The Jungle

The Jungle

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

Pegasus/Ryou, Marik/Ryou, Bakura/Malik, Seto/Yami

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Chapter 12

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Malik looked at Marik seriously. "Are you sure?” he asked cautiously. "You aren't going to freak out now... are you?” he said sternly. "Because if I have to, I will have Bakura calm you down, in his special way."

“Yes.” Marik said.

Malik nodded solemnly and carefully removed the collar that had been around Marik's neck for a long time. "Congratulations, welcome to the world of the living. Wanna go for a walk?" Malik said in a playful tone, knowing Marik couldn't HEAR the playful voice and not get excited, something he'd never outgrown.

Marik perked up at the word 'walk' and ran off, returning a moment later with his denim shorts and harness on and his chain link leash in his mouth, Bakura on his heels also with his shorts and harness on and leash in his teeth. Ishizu walked in, having just got home from work. She smiled.

"Oh, good. Take them out, Malik. Dinner will be ready when you get home, okay?" She said.

Malik rolled his eyes. "Guys... we just had a ceremony here... can’t you remember WHY?” he said tapping his foot. "You know I hate it when you put those in your mouths... because then I end up with a hand covered in spit."

Their ears drooped and they dropped the leashes. Malik sighed and clipped the leashes onto their harnesses, and as soon as the door was opened they charged out, Malik yelping as he was dragged along behind. Sometimes they were a little TOO excited about their daily walk.

Malik walked down the street heading for the park so that the pair could have their daily romping and roughhousing. As they approached the park, a car turned onto the street.

Rem had just closed up the pet shop for the night and was heading home. The neighborhood was on her way home, and ever since Bakura had disappeared there she would drive through it on the off chance that she might find him. And luck was with her tonight. There, only yards away, was the boy Malik, walking Marik... and Bakura.

Rem frowned softly, but decided to meet him at his home, rather than stop him on the street. It would only provoke the animals more. She drove to his house and waited calmly, knowing that Bakura and Marik, and the boy would be back.

Malik laughed and shook his head as Marik wrestled with Bakura, each trying to pin the other. "Don’t get too muddy or you'll be taking a bath!” he shouted laughing. Malik reached into the small bag he'd slipped into his pocket. "Hey... who wants this yummy piece of beef jerky?" He said in a sing-song voice, knowing the idea of a meaty snack made both of them eager to please.

Both perked up and were soon tripping over each other to get to Malik first. Many people had gathered to watch the pair of hybrids, which Malik and the two hybrids had to get used to. They got to Malik and sat before him, staring at the jerky. Marik was lashing his tail back and forth as fast as he could, and Bakura was literally shaking in his eagerness, the shaking most obvious in his tail. Both were making plaintive noises; it would take a while for Malik to rehabilitate them and get them to act human. Especially Marik, who was now prancing in place.

Malik grinned. "It’s time for a pop quiz.” he said dangling the jerky just out of their reach. "The one who gets the most answers right, gets this nice big jerky. It's smokey flavored too....” he said amusedly. "Alright. Bakura... what is better food for you? A plate of grub worms, or a ham sandwich?"

"GRUBS!!!" Bakura blurted, eagerly.

Malik rolled his eyes. "No.” he said firmly. "Marik, which is the right way to go pee? In a toilet or on a tree?"

Marik blinked. "In your sister's flower bed...” he chuckled. "Just kidding. In the toilet."

Malik grinned. "Good job Marik! Ok. Bakura which is better to chew? Gum, or my shoes?” he asked calmly

Bakura snickered and looked at Marik, who grumbled and looked away, sheepishly.

"Gum.” he said.

Malik nodded. "Good job Bakura!” he said and looked at the Jerky. “Well Marik... if you get this wrong... Bakura gets this delicious... mouth watering.... piece of special beef jerky... I just bought it from the butcher's today... as a surprise for the one who's made the most progress....” he said sniffing the jerky a bit. "Mmmm it sure smells good..."

Both of them whimpered plaintively and stared at the jerky, Marik's tail wagging so hard that his butt wiggled, and Bakura's tail twitching like a squirrel's.

"Alright Marik. Where do you sleep? On the bed or on the floor?" Malik asked smirking at the both of them. "Think hard! It might cost you this yummy jerky... if you get it wrong..."

"On the bed!!!" Both Bakura and Marik howled in unison.

"Hey!" Marik growled. "He asked ME!!!" And he swatted Bakura over the head.

"So?" Bakura snapped, and shoved Marik. Marik and Bakura both growled and Marik pounced. The pair was soon rolling around on the ground, shouting at each other.

"FREEZE!" Malik shouted firmly, tapping his foot. Smirking when both hybrids froze in mid fight. "Marik won Bakura.” he said calmly. "He gets the jerky.” he added. "But here, you can have a piece of your own.” he said breaking a small bit off for Bakura. "Because you tried."

Malik handed the large piece of Jerky to Marik and grinned. "I'm sure bunny boy would be proud of you.” he said patting him on the head.

Marik grinned as he got the jerky, but at the mention of Ryou his joy faded. Bakura, who had stuffed the jerky into his mouth turned and looked at Marik as he slowly lay down, holding the jerky.

"Murrrrrr......” he moaned, sadly. Bakura blinked and looked up at Malik, then moved over to Marik and nuzzled his ear. Marik heaved a large deep sigh.

Malik sighed and scratched Marik's ears. "Perk up, I've been looking for him, Ishizu has too. We'll find your bunny. I promise.” he whispered to him gently. "Besides, just think how happy he'll be when he sees you acting like a person again? I bet he'll hop into your arms and smother you with kisses and nuzzles.” he said smiling warmly. "Now c'mon, eat your jerky and perk up, I’ve been asking around... about him... maybe we could ask Rem. Would you like that?"

Marik smiled slightly and nodded, nibbling his jerky.

"I'm hungry." Bakura announced, looking up at Malik.

Malik grinned. "Alright... well I didn't tell you this... but there's another surprise for you two.” he said using the dreaded excited voice again. "Guess what?” he added, this time clapping his hands slightly, enhancing the excitement in his voice.

"What?" They both gasped, as Malik leashed them once again.

"Tonight.... for dinner...." Malik said, purposefully psyching them up far too much. "We're going to have....."

They both stared, eagerly. "What?" Bakura asked. "What what what?"

"Muuuuuurumph!!" Marik let out, too excited to speak.

"Big.... juicy.... HAMBURGERS!" Malik said excitedly. "With bacon!” he added knowing they both loved bacon.

Both seemed to explode in excitement.

"BURGEEEEEEERRRRRSSSSSS!!!!!" They screamed, more excited than Malik had ever seen, and both bolted for home, jerking their leashes right out of Malik's hand. They ran out of the park, dashed across the street (cutting off a car which honked) and tore down the sidewalk, leaving Malik on the ground in the park.

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Rem was waiting inside, already having begun discussions with Ishizu. "I hate to say it... but I really have to take him back...” she said softly. "I know you're both probably very attached... but handling both of them is a rough job, and their needs are very particular and quite opposite." She said calmly.

Malik laughed and unlocked the door, letting the two happy and hungry hybrids go racing in, eager for him to start grilling the burgers he'd promised them.

Marik and Bakura charged into the kitchen, leashes and harnesses still on, but both froze at the sight of Rem. Their eyes widened and they paled.

"R-Rem..." Marik gasped, and Bakura flattened himself to the floor and huddled under Marik, tucking his tail between his legs and whimpering.

"Bakura." Rem said calmly. "Are you ready to go back to the pet shop?" She asked softly getting up and walking towards him. "I'm sure the other animals are missing you,” she added, smiling at Marik softly and scratching his ears. "You look very healthy Marik. Are you being a good lion for me?" She asked as she scratched his ears.

Marik ducked down out of her reach. "Y-Yes....” he managed to get out. "Please don't take Bakura..." Bakura then turned, and belly to the floor, ran from the room and hid under Malik's bed.

Rem frowned softly. "I have to Marik... they can’t afford to buy him." She said shaking her head and sighing.

Malik frowned. "Isn't there something we could work out? Marik and Bakura go together... like pb and J." Malik said shaking his head. "C'mon sis! Back me up!"

Ishizu sighed and looked at Malik and Marik's faces, and thought to herself about how the household seemed so much more... happy ever since Marik and Bakura came along. And she had to admit it... she had grown quite fond of the pair.

"Miss Rem... what will happen to Bakura if you take him back?" She asked.

