Chapter Twenty-Three: Battle of the Brothers
Here's Day 2 everybody. Enjoy!
"This is it, the moment that you've been waiting for since the beginning of this tournament, don't waste it," Joel said quietly to himself as he walked up, then, he took a deep breath. "HEY TOMMY!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. "I CHALLENGE YOU!"
"Wow, what passion, it seems that Joel is challenging his little brother to a cardfight," Joshua said.
"Come and face me, it's about time I show you which one of us is the better fighter, here on the national stage," Joel continued.
From his booth, Tommy snickered as he walked out to meet Joel. "I accept your challenge, brother," he said. "You've never been able to beat me before, and now, it's time I put you in your place,"
"This battle is going to be epic!" Joshua exclaimed. "A clash between brothers, who will win this fight, will it be Joel, the wielder of the IgNoble clan, or Tommy, the young prodigy,"
Leroy watched as Joel and Tommy prepared. "Something doesn't feel right," he said to Andrea. "I feel like there's a tension between them, they're brothers, shouldn't they be a bit more...friendly,"
Andrea sighed. "It seems Joel never got around to telling you,"
Leroy drew a confused look. "Tell me what?"
"Something about Joel and his family, it might just surprise you," Andrea replied.
"You ready, Tommy?" Joel asked.
Tommy grinned. "Of course I am, I'm always ready to beat you,"
Just as the two brothers were about to begin, a loud unified voice was heard in the stands. "Go, Tommy!"
The two boys looked to where it was coming from and saw their parents were there, cheering for Tommy. And only Tommy.
Tommy showed a mocking grin to his older brother. "Well looky here, mom and dad are cheering for me, but what about you, don't they care about their precious Joel,"
"Whatever, let's get on with this fight," Joel said with an annoyed look.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I hurt your feelings," Tommy laughed.
"I said let's get on with it!" he yelled.
"Alright then, I'll continue after the fight," he said.
"Fighters ready, and, begin!"
"Stand up my, Vanguard!"
"Black Sword Rookie, Deren!" Joel exclaimed.
Black Sword Rookie, Deren
Grade 0, Power: 5000
"Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly!" Tommy exclaimed.
Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly
Grade 0, Power: 5000
As the two boys stood up their starting units, the Holo-Fight System activated and the area around them changed, soon they were standing in a vast and lush forest, and right beside them stood a beautiful building that looked like a school. Right beside the boys, their respective units materialized.
"I'll go first if you don't mind," Joel said.
Turn 1: Hand[Joel(5), Tommy(5)]
"Draw, I ride Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju!"
Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju
Grade 1, Power: 7000
"Deren moves down, with Conju's skill, look at the top three cards of my deck, add one to my hand, the rest go to the bottom of my deck, I end my turn,"
Joel
[R] [Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju (1)] [R]
[R] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [R]
Tommy
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
[R] [R] [R]
Turn 2: Hand[Joel(6), Tommy(5)]
"Draw, I ride Diligent Assistant, Minibelly!"
Diligent Assistant, Minibelly
Grade 1, Power: 7000
"Littlebelly moves down, I call Traveling Momonga, go Momonga, attack the vanguard!"
(7000)
"I guard,"
"With a boost from Littlebelly, Minibelly attacks the vanguard!"
(7000+5000=12000)
"No guard,"
"Drive check,"
[Drive Check - Binoculus Tiger(G2)]
"Damage check,"
[Damage Check - Black Wing Messenger(G1)]
Damage: [Joel(1), Tommy(0)]
"I end my turn,"
Joel
[R] [Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju (1)] [R]
[R] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [R]
Tommy
[Traveling Momonga (2)] [Diligent Assistant, Minibelly(1)] [R]
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 3: Hand[Joel(5), Tommy(5)]
"Draw, I ride Lightless Blade Dragon!"
Lightless Blade Dragon
Grade 2, Power: 9000
"I call Damned Wings, Nimizu, your Momonga better watch out, because Nimizu is coming for it!"
(8000)
"I guard that,"
"With a boost from Deren, Lightless Blade attacks the vanguard!"
