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.

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

Chapter 26

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

Pegasus paced in his office, waiting for Ryou to come home. When the taxi pulled up, he smiled in releif, and all out grinned when he saw Ryou and Tachi tubmle out, Tachi chasing a giggling Ryou around the front yard, before up the front stairs and into the house. Pegasus walked out into the hall to watch the bunnies sliding around on the floor of the front hall, then dart up the stairs.

Ryou giggled when he suddenly did a little backflip-hop over Tachi and dart back down the stairs, all but tackling Pegasus when he saw him. He pounced on Pegasus and licked his face over and over.

"AAH!!" Pegasus yelped, toppling backwards. "Ryou!" He laughed.

Ryou giggled and nuzzled Pegasus, licking his face more. "I'm sorry..." he cooed softly curling up on Pegasus' chest and smiling at him. "I shouldn't have bitten you..."

Pegasus smiled. "It's okay. You have no idea how happy I am to see you smiling." He said, sitting up and kissing Ryou's forehead. "Did you have fun with Tachi?" He asked, petting the black rabbit.

Ryou nodded. "I'm hungry..." he mumbled after a moment. "Can I have a carrot?"

Pegasus laughed. "Of course! That garden is still yours, and I'm sure there are a few carrots that Bushou hasn't gotten to yet."

'Yet being the word.' Bushou said as he waddled past, and Precious chittered at him angrily.

'That's MY garden, fat ass!!! Stay out!' He ordered, only to get bopped on the head and scolded by Nod.

Ryou giggled. "I think I should stay out of my garden... Precious has commandeered it... Can I have a banana instead?" he said watching the group of bunnies hop and waddle past.

Pegasus laughed. "Precious has NOT commandeered your garden." He said. "It's STILL yours! And there are bananas in the kitchen, baby."

Ryou grinned and hopped off of Pegasus to retrieve his treat. He returned a while later, looking thoroughly pleased with his banana.

Pegasus and Tachi were in the Bunny Room now, and Pegasus was laughing at Tachi who was running in Ryou's exercise wheel with a delighted look on his face.

"If you like that, you should try Ryou's giant hamster ball." Pegasus said.

Ryou giggled and curled up next to Pegasus shaking his head. "Don’t try and trick him into that horrid thing!" he grumbled, peeling his potassium treat. "It's awful! I always hated it!"

Pegasus laughed. "Tachi likes your stuff, Ryou." He said. "He thinks it's fun."

Ryou shook his head and hopped into Pegasus' arms. "I don’t. I like your stuff better." He cooed, beginning to... well, certainly he wasn't EATING that banana. That was one lucky fruit.

Pegasus raised his eyebrows, then rolled his eye. "Ryou... you behave!"

Ryou flicked his ears innocently. "I am."

Pegasus snorted. "You and I obviously have very different ideas on what behaving is." He chuckled.

"Ryou! You can misbehave with ME!" Tachi giggled as he hopped off of the wheel.

Ryou giggled and gave Pegasus a few sneaky and delightfully mischievous gropes. "Master, I'm behaving perfectly well! I'm a little angel."

Pegasus gave Ryou a shocked look and popped him on the behind. "NAUGHTY bunny!!! NAUGHTY!!!"

Ryou giggled more and kissed his master. "Tachi, I think my master is trying to make me look bad." He giggled.

Tachi snickered. "I think it's the other way around..." He commented, climbing out of the cage.

Ryou nuzzled his master and giggled. "I'm a perfect little angel." He cooed flicking his ears and kissing Pegasus. "My master just has a naughty mind."

Tachi giggled. "I think those bunny ears are hiding devil horns."

"No kidding." Pegasus chuckled, ruffling Ryou's hair.

Ryou gave Pegasus a big sloppy lick for that, before feverishly fixing his hair. "Nuh uh!"

Pegasus laughed, as did Tachi.

"And here I thought I was the sexual deviant..." Tachi giggled, making Pegasus laugh even harder.

Ryou grinned and flicked his ears. "I wouldn't be fun if I couldn't tease my master..." He gave Pegasus a foxy look. "And I know he loves thinking about fun things to do...."

Pegasus chuckled and shook his finger. "Naughty naughty bunny..." He scolded, grinning.

Ryou smiled and finished his banana. "I doubt you'll say that tonight..." he cooed.

Pegasus eyed Ryou. "Oh really now....?"

Ryou grinned. "Yes."

Pegasus snorted, then looked at Tachi. "Would you like me to have my driver take you home?"

"Actually, I'd rather stay with a bowl of popcorn and watch all of this." Tachi giggled.

Ryou giggled. "Sorry Tachi, no voyeurs allowed." He cooed beginning to unbutton Pegasus' shirt. "You got all the fun you're gonna have."

Tachi pouted, then looked at Pegasus. "He was mean! He kissed me and led me on and then shot me down and ran!"

"Ryou!" Pegasus gasped, sounding horrified. "How could you?!" He laughed.

Ryou giggled louder and nuzzled Pegasus' chest. "As if I've never done that before." He said grinning impishly.

Pegasus snorted. "Naughty little imp..." He said, popping Ryou's bottom again. "Poor little Tachi." He pet the black bunny, who gave Ryou "the eyes".

