The Jungle

The Jungle

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

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

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Chapter 21

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Yami glared at Seto slightly. "I don’t want to...” he grumbled sitting in the limo next to him, his arms crossed, stubborn streak alive in him again. He had no intention of putting up a fight however... Seto was doing it for the right reasons.... even if he hated them. Not to mention Bakura was a little under the weather.

Seto simply rolled his eyes.

"Yami, I don't want to hear it.” he snapped, glaring at Bakura and Marik who were multitasking. And said tasks included arguing loudly, playing with everything they could get their hands on in the limo, yelling at Seto for taking them to vet again, and wrestling on the floor of the limo. "Maybe you haven't noticed, but I'm at my wits end just with those two." The CEO said, then looked at Yami. "What I need from you right now is a little bit of support so I keep my sanity." And he wrapped an arm around Yami's shoulders and kissed his cheek.

Yami's gaze softened slightly and he sighed. "Ra I hate it when you do that...” he said pulling away and huffing looking away from Seto. "You do it on purpose because you know it does that too.” he grumbled, unable to remain stubborn when Seto touched him. He melted like an ice cube on a hot sidewalk, and became putty in Seto's hands every time, and the kisses merely added to that searing sun, melting that ice.

"I can’t even voice complaint about a crazy veterinarian touching me in my nudity, because you're such a controlling...." Yami paused and glared at a seat, feeling the amused look from Seto on the back of his head.

Seto sighed when they arrived at the vet's office. "Here we go...” he muttered, picking up the leashes that were clipped onto Marik and Bakura's harnesses. "Please be civilized, Yami, these two will wreak havoc on their own with no problem..." And he got out of the car and took the three hybrids into the office, noting that Dr. Inogawa had added 'Hybrid Specialist' onto his sign.

Yami rolled his eyes. "My feathered ass he is.” he grumbled, following Seto in calmly. They checked in and Seto began filling out the paperwork. The doctor came out and shook his hand smiling.

"Good to see you back Mr. Kaiba.” he said looking at Yami . "Oh wonderful!” he said immediately reaching out and pulling a wing carefully out to examine it, where they stood. "Oh his wings are beautiful, they've grown back perfectly.” he said stroking a few feathers, moving a few to the side, checking them carefully.

Yami twitched tugging his wing slightly, wanting to fold it back against his back, hating anyone's hands but Seto's on them.

Seto smirked. "Yes, he was a bit difficult at first, but I got him to take all the proper medications. I'm really liking that sedative I give him at night. Can I get a refill on that?" Seto asked, grinning at the look Yami was giving him.

The doctor smiled and nodded. "Yes, but I recommend trying a few nights without it, his sleeping should have synchronized with how you've decided you wanted it by now, and he should sleep the hours you want him to, without the pills." He said pulling out a pad and writing the prescription down. "Good news; His wings are parasite free. Though I'm giving you a prescription for a concentrated form. Mix it into the water you mist him with once a week, so he won’t get a re-infestation. Also, I'm going to recommend two conditioning sprays for his wings, because he looks like he would just glow with a little feather-pampering.” he said handing the paper to Seto. "Are you going to enter him in bird shows? You have quite a cock... you could win best in show easily... or perhaps you're going to mate him and sell his offspring?” he asked curiously.

Yami's wings drooped and he looked like he was just about to die. "Ra... Why don’t you just put a bullet in my head...?” he asked softly, slapping his own forehead.

Seto chuckled, hearing Yami. "No, not planning on any bird shows any time soon, OR breeding him. It's hard enough to get him to take his pills, so I doubt he'll get horny on command." Bakura and Marik cracked up, pointing at Yami.

Yami growled at them. "I'm going to kill you both.” he grumbled.

"Ahh... well that's why I'm here." the doctor said chuckling. "Bird breeders often bring rare birds in for a shot that revs up the old baby making machines.” he chuckled. "If you ever have the urge to breed him, bring him by; we'll have him horny in a matter of minutes, and ready to mate the lovely young hen of your choice."

Seto grinned and he, Marik and Bakura all turned to see how Yami would take this bit of information.

Yami glared at them all. "I'm going to have the birds in the aviary shit all over you for weeks...” he growled.

"He is in his prime time Mr. Kaiba, I would recommend mating him off to a hen if you can find an owner of one willing. He's still very tense, likely still sexually frustrated..." The doctor said patting Yami's head and feeling the muscles in his back. "Oh yes definitely.” he said noting several prominent knots. "His wings are tense, which means he's ready to court.” he explained. "I doubt you'd need me to give him any shots, by the look of things he'd jump a hen on sight."

Yami twitched and looked at a window, considering his options....

Seto chuckled at the very idea. "Well, I will be thinking about it. The problem is that there aren't very many bird hybrids around. As far as I know, Yami is still the only one. And I never was planning on breeding him in the first place. I was thinking about the possibility of Chemical Castration, just to put an end to that problem." Seto said, then added mentally 'and to see him flip out over the mere suggestion...'

Yami gasped and turned on Seto, looking ready to kill. "You bastard....” he hissed.

The doctor chuckled, watching the bird seemingly prepare to gouge out Seto's eyes. "Well before you consider that option too much, I have something I meant to show you.” he said nodding as two vet techs came out to lead Bakura and Marik to separate rooms, each needing a thorough exam.

"I will get to them in just a moment. Please, come with me.” he said picking up Yami suddenly and carrying him down a long hall, opening a door into a dark room. "Now, I'm going to show you something that only true bird enthusiasts know.” he said putting the pissed off King of Games into the dark room and closing the door, leading Seto to an adjoining room with a mirror-window.

"I thought you'd like to know this.... just... in case.” he said chuckling softly. "You seem pretty fond of the little fellow... and you're not the only owner of a hybrid that'd grown 'fond' that I've seen.” he said smirking.

Seto blinked. "Okaaaayyy...” he said slowly. "I'm not quite following."

The doctor chuckled. "You seem like you have a bit of a crush on him.” he said bluntly.

Seto's eyes widened and his cheeks flushed. "I, well, I mean...” he couldn't believe he had been caught. "Well HE... and when I got him, I....” he sighed and shook his head. "Am I that fuckin' obvious?” he finally grumbled.

The vet chuckled. "Very much so, and by the look of things neither of you have made any advances. I keep telling you about his sexual needs because it's quite possible for a bird in it's prime to go.... well, a bit insane if not... sated.” he chuckled. "If you like him enough, I have something you might want to see."

Seto snorted. "I HAVE been making advances! He's the one who has to ask what kind of wood my furniture is made out of every time I do!!!" And he sighed and shook his head. "Stubborn cock... Okay, what do you have to show me?"

The vet laughed. "Something that will make you irresistible to him.” he said smirking. "If..... you're interested that is."

Seto blinked. "This doesn't involve me dressing up in some Vegas Showgirl outfit made of feathers, does it?” he asked suspiciously.

"Oh heavens no!" The vet laughed at that. "Don’t be ridiculous, feathers don’t make the bird, or its mate.” he said smirking. "This solution is far more simple, and if you're truly devoted, you could work it into your every day routine as though nothing had changed."

"Okay, okay, quit stalling to build the suspense and show me already!" Seto blurted, a little frustrated, and a little over eager.

"Well, as you saw, I put Yami into a completely blackened room. While you and I have been talking, he's been listening to the sounds of birds of the same species, to keep him calm." The vet said calmly. "I'm sure he's shown you his colors, at least once correct?” he asked, motioning to the mirror-glass, which was currently black on the other side. He walked over himself, and motioned to a control panel. "I'm sure it was a beautiful sight too..."

Seto blinked. "You mean showing off his plumage? Yeah, I guess you say that." And he smirked, remembering when Yami had done just that and randomly started singing; it had been too cute.

"And I'm sure it was followed by a mating song.” he added. "Well, something you may not know, is birds see in a spectrum that we humans cannot.” he said calmly. "I can make these colors visible however with the use of the room Yami is in. It will still appear completely black to his eyes, as the light that I use to expose the colors, is invisible to HIS eyes."

The doctor flipped a switch, and the room was dimly lit and sure enough Yami's wings glowed in a brilliance that was simply breathtaking.

The doctor smiled. "This, is how his plumage appears to him. He sees these colors, along with all the colors in our visible spectrum."

Yami yawned softly, the darkness making him a tad sleepy, and stretched, unfolding his wings, unknowingly showing the full extent of the color range.

Seto's eyes widened. He hadn't seen THAT much color in Yami's wings before. He thought they were just red, black and gold, but now he was seeing a very vivid purple in there as well as hints of blue and green along the edges. "So... you're saying that he sees all the colors I see, but can also see colors that I can't?" Seto asked, wanting clarification.

The doctor nodded. "Birds can see the ultraviolet colors that humans can only see under certain circumstances.” he said calmly. "It's how they distinguish each other; to us, four pigeons will all look the same, but to the pigeons, they each look different in a very big way."

"Birds are drawn to that color, it gives them something to recognize, and although I doubt he'd have trouble recognizing you, you lack the ultraviolet coloration that birds seek; to him, you're.... very plain."

Seto blinked, a bit taken aback at this statement. "Are you telling me that I have be.... ultraviolet to really seem... appealing to him?" Seto said, giving the vet a look of confused shock. "I have to be freakin' radioactive for a BIRD to like me?!"

The vet laughed. "It's much the same with humans. You like him, and something tells me it's not his charming personality.” he chuckled. "I'm willing to bet it's that bright spikey hair, and those vibrant red eyes."

Seto chuckled. "Actually, it was his completely annoying and grating-on-my-nerves personality. I like a challenge. And he presented one. But I will admit that his physical features are quite pleasing to the eye."

"Precisely, but if he weren't pleasing to your eyes, would you still want him near you? Probably not so much. Birds are very picky creatures. If you ever handle many as I do, you learn quickly. Birds with very little ultraviolet color, often end up mateless, and die, or are left out of the flock as outcasts. As you can see Yami's coloration is VIBRANT, almost to the point of exuberance. In a normal flock, he'd likely be the alpha cock, which any hen would gladly mate." The doctor smiled, “but male birds are picky, and won’t mate just any bird with ultraviolet coloration. And since you lack any at all, of course to him... you're... well... to be blunt, not as attractive as you could be. But this is where I can help you."

Seto sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You can make me ultraviolet?” he mumbled.

"Oh heavens no, I can’t make you anything, I can provide you a lotion, that is completely invisible to anything but birds, in other words, something just for Yami.” he said smiling a bit. "But first we have to find out which color your bird is most attracted to. Notice each panel in the wall in the room is painted with an ultraviolet color? Once I turn on the light, Yami will naturally be drawn closer to the color of his choice, the color that most intrigues him and attracts him."

The doctor turned off the light for them, making the room dark once more, and turned on dimmed regular lighting. Yami blinked slightly, rubbing his eyes and looking around dazedly. He seemed to be scanning the room, before suddenly walking a bit to his left and leaning against the wall, as though he were tired of standing.

"Seems we have a winner." the vet chuckled. "I love how birds always act like they can’t see them... look how he hides his reasoning for picking THAT panel."