(9000+5000=14000)
"No guard,"
"Drive check,"
[Drive Check - Unchivalrous Knight, Yugo (Stand Trigger)]
"I got a stand trigger, all the effects go to Nimizu!"
"Damage check,"
[Damage Check - Monoculus Tiger(G1)]
Damage: [Joel(1), Tommy(1)]
"With the skill of Lightless Blade, draw and add 2000 power to Nimizu, now Nimizu attacks your vanguard!"
(8000+5000+2000=15000)
"I don't guard, damage check,"
[Damage Check - Anchor Rabbit(G2)]
Damage: [Joel(1), Tommy(2)]
"I end my turn,"
Joel
[Damned Wings, Nimizu (2)] [Lightless Blade Dragon (1)] [R]
[R] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [R]
Tommy
[Traveling Momonga (2)] [Diligent Assistant, Minibelly(1)] [R]
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 4: Hand[Joel(6), Tommy(4)]
"Stand and draw, I ride Problem Child, Graybelly!"
Problem Child, Graybelly
Grade 2, Power: 9000
"I call Binoculus Tiger, Binoculus attacks the vanguard, with the skill of Binoculus, add 4000 power to Momonga, but it has to retire at the end of my turn!"
(9000)
"I guard,"
"With a boost from Littlebelly, Graybelly attacks your vanguard!"
(9000+5000=14000)
"I don't guard,"
"Drive check,"
[Drive Check - Label Pangolin(G1)]
"Damage check,"
[Damage Check - Sinful Bladesmaster, Chiren(G2)]
Damage: [Joel(2), Tommy(2)]
"Now Momonga attacks Nimizu!"
(7000+4000=11000)
"I guard," Joel said. "Not bad, I'm doing better than I thought I could, let's just hope that it stays that way," he thought.
"You're joking right," Leroy said after Andrea explained Joel's situation with his family. "His parents neglect him, and Tommy belittles him because of it,"
"Yeah, that's pretty much it," she simply replied.
Leroy banged his fist on the bench. "Why didn't he tell me, doesn't he trust me?" he asked with a bit of anger in his voice.
Andrea detected that anger and reacted accordingly. "It's not that he doesn't trust you, he didn't tell you because he felt it wasn't something you should worry about, the only reason I found out is because of that time he came to my house, he remembered something that happened to him in the past, then he started crying, he needed to tell me or else the situation would be awkward," she replied, hoping Leroy would understand.
"What do you mean something I shouldn't worry about, he literally started crying because of it, things that make you cry are big deals," Leroy said as he started to calm down. "All I'm saying is that he should've told me too, or at least tried to ask for help in an indirect way if he felt embarrassed about saying something,"
Andrea nodded in agreement. "I know, I also wished he told us, this isn't something he should face alone, so we have to support him, he needs us,"
Leroy smiled. "Yeah, you're right, we have to show him that we'll be there for him,"
"I end my turn, due to the skill of Binoculus, Momonga retires," Tommy said.
Joel
[Damned Wings, Nimizu (2)] [Lightless Blade Dragon (1)] [R]
[R] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [R]
Tommy
[R] [Problem Child, Graybelly(1)] [Binoculus Tiger (3)]
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 5: Hand[Joel(4), Tommy(4)]
"Stand and draw, I'm counting on you," Joel said as he chose a card from his hand and raised it into the air. "Jet black wings, it's time, descend and cloak the battlefield in endless shadows! I ride! Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel!"
Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel
Grade 3, Power: 11000
"So that's your ace, Palandel, let's hope he's as strong as I hear," Tommy said.
"You bet he is, I call Ignoble Sorceress, Rachel, and Black Star Mage, Maka, with a boost from Maka, Rachel attacks Binoculus Tiger!"
(9000+8000=17000)
"I don't guard that one," Tommy said as Rachel struck down his rear-guard.
"That was a bad move, with Rachel's Dusk, when she destroys a rear-guard, I can send a card from my drop zone to my hand," Joel explained.
"Impressive, now carry on with your turn," Tommy said back to him.
"With a boost from Deren, Palandel takes flight and has his sights set on the vanguard!"