Ryou bit down on Pegasus nipple through his shirt, in retaliation for the slight spanking.

"OUCH!!" The man yelped. "Oh, and here only minutes ago you were SO sorry about biting poor Master!"

Ryou grinned and nuzzled Pegasus' chest in apology. "You deserved that one."

Pegasus chuckled. "Oh? Tachi, did I deserve that?"

"No sir!!!" Tachi chirped, giggling.

Ryou giggled. "You hush! You just want under my tail and think sucking up to master will get it." He giggled, flicking it tauntingly before Tachi.

Tachi rolled his eyes. "Riiiiight..."

"No, Tachi just knows that Master loves bunnies and he can get lots of pettings." Pegasus laughed, petting Tachi, who crooned happily.

Ryou wrinkled his nose and tugged Tachi's ears. "Nooo! No petting from MY master." he grumbled looking irritated he'd found that out. "Mine!"

Pegasus laughed. "Ryou! You be nice! Earlier on today you didn't care for love from Master." And he hugged Tachi, petting him. Tachi grinned and cuddled.

Ryou snapped at Tachi. "MIIIINE!" he whined loudly.

"RYOU!!!" Pegasus gasped. "No biting!"

"He's bein meeeeeean!" Tachi wailed, hiding behind Pegasus.

"Oh honestly, BOTH of you!" Pegasus laughed. "Stop teasing each other, and stop teasing ME!!!"

Ryou grinned, hopping out of Pegasus' arms and pouncing Tachi. "Mine!" he squeaked before scampering off.

Tachi blinked, then grinned and took off after him. A moment later, Pegasus was sitting calmly on a balcony, sipping wine and watching Ryou and Tachi chase each other around the back yard.

Ryou pounced Tachi from nowhere and gave him a kiss, before hopping off giggling. "Tachi's too slooow!" he sang.

Tachi sprang after Ryou, chasing him in circles around the garden where Precious and Bushou were fighting over a large radish.

Ryou grinned and darted down one of the many holes in the garden that lead to several underground tunnels, scuttling through them quickly

Tachi squealed and chased him, and Pegasus laughed as the bunnies began running through random tunnels, popping out and darting down another constantly, neither one knowing where the other was, until they both shot out of tunnels and collided head on with a crack, and then both fell back, groaning and clutching their heads.

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

Night was falling, and everyone was getting ready to sleep. Marik still had not returned, and had been gone since the "fight" with Abazu.

Nadira paced the length of the den as Akello and Shanti slept, making soft longing noises for her 'lost' son. Finally, Abazu offered to go out looking for him, and was soon sniffing through the jungle, looking for him.

He found Marik on the beach, perched on a rock and staring into the water with a paw raised, and at least a dozen fish laying out on the rock behind him.

Abazu chuckled softly. "What are you doing?" he said laying down on the sand tiredly. "It's a little late for fishing, dont you think?"

Marik jumped with a startled "MAO!!" then turned and blinked. "Oh... ummm... wow, I didn't know it was this late..." He confessed. "I guess I should string these together and take them back to the den, huh?"

Abazu nodded. "Your mother is worried sick." He said calmly, flicking his ears. "I'm sure your mother will be pleased with your catch." He added.

Marik smiled. "I hope you will take at least one of them." He said, beginning to gather up the fish, two of which were over a foot and a half long.

Abazu flicked his tail. "After the others have had their fill." He said smiling.

Marik rolled his eyes. "I'm gonna have to pounce you when you're not looking again..." He muttered, stringing the fish together.

Abazu chuckled. "I am proud that you care so much for my well being...but a leader is only as good as his pride..." Abazu said standing slowly. "I'd rather starve to death and be sure my family is well fed, than eat, and have everyone hunger.”

Marik rolled his eyes. "Your food supply is limited, but you're not starving to death." He said. "And the ocean is NOT limited. You're blowing this out of proportion. Please eat."

"The OCEAN isn't limited, but tell me Marik, how long can you fish from that spot, before the fish grow wise?" Abazu corrected. "Just like a herd, a school of fish will move on when they are reduced."

Marik sighed. "That's when I move to another location." He said, beginning to head back. "And like I said. Food will be delivered soon. Just be patient."

Abazu smiled. "You're the one who is trying to shove food down my throat." he said following Marik. "Be patient, I'll eat when it's time."

Marik rolled his eyes. "You mean you'll chew on the bones when it's time?"

Abazu laughed at that. "I'm no hyena. I'll eat."

Marik chuckled. "Not from what I've seen." He shot back. "Are you anorexic?"

"No. I just know how to fast." Abazu said calmly. "Just because you don’t see me eating, doesn't mean I don’t."

Marik frowned. "You're stressing me out old man."

"Old man?" Abazu said indignantly. "I'm not that old."

Marik chuckled as they returned to the den site. "You're still older than me. And I'm just a stupid kid who sees anyone older than me as being old."

Nadira all but tackled her son to the dirt and littered him with nuzzles and licks. "I was so worried about you!" she scolded through the lovings. "Don’t you ever run off and stay out so late again!"

Marik squirmed. "Maaoooo.... I was just fishing!!!" He whined, trying to get away.

