Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 12

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Dartz smiled and watched. "Ready to go to the common, Ryou?” He asked after a bit.

Ryou blinked and sat up shaking his head a bit. "Oh...” He blinked again and blushed, realizing he was still quite nude. "O-oh!” He yipped, covering himself. "I... I need clothes."

Dartz chuckled and offered Ryou a fresh clean kimono, light blue in color. "Here you go.” He said.

Ryou took it quickly and put it on, blushing darkly. "T-Thank you...” He said biting his lip. "I'm sorry... I wasn't even thinking...”

Dartz smiled and stroked Ryou's hair. "Not at all.” He said. "Come along now. Oh, and... I would suggest hopping when we get there... the other hybrids have been known to shun and bully those who walk upright." Dartz warned.

Ryou blinked and clutched Tuc and Nod. "... why?” He breathed, looking worried. "... I thought the other hybrids would want to walk upright as well...”

Dartz sighed and pet Ryou on the head. "You are a unique hybrid, my dear. The others all walk on all fours. You're the only one who doesn't. But a few others came in walking upright. They don't anymore. The other hybrids shun them. They will see you as acting superior and better than them."

Ryou's ears drooped. "But... But I don’t like hopping...” He mumbled looking down. "I'm a human, I should act like it...”

"For your own safety, dear... please hop. Just when we get there, hmm?" Dartz asked, guiding Ryou down the hall.

Ryou sighed and nodded. "Alright...” He mumbled looking down. "But I hate doing it... it's so degrading...” He mumbled stooping to all fours once Dartz had instructed him to. "Is... this the place?” He asked, looking up, ears drooping.

Dartz smiled and opened the door. "Welcome to the common." All the hybrids in the room glanced at the door and perked with interest when they saw Dartz, then Ryou.

Ryou backed up slightly, not liking being stared at. "They're staring...” He breathed, ears back.

"They find you interesting. Go on in. There's something special in here for you." Dartz said, giving Ryou a little pat on the bottom.

Ryou hopped forward slowly, looking around, hunching down, and sliding away from the stares, along the wall. "Stop staring...” He whimpered.

Slowly, the hybrids went back to their activities, their curiosity satisfied. But one creature kept its eyes firmly on Ryou.

Ryou whimpered softly, but hopped over to a corner and flopped down on a pillow, curling up and just sitting; he hated drawing attention to himself, and was for the moment content to calm down in the corner

But the one creature wouldn't let him. Ryou turned as a large male jackrabbit hopped in his direction, glaring at the little white bunny.

Ryou blinked. "Hello...” He said softly, looking confused. "Oh... I'm sorry... did I sit in your place?” He asked, getting up and hopping back off of the pillow.

The jackrabbit thumped his foot, warningly, then shoved Ryou to the floor and began sniffing him over, thoroughly.

Ryou squeaked and whimpered, staring up at the other bunny fearfully, making no sudden movements, and remaining perfectly still, signaling he wouldn't be fighting, he was submissive.

This seemed to calm the larger male significantly, though he still glared at Ryou. Then he snorted and backed away, hopping over to the sofa and taking up his former position, watching Animal Planet with the other hybrids.

Ryou shakily stood back up, and hopped back onto the pillow, curling up once more, needing time to calm down from that little encounter. Who'd have known a rabbit could be so mean?!

Suddenly, there was a roar from the yard beyond the recreation room. Tuc and Nod, who had been huddled in the corner during the confrontation with the jack rabbit, turned towards the door. Their ears shot up and they darted out of the corner and towards the door, eagerly.

Ryou blinked, his ears raised slightly as well. He got up and hopped towards the door as well, to see what all the commotion was about, and to protect his friends, if he needed to.

Tuc and Nod were pawing at the door, trying to get out. And then, Ryou saw why, there in the yard was Malik and Kheti, laying side by side and watching Bakura and Marik chase each other around the yard in a game of tackle-tag; Tuc and Nod had recognized Marik's roar, and were now standing on their hind legs, peering out the window at the lion, their tails flicking non-stop in excitement.

Ryou giggled and picked up his friends and slid the glass open, before putting them down and hopping out after them, closing the door behind them. "MARIK!” He called, grinning ear to ear.

Marik skidded to a stop and turned, and his ears perked up. "RYOU!!!” He cried joyfully, launching himself at his mate. Malik turned and his ear perked up.

"RYOU!” He also scrambled to his feet and charged at Ryou, and Bakura wasn't far behind with a joyful shout of "Thumper!"

Ryou squeaked and ducked down, narrowly missing being tackled back into the door, unfortunately, who ever dived at him first ended up meeting the door, closely.

Marik slammed into the door face first with a pained yelp, while Malik and Bakura tackled Ryou. The skunk firmly wrapped his tail around the bunny and began nuzzling him, crooning loudly, and the fennec made excited little yaps as he licked Ryou's face and wagged his tail so hard his ass wiggled.

Ryou laughed. "Stop stop!” He said squirming and nuzzling his friends. "Marik! Oh Marik I'm so sorry!” He mewled, squirming loose to nuzzle his mate. "My poor lion...” He cooed, gently grooming his ears. "You're ok aren't you?”

"I dunno...” Marik moaned. "Ask me again when I'm not seeing five of you...” Bakura snickered and nuzzled his own mate, who wagged his tail happily at the affection. Then, Tuc and Nod attacked, and Marik soon found himself with a rabbit grooming each ear.

Ryou giggled and crawled into Marik's lap and plopped down. "ahh... my spot is still just as good as ever.” He cooed, grinning impishly.

Marik brushed Tuc and Nod away and cuddled Ryou, purring loudly. Malik smiled and herded Tuc and Nod over to Kheti.

"This is Tuc, and this is Nod.” He said with a smile. "These are the rabbits that Marik was supposed to eat, but he gave them to Ryou instead. They're also the mom and dad of Dust and Spunky."

Kheti smiled and plucked up Tuc, giving him a lick. "My aren't you the big man of the house?" she cooed, tickling one of his ears. "Sweet little guy, I bet you're a good provider."

Ryou nuzzled Marik and sighed. "You smell wonderful...” He cooed softly, burying his face into his lover's chest.

Marik purred. "So do you.” He said, licking Ryou's cheek. Several hybrids were watching Marik and Ryou with wide eyes, not quite believing what they were seeing. "I missed you, precious."

Ryou nodded sleepily. "I missed you so much... I can tell you had a bath.” He cooed grinning. "You always smell so good after baths...” He nuzzled his lover once more. "You should really consider doing it daily."

Marik's eyes widened and his ear drooped. "Murrrrrrrr!!!” He whined, his tone full of distress.

"Oh, c'mon Marik... being bathed by four scantily clad Playboy centerfold models isn't the WORST way to have a bath!" Bakura said.

