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 24

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"Are you two hungry?” Pegasus asked as the car pulled away from the vet, and Malik immediately turned and laid his head in Pegasus' lap, wagging his tail and whining. Pegasus laughed. "Ryou? You hungry?"

Ryou nodded eagerly. "Yes I'm very hungry!” he said cuddling Pegasus as well. "Can we eat now?"

Pegasus chuckled. And a few minutes later, the car pulled up outside of IHOP. "I'll be right back." Pegasus said, getting out of the car and going inside. Malik poked his head out of the window that was half open.

"I WANT PANCAKES!!!” he called, making a family with several children laugh and point. And they only laughed harder when Ryou's head popped out too, his ears standing straight up.

Ryou pulled his head back in the limo after a moment and nuzzled Malik. "... y-you.... really think Marik.... will... still want me?” he asked after a moment of silence. He tugged one of his own ears nervously. "He'd... still want me even after everything that's happened?"

Malik blinked and slipped back into the car, smiling. "I know he will! You're all he talks about! All he thinks about is you! His life REVOLVES around getting you back! His DREAM is getting you back! Creating a whole new life in which his world revolves around you and being happy with you 'til the day he dies!" Malik smiled and hugged Ryou, tightly. "All he wants... is you, Ryou. That's it."

Ryou blushed and hugged Malik. "just... me?” he asked looking overjoyed, and embarrassed at the same time. "He.... he'd give up a life where he got everything handed to him, to work and be human... for... for me?"

"Yes." Malik whispered, rubbing Ryou's back. "He loves you." And he pulled away and looked Ryou in the eye. "Lie down, Ryou..." And he helped Ryou lie down, not curled up like a bunny, but on his back, stretched out, his head in Malik's lap. Malik began running his fingers through Ryou’s hair. "Close your eyes. Now. Imagine waking up one morning. You and me, curled up together in our cage... And the door opens. And it's not Pegasus; it's Seto Kaiba. He looks across the room, sees us and he smiles. And he says... 'Hey guys... time to go home.' And then... Marik and Bakura walk in. And they're standing there, tall and proud and smiling. Not like a skunk and lion, but as men. Marik is in blue jeans and a white button up shirt, Bakura is in black leather pants and a... and a red shirt. And they see us, and they call out our names and run to us, and take us out of the cage and into their... their arms... and...." Malik's voice broke and he stopped, and a moment later, Ryou felt a warm drop fall onto his face.

Ryou opened his eyes and looked into Malik's sadly. "It... It is a nice dream Malik...” he said softly. "But....” he looked away. "It's just a dream..."

Malik shook his head and collapsed into sobs, his entire being shaking as the tears flooded down his face.

Ryou curled up and sat up, nuzzling Malik. "Please... don’t cry Malik...” he whispered, hugging his friend. "Please... I... I can’t leave Pegasus, but... if it will make you happy... I will help you get back to Bakura.” he said softly. "At least that way, you can be back with the one you love, and take care of Marik..." Ryou said, licking away Malik's tears lovingly. "Stop crying..."

Malik hugged Ryou tightly. "Ryou, I'm sorry, but... I won't leave. Not without you. I won't be taking care of Marik if I leave you with Pegasus. I'll be watching him die. I can't do that. You and I are going to leave and be happy with the ones we REALLY love... or we're going to be miserable with Pegasus. But I promised Marik I would take care of you, and I will. You're stuck with me Ryou. I'm not leaving you."

Ryou nuzzled Malik. "You need to go back... you don’t belong here with me... you aren't a broken down person... you still have things to live for... fight for." Ryou said softly, hugging him tightly. "Marik wouldn't want me anymore...” he said pulling away slightly. "I'm a dirty used hare.... nothing that deserves him. I could never face him... not without guilt." Ryou said hopping off the seat and curling up on the floor. "He remembers me fondly... and I'm glad..."

Malik shook his head. "Ryou... you... you saved him. You think he won't do the same for you? He already knows what has happened. And he doesn't care. He's willing to do whatever it takes to get you back, and help you put yourself back together. He loves you, more than anything. Please... just believe!" Then Malik moved back and curled up on the seat. The door opened, and Pegasus climbed in with a back of To-Go boxes.

"Here's breakfast!” he sang. "You can have it when we get to my office!"

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Pegasus' leg. "Mmm smells so yummy....” he purred, hoping to con him into giving them their breakfasts early. “I’m hungry, can I have some now?"

Pegasus smiled. "I got Malik the Colorado Omelet, lots of meat in it, and Ryou, the Garden Omelet. And you both get pancakes!" Malik perked up and his tail began thumping on the seat, eagerly.

"Really?!” he gasped, mouth watering.

Ryou mewled and began nosing into the bag while Pegasus was distracted with Malik. He was hungry, and it just smelled more than a little inviting.

"RYOU!" Pegasus shouted, making Ryou jump and squeak. "I see you there....” he said playfully, and ruffled Ryou's hair. "Just wait. You'll be eating soon."

Ryou pouted at having been caught nosing in the breakfast. "I want some now...” he pouted looking at the bag longingly.

Pegasus chuckled. "I know. Just wait until we get to my office. Then you can eat." Ryou whined, but Pegasus ignored him, and a few minutes later the car had pulled up in front of Industrial Illusions. Pegasus smiled and got out of the car, the bag of food in one hand, and the hybrid's leashes in the other.

"Come along, now. Malik, be good." And he walked into the lobby. Heads turned to watch the hybrids.

Ryou and Malik struggled to keep their balance on the highly polished marble floor.

"Master Pegasus, would you get better floor someday?" Ryou whimpered slipping and falling to the floor and whining softly.

Pegasus chuckled. "Absolutely not! You're too adorable slipping around on it!” he said, and Ryou whimpered. Malik seemed to have an easier time of it, but he was almost as grateful as Ryou when they entered the elevator.

"Ryou, no eating the plants." Pegasus said as soon as the doors closed.

Ryou pouted and huffed, laying down. "I'm hungry...." he grumbled.

Malik snickered a bit curling up next to Ryou and grooming the long floppy ears, a little amused that Pegasus felt he needed to tell Ryou not to eat the plants.

Finally, the elevator stopped and opened. Pegasus led his pets out of the elevator and into his office, removing the leashes.

"Ryou, you wanna show Malik around while I use the restroom?" And he left the room, closing the door. Malik snorted and shook his head, ears flapping a bit.

"Jerk...” he muttered, then looked at Ryou.

Ryou giggled softly. "It... Is pretty boring when he works... there's some toys to play with in that bin there." Ryou said pointing to the small chest. "There's also my bed.” he added pointing to the bunny-bed. "Otherwise... it's going to be a long day of him working." Ryou stretched and tilted his head to either side, cracking his neck slightly.

Malik sighed. "He's an ass.” he spat, and then moved around the room. He got to a sofa against the wall and sniffed it, then looked at the door and grinned. He pulled his pants down, then, to Ryou's surprise and horror, lifted his leg and urinated on it.

