His only peace. The only Master he'd ever known, the only dog he'd ever loved. His puppy throwing a ball for him to catch. His puppy throwing food off the table for him. His puppy curled up in bed with him asleep at the foot on the green striped blanket. With every atom of his human self he wished he was there again.

Like every morning the Bulldog stomped through the back door and flipped on the radio. He left the door open and nudged the human with a booted toe. "Up Kyo. Lazy human." Grumbling Kyo got up from the abandoned car mat he'd claimed as his own and moved outside.

It was a chilly morning so he did his business quickly and moved back inside. Taking up his mat again he sat and waited for the measly fare he got every morning. A gloppy can of human food that smelled as rancid as it tasted. For some reason the Bulldog ignored him and moved immediately into his office to fill out papers. Kyo glanced around the garage. Two cars in various states of disrepair and four bikes lovingly shined and ready to go. The cycles always got the best service but the cars had to be done sometime. No doubt that's what would be worked on today.

Kyo let out a welcoming call as the mechanic walked in, fulfilling his duty as guard human. The mechanic was a huge black furred Boxer that towered over his Bulldog employer. He waved hello to Kyo but went into the office first.

"Did you feed Kyo yet?" the Boxer asked as he signed in for the day.

"Don't feed the little bugger, you hear me? He's got a fight tonight." the Bulldog glared up at his mechanic.

"You're a shit head, you know that?" The Boxer renewed his argument. "You keep putting him in fights and he'll run off like the last one. He's a smart little guy."

"So if he runs away I'll just steal another one." The Bulldog rolled his eyes.

"I don't want to have to train another one." The Boxer explained heatedly. "The only reason Kyo doesn't lift his leg at the cars is because I taught him not too. You do didily shit when it comes to him."

"He's not here to be your companion and fetch you tools, he's here to fight for me."

The Boxer rolled his eyes, exited the office, bent down to pat Kyo's multi-colored hair and went to his workbench. Glad for the brief contact Kyo followed the Boxer and curled up under his workbench, trying to keep his stomach from grumbling. Abruptly the Boxer kneeled to display a long sleeved red shirt. "What do you think Kyo? To replace the one I got oil on the other day." Excitedly Kyo took the shirt and pulled it over his head to model. "I thought that would look good on you." The Boxer ruffled his hair again and handed him a raisin muffin. "Don't tell the big guy." Winking the Boxer went about his business.

Kyo's day consisted of collecting tools for the Boxer when asked and avoiding the Bulldog who felt the best way to prep him for a fight was kicking him around and yelling at him. If slowly pissing Kyo off was his task he succeeded because by the end of the day Kyo nearly took a chuck out of the boot that tried to kick him.

"There's the scrapper I know." Laughed the Bulldog as he knocked the human over and pinned him with a boot to get his leash on. "Don't you let me down tonight." Kyo's only response was a snarl as he was dragged outside and dumped in to back of the pick-up truck.

As always the fights were held in a different place every two weeks or so. The Bulldog pulled his truck around the back of the warehouse and parked near the other vehicles who brought humans to fight. Kyo's leash was tied to the truck so he wouldn't get away and the Bulldog left him there. Unlike most of the other humans he wasn't kept caged and gagged. He rested his chin on his hand and looked around wondering whom he'd fight tonight. The fights Kyo had been in made him shudder at the memory. Half mad with starvation and ill treatment his opponents had been little more than fists and blood. None ever spoke to him and only a few had succeeded in knocking him down.

"Kyo!" the squeal made him look up as the Pomeranian shuffled over and began ruffling his hair lovingly. She was a pug's girlfriend and she hated the fights but came anyway. She spent her time out with the humans either getting snarled at or dealing out treats that she kept hidden in her pockets. Happily they rubbed noses and she set about playing with his hair while he munched the cookie she'd dropped into his hands. "I always ask myself why I make you look nice going in when you're going to look like crap coming out." She muttered, playing with his fringes.

"Would you leave him alone. He supposed to fight tonight." Protested her boyfriend as he walked over. Rolling her eyes she passed Kyo one more cookie before turning to indulge her pug in a loving lick.