Seto stared. "Are you saying that the color that appeals most to him... is blue?” he said, and an amazed and incredulous smile slowly appeared on his face. “Why that cocky little bastard…”

"Indeed, ultraviolet blue seems to be the color of his choice." The vet said opening a cabinet and looking through it. "What I suggest is, next time you plan to make an advancement, take a fine toothed comb, and coat it with this.” he said holding up a small jar of almost water like liquid.

"Then comb through your hair. That will streak it in an almost natural way, and he'll see that color and be attracted to you, instead of your furniture.” he said chuckling. "You might even have your tailor spray some more permanent ultraviolet blue coloring on some of your clothing... it's up to you how creative you get." The vet handed Seto the jar. "Free of charge.” he said chuckling. "Consider it a gift for Yami, since I can’t stand to see the poor guy so tense."

Seto took the jar and eyed it. "Umm... okay.... if I use this crap I'm not gonna get mobbed by a flock of pigeons if I go outside, am I?” he asked.

"Don’t be silly. Of course not. They'll see you, but they're not going to do anything but recognize you." The vet said laughing. "Most likely, I imagine Yami will probably be with you where ever you go, and he'll not only scare off any potential onlookers, but he'll have the stance of a mated bird at that point, and they'll notice that, and leave you be, IF they even developed an idea, and if you're really worried, it washes out with a shower."

Seto chuckled and nodded, getting a sudden mental picture of a flock of pigeons being chased around by Yami for looking at Seto the wrong way. "Okay, well, I'll give it a try, thanks. Are you gonna let Yami out of there now? I'm sure he'd love to poke fun at Marik and Bakura while they get their checkups. He'd kill me if he missed it..."

"Of course." The vet chuckled. Leading Seto out of the room and opening the door.

Yami looked up blinking and rubbing his eyes. "What took you so long? It's pretty boring just standing around in here...” he said straightening and looking around once more, only this time Seto knew what he was looking at.

The vet chuckled. "C'mon then, lets get started with Bakura.” he said walking from the room.

Yami looked at the walls once more, following the two men out of the room and down the hall, glad to enter Bakura's room, and amused to see him harnessed up and unable to move.

"Oh? Do my eyes deceive me? Or is karma finally biting you in your furry ass for your impudence?"

Seto snickered and leaned over to the doctor. "Told ya.” he muttered, as Bakura turned and started struggling, shouting obscenities at Yami.

The doctor chuckled and nodded, watching Bakura. He called in a vet tech, and a moment later Bakura found himself in a head harness with a bit in his mouth. This infuriated him even more because of two reasons. One, he couldn't bite. And two, he couldn't curse a blue streak at Yami any more.

"Yami just sit down." Seto said, taking his arm gently and pulling him over to the chairs against the wall. "Bakura's upset enough as it is, let him get his stitches out and check up in peace, okay? You can tease Marik when we go see him, next." And he began petting Yami's wings.

Yami grumbled softly, but remained otherwise quiet as Seto stroked his wings.

"First thing's first..." The doctor said walking to the cabinet and pulling out a thermometer. "Time to check his temperature."

Yami almost fell out of the chair, trying his best to hold in the uproarious laughter that threatened to escape his lips.

Seto's eyes widened and a smile of amusement and disbelief came over his face. "Are you serious?!” he gasped. Yami laughed even harder at Bakura's reaction. His eyes widened more than Yami ever thought possible for the skunk and they rolled back in alarm towards the doctor. Then, he crouched down as much as he could in the restraining harness and tucked his tail in as tightly as possible.

The vet sighed and grabbed Bakura's tail and yanked it up harshly, inserting the thermometer quickly and walking around front of him. "While we wait on that, I'll check his stitches." The doctor smiled and began removing the stitches, where liquid stitches hadn't been used. "He seems to be coming along fine...” he said calmly. "Does he show any signs of being in pain at all?"

Seto and Yami both looked at each other and grinned. "You mean aside from what he's showing right now from having a thermometer up under his tail?" Seto chuckled, and the grimacing Bakura glared. "No, not really. He's been taking it easy, as Marik has actually been very doting. Keeps a close eye on him and waits on him hand and foot. He's been really good with Bakura, hasn't he, Yami?" And Seto turned to his amused song bird.

Yami was slowly turning purple in the face, trying to keep from bursting into a laughter so powerful he'd never recover. "Y-yes.....” he stammered, twitching, and a wide smile sprawled over his face.

"Ahh, good good..." the vet said shining a light into Bakura's eyes, then moving to examine his ears. He listened to Bakura’s heart and his breathing, and checked the condition of his claws. "He's in excellent shape.” he walked back to the cabinet and began pulling out several needles. "I'll give him his immunity shots, and get him chipped. He's a fine example of a well bred skunk."

Bakura began to squirm and whimper, trying to speak but was unable to with the bit in his mouth. His eyes turned to Seto, pleading, then to the doctor, and even to Yami. He shifted around uncomfortably, pulling against his restraints and gnawing at the bit. Seto frowned.

"Bakura, calm down. What's upsetting you?” he asked.

The vet gave Bakura his injections, and stooped to look at his underside, "Hmm....” he said beginning to prod and grope at Bakura's 'delicates'. "Everything seems in order. Has he exhibited any signs of sexual tension?” he asked, feeling Bakura's testicles closely. "He seems well developed, and doesn't SEEM to have any sexual trouble..."

Bakura began thrashing and struggling, making furious noises at being groped.

"Ummmm...." Seto blinked. "Well, I honestly haven't had him for very long. See, I adopted him and the lion from the pound the same day I brought them in the first time.” he explained. "I knew them both and their owner, who disappeared mysteriously. Very unlike him, we're all quiet worried about him. It was reported as a case of abandonment, but I know that's not true. Their owner was completely devoted to both of them, he loved them to death. I suspect that he was a victim of foul play, but until he returns, I'm taking care of his hybrids. But I honestly don't know about Bakura and Marik's... sexual states.” he looked at Yami. "Any ideas?"

Yami snickered and shook his head. "Not a clue...." he said giving Bakura an amused look.

The vet nodded a bit and carefully unhooked the bit, prying Bakura's mouth open to examine his teeth. "Hmm... I'm going to prescribe some treats to clean his teeth... they look a little... less than clean.” he said taking a few notes.

"FUCK YOU!!!" Bakura roared, snapping at the vet's hand. "The only dirty one around here is YOU!!! NO TOUCHING THE EQUIPMENT YOU FILTHY PERVERT!!!" Seto chuckled.

The vet grinned. "Foul mouthed, it's no wonder.” he said calmly. The vet slowly walked back to Bakura's back end and lifted his tail, before chuckling slightly.

"Well... we seem to have a problem..."

"NO SHIT!!!" Bakura howled. "What kind of a fuckin' vet are you?! I can't--" But he was cut off as the vet sighed and put the bit back into his mouth, muttering about a very loud and foul mouth. Seto snickered at Bakura.

"What's the problem?” he asked. "Is Bakura okay?"

"Well, he's fine, but we have a bit of a dilemma." The vet explained. "I seem to have lost my thermometer. Of course this happens quite often with animals like skunks. You have three choices. We can wait for him to pass it naturally.... or we can give him some laxatives to speed that up..."

Seto's eyes widened, as Bakura's narrowed with a low and angry growl. "I am NOT giving him laxatives if he's going to be in my car...” he said, firmly.

The vet nodded, pulling on a glove and snapping it slightly. "As you wish."

Yami's eyes widened, and his grin was so broad it was impossible, he began howling with laughter. "HA HA HA OH RA!” he howled doubling over and panting to keep air in his lungs as fast as it was leaving with his laughter. "This is just PERFECT! Ra has shone his grace and granted a miracle!” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Seto glanced down at Yami, rolling his eyes, but when Bakura saw the vet go for the bottle labeled Sterilized Water-Based Medical Lubricant, he went berserk. He startled growling and snarling, and thrashing, shaking his head, his claws skittering over the metal table top.

The vet coated the glove and 'dove right in'.

Yami's jaw hit the floor for a moment before another wave of laughter hit him. "You're going to be walking funny for the rest of the day!” he howled amusedly.

The vet pulled the thermometer out after a moment and checked it, before taking it to the contaminated bin and tossing it in. "He's fine.” he said calmly, glad to see Bakura had calmed down after having almost an entire hand up his posterior.

Of course, 'calmed down' wasn't quite what Bakura was... it was more mortified and shocked. He growled and glared at the vet and Yami both, his ears back and his tail bristling. Seto could tell that Bakura would get violent if he managed to get out of his restraints at that moment.

"Yami, be nice.” he said firmly, feeling quite sorry for Bakura at the moment. He could only imagine what Marik's reaction would have been if he had witnessed this; laughing hysterically or attacking the vet to protect Bakura.

"I'm trying..." Yami said trying to withhold his snickering.

"Well... all that's left is to give him his shots, chip him and get height and weight." The Vet said, lifting Bakura's tail once more to examine his rear. "No problems with his removed stink gland area....” he smiled and picked up the needles, being nice about Bakura's injections. "You've been a very good boy.” he said praisingly. He dug through a drawer and pulled out a peanut butter flavored treat, a skunk favorite.

"Here you go.” he said handing it to Bakura, carefully removing the bit. He decided that distracting him so he could chip him successfully was a good idea, hence the treat.

Bakura growled and snatched the treat. "If ya think that make up for your hand up my ass, you are SADLY mistaken.” he snapped. "Come near me again and I'll rip you open like Marik would..."

"Bakura!" Seto scolded.

The vet quickly injected the microchip while Bakura was distracted with his treat, and Seto.

Bakura howled and then coughed, choking on his treat.

The vet gently rubbed Bakura's back until his coughing stopped. "Good boy, you're one of the best behaved skunks I've seen...” he said carefully un-harnessing him and reaching into a small fridge and pulling out a hunk of steak, giving it to him. "A treat for the good skunk."

Bakura growled at the vet, wanting to bite, but the steak was just too tempting. He snatched it and leapt off of the table, crawling under Seto and Yami's chairs to scarf if down.

Seto rolled his eyes.

Yami chuckled and shook his head. "Well at least you don’t have to come back for a while." Yami said peering under the chair.

The vet shook his head amusedly. "Bakura one more thing for me? I need you to come stand on this scale for me.” he said pointing to the scale. "I'll give you another piece of steak if you cooperate."

Bakura growled. "I'd rather take a piece out of YOU!” he snapped, and settled down under the chairs making it quite clear that he had no intention of co-operating.

"Alright... fine." The vet said reaching under the chair suddenly, and yanking Bakura out by the scruff of his neck and setting him on the scale, quickly getting his weight, before holding him up to get a rough estimate of his height, which would have to do until next time.

He quickly put Bakura down, before the skunk had a chance to retaliate.

"Marik is across the hall.” he said opening the door and heading over to the lion's room. "Marik, are you ready to start?” he asked, laughing slightly as once again Marik was loving on the lovely lady vet techs.

Seto and Yami walked in, followed by a grumbling Bakura, who was indeed walking a bit funny. Marik turned and looked at the vet, cocking his head. Then, he snorted and sat down, lifting his hid leg to scratch behind his ear.

The doctor rolled his eyes when the vet techs mumbled apologies about not having Marik ready and quickly got him into the restraining harness. Marik whined when they put the head harness on him with the bit in his mouth, then pouted when they left. Seto and Yami sat down, and Bakura crawled under their chairs to watch Marik's check up.