"WHAT?!" Shrieked Malik, whirling, his large ears fully erect and pointed straight at Bakura.

"Uh oh...” the skunk muttered.

Ryou giggled. "Oh now look what YOU started!” He teased, licking Marik lovingly. "Please consider it...” He mewled, sighing contentedly and nuzzling into his lovers arms more. "I missed you...”

Marik purred loudly. "I would do anything if it meant having our life back...” He whispered, his voice vibrating with his purr. "Even that... I wanna go home... with you, and Malik and Bakura... and the bunnies...”

Ryou nodded and nuzzled him. "Me too...” He whispered softly, resting his head under Marik's chin, his soft hair tickling Marik's chin. "I... I think I found a... a way to get out...” he added so softly it was barely heard. "B-but... I don’t know how we could do it...” he added, ears drooping. "Plus... th-the bunny babies... they never leave your cages...”

Marik looked down. "You found a way out?” He gasped. "Tell me!"

Ryou nodded softly. "Yes... Dartz... h-he likes to chat with me... he doesn't harness me or anything, before taking me out of my room... I could get away... a-and if you stayed with me for a night... we could... b-but I don’t know about Malik and Bakura...” He said, ears drooping.

Marik sighed and drooped. "And we can't leave them. And... don't forget about Otogi, Ryou...” He nuzzled Ryou and began grooming his ears.

Ryou sighed. "... but maybe if I could... I could get you out... a-and you could find Seto...” Ryou said hopefully. "You could tell him where we are...” He added.

Marik shook his head. "I can't leave you, Ryou. I won't.” He said firmly, wrapping his arms around Ryou and rocking him in his lap. "I won't EVER leave you...”

Ryou sighed softly and nodded. "But... if you don’t leave me, who will RESCUE me?” He said softly, giving Marik pathetic eyes. "I certainly don’t want to be here for the rest of my life... and I doubt Malik and Bakura do either...” He mumbled sighing. "Tuc's not too happy with Dartz either.” He added, picking up his little companion and kissing his little cheek.

"Oh?" Marik said, ears perking. then he frowned. "Why? what has he done?” He looked down at Tuc as if waiting for an answer.

"Nothing!" Ryou said giving Tuc a look. "He just seems to hate the man with a passion. He's done nothing wrong. Unless you count grooming as a crime." Ryou said crossing his arms. "Tuc's just hateful towards him."

Tuc snorted and shook his head. 'He's trying to take you from this lunkhead!' He sniffed.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "Don’t be silly, he is not! He's done nothing to even imply such a silly thing." Ryou huffed. "You're reading between the lines, when there's nothing to read!"

Marik blinked, and sighed. He was used to Ryou talking to the rabbits by now. "What did he say?” He asked Ryou.

"He said that Dartz was trying to take me from you." Ryou said rolling his eyes slightly. "But he's done no such thing!"

But Marik's eyes darkened and his ears flattened. Tuc seemed to give Ryou a smug smirk as the 'lunkhead' began to growl.

Ryou glared at Tuc. "Now look what you've started!” He scolded. "That man has done nothing but be kind, and help me see Marik MORE.” He said huffing softly. "Now you're putting ideas in Marik's head!"

'Good.' Seemed to be Tuc's response as he flicked an ear and looked away from Ryou and at Nod, playing tag with an eager Bakura.

Ryou swatted Tuc's tush slightly. "Don’t you get smart with me. Dartz has done nothing wrong! You owe him an apology, AND you owe Marik an apology for making him so upset over nothing. You're just stirring up trouble!"

Tuc looked at Ryou and gave him a little twitch of the whiskers. 'Oh, just you wait... we'll see who's stirring up trouble over nothing... '

Ryou huffed and flicked Tuc's ear. "You're too smug for your own good bunny.” He said calmly. "Marik, honestly, Tuc's just being a troublemaker. Dartz hasn't done anything at all. I'd tell you if he had, you know I would." Ryou said smiling softly. "Calm down."

Marik frowned. "I trust Tuc, Ryou. I told him to protect you. And if he thinks Dartz is trying to take you from me, then I beleive him!" And he began nuzzling Tuc. "Don't you let that bastard near my Ryou, Tuc. Defend him... Do anything you can to Dartz to keep him away... Act all cute and cuddly, and when he's in range... GO FOR THE NADS!!!"

Ryou slapped Marik's shoulder. "Marik!” He huffed. "If Tuc does that because you told him to I'll never forgive you! Are you forgetting who the one who lets you come visit me is?!

"Are you forgetting who STUCK US INTO THIS FUCKIN' SLUTTY ZOOLOGICAL FACILITY FROM THE WHOREHOUSES OF HELL?!?!?!" The lion roared. All the hybrids and staff within earshot froze and stared.

"Rafel." Ryou said smartly.

Marik glared. "But on whose orders?!"

Ryou huffed and crossed his arms. "That may be, but he doesn't HAVE to be kind and let us visit! Would you rather he just left us both alone and separated to just rot!?"

"I'd rather he let us go home and live our lives instead of allowing our bodies to be used to EXPAND HIS BANK ACCOUNT!!!" The lion roared back.

Ryou glared, and crawled out of Marik's lap. "In case you haven't noticed, neither of us HAVE been used like that. You should count your lucky stars too!” He growled softly, frustrated with his lover. "I think he would let us go, if we were just kind to him!"

"Stop being so naive, Ryou! He had us kidnapped and shipped to some hybrid whorehouse!" Marik shouted. "Goddammit, he IS trying to take you from me! He moved you to where I couldn't see you, he's appealing to the side of you that is still a pet, and he's trying to force us to do what he wants by promising to let us see each other! Well goddammit Ryou, if bribing us to behave just so we can see our OWN MATES for a FEW MINUTES A DAY is being kind, then I don't NEED his kindness!!!" Malik and Bakura sat side by side with Nod, staring at Ryou and Marik.

Ryou's ears bristled slightly. "No he's appealing to the side of me that's still human!” He shouted back. "We chat about things I doubt you'd even understand!" Ryou huffed, glaring. "He doesn't make ME do anything! I sit in a room all day and play with Tuc. That's my day! And apparently you sit in a room full of playgirls in bikinis." Ryou glared once more, turning and opening the door, and hopped back inside, closing the door behind him.

Ryou glared at the floor, hopping to the pillow he'd been sitting on, before flopping back down to think. He was certainly angry Marik thought him so dense. He'd know if someone were trying to 'take him from' Marik. He sighed and closed his eyes. But he didn't want to just assume Marik was wrong... he loved Marik... so he was taking time to straighten his thoughts.

