The Wild

Bunny Love

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 25

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Akello grinned as he led Marik through the jungle, tail lashing. It took about twenty minutes until the forest thinned and a large craggy area was before them, filled with many caverns. "Here we are!"

Marik sighed and smiled, running fingers through his hair nervously, before approaching them. He stopped after a moment, deciding it would be best to announce himself instead of just barging in.

"Murrrrrrrrumph!” He called, nervously.

Akello however rushed forward, with a squeaky roar. Two lionesses trotted out of the largest cave, before spotting Marik. They gave loud roars, and soon the whole pride was gathering around Marik. His mother rushed forward, eagerly. "Son! Marik!” She purred nuzzling him and beginning to groom his ears.

Marik grinned broadly. "Hi!” He exclaimed, purring loudly in response. "I was in the neighborhood and decided to drop by. Hope you don't mind...” He snickered.

Nadira nuzzled Marik and licked his ears as Abazu stepped forward. "You are welcome here little brother... You are family.” He purred regally. "We are at hard times... but we will gladly share what we catch with you.” He added smiling.

Akello mewed. "He brought a gift for us! Fish!” He squeaked eagerly. Nadira purred louder. "My son, providing his share in the pride already...” She beamed.

Marik blushed. "I, uh... I caught Akello going after a rabbit, and he told me that you all were short on food, so...” He shrugged and offered the five fish to Abazu.

Abazu chuckled, and shook his head. "These will be given to the young.” He said calmly, taking them and handing them to the lionesses who eagerly took some of the fish and began feeding their young. "Akello, I have forbidden going after rabbits... I know you were hungry, but you must not hunt what is forbidden.” He scolded, though his voice was warm and caring.

Akello's ears drooped and he nodded. "Yessir...” He whimpered softly, crawling under Nadira in shame.

Marik sighed. "I can at least offer you the good news that the food shortage will not last too long.” He said. "They're working on a bill to make this island an official government funded Hybrid Reserve."

Abazu nodded. "Until such a thing is done, our food shortage continues.” He said calmly. "We will survive. We are strong together.” He said turning to the pride and smiling. "One more mouth to feed, but one more hunter to work. We will live on."

Nadira nuzzled Marik. "It's good to see you've come home.” She purred. Abazu chuckled, nodding, waving a lioness over and whispering some orders into her ear. She nodded and trotted off. "Tikal is fetching your bedding area for you. Come, rest in the dens with us while you wait."

Marik blinked then smiled. "Thanks but... I rested on the boat over here. If you are in such need of food, I will be glad to go back to the beach to fish some more...” He said.

Abazu merely shook his head. "It is against tradition for one so young to hunt alone. If you must hunt, you shall hunt at dusk with the strongest males, and the lionesses.” He said patting Marik's head. "Besides, I'm sure you have much to tell your mother, and likewise with her."

Marik blinked. "But... I... I don't think I can do that... I mean... I can fish, but... I don’t know about hunting... It... brings back bad memories...” He mumbled, looking down.

"You are a lion... lions hunt for life. It is part of your very nature." Abazu said motioning Marik to walk with him. "We will... talk for a while.” He said calmly.

Marik blinked, then nodded and slowly followed after hugging Nadira and ruffling Akello and Shanti's hair.

Abazu chuckled, leading Marik away from the lions den and northward. "Tell me Marik... why is it you do not like hunting?” He asked once they were very much alone.

Marik sighed. "Well... I um... I really can't stomach hot raw meat any more... not if I saw it die... not since this... other lion... the one I told you about, remember? Let's just say that after my experiences with him, I... I can't handle it...” He explained.

Abazu nodded. "Every creature on this great world of ours goes through a stage where they question everything about themselves.” He said calmly. "The very nature of everything that surrounds them.” He added. "You are a hybrid, a lion hybrid. You have primal natural urges that you suppress because this other lion made you insecure."

Marik frowned. "This other lion fed me rabbit meat soaked in my own mate's blood, telling me that the meat WAS my mate and that I had killed him!!!"

"But you know you did no such thing." Abazu said calmly. "We both do. You can’t fear yourself, it cripples you.” He flicked his tail. "You fear yourself, you fear what you CAN do to that rabbit."

Marik sighed. "I beleived that I had killed my mate...” He said softly. "And... he would only let me eat rabbit meat... fresh... he would wound a rabbit so horribly. And leave it to die a long slow painful death... he made me kill them to spare them from it, and then he forced their meat down my throat... he... when I tried to protect them, he would throw me down on them, and I would feel them being crushed in my own hands... beneathe my own body... I...” Marik closed his eyes, digging his blunt claws into his hands. That made him sigh and lift his hands up so he could look at them. "Besides... I... I don't even have claws anymore...”

"Marik... you did a noble thing, sparing a creature from a painful death, but you can’t fear yourself. It's not what you CAN do to the rabbit, it's what you will do. Do you ever intend to harm him?" Abazu said smiling slightly.

Marik shook his head. "I love him. I would never intentionally hurt him, or ANY rabbit for that matter. Well, except maybe for that big black one, but he was hurting one of the rabbits that are virtually a part of my family!" Marik sighed. "I just... I don't like to kill... I don't enjoy it... I used to... long ago... but now it just turns my stomach... I know I'm not a good lion, but...” He sighed and shrugged.

"Death is a part of life, Marik. If one animal does not die, another will die from starvation, and when the hunter dies, his body decomposes to support the grass, that feeds the prey." Abazu explained slowly. "Hunting is in your nature. Can you possibly, honestly tell me that you do not miss the thrill of stalking your prey, crouched down... barely breathing...” He said softly, looking forward at a large male gazelle.

Marik looked at the gazelle for a good, long while. "No. I don't miss it. He said after a while. Because I'm not WITHOUT it! I hunt...” He smirked and chuckled. "Just... not to kill...” He grinned and blushed. "I, umm... me and my mate... and we, ummm... it turns us on, ya know?"

Abazu chuckled at that. "But you still find yourself here, without that mate.” He said flicking his tail. "why?"

Marik sighed and wrapped his arms around himself. "Ever since I ran into Constan... .. uh, that lion... I've been screwed up. BAD.” He said. "I lose my temper... I'm... scared of... everything... I never used to go crying to Ma... my caretaker... but now I do... I... I'm not who I was. I'm not the lion my mate fell in love with. I'm here to... try to get him back. I want to be the mate that Ryou deserves. One who won't let him down and hurt him... Over and over and over again...” He confessed.

"You can’t be a lion if you can’t provide for yourself." Abazu said calmly. "A lion isn't a lion if he can’t hunt his own food... No lion here suffers anger troubles. A lion NEEDS the hunt. Going without it leaves you stressed... angry.” He said looking to Marik firmly. "I will not ask you to hunt today... but I will tell you with honesty... you can’t get back what you lost, and not give up what you have now. You must lose the fear, the anger, the hurt... you are our brother lion, but no pride can help the unwilling."

Abazu crouched down, ears flicking and slowly stealthily stalked towards his prey.

Marik watched him silently, shaking a bit. Can't get back what you lost without giving up what you have now? What WAS he trying to get back... ? And what did he have to give up to GET it back? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that he was here to find out. He watched Abazu, and saw himself once upon a time. Stalking two frightened rabbits, catching one up in his jaws, only to hear a desperate scream from a terrified soul near by...

Abazu pounced the gazelle with a thunderous roar, and in a painless instant, the creature was dead. He smiled and nuzzled the beast's body. "I bow to you my friend... to honor your loss.” He said softly, before picking the body up and slinging it over his back, walking back to Marik. "You look caught between worlds Marik.” He said after a moment.

Marik stared at the gazelle with wide eyes. "I... I... I've never really... HUNTED anything like... THAT... . I mean... I would sometimes be given small things like... rabbits. Mice... something to chase for the sake of giving me something to chase but... honestly? I don't think I've really ever... HUNTED...” He said, looking a bit pale. "I don't know if I can do it...”

"You're young." Abazu said smiling. "I won’t ask you to do something you're not ready to do... but you can’t call yourself lion... if you can’t provide for yourself... and it's far MORE foolish, to claim a mate if you can’t provide for the both of you.” He added giving Marik a strong, fatherly look. "Before you can take another's life under your stead... you have to be able to defend your own."

Marik gulped and nodded. "I always thought I could... until I was thrown to Constantine... I was sick. I was weak. And they THREW me to him like a piece of meat!!!” He growled, digging his claws into his arms. "They knew what he would do to me...”

"What he still does to you." Abazu said, beginning to walk back. "It's time you took your life back. It's time you reclaimed your emotions... if you were truly weak, I would not have brought you as my hunting partner." Abazu said smirking back at Marik. "You are lost, and afraid... but not weak."