The doctor nodded and began removing Marik's stitches. "He's a beautiful lion. His mane is obviously well groomed.” he said calmly, running a hand through Marik's hair, before looking into his ears carefully. "I'm going to give you some drops for his ears... it looks like he's got a slight case of ear-mites.” he said chuckling. "Nothing too bad however.” he added. He shone the light in Marik's eyes. "hmm...” he said rubbing his chin a bit. He un-harnessed Marik's head and pet him softly. "Do you have any trouble seeing things?” he asked examining his eyes once more.

Marik blinked and shook his head.

"Huh uh.” he replied, sniffing the doctor's front pocket curiously. Seto smirked.

"Jeeze, Bakura... I thought Marik would be the misbehaving one...” he said, looking down.

"Fuck you." Bakura grumbled.

Yami snickered. "Bakura can’t help it, he IS a skunk.” he said teasingly.

"How about colors, you don’t have any trouble seeing any colors do you? Your eyes look a bit strange... it might be that my light needs realigning however..." The vet said putting the light away and going over to the cabinet and pulling out the same shots as he'd given Bakura.

He pulled out another thermometer and lifted Marik's tail, inserting it carefully.
"Hopefully we won’t have another incident." The vet chuckled at Bakura, before stooping and examining Marik's delicates. "Hmm... you are quite the fellow aren't you!” he said laughing.

Marik's eyes widened. "H-HEY!!! That is a restricted area for authorized personel ONLY, pal!!!!” he roared, his face reddening. "HANDS OFF!!! And get that thing OUT of my ass before I fart it out!!!"

Seto's eyes widened, and Bakura burst out laughing.

Yami at this point, FELL out of his chair laughing. "Oh Ra, this is perfect!” he howled.

The vet chuckled. "Just a minute.” he said finishing his examination of Marik's 'restricted area'. "Hmm. You certainly are well equipped aren't you?” he chuckled going back and removing the thermometer, putting it in the contaminated bin. He nodded and jotted his temperature down in his medical chart, then listened to his heart and breathing, and took his blood pressure. Then he checked his claws and teeth (or Marik showed them off, rather).

"Healthy as a horse.” The vet complimented and opened another small refrigerator. He pulled out a thick slice of steak. "Now Marik... see this steak? I'll give it to you, if you agree to be a good lion and let me weigh and measure you. Agreed?"

Marik snorted and eyed the doctor, still squirming a bit. But he also eyed the steak and licked his lips. "Sure.” he said. "What's wrong with my eyes?” he asked, sniffing eagerly towards the steak. Seto grinned and Bakura rolled his eyes.

"You just show signs that you might need corrective surgery." the doctor said, giving Marik the steak and un-harnessing him. "I'm giving you a prescription for a de-wormer." The man added looking to Seto. "They both show signs of internal parasites. They might not have them, but it's better safe than sorry, and I'm also giving you three heartworm pills, one for each of them."

Seto nodded. "Okay. Now what about corrective surgery on Marik's eyes?” he asked, watching Marik finish the steak and hop down onto the floor, obediently trotting into the hall and hopping up onto the scale, waiting patiently.

The vet picked up Marik's papers and began taking notes. "He seems to have a slight astigmatism.” he replied, patting Marik and directing him to lay on the floor, to be measured. "Lions often develop them at a young age, but it's a simple surgery, only takes a few minutes and sedatives aren't needed. It's completely painless."

Marik snorted. "Asti-what?” he asked, laying down and rolling onto his back. "Muuuuuurrrrr....” he said as a vet tech walked past, and got a giggle and tummy rub as a reward.

"Astigmatism. It means your vision isn’t as good as it could be, things are blurry. You've probably had it since you were young and never noticed, since you had no good vision to compare it to."

He measured Marik and patted him on the head. "Mr. Kaiba, I'm going to take Marik back and get that corrected.” he said smiling. "If you could head out front and take care of your paperwork and the bill, I'll have Marik out by the time you're finished.” he said pulling out an even larger hunk of steak, so fresh it was still bleeding slightly. "Who's a good lion?” he said leading Marik to the back, with the tempting steak.

"Muuuuurrrrumph!!!" Marik said excitedly, prancing after him.

"Gods... there he goes again..." Bakura groaned, rolling his eyes.

"Don't forget to microchip him!" Seto called after, before taking Bakura's leash and leading him and Yami out to the waiting room.

Yami sat down in a chair, blinking and picking up a duelist magazine. "hmm...." He mumbled, opening it and beginning to read. "Ohh... now there's a good card...” he mumbled as he read, looking over the newest strategies, cards and combos that lead new top duelists to victory.

He grumbled after a minute. "There's so many flaws here.... and here.... and here...” he narrowed his eyes. "New hotheaded duelists always do these same things...” he grumbled, putting the magazine aside.

Bakura snorted and rolled his eyes. "Loser...” he spat, laying down at Seto's feet as the CEO began filling out paperwork.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "What was that stinky? Unless you forgot, you're the loser; you just got fisted.” he said smirking

Bakura whirled, leaping off of the floor and attacking Yami with an angry roar.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!” he screamed, tackling Yami to the floor.

"HEY!!!" Seto yelped, toppling out of his chair. The receptionist gasped and stood, then called for help to get Bakura off of Yami.

Yami squawked and did what any other bird in that situation would do; fight back, and fight back dirty. He bit, kicked, clawed and basically battered Bakura, as people struggled to separate the two fighting hybrids.

"OW!! FUCK!!! FIGHT FAIR YOU BIRD BRAINED BASTARD!!!" Bakura was yelping. "LET GO OF ME!!! PUT ME DOWN!!! I'LL KILL HIM!!!" Vet techs dragged him away as Seto helped Yami to his feet.

"Are you okay?” he asked, brushing Yami off, and petting his wings.

Yami panted and hissed at Bakura viciously, wings puffed up and quivering in anger. He didn't initiate another fight, but it was obvious at this point that he was willing to continue, and that he was more than capable of defending himself. "I'm fine...” he growled, glaring at Bakura.

Seto glared at Bakura as well, who was struggling against the two vet tech's holding him by the leash. Seto sighed.

"I'll take him out to the car.” he grumbled. "Yami, stay here.” he took Bakura's leash and dragged the skunk outside, shoving him into the car before returning to the lobby of the vet's office to wait for Marik to return from his eye surgery. "You SURE you're okay, Yami?” he asked, petting Yami's wings.

Yami was still breathing harshly. "I'm fine Seto...” he mumbled rubbing his own back as best he could. His back was in a searing amount of pain, but he was still conscious, and able to stand and move his wings, so nothing was broken.

Seto nodded and picked up the dropped paperwork, getting it in order and went beck to filling it out, waiting for Marik to be brought out.

Not too long after the vet walked out, petting Marik whose eyes were watering just a bit. "His eyes will clear up in a second, but...” he looked at Yami. "Good lord what happened?!” he said rushing over and beginning to look Yami over. "Poor creature!” he fawned over the bird, like any true enthusiast would.

Seto sighed. "Yami finally crossed the line in his teasing of Bakura.” he explained. "Bakura attacked him. I keep telling Yami not to take it so far, but he doesn't listen..." And he gave Yami a look.

Yami rolled his eyes. "I don’t take kindly to being called a loser.” he replied glaring and turning away, arms crossed.

The vet chuckled. "Oh I see... well there seems to be no serious damage. Thank you for coming, bring them back whenever you feel there's something wrong."

Seto nodded and stood, taking Marik's leash and shaking the vet's hand. "Thank you, I will. Marik was microchipped, correct?"

The vet nodded. "Yes, he's so well behaved.” he said chuckling. "Though it might be because my vet techs were fawning over him."

Marik slowly grinned and chuckled to himself, making Seto and the vet laugh.

"I think that's it..." Seto said. "Thank you very much. Come on, Marik. Time to go." And he walked out of the vet's office with Marik and Yami. He opened the door to the car and Marik hopped in, trotting over to Bakura, purring and nuzzling him. Bakura glared at Yami when the bird got in, but at a glare from Seto he lay down.

"Well... We have another place to go now..." Seto said. "You all remember Malik's idea, of turning the strip club Exotica into a hybrid-run dance club?" Marik and Bakura looked at Seto, who was looking at Yami.

Yami nodded. "What's the plan then? just checking things out?” he asked moving a wing slightly, still uncomfortable from falling on it. The idea sounded great however, and Yami couldn't help but smile. "If Malik's plan works, there might be some hope for hybrids to get their lives back...” he said thoughtfully, thinking how nice it would be to get back to dueling, walking Yugi to school, even if he couldn't attend, arcades...

Seto nodded, smiling and Marik and Bakura who were staring at him, their ears perked. "Actually, I've already bought the place. Only hybrids will be hired, which will give them the chance to have a life. And I've made another decision. After it's up and running, I will start making frequent trips to the pounds in the city, and adopt all the hybrids that come in. I'm going to put together a hybrid apartment building, a hybrid halfway house, and a rehabilitation center. All of this will be put into action once we have revealed the truth about hybrids. I will give them the opportunity to live a real life again." Marik and Bakura looked at each other, then back at Seto again, tails wagging.

Yami grinned a bit. "Sounds like a plan.” he said looking the building over as Seto pulled up. "Wow... big place. It figures... Malik never did seem the type to hide his dirty little escapades." Yami said thoughtfully. "He was an exhibitionist.’

Bakura growled at Yami as he and Marik dressed themselves. Seto got out of the car and walked to the front door, Yami, Marik and Bakura following, all walking up right. Seto walked into the club and looked around.

"What do you three think? Needs some remodeling, huh?” he said.

Yami looked around the gutted club, which seemed almost eerie and dusty from a poor job of cleaning during the move out. Yami flapped his wings a bit, stirring up a few dust bunnies. "Yeah...she's definitely a fixer-upper...” he said flapping his wings and flying up to the high rafters and looking at the wiring. "hmmm.... wiring seems ok though."

Yami flew slowly through the main part of the building, examining the wiring and lighting on the ceiling, out of the reach of the others. After a few moments he landed and let his wings droop for a moment, before folding them. "Everything up there seems to be in working order.... nothing broken."

Seto nodded. "Thanks, Yami. You just saved me three hundred fifty bucks." And he chuckled as Marik went to check out the bar and Bakura went to the facilities, still walking funny. Seto sighed and smiled at Yami, reaching out and stroking his wings.

"This will change the lives of so many hybrids...” he said, looking around.

Yami nodded slightly. "It won’t change them... it will give their lives back.” he said softly closing his eyes. "I can’t hope to get everything back... but it will be nice to do something each day... make a few dollars, to spend on something I want.” he said smiling. Yami began walking towards the back and looking around the back rooms. "mmm...” he mumbled examining the empty space.

Seto followed him. "Or you could ask me.” he said. "I'd give you anything you could ever ask me... but I also know that you like to do things yourself. I admire that about you..." And he wrapped his arms around Yami from behind. "So... any suggestions for the club?” he asked, licking the shell of Yami's ear. "I've decided to rename it 'The Jungle'... Or 'The Amazon'... what do you think?" And he nibbled Yami's ear lobe.

