The Wild

Hatochiisai & Mally-chan

YAOI WARNING

Disclaimer: We do not own Yugioh. If we did, it would not be for public television.

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Chapter 24

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Marik yawned and lifted his head, looking around and flicking his tail. He stretched and scratched his ass, then turned and stroked Ryou's cheek, kissing it before getting out of bed.

Ryou yawned softly, flicking an ear and sitting up slowly, looking exhausted. "Marik?” He cooed softly. "You... leaving?"

Marik smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Meeting with Khan and then I have an appointment with Dr. Hinaru. I'll be back for lunch, okay baby?” He said, getting dressed.

Ryou nodded and snuggled back into the bed. "Alright, I'll have lunch ready when you come back.” He cooed softly smiling and waving. "Have fun!"

Marik smiled and left the room, and a minute later, Ryou heard the front door close. A stampede of bunnies came into the room and swarmed onto the bed, all squeaking eagerly.

Ryou whined softly. "Please... shh... I'm still quite sleepy...” He cooed petting at a few of them. "I'll make breakfast soon...”

Tuc cuddled close and settled down, and Hunter found a place on Ryou's chest, while Sugar made a nest in Ryou's hair, chittering excitedly and grooming his ears.

Ryou sighed softly. "Guys, I want to sleep!” He whined loudly. "Please?"

All heads and ears turned when there was the sound of a knock on the door. Skitter chirped and cocked her head, then rustled her wings.

Ryou sighed softly and got up, putting on his bath robe, before going to answer the door, yawning.

As soon as the door opened, Ryou found himself with a face full of sunflowers. And peering over them were bright brown eyes and tall black ears.

Ryou squeaked blushing. "U-um... T-Tachi...” He stammered blushing more. "W-what... a surprise...”

"Hello my little cuddle bunny...” He said, and struck a pose in his tight black leather pants and short, low cut shirt.

Ryou backed up a bit. "U-um... hello." he said hiding behind the door. "W-what brings you here?"

"Oh, I just saw that your mate has left you all alone... again...” Tachi said. "I thought you could use some... friendly company...”

Ryou shook his head quickly. "N-no that's quite alright... I w-was just going to sleep in a bit...”

Tachi blinked, then smiled. "Or... we could go out back and do a little... gardening together...” He slowly stepped in and reached out, touching Ryou's cheek. "Plant a few... seeds?"

Ryou's painted blush darkened and be backed away once more. "T-Tachi please... you know I can’t. I have a mate... please stop...”

Tachi snorted. "Oh, you do not...”

Ryou shook his head, ears tilting back. "T-Tachi... please... I love Marik."

Tachi giggled. "So? He knows you're a rabbit... if he REALLY loves you, he'll understand, and EXPECT this!!!"

Ryou shook his head. "Please...” He squeaked, backing up more. "C-can’t you just you know... find a nice girl bunny?"

Tachi laughed. "Why? When I have YOU?"

Ryou's eyes widened. "Y-you don’t have me!” He said shocked. "I HAVE a mate!"

Tachi giggled. "Oh, but I CAN have you! And I will!" And he pounced, shoving Ryou up against the wall and not only kissing him, but grinding against him.

Ryou gasped, squirming. "Tachi!” He yelped struggling slightly. "Please! Stop!” He whimpered. "I don’t want to!"

"Oh, just calm down... once we get started, you won't want to stop!" Tachi exclaimed, grabbing Ryou's groin.

Ryou gasped and squirmed more. "Stop! I don’t want to!” He whined struggling all the more. "I don’t want to!"

But suddenly, Tachi froze. His eyes widened as he stared at the collar around Ryou's neck, and then, his nose twitched. He leapt away from Ryou as though he had been burned, and just... stared.

Ryou whimpered, ears back and he was plastered against the wall, shaking slightly. "W-we can be friends... b-but I have a mate... I don’t want t-to do anything m-more than friend activities...” He said swallowing hard, confused as to why Tachi had leapt back like that.

Tachi gulped, then frowned, looking hurt. "You... he... his scent...” He shook his head and backed away, now looking crushed. "How... how could you?! I thought we had something! But... you go and sleep with that mangy scrawny... ALLEY CAT?!"

Ryou stared right back. "Alley cat?! Marik is NOT an alley cat! And how could you possibly think we had anything!? I TOLD you I had a mate! Several times!" Ryou said, ears bristling. "Every time I defended you despite it all, and now that there's finally indisputable proof you call my lover an ALLEY cat?!" Ryou clicked warningly.

Tachi glared. "Well, he's certainly not a LION!!! I've SEEN real lions! The lions that Kumani always meet, that ALWAYS have a mate already.” He snorted, looking VERY angry and bitter. "She only liked your so-called mate because she figured HE was her only chance! But he has... YOU!!! A RABBIT!!!” He moved closer to Ryou and grabbed his hands. "Come on... don't you see? You and me... we're both rabbits... and... and she's a lioness and he's a lion... Kumani and Marik could be together! They could be happy! So could you! We would ALL be happier with someone of our own kind! Two rabbits together... and a lion with a lioness...”

Ryou stared, ears falling back against his head once more. "Tachi, Marik is my mate...” He said softly. "I love him. Very much.” He shook his head. "Kumani was too late. Marik loves me, and I love him."

Tachi shook his head with an eager smile. "Come on, Ryou! You and ME can be mates! And... and Marik and Kumani! And they could start their own Pride and have cubs! Marik would be happier! And you and me... we could be so much happier! Don't you think we'd be better off with our own kind?!"

Ryou shook his head. "Tachi I'm already mated. I can’t just dump Marik, I love him. He loves me, and even if I didn't have Marik, Master Pegasus wouldn't want to share me if I were single. It won’t happen.” He cooed softly. "Marik and I are in love...”

Tachi frowned and slowly backed away again. "F-Fine...” He mumbled. "Just... FINE!!!" And he burst into heart broken tears and ran from the house, leaving the sunflowers on the floor at Ryou's feet.

Ryou whimpered and made a few distressed noises, before darting out after Tachi. "Tachi please wait!” He whimpered. He hated chasing the black rabbit in his robe, but letting the poor thing run away in tears wasn't better! "Tachi!"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" Tachi wailed, darting down the street on all fours. "Just leave me alone!!!"

Ryou whimpered loudly. "Stop! Please!" Ryou called still chasing on all fours as well. "Tachi please!"

"WHY?!" Tachi cried back. "I thought you didn't want anything to DO with me!!!"

"I never said that!" Ryou called up. "Please... stop!"

"No!" Tachi wailed, darting around a corner.

Ryou darted around after him, gaining on him slowly. "Tachi please!"

