Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 19

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Ryou groomed Tuc like a worrisome mother, examining him calmly, before beginning for possibly the three hundreth time. Without Marik to worry about, he'd become... Tuc's cleanliness living nightmare.

Tuc sighed and tried to squirm away. 'Nod! Do something! He’s going to lick me naked!' He whined.

Nod seemed to chuckle-squeak at that. 'Nah... I don’t think I will, you two are cute together.' she said scratching her ears.

'I'm getting sore from all this licking!' Tuc howled, thumping his foot. 'And he's blind so I can't tell him to stop!!'

Nod rolled her eyes and gently nibbled on Ryou's elbow. 'Tuc's whining, he wants you to stop.' she said despite the fact he couldn't see her.

Ryou sighed and put Tuc down. "Sorry Tuc...” He mumbled curling up.

Tuc squeaked and made a mad dash for the litter box. As he releived himself, there was a knock on the door, and Dartz walked in.

"Ryou?” He called, gently.

Ryou's ears perked slightly and he sat up, looking in Dartz's direction. "H-hello Dartz...” He mumbled sighing. "What... brings you here?"

"You." The man said softly, walking over carrying a tray of goodies... anything that Ryou might eat. "I brought you some food."

Ryou smiled slightly, despite his drooping ears. "It's alright... I'm not very hungry...” He said softly, picking up Nod and nuzzling her. "B-but thank you for visiting me...”

Dartz sighed and set the tray down on the desk and sat on the edge of the bed, petting Ryou. "You need to eat...” He said softly. "I know your heart has been... broken. But Ryou...” He sighed, not really knowing what to say.

Ryou sighed and nodded. "I'm sorry... it's hard to eat... when I feel like dying...” He murmured looking down. "Is... is... Marik... h-happy?” He asked, tears once again welling in his eyes.

Dartz sighed. "Well... he's eating.” He said slowly. "But is he happy? No, I don't think he is... Varon tells me everything that's happening with him. Constantine has been taking him out to the yard and is teaching him to hunt. Marik has done quite well, considering he's still blind... he... caught a rabbit yesterday... but Varon said that he couldn't bring himself to kill it... He... let it go. Constantine was... furious...”

Ryou nodded sniffling. "c-can I go see him?" Ryou asked, flicking his ears. "P-please?” He added slowly rising to all fours, limping slightly to the ramp, and hopping slowly down.

"No, Ryou... I don't think that's a good idea... he's... he's dangerous...” Dartz said, kneeling and holding Ryou. "He never goes anywhere without Constantine now... it's almost as if they were glued together...”

Ryou frowned, limping towards the door. "Please... I... I know he'll forgive me... h-he has to...” He mumbled nudging the door, trying to open it.

"No, Ryou...” Dartz said softly. "I cannot allow that... if he hurt you...”

Ryou sighed, pawing the door. "Then I'd be hurt... I cannot possibly hurt more than I do now...” He whispered. "Why should you care...”

"... because I don’t want to see you hurt more than you already are...” Dartz said softly. "I love you...”

Ryou's ears twitched softly. "Do you really mean that?...” He said softly, looking down. "Do you mean it... or... is it something I'm merely... supposed to believe...?” He asked, limping back to his bed and curling up on it.

Dartz wrapped his arms around Ryou. "I love you...” He said softly. "I'm so sorry... you and the lion... that was... that was never meant to happen... he could have KILLED you!"

Ryou let Dartz cuddle him, whimpering, though desperate for any love at all. "You... you once said you'd do anything to have me... h-how am I to know that this isn't all... just a horrible game...”

"Beause I meant it...” Dartz whispered, rocking the bunny. "Once you get your sight back... why don't you and I spend a day out in the gardens, hmm?"

Ryou blushed softly and sighed. "If you insist...” He mumbled, sighing and nuzzling into Dartz's arms. "I'm so tired... of fighting...”

Dartz smiled. "Good bunny...” He cooed, petting the boy. He offered him a strawberry, dipped in whipped cream.

Ryou sniffled and accepted the treat, nibbling daintily. "Good bunny...” He mumbled brokenly, sniffling and leaning into Dartz.

Dartz smiled, delighted, and continued to feed Ryou in this way. Tuc and Nod watched, angry, but they remained quiet... after all, Ryou was eating...

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

Constantine purred, gently running his claws over Marik's back, scratching him just how he liked to be scratched. "Wake up Marik... it's time to eat.” He purred. "There's something special on the menu today...”

"Mreeeeoooowl...” Marik mewled, yawning and stretching under that WONDERFUL scratching. His stomach growled. "Food?" He asked, opening his eyes, but closing them once again after seeing nothing but darkness.

Constantine smirked licking Marik's cheek. "Yes... something I think you'll find delicious...” He cooed, before the scraping of bowls across floor was heard. "Here you go...” Constantine said, laying next to Marik. "I think you'll know what this is...”

Marik blinked and sniffed. "Meat.” He said simply. "Of course it's meat. That's all we ever eat, is meat! I don't have... I don't have someone forcing celery down my throat now...” And he made a face to cover his sad look.

Constantine chuckled. "Of course not. Now take a bite... It's the most delicous meat you'll ever eat.” He said calmly, beginning to chew his own slab of rabbit meat.

Marik sniffed it over, frowning. There was something about that smell... slowly, he licked the meat, tasting the blood... the sweet sweet blood... the sweet... familiar... blood...

Constantine nuzzled him. "How does it taste?” He asked running a clawed paw down Marik's back soothingly once more. "I must admit it's a tad sweet, but certainly delicious."

"It's good...” Marik said slowly, before finally snapping up a small gobbet of meat and chewing. "It tastes... familiar...”

Constantine smirked slightly. "Delicious isn't it?” He purred, licking his lips as he ate.

"Mm-hmm!" Marik hummed, eating more. His tail thumped the floor as he wagged it, enjoying this meat.

Constantine chuckled. "Marik, this is the most delicious dish you will ever eat, I want you to remember this... for all your breathing days.” He purred. "You'll never have another meal like this, as long as I am your mate"

Marik blinked. "Why?” He asked, his face stuffed with food.

Constantine began grooming Marik's ear. "Because you'll never have to face that whore again."

Marik blinked. "Eh? What does that have to do with lunch?"

Constantine chuckled slightly. "It was lunch."

Marik froze and tensed up, and immediately felt his heart stop and his stomach turn. "... w-whah?"

Constantine immediately began soothing Marik, feeling his muscles tense. "Calm down...” He purred, licking Marik's cheek and petting him with a paw. "He died Marik... so, they fed him to all of the carnivores to make up for the money loss, by saving money on food."