Marik gave an angry snarl and began pacing about the yard, obviously agitated. Even Bakura gulped and decided that the wise thing to do was to keep his distance. Malik sighed and slowly settled down next to Kheti, watching Marik pace, and Tuc and Nod ran to join him. The fennec sighed and cuddled them both, watching his own mate settle down to watch Marik pace.

Kheti sighed softly. "They have... issues don’t they?" She said softly, beginning to groom Malik's ears.

Malik sighed. "Ryou is... naive. But Marik is paranoid, sometimes...” He said.

Kheti nodded. "... to tell you the truth, I think that they both should calm down... if Dartz was trying to snare Ryou, Ryou would know. But Marik is right... he did have us all kidnapped." She said softly.

Malik nodded. "Just like with Pegasus... Ryou was loyal to him even though he knew that the man had been the one responsible for his becoming a hybrid...”

Kheti nodded. "Yes, but he was forced to then... If I'm right, he's on his own now. I don’t think he'd be loyal to someone with ill intent for him and Marik."

"Yeah, but... Ryou can also be easily won over. He grooms Ryou. And Ryou LOVES to be groomed and pampered." Malik said.

"Who doesn't?" She said laughing slightly. "I'm sure things aren't as bad as everyone's making them out to be."

Malik sighed. "well, yeah but... think of it this way... Animals have instincts. And Tuc doesn't trust that guy. And neither do any of us. Ryou does. And he ignores his animal instincts... And he's not the best judge of character...” Malik pointed out.

Kheti laughed. "I don’t think he ignores his animal instincts. He's the most human of us. I think he just has trouble... recognizing them." She reasoned. "Not to mention up until recently, his instincts didn't matter, because he didn't get the choice."

Malik sighed. "Either way... I am more inclined to agree with Marik than with Ryou...” He said, laying his chin on his folded paws while Tuc and Nod decided to remodel Malik's burrow.

"Well, if Marik is right about Dartz, wouldn't it be... bad if they fought like this?" she pointed out. "What's to stop Ryou from deciding his 'visit' was over right now? Giving Dartz more time to work his charms?" Kheti said, flicking her ears. "I mean, if Marik's so worried...”

Malik sighed. "Marik is NOT the sharpest claw in the paw... He gets very emotional, he DOES have some anger management issues... And... well... he often feels inadequate... His self confidence takes a major hit if he thinks Ryou's eyes are drifting elsewhere."

Kheti frowned. "He's... not much of a mate is he?" She said. "I mean, if he's so worried about it, he needs to keep Ryou's eyes from drifting. I'm sure if he put as much of himself into keeping Ryou, as he did at getting him, Ryou'd be happy no matter what... not that he seems any bit unhappy now, other than that fight."

Ryou grumbled softly and glared at the wall. Marik was out there pacing and growling and snarling. Thanks a lot Tuc. Ryou growled softly as well, two could play the angry game. He got up and hopped over to the door, glaring at it. Marik always treated him like such a fragile baby moron. "I'm just as capable of protecting myself, and knowing what's going on around me as he is." Ryou grumbled kicking the door harshly.

Marik glanced up at the noise, but when he saw Ryou he simply turned his back and began sharpening his rounded off claws on a tree... but he did it in a certain way... He stretched out his body in a way that he KNEW showed off his lithe muscles, and with the grooming he had recieved his skin shone and his hair was thick and lustrous. Marik looked good, and he sure as hell knew it. So he flaunted it.

Kheti blinked, watching Marik's sudden change in mood. "What... is he doing?" She asked looking confused.

Malik blinked and turned, eyeing Marik, then turned to the door. He grinned. "Marik is showing off for Ryou.” He giggled. "We've been trying to snap him out of that whole 'this guy might be competition so I'm gonna sulk' reaction. We've been trying to get him to say 'hey, this guy might be competition so I have to show that I'M better' instead. Looks like he's trying it. We all know that Ryou swoons over the idea of a strong dominant mate."

Kheti laughed. "Who doesn't?" She said smirking at Bakura. "Seems you do some swooning of your own."

Ryou however had yet to even turn around to glance at the show. He clawed at the door furiously, wanting out. "Stupid Marik...” He grumbled, kicking the door once more. Finally frustrated he hopped up and opened the door himself.

Marik continued his routine of stretching his body and sharpening his claws, and then did something that made Malik howl in disgust. He dropped back down to all fours, lifted his leg and sprayed the tree, territorially.

"Overdoing it JUST a little." Kheti said, ears back in disgust as well. "Ugh, so much for climbing any trees for a while." She added wrinkling her nose and burying it in Malik's hair.

Ryou hopped out the door and slammed it, laying down in the hall, having not once looked back to see Marik's 'show'. He sniffled softly, ears finally drooping. He felt horrible for leaving without making up with Marik... but at the same time he couldn't bear the idea of going back in there and dealing with Marik, or his 'rage' right now. "ooohhh! J-just a horrid angry... UGH!" Ryou grumbled tugging his own ears. "Why cant you be sensible!?"

"What on earth are you doing here?" Snarled Rafel. He stalked over to Ryou and picked him up by the ears. "You are NOT permitted to leave the common!"

Ryou glared. "I can if I want! Dartz said I didn't have to stay if I didn't want to.” He said huffing. "I'd rather go back to my room.” He added glaring up at Rafel.

Rafel glared. "Then that's where you're going.” He snapped, and carried Ryou down the hall, still by the ears. "And you can forget visiting hours with that lion today for your attitude!"

"Fine with me." Ryou said crossly. "I've had enough visiting for one day.” He added sourly.

Rafel blinked. "Oh really? Well, I'll be sure to let him know.” He said.

Ryou shrugged slightly, as he was carried. "Do what you want, I don’t care.” He grumbled in reply. He wasn't really in the mood to entertain Rafel, or his need to have him cowering and whimpering like a frightened rabbit. Right now he was too frustrated and upset.

Rafel frowned and opened Ryou's bedroom door and tossed him inside before slamming the door and locking it.

Ryou sighed softly, standing and walking over to his bed, flopping onto it and sighing, his ears drooping into his face. Now he felt even worse! "Oh Marik...” He mumbled looking down at the bedspread. "Why do we always end up like this?"

Marik in the meantime was up the tree he had sprayed, just out of Varon's reach, upset that Ryou had left. Malik sighed, clutching Tuc and Nod, sitting between Bakura and Kheti, all watching Varon try to reach the depressed lion.

"Murrrrrrooww...” Marik moaned, sadly, hiding his face in his arm.

"Aww c'mon now Marik what's wrong?” He asked, looking up at the distressed lion. "Come on down and tell me what's on your mind... maybe I can fix it.” He offered.

Marik glared. "Unless you can send us all home safe and sound, you can't!” He snapped. "And I'm NOT coming down!!" And he climbed higher.