(11000+5000=16000)
"I'm not going to guard that one either, do your worst,"
"I'd be happy to, twin drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Dusk Dragon, Umbra(G2)]
[Drive Check #2 - Dark Cloak Dragon (Draw Trigger)]
"Perfect, a draw trigger, I draw, the power will go to Nimizu!"
"Damage check,"
[Damage Check - Castanet Donkey (Draw Trigger)]
"Whaddya know, it seems that you're not the only one who gets to draw, I give the power to my vanguard, and thanks to that, Nimizu can't attack my vanguard, and there aren't any more rear-guards in the front row either.
Damage: [Joel(2), Tommy(3)]
Joel sucked his teeth, disappointed at the fact that one of his attacks were now useless, even after the power-up. "I end my turn then,"
Joel
[Damned Wings, Nimizu (2)] [Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel (1)] [Ignoble Sorceress, Rachel (3)]
[R] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [Black Star Mage, Maka (3)]
Tommy
[R] [Problem Child, Graybelly (1)] [R]
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 6: Hand[Joel(6), Tommy(5)]
"Stand and draw, you managed to take the lead, but not by much, I'll just take it back," Tommy said as he raised a card into the air. "A mind that cannot be rivaled, an imagination that goes beyond reality, let the knowledge within you become your power! Ride! Famous Professor, Bigbelly!"
Famous Professor, Bigbelly
Grade 3, Power: 11000
"And now I liberate the generation zone," Tommy called out. "Generation stride! Omniscience Dragon, Hrimthurs!"
Omniscience Dragon, Hrimthurs
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"With stride skill, add 4000 power to Littlebelly, I then call Label Pangolin, Application Researcher, Ponbelly, and Malicious Saber to read-guard, with a boost from Littlebelly, Hrimthurs attacks your vanguard, with the skill of Ponbelly, send her to the soul, draw and add 5000 power to Hrimthurs!"
(26000+9000+5000=40000)
"I don't guard,"
"Triple drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Crayon Tiger(G2)]
[Drive Check #2 - Revision Scientist, Delibelly(G1)]
[Drive Check #3 - Application Researcher, Ponbelly (Critical Trigger)]
"A critical trigger, power to Saber, critical to my vanguard!"
[Damage Check #1 - Dawn Slayer, Christian(G2)]
[Damage Check #2 - Black Sword Rookie, Deren(G0)]
Damage: [Joel(4), Tommy(3)]
"With the skill of Hrimthurs, add 4000 power to Saber, then add another 4000 power to him, now with a boost from Label Pangolin, Saber attacks the vanguard, with Saber's skill, add 3000 power!"
(9000+5000+8000+7000+3000=32000)
"Not bad, but that isn't good enough. Generation Guard! Corruption Dragon, Kelion!"
Corruption Dragon, Kelion
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"With Kelion's skill, since I have two or more cards in my hand, add 5000 to the shield, then I guard,"
"With the skill of Pangolin, since Saber attacked you with at least 20000 power, I can countercharge and soulcharge," Tommy said. "That will end my turn, due to the skill of Hrimthurs, Saber retreats and I draw,"
Joel
[Damned Wings, Nimizu (2)] [Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel (1)] [Ignoble Sorceress, Rachel (3)]
[R] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [Black Star Mage, Maka (3)]
Tommy
[R] [Famous Professor, Bigbelly (1)] [R]
[Label Pangolin (2)] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 7: Hand[Joel(4), Tommy(6)]
"Stand and draw, liberating the generation zone," Joel said. "Black knight who wields the icy blade, come forth and freeze the hearts of my adversaries! Generation Stride! Cold-Hearted Knight, Froz!"
Cold-Hearted Knight, Froz
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill, draw two cards, superior call Conju from the drop zone, add 4000 power to Conju and Rachel, then I use the skill of Froz and add 3000 power to all units, you're up first, Rachel," Joel said as he looked at Tommy's field, then widened his eyes. "Oh no,"
Tommy smirked. "What's wrong, are there no rear-guards to attack,"
"Damn, he planned this, on his last turn, he only called one rear-guard to the front row, knowing that it would retire at the end of the turn, that way he could launch a stable attack on his turn and not have to worry about Rachel's Dusk on my turn," he realized. "Fine then, with a boost from Maka, Rachel attacks the vanguard!"
