze turned to look out the window, having nothing to say. He could release himself from this intense heat. Dropping his head he let the hair fall before his face. A part of him ached not to fall back into that lifestyle. He was still young and there were many times before him.

Finally something inside him gave up and he stood, walking towards the back of the plane.

It felt good to be back in the city. Muscles stretched as he covered a yawn. They didn’t have much at all but at the very least it was home. Reaching into his bag he pulled out the small packs for his beyblade and launcher, attaching them to his belt. It felt comfortable, having them there once more.

As fingers flexed eyes flickered around, waiting for the first person to challenge him. That type of thing always happened on the streets. New people started roaming and they needed to prove their mettle. In fact Jonouchi was almost hoping someone would come after him. He hadn’t said a word to Rei when they had parted ways, knowing deep down that they would meet again and things would be settled. It would be the final fight now that he had Kuroiryu in hand.

“What are you doing back in town?” The question was demanding and Jonouchi turned, seeing just the group he wanted to see. Seeing the cat-like features a smirk flickered across his face, tiny Kiki standing in front of him. Rai was to the back, standing between Mao and Gao.

“What… aren’t you glad to see me?” He took a step forward, stopping right in front of Rai before looking down upon him. “I’m here for a good old fashioned knock down with an old friend… at the Asian tournament.”

“You won’t make it through the first round,” this time it was Kiki as Jonouchi’s gaze flickered around, noticing the way Mao looked down. He had known for quite some time that she disagreed with the rivalry between the two teams. He had kept secret from her brother the secret of her friendship with the inu-jins exactly as he had promised. This had all started because of stupidity from Kon, and he wasn’t about to punish someone who was actually trying to see things from their side.

“Maybe we should have a bet on it,” he flashed a grin as Rai walked past him.

“It wouldn’t be the honorable thing to do.”

“And you’re honorable? That’s a fucking load of crap,” the voice was familiar and Jonouchi turned with a grin, noticing the busty ginger haired teen, her ears and tail almost seeming fox-like with golden eyes focusing intently. Behind her stood two more girls, one only a child, her brown hair framing her face and wide brown eyes staring out as she peeked out from behind a second brunette, the only human of the group.

“Now, let’s not start something Rumiko.”

“Captain… he has started it,” the last one appeared, a giant inu-jin with wolf-like features, his thick dark green hanging down his back, as course as the fur of his tail and ears. Standing well over all the others the male’s appearance alone was threatening.

“Matoko…” Jonouchi flashed a grin before heading towards them, each joining him as the skittish girl jumped on his back.

“Big brother! I’m so glad you’re back.”

There was a smile in response though he knew she could never see it. “I’m glad to be back Shizuka.” A hand brushed over her cheek as Matoko led the way into the abandoned building they had been using as a home. There was a sigh of relief from Jonouchi as he jumped up, taking a seat on a pile of large crates. The others were scattered around and Jonouchi looked at each one of them. Matoko, Rumiko, Shizuka, and Anzu, this was his team, the one that he would do anything for.

“We’re entering the Asian tournament,” he wanted to drop this one on them first, let them complain if they wish and then give them time to prepare.

“But Captain… we don’t have the blades.”

“Yes we do,” Jonouchi sighed as he glanced up at them. “I have enough money for you guys to upgrade your beyblades.”

“What about you?”

There was a flash of fangs as Jonouchi glanced at his giant teammate. “All taken care of.”