Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 3

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Seto paced back and forth across his office. It had been hours since he had sent Yami out looking or Bakura. The bird hadn't come back, and Seto was worried sick. He was SURE that Bakura and Yami had both been victims of foul play. He cursed himself for sending Yami out all by himself... he should have called Mrs. Miyoko and asked her to send her cockatoo, Kira, along with Yami. But now it was too late...

Yami groaned softly, flapping awkwardly and landing ungracefully on the balcony to Seto's office. True he was awake, but he still felt very out of it. "Seto...” He called softly, shaking his head slightly and knocking on the glass doors. "Seto.” He said again slowly seeming to recover from his drowziness.

Seto whirled and ran to the French doors and flung them open.

"YAMI!!” He seized the bird and crushed him in a hug. "Yami, oh thank God!!! I was so worried... What happened?! Where have you been?! What's wrong?!"

Yami rested his head against Seto, letting his wings droop. "they shot me...” He mumbled slowly, yawning. "Tranquilizers... I just woke up... I got away.” He mumbled in a fragmented sentence.

Seto's eyes widened. "WHAT?!! Who?! Yami, who were they!?” He asked as he swung the bird up into his arms and rushed him into the bathroom where he ran a warm bath. He stripped Yami and gently lowered him into the water, picking up a sponge and gently running it over his wings and face. "Tell me, Yami... No sign of Bakura?"

Yami yawned once more, shaking his head. "I... don’t know who they were... I was looking for him... and they just shot me. My shoulder's killin me...” He mumbled groaning slightly, trying to sit up, despite his now heavy with water wings.

"Easy... relax...” Seto said. "I'll be right back...” He walked out of the room and returned a few minutes later. "Dr. Inogawa is on his way, and so are the others... just relax, okay? Can I get you anything?"

Yami groaned. "They said I was a stray...” he mumbled slowly, trying vainly to reach his sore shoulder with the sponge.

Seto snatched the sponge and gently ran it over Yami's shoulder.

"A stray? Why would they say that? You were wearing your tags and collar...” Seto frowned, glancing at said tags and collar.

"I told them that...” Yami said wincing. "Ra that hurts... damn darts...” He grumbled. "The guy said that he was just doing his job... I barely got away. He had me pinned, and not in the good ways.” He said, moving his wings and gasping painfully. "I struggled and got a wing loose... Ra I think I might have broken something... I kept hitting him with it...”

Seto frowned. "Really?” He stroked Yami's wing, gently. "Feels okay, but we'll see what Dr. Inogawa says. Now, are you ready to get out? They'll be here soon."

Yami nodded. "Yeah...” He mumbled shaking his head and with Seto's help stood. "Could you get me something to wear while I try to wring out my wings so I don’t drip water all over the place...?” He asked, beginning said task.

Seto snorted. "Oh, just do whatever you want. Go ahead and shake them out, I don't care. I'll get you some clothes." And he ran from the room.

Yami laughed softly continuing to wring out his feathers, rather than ruin the bathroom. He smiled calmly, his wing was too sore to bother with that idea anyway. He finished quickly enough, though his feathers looked terribly ruffled and out of place, and were still quite damp.

He picked up a towel and began ruffling his hair dry. "Seto?” He called, wrapping the towel around his waist and seeking his companion.

"Yes?" Seto replied, walking out of his bedroom with some nice warm sweats for Yami, and little bedroom slippers. "Here."

Yami chuckled and took them. "Thanks...” He said putting on the sweats, as per usual not bothering with undergarments, and slipping on the slippers. "I really should invest in some boxers... when it comes to sweatpants...” He said offering Seto a smile.

Seto grinned. "But then I can't do this!” He said, slipping his hand down Yami's pants as they walked down the hall and rubbing his bottom. "Baby soft...” Seto snickered when Yami turned red.

"Do you MIND?!” He yelped jerking away, face a dark red. "You're shameless sometimes I swear...” Yami huffed looking away, to hide his deepening blush.

