Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 26

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Pegasus yawned and opened his eye, wincing at the sunlight. But then, he noticed the angle of the light. Odd... it was that late? And Ryou hadn't come in to whine that he was hungry? Pegasus sighed and got out of bed, shuffling into the bunny room. When he got there, he was surprised to hear the frantic squealing of new born bunnies. He walked over to the nesting box, and stared. His eyes widened. Nine baby bunnies cried for their mother. A mother who was not there. The father was not there... Ryou... Pegasus felt ill. Ryou was not there...

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

Marik hummed happily as he trotted through the pet shop as Rem fed everyone their breakfast. Bakura was sitting in a chair behind the front desk, watching Malik openly flirt with Kheti... as always. Bakura didn't mind. He knew his mate loved him, and the flirting was just play to Malik and Kheti. The phone rang, and the skunk glared at it. Hell, he didn't work here. Let Rem answer it...

Rem sighed and swatted Bakura upside the head as she passed him. "Thanks for answering the phone Bakura." She scolded playfully. "Hello?" She said answering the phone. "Hybrid pet shop this is Rem speaking” She said calmly.

Bakura glared, but his eyes widened when Pegasus' frantic shouting came over the phone. Rem winced and jerked the phone away from her head. Malik and Kheti's ears twitched, and they turned to look at the phone, too. Marik chased a squeaky ball across the room, nearly bowling Zaine over when he walked in.

Rem hung up the phone quickly. "Bakura, get Malik and Marik and go to Seto's house this second, Zaine, make sure they get there safely. Ryou's gone!" She said shaking her head, worriedly. "Someone broke in and kidnapped him from Pegasus' home!"

"MURRROOOOWWL!!!!!” Marik yowled, and went running to his cage and tried to get in. The poor hyena trio inside flipped out at the sight of the lion trying to get in and all started howling for Rem.

"Come with us!" Malik giggled, tugging Kheti's paw and wagging his tail. "Come on! It'll be fun! And then, if we're kidnapped again, we'll be together, right? Come onnnn... Bakura would LOVE to have fun with us... right honey?"

"Yeah sure whatever, let's move!" Bakura ordered, grabbing Malik's tail in one hand and Kheti's in the other. "Let's go."

Rem sighed and pulled Marik away from the cage. "Marik you can’t go in there. Listen, I'll take you to Pegasus' house. The baby bunnies are starving without their mother, maybe you can help feed them." She explained ushering him outside. "I've got to start looking for Ryou; I've got to go to the police station."

Zaine frowned. "I'll take these three...” He said, motioning to Malik, Bakura and Kheti. Then, he gave Rem a sudden kiss. "Be careful." Marik stopped his yowling. The hyena's stopped their howling. Bakura, Malik and Kheti and every other hybrid stopped and stared at Rem, eyes wide and mouths open.

Rem blushed. "Zaine shoo!" She said shoving him out the door, blushing darkly. "Honestly...” she huffed after him, before picking up Marik. ”Rex! Make sure everyone behaves!" She called over her shoulder before leaving the pet shop, locking the door behind her.

The drive to Pegasus' house was tense, and she gladly carried Marik to the door and followed the butler to Pegasus. "Pegasus are you ok?" She asked.

Marik quirked an eyebrow. "I'd say no...” He muttered to Rem, as they watched the man cuddling Precious and frantically pace around the bunny room, constantly returning to the mewling babies.

"I'm waiting for Inogawa...” He said quickly. "He's bringing formula and eyedroppers to feed the babies with! I can't believe they not only took Ryou, but NOD!!!” He hugged Precious who was licking his chin.

"Murrrrr...” Marik mewed, and hopped to the floor. He trotted over to the nesting box and hopped in, quickly curling around the babies and nuzzling them to keep them warm.

The lion bunny mewled softly crying for his mother, desperate to be fed. He nibbled on Marik's tail, hoping he'd found his mother, but giving a pained mewl when he realized it wasn't.

"I came as fast as I could." Dr. Inogawa said suddenly, holding a basket. "You'll have to work fast to feed them all...” He said filling eyedroppers for Marik, Pegasus and himself as Rem headed for the door.

"I'm going to the police station... I'll be back as soon as I can." She said quickly.

Dr. Inogawa nodded and tilted the fruit bat bunny's chin up and placed the eyedropper near her nose. The bunny latched on immediately, and he carefully squeezed out a drop every so often. "You have to be careful, if you give them too much, you'll drown them.” He explained.

Marik took a dropper and filled it, then offered it to lion bunny. He was very careful, to the point that the bunny whined that he was going too slowly. It took about three eyedroppers full to satisfy each baby. Marik moved on to the tiger after the lion, and Inogawa took up a baby with a wrinkly neck and a reptilian tail while Pegasus fed what seemed to be the only normal baby rabbit of the bunch. Marik purred to all the bunnies and stopped feeding them after the tiger, leaving that to Pegasus an Inogawa. He in the meantime took it upon himself to diligently groom each and every baby, purring the whole time. Pegasus slowly calmed and began to smile as he fed a little baby with skin between its front and hind legs and a long tail.

"What is this?” He asked, showing it to Inogawa. "A flying squirrel or something? Sugar Glider?"

Inogawa chuckled slightly. "Seems like it, it's a fine litter of hybrid bunnies.” He said chuckling and plucking up a bunny with oddly short ears black ears, and black paws. "Seems the parents must have had hybrid genetics.” He added.

By the time they'd finished feeding and grooming all of the babies Rem had returned. "I've got horrible news...” she said shaking her head, clutching a newspaper. "The... police station was a riot house...”

Marik looked up at her from where he was grooming what Inogawa had labeled an otter.

"What is it?” He asked, eyes wide, and Pegasus and Inogawa stood, looking at her.

Rem sighed and shook her head, unfolding the paper and holding it for all to see. In big bold print it read

'Local police station says brothel owner and cohorts escape in the night! Location of persons still unknown!'

She shook her head. "Dartz broke out... and chances are, he came back for Ryou...”

Marik suddenly roared and ducked his head, gripping his mane tightly and clenching his teeth. He groaned and rocked his head back and forth a bit.

"D-Dartz... Dai... R-Rafel... CONSTANTINE!!! NO!!!” He jerked and went limp, his head dropping down next to the bunnies.

Rem hurried to Marik's side and hugged him. "Marik sweetie... are you ok?" she asked, petting his head. "Speak to me ok Marik?" She added scratching his ears comfortingly.

Dr. Inogawa frowned and looked Marik over. "He seems to be ok from the outside... poor thing's had some serious mental trauma however...”

Marik moaned and slowly lifted his head, weakly licking at Rem's chin and mewling softly. Pegasus sighed and looked at Dr. Inogawa.

"Thank you so much for coming so quickly. These babies are special, and not just because they're hybrids... Ryou and Nod will be heartbroken if they die...” He looked down at the tiny fennec bunny in his hands. He smiled. "I think that this one may end up in Malik's hands...”

Dr. Inogawa chuckled. "Call anytime Pegasus.” He said bowing and leaving.

Rem hugged Marik tightly. "I'm going to go out looking for Ryou...” She said softly. "He can’t have gotten too far...” She added scratching his ears. "You stay with Pegasus... you need some rest."

"Ryou...” Marik mewled, before turning and burying his face among the pinkish baby bunnies. Pegasus smiled and laid the little fennec down by Marik's head, and it cuddled into the warmth of the lion's mane. Pegasus offered Rem a hand up.

"Where are Malik and Bakura?” He asked.

Rem smiled and hurried to the door. "I'll do my best to find him... do your best to keep Marik sane." She said bowing and adding. "The others are at Seto's home. Zaine is watching them as well." She said holding out her cell phone. "Call me if you need me, I need to go. The more time that passes, the easier it will be for Dartz to get away with Ryou." She said calmly, hurrying from the room.

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

As soon as Yami opened the door Malik and Bakura were all over him babbling excitedly about Ryou going missing. Seto raised an eyebrow at them, and then at Kheti, whom he had never met.