"Well... I will care for him until he's purchased." She replied calmly. "I cared for Marik until he found his home. Isn’t that right Marik?" She said pulling a small treat from her pocket and offering it to him.

Marik eyed her, warily. "Bakura escaped... he ran away... are you saying you'll just take him back and put him in his cage? You won't... he won't be punished?” he asked, refusing the treat. He was too concerned about Bakura's fate now. Ryou had been taken from him, and he had been taken from Bakura. And now that he had him back he would be damned if he had to give him up again.

"It was more my fault then his. He climbed out a hole in his cage I hadn't had the time to repair. He'll get a spanking at most, and then back in his cage.” She said calmly. "I know Bakura just wanted to see you, which is why I'm not mad." She added.

Marik looked at her. "He was lonely!! First I was taken away, then... then... Ryou......” he stared at the floor, and then looked up again. "Ryou! Rem! Where did he go?! Who bought him?! Who took him! Please! Is he okay? Is he safe? Happy?! Do you know anything?!” he got closer and closer until his head was in her lap. He stared at her, anxiously.

Rem smiled and nodded. "Yes, Ryou's fine sweetie. His owner is a rich man; he takes very good care of your little bunny. He has a whole mansion to hop around in, and he gets the best food he can get. He's healthy, and happy. I even heard that his owner was planning a special trip for him." She said thoughtfully. "In fact he called me a few hours ago asking about whether or not Ryou would be allowed past our country borders." She added.

Marik's eyes widened. "No... He... oh Ryou... are... are you sure that he's... happy?” he looked half hopeful and half heartbroken.

Rem nodded slightly. "I had to go on daily visits, he was just insistent on misbehaving. But he finally shaped up, and finally seems to be happy with his owner." She replied calmly. "His owner simply adores him too; he's constantly showering him with affection. It’s only a wonder that Ryou misbehaved. Treatment like that will spoil a pet rotten every time."

Marik frowned. "So... he's living the life of a... he's a pet... he's living the life of a bunny..." And he turned and fixed large eyes on Malik. Large eyes full of heartbreak. He moved away from Rem and went to Malik, hiding his face in the boy's jeans and sniffling.

"Murrrrrrr......” he moaned, sadly.

Rem shook her head. "Marik, he is a bunny, that is how bunnies live. They live with an owner, who feeds them, cares for them and loves them." She said softly. "It's the life he was born to lead. You know that. Nature just prevents bunnies and lions from mating." She said calmly. "It's the natural order of things."

Marik snorted. "Didn't stop us...” he muttered, then froze and clapped a hand over his mouth. Ishizu blinked and watched the mortified lion slowly turn and stare at Rem.

Rem nodded. "I know Marik." She said calmly. "Now that it's all said and done, his owner was furious that you two had been in the same cage." she said calmly. “He ordered you to be put down for it." She added. "This is why you’re with these nice people, because I just couldn’t see you die, and your owner was nice enough to save you."

Marik looked up at Malik, then purred and rubbed against his leg, making Malik smile and pet him.

"Miss Rem." Ishizu said, suddenly. "Let me try and get the facts straight... you sold Marik to my brother. My seventeen year old brother. Is there not a law that states you must eighteen or older to own a hybrid? And over 21 to purchase one?" She fixed a firm stare on Rem, and Marik turned to see what would happen.

Rem nodded. "Yes, I suppose that is right." She said calmly. "But it was either selling him to your brother, or let him die, which would you have chosen?" She replied standing.

Ishizu frowned. "You broke the law. What you did could get you arrested, your shop shut down and your pets confiscated… If I report you." She said, and Marik's eyes widened.

Rem blinked, and then smiled. "I understand..." She laughed softly. "You can keep Bakura. I really was hoping you'd find some way to keep him... it breaks my heart to see the animals upset." She replied softly. "I will mail his papers to you." She added. She smiled once more and walked over to Marik. "I'm sure one day you'll find a nice bunny, which isn't predestined for his owner...” she said petting him. "But until then...." She said pulling a small piece of ripped cloth from her pocket. "You can have this." She said softly. "Old Rex had it stuck to his paws after our last visit... I'm sure he must have gotten in some mischief somehow, but it's part of Ryou's bunny suit."

Marik's eyes widened and he stared at it. "It smells like Ryou.... wait... Rex? REX?! Why was REX near Ryou!? Rem?! What... what happened?!"

"His owner asked I bring him along so Ryou would stop misbehaving." She answered honestly. "He was such a naughty little rabbit; it took forever before he finally started behaving." She added. "He's fine now though, why just last visit we were there teaching Ryou to use the exercise ball his owner had bought him"

Marik stared at the strip of cloth, then held it in his teeth and slunk from the room. Malik, Rem and Ishizu watched him go.

"Thank you for Bakura." Ishizu said, smiling. "Those two are inseparable. You would not believe how much happier Marik has been since Bakura came."

Rem nodded. "It's a shame Ryou's owner wanted him mateless..." She replied softly. "I would have liked things more if Marik had gotten the mate he picked." She said shaking her head. "But sometimes people... get in the way of what animals want... just another fact of life" She replied smiling softly and getting up. "Tell Marik I said I was sorry he couldn't keep Ryou... but his owner specifically had to have him mateless, and the only way to get that was to kill Marik... or at least fool the bunny."

Malik nodded slightly. "Alright....” he said as she left, showing herself out. Malik bit his lip and went searching for Marik. "Marik?” he called softly, looking around. "Are you ok?"

Marik was out back, lying in the yard and hiding his face in folded arms. Bakura was still hiding under the bed, afraid to be taken back to the pet store.

"Malik. Let him alone for a bit. Perhaps you should let the skunk know it's safe to come out." Ishizu said. "I'll finish making dinner."

Malik sighed softly and nodded. "I guess...” he mumbled, feeling as upset as Marik. "He tried so hard... he was trying so hard to be human again, just for this rabbit boy... and he never had a chance...." Malik said resting his head on the glass of the back screen door. "Where's the fairness in that?” he mumbled, feeling somehow that Marik's loss, was his loss as well. "That bunny... was all that kept him trying each day. Ishizu... what's he gonna do now?” he mumbled, walking out of the kitchen into his room.

"Hey... Bakura... you get to stay... and I think Marik may... need you to cheer him up." Malik sighed. "He... just found out that he never stood a chance... with that bunny boy.” he mumbled shaking his head, almost as miserably as his lion. "The bunny's off living with some rich guy and being happy ever after."

Slowly, Bakura emerged out from under the bed. "Ryou?” he asked, looking up at Malik. "He... he's living as a pet?" Malik nodded, and Bakura sighed. "Marik... how is he?" Malik sighed and shrugged. "But... I... I can stay? Rem is letting you keep me?" At Malik's nod, Bakura's ears and tail perked up, and his eyes lit up. "Really?!" Malik nodded again, and then yelped as he was brought crashing to the floor by an overjoyed Bakura who, to Malik's shock, suddenly kissed him. After a few moments, Bakura's eyes opened and he blinked at Malik's wide eyes. Then he threw himself back and stared at Malik and turned bright red.

"Oops.... Ummmm..... Sorry...?” he mumbled.

Malik laughed awkwardly. "uh... it's... ok?” he said after a moment. Malik sat up a bit and dusted himself off, blushing slightly at the unexpected affection. "Well... uh... I'll... uh...." he stammered slightly, still slightly stunned. "You... go talk to Marik.” he said finally, standing. "I'm going to help Ishizu finish dinner.” he added.

Bakura smiled slightly, then nodded and trotted out of the room, rubbing against Malik's legs on the way, and headed down the hall tail held high. Ishizu watched him go outside, glad that they had progressed to opening doors on their own instead of making noise until someone opened it for them, then smiled when Malik came into the kitchen.

"He looks quite happy. I'm guessing you told him that he gets to stay?"

Malik nodded, wrapping the burger patties with a strip of bacon and putting them on a plate to take outside to grill. "Hey Marik...” he called softly, as he stepped out, and began preparing the grill for use. “You ok?” he asked softly. "You... want a raw burger to feel better?” he asked, knowing Marik still liked his meat raw, even though he was learning to eat it cooked.

Marik sniffled and curled up, and Bakura sighed and looked up at Malik, worried.

"Rare is fine..." Marik sighed, and Bakura cuddled up to him, licking his ears comfortingly. Ishizu walked out a moment later with pepper and cheese for the burgers.

She looked down at the two hybrids.

"Marik isn't taking this well at all, is he?" She said softly to her brother. "What are you going to do?"

