into him, sending him rolling. I pounced again landing right on him. I rolled him over, and slashed at him with my fangs. With no fight left in him, he ran away, yelping.

I didn't know if he ran back to Carface, but hid just in case. He didn't. Over time, I sneaked in the mines and stole most of the gold every day. Joey was hurt, and hurt for a while. I knew if I kept stealing the gold, I would convince Carface. I was that close to victory.

*          *          *

Other dogs heard about my attack and fight with Joey. Word must have spread around town. But today, I will go find him. Joey was working late at the rat races. I walked over to him.

"Hey Joey. Um... sorry, about everything. I was hoping this would end a different way. But I care about you" I gave a short grin.

Joey turned to me.

"How should I trust you? I should have killed ya in the mines in the first place" he growled.

I sighed. This dog didn't get it.

"Joey. I want to... to..."

"To what?"

I knew I had to tell him. I had too.

"I need to tell you I want to buy... this place" I held my breath.

Joey stared at me for a long time. Finally, he spoke.

"Why? So you could get money for yourself? That's all you care about is yourself" he turned away.

I sighed.

"Joey, I have an owner. I fetch things for him all the time" I lied.

"Really?"

"Yes really. I care about him so much"

"You're a stray. You would want a dog like you?"

That's it. That was the last straw. I have had it!

"I need to talk to you. Alone"

Joey followed me over to a small room where no one can hear us.

"Do you have a problem with me?"

Joey snarled.

"Yes! I do! It's not everyday you do something nice! All you acre about is yourself!"

With that, he stomped off.

"Leash-licker!" I called after him.

"Liar!" he called back.

Ouch. Okay, that one hurt. I never thought Joey would call me a name like that. I jumped out the window, not caring where I was going. I knew I had to go somewhere. But where? Then it hit me. I knew a person who saved me when I was a pup. Someone who might teach Joey a lesson. My master.

*          *          *

CHARACTERS OWNERS:

Scout (c) Seedeez

Joey (c) Saske italian wolf

Carface (c) Universal

Find out more in my next fanfic coming soon!