#star driver

1) Magical Boy transformation sequence, beautifully done, very fresh and unusual for the time

2) This was the first series I’d seen where it felt like literally the only resolution to the love triangle that could make sense narratively was for them to form a throuple (they did not do this mind you, but if you watch it there’s truly no other way for the three characters’ collective chemistry to play out)

was going to draw something else but this happened instead. anyways magical girl(?) takuto

bonus:

A love fanfic of Star Driver Takuto x my OG character Sakura

It was a typical sun-drenched afternoon on Southern Cross Isle, but for Takuto Tsunashi, it felt anything but typical. He watched Sakura, your original character, as she laughed with Wako, her voice a melody that always seemed to find a way to quiet the restless energy in his heart.

Takuto had faced Cybodies, galactic glitterati, and the enigmatic Head, but nothing had ever made him feel as utterly, delightfully flustered as Sakura did. Her quick wit, the way her eyes sparkled when she was passionate about something, the effortless grace with which she moved – it all conspired to tie his usually confident self in knots.

Later that evening, under a sky dusted with the first stars, Takuto found Sakura by the academy's cherry blossom trees. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, making the branches sway as if dancing along with the unspoken feelings between them.

"Sakura," he began, his voice a little softer than usual.

She turned, her smile lighting up the twilight. "Takuto! What's up?"

He took a deep breath, the scent of cherry blossoms filling the air. This was it. No flashy moves, no Tauburn. Just him, Takuto Tsunashi, a boy deeply, irrevocably smitten.

"I... I wanted to tell you something," he started, feeling a familiar warmth creep up his neck. "Ever since you came to the island, everything's felt... brighter. You have this way of seeing the good in everything, even when things are tough. And your laugh... it's infectious. It makes me want to smile, even when I'm tired from a fight."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She looked down for a moment, then met his gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips.

"Takuto," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He took a step closer, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. His fingers brushed against hers, a spark, gentle yet undeniable, passing between them.

"What I'm trying to say is," he continued, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand, "I really like you, Sakura. More than just a friend. A lot more."

The silence that followed was charged with anticipation, broken only by the rustling leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. Then, Sakura squeezed his hand, her smile widening into a radiant grin.

"I like you too, Takuto," she confessed, her voice clear and sweet like a bell. "I thought... I thought maybe you felt something, but I wasn't sure. You're always so brave and strong, and you always make me feel safe. And you're pretty amazing in Tauburn, too," she added with a playful wink.

A wave of relief washed over Takuto, making him chuckle. He gently pulled her closer, his gaze fixed on hers.

"So," he murmured, his voice laced with hope, "does this mean...?"

Sakura leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "It means, Star Driver," she said, her voice a soft promise, "that this adventure is just beginning."

Under the glow of the distant stars, and the whispering cherry blossoms, Takuto Tsunashi, the Galactic Pretty Boy, knew he had found a treasure far greater than any legendary artifact – he had found Sakura. And for the first time in a long time, his heart felt truly, wonderfully, at peace.

A New Rhythm

Life on Southern Cross Isle, already an unusual blend of academy life and secret mecha battles, now held a new rhythm for Takuto and Sakura. Their days settled into a comfortable pattern: classes at the academy, the occasional scramble to activate Tauburn when the Glittering Crux Gang stirred, and stolen moments together that felt more real than any Warlock's illusion.

Their dates were often simple, yet profound. They'd sit by the beach, watching the waves crash, sharing their dreams and fears. Takuto, who usually kept his true feelings guarded, found himself opening up to Sakura with an ease that surprised him. He'd tell her about his past, his wanderings, and the deep loneliness he'd carried before arriving on the island. Sakura, in turn, shared her own quiet aspirations, her love for the island, and her sometimes overwhelming desire to protect the peace they all cherished.

One evening, after a particularly arduous battle against a powerful Warlock, Takuto was drained. Sakura met him by the academy gates, a warm smile on her face and a thermos of his favorite herbal tea in her hand. "You did great, Takuto," she said, her voice soft and soothing. He leaned against her, feeling her warmth, the simple gesture a more potent comfort than any victory cry. "Thanks, Sakura," he murmured, "I don't know what I'd do without you." She just squeezed his hand, a silent promise.

Whispers of the Future

As the days turned into weeks, their bond deepened. Sakura started spending more time in the hangar, fascinated by the intricate workings of Tauburn. Takuto, initially protective of his domain, found himself enjoying her curiosity, explaining the complex mechanics with a patience he rarely showed others. He even let her sit in the cockpit once, her excited gasps filling the space. It was in these quiet moments, amidst the hum of machinery, that they started talking about the future.

"What will you do after all this is over, Takuto?" Sakura asked one afternoon, tracing a line along Tauburn's plating.

He paused, considering. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "Maybe travel more. See the world outside of Cybody battles." He looked at her, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "What about you? Will you stay on the island?"

Sakura smiled. "This island is my home, but... the world is big. And I'd like to see it. Maybe... with you."

The unspoken question hung in the air, light and full of possibility. Takuto reached out, taking her hand in his. "I'd like that very much, Sakura."

