Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 22

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Yami preened his wings calmly as Spunky pranced around Bakura, nipping him playfully. "Daddy!" he sang gleefully.

"He's kinda cute... for a freak." Yami said chuckling. "You should be proud." He paused, looking confused, before turning and looking at the back wall of his cage. "... Do you hear that?"

Bakura looked up and frowned. "Spunky, hush." He said, flattening the poor baby to the floor. "Are those sirens?" He asked, looking at Yami.

Yami nodded slowly. "Looks like we might be going home...” he said grinning slightly. "Seto must have found us." he added plucking a loose feather.

Bakura laughed. "Either that or this place is on fire!!"

Downstairs, Dartz looked up with wide eyes and Rafel, Varon and Amelda ran into the room, followed a moment later by Daisuke. "What is that?!" He demanded, standing up.

"Police sir!" Varon said out of breath. "They've surrounded the building, and are demanding we let the hybrids go." He explained, trembling slightly. Even his clipboard seemed unsteady in his hands.

Rafel snorted. "Damn pigs." he grumbled. "This is a perfectly legal operation!"

Dartz frowned and got to his feet. "This can't be happening...” He muttered, and ran from his office and outside. "Officer...” He gasped, heading to the man in charge. "Is there a problem here?" He asked.

The officer nodded. "We've had reports that several of the missing hybrids from Domino City are being held in this building. You may be able to avoid serious charges if all hybrids in question are returned to their appropriate owners." He said calmly.

Dartz gulped. "I... I see...” He said slowly, and paled when he suddenly caught sight of Pegasus J. Crawford and Seto Kaiba... both looked... well... homicidal. "I will go in and speak with... with the men in charge of bringing in our hybrids and... see what they say...” and he hurried back into the mansion and went straight to Ryou's room. He barged in and ran over to the bed. "Ryou! Ryou, wake up!"

Ryou squeaked and sat up, confused and frightened. "Dartz?" he asked confusedly. "What's wrong?" he squeaked, flicking his ears. "Y-you look as if you've seen a ghost...”

"Shhh... come on baby... we have to run!" And he picked Ryou up and ran out of the bedroom. "We're being raided!"

Ryou blinked. "R-raided? I don’t understand...” he shook his head. "Tuc and Nod!" he said squirming.

"We don't have time, Ryou!" Dartz cried. "We have to leave NOW!!! They'll take you away from me!!!" Outside, an ultimatum was coming over the bullhorn.

"-- one minute to surrender before we raid your business! Release the hybrids!!!"

Ryou squirmed more. "But my friends!" he said shaking his head. "I don’t want to leave my friends! Please!"

Dartz shook his head. "We can't!" He told Ryou, heading for the elevator. Varon and Amelda looked at each other, and finally, they made their decision. Varon ran out the front door, Amelda following.

"HE'S RUNNING!!!" Varon shouted.

"HE'S TAKING THE RABBIT!!! MR. CRAWFORD'S RABBIT!!" Amelda howled.

"BASTARD TRAITORS!!" Rafel roared, and whirled, running after Dartz to escape, Dai at his heels.

Ryou struggled more. "TUC! NOD!!" he wailed, squirming more. "I can’t!" he shook his head more. "TUC!! NOD!!" Tears bit his eyes, rolling down his cheeks. "I won’t leave without them!"

Pegasus shoved by the cop in charge and siezed Amelda by the shoulders. "MY rabbit?!" He cried, shaking the young man. "WHAT RABBIT?!?!?"

Varon gasped, clutching his clipboard. "A white one, he's taking the back elevator to the basement loading docks! If you hurry, you'll catch him...” he said swallowing hard. "God... th-the papers said you'd abandoned him! Hurry!"

Amelda nodded. "Yes, if he gets out the loading docks you'll never catch him! There's an underground tunnel, it lets out right near the highway!"

Pegasus didn't wait another moment. He ran, despite the police shouting at him to stop. And a moment later, Seto was after him.

"THE OTHERS ARE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR!!!" Varon shouted after him as he and Amelda were put into handcuffs.

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

Dartz, Rafel and Dai rode the elevator down to the basement, Ryou wailing in Dartz's arms.

"Shhh... I'll get you some new rabbits...” He told Ryou.

Ryou sobbed. "My family!" he wailed breaking loose and trying to pry the elevator doors open, despite it being in motion. "TUC! NOD! MY FRIENDS!" he sobbed louder and began scratching the doors. "Let me out! I... I have to go get them! They'll be scared! My friends! My family!" he sobbed more.

Rafel growled and snatched Ryou up by his ears. "Shut the hell up rat!" he hissed.

Daisuke nodded glaring. "Shut it! He said he'd get you new rabbits, so just clam up!"

Pegasus flew down the stairs as fast as he could, and only had one more floor to go by the time the elevator opened. Dartz held Ryou, cooing to him and trying to calm him down as they ran to the nearest truck.

"It will be okay, baby... It will all be--" BANG!

"RYOU!!!" Pegasus screamed, bursting through the door. Dartz, Dai and Rafel whirled. "RYOU!!!"

Ryou's ears shot up and he gasped. "Master Pegasus!" he squealed delightedly. He squirmed. "Master!" He struggled against Dartz. "Master! Tuc! Nod! A-are they ok!?"

"Shit!" Rafel growled shoving Dartz towards the tunnel. "Move it." he growled, the group beginning to run away from the already much more winded Pegasus.

Ryou yelped and struggled more. "MASTER!"

Dartz's eyes were wide and panicked. "Come on, Ryou, baby... if I put you down will you run with me?" He asked; he himself was getting extremely tired by carrying the bunny.

"RYOU!!!" Pegasus screamed, desperation obvious in his voice.

Ryou squirmed. "My master wants me!" he squeaked. "Stop! H-he won’t be mad if you give me back!" he said giving Dartz a worried look. "Please! My Master! My family! I don’t want to go without my family and friends!"

"I am all you need!" Dartz panted, but stumbled and nearly fell over. Rafel caught him as they entered the garage and ran for the trucks. But Dartz began to fall behind dramatically. Pegasus put on a burst of speed and reached out, grabbing the other man's shoulder. He whirled Dartz around and landed the hardest punch he could across the man's jaw. Dartz yelped and fell back, Ryou tumbling from his arms and rolling across the floor.