Marik hurled himself away from the bowl, and then just plain hurled, bringing up every bit of the meat he had just eaten. Then he sat shaking and panting, his eyes wide.

"N-No...” He finally gasped.

Constantine frowned and pulled Marik close, tending to him. "I'm sorry Marik... he had too much water in his lungs... Daisuke couldn't save him... he drowned." Constantine whispered, hugging Marik tightly. "Do you understand?"

Marik's eyes widened and he shook his head, backing away from Constantine. "No... NO! I... I killed him... NO!!! GET AWAY FROM ME!! NO!!! RYOU!! RYOU!!! GODS, NOOO!!!!"

Constantine sighed. "Marik, he's not coming back... he's gone. He drowned, and he's in the bellies of everyone here...” He said calmly. "Even you admitted he was delicious."

"NO!!!" Marik screamed, skittering into the corner and then anxiously prancing in place, before suddenly turning and beginning to slam his head into the wall over and over again.

Constantine grabbed him and hugged him tightly. "Marik stop! There was nothing anyone could do!” He said calmly, holding him firmly. "You still have me."

"NO!! NO!! I LOVE HIM!!! I LOVE HIM AND I KILLED HIM!!!" The lion screamed, thrashing in Constantine's grip. "I KILLED HIM!!!"

Constantine hugged him tightly. "You didn't kill him Marik... he was too weak to take the strain... he inhaled too much water. It wasn't your fault.” He said softly. "Calm down...”

"I killed him! I killed him!!!" Marik continued to scream, over and over again. "Gods, just kill me! I want to die!!! Please!!! I killed him!!!"

Constantine hugged Marik tighter. "Part of life is accepting the inevitable end Marik. He was going to die sooner or later. He was sick. Daisuke said he'd been having breathing difficulties for years...” He added calmly. "He had maybe a year or two left in him anyway."

"No! It's not true!!!" Marik howled. "He was my mate! I would have known!!!"

"He never told you I'm sure, you couldn't support him, why would he? You had no way of getting him to a doctor." Constantine reasoned. "He probably suffered in silence."

Marik shook his head, and broke down crying. "No... no, no... oh, no...” He sobbed, curling up and shaking. "Please, let this be a nightmare... let this ALL be a nightmare!!!"

Constantine sighed. "Marik he's dead... you know what he tastes like, you've bitten him before. How could this be a nightmare?” He asked. "The rabbit is dead...”

Marik let out a long scream. "HOW COULD YOU?!?!” He shouted at Constantine. "You KNOW I still love him!! And you fed me his... his...” The lion wretched, but there was nothing to bring up.

Constantine growled softly. "I can only give you what I'm given Marik...” He said softly. "We're not in the wild... I can’t catch food for you like I would if you and I were...” He said apologetically. "You're weak and you need to eat. Even if it is Ryou."

Marik shook his head. "No, please... gods, don't do this to me, please... I'd rather starve than eat... oh, gods...” And he sobbed again. "Please don't make me...”

Constantine sighed. "Marik, it's part of life... lions kill the rabbits, to eat the meat...” He explained inching his bowl forward. "Besides, he's in a better place now, and I'm sure he'd be as sad as I would, to see you starving yourself to death. Especially since this is all that's left of him."

This only made Marik cry harder. "I don't care! I can't! I can't eat my... my mate! I CAN'T!!!"

"He's not your mate anymore Marik, you disowned him. He's a rabbit, I'm your mate." Constantine said firmly. "Everyone else has eaten your mate, now start eating. Even that skunk was licking his chops after having a bite of Ryou."

Marik stared in the direction of Constantine's voice, a look of devastation on his face. "B-Bakura?!” He squeaked. "Bakura ate... Ryou?!"

Constantine nodded. "Everyone on this floor did... who can eat meat.” He said calmly. "Even your master Malik...”

Marik shook his head, crushed. He turned and slunk into the pet bed, curling up tightly and facing the wall. The tears flowed silently as Marik blindly stared off into space, his mind filled with memories of Ryou... seeing him bathing in his cage at the pet store... their first time under his log... running across the green grass of the park, happy to see Marik alive... their time in the linen closet... and Pegasus giving Ryou to him. The moment they entered their home together, and the overwhelming joy... Marik curled up tighter and hid his face, sobbing in overwhelming grief...

Constantine sighed and curled up around Marik. "I'll take care of you...” He whispered nuzzling Marik's neck. "I will be a loyal mate to you, and make sure you are well fed, and taken care of.” He breathed calmly. "We'll go to the commons, and I'll catch you something else... since you're unhappy with what we have. ok?"

Marik sobbed and hesitated, then turned and buried his face in Constantine's mane, wailing in his grief for Ryou...

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

Yami groaned and sat up in his cage, rubbing his head. "Ra forsaken...” He mumbled looking around, he blinked and gasped. "Bakura?” He said staring through the glass at Bakura. "... What the hell is that thing?” He blurted looking at Spunky.

Spunky sputtered and made angry little noises. 'I'm a bunny!... erm... well I was a bunny!'

Bakura groaned and curled up tighter. "Shut up, Yami...” He groaned. A moment later, his little black ears shot up, and then, Bakura's head followed. "YAMI?!?"

Yami nodded a bit. "They finally got me. Ballsy bastards broke in and shot Seto and I... two feet from the window!” He growled, feathers puffing up. "Fuckers...” He grumbled before eying Spunky again. "So... what... is that?"

Bakura looked down. "THAT, is SPUNKY!!!” He shouted, cuddling the bunny.

Yami blinked. "Spunky?” He looked at it and tilted his head to the side. "ok... so it's got a name... I mean... WHAT is it?"

Bakura glared. "WHAT is with that hackjob on your wings?” He snapped.

Yami lifted a wing and scowled. Moments later there was the most TERRIBLE earsplitting squawking. "I'll kill them!” He howled furiously. "I JUST HAD THEM HOW I LIKED THEM!” He raged, through his squawks.

Bakura smirked and nuzzled Spunky. "Dont' you listen to mean' ole Yami...”

"Daddy." Spunky cooed cheerfully, licking Bakura's cheek. Yami paused and raised an eyebrow. "... did that THING... just call you dad?” He blurted.

Bakura whirled and stared at Yami. "You... you heard him?!” He gasped, then stood. "You heard him?!"

Yami blinked. "Well duh, I must have heard something to be asking about it.” He said crossing his arms. "What the hell IS that thing?"