Sitting down Kyo thought about what was to come. Suddenly realizing what he'd look like when he was finished fighting he quickly pulled off his new red shirt and stuffed it under the spare tire. Frowning he watched the other humans be lead in and out of the building hoping something would bring and end to the fights before his turn. As always nothing did.

The inside of the warehouse was a shouting, moving mass of dogs crowded around rings edged in wooden boxes. There were two rings tonight and Kyo obediently followed the Bulldog to the one farthest inside, with the loudest shouting. Kyo paled as he realized he was going to the big money ring. If he won he'd be cheered, praised and pampered, if he lost…

The Bulldog picked him up as the fight continued and moved passed the fans to the edge of the ring. Kyo was set down on a wooden box to wait for the fight to end. It was evenly matched between a white-blond with madness in his brown eyes and a black haired one who was skinny but not sickeningly so like the other. Their fists raised, eye narrowed, they circled each other with random punches. The shouting grew an octave as the blond hurled himself at the other knocking them both down. Pinning the darker one he punched wildly at him, desperately, and Kyo looked away. A final cheer went up as the two dogs jumped the barricade to collect their humans. Kyo looked again to watch the blond be gagged roughly, the dark haired one limp in his dogs arms.

The Bulldog quickly removed his collar and dropped him into the ring. Recovering quickly Kyo stood to watch his opponent enter. His hair was black and messy and you could see every one of his ribs since he wore no shirt. What disturbed Kyo the most, however, were his eyes. Someone, probably his owner, had carved a cross like scar into the skin around one eye to make him look more threatening. His eyes, though, were completely calm. For a human starved as badly as his opponent obviously was Kyo expected madness. This human was perfectly calm and in control.

The leash slapped across his opponent's shoulder spurring him forwards and the fight began. After a brief fistfight Kyo was knocked down and hands closed around his throat. "Let me win." The other calmly announced.

Kyo was shocked. His opponents never spoke to him. None had spoken to him since his mother and siblings. Grabbing the other's wrists he managed to roll so he was on top. "Why?" he snarled, very aware that they were supposed to be fighting.

"My family and I haven't eaten in four days. You've obviously been well fed." His opponent reasoned before kneeing him in the gut and rolling so he was again on top.

"Your family?" Kyo managed to wheeze before he landed a punch to the others' jaw, effectively knocking him off.

"Five of us." The scarred one rolled out of the way when Kyo stood and moved to kick him. He sprang to his feet and raised his fists. "When I win we'll be fed."

Kyo tried to read the others face while they leveled punches at each other. "If there are so many of you…" Jab. "Why don't you just…" Duck. "Gang up and escape?" Kyo doubled over as a fist connected with his abdomen.

"Good idea but I still need to win." The other hissed and threw Kyo back.

The fight continued and Kyo wondered what it was like in the scarred ones' place. A group of humans relying on him to stay standing while his stomach ate at his insides and strength quickly failed him. Kyo couldn't help but be in awe of him. "Tell me your name." He abruptly demanded.

That caught the scarred one off guard and it registered in his eyes. At first he didn't reply, continuing to pummel the smaller man. He managed to slip passed Kyo's fists to grab his throat again and whisper in his ear. "Kirito."

Satisfied Kyo broke Kirito's grip, punched him in the jaw and set about figuring out how to loose convincingly. It was Kirito that provided all the answers. Realizing he'd been given permission he didn't hold back and Kyo decided he would have won whether he'd asked or not. In the end Kyo couldn’t see out of one eye and he could barely breath. Speed failing him Kirito landed one more punch that knocked Kyo down. Refusing to move he heard Kirito fall to his knees next to him as the dogs cheers rang in their ears. "Forgive me." He heart Kirito pant before the Bulldog scooped Kyo up. Kyo managed to catch Kirito's thankful eyes as a gag was thrust into Kirito's mouth and he too was picked up.

"Worthless little shit." The Bulldog muttered as he moved outside once again. He practically dumped Kyo into the back of the truck, quickly tied the leash to a bar and stormed away. Rolling onto his back Kyo looked up to the stars with his good eye and sighed.