"Take that you stuck up prick.” he growled at the door. "According the ANIMAL rules that you want me to follow, this lovely leather sofa is now MINE!!!"

Ryou gasped. "Malik!” he squeaked shaking his head. "No!! Bad! You KNOW better!"

Ryou backed away slightly and whimpered, sure Pegasus would be furious.

Malik snorted and lowered his leg, pulling his pants up again. "That bastard should be grateful that I don't shit on his desk, Ryou.” he said, then leapt up onto the sofa and stretched out, clawing the fine leather.

Ryou whimpered again, fearfully. "P-please stop...” he pleaded softly. "H-he will be furious with you! Please!" Ryou backed under Pegasus' desk and covered his eyes, trembling violently from fear.

Malik snorted. "Like I fuckin' care." The door silently opened and Pegasus stood there. He looked at Ryou, cowering under his desk, and then at Malik, lounging on the... scratched sofa... that had a dripping wet streak over a wet spot on the carpet. Pegasus' eye narrowed and he glared at Malik. The fennec reached out and grabbed a leather pillow, then began to chew it.

Ryou sniffled softly and suddenly began to cry, frightened beyond all reasoning. "Please master Pegasus, don’t get angry!” he sobbed, shaking like a leaf. "H-he didn't mean to! I-I'll help him be good please don’t get mad!” he fell into uncontrollable frightened sobs.

Malik whirled and his eyes widened when he saw Pegasus glaring at him. He paled and gulped, slowly sliding off of the sofa and running under the desk, hiding behind Ryou, his ears back and tail tucked in. Pegasus slowly stepped into the room and closed the door, locking it.

"Malik.” he said in a low tone. "Come." Malik whimpered and flattened himself to the floor.

Ryou sniffled and looked at Pegasus, big tear-filled eyes pleading. "M-Master Pegasus... please... please don’t punish him....” he whimpered, crawling slowly forward, shaking terribly, and looking utterly terrified. "H-he...." Ryou looked at Malik and bit his lip. "H-he didn’t do it!” he said suddenly, hunching down more, suddenly even more scared by the words he was spewing from his mouth.

Malik's eyes widened and Pegasus looked down at Ryou.

"Excuse me?” he hissed. "I walk in and see him clawing my sofa and chewing the pillow, and you say he didn't do it?" Malik whimpered. "Ryou... you know better than to lie to me."

Ryou sniffled. "H-he j-just did it because I... I started it...” he said softly, hunching down and whimpering. He forced himself to think that he'd started the whole problem. "P-please don’t hurt him...” he whimpered, shaking even more, beginning to cry once more.

"And how did you start it?" Pegasus asked. His voice was quiet, but it shook with fury.

"R-Ryou..." Malik whimpered, huddled down and shaking.

Ryou swallowed hard and sniffled. "I... I... I clawed your couch...” he said softly.

"Oh?" Pegasus asked, folding his arms. "Where?"

Ryou sniffled. "All over the cushions.” he whimpered.

"Show me." The man said.

Ryou shakily hopped across the floor, and sat near the couch. He pointed out each claw mark Malik had made, and claimed them as his own. Obviously filled with fear and hiccupping from the constant flow of tears.

Pegasus frowned, and then pointed at the urine. "And that?” he growled.

Ryou looked at Malik and sniffled softly. "M-mine too...” he mumbled, knowing he'd get the beating of a lifetime shortly.

Pegasus snorted. "You expect me to believe that?” he asked. "You are a well behaved bunny. But Malik has only been with us for twenty four hours. And is not fully trained. You are not fooling me, Ryou." And Pegasus turned and glared at the fox under the desk.

Ryou huffed softly. "I'm a bad bunny.” he said tugging Pegasus' pant leg. "I did do it....” he said softly. "Because he's better than me!" Ryou blurted, knowing that was the number one reason why spraying starts in animals. "You like him better than me!” he accused, sniffling fearfully.

He was desperate to keep Malik away from Pegasus' rage, even if it meant his own hide, to protect Malik's.

Pegasus frowned. "Ryou...” he knelt and stared Ryou in the eyes. "Are you lying...?" And he probed into Ryou's mind.

Ryou looked away, still thinking clearly, that he'd done it. "No master...” he mumbled sniffling softly. "You... like him more than me.” he mumbled pathetically. "I'm very sorry....” he added looking down and hanging his head. "I'm a bad bunny..."

Pegasus frowned. Something wasn't right. He went over to his desk, logged onto the internet and went to www.ask.com. He typed 'are rabbits territorial?' into the search bar, and hit enter. A moment later, a list of WebPages popped up. And all of the descriptions said the same thing. 'Rabbits are extremely territorial.'

"Huh..." Pegasus said, and closed the window, looking over at Ryou. He didn't want to think that Ryou had done that, but... He sighed and stood.

"Ryou... you are in a lot of trouble.” he growled, and moved across the room towards his bunny.

Ryou sniffled, hanging his head and accepting his fate, the fate he'd saved Malik from. He looked at Malik briefly before sighing softly and shifting his gaze to Pegasus. "Master Pegasus...” he mumbled softly, giving him a pleading look. "Can you please punish me... without scaring the good fox?” he sniffled. "I-in another room?” he added, praying Pegasus would agree to the simple request, since it was Malik's first day, and if he was frightened, he may never warm up to either of them.

Pegasus nodded, and then picked Ryou up by the ears. "Let's go.” he growled.

"NO!!!" Malik yelped, leaping up from his spot and charging at Pegasus, slamming into him. Pegasus fell and Ryou slammed into the floor.

"MALIK!!!"

"Ryou's lying! He is! I did it! I peed on the couch, and scratched it, and he told me to stop but I didn't! You saw me yourself! I chewed the pillow! Let Ryou go!" But Pegasus stood.

"That's enough! YEEEOW!!!" He roared in pain when Malik sunk his teeth into his leg, growling.

Ryou tackled Malik and bit him. "Stop it!” he hissed, growling. "You're a good fox! Don’t be BAD.” he glared at Malik dangerously. "Leave my master alone.” he added in an icy voice.

Ryou sniffled softly and gently nursed the wound on Pegasus' leg, licking it with the most tender loving care. "Master can tell when you LIE Malik. Just let him punish me and leave him alone. When I am a bad bunny, I get punished...” he turned and glared softly. "You would do well to learn your place... so you don’t get punished too.” he added, swiping at Malik with his claws.

Malik leapt back. "NO RYOU! I won't let you take the heat for me! I promised I'd take care of you, and that's what I'm gonna do!!!" Pegasus growled and shoved Ryou away, staggering to his feet.

"Promised WHO?!” he growled in a dangerous tone, glaring at Malik. Malik glared right back and tilted his ears, baring his teeth and growling.

Ryou whimpered looking at Pegasus worriedly. "He promised me a long time ago Master....” he said softly, glaring at Malik dangerously. "Back when I first visited him... I was afraid... and we promised to protect each other..."