Seto laughed, and wrapped an arm around Yami, stopping and hugging him. "I love you...” He murmured, softly, running a hand up and down Yami's back. "I was SO worried. I'm glad you're alright...” And his nuzzled his face into Yami's hair, then kissed his forehead.

Yami sighed and laid his head on Seto's shoulder. "I'm fine... it'd take more than three men, a tranquilizer dart and a white unmarked van to take me down." Yami mumbled. "It probably would have taken four men."

Seto rolled his eyes. "Cock.” He said softly.

"I heard that.” He blinked and turned to give Marik a look.

"where is everyone?"

"Downstairs. Malik is a wreck. Rem isn't much better, she's worried sick over Bakura... And Ryou is half frantic. Dr. Inogawa is trying to calm them all down." The lion said.

Yami nodded and followed Seto downstairs.

Ryou sniffled softly, still trying to calm Malik and Rem down, though he was shaking from his own inner turmoil. This whole ordeal made him sick with worry and fear.

Yami groaned as the good Dr. Inogawa left Rem to Marik, moving to look at Yami's wing. "So what happened?” He asked, gently groping the wing, feeling each individual bone and joint.

"I was looking for Bakura... someone shot with me a tranquilizer dart." Yami said slowly. "The guy said I was a stray, and that he couldn't let strays roam the streets... there was three of them. He grabbed me and started to take me to a white van and I managed to get a wing free and hit him with it. He didn't care at all about my tags." Yami explained. "I think it's a safe bet they probably got Bakura...” He added. "I also think it's very unsafe for us to be unaccompanied on the streets...”

Seto frowned and nodded. "That's a safe bet... Marik, Ryou, Malik... I don't want ANY of you out on the street alone. EVER. I don't want these guys to--"

"YAMI!!!" Seto blinked and turned, looking at the doorway to the room. Yugi ran in. "YAMI!" His face was streaked with tears and his eyes were wide and frightened. He had a scrape on his arm and a bruising eye.

"Yugi?!" Seto gasped.

Yami blinked and shook his head. "Yugi, Ra what happened?!” He asked, pulling away from Dr. Inogawa to hug Yugi. "You're a mess...” He cooed, trying to soothe his injured and frightened brother. "What happened?” He asked once more.

Ryou whimpered, beginning to pull his own ears harshly, a bad habit he'd adopted when he became frightened or worried in amounts he couldn't handle. "Y-Yugi what happened?!"

Yugi shook his head. "W-We were coming over like Seto had said... and... And these men jumped out of a van... and... And they took him! They took Otogi!!!" And the boy collapsed into hysterical sobs. Seto and Marik stood stunned hardly believe that this had happened.

Yami wrapped his good wing around Yugi. "Shh it's ok... it's ok Yugi...” He whispered hugging him tight. "We'll get him back. How'd you get all these bruises? Did those men do that?” He asked softly, gently rubbing Yugi's back.

Ryou looked at Marik and whimpered, shaking his head. "I... this is awful. Marik... th-they're after all of us... they're trying to get us! W-what if it's those horrible men who started this whole thing? W-what if they're angry that we exposed them?!” He said frantic, looking near hyperventilation.

"They hit me when I tried to help Otogi!" Yugi cried as Marik went to Ryou and hugged him. "Otogi bit one of them, and they gave him a shot and he passed out... I kicked the man in the knee, and he hit me!" Marik gathered both Ryou and Malik close, nuzzling and purring, grooming their ears in an attempt to calm them down, but he was shooting worried looks at Seto and Rem.

Yami frowned and nuzzled Yugi. "It'll be ok...” He whispered softly.

Rem frowned. "Marik, Malik... Ryou." She said softly, hugging them. "I don’t think it's safe for you to be alone on the streets. I'm almost afraid enough for you to say that Marik should stay here, and that Malik and Ryou should go to Pegasus. This is out of control... you're all in danger...” She said softly, shaking her head. "We don’t know who's kidnapping you, or why."