Varon sighed. "C'mon down lion, if you keep acting up you won’t get a chance to make up to the bunny.” He warned calmly. "Do you not ever want to see him again?"

Marik glared down at Varon. "Not if I have to smell the scent of your fuckin' boss all over him!!!” He snapped. Malik's ears shot up.

"MARIK!!” He gasped.

Varon sighed. "Fine. I'll tell Dartz, you got your wish.” He said turning, no longer concerned whether or not Marik was coming down. "You'll come down from there eventually, or else that baby bunny of yours will be injured.” He added cooly, leaving.
Marik only roared at Varon's back and climbed higher, too angry and upset to care. But Malik whimpered and scuttled over to Varon, dropping Tuc and Nod.

"Please don't hurt Dust!" He whined. "It... It's not fair to hurt him! He didn't do anything! M-Marik gets upset and he... he doesn't think straight! He can't control himself!"

Varon sighed. "It's up to Dartz and Rafel, it's none of my concern.” He said calmly. "My patience is thin, and I don’t have the time nor the will to deal with a lion with anger management issues. He'll learn to control that rage, or he'll end up losing everything, and realizing why."

Malik whined, his ears back in worry. "But... PLEASE!!! Can't... can't you just let me have Dust?! Or Bakura?! Please?!"

"I'm afraid not." Varon said, picking up his clipboard. "That was Marik's bunny to watch, and it will be his fault if it is punished."

Malik whimpered and stared at the tree in which Marik was hiding as Varon leashed him, Kheti and Bakura, who was now clutching Tuc and Nod.

"Marik! Come down!" Malik called.

"NO!!!" Came the lion's answer.

Varon began pulling the three away. "It's time to go, Rafel will come out and shoot him with a tranquilizer and I'm sure he'll fall out of the tree.” He said calmly.

Bakura looked at Varon, then let out a distressed wail. "Shoot him?! Fall out of the tree?!” He cried, obviously not happy with that idea. "It's because of YOU assholes that he's upset and treed himself!!!"

"Oh really? Because from what I perceived, he's pissed because that bunny left." Varon said calmly. "Now hush.” He added, pulling them from the commons and down the hall.

"If you jackasses hadn't KIDNAPPED us...” Bakura growled, reluctantly following. Malik sighed and nuzzled his mate, and took Tuc and Nod from him when they got into the elevator.

"Are... are you gonna take Tuc back to Ryou?" Malik asked Varon.

"It's up to Dartz." Varon replied, having what could only be considered the 'poker' voice. Once on the appropriate floor, he put each hybrid back into their cage, and took Tuc and Nod in one arm, and Dust in the other and left for Dartz's office.

Malik's ears perked. "what... Nod?! Why are you taking Nod?!” He cried, but the elevator closed on Varon without and answer. Malik let out a whine and slowly lay down, staring at the elevator.

Varon hurried to Dartz's office. "Sir?” He called, struggling to open the door, and walking in carrying the three bunnies. "We have a bit of a problem...”

Dartz looked up. "You certainly seem to have your hands full...” He chuckled. "What's wrong? Did something happen to Ryou in the common? Where is he?!"

"He left not more than ten minutes after you left him there. He and that lion seem to have had a fight... which leads to the problem. He won’t come out of the tree in the common grounds, and what do I do with this bunny he was staying with?"

Dartz blinked. "Ryou and his mate had a fight? Hmm...” He sighed and reached out, taking Dust and looking him over, petting him. "Take it from the lion." Dartz said. "Give it to the fennec, since you're taking the mother from him. And the lion... leave him in the tree. He'll come down on his own eventually... It's supposed to storm tonight, if he insists on staying up in the tree he can stay out in the rain. And when he does come down...” Dartz frowned as he pet the bunny. "I want him isolated. Install a mirror window in his cage, so we can see in, but he can't see out. He will not be walked with anyone else, or be permitted to see anyone else. Cut him off." The man ordered.

Varon nodded. "Yes of course.” He said bowing. "I'll leave the adults with you, since I assume you'll be visiting Ryou again, and because it's difficult to open doors with three live rabbits in my arms.” He said smiling and leaving the adult bunnies in Dartz's care, picking up Dust and heading back to the door. "I'll have Marik relocated to one of the isolation units right away.” He added, before leaving to return Dust.

"Varon...” Dartz called. "Do you know what they were fighting about? Did he give you a reason for refusing to come out of the tree?"

Varon turned and looked thoughtful. "Not really... though he did say he didn't want to see Ryou anymore, if he had to smell your scent on him.” He said. "So I imagine the fight was about you."

Dartz blinked, then sighed and shook his head, leaning back in his chair. "He'll get over it...” He said. "Go on, Varon. I'll take these two to Ryou." And the man stood and scooped up Tuc and Nod.

Varon nodded and carried Dust back to the elevator, hurrying on his way. Once he'd again reached the dormitories he put Dust into Malik's cage. "He'll be staying with you, as the female rabbit will be staying with Ryou from now on.” He said calmly. "If you don’t want him punished, behave."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ryou curled up on his bed glaring at the wall crossly. He was hurt that he'd not made up with Marik, but at the same time he was so cross with him that he was glad he'd not be seeing him for the rest of the day. "Horrid brute...” He grumbled.

There was a soft knock on the door, and a moment later it opened a crack. It sat there for a moment, and then Tuc and Nod scampered in as Dartz hid out of view, and raced up the ramp and onto the bed, running over to Ryou.

Ryou smiled softly, sitting up. "Oh... hello Tuc... Nod...” He mumbled, picking them up. "Sorry I left you behind...” He said, ears drooping.

Dart stepped in a moment later and sighed. "I heard that you argued with your mate.” He said softly. "I'm sorry to hear that."

Ryou looked away, a pained look on his face. "It's Tuc's fault...” He grumbled, giving the bunny a scolding look. "He seems to think you're trying to take me from Marik... and now Marik's upset at me...” He said, ears drooping lower.

Dartz's eyes widened briefly and snapped to look at the rabbit, who seemed to be glaring at him, but he quickly forced himself to act calm.

"Oh... I see... well, unfortunately I have also been informed that your mate has treed himself and refuses to come down. The little rabbit with wings has been removed from his care and has been passed into the fennec's hands."

Ryou nodded and swatted Tuc lightly. "Be nice! For heaven's sake you've caused enough trouble today!” He scolded, glaring at Tuc. "Any more out of you and I refuse to let you sleep anywhere near me.” He added looking away, giving Tuc the cold shoulder. "I'm sorry... Marik's just... oh!" Ryou huffed, ears bristling. "He's so difficult and stubborn and angry!"