It wasn't much later when the humans around him began screaming and shaking the bars that held them. Kyo pulled himself to his feet to watch Kirito deliver one last kick to a dog lying in the dirt and take off after four other figures. Unlike the others who seemed unable to voice their desire Kyo cried out. "Wait! Take me with you!" Kirito paused and looked back, gag still firmly in place but one of the others took his wrist and pulled him away.

"Wait." Kyo could only whisper pitifully, his good eye misting with tears.

Roughly someone grabbed his collar and pulled it off. He found himself dropped on the ground looking up at the Pomeranian woman. "Now run." She winked. Kyo could only blink as her demeanor changed completely, bearing her teeth. "Get back here you little shit!" she snarled and fearfully Kyo took off. She shuffled after him as fast as she could in her high heels but he out distanced her easily. Panicked and confused he continued to run.

Lungs burned, legs ached, tires squealed and lights blinded his good eye but still he ran. Stumbling through the night he gradually felt the rain begin to fall. Clothes and hair sticking to his skin he fell to his knees when the rain abruptly stopped. Looking up at the wooden roof that offered protection he gave up, collapsing into the layer of pebbles beneath him. The darkness that had claimed one eye took control of the other and lastly his mind.

*

"Do you think he's dead?"

"He's still breathing stupid."

A pebble bounced off Kyo's forehead and he moved to roll onto his back.

"Look! He's moving!"

"Jeez, it looks like someone beat him up."

Opening his good eye he cringed at the bright sunlight and fought to focus on the dogs that had obviously found him. They were small and dressed brightly. Kyo's heart lifted as he realized he'd been found by puppies. Smiling he moved a hand to hold it out towards them.

The smallest puppy ducked behind the other two. "He's gonna attack!" he squealed.

"No he isn't." said the biggest one, rolling his eyes. "He's being friendly.

"But he's bearing his teeth!" the small one protested.

"That's how they are when they're happy since they don't have tails." The last puppy explained. "And see how he's offering his hand? He's happy to see us."

"Hey, go get Dr. Curtis." the older one poked the third puppy. "He'll know what to do." Nodding the puppy ran off.

"You're sure he's not going to hurt us?" the little one whispered.

"I'm pretty sure." The big one wagged his tail encouragingly and inched forwards, stretching out a paw to Kyo. "He's hurt, he probably just wants help."

"What are you pups up too?" asked a wary female voice. Both pups stood and turned around, paws behind their backs innocently.

"Nothing." Said the older puppy.

"We just found a…" the older puppy elbowed the smaller one and he quieted.

"Found a what?" the older dogs paws went to her hips.

"A really big frog! It must have come out during the storm last night." The older one lied excitedly.

"Well I hope you didn't touch it." Her voice was slightly disgusted as she moved forwards to see. "So where is it?"

"It probably hopped away." The bigger one tried to cover for himself, backing up in an attempt to hide the human.

"Oh did it?" Her voice easily showed that she was quite happy to catch the puppy in a lie. Kyo tried his best to look pitiful as the puppies were carefully pushed aside. She let out an ear-piercing shriek and Kyo quickly rolled over to throw his hands over his head, afraid to be struck. Barking names at him the dog began kicking pebbles in an attempt to scare him off.

"No mommy!" howled the youngest puppy. "He's hurt!" Ignoring him she pulled the puppies behind her and continued to bark. Taking the hint Kyo quickly crawled out from under the playground equipment where he'd taken shelter and ran off. The pebbles gave way to grass, the grass melted into pavement and he stumbled into a shadowed alleyway. Everything hurt worse then it did after the fight and he collapsed between a dumpster and a pile of boxes.

"He ran down this way." A puppy's voice and Kyo whimpered, scared and confused.

"Okay, well if you spot him don't go close, he's probably scared enough to bite." A deep male voice announced and footsteps echoed through the alleyway.