"NO!!!" Tachi cried. "Just leave me alone!!!” He had led the way closer to where Pegasus lived, and the houses got bigger and bigger. And finally, Tachi turned and dashed up a driveway. Up on the front porch of the house, two hybrids were enjoying the morning when the wailing black rabbit appeared. Kumani blinked and sat up, then sighed.

"Well... here comes the drama queen...” She said to Ivy.

Ryou finally caught up with Tachi in their yard, and pounced on him. "Please! Don’t cry...” He sniffled, looking near tears himself. "Tachi...”

Kumani and Ivy glanced at each other, then sighed and watched the drama unfold.

"No!" Tachi wailed. "Leave me alone!!!"

Ryou sniffled and shook his head. "Please! You're my friend!” He argued, hugging him tightly. "Stop!"

Tachi shook his head, keeping his eyes tight shut. "I am not! You don't like me! You don't want me around!"

Ryou continued to hug him. "I never ever said that!"

"You always try to get away from me! You tell me to leave you alone! So I will!" Tachi cried, and squirmed to get loose. Kumani looked at Ivy.

"Think he's trying to guilt trip Ryou?" She asked, looking half amused and half annoyed.

"I dunno." Ivy said grooming her tail. "S'not my business either you know." she said snickering.

Ryou sniffled and clung to Tachi. "Please don’t, I never said leave me alone entirely! I meant stop trying to get in my pants!"

Tachi sniffled. "But... your tail is so sexyyyyy...” He whined. Kumani groaned when Tachi pulled a move right out of Inuyasha regarding a certain perverted monk. He rubbed Ryou's ass... UNDER the bathrobe.

Ryou yipped and pulled another move clearly from that anime as well, and slapped him harshly across the face. "TACHI!"

Tachi yelped and jumped away. "Heyyyyy...” He whined, rubbing his cheek, his large eyes filling with tears.

Ryou whined softly. "Don’t cry!” He whimpered. "Please, just... I have a mate!"

Tachi sniffled. "But but but... you're a RABBIT!!!” He protested. Kumani turned and looked at Ivy.

"Should we intervene?" She asked.

"Nah, let em figure it out." Ivy said calmly. "It's a rabbit problem.”

Kumani sighed. "Yeah, but... I feel like we kinda should ref since no one else is here... and Marik isn't here to protect his mate's honor...” She giggled, then offered Ivy a cheese cube from the bowl of treats sitting near them. "Cheddar?"

Ivy took it. "Nah. lets watch. it's more fun." She giggled softly.

"But I have a mate!" Ryou whined. "Please, can’t you just be my friend?!"

Tachi blinked, then nodded with an eager smile. "Friend with benefits?” He asked hopefully. Kumani groaned loudly and slapped her own forehead, before flopping over onto Ivy.

"Suicide, Tachi! Suicide!" She cried, trying not to laugh.

"No! Friends! Nothing more!" Ryou grumbled. "I have a mate, a family! As long as Marik is my mate, I'm not LOOKING for love."

Tachi whined. "But you let that Pegasus guy into your pants!” He pointed out.

"He's my master!" Ryou countered. "He had me first!"

Tachi snorted. "But I thought MARIK was your mate! You CAN'T have more than one mate! Or is Pegasus a FRIEND with BENEFITS?!?"

Ryou blinked. "He's my master. He's my mate. They are BOTH mates." Ryou said calmly. "There's special circumstances that can’t be helped, that's why!"

Tachi snorted. "You CAN'T have TWO MATES!!!” He snapped. "You have a mate and a... a... a mistress!!!"

"That would be a master, Tachi." Kumani called, giggling with Ivy over Tachi's obsurdity.

"And you THREATEN your INSECURE and CRAZY mate with leaving him if you don't get it your way... if you don't get to take it from your MASTER!" Tachi snapped.

"TACHI!!!" Came a gasp, and Ivy and Kumani looked up at Emiko who was standing in the open front door.

Ryou sniffled at that, and hopped off of Tachi, backing away slowly on all fours. "W-why... why can’t we just be friends?” He sniffled. "You don’t LOVE me! Y-you just want under my tail!"

Emiko glared. "Stop antagonizing Ryou! I thought I told you to leave him alone!"

Tachi gulped and flattened himself to the ground. "B-B-But... Miss Emikooooo...” He whined. "I... I just... He's a rabbit!” He cried. "I... He... He's the... only one...” He sniffled, and his ears and tail drooped.

"He's already got a mate!" She scolded. "It doesn't matter if he's the only rabbit around, if he's taken he's taken!" She added crossing her arms. "You should be ashamed of yourself. Acting like such an ass! Are you trying to break them up? Shame!"

Tachi winced with each scolding, backing away from Emiko and ending up huddling against Ryou.

"I... I'm sorry!!!” He wailed finally. "I've never found an unmated rabbit! Like Kumani could never find an unmated lion! And then we found a lion and rabbit together and I just thought... it... it was FATE!!!” He sobbed. Kumani blinked, and looked at Ivy, then slowly got up and moved over to the two rabbits. She purred and nuzzled the sobbing black bunny.

"Oh Tachi...” She cooed. "It's okay... we'll both find mates some day...”

Emiko sighed and shook her head, walking out and picking up the little black bunny. "Listen you... he's a very pretty bunny, but he has a mate already. If it was fate, then he would have been single." she cooed softly, rocking him slightly. "You have to respect that. Would you want someone to break up your mating once you'd found someone to love?"

Tachi sniffled and shook his head. "I'm sorry Ryou...” He whimpered, looking down at Ryou, and he reached down with a little paw. "I... I'm sorry I tried to molest you and chased you and, and, and... and called your mate a crazy smelly mangy runty alley cat...”

Ryou sniffled softly looking away. Emiko kissed Tachi's forehead. "See? All better... why don’t you two play nicely?" She cooed softly. "Besides, if you are nice to him, he might want to share grooming sessions with you...” she said grinning. "Wouldn't that be nice?" Ryou squeaked, blushing at that.

Tachi smiled and nodded, squirming to be put down. When he was put down, he pounced on Ryou and hugged him. "I'm sorry...” He said softly. "Friends?"

Ryou nodded slowly. "Of course.” He said nuzzling Tachi. "Just don’t try to molest me anymore... I have a mate...”

Tachi smiled. "Okay... I'll try." Kumani and Emiko glared. "Uh... I mean... yeah. Okay...” Tachi gulped, flattening himself to the floor.

Ryou yawned loudly, blushing. "I... should go home...” He mumbled shyly. "I'm naked.”

Tachi blinked, then giggled. "Ummm... if you want, I can give you some of my clothes."

"No skirts, Tachi." Kumani said sternly.