Ryou got up slowly, shaking his head. "Master!" he squeaked smiling at him. "Master Pegasus...” he cooed hopping to his beloved master. "Where have you been? I was so worried for you!" He mewled.

Rafel growled grabbing Dartz and pulling him up. "Come on boss, lets get out of here!"

Pegasus knelt and caught Ryou up in his arms, literally bursting into tears. "Ryou! Oh Ryou, my Ryou... My precious baby bunny... oh Ryou... You're alive... You're alive... oh Ryou...” And he smothered the boy in kisses.

"Get away! He's mine!!" Dartz shouted in fury, lunging at Pegasus.

Ryou gasped and shook his head. "S-stop!" he squeaked out. "Please! Don’t!" he pleaded. "Don’t!"

Rafel grabbed Dartz around the waist. "Boss, come on! It's just a rat!" he said tugging him backwards.

"NO!!" Dartz howled. "NO!!! RYOU!!!" But at that moment, police came running down the tunnel, and into the garage in their cars, surrounding the men. Daisuke began shrieking and struggling with police as they dragged him from the truck and put him into handcuffs.

Ryou curled up in Pegasus' arms beginning to tremble. "M-master... I'm scared...” he whimpered clinging to him. "Please... I'm scared...”

Rafel growled struggling with Police. "Damnit! All over a damn RAT!" he howled furious.

Pegasus quickly scooped Ryou up and turned, heading back towards the elevator, kissing Ryou and repeating his name over and over again.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus as the elevator doors closed. "Master... oh master... Marik... h-he tried to kill me...” he said sobbing softly. "A-and that man... he saved me... they wont hurt him will they? I... if it wasn't for him I'd be...” he breathed, shuddering. "Promise they won’t hurt him?"

Pegasus frowned. "That man had you kidnapped...” He said softly, petting Ryou. "I found Malik. He told me everything... but... he told me that you were dead! He said that Marik had killed you!!!"

Ryou shook his head. "He tried to kill me... I nearly drowned... That man saved me... he's been nothing but kind to me...” he said sniffling. "And... if I remember, my master employed that same man, for the same reasons...” Ryou said softly. "Please promise that you won’t be mad at him... or the one with goggles, or the girly one... they've all been kind...” Ryou wrinkled his nose. "But those other two are horrible monsters!"

Pegasus frowned. "So... Marik TRIED to kill you?" He asked, getting off of the elevator and heading for the front door.

Ryou nodded. "I... I was getting a bath and he sat on me! I couldn't see!" he shivered. "that awful Daisuke... he gave me a shot that made me blind, mute and deaf! I couldn't see him! I couldn't breathe!" he shuddered. "Dartz saved me... h-he kept Marik away from me after that... Marik killed rabbits... a-and ate them!"

Ryou gasped delightedly, spotting Tuc and Nod hopping to them amongst the confusion. "Tuc! Nod!" he hopped down and picked them up, hugging them tightly. "Oh my precious family...” he breathed nuzzling them and crying into their fur. "I was so scared I'd never see you again... y-you and my precious master Pegasus...”

Nod licked his cheek. 'I was so worried... that man came in and grabbed you, we couldn't keep up! Thank goodness you're ok!' She squeaked at him, flicking her ears and nuzzling him.

Tuc's ears shot up. 'It's the gray man!' He squeaked excitedly, overjoyed to see Pegasus who once again picked Ryou up.

"You found your little friends!" the man exclaimed, grinning delightedly at Tuc and Nod covering Ryou with loving licks.

Ryou smiled brightly nuzzling his friends. "Thank you master... can we go home?" he asked turning to smile at his master. "Tuc and Nod have been missing Precious...”

Meanwhile upstairs...

Yami snickered at all the chaos as he preened his wings, hybrids were running loose everywhere, while police tried to herd them to the elevator. Progress in opening cages had fallen short, and he and Bakura, and everyone past them were still stuck in cages.

"Only thing missing is popcorn and soda, eh Bakura?" Yami said watching a frenzied Panda and terrified Doe topple at least four policemen, the Doe inadvertently flashing most in the room. Yami snickered more.

"This... is... GREAT!!!" Bakura laughed, and Spunky gave a chittering trill of amusement himself.

"Yami!!!" Came a very familiar voice. "YAMI!!!"

"SETO!!!" Bakura cheered, leaping to his feet.

Yami looked up from his preening and smiled. "Well, if it isn't Seto! What kept you?" He asked, as Seto was suddenly toppled over by the SAME panda and doe.

Yami bit back a laugh. "Nice!" he whistled after the doe, who seemed to be paying no mind.

Seto got up, grumbling. "If you must know...” He said to Yami. "I just got out of the hospital... well... left without permission, really...” He sighed. "That dart nearly killed me. I'm not a bird hybrid. But GOD am I glad to see you!" He opened the cage and flung his arms around Yami, gently stroking his wings. "I was so worried...” He whispered.

Yami cooed and hugged Seto. "I missed you too Seto." he said smiling. "But I told you, I never could have been in better hands." He feeling Seto's forehead suddenly. "But, I guess I'm going to have to scold you for leaving the hospital. Shame on you. Mokuba won’t let me hear the end of this! That kid will yammer on at us for a month!" He grinned. "But Ra I'm glad to see you!" he chirped once more, wrapping his wings around Seto in a great hug.

Seto smiled and opened his eyes, looking down Yami's back. His gentle petting stopped. "Yami...” He said slowly. "what... happened to your wings?"

Yami twitched. "You had to notice...” he grumbled pulling away and looking irritated. "The bastards clipped my wings!"

Seto stepped back, grabbed Yami's left wing and pulled it open. Then, he grinned and chuckled. "Oh God... how much of a fit did YOU throw?!" He asked, laughing.

Yami squawked at him and yanked his wing away. "As much of a fit as you're gonna throw when you're slammed with the after affects of my cabin fever! For the next TWO MONTHS!" he squawked angrily, flapping his wings in fury.

Seto laughed and hugged Yami again. "And every moment I'm pissed, I will thank God that I got you back." and he shoved Yami against the wall and kissed him.