"MALIK!!!" Bakura called excitedly. "Malik! Yami! He heard! He heard Spunky call me daddy! I'm NOT crazy and hearing things!"

Malik rolled his eyes. "Oh for Ra's sake Bakura we all know Yami's off his rocker, and now you're using him as a reference?! You're both insane."

Yami blinked. "I am NOT crazy!” He huffed, growling.

Bakura snorted. "Oh, and you're not fazed by the fact that Yami is suddenly HERE?!?!" Bakura howled, then turned to Yami. "So... what ARE you doing here?"

Malik laughed. "As if he wouldn't show up. He's a rare hybrid, it'd be weird if they didn't try to nab him.” He explained, purring while receiving a bath from the mothering Kheti. "ahh...”

Yami wrinkled his nose. "I got kidnapped.” He said calmly, wincing and inspecting the damage on his wings. "Seto'll have a fit when he sees this...”

"Heh... they clipped your wings...” Bakura snorted, then burst out laughing. "KARMA HAS GOTTEN TO YOU!!"

Yami snorted up. "Oh really? My feathers will grow back, Mr. had-surgery-not-to-smell-like-shit." Yami said beginning to preen his feathers, what remained of them anyway.

Bakura glared and cuddled Spunky, carrying him into their pet bed and curling up. "So... have you and Seto been enjoying the last month?” He snapped, bitterly.

"We missed you." Yami replied looking away. "As nice as a little getting along is... it was dull. I suppose I'm a creature of habit... have to pick a fight with someone, and since your ass wasn't around, I would pick fights with Seto, then apologize.” He said smiling. "He's been worried...”

Bakura glared at Yami. "Well, you'd better hope Seto gets you out of here fast. Before this place... completely ruins your life...” and he glared at the wall before beginning to groom Spunky again.

Yami looked up. "What happened?” He asked after a short silence.

Bakura glared at Yami. "I'll tell you what happened! We sat around here for weeks, waiting for you to come get us out!! All of us! Well you know what?! Even if we DO get out it's too fuckin late for Marik and Ryou, dammit! We spent MONTHS working our asses off trying to get them back together, and this place has gone and completely split them up in WEEKS, THAT'S what's happened!!! THEY'RE OVER!!!" The skunk screamed.

Yami stared. "How in hell did THAT happen?! And Seto and I have been trying our best Bakura, Ra he doesn't sleep in his BED anymore he just sleeps in that stupid office of his. No one knows a thing, or at least anyone who does, isn't talking.” He growled. "He, Pegasus and I were trying our best! We cant pull information our of our asses you know!"

Bakura frowned and turned away, shaking his head. "I know, Yami, I'm sorry...” He choked out, his voice thick with the tears he was holding back. "but it doesn't matter for Ryou and Marik anymore... it's too late for them... Ryou and Marik have been fighting ever since we got here because the owner has been trying to seduce Ryou... Marik knew it, but Ryou refused to acknowledge it, and Marik got raped by another lion and this came to that and the owner finally seduced Ryou and Marik was there, and... Marik tried to kill Ryou, Yami... he tried to kill him... and now... that lion has taken him as HIS mate, and... well... LOOK!” He looked across the way as Constantine and Marik were being led out to go for their time in the common.

Marik was still horribly thin from his illness and all the stress over the past few weeks. His eyesight was starting to return, but he was still pressed into Constantine's side as if glued there... He didn't even look up at his friends as they passed.

Yami stared shocked. "Oh gods...” He said softly. He gave Bakura a sympathetic look. "We'll make things right... I don’t think we have the full story...” He said after a moment. "If Marik's sight is just returning... how is it that he could have known Ryou was being seduced?” He asked. "I mean... Ryou can make all manner of noises, and certainly when he's flustered."

Bakura shook his head. "It doesn't fuckin matter, Yami...” He said, watching Marik get onto the elevator. "That other lion has him brainwashed anyway... Marik is scared to death of him and submits to his every fuckin' whim...” He sighed. "It... He's the same lion that screwed Ryou up in the Carribean...”

Yami sighed. "We'll think of something Bakura... Just hold on until Seto and Pegasus can find us...” He said softly. "It's the only thing we can do."

Bakura sighed. "I know... I just hope there's something left of them to save...” He mumbled, cuddling Spunky. "I love you, baby...”

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

Ryou nuzzled Tuc and Nod slowly, his vision was fuzzy still... but he'd gotten enough back to finally see. "Oh Tuc... I'm so glad...” He cooed, beginning once again to groom his friend.

Tuc squeaked and batted at Ryou's nose, then playfully hopped about, trying to get Ryou to play and crack a smile.

Ryou sighed and tickled him slightly, ears drooping. "You're so cute... How's Nod doing?” He asked softly, yawning and sitting up from his curled up position on the bed.

Tuc drooped. 'Worried about you.' He responded. 'We both are.'

Ryou scratched Tuc's ears. "Why? I'm fine...”

Tuc gave him a sad bunny smile. 'Liar... '

"I'm fine Tuc." Ryou said once more, nuzzling him. "I'm alive... and I'm healthy...”

'But not happy.' Tuc said gently, nuzzling Ryou. 'What happened... why did he... attack you?'

Ryou sniffled and looked away. "I was getting a bath... a-and he just... stormed in a rage... I wasn't doing anything...” He mumbled sighing. "I wasn't even being very agreeable with Dartz...”

Tuc frowned and thumped. 'Ridiculous. There HAS to be something more! He wouldn't just attack you out of the blue! He LOVES you!'

Ryou growled softly. "Don’t say that. Someone who loves someone doesn't try to drown them... doesn't call them whores, and insult them...” He grumbled looking away. "I was having a bath, and he came in shouting insults... I had no clue what was going on... and when he accused me of sleeping with Dartz... I tried to tell him I hadn't... and he went berzerk." Ryou said softly. "That's all that happened...”

Tuc blinked. 'You were just... sitting there. And the human was just... sitting there... ' He stated blandly, obviously not beleiving that at all.

"I was bathing!" Ryou huffed. "So, I was washing."

Tuc sighed and nuzzled Ryou. 'Do you really blame him?' He asked. 'I mean... I think you're both being brainwashed in this place. They've been trying to turn you against each other and break you up... maybe... maybe they finally... got to the lunkhead... '

Ryou whimpered softly. "Tuc he tried to kill me! h-he sat on me in the bath... I... I couldn't get away! He wasn't going to move til I was dead!" he said beginning to tremble. "He... he had no intention of moving... he told me he wanted me dead... never wanted to see me again... I was a whore, he hated me...” Ryou said looking away, pained. " It doesn't matter... if this is brainwashing t-to just not love me anymore... he tried to kill me...”