Malik nodded slightly. "I don’t know what TO do... he loved that bunny....” he whispered shaking his head. "It really upsets me to see him so hurt.” he added shaking his head sadly. "I mean... how many rich people live here?” he mumbled sadly. "It’s not like they have a rich people phone directory..."

Ishizu smiled sadly and hugged Malik, kissing his cheek.

"Well... what about that Rex fellow she was talking about? Maybe he knows." She said, and Bakura and Marik looked up.

"Rex..." Marik snarled. "He's a coyote from the pet shop... Bastard. He's sadistic. Likes to hurt things... especially Ryou..." And his eyes narrowed and a loud growl came from his throat. Bakura was immediately nuzzling him and purring, trying to get him to calm down, and a moment later Marik stopped growling and licked Bakura's cheek.

Malik frowned. "Well... I guess we could try going to the pet shop and asking Rex... do you think he'd know the address?" Malik asked Bakura and Marik thoughtfully. "If we could just get a name... or an address we'd be able to find your bunny."

Marik nodded. "Talk to him... but I doubt he'll give you anything..." And he sighed and drooped. "Or Yami!!! Yami might know who took him!!!" Bakura looked up.

"Yeah! He's the bird!!! Just tell him that Marik and Bakura sent you and you're trying to find Ryou! Yami will help!!!" Bakura exclaimed, standing. Ishizu smiled at him and tossed him a bit of cheese which the skunk eagerly snapped up, then rubbed against her legs in thanks and got a nice scratch on the head for it. Marik chuckled as Bakura nearly melted. Ishizu sure knew how to tame that skunk.

"Will you go?" Marik asked Malik, hopefully.

"On one condition." Malik said after a moment. "I want you two to keep working hard at being human again. Ok?” he asked smirking. "Let’s hope the graduation present is you get your bunny boy back." Malik added smiling. "Ishizu, would you mind grilling them? I'll go to the pet store now.” he said calmly.

Marik blinked, then slowly grinned and nodded. And then, he did something that made everyone's eyes widen. He padded up to Malik, then, slowly and shakily, he stood up on his legs. He looked down at Malik, surprised to find himself taller than the young man, but he smiled and wrapped his arm around his shoulders.

"Thank you...” he whispered into his ear, and gave his cheek a long lick with his rough tongue, then stepped back and dropped down to all fours again, unable to stay up on only his two legs any longer.

Malik smiled and nodded. "Good job... keep working on it.” he said patting Marik's head and sneakily handing him a raw burger patty as a reward.

Malik smiled softly and left, hoping this Yamibird would be able to help

Marik devoured the burger patty, eagerly, and then got tackled by Bakura. Malik left his sister grilling the burgers and watching the hybrids chasing each other and wrestling in the yard to go to the pet store. And twenty minutes later he was picking a lock on the back door.

Malik quietly entered, closing the door and looking around. It didn't take long to find Rex's enclosure first. "Hey you!” he whispered tapping the glass. "You! Coyote!"

An annoyed growl was heard, and then a pair of yellow eyes appeared in the darkness of a cave at the back of the cage.

"Who the hell are you?" Came a low growl.

Malik rolled his eyes. "That doesn't matter. I'm looking for a yami bird. Which cage is his?" Malik said sternly.

Rex snorted and emerged, yawning and stretching his legs. "Yami? He ain't here. He was bought a few weeks ago.” he said, scratching his ear with his hind paw.

Malik groaned. "Do you know who bought him?” he asked. "You help me out, and I'll help you out.” he said after a moment.

Rex blinked. "Help me out how?” he asked, smirking.

Malik shrugged. "What do you want?” he asked after a minute. "You help me get what I want, and I'll give you something you do."

Rex snorted. "You can't give me anything I want.” he sneered. "Why do you wanna know, anyway?"

"I want to know where that bunny thing went." Malik said after a minute. "Both him and the bird. Can you tell me?” he asked, trying to think of something that would appeal to a coyote as a bargaining tool.

Slowly, Rex turned. "Bunny? You want to find Ryou?” he asked. "Heh... I know who has him... but why should I tell you?"

Malik thought for a moment. "You like to torment him don’t you?” he asked after a moment. Hoping this deal would work, as a good enough bargaining tool to get information from Rex.

Rex eyed Malik. "Maybe... what do you care?"

Malik put a finger to his chin. "I'm thinking of stealing that bunny... and you're right here... if you tell me how to get to that bunny, I'll let you have your way with him, until you're satisfied you've done anything and everything you can, short of killing it." Malik said thoughtfully. "But... that's just a thought...” he said sounding wickedly amused. Secretly he hoped Rex would buy the evil thief idea....

Rex stared at Malik and drew a bit closer. "You want to steal the bunny?” he asked. "Then what's your interest in the bird?"

"I heard something interesting about him... want to see if it's true." Malik said calmly. "You can tear him up too, if you want.” he added. "Sounds like a nice deal to me... what do you say?"

Rex snorted. "You won't get them.” he said. "With owners as rich as theirs, the security will be hell. So give it up, kid."

Malik shook his head. "I like a challenge.” he said calmly. "Look, are you going to tell me what I want to know? Or are you just afraid that you'll get busted, because you think I'll get busted?"

Rex frowned. "I ain't tellin ya.” he snapped.

"SETO KAIBA!!!" Came a shriek from Rex's neighbor, and Weevil emerged from his burrow. "For the love of God, I am TRYING TO SLEEP!! Seto Kaiba has Yami!!! NOW SHUT UP!!!"

Malik grinned a bit. "Looks like he's got more balls than you.” he chuckled at Rex. "Thanks."

Marik and Bakura had been right, but thanks to his breaking in and disturbing the slumber of Rex's neighbor, he got enough to find one of the two... and hopefully this Yami would know where to find Ryou.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Seto sat typing at his computer in his office, ignoring Yami who was on a perch in the corner preening. But slowly, Seto's vision began to blur and his eyes unfocused. Then they slowly slid closed and his head slumped forwards slightly. Yami paused in his preening and looked at the CEO, dozing at his desk. He smirked, then let out a loud squawk.

"GAAH!!" Seto shouted, sitting up straight, eyes wide and panicked. He blinked, then looked around and glared at Yami, who was laughing. "God dammit, Yami!!!" Seto howled. "Don't DO that!!!" And he leaned back in his chair, clutching his chest over his pounding heart.

Yami chuckled. "Then you should consider sleeping, so I don’t get the opportunity so often.” he said amusedly. "You keep this up, and I'll send you to an even earlier grave than you were headed to.” he added yawning softly, considering a nap of his own. He'd noticed he'd been taking mid-day naps for a while now, but staying up much later to keep Seto company in his seemingly sleepless schedule.

Seto closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.

"Stupid bird...” he muttered, then stood and stretched. "I need a nap.” he announced, and looked at Yami. "You?"

Yami looked at him indignantly for a moment. "Yes.” he added, hopping gracefully off of his perch and walking over to Seto, yawning widely. "It's good you're considering that human need, sleep, every so often.” he added giving his wings a soft flutter before folding them neatly and nodding his approval at his preening work. His feathers had become quite a bit brighter and more lustrous. Everything had slowly changed in his plumage. Previously muted colors seemed to dance out and catch a wandering eye.

Seto snorted and smirked. "Sure. whatever.” he said, stroking Yami's wings. "Let's go then." And he headed out into the hall.

"You're going to sleep in the middle of the day again, aren't you, Seto?" Mokuba asked, glaring.

"Yes. It's none of your business and don't look at me like that.” Seto said as he walked past his brother.

Yami chuckled and headed into Seto's room while he argued with Mokuba and hopped up into the hammock he'd hung in there and lay on his stomach, yawning he let his wings hang down, the tips just barely brushing the floor as he began his daily nap.

Seto walked in a moment later, hands over his ears, and kicked the door shut in a shouting Mokuba's face.

"I'm not listening!!!" Seto shouted, walking across the room. "I can't hear you!"

Yami grumbled softly and stretched a wing. "Shh! I'm trying to sleep!” he grumbled, letting the wing dip down lazily once more. "your brother is a pain....” he added peering up slightly and eying Kaiba. "Yugi never acted this way. I think you just were stuck with a miniature you."

"With a miniature..?! Why you overgrown rooster!!!" Seto snapped, and chucked a pillow at Yami after he had pulled off his shirt. Yami yelped as it hit him in the head. "He is NOT a miniature me. I may have been a brat, but I was a quiet one." And he dropped his pants and climbed into bed in his underwear, turning the light off.