Yami shivered and groaned softly. "I think you're having more fun with this than Bakura and Marik are...” he mumbled closing his eyes. "More fun than you should be having."

Seto chuckled. "I am having fun..." He hissed, still tonguing Yami's ear. "So... what name for this place do you like? Or would you like something different? The Menagerie, maybe?"

Yami shivered and groaned again. "Somehow... I'm getting the nagging feeling this has nothing to do with the club...” he mumbled, feathers puffing up slightly. "But... as far as names go... don’t pick that last one unless it's a strip club..."

Seto laughed. "Okay. Jungle. Simple enough.” he said, rubbing his hand over Yami's chest and stomach.

"DAMMIT ISHTAR!!" Bakura was heard screeching, followed by numerous noises of scuffling, then followed by quick footsteps and Marik laughing and Bakura cursing. Seto chuckled.

Yami shook his head a bit and pulled away regretfully and folded his wings, which had began to lazily slouch down in the little incident with Seto. He walked to the door and peered out, seeing Marik laughing and running from Bakura, who tackled him to the floor, and the two began wrestling playfully on the dusty dirty floor.

"Those two...” he grumbled shaking his head

Seto snickered. "They are quite a handful. I don't know how Malik did it...."

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

Daisuke picked up the phone and dialed the Pet Shop; Rem should have come in by now and should be getting ready to pass out breakfast.

Rem picked up the phone, holding it with her shoulder as she fed the animals. "Hello, Rem speaking. How can I help you?" she asked patting a puppy hybrid.

"Rem, this is Dai. You sold off that hyena yesterday that was in Marik's old cage, correct?" The man asked, looking over some paperwork.

"Yes, the cage has already been cleaned out and is ready for a new occupant whenever you have one for that sort of environment." She said calmly, feeding a panther hybrid and laughing slightly at two squirrel hybrids scampering around in their cage.

Dai grinned. "Perfect. I have one that can be moved in right now. He's a fennec fox by the name of Malik. I'll bring him over right now." And he hung up.

Rem hurried to finish feeding the animals, eager to see this new little guest. She pulled the cart into the back room, and prepared a special breakfast for their new arrival.

And half an hour later, he arrived. Dai walked in pushing a crate on a flatbed cart. "Good morning Rem.” he called with a smile, walking in just as she was feeding the last hybrid, who happened to be Rex.

Rem smiled. "Is this our little visitor?" She asked, opening the door to the enclosure so Dai could push the cart in. "I'm sure he'll feel right at home." she said eagerly, liking the idea of an adorable little fox in their shop.

Dai chuckled. "This one is a little pain. He's got a foul mouth and a nasty set of teeth to go with it. He's gonna be a little brat." And he set the crate on the ground and opened it up. There was a shuffle from inside, and a low growl.

Rem reached into the crate quickly and picked up the fox, hugging him gently, rubbing his back to sooth him. "It's ok..." she whispered soothingly. "It's ok... no one's going to hurt you..."

Malik growled and struggled, biting her arm and running back into the crate, growling louder. Dai blinked. "See?"

Rem frowned and picked him up, giving him a harsh yet firm slap on the behind and held him still by bending his tail at an unpleasant angle, while Dai fixed a collar around his neck, which appeared to be made of silver and rose thorns, a rose blossoming in the middle which read 'pet fox'.

"First rule little fox, you do NOT bite the hand that feeds you." She said fiercely. "I will be nice to you, if you give me the same courtesy." She added, tossing him into the cave and pushing the cart and crate out, locking him in quickly.

"FUCK YOU!!!!" Malik yelped at her, moving out of the cave and to the back corner of the enclosure, where he began digging.

"See what I mean?" Dai said. "He's a mean, feisty little fellow. Now, he is on reserve. He belongs to Mr. Pegasus. Oddly enough, the fox and that bunny get along quite well. The rabbit is the only one who can get near him safely."

Rem nodded. "Alright then... Malik you're not going to get out that way!" She called, amused. "Why don’t you just calm down and I'll call Ryou, would you like that?"

Malik growled, and only dug faster.

"Fennecs are burrowers." Dai said in explanation, watching Malik dig furiously. "He'll be an interesting fellow. And doesn't like being handled, obviously. Not very social, I'm afraid..." And he got down and crawled into Malik's crate, then emerged with a small rabbit plushy. "Here, this is his. Pegasus gave it to him. He had a fox and a man, but he ripped those up." And he handed the bunny to her.

Rem nodded and opened the door once more, tossing the bunny in and hitting Malik in the head. The plush white bunny fell into the sandy dirt. "I'm sure he's just frustrated, and misses his friend. I'll call Pegasus this afternoon and tell him the fox has arrived." She said smiling. "I'm sure he'll settle down once he gets to be back around his bunny friend." Rem looked at Malik thoughtfully. "That bunny seems to have a way of taming the hearts of carnivores."

Dai nodded, watching Malik stop his burrowing. He sniffed the bunny, then picked it up and carried it into the cave, where he lay down with it between his front paws. He glared at Rem and Dai and bared his teeth, growling. Dai chuckled.

"Stubborn little fellow. Yes, well, Mr. Pegasus said that after he got rid of those rabbits that Ryou kept around, the poor fellow got lonely. So he ordered Malik here as a playmate for Ryou."

"Well at least he seems dedicated to bunnies." She said watching him curl up with the bunny toy. "When is he due for pick up? Am I to train him, or did Pegasus want to train this one himself?" she asked as she walked away with Dai, helping him load the cart and empty crate back into his truck.

"Get him started, basic manners. No biting... try and help his language... teach him to act properly. I'm sure Pegasus will finish his training. Here are his dietary needs." And he handed her some papers. "Mostly meat, some insects, green vegetables, and maybe tomatoes... That's about it. Good luck with him, Rem. I have to get back to the labs."

Rem smiled nodding and waving as Daisuke got into the truck and sped off. She hurried back inside to observe Malik a bit. He did look a great deal like that young man Seto was looking for. She stepped into his cage slowly, and peered at him closely.

"Malik?" she asked slowly. "I'm... going to ask you a few questions ok? I want you to answer them honestly." She said slowly, raising her hands and waving them slightly, meaning she merely wanted a peaceful conversation. "Can you do that?"

Malik narrowed his eyes and his ears tilted back as he growled softly.

"Now Malik I need you to cooperate. Do you know a boy named Seto?" she asked reaching forward and beginning to scratch his ears in that heavenly spot that just made animals melt.

Malik's head jerked up and his ears perked slightly.

"Seto... yes. Seto Kaiba...” he said softly, looking up at her. "You... do you remember me? Malik Ishtar. I... you sold me Marik... when he was going to be put down. I bought Marik, and then Bakura found us and you let me keep him... remember? Please say you remember me..." And his tail wagged slightly in hope.

Rem frowned softly. "I see..." she said standing and exiting his pen, her question answered. She hurried to the phone and dialed Seto's number.

Seto frowned and picked up his cell phone, walking into the bathroom so he could hear over Yami up in the rafters, shouting at Bakura and Marik on the floor of the club.

"Kaiba here.” he said.

"Mr. Kaiba... I have something here... that you may want to see." Rem said softly. "I'm... not sure if it's the boy you're looking for or not... but he seems to be..." She added. "I'll let you be the judge of that."

"Malik?!" Seto gasped, striding out of the bathroom quickly. "Malik is there?!" Marik and Bakura both stopped and stared, than chased him towards the front door, and Yami fluttered down from the rafters. "I'm on my way! What's happened to him!? What is he?!" Seto demanded to know. "Have you talked to him? Is he okay? Did he say anything?!"

Rem laughed softly. "He's here, you can talk to him when you get here, he's not particularly fond of me." She said. "I've been bitten once, that's quite enough for me."

"He bit you?" Seto asked, smirking slightly. "Hmm... why does that not surprise me..."

"MALIK ROCKS!!" Bakura was heard shouting in the back ground.

"Shut up, I'm on the phone!!" Seto shouted back. "I'm on my way, Miss Rem. Thank you SO much for calling me. I'll be there soon." And he hung up.

Malik in the mean time was pacing around Marik's old cage anxiously, waiting for Rem to come back and tell him what was going on.

Rem returned and tapped the glass on Marik's cage. "I called your friend. He's coming to see you, but you can’t go home with him..." She said shaking her head. "Until there's proof you're who you say you are... you're still an animal, and still reserved for Pegasus."

Malik's ears perked.

"Seto's coming?” he asked eagerly, his tail wagging and his eyes hopeful. "Is Yami? Do they know what happened to Marik and Bakura?"

Rem nodded. "I heard them in the background." She said smiling . "You’ll see them soon enough."

Malik's ears perked up even more and his tail began wagging so hard that his rear end was starting to wiggle.

"They are? They're okay?!” he cried, utterly delighted. He gave a small bark of excitement and started to shiver in anticipation. "How long before they get here?" And then he did something that brought a VERY strong mental image of Marik to Rem's mind; he began to prance in place, making little whimpers and yips of excitement.

Rem laughed softly and shook her head. "They'll get here when they get here, calm down. Why don’t you curl up in your cave and wait until they get here?" She said amusedly.

Malik shook his head and turned in an excited circle. "I can't! I haven't had ANY exercise in SO long, and I miss them, and.... I CAN'T LIE DOWN!!" And he began pacing again, tail still wagging madly.

Rem laughed. "Eat your breakfast then. I've got work to do, and if you get more excited you'll wet yourself." She said with another laugh.

Malik blinked and looked around. "Breakfast?” he asked, his stomach grumbling. "Where?" And he spotted the bowl and ran over, beginning to wolf down the assorted pieces of chicken, beef, pork and lamb, mixed with meal worms, grasshoppers, and a few green veggies here and there. Then he began his pacing again, making a full circle around his cage before dashing to the corner and beginning to dig frantically in the spot he had been digging in before.

Rem laughed and shook her head once more, going to her desk and beginning to arrange the files on the hybrids she had. It wasn't long before she heard a knock. She'd called Seto before store hours, which was 11 am to 9 pm, odd hours, but good for that pet shop.

She hurried to the door and opened it. "Good morning Mr. Kaiba." she said allowing him, and his hybrids in.

Seto smiled and blinked when Rem's jaw dropped as she looked behind him. She was used to Yami walking upright and had seen him fully dressed the last time they had been there to stop Marik's frenzied attack, but the sight of Bakura and Marik took her by surprise.

Marik was standing quite tall in a pair of tan cargo pants and black hiking boots, and a tight black sleeveless shirt. Bakura was next to him in tight black leather pants and a white button up shirt that was hanging open over a black shirt like Marik's, with a black leather trench coat and black boots with buckles running up the sides.

"Where is he?" Seto asked, walking past Rem, Yami at his heels. Marik walked in next, pausing and leaning over, giving Rem a purr, a nuzzle and lick on the cheek, and Bakura threw her a mischievous wink and tossed his hair over his shoulder as he followed Marik into the store.

Rem blinked a bit. "Well don’t you two fix up nicely?" she said proudly. "Marik, you've never looked so good, and Bakura!" She said rushing to them and giving them both strong hugs. "You look like a million dollars, I just knew you'd find a nice home." She said tapping him on the nose lightly, and giving his ears a scratch.