Spunky pressed his little nose against the glass of the cage, tilting his head to the side as Seto and Yami began practically having 'make-up sex' against his wall. "Daddy...” he squeaked, in a tune almost akin to a wolf whistle.

Bakura burst out laughing and picked Spunky up, nuzzling him and kissing his little pink nose. "Hey lover boy! Wanna let me out here? I'm ready to go home! I hafta find Malik!"

Spunky squeaked and nuzzled Bakura, licking his face eagerly.

Yami squawked slightly, blinking a few times dazed. "Someone's been practicing for that...” he mumbled a bit dazed. "damn...”

Spunky seemed to giggle with little squeaks. "daddy!" he mewled, pawing Bakura and beginning to run in mid air in his hands, ready to get out, to run and to enjoy some excersize amongst the chaos!

Bakura laughed and Seto finally pulled away from Yami. "I love you." He said, leaving the cage and opening Bakura's. The skunk let out a joyful whoop and leapt out, hugging Seto.

"Let's go find Malik!" He cheered, and ran for the elevator.

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At the other location, equal chaos ensued. Rem hurried through the scuttling masses of hybrid. "Malik?! Marik!" she called being toppled over as Otogi ran to Ishizu.

"Hey! Oh God I thought I'd never be glad to see Malik's sister!" he said grinning cheesily.

Syrus whimpered softly, scrambling to avoid being trampled. "Help!" he squeaked, being slammed against a wall as two women ran past, trying to calm the hybrids with the police.

Down in the lobby, many owners had shown up and were searching for their hybrids. A golden lion and two lionesses stood with their master and mistress.

"Constantine!!!" They called throughout the chaos. "Constantine, where are you!? Are you here Constantine?!"

Constantine's ears perked up and he grinned. He stood and rammed through the chaos. "Alexander! Ceiriwyn! BOUDICCEA!!!" He called eagerly, nuzzling his mate. He purred and licked her cheek. "I missed you." he purred smiling at her. "Nights just aren't the same without you cuddled into my side...” he said proudly, before nuzzling his best friend. "C'mon... lets get home. I'm just dying to sleep on the beds again... rather than these cold floors."

"Mreeooww!!" Marik mewed running after Constantine, having gotten upset when the dark lion suddenly bolted from his side. Alexander blinked as the smaller male slunk over and pressed into Constantine's side, staring at the new lion and two lionesses, amazed and not sure how to react.

"Constantine, who's this?" The dark lion's mistress asked, reaching down to pet Marik, but Marik ducked down out of her reach, scared.

Constantine flicked his ears. "An annoying growth I seem to have produced while staying here." he said shoving Marik. "Shoo!" he hissed glaring.

Marik mewed and looked up at Constantine.

"Well, I'm sure they'll take care of him." Constantine's mistress said. "Come on... let's take you home and prepare a lawsuit." And she led the way out of the Twilight Menagerie. Alexander and his mate, Ceiredwyn, followed.

"Come on, love...” Boudiccea purred, nuzzling Constantine. "We have to make up for lost time...” and she sashayed away, winking at her mate over her shoulder. Constantine grinned and started to follow.

"Maooo...” Marik mewed, and slunk after Constantine, who turned on him.

"Where do you think YOU'RE goin' runt?" He snapped.

"... with you...” Marik blinked. "You're... my mate...”

Constantine sneered. "You? You were a substitution fuck...” He spat. "Why would I ever want a mate like YOU?!" He looked after Boudiccea. "When I have her? Who would want you anyway? You're a weak runty disgrace... You always will be...” And he smacked Marik to the ground with his paw and turned, trotting away.

Marik stared after Constantine, devastated. As much as he hated it, Constantine had given him stability... and he had been abandoned. With a pitiful mew, Marik slunk under the nearest sofa and curled up tightly, watching all the chaos pass him by, while he went unnoticed.

After a great while... a soft squeak was heard, and Syrus crawled under the sofa, sniffing around slightly. "Marik?" he asked, squinting slightly. He smiled though, and curled up next to his friend, and nuzzling into him. He could tell his friend was down, and offered a smile. "I'll always be your friend." he whispered gently tugging Marik's ear in his teeth. "We can be lonely together." he said nuzzling into Marik's chest and yawning. "At least we won’t be completely alone...”

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

Malik and Kheti sat side by side against the wall, watching people and hybrids run by in all directions. Dust sat in Kheti's arms, also watching and chirping in amazement ever now and then.

"Can we say 'complete and total chaos'?" Malik said to Kheti, his own eyes wide in amazement as he watched the hectic activity.

"Malik!" Ishizu eeped as a jackrabbit darted under her skirt, and down the hall, while she held it down. She groaned aggrivatedly. "MALIK ISHTAR!" she hollered furiously. "If I get my skirt kicked up one more time I'm going to MAUL you after I find you!" she yelled.

Dust chirped again and ran to the glass, chittering as he caught sight of the screaming woman.

Kheti grinned. "Oh, is that your sister you've been telling me about?" She asked flicking her ears.

Malik didn't answer. Instead, he launched himself forward and out of the cage that was sitting wide open.

"ISHIZU!!!" He shouted, his ears up and his tail wagging as hard as it had ever been before. "ISHIZU!!! SISTER!!!" He flew at his sister who finally turned, hearing him, and before she even managed to see him, he had his arms around her and was clinging, shaking like a hyper yorkie, licking her cheek and giving out ecstatic yaps as he was too excited to speak words.

Ishizu laughed and hugged him tightly. "Don’t you dare pee." She whispered teasing him.

Dust chittered angrily and flew over, perching on Malik's head. 'You forgot ME!' he nipped Malik's ear lightly. 'Jerk.'

Ishizu stared at the winged bunny. "Oh my... he's so cute...” she said laughing as the bunny puffed out his chest. "Let’s get you and your friend out of here. Pegasus said he's still trying to contact her owners. Where's Marik?"

Malik shook his head. "I don't know! I saw him run away with the lion who's been abusing him!" He frowned and sniffed at his sister. "Oh, you came with Rem? Oh thank the gods! Marik's in a bad spot, sister... he... he's been abused, raped and brainwashed! He's been completely broken! It's bad! He... I heard he killed Ryou!"

Ishizu hugged him tight. "Help us find him. Rem's downstairs ushering hybrids into vans to be checked for microchips and the like." She cooed smiling.