Ryou blushed darker. "What?! I don’t crossdress!"

"Awwwwww...” Tachi whined, giggling.

"Actually... I heard that your master sticks you in a little French Maid outfit...” Emiko giggled.

Ryou turned a dark red. "Certainly not!"

Emiko laughed. "Hey, at least you have a reason in that your master makes you. Tachi just likes to wear skirts from time to time."

"Miss Emikooooo!!!" Tachi wailed, turning redder than Ryou.

Ryou gave Tachi a befuddled look. "EWWW!"

Kumani and Ivy collapsed into gales of laughter. Tachi groaned and grabbed Ryou's hand, pulling him into the house, mumbling and blushing in embarassment. "I don't do it THAT much...” He muttered.

"Really now?" Ryou said looking amused. "Sounds like you do."

Tachi rubbed his face and pulled Ryou up the stairs until they got to his room. They walked in, and Ryou stared. The floor was COVERED in clothes and toys, there was a water bottle on the wall and a large pet bet in the corner. But what really caught Ryou's attention was the walls. The walls were COVERED in pictures of hybrid rabbits, male and female, and SEVERAL of Ryou himself.

Ryou blinked. "Um... pictures...” He said slowly. "Why?"

Tachi sighed. "Just... all of my... failed attempts at conquest...” He mumbled, looking through his closet.

Ryou blinked, looking at them. "Why so many of... ME?” He squeaked.

Tachi sniffled. "Because...” He mumbled. "Miss Emiko thought you and me were so cute in Scotland... she took a TON and I... swiped them. And of course the baby pictures... and other times of course...” Tachi mumbled.

Ryou nodded slowly. "I see... why would you want them? I live less than five miles away?"

Tachi smiled and giggled. "What do you EXPECT me to do? Stare at photos, or sneak into your backyard and peep into your windows at all hours of the night?"

"Honestly? The way you acted I assumed you DID peep in my windows." Ryou mumbled looking at all the pictures.

Tachi lowered his eyes and blushed again. "With that lion around? Are you kidding?!"

Ryou giggled slightly. "Lucky he's there then. I'd hate having you peep in at me when I'm bathing!"

Tachi laughed. "There's no WINDOW in your bathroom!” He said, turning and offering Ryou a pair of blue jeans and a white and light blue t-shirt.

Ryou grinned, looking around Tachi. "Nice dresses.” He giggled teasingly.

Tachi yipped and slammed the closet shut. "Ryouuuuu!!!"

Ryou giggled opening it again. "Is that a lavender sundress?” He squeaked giggling more.

"RYOU!!" Tachi squealed, closing the door again and leaning on it. "Just get dressed!!!"

Ryou giggled more shaking his head. "You have a LOT of dresses!"

Tachi groaned. "RYOU!!! Just get dressed before I try to screw you again to shut you up!!!"

Ryou blushed and giggled, turning away and untying the belt on his robe, letting it fall to the floor as he began putting on Tachi's clothes.

Tachi gulped and his eyes widened as he fixed his eyes on Ryou's tail.

The very same tail which quivered and twitched from time to time, as Ryou struggled to put on the shirt, which was seemingly more complicated than it needed to be. Or at least a few sizes too small, with no hole for his head in sight.

Tachi's eyes widened even more and he gulped. "Uh... Ryou? Maybe you should have, umm... put the pants on... first?"

Ryou whimpered, squirming, STUCK in the shirt. "I can’t! Th-this shirt! It's too... I'm stuck!” He whined struggling more, his tail quivering in his frustration.

Tachi sighed. "Okay then. I'll just... stand here and stare at your ass for a while."

Ryou squeaked loudly. "Don’t stare at my ass!” He wailed, squirming around trying to cover it, only causing the view to get better... and better.

Tachi burst out laughing. "Oh, so you would rather give me the frontal view?!"

"Stop looking!" Ryou whined, struggling more, and toppling over. "HELP!"

Tachi howled with laughter, falling to the floor himself. "I'm gonna grope you if you don't cover up!!” He threatened.

Ryou whined loudly. "I can’t!” He whimpered, thoroughly stuck

Tachi laughed and knelt, reaching out and helping Ryou. "Oh, come on! I'm bigger than you and I can fit in it!"

Ryou gave Tachi an annoyed grunt, once the shirt was properly on. "I prefer loose fitting clothes.” He mumbled grabbing the jeans and pulling them on quickly.

"Awww... but you're so HOT in that!" Tachi giggled.

"No thanks." Ryou grumbled flicking his ears. "The only ones I have to be hot for are master Pegasus, and Marik.” He said smiling. "And I KNOW what they like."

Tachi pouted, but then giggled. "Yeah... French Maid outfits."

Ryou flushed. "Oh yeah? Well I don’t go around wearing lavendar sundresses!"

Tachi snorted. "STILL better than a French Maid.”

"You're just jealous." Ryou grumbled. "You want ME in French maid outfits for YOU."

Tachi blinked then giggled. "I won't deny THAT!"

Ryou huffed. "Well I'd never wear it for you. It was a one time thing!"

Tachi giggled. "Riiiiiight...” He teased, helping Ryou to his feet.

Ryou stood and blushed. The outfit Tachi had given him... was very tight... and VERY revealing. He blushed darker and stooped to pick up his robe, carefully.

Tachi giggled. "Want me to watch you, uh, walk you home?"

Ryou wrapped the robe around himself, tying it. "Um... s-sure... you can help me garden... for a while."

Tachi blinked, then smiled. "Sure. I'd like that.” He said, and the pair headed on their way.

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Marik sighed, trying to concentrate on the meditation like Khan had explained. Like he had been doing for the past half hour. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at the tiger. "And you do this for HOW many hours a day?!"

Khan chuckled. "Four.” He said without opening his eyes. "Having trouble?"

Marik pouted and nodded. "Yeah... I hafta pee...” He said, squirming. "Or something itches. Or my butt is aching from sitting on the floor too long... something always pops up...”

Khan chuckled more. "Think about something you enjoy. That helps."

Marik blinked and thought a moment, then gulped. "Actually... I think it just started another problem that will only get bigger if I think about it longer...” He said, blushing and squirming again.

Khan burst out laughing at this point. "You're a very difficult student!” He said wiping his eyes.

Marik sighed. "Yeah... always was...” He said with a slight smile. "Constantine hated that about me...”

Khan snickered softly. "Well I'm sure you can think of something OTHER than that."

Marik smiled sheepishly. "I... I miss the simple times.” He sighed. "Before the Twilight Menagerie fucked everything up... when Ryou and I were in heaven... and happy...”