She laughed softly and led them to Marik's old enclosure, which seemed utterly barren and empty. "He's in there. Bring back any memories Marik?" She said scratching his ears now.

The enclosure appeared empty, except the very tip of an ear, poking out of the dirt in the farthest corner, almost missed, as it blended in with the sand and dirt so well.

Marik's eyes fell half closed and he purred loudly at the ear scratch. Bakura was watching and shifting around a bit, looking like he was holding something back.

"Bakura?" Seto asked. "Something wrong?" Bakura frowned a bit, then shook his head and threw his arms around Rem, nuzzling and giving his skunk-version of a purr. Then next thing she knew, both hybrids were crushing her in a hug, purring and licking her face, their tails wagging as they showered their former caregiver with love. Seto blinked, then chuckled and reached out, petting Yami's wings.

Rem laughed and petted and loved on them both, thoroughly amused and very happy for them. "Calm down boys, calm down!" she said giggling and began tickling Marik fiercely, suddenly switching to Bakura. "You came here to see your friend didn't you? You can play with me later." She added tickling Marik again.

Marik gave a very uncharacteristic high pitched giggle that made Seto and Yami stare, but Bakura had heard it before.

"Don't do thaaaat!" Marik giggled. "I'm not totally... balanced... WHOOAA!!" And he fell over, making Bakura laugh. But the skunk quickly turned and made his way over to Marik's old cage, placing his palms on the glass front and looking around. He saw nothing but an empty dish, and a little bunny plushy at the mouth of the little cave.

"Malik?” he called, and Seto and Yami walked over, all but holding their breaths, and Marik moved over next to Bakura, looking around his old home. "Malik! It's Bakura! Where are you?!" The skunk called, his tail quivering in excitement and worry.

Rem laughed. "Oh don’t worry. Here." She said unlocking the door and letting Bakura into the cage, closing it behind him. "He was digging back in the corner, I'm sure he's probably managed to make himself a nice tunnel by now..." she said amused, watching a pile of dirt was suddenly tossed from the mouth of the hole.

Bakura stood where he was. He felt weird being in there... he glanced up at the tree, remembering climbing up it to escape Rem the last time he was in there. He turned back to the hole, watching the dirt fly.

"Malik?” he called.

"Muuuuurrrrumph!" Marik added.

Malik's ears twitched, and he backed up out of his tunnel, raising an ear out of the tunnel, listening. "Bakura?” he called back, feeling suddenly nervous. What if Bakura didn't like foxes?! He shrank down and backed back into the hole.

Bakura had only known him as a human, what if he decided he didn't like him now? What if he hated him after leaving that day, what if he just decided he wasn't worth it? Malik bit his lip, never having had a confidence issue before.

Bakura sighed, having a good idea what was going on in Malik's mind. He turned and looked back at Marik, Seto, Yami and Rem, then began undressing. He folded his clothes neatly, just like Malik had taught him, setting them on the log Marik used to lounge on, then dropped to all fours and padded over the sand towards the burrow.

"It's me, Malik... It's Bakura... Please come out. I... I've been so worried about you...” he called.

Malik peered out some more and backed up a bit, lavender eyes glowing slightly. "Bakura I...” he said softly. "I can’t...” he said biting his lip softly.

His heart was pounding so hard, he was overjoyed to see his lover so close, but near tears at the idea of losing him merely because he'd been changed into a fox... what if foxes were something skunks hated?! What if they ATE skunks? Would Bakura just turn up his nose? There was no denying the sharp teeth he had in his mouth.

Bakura's eyes lit up and his ear perked forwards when he saw Malik peek out. He lifted his tail high and ran over, peering down into the burrow.

"MALIK!!” he cried, overjoyed at seeing him. "Your eyes! They're your eyes! They didn't change! You.... Holy shit, look at those ears! They're huge!!!" And then his face turned sad. "Malik, what have they done to you? What did they turn you into?" And he reached a hand down to Malik, cupping his cheek gently.

Malik growled slightly and grabbed Bakura by the shoulders and drug him into the hole, before giving him a hug. "Ra, I missed you....” he breathed, clinging to him and half sobbing. "I'm so sorry Bakura... I didn't mean for it to happen... I was mad... I... I...” he stammered clinging to Bakura and crying softly into his shoulder. "I went to the club to get a few drinks... I was so mad at you... and I was going home to apologize for leaving... to tell you you'd hurt me with your stubbornness, and this guy! This guy and he just stabbed me in the stomach! I couldn't get away!"

Malik clung to Bakura and shook his head. "Please... I… I know I look different, but you can still love me right? I... I'm still ME.” he said pulling back, looking into Bakura's eyes, his own filled with tears, his ears drooping and tilted back fearful of Bakura's answer.

Bakura smiled. "I know you're still you. And I don't care WHAT they did to you, all though those sharp teeth are bound to be interesting when we get a bit frisky between the sheets..." And he gave Malik an evil smirk and wink. "But I love you. You loved me unconditionally... not many do that with a skunk. Do you honestly think that I would show you anything else but the same? I love you. And when you didn't come home, I was so scared. And when Animal Control took us away, they said you had abandoned us. And I didn't believe it. But I was so scared I'd never see you again..."

Malik sniffled and smiled, giving Bakura another hug. "I worried about you....” he said hugging Bakura tightly. "I worried every waking moment...You didn't give up doing what I taught you did you?” he said slowly recovering from his tears, and gently tugging Bakura's ears smiling. "Still fuzzy and bossy?” he asked wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

Bakura grinned. "Seto got us out of the shelter. He adopted us until we could find you. And he took us home. And we've done fine... kind of..." Bakura said, giving Malik a nervous smile and laugh. "Marik, umm.... well...." And he gave another nervous laugh. "Well... Seto knew what had happened to you, so he and Yami told us. When Marik found out... damn... Malik, he flipped his lid..." And Bakura shook his head, showing Malik that the amazement was still there.

Malik sighed and hugged Bakura again, just delighted to be hugging his lover once more. "I missed you so much... gods....” he breathed smiling and kissing him. "I ... gods...” he said and just hugged Bakura, for a long time.

"I don’t have big ears...” he said after a moment. "be nice."

Bakura chuckled. "Really now... have you seen the size of those things?" And he gave one a playful tug, making Malik pout. Bakura smiled and kissed him. "I think they're adorable.” he said. "They're really cute. But they're big. What are you, a bat?"

Malik bit him at that comment, not hard, but certainly hard enough to present his displeasure. "I am NOT a bat!” he growled, huffing and looking away, pouting and crossing his arms.

There was a long silent moment before he mumbled "I'm a fox..."

Bakura blinked. "A fox? What kind of fox has ears this big?" Bakura asked, wincing and checking the bite to see if it broke the skin. "Those teeth are sharper than I thought... ouch..."

Malik huffed. "That’s what you get for calling me a bat. Since when did bats dig holes?!” he glared at the dirt wall. "I'm a fennec fox.” he added after a moment. "They were all over the place in Egypt... cute little things. I once asked sis if I could catch one to keep... they were all so tiny and cute.” he added sheepishly. "Ryou said I was very 'pretty' and 'beautiful'. Bat... hmmph. I'm not THAT ugly am I?"

Bakura smiled. "A fennec, huh?” he nuzzled Malik. "It fits you, love. And no matter what you are, you will always be beautiful to me. And not all bats are ugly. Have you seen Fruit Bats? Cute as can be." And he smiled. "Please... come out of here? I want to see you. And it's kind of dark. And Marik is here, and Seto and Yami. You know they will not judge you. And you should see Marik. You'll be so proud of him." And he took Malik's hands, kissing them each, and began to draw Malik out of the burrow. "Plus, they've been staring at my naked ass for the past five minutes. And that doesn't sit well with me." And he winked. "You're the only one allowed to stare at my naked ass from now on."

Malik burst out laughing. "I think, that for the most part that's probably the only part you show of yourself to others. The ass.” he said amusedly, peering out of the hole slowly, as Bakura sat outside of the hole. "Um... Hi.” he said grinning sheepishly.

He looked at Marik and grinned proudly. "Well Marik! Aren't you just as big and proud as ever?!” he said clapping and remaining in the hole slightly, unwilling to come out more than stomach high, to hide his own nudity. "Bakura you've been practicing your walking too now haven't you?” he said proudly.

Bakura grinned and nodded. "Walked in here on my own two feet, fully dressed and lookin' GOOD if I might say so myself..." And he gave a smug grin. "But when you didn't come out, I thought you might feel better if I came to see you on the same level..." And he smiled and nuzzled Malik, lovingly. "Come on... don't be shy. You have a gorgeous body, and you know that none of us will think anything of your nudity. Don't hide from your own friends."

Malik smirked a bit. "I know I'm gorgeous, but I don’t give free peepshows. The only time I'm showin’ off my body is for you, or if someone's waving around a hundred dollar bill.” he said laughing. "And last I checked, that wasn't the case."

Bakura laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. But Malik... they've all been REALLY worried about you. And... Seto has some REALLY good news I think you'll want to hear. Come on... please?" And he gave Malik pleading eyes with a sugar sweet smile, a bit out of character for the cranky skunk.

Malik raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a hundred dollars?” he said firmly.

Bakura blinked, but then grinned. "No, but I know someone who DOES!!!" And he turned and ran across the cage to the door and spoke to the people standing there. A moment later, Seto laughed and waved a hundred dollar bill.

"Here Malik!” he laughed. "C'mere, boy!!" And Marik and Yami and Rem all started laughing. Bakura grinned back at Malik.

"Will ya come out now?” he asked.

Malik smirked. "If I get to keep it.” he replied laughing a bit.

Seto grinned. "Malik, I'll give you a thousand to keep if you come over here!!!"

Malik grinned. "Alright! New clothes AND a new tv!” he said getting up and walking over as a human would, tail swinging behind him seductively. "I'm holding you to this Seto. I could use new clothes....” he added laughing softly.

Seto and the others all laughed.

"Yes you could.” he said, then looked Malik up and down. "And you could also use a new job." And he slipped a piece of paper in though one of the treat holes in the glass. Malik blinked, confused, and took it, opening it. His eyes widened.

"The Deed to the Exotica?!” he gasped. And Seto grinned and nodded.

"And that's just the beginning Malik." The CEO said.

"Rem, do you have something for Malik to wear?" Bakura asked.

"I'm afraid not. Why don’t you lend him some of your clothes Bakura?" She said laughing a bit. "You have more than enough." She added, motioning to the trench coat he'd been wearing.

Bakura grinned and chuckled.

"Sure.” he said, picking up his coat and draping it over Malik's shoulders. "We'll go straight to your house so you can get your clothes, love..." And he kissed Malik's cheek. Seto's smile faded, and he looked over at Rem.

"Uhh... Bakura... There's something you should know...” he said, and Bakura blinked, looking at Seto's face.

"What?” he asked, his own smile fading.

"Ummm... Malik... isn't coming with us."

"WHAT?" Bakura and Marik cried, both horrified. Seto turned and looked at Rem, deciding to let HER explain.

Rem shook her head. "He's not mine to let you have I'm afraid... Pegasus has him reserved. I can’t sell him to you." she said softly, eyes downcast. "There's nothing I can do, I'm legally bound to sell him to Mr. Pegasus.”