Dartz sighed and nodded. "I know. I was also informed that he...” He sighed and shook his head. "I am SO sorry, Ryou... He said that he doesn't want to see you anymore...” He watched Ryou carefully. "At all."

Ryou gasped, shaking his head. "But...” his eyes brimmed with tears. "But... I... I know w-we had a fight...” He stammered, not sure what to say. He gave Tuc a pained look. "Look what you did!” He said, tears rolling down his cheeks. "He hates me now because you had to go and say something that wasn't true at all!"

'Like hell it isn’t true! It's not my fault you refuse to see it!' Tuc clicked and thumped his foot. Dartz raised an eyebrow as he watched the communication between the rabbit and the hybrid.

Ryou glared at Tuc. "You're such a rude little brute!” He huffed. "It's not true at all! Y-you just... just go sleep in the bathroom!” He said shaking his head. "I don’t want to see you when you act like this!” He said, shooing the bunny off the side of the bed.

Tuc squeaked as he tumbled off of the bed and landed on the floor. Nod's ears shot up and she ran down the ramp and over to Tuc, who had run to hide under the dresser. The female disappeared underneath the piece of furniture and all was quiet. Dartz sighed.

Ryou glared at the dresser slightly, ears drooping once more. He stood and picked up the small ramp, and placed it against the wall, so no bunnies would be able to get onto his bed anymore. He sat back on the bed and hung his head. "I want to go home... the little bit of a life I had gotten back with Marik... i-it’s falling apart...”

Dartz smirked inwardly. "Are you sure that Marik is the best mate for you? It sounds to me like he's... a bit beyond overprotective... he sounds... possessive." Dartz said, walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed. "It sounds to me like he treats you like he owns you."

Ryou sighed softly, sniffling. "Marik's my mate... he's a lion, it's his job to... to act possessive...” He mumbled his gaze lowered to the comforter of the bed. "Maybe... i-if I apologized...”

"Mates are supposed to trust each other." Dartz said softly. "Shouldn't he trust you? Shouldn't he trust you not to betray him? It sounds like he doesn't. It sounds as though he is expecting you to be... disloyal to him...” The man said in a low tone, slyly slipping these ideas to Ryou.

Ryou's eyes widened and he shook his head. "B-but I would never... I... I mean... I was for a while... b-but it wasn't my fault!” He said fearfully. "Th-that horrible Daisuke gave me this shot... i-it ... it made me do things...” Ryou bit his lip and shuddered softly. "B-but Master... h-he let me go... so I could be with Marik...”

"But it sounds as though your own mate doesn't trust you to be loyal to him. He thinks I am trying to take you from him, but doesn't trust you to turn me down if I go too far." Dartz hissed in Ryou's ear as he stroked the boy's back. Tuc and Nod's heads poked out from under the dresser and stared at Dartz, eyes wide and ears back.

Ryou sniffled, looking back at the bedspread, tears sliding down his cheeks. "But... h-he should...” He said sniffling, covering his face with his hands. "I trust him... h-he should trust me...” He said, sobbing softly at the heart-wrenching idea that his lover had less, if any trust for him, than he had for his mate.

"Well... if he does trust you, he has a funny way of showing it. He fights with you, then refuses to see you anymore... and not only that, but he leaves an innocent infant rabbit to wrath of Rafel and Daisuke. If I hadn't had Varon remove that little fellow and give him to the fennec, who knows what Daisuke would have done to him for the lion's disobedience...”

Ryou shook his head more, sobbing. "B-but... but I'm sorry..." Ryou said crying harder. "I don’t want to not see him ever again! I... I j-just wanted a f-few minutes to myself!” He wailed, his small body wracked with sobs. "W-why would... would he do that?!” He said, sniffling and trying to keep enough air in his lungs.

"He probably thinks you have already betrayed him." Dartz said in an offhand way. "He probably thinks that I have already tried to take you from him and believes that you are defending me to save me from him. He is a jealous creature who wants no one near his mate but himself... because you belong to him. At least in his eyes."

Ryou sniffled and shook his head. "B-but... b-but if I apologize... m-maybe he w-wouldn't hate me anymore...” Ryou said softly. "P-please c-can I go to see him?"

Dartz sighed and shook his head. "He's up a tree out in the common and refuses to come down. I am afraid that I must stick to the original deal... he is misbehaving. He cannot see you. I am sorry, little one...” He said in a mournful tone, stroking Ryou's hair.

Ryou shook his head. "B-but if I go see him... h-he'll come down...” Ryou said quickly. "Please! Please let me see him... I... I know h-he'll forgive me a-and come down!” He pleaded softly.

"No dear one... I'm sorry, but I cannot allow it. It would send a bad message to the other hybrids. And with the mood your mate is in, I cannot help but to fear for your safety.” He said, shaking his head. "I am afraid that I cannot allow you near him right now. AAH!!" The man suddenly yelped and jumped up onto the bed, revealing Tuc hanging off of the hem of his pants, growling and clicking angrily and biting the man over and over again.

Ryou grabbed Tuc and glared. "BAD!" he said carrying the bunny to the bathroom and shutting him inside. "You'll stay in there until you can behave!” He called, ears bristling. "Rotten little brute!"

Nod thumped her foot and darted out from under the dresser and over to the bathroom door, beginning to paw at it and try to dig her way under. She stopped constantly to thump her foot and click at Ryou, scoldingly.

"My, he really doesn't like me...” Dartz grumbled, inspecting his bleeding ankle.

Ryou opened the door and shoved in Nod as well. "Fine! You can both just STAY in there!” He said scoldingly. "I don’t care WHAT you 'think' until there's proof of such a silly thing, you don’t ATTACK people!” He scolded, returning to Dartz. "I... I'm very sorry... Tuc... I think he's been picking up Marik's anger lately... he's... gotten quite an attitude...” He mumbled softly. "He doesn't mean anything by it...”

Dartz sighed. "I'm sure he simply feels that he is protecting you. I'm sure he will warm up to me eventually. You don't have to apologize." Darts said to Ryou, offering him a gentle smile. "Now... I have other things to attend to. I shall have lunch sent in for you and your little friends.” He said, standing.

Ryou nodded, sniffling softly. "C-can you tell Marik I'm sorry?” He asked pathetically. "If I cant see him... I... I'd still like him to know I'm sorry...”

"I'll see what I can do, Ryou... but I think it may be a good idea if I kept my distance from him for the time being...” He said gently, kissing the top of Ryou's head. "I'll see you later."

Ryou sniffled and once Dartz was gone, he opened the bathroom door and sat next to it. "Tuc, Nod, why are you two acting like this?” He asked, sighing. "He's not done anything to you."

Tuc sat on the bath rug and glared at Ryou; Nod huddled into his side, looking torn between Ryou and her mate.