"The sooner we leave, the sooner you can get home to Bakura." she added grinning.
Malik's ears, which had drooped, shot straight up, making Ishizu laugh and Dust throw a fit.

"Bakura? BAKURA!!! They went to save him too?!" He whirled and pounced on Kheti. "WE'RE GOING HOME!!" He squealed. "I GET TO GO HOME WITH MY BAKURA!!!" And he began licking her like an eager kit.

Kheti laughed and shoved him off. "Malik, show some control!" She teased. "If you keep losing your cool like this, we'll never get to leave!" Ishizu had already began walking out. "Hurry up!"

Malik turned and ran after his sister, heading down to the lobby where they ran into Rem.

"Have you seen Marik?!" She asked, and Malik and Kheti shook their heads. The four then split up and searched the house. An hour later, they gathered in the lobby again. The house was empty. All hybrids had been removed and been shipped to local shelters, and some to the pet shop.

"Any luck?" Malik asked, looking hopefully at Rem, Ishizu and Kheti. they all shook their heads and Malik drooped. "Oh no... what if... what if he left with Constantine?!?"

Kheti shook her head. "I doubt it, that bastard didn't love him, he probably abandoned him."

At almost the exact moment Kheti had finished speaking, Syrus woke from his nap with a start, sitting up and yelping in pain. He'd hit his head on the underside of the couch. "Ouch!"

Malik turned and blinked.

"Hello?" He asked, dropping down and peering under. "Rem! Here's Marik! and... another... thing." Marik remained curled up, hiding his face.

Syrus squeaked and squirmed to get behind Marik, peering out from behind him fearfully.

Rem peered under and gently pulled Marik out. "Marik!" she said smiling. "Come here sweetie, do you want to go home?" she asked scratching his ears. Syrus whimpered from under the couch, staring out fearfully, squinting to try and see the group well enough to recognize.

Malik smiled and pet Syrus. "Hey... what are you doing under here with Marik?" He asked.

Marik in the meantime, gave a quavery mew and hid his face in Rem's chest, his entire being shaking.

Rem frowned. "Come on sweetie... lets get you home...” She whispered grinning when Syrus peeped out from under the couch shyly.

"D-don’t hurt me...” he whimpered ears back. "I can’t see... my glasses... Marik." He mewled helplessly. "Marik... where's Marik?"

Malik smiled and licked Syrus' ears. "Rem has him. She's taken care of him for a long time. She's like his mommy. Come on. We'll take you with us." Marik remained with his face hidden in Rem's chest, and when she stood, he whined and pressed against her legs, once again hiding his face.

Rem stooped once more, and picked Marik up. "Come on Marik… walk." She said smiling. "You too Malik, set an example!" She added scolding him.

Ishizu kicked Malik's rump slightly. "You heard her!" she teased. Syrus blinked blindly and tilted his head, ears back. "I... I can’t leave...” he whimpered, backing up. "I... I don’t have anywhere to go... th-this is my home...”

Malik stood and helped Syrus stand, too. "This place is over! and no one's here! We'll give you a place to stay until you can find a home! Don't be scared. Rem is very nice. She'll take good care of you."

Syrus whimpered again. "E-everyone's... gone?" he whimpered, though he stood with little trouble, as Meerkats could stand at any time. "B-but... they took care of me! I'm sick!"

Rem rubbed Marik's back and let him bury his face in her shoulder. "Don’t worry, I'll take care of you now. I'll get you a new pair of glasses, and some good food. You poor thing... you're thin as a wire."

Syrus blushed slightly. "a-ah... th-thank you...” he stammered pressing into Malik's side. "Alright... I'll... I'll come too... Marik's my friend...”

Malik smiled and placed an arm around Syrus. "C'mon little guy. Let's go home." And they walked out. But as they all approached Ishizu's car, a porsche sped up and screeched to a halt. A moment later, a man got out and ran over.

"Marik! Marik!!" He shouted. The lion whimpered and clung tightly to Rem. The man skidded to a stop. "Who are you?!" He demanded of Rem. "Where are you taking him?!"

Rem frowned. "I'm his legal guardian. Who are YOU?" she asked glaring and hugging Marik tightly. "And what business do you have with Marik?"

The man blinked. "My name is Zaine." He said. "I... ordered Marik a couple of times at the old location. I never used him!" He added quickly, raising his hands in a defensive manner. "I have seen the dramatic change in this lion. He needs help. Badly. Those fuckers REALLY messed him up! It was CRUEL! That's why I hacked their system and put Pegasus J. Crawford onto their invitation e-mail list. He wasn't on there before because they had two of his hybrids being held there against their will. This fellow here," he scratched Malik's ears. "And his rabbit. They brainwashed this poor beast into attacking his mate, that rabbit. And they said that he had killed the boy." Malik winced and looked away, and Marik let out a mournful keen.

Rem nodded. "I heard that he'd killed Ryou...” She said scratching his ears. "But he'll get help, he's my adoptive son." She said smiling and hugging him. "He's in the best of hands." She added warily. "So what do you want?"

Zaine frowned. "I want to help him." He said, then took a deep breath. "They lied to him. Ryou is alive."

Syrus grinned. "Did you hear that Marik!? He's ok!" he said delightedly, wobbling a bit from losing his concentration. "Your mate is alive and well!"

Kheti sighed happily, and Rem gave a breath of relief. "Aww Marik see? It's ok... Ryou's alive..." she whispered scratching his ears. "What do you say we get you cleaned up, in some nice clothes, and then we'll meet with Pegasus to go get Ryou."

Zaine smiled. "May I... tag along?" He asked, smiling at Rem. "I really do have a soft spot for this lion. And his skunk friend, Bakura."

Rem nodded smiling and rubbing Marik's back. "Of course. I'm just going to zip him home, get him washed up and in some nice clothes...” She said scratching Marik's chin. "How about that Marik? We can get you all primped up and ready to get your mate back!"

Syrus smiled and nuzzled Malik, the need to nuzzle just too great for his little being. "How wonderful! I'm so glad... poor Marik was so torn up...”

"I think he still is...” Malik mumbled, watching as Marik didn't answer Rem. He simply mewled and kept his face hidden.