"Ummm... hello...” He said to her. "And who might you be? And what are they babbling about?” He asked, watching them corner a hysterical Yami. Mokuba and Syrus (with new glasses) sat at the top of the stairs watching the excitement.

Kheti smiled. "Well hello. I'm Kheti, a friend of Malik's." She said bowing her head slightly. "Ryou's gone missing." She added. "So they're in hysterics and Malik I think is more excited than he should be." She said laughing softly.

Yami growled and squawked loudly. "GET OFF OF ME! LEAVE ME OUT OF THIS!” He said flapping his wings furiously, trying to get out of the corner Malik and Bakura had cornered him in.

Syrus grinned and flicked his ears. "He's loud...”

"Yep...” Mokuba said. "But Seto says so am I."

"YAMI!!!" Bakura shouted, shoving Malik aside and grabbing Yami's shoulders. "Ryou has been kidnapped!!!"

Yami yelped and shoved at Bakura. "Damn it I HAVE ears! The girl just SAID so!” He said squirming loose. He sighed and regained his composure. "Sorry.” He said giving Seto a worried look and flicking his wings, which at the moment looked a bit jagged, as new feathers had replaced some of the clipped feathers, and others remained still cut from being clipped. "Seto... We should probably you know... look for him.” He said calmly.

Syrus blinked, ears tilting back. "Isn't Ryou that bunny of Marik's?” He asked leaning on Mokuba's shoulder and watching. Mokuba never minded, since his hair was particularly soft, and it was getting near his mid-day nap.

"Yeah...” Mokuba breathed, petting Syrus. "Wow... this isn't good...” He said as it was explained how Nod had been taken from her new born babies as well.

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

Ryou was woken by Tuc, licking his face.

'Nod... something's wrong.' He told Ryou, and looked back to his mate. She was lying on her side, her front too swollen with milk for her to lie on her belly. She was aching horribly without her babies to drain the pressure.

Ryou whimpered sitting up and he looked at her worriedly. "I... I don’t know what to do Tuc... w-without the babies...” He sighed. The only thing... he could do was call for Dartz... one thing he didn't want to. "I... I'll call him... m-maybe he'll know how to help her...” Ryou said hanging his head. Once he'd calmed down a bit, he gently tugged the rope near his bed, which he'd been shown. It would ring a bell in the house, signaling he wanted attention.

It was nearly half an hour before Dartz appeared, yawning. "Do you need to use the bathroom, Ryou?” He asked, scratching his head.

Ryou looked at Nod. "She's hurt... without the babies...” He said biting his lip. "She needs to feed the babies... she's in pain... f-from having so much milk...” He said softly. "Please help her...”

Dartz blinked, and sat on the edge of the bed, gently petting Nod. He looked up at Ryou, and nodded, picking her up. "I will take her to Dai. And I will see that he does not harm her.” He said.

Ryou nodded clutching Tuc. "Don’t let him...” He whimpered. He gave Dartz a fearful look. "She's my family...”

Dartz smiled. "Of course, my dear.” He said, and left the room. He was only gone for another half hour before returning, Nod in his arms looking very much relieved. He smiled and sat down, holding her out to Ryou.

"She is fine now.” He said, and Nod squeaked and squirmed to get to Ryou.

Ryou put a delighted Tuc down, and latched onto Nod. "Thank heavens you're ok...” He said softly, consoling her. "Poor Nod...” He sighed giving Dartz a somber look. "Thank you."

Dartz smiled and nodded. "Anything else I can get you as long as I'm up?” He asked, petting Ryou's hair.

Ryou shook his head. "No... Nod was the only one who needed anything.” He said hugging her close. "I'm sorry."

"It's quite alright, my dear." Dartz said, and kissed Ryou’s forehead before leaving the room. Tuc and Nod nuzzled Ryou, though Nod was obviously still depressed and pining for her offspring.

Ryou sighed softly and hugged her close. "I'm so sorry Nod... we'll get out soon... I... I just know we will...” He whispered, though he was starting to doubt it himself. "I wish I could walk...” He said sadly. "I'm in so much pain... it hurts... but if I could walk... I'd hurry to master Pegasus... I'd take you to your babies first thing...” He cooed.

She nodded slightly, nuzzling him. 'I know...’ she said licking his chin. 'But right now you need to take care of yourself... that sick freak isn't going to stop torturing you...’

Ryou hung his head. "Not until he's broken me down... again...” He mumbled sadly.

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A few days later, and Ryou was breaking down... he was still being carried everywhere... he ate from Dartz's hand and now obeyed and kept silent for fear of that blasted vibrator... Dai had to milk Nod every other day to spare her the discomfort, and Rafel taunted Ryou every chance he got.

Ryou whimpered softly, looking around dully. He looked crossed between a lost kitten and the slave that they were turning him into. He sniffled and looked around once more, before lying down and letting his ears flop into his face... half pining for Dartz, half wishing he knew why it was he was there to begin with... he was starting to forget himself... and it had affected the way he was thinking.

Tuc and Nod lay cuddled up together, watching Ryou... Dartz had become more and more forward and they both knew that soon, Dartz would try to initiate the act of mating... and in Tuc's words, they would 'go for the nads' if that happened...

Ryou closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm so confused...” He mumbled to himself. "Tuc... what's going to happen to us?” He asked after a moment, looking at his dear friend halfheartedly. "You've always... known more than me...” He said sitting up once more, shakily, as though he didn't have the will to try anymore.

Tuc sighed and looked down. 'He's turning you back into what you were before the one eyed man gave you to the lunkhead...’ He admitted.

Ryou nodded. "What was that...? I... don’t remember...” He mumbled his eyes looking dully at his friend, hardly the bright eyes he'd harbored since Marik. The spirit in him was withering away, being replaced by the molded and shaped slave that Dartz craved so deeply.

'Your mate.' Tuc said softly, moving over. 'The lion...’ He licked Ryou gently.

Ryou nodded slowly. "ahh... mate..." He mumbled slowly. He smiled slightly, ears flicking briefly. "I think I can... remember that...” He mumbled laughing softly, though it was more of an empty laugh, than a real one. "What... was it I... used to be?” He whispered. "Before... the one eyed man...”

Tuc slowly lowered his head. 'We have to get you out of here... we have to get you help...’ He said softly, looking at Nod, worried.

Nod nuzzled him, squeaking softly. 'he's going to die inside Tuc... if he stays here much longer... there won’t be a Ryou left to rescue...’ she said shaking her head and scratching her ears. 'He's even... forgetting the people he loves most...’

Ryou looked at them blankly, offering a small smile. "I'm not forgetting...” He cooed.

Tuc looked at Nod. 'We need help... I... I'm going to run.' He said.

Nod tugged his ear. 'how will you get out?! The window's far too high for you to jump! What if a hawk gets you?!' she said clicking worriedly. 'We're out in the middle of nowhere, neither of us knows the way back to our home! Tuc you'll get yourself killed!'

'We have homing instincts.' Tuc said. 'And I'll run out when the bastard liar comes in. And besides... if I don't run, we'll never get home.'

Nod frowned. 'DOGS have homing instincts! And even if you ran when he came in, you'd never get out! They don’t leave the doors open! They're in hiding like foxes! All the doors and windows are closed remember? Ryou told us days ago when he tried to get loose!' She said grooming his ear. 'Tuc even if you did get out... there are foxes... hawks, dogs, cats... cars...” She shuddered. ‘You'd get yourself killed! What if some child caught you and kept you as a pet!? What would our babies do then? They'd never see their daddy!'

Tuc turned and nuzzled her, lovingly. 'If I don't go, they'll never see their mommy... if they live... I have to go. For you, for the babies... and for Ryou.' He turned and hopped towards the door, waiting and listening to Dartz's footsteps.

Nod frowned again. 'Tuc... I don’t want to lose you...’ she hopped next to him ears drooping. 'How do you intend to get out of this house? Ryou said...’

'I'll find a way!' Tuc gasped as the knob turned. 'I love you both!!!' And as soon as the door opened, he was off!

"What in God's-- TUC!!!" Dartz howled, watching the rabbit vanish down the hall and around a corner like lightning.