Tuc sighed and cuddled close to Ryou. 'We will always be here for you... ' He said, licking Ryou's cheek. 'Always. And if he tries to hurt you, I'll... '

'You'll what? Be turned into his chew toy?' Nod asked, hopping up the ramp. Tuc gave her a look.

Ryou smiled slightly. "She has a point... b-but I'm glad you're so devoted to protecting me...” he said beginning to groom Tuc.

Nod hopped over to Ryou quickly and nuzzled him. 'He likes to act tough, but he's just a daddy at heart' She teased.

'Only because you decided to make me one... ' Tuc muttered, shaking his head.

Nod clicked slightly. ‘If I remember, you were the one on top for our babies.’ She teased.

Tuc rolled his eyes. 'If you were on top it never would have worked, dear.' And he hopped off to the water bottle.

Nod squeaked her laughter. 'Ryou spoils you... ' she said amusedly 'you're so cute.'

Ryou shook his head, smiling slightly. "You two stop bickering... those babies love you both, no matter who was on top.”

Tuc sighed from over by the water bottle. 'It's been so long since I've seen them, I don't think I'd recognize them anymore... they must be almost grown by now... ' and the rabbit drooped sadly.

Nod's ears drooped as well. 'Tuc... I'm sure they're safe and well... we'll see them again... ' she cooed hopping over to him and nuzzling him. 'We can only hope that they grew up well... and wise.'

Tuc looked back, a mischeivious sparkle gleaming in his eyes again. 'Grow up wise? With the striped one raising them?' He teased.

Nod flicked an ear. 'Wise ass anyway... ' she mumbled irritatedly.

Tuc hopped about, kicking up his feet, either highly pleased with himself or in need of exercise. Of course, it could have been both. He finally charged up the ramp and took a lying leap onto Ryou's head and nibbled at his ears.

Ryou giggled and plucked Tuc from his ears. "Alright alright! I'm smiling see? Stop being so silly before you hurt yourself!" he cooed, rubbing noses with Tuc. "Honestly, what if your young ones saw you prancing around like this?" he teased kissing Tuc's forehead.

'They'd think I was going mad with cabin fever. And they would be right.' Tuc said firmly, looking Ryou straight in the eye.

Ryou laughed more. "I must agree... I would love a nice nibble on some clover and a session of sunbathing myself...” he said smiling and looking around, his vision finally clearing up. "Oh if only I had a window... I could let you two out to enjoy yourselves."

And on that note, Dartz walked in with a smile. "I'm sure I could make that happen." He said. "Would you and your little friends like to go outside?" Tuc and Nod squeaked and scrambled under the dresser so fast, Ryou didn't even see them go!

Ryou blinked and nodded slowly. "Dartz...” he mumbled softly. "My... my friends miss their babies...” he said frowning. "C-could they see them?"

Dartz blinked, and looked at the two little pink noses poking out from under the dresser. He sighed, then smiled and nodded. "Of course they can...” He said gently, walking over and petting Ryou.

Ryou nodded, slowly standing from the bed, unsteadily at first, walking over to the dresser. "Please... come out... you can see your children." Ryou said softly, pulling them out carefully and cradling them to his chest. "Lets... go see them please." He said softly, giving Dartz a pleading look.

Dartz smiled and nodded, guiding Ryou out of the room. But they didn't go outside. Instead, Dartz took them to what looked like a little play room for hybrids. Then, he paged Amelda.

"Amelda, please bring the rabbits belonging to the fennec and skunk to the screening room, please." He called, then looked at Ryou and smiled.

Ryou blinked, putting his friends down. "Screening room?" He asked softly, looking around. "W-what is this room for? I've... never seen this room before."

Nod stayed close to Ryou, looking around 'Oh... I could die in here... look, there's my favorite chewies... ' she squeaked, flicking her ears.

Dartz chuckled. "This is where we put our hybrids when doing a psychiatric evaluation." He said, pointing to a large mirror on the wall. "That's a window." He said.

Ryou nodded slowly. "I see...” he said softly. "Somehow I think I'd fail... this place is making me insane...” he mumbled pulling the toys his friends wanted over for them to enjoy.

"No sunlight... no freedom... Marik...” Ryou's ears drooped.

Dartz smiled. "Well... I would have taken you outisde but... Dai messed around with the babies... one of them now has wings." He looked Ryou over to see how he's take this news. "I didn't want it to fly away."

Ryou gasped and shook his head. "H-how could you... you let him do that?!" He whimpered. "Tuc and Nod's precious babies!" He felt tears stinging his eyes. "Th-they were their babies! J-just babies!"

Dartz knelt. "I didn't LET him!" He protested. "Rafel and Daisuke went behind my back with this. They've been using those poor babies to get the skunk to behave! I have forbidden them from doing that now... But I promise you, both babies are fine... they're just... hybrids, now...”
Ryou winced. "Poor Dust and Spunky...”

Nod glared at Dartz. 'If I could talk, I'd be screeching and telling you off you horrible human!' She said, thumping her leg. 'How DARE you touch our babies! Lets see YOU push three young ones out of your body and see how you feel!'

Dartz eyed Nod nervously, then went back to Ryou. "I truly am sorry, baby...” He said gently. "I never would have allowed them to do that... NEVER... but the skunk and fennec are taking good care of them...” And then the door opened, and Amelda stepped in with a large cardboard box.

"They were so upset when I took them from their caretakers I couldn't hold them!" He gasped, setting the box down. "The one kept flapping his wings and making these awful noises and the other was kicking and biting...” He opened the box and Dust exploded out in a flurry of chittering feathers and flew around the room, loudly voicing his displeasure at being put in a dark box. Dartz yelped and did the only thing he could; duck and cover.

Ryou blinked. "Oh goodness... Dust!" he squeaked. "Dust calm down!"

Nod stared, tilting her head to the side. 'I'd always had high hopes for Dust... but... oh my... '

Dust squeaked furiously, before landing in Ryou's lap, feathers bristling. He turned on Amelda and Dartz, chittering and squawking most displeased.

Amelda gave Ryou a guilty smile. "Sorry to upset him...” He said, then tipped the box over onto it's side, and Spunky came streaking out, squeaking his own fury. He ran straight to Tuc and Nod and squirmed between them for protection, though he was nearly as big as they were, now. Dartz smiled and left the room with Amelda, letting Ryou spend time with the baby bunnies.

