As a kid I cried whenever my only little sister was taken away from me. We were like best friends back then. Always playing together. Making sandcastles near the beach. Running through the sand in our bare feet, and splashing each other with water. Always doing things together.

I could remember the last time we were together at that beach.

Yeah.

We'd make these silly promises that we'd come back and do things that we never did again... That's what disappointed me the most. I couldn't keep my promises.

(That's probably what broke me.)

Mother took Shizuka away, while I was left with my father, who back then I could consider my dad. He was what everyone would want as a father. Until that day he changed. And I changed as well.

It was a good thing Shizuka was left with Mom. She took real good care of her. And I'd rather her safe than me.

I'm sure glad she's here with me now. (A little bit of reassurance, is all we need. To stay alive.)

"Sure is nice."

"Yeah."

"The sunset. It's so pretty."

"It's not pretty as you though sis."

"You think?"

"Well yeah! I mean with the way the boys look at you I guess it's true."

"I never really noticed."

"Well, yeah. I bet you'll find some guy and he'll like you. I won't like it though."

"Don't worry Jou! I won't like anyone if it hurts you."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, nothing."

"You'd really do that?"

"Do what?"

"Not like someone because of me?"

"We're still wittle Jou, I can't like anyone just yet!"

"I know, I know. But when we get older. You know?"

"Of course. If that makes you happy."

"Thanks."

"But...you have to promise me."

"Promise you?..."

"That you'll take me here again."

"Sure sis."

-----------

"Running, always running. Where are you running off to my little Koinu?"

"I'm not running.

'Then why do you hide my koinu?'

"I'm not your koinu!

"Then who's are you?"

"Definitely not yours!"

"I'm hurt, puppy..."

"....What do you want?

You know what I want.

('What did he mean by that?')

"You know very well what I've wanted.

"...What...?

'"Don't play dumb with me.'

"...Listen up I don't know what the hell you want, you jerk. Or why the hell you are here!'

'"I'm here to claim what is rightfully mine.'

'"Rightfully yours? Nothing here in my hell hole of a home is yours!'

'I wouldn't want your disgusting trash,
mutt.'

(Yeah. I know.)

"Then what the hell do you want with me. Moneybags?!"

"Don't make me laugh"

"Shaddup...."

"Make me."

....

"You wouldn't really hurt a guest now would you?"

"I never invited you here..."

"No need to growl mutt. I'll just take what I want and leave."

"...."

"Don't act so stupid. Hand it over. Or do I have to force you to?"

"...What they hell do you want that's mine?"

"Not yours. Mine."

"...Tell me already..."

"Giving in already are we?"

"Shut up and tell me."

"It's something precious to me."

"Something of mine that's that important? Damn Moneybags! I didn't know you'd stoop so low to take my money."

"Haha. I have enough of my own. Taking your money would be a cinch anyway."

"Tch..."

"...And besides, watching you starve to death after having no more money would be oh-so-much better."

"...I still have my friends."

"Friends! Ha. Soon enough they'll turn on you, and then who do you have left to run to? Your piece of shit father?"

"..."

"That's right. You have no one to run to, your worthless dog!"

(Worthless...yeah...)

"...I have Shizuka..."

"Do you?"

A menacing smile was upon the CEO's lips as Shizuka appeared in his arms, with her arms around his neck.

"Shizuka!...you leave her alone moneybags!"

(Oh, but they're so far away. Why do I feel this way?)

"Hey Jou."

"Sis?...you sound happy."

"Happy? I'm more than happy big bro!"

"Why Shizuka?"

"Because she has me, mutt."

"She doesn't need you."

"I could take care of her better than you can. You're always off with your so-called little friends. Or trying to get that girl Mai to like you."

"That's not true..."

(I don't even like Mai...anymore.)

"Then where were you Jou? When I needed you the most?"

"..."

"That's right where were you?"

"..."

"Not by her side. But I was. Some brother you are to her, stupid mutt."

"I'm sorry Shizuka...I failed you."

"That's okay big brother. Seto is here for me now."

(?)

"...Seto?...Kaiba..."

(Kaiba.)

"Now run along, puppy...here's a doggie treat for you."

(..?)

"Puppy?...Me?... Shizuka?"

A dog biscuit is thrown in front of Jou, who is now on his knees dressed up in the dog suit again and he eats the biscuit.

"Woof, woof awwwooooo!"

"That's a good puppy...."

(...?!)

---------------------------

Continue or not?

Your choice.

R and R, onegai?