The Wild

Bunny Love

Hatochiisai & Mally-chan

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. If we did, it would not be for public television.

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Chapter 15

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An hour later, everyone had come to pick up their little ones, even Ryou was gone, much to Marik's dismay. The employees had left and Rem was going over the books before closing up. Marik had been let loose and had run all over the shop, finally stopping and staring in amazement in at Rishid, who was napping in his cave.

Rem sighed and put her paperwork down, grabbing the blue bank bags. "Marik sweetie...” She called. "Come here."

Marik turned and smiled, romping over to her. "Mama! Lion sleeping!” He said in a loud whisper, and purred, rubbing up against Rem's legs.

Rem smiled and picked him up, carrying him over to the cage. "He’s a tigon, sweetie. Rishid!” She called, tapping the glass.

The tigon within growled slightly, sitting up and yawning. "Yes?” He said calmly stretching and looking at Rem.

"Would you mind watching Marik for me? I've got to take this to the bank and do a little checking. Our balances are off and I can’t figure out why.” She explained, putting Marik in Rishid's cage and shutting the poor baby within.

Marik froze and poofed up, staring wide eyed at the tigon in shock. Then he whirled and plastered himself against the front of the cage, yowling in a panic. "MAMAAAAA!!! MAMAAAAA!!!!"

Rem stooped. "Marik, Rishid is a GOOD tigon; he'll take good care of you. You be a good kitten and when I come back I'll make you a nice juicy steak for dinner... ok?” She said smiling. "How's that sound?"

"MAMA!!! No go! No go!" Marik wailed, turning and looking back at the massive tigon who was just as big as Khan, and who was staring at the little cub.
"MAMAAAAAA!!!" Marik yowled, and when Rishid stood on his four paws, the cub froze, then streaked up the fake tree in the middle of the enclosure, climbing as high as he possibly could. Then he hung on tight, and SCREAMED.

Rem sighed. "I'll be back Rishid.” She called, hurrying away.

Rishid looked up the tree, before merely standing on two legs and plucking Marik down as if he'd hardly climbed up at all. "What is all this crying about?” He asked calmly, giving Marik a friendly sniff.

Marik froze and curled up tightly into a defensive ball with a squeak, shaking like a rattle snake's tail. "No...” He whimpered. "No... mama... no... no...”

Rishid shook his head and dropped back to the sandy floor, curling up around Marik and beginning to groom him calmly. "I don’t see what all this fear is about little one... I'm nothing to fear.” He murmured as he gently groomed the little cub.

Marik continued shaking and whimpering. "N-No hurt... no hurt... n-no love bunny. Promise!” He cried. "No hurt! No hurt!!!"

"Am I hurting you?" Rishid asked calmly, as he groomed.

Marik whimpered again. "... N-No...” He said slowly, beginning to peek out at Rishid, but on seeing the claws on his paw he squeaked and hid his face again.

"Then chances are I'm not going to hurt you.” He explained calmly. "Why would I hurt you? I hardly know you."

Marik sniffled but didn't answer. He didn't have one. All he knew was that he was scared. "N-Not runt...” He finally blurted. "Not wimp!"

Rishid laughed. "I never said you were either of those things.” He said calmly. "Look at me little one, we all start out small... we are all little at one point...” He said flicking his tail. "It's what we grow into, WHO we choose to be, that determines if we are weak."

Slowly, Marik uncurled and looked up at the tigon timidly. "W-What?” He asked, still remaining curled up, but facing the enormous creature.

Rishid laughed. "It means, everyone has to be small sometimes... we are all young. It's what you grow up to be, how you choose to act, that separates you from being weak."

Little Marik blinked at Rishid. "I was big...” He sniffled. "But... still little...” He gulped and flattened himself to the floor. "R-Runt?” He asked. "C-Constantine say... runt...”

Rishid blinked. "Stretch out for me little one; let me see how big you actually are.” He asked calmly.

Marik blinked and slowly stretched out. He looked to be just shy of two feet tall and Rishid estimated that the little fellow was about 35 pounds after looking at his chubby tummy. Marik was still shaking slightly and staring up at the tigon, nervously.

Rishid began chuckling suddenly. "My friend, you're no runt! Look at the size of you!” He said proudly. "You're much larger than the other cubs your age! You're no runt at all. Don’t you listen to other opinions of yourself, you’re no runt."

Marik blinked and sniffled, rubbing his eye and starting to smile. "R-Really?” He asked, looking at the large creature that had a palm so large he could easily sit in it.

Rishid nodded. "I've seen many cubs pass through here. You're the largest I've seen.” He said licking Marik's cheek. "Now stop those tears and be proud of who you are. Does being bigger than someone else mean your better?"

Marik sniffled and nodded. "C-Constantine big...” He gasped. "Mean... hurt me...” He sniffled and lowered his head. "Strong... more than... me...”

"Well... does that mean he's better than you? Just because he was bigger?"

Marik frowned. "No. M-Mean... he was bad.” He said, and scooted into Rishid's side and cuddled up to him. "Mean mean bad...”

Rishid nodded. "Then he wasn't any better than you. He was weaker. A person who has to be cruel to another to feel important is weak inside.” He said calmly. "It's what's inside that makes a lion a lion."

Marik blinked. "Really?” He asked, ears perking up and his tail beginning to lash a bit. "I gots GUTS in ME!!! And lasagna!!!"

Rishid laughed heartily at that. "Well... I don’t think the lasagna will do much for you... but guts are always good.” He said amused at the little cub's antics.

Marik smiled proudly and purred, getting up and walking over to the larger creature's head and nuzzling him and licking his chin, which was all he could reach.

Rishid chuckled. "Why are you so worried about being a runt anyway? Aren't you satisfied with who you are?

Marik blinked and sat down, then sighed and lowered his head, his ears, tail and shoulders drooping. He shook his head.

"Tell me...” Rishid said nudging Marik closer, until he was once again curled up around the small cub. "Why are you so worried about these things?"

Marik frowned and sniffled, cuddling up to the tigon. "No 'member...” He said softly, cocking his ears slightly and biting his lower lip.

Rishid smiled. "Well you shouldn't worry. You're a fine young cub, and you'll grow up into a healthy lion.” He said flicking his tail. "Besides, if you get too big, your little bunny friend would have a hard time keeping up with you.” He chuckled.

Marik smiled. "But... Ryou fast.” He said. "He's faster than me!!!"

"Of course he can run fast." Rishid chuckled. "I meant... in other ways.” He said mysteriously.

Marik blinked. "Other ways?” He asked, cocking his head one way, and then the other way. "What ways?"

Rishid chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure you'll find out when you’re older...” He said chuckling.

Marik purred and cuddled up to Rishid. "How older?” He asked, smiling up at the tigon.

"You'll know when you're old enough." Rishid said smiling. "You can’t miss it."

Marik beamed up at him. "Okay!” He chirped, and climbed up onto the tigon's back and seized his ear, tugging it and growling playfully.

Rishid laughed and flopped over onto his side, as though Marik had pulled him down. "You've got a lot of spirit, it will serve you well.” He said smiling.

Marik grinned and tackled his head, growling.

Rishid laughed and flicked his ears. "Tell me about that bunny of yours, the one you guard so fiercely. Is he your little lover?"

"Hesh meemit." Marik said while still holding Rishid's ear in his teeth.

Rishid chuckled. "Your mit?” He said smirking. "What on earth is that?"

Marik let go of the ear. "My mate!” He said, and pounced on Rishid's head again.

"Your mate? Oh? Tell me about it." Rishid said rolling over to look at Marik grinning. "Is he a good mate?"

Marik shrugged, and then frowned. "He tried to make me eat salad!" And he made a face like a house cat that had just tasted something VERY nasty.

