-Gonzales's POV-

'This is everything I ever wanted. I finally got revenge on my brother; I took his girl from him. She's mine now,' I sigh happily, running my fingers through Emika's hair. She purrs, her head on my chest. I smile, watching her tail twitch occasionally. She stirs slightly and I see a flash of white under her shirt.

And everything comes rushing back.

-Flashback!-

"Go get them," the three words slid out of my mouth and caught Emika's attention. She glanced back at Stephano, springing into the air and straight for him. I saw him take out his sword, aiming it at Emika.

From there, everything rushed past.

I watched in dismay as Emika landed on Stephano's sword, her face twisting in anguish. Stephano's expression changed into one of alarm and repentance.

Emika sunk to her knees, clutching the handle of the sword in agony. I could see the blood seeping into the fabric of her shirt and I bolted over.

"Look what you did!" I shouted at Stephano, fighting back tears.

"I-I... I didn't... It w-wasn't supposed to hurt her..." he stuttered, a sob escaping his lips.

"Emika! Emika, stay with me!" I said, seizing her shoulders. She looked up at me, a sad smile on her face. She closed her eyes, leaning against my chest.

"No! Emika! Open your eyes!" I begged, taking her face into my hands. She blinked, her eyes fluttering. I smiled down at her, some tears escaping my eyes.

"Please, stay awake," I whispered quietly, pushing a few stray strands of hair from her face.

I listened to the footsteps of my brother running away like the coward he was. Barrel jogged over, staring down at us.

"You have to do something, sir!" I choked out, glancing up at him. He frowned, shaking his head.

"I don't think I can do a-"

"Please! Barrel, sir, you have to!" I shouted, my voice cracking.

Barrel hesitated for a heartbeat, then sighed. "Alright, let's go."

I smiled, picking Emika up gently.

-Flashback End!-

After that, Barrel managed to save Emika in time, and she hasn't spoken since. I worry about her; she never leaves my side.

My thoughts cease as Emika yawns, stretching her arms. She sneezes, blinking rapidly. She looks up me, a smile appearing on her face.

"Good morning, Emika," I whisper gently. She pushes herself up so she's closer to my face. I watch with curiousity, searching her eyes for a heads-up of her next move. Her ears perk forward, and she suddenly nuzzles my face.

I splutter, shaking my head to get her hair out of my face. She smiles, sitting up and glancing at the wall above the bed. Her gaze rests on the golden sword mounted against the wall, pain and betrayal swirling in her cherry red eyes.

I sit upright, my smile fading. "Hey, don't think about it. It's not good for you."

Emika looks back at me, her ears and tail drooping. She hugs me, burying her face in my chest. I rub her back softly, sighing.

"It'll be alright, Emika," I murmur, mentally pledging to make Stephano pay for what he did.