"Well... what made things go wrong after the Menagerie?" Khan asked slowly. "You can’t undo the past, only learn from it... so what is holding you away from happiness?"

Marik sighed. "Constantine fucked with my head... I had to go to therapy... and... I don't know WHAT happened... I was never afraid that last year in the pet shop... but then... I suddenly was. I guess... I dunno...” He sighed. "That's what I'm seeing Dr. Hinaru about. I guess that... I'm finding it hard to keep balanced... I think that I was doing GREAT before the Menagerie... but then Constantine took over and... nearly killed the man in me... and now I'm having trouble finding where the man is hidden. Since then I've been nothing but a... a whiny sissy lion cub... it's like I'm trying to grow up AND become human again... and it's... hard."

Khan nodded slowly. "I see...” He said slowly. "That might be a problem that no therapy can cure...” He said after a moment. "Some things can only be cured by will."

Marik frowned and sighed. "I guess...” He said. "I hope things will get a bit better when Ahmose's gets me back to my age...”

"You shouldn't depend on others to solve your problems." Khan said sternly. "As Ryou's mate it's your job to care for him... and you can’t care for him properly, if you can’t get back the courage to face those problems head on."

Marik blinked and looked at Khan. "How... How DO I face them head on? I mean...” He sighed. "I guess that's something to talk to Hinaru about... and I have my appointment soon. I should go. Thanks.” He said, standing and smiling. "Same time tomorrow?"

Khan nodded. "Of course."

Marik smiled, grabbed his jacket, put on his shoes and left, jogging down the street. By the time he got to Hinaru's office, he was panting and his legs were aching. He hadn't run that long without going on all fours in... in... well... years... He signed in, and then sat down in the waiting room.

The wait wasn't long before he was lead in to meet Hinaru. "Good morning Marik." She said smiling. "How are you feeling today?"

Marik looked up and smiled. "REALLY missing running around on all fours. My legs are killing me.” He said, standing.

She laughed. "You'll get used to it. So, what would you like to talk about today?"

Marik blinked. "Huh? Why do I have to decide what to talk about today?” He asked. "I thought that was YOUR job."

Hinaru smiled. "You seem like you have a lot to say. It's also my job to listen."

Marik blinked. "I have a lot to say? Well... I ummm... I think I scored some points with Ryou last night! Tachi showed up and chased him, and they ended up at The Jungle and after Khan scared Tachi away me and Ryou got something to eat and then HE went to the store, he wouldn't let me come because I was too little...” Marik pouted, "So I went home and fixed up the house with candles and rose petals and stuff!!! And I finally gave him that custom made collar I got way back before the Menagerie!!! And we had SEX!!!" The secretary choked on her drink, and Hinaru decided that it was time to move things into her office.

Hinaru chuckled as she lead Marik down the hall. "When you're this small, it might be wise not to say you had sex." She said shaking her head amusedly. "Anything else to say?" she added as they walked.

Marik blinked. "Oh. Sorry.” He said, grinning sheepishly. "But... I don't know if Ryou is happy with me about... well...” He sighed. "I filed my claws and tried to throw away all my toys."

"Why?" Hinaru said finally reaching their therapy room, and handing Marik one of his favorite chewies.

Marik blinked and took it, staring down at it in his paws and chewed his lip, his ears laying back. "Because... they made me lose my temper... and I hurt Hunter...” He said softly, slowly dropping the chewy and backing away from it, putting his hands behind his back. "I... I'm trying to... ignore the lion in me for a while. And just be human... And maybe once I do that, I'll be able to see where I can find that balance between them...”

Hinaru nodded slowly, frowning. "Marik you can’t ignore parts of yourself." She said softly. "That won’t help you balance the two, it will only make things worse."

Marik frowned. "I... But... I'm trying... I'm trying to... remember what it was like to be human...” He said. “I've been a lion... I'm trying to see what's it's like to be human... and NOT on the streets. I'm trying to make this decision after KNOWING both sides."

Hinaru nodded slowly. "I see... well... be careful. You have to be yourself... not what someone wants you to be. Lion OR human. Be what you think is right."

Marik sighed and slowly sat down on the sofa, instead of in the pet bed or the large cat tree in the corner. "I... I don't know what's right...” He said.

"Well... Marik... I can’t tell you what's right for you... but... what do YOU want?" Hinaru said slowly.

Marik frowned and sighed. "To be... happy. And for Ryou to be happy."

"Yes... but Marik sweetie, you have to make sure you're happy with your lifestyle, before Ryou can be." She said smiling. "If you aren't happy being human... then maybe he needs to learn to be happy with a lion."

Marik frowned. "He... doesn't want a lion...” He mumbled, looking down.

"But do you want to be a lion?" Hinaru said softly. "Marik, the most important thing in life is happiness. If you can’t be happy, then you need to rethink things...” She said shaking her head.

Marik frowned. "I... I don’t know what I want... beyond being with Ryou and making him happy...”

"Surely you have wants of your own...” Hinaru said shaking her head. "Isn't there something you'd rather do, a place you'd rather be... things you'd rather have?"

Marik winced and drew his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them. "... M-Maybe...”

"What is it?" Hinaru asked, smiling and leaning on her hands. "Tell me."

Marik shook his head. "I don't know!” He wailed. "I... I want to be like... like Malik and Bakura are! They had no trouble at all adapting to life as a human hybrid... They never fight... Bakura never lets Malik down...” He sniffled and rubbed at his nose. "I just... I want to be... someone else...”

Hinaru frowned. "Marik... you can only be yourself. You can’t take the life of someone else as your own...”

Marik nodded. "Yeah...” He whispered. "I know.” He looked up at her. "It's just that... who I am is never good enough."

"It only matters if you're good enough for you...” She cooed softly. "Don’t change for someone else. Change for yourself."

Marik frowned. "But... Ryou...” He said, looking up at her. "If he's not happy with me, I'M not happy with me... He... He means THAT MUCH to me!"

"No one should mean so much that they make you feel bad about yourself." She said crossing her arms. "What would make you feel good about you?"

Marik frowned. "I dunno... to... to find the proper balance between a human and a lion... to be able to live without worrying about my temper... and screwing up... and umm... getting back to my proper age would be nice but that's kind of out of my hands...” He said, smiling slightly and rubbing the back of his neck.

"But changing how you are for someone else won’t make you happy. Marik... would you really be happy being a human every day? No hunting, no clawing or chewing or purring...” Hinaru said softly. "You already said you're trying to be MORE human. More than you already are. For Ryou."

Marik nodded. "I... hope that it is temporary. It... HAS to be temporary. I know I can't ignore the fact that I'm still a lion.” He said. "It's just that I've been on one side of the fence for so long, I felt I needed to familiarize myself with the other side again."