(9000+4000+3000+8000+3000=27000)
"I don't guard, damage check,"
[Damage Check - Field Glass Otter(G2)]
Damage: [Joel(4), Tommy(4)]
"With a boost from Deren, Froz attacks the vanguard!"
(29000+8000=37000)
"Complete guard with Delibelly!"
"Triple drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Dusk Shield Guardian(G1)]
[Drive Check #2 - Corrupted Beast, Leopald(G3)]
[Drive Check #3 - Black Star Mage, Maka(G1)]
"What, no triggers!" Joel exclaimed
"Damn, brother, that's some bad luck,"
"It doesn't matter, with a boost from Conju, Nimizu attacks the vanguard!"
(8000+3000+7000+4000+3000=25000)
"I guard with two cards,"
"Crap, I end my turn,"
Joel
[Damned Wings, Nimizu (2)] [Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel (1)] [Ignoble Sorceress, Rachel (3)]
[Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju (2)] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [Black Star Mage, Maka (3)]
Tommy
[R] [Famous Professor, Bigbelly (1)] [R]
[Label Pangolin (2)] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 8: Hand[Joel(8), Tommy(2)]
"Stand and draw, I'm going to finish this, liberating the generation zone," Tommy said as he dropped a card in his hand. "Great dragon that roams through the forest, roar loud as all bow down before you! Generation stride! Omniscience Dragon, Balaurl!"
Omniscience Dragon, Balaurl
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"With stride skill, add 4000 power to Littlebelly and Pangolin, Pangolin moves up, I call Anchor Rabbit, get ready, because I use the skill of Balaurl, add 4000 power to the front row for every card face up in my G zone and they all obtain the skill to let me draw when their attack hits the vanguard, since I have two cards face up, add 8000 power to the front row!" Tommy exclaimed.
"Not bad, you have three strong attacks lined up," Joel said.
"I'm not done yet, Littlebelly rests and now I add 2000 power to Pangolin, prepare yourself, since Pangolin's power has exceeded 20000 power, Anchor Rabbit becomes Successful and can obtain an additional skill, now Pangolin attacks Rachel!"
(7000+4000+8000+2000=21000)
"I don't guard, Rachel retreats,"
"Balaurl attacks the vanguard!"
(26000+8000=34000)
"Complete guard with Dusk Shield Guardian!"
"Triple drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Problem Child, Graybelly(G2)]
[Drive Check #2 - Sword & Shield Scholar, Corebelly(G1)]
[Drive Check #3 - Dictionary Goat (Heal Trigger)]
"I got a heal trigger, recover one damage, the power goes to Anchor Rabbit, now Anchor Rabbit attacks your vanguard!"
(8000+8000+5000=21000)
"I don't guard, damage check,"
[Damage Check - Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel(G3)]
Damage: [Joel(5), Tommy(3)]
"I draw, but it's not over yet, I use Anchor Rabbit's skill since she's become successful, she can stand!"
Joel gasped. "What, it can stand?!"
"That's right, now she attacks your vanguard again!"
(16000+5000=21000)
"Nimizu intercepts, with her skill, add 10000 the shield!"
"I end my turn, it seems I couldn't beat you this turn, but I will next turn, due to the skill of Balaurl, Pangolin and Anchor Rabbit retire,"
Joel
[R] [Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel (1)] [R]
[Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju (2)] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [Black Star Mage, Maka (3)]
Tommy
[R] [Famous Professor, Bigbelly (1)] [R]
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 9: Hand[Joel(6), Tommy(5)]
"Stand and draw, I won't lose to you, Leroy paved the way for me, I will win, liberating the generation zone," Joel said as he dropped a card from his hand. "Dark creature who was rejected by all who knew you, join me and let us fight together! Generation Stride! Outcasted Shadow Beast, Rocorio!"
