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 17

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Marik trotted through the woods at a good efficient pace, heading for the house. And the one thing on his mind, was Ryou. He got to the house and burst in the front door, then skidded to a stop. The woman who owned the house and island stopped mid step. She and Marik stared at each other. Marik gulped. "Uh oh...”

Though, the woman didn't even recognize this older Marik. He looked almost nothing like the chubby cub she'd just had brought in. She assumed the only logical thing. "Oh, you must be one of the lion cubs hit puberty. What is it you need? You know you are not to be in the house without permission." She said firmly.

Marik blinked. "I... I... I'm looking for Ryou the rabbit...” He stammered.

"Ryou?" She said blinking. "I'm afraid the rabbits have gone out to the fields to graze." She said calmly. "There is no Ryou here."

Marik blinked, then turned and ran right out the door again. He put his nose the ground, and picked up the fresh scent of his little mate, and took off. He arrived at the fields within moments and sat still among the trees, looking out at all of the rabbits. He turned and climbed a nearby tree and peered out from between the leaves, looking for his mate among the scores of grazing bunnies.

It didn't take long to find a flash of white among the browns, grays, blacks, and honey colored rabbit hybrids.

Nestled amongst the clover in a patch that was beneathe a great oak tree, splattered with dimples of sunshine, sat Ryou. He looked rather confused. Confused and... almost as if he'd turned into a girl! He was slender and soft, his hair even looked feather soft. He was paler than he'd ever been, and... he just seemed far more feminine than he'd ever been before.

Marik grinned. "Murrrrrrupmh!!” He called joyfully, only to wince at how his voice sounded... there was no WAY Ryou would have recognized Marik's call. And now all the rabbits were sitting up with their ears and noses in the air, trying to locate the predator.

Ryou's ears were up too, and he looked around nervously, before hunching down and looking around, trembling like a leaf in the breeze.

Marik watched the babies all run to their mothers. He sighed and climbed out of the tree and walked out into the field in the most calm, non-threatening manner he could.

Of course that action caused UTTER Chaos. Bunnies whizzing by in every direction, to escape the 'predator'. Mothers gathering their young and hurrying away with them...

Marik blinked. "Mao!!! R-Ryou... Ryou!!!” He called, trotting towards the oak where Ryou had been, only to find the bunny gone.

"Mommy!!! Mommy!!!" A little gray baby wailed nearby, looking around frantically.

"Ryou!!" Marik called, and trotted over to the baby. "I'm looking for a white rabbit about this big!” He said, holding up a paw. "His name is Ryou. Have you seen him?"

The gray bunny shrieked in terror and bolted off as fast as her little legs could carry her, leaving Marik in the now empty field.

Marik blinked, then sighed and drooped. "Murrrrrr...” He slowly got up and headed back towards the house, hoping that Ryou would head there.

As luck would have it, that's exactly where Ryou was. His whole 'family' had gathered and were sitting on the front steps of the house, checking each other over for injuries.

Marik perked up when he saw them. This time, he walked into view a few feet, and sat down. "Murrrrrr!!! Ryou!” He called. "Ryou!!!"

Ryou jumped and his ears shot up again. The whole family was instantly on high alert, and hurrying back into the house.

"Ryou!! It's me!!! Marik!!!" The lion called, standing and wagging his tail. "Ryou!!!"

Ryou blinked at him. Oh he had thick beautiful eyelashes... his bangs hanging in those large red eyes. Ryou tilted his head to the side for a moment, backing up. "M-Marik...” He asked softly. Even his voice sounded soft and... feminine. Despite the obvious proof of his gender which was in plain sight.

Marik grinned. "Yeah!! Ryou!!! It's me!!! Oh Ryou!!!” He ran towards Ryou.

Ryou smiled warily, instinctively backing up a bit. "M-Marik...” He swallowed hard. "Y-you're ok?"

Marik grinned and shrugged. "Umm, yeah, I guess...” He said, looking back over at himself. "I, umm... I'm... a teenager...”

Ryou nodded a little. "Um... me too?” He offered softly, flicking his ears. "C-can we go home now?” He asked hopping forward and nuzzling his lover.

Marik purred loudly and nuzzled him. "Ryou... my Ryou... I'll take care of you. We'll get home... but... I... I want you to come with me... to meet some people!” He said excitedly.

Ryou blinked. "Meet who?” He asked looking utterly confused. "Who could possibly be out here in the middle of NOWHERE?!"

"Just trust me!" Marik said, romping around Ryou excitedly as he led him down to the beach. "I'm sure they'll help us!"

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright...” He said nuzzling Marik as they walked. "Just who... who am I meeting?” He asked curiously. "You never told me...”

"Murrrumph!!!" Marik squeaked. "My pride!!!"

Ryou stopped mid-step. "What?! They'll eat me alive! Marik!” He said shocked, backing up. "You can’t be serious!"

Marik looked back. "No Ryou... these lions, they... they're NOTHING like Constantine, Ryou! They... they said that Constantine wasn't a real lion, they... Ryou, they said that they will accept whoever I love... They promised!!!"

Ryou whimpered. "Marik... I... I can’t.” He said shaking his head. "I… I just can’t... th-they'll eat me...”

Marik trotted over to Ryou and purred, nuzzling him. "Over my dead body.” He said softly. "Ryou, I... I really trust them. The leader, Azabu... he's... he's really a... Ryou, I think he's for real... and Nadira, my...” He blushed. "Mom... she... she promised that no one would hurt you. Please, Ryou?"

"You mean the mother who maimed me in FRONT of you?" Ryou blurted, glaring at the ground. "Marik... I don’t want to...”

Marik gulped. "Ryou... please... just... just meet Nadira and Azabu... PLEASE. This... this really means alot to me, Ryou. Please."

Ryou's ears drooped. "B-but why?” He sniffled looking frightened. "Why can’t we just... just go home?"

Marik sighed. "Please Ryou...” He murred, nuzzling his mate. "Please...”

Ryou sighed, drooping. "Alright Marik...” He said softly, licking his cheek. "But... if someone hurts me, I'm blaming you for making me go...” He added nervously.

Marik nodded. "If someone hurts you... I'll kill them...” and he growled slightly, scowling. "But they won’t." And the scowl and growl disappeared. "Come on!" And he nudged Ryou towards the beach again.