Hinaru nodded slowly. "Changing won’t make you any happier." She said softly.

Marik blinked. "What do you mean?"

"If Ryou's not happy with how you are for you, then... shouldn't that tell you something?"

Marik blinked and laid his ears back. "W... What do you mean?” He gasped, looking worried.

Hinaru sighed softly. "If he doesn't love you for who you are... shouldn't that tell you that he'll never be happy?"

"You mean... I mean... you think that... we aren't right... for each other?" Marik asked in a small voice.

Hinaru shook her head. "I didn't say that... I did say though, that if he can’t love you for you... then maybe you're not ready for each other."

Marik winced and looked down. "But... I love him...” He said softly. "He's... my life... If we're not ready for each other... what do I do?” He asked, looking up again and looking very lost.

"I think you should find yourself before you try to be compatible."

Marik sighed and slowly nodded. "I see... I... I think that... you're right...” He said softly, then slowly stood and turned for the door, even though his appointment wasn't over for another half hour.

"Where are you going?" She asked standing as well.

Marik sighed. "Home. To... talk to Ryou...” He mumbled. "And... maybe to say... goodbye...” He winced and quickly rubbed his left eye.

Hinaru frowned at that. "What do you intend to talk about?" she asked stepping around her desk and hugging Marik slightly.

Marik sniffled, but didn't return the hug. "If he... if he loves me enough to... accept me as I am... as flawed as I am...”

"If he loves you he'd say yes... but that doesn't mean he means it Marik." Hinaru said softly sighing. "You can’t expect him to just... hurt you purposely. No one does. The path to hell is paved with good intentions."

Marik nodded. "I... I know... but... I have to try.” He said softly. "I also have to know if he... if he's still afraid of me... if he trusts me... I... I'll be in touch.” He said, and walked out of her office.

Marik walked home in a numb state, eyes to the ground. His heart was pounding and his entire body was tense. He was afraid. He got home, and he stood there for a moment on the doorstep, getting up the courage to enter the house. Finally, he did, only to find Ryou and Tachi in the backyard, giggling and talking and working in the garden. At first, Marik wanted to attack, but he shoved that desire back and locked it away. He opened the sliding door and walked out. Tachi looked up, and froze. Marik took a deep breath.

"Tachi? Would you excuse us for a moment please? Ryou, can I talk to you inside?" Marik said calmly.

Ryou blinked and smiled. "Of course.” He handed Tachi the cucumber he was holding. "I'll be right back.” He cooed before scuttling in the house to speak with Marik. "You're home early. I wasn't expecting you this soon, I haven't even started lunch yet."

Marik nodded. "I know.” He said, pulling Ryou into the living room. "Ryou. I want to ask you some questions. And... I want you to be perfectly honest. I don't want you to give me the answers you think I want to hear. I want to hear the truth, and nothing else. Can you do this for me?"

Ryou blinked and nodded. "Of course, I'd never lie to you.” He said confusedly. "Is something wrong?"

Marik sighed and stared at Ryou. "Ryou... are you... still afraid of me? Of my... temper?"

Ryou blinked and frowned slightly. "Well... not really... but I do think it's still there... you hurt Hunter...” He said softly.

Marik nodded. "Do you trust me?” He asked.

Ryou nodded. "Of course."

"Do you... like who I am, Ryou? Can you... ACCEPT me for who I am? Are you happy with me?" Marik asked.

Ryou blinked. "If I didn't like who you are, I wouldn't have mated you.” He said confusedly. "Why are you asking such a silly question?"

Marik turned on him. "Because you're never satisfied with who I am!” He cried. "You complain that I'm TOO MUCH of an animal and not human enough! You complain that I'm too scared and too dependent on Rem and, and... Ryou! Can you live with me now?! The way I am, RIGHT NOW?! Or do you want me to change?! To be more human!” He cried.

Ryou squeaked. "Marik... I want you to be who you were... unafraid... self reliant... you changed...” He said softly.

Marik sighed and nodded. "I know I have. You want me to be the person I was in the pet store...”

Ryou nodded slowly. "It's who I fell in love with...”

"But... that was a... a lion. Not a man at all." Marik said.

"You were a man then Marik... more than you think... you loved me, and you fought for me... you lifted yourself up from lion to man for me...” Ryou said softly, looking down. "Since the Menagerie... you've sunk back... to being a pet...”

Marik looked down at his feet, thinking. He thought for a long time, then finally let out a deep sigh and nodded, before hugging Ryou tightly and stroking his hair. "Ryou...” He said softly. "I... I have to go away for a while... okay?"

Ryou blinked. "Away? Away where?"

Marik kissed Ryou's cheek, then backed away. "I have to... figure things out.” He said, staring at Ryou, then he chewed his lower lip before turning and heading back to the bedroom, pulling a duffel bag out of the closet.

Ryou blinked, ears back, following him. "Please... where are you going?! You c-can’t just leave without telling me! I'll worry sick!"

Marik smiled. "But I AM telling you! I'm going away for a while.” He said, beginning to pack things. He packed two changes of clothes, and lovingly tucked his bunny plushy into his 'Don't Fuck With Me' shirt, then reached for a picture that was on the dresser. It was of Ryou and Marik, surrounded by all the bunnies. "May I take this with me?"

Ryou nodded and whimpered. "Marik... where are you going away to...” He whimpered. "You can’t just... leave me...”

Marik tucked the picture into the bag and looked around, then picked it up and carried it into the living room, taking his favorite squeaky from the bag in the corner and stuffing it into the bag as well. Then, he went back to the bedroom and picked up the lion plush that sat next to the pegasus plush. He looked at it, then rubbed it over his cheeks, covering it with his scent, before turning to Ryou. "Here.” He said softly.

Ryou whimpered softly. "Please don’t go... you can’t!"

Marik looked at Ryou. "Yes." He said. "I do. I... I'm not happy Ryou. And I won't ever be happy unless I can figure things out...”

Ryou gave Marik a broken hearted look. "N-not happy? B-but... but I thought you were happy... as long as I'm happy...”

Marik winced. "I... I don't even feel like myself. I don't know who I am anymore... I... I've spent so much time trying to please so many people... trying to be who they told me I should be... that I've completely lost myself. I have to go and find that out again, Ryou.” He looked at Ryou. "Can you please understand this?"

Ryou sniffled. "But Marik...” He said, clutching the lion plushie. "I... I love you. Please stay... I don’t want you to leave."

Marik nodded. "I know. But... Ryou, I'm not getting any better. It hurts me that I always screw up and... if I keep trying like I have, I'm going to snap one day. And if that happens, neither of us will ever be happy."