Outcasted Shadow Beast, Rocorio
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"With stride skill, draw two cards, superior call Dawn Slayer, Christian from the deck, add 4000 power to Christian and Maka, I call Dusk Dragon, Umbra, I then use Deren's skill, I send three cards from my drop zone to the bottom of my deck and draw,"
"Your hand is increasing quite well, you already have eight cards," Tommy noted.
"It will only get larger, I use Rocorio's skill, I can check the top two cards of my deck and activate a skill based on whether the card is a normal or trigger unit, let's check the first card," Joel said as he checked the first card.
"It's Ignoble Sorceress, Rachel, a grade 2, she goes to my hand, add 4000 power to Umbra and Christian, now the next card," he continued as he checked the second card.
"Nice, Merciless Assassin, Tennyson, a grade 1, add another 4000 power to Umbra and Christian, with a boost from Conju, Christian attacks the vanguard, with his Dusk, I can either countercharge two cards or soulcharge two cards, I countercharge two cards!"
(9000+4000+8000+7000=28000)
"No guard, damage check,"
[Damage Check - Castanet Donkey (Draw Trigger)]
"Wow, deja vu, I draw, the power goes to my vanguard of course!"
Damage: [Joel(5), Tommy(4)]
"With a boost from Deren, Rocorio attacks the vanguard!"
"No guard,"
"All I need is a critical trigger, triple drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Lightless Blade Dragon(G2)]
[Drive Check #2 - Unholy Mage, Kei(G1)]
[Drive Check #3 - Ignoble Medic, Kaide (Heal Trigger)]
"Darn, no critical trigger, I can still make use of this, recover one damage, the power goes to Umbra,"
"Damage check,"
[Damage Check - Famous Professor, Bigbelly(G3)]
Damage: [Joel(4), Tommy(5)]
"With a boost from Maka, Umba attacks your vanguard, with Umbra's skill, send one card from my hand to the bottom of my deck, then add 5000 power to Umbra!"
(10000+8000+5000+8000+4000+5000=40000)
"Generation Guard! Sheltered Heiress, Spangled!"
Sheltered Heiress, Spangled
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"I then guard with Corebelly, I use Corebelly's skill, since I have a Bigbelly vanguard, countercharge two cards and add 10000 to his shield, then I use Spangled's skill, when Corebelly is sent to the drop zone, I can draw," Tommy said as the attack was stopped.
"Shit, I couldn't finish it, I end my turn,"
Joel
[Dawn Slayer, Christian (2)] [Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel (1)] [Dusk Dragon, Umbra (3)]
[Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju (2)] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [Black Star Mage, Maka (3)]
Tommy
[R] [Famous Professor, Bigbelly (1)] [R]
[R] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [R]
Turn 10: Hand[Joel(12), Tommy(5)]
"Stand and draw, I'm going to win this fight, Joel, even if I have to make you use every single card in your hand, but I have confidence that my trump card will do just the job," Tommy said as he dropped a grade 3 from his hand. "Beloved professor, loved by all you meet, surpass your own strength to reach a power that will lay waste to your foes! Generation Stride! Sage-saint Professor, Bigbelly!"
Sage-saint Professor, Bigbelly
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill, add 4000 power to Littlebelly, I call Problem Child, Graybelly, Sword & Shield Scholar, Corebelly, Ink Panda, and Sharpener Beaver, with the skill of Sharpener Beaver, add 3000 power to Ink Panda, I hope you remember Bigbelly's skill," Tommy said.
Joel gulped. "Yeah, I remember,"
"Good, because I'm going to use it, I select one rear-guard I control and add 4000 power to it for every card face up in my G zone, I have six cards face up, so I add 24000 power to Graybelly, Ink Panda, Littlebelly, and Corebelly become Successful,"
"That isn't going to be good, Graybelly already has 33000 power, all on its own," Joel said.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, with a boost from Sharpener Beaver, Ink Panda attacks the vanguard!"
(14000+6000=20000)
"I guard,"
"You're up Bigbelly, attack the vanguard with Littlebelly's boost, then Bigbelly obtains a skill when his attack hits the vanguard, I can stand rear-guards equal to the number of face-up G zone cards!"