Marik looked at him. "But... I couldn't even defend myself from Constantine if I tried... And... there's something else. Something that frightens me horribly... I'm telling you because I trust you... but if anyone knew this...” Marik sighed and shook his head. "I've been given an injection... and conditioned. It's how Constantine was always able to get me to submit without a fight... I... Only my mate knows this but... a bite to my neck... triggers submission. I literally CAN'T fight back once that is triggered... How can I protect myself or my mate when I have this... conditioning?!"

Abazu flicked his tail. "Simple. You're a lion. I assume your teeth are as sharp as mine. Bite.” He said baring his sharp teeth. " Don’t let anyone get close... just because you are weaker than someone else, does not mean you can’t mortally wound them."

Marik blinked. "In other words... fight like hell to keep someone AWAY from my neck.” He mumbled. "What happens when they're stronger than me? I mean... you could take me down right now without breaking a sweat."

"You're afraid to fight." Abazu said as he walked. "Of course I could take you down. Anyone can if you're too afraid to fight. Marik you hold the life of someone else in your hands... a mate depends on you. You have to lose fear. It's your enemy.” He said strongly, in an almost scolding tone. "The number one priority is not your safety, your fears... it's the safety of your unit, your family. That rabbit IS that unit, that family.” He said tail lashing. "No matter what, that is most important."

Marik nodded. "I agree with you on that point.” He said. "But then I guess that's why I'm here then. To get control of my fears. And learn to fight again. And learn to... be a lion again. Not a house cat."

"You'll fight again, you'll learn. But remember Marik... the fights worth fighting hardest... are the ones you're willing to die for." Abazu said smiling. "You will fight hardest... when it's for something you believe in, someone you love. A fight worth dying for. If you face this with that same perserverence you'll come ouf of this a better lion... a better person." Abazu once more began walking back to the dens. "But if you can’t face your fears... then you need to rethink your standing with your mate... if you can’t conquer fear for him... then you are not yet willing to die for him."

Marik frowned and followed. "I AM willing to die for him. And that's why I'm HERE!!! To conquer my fears! And I'm willing to anything to do just that!"

Abazu turned suddenly and lunged at Marik, snarling dominantly and heading STRAIGHT for the trigger Marik had JUST told him of.

Marik yowled and leapt back, tripping over a bush and tumbling down to the ground, then yelped and swung a paw at Abazu's face while trying to free his snagged leg from the bush.

Abazu had stopped long before Marik had began swinging at him, and was chuckling, picking up the gazelle again. "Willing to die indeed.” He said turning away towards the dens. "You can’t face fear when you jump back, puffed up like a house cat and run."

"GODS!!!" Marik yelped, sitting up. "What did you EXPECT me to do?! Just stand there and take it?!"

"When we return to the dens, I will show you what I expected." Abazu said smiling. When they returned, Abazu laid out the Gazelle for the lionesses to begin cleaning. He picked the youngest cub in the pride and flicked his tail, before charging at it in the same way he had Marik. The cub blinked and puffed up, letting out his own little spitting-hiss, before charging at Abazu. Though once the two lions met, Abazu chuckled and gave the cub such a powerful lick, that the poor thing just toppled over into a pile of purrs. "He doesn't fear death, or threat." Abazu called over his shoulder, beginning to tease the cub with the tuft of his tail. "And he's a mere cub."

Marik simply stared at Abazu and the tiny cub, silently. He finally lowered his eyes to the ground, feeling extremely out of place all of a sudden. And only then did the thought 'why did I come here?' enter his mind.

Abazu chuckled and got up, trotting back to Marik. "You will find it in you to return to yourself.” He said, nuzzling Marik. "Just be patient, and try...” He added flicking his ears. "Now, why don’t you go get some gazelle for your mother and siblings, and den up for the night...?”

Marik blinked. "Ummm... o-okay...” He mumbled, and headed for the gazelle, but then paused and looked back at Abazu. "Does... does she have a... mate?” He asked, cocking his head and glancing around at the male lions scattered about.

Abazu nodded. "He died protecting her and the young cubs.” He said softly. "But I'm sure she'd tell you about him."

Marik winced and looked down at the ground. "P-Protecting them from what?” He asked softly.

"Rock slide." Abazu said after a moment, turning back to the cub.

Marik sighed and headed over to the gazelle, but gulped and stopped when he saw a few large males at it. He plopped down and waited, not wanting to get in their way.

However the males merely smiled at Marik, and stepped aside for him to get some of the meat. "Help yourself." One said, grinning.

Marik blinked, and his eyes widened in surprise. He hesitated, but then slowly approached and sniffed at the carcass, then pawed at it, as if testing the males to see if they would punish him for touching it before they were done.

Not a one did anything, they merely resumed ripping pieces off for themselves, or their families. Marik was completely welcomed.

Marik blinked, then began to work quickly, trying to remove one of the hind legs, but was finding it a bit difficult without his claws, and the feeling of the warm raw meat and blood on his tongue made his stomach churn. But finally, he severed the leg and turned, going to find Nadira, Akello and Shanti.

Akello grinned and ran up to Marik. "Wow! Did you catch that alone?!” He squeaked hopping up and down slightly. "That looks delicious!"

Marik winced and dropped it, then retched. "I... No, I didn't catch it...” He gasped. "But... it's for your mom and sister.” He said, smiling and ruffling Akello's hair. "Since you had a big fish all to yourself, huh? Where are they?"
Akello blinked. "Are... you ok?” He asked tilting his head to the side. "You look sick..."

Marik smiled weakly. "I'm okay. Where's your mom and sister?” He asked again.

Akello nodded. "They're in the den. Mama's bathing Shanti right now. She's such a prissy lioness.” He said snuffing and flicking his tail. "I'll show you!” He added before suddenly darting off eagerly.

Marik winced, took a deep breath and picked up the leg, then followed Akello into the den.

It was full of lionesses, and cubs and even some older lions, all curled up with their families in their own areas. Shanti was resting in Nadira's paws, getting groomed. She perked up. "Big brother!” She said eagerly. "You brought that for us?” She said squirming loose and wagging her tail at the idea of a good meal.

Nadira chuckled softly and shook her head.

Marik smiled weakly, and laid the leg down before Nadira and Shanti. "Here.” He said with a smile.

Nadira nudged Shanti forward and the little cub tore ravenously into the meat. "Come here, son...” She purred, motioning for Marik to lay near her. "You look upset... what's wrong?"

Marik sighed and plodded over, then flopped down and began to clean the blood from his hands and claws. "I'm okay...”

She wrapped a paw around him and pulled him close, beginning to groom him. "Don’t lie to your mother. What's wrong?"

Marik sighed. "I don't feel good... the taste of meat that fresh... uncooked... it makes me feel sick...” He confessed. "I've been through things that may have put me off of it for life...” He mumbled.

Nadira sighed and continued grooming him. "I'm sorry sweetheart... I'm afraid we don’t have cooked meat. It's either eat or starve...” She said nuzzling him. "You just have to force what you can down...”

Marik sighed and nodded, then chuckled slightly. "Maybe Ryou forcing me to learn to eat veggies was a blessing in disguise, huh?" Akello and Shanti slowly turned and looked at him in horror, as did all other lions within ear shot. Marik blinked, then laid his ears back and ducked down, eyes wide.

Nadira chuckled. "Lions don’t eat vegetables sweetie.” She said shaking her head. "You're weirding out the pride saying something like that.

Marik snorted. "They do when their mate insists on it...” He mumbled, curling up.

Nadira nuzzled him. "Try to eat, dear... just a bite or two... Abazu has set rations on the meat... and despite it he went out and caught this gazelle to celebrate your return... you should at least try to eat."

Marik blinked. "I don't know... I...” He sighed. "Fish is easier... I mean... I can handle sushi, ya know?” He asked, chuckling slightly. But then Abazu entered the den, and Marik sighed. "I... I'll try...” He said, and slowly approached the meat, watching Shanti eat. He looked back at Nadira. "Will you not eat? You have to have strength for any hunts...” He said.

Nadira nodded. "I will eat when my children have had their fill.” She said to Marik. "You need to eat, so you can grow healthy and strong... I am already grown."

Marik smiled. "But I've also probably eaten better over the last few weeks than you have.” He pointed out.

"And you will continue to eat better." Nadira said smiling. "You are all my legacy...” She purred. "Now eat what you can."

Marik blinked, then slowly ripped off a small piece of flesh from between the cubs. He grimaced and closed his eyes, before forcing himself to swallow. He gagged as it slid down his throat, and retched, but managed to keep it down.

Shanti paused, licking her lips and giving Marik little kitten kiss-licks on his arm. "It's ok big brother.” She purred. "You'll get used to it again... it's yummy.” She giggled, before going back to eating.