Ryou stepped between Pegasus and Malik, hunching down and growling at Malik. "But I will protect my mate, from my friend.....” he said dangerously. "Even if I made a promise to protect him...."

Malik growled right back. "I thought you said he could tell when we were lying, Ryou. In that case, he should know that you've been lying ever since he came in!" Pegasus frowned and backed away. This argument was becoming very... informative.

Ryou snarled and twitched. "I have not!” he howled swiping at Malik once again. "Back off!” he added fiercely. "If it weren't for you I wouldn't have all the troubles I have!” he growled, twitching as though he were about to strike. "You're a BAD fox!"

"Yeah?!" Malik barked back, tail and ears bristling. "Well, I may be a bad fox, but you're a lying bunny! And an unfaithful WHORE!!!" And he tackled Ryou to the floor, pinning him down. "You've betrayed the one who REALLY loves you...” he hissed where Pegasus couldn't hear. "And he knows it. But he doesn't care. He loves you. Stop trying to protect me, Ryou! PLEASE!!!" Malik's eyes filled with tears. "I promised him I would protect YOU!"

Ryou snarled and bit Malik hard. "Get away from me! I'm no WHORE!” he howled kicking Malik off. He charged at him and tackled him, sending them both rolling across the floor, in a cloud of teeth and claws. "Get out of my home and out of my life!"

Malik growled and knocked Ryou back, slamming him into the wall. "I would love to.” he growled. "I would like more than anything to go back home! To be human! With my sister! With Marik, and Bakura! But because I wanted to help Marik AND YOU.... I'm a fucking animal now!!!” he leapt to his feet and slammed Ryou into the wall again, holding him there by the throat. "LOOK AT ME!!!” he glared, baring his teeth and crying. "This is all. Your. Fault..."

"ENOUGH!!!" Pegasus shouted, storming over and grabbing Malik by the collar, jerking him away from Ryou and flinging him to the floor. Malik whirled.

"KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!” he screamed, and attacked, bringing Pegasus to the floor, lunging for this throat.

Ryou snarled and tackled Malik away pinning him harshly to the floor and breathing hard, looking thoroughly ragged. "You leave my mate alone....” he hissed, breathing harshly. "I don’t care who you were or what you had....” he said snarling softly. "I don’t care what you wanted then or what you want now... if you want out, then LEAVE.... and NEVER come back...” he growled, biting Malik's neck harshly, not biting to kill, biting to immobilize him. "Don’t come to my home and attack my master.... I don’t care who you are... I will kill you to save him.... and NEVER forget that..." Ryou growled around his mouthful of flesh, biting down harder.

"Then do it." Malik whimpered, not bothering to struggle. "Right now. I'd rather die than live the way you are."

Pegasus slowly sat up, staring at the pair on the floor.

Ryou snarled around Malik's neck, slowly letting go and turning to Pegasus. "Master... I do not like this playmate. He is BAD... and he will not ever be good.” he said glaring back to Malik. "Please send him away.” he growled. "Send him somewhere where he'll never see me again, somewhere where bad foxes belong."

Pegasus frowned and stood up. "Hybrids are not cheap, Ryou.” he said, looking down and examining his bleeding hands and arms where he had fended off Malik's teeth. "If I send him away, I will be sending away your only chance of a companion.” he looked at Ryou. "Are you sure you want that? If I send him away, it WILL be to be put down. Are you sure he will never be good? You were quite a bad bunny at first, after all. Perhaps he just needs some... extensive training." Pegasus watched Malik slowly roll onto his belly and curl up, sobbing bitterly.

Ryou glared at Malik, panting softly. "I do not like him...” he growled, hopping slowly to Pegasus, limping slightly from wounds. "I do not like him, and I want him to leave. I don’t want him to die... but I don’t want to see him anymore. You are my companion, I should have never asked for anything more." Ryou said wincing softly, and laying at Pegasus' feet.

Pegasus sighed and nodded. He turned and went to his desk, making a few phone calls. Then he sat and stared at Ryou and Malik both huddling on the floor of his office. Half an hour later, a man walked in wheeling a large plastic dog crate on a cart. Pegasus nodded to the man and stood. He picked Ryou up, and the man put Malik into the kennel. Pegasus turned and carried Ryou from the office. The man put the bag with their breakfast in it and placed it on top of the crate, before wheeling it after Pegasus. The elevator ride to the lobby was silent, and soon enough, the crate was loaded into Pegasus' car, and they were heading home.

Ryou whimpered softly, wincing in Pegasus' lap. "Master... I'm sorry I asked for a friend... look how he's hurt you...” he breathed, wincing and sitting up, beginning to gently clean Pegasus' wrists. "I'm so sorry... I was a bad bunny....” he sniffled softly, tears beginning to roll down his cheeks.

Pegasus gently stroked Ryou. "Shhhh... it's okay. You were also a very good bunny, protecting your master... Just rest for now, okay?" And he turned and stared at the silent crate sitting on the floor of the limo.

Once they got home, the crate was removed and carried upstairs. Pegasus carried Ryou into the bathroom, stripped him, and gave him a bath. Then, after he had cleaned and cared for his own injuries, he carried Ryou out to the balcony patio, where their breakfasts were waiting on the low level table. Pegasus set Ryou on his cushion before his omelet and pancakes, and then sat down before his own breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns and pancakes.

"Sir... What about the meat omelet?" The butler asked, holding Malik's breakfast.

"Leave the pancakes here." Pegasus ordered in a stiff tone. "Throw the rest out."

Ryou winced slightly, looking at Pegasus lovingly, despite his own soreness, and slight fright from Pegasus' tone. He looked at his omelet and quietly nibbled it for a moment.

"Master... you won’t.... kill him... will you?” he asked after a moment, looking fearful.

"No." Pegasus said in a firm, cold voice. But that was all he said.

Ryou hunched down slightly, looking worried. "Master...” he whimpered softly biting his lip. "Are... you angry with me as well?” he asked softly, looking away. "I... I was bad not to teach him to be as good as me..."

"He could never be as good as you, Ryou. No matter how well you taught him." And he offered Ryou a smile. It wasn't a very warm smile, but it was a smile... "I am merely weighing my options on how to deal with him." And he stuck a sausage link into his mouth.

Ryou smiled uneasily. "Maybe.... I can help you?" He asked, lapping up some of the water near him. "I would... like to help you punish the bad fox." Ryou said softly. "Can I help you?” he asked bowing his head respectfully.

Pegasus blinked, a bit taken aback by Ryou's wanting to punish Malik.

"Okay... what would you suggest?” he asked.

Ryou flicked his ears softly, nibbling a bit of his omelet. "He's very bad...." Ryou said calmly. "He wants to go back to his lover..." Ryou added calmly. "He loves Bakura." Ryou winced and laid down on his cushion. "He doesn't want to be here, and he shouldn't be here, he's bad. Master, you should put him somewhere where he can’t ever have what he wants."