(26000+9000=35000)
"There's no way I can let that hit, I guard with six cards, now your attack can't hit, even if you pull a triple trigger,"
"Time for my triple drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Revision Scientist, Delibelly(G1)]
[Drive Check #2 - Dictionary Goat (Heal Trigger)]
"I got a heal trigger, recover one damage, the power goes to Graybelly!"
[Drive Check #3 - Application Researcher, Ponbelly (Critical Trigger)]
"Ah yeah, a critical trigger, all the effects go to Graybelly, this will be the end of you, with a boost from Corebelly, Graybelly attacks the vanguard, with the skill of Corebelly, add 5000 power to Graybelly for every Successful unit on my field, I have three, so add 15000 power to Graybelly!"
(9000+24000+10000+7000+15000=65000)
"This isn't the end, I won't lose! Generation Guard! Reborn Damned Wings, Nimizu "Titan"!" Joel exclaimed as a black light appeared between Palandel and Graybelly, as the light faded, a grown version of Nimizu stood, she had four wings in contrast to her original two, she was dressed in a black and green dress, and there were mysterious red marks on her wings.
Reborn Damned Wings, Nimizu "Titan"
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"With her skill, I send two cards from my hand to the bottom of my deck, then I can select one rear-guard you control and send it back to your hand!" Joel explained.
Tommy gasped. "What! You've sent it back to the hand!"
Joel nodded. "That's right, the only downside is that you have more cards to guard with,"
"An impressive play by Joel Leandrew, Tommy's attack was over 60000 power, and Joel stopped it with ease!" Joshua exclaimed.
"I end my turn,"
Joel
[Dawn Slayer, Christian (2)] [Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel (1)] [Dusk Dragon, Umbra (3)]
[Treacherous Dragon Knight, Conju (2)] [Black Sword Rookie, Deren (1)] [Black Star Mage, Maka (3)]
Tommy
[Ink Panda (2)] [Famous Professor, Bigbelly (1)] [R]
[Sharpener Beaver (2)] [Scintillating First-year Student, Littlebelly (1)] [Sword & Shield Scholar, Corebelly (3)]
Turn 11: Hand[Joel(2), Tommy(5)]
"Stand and draw," Joel said. "This is good, I still have all my rear-guards, I can launch a successful attack, but I have a problem, I can't stride, the grades in my hand only add up to two, and even in I could stride, he has a complete guard, a G guardian, and is sitting at four damage, so what can I do," Joel thought.
"Are you thinking of a way to beat me," Tommy said. "Well forget it, you might've survived my trump card, but there's no way you can ever win against me, I've always been the smarter and better one, that's why mom and dad love me so much more than they love you,"
"Tommy, Tommy, Tommy!" their parents cheered from the stands.
"See, from the beginning of this match, they've cheered for me, but they haven't even said your name, face it, you hardly mean a thing to them,"
"I don't care," Joel said back to him. But the truth was, a part of him did care, a part of him wanted his parents to love him just as much as they did Tommy. Joel had to fight the tears that were beginning to form in his eyes as he realized that might never happen.
"JOEL!" two voices said. Joel snapped out of his thoughts and turned behind him, Leroy and Andrea were cheering for him.
"Don't give in to his taunts, Joel, keep fighting!" Andrea exclaimed.
"We're right here, we know that you can do this, you're not alone!" Leroy exclaimed as well.
"You guys," Joel said as he wiped his face and smiled, he then turned to his brother. "Hey Tommy, there's something that I've realized,"
"You realized something, and that something is?" Tommy asked.
"I've realized that all this time, I've been jealous of you, I yearned for the same love mom and dad gave you, I remembered a time when I was loved by them, many times I wished I could go back to that time, but I know now that I was wrong,"
"I'm a bit confused, how were you wrong?"
"Mom and dad hardly ever notice when I'm around, heck, they don't even say my name right, and I'm damn tired of it, but here I was, wanting them to love me," Joel answered.
From the stands, Jane and Malcolm exchanged guilt glances at each other. Have they really been neglecting their son? Joel has never been open to them about how he feels, but now, it was obvious to see that they have wronged him.