Rishid chuckled. "He's a bunny, he eats salad, and he probably thinks you're weird eating all that meat!" Rishid snickered. "You don’t ever eat what he eats."

Marik snorted. "Salad yucky!” He whined. "Blech!” He turned and tackled Rishid's tail.

"So... why do you like that little bunny so much?" Rishid asked, flicking his tail to entertain Marik. "Is he particularly special?"

Marik shrugged. "My mate.” He said. "I love him!"

Rishid chuckled and flicked his tail again. "Why though?"

"I dunno. He just is. I know it." Marik said, spinning and pouncing again, toppling over in the process as he didn't wait long enough to keep his balance when he had turned.

"Tell me why you love him? Why would you want him as your mate? What attracted you to him? I'm curious... do you remember?" Rishid asked tickling Marik with his tail. "Tell me, and I'll let you play with my favorite toy... the best toy in the whole wide world."

Marik frowned and chewed his lip again. "No 'member.” He said, catching Rishid's tail and chewing on it triumphantly.

"Try." Rishid said calmly. "I want to know more about your past... if you don’t mind."

Marik blinked at Rishid. "No 'member!” He said again.

Rishid flicked his ears. "Oh? So if I decided to steal your mate away, you wouldn't care so much, because you don’t remember why you love him in the first place?"

"NO!!!" Marik yowled, and bit down on Rishid's tail. HARD. "MY MATE!!!"

Rishid yelped slightly before laughing. "I know! I know he's your mate. But WHY do you love him? I thought you'd like the little lioness. Why a bunny?"

"My mate." Marik said simply with a shrug.

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The next morning, Rem went into work early and Zaine brought Marik in about an hour later, walking in as Pegasus pulled up. He stopped and smiled as Pegasus got out cradling Ryou.

"Good morning." Pegasus called, and Zaine nodded, smiling. Pegasus chuckled at the sight of Marik fast asleep in Zaine's arms. "He have a long night?"

"He was hyper. Rem caught him in the fresh laundry and that triggered a play session lasting until about eleven. He's a tired little lion cub." Zaine said, and Pegasus laughed.

Ryou giggled and leaned forward licking Marik's cheek. "KITTY!” He squeaked gleefully.

Rem chuckled as she passed out breakfast plates to the little bunnies and set out other plates for Ryou and Marik. "Ishizu said she'd be taking Malik and Bakura out to the park, and I hear Emiko is joining them. I'm not sure about Jennette though.” She said thoughtfully.

Pegasus nodded. "Well, I must be going.” He said, and Zaine nodded.

"Me too. See you later, honey!" And both men walked out. Marik yawned and curled up next to Ryou, sleeping peacefully.

Ryou blinked and shoved Marik. "Kitty... wake up?” He asked hopefully. "Want kitty wake up...” He cooed.

Rem chuckled "I'm sure he'll wake up soon.” She said smiling.

Marik yawned and purred softly. Rem turned and went into the back room. The front door opened. But it wasn't Jennette or Seto who walked in. A man in a ski mask did. He walked over to the pen and stared in at Ryou and Marik. He moved over to where they were and looked around.

"Who are you?!" Rex snapped. "Get away from there!" The man turned and scooped Ryou up in one arm and Marik in the other. Marik made an annoyed noise. But the man turned, and ran.

"Hey! HEY!! REM!! REEEEM!!!" Rex shouted, and Rishid gave a thundering roar of anger.

Rem gasped, hurrying back out. "What's going on?” She asked, before she spotted the empty baby pen, and the furious chittering bunnies. "Oh God, the babies!” She breathed, and hurried to Rishid's and Rex's cages and threw them open. "Help me get them back!"

The two hybrids dashed for the door and ran out side, just in time to see the man climb into a car without license plates, and as he stepped on the gas Rem ran outside in time to see him speeding away, a yowling Marik up in the back window trying to claw his way out.

Rem ran back inside and immediately called the authorities and Pegasus...

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Ryou whimpered pressing into Marik's side in the car, shaking like a leaf. "K-kitty...” He whimpered softly, ears back. "S-scared...” He breathed pressing closer.

Marik turned and looked around, shaking and yowling. He turned on the driver and yowled, pouncing. He bit and clawed the man's arm.

"AH!!! Fuck!” He yelped and the car swerved. The man seized a handful of the lion cub's hair and slammed his head into the dashboard of the car, and little Ryou could only watch as Marik was thrown to the floor before the passenger seat and didn't move. "Little shit!" The driver snapped and pulled into a parking garage. He parked the car, climbed out and seized Ryou by the ears and Marik by the neck. He moved to an SUV and opened it, flinging the rabbit and lion into separate kennels. He locked them in and covered the kennels with a blanket. Then he removed his mask, got into the driver's seat and took off.

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Amelda and Varon arrived in the pets shop to find Rex licking Rem's cheek as the woman sat on the floor of the babies' pen, surrounded by the rabbits and holding Marik's bunny plushy.

"Rem?!" Amelda gasped.

Rem sniffled shaking her head, wiping her eyes slightly. "Oh god Amelda... they... they took the babies!” She said shaking her head. "I already called the police... Rex couldn't pick up the scent... no sightings of the getaway car... oh god...” She said burying her face into the plushy once more. She'd never been the woman to cry, but with the children in such tender ages... they had no means to defend themselves... or even realize what was going on...

Amelda's eyes widened and he looked at Varon, and then both quickly ran to Rem. "Took the babies?! Who?!" Varon gasped. "Marik and Ryou?! Anyone else?!" A moment later Pegasus ran in, looking frantic.

"Miss Rem!” He cried, and ran to her. "Where are they?!?"

Rem sniffled around the bunny toy. "We couldn't find them... the police are doing everything they can... b-but... oh God, they're GONE!"

Rishid sighed hanging his head. "A man in a ski mask... he just... walked in and grabbed them.” He said ears drooping. "He just... took them like it was nothing...”

Pegasus went pale and slowly sat down across from Rem and hugged Precious when the bunny hopped into his lap. "Oh God...” He breathed. "Who... who could have done this?! They... they're BABIES!"

Rem sobbed into the plushy.

Rishid patted her back looking grim. "A sick sick person kidnaps children...” He mumbled nuzzling her. "They're defenseless...”

Pegasus hid his own face into Precious, trying to keep it together. And that was how Seto found them ten minutes later when he brought Yami in...

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The car slowed to a stop and the motor turned off. A moment later, the trunk opened and the blanket was removed from the crates. The man stared in at the shaking bunny and the motionless lion.

"Fuck...” He muttered, and shook Marik's crate. "Hope I didn't kill the mangy little shit...” He picked up the crates and turned, carrying them onto a boat.

Ryou sniffled his little claws scratching against the crate. "S-stop! G-go home! Want home!” He whimpered as the man carried him. "H-hurt kitty! K-kitty!” He sniffled, tears rolling down his little cheeks. "B-bad!"

"Shut up, kid." The man snapped, as the boat pulled away from the dock and headed for a large island about three miles off of the coast.

Ryou whimpered and began clawing at the side of his kennel. "W-want home! G-go home!” He mewled. "M-master Pegasus!” He mewled louder, calling for his master to come rescue them. "N-not go! Want HOME!"

The man rolled his eyes and opened Marik's kennel pulling out the limp lion. Marik's forehead had a horrible bump on it. The man checked Marik for signs of life, and breathed a sigh of relief when he found Marik breathing. "Thank God... I thought I had just blown four grand...” He grumbled.

Ryou whimpered again, scampering to the front of his kennel to see Marik, and beginning to chew furiously against the metal bars, making horrible almost painful sounding click noises as his teeth hit the metal.

The man frowned and flicked Ryou's nose. "Stop that.” He said, and tossed Marik carelessly back into his crate. Then he sat back to enjoy the ride.