Pegasus blinked and raised his eyebrows. "Malik and Bakura? The skunk? They're lovers?” he asked, and Ryou nodded. "And... Where do you suggest we put him, Ryou?"

Ryou stretched slightly, sniffing the air and appreciating the smells of morning. "Put him on a boat, a boat that's going far far away, where he'll never find his way home.” he said softly. "He can catch mice on a cargo ship, or go to work in Africa, pulling mine carts everyday. Working so hard and never able to come back."

Pegasus blinked and quirked an eyebrow. "Wow... umm... that's a bit... harsh, don't you think?"

Ryou huffed slightly. "He hurt you.” he said softly. "He deserves harsh punishment. He hurt both you AND me.” he said but nodded. "hmm... but maybe you are right....” he sat up and nibbled at his omelet again thoughtfully. "I know! Send him to a junk yard as a guard fox. Where he can be as mean and bad as he wants. They lock those beasts up tight, and the fences are electrified at night, he'll always be chained up and he'll never get home ever ever again!"

Pegasus sweat dropped. "Ryou. There are two choices here. He either stays here with us, or I put him down. You two seemed to be getting along so well, I was very happy. I think with some training, he can become a good fox."

Ryou nodded. "If you train him, I don’t want to see him until he's good. He's a bad fox, and I'm tired of him biting me.” he grumbled. Ryou blinked. "But Master... Rex was hurt... who will train Malik?” he asked suddenly. "Malik said...." Ryou paused and looked away. "He said that his friend hurt Rex badly."

Pegasus snorted, and then smirked. "Rex will recover. And until then... I will train him.” he said, and chuckled slightly. Twenty minutes later, Pegasus was finished eating, and so was Ryou. He carried Ryou from the balcony and took him to the Bunny Room, putting him in his nesting box.

"I have a few phone calls to make, Ryou. I'll be back for you in an hour or so.” he said, then turned and left. It only took Ryou a moment before he spotted the crate up on the grooming table against the wall.

Ryou laid down in the soft bedding and yawned. "You should have just left me alone Malik." He said coldly. "Because I won’t be saving you from this. You have it coming to you.” he added heartlessly, laying his head down.

After a long pause, Malik finally answered. "I don't care...” he said, in almost a whisper. "I won't roll over for that bastard. Ever."

Ryou huffed softly. "I don’t care if you do or not. It's yourself you're hurting. Not me.” he replied calmly. "You'll get tired of being beaten one day, and maybe then you'll stop being such an idiot and just do what you're told." Ryou winced slightly. "I'm sorry it has to come to this... but you crossed the line when you turned on Pegasus. I won’t have it."

"So be it, Ryou." Malik sighed. "Go ahead. Stay with Pegasus. Be his loyal pet. Whatever part of you that was once human is long dead. You're nothing but a stupid rabbit. How could you do this to Marik? If you had given up in the first place, Marik could have remained an animal. He would be happy. But you had to make him see that he was still human. Now, he's fighting a losing battle. For you. And so is Bakura. BECAUSE of you. And I am dead as well. And my sister will come home, and find her entire family gone. Face it Ryou. You've ruined our lives. And I hate you for it."

Ryou glared at the kennel. "I didn't ruin your life, you did. You ruined it when you stepped into that pet shop. You had it coming.” he growled softly. "You make a better fox than a human anyway, though you still act like you're high and mighty. Maybe Pegasus can beat that out of you.” he added coldly. Ryou buried himself slightly into the bedding. "YOU ruined Marik's life, when you told him to keep fighting; you ruined Bakura's life when you got HIM to start fighting." Ryou yawned softly. "You ruined as many lives as me, raising their hopes like you did, and Bakura will be CRUSHED when you never come back. You're either going to behave, or master Pegasus will kill you." Ryou smirked, a slight wickedness in his empty eyes. "And I don’t intend to let him kill you and give you the easy way out... think of it as my own little thank you, for coming in and ruining MY life more."

"So that's it then?" Malik snapped, his voice choked with tears. "I guess it is. Maybe it is my fault. I never should have gone to that Ra forsaken pet shop. Marik would have died that morning. He would have been better off dying. Knowing that you loved him. Because he WILL find out that you don't love him, Ryou. If I had never gone to that pet shop, Bakura would not have escaped and come to me. We wouldn't have fallen in love. He might have had a life where he could be happy. As a pet... I would have my life... And you would have your precious master..." Malik spat out the last two words like venom. "Okay. Fine. It is my fault! I ruined everyone's life!!! We all could have been happy if it weren't for me! But dammit, Ryou... Pegasus was the one who started it all. If it weren't for him, NONE of this would have happened. And you would have YOUR life! So maybe ruining our lives was my fault, but I never would have done it if it weren't for Pegasus!"

"You can’t change what's been done, stop whining about it." Ryou growled. "That is that. Marik is better off without me. Bakura is better off without you, and you'll be better off once you learn to shut that trap of yours!" Ryou rolled over and stretched. "Welcome to reality. Welcome home.” he said sadistically, closing his eyes and yawning. "Now if you don’t mind, the GOOD animal would like to sleep."

Malik didn't answer; he curled up and cried. And a little bit over an hour later, Pegasus came into the room. He paused and glared at Malik for a moment, meeting the bloodshot eyes glaring at him, then snorted and smirked and went over to the Nesting Box, opening the door and gently petting Ryou's hair.

Ryou yawned broadly, stretching into Pegasus' petting. "Hello master!” he chirped, nuzzling and licking at Pegasus' hand. "I'm feeling much better. Do you?” he asked gently nudging Pegasus' wrists and looking at him worriedly.

Pegasus smiled. "I feel fine.” he said, picking Ryou up and nuzzling him. "Come along, now.” he set Ryou on the ground, then turned and headed out of the room, once again smirking at Malik. He held the door open for Ryou.

Ryou glared at Malik for a moment, before raising his nose and hopping out, snottily. "Bad Fox.” he called back, before hurrying after Pegasus. Ryou nuzzled his legs and smiled lovingly at him. "Master Pegasus....” he cooed softly. "Where are we going?"

Pegasus laughed. "Must you shout at Malik every time you see him?” he asked, quite amused at Ryou's... mean side. "I thought you were a sweet little bunny. But you're being very nasty."

Ryou blushed. "I'm mad at him... he hurt you...” he said sheepishly, smiling softly. "I'm a very sweet bunny... I just don’t like people hurting my mate....” he said tenderly, hopping along side Pegasus. "Where are we going master?” he asked once more.

Pegasus smiled down at Ryou. "Well... I think with your injuries, a trip to the vet is in order.” he said.

Ryou froze. "But master!” he whined backing up a bit. "I'm fine!” he pouted shaking his head. "I don’t like the vet! We were just there!"