"There you are." The deep voice announced quietly and Kyo peeked out from under his arms to watch the dog kneel. "The puppies say you're pretty hurt." He was a Dachshund with a silky roan coat and a pair of gold circular glasses. He didn't move to approach he just held out a paw and waited.

Carefully Kyo uncurled, his eyes skipping from the paw to the dog's eyes and back. The puppy inched into Kyo's view but the dachshund waved him back and returned his attention to Kyo. "I'm not going to hurt you." He announced quietly.

Kyo looked at the puppy who nodded encouragingly then back at the Dachshund. Uncurling further he carefully reached out to the dog. Both dogs wagged their tails when fingers touches paw.

"There now." The Dachshund pulled Kyo close and picked him up. "Let's take you somewhere safe." Kyo curled up against the Dachshund who gently ruffled his dirty hair.

*

"Kaoru?" Dr. Curtis stepped into his office and the purple-haired human looked up from the couch blinking sleepily. "Kaoru, I need you to look after someone for me." Kaoru blinked again and followed the Dachshund out into the hall and towards the back of the clinic. "Try and find out what happened to him." Kaoru nodded while the doctor set down a pillow outside a wire cage. Kaoru took up his position and peeked inside.

The human inside was little smaller then himself with mostly black hair save for a blond spot over his left eye. He had two black eyes and a fat lip, his chest was wrapped tightly for bruised ribs and his knuckles were bound. He was lying on his stomach fiddling with the bandages on his hands.

"Hey." Kaoru announced quietly but he still startled the other human. "Don't play with those or he'll put gloves on you." The other put down his hands and remained silent. "What happened to you?"

Kyo frowned and glanced out of the cage. "I lost the fight."

Kaoru frowned. "Human fights?"

Kyo nodded. "I had to loose though, so Kirito and his family would be fed."

"Kirito?"

"My opponent. He escaped with his family after the fight. Then the Pomeranian set me free and chased me away."

Kaoru nodded despite only partially understanding. "What's your name?"

Kyo opened his mouth to spout the name his puppy had given him but it slipped away like so many memories. He fought to find it again but in the end he sighed, defeated. "Kyo."

Kaoru was baffled by this man's expression as he fought to remember his own name. When it did come out the tone seemed disappointed. "I'm Kaoru. Dr. Curtis is my owner."

"What's going to happen to me?" Kyo asked quietly, looking out at Kaoru to judge his expression.

Kaoru looked down at his pillow and frowned. That was what all the strays asked. "I suppose that when you're well again they'll send you to the Pound and you'll get a new owner."

"If I'm lucky." Kyo mumbled, well aware of what the Pound was.

"Hey, I was in the Pound once. Look where I am now, Dr. Curtis is a wonderful owner. I couldn't ask for more." Kaoru tried to sound encouraging.

"I had owners before the fights and the Bulldog. They had a puppy." Kyo felt himself smile. "He let me sleep on the end of his bed. That's all I ask for, to be back there again."

Kaoru's heart bled, just as it did for so many of the others. "Did you run away and get lost?"

"No." Kyo's eyes grew hard. "I didn't know any better and was taken from my yard."

Kaoru had nothing to say to that, no words of comfort to offer. The only thing he could do was press his hand against the bars offering a small smile. Kyo was unfamiliar with this gesture but decided it was an attempt to offer comfort. Hesitantly he raised a bandaged hand and pressed it against Kaoru's.

*

"Come Kaoru, time to go home." Dr. Curtis barked as he flicked off the lights in the clinic. When there was no patter of feet he raised a brow. "Kaoru?" Eventually he found his human still seated outside Kyo's cage. When he approached the human looked up at him then back into the cage. "No Kaoru, I am not taking him home." Putting his paws on his hips. Kaoru glanced up at him then lied down and sighed. "No Kaoru." His ears flattened. "I'll leave you here! You can starve if you're going to act this way." Kaoru gave another heart filled sigh and looked up at his owner from the corner of his eye. Dr. Curtis chuckled and shook his head. "You little shit."

Not long after Kyo was carefully loaded into the back of the Dachshund's truck still inside the cage in hopes that he wouldn't get bounced around too much on the car ride home. With Kaoru beside him on the car seat looking satisfied Dr. Curtis rolled his eyes and headed off.