Ryou hopped towards the beach with Marik slowly. He was nervous, the idea of meeting a PRIDE of lions was... frightening to say the least.

As they approached the beach, Marik stopped and looked at Ryou. "I have the word of the leader that you will not be harmed." Marik said. "And... in case something should go wrong, Ryou... don't try to run. They'll catch you. Head for the water, and swim for it. But that's just in case. I don't think anything will happen, okay?" And he nudged Ryou out onto the beach and stepped out with him, hovering protectively over his mate.

Once they'd stepped out they met the pride. There were some gasps, and others gave, surprisingly, CHEERS!

Abazu chuckled and stepped forward, flicking his tail. "So... this is your mate?” He asked, bowing his head to peer under Marik, where Ryou huddled frightened.

Marik nodded. "Uh... uh-huh...” He gulped. "This is... Ryou.” He said, looking down at Ryou and nuzzling him with a purr.

Abazu nudged Marik to the side, to get a good look at Ryou. "Tell me... what inspired feelings of love... for a rabbit? I am curious.” He asked calmly, not hinting anything other than joy at his pride-mate's mate.

Marik shrugged. "I dunno, I... it just... happened.” He said, moving away from Ryou so he could reach him to groom his ears.

Abazu nodded. "I see... Well... he certainly seems skittish.” He said sniffing at Ryou, who nervously backed away. "How you'd get anything done is beyond me... you'd have to chain the poor thing down just to mount him!"

Marik frowned and snarled. "He trusts me.” He snapped. "He just happened to run afoul of the same lion I did. You're scaring him."

Abazu chuckled. "He's no reason to be scared of me.” He said calmly. "I've made no action of ill will toward him.” He looked down at Ryou again. "You've got no reason to be frightened. I won’t hurt you. We've all eaten our fill already.” He said flicking his tail.

Nadira stepped forward and nuzzled Marik. "Be polite to the king sweetheart... he's just curious...” She purred, pulling him into her arms, beginning to groom him once more. Abazu chuckled.

"So... you're quite protective of the little thing.” He said calmly. "He is precious to you. It's an honorable trait."

"He's my life." Marik growled, staring Abazu straight in the eye. And everyone could tell what he was thinking. 'Harm one hair on him and I'll kill you.'

Abazu flicked his tail. "I see...” He said looking Marik over once more, before giving him a warm smile. "Then it is with a joyful heart, that I welcome your mate, into this pride.” He said calmly. "From this moment on, we shall not eat the rabbits.” He said loudly, turning to look at the other lions. "We will not harm the families or brothers of our own brother's mate. We will respect this rabbit as our own, if I hear or see otherwise the price is one pound of flesh.” He added sternly.

Marik blinked, stunned. He had expected Ryou to be safe among this pride, but... not THIS!!! And he was overjoyed. He purred and turned, bumping foreheads with Nadira and rubbing against her, then turning and pouncing Ryou, gently. He licked Ryou's face all over, purring loudly in his joy.

Ryou blushed and nuzzled Marik, too shocked and confused for words. What… what was all this?!

Abazu chuckled and turned back to Marik. "I believe, that the festivities of the day are coming to a close... and I've a blessing to bestow.” He said calmly. "In all my years as pride-leader, I've never witnessed a cub such as you.” He added. "It is with great pleasure, that I will bestow this year’s blessings on you.” He said smiling. "You've more than earned it."

Marik blinked and looked up, loosing his balance and doing a face plant into the sand. A moment later he popped up, sputtering and spitting, and glowing red. "I, uh, I... umm... I mean...”

Abazu chuckled. "Calm yourself. It is a great honor to be picked at the festival for a blessing. What is your wish?"

Marik blinked at him. "My... wish?” He repeated, looking at Nadira in confusion.

Nadira nodded. "The blessing!" She said eagerly. "Wish to be better at something, and it will come true!" She said quickly.

Abazu nodded. "It is your desires that fulfill the blessing.” He explained.

Marik gulped. "I... I just wanna be strong enough to protect my mate... to take care of him and support him...” He said. "I just wanna... take him home...” He mumbled, huddling down next to Ryou.

Nadira frowned. "But... son...” she said frowning, her ears drooping. "Won’t you please stay here? This is a fine home...” She said looking at him sadly. "I thought you wanted to be bigger...”

Marik looked at her. "I... I do want to be bigger. But...” He turned and looked at Ryou. "Ryou... he wants to go home. He was afraid to come here to meet you. He didn't want to. He was scared. He just wanted to go home, too. And... so do I. And besides… We have a dozen hybrid rabbits to take care of."

Nadira frowned. "But son... rabbits can take care of themselves... besides he's part of the pride now too." She said looking at Ryou who gave her a meek smile. "This IS home... it's a perfect place for you. He won’t be scared anymore. There's at least a dozen lions willing to die to protect the both of you!"

Marik sighed and looked down, then looked at Ryou. "Ryou... whatever you want... where ever you want to go... I will be with you. We can stay here... or go home. Whatever you want to do." He smiled at Ryou.

Ryou frowned, ears drooping slightly. "Marik... what... what do YOU want?” He asked softly, beginning to tug a drooping ear.

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "I want you to be happy. If you're happy, I'm happy."

Ryou shook his head. "Marik... I can’t make that kind... of choice without knowing what you want...” He said softly. "Do... you want to stay?"

Marik sighed. "Truthfully... yes.” He said. "I do... I've never had a... family before... a pride. But... at the same time, I wanna go home... I miss Rem, and Zaine... and Bakura and Malik and Yami... and... and... and Seto and Rex and Otogi and Yugi and... hell, I even miss that old bat next door and her fuckin' dogs!!!"

Ryou frowned. "I... I see... Marik... I'm... I'm not sure we can... what about master Pegasus?” He asked softly.

Marik blinked, then frowned slightly. "What about him? I know you miss him... you want to go home.” He smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "And so, we will go home."

Ryou shook his head. "Marik I want you to be happy too...” He said softly, tugging his ear more. "Th-these lions mean a lot to you... b-but... I can’t just abandon my master...” He said biting his lip. "He... he's my...” He sighed. "It's not fair to him...”

