Disclaimer: I do not own Battle B-Daman, Wen, Li, or any of the characters used in this fic.

A/N: This takes place around the scene where Li is freed from Marda B in episode 49, Into the Neo-Shadow Den. A bit of episode 50, The Longest B-DaBattle, is also mentioned. It's a little different from the first chapter. I was going to end it there but decided to write this in honor of Wen's birthday on May 7.

Oh, Wen, I was really worried. I wasn't sure you were ever gonna open your eyes.

Yeah. Actually, I could say the same thing about you, ya know. – Li and Wen from Into the Neo-Shadow Den

The Bond Between Brothers: Reunion

Cain watched the last moments of the battle between the Yong Fa brothers intently. Despite Marda B's powers and the intensity of the fight, he was not surprised by the outcome. "I knew that relationship would cause trouble."

Behind him, Joshua drew in a sharp breath, startled out of his thoughts by his companion's words. "So Li has been freed. But how? Neither of them won. Then I couldn't see anything after the explosion…"

"I think it was because his brother got hurt. After the debris knocked Wen out, love overcame the brainwashing. Marda B underestimated those two." Cain smirked. "I suspected this would happen. While Wen was still holding back, Li missed a chance to defeat him and turn him to stone. I don't think he could actually harm his brother. Marda B doesn't understand any of this. That is why he is unfit to rule, and I will be the one to take over. I won't be a slave to someone who is inferior to me."

Joshua sighed, a look of concern on his face. "You must be careful."

Cain did not seem to hear him. "Let's go. We have to meet Yamato and the rest of his little resistance." With that, he strode off unafraid.

Joshua lingered for a moment. "You do understand love, Cain," he said when his friend was out of hearing distance. "But will you ever allow it to touch your heart again? I hope Gray and the others can help you."

Li felt as if he were waking from a dream. The last thing he remembered was standing before Marda B with Enjyu and agreeing to receive the third eye in order to keep the Neo Shadow Alliance from discovering their plan.

He took in his surroundings as his vision cleared and noticed two boxed lunches by his feet. Li picked them up, wondering where they came from. He felt a sense of dread as his eyes searched the room and soon caught sight of his brother lying on the ground motionless, covered with rubble. Panic overtook him. He ran to Wen's side and knelt down next to him.

"Wen?" It came out as a whisper. Li was so afraid that no response would come, that his brother was seriously hurt, that he was not even…

No! Wen was alive. Li saw that he was breathing. But how badly was he hurt? Carefully moving the debris off of him, he asked, "Wen, how did this happen?" A horrible thought came to the younger Yong Fa brother. Was it him? Could he have done this to the person he cared about the most? The very idea was awful. Li did not want to believe it. But then who…

The young boy could not take it any longer. He called out to his brother again and again, and when nothing happened, he gently shook him awake.

Wen finally opened his eyes and looked up at Li.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Li noticed his brother still winced in pain every so often.

"I'm fine," Wen assured him. "And as soon as we finish these fish sandwiches, we'll help Yamato and the others."

"Is it really okay that we're eating lunch right now?"

"You'll need all of your strength to face Marda B. I mean who knows when you ate last, and I don't want you to collapse in the big battle." Wen had noticed Li's stomach growling after he had helped him to his feet. Maybe he was too protective of him sometimes, but he could not help it. His younger brother was important to him. Besides, this was what Mie had wanted, for them to eat together when they met again. He would honor her wishes and make sure they were prepared for what was coming. They would free her and everyone else.

Li did not argue. He wanted Wen to rest for at least a few more minutes anyway. He was just glad that his brother was not seriously injured and that he was not angry with him. It felt good that they were back together. Wen was in a very cheerful mood, confident that their team would win, and that confidence gave Li hope just as it always did. Li could never help but feel more assured with his brother by his side.

The two were about to leave when they heard footsteps racing towards them. They took out their blasters and got ready to fight.

"Wen?" At the sound of a friend's voice, both brothers relaxed. Gray soon came into view. He smiled on seeing them standing together, happy that the family had made it through this. "So, I guess everything's under control here?"

"Yeah," Wen stepped forward to meet him. "Are the others with you?"

"No. I got held up by Cain. But there's nothing to worry about. I defeated him in battle. Joshua's taking him home. I think he's going to be okay now."

"That's great. Then we're all ready to face Marda B?" Gray nodded. "Okay. Let's go, Li."

"Right," the younger boy nodded as they all hurried off together. Wen and Li ran side by side, feeling a renewed sense of strength and determination from being reunited.

The End