"I will follow you ladies, then." Zaine said, heading back to his car, when they all piled into Ishizu's car.

It didn't take long to arrive safely back at the duplex where Malik and Marik lived. Bakura was waiting on the porch, already changed and looking amused, calling for his lover. Seto and Pegasus did have one thing going for them. Their rate of getting things done was unmatched. Spunky pranced around in the yard.

"DADDY!"

Kheti blinked. "Oh my god... did that thing just say... ?"

Malik's eyes widened. "Holy shit... he CAN talk!!!" And Dust flew out of the car and towards Bakura, chittering excitedly. And after him came Malik.

Spunky hopped up and snatched Dust out of the air, and the two of them wrestled around for a bit, before they both hopped over to Malik and Bakura, glad to see their friends together again.

Kheti laughed and shook her head, stepping out of the car as well. "Well if it isn't the skunky mate of Malik." She cooed sauntering over and leaning on the railing of the front porch. She flicked her ears. "You look a lot better in your own clothes. " She said flicking her tail. "I can see why Malik likes you so much."

Syrus bit his lip and inched out, back to all fours, worried because he couldn't see. "Marik...” he mewled, standing and flicking his ears, looking around with squinty eyes.

Rem laughed and nudged Marik towards the door. "Marik honey look, you're home!" she said eagerly, using the voice that ALWAYS got Marik excited. "C'mon Marik! Home!"

Ishizu rolled her eyes, hugging Syrus slightly. "Sweetie, lets get you cleaned up too, we can use Malik's bathroom." She said nudging past Malik and Bakura, who were now making out, while conversing with Kheti, who wasn't at all phased by their actions.
Rem opened the door and gently nudged Marik in. "Sweetie... what's wrong?"
Marik mewled, keeping pressed up against her, following wherever she went. But he was also still shaking and obviously... not himself. Zaine followed Rem in.

"Is this Marik's place?" He asked. "His little love nest?"

Rem nodded. "He got a job and got this whole place for Ryou... decorated it himself… he worked hard to get Ryou back." She said scratching his ears and hugging him. She sighed. "it took nearly a year... but he did end up getting Ryou back... and they both had jobs working for Seto... the pay wasn't great... and the work wasn't easy, but... they were happy." She said softly. "Poor Marik lost his temper one night, and it got him fired though...” She hugged him. "Seto's going to hire you back Marik... he told me so himself... now perk up... everything is better again." She said pressing her forehead to his. "Ryou's at Pegasus' home, and I bet you'd like to get him back right?"

"Murrrrrr...” Marik moaned, keeping his face hidden. Zaine frowned down at Marik.

"I don't know if it's gonna be that simple, Miss...” He said, looking at Rem. "they REALLY fucked him up. They turned him over to this other lion and he really was... cruel. I hear he raped this poor lion and beat him and just messed with his head...” He knelt and gently scratched Marik's ears.

Rem sighed. "Marik, you need to talk to us... ok sweetie? We can’t make it better unless you tell us what hurts... remember? I taught you this in the pet shop... the pain wont stop, unless you let me help you." She whispered leading him to the couch and sitting down hugging him. "Tell me what's wrong...”

Marik simply gave another moan and laid his head in her lap, closing his eyes. Zaine sat by Rem and pet Marik.

"C'mon, boy... tell the lady what's wrong, hmm?" He cooed gently.

Rem nodded. "C'mon Marik... I've always taken good care of you, but I can’t help you unless you let me...” She cooed scratching his favorite spot behind the ears. "Besides, you can’t mope around... it's not like you at all... now why don’t you tell us what's on your mind?"

"... Hell...” was Marik's whispered response, and Zaine looked at Rem, worried.

"Is that... normal for him?" He asked.

She nodded. "He tends to get depressed...” She brushed some bangs from Marik's eyes. "Don’t you want heaven back?" She cooed scratching his ears. "Ryou always forgives you... how could he ever not? He loves you."

"... not anymore." Marik whispered. Zaine looked at Rem.

"I heard that the rabbit left Marik and started sleeping with the man who owned that place, Dartz." He told her.

Rem frowned. "Marik, you don’t know that... they lied to you this whole time... how do you know he was sleeping with that man at all? They lied and said you killed him, they likely lied to turn you against him." She said kindly. "I'm sure Ryou was patiently waiting for you to rescue him. Just like he always is. You're his lover, do you think Ryou could ever cheat on you? Even with his genetics altered to love Pegasus, he fought him." She cooed. "Think hard Marik... does it seem like Ryou would ever leave you?"

"... yes." Marik said after a moment. Zaine blinked. "I heard him... moaning. To Dartz." Marik said after a bit. "I could smell his... lust... He knew Dartz would be a better mate...”

Rem scratched his ears. "Marik, if he had wanted a better mate, he would have stayed with Pegasus. You're his mate, he wants YOU. He works so hard to keep you happy... he LOVES you.”

"... and I killed him...” Marik mumbled.

"You didn't!" Zaine insisted. "He's alive! I saw him!"

"Murrrrroooowwwl!!!" Marik howled in misery. "But I ALMOST killed him!! He'll never trust me again!!"

Rem smiled and scratched Marik's back slightly. "Marik, I'm sure you scared him, but Ryou's so quick to forgive you... he LOVES you... if you just apologize... tell him what happened, I know he'd run into your arms and cover you in kisses." She said smiling. "He's alive, and he's waiting on you to go get him."

Zaine sighed and also ran his hand over Marik's back, tracing the scabbed over slashes that Constantine had left him with.

"Poor little lion...” He said with a small smile.

"Ryou won't want me...” Marik said dully.

"Of course he will!" Rem said sternly. "The only one who thinks he won’t is you!" She added picking him up suddenly and carrying him to the bathroom, running a hot bath. "Now stop being a grumpy guss, lets get you all prettied up. Once he sees his handsome lion come to rescue him, he'll be overjoyed." She cooed, plunking him into the tub once it was full enough.

"MAAAOOOO!!!!" Marik yowled; despite his depression, he STILL hated baths. "MAAAAAAAOOOOO!!!"

Zaine raised an eyebrow and a minute later, Syrus, Ishizu, Bakura and Malik ran in.

"MARIK!!" Syrus squealed, looking around and trying to find his friend.