Marik nodded. "Ryou... being part of a pride DOES mean something to me, but I hardly know these lions... and I can't just not go home. Bakura is my best friend, and Master Malik and Mistress Ishizu and... Ryou... They are my family.” He kissed Ryou's cheek. "Let's go home."

Ryou nodded slowly. "But... you're sure? B-because... I'd hate... to be the reason you'd leave something that makes YOU happy... you always... try so hard to make me happy... you never do anything... for you."

Marik smiled and shook his head. "Ryou, you have done so much for me. SO much...” He purred. "We are going to go home and live our dream."

Ryou smiled softly and nuzzled Marik.

Abazu chuckled. "Are you sure you won’t change your mind and stay with us on this island paradise?” He asked patting Marik's head with his paw. "You'll never find friends or family more devoted to each other, than us.” He added chuckling as Ryou nuzzled into Marik's side contently.

Marik purred and shook his head. "We don’t belong here. We need to go home, but... thank you...” He smiled up at Abazu. "The question now is... how do we get home?"

"Ummm... The supply boat." Said a lion with a dark, reddish mane named Samba. "It makes a trip to the main land once a week. It should make the trip again in three days."

Nadira nodded. "Be careful son...” She said softly giving him a sad look and licking his cheek. "Come back to visit us...” she added flicking her tail.

Abazu nodded. "Come back when you can. You will always be welcome on our island, and in our pride.” He said ruffling Marik's hair once more. "Be sure you eat well before you get on the supply ship... the human world is dangerous... and without papers, or a food source... you could be in a great deal of trouble.” He said solemnly.

Marik nodded. "Believe me, I know that.” He smiled. "I've survived the streets before, I can do it again." And he stood. "Ryou? Ready to go?"

Ryou gave Marik a worried look. "We don’t have papers Marik... or... or CLOTHES... or money...” He said softly. "We'd be just like stray hybrids again... we could end up in the pound!"

Marik smiled. "But we're microchipped.” He said. “But don't worry. I can get us home.” He nuzzled Ryou. "I know it.” He looked at Nadira and Azabu. "Thank you...”

Nadira sighed softly, gathering her remaining cubs. "Don’t you forget to come back to visit your mother." She said sternly. "Akello and Shanti need to see their big brother."

Abazu chuckled and nodded. "Return to us soon Marik. Until then, I wish you well on your journey.” He said proudly. "Make us proud."

Marik smiled and purred loudly. "Thanks... come on, Ryou. Let's find that dock!!!" And he nudged Ryou along the beach and away from the pride.

Ryou walked slowly with Marik. "You... you know... p-perhaps... once everyone knows we're ok... if you wanted... we could come back... I hate to separate you from them... I've never seen you so happy... so... proud of yourself."

Marik smiled at Ryou. "Maybe. But let's just worry about getting home for now, hm?” He asked, nuzzling Ryou. "I love you." But then, he stopped. "Ryou... where's your... collar?"

Ryou frowned. "The... well the lady took it.” He said looking down. "I adored that collar too...”

Marik blinked and his eyes widened. Then, he smiled. "Well then... we'll go get it back!” He said, turning and changing direction, heading into the jungle.

Ryou blinked. "How do you intend to do that?!” He blurted, following warily, sliding back under Marik. "I hate this jungle...”

Marik chuckled, looking down at Ryou. "Threatening to bite her head off if that bitch doesn't give it back. Then demand a ride home.” He said.

Ryou's eyes widened. "Oh Marik you'll get us killed! You can’t go doing that! Haven't you seen the things she keeps in that house?! Guns EVERYWHERE!"

Marik smiled as he and Ryou got to the house. He nudged Ryou into the bushes. "Here. You wait here.” He said, and turned, rushing into the house.

Ryou curled up under the bush and shook his head. "You're going to get yourself killed someday...” He mumbled as he watched the house silently, waiting for Marik to emerge.

Marik looked around when he entered the house, then turned and nose to the floor, began to sniff out the mistress of the house. And he found her in her office. Marik opened the door and entered, blinking.

The woman looked up blinking. "You again? I told you Ryou isn't here." She said impatiently.

Marik smirked. "Oh, I found him. And I found he was missing something.” He then changed to a frown. "The collar I gave him."

The woman frowned. "Oh that old thing? I'm afraid it's not here either." She said calmly. "I sold it."

Marik froze, and his eyes widened. "W-What?” He gasped, looking crushed.

"I sold it. Black diamonds are rare. Out of every five hundred diamonds mined, one is black." She said looking back down to her papers. "His collar had a black diamond. I fetched quite a profit from it."

Marik shook his head, then glared and roared, dashing across the room and taking a flying leap onto her desk and seizing the collar of her shirt. "YOU BITCH!!! YOU HAD BETTER BE LYING!!!!"

The woman gave Marik a shocked look, before quickly reaching into her desk and grabbing a gun, pressing the barrel to his chest. "Back off." She growled warningly. "Or the next thing I sell, is the rabbit. To a brothel somewhere in Russia!"

Marik growled, and with a lighting quick move swatted the gun out of her hand. It spun across the floor and went off with a bang, but Marik hardly noticed. "Every time I give him something, someone takes it, dammit!” He snapped. "And what the hell are you doing with all these hybrids anyway?!?!"

The woman gave him a calm look. "Giving them a home. I like to see hybrids living in nature... hybrids enjoy living in nature. It's a win win situation." She said calmly. "I don’t DO anything with them, other than observe."

Marik frowned. "What about those of us who were HAPPY living as humans?!” He asked, sitting down on her desk and staring at her. "What right do you have to take us from our lives, and then take our possessions?!?!"

"What good is a collar to a baby? I provide a food source, a home and a proverbial paradise to hybrids. A collar is hardly compensation for the heavenly life that small bunny will live out here. No hybrid has ever complained about coming here. They all see what this island has to offer... and gratefully stay. I don’t talk to them, they don’t talk to me. I just merely observe their beauty from afar, while they live out lives free of worry, strain, work... they are in heaven on Earth."

Marik growled. "I gave him that collar! You had NO right to take it!!! And he is NOT a baby!!!” He slammed his paw down on the desk. "Damn you! Give it back!!!"

"I told you, it's not here any longer. I sold it." She said calmly once more. "And last I saw of Ryou, he was a baby."

Marik growled loudly. "DAMN YOU!!!” He screamed, dug his claws into the desk surface and ripped deep trails through it's surface, and the papers sitting on it.