Bakura's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "What?” he gasped, wrapping his arms around Malik and clutching him tightly to his chest. "N-No! Rem! PLEASE!!!" And his eye filled with tears as he shook his head. "Please don't do this to us!!!" Seto sighed and pulled Yami close, hugging him to his own chest.

Malik's ears fell back and he shook his head. "That's not fair!” he said hugging Bakura tightly. "You can’t just tell them I'm ok and then jerk me away like some toy! That's cruel! You had their hopes up, MY hopes up!” he shouted tail bristling slightly.

Rem sighed. "There's nothing I can do about it... I'm legally obligated. He special ordered you, and even though you seem to be the boy they're looking for, unless they can present physical proof that would convince a judge in court, then I have to sell you to Pegasus." she said sighing.

Marik growled and everyone winced at a screeching noise as he dragged his claws down the glass front of the cage.

"Pegasus... that son of a bitch...” he snarled, then slammed his fist against the wall. "HOW MANY LIVES WILL HE RUIN?!” he screamed, and slid to his knees. Bakura stared at Marik, eyes wide, then looked down at Malik and hugged him, sniffling. Seto held Yami tighter to his chest.

Malik sniffled softly and hugged Bakura tighter. "Bakura...” he said pressing the deed to exotica into Bakura's hands. "Take... take care of things for me ok?” he whispered in his ear.

Yami looked away, trying to avoid a few tears that threatened to breech his defenses. "Seto...” he mumbled, wings drooping.

Seto pulled Yami close and stroked his wings, also fighting back tears.

"No..." Bakura whimpered, clinging to Malik. "No, I won't let him have you... I won't!!" Marik was hugging his knees to his chest and hiding his face in them, rocking himself slightly.

"He took Ryou from Marik, and now he taking you from me!" Bakura sobbed. "I can't stand it! There has to be something we can do! Rem, please! For the love of God, there has to be SOMETHING we can do...."

Rem sighed softly. "There's nothing I can do Bakura..." She said shaking her head. "And... you will all have to leave... Pegasus is on the way to inspect Malik, and if he sees you here, I'll be in for another of his verbal lashings." She said opening the door to Malik's enclosure and picking up Bakura's clothes. "Come now Bakura...." she said softly, gently pulling him. "He has to stay."

Bakura shook his head.

"N-No! No, I won't leave him! Rem, please!!!” he cried in a high pitched voice.

"Bakura, we HAVE to go before Pegasus catches us here." Seto said, prying Bakura's fingers from Malik. He placed his hands on Malik's shoulders and looked him in the eye. "I swear to you, I will take care of Marik and Bakura. And we'll find a way to get you back. You and Ryou both. Take care of him." Marik stood and shoved Seto away, grabbing Malik.

"I... I can smell him on you. You've seen him. And you'll be living with him. Tell him I'm trying to get him back. Tell him I love him, and...." The lion sniffled and shook his head, then hugged Malik. "Take care of yourself. Listen to Pegasus. Promise you will obey him. Don't get yourself hurt..."

"Marik, come on." Seto said urgently, as Rem helped Bakura get dressed. "And get Bakura's coat, I'm sorry Malik, but Pegasus can't find you wearing a coat like that, it will be suspicious."

Malik sighed and removed the coat, walking over and slipping it onto Bakura's back. "Take care of Marik... tell him Ryou still loves him..." He whispered, kissing Bakura on the cheek and wiping his eyes a bit. "Take care of things Bakura... be the man I know you are inside...” he added hugging him tightly. "Make sure that our club will be a success, make sure everything goes smoothly...” he added letting go slowly, tears beginning to roll down his cheeks.

Rem gasped when she heard a knock on the door. "Oh no!" She breathed and shook her had. "You can watch on the cameras!" she said hurriedly ushering them to the back room, after locking Malik's cage closed. "Be quiet, don’t even breathe!" she hissed shutting them in the security room, the many monitors showing the pet shop through the eyes of security cameras.

She hurried back to the door and opened it, smiling. "Pegasus, good to see you. Dai told me you'd be visiting Malik today." She said stepping politely aside to let him in.

Pegasus smiled at Rem.

"I heard that Malik was in here. I'd like to see him." Pegasus said, walking in with Ryou hopping by his side in his harness. In the control room, Marik's eyes widened and filled with tears upon seeing Ryou.

"Ryou has missed his friend, but he was bad bunny last time he saw him, so he's been... grounded, so to speak." Pegaus said, giving Ryou a look. Today was the first time he had been taken out of his cage since Pegasus spanked him and locked him into it over a week ago.

"Bad bunny?" A voice growled, and Rex appeared at the front of his cage, grinning. "Need me to teach him a lesson?" And he grinned evilly at Ryou.

Ryou's ears flattened against his head fearfully. "N-no thank you...” he said softly, hiding behind Pegasus' legs. "I.... I'm a good bunny n-now...” he added swallowing hard and looking at Pegasus nervously.

Malik peered out of his hole that he'd crawled back into, and looked at the nearby camera, flicking his ears a bit. Poor Marik had to see his lover so close... and not be able to touch him...

Pegasus looked down at Ryou.

"I'll be the judge of that...” he said firmly, watching Ryou huddle down fearfully. "Come on, now. Let's go see Malik. Lead the way, Miss Rem."

In the security room, Bakura was hugging Marik, who was crying. It broke his heart to see Ryou reduced to what he was under Pegasus.

Yami growled softly, but held his footing next to Seto. "Ra... look what that monster has done to him!” he whispered outraged. "Ryou..." his wings quivered with anger, and he held on tightly to the seat near him, fearing that if he let go, he'd storm out and ruin everything.

Ryou whimpered softly and hopped alongside Pegasus, who followed Rem to Marik's old cage.

Ryou looked at it longingly, ears drooping.

"He's inside. I'm not sure if he'll come out however, he's been burrowing all morning." Rem said softly, motioning to the hole in the back of the enclosure.

Pegasus chuckled. "Has he now? Wonderful." And he looked down at Ryou, kneeling and petting him. "hear that, Ryou? He likes to live in tunnels, too. You can play together in those burrows in the back yard. Would you like to go in and see Malik?” he asked, petting Ryou gently.

Ryou nodded slowly. "Yes please...” he said softly, eyes never leaving the mouth of the cave, half wishing Marik would emerge... just for a moment.

Pegasus smiled and took the leash off of Ryou's harness as Rem opened the door of the cage. He nudged Ryou in and Rem closed it behind him.

"How is business?" Pegasus asked, watching Ryou.

"Good good, I'm expecting another bird soon, I suspect it's tropical." She said motioning to Yami's empty cage.

Ryou hopped slowly to the mouth of the cave and looked in, sighing softly, before hopping to the hole and crawling in. "Malik?” he called softly, squeezing into the hole all the way, until the enclosure looked empty once again.

Pegasus chuckled. "What kind of bird exactly? Do you know? My... Malik certainly made a lot of progress in so little time...."

"I'm not sure, I think it's going to be a harlequin macaw... but I won’t know for sure until it arrives. And yes, Fennecs are excellent diggers.... he's been at it all morning." She said laughing softly.

"Malik?" Ryou called once more blinking in the darkness and sitting still. "Where are you?” he whimpered softly.

Malik shushed Ryou. "Ryou...shhh, you have to be quiet..." Malik said suddenly, pulling him close and covering his mouth. "There's a camera just outside of this cage... and it's filming us... and... Marik, and the others. Bakura and Yami... they're all watching."

Ryou's eyes widened a sparkle of hope shining in them. "M-Marik?” he mumbled through Malik's hand.

Malik nodded slowly. "They're here... right now." He whispered. "But Pegasus can’t find out... they can’t save you right now...” he added softly, noticing Ryou's ears droop once more.

A few more moments of talking ensued, and Ryou and Malik emerged from the hole, though Ryou kept his eyes trained on the nearby camera, tilting his head to the side as though he could see something no one else could.

Marik slowly smiled through his tears and reached out to the screen, brushing his fingertips over the image of Ryou.

"He knows... Malik told him I'm here...” he whimpered, sniffling. "My poor Ryou..." Bakura smiled slightly, petting Marik's hair and looking over at Seto, who had pulled Yami into his lap and was now cuddling him and petting his wings.

Ryou continued to stare at the camera longingly. Unable to stop himself he hopped as close as the cage would allow, jingling all the way.

Malik bit his lip. What had he just said?! Ryou was being so obvious! He knew Ryou couldn't help himself, but if Pegasus saw, he'd ask questions. He took a deep breath and did the only thing he could think of doing to get Ryou's attention away from the camera. Bit his little rump, HARD.

Ryou shrieked and darted away from the camera, in the direction of Pegasus, and slammed into the glass hard, forgetting it was there. He groaned and fell to the dust dazedly, staring at the floor, his ears in his face.

Pegasus blinked. "What on earth was that all about?” he asked, looking up. "Why was he looking at the security camera?" Then he turned and glared at Malik. "Malik! No biting!!!"

Malik smirked licking his lips and advancing on Ryou, now having to stop Pegasus from asking questions. "Bunny....” he said dangerously. Ryou's ears perked up and he turned, backing into the glass, looking over his shoulder at Pegasus pleadingly.

"Master Pegasus!!” he whimpered. "He's going to eat me!” he said turning his gaze back to Malik and bit his lip, offering him a look of sympathy and gratitude mixed together. 'sorry....' he mouthed , whimpering loudly to cover it.

Malik growled and stalked forward, tail lashing from side to side as though he were the predator that had cornered it's prey.

Pegasus frowned. "Malik... stop right where you are...” he said in a warning tone.

Malik raised his gaze to Pegasus and flicked an ear. "Then give me something more appealing than him to eat...” he said smirking back to Ryou and licking his lips, tail lashing as he inched closer.

Ryou whimpered loudly again pressing into the glass more. "Feed him FEED HIM!” he wailed fearfully.

Pegasus frowned and glared at Rem. "Has he been fed at all?!” he demanded to know.

Rem nodded quickly. "Yes he's had his breakfast. I believe he's asking for attention and a treat through his behavior." She added quickly.

Ryou looked at the camera again for a split second before focusing on Malik again. "M-Malik w-wants to see m-master Pegasus?” he asked whimpering more.

Malik growled softly, but huffed and laid down.

Pegasus blinked. "Well, he won't be getting any treats by threatening to eat Ryou.” he said, and entered the cage, walking over to Malik and kneeling, petting him. "Well, you certainly turned out to be quite the handsome little fox, didn't you, Malik?"

"That bastard..." Bakura hissed in the control room. "If he doesn't get his hands off of Malik, I'll rip his spleen out with my teeth!" Seto gave Yami a nervous glance, before looking back over at Marik and Bakura, who were both growling at the image of Pegasus on the screens.

Malik calmed down and let Pegasus pet him, grimacing inwardly at each contact made. "I've always been handsome.” he said after a moment, flicking an ear. "Sexy even." He added smugly.

Ryou slowly inched closer and curled up next to Pegasus, laying his head in his master's lap, watching him pet Malik. "Malik can come home now?” he asked softly.