Ryou nuzzled Dust and picked up Spunky. "Oh my... you've both gotten so big!" he cooed, trying to calm them down. "Are you ok? Have Bakura and Malik been taking good care of you?" He asked softly, scratching Dust's ears and Spunky's chin.

Nod sniffed at her children. 'My poor babies... are you ok?' she cooed, beginning to groom Spunky mothering him in overdrive, for the time she'd missed.

'Holy shit will you look at that TAIL!!!' Tuc blurted, staring at Spunky.

'TUC!' Nod clicked furiously. 'You be nice to your son!' She darted forward, nipping Tuc harshly.

'Ow! Ow! Hey!!' tuc protested. 'Come ON!!! Look at him!! Did you let the striped one knock you up?! He looks more like HIS kid than mine!!!'

Dust trilled and leaned into Ryou's pettings in the meantime, and nibbled his fingers, little bunny tail flicking constantly.

Nod bit Tuc harder. 'TUC! How could you?! He's your son! You apologize this minute or so help me I'll make your life miserable!' She growled, clicking furiously.

Spunky's ears drooped and he looked away. Feeling suddenly very awkward... and unwelcome.

Tuc sighed and slowly hopped over, nuzzling his son. 'I think the striped one has rubbed off onto you.' He teased, licking the tuft of black fur on Spunky's forehead, and just cuddling him in general. 'You've gotten big... '

Spunky's ears perked slightly and he nuzzled Tuc. "Daddy."

Ryou and Nod's ears shot straight up an they turned to stare wide eyed at Spunky. Tuc, on the other hand, let out a shocked squeak, shot two feet into the air and did a back flip before darting behind Ryou and hiding.

Spunky shrank back suddenly, looking down. 'I'm sorry... '

Ryou blinked tilting his head to the side. "You can talk?" he asked, pulling Tuc from behind him. "When did that happen?"

Dust chirped. 'He's been talking for a few days now, but it seems Daddy is the only thing he can say. Only Bakura and that bird guy hear him though... Malik and Kheti think Bakura's insane.'

'I think he's insane too!' Tuc squeaked, staring at his son in shock. 'But as you humans say, takes one to know one... so we all know what that says about me! My son just TALKED!!!'

Ryou giggled and picked Spunky up, hugging him. "Oh you cute little guy... I think you've made Tuc's day. Say it again?" Spunky squeaked and squirmed giddily.

"Daddy! Daddy daddy daaaaaaddy!" He chirped out.

Nod cooed and nuzzled Dust. 'What a big boy... oh Now we can tell those awful garden rabbits in the back yard to shove it. Our babies are far more precious!'

Tuc snorted. 'They'll just say they're freaks.' He grumped. 'It's not OUR fault their babies are plain and brown while OURS are black and white and gray!' He thumped his foot. 'I can't WAIT to see their faces when they hear Spunky talking and see his beautiful tail and see Dust about to divebomb them for touching Ryou's garden!' And Tuc puffed up his chest in pride.

Nod squeaked joyfully. 'What beautiful precious babies! They'll have to hush! Oh Dust you fly so well! And Spunky! Oh Spunky I never would have imagined you'd talk! Your fur is gleaming with beauty!'

Ryou giggled. "Oh it's wonderful to see my family so happy...” He cooed, scooping the bunnies up and nuzzling them. "I've missed everyone... But it's sad... poor Precious Baby isn't here for the festivites...”

Spunky nodded and nuzzled his family. 'I miss him... I hope he isn't hurt... '

Ryou laughed. "Oh I'm sure master Pegasus has spoiled him rotten... he'll likely be a tubby little bundle of fur."

Tuc queaked in laughted. 'He'll have to ROLL down the hall! OW!!' He complained when Nod nipped him again. 'Whaaaaat?' Dust chittered in amusement and stood on his hind legs to flap his wings, then folded them neatly to his back.

Ryou giggled. "Oh Nod be nice... Chubby bunnies are cute!" he said pulling Nod off of Tuc. "Poor Tuc...” he licked her cheek. "There's no way he'd be thin, he probably has free range of the garden Pegasus gave me...”

Nod squeaked angrilly. 'We would NOT have to roll my baby down the hall!' She clicked furiously.

Dust, Spunky, Tuc and Ryou all giggled at the mental image of rolling a fat round Precious down the hall.

Nod clicked more. 'you should all be ashamed of yourselves!' She grumped. Ryou nuzzled her. "Oh it'll be ok... if he's too fat we'll all help him trim down a little." He cooed, putting her down. "Maybe if I ask nicely, I can get all something to nibble...” he said smiling. "I'm sure you all would love some nice fresh carrots and celery...”

Spunky's ears flicked. 'Ohh... that does sound good... ' Dust preened a wing. 'I like celery... ' he cooed, beginning to chirp a little song.

Tuc nuzzled Nod. 'Sounds good to me.' He said, licking his mate's cheek, lovingly.

'Spunky look! Daddy's kissing mommy's ass!' Tuc's ears shot up.

'I AM NOT!!! Where did you leanr that!'

'Bakura.' Both babies said in unison.

Ryou laughed and stood, putting the bunnies down, to squabble. "D-Dartz?" he called, peering out the door. "D-Dartz?" he called once more, stepping out and closing the door behind him. He looked around nervously, before walking in a direction that felt lucky.

Dartz immediately rounded the corner. "Yes dear?" He asked, peering at Ryou over the rims of his reading glasses and lowering the papers he was looking at.

Ryou blushed slightly, ears falling back against his hair. "I... I was wondering... m-my friends... they're hungry." He said softly. "Could... they have something to eat?"

Dartz smiled and nodded, going over to the nearst intercom. "Varon, please bring some nibbles to the screening room for four rabbits and one hybrid rabbit." Then he kissed Ryou on the forehead and ran off as a phone somewhere started to ring.

Ryou walked back to the screening room, catching Varon on the way. "A-ah thank you...” He said softly, taking the small covered platter. Varon bowed slightly.

"Not a problem." He said smiling. Ryou blushed and bowed back respectfully, watching as Varon turned to leave. He entered the room and laughed softly as the bunnies had progressed into a chasing nipping match.

"I brought some food...” he called softly sitting down near them, giggling when Nod chased Spunky around him three times, while Tuc tried to jump up and tag Dust.

But when Ryou uncovered the dish, they all came running over to see what there was to eat. Spunky snagged himself a raddish and Dust snatched a lettuce leaf and perched himself on Ryou's head to enjoy it. Tuc and Nod cuddled together and shared a carrot stick.

Ryou smiled and picked up a plate with some tomato and cucumber slices and ate them daintily. "Mmm...” He cooed happily.