Marik frowned and shook his head. "No... I am NOT letting Ryou out of my sight! OR Malik... I will take care of him with Bakura missing...” He said fiercely, clutching the two to his chest. Seto sighed.

"I'm going to go call Pegasus and tell him what's happened... so he can keep an eye on his hybrids, too...” The CEO said, getting up and heading out of the room.

Yami hugged Yugi tight. "It's ok Yugi...” He whispered.

Ryou sniffled. "Marik... are you sure? B-Bakura was pretty strong... and he didn't have anyone to defend...” He said softly. "W-what if...”

Marik shook his head. "I am NOT letting you out of my sight, Ryou!” He said firmly. "From now on, you and I go EVERY where together. And Malik... Malik can stay with us, okay? So he won't be alone. We go to and from work together, if a trip to the store is needed, we ALL go... We are NEVER apart... I won’t let anything happen to you, OR Master Malik...” Marik said. Calling Malik 'Master' was a slip up that only happened when he was very scared and worried... so everyone knew he was more scared than he was letting on to.

Ryou sniffled. "Marik... you called him master...” He whispered. "A-are you sure we shouldn't just stay at Pegasus' house for a few days?” He whimpered softly.

Rem nodded. "Marik... I really think you should stay with Seto... these men seem to be seeking hybrids that aren't with their masters...”

Marik shook his head. "We finally got settled in, Rem!! I will NOT be forced out of my home!” He buried his face into Ryou's hair. "I can't go running off to hide whenever something goes wrong!"

Rem frowned. "Marik... something didn't go wrong. TWO things went horribly disastrous! Your best friend got KIDNAPPED!" She said sternly. "I really think you should do this for me... I'll feel better,"

Marik whined and his ears lay back. "... Fine...” He finally said. "But I am going with Ryou and Malik, wherever they are going!" And he began to feverishly groom Malik's ears as Ryou was curled into his chest. Seto sighed and walked in.

"Pegasus is very upset. His hedgehog went out and never came back...” The CEO said grimly.

Rem sighed. "Well... I'm going to take Malik Ryou and Marik to Pegasus' house. Don’t let Yami out of your sight. If he needs to fly, make sure it's where there are a lot of people, and that you're with him." She warned. "We don’t want any more people getting kidnapped.”

Dr. Inogawa nodded, reaching into his bag and giving Yami a shot in his wing. "This will ease the pain, you just bruised the bone, and you’ll feel better in a day or two." He sighed standing. "I'm going to warn the other hybrids to stay with their masters, or with other hybrid friends who have masters. We don’t need anyone else disappearing.” He said calmly, leaving.

Yami hugged Yugi close. "We'll get Otogi back...” He whispered looking at Seto worriedly, his expression clearly saying what he didn't want to voice. 'What are we going to do?'

Seto sighed and looked at Rem. "Rem... Pegasus has enough to worry about... While I'm sure that he would love to have Ryou, he already has five hybrids that he's caring for... giving him three more... I don't think that's a good idea...”

"He's their owner Seto... unless you're willing to take them in?" She said shaking her head. "I don’t want to see them kidnapped...” She said softly. "It's either you or Pegasus... it's too dangerous for them to be without an escort... even Marik's afraid."

Seto sighed and looked at Yami.

"I... I don't wanna go to Pegasus...” Malik whined, fixing pleading eyes on Rem. "I don't wanna go back there... Not after he...” He shuddered and hid his face in Marik's shoulder.

Yami sighed softly. "Seto we can’t send them home... there's nothing to protect them... and they can’t exactly fly on top of a house to get away like I did...” He said shaking his head.

Rem hugged Malik. "Seto please? If you send them home, they're walking targets...”

Seto sighed and sat down, rubbing his forehead. He really, REALLY didn't want a bunch of hybrids running around his wonderfully quiet home again... But Yami was right. And he did care about their safety.