Marik forced a small smile and nodded. "Y-Yeah... yummy...” He mumbled, forcing himself to eat a bit more. But he had barely eaten enough to make a snack for the smallest cub in the den before he backed away, looking like he was fighting down the urge to vomit.

Abazu chuckled softly, padding over, carrying a small leaf in his mouth. "I brought you something.” He said setting the leaf down before Marik. "That will ease your stomach.” He said smiling. "It will help until you can eat meat without feeling ill." Nadira smiled.

"Thank you.” She said bowing her head to the leader as he trotted off to watch over the other lions. He'd left behind a small leaf of mint.

Marik sniffed at it, then slowly ate it, before settling down to rest and try to ease his stomach, watching the cubs enjoying their meal.

Nadira nuzzled Marik. "It's been three days.” She said almost sadly.

Marik blinked and looked up. "Three days? Since what?"

"Since Abazu himself has sat down to a meal." Nadira said softly. "He rations the food harshly, and if he does eat, it’s merely the scraps left behind by the rest of us...” She said nuzzling him. "He's fighting so hard to keep us all well fed... that he's forgetting his own well being."

Marik frowned and watched Abazu. "Really?” He asked. "I see... He... He is a good leader...”

Nadira nodded. "The best... he's always been a good leader. He'd die for us...” She said nuzzling Marik. "He's a gift from above, he's such a good heart."

Marik sighed and laid his head down. "He is...” He said softly, then blinked when the cubs trotted over, having finished their meal.

Nadira pulled the leg over, and quickly finished what remained of the leg.

Akello nuzzled into Marik, licking his lips and grooming the blood from his face, before yawning. "It's almost sunset...” He purred curling up against his big brother, Shanti doing the same. "Thank you big brother...” They both purred, beginning to doze.

Marik blinked down at them, then smiled and purred, nuzzling both o them, then turning and licking Nadira's chin. "You know... Akello almost had that rabbit today... he's a good little hunter...”

She nodded. "He is. He wants to grow up to be like Abazu and the other strong lions.” She said laying her head on Marik's shoulder and nuzzling him. "He's a good boy."

Marik smiled and sighed, purring. And soon enough, he had drifted to sleep.

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The boar snorted slightly as he rooted through the dirt for any morsel he might find, completely oblivious to the silent creature making his way closer. A tail lashed and ears swiveled, searching for any other noise. The boar raised its head and he looked around, and the stalking creature froze. The boar grunted and began rooting around again. But then, a roar shattered the silence of the jungle, and a tan lean body sprang out of the bushes.

The boar squealed in startled fright and turned to run, but a great weight crashed down on him and brought him down. Blunt claws dug into his sides, and a moment later, sharp teeth crushed his windpipe and the boar fell, struggling to breath. But the creature growled loudly and didn't let go. And soon, the pig grew still.

The young lion slowly released him and got to his feet, panting. But then, a searing pain shot through him, and he yowled, pitching forwards and roaring in pain as his limbs began to stretch, and his muscles swelled and grew. His claws grew long and sharp, and his spine popped as it lengthened. And soon, Marik collapsed to the ground, panting and whining, but now much larger and taller. And looking exactly like the lion that Ryou had fallen in love with, two years ago in the pet shop.

Slowly, Marik groaned and got to his feet, and blinked. He looked down at himself, and his eyes widened as he stared at his taller, more developed body, no longer the scrawny tween he had been only minutes ago. And slowly, he grinned. Then he turned, slung the boar over his shoulder and returned to den.

When Marik arrived back at the dens, the lions were once more stunned at his sudden growth spurt. Nadira laughed and trotted forward, licking Marik's cheek. "Son, you are growing up too fast for me.” She said proudly.

Marik grinned broadly and flicked his tail. "Honestly? This is how I was SUPPOSED to be. It was... dark magic that made me small... A fried was supposed to set things right. Obviously he finally did.” He said, then turned and spotted Abazu. He walked over to him, then knelt and dropped the boar to the ground before him, then stood again.

Abazu smiled. "Every time I see you, you're a great deal larger.” He said proudly as well. "Rivaling some of our own in size.” He added smirking. "And here you insisted you were little."

Marik smiled and blushed. "I have tall hair...” He snickered, running newly sharp claws through said hair.

Abazu chuckled. "I wasn't including the hair."

Marik smiled. "Ummm... Thanks...” He said, but inside he was saying 'Yeah... I'm bigger than the males younger than me by... five years... '

Abazu chuckled and waved over some males. Each of them were smaller than Marik either by a little, or a lot. "These males, are as old as I am.” He said calmly. "Older than you.” He said smirking.

Marik blinked at the two other males, confused. He had never met a male smaller than himself... and older.

Abazu nodded. "Are you better than them?” He asked after a moment.

Marik blinked, then slowly shook his head.

"So does size really make a lion any better than any other?" Abazu said smiling proudly.

Marik blinked, and slowly shook his head again. "... No."

"Then... why are you upset about being small?" Abazu chuckled

Marik blinked and looked down. "Because... Constantine said I was... a runt... and I was weak... and... I... I don't know...” He mumbled, wringing his hands.

Abazu put his paw under Marik's chin and lifted his eyes. "Well you're no runt, and size does not mean weakness. Isn't that right?!” He called. The other males let out loud roars of approval.

Marik gulped and stared at Abazu, still fidgeting.

"Can we eat this?!" A little cub suddenly gasped, and Abazu and Marik looked down at the little cub that had shown no fear when the leader was seemingly attacking. He was tugging the ear of the boar.

Abazu chuckled. "Now little one, you know you should let your mother prepare that meat for you, you don’t want to get a mouthful of fur do you?” He chuckled stepping aside for the lionesses to take the boar away to clean. "Marik... be proud of who you are. Size doesn't matter... it's the heart that does." Abazu said ruffling Marik's mane with a paw. "Why don’t you reward yourself for your hunt, with a bit of boar?"

Marik made a face and moved to comb through his mane with his claws, looking a bit grumpy. "I... I'll try.” He said with a sigh. He had been with the pride for two weeks, but so far the only thing that didn't upset his stomach was fish and vegetation. One night he even threw up a significant amount of meat that Abazu had made him eat upon seeing that Marik wasn't eating enough.

Abazu sighed. "You have to try. You don’t want your mate to see you as a boney mass of skin and fur do you?” He said softly. "Eat what you can...”

Marik sighed and nodded. "I will...” He said. "May I take some to my family?” He asked.

Abazu nodded. "Take what you need." And with that he trotted off. Abazu had lost a great deal of weight since Marik had come, but showed no signs of weakness, or even fatigue.

Marik frowned, then moved to the kill, removing a back leg and a front. He gathered them up and headed over to Nadira who was watching her cubs hunting a beetle. He smiled and laid the leg down before her. "Here.” He said. "I'll be right back." And he turned and followed after Abazu.

Abazu had laid down on a large stone, under the shade of a tree and was watching his pride quietly his tail flicking occasionally. Despite being much thinner, he still held a regal stance, and the air about him was still very strong and soothing.

Marik sighed and approached, coming up behind him and laying the meaty leg down before Abazu. He smiled. "How can you protect your family if you cannot protect yourself?” He asked slyly, slinging Abazu's own words right back at him. "You have to eat, too."

"I will eat, when the others have had their fill.” He said calmly nudging the leg back to Marik. "Unless you can lick me in a fight, then I can still protect myself as well.” He said chuckling. "I get enough to eat Marik... you need not worry about me."

Marik blinked, then frowned. The entire pride froze, when Marik suddenly roared and tackled Abazu, knocking him off of his rock and they rolled down the hill, Marik fighting the much larger male off to keep him away from his neck.

But Abazu wouldn't head straight for Marik's neck…

Abazu snarled and arched his back as they rolled, flipping Marik off and pulling a move that would surely someday be in some lion-hybrid fight movie, landing square on Marik's back and digging his claws in deeply, teeth around the younger lion's neck, but not applying pressure.

Marik growled, planted his paws onto the ground and stood up, lifting Abazu with him, then tumbled forwards, flipping the older lion off, then turning and pouncing.

Abazu was ready and used his back legs to push Marik off of him, sending the youth tumbling across the dirt, before getting to his feet and growling at Marik warningly, tail lashing.

Marik got to his feet and whirled, facing him. He smirked. "Getting hungry yet?” He asked.

Abazu smirked back. "Not until the others have eaten their fill. I don’t see you victorious.” He said turning away. "Now enough with this childish fighting...” He added walking back to his rock. "Unless you intend to take over as pride leader, you'll step down."

"I don't intend to take over the pride! I intend to make you get over your OWN pride and eat something before you get sick and can't take care of your pride!!!" And he leapt on Abazu's back and clung.

Abazu hunched slightly under the weight, before continuing up the mountain, carrying Marik the entire way.