Ryou clicked at him and began chewing again. "WANT HOME!” He whined loudly. "Bad man!"

The man rolled his eyes, but ignored Ryou. Finally the boat docked and he left the ferry, taking the crates with him to a car. He was driven through the forests of the island to a large house. Every now and then, eyes would be seen watching from among the foliage... hybrid eyes.

Ryou whimpered loudly, watching as the foliage passed, along with the prying eyes. This wasn't home... this was a strange place... this man hurt Marik... this was NOT good. He sniffled wiping his eyes again and shaking like a leaf. "K-kitty... K-kitty... wake up... please... .scared...” He breathed frightened.

Soon, they arrived at the steps of large manor covered in ivy vines. The car stopped and the man got out with Ryou and Marik, and walked up to the door and entered. He went up some stairs and to a pair of large double doors. He took a deep breath, and knocked.

"You may enter." A sassy female voice said calmly.

Ryou shook his head. "Home! Want home! G-go home!” He pleaded sniffling and beginning to chew the bars once more. "Take home!"

The man sighed and walked in. "Uhh... Good morning Miss Nakamura. I, uh... I have something different for you today.” He said.

The woman nodded slowly. "Alright then. What is it?” She said yawning softly in accustomed disinterest. "It'd better be good."

The man took a deep breath and smiled. "A new generation of hybrids.” He said, walking over and placing the crates on her desk. "I brought you a baby bunny and a lion cub!"

The woman nodded slowly, peering inside the crates. "Interesting... I was sure most hybrid children featured less... animal.” She said slowly, looking over the babies. "Were these altered before the law was passed?” She said looking up.
The man shrugged. "No idea. I just grabbed them this morning. I heard that there were babies on display at this pet shop. I walked in and there they were, unsupervised. So I grabbed them for you.” He said.

"I see... you're getting ballsy.” She chuckled. "I take it you only saw two there?” She said cooing at the dazed lion cub, which was slowly waking and looking rather disoriented and sore.

The man nodded. "Yeah. That's it.” He said.

"M-Mamaaaa...” Marik moaned, slowly lifting his head and sniffing a bit. "Ry... .?"

Ryou sniffled and propped himself up, trying to get a good look in Marik's cage. "S-scared...” He whimpered softly, ears bristling his little body visibly shaking.

"I see. Fetch me some surrogate mothers for these babies. They'll need a mother's touch. Tell the lady lions and rabbits that whoever takes care of the babies, may live in the house until they've grown."

The man nodded and turned, leaving the room. This left the woman with a frightened Ryou and a dizzy Marik mewling for his mama.

"M-Mama... Mamaaa? Mew... mew... ... Mama... R-Rishi? Rishi? Mama? Mao...”

The woman smiled. "Aren't you just darling?” She cooed at him. "Do you want your mama?” She asked sticking a small beef stick through the bars for Marik to gnaw.

Marik sniffed at it hesitantly, and took it, nibbling. "Ry?” He called softly, smelling Ryou near by. "Ryou?"

"Kitty... scared...” Ryou said softly, pawing at the edge of his cage. "Want... w-want go home...”

The woman smiled. "You're adorable. Are you two friends?"

Marik blinked at woman. "Out!” He squeaked, pawing at the door of his crate. "Out out! Ry! Mate!"

"I'm afraid not sweetie." The woman said. "You can’t see your playmate right now. Maybe later ok?” She said smiling at him. "Promise."

"MAOOOO!!" Marik wailed loudly, beginning a tantrum. "Bunny! MY bunny! MAO!!! MAOOOOO!!! MAOOOOOOOO!!"

The woman sighed. "Stop that racket, its annoying.” She grumbled. "I never was a mother-type."

A moment later the door opened and the man returned, a lioness on one side, and a tan female rabbit hopping on his other side.

"They're in the crates on the desk." The man snorted. The female rabbit hung back, frightened of the lioness, but maternal instinct won over and she moved towards the desk where Ryou was heard crying.

The lioness calmly trotted forward to the screaming Marik and sniffed the cage. "Child stop your tears." She purred at him. "Do you want to come out and play?” She asked flicking her tail at him.

Ryou stared out at the female bunny absolutely terrified, though... instinctively curious at the same time. She smelled of mother... of a mother bunny... it was a comforting scent... much like Nod.

Marik sniffled and turned to look at the lioness and sniffled. "M-Mama... want out! Want Mama! Want Ry! WANT BUNNY!!!” He wailed.

The female rabbit sat up on her hind legs at reached for the door of Ryou's crate, glancing at the woman for permission.

The woman nodded. "Nadira, Lina, I will have servants prepare rooms for you, and any small ones you may have at the moment." she said calmly. "Tend to these two young ones and you may live in them, and have meals prepared for you, rather than hunt or forage."

Ryou sniffled, frozen in place in his cage, terrified, yet wanting... his mind wanted his master... but his insides said 'bunny!’

The lioness nodded. "Alright then.” She said looking at Marik. "How would you like to play with some cubs your own age?” She said flicking her tail. "Shanti and Akello would like a playmate."

Marik sniffled and huddled in the back of the crate. "Ryou...” He whimpered. "Want mama... Ryou... my bunny...” He whined.

Lina opened Ryou's crate and reached in. "Come on... c'mere...” She cooed softly. "It's okay... mommy's here...”

Ryou's ears tilted back and he inched out slowly, sniffing at her curiously despite wanting to retreat further into the crate. He sniffled, giving her a frightened look. "M-mama?” He asked confused. "B-but...”

The woman nodded. "It's amazing the way rabbits adapt...” She looked to the lioness.

Nadira flicked her tail and reached in slowly, picking up Marik in her hands and looking him over. "Come then little one... it's time to go.” She said softly. "I can get you a bunny."

Marik squirmed and turned. "Ry! RY!!!” He reached his arms out to Ryou. "BUNNY!!! MY bunny! Ryou! My bunny! My mate! Ryou mate!!!” He cried, squirming to get away from the lioness. The female rabbit quickly moved away, clutching Ryou to her chest as she watched the lioness, frightened.

"Later." The lioness said, carrying Marik out of the room, squirms and all. "Come now, you'll like your new brother and sister.” She said calmly, as she walked. "They can be twice as fun as any skittish rabbit."

Ryou whimpered as Marik left, shaking like a leaf. "K-kitty! B-but kitty!” He squirmed slightly trying to get away. "N-need kitty!"

"No!" Marik was wailing, squirming. "NO NO NO NO NO!!! RYOU!!! RYOU!!! BUNNY!!! MAMA!!! MAMAAAAA!!!!!” He screamed, then turned and bit down on Nadira's arm.

The lioness snarled at him and bared her teeth. "Let go or I'll show you just what it means to bite your own mother.” She hissed, tail lashing.

Marik's eyes widened and he squeaked, then slowly let go and curled his tail up tightly between his legs, whimpering.

"That's more like it.” She said calmly, licking his cheek in forgiveness. "You need to calm down; a lion doesn't pitch a baby fit.” She cooed. "We are proud, strong... brave.” She said as she walked. "If you MUST play with that rabbit later, maybe I'll let you."

Marik dangled from her arm and folded his own arms, glaring at the floor and growling deep in his throat. "AM brave!” He snapped, and squirmed. "DOWN! WANT DOWN!!!! WANT RYOU!"

The lioness laughed softly. "You may be brave, but you're also spoiled rotten. I can tell by the scent of you.” She said in an almost disgusted tone. "I'm willing to bet you've gotten so accustomed to the good life, you've forgotten just what lions do in this world.” She said flicking her tail as they walked.