"What good is that collar to him anyway? No hybrid could have saved enough to purchase such a thing. Let alone one your age." She said sternly.

Marik glared at her. "I should kill you...” He growled, slowly backing off of the desk. "I want a ride back to Domino! NOW!!!"

"I'm afraid I can’t do that either." She said calmly. "No ships allow hybrids from this island on them. You are considered dangerous. And would be shot on sight. If you want to go back, you'd better learn to swim." She said cleaning her papers.

Marik growled and stood, seizing the desk and heaving. It hardly moved. Marik blinked. Oh... yeah... he wasn't back up to his full age twenty four body... He didn't have the strength to flip the desk, and now the woman was raising an eyebrow at him. Marik flushed, but growled and left long claw marks in it, before spitefully leaving the room and running down the hall, dragging his claws along the walls leaving deep gouges.

Though outside, he was met with another horrifying sight. The woman had done more than he'd bargained for. Two armed attendants held Ryou, one pointing a gun at his head, the other taking aim at Marik the instant he stepped out of the house. "Move it or lose it." The man growled, cocking the gun, his finger twitching on the trigger next to Ryou's head.

Ryou was absolutely TERRIFIED!

Marik froze, eyes wide and horrified. "N-No!! NO!!! LET HIM GO!!!” He shouted, lifting a pleading hand.

The man with the gun twitched again, looking almost insanely trigger happy. "SCAT!" They both yelled glaring dangerously.

Marik whimpered. "L-Let him go!!! Please!! We'll go! I promise!!!"

"No, YOU'LL go." The guard who was aiming at Marik said. "Or else."

Marik frowned and gulped, slinking off of the steps. "W-What are you gonna do to him?” He asked in a small voice.

"You sold him into 'indentured' servitude when you damaged the mansion." One guard said. "He's going to work off your debt. A fitting end." The man holding Ryou twitched again, grinning like a lunatic. "I love guns...” He said in an eerily calm tone.

"OH GOD HE'S GONNA KILL ME!" Ryou whimpered shaking like a leaf.

Marik's eyes widened. "No!!! Let him go!!!” He cried. "I'll work off the debt! Just let him go!!!” He cried, taking a few frantic steps towards them.

Ryou gasped as the man with the gun to his head pulled him closer. "One step closer and his brain matter is going to decorate the bushes!” He shrieked.

Marik froze. "No!! P-Please don't!” He gasped, and quickly backed away. "Ryou...”

"Scat cat!" The men growled. "Go on, SHOO!" Ryou whimpered softly as the men stepped toward Marik warningly. "Go on, or I'll blow his brains out and use his head for a fuck toy!" The deranged man holding Ryou threatened.

Marik shook his head. "N-No!!! Ryou, please, don't--" But he was cut off by a gun shot, and a puff of dust plumed up only inches before Ryou. But the shot spooked Marik into moving. "MAO!!!” He yelped, and turned and ran for the cover of the jungle, tail between his legs.

The men dragged Ryou back into the house... and that was the last Marik saw of him.

Night found Marik hiding in the woods a few hundred yards from the mansion, hiding in a grove of thick palms, sniffling and whimpering.

Ryou however, was put to work right away. Filling the holes in the walls, sanding the desk down. All through the night he was worked, not earning himself an ounce of sleep. The light in the office stayed on all night as he worked, painting the walls once the gouges had been filled, and cleaning.

As the moon rose, though, so did Marik's anger and determination. He stared up at the house, and at the light in the window. Growling, he got to his feet and loped out of the jungle and towards the tree that got closest to the window. And then, he climbed until he was staring in the window.

Inside, Ryou was working feverishly, under guard and gunpoint. He whimpered and rubbed his eyes, tiredly, smudging red paint over his face in the process. He sighed, ears drooping as he once again began painting over freshly repaired wall.

Marik growled and narrowed his eyes. He looked around and climbed a bit higher, hiding behind a bunch of leaves, plucking an acorn and throwing it against the window.

Ryou's ears perked slightly, and he looked at the window, but quickly went back to his work, hearing the notorious click of the gun being readied to fire. "Keep at it rabbit, you've still got the hallway when you're finished."

Marik sighed and thought. Then, he grinned and climbed higher, hopping onto the ledge. Then he began to trot along it and peer into window, searching for the lady's bedroom.

Of course, there was no such luck. All rooms Marik could get to were empty. A sharp squeal of pain from Ryou though, quickly ended that search.

Ryou whimpered painfully, sitting up slowly. The guard had struck him with the butt of the rifle he'd been holding when he'd started to doze off while painting. "I SAID no sleeping until the work is done!” He growled to the whimpering bunny.

Marik whined and finally got fed up. He put his fist through a window and leapt through, hissing as his arm and side was cut. But he didn't care. The lion growled low in his throat and began to stalk through the dark house, eyes glowing.

It took a lot of searching, before he came across the lavishly decorated bedroom of the lady of the house. The female sleeping soundly in her bed.

Marik slowly crept across the room, then bared his claws and jerked her out of the bed, standing and getting behind her, holding his claws pressed into the skin of her throat. "Keep silent, woman...” He growled, voice shaking in fury.

The woman's eyes widened for a moment before she laughed softly. "Kill me, and you'll kill your entire pride. I'm the source of their food." She said calmly.

Marik snorted. "I don't want to kill you.” He said. "And I'm not one of them. I'm the cub you had brought in a week ago. Let's just say I... had a growth spurt. Just like Ryou."

The woman blinked. "Oh really? That's a lie. What do you want?"

"I want to take Ryou home.” He growled into her ear. "Normally, I may want to stay here. This is a beautiful place. And perfect for those who want to live like this. But Ryou and I are not among them. We just want to return to our home... and our loved ones...”

"I'm afraid I still can’t help you with that." The woman said once more.

"Why?!" Marik snapped, forcing her down the stairs and in the direction that Ryou was in.

"Because. The ships won’t allow you on board." She said once more. "You're not human." She added.

"Well you just let me worry about that, hmm?” He said as they walked into the room where Ryou and the gunmen were. "You just tell those fuckers to let Ryou go, unharmed!"

"Or what?" The woman said smartly. "You have no intentions of killing me."