Nadira grabbed his ear in her teeth. "Come on then. It's time for a bath, and bed." She said, dragging him off, leaving Abazu to distribute the fish.

Marik's eyes widened. "What? BATH!? Oh, come ON!!!" He whined.

Nadira dragged Marik into the den and plopped him down, beginning to bath him in the way accustomed to cats.

Marik whined, squirming and batting at her nose. "Nooooo!! I don't need a bath! Stop it!!"

Nadira merely chuckled and purred, continuing to bathe him. "Hush."

Marik continued whining until he noticed a small five year old cub doing the same thing across the den, then he just sat there and pouted.

Once she finished bathing her son, Nadira curled up around him and purred. "Now go to sleep." she cooed gently grooming his ears.

Marik sighed and nodded, closing his eyes and going to sleep. But he woke before the sun rose, and even before Abazu woke. Marik slipped away and out of the den, yawning and stretching, then shaking himself. He sighed and looked around, then trotted off into the jungle, beginning to hunt for the pride. For his family.

After a while, he froze, hearing something moving along a game trail. Marik moved over to a tree and crouched down in the brush, waiting for the thing to pass. His ears twitched, but otherwise, he was perfectly still. His prey drew closer and closer, and finally, the moment had come. With a roar, Marik leapt out from behind the tree and sprung at the thing, but his eyes widened and he checked his spring. A gun shot rang out through the dawn air...

The pride was jolted awake by the unfamiliar noise of the island, and Abazu was the first out of the den when they noticed Marik missing. "Marik!?" he roared loudly, stalking through the forest. "Marik!"

A moment later, he heard something charging through the brush, and then Marik appeared, limping and blood trickling down his arm.

"Run! Get the pride out of here, there's some psycho with a gun and he's NOT ALONE!!!" Marik shouted.

Abazu nodded and hoisted Marik on his shoulders and in an instant was rushing back to the dens. He roared loudly. "Out! Everyone! Seek shelter on the northern side of the island! There are strangers on the island!" he commanded, and the lionesses and lions each grabbed cubs in their mouths and began running.

Nadira gave Marik a worried look and nodded to Abazu, grabbing Akello as a male lion not much older than Marik helped her by grabbing Shanti. Within moments the dens were emptied, leaving only Abazu and Marik.

Marik squirmed. "I'm fine! It only grazed me, I've had worse tripping over my own feet!" He yelped.

Abazu merely continued, taking off at a moderate speed to make sure Marik wasn't in pain. "Hush. You're bleeding and wounded." He said gruffly as he walked.

Marik snorted. "I'm fine! It hurts more being bounced around on your back than it did running on my own!"

Abazu flicked his tail, slowing. "I'm going to make sure you're safe." he said firmly. "What happened?"

Marik grumbled and climbed off of Abazu's back, turning and licking at the wound on his shoulder, that wasn't that bad when it was seen, it was just bleeding a lot. "I was hunting." He said. "I heard something coming and I pounced. It was a man with a gun, and he shot me. There were other men with guns behind him. They all looked startled, but then they got excited... I... I think they're here hunting hybrids!!!"

Abazu nodded slowly and licked Marik's cheek. "Well they wont find us... the north end of the island has underground caves... we can hide there until they leave..." he said softly as they began trotting through the forest.

Marik frowned, not moving. "It's not just the pride I'm worried about..." He said softly. "We can't just hide. We have to do something. Others are in danger! We're the lions! We're the top dogs here on this island! We should do something!"

Abazu nodded. "I know, but for now we have to protect ourselves... when I know you're all ok, I will go and warn the others...." he said calmly.

Marik frowned. "They could kill anyone at any moment..." Marik said, shaking his head. "YOU do your job and look after the pride... I'm going to stop them!" And he turned and bounded away.

Abazu snatched Marik's tail in his teeth. "No!" He said firmly. "Your mother would kill me if I allowed you to go out wounded." He said in an authoritative voice. "You're coming to the caves."

Marik frowned. "I am NOT going to hide while those loonies get closer and closer to something that can't defend itself!"

Abazu growled softly. "You'll hide long enough for your mother to know you're still alive." He said firmly. "Come on."

Marik rolled his eyes. "YOU can tell her I'm still alive!" He whined, tugging at his tail.

"You'll tell her yourself." Abazu growled, now dragging Marik by his tail.

"MAOOOOO!!!" Marik yowled. "I... I hafta stop those guys before they hurt someone!"

“Marik everyone within earshot heard that gun. The smaller hybrids have probably already hidden themselves." He said firmly. "They'll be fine."

Marik frowned and shook his head. "I... I can stop them... I HAVE to!!!" He whined, tugging one last time. "Please!!"

"Marik you have to go to your mother before you go face a human with a GUN." He said growling and tugging back. "If you died, she'd be crushed."

Marik finally sighed. "Okay... Let's go! I HAVE to go back and stop those guys!!!" He said. "Lead the way!"

Abazu led Marik carefully to the caves, not giving the younger lion the chance to sneak off for heroics.

Marik sighed as they entered the caves. "I dunno... what if they find this place?" He asked Abazu.

Abazu chuckled. "If they do, they will only be able to enter one at a time, with all of us in the central area, we can kill them easily if need be."