"I think he needs to stay here for some training first, Ryou." Pegasus said, still petting Malik. "Maybe in a few days. Would you like to come home with me and Ryou, Malik?” he asked, scratching Malik behind the ears::

Malik nodded slowly, plastering on an almost excited looking smile and eagerly wagging his tail. "Oh yes of course.” he said.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus. "See? He's a good fox he should come home!" Ryou said pawing at Pegasus' leg eagerly.

Pegasus frowned. "And what brought about this change of heart?” he asked, suddenly very suspicious.

Malik looked at him boredly. "How would you feel if you were stuck naked in a cage without anyone to play with for a week?" he asked beginning to groom Ryou's ear.

Pegasus frowned. "I'd suggest working on your attitude...” he growled, standing. Then, he looked at Rem. "I'm satisfied with the physical changes. But you have some work ahead of you to get his attitude adjusted. I want him ready in a week. Is that possible, Miss Rem?” he asked.

Malik growled and eyed Pegasus' ass.... a broad grin spreading across his face, plotting...

Ryou's eyes widened and he shook his head frantically.

Marik and Bakura stared.

"Oh, he's not..." Bakura gasped, and Marik shook his head in disbelief.

"He's not really gonna.... is he?" The lion squeaked.

"If he does... we're in for one helluva show..." Seto said, weakly.

Malik hunched down wiggling his tail a bit, seeming to position himself for maximum ass biting efficiency.

Ryou stared shocked, looking between Malik and his master's ass.

Just as Malik was about to take the lunge, something snapped and Ryou tackled him, looking pissed and dangerous, his ears flattened against his head, fur bristled. "No!” he snapped making the growling clicking noise and thumping his foot dangerously. "No one touches my mate but ME!” he howled furiously.

"Holy shit!!!" Marik yelped, toppling off of his chair, and knocking Bakura to the floor as well.

"What on earth?" Pegasus gasped, turning and staring down at the hybrids. "What is going on with you two?!” he demanded, thoroughly confused. "Ryou! Get off of Malik!"

Ryou growled and hopped off of Malik, giving him the evil eye. "He was going to bite you!” he said glaring at Malik harshly.

Pegasus blinked and eyed Malik. "Oh really now...?” he drawled.

Ryou calmed down slowly, shaking his head a little, looking moderately confused. Had he just tackled Malik in defense of Pegasus? He blinked a little and backed up, whimpering in apology.

Pegasus pet Ryou. "Good bunny.” he praised, offering Ryou a little dried banana chip as a treat before turning back to Malik. "Well? Were you going to bite me?” he asked, sounding a bit angry.

Malik gave Pegasus an angelic look. "I would never bite you sir, I was looking at your coat and thinking what a lovely color of blood it was... and that made me hungry."

Pegasus blinked and quirked his eyebrow. "Oh really....” he drawled, not buying it. "Why do I not believe you?"

Malik gave a sugar sweet smile. "Because you're the kind of person who's got a good head on his shoulders.” he said flicking his tail and sitting down. "You're the type of person who always gets what he wants no matter what.... hmmm.” he purred giving Pegasus a seductive look, before rubbing up against his legs, putting on the best show of loyalty he'd ever preformed.

"A very rich man... with divine tastes...” he added licking his lips. "But even rich men make mistakes... such as thinking I have a bad attitude..." he said sitting once more and flicking his tail away with a hand

Pegasus snorted and stood. "Well... you're right about most of that. But you are the kind who kisses ass to get on someone's good side before you bite the ass you've been kissing. So don't you think that you're fooling me for a moment. Now what's going on here." And he stood, looking between Ryou, Malik and Rem. "You're hiding something. What is it?"

Malik laughed. "Oh am I? I don’t kiss ass. I admire someone who's deserving.” he said calmly. "I've had a long time to think of you, and what you've done thus far.... and you are an evil genius.” he said beginning to groom his ears. "Such un-prevented success.... it's an utter wonder in itself... and for that I admire you...” he said looking at Pegasus sincerely.

"It's not good for a fox to be outdone by a human, and I would gladly serve you and be your pet, for the chance to get close to you and learn your secrets..."

Pegasus snorted. "I'm not buying it.” he said, then turned and looked at Rem. "I want him acting like a proper pet within one week.” he said. "No matter what you have to do to get it done. Is that clear?"

Malik narrowed his eyes. "You don’t believe me?” he said tugging Pegasus' pants leg. "let me prove myself to you, I can be far better behaved than bunny boy here.” he said motioning to Ryou. "Give me a chance to prove my loyalty to you, anything you may ask I will do."

Pegasus narrowed his eyes. "You will have that chance when you have spent a week in intense training.” he said in a firm tone. "Now let go of my pants."

Malik let go of his pants, narrowing his eyes. "You're frightened of me....” he said looking away. "You think I may betray you, and you're frightened of what I can accomplish."

Ryou bit his lip and looked at Pegasus worriedly.

Pegasus narrowed his eyes. "I do not trust you.” he said. "But I do not fear you. You can do nothing. You are nothing but an animal now. When you were human, you could have brought me a lot of trouble. But now, you are nothing. Nothing but a beast. And you will be trained to be a pet." And he turned. "Ryou, come. We're going home."

Ryou looked at Pegasus and whimpered. "Can we please stay longer?” he asked softly pawing at the dirt in Marik's old cage and looking down. "I... I like it here.” he said softly giving Pegasus pleading eyes. "I can help Miss Rem! Please master? Please let me stay for a little while! I promise to help her the best I can!"

Pegasus shook his head. "No Ryou. It's time to go home.” he said, not liking that Ryou was wanting to stay in Marik's old cage. "We want Rem to be able to work without your interference. Come now, it's time for lunch." And he clipped the leash onto Ryou's harness. "Let's go and let Rem work with this deceitful little fox."

Ryou pouted. "But.... I want to stay....” he said lowering his head. He sighed softly and hopped after Pegasus, nibbling on one of his gloves satisfied when he heard a soft snap, and gently setting a small trinket behind another cage. And the two white haired visitors slowly left.

Malik groaned and flopped down. "RA I need to wash my mouth out, he's such a bastard!” he howled rolling in the dirt annoyedly.

The door to the security room burst open and Marik crashed out, charging on all fours towards the door, his eyes wild and full and tears.

"RYOU!” he called, and Bakura followed.

"MARIK! MARIK NO!!! STOP!!!” he cried. "REM, GRAB HIM!!!"

Rem tackled the lion to the ground and held him still. "Marik!! Marik!" She said holding him still, gently rubbing his ears with her hand. "It's ok, he's ok...." She whispered while scratching, slowly calming him. "He had to go with Pegasus, it's ok..."

"N-No...." Marik whimpered, squirming slightly. "Ryou..." And the tears rolled down his face as he stared at the door, his nose filled with the bunny's scent. Bakura ran to Malik.

"Are you okay? What were you thinking, trying to bite his ass, huh?!” he demanded to know, as Yami and Seto calmly left the security room.

"DAMMIT!!!" Marik wailed, miserably.

Malik chuckled. "I couldn't help it... he has it coming!” he said laughing slightly. "As if you wouldn't have done the same thing."

Yami frowned curiously, walking to the cage Ryou had placed something behind and began examining it. "Marik... hey...” he said smiling slightly. "I think there's something over here you should see..."

Marik lifted his head, sniffling, and wiped his eyes. "What?” he asked, squirming out from under Rem and trudging over to Yami as Bakura hugged and loved on Malik.

"I think someone left you a present." Yami said motioning to the floor. Sure enough there was a dusty little handprint, and in the center of it, was a small bell that Ryou had gnawed off his glove.

Marik's eyes widened and filled with the tears that he had just managed to stop. He slowly picked up the bell by the string in his teeth and made his way to a corner, lying down and curling up around the small object.

Bakura and Malik watched, and Bakura sighed. "He's gotten thinner... hasn't he?" Bakura asked Malik, frowning slightly. "I hadn't noticed... 'til now...." And he curled his bushy tail around his foxy lover.

Malik nodded, watching Marik cradle the small bell. He sighed softly. "Bakura... please make sure he's eating..."

Yami sighed and shook his head. "Marik... I think he left it for you, so you wouldn't be so sad....” he said sitting on his knees next to Marik and patting his hair lightly. "Ryou knew you were here... and he left that for you, so you would be ok... if he saw how you were right now... he'd cry.” he said softly, beginning to 'preen' Marik's mane. "You have to be strong for him... ok?” he said smiling softly. "We'll get him back..."

Marik shook his head, burying his face in his arms. "I miss him! And even if we do get him back, what if he's not the same Ryou that was taken away from me? Look what that man has done to him!!!" Marik cried.

Rem sighed softly. "Marik sweetie, you were a lot different when you first left here." She said softly. "Everyone changes, and if Ryou did, you will be able to make him what he once was..." She said kneeling down and hugging Marik tightly. "I know you'll get him back Marik..." She added smiling and scratching the spot behind his ears that always made him happy.

"Murrrrrrrr...." Marik moaned and sat up, laying his head on his shoulder, hiding his face in her hair and crying.

Bakura sighed heavily, rubbing Malik's back. "Don't loose yourself when that bastard takes you away...” he whispered. "Please don't... Be strong. And remember me. Remember that I love you, Malik. Forever. Even if Pegasus leaves and takes you far away, and you've been with him for ten years... Know that I still love you. I will love you for the rest of my life." And he smiled at Malik, one hand cupping Malik's cheek and the other petting his hair. "Promise me that."

Malik's eyes widened. "Oh my god...” he said suddenly. "Oh god...” he said again beginning to freak out slightly. "He is doing that! After I go home with him, He's taking Ryou and me to Paris! Ryou was telling me about it a week ago!"

Bakura's eyes widened and he gripped Malik's arms.

"What?!” he gasped. "He's WHAT?! SETO! YAMI! MARIK! We have a problem!!" Seto turned and came over, and Marik ran over as well, Yami and Rem on his heels.

"What is it?" Seto asked, looking between Bakura and Malik.

"Once Pegasus buys me, he's taking Ryou and me to Paris!" Malik said frantically. "Ra I forgot all about it until Bakura said something!"

Yami's eyes widened. "Seto we can’t let that psychopath take them out of the country! He might never come back!"

Seto turned to Rem.

"Rem! What are the laws about taking hybrids out of the country? Vet checks? Paper work? Is there anyway you can stall?” he asked, praying she could help. "Please, we need your help!" Marik was prancing in place, making upset lion noises in his anxiety.

Rem frowned. "The only thing they need to be taken out of the country is proof of ownership and an up-to-date shot record." she said shaking her head wracking her brain for anything. "By law, Pegasus is already legally able to take Ryou out of the country at any time he chooses."

Malik shook his head. "You can’t be serious!” he sputtered tail puffing up. "So that freak can just waltz out of the country right now, and no one would stop him?!"

"DAMMIT!!!" Seto shouted, slamming his fist into the side if Malik's cage. "There has to be SOMETHING we can do to keep him in the country...." Marik threw back his head and let out a lion equivalent of a howl, making everyone blink and stare at him. No one, not even Rem, had ever heard Marik do that. The lion shoved by Rem and ran into Malik's cage, ending up huddling in the back of the cave, cuddling the bunny plush, carefully tying the bell around its neck.