"I don't WANT to kill you...” Marik growled. "But that doesn't mean that I WON'T kill you. Or maim you... or something along those lines that might leave you horribly disfigured...” He glared at the gunmen. "Drop your weapons! NOW!!"

Ryou whimpered giving Marik a worried look. "Marik don’t do something stupid! Th-they're just angry you tore up the walls...” He said softly, worried as now guns were aimed at him AND Marik once again. "I-if we just fix the walls, I don’t think they'll still... b-be angry...”

Marik growled. "This bitch can afford to fix the fuckin walls. After all, you made all that money selling off the collar that I GAVE Ryou, DIDN'T you?!"

Ryou's ears drooped. "My collar...” He sniffled softly. "B-but... I loved that collar... Marik got it just for me...” He said softly, looking down and rubbing his eyes once more, smearing now blue paint over his pale skin. He was starting to look oddly colorful.

Marik's ears lay back. "Murrrr...” He said sadly. It broke his heart to see his lover so sad and abused. "I'll get you another one Ryou. Even if I have to work three jobs to pay for it... I'll get you another."

Ryou shook his head. "You can’t work three jobs! You'd never have time to sleep!" The woman laughed slightly.

"Oh please... the value of that collar, you'd have to work three jobs for the next ten years." She said chuckling more. "Let the rabbit go, this lion's desperate, and I'll have the walls repaired when I have renovations done, thanks to that little collar-sale."

Marik growled and tightened his grip on her, but then released her when Ryou hopped over. He dropped to his knees and hugged Ryou, tightly. "I'm sorry...” He whispered into the bunny's ear. "I'm so sorry, baby...”

Ryou hugged Marik tightly and sniffled softly. "Don’t you EVER do something so stupid again Marik...” He said hugging Marik tighter. "You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"You're worth it." Marik said, and quickly nudged Ryou towards the door, turning back and baring his teeth and the woman and gunmen, giving them a loud threatening growl before following Ryou out.

Ryou sighed shakily as they exited into the crisp night air. "Cold...” Ryou said shivering slightly. "where... where are we going to sleep?” He asked softly, looking up at gathering rain clouds. "It... it's going to rain soon...”

Marik sighed. "I, uh... I dunno...” He mumbled. "But I'll do something. Come on!" And he trotted off into the jungle, Ryou at his heels. He returned to the thick palm grove and began to work, pulling fronds together and tying them there with their own leaves until he had made a bit of a hut. Then he made a bed underneath it of leaves. It was crude, but as he and Ryou scuttled underneath to escape the rain that was beginning to fall, they discovered, to their delight, that it worked. And since they were huddled in the middle of a grouping of these palms, they were really sheltered on all sides and wind was minimal. Marik purred and curled up around Ryou, covering him with palm fronds that had broken off in the construction of the little shelter, trying to keep him warm. "How's this?” He purred softly, nuzzling Ryou.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled into Marik, laying his head on Marik's shoulder. "Much better... though I do wish we were at home with our bunnies... nuzzled into those warm blankets.” He said laughing softly. "Fresh out of the dryer...”

Marik mewled and wiggled his ears at THAT thought! NOTHING was better than napping in warm laundry fresh from the drier!!! He turned and began licking Ryou enthusiastically.

Ryou laughed and nuzzled into Marik. "You know what else? Those nice goose down pillows Malik and Bakura gave me for my birthday...” He said longingly. "I could cuddle into those and sleep in a heartbeat... they're always so warm...”

Marik smiled. "And soon, you will.” He said softly, and the pair drifted to sleep to the soft sounds of the rain...

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

It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that the two hybrid lovers woke. Ryou stretched and grunted. "ahh... my poor back.” He grumbled wrinkling his nose. "I think I've kinked it...” He nuzzled into Marik and sighed.

Marik smiled and yawned, then turned and scuttled away to relieve himself. When he returned, he grinned. "Well... now we just have to find a way on board that supply boat!” He announced.

Ryou nodded. "B-but how can we? We don’t know where the dock is... o-or how guarded it is! What if we get caught? What if they toss us out in the middle of the sea!?"

Marik nuzzled Ryou. "Ryou, all we have to do is follow the road. This IS an island. We'll follow the road to the dock.” He told him. "Once there, let me work out the rest, okay?"

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright...” He said softly, standing and stretching once more. "Ahh... sleeping on the ground isn't very good for you...” He mumbled wrinkling his nose.

"Well, we have to deal with it. Now come on.” He said with a smile. "Let's find that dock." And he trotted out to the road before the mansion.

Ryou hurried off keeping close to Marik. "You know Marik... you’re cute as a teenager." Ryou said softly, as they walked. "I think you're just adorable.” He giggled. "Those big eyes, and you're just so CUTE." Ryou said starting to gush. "If you weren't my lover, I'd adopt you as my kid and shower you with brat-making love."

Marik blinked, then blushed and looked away as they walked along the road. "Other people didn't think that... they thought I was nothing but some filthy thief...” He sighed, then turned and smiled at Ryou. "But... thanks. You're really pretty, too! And I mean PRETTY!!!"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "I looked like this during most of junior high... It's why Yugi had such a crush on me...” He said softly. "I... well, I look like a girl."

Marik chuckled. "You look better than a girl.” He said as they walked out of sight of the mansion.

Ryou wrinkled his nose more. "Ugh... oh come now, I look like a girl. You can’t lie. my own father didn't recognize me after he returned from a dig."

Marik laughed at that. "Really?! Oh, wow. That SUCKS!!” He snickered, then gasped and darted forwards after a squirrel.

Ryou squeaked. "MARIK! STOP THAT! LEAVE THE POOR SQUIRREL ALONE!” He yelped, chasing Marik. "Stop that! Leave it alone!"

Marik skidded to a stop and looked back at Ryou. "What? Why?! I'm hungry!!!” He whined.

"Eat your vegetables!" Ryou huffed catching up. "You didn't eat your salad with that lasagna! I didn't forget!"

Marik blinked, dismayed. "WHAT vegetables?!” He cried, looking around.

Ryou pointed to a patch of grass-like plants. "Salad. Eat.” He said firmly.

"I'm not just eating some random grasses! I'm a growing lion, Ryou! I need fresh meat!!!" And he looked around for that nice chubby squirrel.