Marik frowned. "But with how many casualties among the pride?" Marik asked. "As soon as I check in with Mom, I'm going after them. I have to stop them BEFORE they get here!"

Abazu nodded as he led Marik towards the well-hidden entrance. "There wouldn't be many casualties with guards set..." He said softly as they entered. "And once you've seen your mother, and she says you may, you can go stop them." He said nuzzling Marik and following him in the narrow passage.

Marik nodded. "Oka-- wait.... if she SAYS I MAY?! HEY now!"

Abazu chuckled. "She's your mother." He said grinning.

Marik rolled his eyes. "I'm an adult!" He whined.

"You're still Nadira's son no matter HOW old you are." Abazu laughed as Shanti and Akello peeped up when they entered.

"Big brother!"

Marik smiled and hurried over, purring and nuzzling them in greeting. "You two okay?"

They both nodded, their eyes glowing slightly in the darkness. "Mama said that we're gonna play hide an seek in the caves until the bad people leave." Shanti said, and Akello pounced her, tugging her ears and purring. "Yeah!"

Marik smiled. "Where is mom?"

Shanti giggled softly. "She's helping the other mamas count their cubs." She said sitting up and pointing to the other lionesses, who were curled up around their young nervously.

Marik quickly turned and trotted over, calling for Nadira. "Murrrrr! Murrrrumph! Murrrrrrumph!"

Nadira turned and crushed him in a hug. "Oh god son..." she whispered nuzzling him and beginning to clean his wound. "I was worried... it's horrible... those… those rotten humans..."

Marik nodded. "I had heard rumors... I never told Ryou... of men who hunted hybrids... because they thought their intelligence would make a better challenge... this island... it's not under government protection yet! They must be here to hunt while they can! I have to go stop them before they kill any one!!!"

Nadira shook her head. "Son please...stay here." She said rubbing foreheads with him. "You're injured... and they have guns. You'll be easy prey." She said going back to cleaning his wounds. "Akello and Shanti need their big brother to tell them everything is okay..."

Marik frowned and shook his head. "It's just a scratch. And they also need someone to keep those men away from here." He told her. "I'm going." He said, and purred, licking her chin.

Nadira sighed softly. "Son, I want you to stay... who knows what those humans will do to you if they get you... I can’t bear the idea of my big boy out there... dying." She said giving him a tearful look. "Stay here..."

Marik shook his head. "I have to keep them away!" He insisted, then turned and ran for the mouth of the cave, his face filled with determination.

Narida gave a longing mao, and bounded after him, tugging his tail. "What good will you do dead?" She pleaded. "Stay!"

Marik frowned. "I can't." He said. "Now PLEASE let go of my tail..."

Nadira sighed, letting go and giving her son a mournful glance. "Don’t die..."

Marik smiled and gave her a cocky wink. "What would I want to go and do that for?" He asked, then ran out of the cave and into the jungle where he slowed to a smooth and easy lope, listening for any noise while he himself made none.

He made his way back to where he was shot, then began tracking the men, following along the game trail until he had caught up with them. He heard their voices and their footsteps, and readied himself. Finally, he sprang forward in silence and leapt up behind the last man in line, wrapping an arm around him and covering his mouth with his other paw, dragging the man back into the brush.

The man yelped and stared at Marik with wide eyes, struggling.

Marik bared his teeth and narrowed his eyes, growling. "You will return to the dock if you value your life..." He hissed, digging his claws into the man, then raising a paw and slashing him across the chest with his claws. "GET moving!"

The man nodded quickly and all but RAN away when Marik released him.

Marik snorted, then stashed the gun under decaying leaves on the forest floor, then turned and went after the remaining half dozen or so hunters.

The hunters continued on, oblivious of their missing comrade, each looking for a hybrid to chance a shot at.

Marik swiftly overtook them, and dispatched yet another hunter in the same manner, sending him running for the docks in fear of his life. But the third wasn't the same. As soon as Marik released the third, he ran... screaming.

This of course alerted the other hunters, some of which ran, and others shot randomly into the forest as they went.

Marik ducked into the brush and growled, then sprang after them with a furious roar, leaping up into a tree and leaping to the next, and from there, taking down an unsuspecting fourth man. "Leave this island!" He growled in the man's face. "For you will not survive the night here!" And then he sprang after the final three.

The man literally wet himself as he ran screaming. The other three at this point were terrified and took off with him, once again shooting into the forest hoping to nail the creature that was terrifying them

But Marik gave a thundering roar and pursued them, determined to see them off of the island. His prey knew he was there... they heard his roar and they saw him darting into view behind them every now and then, but never long enough for them to even get off a shot at him.

The men all scuttled back onto their small pontoon boat and sped back towards the mainland as fast as the thing would go, some quaking in fear.

Marik skidded to a stop at the end of the dock, roaring after them, lashing his tail. He watched them go, then snorted in satisfaction.

"Having fun?" Abazu said smirking.

"Mao?" Marik asked, blinking and turning, cocking his head at the Pride leader and the other males with him.

"I told you we'd come scare them off once everyone was safe." Abazu said chuckling. "But it looks like you did just fine on your own. And you thought you were weak."