Yami peered open an eye and watched Seto in the darkness. He'd spent a lot of time with the corporate teen since he'd been genetically altered... and although he was still angry about losing his ability to act for himself in a public situation, he'd come to appreciate Seto... even admire him. But only slightly! .... well ok a little more than that. He'd seen how loving Seto could be, and how much he really cared for Mokuba. He'd seen that Seto had a fun side, a human side that he didn't let people outside of his home see.

He'd seen so much, and it slowly changed the opinion he'd always had of Seto... to the point that he felt glad to have seen it all, to have been there...

Seto too had learned much about Yami. He wasn't the cocky narcissistic bastard he thought he was. Yami really cared. He had a beautiful lust for life that Seto had never seen equaled. He loved his family and loved his friends and nursed a deep sadness from being away from them. Seto let out a deep sigh.

"Yami?” he called softly.

Yami blinked slightly and sat up after a moment. "Yes?” he called back, his voice as smooth as it had ever been, courtesy of the genetics. Since he'd become a hybrid, his voice changed depending on his mood... from smooth as silk, to harsh as a voice could get, to melodic when he sang. He ruffled his feathers a bit and wrinkled his nose. "What do you need?” he added, his voice toned down to the happy median he recognized as normal.

"I... I'm going to call Yugi later this afternoon after I have rested. I'll ask him to come over and, um... bring you some of your old clothes." And Seto involuntarily chuckled at how Yami had been wearing his old clothes that he had grown out of. "I'm sure you miss your leather pants... and your brother."

Yami smiled slightly. "Yes... but I'm not sure I can even wear them anymore..." he said shaking his head. "Things getting in the way.” he said after a moment. "But I will be glad to see Yugi...” he said closing his eyes and smiling. "thank you."

"You're welcome." Seto said, then grinned and looked over at Yami. "And of course you can wear them. They're low hung enough to not get in the way of your tail. I'm surprised you weren't showing your ass whenever you wore those damn pants!!” he chuckled at his teasing verbal jabs.

Yami's feathers ruffled indignantly. "I'll have you know my pants are plenty decent!” he hissed, his voice already twinging on the rough sounds of irritated. Yami huffed and laid on his side, his back to Seto, feathers quivering slightly from annoyance.

Yami glared at the wall for a moment upset for some reason, that Seto had insulted his clothing... the very image he presented for the world.

Seto blinked and laughed. "Yami, I'm only teasing you. Don't take it seriously. At least you look good in those pants. I'd look like nothing but legs if I was in them." Seto said. Then, he blinked. 'Crap... did I just basically tell him he looked hot in those pants?' He wondered to himself.

Yami blinked. "... did you just tell me I looked good in those pants?” he blurted, sounding a bit surprised himself. He sat up and turned around giving Seto an almost shocked expression.

'Fuck' Seto's mind immediately blurted. "Don't act narcissistic.” he muttered, but his voice came out all wrong; he was obviously embarrassed and flustered.

'FUCK!' his mind cried again.

Yami's shocked expression turned to one of mild amusement. "Oh Ra... you DID!" he said trying not to chuckle. "I can tell by the look on your face! You look utterly horrified!"

Seto pulled a pillow over his face. "I DO NOT!!!” he shouted, his voice extremely muffled by the pillow. "You can't see my face, it's dark in here! So knock it off!!!"

At this point Yami couldn't hide the laughter. "Then why are you covering your face with a pillow?!” he said sitting up and flapping his wings lightly in his laughter. "You're denying it too! You said it I heard you!"

Seto laid the pillow aside and rolled over, putting his back to Yami and pulling the covers up over his head.

"Shut up, you don't know what you're talking about, and I'm trying to sleep.” he grumbled, utterly humiliated.

Yami chuckled softly and shook his head, somehow feeling greatly complimented and proud of himself. "Thank you... I take pride in my appearance, even if it's a little different now." he said beginning to preen his wings again, despite his sleepiness. The more time he spent with Seto the more he was drawn to preen his wings. To the point they had become radiant and beautiful, but at the same time he felt irritated at times that Seto never noticed the hard work he put into it.

He closed his eyes while he preened, yawning softly.

Seto began to snore slightly, having fallen asleep quite quickly. But before Yami could drift off, Seto began to mumble. Annoyed, Yami turned to glare at Seto and was about to chuck something at him when he picked up a few words.

"..... pretty wings....... >snore< ... Yami..... nnnh...... >snore<....." Yami's eyes widened. "....>snore< ..... don't touch...... my bird....... >snore< MOKUBA, KNOCK IT OFF!!! >snore< ... you're scaring him..."

Yami gasped staring at Seto's sleeping form with wide eyes. He shivered and blushed softly, the comment on his wings striking him in an almost arousing way. It seemed almost perfect that Seto thought his wings were 'pretty'. Yami carefully climbed down from the hammock and walked over to the bed, sitting next to it on his knees, eager to listen to Seto speaking in his sleep.

But unfortunately Seto's sleep talking had turned from Yami's pretty wings to scolding his little brother.

"... don't touch..... that..... >snore< I'll get you.... your own..... >yawn< hybrid.... but leave mine.... alone.... >snore< ... do your homework......"

Yami wrinkled his nose and debated whether or not to smack Seto with the pillow despite the wings comment, for suggesting he'd get Mokuba a hybrid of his own. "I'm not a pet.” he grumbled, glaring at him slightly.

Seto sighed and rolled over again which left him nose to nose with Yami. He gave a grunting snore, then grew quiet.

Yami blinked and sighed softly, shaking his head. He just couldn't hold anger for Seto anymore...not since he'd gotten to know him. "ass..." he muttered laying his head on the side of the bed and yawning softly, unfolding his wings and letting them droop comfortably. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep, not concerned with the fact that he was so close to Seto.

It was three and a half hours later that Seto awoke, squirming in a desperate need to go to the bathroom. But when he found Yami only inches away he froze and his eyes widened. Yami hadn't been there when he fell asleep... But he found that he was quite... happy to find Yami sleeping so close. He would have pondered this a bit more, but his bladder wouldn't let him. So, grumbling, Seto left the bed and ran awkwardly into the bathroom.

Yami grumbled at the sudden jostling awake, and noticed the lack of Seto. "Hnn..." he mumbled yawning and stretching. His wings quivered slightly from the stretching, before he finally stood and went back to his hammock and returned to his preening.

Seto emerged from the bathroom a moment later and glanced up at Yami before dressing. Then, without a word, he left the room and headed to his office. He picked up the phone and dialed the Kame Game Shop.

Yami waited until Seto ended the call before entering the office, and returning to his perch. "Seto...” he said after a moment of silence. "I'm not a pet.” he said finally.

Seto blinked up at him. "Huh?” he said, confused.

Yami nodded slightly. "In your sleep... you said you'd get Mokuba a hybrid of his own. I'm not a pet.” he stated again, firmly.

Seto blinked. "I said what when?” he asked, still looking confused. "Wait... in my sleep? Oh, good grief, Yami. Dreams can't count for much.... especially mine...” he muttered to himself under his breath. "Yami, you are not a pet... at least... not to me." And he smiled at Yami.

"You said I had pretty wings too." Yami said after a moment. "And that I was YOUR bird.” he added calmly.

Seto blinked, then groaned and let his head fall to the desk with a thump. He lifted his hand and pointed at Yami.

"You...” he muttered into the wood of the desk. "Are such an arrogant ass. You love to embarrass me, don't you?"

Yami chuckled softly. "Is there something I should know?"

"...... No." Seto said sitting up, and turned to work on his computer.

Yami blinked and looked away. "Alright then...” he said, feeling somehow more hurt by it than he'd thought he'd be.

Seto began typing. "Yugi will be here in an hour, Yami.” he said, suddenly.

Yami nodded after a moment. "Thank you Seto...” he replied, once again preening his wings, but with less than his average precision and diligence.

Seto blinked and looked over. "Are you preening again?” he asked. "For God's sake, Yami, that's all you do. Your wings are perfect as they are!"

Yami blinked and paused in his preening, to look at Seto. "Oh really?” he asked looking at his wing disappointedly. This compliment didn't stir him the same as the previous one, that seemed sincere. "How would you know?"

Seto blinked and looked up. "Yami, it looks fine! I don't see ANYTHING that needs fixing. The feathers are all straight, the colors are as vibrant as I've ever seen them, and they're all glossy and stuff. They look fine!” he said. Then, after a moment, he frowned. "Are you nervous about Yugi seeing you?"