Ryou's ears perked and he sat up slowly, once more, eying Dartz silently. Nod hopped out after Tuc, hoping to find him and at least see him out, though she wasn't anywhere near as fast. 'TUC BE CAREFUL!' she squeaked out as she hopped desperately seeking her mate.

Dartz quickly scooped her up. "Now where are YOU off to?! Honestly... I'll find your boyfriend later...” And he carried her into the room and shut the door, setting her on the bed. "Your rabbits in need of some exercise, dear one?"

Ryou gave Dartz a dull smile and nodded. "Ah... y-yes master...” He cooed ears flicking slightly. "You are... visiting early?” He asked curiously, tilting his head to the side.

Nod nuzzled Ryou worriedly. 'Ryou... he's not your master...’

"Should I not come early?" Dartz asked, reaching out and drawing Ryou into his lap. "Come. I shall groom you today. Ready for a nice bath in a hot spring?"

Ryou nodded smiling warmly. "A bath... my feet are so sore... your baths always make the pain stop...” He cooed nuzzling into Dartz like the trained slave he was becoming. "It... will be good for the pain to lessen for... some time...” He practically purred at the idea of having a few moments of relaxation, free of his binding and kimono.

Dartz smiled and carefully unbound Ryou's feet, wincing at the boy's cry when they were freed. Then he removed the kimono and lifted the naked bunny into his arms. He smiled down at Nod. "I'll bring him back soon." And he carried Ryou from the room.

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

Tuc squirmed his way through the hole he had found in the upper house and darted off down the dirt road, looking about nervously for owls in the darkness. He was terrified, but his family depended on him, and so he ran...

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

"There you go...” Dartz crooned, submerging Ryou in the hot water.

Ryou sighed mewling in pleasure at the reliving numbness that spread through his feet, thanks to the heated water. "Feels good...” He mumbled laying his head on a nearby warm stone and sighing contently. "so nice... so little pain...” He nuzzled the rock. "Master... is truly kind...” He said softly.

Dartz smiled and kissed Ryou’s forehead, beginning to gently bathe him. "My lovely one... little angel...” He massaged Ryou's feet tenderly until his own hands ached, and then he simply sat and let Ryou relax.

Ryou sighed contently. "The pain... is worth it, to be beautiful for my master...” He cooed to Dartz, sitting up slowly and laying his head back, to rest in Dartz's lap. "I would die... for my loving master...” He mewled closing his eyes. "Precious loving master... all yours forever...”

Dartz moaned and shuddered softly at that... he wanted Ryou so badly...”Come now... Let's dry you off and groom you...” He said, lifting Ryou out of the water and wrapping him in a fluffy warm towel.

Ryou had grown accustomed to being doted and fawned over, being carried everywhere... he was thankful for it. "I will... have another bath soon?” He asked licking Dartz's cheek as he was carried.

"Of course, my love." Dartz said, carrying Ryou back to his room and beginning to dry and brush him.

R you smiled as Dartz brushed and combed his hair, his ears twitching every so often to move away from the brush bristles. "Faithful master... wonderful master...” He mewled as Dartz worked.

Nod clicked at Dartz from across the room, giving Ryou worried looks. 'Ryou he's not your master! You can’t let him win! He's tricking you!'

"Dear little sweet one...” Dartz crooned in reply, fluffing his tail and then rubbing lotion into Ryou's skin. Then, he moved to Ryou's little claws. And finally, he removed the rubber from Ryou's teeth. "My angel... will you be good if I do not bind your little feet this time?"

Ryou made a face, licking at his teeth awkwardly. "I thought my master liked my feet bound...” He said softly, licking at his teeth once more, wrinkling his nose and flicking his ears.

"that is so you didn't try to run away." Dartz said, petting Ryou. "Do you WANT your feet bound?"

Ryou nuzzled into Dartz's hand. "Does... master enjoy me more if my feet are bound?" he asked smiling. "I could walk... if they weren't... but would master be more happy to carry me?” He asked nuzzling him more. "I will love the pain, if master loves to carry and look at me with bound feet...” He cooed.

"Well... why don't we leave your feet free today? Let you relax a bit. We’ll see how you feel about it tomorrow, okay dear?"

Ryou nodded slowly. "Ok master...” he said smiling and wiggling his toes slightly, wincing at the movement, but delighting in it at the same time. "I'm hungry...” He said softly.

"Then I will feed you." Dartz said, and left. Nod hopped over to Ryou.

'Who is the slave? You or him?' She said.

Ryou nuzzled her and hugged her close. "Master is very kind...” He cooed smiling. "Look, he lets me relax...” He said showing her his feet. "I'm so grateful... my precious loving master...” He mumbled nuzzling her.

'He's not your master. The one eyed man is. And the lion is your mate.' She told Ryou, licking his chin. 'I hop they're taking care of my babies...’

Ryou nuzzled her. "Don’t be silly... Dartz is my mate, my tender loving master...” He said smiling and licking her ears. "he's so kind to me... I'm so very lucky.” He added flicking his own ears as he groomed her.

'He's a lying bastard.' Nod said. 'He took me from my babies...’

Ryou nuzzled her once again. "Master would never lie... you are lying.” He cooed. "Poor Nod... you must be lonely without Tuc...” He said softly. "You are jealous of Master and me...”

Nod gave Ryou a sharp nip. 'SNAP OUT OF IT!!!'

Ryou yelped and dropped Nod putting his finger into his mouth. "Don’t...” He mumbled looking at her sadly.

'You need to remember those who truly love you with all their hearts. Not with their deranged psychosis...’ Nod advised.

Ryou sighed softly. "I'm trying Nod... b-but... I'm starting to forget...” He mumbled sighing. "if I don’t... act the way he wants me to... it's so humiliating and painful... I want to die.” He mumbled sniffling. "I'm dying inside... I can’t get away and... all I can do is be good, to keep from receiving more pain.” He said looking away. "I miss them... but Nod I'm starting to forget them... it scares me."

'I will not let you forget.' Nod said. 'Just tell me something you love about each of them. Start with the lunkhead.' She said, settling down and licking Ryou's bitten finger.

Ryou gave her a pained look. "H-he'll hear...” He said fearfully. "I can’t take another punishment Nod... I finally got my feet back... it hurts so bad...” He said wincing as he moved them.

'Come on. I don't hear him coming yet.' she encouraged. 'One thing you love about the lunkhead.'

Ryou looked mournful. "I... hate admitting it... but I can hardly remember why I loved him...” He mumbled sniffling. "I miss his purring though...”

The rabbit nodded her head. 'You love his purring. I miss that too... now... what about the idiot skunk?'

Ryou winced. "I... don’t remember...” He mumbled, ears drooping.

Nod gave him another nip. 'You saw them only days ago!!' She nearly shouted.

Ryou clicked at her. "He was never very nice to me!” He grumbled. "I don’t remember ever loving much of him at all!” He said sucking on his wound. "Stop biting me or I will have you locked up!"

Nod's ears shot up. 'You wouldn't!!!' She gasped. 'My mate has left and you would lock me up?!?! Away from you?! You are all I have now!'

"Then stop bloody biting me!" Ryou said angrily. "It's not my fault! Dartz is mind-numbing...” He sighed. "If you were trapped listening and obeying him for days... you'd start forgetting things too... madness is a very contagious disease...”

Nod turned and looked at the door, and moment later Dartz entered, humming to himself as he carried the tray of fruits and vegetables. Nod quickly ran under the bed.

Ryou's ears drooped back down and he gave Dartz a halfhearted smile. "Hello master...” He mumbled, falling right back into his act to avoid punishment, giving Nod a sad look.

"Hello baby." Dartz said, looking over the tray. Ryou's eyes were drawn to the strawberries and the bowl of whipped cream. "Let's see...” He picked up an apple slice and offered it to Ryou.

Ryou nibbled the treat grateful to be eating. "Nod is hungry...” He whispered, looking at her. "Master... will give her some fruit?"

"I will leaver her some, dear. She seems to be hiding right now.” He offered Ryou a carrot, some celery, and then dipped a strawberry into the whipped cream.

Ryou nibbled it eagerly, licking at the whipped cream. "Mmm...” He cooed leaning forward to get a better taste.