Ryou whimpered squirming more. "Kitty!” He wailed sniffling and breaking loose, scampering quickly down the hall, discovering just how massive the house was. He quickly picked a direction in the hall, and ran looking for his protector... his kitty.

But he couldn't outrun his new "mother". She caught him within thirty seconds and scooped him up. "Come on little one." Lina said, giving him a gentle grooming as she hopped down the hall. "Let's go find a place to stay in this... this big house...” She said, looking around nervously.

Ryou sniffled squirming. "B-but... kitty!” He said looking up at her fearfully. "W-want kitty... m-mate...” He swallowed hard, looking at the gargantuan adult bunny, in comparison with his little being. He felt... much smaller, especially since this female bunny was strange and new to him.

The female's eyes widened and she gasped, shaking her head. "No! The lions are dangerous!” She told Ryou. "They'll eat you! You MUST stay away from them!” She said, hopping into a bedroom and looking around. Yes... a pet bed for her and a little crib for Ryou. This room would do.

Ryou shook his head. "B-but... kitty m-my mate...” He said squirming once more. "Gave pretty collar...” He said lifting his head proudly, showing the glimmering collar. "Kitty MATE.” He insisted biting his lip. "Love bunny... n-not eat ever! Cuddle!"

The female shook her head. "You can't be a mate with a lion. He'll eat you! That's what lions do.” She nuzzled Ryou and groomed him. "You must STAY AWAY from ALL kitties!"

Ryou shook his head eyes wide. "But... I... I love kitty...” He said softly. "Kitty love me...” He sniffled softly squirming to get away and whimpering. "Kitty protect... never hurt...” He gave her a pathetic look. "Believe?"

She shook her head. "Kitties eat bunnies.” She said firmly, continuing to groom Ryou. "Stay away from ALL kitties. Okay? Now... what's your name?"

Ryou's ears drooped. "Ryou...” He said softly, giving her a wary look. "You?"

She smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "You can call me mommy, okay?"

Ryou frowned slightly. "But... y-you... my mommy... n-not mommy...” He said tugging his ears. He was getting confused. Nod was the closest thing to a mother he'd ever remembered having... Tuc being his father... “Nod bunny mommy...”

Lina smiled and continued the grooming. "Shhhh... I'm mommy now.” She said. "Lady said so."

Ryou sniffled, shaking his head. "Want Master... Master Pegasus... w-want go home...” He mumbled big tears rolling down his slightly chubby cheeks. "Nod bunny mommy...” He squeaked, squirming away and looking at the door. "Kitty mate...”

"This is home now." The rabbit said, picking Ryou up and rocking him. "Are you hungry? Sleepy?” She asked the little bunny in her arms.

Ryou blinked and he bit his lip. "H-hungry...” He mumbled trembling slightly. Despite his curiosity at a bunny mother, this strange person still scared him. Strangers...

She smiled and nuzzled him, then set him in the crib. "You wait there where it's safe.” She said. "I'll go find food." And she turned and hopped away, slipping out the door.

Ryou shook his head after she left and grunted angrily at the crib. He began doing exactly what two year old-esque children DO in cribs. Climbing out.

Once he'd cleared the crib with minimal boo-boos, he hopped to the door and peered out, relieved to see the mother-bunny was gone. He sniffed around as Tuc had taught him, determined to find Marik. "Kitty... find kitty stink."

Marik in the meantime was still growling in irritation as he was carried off by this strange lioness. "Murrrrrrph...” He harrumphed, and winced; his head was hurting...

Nadira walked outside of the large house, and gave a loud roar. Moments later, two small cubs that had been waiting outside in the cover of a bush came scuttling over. "MAMA!" They squeaked, wagging their tails.

"Come little ones, we will be staying in the house.” She purred, licking them each once before turning and trotting back inside. Once she'd picked a suitable room, she set Marik down. "Shanti, Akello, this is Marik, your new brother. Treat him like you treat each other.” She instructed.

Within moments Shanti tackled Marik and chewed his ear playfully. "Hi!"

"MAO!!!" Marik yowled and squirmed out from under her and zipped under the bed. And from under the bed he glared out and growled, eyes darting between the lioness and the two cubs.

Akello blinked and flicked an ear. "Brother wuss.” He said flicking his tail. "Shanti not scary.” He snickered as Shanti wrinkled her nose.

"I TOO SCARY!” She hissed, before tackling him. In a matter of seconds the two lion cubs were play-wrestling.

The mother smiled and curled up near the door and watched, a look of pride on her face.

Marik's growl faded and he slunk back as far as he could and huddled against the wall. And there he sniffled and began to cry, mewling for Rem. "M-Mamaaa... wan' go home... Mama! Mama... murrrrow... . mama...”

Ryou of course, found the room at that moment, his little head peeping in the door. Though he wasn't looking where he was going, he was looking at the floor intently, as he sniffed.

Both cubs stopped wrestling and turned, staring at the bunny... The lioness turned to see what they were looking at and blinked as the little white rabbit slowly hopped into the room, not even noticing them. Akello slowly bared his teeth and claws, and lashed his tail.

Ryou continued obliviously hopping through the room, stopping for a moment to sniff at the floor, catching Marik's scent once more. "Kitty...” He cooed as he eagerly sniffed the floor.

Akello growled slightly and looked to his mother, silently asking if he should try to hunt this... thing.

A nod was all it took from mother-lion and Akello began stalking Ryou.

Ryou blinked. "More kitty?” He said confusedly, sniffing around the middle of the room, where Akello and Shanti had been wrestling. "... Mark? Mark kitty?"

Marik perked and turned. "Ry?” He gasped. But then, Akello charged.

"MURROWW!!” He roared, and pounced on Ryou, digging his claws in to grip him and seeking out the bunny's throat with his teeth.

Ryou let out a shrill squeal of pain and began thrashing to get away. "NO! NO KITTY! NO HURT! BUNNY GOOD! OW!” He wailed trying to get away from the pain of the claws. His thrashing had only caused him more pain, and his blood was starting to drip down from the pierce wounds.

Marik's eyes widened, and with a roar, he charged out from under the bed and tackled Akello right off of Ryou, biting him harshly several times and finally shouldering him into the wall.

"NO!!” He screamed. "NO!! MY BUNNY!!!" And he ran over to Ryou and mewled to him, purring and nuzzling and licking his cheeks and wounds, nudging him towards the bed to hide.

Shanti blinked and inched closer to Marik. "Why?” She asked softly, looking at Akello, then Ryou. "Why hurt Akello? He just hunt... hunt good!"

Ryou whimpered softly hopping under the bed and sniffling. "Owwie...”

Marik turned and bared his teeth at Shanti with an angry growl. "MY bunny! Mate! MINE!!! NO HURT!!!" And he scuttled under the bed with Ryou and mewled softly to him, licking his bleeding wounds.

Akello whimpered and sat up, as Shanti hurried over to tend to her brother. The mother however frowned and got up, reaching under the bed with a quick and powerful swipe, knocking Ryou out from under it.

Ryou rolled painfully across the floor, before stopping against the wall. Once again powerful paws went under the bed. "Marik, bunnies are not mates.” She said calmly, holding him by his scruff. "Bunnies are weak runts.” She explained. "They can’t be lion mates, they don’t even eat the same things. Bunnies are playthings. Not mates."

"MAOOOO!!!!" Marik yowled, and began struggling. "NO!!! LET GO!!! RYOU!!! MAOOOO!!! MY BUNNY! MINE!!!” He clawed at the lioness's arm and tried to bite, but couldn't reach.

The lioness sighed in irritation, baring her teeth once more. "Respect your elders!” She hissed, glaring. "Akello, Shanti, play with the bunny all you want.” She said putting Marik in her teeth, carrying him by the scruff back to the door and laying down, holding him down.