Yami nodded slightly. "I can’t predict... how he'd react to this....” he said softly, looking out the window. "I don’t know... if he'll accept me… or turn me away..."

Seto smiled slightly. "He's your brother, Yami. He would never reject you. He will see you for who you are, and not look at you a monster. He will see the new beauty within you." And Seto's eyes drifted to Yami's wings. "He loves you, Yami. No matter what."

Yami felt a blush creeping up his cheeks and held his wing in front of himself. He could feel Seto's eyes examining him...

"New beauty within me?” he stammered taken aback slightly by this new twist in the conversation.

Seto chuckled, please with himself for getting Yami flustered. He thought about the pros and cons of the next thing he was considering telling Yami, and after a while he took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

"Your wings are beautiful. But you were beautiful before you got them. They have only enhanced what you already had. Physically, and spiritually."

Yami blushed darkly and stared at Seto shocked, and slightly in awe. "You... really think so?” he managed to say after a moment. "Or are you just trying to play with my head?" he added shaking his head a bit, possibly thinking a screw had come loose in the works.

Seto chuckled. "Hey, that's YOUR territory.” he replied, typing on his keyboard again. "So... are you planning on wearing my pajamas when Yugi arrives, or are you going to wear those cute little harem pants you arrived with?" The CEO teased.

Yami huffed slightly, and looked at the overly baggy clothing. "I... um...” he stammered and his wings drooped slightly. "What... do you suggest?"

Seto blinked, then shook his head, laughing. "For God's sake, Yami... You care a little too much about your appearance. It makes you seem so shallow, which I know you're not."

Yami nodded slightly. "Well... I can’t help it... something probably caused by their little genetic experiments... I can’t help it, I am just drawn to be constantly preening...” he admitted sheepishly. Though remaining silent about how it was much worse whenever he was alone with Seto.

Seto smiled at Yami, and then went back to his typing, and before either one realized that another forty five minutes had passed, the doorbell rang. Seto blinked and looked up, then checked the clock.

"It's Yugi.” he said, and stood.

Yami frowned and nodded slightly, looking, for once, like a frightened deer in the headlights. He couldn't help but fidget and try to contain the immense nervousness. It was worse than anything he'd ever faced before... the possible rejection of his own brother.

Seto walked over, and to Yami's surprise, embraced him.

"Don't worry.” he whispered. "Yugi will not turn his back on you. Now... where do you want me to bring him to meet you? The aviary? Your room? Where, Yami?"

Yami bit his lip and blurted the first place that entered his mind, which was in fact the aviary. He'd grown fond of the other birds there, and if anything they could help calm his nerves. He hurried up the stairs to fly into the aviary, through the special entrance Seto had made for him, while the millionaire led his brother to the aviary on foot.

Seto walked down the stairs, hoping that Yugi had brought clothes for Yami as he had asked. He hoped Yugi would take the entire thing okay... He reached the front door and opened it, to find no one there. He rolled his eyes. The butler must have gotten the door, which would mean that Yugi would be in the living room while the butler searched for the master of the house. So Seto turned and went to the living room. And sure enough, sitting nervously in the middle of the sofa, making him look even smaller than he was, was Yugi.

"Hello Yugi." Seto said in a friendly tone. "Thank you for coming.” he looked at the pile of neatly folded clothes in Yugi's lap. "And for bringing some of Yami's clothes."

Yugi nodded a bit. "You... said you'd heard something about Yami?” he said hopefully. "Do you know where he is? If he's ok?” he asked eagerly, looking at Seto desperately. "Please anything you know!” he added quickly.

Seto sighed and walked over to Yugi, kneeling before him.

"I know what happened to him. And where he is. And... he's fine." Seto sighed and took Yugi's hands, looking down. "But... before I let you see him, there's something I have to tell you."

Yugi blinked and nodded eagerly. "What?” he said looking around a bit, expecting to see his brother somewhere in the room. "Where is he? I want to see him!"

"Yugi. I'm afraid that this is... all my fault. Do you remember that tournament I was holding several weeks ago?" At Yugi's nod, Seto continued. "I... didn't want your brother to compete. So I... I had him kidnapped." Yugi's eyes widened. "It was supposed to be a simple thing. These guys would kidnap him, hold him for a little while, then release him safe and sound. But... that's not what happened..."

Yugi blinked and bit his lip. "Did they hurt him?! How could you DO that to him!” he shouted shocked. "Where is he?!" Yugi said frantically, now thinking the worst had happened and Yami was mutilated, but alive. "Did they paralyze him?! Break his legs?! Seto what happened?!"

Seto sighed. "Yugi. What I thought was a temporary kidnapping ring was really an illegal hybrid operation. It turns out that hybrids are not animals that were genetically altered to be human, but humans genetically altered to be animals. And... They altered Yami. He's a hybrid, Yugi. I'm sorry. If I had known, I never would have done it. But by the time I found out, it was too late. All I could do was purchase your brother as a hybrid pet. So I did. He is here, in my house, and is safe. But... he misses you." And Seto smiled. "And you miss him. That's why you're here."

Yugi bit his lip. "What... where is he?” he asked once more. "Please... take me to him.” he added softly, half wondering what he'd become and half frightened of the possibility. "I need to see him." Yugi shivered softly, imagining the horrible possibilities of what Yami had become.

Seto nodded and stood, taking the clothes from Yugi.

"This way.” he said, heading for the back door. "Yugi... please stay calm. Believe me, it's not as bad as it could be, and... Yami is... scared. He's afraid of what you will think of him when you see him. Just remember... he's your brother. And while he may have changed physically, he is still the same person he always was."

Yugi nodded softly following Seto, mind racing on the infinite possibilities of the fate of his brother. Had they changed him into something hideous? How would he explain to his grandfather that his brother had become part crocodile or something?!

Yami fidgeted and peered out one of the many glass panels of the Aviary and tried to prevent himself from plucking his own feathers out in anxiety. He was overjoyed to see Yugi, glad to know he seemed to be fine... and worried if he'd think the same of him.

"Please Ra....” he mumbled quietly giving a soft prayer to the gods that his little brother would still love him.

Seto reached the aviary and unlocked it, opening the door for Yugi.

"In here.” he said, and stepped aside to let Yugi in. He followed. "Yami?” he called. "Yugi brought you some of your clothes." And he looked around for the bird.

Yami gave his feathers a quick run over once more, and with a deep breath, and a hard swallow, he stepped into vision. "Hi...Yugi.” he said after a moment, averting his eyes from Yugi's. "I... missed you.” he added hopefully.

It was this moment he feared more than anything... this moment that would determine if Yugi wanted him in his life anymore... or if he'd simply disown him as a brother and leave... and All Yami could do was hope Yugi would still be his little brother who loved him.

Yugi's eyes widened and he stared. Well... he wasn't part crocodile... Yugi looked over Yami's wings and tail, then down to his feet. His toes were longer and had sharp looking claws, but other than that he was... he was.... He was his brother.

"YAMI!!!" Yugi cried, and ran to his brother, tears in his eyes. He flung his arms around Yami and hugged him tightly, crying into his chest

Yami smiled brightly and hugged his brother tightly wrapping his wings around him. Tears of joy slowly began to roll down his cheeks. "Oh Ra Yugi I was so afraid you'd hate me...” he whispered in his ear, hugging him tightly. "I missed you I was so worried about you...” he mumbled wiping his eyes while clinging to his little brother. "Are you ok? Is grandpa ok?” he began asking questions a mile a minute.

Yugi sniffled and rubbed his eyes with his fists, then beamed up at Yami and nodded.

"Grampa misses you. He's been a wreck but... he's tried so hard to hold it together! Oh, he'll be so glad to hear that you're okay! Seto's right, you didn't change much!" And Then Yugi stepped back a bit and poked his head around Yami to look at his wings. "You've got wings! How'd you get them? Can you fly? Are you like... a bird now? How long have you been like this? How long have you been here with Seto? Why didn't you call me sooner? Do you live in this bird cage? Do you eat worms now?! How--"

"Yugi!!" Seto laughed. "Let the bird talk!!!" Yugi blinked, then blushed slightly and shut up, but grinned up at Yami.