"What happened to him?!" Ishizu cried, covering her ears.

"I'll bet I know...” Bakura snickered. "He's getting a bath, isn't he?" He asked Zaine. A moment later, there was a splashing noise, and Zaine nodded. Malik and Bakura snickered.

"MUUURRROOOOWL!!!" Marik howled.

Rem bopped Marik on the nose. "Stop pouting and hold still!" She scolded in a mothering way, as she began to soap up Marik's hair. "You don’t want to see Ryou being all stinky do you? You know how he hates when you don’t take baths! He's got a very sensitive nose!"

Rem dumped water over Marik a few moments later, the sud-covered lion howled in disapproval, but it was cut-off into an 'eep!' as Rem plunked him onto the toilet, with a towel around his waist as she began to blowdry his hair. "Aww now there's my proud lion! You look like a million bucks!" she said grinning while combing through his mane.

Marik's yowls turned back into his sad whimpers and mewls, and he slowly drew his legs up to his chest and hugged them tightly, rocking himself slightly.

"Everything okay in here?" Zaine asked, poking his head in. "God he's loud in the tub."

Rem laughed. "He's a kitten at heart." She said ruffling Marik's now-dry hair. "Marik sweetie, perk up. Ryou would be heartbroken to see you like this. You want to make him happy right? To make up for hurting him?" she asked scratching his ears.

Marik whimpered and lowered his head. "He won't want me...” He whimpered yet again. Zaine sighed and shook his head.

"Well, we think otherwise. And we won’t know til you try." He said.

Rem nodded. "Now come on, best foot forward!" She said enthusiastically. "if you love him, you'll at least TRY."

Marik sniffled and slowly nodded, sliding to the floor and sitting on his haunches, staring down at the familiar tile.

Rem tapped her foot. "Marik! Stand up! I said best FOOT forward!" she scolded. "It's time to get dressed. Now stand up on your feet like the man we both know you are, and lets get you in some clothes."

Zaine smirked. "I brought those clothes I promised you Marik...” he said grinning. "I set them out on your bed."

Marik slowly looked up at Rem and Zaine with sad eyes, then sighed and lowered his head, padding off to the bedroom, still on all fours. And then, he stared around. At the window, the bunny bed in the corner, the clothes on the bed... and the spot on the dresser where a pegasus and bunny plushy used to cuddle. Where they were now, Marik didn't know... probably still at Seto's.

Rem sighed, peering in. "Marik... come on... get dressed. Don’t you WANT to see Ryou?" she coaxed.

Marik slowly looked up at Rem, eyes filled with tears. He slowly shook his head. "... No."

Rem frowned. "Well I'm going to see him. Do you want me to tell him you didn't want to see him? If you don’t love him anymore Marik, then he will go back to Pegasus." She warned. "Do you want that?"

Marik turned away. "I tried to kill him...” He whimpered. "How can I face him? How can I even dare to think he might still love me?" He slowly lay down and curled up. "How can I think that he's... safe with me?"

"Marik, he loves you for you. If you're going to give up on him, then I'm going to tell him." She said firmly. "So you make up your mind now. Do you want him in your life or not?”

Marik looked at her. "Of course I do!" He cried. "I love him! I want him to love me! And to be satisfied with me! I want to be everything he needs! But Rem... I'm a lion... a hunter... I'm a killer... He's not safe with me!"

"He's always been safe with you Marik! The only reason you did what you did, was because they brainwashed you. You weren't in your right mind and you know it! Marik, if you tell him the truth, he'll forgive you! He ALWAYS forgives you, no matter what you do!" Rem argued. "Are you losing faith in him?"

Marik shook his head. "No... I've lost faith in myself. I can't protect him from myself. As much as I love him and he loves me... is it really in his best interest to be around me?”

Rem sighed. "Fine Marik, I'll tell him to stay with Pegasus. Because you're too afraid to either admit you don’t want him anymore, or face him after a mistake."

Marik looked up and let out an anxious sound, but finally he stood and began to dress, then moved over to Rem and hugged her.

"Please help me...” He whispered to her.

Rem smiled and hugged him tight. "I will always help you, you're my little Marik." She cooed motheringly. "Now come on... if you're worried, how about we get you some food, and something to give Ryou in apology. I bet he'd flip if you gave him a flower, or maybe a new chewie." She said grinning. "Don’t tell him I told you either... Pegasus would kill me."

Marik sighed and nodded. "I... I had a collar to give him... Zaine bought it for me... but they took it away...” He pouted. "It was beautiful...”

Rem smiled. "Marik... you gave him a HOUSE... no collar could top that." She said leading him into the kitchen. "I know just what will make you grin." She said opening a small cabinet under the sink. "Pegasus told me once, Ryou had been talking to him... ahh here it is." She pulled out a large lion chew toy, which had the squeaker pried out unceremoniously. "See this?" she said presenting it to him. "Ryou chews this every morning while you sleep. You're ALWAYS on his mind!"

Marik blinked, and his eyes widened. "R-Really?" He asked, taking the thing and cradling it to his chest. He smiled and purred, lashing his tail. He looked at Rem. "Let's go." He said, and a moment later, he and Rem were sitting in Zaine's car, the woman guiding him to the home of Pegasus.

Rem rubbed Marik's shoulders. "Remember... he has every right to be frightened. He's a bunny, it's in his nature. Zaine and I are here to help you. The worst that will happen is he'll refuse... and I PROMISE you, if he does, we'll help you one hundred percent until you're fit enough that he agrees." She cooed. "Understand? If he says no, it's not the end of the world… we'll just have to prove that you didn't mean it." She said scratching his ears, like a mother preparing her son for his first date.

"Don’t beg if he says no, respect his decision, but remember to tell him that you'll do what it takes to win his heart back. Nothing is more romantic than that. If he is frightened, tell him that Zaine and I will help you control your anger from now on." She instructed firmly. "We're all rooting for you!" she added as the door was answered. "Good luck." She said smiling warmly. "Don’t do anything you'll regret, and remember... you have to respect his wishes with calm and consideration. Put yourself in his place."

Marik drew in a deep breath and looked at the butler, who was staring at him. "May... may I see Ryou... please?" He asked. The butler slowly nodded and guided Marik in, then moved to a phone and rang up Pegasus' office.