Marik blinked and looked around, confused. "Mao?"

Abazu laid back on his rock and flicked his tail. "Intending to hump me up there?” He chuckled

Marik frowned. "No.” He said, then grabbed the leg of meat, stripped a piece off, then pinched Abazu's nose and forced it into his mouth. Then he clapped his paws over the larger male's mouth and nose.

"Has he lost his mind?" An older male muttered to Nadira, watching this play out.

Abazu chuckled and with a great swing, knocked Marik off of his back, sending the younger lion tumbling down the rock pile again. He swallowed the bit of meat Marik had put in his mouth, before picking up the leg, walking down the pile and handing it to an eager cub, who was practically shaking with excitement from the spectacle.

Marik frowned. "You can't just starve yourself.” He said to the leader. "They need you to be strong, and at your best. You can't be that if you're starving."

"If I were starving Marik, you would have beaten me." Abazu said smiling softly. "I know to take care of myself... but my family comes first. The cubs especially... I am growing older... and someday, one of these cubs will take my place as leader of this pride.” He said looking back up at his rock. "And when that day comes, I want them to be ready physically, and mentally."

"You almost sound like you're looking forward to stepping down.” He said.

Abazu shook his head. "I just know that my time is coming eventually... and I accept it. One day I will be weaker and I will need to be replaced by someone more able."

Marik sighed and frowned. "You still have to eat. I haven't seen you eat since I came here."

Abazu nodded. "I eat when the others are finished." And with that, he returned to his seat atop the rocks, watching over his pride.

Nadira swatted Marik's head slightly. "Don’t attack Abazu!” She scolded softly.

Marik frowned. "He said he'd eat if I could beat him!!!” He whined, rubbing his head.

"Do you think he would have said that if he thought you could beat him?” She said flicking her tail, annoyed. "He's a strong lion. He knows his limits."

Marik snorted and muttered, then turned and trotted off, heading for the jungle again.

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

It had been two weeks since Marik had left... Ryou had practically deteriorated to nothing. He merely laid curled up outside in the day, and inside at night when Pegasus insisted he come inside. Even the bunnies were beginning to get droopy from their father's sadness. He was broken hearted.

Pegasus was frightfully worried, and had actually called in Drs. Inogawa and Hinaru. He was currently leading them up to the Bunny Room where Ryou was. He had explained the situation to them, and were hoping that they could talk some sense into Ryou. And following them was Tachi, bearing the lion plushy carrying Marik's scent that Ryou had left at home. Finally, they all entered.

"Ryou? Some people are here to see you...” Pegasus called gently. Inogawa was the first to approach.

"Come here, Ryou." The man said, lifting Ryou out of his cage and laying him on the grooming table, beginning to examine him. "Ryou, you're dehydrated...” He said, pinching the skin on Ryou's arm.

Ryou snapped at him slightly, before laying back down and sniffling. Hinaru frowned. "He's still crying...” She said softly. "Poor thing... He's depressed...” She said shaking her head.

Ryou sniffled and curled up tightly, his drooping ears spilling over the side of the grooming table, hanging limply.

Inogawa frowned. "Ryou. How would Marik feel if he came back to find his mate had starved to death?” He asked. "He left to become the mate you wanted... He's trying very hard... shouldn't you be strong while he's gone?” He asked.

Ryou didn't even flick an ear to the doctor, he just curled up tighter. Hinaru cleared her throat. "Honey, not the best thing to say.” She said shaking her head. "He needs to take his mind OFF his mate, not dwell on it...”

Inogawa blinked, and Tachi glanced around, then hid the plushy behind himself.

Ryou let out a soft whimper, nose quivering slightly at the sudden movement of the toy, which released a faint scent of his mate. "Marik...” He sniffled sitting up slowly and looking around before giving a bleary moan of sadness and flopping back down, sniffling.

Tachi blinked, then gulped and approached. "Ryou? I... I found this in your room...” He mumbled, and held it out. "It smelled like him, so... I thought you would like it...” He said, then smiled and nuzzled Ryou softly. Inogawa glanced at his wife while Pegasus cuddled a fat Precious.

Ryou sniffled and took the plushy, curling up around it, and beginning to cry once more. Hinaru frowned. "I think... an intervention is in order.” She said softly. "He can’t stay inside like this... he's moping, and it's becoming a health issue."

Tachi blinked. "We could tie a pole to his back and dangle the plushy on the end of the pole and stick him in the backyard. Ya know... chase the plushy?” He suggested, but shrunk back under the looks everyone gave him. "It was just a joke!!!"

Hinaru rolled her eyes. "He needs to have a good time, not get MORE depressed!” She scolded softly.

Tachi sighed and thought. "Take him to the park! I'll see if I can get him moving!” He announced.

"Pegasus' back yard is just like the park... That hasn't gotten him moving." Hinaru said looking at the other bunnies, who were all laying in the cage, hardly moving as well. "And his depression is affecting his little family...”

Inogawa and Pegasus nodded. "How do we get him to snap out of it?" Pegasus asked, looking at her. "Take him to see Khan? Or... or Rishid?"

"They're both feline, that'd only make it worse.” She said shaking her head. "We need something that will help him forget Marik for the time being... if we don’t get him happy soon, he could get much worse than just dehydrated...”

Pegasus sighed and frowned, thinking. "What about... taking him to a place with... a lot of hybrid rabbits?” He asked.

Hinaru nodded. "That might be good... but there aren't many hybrid rabbits in Japan... most that are registered are in the United Kingdom.” She said shaking her head. "Tachi is the only bunny for miles."

Tachi frowned and pouted. "Fuckin' figures. No wonder I can't find a mate. Can I screw Ryou? Will that get his mind off of things?"

All three humans cross their arms and focused stern looks on Tachi. "NO!"

Tachi winced and shrunk back. "Well... what about taking him to the Jungle?"

Hinaru sighed. "Khan works there.” She said shaking her head. "Maybe I should just take him into the medical hospital for therapy...”

Tachi blinked and looked at Ryou, but Pegasus shook his head. "I think that would remind him of Marik, too. After all... Marik spent five months in that place. And Ryou visited him a few times, like on Marik's birthday...”

"Well we can’t just let him lay around starving himself and dehydrating himself.” She said shaking her head as the poor rabbit's muffled sobs slowly died down. "We have to get him out of this atmosphere... somewhere happy."]

"A SALAD BAR!!!" Tachi squealed excitedly.

"He's not exactly looking much into a snack Tachi sweetie." Hinaru said softly.

Tachi flicked an ear. "How about the circus?" He suggested. "I saw a commercial and some bill boards for it."

"Lions at the circus.” She said shaking her head.

Tachi drooped. "Oh... well... ummm... an amusement park? Does he like roller coasters?"

"Now there's an idea!" Hinaru said nodding. "Nothing to remind him of someone there!” She said giving Tachi an approving look.

Tachi grinned and flicked his tail happily. Pegasus smiled and pet Tachi. "Ryou? We're going out. Can you please get dressed?"

"I don’t wanna go out...” He mumbled sniffling. "I'd rather take a nap...”

Pegasus frowned. "No Ryou. All you've been doing is napping. You are going out now. Please? For Master?"

"I don’t wanna.” He mumbled sniffling.

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "You 'don't wanna' do anything aside from cry. And I'm not putting up with it any more, Ryou.” He said. "Now come on. Get up. Master is NOT allowing you to slowly kill yourself." And he pulled Ryou off of the grooming table and sat him on his feet.

Ryou however merely sniffled and walked over to his cage and crawled in, burying himself in the bedding.

Hinaru frowned. "Poor thing...” She said shaking her head.

Pegasus frowned, grabbed Ryou's ears and jerked him out. "Ryou! You should be ashamed of yourself! What would Marik say if he could see you like this?!"

Ryou whined loudly. "I'd give ANYTHING for Marik to see me like this...” He wailed miserably.

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "I'm sure that Marik would be far from happy.” He said. "Didn't he say he was going away to make things better in the long run? What happens if he comes back and finds you in the Mental Hospital?"

"We'll have something in common." Ryou whined sniffling and pulling away, reburying himself.

Hinaru coughed. "Hmm... this... isn't quite going as planned...” She said shaking her head.

Pegasus frowned. "Well, I'm not going to let it happen!” He snapped, jerked Ryou out and to everyone's shock, he slapped Ryou across the face. "I am very... VERY! Disgusted with the way you have been acting! You're acting in the ways that Marik would act that YOU HATED!!! That YOU COMPLAINED ABOUT!!! You are being a hypocrite!!! He has NOT abandoned you! So stop acting like he HAS!" And he slapped Ryou again. "And snap out of it!"

Ryou growled and did something that shocked the group once more. He snapped down on Pegasus' hand and locked his jaw, glaring at him with red watery eyes. 'leave me alone. I don’t care.' he hissed in his mind ears bristled and back in an warning position.