"Can we come home with you?" Marik was currently asking Rem.

"You all can stay here...” Seto muttered.

Rem patted Marik on the head. "Seto said you can stay sweetie... I'll come visit every day so I can help him take care of you. He's probably going to miss his nice quiet house...

Yami snorted. "He's not the only one who will miss it... but what's a little peace and quiet compared to the lives of friends?” He said smiling softly. "I'll let Ryou use my room, since I hardly use it at all anyway...” He chuckled. "Seems Seto likes to cuddle up to warm fluffy things at night...”

Ryou giggled softly. "Marik likes warm fluffy things too...”

Marik sighed and relaxed slightly, purring and nuzzling Ryou and Malik both.

"Marik, you can return to your room...” Seto said, and Marik nodded his thanks.

"We... we should go home and pack a few of our things...” Marik said softly, licking Ryou's cheek.

Ryou whimpered softly. "I... I suppose... but I don’t really want to...” he mumbled. "It's almost dark... it'd be easier for these horrible people...”

Rem nodded. "I can go get your things for you...” She offered "Just tell me what you need."

Marik stood. "I'll go with you.” He said.

Rem smiled. "Alright Marik...” She said laughing. "I'll let the dominant male lion come so his frightened mate can stay home safely with Seto." She giggled at Ryou's dark blush.

Yami chuckled. "It's cute that he acts like that. Seto does the same thing, when he thinks I'm scared or in trouble.” He said shaking his head.

Seto rolled his eyes. "I do not, now stop that.” He said. Marik turned and nuzzled both Ryou and Malik with a purr.

"I'll be home soon, okay?” He said.

Ryou nodded slowly. "Alright Marik... please! Be careful... i-if something bad happens... be safe... I don’t know what I'll do if you don’t come home...” He mumbled latching onto Malik fearfully, as though he were somehow giving up Marik once he stepped out that door.

Rem sighed. "Don’t worry Ryou... we'll be ok. It's not that far." She said softly patting him on the head. With that, both she and the lion left.

Marik bounded out to the car on all fours and climbed into the passenger seat, his ears up and his tail wagging. Even in all this chaos, and even through his fear, he was still excited by the prospect of riding in the front seat of the car with Rem.

Rem laughed, getting into the driver side. "No rolling down the window today Marik ok sweetie?" She said patting his head. "With people shooting darts everywhere, it's just not safe. I'll turn on the vents really high though, how about that?" She asked smiling.

Marik pouted. "Murrrrrr...” But he understood Rem's refusal to roll down the window, so he settled for pushing buttons on the dash board instead.

Rem laughed loudly. "Don’t you push too many, if you blow up this car how will we get you back to Ryou?" She said playfully swatting at his hands. "Now you behave you silly pussycat." She began the drive to their house laughing all the way.

Once they got there, Marik let out an upset "MROW!!!" and ducked.

Rem blinked and looked at Marik. "What's the matter Marik?" She asked quickly. "Are you ok?!"

"Dogs!" Marik whimpered, and Rem turned to look at the pair of Rottweilers in the front yard of the house next door. And a lady stood on the porch, watering her plants with the garden hose.

Rem burst out laughing. "Marik, you could EAT those dogs." She said amusedly. "You're a lion, they're puny dogs. What's the matter with you?" She said laughing softly and stepping up to Marik's side of the duplex. "Hurry up then, lets get you packed."

Marik whimpered and slowly slipped from the car. The dogs turned, and Marik froze, eyes wide. The dogs' ears perked and then they charged towards the lion, barking in excitement.

"GRROOOOWWAAARRR!!!!" Marik roared and ran straight up a tree. The dogs were immediately under him, jumping up and down, barking.

"MANGY HYBRID!!!" The woman screeched. "STOP UPSETTING MY DOGS!!!" And she turned the hose onto the lion in the tree, soaking him.