"Sir, Master Marik is here to see Master Ryou... yessir... I'll send him up." He hung up the phone and looked at Marik. "Master Pegasus is in his office with Master Ryou." He said, and Marik nodded and headed up the stairs. He heard Ryou in the office playing with Tuc and Nod. He gulped and knocked.

"Come in." Pegasus called, and Marik walked into the office.

Ryou had obviously had his own bath, and was now wearing one of the only three remaining outfits Pegasus had for him. The harem outfit, his ears perked and he looked to the door, though his expression seemed unreadable.

Nod however, ran towards Marik and thumped. 'Try to drown him again lunkhead and I'll give you such a bite! Your stuff'll get infected and rot clean off! Do you HEAR me?!' she chittered at him.

Marik blinked down at Nod in shock. He didn't know what she was saying, but he could tell that she was mad.

"Oh gods... please don't bite me...” He whimpered, slowly stepping around her and walking over to his mate. "Ryou...” He breathed, and a smile slowly spread across his face. "You're alive... gods... you're alive...” Pegasus watched in silence. Tuc thumped his foot as Marik drew nearer, but did nothing else.

Ryou looked away. "You tried to kill me." he said softly. "You don’t even know what was happening... I had no way to defend myself...” His ears sank back into his hair.

Marik slowly knelt. "I... I'm sorry...” He gasped, staring at Ryou. "I am so so sorry... they told me you were dead! I... I wanted to die! Ryou, please... I love you...” He breathed. "Please say you still love me...” And he held out the chew toy to Ryou.

Ryou continued to look away. "Marik... you have so much... rage." he said softly. "That's the third time... since I've known you... that you've done something nearly irreversible... because of rage." he flicked his ears, taking the lion. "You nearly killed Rem, Seto, Yami, your best friend...” he said softly. "You lost your job...” he added naming the second event. "and... you tried to kill me...” his ears drooped. "I want a mate, who will love me... and protect me... I don’t want to fear what might happen if something goes wrong...”

Nod hopped back, plopping down in Ryou's lap. "I abstained Marik... I waited on you... like a saint. I wouldn't let the man touch me... Tuc told me what he was up to... I was cruel to him." Ryou closed his eyes. "I was perhaps... crueler than I've ever been, to that man, who shares so much in common with master Pegasus." he looked at Marik after a moment. "That day you tried to drown me, he was trying to touch me. I was trying to shove him off. What you heard was my frustration... I couldn't see him to stop him well enough."

Marik stared at Ryou, his eyes wide, each comment stabbing him in the heart. "But, Constantine said...” Marik began, but trailed off. He lowered his face and the chewie, and his eyes darted around as he looked back over... everything. Constantine... Constantine... Constantine... “Oh gods...” Marik blurted in a half sob, and the chewie fell from his hands. "Ryou, please! I never meant to... I didn't know, I... I love you!!!"

Ryou took the chewie looking away once more, seeming to examine it. "I can only thank that man Dartz... for saving me despite how cold I had been to him...” he sighed. "Marik... until that time, I was faithful to you... I was so sure you loved me... you told me to trust in you... to have faith." Ryou put the lion down and hugged Nod. "Only after you tried to kill me, did I give up... my own mate wanted me dead... what was left to defend?"

Marik stared at Ryou, starting to shake again. Then, his eyes fell on the collar Ryou was wearing, and he gasped and reached out, grabbing it. "Where did you get this?!" He nearly shouted.

"Dartz gave it to me." Ryou replied calmly. "It was a gift."

Marik's eyes widened. "Dartz? What?! That that that... that thieving BASTARD!!!" He shouted, releasing the collar and pounding the floor. "That was MINE!! MY gift to give you! Before those fuckers STOLE it from me while I slept!!! And the fucker GAVE IT TO YOU!?!"

Ryou flicked his ears. "And here you go again, next thing you know you'll try to kill me again, for something I didn't do." he said coldly.

Marik shook his head. "No! I won't! I'm just... I'm just mad! Those bastards they... they tore us apart and turned me against you! And I hate them for it! But I love you! Ryou, please! Come back with me...” He stared at Ryou with pleading eyes, opening his arms to him. "Please Ryou... come home."

Ryou turned on him, red eyes obviously furious. "I will do no such thing. Seto was right! You're completely out of control. I will not set foot near our... YOUR home until you have that temper under control. Bakura had a past just as awful, if not moreso, than you and he doesn't have such bursts of sheer... RAGE." He clicked. "I will not put myself in a position that could get me killed if you fly off the handle, I will NOT fear you losing your temper anymore!" he turned away.

"You tried to kill me Marik... for something that I didn’t even do. You have apparently very LITTLE faith in me. I waited for you! I WAITED! Through all the horrible things I saw happening, through all the things Dartz tried to do to me... through all the talk, through Daisuke taking away Tuc and Nod... I waited through all of it. I may not have suffered anywhere near as much as you, but I waited through my own sufferings... I KNEW you loved me... you told me yourself. I knew that once we got out, we could get past things that happened in that horrible place... but I was wrong." He sniffled softly. "I won’t go back... I am staying with Pegasus until a time when I feel that you're safe... u-until that deep rage... that… that hate...” Ryou wiped his eyes.

"Marik... you have such a deep hate... a rage... inside of you. It's awesome and terrible... I fear it... it frightens me... I love you dearly... but... I... I just...” Ryou buried his face in his hands, crying softly.

Marik stared at Ryou, then slowly raised his eyes to Pegasus, who stared at him with the perfect poker face. Then he looked down at Tuc and Nod. The female gave him a thump and a warning click. Then Marik’s head drooped and he stared at the floor. His broken heart, that had slowly begun to piece itself back together, shattered. The lion slowly rose to all fours and turned, slinking out of the room. His shaking grew worse, and halfway down the hall, he fell to the floor and didn't move. He just... stared and let the tears fall.

Ryou whimpered softly and, despite what he said, he rushed out to Marik and hugged him. "Marik..." he said sniffling. "Please... I... I just want...” he curled up near Marik. "I want us to be happy... I want to go home... please... I... I want you to get rid of this... horrible thing inside you that hurts us...” he whimpered, tears in his eyes. "I promise... o-once you're better, I'll come home the same day!" he said hoping to raise Marik's broken spirits.