The whole group ate and ate, then played a bit longer, before all the rambunctious bunnies had worn themselves out. Ryou nuzzled their sleeping balls of fluff and sighed. "mmm my precious family...” he cooed watching them sleep.

A few minutes later, Dartz walked in.

"Ryou?" He called gently. "Wanna go outside?" He asked, trying not o wake the sleeping bunnies. "We can let your friends outside tomorrow, they look worn out right now...”

Ryou sighed softly and nodded, standing. "Alright...” He bit his lip. "They'll... be ok?" he asked carefully slipping out the door, silently.

"Of course, dear... I'll have them returned to their respective rooms." And he called Amelda to do just that... But Daisuke showed up in the room first. He looked over the rabbits, and selected Nod.

"Time to finish what I started, my dear...” He hissed, and carried her away...

Outside, Dartz had taken Ryou to the courtyard garden. And it was in full bloom with the coming of spring.

Ryou looked around quietly. "It's... very beautiful here...” he said after a moment, breaking the silence. "Its good to be outside...”

Dartz smiled. "Go ahead and explore...” He said, looking at the fountains of roses that grew up the walls of the building. They were in full bloom and the air was thick with their scent. "I love this time of year...”

Ryou walked slowly, looking around, ears flicking in interest. He had to resist the urge to begin nibbling on the delicious smelling flowers. The air was simply filled with the sweet smells of flowers, and the butterflies made no attempts to hide themselves, as they flittered from one flower to the next.

Ryou caught one and smiled at it. "Hello...” he cooed, letting the creature fly away completly unharmed and unphased.

Dartz smiled at the sight, and chuckled when Ryou finally gave in and nibbled on a Morning Glory. "Is it good?" He asked the bunny.

Ryou squeaked and swallowed, blushing. "W-well... yes...” he admitted sheepishly. "Master Pegasus... made his backyard like this for me... fountains and waterfalls... flowers and vegetables everywhere... he even made the paths out of soft dirt, which was tilled every other day so it wouldn't hurt my feet...” he said hiding the balded stalk that used to have petals.

Dartz laughed at that. "Ryou, nibble all you want." He said, petting the bunny's ears. "I don’t mind it at all. This is my own private courtyard."

Ryou sat on his knees near the flowers, picking one and nibbling on it, blushing. "Thank you...” he whispered after a moment. "for... bringing me here." he gave Dartz a grateful look. "I've been going mad, trapped inside for so long... I'm sure my garden at home has long since withered...”

Dartz smiled gently and slowly sat by Ryou. "If you like... I will let you tend to the vegetable garden here." He offered, stroking Ryou's hair.

Ryou nodded. "Tuc and Nod too?" He asked hopefully. "A-and their children?"

Dartz frowned. "I don't want that little one to fly away...” He said, sounding concerned.

Ryou shook his head. "I dont think Dust would fly away. He loves his family." He said taking another nibble of his flower.

Dartz sighed. "Well, I'll think about it, okay?"

Ryou nodded. "Thank you." He whispered, putting away another balded stalk, and looking over the flowers. "They're very beautiful... did you grow them yourself?"

Dartz laughed. "Not at all!" He said. "I have a gardener for that. I kill everything I try to grow."

Ryou flicked his ears. "That's cheating...” He said picking a crimson rose and beginning to nibble the petals off. "If you cannot grow flowers, it's cheating to observe so much beauty in them."

Dartz smiled at Ryou. "But it's better than having to try and enjoy the dead shrivelled things I always end up with." He snickered.

Ryou nodded. "But you should enjoy those too... you tried your best." He said smiling. "The best part of growing a plant... is nurturing it." He nibbled a petal. "All things must die sooner or later... to make new soil for the next...”

Dart sighed and shook his head. "Sweetie, my plants die within a week of my getting them...”

Ryou laughed. "Then you've terrible luck, and should learn how to garden properly."

Dartz laughed. "Perhaps you can teach me?" He asked, drawing closer to Ryou.

Ryou blushed slightly and looked away. "I... I don’t know... it's hard to teach Gardening...” He said softly, finishing the last petal on the rose. "I... I only learned because... f-flowers were my only companions when my father left on expidetions... u-until I met friends at school...”

Darts drew even closer until he had Ryou pressed up against a large topiary. "Are you sure?" He hissed, then kissed Ryou, stroking his side.

Ryou squirmed blushing and shivering at the touches. He gasped once Dartz pulled away, looking at him nervously. "B-but... Marik... we... w-we cant...” he breathed looking away.

"He has left you...” Dartz murmured, kissing Ryou again. "He has tried to kill you...”

Ryou didn't squirm as much, though he still pulled away slightly. "But... we're mates... it isn't right...” he mumbled, looking more than a little pleased, despite his protests.

'Marik... ' he thought, before the nagging voice in his head seemed to smirk at him. 'oh shut up, take this man as your mate. He's better than Marik... look at what he has to offer, if you'd just love him. A grand house... huge gardens, comforts only the richest people observe... look at how he looks at you... '

Ryou looked at Dartz and closed his eyes biting his lip. 'He loves you more than that stupid lion... he's been sleeping with that horrible Constantine... he tried to KILL you... '

"Marik is with Constantine now...” Dartz hissed into Ryou's ear, only weakening Ryou's resistance even more. "He is with his own kind now... hunting... and eating... rabbits...”

Ryou whimpered softly. "Wh-what... about me?" he breathed, fearing the answer. 'Please... he wouldn't kill me... he... he wouldn't!'

The nagging voice laughed, seeming to mimic Constantine. 'nothing but a fuck and a meal Ryou... to a lion, that's all you are... '

"He already DID try to kill you...” Dartz hissed in Ryou's ear.

Ryou looked down. "But... I loved him...” he mumbled, his voice cracking with pain. His resolve was wobbling and cracking around him. What was the point? What was the point in trying anymore? Marik didn't want him... he wanted him dead! This man...

'He'll take care of you... you can move on... get back on track.'

Dartz leaned in and wrapped his arm around Ryou, pulling him close to his chest and kissing him.

Ryou shivered and reluctantly kissed back. 'See? He'll be a fine mate... ' the voice seemed amused by this. Ryou however was not amused. 'Marik never kissed you this gently... this one's a good kisser.' the voice taunted. Ryou pulled away, grunting softly and blushing.

'Stop it!' he tugged his own ears and sniffled. "Dont... y-you're hurting me...” he breathed, wiping at his eyes, which despite their burning, had no tears.

Dartz released Ryou. "I'm sorry! Where did I hurt you?" He asked.