"NO!!!" Marik screamed, and he began to squirm and fight and make the most ungodly noises he possibly could, making the other three lions flatten their ears and cringe. "RYOU!!! MAOOOOOOO!!! RUN!!!! RUN WAY!!!"

Nadira growled and began grooming Marik. "Hush now, it's a bunny. Lions have to mate other big cats, lions or tigers... You can’t be a mate with a bunny. It would never work out.” She cooed in Marik's ear. "Lions need different things than bunnies. We need rough-housing, fights and meat. Bunnies are playthings, pets. They need constant love and affection, calm and veggies. You'd never be a suitable mate for a bunny, and he'd never be a suitable mate for you.” She explained. "You'd end up sad and feeling worthless if you tried to mate a bunny. Bunnies aren't mates."

Ryou however was absolutely terrified. Akello and Shanti were approaching, looking more than ready to… play. He whimpered and shot off back under the bed, the cubs in hot pursuit.

Marik yowled and struggled. "NO!! WANT MATE BUNNY!!! Want RYOU!!! Be gentle! Calm! Eat Veggies!!! RYOU!!! I EAT VEGGIES!!! NO MORE MEAT!!! EAT SALAD!!!” He wailed, trying to get loose.

Nadira rolled her eyes. "Marik sweetheart you can’t eat salad! You would waste away to nothing, and die. Lions NEED meat to survive! You can’t mate the bunny, and eat salad. You'd die!” She said hugging him tightly. "Oh, little one, you're so confused...” She cooed, purring and showering him with motherly love. "You're so lucky I'm here... I'll help you get things straight... poor little cub."

Marik cried. "RYOU!!! RYOU!!! NO!!!” He flopped over, lifted his paws and began whapping Nadira in the face, trying to get loose.

Nadira caught one of Marik's paws in her mouth and bit down warningly, giving a look that said 'stop it or lose it.'

Marik yowled and darted up, biting her nose and tugging her ear with his other paw while kicking at her chest with his feet. "MURRRRROWL!!"

She growled and shook him off, flinging him down with the force of her shaking. "My what a disrespectful cub!” She said pinning him down with a paw and holding him there, his hands pinned above his head on the floor.

Ryou could be heard squealing in pain and fright.

"RYOU!!!" Marik cried, tears beginning to roll down his tan cheeks. "RYOU!!! NO!!! LEGGO!!! RYOU!!! MAOOOO!!! MAOOOOO!!” He squirmed as violently as he could but was completely unable to free himself. And across the room Shanti had Ryou's left foot in her mouth and Akello had the bunny's right hand, and both were tugging and jerking in opposite directions.

Ryou sobbed, squirming futilely to get away, hardly able to move from pain and the fact he'd become a tug-o-war rope. "S-stop! OWIE! Stop!” He wailed squealing loudly as Akello began shaking his head harshly from side to side, whipping Ryou around and causing the poor bunny to hit the floor painfully.

Nadira chuckled softly. "Akello you know Shanti hates it when you do that.” She said as Shanti growled and let go of Ryou's foot, trying to hop on his back as Akello darted away, dragging a bloody Ryou after him.

Marik opened his mouth screamed. The little lion had finally lost it, and with a Herculean effort, sunk his teeth deep into Nadira's wrist. The lioness gasped and jerked away and Marik was immediately flying across the room and tackling Akello. He ripped into the other lion cub with tooth and claw, slamming him into the floor, grabbing his shoulder in his teeth and viciously shaking his head just as Akello had done with Ryou. Then he whirled and tackled Shanti, seizing her ear in his teeth and throwing her to the floor where he gave her a powerful blow to the side of the head. Then he shoved Ryou into the corner and huddled over him, growling protectively as Nadira finally came to her senses and pieced together what had just happened.

Nadira snarled and walked over, slamming her paw into Marik's side so hard it bowled him over and into the wall, sending Ryou tumbling as well with the sheer force. "You do not hurt your brother and sister over a RABBIT!” She roared swiping at him again, sending Marik tumbling across the floor once more, before she turned on Ryou. "And you!” She hissed, picking him up by the scruff and holding him in her teeth, glaring at Marik, DARING him to move.

Marik turned and glared right back, though he was grimacing in pain and clutching his side. "N-No hurt...” He hissed. "Hurt bunny... I kill!! I KILL!!!” He shouted at Nadira. " 'Tect Bunny! Always always! MY bunny! 'Tect!!!"

Ryou hung limply from Nadira's mouth, in too much pain to do much more. He whimpered, sniffling, his tears rolling down his cheeks, mixing with smeared blood which coated a good portion of his small body.

She growled at Marik and tossed her head back, throwing Ryou into the air, catching him in a paw and slamming him to the floor with such force it looked and SOUNDED as though she'd broken every bone in the poor bunny's body.

"Whether or not you protect this bunny is your choice, but before you protect a rabbit you protect your own KIND!” She snarled, dragging claws over Ryou's little chest. "You don’t hurt your own, to save a plaything!” She said resting her paw over Ryou's windpipe, the only part of the bunny's body that was still moving.

Marik's eyes widened and he scrambled to his feet. "NO!!! NO NO NO!!!” He charged and seized Nadira's wrist in his little teeth and claws, trying to remove it from Ryou. "MURRRRR!!!"

Nadira pressed down on Ryou's windpipe harshly, causing the weakened bunny to gag and choke. "Let go.” She hissed at Marik.

Marik obeyed and glared up at Nadira, shaking. "TECT BUNNY!! TECT BUNNY!!! LET GO!!!” He wailed, prancing anxiously in place, eyes wide and fearful.

Nadira loosened her pressure on Ryou's windpipe, and he relaxed slightly, whimpering softly. "K-kitty...” He mumbled sniffling. "K-kitty... kitties... kitties bad...” He trembled. "M-mommy... MOMMY!” He squealed suddenly, the pitch of the shriek loud and piercing.

Shanti nuzzled Akello, cleaning his wounds. "Poor brother...” She cooed, purring and tending to him.

Marik darted forwards, licking Ryou and nuzzling him, whimpering. "Ryou...” He sniffled, and also began to cry. "MAMA!!! MAMAAAAAA!!! MAOOOO!!! MAMAAAAA!!!"

Nadira grumbled softly. "Hush!” She snarled swatting Marik. "I'm your mama now, and it's time you obeyed!” She said sitting down. "I'll let this rabbit live if you shut your mouth this very instant!"

Marik turned and glared up at Nadira, moving between her and Ryou. "NOT mama!” He snapped, ears back. "You MEAN!!! BAD!!! HATE YOU!!!” He shouted. At that moment, the door burst open and a frantic Lina darted in. Her eyes widened and she ran for Ryou, hopping into the air and landing on Nadira, flattening the lioness to the floor, then running Marik down. She scooped up Ryou with a frantic cry and ran from the room. Marik blinked and shook his head, then got up and ran for the door. "RYOU!!!” He cried. "RYOU!!!"

Nadira growled and swatted at Marik again, sending him tumbling across the floor. "Stop your whining. He lived...” She growled, laying down, shutting the door. "You won’t see him again. His mother will make sure of it."

Ryou whimpered softly, trembling sharply in Lina's arms. "M-mommy...” He whimpered looking blearily at her. "H-hurt...”

"Oh, baby...” Lina whimpered, darting into the bedroom and shutting the door locking it. She was shaking in her own fear. From in the crib, four sets of little eyes watched. "Why did you leave?! I told you to stay away from the lions!" there were sharp gasps from inside the crib and eight little ears shot straight up. Lina carried Ryou into the bathroom and began running a bath for him.

Marik in the mean time had NOT stopped whining. He clawed at the door and YOWLED.