The other bunnies had roused at this point and were staring in shock. Hinaru let out a shocked gasp before her and Inogawa hurried forward to pry Ryou off of Pegasus and shove him back in the cage, ushering Pegasus back so Inogawa could take a look at his hand.

Hinaru looked absolutely flustered. "Maybe we should just let Tachi take Ryou out... he might be... better suited to Ryou's needs.” She said slowly.

Pegasus looked down at Ryou, frowning, with a deep sadness in his eyes. "Never... did I think I would be this disappointed in you.” He said softly, then turned and left the room, Precious waddling after him. Tachi gulped and slowly crept closer to Ryou.

"Please, Ryou... come out with me?” He asked, ears back in fear, afraid Ryou would pounce him at any moment.

Ryou sniffled, ears relaxing and drooping as Hinaru and Inogawa left to take care of Pegasus, the only willing patient left. He sniffled and laid back in the bedding. "Why? If I stay here at least I can be sad by myself...” He mumbled softly.

Tachi smiled. "But if you come with me, maybe you can have some fun. And be happy for a little while.” He said. "Don't you think Marik would be happy about that? If he knew you were in here crying about him, he would cry, too."

Ryou sniffled. "I miss him...” He whimpered. "I love him... I just want him home...” He muttered curling up tightly. "Why did he have to leave...?” Nod hopped over to Ryou and nuzzled his face, licking his cheek, before looking up at Tachi.

'Try to take his mind off the lunkhead... it's tearing him apart... ' she squeaked sadly

Tachi smiled. "Well hey... come on.” He said, holding out his hand to Ryou. "They say time flies when you have fun. Soooo... if you go out and have fun every day, Marik will be home in no time!!!” He announced. "Come on! You've tried sitting around and waiting for him. And they say a watched pot never boils! So quit watching and the next thing you know, you will be getting boiling hot and steamy with your newly home mate!!!"

Ryou groaned and flicked some bedding at Tachi. "That... was the worst line I've ever heard...” He mumbled.

Tachi blinked, then giggled and blushed. "I'm trying to cheer you up, here."

Ryou sighed softly. "I bit my master...” He mumbled sadly. "I... I love him so much, a-and I bit him...” He said sounding quite regretting. "Is... he ok?"

Tachi blinked. "I'm sure he is.” He said. "Come on now. I'm sure it will make him happy if you go out with me today...”

Ryou sighed softly and nodded, climbing out of the cage slowly. "Alright...” He mumbled, ears drooping. "But it's not going to make me any happier...”

Tachi smiled and hugged Ryou. "Come on... I'm gonna take care of you while Marik is gone.” He said, nuzzling Ryou. "Now, let's get you dressed before I find my hands... wandering."

Ryou nodded slowly, though a soft blush crept across his cheeks, though it was faint. He got up slowly, and after a bit of wobbling, walked to his grooming table and pulled out his only available non-dress outfit. The little harem outfit. Though with the hybrids being exposed, such revealing clothes had become a slight fad, to compete with the sexy fuzzy people.

Tachi smiled and offered out his hand to Ryou. "Is there somewhere you want to go?” He asked. "And do you want to take Tuc and Nod with us?"

Ryou shook his head. "I don’t care... Where ever you take me is fine...” He said taking Tachi's hand and looking down. "Master will hate me...” He mumbled. "I... I haven't bitten him in so long...”

Tachi smiled. "He won't hate you. Tuc! Nod! You wanna come?"

Tuc and Nod flicked their ears and looked thoughtful, before chittering to each other. 'No, we'll cheer up our family while you're gone... ' They finally replied, looking to the dull looking bunnies. 'Bring him back happy!'

Tachi beamed. "Sure thing! Come on, Ryou!" And he pulled Ryou from the room, grinning.

Ryou walked after Tachi, ears back and looking at the floor as they passed the three humans. Inogawa had finished wrapping Pegasus' hand. Hinaru smiled. "Well look who it is!"

"Shhhh...” Tachi said. "We're not here. You see nothing." and he pulled Ryou down the stairs. Pegasus chuckled.

"That little rabbit is something else...”

Hinaru chuckled. "Dare I say if Marik weren't around, he'd have made a very good mate for your little rabbit.” She said smiling. "The poor thing's so lonely.."

Pegasus sighed and nodded. "Makes me almost want to order another hybrid to get poor little Tachi a mate.” He said.

Hinaru chuckled. "You can’t order hybrids anymore.” She said waving a finger. "It's illegal."

Pegasus laughed. "Yes, yes, I know... who knows... maybe if Tachi spread out and looked beyond just hybrids, he might find someone who could even love him enough to become a hybrid for him of their own will."

Inogawa chuckled. "It's in his DNA to look for a rabbit. Rabbits seek out other rabbits to procreate.” He said smiling. "Ryou is his fairytale princess, who's just out of reach."

Pegasus smiled. "He’ll find someone. He's such a dear little thing."

However, that dear little thing currently had his dear little paw on Ryou's fairytale princess ass which was currently NOT just out of reach.

Ryou squirmed slightly. "Tachi...” He whimpered. "Don’t...”

Tachi jerked his hand away. "Sorry.” He said quickly, flushing.

Ryou was blushing once more, ears back fearfully. "Please don’t get any ideas... j-just because Marik isn't here... doesn't mean I'd take you as a mate."

Tachi sighed and nodded. "I know... I just... I just heard that there aren't any rabbit hybrids other than us for miles... I keep thinking that you might be my only chance for a mate...” He said, his ears drooping. He sighed, then smiled. "You're lucky you have a mate. Even if it has been hard with him. He loves you.” He said.

Ryou sighed and looked down, ears drooping as well. "I don’t know... we... we always fight... .it... it always ends up like this... I wish I had a stable lover...” He mumbled heaving a great sigh.

Tachi sighed and nodded, then smiled. "But... isn't that why he left? So he could be a stable mate for you?"

"We are always leaving each other...” Ryou mumbled. "This has got to be the... fifth or sixth time... we always say it'll make us better mates... i-it never works...”

Tachi sighed and nodded, then took Ryou's hand. "I'm sure it will work out.” He said, then stopped and hugged Ryou. "And no matter what happens... I'll always be here.” He said, smiling at Ryou. "As your FRIEND." And he gave Ryou a gentle kiss on the lips. "I promise."

Ryou nodded blushing slightly ears still drooping. "I know.” He said softly. "I'm glad... that you aren't upset with me."

Tachi smiled. "If I were, I wouldn't be a friend, wouldn't I?” He asked, then flagged down a taxi and pulled Ryou in. "To the White Dragon Theme Park!” He announced, and off they went!

Ryou blinked. "Theme park?” He asked, looking out the window. "Why theme park?"

Tachi grinned. "To have some fun!” He said, excited. "You and me! A day out to have fun! Tuc and Nod made me promise!” He giggled. "And I sure don't want to have THEM mad at me!"

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright.” He said watching the streets fly by, as the taxi took them to their destination. "I'm sure Master Pegasus will pay you back for taking me out... theme parks are expensive...”

Tachi laughed. "Miss Emiko got us all our own credit card! It's okay!"

Ryou blinked. "Are you sure? You could be buying yourself some dresses...”

Tachi blinked, then turned and gave Ryou a look. "Oh, blow me."

"You wish." Ryou replied softly, flicking his ears, which had started to perk ever so slightly from their drooping position.

Tachi grinned. "Yep!” He announced. Soon, they got to the park and Tachi gave the driver his credit card. The man scanned it, and he pulled Ryou towards the front gate, paying their way in, then pulling Ryou into the park and looking around, his ear straight up and his tail flicking non stop. "Whatcha wanna do first?!” He gasped, excited.

Ryou squeaked softly, looking around nervously. "I'm... not sure really...” He swallowed hard when his eyes caught sight of the enormous roller coaster. He'd never cared for those... they had always scared him.

Tachi grinned. "Have you ever been on one of those?” He asked. "They seem so scary... but they're actually really FUN!!!” He gasped. "Come on, Ryou! Let's try it! Just think about how brave you'll seem to your mate when you tell him what you did!!!"

Ryou shook his head, backing away, ears back. "Th-that's alright... I'll just watch...” He squeaked looking at the monstrous piece of metal fearfully.

Tachi sighed, then smiled. "How about this... we'll start small and work our way up. And when things get too intense, we'll stop at that one, okay?” He asked, holding Ryou's hand.

Ryou swallowed hard. "A-alright...” He stammered. "B-but I don’t want to go on... .on THAT thing.” He said pointing at the rollercoaster.

Tachi laughed. "We'll see what you say later.” He said, taking Ryou's hand and pulling him into the park.

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

Seto sat calmly at his desk, typing away.