Dartz pressed a kiss to Ryou's forehead as the boy nibbled the strawberry. Darts kissed down the side of his face, then kissed the corner of his mouth, licking at the tart strawberry juice.

Ryou blushed and nuzzled into Dartz. "You will ruin your lunch.” He mumbled softly.

"What if YOU are my lunch...?” He hissed, and kissed Ryou, slipping his tongue into the boy's mouth.

Ryou whimpered, pulling away and biting his lip. "Master... I... I am... hungry...” He mumbled blushing and looking down.

"Come dear... eat...” Dartz murmured, slipping Ryou a slice of banana.

Ryou accepted the banana and chewing it slowly, hoping there'd be no more kisses. He couldn't fend off Dartz's advances forever... he was running out of excuses. Likely Dartz was running out of patience as well...

Dartz continued to feed Ryou, but as soon as the boy turned away from a slice of apple, he dropped it, seized Ryou's shoulders and kissed him powerfully.

Ryou yelped and squirmed, pulling away once more, giving Dartz a fearful look. "M-Master...” He whimpered. "I... d-don’t understand...?” He said confusedly.

"I love you... *kiss* I want you... *kiss* You are mine*kiss kiss kiss*" Was his answer.

Ryou squirmed more, mind racing, "M-master I have to go to the bathroom...” He whimpered out around the kisses.

"Do not lie...” The man hissed, pushing Ryou back and getting between his legs, grinding against him.

Ryou whimpered louder. "I-I'm not master! I... I have to gooo!” He whimpered louder, starting to get frantic. Dartz was going to do him, if he didn't get away soon!

"Stop fighting!!!" Dartz snapped. "You can't put it off any longer!!!” He worked at freeing his own erection. "and if that rabbit bites me, so help me you will NEVER see her again!!!"

Ryou whimpered ears back. "B-but master... I... I thought y-you wanted t-to m-mate with me in a most beautiful place... o-outside in the warm sunshine...” He whimpered biting his lip, hoping Dartz would like this idea better, and choose to wait. "N-not in this room... I... I thought you wanted t-to go to America a-and mate with me there... w-where we would never worry of being s-separated.” He stammered fearfully.

"I cannot wait that long...” Dartz hissed, and without another word or warning, thrust into Ryou.

Ryou yelped in pain and gave Dartz a hurt look, tears welling up in his eyes. He sniffled, looking away to nod, tears rolling down his cheeks. 'What's the point... of rescuing me now Nod?'

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

It had been nearly a week since Ryou had disappeared, and there was still no sign of the bunny or his captors. the sun was setting and everyone sat around the bunny room with eyedroppers, feeding Nod's babies, though they were obviously suffering without the proper nutrition that only their mother could provide. Marik carefully fed the little lion, and Malik the fennec, which he had taken to calling "his" baby. Spunky sat on Bakura's shoulder, watching as he fed the Sugar Glider, and Dust preened on Yami's shoulder while Yami fed the little fruit bat. Pegasus worked with the normal baby bunny, and Rem fed the still unidentified reptile while Zaine fed the otter. Syrus was watching Mokuba feed the tiger while Seto fed the little panda.

Syrus sniffed at the tiger. "He's cute.” He said smiling and leaning once more on Mokuba's shoulder, watching Yami, who occasionally cast a glare or uneasy glance in his direction. Yami was jealous. Syrus was younger, cuter, and in MANY ways reminded him of his lost brother.

Malik sighed, finishing with the fennec. "Poor things... they're just not taking as much anymore...” He mumbled, ears drooping. "They miss their mother...”

The lion bunny murred softly, ears drooping at the mention of 'mother'.

Bakura sighed and nodded, gently rubbing the sugar glider's back with a finger until it burped.

"No problem here...” Seto said, still feeding the panda. "This thing is a bottomless pit!!!" Mokuba giggled as the tiger mewled and chewed the tip of the eyedropper.

"We have to find them...” Zaine said as the otter started refusing food. "They'll die if they don't start eating better...” He looked at Rem, worried. Malik sighed and looked at Kheti.

"See if you can get him to take more. YOU'RE a mother...” He said.

Kheti sighed. "Malik, I can’t replace a mother, just because I'm a mother myself... I'm not his mother, which is all he wants...” She said, her ears drooping as well. "They need their mother before they starve...” She licked the small bunny's ears.

Syrus' ears drooped. "Poor things... I know what that's like.” He mumbled closing his eyes. "I sure hope they'll be ok...” He mumbled looking down. "They're too young to die."

Pegasus sighed and cuddled the baby with one hand while petting Precious with the other. But then, Precious' ears stood up and he stared at the door. The hybrids in the room all turned as well, ears and noses quivering. Then Precious leapt to his feet and charged towards the door. And a moment later, a tired and dirty Tuc hopped into the room, and immediately collapsed, exhausted.

Spunky squeaked and hopped off Bakura's shoulder. "DADDY!” He squealed scampering over to Tuc and licking his little face. "Daddy daddy daddy!” He squeaked over and over. 'Oh dad! Are you ok?' he nuzzled his lost father. 'Where've you been? The babies are dying dad! They're starving slowly...’

Tuc panted, hardly even noticing everyone swarming around him. He turned towards Marik who had the lion baby in his mouth. He sniffed the baby, and weakly began to lick its little tummy.

"Where on earth did Tuc come from?!" Bakura gasped. "How did he get in?!"

"the dog door I had installed for Ryou." Pegasus said. "He probably dug his way into the backyard, which would explain how dirty he is...” He pet Tuc gently, then handed Rem the baby bunny and lifted Tuc into his arms. "Tuc... Oh Tuc... He must have gotten away from Dartz...” He stroked the tired rabbit. "He would know where Ryou is!"

Spunky squeaked more.

Yami nodded. "Yes... but you can’t exactly tell a rabbit to lead you back to Ryou.” He said calmly. "I don’t think they'd understand.

Spunky thumped his foot slightly and hopped close to Pegasus. "Daddy!” He mewled. Dust flittered off Yami's shoulder, landing on Pegasus' shoulder and chirping at Tuc. 'Dad? You ok?' he asked fluttering down Pegasus' arm to lick at his father. 'Where's mom?'

Pegasus frowned. "Ryou can talk to them... couldn't other rabbit hybrids? Rem! don’t you have a breeding pair of rabbits in the shop right now while their owner is out of town?! Could they translate for us?!"

Rem nodded after a moment. "If I can get them to agree... They're rather... stubborn." She explained. "Jackrabbits...”

Marik slowly set down the lion baby. "I'll talk to them.” He said, then took Tuc from Pegasus and calmly walked out of the room. Everyone blinked.

"Ummmm...” Bakura said, and then his eyes darted back and forth. "SHOTGUN!!!” He leapt up and ran.

"HEY, NO FAIR!!!" Mokuba shouted after him and followed, Syrus skittering after him. Malik was also up and running after them, howling in his irritation and Yami went flapping after him, squawking and knocking them over as he fluttered overhead so that HE could get shotgun.

Seto, Pegasus, Rem, Zaine and Kheti remained, staring down at the mewling baby bunnies on the floor. Pegasus sighed and began patiently gathering them and putting them back into the warm pet bed sitting on the heating pad. He turned to Kheti.

"My dear... would you do me the favor of watching over the babies?” He asked her as he stood, holding Precious, Spunky and Dust in his arms.

Kheti nodded. "Yes of course. Hurry back." She said curling up around the heating pad and gently beginning to groom the mewling babies, calming them until they finally lulled to sleep.

After a long battle on who got shotgun, in which cars, they set off. Rem was the first into the pet shop, followed by Marik, Bakura, Yami, Syrus and Mokuba, Seto, Pegasus and finally Malik, who wasn't in any hurry to get stuck in the door, to get in. "I'll take my time, rather than jam MY ass against everyone else’s to squeeze through.” He commented smartly.

Inside, two jackrabbits, were nuzzling and snoozing slightly.

Marik sighed and walked over, and waited for Rem to open the door. When she did, he calmly walked into their enclosure and sat in the middle, a safe distance away. He lay Tuc down and looked at the dozing rabbits. He sighed, and cleared his throat.