Marik snorted. "THEY were cowards." He said, turning and heading towards the lions. "Take their guns away and they're NOTHING."

Abazu smiled, turning to the other lions with him. "Zinsu. Samba. Go into the forest, and each of you catch the largest game you can. We will have a small celebration tonight, in Marik's honor. He's a true lion."

Marik blinked. "Murr?" He asked, eyes wide, and he cocked his head and flicked an ear.

Abazu laughed. "You put your own life on the line without a second thought, to protect your pride, your family." he explained as the other two lions romped off happily, roaring in joy. "You didn't show fear in yourself, or in them. You're a true lion."

Marik blinked. "I... but they... and it... I..." He stammered, looking confused, but then he frowned. "Will YOU eat this time?"

"Of course"

Marik blinked, then grinned. "Okay then. Let's party!" And he romped off towards the caves.

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

Yami busied himself getting his new apartment all set up, putting things away and arranging furniture. He was just setting up his bedroom when there was a knock on his door.

Yami blinked, and put down the bed linens he'd been about to put on his bed. "Coming!" he called, walking back through the house to the front door. He answered it, calmly, wearing for all terms of the word 'comfortable' clothes. A pair of loose denim jeans and one of his many halter-styled t-shirts.

To his surprise, there stood Mokuba, and hiding behind him, Syrus.

Yami blinked and raised an eyebrow. "....okay? What do you want?" he said crossing his arms.

Mokuba sighed and looked down, fidgeting. "I... I came to apologize... you were gone and I asked Seto where you were and... he said you had... left..."

"I did." Yami said calmly. "Nothing to apologize for. You were sick of me, and I was sick of you." He said shaking his head. "I've still got some things to do..." he said slowly. "So... if that's all you needed, no harm no foul." He said backing back into his home slightly.

Mokuba frowned. "No! That's not all... I... I said some things I didn't mean Yami, and for that I'm sorry. I just... I was... jealous."

Yami shook his head. "Nothing to be jealous of. I've got my own place, and you've got your house back." He said offering a smile. "You have your brother all to yourself. You're all welcome to visit.... providing you can agree to not TOUCH my things."

Mokuba winced again, but gave Yami a weak smile. "I... I'm sorry for being such a pain... I've always been used to having my brother to myself, ya know? Then you came along and... well..." He shrugged. "I'm sorry. I never thought I would actually... drive you away..."

"Nah... I just couldn't stand your house, and all the fighting. You rich-types are used to living in museums... I prefer smaller places." Yami replied chuckling.

Mokuba blinked, then giggled. "Yeah, I guess that place we call is house IS more of a museum. But... there's always the guest house, Yami."

Yami shook his head. "I'm good."

Mokuba sighed. "Well... ummm... okay..." He mumbled. ".... Seto misses you already...."

"It's not like I left him. I just left his house." Yami said laughing slightly. "I said he was welcome to visit me."

Mokuba snorted. "You know Seto... He's just been wandering the house and the aviary. It's quite pitiful really. It's like he suddenly doesn't know what to do with himself."

Yami rolled his eyes. "Fine fine, I'll go visit him." he said chuckling.

Mokuba smiled. "Thanks. He's gotten really depressing, and you haven't even been gone that long. Do you know HOW depressing he's been?! He's been playing with YOUR BIRD PUZZLES!!!"

Yami blinked. "That... is REALLY sad." He said looking caught between upset, and highly amused.

Mokuba giggled. "Yeah. No kidding. It's all your fault Yami! Look at what you're reduced the great Seto Kaiba to!"

Yami shook his head and stepped out, locking the door behind him. "I might as well go see him now..." he said calmly. "Get him off my toys."

Mokuba laughed. "I'm just glad he hasn't started eating the treats out of them... well... he does eat the chocolate covered fruit... when he thinks no one is looking."

Yami laughed at that and began walking with Mokuba and Syrus to the limo parked in front of his house. "That's really REALLY sad..." Yami said snickering slightly. "Well maybe I can cheer him up a little."

Mokuba giggled. "I sure as hell hope-- Syrus! Come on! Calm down and get off! Yami's NOT going to attack!"

Syrus blushed slightly and climbed off of Mokuba, getting into the limo with them and giving Yami nervous looks every so often. "Sorry..." he said softly.

Yami chuckled. "It's alright. Just stay out of my things, and I'll stop scaring you."

Mokuba grinned and went for a soda in the little mini fridge. "Yami? Are you ever gonna sleep with Dante and Dmitri to get them to shut up?"

Yami blinked. "No." He said beginning to preen. "I just flirt with them to get Seto's goat." he added chuckling. "I think they do the same because they know it entertains me to see him gaping like a codfish."

Mokuba blinked, then burst out laughing. Then Mokuba grinned. "Wanna see a picture Syrus drew? It made me laugh SO hard!" Mokuba said, and Syrus' eyes widened in horror.

Yami nodded. "Sure, why not?" He said pulling a loose feather and giving it to the horrified tween.

Mokuba grinned and pulled a piece of paper out of his back pack and handed it to Yami. There, was a drawing of Seto. With a bandana, earring, eye patch, peg leg and a sword, forcing what looked like business men to walk the plank. And there, on his shoulder, was Yami.