"Well?” he asked, and Seto burst out laughing again.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Uh... no. I don’t eat worms...” he said feeling a bit awkward at that idea. "yes, I can fly... uh...” he stammered trying to remember all of the questions. "when they changed my DNA I got the wings, yes I'm a bird. No I don’t live in a birdcage, I didn't call because I was busy dealing with Seto and yes, I have been here with Seto for about two weeks.” he said, taking a deep breath. "don’t talk so fast...” he added stretching out a wing towards Yugi so he could better see it.

Yugi's eyes widened.

"Wow...” he breathed, reaching out and touching the feathers. "They're so soft... And pretty!!!" Seto glanced at Yami and snickered.

"I would hope so with how much time he spends grooming them.” he said.

"As much time as he spends on his hair?" Yugi grinned, teasing Yami.

"More." Seto replied, grinning at Yami as Yugi giggled.

"If you don't live in here, then where DO you live?" Yugi asked.

Yami wrinkled his nose and gently thwacked Yugi on the head with his wing. "You hush up.” he said sourly. "I don’t spend THAT much time on my appearance!” he grumbled, turning his back on the two teasing humans. "I'll have you know I spend hardly any time at all normally!"

Both Seto and Yugi snickered.

"Yugi brought you some of your clothes, Yami. Would you like to change out of my old pajamas?” he asked, holding up a pair of leather pants. Yugi's eyes widened.

"You're wearing SETO'S pajamas?!” he yelped, then burst into hysterical laughter.

Yami squawked. "Not because I wanted to! It's the only thing that would fit me!” he grumbled, his feathers puffing up from agitation. He stormed over to Seto and yanked the pants away, before suddenly flapping his wings and disappearing further back into the trees, so he could change.

Yugi covered his mouth and giggled, and Seto snickered as well.

"You know Yugi... I'm amazed at how easy it is for you to get Yami's, umm... feathers ruffled.” he said. Yugi stared up at Seto, blinking, then toppled over laughing so hard that tears were streaming down his face. Seto had to sit down on a rock as well, he was laughing so hard.

Yami threw a rock at Seto, sitting calmly on a tree branch, glad to be back in his old leather pants. "You ass!” he hissed, his wings quivering a bit signaling the time for teasing was soon to end. "I'm hungry..." He added, glaring at Seto slightly for the feathers comment. "You're making me look bad in front of my brother." Yami slid off the branch and fluttered down gracefully before giving Seto a soft thwack with a wing as well. "feed me."

Of course, this did nothing to calm Yugi's laughing fit.

"I... I don't know who is whose pet!!!" Yugi howled, holding his sides. Seto gave Yami a look.

"I am not Yami's pet, and Yami is not my pet." Seto said sternly. "I made a mistake. And I am doing all I can to atone for that. And there's food in your dish over there, Yami.” he said.

Yami crossed his arms. "I want a salad.” he said firmly. "With croutons, and baby tomatoes and carrots, and peas.” he added smirking. "With Italian dressing." Yami smiled at Seto slightly. "Because I'm not your pet, and I'm sure Yugi would love something to eat too.” he added, hinting slightly at leaving the aviary. "Besides, the other birds have been eating at my dish again...” he whispered. "I'd rather just eat in the house."

Seto blinked, then chuckled.

"Okay. Come on, Yugi. We're going into the house." Seto said, opening the door to the aviary for the Mouto brothers. Yugi got to his feet and stumbled out, still giggling and wiping at his tears. Seto smirked and looked at Yami as the bird walked by.
"So far so good, huh?” he whispered into Yami's ear. "I told you not to worry."
Yami smiled a bit, one of the rare completely sincere smiles he offered to the world.

"Thanks...” he said softly, walking beside Seto. "I'm so glad he didn't even seem to care… if anything I somehow became more interesting...” he added looking genuinely serene. "You can be an amazing person, Seto.” he added after a moment. "Thank you."
Seto smiled.

"Thanks.” he said, slightly surprised. "And if you want my honest opinion... those wings DO make you more interesting."

Yami blinked, and looked to Seto, now with his own surprise. "How so?” he asked after a moment of silence.

Seto blinked, and a bit of color rose in his cheeks.

"Well... you ARE the only bird hybrid in existence...” he said, lamely.

Yami blinked. "How does that have any impact whatsoever on how my wings make me more interesting?” he blurted looking suddenly amused.

"Do you have to ask so many questions?" Seto asked, walking into the house and going to the kitchen to tell the cook to make a big salad.

Yugi in the mean time began petting Yami's wings in fascination.

"Can you take me flying some time, Yami?” he asked.

Yami blinked thoughtfully. "I'm not really sure.” he replied, stretching out his wings happily at the attention, since the small fingers seemed to scratch JUUUST the right spots.

"My bones were... weakened when they altered me, I'm not sure if I could carry you or not.” he added closing his eyes and enjoying the attention. "But we can always try sometime... when Seto and his little brother aren't within 3 miles of us...."

"Why when we aren't within three miles?" Seto asked, coming back in.

Yami scooted over slightly, so Seto could sit next to him. "Because you two have a knack for laughing at me." He said calmly. "And if I can’t lift Yugi, it will be a very awkward sight to see, and you both wouldn't be able to control yourselves."

Seto blinked. "Well... it WOULD be funny to watch.” he admitted with a grin, and Yugi giggled.

"Which is why you're not invited." Yami replied simply. "Besides, there's better things than making fun of me you know."

Immediately, Seto's mind was assaulted with an exceptionally dirty thought. His eyes widened and he flushed, then shook his head, banishing the thought from his mind.

"Umm... yeah.” he muttered. Yugi blinked at Seto, then looked at Yami.

Yami blinked slightly and looked away. "So… when's the salad going to be done?” he asked, deeply craving the delicious vegetables, and wanting to end the suddenly very awkward silence.

It was at that moment that Seto's Chef walked in with a large salad bowl and three smaller bowls with forks. He set them out, served the salad, then left.

"Ooooh..." Yugi said, and dug in, making Seto smile in slight amusement.

Yami grinned and savored the salad he'd been lusting for most of the day. "Mmm...” he loved the croutons, and the Chef always put bacon bits into it... it was something so delicious it was restaurant worthy. "Ra I love the way he makes salad... you should give him a raise." Yami said taking a cheese covered bite of his treat.

Seto chuckled. "Oh really?” he asked. "Is he that good?"

"It's really good, Seto! Yami's right! Give him a raise!!!" Seto chuckled at that.

"If he can find a way to keep Mokuba out of the sugar, I'll give him a raise.” he said.

Yami served himself a second bowl not long after he'd finished his first and sighed contently as he ate. "So... Seto..." Yami said after finally finishing his second bowl. "Since... you know what's going on... are you going to do anything to help the people who are kidnapped?” he asked suddenly. "who would like to live like humans again, and occasionally leave the house."

Seto blinked and looked at Yami.

"You mean... like Ryou?” he asked. Yugi looked up.

"RYOU?! You know where Ryou is?! Is... Oh my God... Is Ryou a hybrid, too?!” he gasped, and almost dropped his salad.

Yami nodded. "Yeah, but I doubt you'd get to see him." Yami said. "But he's the cutest little bunny." He added smiling a bit. "At least I'm not a bunny."

Yugi stared at Yami, and a moment later his eyes filled with tears.

"Ryou was kidnapped and made a bunny?” he asked. Seto looked at Yami, giving him a look that said 'look what you've done now, you ass!!!'

Yami wrinkled his nose and stuck his tongue out at Seto. "Yugi it's ok, He's with a friend. Like how I ended up with Seto, he'd fine." Yami said calmly, patting him on the head. "Don’t cry ok? I'm sure he'll call you when he can.” he added smiling reassuringly.

Before Yugi could say anything, the doorbell rang. Seto stood.

"I'll get it.” he said, deciding to give the brothers some time alone. He turned and headed for the front hall and opened the door. There on his doorstep was a young man with tan skin and bright blonde hair. Seto blinked and involuntarily looked the boy's slim figure up and down. The boy blinked right back and smirked at how Seto was looking at him.

"Hey. I'm looking for the Yami bird.” he said after a moment. "My hybrids wanted me to ask him about a bunny...” he added. "Is it alright if I ask him what he knows?"

Seto blinked.

"Who the hell are you?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Malik sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "My name is Malik... look just tell him the skunk and the lion sent me to ask about the bunny, I think he'll know what I'm talking about." Malik said shaking his head.

Seto blinked, but nodded and let Malik in.

"Wait here.” he said, and went into the living room. "Yami... a boy named Malik is here to see the, ehmm... 'Yami bird'. He says that the skunk and the lion have sent him to ask about the bunny. Mean anything to you?"