"Ehem... excuse me... sorry to bother you, but may I speak with you for a moment?"

One looked up at him for a moment, flicking her ears in curiosity. "Whaddya want?" she mumbled her voice thick with American accent.

Marik sighed. "This is Tuc. A rabbit hybrid, Ryou, was kidnapped, and Tuc along with him. He got away, and now we need to know where to find Ryou. Tuc has nine newborn babies at home, and their mother, Nod, is also with Ryou. It's been a week, and they're getting sick without their mother. Please... can you talk to Tuc and try to find out where Ryou is? We have to save him and get Nod back to her babies."

The female bunny flicked an ear. "Yeah... why should we help you?" she said raising an eyebrow. "Seems kinda like your problem."

Marik frowned and picked Tuc up, walking over to them and setting him down again. "If you don't help us...” He said. "Twelve rabbits are going to be motherless. And nine of those may die before they are a month old. If you don't help me, I will never find Ryou. And he's the love of my life. If I don't get him back, I... I have nothing to live for...” He looked down at Tuc, and nuzzled him. "Please. For the sake of many people and babies and... families... please."

"You do realize bunnies can’t talk right?" she said rolling her eyes. "I can try to tell you what I think he's thinking, but that doesn't mean I'd know for sure, let alone be accurate at all."

"Please... just try." Marik said. "Ryou needs help... And the babies need their mother.” He nudged Tuc forwards. "Go on, Tuc...” Tuc raised his weary head and looked at the jackrabbits.

The girl sighed and her mate licked her cheek. "We'll try.” He said calmly. "Alright bunny... whatcha got to say?"

Tuc looked at them. 'The lying bastard has Ryou and Nod!'

The girl bunny flicked her ears "something about a bastard... I think." she said calmly. The male nodded. "anything else?"

'They're far! Took me nearly two days to hop to the man with one eye!' Tuc told them, being very slow and careful so that they would get everything since they obviously missed a bit with his first blurting. 'Nod needs to feed the babies! And Ryou is being turned into what he was before the master gave him to the lunkhead!!!'

"He said... uh... it took him... two? Two days to hop from where ever he was to you.” He said flicking his own ears.

The girl nodded. "And that someone needs to feed the babies... and someone else is being turned into... something...” She wrinkled her nose.

The male wrinkled his as well. "Yeah...”

'Ryou.' Tuc said slowly. 'Is turning into what he was... before the Master gave him. To the Lunkhead.'

"And you're a lunkhead." Both rabbits said to Marik.

Marik blinked. "What?” He asked, cocking his head. Then he looked down at Tuc and bonked him on the head. "Hey! Stick to the helpful stuff!"

Yami snickered slightly, as did Malik and Syrus. "Had that right...” Someone mumbled behind him, though it was indiscernible who said that little comment.

Marik turned back and glared at the group, then looked back at the jackrabbits. "Ask him if... if he can take us to Ryou. Please?" Marik asked the jackrabbits.

They sighed and tried their best to ask Tuc exactly what Marik had said, though they weren't very good at it at all, just like their accents, their emotions and expressions were very typically American. Though they hoped Tuc got the message.

Tuc blinked and cocked his head. 'Americans... all they think about is sex.' He grumbled, shaking his head. 'I am NOT cumming on Ryou!!!'

Both bunnies sighed. "I don’t think he understands us, I told you we rabbits don’t speak! Now he thinks we're freaks!"

"Ryou can talk to him!!!" Marik whined. "Come on, rabbit and jackrabbit language can't be THAT different! PLEASE!!! You have to make this work!!! Please try again!"

"Why don’t YOU try it if it's SO easy?!" the girl rabbit huffed clicking at him. The male nuzzled her and groomed her ears.

"Calm down sweetie... he's just worried...” He looked at Tuc and tried once more, to relay what Marik had wanted to say. "Please understand, I don’t know how to say it any better...”

Tuc blinked and mulled over what the male had said in his mind. Then, his eyes widened and his ears shot up. He turned and nipped Marik's paw, then thumped his foot and ran to the door of the cage. Marik blinked as Tuc urgently thumped again.

"I think that did it!” He gasped, then turned and with a "Murrrrumph!" Licked both jackrabbits before following Tuc. They ran out of the pet store and took off as fast as they could.

"Hey!" Pegasus howled. "WAIT!!!" And he ran after them.

Rem smiled as nearly everyone piled out after rabbit, lion and millionaire. "Thank you." She said bowing to the jackrabbits. She pulled out her cell phone, leaving and locking the pet shop once more. "Hello? I'd like a police officer to come meet me at the south edge of Domino, I think I know where Dartz is. He's kidnapped someone. yes... yes. I'll see you there. There'll be quite a few of us." She added, hurrying to catch up to the group.

Syrus laughed tugging Mokuba along gleefully. One of his favorite things to DO was run! "Isn't this great?! Oh it's so neat! I love happy endings!"

Mokuba giggled. "Wanna run with them?” He pointed after Marik, Malik and Bakura running on all fours after Tuc, "Or ride with us?” He pointed to everyone piling into Zaine's car.

Syrus looked thoughtful. "Well as fast as I am on all fours, I run faster on two legs... but I will gladly follow in the car, if that is what you want to do.” He said offering Mokuba a warm smile. Eternally loyal to his new life-friend.
Mokuba giggled. "You can run if you want. But I can't!” He jumped into the back of the car and landed on his brother's lap. Syrus squeaked and darted in, ending up in the middle of the back seat between Pegasus and Seto while Rem took shotgun. Zaine stepped on the gas and they shot after the three running hybrids following the bunny.

"Daddy fuck Maliiiiik!!!" Spunky squealed in excitement from in Pegasus' arms.

Syrus and Yami both sputtered, and simultaneously shrieked, ”WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?!"

Rem laughed slightly. "Something very naughty... I'll have to give Bakura and Malik a stern talking-to." she said trying to hide laughter.

Pegasus and Seto were staring and the wiggly bunny in shock, and Dust threw his head back with a complicated trill of excitement. Precious stared at his brothers, then sniffed and cuddled against Pegasus, looking for treats in his pocket.

Rem had to shout for Marik and Bakura to stop chasing Tuc, so they could meet with the police. Tuc would sprint forward and nip at Marik every so often, trying to get him to follow once more.

Syrus stuck his head out the window, having crawled across a few laps to do so. "Oh wow... we're WAY out in the middle of... nowhere...” He said looking at the city limits sign. "It does smell nice here though... less of that horrible car smell.” He said crawling back in

It was an interesting sight to drivers on the highway. A white rabbit was darting down the road with a lion hybrid in tow, wearing a pair of jean shorts and a white tank top. He was followed by a skunk, trotting with his tail high up in the air like a banner in his leather pants and fishnet shirt. And by his side was a fennec in a lavender top and khaki pants. Following this odd foursome was a dark blue car with a bird hybrid sticking out of the sunroof, a meerkat hybrid hanging out one window, and three rabbits hanging out of another window. And behind that... a long train of police vehicles.

After an hour of this trek, Tuc got tired. Marik picked him up in his teeth and leapt forwards, speeding the pace up from fifteen miles per hour to thirty five; being crossed with an animal had its advantages... Malik and Bakura soon wore out and ended up riding with some cops, who were complaining about following a dumb rabbit. Marik continued on like this for miles. Several times Rem tried to convince the tired lion to ride in the car, but he refused. He pushed himself on, determined to run to Ryou on his own four paws... And nearly three grueling hours later, Tuc squeaked and squirmed and hopped to the ground, taking off running as fast as he could. Marik's exhaustion left him, and he perked up and followed Tuc as fast as he could.

They drove like this for nearly 15 minutes, before Tuc turned and started hopping up a dirt road. This time Rem shouted again. "Marik STOP!" she said firmly. "You let the police go first, they are experienced with this." She added in a mothering way. "You won’t do Ryou much good if you take a bullet to the head."