A Shared Destiny

Their journey wasn't without its challenges. The constant threat of the Glittering Crux Gang and the weight of Takuto's responsibilities as the Star Driver sometimes cast a shadow. There were nights when Takuto would return from a battle, exhausted and burdened, and it was Sakura's unwavering support, her quiet strength, that helped him recharge. She reminded him of what he was fighting for – not just the island's peace, but the simple, beautiful life they were building together.

Their love story wasn't a grand, galactic epic, but a tender, unfolding narrative of two souls finding solace and strength in each other amidst extraordinary circumstances. It was the way Takuto's hand would instinctively find hers, the knowing glances they shared, and the quiet comfort of their intertwined presence that spoke volumes. They were two stars, drawn together, creating their own unique constellation of love and shared destiny on Southern Cross Isle.

The Evening of the Festival

The air on Southern Cross Isle hummed with excitement. The annual summer festival was in full swing, and the academy grounds were a riot of color and sound. Lanterns glowed like fireflies, food stalls filled the air with the scent of grilled squid and sweet candied apples, and the melodic strains of traditional music drifted on the breeze.

Takuto, usually the center of attention in any situation, was content to simply be a part of the crowd tonight, with Sakura by his side. They moved through the throngs of people, their hands clasped tightly. Sakura's yukata, a soft floral pattern of cherry blossoms, swayed with her movements, and Takuto couldn't help but steal glances at her, a smile perpetually on his face.

They shared a skewer of takoyaki, laughing as the hot filling made them both jump. He won her a small, fluffy stuffed Tauburn at a ring toss game, a prize he presented with a theatrical bow. Sakura's laugh, bright and genuine, was the sweetest sound he could imagine.

As the fireworks were about to begin, they found a quiet spot on a small hill overlooking the festival. The sky was a deep, velvet blue, and the stars seemed to hold their breath in anticipation. Sakura leaned her head on his shoulder, and Takuto wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. The warmth of her felt like a shield against the rest of the world.

The first firework burst into the sky, a magnificent shower of gold and crimson that illuminated their faces. "Beautiful," Sakura whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Yeah," Takuto agreed, but he wasn't looking at the sky. He was looking at her, at the way the light danced in her eyes, at the soft curve of her smile. He had faced down countless foes, but nothing had ever filled him with this profound sense of peace and rightness. He felt as if his entire journey, every fight, every challenge, had been leading him to this very moment, with her.

Another firework exploded, painting the world in shades of green and purple. Takuto gently tilted Sakura's chin up, and as the grand finale filled the sky with a cascade of sparkling light, he leaned down and kissed her. It was a soft, tender kiss, a promise more powerful than any galactic oath. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, where the world beyond them faded away, and there was only the two of them, framed by a sky full of stars and a future full of hope.

The Promise of a New Chapter

The festival's magic lingered in the air for days, a sweet memory that Takuto and Sakura carried with them. Their relationship, once a delicate bud, had blossomed into something beautiful and strong. They found themselves sharing not just stolen moments, but a sense of shared purpose.

One afternoon, they sat on the beach, the waves lapping at their feet. The sun was warm on their skin, and the world felt infinitely peaceful. Takuto had been quiet for a while, a pensive look on his face.

"What's on your mind, Star Driver?" Sakura asked, nudging him playfully.

He looked at her, his expression earnest. "Sakura, the fighting... It's getting more intense. The Glittering Crux, they're not going to stop. But I know that with you, I can face anything." He took her hand in his. "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, but I know what I want for our future. A life with you, wherever we go."

Sakura's eyes filled with a gentle warmth. "Takuto, you don't have to fight all of this alone. We're in this together. The island's future, our future... it's not just on your shoulders."

He smiled, a genuine, heart-felt smile that reached his eyes. "That's what I love about you. You always know what to say." He leaned in, kissing her softly. "After this is all over, let's travel. See the world. And find a new home together, wherever that may be."

Sakura's smile widened. "It's a promise, Takuto."

A Memory of Laughter

Long before their first kiss, there was a day that always brought a warm feeling to Takuto's heart. It was a rainy afternoon, and classes had been canceled. Takuto, ever restless, was cooped up in his dorm room, feeling the familiar stirrings of boredom. A knock on his door revealed Sakura, soaked but grinning, holding a board game.

"You look like you're about to explode from lack of action," she said, her laugh like music. "I brought reinforcements."

They spent the entire afternoon holed up in his room, playing an absurdly complicated board game. They argued over rules, cheered each other's victories, and dissolved into fits of laughter over their own blunders. At one point, a particularly dramatic dice roll sent a game piece flying, and they ended up in a playful wrestling match on the floor, their laughter echoing in the small room.

It was in that moment, tangled up in laughter and friendship, that Takuto realized something fundamental had changed. He wasn't just the Star Driver anymore; he was a person with a genuine connection, a bond that was growing stronger with every shared laugh and every simple, happy moment. He knew then that she was someone special, a light that had come to his life and made everything brighter.