Yami blinked and nodded. "Yeah... that's Bakura and Marik. Ryou's friends. They're curious about Ryou.” he said calmly.

"So... Shall I let this kid in to talk to you?" Seto asked.

"Yes please." Yami said smiling a bit. "I'm sure it must be important."

Seto nodded and went back out to the front hall.

"Yami will see you.” he said, and beckoned Malik to follow him. They walked down the hall and emerged into the living room. Yugi turned and looked to see who had come to see Yami about Ryou.

Malik blinked at Yami and tilted his head to the side. "wow!” he blurted. "You're really neat looking!"

Yami blinked surprised and raised an eyebrow. "What was it you wanted to know about Ryou?"

Malik nodded and began explaining the situation to Yami about Marik and Bakura, and the need to find Ryou for Marik.

Yami nodded a bit. "Ryou was bought by Pegasus.” he said after a moment. "I think Seto knows the exact address of his home, since he seems to like hopping from house to house..."

"Who hops from house to house? Me?" Seto asked, blinking.

"Pegasus bought Ryou?!" Yugi gasped. "And... he's treating him like a pet?” he looked down at the floor with sad eyes. "Poor Ryou... Yami... what can we do?"

Yami frowned. "I'm... afraid there's not much I can do... when I was altered, I lost all rights and privileges formally known as human rights.” he said calmly. "It's just dumb luck that Seto has a conscience, and still treats me human, well... other than letting his brother pluck my feathers when I'm sleeping."

Seto blinked.

"Mokuba plucks your...? I'll kill him!!!” he howled.

"So... what can we do?" Yugi asked, looking between Malik, Yami and Seto. "There has to be something...."

Yami sighed. "I don’t know Yugi... No one believes that they're kidnapping humans to do this to them... and with it being the new most desired pet... I don’t think anyone will ever know, or believe me if I tried to claim I had been human.”

"And Pegasus is not the kind of man who would give Ryou up..." Seto said, frowning. "Yami... do you know the circumstances surrounding his purchase of Ryou?"

Yami nodded a bit. "Yes. it was a bit suspicious... but there wasn't much I could do about it.” he said after a moment. "Ryou had been special ordered... much like how you had me ordered... heh except the intended buyer MEANT for the change." Yami began explaining. "I remember hearing that Ryou had been made in a particularly special way... but I never heard how.” he added. "but then later on, his intended buyer backed out, and demanded Marik be put down.." Yami began preening a wing absently. "After that, Pegasus came in and bought him, he seemed quite surprised to see him as a bunny."

Seto frowned. "Somehow I doubt he was surprised... Those circumstances are suspicious... but if Marik was to be put down, how did YOU get him?” he asked Malik.

Malik grinned slightly. "I was looking around that day, and the lady who ran the pet shop sold him to me for five dollars so he wouldn't have to die.” he said after a minute. "He's a nice guy too, I'm glad I was in the right place at the right time."

Seto nodded. "Yami. I think it might be best if you spoke with this.... Marik and Bakura personally..." He said.

Yami coughed a bit. "Bakura... and I... well....” he said trying to sound less amused. "Well... to put it shortly, we don’t get along... at all."

Seto blinked and smirked. "Oh? But I thought you said you had helped him to escape?"

Yugi looked back and forth between Yami and Seto, curiously.

"Who's Bakura?"

"The skunk, Yugi." Yami said. "And I did. I pissed him off until he got over his fear and left." Yami chuckled. "He swore he'd kill me." Yami added. "It's best if I don’t get too close to him, I bet he's still willing to pluck my feathers out one by one to make a bed."

Seto chuckled. "I think I need to meet this Bakura.” he looked at Malik. "But despite the hatred, I think that Yami should meet with Marik and Bakura. Is that possible?” he asked the blonde.

Malik nodded. "Yeah, they're at my place... if you want we can all head there and get some questions answered." Malik said after a minute. "You'll have to excuse the both of them... they're in human-rehab. That pet shop did a number on them... but I think they're slowly getting their lost humanity back."

Seto blinked, and slowly nodded. "Yami... go put on a shirt. I'll get my coat. Yugi... are you going to come with us?” he asked, looking at the boy. Yugi frowned.

"I can't... Grampa will wonder where I am... I can come back and see Yami, can't I?!” he asked, almost frantically.

"Of course you can." Seto said, smiling. "Whenever you want. I promise. I will give you a key to the aviary and make sure security knows to let you in." Yugi smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, Seto.” he said, then turned and hugged Yami tightly. "I have to go... Good luck with finding Ryou." And he smiled up at his brother. "Please find him..."

Yami nodded and hurried to his room, pulling out the only sort of shirt that fit him anymore. it was a shirt Seto had designed himself, black leather without a back, the only thing holding it on was the collar and the waist, which snapped together to stay in place. It was designed specifically for Yami, and he was quite proud to say he looked damn good in a tight leather top, with or without a back. He'd been holding off on wearing it, because it wouldn’t have looked good with overly baggy pants... OR harem pants... much to Seto's disapproval.

Yami grinned. But today Seto would get a chance to see him in it. He bolted out the door and literally flew down the stairs, landing next to Seto with more than a little style.

"Ready.” he said amusedly, as Seto looked him over.

Seto jumped, startled, then looked Yami over and grinned.

"Nice...” he said, tugging the leather, lightly. "You look good. Let's hope your friends wear clothes." And he looked to Malik to confirm this.

Malik nodded. "Yeah they wear clothes, not too much sometimes, but they're not nudists... anymore...” he said flushing slightly.

It was a quick limo ride to Malik's house, and he was glad to get home. "Marik! Bakura, there's a guest here to see you!” he called through the house.

"They're out back!" Ishizu called from her bedroom, so Malik headed to the back window to look out. And sure enough, the pair was rolling around and wrestling in the back yard... in the nude. Seto quirked an eyebrow and looked at Malik.

"Not nudists, huh?” he said.

Malik sighed. "HEY!” he shouted out the window. "What did I TELL you about being NAKED?!” he scolded.

Yami had to hide his chuckles. "Seto... I think you're going to have to save me.... because... I don’t think I can go more than two minutes... without pissing him off....” he said, before bursting into laughter.

The pair of hybrids in the backyard collapsed in a tangled heap, and a moment later their heads poked up and looked at the window, looking guilty and sheepish. But then, they saw Yami. Marik's eyes widened and his ears perked up, but Bakura's eyes narrowed and his ears moved back. Both leapt to their feet and ran to the door, rushing inside.

"YAMI!!!" Marik was shouting, eagerly. "YAMI!!"

"YOU MOTHER FUCKING COCK SUCKING BASTARD!!!" Bakura was shouting angrily. Both leapt at Yami, but Marik got their first and brought him crashing to the ground in a bone crushing hug and began licking his face while Bakura flew over them and tumbled into the wall, cursing a blue streak. Seto stared, at a complete loss.

Yami at this point was squawking and squirming. "Off! OFF! Oh GOD I think you BROKE my back!” he yelped, being a tad over dramatic. He was madly flapping his wings and after a few moments of affection from Marik, they both got up.

Yami's feathers were puffed up, and quite a few lay on the floor, and still more were coming out from the sudden shock. His wings looked like a tornado had ripped through them, and were quivering.

"Don’t... you... EVER do that again!" he grumbled, immediately focusing on the most important task of his day, re-preening his feathers... for the 50th time.

Marik grinned, sheepishly.

"Sorry...” he said, sitting down and lashing his tail excitedly. "You look like you're doing great! What happened after I left? After BAKURA left! What about Ryou? What do you know?! You have to tell me! Please!!!" Bakura in the mean time had managed to get back onto his feet and was glaring at Yami.

Yami glared back. "Bring it stink-ass.” he growled, before turning his attention back to Marik. "After you left, Bakura had to be coaxed into leaving because he's a chicken shit." Yami said calmly, preening. "And after that, Seto came to get me, otherwise it was very calm. As for Ryou, he was bought by a man named Pegasus." Yami explained. "I knew him from one of the tournaments I used to compete in."

Marik nodded, slowly. "Is... Is that it?” he asked, obviously hoping for more news about Ryou. He looked over at Malik. "D-Did Rex say anything?"

Malik shook his head. "Rex didn't say anything...” he said after a moment.

Yami shook his head. "I haven't heard anything about his well being, I just know who he's with right now...” he said shaking his head. "And the fact that his entire purchase was suspicious."