"Well? What makes you think so adamantly he's after me?!" Ryou said impatiently. "He's done nothing but be polite."

'He's kissing your ass.' Tuc snorted.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "It's called being polite, and he's not literally kissing anything. So if anyone came along and was polite you'd attack them then? Is it that I don’t deserve to be treated with respect?" Ryou said glaring at Tuc.
Tuc slowly hopped over to Ryou and stared straight up at him. 'He had ONE point... mates should trust each other. Don't you agree?'

He laid a paw on Ryou's knee.

Ryou nodded. "And I trust Marik, it's you and him that seem to have a problem trusting ME.” He said crossing his arms.

Tuc thumped his foot. 'You do NOT trust him! If you did, you would LISTEN to him and not insult him and get mad at him like you did! YOU'RE the one not trusting his mate... Not him.'

Ryou huffed. "I trust him fine! And it wasn't HIS idea not to trust anyone! You're the one who put farfetched ideas into his head! You KNOW Marik hardly trusts ANYONE!"

'And I thought you trusted me. Well, I don't trust that freak! He IS trying to take you from the lunkhead!' Tuc insisted. 'YOU'RE the one who won't see it!'

"Fine, prove it." Ryou said flicking his ears. "If you can come up with three good reasons that prove he's trying to take me from Marik, I'll listen."

'He moved you away from the lunkhead. He is limiting the contact you have with the lunkhead. And he's putting ideas into your head to turn you AGAINST the lunkhead.' Tuc said calmly.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "I ASKED to be moved away from 'the lunkhead', that's the rules and he is not." Ryou replied, flicking his ears. "Not good reasons at all! You didn't even know the reason I was moved in the first place!"

'Your request worked to his benefit.' Tuc shrugged. 'If it hadn't he wouldn't have moved you.’

Ryou groaned. "For the love of… Tuc he would too have, Pegasus wasn't nearly as nice in the beginning as this man, and he turned out to be a friend, who are you to judge whether or not this man is or isn't a friend too?"

Tuc sighed. 'Fine. Have it your way.' The rabbit sniffed. 'When you finally see the truth you'll have no one to blame but yourself.' And he hopped off to the corner of the bathroom and flopped down with his back to Ryou, beginning to groom himself. Nod looked back and forth between Ryou and Tuc, then drooped.

Ryou sighed and hugged Nod. "It's ok... you can take care of Tuc... he's your mate.” He said smiling and putting her down. "I understand."

She sighed and slowly hopped over to Tuc, but paused and looked back at Ryou, flicking an ear. 'I trust my mate.'

Ryou sighed and shook his head. "I'm glad for you then.” He mumbled, shutting the door once more. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He didn't know what to think anymore... who was right? It felt like Marik didn't trust his judgment.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Marik watched as Varon and Rafel brought the last hybrids in for the day. The pair then stood at the window, staring at his tree and talking. Eventually, they too left. And Marik was alone. He sighed and shifted his position on his high perch and watched the sun set. As it did, clouds began to roll in. Marik frowned. He didn't care if it was gonna rain, he was NOT coming DOWN! Not until Ryou came back.

"Murrrrr...” He moaned sadly, and wished he had his bunny plushy to cuddle. An hour or so later, it began to rain. The lion heaved a sigh and resigned himself to getting wet. After all, a little rain never hurt anyone. Or so he thought.

Hours later, the lion was shivering violently and was soaked and freezing to the bone. Spring was coming but winter was fighting to live and was giving one last fight for dominance; the rain was cold and had eventually become sleet; hardly a healthy thing for a lion who came from a very warm place.

Marik's shivering only got worse as the biting wind made the cold weather even colder. His body and face were growing numb from the cold, but it felt like there was a fire burning in the core of his brain. The storm grew quiet and the dark night grew darker as Marik's conciousness left him, and his body slipped from the branch and fell, hitting another limb on the way down, before landing in the cold mud at the base of the tree...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dartz gladly entered the front doors of the Twilight Menagerie to escape the frosty wind that was whipping through the trees surrounding the manor. He lowered his hood and removed his wet coat, hanging it on the coat rack. He walked over to the window in the lobby and peered in; Ryou was curled up and sleeping soundly in his bed, but looked sad... The man sighed and headed for his office, turning on the lights and booting up the computer. He flipped on the television to the weather channel and glanced at the forecast; the cold snap was bringing in snow this evening.

"Hmmm...” Dartz mused to himself. "Varon picked a good day to take off...” He murmured, then pressed the button on the intercom. "Amelda, Rafel, Daisuke... to my office, please.” He called.

Rafel and the others came to the room. "Yes?" Rafel asked looking irritated.

Dartz looked up after looking over some papers for a moment.

"Gentlemen, as some of you know the lion had a bit of an episode yesterday and treed himself out in the common yard. He's been out all night and he's going to be VERY cold. Amelda, I want you to run a bath for him, Dai, get ready to care for him, he'll probably need it. Rafel, please bring him in, immediately." Dartz said. Rafel narrowed his eyes.

"What about that rabbit of his?"

"The rabbit has been moved in with the fennec, Rafel. And the lion, when Dai pronounces him well enough, will be moved into one of our isolation units that Varon prepared yesterday. Is that clear gentlemen?"

The three men nodded. "Yes sir." They said in unison. Amelda went to run a hot bath for Marik, while Daisuke and Rafel went to the common grounds. Sure enough there they found Marik, laying in the mud. "Dumbass lion...” Rafel mumbled, hefting him up, with Daisuke's help. "You shoulda injected him with something to give him some damn sense."

Daisuke grumbled as they carried Marik inside. "I don’t think any known science could help this idiot."

Marik moaned slightly and twitched as they dropped him on the floor of the elevator. Rafel knelt and looked Marik over, then grinned and reached out, grabbing one of the spikes of his mane. He bent it, and it made a snapping sound. Rafel blinked, then laughed.

"His hair is frozen solid!” He howled, then grabbed a fistful of Marik's hair and squeezed, laughing at the crunch that was heard.

Daisuke chuckled checking Marik over. "Well he seems to be concious... Though just barely. He's got a fever, and possibly pneumonia.” He said calmly. "He won’t be servicing anyone for at least a week."

Rafel nodded as the elevator stopped at the appropriate floor, and they hefted Marik to the bath, where Amelda was waiting to bathe him.

Rafel groaned. "This lion is useless and nothing but trouble... The one guy who did order him didn't even fuck him!! We shouldn't have gone through the trouble to grab him. Hey Amelda! Your order! One ice cold lion-ade, comin right up!!!” He joked, grinning at Amelda who was looking at the shivering beast with concern. "Shaking, not stirred." Rafel concluded.

