The sun had barely risen over the Jurica skyline, but the Watson brothers were already wide awake. Their day started early, the twin struggles of survival and ambition leaving little time for rest. They lived in a small, cramped apartment in the poorer districts, the constant noise from the streets below and the occasional lack of running water were reminders of their struggle.
"Mike, are you ready?" Johan called out, hastily gulging down the remnants of his breakfast - a simple meal of bread and broth.
His younger brother emerged from their shared room, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Yeah, let's get going. We need to secure that construction job today."
The duo spent their mornings hustling, seeking out any available jobs to secure their survival. From construction gigs to cleaning tasks, they did whatever it took. Their evenings were reserved for pursuit of their shared dream - unraveling the mystery of Johan's card.
Despite their harsh circumstances, their shared struggles sparked moments of joy. They laughed over shared meals, competed in games of strength during their jobs, and supported each other during their low moments. Their tiny apartment, while not much to look at, was filled with warmth and resilience.
On this particular evening, after a hard day's work, the brothers sat on their worn-out couch, savoring their dinner while they discussed their findings about Card Masters. They delved into whispered rumors, analyzed recorded battles, all in the hope of gaining some understanding of their mysterious card.
Their bond was strengthened in the furnace of adversity, each challenge serving to draw them closer. Johan, often found himself lost in his thoughts, "We've got a long road ahead, Mike," he said quietly, the weight of their struggles evident in his voice.
"But we've got each other, right?" Mike responded, with a light punch to Johan's shoulder. The statement was simple but carried the weight of their shared conviction.
...
The soft hum of Jurica City at night filled their small apartment. After another day spent between manual labor and their pursuit of understanding the mysterious card, the Watson brothers found solace in the quietude of their space.
Leaning against the worn-out window frame, Johan stared out at the bright city lights. He was lost in thought, the weight of their dreams and struggles making him reflective. "Johan," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you remember the stories dad used to tell us about the Card Masters?"
Johan, who was sprawled on their shared bed, glanced at Miles. "Of course, I do," he replied, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "How they held the power to change the world. It was like a fairy tale to us."
Of course, he didn't really remember. After all, he isn't the real Johan at all! He's just a simple earthling that happened to possessed another body from different world.
Miles nodded, his gaze not leaving the view outside. "And now we're living it," he added. "Chasing after our fairy tale."
Their shared past, their lost family, their dreams, and fears all seemed to converge in these quiet moments. They allowed their hearts to lay bare, their thoughts spilling out in hushed whispers. Their conversations were often punctuated by bouts of silence, but they were comforting. They felt like anchor points in the middle of a tempest.
There were moments when doubt seemed to cloud Miles face. Times when he'd look at Johan and ask, "What if we don't make it, Johan? No, Even if I don't become one. I hope you can become one!"
And every time, Johan would look back at him, a determined spark in his eyes. "We will, Miles. We have to. And If I become one, I'll make sure you will follow suit."
And when Johan failed another attempt to summon his card, Mile swas there. He didn't offer empty words of comfort, just a steady presence. A reminder that they were in this together.
The nights in Jurica City were filled with more than just neon lights. For the Watson brothers, they were filled with shared dreams, shared burdens, and the promise of a better tomorrow. They were a testament to their unyielding spirit and the bond that tied them together in their journey.
...
Days passed and slowly the rhythm of their new life in Jurica City became familiar. They grew used to the rush and buzz, the digital screens flashing with ads, the chatter about Card Masters, and the daily grind of their jobs.
With every shared experience, every meal eaten together, and every joke exchanged, Johan found himself growing more comfortable with Miles. He could now tell his younger brother's mood by the tone of his voice, predict his laughter at his lame jokes, and even know when he was about to give up on a tricky card trick.
Johan loved these moments. He cherished these little victories, these tiny familiarities that knitted them closer together.
"Watch this, Johan!" Miles called out one day. They were at work, manning a machine together. Their actions were so synchronized, it was as if they'd been working together for years.
Miles was focusing on a particularly tricky bit of machinery while Johan was providing the needed counterbalance. They moved with a fluidity that only comes with understanding and trust.
As they successfully completed their task, Johan couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "We're quite the team, huh?" he voiced out his thoughts.
Miles grinned at him, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Best in Jurica City!"
That night, as Johan laid awake in his bed, he realized how vital Miles had become to him. It wasn't just about the card or the dreams of becoming a Card Master. It was about them, their bond, their symbiotic existence in this strange, fascinating city.
Johan fell asleep with a sense of gratitude, warmth spreading in his chest. He knew the journey ahead wouldn't be easy.
In the Earth, Johan, or Christopher, was an orphan that didn't have the luxury to enjoy what it meant to have a family. Aside from the caretaker, and the fellow orphans... He grew up without mother and father. Now, he woke up and he has a brother. Although it was strange... He felt for sure that it was his predecessor's deep desire to protect his younger brother that was influencing his though process. But Johan doesn't care about this!