Pegasus laughed and knelt. "I'm just kidding, baby.” he said, kissing Ryou's face. "I'm not sure where we're going... is there anything you want to do? Any place you want to go?"

Ryou giggled and hunched down, wiggling his behind a bit, playfully. "Let’s go outside!” he cheered. "I want to play in my little hole, and bask in the sunshine!"

Pegasus chuckled. "I had a feeling you might say that... but... what about something else? Extra special. We could go to the park... or the zoo... anything?” he asked, petting Ryou.

Ryou gasped softly. "A... a... big reward?” he asked, eyes widening. "oooh....” he plopped down and looked thoughtful. "Oh master lets go.... let’s go to the park!” he said grinning. "Let’s have a picnic in the park, and play in the grass and the sun."

Pegasus blinked, and then laughed. "You just ate!!!"

Ryou giggled. "I'd still eat a snack.” he said nuzzling Pegasus. "A... few cookies... or... maybe a piece of that cheese cake your maid makes... with the whipped cream and strawberry." He said hopefully.

Pegasus snickered. "Cheesecake? And who has been letting YOU eat cheesecake?” he asked, tapping Ryou's little nose.

Ryou blushed. "Well... I stole some.” he admitted sheepishly. "It... It smelled SO yummy.... and it was sitting out..."

Pegasus frowned, but chuckled. "Why you sneaky little thief...” he said, standing. "Okay. Let's go to the park."

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

Pegasus walked into the bunny room, glancing, as he always did, at Malik, still locked in the crate. He moved across the room and knelt, knocking on the door of Ryou's cage.

"Ryou... wake up.” he called. "Nap time is over!"

Ryou stretched in his cage and peeped up from under his bedding. "Mmmm...” he mumbled, stretching and hopping over to the cage door. "Hello master.” he said offering Pegasus a sweet smile.

Pegasus smiled. "Shake that bedding off...” he said, and Ryou did so. Pegasus opened the door to Ryou's cage, watching his little bunny hop out. "Well... you get to find out what's been going on next door, now.” he said. For the past two days, there had been a lot of noise coming from the next room over.

Ryou blinked and nodded. "Oh... what happened?!” he said eagerly, his ears and tail twitching eagerly. "Oh show me show me!"

Ryou grinned and chased his own tail slightly, putting on a show of eagerness and excitement.

Pegasus chuckled. "It's not THAT exciting. I just though you would be happy to know that Malik is moving out of your room now.” he said, picking up Malik's crate. The fox growled, but did nothing else. "There now... see? He's mellowing out a bit already." Pegasus said, looking down to Ryou.

Ryou grinned and nodded, hopping after Pegasus. "Well... he hasn't gotten much attention, or food.” he said nuzzling Pegasus' leg. "He's probably just too tired to be bad."

"Or thirsty..." Malik grumbled. Pegasus smirked and took them into the next room. Sure enough, the room had been completely remodeled. It looked much like the cages at the pet shop. A large plate of plexi glass divided the room, leaving a ten foot area of carpeting to walk in.

The rest of the room was the cage, filled with sand and scrub brush, rocks, a little pond in the corner, and a cave. And the sand was nice and deep, perfect for digging.

Pegasus opened the door of the cage, then opened the crate, and dumped Malik in. Malik grunted and slowly picked himself up. He was droopy and shaky, obviously weak. He plodded over to the pond and dropped, beginning to drink desperately.

Pegasus closed and locked the door of the cage. "There. He even has a view of the back yard." Pegasus said, looking at the barred windows. "That way, he can see you playing outside Ryou. And see how nice it is to be a good pet. Which brings me to another surprise, especially for you."

"A surprise for me?” he asked curiously, looking at Malik, a bit envious of that soft looking sand.

Ryou grinned and looked at Pegasus. "What sort of surprise?"

"You'll see." Pegasus said, and left the room. Malik stopped drinking and turned, looking and Ryou and lifting an ear slightly.

Ryou turned quickly and hopped after Pegasus, not giving him self, or Malik time to speak to each other.

"When can I see?” he asked quickly looking eagerly at Pegasus.

Malik's ears and his tail drooped. He sighed sadly and looked around, finally slinking into his cave and curling up, hiding his face in his tail and sniffling.

"As soon as we get there, Ryou." Pegasus chuckled, looking back at his little bunny.

Ryou grinned, hopping eagerly after Pegasus. "When will we get there?!” he said prancing slightly. "Soon?"

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus' leg and hopped up higher than usual, obviously excited.

Pegasus laughed loudly. "Very soon!” he said, heading down the stairs. He walked through the living room, into the dining room, then into the hall between the dining room and kitchen. He pointed to the door at the end of the hall they opened out onto the back yard. "Go look.” he said.

Ryou squeaked happily and skittered quickly to the door, peering out.

Pegasus chuckled when Ryou blinked, finding the window that used to be in the door was gone. In its place was a black plastic plate. Pegasus walked over and leaned down, pushing it. It swung forward; it was a little doggie door.

Ryou squeaked. "for me?” he asked, pawing at it slightly. "Oh it's the best gift ever!” he said nuzzling the doggie door. "D-does this mean I wont have to stay in my cage all day long?"

"That's right." Pegasus said. You can run around the house when I'm not here. And this way, you can even go outside. The yard is finished. Go on." And he gave Ryou a little pat on the bottom to encourage him to try out his little 'Bunny Door'.

Ryou squealed in delight and scampered out into the back yard and gasped at how much it had changed. "Ohhhh...” he said immediately darting forwards and beginning to nibble on a bush.

Pegasus laughed and opened the door, following Ryou out. "I have another surprise for you...” he called, walking along the soft dirt path that would be easy on Ryou's tender paws.

Ryou peeked up, nibbling on a leaf and ears perking up. He swallowed quickly. "There's more?” he asked delightedly. "W-what more could you possibly give me?!"

Pegasus chuckled and beckoned Ryou to follow him as he headed across the yard. Ryou blinked, and then eagerly scampered after him. Pegasus led him over to a white picket fence and to the small gate. "Open it.” he said, pointing to the gate which also had a little bunny door in it.

Ryou grinned and hopped through the bunny door eagerly, more than willing to obey, wanting to see this extra surprise.

Once inside of the fence, Ryou found a large vegetable garden spread out before him, and in the corners were trees. Fruit trees. One apple, one pear, one cherry and one orange. Pegasus smiled and leaned over the gate.

"Here you go!" Pegasus said. "It's just for you!"

Ryou stared wide-eyed. "F-for me? Just for me?” he said looking at the vast garden eagerly. "I... I can eat it?" His eyes flicked from veggie to veggie, eagerly.

Pegasus chuckled. "Of course! Why else would it be there?" Ryou gave an excited squeak as he looked over the veggies, and Pegasus laughed at Ryou's tail, flicking as fast as he had ever seen it. But suddenly, a large shadow rose out of the tomato plants.

Ryou squeaked softly and backed up a bit, seeing the shadow and not knowing what it was.