Syrus bristled and shivered. "Ohh this is soooo exciting!” He squeaked pulling back into the car and shivering. "I haven’t been this excited since the time I got to eat those... what were they? Oh, oh yes those kisses things in your kitchen!” He said grinning at Mokuba.

Yami pulled back into the car and glared. "And you chewed up my damn perch you rat.” He growled, bristling in memory. "Do it again and I'll claw your eyes out!"

Mokuba glared at Yami. "You be nice to Syrus!” He shouted, jerking the bird's tail feathers.

"Both of you shut up!" Seto ordered as they turned onto the dirt road. Rem leapt out of the car and chased Marik, who had ignored her call for him to let the police go first, and now he and Tuc were almost out of sight up the dirt road. They rounded a curve, and were gone...

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

Ryou sniffled softly, ears drooping and huddled on his bed. After his defiance when Dartz had, for all terms and purposes, raped him, his feet had been once again bound painfully tight. He wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his kimono and sat up slowly, lifting an ear. "Nod...” He mumbled picking up his companion. "Nod... listen... d-do you hear...?” He asked biting his lip, daring to hope.

'Cars! Lots of them!' She squeaked, her ears perked up. 'Oh, maybe Tuc made it! Maybe he brought help!' She began licking Ryou and shaking in hopeful excitement.

Ryou held her tighter. "I hope so...” He whispered, trembling slightly. Half in the excited hope that Marik and Tuc had come to save them... and half in fear. What if Dartz and the others heard? He swallowed hard. "What... what if the others hear...?” He whispered fearfully. "I don’t want to go to America Nod...”

Before the cars were even within sight of the run down cabin, Marik had managed to get inside. A deep growl came from his throat as he removed his tank top, and wiggled out of his jean shorts; they would hinder his movements. But underneath, he was wearing his loincloth; Rem and Ryou couldn't yell at him for running around naked now. He sniffed the air and his lip curled when he picked up the scent of Rafel, Daisuke, and Dartz.

Rafel was nearby, and he turned the corner to look at the door briefly. He turned to Daisuke and nodded. "Someone's here...” He whispered uneasily. He didn't like the idea of his 'get out of jail free' card turning into an 'extended stay' card.

Ryou however, could hear the faint whispers outside, and the even fainter growling, and he shuddered. "Nod I'm scared...” He breathed, unable to pick up any scent, as his door was closed and quite a ways away from the sounds his ears were picking up.

Marik slowly stalked down the hall and Tuc stared at him... he was every bit the lion that Rafel and Dai had tried to make him now... every muscle could be seen rolling smoothly under his tan hide as he silently moved down the hall, coming closer to the frantic whispering of Rafel and Dai as they tried to figure out what to do... The lion bared his teeth and claws, and they gave off a cruel wicked glint in the dim light. Marik listened in on Dai and Rafel's whispering.

"We need to get out of here." Rafel said as Daisuke turned and began running off as well. Neither man wanted to get caught, especially now that they had gotten their freedom back. They split paths, and ran through the house to ensure one of them got away safely.

Marik growled and quickly moved; he went after Rafel. He growled loudly as he chased the man, and when Rafel whirled, Marik darted into the shadows to hide. He was going to run this man ragged...

Rafel narrowed his eyes and picked up his wallet from his room, and looked out the window. No police in sight. He'd make a run for it. He opened the window and began climbing out.

Suddenly, there was a roar behind him and teeth snatched the hem of his pant leg and jerked him back in. Rafel yelped and fell to the ground. "A weak worthless runt, am I?" Came the low, bloodthirsty growl. Rafel stared as Marik slowly paced around him in a circle. "Well... Let me show you what three weeks under the tutelage of Constantine taught me... You want a real lion? A bloodthirsty killer? A hunter?! You got it... and I'm hunting YOU now...” Marik darted forward and got right into Rafel's face, teeth bared and feral eyes glowing. "Run."

Rafel stared at Marik shocked before scrambling out from under him running. "SHIT RUN GUYS!” He howled through the house as he scrambled to the other end of the house, hoping to dive out the back window and away.

With a thundering roar, Marik was after him, his claws tearing up the carpet as he ran. "How does it feel, fucker?!” He shouted as he chased Rafel, obvious taunting him... toying with him... “To be on the receiving end of my claws? Hmm?" Marik had managed to corner Rafel who had gotten turned around in his own panic. The lion stalked closer. He crouched in a pouncing position, showing teeth and claws.

Rafel backed up, glaring at Marik. He had to find a way out before that lion maimed him! He smirked slightly. "I'd be more worried about that rat if I were you...” He hissed. "Dartz is likely carrying him off as we speak, taking him to an airport to go to America, where you'll never see him again."

"Not with the whole area crawling with cops and a skunk that can sniff out anything...” Marik hissed. "Oh no... no one is getting away again... and that includes you!" And with a roar, the lion lunged forward, bringing Rafel to the ground. He sunk his teeth into the man's shoulder and with a vicious jerk, dislocated it.

Rafel howled in pain, clubbing Marik over the head over and over as hard as he could, desperate to dislodge the cat from his arm. "Let go!” He hissed painfully.

Marik released his shoulder and whirled, catching the man's wrist in his hand. The lion snapped Rafel's wrist in his teeth, dug his claws into his shoulders and ripped them down his chest and stomach, roaring in his face.

Rafel squirmed out from under Marik and ran for the front door, more than willing at this point to face incarceration rather than being torn limb from limb by Marik. "HELP!” He shouted desperately, shooting out past Bakura, who seemed to be standing guard by the door, to the policemen waiting outside.

Marik turned and sniffed the air, then began his search for his next objective... Daisuke... He quickly padded down the hall, growling. The scent got stronger and Marik shivered in anticipation... He turned the corner, and there was Dai, in a room at the end of the hall, gathering research. Marik stood in the doorway, and growled loudly, alerting Dai to his presence.

Daisuke turned glaring at Marik. "If it isn't the lion... turning on the man who saved your life... I knew this day would come...” He hissed, putting his papers in a suitcase. "Attack me, go ahead... but I've had Ryou for a week, and if you harm me, you'll never know what has gone on in this house... to that rabbit...” He hissed warningly.

Marik snorted. "You don't scare me, Daisuke...” He snarled a deep rumbling in his chest. "Not anymore. And you have no power over me. You didn't save my life. You saved me from death. But I had no life to save. You kept my body living. If you think I am grateful for that, you need to get over yourself.” He slowly moved across the room, rising to his feet and standing over Dai, looking down at him. Slowly, his lip curled in a sneering smirk. "You were warned, Daisuke... by so many. But you didn't listen. Who was it who last warned you? Ah yes... Varon... something like...’You put the beast in them, but one day, that beast will get out and turn on you...’ Guess what? The beast is out...”

Daisuke swung his suitcase at Marik, hitting him harshly against the side of his head. "The beast being out will never save your mate... it's too late for him.” He said smirking. "If you kill me, I'll go out having the smug satisfaction of having the last laugh...” He said proudly, despite the position he was in. Like a true psycho, he didn't fear death, nor maiming.

"You will NEVER hurt him again!!!" Marik roared, and tackled Dai, sinking teeth and claws into his sides. He shook his head, mangling the flesh, and ripped him open with his claws, roaring the entire time.

Daisuke hissed in pain and hit him again, over and over, battering the lion with his bag and when he'd freed himself he shoved Marik off while he was stunned and locked him in the room, hurrying to the basement and down the tunnel. He'd get away today... His brother would be waiting at the other end to pick him up. He'd been planning to leave today anyway.

Marik shook his head and roared in fury when he found himself locked in and Dai gone. But in no time the furious lion had ripped the door from its hinges and flew down the hall in a rage. Now, he wanted Dartz. And he wanted him BAD!!!

He froze when he rounded a corner, and saw the man. Dartz ran into a room and out of Marik's sight. Marik charged, but skidded to a stop when Dartz called Ryou's name.

"Ryou! Come on, angel. We must leave! Quickly!” He gasped, scooping Ryou up into his arms.

Ryou yelped whimpering, in so much pain he could hardly move. He clutched Nod tightly, shaking his head. "I... I don’t want to...” He whimpered fearfully, despite Marik's now present scent, the training he'd undergone had still had him obedient to Dartz, even if his heart craved Marik. He feared Dartz.