Nadira growled and stood once more, picking Marik up and carrying him over to the bed and sitting with him, beginning to groom him once more. "Shush.” She said sternly as she groomed. "He's fine. His mother will take care of him. You'd be wise to quiet down before I decide to kill his mother and eat him.” She warned.

Marik cried and squirmed. "NO!! No touch! Not mama! Hate you!!! No touch!!! Let go!!!” He screamed, while Akello and Shanti huddled together and watched silently. "NO TOUCH!!! NOT MAMA!!!"

Nadira growled softly. "As long as you live on this island I AM your mama!” She said growling. "You have NO other mama! No one but your family, your brother your sister and I. Your precious bunny called for his mother bunny! He's accepted HIS family!"

Marik growled and swatted at Nadira. "NOT mama! Rem Mama!!! ONLY mama!!! NOT brother NOT sister NOT mama! HATE YOU!!!" Cried the furious little cub.

Ryou was set into the bath and Lina hummed to him softly under her breath, washing him and examining his injuries.

"No more going near the lions, okay?” She said softly as she finished cleaning Ryou and got a towel, wrapping him up in it.

Ryou sniffled and nodded. "Love kitty...” He mumbled sniffling. "Other kitties hurt...”

"Kitties will always hurt bunnies.” She said. "You can't love kitties. They hurt you.” She cradled him and made her way out of the bathroom and to the crib, where four little baby bunnies sat huddled together. "Look... here are your new sisters and brother.” She said, smiling and turning Ryou so he could see them. "Misao, Hiroko, Yuki, and your brother is Kyo."

Ryou sniffled and looked at the baby bunnies shaking softly. "B-but... I... I only bunny... no... no brother or sisters.” He said weakly. "Not... not mommy either... j-just daddy...”

Lina smiled. "Not anymore. I'm your mommy now. And these are your sisters and brother. You have a brand new family to grow up with." And she set Ryou into the crib with the babies, and scattered veggies for them to munch. She calmly lay down in her pet bed to rest and watch over her young.

Ryou sniffled softly, and picked up a leaf of some foreign vegetable, and carried it to a corner, curling up with it and nibbling slowly. "Mark...” He sniffled. "Want Mark...”

"WANT RYOU!!!" Marik was howling, and swatting at Nadira, Akello and Shanti whenever they drew within range of his little claws. "HATE YOU!!!” He was generally just being a spiteful little shit.

Nadira growled and picked Marik up suddenly and tossed him out the window into a tree. "You'll stay in that tree until you stop being a spoiled little brat!" She called, smirking when a wolf hybrid looked up into the tree and seemed to grin at a possible 'easy' lunch.

"MAOOOOO!!!" Marik shrieked, and began climbing up the tree until he was WELL out of the wolf's reach... and out of Nadira's reach, too. He whimpered and climbed along a branch, then finally leapt onto the ledge on the third floor and huddled there between the two front legs of a stone gargoyle, shaking and mewling. "M-Mamaaaaa...” He wailed, clinging to the stone beast and shaking in terror.

Nadira growled and rolled her eyes. "You can stay up there until you realize I'm the only mama you'll be getting. Where's your other mama now?” She sneered closing the window and cuddling her two injured cubs, leaving Marik to the gargoyle.

The morning had passed and the afternoon dragged by for the little lion up on the high frightening ledge and the poor injured bunny in the crib. And it dragged on agonizingly slow for a heart broken Rem and Pegasus. Zaine had come as soon as he heard and was now holding his fiance, trying to offer as much comfort as he could, though he too was hit hard by the theft of the little lion cub.

Rem's tears had slowed and she leaned into Zaine looking miserably at Marik's bunny toy. "Zaine... what are we going to do? They can’t even call for help... or defend themselves... they... they're just babies.” She said shaking her head. "They can’t escape... look for help... find a way to contact us...”

Seto, who had arrived not long after the kidnapping, looked at Rem. "Well... they ARE microchipped.” He said slowly, rocking Yami in his arms.

"Yeah...” Zaine agreed, nodding. "They're microchipped, honey. I'm sure they'll turn up. And we both know that Marik will give that guy hell, right?"

Rem whimpered. "And get himself beaten to death or worse!” She said shaking her head. "He's just a child! He can’t defend himself against a grown MAN!" She said starting to sob all over again. "Oh God he's going to get himself killed!"

Zaine winced and held Rem tightly. "shhh... it... it'll be okay, Rem...” He said softly, looking up when Inogawa and Hinaru ran in, having heard on the news of a kidnapping at the pet shop.

"What happened?!" Inogawa demanded, running over with his wife. "Who was it?!" Seto looked at them and sighed.

"Marik and Ryou.” He said softly, glancing at Pegasus who was sitting in a chair with his head in his hands, Precious sitting on the counter and licking his face. Tuc seemed to be comforting Nod who had her face hidden into his side.

Yami clapped his hands slightly. "No cry! Play!” He said cheerfully, hoping to make some of the sad people smile. "Play make tears byebye!” He hugged Seto and nuzzled into him. "cry yucky!"

Rem sniffled and hugged Zaine again. "Some man just... came in and took them. Rex and Rishid saw him... but we couldn't find the scent, and the police can’t find the get-away vehicle...” She said softly. "They're just... j-just babies...” She repeated softly, hanging her head. "My poor Marik...”

Inogawa stared in horror, then looked down at his wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We... We'll put up posters.” He said. "We have pictures of them as... babies. We'll put up reward posters all over the city! On the websites for the Jungle and the pet shop and my office and... and we'll broadcast it on the news!” He said, and Seto nodded.

"Yes. We'll start right away.” He said, and moved to Pegasus to talk to him about getting a picture of Ryou and Marik.

"There... see?" Zaine said softly to Rem.

Rem shook her head. "And who other than the kidnapper do you think is going to see them?! Babies don’t go out on walks! Or peer out windows or escape!” She said shaking her head and wiping her eyes. "Be sensible! No kidnapper is going to kidnap a baby then let the general public know!"

"Well, it's all we can do at this point." Zaine said. "We have to have faith, okay?"

Suddenly, there was a soft ripple in the room, and a surprised cheep from Yami. Everyone turned and looked at the little bird as he squirmed and flapped his wings. Another pulse was felt in the room, and in an explosion of tiny white flakes, all of Yami's feathers burst out of their sheathes. The bird gave a started cheep, and Seto blinked, staring at Yami.

"What was that?" Asked Rex, cocking an ear.

OH GOD!!!!

I SMELL A SKUNK!!!!!!

>.<

::hurries to close the window::

HAH!!! Bakura got mad at you

Yami blinked a few times, looking confused though highly amused. "AGAIN!” He chirped flapping his brilliant wings. "AGAIN AGAIN! WHEEEE!” He began preening his now beautiful and complete plumage.

Rem had to stifle a chuckle as Seto dusted himself off. "Looks like we have exploding birds.” She said softly smiling.

Yami grinned. "ESPLODEE!"

Zaine blinked and Pegasus stared.

"I, uh... two of my employees have some experience with the... supernatural." Seto said slowly. "I asked them to try and find a cure for the babies... I'm guessing that this was their doing...” He said, setting Yami down to dust both the bird and himself off.

"Oh...” Pegasus said. "Who?"

"Mikado and... well, more Ahmose than Mikado...” Seto said. "He seems to be the more... magical of the two... Mikado's just... energetic and tricky...” He smiled slightly as he looked over Yami's feathers, which Inogawa was now inspecting.

Yami blinked at Inogawa and peeped softly. "PRETTY bird!” He said proudly.

Inogawa and Seto chuckled.

"Yes you are." The vet said. "Open your wings and show me how pretty they are!" Zaine, Hinaru, and even Rem smiled as they watched.

Yami nodded and spread his wings wide, puffing up proudly. "Pretty bird!"