Pegasus blinked, and then snickered as the thing became recognizable as a scare crow. Then, a man popped up from among the tomato vines. He smiled.

"Hello Mr. Pegasus!" The man said, smiling and wiping away some sweat. Pegasus nodded and the man tromped out of the vegetable patch and looked down at Ryou. "Well, hello there little guy!” he boomed in a deep voice, kneeling and scratching Ryou behind the ears.

Ryou stared at him with wide eyes, half in fear, half in awe... this man was... huge! "H-hello...” he said softly, allowing the man to scratch his ears. "Who are you?"

"Ryou, this is Mr. Tsuji. He's your very own personal gardener." Pegasus said, and the large man smiled and took Ryou's paw, shaking it.

"Hello there!” he said.

"Mr. Tsuji is going to work with you so you can have all the things you like growing out here. If there are any plants or vegetables you don't like, he will remove them and replace them with whatever you choose." Pegasus explained. Mr. Tsuji smiled and nodded, patting Ryou on the head with his giant hand and standing again, looking over the vegetable garden.

"Yup.” he said, smiling down at Ryou again, then bent down and reached out to Ryou, offering him a little baby carrot. "Nice to meet you, Ryou."

Ryou grinned and nibbled the carrot from Tsuji's fingers delicately. "mmmm...” he cooed, nuzzling the man's hands. "That was very yummy....” he said smiling warmly. Ryou quickly turned and smiled at Pegasus. "You're the...the most wonderful....” he sniffled wiping tears of joy that were forming in his eyes. "E-everything a bunny could ask for!"

Tsuji blinked, then stood and laughed. Pegasus soon joined him, opening the gate and coming into the garden.

"Awwww....” he cooed, kneeling. "Does my bunny like his surprise?"

.Ryou grinned and nuzzled Pegasus, licking his cheek. "Oh yes.... it's... so wonderful!” he said grinning from ear to ear.

Pegasus smiled and pet Ryou gently, kissing his forehead. "Who's my good bunny?” he asked.

Ryou grinned. "I'm your good bunny!” he said proudly, nuzzling him and kissing his cheek. "Thank you master Pegasus..." he cooed lovingly.

Pegasus smiled. "You can come out here whenever you wish.” he said, standing again, watching Tsuji go back to work, weeding the garden.

Ryou smiled eagerly and turned to Tsuji. "When winter comes, I want snowmen!” he said proudly. "Snowmen with carrot noses.” he grinned.

Tsuji blinked, and then laughed.

"I'll keep that in mind, little fellow!” he called from the strawberry patch. Pegasus chuckled and left the garden, looking around the rest of the yard.

Ryou hopped through the bunny door, following Pegasus, sighing dreamily, enjoying the soft dirt path that was just right for his paws.

"Mmm...” he said, softly. "Master... this is the most wonderful gift ever.... the dirt and grass is all so soft! There's a garden just for me..." Ryou gasped softly, eyes suddenly catching sight of the manmade waterfall Pegasus had mentioned long before the yard had been completed.

He hopped eagerly towards it and bent to drink the cool water. "mmm...” he said sitting up and looking at Pegasus. "This place is perfect."

Pegasus smiled and sat down on a bench nearby. "I'm glad you like it, angel.” he said, smiling. "There are also toys hidden around for you... there's a ball right over there under that tree, see?" And he pointed. Sure enough, Ryou turned and saw a big red rubber ball under a willow tree. Bigger than he was!

Ryou grinned broadly and barreled towards the ball, hopping onto it and beginning to wrestle with it, ending up rolling around the yard goofily.

He laughed, panting and finally letting go of the ball to flop down in a shady moss-patch and stretched out.

Upstairs, Malik was staring out the window miserably, watching Ryou play happily. He sighed and slowly whimpered, then whined. He was lonely, and tired, and hungry... He felt horrible for what he had said and done to Ryou. He had promised Marik that he would take care of Ryou, but... Malik whimpered again and slowly lay down on the floor again, sniffling. He had never felt so alone in his entire life...

"Tired, Ryou?" Pegasus laughed. "Have you worn yourself out?"

Ryou nodded, yawning a bit. "Oh master... this is the most wonderful gift... I love it...” he murmured slowly sitting up. He looked up at Malik's window and frowned softly. "Do you think he's watching?” he asked looking to Pegasus. "Do you think he'll... be good someday?"

Pegasus smiled and knelt before Ryou, petting him. "I hope so. I want you to be best friends. You must remember, Ryou. He's very scared. He doesn't know how to be a good fox. He tried, and started out very good... he just made a few mistakes. He needs your help, baby...” he smiled and kissed Ryou's little nose. "Can you try to help him? When I'm at work... maybe talk to him. But don't go into his cage and don't let him out. But can you try to talk to him again? Please?"

Ryou pouted softly. "But... he doesn't like you.... he wants me to stop liking you...” he said looking away and pouting. "I don’t want to be a bad bunny... what if he says something that makes me be bad?"

Pegasus smiled. "I trust you, baby. You must teach him that being a good boy will bring good things in life."

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright....” he said softly. He got up and nuzzled Pegasus. "I... will try to talk to him now then...” he said smiling slightly. "Master... please bring the tastiest looking lunch into his room? I will teach him to be good, for food." He said grinning. “He's probably starving, and I bet something delicious would be worth behaving for."

Pegasus blinked and his eye widened. "You're going to tempt him with food? Well... okay." Pegasus said, standing. "You go up to see Malik, and I will have food sent up. I'm going to my office, okay? So you have free run of the house while I'm gone.” he smiled. "You're in charge, got it?"

Ryou grinned delighted. "I will make sure the house is very good while you're gone!” he said proudly. "And when you come home, I will be right there waiting!” he added cheerfully, darting forward and licking Pegasus' cheek, before dashing into the house, scampering up the stairs to Malik's room.

Pegasus chuckled and shook his head, then headed for the kitchen.

When Ryou got up to Malik's room, Malik was huddling in the back of his cave, crying and whimpering.

Ryou tapped lightly on the glass. "Malik...” he said softly. "Will you come out?"

Malik grew quiet for a moment.

"R-Ryou?” he sniffled, and Ryou heard him shift around, but he did not emerge.

"Yes, it's me. Come out?” he asked softly, tapping the glass.

"Why?" Malik asked, trying to sound vicious, but he only sounded miserable. "So you can yell at me some more? Point out how I've ruined everyone's life? Show me how my own life is over?!" And he was unable to hold back a harsh sob.

Ryou huffed slightly. "I was going to talk to you, but if you're going to act like an ass, then I'll just leave you alone some more.” he said turning his back on the cage, but not leaving the room.

"NO!!" Malik cried suddenly, and he slowly emerged from his cave. "P-Please... don't... don't leave me alone...” he whimpered, rubbing his watery eyes.

Ryou turned back to Malik. "Did you see me outside with master Pegasus?” he asked calmly.