Ryou sniffled softly. "My heart...” he whispered somberly.

Dartz winced and backed away. "I'm sorry...” He said gently.

Ryou sniffled and nodded. "It's alright...” Ryou said looking up at Dartz and biting his lip. "You'll... still want me? E-even though... I'm so used...?” he asked after a moment of silence. "My own mate doesn't want me anymore... and... you do?"

Dartz blinked again, then smiled and moved close to Ryou. "Of course I do!!" He said, placing gentle hands on Ryou's hips. "Your mate is a fool to give you up. You are a treasure among treasures, Ryou. A god among hybrids... A pearl among pebbles...”

The blush that been fading from Ryou's cheeks darkened once more. "I don’t feel much like a god...” he said looking at Dartz and biting his lip.

"Your beauty would make the gods themselves swoon...” Dartz complimented, drawing near to Ryou again.

Ryou smiled and leaned forward, offering Dartz a shy kiss. "Th-thank you... but you'll get worse luck if you say such things... you'll make the gods jealous." he said blushing so hotly, his cheeks were practically glowing.

Dartz smiled and kissed Ryou. "They're already jealous...” He murmured, and crushed Ryou against the topiary in a powerful kiss.

Ryou bit back giggles, allowing Dartz to dominate him. 'He'll... take care of me... he's not... SO bad... ' he thought, perking just a bit. 'B-besides... h-he's not a bad kisser... n-not at all... '

"I want you...” Dartz hissed between kisses, stroking Ryou's body all over. "I've wanted you since I first laid eyes on you...”

Ryou shivered, his ears quivering softly. Spring was in full bloom around him... the touches... kissing... He bit back a moan, shivering more. "A-ahh!" he squeaked between kisses. "Y-you have me now...” he moaned suddenly, a bit surprised at himself for that lusty little remark.

Dartz was also a bit surprised, but pleasantly so. "I'm glad to hear it...” He hissed, and quickly lowered Ryou to the ground and fumbled with the belt of his little kimono.

Ryou laid in the soft grass, nuzzling the flowers as Dartz fumbled with his belt. Spring was in the air... the butterflies were flitting from flower to flower, the whole area seemed to exude the aura of spring. "mmmmm...” he moaned softly, stretching languidly under Dartz's touches. He sniffed the air and closed his eyes, panting softly. It smelled of rabbit hybrid... a large male... strong and dominating. Ryou shivered. Where was that scent coming from?

Little did Ryou know, the scent was coming from Dartz, courtesy of a spray that Daisuke had made for him. The perfect scent to get Ryou aroused... Dartz finally untied the belt and opened Ryou's robe, staring down at him.

Ryou shivered and panted beneath Dartz. "S-spring... I... smell rabbits...” he moaned, reaching up and trying to grab Dartz, finally managing to grasp one of the man's sleeves, pulling him down for a kiss. Spring... when all good little bunnies began their heat.

Dartz groaned and quickly began fumbling with his own belt, unfastening it and unbuttoning his pants, gasping when his hard erection was finally freed. The moment had heated up and the pair engaged in a hot, sloppy kiss as Dartz wedged himself between Ryou's legs and trailed his lips down the bunny's neck as he slipped two fingers into his body, quickly preparing him.

Ryou moaned loudly, arching. "Ahh!" he yelped, which quickly tapered off into another moan. "D-Dartz...” he hissed squirming and thrusting against him. Every inch of his body was on fire, the male rabbit... the air... he craved this. No, craved wasn't the extent... he NEEDED this. "Please! M-more!" he moaned, panting harshly, ears quivering with his desire. "God please!"

"As you wish...” Dartz gasped roughly, and slipped his hand down between his own legs, guiding his erection into place, then entering Ryou fully with one quick thrust.

"Ahh!" He gasped, closing his eyes at the sudden pleasure.

Ryou moaned loudly, wincing slightly at the sudden intrustion, but pain quickly melted away into pleasure, and he found himself mewling and squirming. "More...” he panted softly, tugging at Dartz's arms. "s-so hot...” he mewled, tossing his head from side to side. "Please... more!"

Dartz groaned and latched onto Ryou's neck, thrusting fast and hard, wrapping his arms around the boy's knees and lifting them up to get the better angle.

"Oh god...” He groaned. "Oh god... R-Ryou...”

Ryou panted, moaning and mewling with each thrust, thrusting against Dartz, trying to get him deeper and deeper inside. "D-Dartz!" he moaned arching and quivering. His world was on fire, and Dartz seemed to be just the thing to keep him cool enough to survive. "Oh god please!" he pleaded, not sure what he was asking for. "Please!" he moaned loudly once more, littering Dartz's face with kisses and heated lusty breaths.

Dartz maneuvered Ryou so that the boy was on his side, and he hooked one of his legs over his shoulder, grasping his hips and pulling him into his thrusts, which got faster and harder.

Amelda walked by the window with Spunky and Dust, and froze, staring out with wide eyes. "OH my GOD!!!" He yelped, and ran, his virgin eyes violated.

Ryou gasped, grunting as each thrust rocked his whole body with the force. "Ah! G-god Dartz!" he moaned, hands falling to grip the grass to steady himself, fearing he'd be pushed out from under Dartz with the rough force of sex. "So... close...” he mewled panting.

"God! You're so... fuckin' hot!!!" Dartz groaned. "Mine!! No one else will touch you! Ever! You're mine!!!" He panted, close to his own orgasm. "I love you...”

Ryou moaned once more, stiffening as his orgasm overwhelmed him, his lust spilling over himself and Dartz. He shivered as Dartz continued to thrust into him, continuing to feed that dizzying aftershock of orgasm. He could hardly think, his mind so muddled with pleasure.

Dartz threw his head back and bucked forward, shouting out his own orgasm, before losing his balance and slumping over onto Ryou, barely catching himself on his arms.

Ryou's ears flopped into his face, his bangs plastered to his forehead from sweat. "A-ah... D-Dartz...” he whimpered trembling from the sheer force of his orgasm. This was an incredibly new kind of pleasure... something only gained through springtime heat could attain. "S-so good...” he mewled and nuzzled into him.

Dartz smiled and kissed his cheeks, gently. "You have thrown off my whole schedule...” He said softly, slowly pulling out of Ryou and putting himself away, then redressing the bunny.

Ryou sat up slowly, looking VERY toussled. "Schedule?" he mumbled shaking his head, ears flopping from side to side with the motion.

Dartz smiled and slolwy gathered Ryou into his arms and stood. "I'm... going out of town this evening... And I had alot of things to do before hand...”