"Seto!" Mokuba howled, running into the room. "Yami scared Syrus again!!!"

"I did not!" Yami squawked. "He was in my stuff!" the bird huffed, following Mokuba. "If he gets in my stuff he's FREE game to scare off!"

Mokuba frowned. "We were playing Hide and Seek! And it's not Syrus' fault if Yami thinks that half of the stuff in this house is HIS stuff! Dammit, Seto! Yami acts like Syrus is trespassing on HIS territory! Syrus has just as much right to be here as Yami!!!" Seto sighed and let his head fall into his hand.

"Yami... Mokuba... Can you go ONE DAY without fighting over Syrus' presence?!"

Yami grumbled. "For the record, my ROOM IS my territory.” He growled, puffing up. "And I can go without fighting about him if he could go without being annoying for a day."

Mokuba scowled. "It's not like he TRIES to!!!” He shouted. "Seto... I can't take that DAMN BIRD'S stupid "I was here first so Syrus should go" attitude!!!"

Yami glared at Mokuba. "I can’t take OTHER people digging around in MY things! Yugi and his friends had no problem not going through my things are you two just missing something upstairs that tells you to go digging in it or what?!” He grumbled. "I told Seto I should just move out so you'd stop whining!"

Mokuba snorted. "Yeah, then YOU would start whining. Seto... I'M moving!!!"

"WHAT?!" Seto yelped. "Mokuba, are you nuts?!"

"I wanna move with Syrus to the guest house so we don't have to live in this atmosphere where all the air is being taken up by Yami's ego!" Mokuba shouted, and Seto stared at his brother, speechless.

Yami shook his head. "Don’t bother, I couldn't stand it here a minute longer anyway. There's no escaping you two and your constant annoyances.” He said crossing his arms. "You can have the house, the guest house, whatever the hell you want. I don’t like this overly lavish place anyway, it screams spoiled rich brat." Yami said and turned, leaving.

Seto blinked, then leapt up and followed Yami. "Yami! Wait! Come on! Do you ALWAYS have to get dramatic when it comes to Syrus and Mokuba?! Look...” He grabbed Yami's arm. "I know it frustrates you when Syrus gets into your things, but... I think he's just curious about you, Yami. You don't ever talk to him... you insult him... did you ever think that maybe he's trying to find a way to be your friend in his... weird... Syrus way?"

Yami gave Seto a look that screamed 'Are you an idiot?'. "It doesn't matter... I've been meaning to move out for a while now. It really is just too rich for me here Seto. And I'm tired of Mokuba whining and insulting ME over his little friend getting scared out of my things. It'll be better if I'm not here 24 hours a day anyway.” He said pulling his arm away calmly. "They can roam around your house all they want, and my ego won’t get in their way, and I know that my things won’t be torn up, trampled, touched, torn or what have you."

Seto frowned and slowly let his hand fall to his side. "Yami... are... are you really going to leave?” He asked, looking surprisingly... sad.

Yami nodded. "Yeah... it's time. I cause trouble here, and this isn't my home. This is your home, and Mokuba says I'm invading it, and I've about had it with hearing that. I'm going to get my own place... I found a nice one closer to the edge of town. Nice neighbor hood, and lots of hybrids are living there."

Seto sighed. "He only treats you like an invader because you treat Syrus like an invader. You know, when you were a baby, you got mad when I left you at Pegasus' house. You screamed and cried saying that I loved the rat more than the birdy."

Yami flicked his wings a bit. "I don’t care if you like Syrus.” He said calmly. "He's your brother's little... crush thing.” He said entering his room and picking up a duffle bag that he'd apparently acquired recently. "If you want to see 'birdy' you're more than welcome to visit me at my place, and I'll gladly visit you. But I can’t live here anymore. There's too much friction between all of us, and I don’t know about you, but I'm done with it. I'd sooner just move out and end the damn problem than deal with it for another ten minutes." He said beginning to pack.

Seto frowned. "So you're trying to solve the problem by running away from it? That's a first for you...”

"I'm not running away from the problem. The problem is me being in this house." Yami said calmly. "I am SOLVING the problem, by leaving the house. And if I'm wrong, the problem is still solved, and I still move out. I've been wanting to. This isn't my home. This isn't a place I could call home. It's... TOO much. I was raised differently than you... this is too much... mansion. I'd be content in something the same size as the top half of the game shop, and here I'm in this... MUSEUM."

Seto sighed. "You... you're free to move to the guest house?” He offered awkwardly.

Yami raised an eyebrow at Seto. "That’s alright Seto. I'm a big boy, I buckle my own boots all by myself.” He said offering Seto a smile, having finished his packing and dipping a wing down to put the bag over his shoulders comfortably. "Once I'm settled in I'll come visit."

Seto winced, then sighed and looked down, then nodded. "Alright...” He said. "I know I can't keep you here against; your will. But... it's gonna be really lonely here without you...” He said.

"Not with those two little havocs running around.” He said calmly, walking past Seto. "Besides, I'm about sick of that waterpick you call a shower. Fucking high water pressure…” He grumbled as he walked.

Seto smiled slightly. "Right... well... good luck.” He called after Yami. "And remember... if you ever need anything...”

"I can get it myself Seto!" Yami called back. "Big boy remember? Not baby!" And that was the last of Yami that the mansion heard for quite a while.

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

Tachi was grinning and kicking his legs as he and Ryou sat harnessed into their seats for the Missile Launch ride.

"This is gonna be so much fun!" Tachi squealed, his ears perked up in his excitement.

Ryou however wasn't as thrilled, he was nervously looking around, his ears twitching and catching every HINT of sound. He hated fast rides, and Tachi had convinced him that this ride LOOKED faster than it actually was...

Finally, a hydraulic hiss was heard, and then, Ryou, Tachi, and a dozen more people shot STRAIGHT up into the air at an intense speed until they were what seemed like hundreds of feet up. They hovered for a moment, then fell. Every now and then, their seats would bounce right back up to the top again, and then... it stopped and held them, at the top of the massive tower, overlooking the theme park, and, well... the city.

"OH MY GOD!!!" Tachi squeaked, ears quivering. "This is... so... COOL!!!"

Ryou however wasn't thinking THAT at all. HE was whimpering and clutching his harness. "Easy for you to say!” He whined ears back and bristled. "I hate this! T-too high!"

Tachi smiled and reached out, taking Ryou's hand. "It's okay.” He said. "I'm right here. It's no worse than an airplane. Remember how Marik panicked on the plane?” He asked, smiling at Ryou. "Imagine how brave he'll think you are when you tell him about this!!!"

Ryou's hand was shaking badly, his eyes were wrenched shut and he whimpered again. "H-he'd think I was an idiot to have done it to start with!"

Tachi laughed. "No! He'll kill me for making you ride it with MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" Tachi screamed as the chair suddenly just DROPPED without warning. "WEEEEEEE-HEEEE-HEEE-HEEEEEEEE!!!"

Once the machine landed and came to it's final stop, Ryou threw off his harness, dropped to all fours and darted away, hopping over the exit gate in his haste to get as FAR from he thing as he could. Many onlookers were 'aww'ing at the poor frightened bunny.

Tachi blinked and quickly went after Ryou, tackling him halfway through a flower bed. "Hey! Ryou, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to upset you like that!” He laughed, hugging Ryou, then kissing his nose, wrinkling his own nose with his giggles. "Come on... don't bail on me now...”

Ryou whined. "You're trying to get me killed!” He squeaked in protest.

Tachi laughed again. "No I'm not!” He licked Ryou's cheek. "I'm trying to show you a fun time. I'm sorry I upset you. Wanna try something else? Like the log ride?"

Ryou took a few calming breaths. "H-how about th-the indoor t-tornado ride...” He said softly. "I… I heard it's not so bad...”

Tachi smiled and nodded, standing up and offering Ryou a hand. "Sure.” He said. "But why don't we give you a breather, huh?” He pulled Ryou over to a picnic area. "Wait here!!” He ran off, and returned a moment later with a water, and a fruit covered funnel cake. "Here!” He said, and sat down next to Ryou, offering him a fork, and one of the straws, before digging into the treat himself.

Ryou took a sip of the water, before ripping off a chunk of funnel cake and chewing it. "Mmmm...” He cooed happily. "I love funnel cakes... '

Tachi grinned. "Me too! Especially with strawberries on it!" And he popped a slice into his mouth, before licking whipped cream and powdered sugar from his fingers.

Ryou had a faint smile on his face for the first time that day, and did the same. "I love strawberries too…"

Tachi grinned and sipped the water from his straw, then passed it over to Ryou. "And after the tornado thingie we can grab a salad or something!"

"Provided I have the stomach for it." Ryou said softly, taking another piece from the funnel cake and eating it. "Mmmm... it's been so long since I've had a funnel cake...”