Amelda sighed sliding Marik into the warm water and beginning to bathe him, melting the ice in his hair, and tending to his shivers. "Marik... wake up.” He said calmly, placing a warm rag against Marik's forehead. "Wake up."

Daisuke chuckled. "I doubt he'll be any too conscious beyond what he is Amelda, he's probably gotten himself pneumonia."

Rafel leaned against the wall and stared down at the lion as Amelda finally removed Marik's kimono, as it had been frozen as well.

"Wouldn't it be funny if his dick fell off from frostbite?" Rafel snickered, nudging Daisuke with his elbow.

Daisuke laughed. "Like he needs it anymore anyway. With Dartz eyeing Ryou like he is, I doubt the lion will ever put his dick to use again.” He said chuckling. "Since he's so 'devoted' to the little rat."

Amelda frowned, trying to tune out the two hecklers. "Another time please."

Rafel smirked. "Ah, don't be such a stiff, Amelda... We should just put that lion down. It will save us time and trouble, not to mention money in the long run... Especially if he's sick now. Dartz should just have us put the beast out of his misery...” And he sneered at Marik, who moaned and flicked an ear, raising his head slightly and trying to focus on... anything...

Amelda sighed. "If you hate him so much, then ask Dartz to put him down.” He said annoyed. "Honestly, get over it already."

Daisuke chuckled. "I think I could use him for something... maybe with proper... manipulation... he could be worth something."

Rafel turned and looked at Daisuke. "Use him for something? What could you do?” He asked, curious and amused.

"Murrrrr...” Marik moaned, slowly turning and blinking blearily at Amelda. "Murrrrrr...”

Daisuke chuckled. "You know... a little dabbling here, a few genetic alterations there. If I get the mix right, I could improve him. I'm sure I could alter his behavior to something more suitable and entertaining.” He said thoughtfully. "Maybe help him to... forget... that rabbit."

Rafel's eyes widened and he looked at Daisuke with interest. "Really? And you could make him... an obedient little pussy cat?” He asked, then looked over at Marik, who was weakly sniffing at Amelda, trying to identify him.

Daisuke nodded. "Of course. I can mold his personality to fit anything, with just a few simple shots. All it requires is creating a new balance of chemicals released to his brain. That's all behavior is based on, what chemical sequence is released to the brain. I could make him timid and lusty, or bold and abstinent... anything at all.” He replied chuckling. "He was made before I had the ability to do such things, so he never got the treatments other hybrids got."

Rafel grinned. "Can you make him... meek and whorish? Eager to please? Almost... child like?" the man asked in a low tone. "Make him a... kitten? A little lion cub who just wants to make people proud of him?” He fixed a leering lustful grin onto Marik, who had sniffed his way to Amelda's face and was now staring at him, nose only inches away from Amelda's.

"With ease." Daisuke said chuckling. "Growing fond of the thing are you?” He added chuckling. "If the rabbit found out he'd box your ears."

Rafel laughed. "Well, from what I heard, the rabbit and lion won't be seeing each other any more... And I'd love nothing more than to fuck that lion while the rabbit watches...”

Daisuke laughed. "I doubt you'd get the chance, what with Dartz pampering the little fellow, trying to win him over...”

Amelda sighed and pulled Marik from the tub, beginning to dry him. "Well he's warmed up... let’s get him in bed and eating some broth to warm his insides.” He said, helping the other two men lift the lion and carry him back to the elevator.

Rafel snorted. "A waste of time and effort unless Dartz lets Daisuke tweak this bastard's DNA and shit...” He grumbled.

Amelda rolled his eyes once more. "Again, if you have an issue, take it up with Dartz.” He grumbled hating the idea of messing with the hybrids even more than they'd already been messed with.

"One day you'll both regret messing with them like this... you put the beast in them... and it's only a matter of time before they let it out...”

As the elevator opened, Marik moaned. "R... Ry... ou...” He murmured. Malik and Bakura perked up and moved to the front of their cages as the three men carried Marik in.

"Marik?! Marik! What have you done to him?!" Bakura cried.

"Ah, shaddup, he got sick in the storm...” Rafel growled as they carried Marik to a cage in the corner.

Daisuke smirked. "Well, now that the little bastard's in this new cage, I suppose I'll go see Dartz. Who knows, I might just get the chance to get to work on those things we discussed...” He said eagerly.

Amelda sighed, tucking Marik into the small pet bed, setting a bowl of hot chicken broth beside him. "Eat that...” He added, patting Marik's hair and exiting the cage, checking the only viewing hole into the cage, the small window, that was a mirror to the lion's eyes.

"Alright... well he's all set."

Rafel snorted. "I'll start getting the animals fed.” He grumbled, and walked off. As soon as he was gone, Bakura turned to Amelda.

"Is he gonna be okay?!” He asked.

Amelda shrugged. "That... is up to Dartz.” He said in a grim tone. "Sure he'll get healthy again... but he's got more to worry about than any illness...”

Bakura whined. "What do you mean?! Darttz won't... kill him, will he?!"

"Of course not, he'll live... but I don’t know how worth living would be...” Amelda said cooly, leaving.

Daisuke knocked on Dartz's office door before entering. "Dartz, Rafel and I were speaking while we tended that lion, and we came up with a plan to... improve that lion's attitude."

Dartz looked up at Daisuke. "Say what now? How is the lion?” He asked.

"He'll be ok. He's just sick. But Rafel and I were speaking, and we thought of a way to make that lion a better source of income. You see, just like Ryou was altered to become loyal to whoever mated him, I can mold personalities of hybrids to suit our needs... with a few simple shots, I could alter that lion to suit your needs... and if you're after that rabbit, it may work for more than just income...” Daisuke said smirking.

Dartz narrowed his eyes. "just what are you suggesting, Daisuke?” He asked, leaning forwards and folding his hands on the desk before him.

"I'm suggesting a little personality adjustments. With a few simple shots, I can mold that lion into anything you could desire. Rafel suggested a meek kitten, who was eager to please...” Daisuke said calmly. "But I can do anything you could want. Including a little help in forgetting a certain rare white rabbit...”

Dartz frowned and sat back. "No.” He said firmly. "We do that and that rabbit will fly off the hook. But... I shall consider molding his personality... I would like to see him in action with clients first and get feedback from them before we make any moves in that direction, however...” Dartz said slowly. "but it IS an option that I will consider."

Daisuke frowned slightly. "I do not think you quite... understand the depth sir. Firstly, if we were to decide to alter his personality, he'd have more clients, and we would have to do it now, while he's weak enough for me to get near. He's quite dangerous, and as you well know, Hybrids have a deep hatred for me.” He explained calmly. "And he would not 'forget' the rabbit persay, so much as replace him. Replace him with anyone or anything you chose. Very much like suddenly dumping the rabbit. I think if you are truly shooting to win the rabbit over, that would swing well in your favor."