"P-please just g-give me back...” He whimpered cringing, not wanting to be punished as Dartz carried him.

"Yessss...” Came the growl from the dark doorway, and two yellow eyes glowed. "Give him back...”

Dartz gasped and took a few stumbling steps back. Tuc appeared in the doorway and growled, thumping his foot.

'Yeah! Give them back you lying bastard!' He clicked.

Ryou locked eyes with Marik, giving him a weakened and pained smile. "Marik...” He mewled softly, trembling. "It hurts...” His eyes pleaded what he didn't dare say while near Dartz. 'save me...’

Nod perked up immediately. 'TUC! Oh thank goodness you're ok! Are the babies ok!?' she squeaked joyfully, trembling, but in excitement in joy, not in pain or fear, as Ryou was.

'They're fine. But they're weak and they miss you.' Tuc said. Marik growled and entered the room, eyes burning.

"Put. Him. DOWN!!” He roared at Dartz, who jumped and clutched Ryou tightly. "Every moment of my life since I met Ryou has been lived FOR Ryou!!! And I'll be damned if I let some fucking psycho take him from me now!!!"

Ryou sniffled, smiling softly. "Marik...” He mewled softly, though he continued to remain still, the pain and fear of being dropped immense. He blushed darkly however; his lover always knew just the right words to make him swoon... even when he was in intense pain and in the arms of a psychopath.

He cooed softly to his lover and flicked his ears, though they were drooping. Nod squeaked joyfully, squirming and trembling in utter delight. 'thank goodness, oh I'm so glad we'll FINALLY be going home!' she squeaked hopping from Ryou's arms to nuzzle Tuc and lick his ears.

Tuc immediately covered his mate in loving licks and nuzzles. Marik looked down. "You see them? You see how happy they are?” He said in a low voice. "That is how happy Ryou and I were together... before you came along and fucked up EVERYTHING!!! You think I'll let you get away with that?!” He stormed over and before Dartz could blink, snatched Ryou and plopped him on the bed. Then he turned on Dartz. "I'll fuckin kill you...” Dartz's eyes widened, and he ran. Marik roared, dropped to all fours, and went after him. Ryou was amazed at Marik, but then, his blood ran cold as Rem's words from over a month ago passed through his head, spoken after Marik had been fired...’He's part lion, and one day his anger may push him too far... he might kill someone in a fit of rage... And if that happens, he won't need a home to go to... they WILL put him down. Even I can't protect him then...’ And Ryou knew... Marik meant to kill Dartz...

Ryou gasped. "MARIK!” He shrieked shaking his head. "MARIK!” He called louder whimpering. "MARIK COME BACK!” He bit his lip and looked around. With his hands behind cloth, his feet bound... He whimpered. "Tuc help! You have to stop him! If he kills a human they'll put him down!” He wailed tears beginning to roll down his face as he frantically looked for a way to stop Marik.

He whined loudly and shook his head. The only thing he could think of would be to try and walk...

Tuc and Nod looked at each other, and then took flying leaps onto the bed. Tuc went to work gnawing on the left sleeve of Ryou's kimono, and Nod on the right.

Ryou pulled away whimpering. "Th-there isn't time... i-if he kills him...” He stood slowly and gasped in pain, nearly falling. "Ma-Marik!” He wailed, in utter agony, as he supported himself with the wall, walking towards the door. The pain would be nothing in comparison with losing Marik forever. "M-m-MARIK!” He said, choking on sobs as he walked. As he walked the hall, he was sure he'd probably broken at least one foot the pain was so terrible. "O-oh god MARIK!” He wailed, feeling sick and wishing he could fall to the floor and lay there until he pain subsided.

Tuc and Nod followed, nibbling at the bindings on Ryou's feet when ever one was on the ground and still for the moment in which he moved the other.

Marik was chasing Dartz all around the house. They went downstairs to the springs, they went upstairs, through the kitchen, and across a hall twenty feet in front of Ryou, and ran around a sofa a few times before going towards the front door.

Ryou whimpered watching them run about. "I'm going to be sick...” He mumbled in utter agony. The idea of running was making him physically ill. He staggered weakly to the door as quickly as he could manage, managing by some grace of god, to go crashing painfully to the floor, right atop Dartz. He gasped painfully, trembling in his torment. "Marik...” He panted softly, pale and sweating from pain. "D-don’t... please... y-your temper... y-you must... c-control... your temper...” He ground out through gritted teeth, between pained pants. "I... I'm... begging you...”

Dartz whirled and leapt up, jerking Ryou to his feet, making the boy shriek. But Ryou went silent when he suddenly found a knife to his throat. Marik gave a roar of fury.

"STAY BACK!!!" Dartz shouted, and began backing away towards the front door. Marik slowly followed, but kept his distance. Tuc and Nod continued working and finally, the binding sprang free of Ryou's left foot; they moved on to the right. "I will slit his throat if you get near me...” Dartz hissed.

Ryou gasped wailing in pain. "S-stop! It hurts!” He whimpered talking to Dartz, and to Tuc and Nod. The sudden freeing of his foot releasing a whole new agonizing wave through his small body. "For God's sake stop!” He panted his ears bristling. His face was streaked with tears, his eyes screwed shut in pain. "M-Marik... d-don’t... i-if you k-kill him... th-they'll p-put you down...” He ground out gasping in pain when Dartz stumbled back the jarring motion enhancing his pain.

Dartz slowly backed out the front door, and Bakura stared in shock, but upon seeing the knife, didn't move.

"Stay back!" Dartz barked at the skunk, who raised his hands and nodded.

"Put down the weapon and put your hands in the air!" Called an officer through a megaphone, and Dartz's eyes widened. Slowly, he turned and looked over his shoulder, going pale at the sight of over two dozen firearms aimed at him. Pegasus was frantic, but we being held back. But a sudden roar ripped through the air. When Dartz had turned, Marik pounced.

Ryou, Dartz and Marik fell to the ground. Dartz scrambled to his feet and tried to run, but in seconds, Marik was on him. He seized Dartz's wrist and crushed it in his jaw. The man shrieked and fell, dropping the knife. And Marik lunged, fastening his jaws onto the man's neck with a roar. The police scrambled forwards, as did Zaine, Rem, Seto, Yami, Malik and Bakura. Pegasus ran to Ryou.

Ryou shook his head. "MARIK STOP!” He wailed snatching Marik's tail in his mouth and biting down harshly. "DONT KILL HIM!” He shrieked fearfully despite his pain. He held tight to Marik's tail with his teeth, pulling back, trying to get his lover to come to him, rather than Dartz.

Tuc and Nod attacked, barraging Marik with bites, and Zaine wrapped his arm around Marik's neck in a choke hold while Rem screamed at him. Police were shouting, one holding a gun to Marik's head, ordering him to release Dartz. It was pandemonium. Dartz was struggling and fighting, people were screaming, and no one could understand what anyone was saying. But through the chaos, Dartz's good hand found the handle of the knife... He picked it up, and before anyone saw that he had it, buried it into the lion's side.

Marik released Dartz and threw himself backwards with a roar of agonizing pain, turning and biting at the thing in his side. People were still trying to figure out what had just happened when Dartz lunged forwards, jerked the knife out of Marik and turned on Ryou.

"You are MINE!! If I can't have you, NO ONE WILL!!" And he fell upon him.

"NO!!" Pegasus screamed, and tackled Dartz. The blade missed Ryou's throat, but only because the aim was off with the tackle; it slashed a burning trail down his shoulder and back, across his hip and halfway down his thigh before Pegasus was able to stop its progress...

Ryou gasped, wincing and panting harshly, shaking his head weakly. "Don’t... kill... him...” He murmured weakly, falling forward, Marik's tail long forgotten. He hit the ground with a harsh thud, the pain too much for him.

Nod squeaked in terror. 'Oh god Tuc! He's bleeding everywhere! He's going to bleed to death those cuts are deep in some places! Oh GOD he's going to bleed to death!' she began to panic. Ryou's beautiful kimono was quickly staining red, the silk seemingly hungry for his blood, and showing the world it's satisfaction in the deep crimson stains forming around the tattered fabric.