Tachi giggled. "When we're done here, maybe we can go to Domino Gardens?"

Ryou blinked. "Domino gardens?” He asked flicking. "Why?"

Tachi smiled. "Because of all the flowers! And fields... It's a rabbit's paradise!"

Ryou blushed lightly. "I suppose...” He said, taking another sip of the water.

Tachi grinned, and as soon as they were finished with their funnel cake the black rabbit was off running, dragging Ryou behind.

Ryou squeaked as he hurried to keep up with Tachi and not trip over his own feet. "Slow down!” He squeaked as Tachi landed them a place in line for the cyclone ride.

Tachi smiled and giggled, hugging Ryou tightly, but then jumped and yelped, hands flying to his ass. He whirled and blinked down at two small children, who were giggling.

"Mommy, see? It's a bunny!!!" One of them cried. "His tail is REAL!!! I FELT it!"

Ryou giggled softly pressing his OWN behind against the nearby wall to save his tail from little groping hands.

Tachi smiled and knelt, smiling the showing the children his ears, letting them pet then and even tug them a bit. He just giggled along with them.

Ryou flicked his own ears watching. "Aww mommy can we keep this one?!" One of the children said eagerly. "He's soft and fluffy and nice!"

Tachi laughed at that and licked the little girl's cheek, making her squeal and latch onto her mother's leg while the boy played with his long ears.

The boy giggled and tugged Tachi's ears lightly. "Yeah lets keep him! I like him!” He said latching onto Tachi in a big bear hug.

"Oof!" Tachi grunted.

"Kids... he has a collar." The mother said. "We can't take him home. And besides, hybrids can't be pets now unless they want to be.” She explained, and the kids whined.

The line moved, and suddenly the kids interest shifted to the now boarding ride. The room was large and painted along the sides were images of flying cows, and other tornado caused havoc. Ryou and Tachi were seated side by side in one seat, the one across from them empty as they were the last to board, the mother and their children wanting to be seated together and there not being enough seats.

Tachi grinned and wiggled in his seat. "This looks fun!” He announced, then turned and licked Ryou's cheek in his ear quivering tail flicking excitement.

Ryou squeaked and latched onto Tachi when the lights flicked out and the ride began to move. Though within moments it was moving quite fast, and holograms of cows flying at them, and simulated wind and rain spraying them and he had buried his face into Tachi's neck, shaking slightly again.

Tachi laughed. "Come ON Ryou! You picked this one!!!” He called, enjoying the ride quite thoroughly

Ryou shook his head, which was still pressed against Tachi's neck. "N-no thank you... I don’t like water in my face... or wind... or flying cows."

Tachi laughed. "YOU picked it! Not me!" Soon enough the ride was over, and Tachi was dragging Ryou away. "Wanna try the Runaway Mine Train?"

Ryou whimpered softly. "If you want to...” He said slowly, ears back

Tachi looked at him. "I'll take that as a 'no'.” He said with a giggle. "Wanna go to the gardens now?"

Ryou looked at the evening sky, the sun was beginning to set. "well... if you want to.” He said softly. " Don’t let me ruin your fun here...”

Tachi smiled and shook his head, and pulled Ryou out of the park and hailing a cab. "Domino Gardens!!!” He sang and off they went, arriving at the gardens only fifteen minutes later. Both got out of the car, and immediately they stood there with wide eyes, ears slowly standing up as their noses quivered and smiles spread across their faces. "Mmmmm...” They both sighed, tails flicking.

Ryou blushed, noticing his ears and quickly lowered them. "I-its very pretty here...” He said awkwardly, still awed by just how beautiful the gardens were at sunset. Crickets were singing, and the flowers were still in bloom.

Tachi grinned, grabbing Ryou's hands and pulling him into the garden. "Oh wow...” He gasped, smiling at the paper lanterns that lined the walk way. "It smells SOOOOO good!!"

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh...” He said softly, sniffing the air slowly, heaving a contented sigh. "I love it...”

Tachi smiled and when they reached a large field, dropped to all fours and hopped off. "Come one!!"

Ryou squeaked and dropped as well hopping after Tachi, the coins and bells on his harem outfit jingling softly as he did so.

Tachi grinned and began darting around, every now and then tackling Ryou in play, before kicking off his shoes. The bunnies began to just enjoy the soft grass and playing in it, attracting a small crowd.

Ryou giggled softly, kicking off his sandals and tackling Tachi, tugging his ear with his teeth, giggling softly. His tail was flicking madly and he found himself feeling that familiar feeling of home... like he'd felt on the island. Feeling like this was heaven...

Tachi laughed and wrestled with Ryou gently, beginning to tickle him, too. "Come on, Ryou! Catch me!!!" And he whirled and darted away.

Ryou squeaked and was up darting after Tachi as fast as he could, giggling. They ran all over the gardens, the crowd had dispersed as night had fallen, and lightning bugs were lighting the fields that Tachi and Ryou played in. Ryou finally caught up to Tachi and pounced him, panting for breath. "Gotya!"

Tachi grinned and flopped over, his eyes sparkling as he panted. "Wow, that felt great! I haven't had a good romp like that in a long time!” He giggled and rubbed noses with Ryou, sitting up and looking around at the fire flies.

Ryou flopped down panting and closing his eyes. "Mmmm...” He mumbled flicking his ears. "You're so fast... it's no wonder you always catch me...” He mumbled beginning to nibble at some clover.

Tachi laughed. "You don't hop very often do you?” He asked. "You walk all the time, don't you?"

Ryou nodded flicking his ears a bit. "I don’t hop very much at all... I enjoy walking more."

Tachi laughed. "THAT'S why I'm so much faster.” He said, poking Ryou in the side, before flopping back and staring up at the stars.

Ryou yawned and stretched slightly tail quivering at the motion. "Mmm... I never enjoyed hopping... I was always forced to. I hated it... I didn't ever WANT to be a rabbit... it never sat well with me... still doesn't...”

Tachi looked at him. "Why? What's wrong with being a rabbit?"

Ryou shrugged softly. "I dunno... I just never much cared for it... people are always tugging my tail or ears... and cooing at me and God forbid I ever get upset. Suddenly a carrot is the world's answer to my troubles. 'Pretty bunny want a yummy?'." Ryou grumbled softly, rolling onto his back and staring up at the sky.

Tachi blinked, then burst out laughing. "But what about all the PERKS!?” He asked. "People give you treats because you're cute! And nice pettings... And we can get away with SO much more!!!"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "I don’t do much that would need me to get away with things.” He said flicking his ears. "I've been a pretty good person. Those perks are what keep getting me in trouble... I was cute, so I was made a rabbit, I'm cute so a psychopath kidnaps me... I'm cute so EVERYONE wants my tail...”

Tachi laughed. "Your TAIL is cute! And I have to deal with people grabbing my tail, too.” He said, wiggling said tail at Ryou.

"I rephrase that. Everyone wants UNDER my tail." Ryou corrected himself.

Tachi blinked, then burst out laughing. "Not EVERYONE!!!” He giggled. "Just Marik, Pegasus and me."

"And the psychopath who kidnapped me...” Ryou visibly shuddered at that. "He's in a psychiatric hospital... but... I still have nightmares...” He mumbled softly. "I'll never forget the rage on his face when Marik saved me... what his last words I heard were...” He mumbled. "If he couldn't have me... no one could...” He shivered again. "H-he's a horrible horrible man... and I pray every night that he never breaks out of that hospital and comes back...”

Tachi's eyes widened. "Oh wow...” He said softly, and wrapped an arm around Ryou. "That... that's awful...”

Ryou nodded nuzzling into Tachi slightly. "The worst thing is... he's a lot like my master in... more than a few ways... a-and I know someday he's GOING to get out... people like that are unstoppable... unless they give up...”

Tachi sighed. "Well... you will have your mate to protect you. He's the main line of defense! And then there's your master! And and... and ME!!!” He exclaimed.

Ryou blinked slightly. "You?"

Tachi grinned and nodded. "I may not be able to fight, but I can sure BITE!!!"

Ryou smiled. "You wouldn't even be there...” He said nuzzling him. "But thanks for the gesture."

Tachi pouted.

Ryou sighed. "Why are you pouting?"

Tachi just pouted even more. "I would try to find you if he took you...”

Ryou blinked. "Why?"

Tachi looked at Ryou. "Because... you're my friend.” He said, and smiled.

Ryou smiled softly. "Well... I'm glad to have such a good friend.” He cooed.

Tachi smiled and hugged Ryou, then began to give him a nice therapeutic grooming.

Ryou giggled softly and nuzzled into him more, enjoying the grooming. "Mmmm...” He mumbled beginning to groom Tachi in return.