Ryou pouted. "Marik! A GROWING lion needs his vegetables too! OR you won’t GROW anywhere! I will NOT sleep with you anymore if you have a shrunken dick because you refused to eat veggies when you needed to!"

"WHAT?!?!" Marik yelped. "I am a LION!!! We eat MEAT, Ryou! MEAT!!! NOT veggies!!! And the size of my dick is... well... umm...” He looked down at himself. "Come on, I'm barely in puberty! When I get back to normal, it'll be FINE!!!"

Ryou whined loudly. "Oh GOD you're already making excuses!” He wailed. "Malik's going to be having better SEX than me!” He pulled his ears. "Oh I'll never hear the end of his bragging, and Bakura will make fun of you! You know what he'll say? Teeny dick! Weenie wank! I can hear it now! "

Marik rolled his eyes. "Oh, good grief...” He snorted. "Of course Malik is having better sex than you. He's actually HAVING SEX!!! WE haven’t been together in SEVEN MONTHS!!!"

Ryou flicked his ears. "No, he's having better sex than you, you've already stated I've had sex while you were away. Remember?" Ryou said sticking out his tongue.

Marik groaned. "You are so mean to me!” He whined, and began walking along the road again, the squirrel long gone...

Ryou hurried after and nuzzled him. "Because I love you.” He said softly, sneaking Marik a kiss. "You can eat meat before we get on the boat... as much as you need... but PLEASE try to eat some greens today. We don’t know how many stops this boat makes before heading back to the mainland... and... well I don’t want you to get scurvy or something...”

Marik rolled his eyes. "Honestly Ryou, I am NOT going to get scurvy. I spent nearly three years eating nothing but meat, courtesy of Rem. And I was fine!!! Now come on!!!” He laughed, and trotted down the road.

"I'm willing to wager she snuck vitamin pills into your meat to prevent that." Ryou mumbled hopping after Marik. "Besides... once we hit the mainland, where then? I doubt we boarded a boat in Domino docks.” He said calmly. "Anyone with sense would have avoided that, with kidnapped children in tow...” He grumbled looking cross. "Where do we go then?"

"You leave that to me." Marik said with a smile, an air of confidence around him. "I'll take care of you."

Ryou blushed. "But... you have a tendency to not think things through!” He blurted worriedly. "What if you get into trouble? What if...” He whimpered softly and hopped faster, nuzzling into Marik's side. "I hate this...”

Marik paused and turned, purring and licking Ryou's cheeks. "I spent half my life on the streets, remember?” He said softly, and gave Ryou a gentle smile. "Trust me, we'll be better off on the streets of a city than here in a jungle."

Ryou nodded slowly. "But here... we have those other lions... on the streets... it's just... just us...” He said softly.

Marik sighed. "I'll take care of you.” He said, turning and walking down the road again. He suddenly stopped and blinked, flicking an ear. "Car! Hide!” He gasped, and leapt into some thick brush at the edge of the road.

Ryou hurried into the bush as well, watching as the car appeared, and drove past. Ryou's ears tilted back. "H-how'd he get here? I thought the boat wasn't coming until tomorrow...”

Marik shrugged. "I dunno...” He said, slinking out of the bushes and back onto the road. "But let's pick up the pace, huh?" And he began to lope away at a quicker pace.

Ryou scampered after Marik, looking around nervously. "Marik wait up!"

Marik smiled and eased his pace a bit so that Ryou was able to hop beside him without any strain. They must have looked to be the oddest pair; a skinny awkward lion, not an adult but not a cub, and a little feminine bunny hopping anxiously by his side.

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

Malik grinned to himself. "Oh this is rich...” He said flicking his ears. He'd found a group of men in a bowling alley, who were drinking, and obviously giving him the lusty eye. He sipped his fountain drink, flicking his ears trying to hear what they were saying. "Gods I love this!” He said to himself, amused and excited.

"So much for loyalty to your mate...” Came a grumble from behind Malik, and when he turned he found himself face to face with Bakura, who smirked and tapped his nose. "Can't escape me. Not with that hot sexy scent of yours." And he winked.

Malik grinned. "Oh don’t be dumb. I have no intention of fucking any of them.” He said chuckling. "I'm just going to stir up a bit of trouble."

Bakura blinked at Malik then grinned. "Well what are we waiting for?!?!” He asked, ears wiggling in anticipation.

Malik chuckled. "Alright... I'll lure them over, then when they start getting real frisky, scream 'child molester' over and over.” He said laughing softly.

Bakura's eyes widened and his ears perked up, and he grinned. "Seriously?!” He giggled, his voice cracking. "Oh my God, this is gonna be great!!!" And he ordered a root beer.

Malik chuckled and nuzzled Bakura. "Like I'd ever be unloyal to you... ‘cept maybe with Kheti.” He said chuckling. "But you're welcome to join us.” He teased.

Bakura's eyes widened and he blushed, making his freckles stand out a bit more. "Ummm... uhhh...”

Malik chuckled. "Alright… well... here I go.” He said standing and strutting over to the group of men.

The men all turned and watched Malik approaching with lustful eyes, which was disgusting because they were old enough to be his father.

Malik flicked his tail slightly. "I couldn't help but notice... that you've been watching me...” He purred leaning close to one of them. "Is there something I can... help you with?"

"Don't see many hybrids your age...” The tallest of the men said, looking Malik over. "In fact, we don't see many hybrids in here at all... where'd you come from?"

"And what ARE you?!" Another man laughed, flicking one of Malik's large ears. "Look at these ears! I hope you grow into them, kid!"

Malik flicked the man with his tail. "I'm from Egypt." Malik said looking the tallest man over. "Is there a reason you've been watching me?” He asked once more, raising an eyebrow, giving the tallest a very sexy look. "Or... perhaps I should just ignore it..."

"We were just... admiring...” The man said looking Malik over openly and sidling a bit closer to him. "Shouldn't you have chaperone with you?"

Malik sat down flicking his tail slightly. "I'm old enough to take care of myself.” He said calmly, giving the man a smug look. "I'm no child."

"Really now?" The man said, standing over Malik. "Older than you look?” He traced one of Malik's ears with a finger tip.

Malik flicked the ear after a moment. "I suppose you could say that.” He replied giving the man a smirk. "Old enough to know a trick or two...”

