Author's note: May as well write a new fanfic while waiting for my other one to get the "required three". That's right, if I don't get three replies to a chapter, the next chapter doesn't come until I do. So if you like this, review.

"Joey?" Serenity turned her large eyes to her big brother, watching him with avid curiousity. "What's wrong?" Joey shook his head, trying to pretend nothing was. Serenity, unfortunately, saw through his charade within mere moments. "Joey, what's wrong?"

"Nothin."

Serenity sighed. Joey had been quiet since yesterday..very quiet. Not at all like he had been when their mother allowed her to move back to Domino City. "Look, it's nothin, all right? Don't worry about a thing, Serenity.Your big brother'shere to take care of ya.." She's not doing it again. No way is that total witch doin it again. She won't take Serenity from me...she can't. Serenity's happier here, mom knows that.

He had taken her to the beach every weekend since they had gotten back. He had been worried at first that the problems and dangers that inevitably ensnared both him and Yugi would affect Serenity, but so far, they had been lucky. No one had attacked, and no one's soul been taken since before Yugi defeated Dartz.

Serenity lay out on the beach, just watching the scenery. She never opted to swim - she much preferred just watching the sunsetthe sunset. That was always her favourite part. That was why Joey always brought her at this time, to this spot. The sun was a dancing ball of orange, casting red and pink flames against the sky as it fought its way down, disappearing below the horizon.

Peaceful twilight...

How Joey hated it.

It made him think too much. It gave him too much to think about - how could he ever watch the sunset if Serenity was taken away from him again? As far as Serenity knew, their mother had consented to her coming to live with Joey...but that was a lie. He felt bad about it, but he also felt that he knew what was best for his little sister. She was all that mattered in the world. Just her, and his friends.

Joey closed his eyes, remembering the phone call from yesterday that put him so on edge..


"I can't believe you..this is kidnapping!" His mother's voice screeched at him.

"Yeah? So? Call the cops or somethin." Joey had tried to sound like she wasn't affecting him at all, that he wasn't worried, trying to keep his voice even - Serenity was in the next room, he didn't want to risk her overhearing. "She's happier here. A lot happier."

"Look, I'm grateful that you paid for her surgery and all, but what if you turn out like her father, hmm?" His mother snapped, "You didn't exactly prove yourself when you joined that gang."

"I'm out of 'em now."

"But what if you go back to it? Your father was out of it once, too, but you saw what happened there."

"Shut up, you old hag." He spat at her. "Never call me again, ya got that?" He slammed the phone down, then punched the wall, closing his eyes against the tears. No way in hell was she taking Serenity away...


"Joey?" Serenity's voice made him snap back into the present. "The bus is going to be here soon, brother. We should get going."

Joey nodded, and headed with her onto the bus. I promise, Serenity..you said you hated it there..and I promise to never make you go back. Never. That woman wants to get to you, she'll have to kill me first.