Joel then pointed behind him to where Leroy and Andrea were. "But they're different, ever since I've known them, they've always wanted the best for me, whenever I was down, they'd always pick me up, times when I felt alone, they were right beside me and would be there for me,"
He then turned to Tommy. "That's what I've realized, I don't care what you think of me, or what mom and dad think of me, it's the people who stood by me, the people who helped me become the person I am today, it's the thoughts of those people that truly matter to me!"
Joel was then surrounded by a black space. "What the, where am I?" he asked aloud as the area around him changed to outer space, in the distance, he saw a planet, he then found himself speeding towards the planet, soon, he was standing in a courtyard, it was dark, the only light offered was that of the moon, an ominous fog loomed in the ground, and in front of Joel, stood a large, gloomy castle.
"This is similar to what Andrea told me, the vision she had," Joel realized.
"Good, at least I won't have to explain," a voice from behind him said, Joel turned to see a large man, his torso was dressed in a thin gold armor, he wore a pitch-black cape with the hood down, and in his hand was a scythe.
"You're one of the titans, right?" Joel asked.
"Indeed I am, I'm here to congratulate you, Joel, for realizing the people who are important to you in your life, because of that, I give you permission to use my power. Must I explain how it works?" the figure asked.
"No, that won't be necessary," Joel replied.
"Good, now go win," the figure said as Joel reappeared at the stadium, he then grinned.
"What are you so happy about, there's no way you can beat me," Tommy said.
Joel's grin only widened. "I wouldn't say that, this match is mine, first I use Palandel's Generation Break 2, I discard a card from my hand, then Ink Panda retreats and 3000 power is added to the front row," he began. "Then I discard another card from my hand, I also bind a copy of Froz, Kelion, and Nimizu "Titan" face up,"
Denton smiled. "He's beginning to awaken his powers as a chosen one as well,"
A look of uncertainty appeared on Tommy's face. "What are you doing?"
"You're about to see right now," a white flame-like energy surrounded Joel's G zone. "Imagine it, a world in which all our hopes and dreams can become a reality, watch as it appears before me! Generation Descent! Azrith Titan of Shadow's Reign, Todomeda!"
Azrith Titan of Shadow's Reign, Todomeda
Grade 4, Power: 25000+
A white and purple portal appeared in front of Palandel, as he entered the portal, it grew in size, from the other side Todomeda walked out, as he stepped foot on the battlefield, the forest disappeared and the foggy courtyard appeared, the beautiful school also disappeared, replaced by the dark and gloomy castle.
"It's an Azrith Titan, just like the one I used," Andrea said.
"Then that means Joel can win this," Leroy said.
"With a boost from Conju, Christian attacks the vanguard, sadly, I don't have enough cards in my hand to use his Dusk!"
(12000+7000=19000)
"I guard,"
"Now with a boost from Maka, Umbra attacks the vanguard, with Umbria's skill, I send a card from my hand to the bottom of my deck, then add 5000 power to Umbra!"
(13000+8000+5000=26000)
"I don't guard, damage check,"
[Damage Check - Diligent Assistant, Minibelly(G1)]
Damage: [Joel(4), Tommy(5)]
"Let's do this, with a boost from Deren, Todomeda attacks the vanguard, skill of Todomeda!" Joel exclaimed. "When he attacks, I send four cards from my deck to my soul, then three of your rear-guards must go to the bottom of your deck, I can then select four cards from my soul and call them to rear-guard, I superior call, Black Wing Messenger, Merciless Assassin, Tennyson, Corrupted Beast, Leopald, and last, but certainly not least, Darkwing Bladesman, Palandel!"
"Damn it," Tommy said as he said his remaining rear-guards to the bottom of his deck.
"That's not it, the called cards get an additional 6000 power added to them!" Joel exclaimed. "Go, Todomeda!"
(36000+5000=41000)
"Complete guard your vanguard's attack with Delibelly!"
"Triple drive,"
[Drive Check #1 - Fallen Angel Dragon, Zako(G1)]
[Drive Check #2 - Shadow Dagger Scout, Tyron (Critical Trigger)]
"I got a critical trigger, all effects to Palandel!"