Yami blinked and raised his eyebrow. "Uh... wow..." He said chuckling slightly. "Aside from the fact that I'm perched on his shoulder....somehow...." Yami said tilting the paper a bit. "That's a very good picture of Seto in the morning."

Mokuba grinned. "Isn't it?! He even got that vein on his forehead above his left eye!!! And you on his shoulder... you sat on Seto's shoulder when you were little, remember?"

Yami shook his head. "Not so much." He admitted shrugging. "But I never was good at remembering things when I was small."

Mokuba giggled. "Seto hasn't seen the picture." He said. "Syrus doesn't want me to show it to him."

Yami nodded. "I don’t blame him." He said handing the picture back. "Even I couldn't predict Seto's reaction to that."

Mokuba giggled. "He's probably raise his eyebrows and then give Syrus a weird look, and then go back to work."

Yami nodded and shook his head. "He works too much."

Mokuba snorted. "Not now... he can't concentrate."

"It'll do him some good." Yami said after a moment. "He'd work himself to death otherwise."

Mokuba shrugged. "Yeah... but you know he's going nuts because he's not getting anything done."

Yami chuckled. "Gods, he's such a child."

Mokuba giggled and pet Syrus. "Yeah. He is." He agreed.

Yami got out of the limo after it pulled in front of the mansion, and walked in, followed by the twin havocs, Mokuba and Syrus. "So... where's he hanging out? Since he's prolly not in his office."

Mokuba snorted. "Actually, he would be. Playing with your toys. Or he'll just be wandering the house or in the aviary."

"Alright." And with that, Yami began his search. It didn't take long for him to find Seto, wandering down the hall towards his old room, a small bird toy in his hands. "I've heard you're eating my treats." Yami said crossing his arms.

Seto froze and his eyes widened, looking up. "Yami?! WHAT?!"

"Mokuba came to my house, telling stories of severe Seto-depression." He explained. "Playing with my toys, eating my treats... wandering around aimlessly without getting any work done..."

Seto's eyes widened and he turned red. "I have not!!" Then he slowly looked down at the bird toy in his hands. "Ummm... uh...."

"You suck at lying." Yami said amusedly. "Why so upset? It's not like I left you..."

Seto frowned. "I... I... I know you didn't. I'm... fine."

"You're lying. Seto what's wrong?" Yami said giving Seto a worried look. "You don’t play with my things or eat my treats when your fine, and you definitely don’t sit around not working all day."

"I am NOT playing with your things and EATING your TREATS!!!" Seto all but shrieked.

"Do too!" Mokuba sang from somewhere down the hall.

"Do too!" Yami agreed. "Now what in Ra's name is wrong?!"

"NOTHING!!" Seto cried, looking highly mortified by the whole situation.

"Oh... well if that's the case, I'll just get back to my home." Yami said turning to leave.

Seto blinked and watched him. "I miss you."

Yami turned and smiled. "Then instead of moping around… come see me." He said shaking his head. "Just because I moved out, doesn't mean you're not welcome in my life."

Seto blinked, then sighed. "You know... I even miss your fuckin' wake up call..."

Yami chuckled. "Well then I'll fly over every morning and wake you up." He cooed stepping closer to Seto and smiling.

Seto blinked, then laughed and tossed to toy aside, hugging Yami. "God I've missed you..." He breathed.

Yami hugged Seto back. "I haven't even been gone that long." He said wrapping his wings around his lover. "You've got it bad for me..." he teased.

Seto smiled and stroked Yami's wings. "Guilty as charged." He murmured, then kissed the bird.

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

Ryou yawned softly and cuddled up against Tachi. He'd spent the night for a while since he'd been depressed... to keep him thinking happy thoughts.

"Taaachi." he cooed softly, rousing the black bunny from his slumber with a kiss. "Wake up...."

Tachi moaned slightly, curling up tighter. Tuc and Nod looked up and over at the rabbit from among the large nest of their offspring.

Ryou giggled and tugged Tachi's ears again. "C'mon get up!" he chirped, nuzzling him. "We were gonna go to Domino gardens again and run around in the fields!"

Tachi groaned. "Are you gonna tease me again?" He mumbled. "I can't take it anymore!!! I'm gonna be shootin' blanks from now on!!!"

Ryou giggled and kissed him. "Oh come on, I don’t tease that badly..." he cooed flicking his ears. "Maybe if you catch me... I could be persuaded..."

Tachi snorted. "Yeah right. You're loyal to your *yawn* mate..." He slowly uncurled and stretched, giggling when the bunnies swarmed over him, wanting to play.

Ryou stretched, showing off his nude body. "Oh... shame... well I suppose I could always ask master Pegasus... I'm feeling needy today." He cooed, hopping out of the cage and beginning to rummage through his clothes.

Tachi snickered and rolled his eyes, then mimicked Pegasus. "Naughty bunny! NAUGHTY!!!" He laughed.

Ryou giggled softly and flicked his tail. "We'll see who's naughty." He said winking at Tachi. "Provided you haven't gotten fat and lazy with all of master's spoiling you."

Tachi snorted. "Hell no. Not with all the exercise I get chasing you."