Ryou winced. "But... if you leave... who will protect me from Tachi?” He said looking down. "If you're gone... he'll think...”

Marik reached out and laid his hands on Ryou's shoulders. "I trust you to be faithful, Ryou. If you must... go to Pegasus. He will take care of you while I am away."

Ryou's ears drooped. "Marik... I want to go with you...”

Marik shook his head. "No Ryou. You have to stay and take care of the bun-- I mean... our family...”

Ryou nodded slowly, and sniffled. "Alright... but please... at least tell me where you're going... '

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou with a purr, then kissed him. "I'm sure you'll figure it out...” He said softly, then turned and walked out of the room, picking up his duffel bag and heading for the front door.

Ryou whimpered, following quickly and hugging him. "Don’t go away long... send me letters everyday!” He said sniffling, tears rolling down his face. "I need some of you in my life... every day...”

Marik smiled. "Ummm... I don’t think there's a mail box where I'm going, Ryou.” He said, looking back. "I'm sorry, baby...”

Ryou sniffled. "Marik... I... I wish you would stay...”

Marik sighed. "Staying would be a mistake, Ryou.” He said. "I have to go... I'm sorry. I love you." And he walked out the door.

Ryou whimpered softly, and shook his head. "Marik...” he mewled brokenheartedly. "A-are you leaving ME...?” He asked softly as Marik walked.

Marik sighed. "Ryou. It's for the best right now.” He said, his voice shaking.

Ryou's ears fell back. "You... you're... leaving me...” he said... stunned and broken hearted. "B-but Marik... I... I love you...” he stammered shaking his head, still very stunned.

Marik stopped and turned, then ran back to Ryou and crushed him in a hug. "Yes Ryou... I'm leaving...” He said, but then looked Ryou in the eyes, his own filling with tears. "But not forever. NEVER. I would NEVER leave you. I'll come back, or die trying. I love you. And I want you to be happy. And this will help us in the end. I don't want to leave you but... if I stay, I'm just going to let you down and hurt you, again and again and again, even though I don't mean to. I am going away to try and get back to being the Marik that you fell in love with. Not the Marik that... I am now. Please understand...” He murmured, stroking Ryou's cheek. "I love you, and you alone. You are the one joy in my life, but for us both to be together and be happy, I have to go away for a while. Please Ryou. I'm not... LEAVING you, I just... I have to go."

Ryou clung to Marik and sobbed into his shoulder. "Marik...” He whimpered nuzzling into him. "Don’t leave me... I... I don’t care! Let me down! I-I'd rather face that... than being away from you...”

Marik shook his head. "Maybe you would rather I let you down, but... I don't. It kills me when I do. I have to go.” He kissed Ryou's forehead and stepped away. "Bye...” He picked up his bag, and walked away.

Ryou sniffled once more. "Come home soon...” He mewled softly, crying softly. "It's... not home without you...”

Marik paused, then nodded, continuing on his way, his tail dragging on the ground as he went.

Ryou cried and watched Marik, until the lion disappeared from view... before he went back to the back yard, still crying, his ears drooping lower than they ever had.

Tachi blinked and quickly stood. "Ryou? Ryou, what is it?!” He gasped, running over. "What happened?!"

Ryou sniffled burying his face in his hands. "Marik... h-he left...” He sobbed.

Tachi's eyes widened and his ears shot up. "Left?! What do you mean, left?! He... left YOU!?"

Ryou nodded sniffling and wiping his eyes. "H-he's gone...”

"But... WHY?!" Tachi blurted.

"H-he said he had to find himself...” Ryou mumbled hanging his head. "I... I couldn't talk him into staying... h-he just left...”

Tachi blinked, then slowly wrapped his arms around Ryou. "I... I'm sorry...” He whispered, and rocked Ryou, letting the white rabbit cry...

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

Spunky took a flying leap through the bunny door, Angel at his heels, and both zipped through the kitchen and living room, attracting Scamp's attention, and the little fennec immediately began yipping madly, chasing them. Spunky scrambled up onto Malik and Bakura's bed, seized Bakura's ear and began tugging.

"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy daddy daddy daddy daddydaddydaddydaddyyyyyyyyy!!!!"

"Ahhg... Get off, Spunky!!" Bakura groaned, batting at the skunk bunny, who turned and tugged Malik's ear, too.

Malik whined loudly. "SHUTUP!" he shouted burying his head under the pillow. "We're trying to sleep..." his grumbles muffled by the pillow.

Angel in the meantime was swatting at Scamp, trying to shut him up. 'quit yapping!'

Spunky seized Malik's pillow in his teeth and dragged it off of Malik's head. "LUNKHEAD GONE!!!"

Malik sighed softly, sitting up and glaring sleepily at Spunky. "So they're fighting again. It's nothing new, they'll get over it." he grumbled snatching his pillow back. "What is this? Like the 20th time?"

"No fight!" Spunky squeaked, prancing in place. 'Mom and Dad said that the lunkhead told Ryou that he had to leave to get better and not hurt him again like he always does! He packed a bag and left! And then Ryou left with Tachi! The lunkhead didn't even try to chase Tachi off!!!'

Malik sighed. "Then he did something thinking it's for the best." He said slowly, scratching Spunky's ears. "Ryou will go to Pegasus. You two should probably go with him" He said smiling a bit. "If Marik thinks this trip will make him better, then we need to support him, and take care of Ryou."

Spunky gulped and looked down, then looked at Angel. 'Do you want to go after Ryou to Master's house? Or stay here?' He asked, nuzzling her. Bakura sat and watched them, frowning and thinking.

'I dunno...I probably should...he grooms me when he's upset. I like being groomed, and it helps him feel better.' She squeaked after a moment. 'I probably go with him.'

Spunky nuzzled her. 'Then I'll go with you.' He said.

'What?! And leave me all alone?!' Scamp yapped.

'Trust me, you're better off alone.' Angel huffed. 'That way no one can hear that horrible barking of yours.'

Bakura snorted. "Hey now." He said, picking her up. "You be nice, missy." He tapped her on the head. "Pegasus' house is a long way for two little bunnies to hop all on their own... I'll take you over... Do you know where Marik is going?"

'He wouldn't tell Ryou.' Spunky said, glancing at Scamp who was playfully growling and tugging Malik's ear, tail wagging.

'C'mon, Malik! It's lunchtime! Wake up!' He was saying.

Malik chuckled. "Alright... lunch it is... I'll get lunch while Bakura's out. Want to walk there with me?" he asked, rubbing noses with the fennec bunny.

Angel flicked her ears. 'canines.' she grumbled shaking her head.