Malik looked at Ryou, then slowly lowered his eyes and nodded, sniffling. He plodded over to the side of his cage before dropping down into the sand, tired from his simple walk across the cage. "Y-Yeah..."

"It was very fun. I don’t have to stay in my cage anymore." Ryou said stretching. "Master has left me in charge of the whole house today while he's gone at work.” he added smiling. "If you would behave, you could come out and play in the warm sunshine with me... drink some of the delicious cool water from the waterfall, and eat the freshest vegetables, from my very own garden with me.” he said, hoping to tempt Malik.

Malik's ears perked for a moment, but then dropped and he sighed. "If I'm a pet...” he mumbled, looking away from Ryou.

"You ARE a pet." Ryou said firmly. "There's nothing human left of you, and it's time you acted like what you are.” he added. "If you behaved you could come out of there and roll in the soft grass and bask in the warm sunshine... breathe the smell of the fresh air, dig in the soft soft dirt. Pegasus made that yard just for the two of us... but if you keep being bad you'll never get the chance to play in it."

Malik turned his face away from Ryou and curled up tightly. "I... I don't want to be his... >hic< .... His pet... I want to be... me. Malik Ishtar... I know I'm not human anymore. But... I'm not an animal! I'm not!"

"Malik... Malik Ishtar died... he doesn't exist anymore." Ryou explained slowly, beginning to groom his ears. "He won’t ever exist again... You're a fox...” he said placing his hand on the glass. "But if you behave, you'll get the things you want, more than you ever had when you were human."

Ryou sniffed the air, able to smell something utterly mouth-watering cooking. "mmm... like lunch...” he said sniffing the air longingly, hoping to tempt Malik further.

Malik looked at Ryou. "I want to live my own life. Not a life that is chosen for me. I want to be my own man. Love whom I choose to love. And be with him for all my life. Not have to sit at the feet of a man I don't love and wag my tail to make him happy...” he stared down at his claws. "That's not the life I want. With no purpose... but to serve. I do not want a life of servitude..."

Ryou shrugged. "You can. You can live your own life, with your own choices in that little cage." he said calmly. "You can choose to cry and dig, and drink.” he added flicking an ear. "Or you can behave and come out, and choose many more things to do. Things like... going outside or not, like eating, like playing or resting."

"Until that bastard starts barking orders." Malik spat venomously.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "Master Pegasus has never barked an order. He lets me do whatever I decide. If I respect him, he respects me." Ryou said lying down and rolling onto his back, stretching. "If you'd just be nice and respect him, you wouldn't be locked up in that cage with hardly any food, and barely enough water... you could go outside with me, and eat until you had a stomach ache...."

Malik snorted. "I don't like being told what to do, Ryou. I'm not like you. I won't just lie down and spread my legs for him! If he touches me like that, I will rip off his balls with my teeth!!!" And the fennec growled, his ears flattening back to his head.

Ryou growled. "He wont. He doesn't want you.” he said sourly. "He only wants me. You aren't something he loves, and you won’t ever be. So stop being a bad fox and behave. He bought you for ME."

"What? So he expects me to spread my legs for YOU?!" Malik spat, glaring at Ryou.

Ryou groaned. "NO! No one WANTS you!” he spat annoyed. "He bought you to keep ME company!"

Malik turned and looked at Ryou. "I... I'm sorry Ryou... I know. I didn't mean that. I'm sorry, I just... I wanna go home!" And he started crying again.

Ryou smiled as a small cart was pushed in and a few trays set on the floor for him. "Thank you.” he said, nuzzling the maid, who giggled and scratched his ears, before leaving.

Ryou yawned and began lifting the lids off of the trays, revealing many different delicious looking, and utterly mouth-watering dishes, the smells practically unbearably good.

Malik's eyes widened and his ears perked as he stared at the juicy steak on platter, and chicken over wild rice on another. He ran his tongue over his lips, his mouth watering. He whined slightly, his stomach loudly making itself known.

Ryou began nibbling on the appetizer, a delicious salad, made to perfection. He chewed slowly. "Mmmm...” he said delightedly. "Bacon bits... and croutons and tomatoes..."

Malik whimpered and his tail lashed as he watched Ryou eat.

"R-Ryou! That's not fair!” he whined.

Ryou grinned. "Want some?” he asked, taking a nibble of the steak and almost moaning in delight, making the food seem even more delicious to the starved Malik.

Malik whimpered and got to his feet, his eyes fixed on the steak. He nodded, lower lip trembling.

"Nope." Ryou said smirking. "Only GOOD animals get food like this.” he said flicking his ears. "I'll ask for some dog food for you.” he said calmly.

Malik frowned. "Ryouuuu... R-Rem said that dog food isn't good for fennecs! It doesn't meet our dietary needs!!!” he whined.

"Fine, I’ll have them bring you some fatty scraps.” he said, taking another nibble of the steak.

Malik's ears drooped and he whined again. "Ryouuu.... c'mon, gimme a break, I haven't eaten in three days!!"

Ryou shook his head. "If you get rewarded for bad behavior you'll never learn to be good.” he said taking another bite of the steak before going back to the salad. "It's such a shame too, the maid made that yummy cheese cake....” he said thoughtfully. Ryou grinned at Malik. "It has these strawberries, and whipped cream... and if you ask nicely, she'll put this delicious strawberry sauce all over it...."

Malik whined again. "Stop teasing me!! You're playing dirty Ryou, that is SO not cool! Come on! Throw me a bone here! As in a T-Bone, huh?"

Ryou shook his head. "No Malik. I'm sorry." He said calmly. "I won’t give you even a scrap. This is food for good animals. Not vicious biting little beasts."

"I wasn't going to let you take the heat for me, Ryou!" Malik cried. "I promised to protect you! You didn't need to try and protect me!"

Ryou yawned softly. "It's such a shame too... I probably won’t be able to finish all this food... master Pegasus spoils me... I'll get so fat...” he said nibbling on his salad again, still having yet to touch the chicken and rice.

Malik whined yet again and began to pace, his eyes focused on the meat.

"Y-You're a rabbit... you shouldn't be eating that anyway... come on, Ryou... I won't tell... please?"

"Nope." Ryou said smirking. "I'm not giving you anything. Not unless you start behaving.” he said finishing off the salad and returning to the steak. "It's so delicious too... you could be eating this yummy food too, if you hadn't been such a bad bad fox." Ryou flicked his ears. "Wait here, I'll have the maid give you something you can eat... I'm sure there's some fatty gristle left over.” he said hopping from the room, leaving the food lying out to taunt Malik's hunger.

Malik let out a loud whine as Ryou hopped out.

"RYOU!! Oh, come ON!!!" Malik cried, and began running back and forth along the front of his cage, whining desperately, his eyes never leaving the food. Finally he was too tired, so he sunk down to the sand again, panting, and still staring at the food.