Ryou began dressing. "Well then catch me today, and you can have ANYTHING you want."

Tachi snorted. "Riiiight... HEY!! Get off kid!!!" He laughed, turning and brushing Trigger off of his back, then he turned around and hugged him, petting him. "Crazy little cutie..."

Ryou giggled and shook his head. "Stop being such a good parent!" he giggled. "That's my family!"

Tachi smiled. "There are so many, Ryou. You can't give them all the attention they need." He said, nuzzling Trigger and beginning to groom him. "They should have named you Godzilla..."

Ryou sighed softly and shook his head. "You're making Marik look bad."

Tachi laughed. "I'm sure he's great with them."

Ryou smiled and sighed, ears drooping. "I miss him...”

Tachi smiled up at Ryou. "I'm sure things will be fine." He said.

Ryou sighed. "It's been three weeks now..." he mumbled lying down and sniffling. "Do you think he's ever coming back?"

Tachi smiled. "He had a lot of issues to work out, didn't he? Have faith in your mate." He said. "As you always have."

Ryou sighed softly. "I wish he were home..." he mumbled and got up, slinking from the room.

Tachi sighed, then hopped out of the cage and followed Ryou. "Let's go get some breakfast, huh?"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "I'm not so hungry right now..." He mumbled shaking his head and hopping down the hall. "Maybe I'll just bask in the backyard..."

Tachi sighed and nuzzled him. "Don't be sad. You promised you would try to be happy. He's doing this for you!"

Ryou whined loudly. "I WANT MY SEX!" he shouted loudly. He blushed darkly when he heard the echo. "I miss my mate..." he mumbled."

Tachi blinked, then burst out laughing when a call of "Naughty bunny!" was heard from upstairs.

Ryou whimpered and hung his head. "It's not fair..."

Tachi giggled. "I know, Ryou." He said, nuzzling Ryou.

Tachi and Ryou both blinked when the doorbell was heard, and a moment later, Pegasus answered. Ryou and Tachi peered down the stairs, blinking at Pegasus talking to Seto, Rem and Zaine, but Rem left soon, saying something about having a lot to do. Then, the three remaining men turned, and looked up at the bunnies.

Ryou blinked and raised an ear. "What's going on?"

Zaine sighed and smiled. "Ryou? Can we talk to you?"

Ryou nodded slowly. "Ok, what about?"

Zaine smiled. "Marik. We think we know where he is, and... well... Rem would have asked you but she's really busy now... we have a proposition for you."

Ryou's ears perked up at that. "Y-yes?"

Zaine smiled. "We believe he's gone back to that island." He said. "As you know, the woman who owned it was arrested, and the island was seized by the government, and a decision on what to do with it was rushed. It is, as of yesterday, an official government sponsored Hybrid Reserve. And Rem has been placed in charge. Completely. She's moving out to the island permanently in just over a week. Into the mansion, which is being turned into a Rehabilitation Center for hybrids who wish to live as humans. And you are welcome to go out there with us. And... even receive a government employment."

Ryou blinked. "G-government employment? Doing what?" He gasped, ears shooting up at that.

Zaine smiled. "Rem thought that you might like to help rehabilitate hybrids."

Ryou blushed. "Take me there! I want to find Marik!" he said firmly. "Please!"

Zaine chuckled. "Rem has even suggested Marik for a job. And I'm going to Malik and Bakura with a proposition next..."

Ryou nodded slowly and bit his lip. "Okay..." he said softly. But before anyone could react, he had scampered out the door, and was darting down the street at rapid speed.

Zaine blinked. "Hey! Where's he going?!" Tachi was immediately after Ryou.

"Ryou! Wait! Where are you going?!" He called.

Ryou sped up. "To Marik!"

Tachi blinked. "He's on an ISLAND!!!"

"And I'm going there!" Ryou called back as he ran as fast as he could. "I'm going there to find my mate!"

Tachi sped up. "They said they would take you next week!" He called.

Ryou continued darting down the streets, turning sharply, heading back the same path Marik had carried him through the rain, not so long ago. "I'm going NOW!"

Tachi frowned and followed, quickly gaining on Ryou, and tackling him to the ground. "Ryou! You can't just LEAVE like this! What about your master?! And your bunny family?!"

Ryou squirmed violently. "I want my MATE!" he growled squirming harder. "Let me go to him!"

Tachi frowned, then slapped Ryou. "CALM DOWN!!! Think... He hasn't come back yet, Ryou. Maybe he's not ready... I think you should wait and go next week. And then you can be ready and take your little family along with you."

Ryou nipped Tachi harshly. "I'm going now!"

Tachi frowned. "Now really, Ryou. How are you going to get there? And are you just going to go without saying goodbye to anyone? And leave the bunnies behind?"

"My family would understand! I want Marik! I don’t care if he's not ready! I love him how he is!" he shoved Tachi off and took off down the street again.

Tachi yelped, then chased Ryou. "Hey! R-RYOU!!!" He whined.

Ryou ran the whole way, and finally came to a pause panting harshly, watching the familiar supply ship, loading. "T-there..." he said swallowing hard, winded from his long run.

Tachi skidded to a stop. "Ryou!" He gasped, panting. "What are you doing?!"