Scamp yapped happily, wagging his tail and licking Malik's nose, then squirmed loose and running off, returning a moment later dragging his leash and harness behind. Malik had said the magic word... walk.

"Actually, they're vulpine, Angel." Bakura said with a chuckle. "I'll get dressed, then get the carrier." And he slid out of bed. A few minutes later, he and Malik were walking down the front walk, Bakura carrying Angel and Spunky in the carrier, and Malik holding onto Scamp's leash, preventing the little fellow from taking off after a squirrel that was nearly as big as he was.

Malik laughed as he tugged Scamp back away from the squirrel. "Calm down!"

Angel leaned into Spunky as Bakura walked over to Malik’s motorcycle, which he was finally allowed to drive. 'Poor daddy...' she mumbled, ears drooping. 'I hate when he's sad...'

Bakura carefully strapped the carrier onto the bike, then got on and roared away. Spunky sighed and nodded. 'I know... I hope the lunkhead comes back soon...' He said, comforting his new mate.

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

Pegasus rushed down the stairs. His butler had just informed him that Ryou was at the door, in tears. He ran across the front hall and threw his arms around Ryou, hugging him tightly. Tachi stood back with all of the tired bunnies, who had followed Ryou all the way to Pegasus' house. Tuc and Nod were tending to Bushou, who was NOT in the best physical condition for the trip they had just made.

"Ryou... Ryou, what's wrong?!" Pegasus gasped.

Ryou sobbed into Pegasus' shirt. "Marik left! H-he just left me!" he sobbed harder. "H-he wouldn't tell me where h-he was going...." he wailed, breaking down into uncontrollable sobs.

Bushou flopped onto his side. 'I hate long walks...' he puffed annoyedly.

Pegasus frowned. "What do you mean he left you?!" He gasped. "He... LEFT you, left you?!"

Ryou sobbed. "I... I don’t even know..." he whimpered sobbing. "H-he left me standing there a-all alone!"

Tachi gulped. "U-ummm... sir? He came home and asked to talk with Ryou and they were gone a long time and then Ryou came out crying, and..." He blinked and looked down at Tuc, who was pawing at his leg. He watched Tuc for a moment, nodding every now and then. "Tuc says that the.... lunkhead?" He looked down at Tuc, then giggled. "Um, MARIK, said that he had to leave to fix things."

"Fix things? WHAT things?!" Pegasus asked.

Ryou sobbed harder. "H-he said he kept letting me d-down!" Ryou cried sniffling and clinging to Pegasus. "I begged him not to go!"

Tachi watched Tuc again, then looked back to Pegasus. "He said he had to leave to find the Marik that Ryou had fallen in love with and get him back. Because the post-Menagerie Marik would only ruin their lives or something." Pegasus blinked, then frowned.

"I see..." He said, then scooped Ryou up and cradled him. "Shhhh... It sounds like he thinks that he needs to go and find out how to become the best mate he can be for you... did he say he would come back, Ryou?"

Ryou sniffled and nodded slowly. "B-but he didn't say when...." he whimpered looking utterly broken.

Pegasus sighed. "I don't know if HE knows when... what brought this on? What happened before this?" He asked.

"H-he just came home and said it..." Ryou said softly. "That's all that I know happened..." he muttered sniffling.

"Where was he before then?" Pegasus asked.

"A-at Khan's house learning martial arts...a-and therapy." Ryou mumbled sniffling.

Pegasus nodded. "Well, why don't we call Dr. Hinaru, see if she can tell us anything. Tachi, feel free to help yourself to the garden out back while we try to sort this out." And he carried Ryou upstairs to his office while Tachi followed the bunnies out back. Pegasus sat down with Ryou in his lap, and called Dr. Hinaru.

Hinaru answered the phone in her usual manner. "Hello, Hinaru speaking."

"Hello, this is Pegasus." The man said. "I know there are laws in regards to Dr./patient confidentiality but... Dr. Hinaru, I must know what happened today in your session with Marik. He came home from it, packed up his bags and left. He didn't tell Ryou where he was going or how long he would be gone..."

Hinaru sighed. "I can’t tell you what happened. But the best action would be to just wait it out. He'll come home I'm sure." she said calmly.

Pegasus winced. "Did... did he give any indication that he would leave like this?" He asked her.

"Somewhat." She said softly. "Just wait it out... things will be fine in time."

"Did he give you a reason for doing this?" Pegasus asked. "Ryou is EXTREMELY distressed. He's crying his eyes out over this..."

"No." Hinaru said calmly. "What happens in my office between a patient and myself is confidential."

Pegasus sighed and nodded. "I understand but... Dr. Hinaru, there is a fourteen year old lion out there wandering the streets for God knows WHAT purpose... Isn't there SOMETHING we can do?!"

"Not a thing. He doesn't want found... so he won’t be." she said calmly. "All we can do is wait."

Pegasus sighed. "Alright... Thank you..." He said softly, and hung up, then dialed Rem.

But Rem didn't answer. The answering machine did. "Rem, it's Pegasus." Pegasus said after the beep. "Ryou just came over. Marik has packed a bag and run off after a therapy session with Hinaru. Something about going back to being what he calls the Marik that Ryou fell in love with and not the Post-Menagerie Marik... In other words the post-Constantine Marik. He didn't say where he was going or when he'd be back. If you can offer ANY insight to this, please call me." And he hung up and looked down at Ryou in his lap. "I'm sure he’ll be fine. Dr. Hinaru said we should just wait it out and let him come home on his own." He said.

Ryou nodded slowly. "Master..." he mewled pathetically. "I want Marik back..." he sniffled.

Pegasus sighed and hugged Ryou, rocking him. "I know, baby..." He murmured softly. "I know."

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

Marik, in the mean time, was standing in the shadows of a warehouse at the docks, staring at a boat. A very familiar boat. The very boat that he and Ryou had used to escape that crazy hybrid collector's island. He finally sighed and walked out towards it. The men loading the boat stopped, and looked up at him, watching him approach.

One of the men glared. "It's that mangy lion that got loose!" he shouted. "Someone call animal control!" he added as other men began panicking and hurrying to get those orders taken care of, or tranquilizer guns.

Marik blinked. "Animal control?! You can't call them!" He cried in dismay. "I just wanna take the boat back to the island, jeeze!" And he headed for the gang plank.

Several men paused, giving the lion distrusting looks. "You want back?" One growled. "Fine, you can go back in a box." he said pointing to an empty large wooden crate.

Marik blinked again, then made a face. "Awwww... do I have to?!"

"Yes." The men said in unison. "No crate, no ride."

Marik frowned and pouted. "Crap..." he mumbled, and made his way over the crate and plopped himself down inside of it, glaring at the men.