The lion gave no response, his mind lost among the shards of his heart. Tuc and Nod hopped out, followed by Pegasus. The man stared down at Marik. Half of him wanted the hug the lion, he was glad that he was back, but... the other half wanted to see him dead for trying to kill Ryou. Tuc blinked and gave Marik's tail a sharp nip, a thing guaranteed to make the lion howl. But Marik gave no response. Pegasus frowned and knelt.

"Marik?" He called. Marik didn't bat an eye. He quickly moved to the stairs and saw Rem and Zaine talking quietly. "Miss Rem! I think you'd better come up here!" He called urgently.

Ryou sniffled. "Marik... please... snap out of it I'm sorry...” he whimpered, ears back. "C'mon... please... get up... w-we can get counseling. I-I'll go too!" he pleaded softly, licking Marik's cheek, hugging him tightly. "Get up... please I'm begging you... Marik... I don’t hate you, I love you...”

And Marik flicked an ear. Slowly, he curled up slightly, then raised his head. But not in a normal way. The lion looked as though he had little strength to lift his head with, and it shook and dipped up and down a bit as he moved it around, almost like a new born kitten. Then, the lion let out a pitiful plaintive mew.

Ryou nuzzled closer. "Marik...” he whimpered, gently grooming Marik's ears. "I... I'm sorry... please... I love you... see?" he said smiling slightly. "See? It's ok... I-I'm sure Seto wouldn't mind helping us...” he nudged Marik to stand. "W-we can get counseling, find ways to keep you from losing your temper... i-it'll be j-just like it always was!" he said gently tugging Marik's ears with his teeth. "A-and I... I'm sorry I hurt your feelings...”

"Mama...” Marik called softly, in a tiny kittenish voice. "Mama...” and he mewed again, looking around as though Ryou, Pegasus, Tuc and Nod were invisible. He mewed louder, sounding distressed.

Rem hurried up the stairs. "Marik sweetie are you ok?!" she asked stooping. "Sweetie what's wrong?"

"Mama...” The lion cried, and mewled as he wriggled to her and laid his head in her lap, lightly closing his eyes and purring softly.

Rem blinked and raised an eyebrow. "Marik sweetie...?" She asked lifting his chin. "What's wrong?" She asked again, firmly. "Talk to me ok?"

"Mama...” Marik said again with a happy purr, hooding his eyes as he waited for a chin scratch.

Ryou's ears tilted back. "M-Marik?" He mewled, inching towards him and Rem. "A-are you mad at me?" he asked softly. "I... I said I was sorry… I ... I just wanted you to g-get control of your temper...” He said meekly, putting a hand on Marik's shoulder.

But Marik didn't react to Ryou. He simply mewled and nudged Rem's hand when it didn't start scratching him. Zaine watched in silence.

Rem frowned, getting worried. "Marik honey, are you alright?" She asked once more.

Ryou whimpered and nudged Marik. "Marik!" he whined, shoving more. "S-stop, you're scaring me...”

Marik slowly stood, a bit shaky on his four paws, and began mewling and licking Rem's face. But then, he froze, eyes wide. And he stared. His ears went back. He had wrapped himself around Rem to the point that right in front of his was the tuft of his tail. He lowered himself to the ground and stared, waiting for the right moment to strike...

Rem blinked, looking confused.

"Marik...” Ryou said softly, inching closer. "Please... I'm scared... stop...”

Marik finally yowled and pounced! As he did so, his tail moved after him, and a moment later the lion was pouting and staring at his empty paws. But he saw the tuft again. His eyes widened and he charged. Everyone stared as the lion chased his tail like a drunk puppy.

Ryou stared. "M-Marik...” he breathed, eyes wide. "Marik!"

Rem shook her head. "Marik...” she said plucking him up and holding him in her lap. "Marik sweetie... Ryou... I think I'm going to have to... take Marik for a little while...” She said softly. "For now, you're Pegasus' mate... understand?" She said patting his head.

Ryou bit his lip and nodded. "W-will he be ok?" He asked trembling softly.

"He'll be fine... he just needs some time to sort things out. A good meal and a nap or two..." She said standing and turning to Pegasus. "Pegasus, tend to Ryou's needs... he needs a good stable mate...” she breathed walking past.

Zaine frowned, but followed after Rem, and not long after, they left Ryou to Pegasus.

Ryou looked at Pegasus with tears in his eyes... ”M-Master...”

Pegasus slowly knelt and gathered Ryou into his arms. "Shhh... it's okay, baby... I will see about hiring someone... Marik needs... psychiatric help. This isn't your fault. Even if you triggered it, you did not cause the problem... And he could be dangerous now... but we'll get him help, okay baby? You'll be back with your mate as soon as possible, okay?"

Ryou whimpered and clung to Pegasus. "Master... I'm scared... h-he... j-just... he just...” he sobbed softly. "I just... wanted him to get better... I hurt him!"

"Shhhh... he hurt you. And that's part of his problem. That Constantine lion, well... forgive my choice of words but... he fucked him up." Pegasus said. "Bad. I mean, poor Marik has lost weight. I knew the moment I saw him. He looks... empty and worn and thin and lost and... he needs help, baby. And it's not your fault. They were the ones who poisoned his mind. But Rem will find the antidote, okay? It will all be fine...”

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

Lokivsanubis: Everyone is getting sick of Ryou, I’m sure of it… but yeah! GO SETO!!! Gotta love him. And as for Marik going insane… uhhmmm… No comment… >.>

K.E.Y: XD!!! RUN SETO RUN!!!

Miku: XD!!! KICK ASS!!! And… by the time you’re reading this, you will know that yes!!! They DO raid both brothel’s at once!!!

Drago: Go Seto! Go Seto!!! It’s your birthday!!! Or not… O.o nevermind… But yeah!!! They’re the good guys!!!

Meijimistress: Yeah!!! SETO TO THE RESCUE!!!

Andyouthinkimcrazy: WOOHOO!!! And yes, Peggy is USEFUL!!! NO hitting the Peggy!!! And yeah, Syrus IS cute… ^_^ and being louder than Yami is… a difficult thing to accomplish, but it’s POSSIBLE!!!


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