With Kyo's cage safely level in his arms and Kaoru expertly getting all the doors they made their way up to the doctor's apartment. Kyo was carefully set down on the kitchen table while the doctor fiddled with the door. "Up and at 'em!" the doctor howled. "What kind of guard humans are you guys?" There was a quiet cry from the living room and the Dachshund chuckled. "Thanks Shinya, that makes me feel much better." Tail wagging he carefully picked up Kyo and headed for the living room. Three humans occupied the room looking at their owner and his bundle with curiosity. Two red-heads were seated on the couch curled around each other and a dark-haired one was lying on a large body pillow in front of the fire place. "Pardon me Toshiya." He gestured with his muzzle for the dark-haired one to move. Toshiya blinked owlishly and stayed still. "Yes you Mr. Priss." Putting on a pout Toshiya got up and moved to the couch to claim a pillow. Setting Kyo down in the vacated place the doctor ruffled his hair and disappeared back into the kitchen.

"This is Kyo." Kaoru announced as he sat on the pillow next to Kyo. "Kyo, that's Toshiya. The big red-head is Die and the smaller one is Shinya." Those introduced offered shy smiles and waves.

The sound of metal bowls crashing together in the kitchen made the four humans perk and smile. Kaoru, Die and Toshiya immediately piled out of the room for the kitchen.

"What's going on?" Kyo looked up at Shinya who was looking at the door to the kitchen expectantly.

"Dinner time." Shinya replied quietly. "They all get a kick out of getting in his way hoping he'll drop some on the floor."

"Don't you?" Kyo heard the doctor mock shouting at the others.

Shinya shook his head. "Not worth the effort of going in there myself and I only get in Die's way if he helps me." Kyo's brow crinkled in confusion but Die ran in before he could ask. Riding Die piggyback Shinya was taken into the kitchen.

"Mooky!" An Irish Setter walked in the front door with a pair of sunglasses on and made his way right into the kitchen.

"Don't call me that." The doctor rolled his eyes at his friend as he moved into the family room with a dish for Kyo. "Did you check on the guys for me today?"

"Oh yeah. Shinya and I watched a movie." The Setter appeared shortly after with Shinya holding his bowl tightly waiting for the dog to sit down. Seated the Setter's eyes narrowed. "Who's that?" and he pointed at Kyo.

"I’m not adopting him, Kaoru wanted him to come home with us." Was the doctor's reply as he made sure Kyo was going to eat.

"That's what you said about Die and Toshiya." The Setter was sniffing unhappily.

"Shinya would have gone into depression if I'd sent Die to the Pound."

"Yeah and Kaoru would have committed suicide without Toshiya, whatever." Shinya was frowning but continued quietly eating. "Humans are not like us Mooky. None of this 'Look he thinks he's doggies!' shit."

"No, they don't think they're dogs." Dr. Curtis sighed as though this was a conversation he'd had many times. "They're humans and they're very intelligent in their own way. They communicate with each other, they're able to understand simple commands, they dream, they have emotions."

"They are pets. They are dependant."

"We have made them our pets. What do we know about their habits in the wild?"

"They kill livestock and attack puppies in the wild."

"Because we've deprived them on the skills required to survive in the wild. Just like you said we've made them dependant." Die moved into the living room and pulled Shinya away from the Irish Setter. Shinya looked relieved as he was carried to sit close to Kyo.

"So if they all fall in love with this one will you keep him? Despite the fact you can barely take care of the four your already own."

"Is that a desperate call for a vacation? Is that two hours out of your day feeding my humans getting to you?"

"Not at all. I love coming over to make sure your humans aren't at it like rabbits. I’m just trying to look out for you. Yes you're a vet but that doesn't mean you're made of money. No more humans!"

"I swear to you I'm just taking care of him until his ribs are healed."

"Sure, sure, whatever." The Setter rolled his eyes again and stole the remote control.