Dartz frowned again. "Have this lion... fall for someone else?” He asked, requesting clarification. "And some of the clients may WANT him aggressive...”

Daisuke smirked. "Simple enough. I could adjust him to suit both situations, by using triggers. Much, like how Ryou's loyalty was triggered by the act of sex, I could trigger dominance and submissiveness at the will of the client. As for falling for someone else, that would be good... if Ryou saw his lover completely abandoning him after their little scuffle yesterday, it would crush his hopes... he'd be fragile... defenseless... lost."

Dartz frowned and thought this over. "Hmmm... Interesting...” He said, and closed his eyes. A few moments later, he opened them. "Do it."

Daisuke had to stop himself from doing a slight dance of glee. "Yes of course. I'll set simple yet specific triggers for his dominant attidude, and his submissive. I'll bring a report to you once I've finished. By the time he's healed, he'll be ready for bedding, completely healed from his illness, and his new... adjustments.” He said hurrying from the room, like a child just given a new toy.

Dartz sat back, thinking. Was it a good idea to let Dai tinker with that lion? He snorted and shrugged it off. Why should he care? He bent over his desk and got back to work.

Daisuke pushed a small cart down the dormitory hall, smirking at Bakura as he passed. "Well hello there skunky.” He said in an unusually happy tone.

Bakura slowly raised his head and growled at Dai, quickly pulling Spunky close and curling his tail around him.

Dai chuckled. "Oh you can keep the little rat, I have a much bigger, much more deserving pet to play with today... oh I've got so many plans...” He said grinning wickedly.

Bakura blinked, and glared. "Oh? And I care because?"

"Because it's your little friend... the lion." Daisuke chortled, walking past to Marik's cage, and entering.

Bakura's ears and tail shot up. "What? No... NO!!!” He screamed, launching himself at the glass front of the cage. "NO!!! LEAVE HIM ALONE, DAMN YOU!!! MARIK!! MARIK!!!"

Daisuke laughed wickedly, walking back and smirking at Bakura. "Do shut up, he's 'sick'." Daisuke said, pressing the button that began releasing gas into Bakura's room.

Bakura shook his head. "NO!!! Leave him alone! Don't hurt him! Please!! Malik... MALIK!!" the skunk screamed, beginning to cough and grow tired. In his bed, Spunky flopped over, asleep.

Daisuke chuckled watching the skunk struggle to stay awake. "Oh don’t worry, I wont... hurt him too much." he said, pressing the vent button once Bakura had been exposed to enough gas that he'd pass out soon enough. He walked to Marik's cage and opened the door, pushing his cart in. "Well hello pussy cat.” He said smirking.

Marik mewed slightly and coughed, then shivered and curled up tighter. He hadn't touched his broth.

"... R-Ryou...” He moaned.

Daisuke filled the first syringe, tapping out the air. "Do you want to see the pretty bunny?” He asked, setting it aside and beginning on the second of four. "I can bring you that bunny to visit, if you hold still.” He added smirking to himself.

"... b-bunny?" Marik moaned, flicking an ear and lifting his head, but after a moment it dropped again. He shivered and tried to sniff the air and pick up this man's scent, but his nose was stuffed. He tried to focus on Dai.

Dai picked up the needles and knelt next to Marik, petting him slowly. "Rest, I have some shots to make you better, then you can see the pretty bunny.” He said smirking. "You can see him all you want.” He added, giving Marik the first shot.

Marik let out a half yowl, half roar, turning and snapping feebly at Dai's hand and syringe.

"Murrrrowl!” He protested.

Dai patted Marik's head once more. "If I don’t give you these shots, you won’t get better, and if you don’t get better, you don’t see the bunny.” He said calmly. "So hold still and it won’t hurt."

Marik blinked up at Dai, then his eyes widened and he bared his teeth and flattened his ears. He growled loudly and shuffled away from the man, pressing into the corner.

Daisuke smirked slightly grabbing the lion and pulling him forward. "What's the matter? Scared?” He hissed in Marik's ear, jabbing him sharply with the second shot. "You should be... you're too weak to defend yourself, let alone hurt me."

Marik yowled again and struggled, then turned and sunk his teeth into Dai's arm and held on.

Dai hissed and jabbed Marik quickly with the third, followed by the fourth, before laughing despite the bite. "You're fucked lion...” He said, pulling Marik's ears harshly, to pry his teeth off.

Marik growled and clenched his jaws harder, which was not good for Daisuke; Marik's jaws could break bones, and they both knew it.

Daisuke decided to introduce the already formed triggers. Although the reactions wouldn't be nearly as strong, since the behavioral modifiers hadn't had time to set up, it wouldn't affect them. Plus it'd be just enough to get him off of his arm. He smirked at Marik and leaned forward, biting Marik's neck… The trigger to send him into submission.

"Murrroooowwwllll...” Marik whined, and loosened his grip on Daisuke's arm, but didn't release it completely. His body seemed to relax slightly and curl inward onto itself, almost in a fearful way. "Murrrrrrlll...”

Daisuke pulled back, smirking. "Let go of my arm.” He said in a firm commanding tone.

Marik growled and tightened his grip momentarily, before loosening it. Though he did not remove his mouth from Dai's arm, he was no longer gripping it.

Daisuke pulled his arm away, standing and smirking down at the lion. "Good boy.” He said chuckling, gathering his things onto his cart and pushing it to the door. "Now stay.” He said firmly, opening the door and walking out. "You'll be glad to know Ryou will see you soon enough.” He said smirking as he shut the door.

Marik moaned and stumbled a bit before collapsing, half hanging out of the bed. "Murrrrrr...” He moaned. "Mmmmph... mama...” He groaned and managed to drag himself back into the bed and curled up, shaking. "R-Rem...”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MewMew2 and lokivsanubis: ::sighs:: Thanks for reviewing… people have stopped over the last few weeks… Glad I made your day, MewMew. ^_^ And I’m glad you’re both enjoying the fic. Sorry it took so long to update, but without reviews, I just don’t FEEL like updating. So thanks for showing me that someone thinks the fic is worth the time and effort to review. This update is for you!!!

To all readers: Authors write for themselves and their own enjoyment. But they POST their work for the readers who show them some appreciation and encouragement. It is actually very discouraging for authors to see that 235 people have read their fic, but no one thought it worth the time and effort to review, such as the case with ‘Vengeance of Sethos’ and the last chapter of ‘Ahmose Inarus’. I guess I’m just wondering why the reviews just… stopped coming all of a sudden over the past month. The fact is, the more you review, the more updates you get!!!