Tachi smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "I think having another rabbit for a friend will be good for both of us.” He said.

Ryou nodded and nuzzled back, gently grooming Tachi's ears. "Mmm I hope so... I... don’t have many vegetarian friends...”

Tachi giggled. "Well you do now! We'll have lunch at a salad bar once a week from now on!!!"

Ryou giggled and rubbed noses with him. "Thanks."

Tachi grinned and cuddled up to Ryou in the warm grass and sighed, then turned and nuzzled his cheek.

Ryou sighed contently. "It's... been a good day...” He cooed softly. "Thank you... for bringing me out."

Tachi smiled and wrapped an arm around Ryou. "We couldn't stand to see you so sad and depressed." Tachi said, looking at Ryou. "Your mate left so he could become the mate you deserve! He really does a lot for you. You should be grateful that he is willing to go so far for you. Don't be sad when he leaves to improve himself for you. He's making a sacrifice too. I'm sure he didn't want to leave you, but he knew he had to." Tachi said, kissing Ryou's forehead.

Ryou sighed. "Big talk from someone who wants me as a mate of their own."

Tachi blinked, then blushed and giggled. "Yeah, but... I guess I really can't over look that lion's devotion to you. That and the fact that I can still smell him on you. That and that collar he gave you. With all the pictures of your family...”

Ryou smiled. "I guess it's hard for you... to not have a mate...” He said softly.

Tachi sighed. "I'll find one some day...” He said, looking up at the stars. "Somehow.” He said, then turned and nuzzled Ryou again.

Ryou giggled softly. "It's not that great... Marik and I always fight...”

Tachi sighed. "Everyone fights."

Ryou nodded, grooming Tachi's ears. "Well I wish we wouldn't... it never ends well... we are always leaving each other...”

Tachi sighed. "It sounds like you have little faith in the relationship you have with him...”

Ryou sighed, ears drooping. "I don’t mean to... but... .well...” He looked down. "Things haven't gone well for us."

Tachi sighed. "Maybe you're not meant for each other...”

Ryou frowned. "I'd like to think that's not true...”

Tachi sighed. "Well... maybe when he comes back, everything will be okay?"

Ryou nodded. "I hope so...” He cooed before resuming grooming Tachi.

Tachi smiled and nuzzled Ryou, then slowly, kissed him.

Ryou blushed darkly, ears shooting up.

Tachi waited for Ryou to object or pull away, but when he didn't, he continued.

Ryou's ears slowly drooped, and he shyly returned the kiss to Tachi, nuzzling closer to him. That fuzzy feeling of 'heaven' back, that feeling of the world being alright.

Tachi sighed and wrapped his arms around Ryou, breaking the kiss and rubbing noses with Ryou, smiling. "Don't worry... everything will be okay...”

Ryou blushed. "Y-you... a-and...” He stammered shyly.

Tachi blinked, then blushed and looked down. "I'm sorry... I couldn't help it... had to taste the forbidden fruit, ya know?” He giggled nervously.

Ryou blushed and smiled, before leaning in and giving Tachi a much better 'taste' of the forbidden fruit.

Tachi's eyes widened, and he groaned and kissed Ryou back, clinging to him. Both bunnies were so into it, that they didn't even notice an odd hissing noise. But when black sprinkler heads suddenly popped out of the ground and started spraying water, no rabbit could even PRETEND to ignore THAT!!!

Ryou squeaked and was up in an instant, darting under a tree, that's roots were above the ground, forming a little bit of a barrier and shaking off what water he'd been soaked with.

Tachi was on his heels, squealing, and leapt up with Ryou. "Oh man!!! That... Oh, god, I'm COLD!!!” He whined, beginning to groom himself feverishly.

Ryou giggled and shook off more, before curling up in their little 'den' watching the sprinklers. "Goodness... Well looks like we're stranded unless we want to get wet again...” He said flicking his ears.

Tachi giggled and nodded. "I guess so.” He said. "Then we should go home. I'm sure your master is wondering. Wanna go out again tomorrow?"

Ryou giggled softly. "I'm not setting foot out there while those sprinklers are on. I'm cold enough with the night air, I don’t need water helping.” He said yawning and hopping further in and laying down.

Tachi giggled and followed. "So... any idea where your mate ran off to?"

Ryou nuzzled Tachi and sighed, ears drooping. "No... he just... left.” He mumbled laying his head on Tachi's shoulder and sighing contently.

Tachi frowned. "Well... where WOULD he go?"

"If I knew... I would have gone after him." Ryou said sighing. "All I can do is wait for him to... to come home...”

Tachi blinked. "You must have SOME idea...”

Ryou shook his head. "Not really... Marik never told me... much about himself. He didn't like talking about his past... so we never really... talked about him.” He said slowly. Ryou blushed softly. "Enjoy your kisses?” He said changing the subject to one a little lighter.

Tachi blinked, then burst into embarrassed giggles, turning red. "Uhh... yyyyeah... sorry about that...”

Ryou giggled softly and nuzzled him. "I might as well humor you tonight... since you did take me out...” He cooed. "You can have all the kisses you want."

"YAY!!!" Tachi cheered, and kissed Ryou again.

Ryou giggled and kissed Tachi back, before pulling away and nuzzling him. "Just tonight...”

"Awwww...” Tachi pouted, playfully, then turned and watched the sprinklers. "I think I'm gonna nibble some tulips once the sprinklers stop...”

Ryou giggled and gave Tachi another of his finest examples of just how forbidden 'forbidden fruit' can be, his face full of mischievous delight.

Tachi's eyes widened, then he giggled. "You are SO mean to me! If you're gonna act like a bunny you had better keep going to the end!” He teased.

Ryou pounced him, pinning Tachi to the soft dirt flooring of the little den. "Yours... or mine.” He cooed softly, licking Tachi's neck softly.

Tachi's eyes widened, then he snickered. "Does this mean I get to get under your tail?"

Ryou grinned. "If you're fast." he cooed sexily.

Tachi's paws were immediately groping Ryou's ass.

Ryou groaned softly and gave Tachi another kiss, his tail flicking eagerly. "Having fun?” He cooed licking up the edge of Tachi's ear.

Tachi grinned and slowly slid his sinful little paws into Ryou's pants. "Yep."

Ryou shivered and moaned softly. "Mmm Tachi...” He cooed kissing him again lustfully.

Tachi groaned and pulled Ryou's hips down, beginning to grind against him.

Ryou moaned louder at that, and ground against Tachi himself panting softly, his ears beginning to quiver.

Tachi groaned, kissing Ryou passionately, grinding harder against him.

Ryou's panting picked up. "It's hot...” He mumbled softly

Tachi giggled. "We can always head back out into the sprinklers...” He suggested.

Ryou smiled and gave Tachi a kiss with a lot of tongue, moaning softly. "Do we really... want to get wet again?” He panted afterward.

Tachi grinned. "Think how sexy it would be...” He said, giggling and kissing Ryou again.

Ryou gave Tachi the most irresistable look he'd ever given anyone. "What do you want?” He moaned softly.

Tachi panted, ears and tail quivering. "I want you...” He gasped.

Ryou moaned at that and kissed Tachi again. "Now?"

Tachi nodded. "Y-Yes... Now.” He gasped.

Ryou pulled away panting and turning towards the entrance, giving Tachi a fine view of his quivering tail and rumpled pants. "Mmm Tachi...”

Tachi groaned, beginning to pull Ryou's pants down, baring his bottom.

Ryou moaned louder and stooped slightly tail quivering more. "Tachiiii...” He moaned louder ears quivering nearly as fast as his tail.

Tachi gasped, and went for the front of his own pants, fighting with the button, then the zipper.

Ryou turned and pounced Tachi again, giving him another strong kiss. "Tachi...” He cooed nuzzling his cheek and groping him. "So hot...” He nibbled at the black rabbit's collar bone.

Tachi groaned, flipping Ryou off and pouncing him right back, starting to maneuver himself and Ryou into position.

Ryou however flipped back on top of Tachi and kissed him. "Mmm... No no...” He whispered in the horny black rabbit's ears. "This is as much as you get...” He cooed, plopping down on top of him, pinning him to the floor.

Tachi blinked and then his eyes widened. "WHAT?!” He yelped, as the sprinklers finally stopped and sunk out of sight.

Ryou giggled softly and nuzzled him, giving the poor black rabbit another heated kiss. "Only kisses tonight Tachi...” He cooed smiling devilishly. "You wanted a taste of the 'forbidden fruit' and you got it. You and Marik can share stories of disappointment. I've done the same thing to him several times.” He giggled.

Tachi's mouth just flapped open and closed, but then Ryou just gave him a sassy wink, pulled his pants up and darted off across the wet field. Tachi stared after, then fastened his pants and followed. "RYOUUUUUUU!!!"