Pegasus quickly removed his coat and held it to the part of the wound that had the heaviest bleeding, and Zaine was doing the same thing with Marik's wound while Dartz was dragged off, screaming hysterically that Ryou had to die. Police were running about, finding first aid kits and calling for help. Pegasus and Zaine and everyone else were soon shoved away as police and paramedics swarmed the two injured hybrids, but to the dismay of those looking on, the first thing they did was muzzle Marik before even looking at his wound, or stripped Ryou so they could inspect him.

Syrus was trembling and clutching Mokuba's arm wide-eyed and Yami was plucking. "Oh Ra Seto... Ryou... h-he was covered in blood...” He stammered, shocked beyond words, and worried about his friend.

Syrus was shaking his head. "M-Marik's gonna be alright... right?” He asked, voice quivering.

Malik inched next to Bakura and hugged him tightly, his own hug shaking slightly. "Bakura... I...” He didn't know what to say to consol him, or express his own burning fears. What was going to happen to their friends? Ryou was gushing blood, the bunnies had, in their attempts to help, been stained with it from both hybrids.

Rem shoved past everyone and helped them load Marik and Ryou into the ambulances. "Marik... Marik sweetie, talk to me...” She breathed, knowing he'd be able to speak, but not open his mouth widely with a muzzle on.

Marik's eyes opened and he looked at her, then widened and jerked his head up. "R-Ryou!” He cried. "Ahhg... where is he?! Ryou!!!” He bared his teeth and claws and began thrashing, making his would bleed heavier. "RYOU!!! RYOU!!! MURRRRRUMPH!!! MURRRRPUMPH!!!!"

Rem hugged him tightly. "Marik calm down he's here... hold still... He's hurt badly... he saved you...” She said petting him consolingly. "He saved you from yourself... if you had killed Dartz... you would have killed yourself. Animals cannot kill people... you would have been put down." She explained softly. "He saved you from dying."

"Ryou! Ryou...” He whined. "Dartz was... gonna kill him... hurt him... Ryou... Ryou... Ryou...” He moaned, now grimacing in pain. The siren on the ambulance was turned on and the vehicle sped away.

"He got the left Coronary artery...” One paramedic said, trying to stop Marik's bleeding. Marik mewled and continued to call for Ryou.

Pegasus scooped up Tuc and Nod, and now had five rabbits in his arms, and everyone ran for the car.

Ryou however was completely gone, passed out if not from pain, from blood loss.

Rem held Marik tightly. "Calm down Marik... you need to rest, Ryou too... I promise it'll be ok. You can see Ryou as soon as we're done fixing you up. But first you have to hold still so doctors can make you better ok?" She said softly, scratching his ears. "Ryou is hurt, but he'll be ok." She said smiling. "He's gone through too much for this to be a way for him to die. He'll be fine."

Ryou had a serene expression on his face, despite the bleeding and likely broken bones in his feet. Despite the horrendous look of the bloody kimono, he looked content. "Even when he's in pain, he's happy to be near you." She whispered in Marik's ear. "Just let him rest, and let the doctors help you...”

The paramedic working on Ryou smiled over at Rem.

"The wound isn't deep.” He said. "It looks much worse than it is. He'll be fine. I'm more worried about his feet...” He frowned and unbound Ryou's foot and began examining it.

"Murrrrrrrrr...” Marik moaned.

Rem frowned. "What was that man doing to him in that house?" She asked, petting Marik while the others in the van worked to help him. She scratched his ears. "What's wrong with his feet?"

"Looks like they bound his feet. Like the Chinese women did... and still do, sometimes... He was walking on them; he may have broken his feet." The paramedic explained, and frowned as he checked Ryou's left foot. "They both need to be X-rayed... I think this one may be broken...”

Rem frowned. "I see... the damage isn't permanent is it?" She asked scratching Marik's ears, the lion having calmed considerably.

"No... the thing I'd be most worried about if I were you... is what's going to be done with that lion of yours...” The man said, glancing at Marik.

Rem nodded. "He won’t be put down. He didn't kill the man." She said calmly. "That man kidnapped his mate, and provoked him to attack." She added. "Just like a guard dog, that man crossed into his property, and he attacked. He was trespassing where he wasn't wanted, and he'd been warned several times." She added. "I've got several witnesses to back the story as well. That man was clearly unbalanced and wouldn't listen to common human sense."

"But he still attacked. And the attack would have been fatal if not for the intervention. You'll just have to see what a judge rules. The city will have to bring up a case against the beast. Now... where do we take these two, anyway? They’re hybrids; we can't take them to a hospital. Is there a vet or animal clinic we can take them?" The paramedic asked.

Rem nodded. "Dr. Inogawa in Domino." She explained hugging Marik tightly. "Don’t worry Marik... I know every judge of animal cases in the city...” She cooed. "Not a one of them would have you put down in these circumstances... though you might be ordered to be de-clawed and sent to training school to get that temper under control." She said. "You'd do that for Ryou wouldn't you?"

Dr. Inogawa's receptionist stared as the ambulance pulled into the parking let. When she saw Rem get out, she ran to the back and got the doctor, who ran into the lobby to meet Rem as the paramedics unloaded first Marik, then Ryou.

"Rem!" He gasped. "What's happened?!

Rem frowned and hugged him tightly while vet-aids rushed Ryou and Marik off to be cared for. "We found Dartz, Marik lost his temper...Ryou tried to stop him from killing Dartz...he did, but his feet were bound. Oh god I'm so worried!" She said gasping for breath after saying all that in one rushed breath.

"Easy, Rem... shh...." He told her softly, rubbing her back. "Let me see them." And he turned as Marik and Ryou were brought in. He frowned at Marik's grayish face and lifted his lip, inspecting the color of his gums.

"He needs a blood transfusion. He's bleeding to death." He said to the gathered vet techs. "Find out his blood-type from his chart and call the hospital. He'll need human blood!" He moved to Ryou. "Ryou needs stitches, get him to the operating room now!"

The vet-aids were running around madly as they rushed to get things done. Everyone waited in tension in the lobby. Pegasus and Bakura were the worst of all. Pegasus worried for his baby bunny, and Bakura for his best friend. Rem did her best to console the two while they waited. Hours passed with no news on the two.

FINALLY after a grueling four hour wait, Dr. Inogawa appeared and smiled. The entire room seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. A smile was always good news. He took a deep breath. "They'll both be fine... they're sleeping for now. I imagine that they'll be good to be visited tomorrow around noon." He added, knowing Bakura and Pegasus would want to storm right in and wait for them.

Pegasus nodded, relieved. "Thank God... I would stay with Ryou but..." He smiled down at Tuc, Nod and Precious in his arms. "I should get this girl back to her babies. And release poor Kheti from babysitting duty."

"I'll come, too." Malik said.

"Same here." Bakura added. Pegasus nodded, and Bakura and Malik followed the man out to the car, Dust cheeping a goodbye from his place on Yami's head.

Nod eagerly hopped out of Pegasus' arms the instant they got back to his mansion and up the stairs, eager to feed her precious babies.

Kheti grinned as the rest of them arrived. "Seems you found them." She said smiling and motioning to a bunch of baby hybrid bunnies, shoving and huddling around a proud mother, who was eagerly feeding them. "I'm glad, they were mewling again." She said happily.

Pegasus smiled and knelt, setting Tuc down. The father sighed and dropped, exhausted from his travels, but proudly watched over his mate and offspring. Malik gave a dreamy sigh as he watched, and laid his head on Bakura's chest.

"Daddy fuck Malik!!!" Both skunk and fennec's eyes widened at that unmistakable squeal. Pegasus blinked, and looked at the pair.

"Ah yes... You two have some explaining to do..." He said sternly.

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

K.E.Y. : Woo… watch that temper, dear. O.O

Andyouthinkimcrazy: LOL hmmmm… they DO have a life! Entertaining you and tormenting Ryou!!! Yay!!! Like me and Mally-chan!!!

Drago: XD No! Ya think?!