Ryou hopped back, the maid carrying a bowl full of the grossest looking muck possible. She opened a small slot in the cage door and set the bowl down inside quickly shutting the slot again.

"There you go..." She said smiling at him, petting Ryou. "I'll be sure you get some pie little guy." She said giggling as Ryou licked her hands and nuzzled her. "You be a good boy Ryou, and I'll put extra strawberries on it." She said before hurrying from the room.

Ryou hopped back before his food and yawned. "There, you have food of your own."

Malik swallowed and stared at Ryou for a moment, before slowly approaching the bowl and sniffing at it.

"Just eat it, if you’re hungry enough you'll eat anything, and trust me you don’t want to know what that is." Ryou said calmly nibbling away at the steak. "It's the very best I could get you, Pegasus gave the maid orders not to feed you at all. You're lucky she likes me so much."

Malik whimpered, tucking his tail in and backing away from bowl, making a face at the putrid smell.

"R-Ryou... please...” he begged. "This is torture..."

"Then you'll learn your lesson and straighten up.” he said coldly. "If you would act nicely, you'd be eating a steak, cooked just how you like it, and delicious pie, and all the milk you could lap up." Ryou stretched and began grooming his ears. "I'm full."

Malik's ears and tail drooped and he hung his head.

"Why are you doing this to me?” he asked, voice shaking.

"Because if I don’t teach you to behave, you'll never learn.” he said calmly. "Now eat your muck and be grateful you got it. I bent the rules as it was to get it for you, the least you could do is eat it and be grateful."

Ryou began covering the food once more, the chicken and rice still completely untouched, and the steak only half eaten.

Malik's lip trembled and his eyes filled with tears. "You were right, Ryou. I never should have gone to that pet shop. Marik should have died that morning. It would have been kinder for him. He will never get back the one he loves... because the Ryou he loves is gone. You're a heartless animal... As heartless as that bastard that you call 'Master'! I hope Marik never find out..."

Ryou turned and glared at Malik. "You want heartless? Fine. I'll show you heartless.” he said calmly. "You enjoy that muck; I'll not be talking the maid into breaking the rule for you anymore. You can starve until you're skin and bones, and watch miserably while I play outside in the sun, while you become pale and frail and sickly." Ryou barked angrily. "You can make all the freedom choices you want. You can lie in the dirt in or outside of that little cave. Be as human as you want, but I won’t cut you any slack anymore. That's only half as heartless as I can be." Ryou said looking away and grooming his ears. "The other half, is you'll be doing all of that starving and choosing all by yourself."

Malik's ears tilted back and he growled. "Thanks. I will." And he turned and lashed out, flinging the bowl of slop at the wall, then glared at Ryou. "And I will die here. But I will die human. And my soul will live on. I can't say the same for you, Ryou. You have already destroyed your soul." And he ran back to his cave and made his way to the very back where he began to furiously dig, trying to make it deeper.

"Some human death you'll have. Dying like a dog.” he hissed, grooming his ears. "And we'll bury you out in the backyard just like the animal you are." Ryou taunted angrily. "A real human way to go out. I'm sure Bakura will be thrilled to hear of your death."

Malik stopped digging and sobbed.

"SHUT UP!!!” he screamed, shaking in anger and exhaustion. "JUST GO AWAY! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!"

"Then leave Malik." Ryou said simply. "I'll help you leave, if you just leave. Leave and DON’T come back.” he hissed angrily.

Malik was silent for a long time.

"I... I can't...” he finally whispered, flopping down and closing his eyes.

"Why not?" Ryou said glaring. "Some promise to keep? In case you didn't notice I don’t NEED protecting. So far the only problems I've had, were your fault.” he breathed. "Everything bad that's happened since you got here has been you being an ass." Ryou lay on the floor and glared at the wall. "You come into my home and disrupt the serenity we had. You lie to me, and try to get me to love someone who does not need me, and would be better off without me, you swear on a little vow of protection, but so far the only thing you've accomplished is the opposite." Ryou listed off, his little tail flicking. "I loved Marik... but I cannot leave Pegasus, I will be loyal to him until the day I die. Even if he IS the one who made me this way, even if he IS the one who in essence killed me. He is my mate. He's been my mate since Marik died, and I don’t care if he's alive now, Pegasus mated me, and I'm bound to him. I love him." Ryou said firmly.

"That's why I cannot leave.” Malik sobbed. “I cannot bear to see Marik's heart broken. I cannot bear to see him die over it. I... I cannot bear to tell him. And even if I were to leave... how far do you think I would get? I don't think I could make it off of the grounds, much less to Seto Kaiba. And as much as I hate to say it.... Pegasus owns me. And I would be forced to return here. And I'd rather die then go through that." Malik curled up and stared at a small ant struggling across the sand in front of him. "Just go Ryou. Go and lay at your master's feet... where you belong."

"I will, when he comes back from work." Ryou said yawning. "Until then, I'll be doing whatever I choose, because like a human, I get to choose what I do. Simply because I act respectful."

Malik sighed and closed his eyes. "You keep fooling yourself Ryou... just days ago, in the car... you said that Marik coming to get you was a beautiful dream... I think you do still love him. Stop lying to yourself."

"It is a very beautiful dream Malik. A DREAM." Ryou corrected. "A dream that isn't coming true and you know why? There are the criminal felonies, the fact that if they tried it they'd be put down, they don’t know where to find us, AND they wouldn't have the guts to do that anyway. Stop lying to yourself."

Malik tried to hold back his tears. "You've been totally brainwashed, Ryou. I know you love him. I saw you, that day in the park. I saw how happy you were to see him. I saw a Ryou that day that I only saw once more. And that was in the Pet Shop when he found out that Marik was only a room away, watching. That Ryou was excited to hear how close he was. And that Ryou left a bell from his glove as a gift. Why did you leave it Ryou? Was it to show him that you still loved him? Or was it part of a cruel game, just toying with him... building up his hopes so you could later destroy him with the truth?" Malik asked, honestly wanting an answer.

Ryou sat up slowly and sighed. "I still love him Malik... but the fact is, I'll never see him again.” he said softly. "I've accepted my fate. It's about time you accept yours. No one is coming to save me, it's been so long... no one is coming, and you know why?" Ryou said softly, turning to gaze at Malik sadly. "Because I'm just another bunny...” he said lying down and looking at the wall. "I'm satisfied enough knowing Tuc and Nod will keep him company... he'll find another bunny to love, who wont be out of reach."

Malik grit his teeth and forced himself to his feet, dragging his tired body across the cage. When he reached the wall, he collapsed and stared at Ryou.

"Ryou... he doesn't want another bunny... all he wants is you. And he... he will come. I know he will. You just have to have faith. I do... I love Bakura. And I will not betray him. I think that love is something worth dying for." And Malik smiled, his eyes falling closed against his will. "And that includes... the love that... that Marik has... for you..." And the fennec passed out, hungry and exhausted...

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

Please Review!!!

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http://hatochiisai.deviantart.com/