Ishizu entered at that moment and looked around.

"Malik?! What on... Seto Kaiba?! MALIK!!! What is Mr. Kaiba doing here? Who's the hybrid? AND WHY ARE THEY NAKED?!" She screamed, pointing at Marik and Bakura, who huddled down behind Marik, fearing Ishizu's wrath.

Malik grumbled. "You two! Go get on your clothes!” he huffed, pointing down the hall. "Hurry up or I'll stop looking for Ryou.” he added grouchily, even though he didn't even have the slightest plan to stop looking for Marik's lover.
The pair, bellies to the floor, scuttled out of the room as quickly as they could. Seto blinked after their retreating backsides.

"Nice hybrids...” he drawled to Malik.

Malik sighed. "They were both in that pet shop so long, they had them broken before I got to them. You're lucky they didn't do the same to Yami."

Yami nodded a bit. "They were too busy trying to get Ryou to break....he never did, but he came close once." Yami said shaking his head. "It's amazing what one person will do to another... just because one looks different...” he said calmly.

Malik ran a hand through his hair. "I've been doing my best to help them get back to themselves… but I just don’t know... it might be too late..."

As if on cue Marik and Bakura trotted back in, still on all fours, tails high. And both were in their shorts. Bakura ran over to the arm chair and leapt into it, curling up and looking around as if challenging anyone to take his seat from him, and Marik purred and rubbed against Malik and Ishizu as he passed, then began to rub the length of his body against the sofa. Seto blinked and quirked an eyebrow at Marik, then over at Bakura who was grooming his tail and glaring at Yami ever now and then.

Malik sighed. "Guys, remember what I've been teaching you? I'm not seeking out this bunny for a couple of pets.” he said calmly. "I'm doing it for a couple of friends, who are still human.” he added. "So please act that way, we have GUESTS."

Both hybrids looked at Malik, then slowly, Bakura began to shift around until he was sitting upright, squirming around, not quite sure what to do with his tail. Marik, in the meantime, leapt up onto the back of the sofa and stretched out, watching Yami and Seto, curiously.

"Looks like you've made some progress with the skunk..." Seto said, looking at Bakura who was still shifting around, making faces as his tail continued to get in the way.

Malik groaned. "Marik!” he barked. "Act right or I'll ask them to leave right now, and that will be that!” he said firmly. "I will not make any effort, if you won’t make any effort either."

Yami snickered at Bakura. "Hey, it's more comfortable if you put it to the side.” he suggested, pointing to his own tail feathers. "keeps it out of the way."

Bakura blinked at Yami, then sat down and moved his tail around, eventually laying it out across his lap. Bakura blinked and squirmed a bit, then smiled.

"Hey... it DOES work!!!” he exclaimed, then began grooming his tail again from this new angle. Marik on the other hand, was having much more trouble. He was pacing back and forth across the sofa, sitting down only to get up and pace some more, making noises of confusion and distress the entire time.

Malik sighed softly. "Marik, it's simple. Place your butt on cushion, and feet on floor."

Yami snickered a bit. "Oh I'm sure Ryou'd just die from shock... big man can’t even sit on a sofa by himself.” he teased, knowing that his form of teasing always produced results, especially when it involved Ryou, with Marik.

But Marik gave Yami a stressed and mournful look, his ears and tail drooping, then slid off of the sofa and slunk from the room, crawling under Malik's bed and curling up, sniffling to himself.

Yami shook his head and followed Marik, wanting a word with him in private anyway.

"Marik...?” he said, closing the door behind him. "What happened? I thought you were going to try to be more human for Ryou? Is it really that hard?" He asked softly, sitting on his knees and peering under the bed.

Marik turned his back on Yami and hid his face.

"I... I can't do it... I just can't.... I try and try and... I just can't... I'm not human... not anymore... I'm just an animal...." And he was unable to hold back a harsh sob. "I'll never be able to do it... it's useless..."

Yami frowned. "Marik... Ryou needs you to be human... more than anything.” he said softly. "He needs you to try... you want to know why?” he asked shaking his head. "He was altered differently than we were... and his purchase... it was all done in a suspicious way. I think... that the one who bought him was the same person who ordered him... the same person who ordered your death.” he explained calmly. "If there's anything left in you, you need to find it... for Ryou's sake...” he said softly.

Marik slowly turned. "You mean... you think that Pegasus was the one who ordered Ryou? And that he ordered my death? But... Are you sure?"

Yami nodded slowly. "I'm almost positive... listen... when I was genetically altered... because bird is a completely different species... they weren’t able to predict how I'd come out... I got my sight and hearing back first.... when apparently everyone else got them back last." Yami slowly explained. "I remember hearing the men bragging about Ryou... and how he'd been somehow made in an exceptionally special way...."

"What kind of way?" Marik gasped, turning around to face Yami head on, his eyes wide. "What did they do to Ryou?!"

Yami sighed. "I'm not sure about that part... but I'm sure you weren't ordered to die for no reason...” he said calmly.

Marik frowned and slowly crawled out from under the bed.

"I have to find Ryou... I heard that... that he was finally broken!" Marik shook his head, fighting back tears. "Rem herself said so!" And he looked up at Yami. "What... what if he's beyond help now, Yami? I don't think I could take it...."

Yami crossed his arms. "That's why you have to be the human now Marik.... for Ryou.” he said shaking his head. "You have to be the one who snaps him out of it... if you can’t do it, then there's possibly no hope for him." Yami looked him over. "It's your job to protect him... and take care of him, and right now, the only thing he needs is a human... who can help him get back to himself." Yami explained. "Especially if he's been broken. If that's true... then there's another you wandering around, in a bunny suit."

Marik blinked, then frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

"It means he might not even be capable of thinking for himself." Yami said calmly. "You need to work harder Marik... try harder... do everything you can. If you get scared, just remember how Ryou used to be and what he's become, and how he needs you to be there for him." Yami said looking down a bit. "This is the only chance you'll ever get... to be everything he could ever need."

Marik's eyes widened and he slowly nodded. Then, he closed his eyes, grit his teeth, and slowly began to stand upright on his legs, stumbling every now and then. Finally, he made it and straightened, opening his eyes and once again was surprised to find himself looking down at someone again. Someone he was used to having to look up to. He blinked then slowly turned and moved towards the door, his steps awkward and his balance difficult to maintain. He had to brace himself against the wall constantly to prevent himself from falling, but eventually he stepped out into the living room. Bakura turned and his eyes widened.

"MARIK!!” he gasped, and Marik offered him a small smile as he slowly walked into the room, finding himself to be taller than all within, with the exception of Seto.

Yami smiled and came out behind Marik, looking proud of himself. "Gentlemen and lady, I present Marik... in his best efforts to be human yet.” he said clapping softly.

Malik smiled broadly and began clapping too. "Wow Marik, what happened in there?!” he said rushing to his side, carefully making sure his friend wouldn't stumble and fall down. "I'm so proud of you!"

Marik smiled down at Malik, then bowed his head and purred, nuzzling Malik and licking his cheek.

"Ryou needs me.” he said with a smile, then looked at Bakura. "You should try this, Bakura. I never knew I was this tall!!" And he gave a proud, child-like grin. Seto chuckled and leaned over Yami.

"What did you say to him?” he muttered.

Yami smiled. "Tried one of Tea's famous pep talks... only I wasn't an imbecile about it.” he said amusedly.

"Tea?" Marik asked, his ears twitching. "Wasn't that the last failed bird I ate?"

Yami nodded. "Thank Ra... it's about time someone put her out of our misery."

*~*~*~*~*~*

okay. There have been questions in regards to the fic. I am now going to answer them.

1. How big are the hybrids?

They are normal sized.

2. So how come Rem can pick them up?

Rem is not a small woman. She is quite tall and VERY strong. I thought it was wierd that she could pick them up, but my co-author insisted on it. The woman is an Amazon, okay? lol

3. Do the hybrids have fur or not?!

lol they have fur on their animal parts, like ears and tails. other times we mention them havin fur... ummm well... let's just say it adds to the animal affect.

4. Are we going to make Joey a dog?

NO!!! We are NOT gonna make Joey a dog!!!

5. If Ryou doesn't have the Ring and Yugi doesn't have the Puzzle and there are no yamis or magic or anything, why does Pegasus have the eye?!

Hey now... we never said he DID have the eye. We said he was missing one eye and could read minds. But no, there is no Millennium Item magic in this fic.

I think that's all for now. Please review!!!!