[Drive Check #3 - Shadow Dagger Scout, Tyron (Critical Trigger)]
"I got another critical trigger, all effects to Leopald!"
"This is bad, both of his remaining rear-guards have an extra critical, and what's worse, I have five damage and only two hand cards, no, he can't beat me, he can't!" Tommy thought frantically.
"I said that this fight would show which one of us was the better fighter, now it's time I prove it, with a boost from Black Wing Messenger, Palandel attacks the vanguard!"
(11000+6000+5000+7000+6000=35000)
"I...don't guard, damage check,"
[Damage Check - Famous Professor, Bigbelly(G3)]
Damage: [Joel(4), Tommy(6)]
"It's over folks, it wasn't easy for Joel, but in this clash between brothers, he came out victorious, now Team Trinovol are going to the finals!" Joshua exclaimed.
Joel gathered up his cards and looked at Tommy, he could see the look of disbelief in his eyes, he quickly got off the stadium and ran back to his booth, once he got there he jumped on his teammates. "We're going to the finals!" they all exclaimed happily.
"You did great out there, Joel," Leroy said.
"It's all thanks to you two, seeing you cheer me on made me realize that I wasn't alone," Joel said as tears came down his cheeks.
"There there, now let's go, the next fight will be starting," Andrea said.
"Yeah, I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for some popcorn," Joel said as he wiped his face, they exited the booth and made their way to the concession stand.
"So Joel, how did it feel using an Azrith Titan?" Andrea asked.
"It was awesome, it felt like I was in another world," Joel replied.
"Um, Joel?" a voice said, Joel turned to see Jane and Malcolm, Tommy was with them too.
"You finally said my name right, what do you want?" Joel asked back.
"We...we just wanted to say that we're sorry," Jane said as she put her head down. "It's just that your father and I were so happy when Tommy was born, but as he grew up, we couldn't let go of the fact that he wasn't a baby anymore, in need of our constant attention, by doing that, we inadvertently ended up neglecting you,"
"We're really sorry, we'll try to be better parents, but it'll make us feel better if we know that you forgive us," Malcolm added.
Joel turned to face his parents, he felt conflicted inside, he was angry for all the years they've neglected him, but he was happy that they wanted to become better parents to him. He slowly walked over to them.
"No, I can't forgive you for what you did to me, but, I do want to start over again, so, mom, dad, what do you say," Joel said, his parents went over and hugged him.
"Sure, I don't mind starting over again," Jane said.
"C'mon Tommy," Malcolm beckoned his son.
Tommy groaned. "Fine," he said as he slowly walked to Joel.
"Oh don't be like that, Tommy," Joel smiled as he went over to his brother and hugged. "I said that we can start over, that means the two of us are cool, I'll be a great big brother,"
A small smile formed on Tommy's face. "Well, let's just hope so, brother,"
Featured Fan Cards:
Sword & Shield Scholar, Corebelly
Grade 1, Power: 7000
Auto: Success 20000
Auto/GC/GB2: When this card is placed on GC, if you have a vanguard with "Bigbelly" in its name, add +10000 to its shield and countercharge two cards.
Auto/RC/GB2: When this unit boosts while being Successful, select one rear-guard you control, add +5000 to it for every Successful unit on your field.
Reborn Damned Wings, Nimizu "Titan"
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
Auto/GC/Send two cards from your hand to the bottom of your deck: When this card is placed on GC, you may pay the cost, if you do, select one rear-guard your opponent controls, send it back to their hand.
Azrith Titan of Shadow's Reign, Todomeda
Grade 4, Power: 25000+
Generation Descent - Stride Step - [Discard a card in your hand, then target three cards with different names face up in your G Zone, bind an identical copy of each targeted card face down in your G Zone face-up, then STRIDE this card on VC. The bound cards cannot be targeted by any skills or affect any skills.]
Auto/CB1/SB1: When this unit attacks a vanguard, you may pay the cost, if you do, select four cards from your deck, send them to your soul, then send up to three rear-guards your opponent controls to the bottom of their deck, then select up to four cards from your soul, call them to rear-guard, add +6000 to each of them.