The men all grinned and chuckled. "What kind of trick?" The obvious spokesman asked. "Sit... speak... lie down... roll over...” His grin broadened and he stroked Malik's cheek. "... Cum?"

Malik smirked at the man. "Only for the right... master.” He said calmly, licking his lips. "I doubt any of you have that sort of... dominance.” He added daringly.

"Oh really?!" the man laughed, and sat down beside Malik while the others closed in. "Are you a hungry little stray looking for a master?” He asked, stroking Malik's thigh. Bakura grinned as he sucked on his root beer straw, waiting for the right moment.

"A little pup looking for someone to... put a collar on you?” He then rubbed Malik's throat.

Malik closed his eyes, sucking in a breath seductively. "A tight collar... and a demanding master...” He hissed, looking at the men, squirming slightly beneath the stroking hands. "I should go.” He added his ears tilting back slightly, showing a false emotion of nervousness. Oh this was gonna be good... he could only hope Bakura would wait until it was so obvious that a COP had to be called. Oh THAT'D be rich... Ishizu would KILL him!

"Now hang on little guy!" The tall man laughed, snatching Malik's wrist and pulling him back until the boy was in his lap. "Did I scare you? I'm sorry.” He began to pet Malik. "So, uh... what's your name?” He asked, and grinned. "You know... so I know what engrave on the tag for that tight collar...”

Malik looked thoughtfully at the man. "Mmm... I don’t think you're cut out to by MY master...” He cooed slightly. "You seem a little unsure...”

"I seem a little--?! YOU'RE the one who seemed to loose his nerve...” The man said, and his hand on Malik's thigh moved up. "You wanna come back to my place?” He asked, his other hand sliding down Malik's back and coming to rest on his rear end as he leaned closer to Malik.

"PEDOPHILE!!!" Came the sudden screech, filling the bowling alley. "CHILD MOLESTER!! CHILD MOLESTER!!! CALL 911!!! RAAAAPE!!!"

"FUCK!!" The man yelped, leaping to his feet which resulted in Malik being dumped on the floor.

Malik blinked dazedly, before looking up at the man and laughing his ass off. "Ra! You wuss!” He called laughing harder.

The men all stumbled around a bit before running for the door, Bakura's screams following them the whole way out.

Malik laughed harder as Bakura finally quieted and he smirked. "See? Fun!" he whispered, licking his cheek. "Though you should have waited until cops needed called... that's REALLY fun."

"They were groping your ASS!!!" Bakura howled. "And something else if I saw correctly! We SHOULD call the cops!!!"

Malik laughed. "But no one did.” He said nuzzling Bakura. "Want to do it again?"

Bakura grinned. "Sure! The mall? Then we have mall security to play with."

Malik nodded eagerly. "Next time, wait til it's REALLY incriminating. Like half naked.” He said laughing and hugging Bakura tightly. "Once we're done having fun, what do you say we sneak back into our house and give our bed some exercise?"

Bakura laughed. "Are we talking OUR house, or your SISTER'S house?!"

"Either." Malik replied, beginning to walk to the mall.

"WOOHOO!!!"

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

Pegasus sighed as he sat on a bench in his back yard, watching all of the rabbits run around. He sighed and rubbed his eye. He missed Ryou... terribly. And he was worried about him. His only hope was that Ryou had aged like Yami... He sighed and shook his head, then watched Spunky hop over to Angel.

Angel scratched her ear, laying down calmly, yawning. She missed her fathers, even though she was handling it a bit better than the other bunnies. They just needed to get their daddies body doubles, that way the doubles would get kidnapped instead.

Spunky hopped over slowly, then sighed and nuzzled her. 'I miss them, too... ' He said softly.

Angel flicked her ears. 'They'll be fine... ' she said stretching calmly. 'As many times as they've been kidnapped, it's assured.' she added.

Spunky began to groom her. 'I hope so.' He said, nuzzling her lovingly. "Beautiful...”

Angel flicked her ears. 'Are you still at that?' she asked after a moment.

Spunky gulped and blushed slightly. 'Uhh... y-yeah... ' He stammered, and gulped.

Angel sighed. 'How many times am I going to have to shoot you down before you stop it?' she asked flopping onto her side. 'Secret is going to be my mate.'

Spunky winced and drooped. 'What does he have that I don't?!' He yelped, angrily.

'Strength, looks, a home, building skills, the ability to fend for himself, charm, grace, poise... the list goes on..' Angel said, bored.

'He's also a stuck up bully who just wants to get under your tail!' Spunky spat, thumping his foot. 'What about me?! I'm smarter than he could EVER be!!! What other bunny can talk!? Tell out loud that you're beautiful!!! You asked me to say that! You said if I did you would be my mate! And I did! Are you going back on your word?! Do you really hate me that much?!'

Angel flicked her ears. 'If I remember right, you're the one who changed your mind on that. It's your OWN fault!' She yawned. 'You're the one who backed out.'

Spunky blinked, and his ears drooped and his tail fell to the ground. 'I backed out because I didn't want you to be my mate against your will... if you don't want to be with me... I won't make you. But next time, don't make a deal you won't want to live up to...' And he turned and slowly shuffled away, dragging his tail behind him.

Angel flicked her ears. 'You're the one who couldn't live up to it.' she said calmly yawning. 'It's not my fault you wussed out and missed out because of it.'

Spunky turned. 'I did live up to it. I told you that you were beautiful. And then you announced that you were hoping to mate someone before I could do it. Way to let someone down easy, Angel.'

'It's not my fault you can’t just give up. I've been nice, I've been polite. That didn’t work so I got meaner, and started shooting you down. For some godforsaken reason you seem to think 'no' means 'oh by all means KEEP trying'!' she said huffing.

Spunky sniffled, then turned and ran across the yard, darting into one of the burrows on the far end. Tuc sighed and looked at Nod. 'What do we do with those two?'

Nod sighed. 'Nothing... there's nothing we can do.' she said laying her head down. 'Angel just doesn't like him... '

Tuc sighed. 'And Spunky is broken hearted... ' he said, turning and nuzzling his mate, then blinked and watched Scamp go streaking past, screeching, followed by a furious Trigger, running on his hind legs with his frill flared open. 'There they go again... ' Tuc groaned.

Nod chuckled. 'They're your kids.' she said tiredly.