They closed the box and nailed it shut, loading the lion onto the boat roughly. In time, the boat left the docks, heading back to the lush paradise Marik had left behind.

Marik slept through most of the boat ride, but by the time it had docked, he was pacing restlessly, and when he heard the men beginning to unload, he banged on the crate. "Hey! Lemme out!!!"

It took another twenty minutes, but finally Marik was released from the box, the men quickly returning to their work.

Marik snorted. "About time..." He mumbled, slinging the bag over his shoulder and casually leaving the boat and the dock, and walking down the beach. He sighed and looked around, then raised his head and sniffed the air before heading back to the site on the beach where he had left the Pride... He was there within an hour and half. The beach was empty. But Marik sighed and smiled, then turned and walked into the jungle to find the Pride.

There was a soft rustle in the brush, and his 'little brother' came darting out, in hot pursuit of a rabbit.

Marik's eyes widened and he darted forward, scooping up the cub. "Hey! HEY!!!" He yelped. "Stop that! I thought that the leader said there would be no more hunting rabbits!!!"

The little cub frowned softly. "W-well... since the woman was arrested... we've had a shortage on food..." he mumbled looking down. "I was hungry..."

Marik blinked. "I see... Well... I think that people are working on trying to fix your food shortage problem..." Marik said. "Where is everyone?

"The den... or hunting." The cub replied squirming to get at the rabbit. "I'm hungry..."

Marik frowned. "Where's the Den?" He asked, not letting go of the little cub.

The cub's ears drooped as the rabbit scampered off. "My lunch..." he pouted sighing. "It's on the west side of the island... There's lots of caves there...."

Marik nodded. "Well... why don't we go fishing, and then you can take me there." He said, heading back to the beach.

"B-but I'm supposed to be hunting!" The cub grumbled, though he nuzzled Marik. "Are you back to stay?"

Marik sighed. "No... but I'm back for a while..." He said with a small smile, and put Akello down. "Come on. Let's catch some fish and take it back to the den, hmm?" He asked, taking off his shirt and stuffing it into the bag.

Akello nodded and flicked his tail. "Why you wearin that stuff?" he asked watching.

Marik smiled. "Because. When you're in a city around humans, you have to wear clothes. Especially when you're trying to BE human." He said, untying his shoes.

"Trying to be human? Why? You're a lion!" Akello said befuddled. "Humans aren't good for anything but trouble!"

Marik sighed. "For my mate." He said, stripping off his socks and pants, then his boxers. He folded all of these and stuffed them into the bag as well, then walked down to the water. "Come on!"

"You mean that rabbit? Why would he want a human? He's a rabbit!"

Marik smiled. "We weren't born hybrids like you were. We were human, and were MADE hybrids!" He explained. "Ryou never stopped BEING human."

"Oh." Akello said blinking. "But... being a lion is better. It's simple, and everyone loves everyone else. Mamma's missed you." he purred, rubbing up against Marik.

Marik blinked, then smiled. "I missed you all too..." He said, then put Akello on his shoulders and waded out towards a large rock just off shore. "Let's fish from there, huh?"

Akello nodded and grinned, beginning to groom Marik's mane. "Everyone will be thrilled to see you home. Is your rabbit friend with you?"

Marik sighed and his ears drooped. "Umm... no. No he's not. I, uh... I left him at home. Came alone..." He said, climbing up onto the rock.

Akello blinked. "You left your mate alone? B-but... aren't you worried a dominant male will stake claim while you're gone? Abazu never leaves the lionesses alone. Mates are sacred!"

Marik sighed. "He will go to someone who will protect him." He said, taking Akello off of his shoulders, then crouching down and watching for fish.

Akello frowned. "I dunno... maybe you should pick a lioness." he said flicking his tail. "Then you'd never have to worry about her leaving. Lionesses love lions!" he said proudly. "Momma helped me pick one already. When we grow up we'll have beautiful strong cubs."

Marik chuckled, and his paw darted into the water and scooped up a fish. "Here kid. Don't let it get away!" He watched the fish flop around desperately.

Akello pounced on it and sat still, holding the fish in place. "Have you had cubs yet?"

Marik smiled again. "Not... REALLY. Ryou has these two rabbits, Tuc and Nod. They've always been part of our family. And they had babies. Three. And then, later, they had NINE MORE!!! Almost all of them hybrids. Now, one of the first three babies lives with Ryou's master, and one with our friend Yami, and the other, Spunky, went to live with my friend Bakura, and his mate Malik. And then when the nine arrived one of the babies went to live with Bakura and Malik. And now Angel has mated Spunky and well, anyway... the bunnies are like our cubs."

Akello wrinkled his nose. "You need a lioness." he said flicking his tail and sniffing the fish. "Because if you think bunnies are cubs, you need to get laid." he giggled.

Marik's eyes widened and he turned to look at Akello. "Hey now!" He laughed. "I DID get laid! Last night! And I'll have you know that one of the bunnies IS a lion hybrid!"

Akello flicked his ears and began to tear some of the fish up, to eat. "He's a bunny too, You need a real cub."

Marik sighed and smiled. "I'm not ready for my own REAL cub..." He said, darting his paw into the water and scooping out another fish, then nearly DIVING in bringing out yet another. He quickly bit them, killing them, and laid them aside before going back to staring at the water.

"Yeah… you're still in puberty aren’t ya?" Akello said swallowing some fish. "Momma said you'd grow up big and strong and proud..."

Marik smiled slightly. "Sooner than you think, kid..." He chuckled, and scooped out another fish.

Akello grinned, flicking his tail eagerly. "When you grow up I bet you'll be as big an strong as Abazu."

Marik smiled. "That would be nice, but... I won't be..." He said softly. "MAO!" And he flipped another fish up onto the rock.

"Are you crazy?! Abazu gave his blessing to you! You'll be the most beautiful and strong lion ever! His blessing ALWAYS works!" Akello protested. "Always!"

Marik sighed. "You'll see." He said. "But it's okay. I don't wanna be too big! I have to stay a bit small for my poor mate!" He giggled.

"You'll see!" Akello said tail lashing. "You'll be big, proud and powerful!" he purred. "And I'll have the biggest big brother of all!"

Marik laughed, flipping another fish onto the rock. "Think this is enough?" He asked Akello, looking at all the fish. "Shall we take these back to the den?"

Akello nodded grinning, his fish thoroughly eaten. "Yeah!"

Marik smiled and gathered the fish, then let the cub clamor onto his shoulders again before wading back to the beach. There, he found a bit of twine washed up and strung the fish on it, before washing off the fish smell in the ocean. Then, he picked up the fish and his bag. "Lead the way, short stuff."