"I'm gonna stowaway on that boat... it's going to Marik" He cooed softly swallowing again and hopping slowly towards it.

Tachi's eyes widened. "What?! Ryou, are you insane?!" He asked, following.

Ryou quickly darted behind a box and looked around before opening it and climbing in. "I'm going, are you coming or not?" he asked holding the lid open."

Tachi whimpered and pranced nervously in place a moment, then leapt into the box with Ryou. "You're crazy!"

Ryou closed the lid and gave a soft yelp when the sudden pounding of nails on the lid was heard. They were trapped in a box of lettuce being delivered as the first of many supply runs to the new hybrid reserve.

"I'm not crazy..." Ryou said softly, flicking his ears. "You're coming too aren't you?"

Tachi frowned. "I'm an innocent victim in all of this..." He mumbled.

Ryou grinned mischievously. "You won’t regret coming with me... do you know what's on that island?"

Tachi blinked. "Your mate? And a hybrid reservation?"

"A FIELD of rabbits." Ryou said smirking. "All naked and natural... women, men, bunny babies..." he cooed. "Potential... mates..."

Tachi froze, and his eyes widened and ears shot straight up. "W-What?!"

Ryou nodded. "Rabbits, at least 20. Probably more." He said licking Tachi's cheek. "All prime for the picking... and just READY for a good mate."

Tachi squeaked and began to quiver in excitement. "Are you serious?!" He gasped, his tail flicking madly. "Oh my gosh... This... this is... REALLY?!"

Ryou nodded eagerly. "Uh huh! Boy bunnies, girl bunnies, and entire PRIDE of lions for Kumani and I'm sure there's skunks for Ivy too!" he said tackling Tachi and kissing him and giggling softly. "You'll find a mate for SURE!"

Tachi shook his head, smiling in disbelief, then turned and gave Ryou a long, wet, hot passionate kiss.

Ryou blushed and nuzzled him. "Just you wait, I'll take you there after I find Marik... then you can meet all the bunnies who took care of me while I was there. There's a REALLY pretty sandy colored doe, she's beautiful... but then again there was a really handsome silver rabbit too..."

Tachi squeaked and wiggled in excitement, and it took Ryou a long time to calm Tachi down for the ride over to the island...

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

Ryou yawned softly, nibbling on a piece of lettuce as they waited to be unloaded. "Tachi you awake?”

Tachi yawned and nodded. "Yeah..." He said softly, stretching. "Wow... Lettuce is comfy!!" And he began to devour a whole head.

Ryou giggled and nodded, flicking his ears. "Yummy too." He cooed. They both gave silent yelps when the crate was hoisted off the boat and set on the dock. Then they heard the nails start to be removed, they both crouched, ready to spring out and dart into the jungle.

And as soon as the lid came off, they shot out of that crate so fast, that one man stumbled away and toppled into the ocean. The pair of rabbits fled as fast as their legs could take them, ears back and eyes wide as they listened to the commotion behind them.

Once they'd run quite far from the commotion, Ryou slowed and panted softly. "Th-this is it..." he cooed looking around, flicking his ears. "Now to look for Marik..."

Tachi gulped. "R-Ryou... this... this is a jungle!" He gasped.

Ryou nodded. "Uh huh and there's a whole pride of lions here!"
Tachi froze, eyes wide. "WHAT?! RYOU!!! Why did you bring me here?! Are you CRAZY!!! Sure, Kumani and Marik are okay, but... RYOU!!!!"

Ryou laughed. "I'm an official pride member! They'd never hurt me!" he said proudly. "Because I'm Marik's mate!"

Tachi's jaw dropped. "What?!"

Ryou nodded. "We'll be ok. The lions won’t eat rabbits." he clarified.

Tachi shivered. "But... others would..."

"Like who?" Ryou said confused. "I never saw anything but lions here... oh yeah... I did hear wolves..."

Tachi squeaked and pressed up against Ryou. "W-We shouldn't have come! We should have waited til next week!"

"Don’t be so scared! We're fine! No predators in earshot! I can’t smell any, hear any, see any. We're fine." Ryou said softly, licking Tachi's cheek. "C'mon, we'll find the lions and be at the rabbit meadows before nightfall.”

Tachi gulped. "We're going literally into the lion's den..." He whined, but followed Ryou.

Ryou and Tachi wandered the jungle all day, until the sun was beginning to set, and the worst of the wicked beasts were slowly creeping into the forest, for their dinners.

"Marik?" Ryou called loudly.

Tachi shivered. "W-We should dig a burrow." He whispered. "Right away... Hide..."

Ryou frowned, flicking his ears. "Tachi..." he said looking upset. "How will we find Marik if we hide?" he pouted.

"How will we find Marik if we're DEAD?" Tachi shot back. "And eaten!"

"We're fast, we wont get eaten!" Ryou said crossing his arms, sitting down. "Don’t worry so much... I know it's scary, but once we find Marik he'll take care of us."

Tachi gulped. "O-Okay..." He whimpered.

"Marik!" Ryou called loudly once more, as they once again hopped slowly through the jungle. Though stalking close behind, was one of three silver wolves.... each looking at the rabbits quite hungrily.