'Need I remind you that they're yours, too?' He snickered. 'Scamp needs to learn to leave Trigger alone... ' Trigger chasing his brother was a regular occurance.

'Something like how Spunky needs to learn to stop bothering Angel?' she asked flicking her ears. 'Every time he goes near her she hurts his feelings, you'd think he'd learn.'

'He's in love.' Tuc sighed. 'And determined... if Angel DOES mate Secret, Spunky will be crushed.'

Nod sighed. 'But she's obviously not going to mate him.'

'What? Who? Spunky or Secret?' Tuc asked, lifting an ear.

'Spunky of course. She doesn't seem to like him at ALL.' Nod said rolling her eyes. 'Why on earth would she mate him?'

Tuc sighed and lay his head down. 'Because he loves her... ' He mumbled. 'I worry about her sometimes... '

Nod sighed shaking her head. 'But she wouldn't be happy Tuc, unless she loved him too. Would you be happy if you didn't love me?'

Tuc sighed. 'I know, I know... I just wish she would love him... it's awful to see him pining for her.'

'I know... ' Nod said softly, looking over to Angel, who was contently sleeping. 'But I don’t think she will... '

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

As the sun began to set, Marik and Ryou couldn't ignore their growling stomachs and dry throats any longer. They left the road in search of food and water.

Ryou sighed stopping at a grassy spot and beginning to nibble, his ears drooping slightly. It would be dark soon... and they once again would need a warm shelter for the evening. Though currently Marik was more interested in the boar he'd found, and was stalking.

Marik growled softly as he slowly crept up on the thing... but he really didn't have much experience hunting, and the next thing he knew, the boar had lifted its head, and then ran. "MAO!" Marik exclaimed, and charged after it.

Ryou sighed softly and shook his head. "Marik... I'm not sure that's going to work...” He mumbled as the boar was clearly faster and within moments had escaped into the dense jungle.

Marik slowed to a stop and mewed sadly, then plopped down on the ground, panting.

Ryou sighed softly and hopped over. "It... it's not too late to ask for help Marik... I'm sure your pride would help you hunt...” He said softly, licking his lover's cheeks.

Marik sighed. "They could be anywhere, though...” He mumbled, rolling onto his side and closing his eyes. "I'm thirsty...”

Ryou nuzzled Marik again, before hopping away. He returned moments later with a melon. "I know you hate fruit… but this one has a lot of water in it...” He said softly, offering it to Marik. "At least you won’t be thirsty anymore..?"

Marik blinked, then smiled. "Ryou... you're the best mate any lion could ask for.” He said, taking the melon. He smiled at Ryou, and gently kissed his cheek.

Ryou blushed. "Did you really mean it... when you said you'd get me another collar?” He asked, curling up next to Marik, watching his mate slowly begin eating the melon.

Marik smiled and nodded as he tore open the rind and began to eat the meat of the fruit, lapping up all the juices with soft purrs.

Ryou blushed more. "That's sweet of you... but I don’t think it'd be the same...” He said giggling softly. "But the gesture alone is absolutely wonderful of you.” He cooed licking Marik's ears while he ate.

Marik finished off the melon quickly, and even licked the inside of the rinds to get as much as he could. Then he licked his sticky paws before beginning to give himself a cat bath.

Ryou sighed. "It's getting late Marik... where are we going to sleep tonight?” He asked after a long while. They were in the clearings of the island, near the docks, and the cool wind blew across the fields of clover and flower frequently. It was starting to make Ryou cold.

Marik sighed and stood. "I dunno. I guess I'll have to find us a place to sleep.” He said and trotted off into the darkening woods.

Ryou followed quietly, looking around nervously. "This place is... frightening at night when you're by yourself...” He said softly, looking around as he pressed into Marik.

A wolf's howl broke the eerie silence... followed soon after by more.

Marik frowned and looked around, growling softly. "I think tonight we had better sleep up high...” And he looked up into the trees.

Ryou's ears fell back when he looked up. "You can’t be serious! I'll fall out! You know I don’t have good balance in my sleep! I fall out of the bed once a week!” He blurted, looking shocked. "I'll break my neck!"

Marik sighed. "Would you rather sleep on the ground with wolves on the prowl?” He asked.

Ryou tugged his ears again. "P-perhaps UNDER the ground would be better...” He asked. "I... I can dig us a nice den f-for the night, and we can cover the entrance with leaves...”

Marik blinked, then sighed and nodded. "Let's find a spot so you can hop to it then... heheh... hop...” He snickered.

Ryou flicked his ears. "Watch it.” He huffed but offered a smile anyway. It wasn't long before they found an eerie looking old weeping willow, which Ryou began to dig at the base of, using the roots as a support to keep the hole from collapsing.

Marik sat guard from up in the tree, looking around and listening, sniffing the air.

Ryou smiled after an hour's work. He widened the entrance for Marik, who despite being younger was still bigger than him in a number of ways. "I'm done!” He called up, crawling into the hole and looking around. He did a fine job, if he could say so himself. There was more than enough room for the two of them to sleep, heck if Marik were a rabbit, he'd consider it a fine HOME.

Marik scuttled down the tree and into the den. "Wow... not bad, Ryou. Have you ever made one of these before?” He asked, licking the bunny's cheek.

Ryou blushed and shook his head. "N-no not really...” He said softly, pulling a couple of large leaves over the entrance and looking back at Marik. "At least I wont have to feel that horrid wind against my skin any more... it's FREEZING!” He said shivering and nuzzling up against Marik.

Marik purred and cuddled Ryou softly as the sun sunk beneathe the horizon outside. "I think this is a perfect shelter, Ryou.” He said, beginning to lovingly groom his mate.

Ryou nuzzled Marik and sighed softly. "I'm starting to have doubts about leaving...” He said softly after a moment. "I... I already miss that rabbit... the one who took me in...”

Marik smiled. "I know what you mean.” He said, continuing to groom Ryou. "I will miss the pride. Even though I really don't even know them. But we have friends and family back home. I have Bakura and Mama and... and you have Pegasus...”

Ryou nodded slowly. "But... not really... a family.” He said nuzzling Marik. "I haven't seen father since... before I became a hybrid! Longer than that even...”

Marik sighed and nuzzled Ryou. "Shhh... it's okay. You have me. And I'll never leave you...” He purred, and groomed Ryou until the boy was asleep.

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