Kaoru and Toshiya entered the room and sat down next to Dr. Curtis' hocks. The Irish Setter flipped channels, bored, until Kaoru abruptly jumped up and pulled the clicker out of his paws. The doctor held his friend back as Kaoru flipped back a few channels and stopped on a boxing match. Turning to look at his owner he pointed at the screen.

"Kaoru you hate boxing." The Dachshund raised a brow. "Tell me slowly."

Kaoru frowned, pointed at the boxing match then turned and pointed at Kyo who was looking baffled.

"What the hell is his problem?" the Setter snarled.

"Would you shut up?" Dr. Curtis tapped his friend's muzzle. "What does boxing have to do with…" then it dawned on him. "Human fights."

"What?" the Irish looked at his friend.

Kaoru clapped and handed the clicker back to the Setter while the doctor explained. "That's what happened to the new one, he escaped from the human fights. That's how he got this badly hurt."

"You got all that from a boxing match? You're a nut if you think they understand a word we say."

Die grabbed a kibble out of Shinya's bowl and tossed it at the Setter who snarled. The doctor laughed at him and kept him from attacking his human. "Bull shit, they know exactly when you're insulting them." Dr. Curtis' tail struggled to wag despite his sitting on it.

"You are crazy! I’m out of here." Angrily the Irish Setter got up and stormed out.

Dr. Curtis chuckled and pulled Kaoru and Toshiya up onto the couch with him. "Looks like everyone's coming to the clinic tomorrow and a little while after that. Who knows when he'll forgive us." None of them objected but curled up in front of the TV. Through the course of the night Kyo learned about each of these new humans. About Shinya and his paralysis after getting hit by a car. About Die's being dropped off in front of the clinic by owners that didn't want him and his devotion to Shinya. About Toshiya's owners giving him to Dr. Curtis when they went bankrupt and were unable to care for him anymore. Kaoru shared about his time in the Pound before Dr. Curtis and Kyo told them about his time at the Mechanics and the reality of the human fights. Seeing the mood of his pets turning somber Dr. Curtis started a game of catch in the middle of his movie and everyone brightened up.

When Dr. Curtis got up for bed he picked up Shinya and Die and took them with him. Shutting off the lights he left Toshiya and Kaoru with Kyo. In the darkness Kyo felt the other humans draw near and he bristled, expecting to be forcibly removed from what had been Toshiya's pillow earlier. Unexpectedly when he made to sit up Toshiya pushed him back down and curled up beside him, Kaoru doing the same on his other side. Cuddled between them Kyo got the best sleep he had since he was taken from his puppy.

*

Dr. Curtis jumped out of the way as a ball rolled across the hallway in front of him. Chuckling he glanced from Kyo in his office to Toshiya in the opposing examination room. "Are you playing nice Toshiya?" he wagged his tail as Toshiya rolled the ball back to Kyo. "Good boy." And he continued on his way.

"Oooooh! Motor bike!" Die announced as he peeked out the window. Kaoru and Toshiya ran to join him and Kyo heard the door dingle.

"Hey everyone." Came a jovial voice and Kyo perked. "Let me in the door you guys and I'll put him on the floor to play!" Moving carefully to his feet Kyo made for the front of the clinic to prove what his ears were telling him. Sure enough there stood the Boxer and Kyo let out a happy yell. Surprised the Boxer's eyes lit up. "Kyo!" he barked and gently picked up the human.

"You know him?" Dr. Curtis approached cautiously.

"Yes I do." The Boxer nodded. "I worked for the dog that owned Kyo. You have no idea how happy I am to see him somewhere safe." He ruffled Kyo's hair and wagged his tail.

"Is it true? Was he a part of human fights?" Dr. Curtis' ears were flat.

The Boxer's ears flattened. "Yes." He admitted.

"And you did nothing?"

"Don't judge me doctor. I have a family and the dog that put Kyo in the fights is not someone you want to mess with."

The Dachshund looked down to collect himself. "You're right. I'm sorry. I don't know enough, I just care about the humans."