Ryou groaned, wincing slightly as Dartz picked him up. "ahh!" he clung to Dartz and nuzzled into him. "Sore...” he mumbled, ears twitching in slight pain. "You... you're leaving?" he asked after a moment. "You... you'll take me too right? Dont leave me here with Daisuke... th-that man is evil...”

Dartz smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "Hush now...” He said gently. "I won't be gone long. I'm just going to go inspect the new location before I send the transfer hybrids to it."

Ryou blinked. "Transfer? Who... who's leaving?" he asked, eyes widening fearfully.

"I'm still making those decisions, baby. They'll be leaving in three days." Dartz said, carrying Ryou inside. They turned the corner and ran into Daisuke and Rafel... and Daisuke was holding Nod...

Ryou screeched, lunging out of Dartz's arms and tackling the man to the ground biting him in almost lightning fast moments, clutching Nod protectively.

"BASTARD!" he howled continuing his attack.

"RYOU!!!" Dartz gasped, but Rafel got to Ryou first, seizing him by the ears and jerking him off of Dai, Ryou's little kimono going flying. The man blinked at the semen on Ryou's stomach and inner thighs. He grinned at Dartz.

"Congratulations, boss." He snickered, and Dartz glared.

"Daisuke, what were you doing with that rabbit?!?" He snapped.

"Taking her back to the kid's room!" Dai yelped.

Ryou was blushing and growling, snapping at Daisuke and Rafel. "YOU bastard! You liar! She smells like that awful lab of yours! You did something horrible! I just know you did!" he howled struggling fiercely, finally managing to bite Rafel harshly on his side.

"YEEEOW!!!" Rafel howled, and dropped Ryou. Dartz quickly scooped him up.

"Shhhh... I will deal with them, Ryou...” He said, carrying Ryou towards the nearest bathroom.

Ryou growled softly, clutching nod. "He's an evil man... I hate him...” his growls slowly died down, looking around. "Bathroom?"

Darts smiled. "I thought you might like a bath." He said, setting Ryou down and beginning to run a bath.

Ryou blushed and nodded, stripping, glad to be recieving a bath. Walking around with the aftermath of sex on him, wasn't really on his list of things he wanted to do. "Thank you." he cooed, putting Nod down and hopping over to the tub, watching the water fill up eagerly.

Dartz smiled and lifted Ryou up, kissing his little nose, then setting him into the tub and gently filling his cupped hand with water, only to sprinkle it over Ryou, while caressing his cheek with the other hand.

Ryou squeaked and shook the water off, ears once more flopping around. He blushed slightly and nuzzled Dartz's hand. "Aren't you going to take a bath too?"

Dartz smiled. "I will shower later, Ryou. I must be quick, angel. I have so many things to do. I must go through the hybrids and choose those to send to the new location."

Ryou blushed slightly. "If you're in a hurry you wont have much time at all to groom me...” he said flicking his ears. "And you look like you want to." he added matter-of-factly.

Dartz smiled. "I will groom you." He said gently. "I always have time for that, my dear." And he kissed Ryou on the tip of the nose, then looked back to check on Nod who was curled up on a soft fluffy towel.

Ryou sighed and rested his head on the edge of the bath. He closed his eyes and sniffed. "I still... smell rabbits...” he mumbled after a moment. "A big male one...”

Dartz blinked, then smiled. "Do you now?" He asked, running a soapy cloth over Ryou's body and kissing his face gently.

Ryou nodded slowly, ears flicking. "Y-yes... I smelled him out in the garden too...” he mumbled blushing.

"Do you like the smell?" Dartz asked, stroking Ryou's cheek.

Ryou shivered, ears quivering slightly. "ah... y-yes... I suppose so...” he whispered sniffing the air more. "So strong... d-dominating...”

Dartz chuckled. "Then I shall smell like this more often. Just for you." He said, giving Ryou a playful teasing kiss.

Ryou squeaked, eyes snapping open. "That's... you?!" he blurted lunging forward out of the tub and beginning to sniff Dartz over. "B-but how?! You're not a hybrid...” he sniffed more, soaking Dartz from the contact.

Dartz laughed and hugged Ryou. "I thought it might make you feel a bit more comfortable and relaxed. You've been so stressed lately, I... I wanted to try and make you feel more... at ease...”

Ryou blinked and blushed. "B-but how'd you do it? Are you a hybrid... a-and just not showing it?" he asked sniffing again, perplexed.

Dartz laughed. "I asked Daisuke to make something for me, my dear." He snorted. "At least the man is good for SOME thing...”

Ryou growled softly. "That man is not good for anything! H-he stole my life from me...” Ryou mumbled looking away.

Dartz frowned. "If... if you ask me... I will not wear the scent again...” He said softly, stroking Ryou's cheek.

Ryou sighed. "It's alright... I... I just remembered when I first met that awful man... it still hurts...” he said softly. "He took away so much...”

Dartz nodded. "I know, Ryou... He has taken SO much from you...”

Ryou sighed. "If I were human, I wouldn't have had all this horrible... trauma about mates." he grumbled, crossing his arms and pouting cutely, ear tips hanging in his face. He glared at them and blew one out of the way.

Dartz sighed and nodded. "I wish I could... remove the animal DNA from your body, but... I can't...”

Ryou blushed. "But then I wouldn't be so beautiful... or so you said...”

"Ah, you would always be beautiful, Ryou... but you wouldn't have that... sweet timid charm of the bunny in you."

Ryou blushed and nuzzled Dartz. "I wish you wouldn't leave me here with Daisuke and Rafel... they have problems with me... I... I just know something bad will happen the instant you're gone...”

"Shhhh... I will tell them to leave you alone my dear." Dartz said, lifting Ryou out of the tub and wrapping him in a towel. Then he smiled. "Your little friend is awake." He said, looking at Nod who was watching them.

Ryou grinned. "NOD! Oh Nod are you ok?" He asked squirming loose of Dartz and hopping over to his friend, without a second thought. He picked her up and nuzzled her.

'Ugh... Well I'm a little sore... but I think I'm ok... ' she squeaked, licking some water from Ryou's hair. 'Another bath? You'll drown yourself in baths one day.'

Ryou giggled. "I've already tried that... once is enough."

Dartz sighed and shook his head. "Come along, Ryou. Let's take you and your little friend back to your room so I can groom you, okay?"

Ryou nodded and stood slowly, holding Nod in one arm, and a towel around his waist with the other. "Alright...” He said calmly, nuzzling his friend. "Lets go."

Dartz wrapped an arm around Ryou and guided him down the hall to be groomed.

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