Hinaru giggled softly at the little show Yami was putting on. He was certainly proud of himself.

Rem chuckled and hugged Zaine, Yami's antics making her feel a bit better. "Wow... his feathers are very bright... baby birds always have the most beautiful wings...” She said softly.

Zaine smiled and hugged her. "Yes they do...” He said softly. "But Rem... this is even more wonderful. If this Ahmose and Mikado pair can age them... then Ryou and Marik might get to the point where they CAN do something to get back home!"

Rem nodded. "I hope so... as soon as possible...” She said starting to calm down.

Yami yawned. "I'm hungry.” He mumbled starting to look bored. "Feed me."

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

It was dinner time on the island. Platters had been delivered to Lina and Nadira both, for them and their little ones. And while Lina had no trouble at all with her litter, Nadira had a slight problem. Namely Marik up on the ledge a floor above her.

Nadira opened the window and peered up, looking at the gathering storm clouds. "Are you ready to behave and come inside for dinner?” She asked kindly. "Shanti and Akello miss you.” She called up to Marik.

Marik wailed. "Rain!!! Rain bad! Sick!!!! Bad bad sick! Barf!" Marik cried, looking very frantic. "High!!! SCARY!!! Want come down!!! Want come down!!!"

Nadira nodded. "Do you trust mama?" She asked softly. "Do you trust Mama to get you down safe?” She asked once more.

Marik sniffled and slowly backed away from the ledge. "Not mama...” He pouted.

"I am your mama as long as you're here Marik, and if you can’t trust me to take care of you when you need me, then how can I ever give you a loving home?” She asked up. "Do you trust me?"

Marik sniffled and nodded. "Y-Yes...” He whimpered, staring down at the lioness, eyes wide and frightened as the wind picked up. "C-Cold...”

Nadira nodded. "I want you to jump down, and Mama will catch you.” She said slowly, holding out her arms to show him. "I'll catch you, now I want you to jump, ok Marik?" She said slowly. "Then you can come in and eat this yummy dinner with your family.” She purred up.

Marik's eyes widened and he let out a shriek, flinging his arms around the gargoyle's left leg and clinging to it. "NO!!!! HIGH!!! NO JUMP!!! NO JUMP!!! M-M-M-MAAAMAAAAAAAAA!!!! MAOOOOOOO!!!"

Nadira frowned. "Marik, mama can’t climb up there, you have to TRUST mama! I promise I'll catch you!” She called up worriedly. "Please sweetie, jump for me and I promise I'll catch you!” She said as rain started to fall. "Hurry! Before you get wet and slippery and slip off the roof!"

Marik shook his head and sobbed, wailing. "NO!!! No jump! Too high! Not Yami! Want mama!!! Wanna go HOME!!!” He cried. "D-D-Diaper wet...” He added on with a sniffle.

Nadira sighed as the rain began pouring harder. "Marik if you don’t jump now, you'll get sick, and slip off the roof and die. You have to jump now, while you're still dry enough for mama to catch... or you'll just die, and that bunny will never see you again!"

Marik frowned and glared down at her. "You say not see bunny again anyway!” He spat, and backed out of sight, sniffling and mewling. "Want bunny...”

Nadira sighed. "I won’t stop you from seeing that stupid bunny, but HIS mother will Marik. Lions EAT bunnies, we hunt them. They're food to us, his mother would NEVER let you near him.” She said flicking her tail. "If you don’t come down now, you'll die Marik. You'll definitely never see him again that way."

Marik sniffled again and slowly peered down over the edge with wide teary eyes. "Too scary!” He whined. "Can't! No jump! Can't!!! Come up! Up!!!"

"I told you! I can’t! I'm too big to get up there. You either jump and be safe, or stay up there until you slip off, fall and die!” She said frowning. "Do you trust me or not?"

Marik sobbed. "Scared!!!” He cried, but looked about ready to jump. And finally, he did. But he didn't jump down to Nadira; he jumped onto the tree and yelped, clinging to the branch as tight as he could and wailed.

Nadira sighed and shook her head, backing away from the window. When he decided he trusted his family enough... he'd come in, or be food for the wolf hybrid, who was patiently waiting below. She curled up around Akello and Shanti as they tore into their shredded pork and yawned.

Marik sobbed when the lioness disappeared inside. He thought she had abandoned him. He began to slowly climb down, nearly falling several times. Like many kittens, he could get up, but getting down was a problem. Finally, he was level with the window and began to yowl on finding no branches to use to get TO the window.

Nadira looked up and sighed, getting up and walking over to the window. "Ready to come in?” She asked calmly, holding out her arms. "You have to jump sweetie, I'm not coming out there for you."

Marik whimpered, closed his eyes, and JUMPED!

Nadira caught him with ease and hugged him to her chest, closing the window as the rain began to pour down. She nuzzled him. "See? Mama caught you just like I promised.” She said carrying him over to his own plate of shredded pork. "Why don’t you eat, then I'll groom your fur.” She purred setting him down.

She picked up Akello, who had finished, and began grooming him.

Marik sniffed at the meat, and licked his lips as his stomach growled, but he turned away from it. A moment later, Akello made a face.

"EWWWW!!!! What smells?!?” He blurted, and a moment later Shanti squeaked and moved away from Marik, who turned red.

Nadira chuckled and shook her head. "Hush, let him eat and I'll clean him up.” She said sternly. "You respect your fellow lions, your brothers and sisters.” She said firmly. "He's been outside all day, and he's probably starving."

Shanti nodded with Akello, who wrinkled his nose. "ok mama...” they said together.

"Marik sweetheart, eat your dinner and I'll get you all squeaky clean.” She said lovingly. "Then you can play with your brother and sister until it's time for bed. I've got a yarnball...” She said tauntingly.

Marik sniffled. "Want clean now...” He said softly, rubbing his eyes with a little fist. "N-No want eat... Want clean... and... want go home...”

Nadira chuckled and nudged Akello away. "Alright. I'll clean you now.” She said picking him up in her teeth and taking him to the bathroom. She closed the door and ran a bath for him, taking his diaper off and wiping him clean, dipping him in the warm water and giving him literally a quick-rinse, plucking him out as fast as he'd gone in. She fluffed him dry with a towel and smiled.

"This is your home sweetie... With your family.” She cooed as she began licking him to clean him further. "Tomorrow, Akello, Shanti and I are going to practice hunting on some squirrels... and I think you would have fun with us, if you joined us.” She purred. "It's getting close to the lion's festival... do you want to celebrate with us?"

Marik blinked and looked up at Nadira, who was actually surprised at the lack of fuss that he put up in his bath... it just wasn't natural for a lion to accept a bath so easily...

"What lion fest-bull?" Marik asked, sniffling and rubbing his little nose.

Nadira smiled. "Something special for lions ONLY.” She said nuzzling him and purring. "Once a year, we all gather out on the beaches, and we fish, we catch things in the forest and celebrate each other.” She cooed softly. "Celebrate the great balance of nature and tell stories that we were told when we were little.” She added. "There are games, and competitions and it's just a big day of fun for lions ONLY.” She said smiling broadly. "Do you want to come?"

Marik looked down at shrugged. "I dunno...” He said softly. "G-Get... get hurt?” He asked her, laying his ears back in worry.

Nadira smiled. "No, you won’t get hurt. And you'll get to meet the leader of the pride, the king of the jungle!” She said grinning. "He always picks ONE special cub, and blesses them. The cub he picks always grows up to be the biggest and strongest of ALL the cubs!" She said eagerly. "If he picks you or Akello, I'll be the proudest mama of all the lionesses.” She said tail lashing in excitement.

Marik blinked and looked at her. "Grow... grow big?” He asked, and his eyes widened. He lung his arms out to the side. "BIG big?!” He asked eagerly. "I be big?! Not runt?!"