"I know and I respect that." The Boxer set down Kyo. "If it's an conciliation I'm not working with that jerk any more. I started my own business and adopted a human for my puppies. This little munchkin." Picking up the little human he'd let play with the others he set him on the counter next to Shinya. "If you'll still have me I'd like you to be his vet. I've heard good things about your practice."

"Of course, of course. I am sorry about earlier." Dr. Curtis picked up the human and they headed off to one of the examination rooms and closed the door. "Sir, I have a question for you."

"Go ahead." The Boxer took a seat.

"Would you ever consider adopting Kyo?"

The Boxer took a moment to think. "What Kyo deserves is a home with puppies that love him and only him. I don't doubt that he'd get along with my Levin but he deserves so much more. How about this? If it comes down to putting Kyo to sleep you contact me. But until then try and find him a family."

Obviously disappointed Dr. Curtis nodded. "Thank you, for at least considering it."

"Kyo is a good human." The Boxer noticed his human pouting and reaching for him and picked him up off the table. "My boss stole him right out of his own backyard." The Boxer could only shake his head, the look of angered shock obvious on Dr. Curtis' face.

When the Boxer left Kyo sat at the door and watched him drive away. Heaving a sigh Dr. Curtis picked him up and ruffled his hair. "It'll be all right Kyo. We'll find you a home. At least I know your name now." Kyo could only sigh.

*

"Kyo?" Shinya announced quietly.

"Yeah?" Kyo stood and moved to the couch. "Do you need a drink? Want me to go and get Die?"

"No, no. I'm all right." Shinya gave a rare smile. "I just wanted to tell you that you're going to be okay."

Kyo tilted his head to one side in confusion. "How do you know Shinya?"

"Because I trust Dr. Curtis. He likes you so he'll find you a good home." Shinya pushed himself to the edge of the couch and pulled Kyo up beside him. Kyo's ribs didn't hurt so much anymore and Shinya had noticed the worry in his new friend's eyes. Hugging Kyo tight Shinya smiled. "That's how I know you'll be okay."

Kyo smiled and moved so he could lean back against Shinya. "I believe you Shinya."

"Don't forget us when you're happy, Kyo." Shinya whispered, holding him tight.

"I'll never forget. Here and beyond."

*

Kyo lay awake on the couch inside Dr. Curtis' office. Kaoru had been asleep for some time but Kyo couldn't join him in dreams. The bandages had been taken off a few days before and Kyo kept expecting them to stop at the Pound before heading to the apartment. He did believe Shinya's prediction but he couldn't help being worried. The front door jingled outside the room and Kyo sighed, listening. Dr. Curtis talked with an older voice until a young one interrupted. "Is Shinya here today?" Kyo nearly fell off the couch. He recognized that voice.

"No just Kaoru and a new human I've been taking care of named Kyo." Dr. Curtis explained to the puppy until wild cries echoed from his office. "Kyo be quiet!" he barked, accepting the hamster cage from the puppy but the racket continued. "Now what could be his problem? Pardon me." Moving to his office door he pulled it open and Kyo dashed passed him. "Kyo! Wait!"

Scrambling down the hall he spotted his puppy at the same time he spotted him. "Tooru!" the puppy howled and hugged him tightly.

"My goodness!" yipped his mother in obvious shock. "Where did you find him?"

"Some puppies found him in a playground." Dr. Curtis seemed just as surprised. "This is your human?"

She wagged her tail as she looked down at her puppy rolling on the floor with the human. "He disappeared out our backyard about a year ago. My son was devastated!"

"He's been through a lot since then. Tooru, did you say?" At her nod he continued. "I just removed the bandages the other day. Bruised ribs and cuts." He shook his head as she began digging through her purse. "No, you don’t owe me anything. I just thought you should know he'll be a little sore for a while still."

"How will I ever repay you for finding him?"

"If you ever go on vacation and need someone to look after him you bring him to me." Dr. Curtis wagged his tail.

"Of course. Thank you so much."

Remembering his original task Dr. Curtis did his evaluation of the hamster they'd brought when them. When they were finished he picked up Kaoru while the family made to leave. Tooru's eyes met Kaoru's and they smiled at each other. "Goodbye."