Malik pulled away from Bakura and went back to the cave, where he hugged Marik. "Marik.... please don’t be upset..." He said softly. "Keep the bunny toy.... I'll get him back for you, if I have to kidnap him myself, and drag him by the ears to you... we won’t leave the country.” he said nuzzling Marik and hugging him tightly. "But you have to promise me to start eating more... you're thin as a wire..."

Rem rushed to her desk and began looking over the laws. "There's no laws against it...both of Pegasus' pet choices fall under small domesticated animal..."

Marik turned and looked up at Malik, his golden eyes full of tears. "Malik...” he whimpered, and nuzzled the younger hybrid. "If Pegasus takes you and Ryou away... I'll just die...” he sobbed, clinging to Malik. "I... I'm just... losing my will to live without Ryou...” he pulled back and looked at Malik. "Don't tell Bakura that... he's upset enough as it is... I don't think he can take much more... I know I can't... Ryou was so close... And I let him just... slip through my fingers... I wanted to run out and attack... kill Pegasus... rip out his throat, but I didn't... and now Ryou is gone again..." And he burst into tears again, hiding his face in Malik's chest. "I don't know how much more of this I can take!!!" And he clutched the little plushy to his heart.

Malik nodded and nuzzled Marik. "shh Marik... you'll live... if you die, Ryou will have no one to come back to...” he whispered lovingly. "Bakura is going through the same thing... I won’t be here for him... you both need to be there for each other."

Malik lifted Marik's chin in his hand. "I need you to be strong, not just for Ryou, but for yourself... I need you to work hard to make that club a success Marik... I need you to work hard doing the things I taught you... Ryou's been brainwashed by Pegasus, and when I get him back... he's going to need you to be there to snap him out of it..."

Yami closed his eyes and sighed, giving Seto a sad look, hugging him gently. "We'll get them... Pegasus won’t get away with this...” he murmured gently rubbing Seto's hand, hoping to ease any pain he might have endured slamming his fist against the enclosure.

Seto nodded and he reached out, cupping Yami's cheek. "The idea that makes my heart sick... is that if I had just ignored my mistake, that could have been you...” he whispered, and kissed Yami. "I love you..."

Bakura watched the pair and leaned against the wall, sighing heavily and folding his arms over his chest.

"You guys are so pathetic!!!" Rex howled, and Bakura glared. "Get a grip! Your fuckin stupid! The little bunny has the best life in the world! A life that you morons could never give him! He's living it up! What the hell makes you think he'd wanna leave that plush life of luxury for you assholes?" Marik turned, growling, and Bakura glared, baring his teeth.

Yami smirked. "Care to repeat that? I'm sure they'd love to hear that one again smartass.” he said, his own feathers bristling from anger.

Malik growled as well. "Shut you mouth you half assed cock sucking bastard. You have no clue what's going on!” he said, ears falling back bearing his teeth ferally. "That bunny is a slave! He's been beaten so many times that he's afraid to even think on his own anymore!"

Rex chuckled. "Oh, I know... who do you think does the house calls when he misbehaves and beats him into submission?"

"Why you son of a--"

"GROOOOOAAWARRR!!!" Marik roared, leaping to his feet and surging out of the cave, kicking off his shoes as he charged out of the cage and across the shop, leaving the little bunny plushy next to Malik.

The lion slammed into the side of Rex's cage as hard as he could, between two of the feeding holes. Rex yelped and fled to his cave, tail tucked under in fear when a large piece of glass was smashed. Marik roared again, putting his fist through another section, then leaping into Rex's enclosure and charging towards the cave.

Rex yelped and darted out, then fled out of the hole in his cage. But Marik was on his heels, and with a leap, he tackled Rex to the floor and the sound of a bone snapping was heard. Marik was immediately tearing into him with tooth and claw. The coyote howled, fighting back as best he could.

"R-REM!!!” he screamed. "REM!! HELP!! AARRGH!!!"

Rem hurried to Rex's aid. "MARIK!" She shouted pulling him off of Rex harshly, holding him still. "Rex! Go back in your cage! I'll tend to your wounds in a minute!" She said quickly, putting Marik into a headlock. "Marik you know better!" She said holding him until he calmed down enough to stop struggling. "He did do that, but it was because Pegasus asked him to, Rex just did what he was told." She said soothingly.

Malik growled at Rex, watching him limp back into his cave, wounded and whimpering. "Serves you right you smug ass!” he called, still clutching Bakura who had also tried to tackle him and do the same as Marik, only he'd caught him beforehand.

"I'LL KILL HIM!!!" Marik roared, not struggling, but he was still panting in rage. "SETO!!! BUY THAT FUCKIN COYOTE SO I CAN GUT HIM!!!" Seto quirked an eyebrow from where he was holding Yami, tightly.

"Ummmm.... no?” he answered weakly, and Marik growled loudly, licking Rex's blood from his jaws.

"He hurt Ryou!" Marik howled, and Bakura slowly began to calm down. All the other hybrids were hiding and peering out at Marik in fear. "Dammit Rem... let me go!" Marik growled, trying to get away from her.

Rem pulled him into a tighter headlock. "Marik, not until you calm down." She hissed, cutting off enough air that Marik would either calm down, or pass out.

Yami couldn't help but shiver himself at the sheer ferocity of it. "Marik...” he said biting his lip. "We should leave....” he finally said.

Malik nodded. "Marik, I'll get Ryou to you, I promise... please calm down..."

But Marik didn't calm down. At having his air cut off, he only began to struggle harder, thrashing his head in the hopes of breaking her grip on him.

Rem hung on tighter. "Marik, if you stop struggling, I'll let go... ok?" She said calmly. "You need to stop struggling, and start acting like the decent person I know you are." She said softly, slowly letting him go.

Suddenly, Marik froze.

"P-Person...?” he wheezed. "Did you just call me..." And he started to shake slightly, his muscles relaxing.

Rem nodded and hugged him slowly. "You're a person Marik... I believe your stories." She said closing her eyes.

Malik grinned and hugged Bakura. "Someone finally believes!” he cheered. Yami nodded smiling slightly. "Yes, but only because she's kind... we have no physical proof... we couldn’t convince any court of law to put a stop to this...” he said shaking his head after a moment. "We'd need something big to do that."

Marik heard, but at that moment, Marik didn't care. He returned Rem's embrace, purring loudly and smiling.

"You have no idea how much you saying that means to me..." Marik whimpered. "It makes me feel like... like I can do anything..." Bakura smiled and hugged Malik, and Seto sighed.

"Either way Yami... even one person is progress." And he kissed Yami's cheek, then walked over. "Miss Rem... I can't help but think that you might quit this job now that you know the truth. But I must ask you not to.” he said.

Rem shook her head. "I can’t quit, now that I know. Until something can be done... I have to make sure I find the best possible homes for the hybrids I have..." She said looking at them all sadly. "I was so hard on Ryou when he was here... I feel just awful." She sighed.

"Bakura..." Malik hugging him and Marik both. "Marik... you're both people... and you're both the most wonderful people I know... that's why you need to make sure our club is a success... so that all these people.... can get their lives back." He said smiling and nuzzling both of them. "For us... for everyone."

Rem nodded. "Once you have it running, I'll advertise it here." She said smiling. "It’s sure to become a success, and a popular place to be."

Seto smiled. "Rem, you have a tough job ahead of you. You need to train these hybrids to act like pets, to please their owners, but make sure they keep their identity.” he looked around at all of the hybrids, who were watching and listening intently. "Especially Malik. Pegasus is taking him in one week. Teach him to act like a proper pet. Malik, please give it your best. And Rem... I'm going to be counting on you... a lot. YOU can help us to blow the cover on this entire operation, the people who do this trust you. And Dr. Inogawa. Do you think HE would be able to help us? Or would he try to keep the truth from getting out? He specializes in hybrid care, he could be a VERY useful ally." Marik was now shaking in excitement, and licked Rem's cheek.

Rem frowned. "I'm not sure to tell you the truth... if he lost hybrids, he'd lose his job.... not to mention he loves them so much...." She said thoughtfully. "He might be able to help, but convincing him would be harder than convincing me... I have a really soft heart for Marik and Bakura." She said suddenly beginning to tickle Marik and shower him with love, before turning and repeating the process for Bakura.

Malik laughed. "I'll do my best to not vomit on sight when Pegasus comes to get me.” he said saluting Seto proudly. "Just make sure Marik and Bakura eat enough, and work them hard on getting the club ready. It's time we got that train rolling!"

Seto laughed and nodded. "You bet. And Rem, Inogawa wouldn't LOSE hybrids. I mean, as long as there are hybrids, he will be needed. Do you think it would... hurt our cause for me to approach him and speak to him on the matter? Does HE know the truth?"

"I couldn't tell you..." She said. "He's always been unpredictable. He might help, he might not... but I know he loves bribes... if you bribed him, if he seemed like he'd hurt the cause, he'd help. He's that kind of person."

Yami nodded. "I'm sure if it comes to that Seto and I can think of something..."

Seto rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Yami. I'm sure you can..." And Marik and Bakura both chuckled, before both turning and pouncing on Rem, growling playfully and licking her face.

Yami yawned suddenly, eyes drooping. It was time for his mid-day nap. "Unnn... Seto...” he mumbled stretching a bit. "Damn you and your sleep schedule... now I'm tired again.” he mumbled folding his wings and closing his eyes sleepily

Seto chuckled. "Rem... I think I should be taking these boys home.” he called, over Marik and Bakura playing. "I'll give you a call later, okay? Please keep me up to date on.... on everything. MARIK! BAKURA!! Time to say bye to Malik!" And he turned to Malik. "And Malik... good luck.” he hugged him. "We WILL get you back. I swear it."

Malik nodded. "I'll be waiting, and you owe me a thousand dollars.” he said yawning a bit himself. "and the first thing I'm going to want... is a soft bed to sleep on."

“Consider it done.” Seto said, heading for the door.

Yami followed Seto to the car yawning, glad to sit down and start napping on the drive home.

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

Itavita: Yes, Ryou is badly brainwashed. And Malik's troubles are only beginning.

lokivsanubis: That's our Malik!!! ^_^

yunasgrace: Yep. That's Malik. Wheeeeee!!! And of course we'll keep writing!!!

Devilsheart: Yep. Poor bunny...

sglily: Threesomes are yummy. ^.^ And Peggy was hoping that Ryou would calm Malik down. Ryou cares about Malik very much, even though he's only just now met him. But his brainwashing will come into play later to cause Malik more grief. As for the motion Ryou made... when they were trying to play charades, Malik lay down, trying to get the word 'Lying' across to Ryou as a 'sounds like'. Sounds like 'lion'. Ryou repeat the motion to get the concept of Marik across to Malik. So that's what that was. And Ryou will be happy... >.> eventually...

Camille: Um... no. they wouldn't dare go after Peggy. And Seto has his hands full right now.

Istalindir: Well, since you said 'please', yes.

PxC: Yes. ::gives CPR:: Deal with it. And here I am, posting another chapter. Now gimme my plushie. Nope, no Peggy hybrid. We couldn't decide on what to make him even if we WANTED to make him one. And um... wow.... I really write Pegasus like that? Wow...

isis53421: YAY BUNNY!!! And yay review!!!