Nadira nodded. "Yes, BIG! At least as big as the king himself! Once, a cub grew BIGGER!” She said holding her arms out wide. "Biggest lion I've ever seen!"

Marik' eyes widened and he gasped dramatically. "Really?!” He squeaked, his ears perked up and tail lashing in excitement. "He prolly eated his veggies." And he giggled. "Mama says I eat veggies I grow BIG!"

Nadira chuckled. "The king of beasts is a very VERY smart, strong lion.” She said wrapping her arms around Marik and nuzzling him. "He's very special, and some lionesses say he's even got the blessings of nature...” She said softly. "He's always hand-picked cubs and blessed them. Some grow to huge sizes, others become faster... or are better hunters...” She said nuzzling him. "If he picks you, you can ask for a blessing for whatever you want! Big, or strong, or fast or whatever you want!" she said licking his cheek and putting him down. "But you have to remember to be very polite and bow when you see him, he's a king!"

Marik's eyes widened and he nodded. "Like Simba!!!” He squeaked. "My friends call me Simba!!!

Nadira chuckled. "Simba's a runt in comparison with the leader of the pride.” She cooed opening the door and leading him out. "Now eat your dinner and have some fun with your brother and sister.” She said laying down, and resuming her grooming of Akello, who had waited patiently for her to return.

Marik dashed over to his plate and began to devour his dinner hungrily, eating every last bit of it, and even licking the plate. And when he was all done, he licked his paws and his lips, and then flopped over and belched, sighing in contentment.

Shanti giggled and batted at Marik's tail, pouncing on the tuft of fur at the tip. "Gotcha!” She said playfully, grinning at him and letting out a playful little roar.

Marik lifted his head and glared. "Murrrrrrrrrrrr...” He growled, and tugged his tail away before laying his head back down. Akello blinked and looked up at his mother.

"Murr?” He asked, which was basically 'what's with HIM?'

"Marik you should play with your sister." Nadira said calmly. "You'll get fat if you just lay around after a meal. Fat and runty."

Marik grumbled. "Not sister.” He snorted, getting up and moving across the room where he once again lay down and stretched out, ready for a nap.

Nadira frowned. "That's not very nice of you Marik. Lions who can’t love each other are usually totally ignored by the king.” She warned. "You won’t even get a second glance, and he'll pick Akello or some other cub instead.” She added. "You can’t be a part of the pride if you can’t love your brother and sister lions."

Marik frowned. "Don't have brothers and sisters.” He said, looking at Nadira. "... alone."

Nadira frowned. "You have brothers and sisters now. You have a family now, and we're all willing to love you, if you'd be willing to love us.” She said calmly. "Shanti just wanted to play with you, and you snubbed her...” She said motioning to the droopy looking lioness cub. "Why don’t you play with her. Exercize will help you grow up big and strong."

Marik frowned. "Hurt Ryou.” He growled, glaring at Shanti and Akello both. He turned and faced the wall with a snort.

Nadira flicked her tail. "Well if you're alone, then I guess you'll just stay behind when we leave for the festival.” She said licking Akello's ears. "You can just stay here, all alone."

Marik frowned and curled up, sniffling. "Want mama...” He whimpered. "No like it here...”

Meanwhile, in the other room, Ryou had finished his dinner of gooseberries, strange sweet-tasting leaves and cashew-nuts. He nibbled at what remained of his last leaf and looked at all the other bunny babies curiously.

They all looked like there mother, a light tan color. And they were watching Ryou curiously. Finally, the little boy bunny, Kyo, slowly hopped over, sniffing at Ryou. He got over to Ryou and they briefly touched noses.

"I'm Kyo." The bunny said softly, and Lina turned to watch.

Ryou blinked and blushed slightly. "H-hello... I'm... Ryou.” He said biting his lip nervously, his ears tilting back. "N-nice meet...”

"Mommy says we're bwudders now." Kyo said and nuzzled Ryou, cooing. "I'm glad to have a bwudder. Too many sissers." And he looked back at the three little girls who were watching in huddled silence.

Ryou blinked at the girl bunnies, flicking his ears. "all... brown bunny...” He said looking over the bunnies. "No white?"

Kyo shook his head. "No... why you white?” He asked, cocking his head.

Ryou looked thoughtful. "Was made white.” He said tilting his head. "Always been white. Why not white?"

Kyo shrugged. "I dunno.” He said, sniffing Ryou over, then gently tackling him and tugging his ear. "Play with me!" Lina smiled and relaxed, enjoying the safety of the house. Outside she would not have been able to relax unless they were all safely tucked into the den with a male keeping watch.

Ryou squeaked and squirmed. "Sore...” He whimpered softly, tugging Kyo's ear anyway, wanting to entertain his new friend even though he was hurting. He slowly got up and inched close to Kyo, sniffing at him. "Kitty my mate.” He said after a minute. "See kitty?"

Kyo's eyes widened. "Kitty? Lion?! Lion bad! Eat you!” He gasped.

Ryou shook his head. "No! Kitty mate! Love me!” He said eyes wide. "Protect! Save me other kitties!"

Kyo's eyes widened even more, and Lina raised her head while the three girls huddled together and shivered at the mere mention of lions.

Ryou nodded firmly. "Kitty my mate! Protect! He save me other kitties. Give me pretty collar!” He added showing off his collar once more. "Kitty LOVE me. Love kitty!"

Kyo stared at the collar and reached out, touching it. "Lion... give you pretty?” He gasped, and the little girl bunnies even crept closer, as did Lina.

"Why?" Lina asked, amazed.

"Kitty my mate!" Ryou said proudly. "Eat fancy food with! Give pretties, love forever! Mate! Best mate!" Ryou explained, as best he could, grinning broadly. "Kitty LOVE me, love kitty back! Meet kitty?” He asked hopefully.

Lina shook her head quickly. "No! No, you must NEVER go near lions! You must always run and hide!"

"Yes! Hide! Run and Hide!" The girls all began chirping, and Kyo nodded vigorously.

"Eat you!” He said.

Ryou blinked and shook his head! "Always with kitty! Kitty NEVER eat! Kitty eat SALAD!” He said firmly. "Not bunny!"

"SALAD!?!" The five bunnies all chorused, staring at Ryou like he was crazy.

"Lions don't eat salad." Lina said. "That's like bunnies eating meat!" And the baby bunnies all shivered in revulsion.

Ryou blinked. "B-but! Kitty eat what bunny eat...” He said softly. "like salad... kitty eat for bunny...” He mumbled looking disheartened. "Kitty love bunny, eat salad for bunny...”

"Kitties have to eat meat." Lina said. "Or they die. He can't eat salad.” She said, nuzzling Ryou. "Ready for bed?"

Ryou pouted but nodded. "sleep...” He mumbled and looked around. "Wh-where cage?” He asked flicking his ears. He'd always slept in the cozy bunny-cage in Pegasus' house as far as he could remember... where was he going to sleep now?!

Lina smiled and picked Ryou up, placing him in the crib. Then she plucked up Kyo, then the three girls one by one; Misao, Yuki, then Hiroko. The four all cuddled up to Ryou and Lina hopped across the room and turned out the light, then returned to her pet bed, curling up. She sighed and the babies relaxed as their mother began to sing softly to put her babies to sleep.

Ryou blinked, nuzzling into the other bunnies, surprised at how... comfortable he was near them. He yawned and let his head rest on Kyo's shoulder, who was curled against his side, among the girls. It... felt like home. It felt like he belonged with the other bunnies. Like this was his mother... singing him to sleep, and these were his sisters and brother. That this was HIS family. It was a feeling that he'd always longed for, even though he couldn't remember that longing, he felt fulfilled just the same, and went to sleep with a smile.