Rem laughed and hoisted up both dogs, carrying them back to the woman. "Ma'am, there are leash laws. Your dogs are frightening your neighbors... keep them tethered and he won’t 'upset' them." She said calmly, putting the dogs down.

The woman lowered the hose and glared at Rem. "What are you doin?! Put my dogs down!!! They don't need leashes, they stay in my yard until THAT filthy beast comes around!!" She gave Marik a spray in the face. "And yeah, there ARE leash laws... shouldn't THAT monster be on a leash?! Are YOU his owner? Keep him in doors or in your backyard inside the fence! And the OTHERS, too!"

"Ma'am, he's not an animal. he's a person, now if you don’t keep YOUR animals tethered and I find out about it, I will be calling the authorities." She said calmly. "And learn to treat your neighbors respectfully, you're quite rude." She said turning and leaving. "Marik come down and unlock your door so we can get the things you need." She said calmly.

Marik nodded and opened his mouth to say something, but got a face full of water instead. Rem turned to glare at the woman, but she turned and walked into her house with the dogs, and slammed the door.

"I hate that old hag...” Marik grumbled, shivering and dripping with water. He climbed out of the tree and went to the front door, and unlocked it. He walked in and stood still, staring at the doorways to the living room, and the hallway to the bedroom. And he sighed and drooped. No Ryou... No Tuc... No Nod... No Dust... No one came to welcome him home...

"It's ok Marik...” Rem said softly, scratching his ears. "Be strong for Ryou. go get changed and gather what you think you need. I'll wait right here ok sweetie?" She said softly.

Marik sighed and nodded, heading back to the bedroom. He changed into some dry clothes, then grabbed a duffel bag and filled it with clothes, and his and Ryou's work clothes, too. He hefted the back to his shoulder and headed out of the room. But then he paused and looked back, then snatched the bunny and pegasus plushy that sat on the dresser. Then he went out to Rem, and led her over to Malik and Bakura's home, using the spare key he had to get in. He went back to their bedroom and got Malik some clothes, then returned to Rem with a nod.

Rem smiled and hugged him. "Now lets hurry...” She said softly, but with urgency. She wasn't eager to have something happen while Marik was with her. She eagerly opened the car door for Marik once he'd locked up the duplex and then climbed into the driver side, as he closed the door behind him.

She started the car, and they drove off. "Don’t worry Marik... this will clear up soon enough." she said softly. "Then we'll all be back to normal again. Just think how fun Easter will be!"

Marik blinked. "Huh? Easter?"

Rem nodded grinning. "Don’t you know? The Easter bunny?"

Marik quirked an eyebrow, then smirked. "Just what are you implying, Rem?"

"Exactly what you're thinking Marik." She said giggling. "You could always get him some Cadbury Creme eggs." (heh)

(Cadbury Cream Eggs? As in my one-shot?

( ^____________^ exactly

( LMFAO!!!

Marik snickered. "You're a bad influence on me.” He said.

Rem laughed and scratched his ear once more. "You know you were thinking about it before I said anything." She said amused. "Don’t you try to blame me for your naughty little escapades."

Marik grinned and purred at the scratch. "Hey, I was thinking about Bakura before you brought it up. YOU'RE the dirty minded one, here."

Rem laughed. "You goof, I meant you were thinking about that when you think about EASTER." She said shaking her head.

Marik snorted. "Maybe... but I ain't admitting ANY thing!” He said, and started pushing buttons again.

Rem chuckled, pulling up to Seto's house. "Now you hurry inside Marik...” She said softly. "Take care of Ryou and Malik while Bakura's gone... I'm counting on you to be the big male for them." She said softly, giving his ears one last scratch.

Marik purred and leaned into the scratch, then licked Rem's cheek before jumping out of the car and running up to the front door. He opened the door and gave her a grin and a wave before disappearing into the house.

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Bakura winced at a very loud shrieking "LET GO OF ME YOU MOTHER FUCKERS!!!” He sighed and curled up tighter. "HANDS OFF, PERVERT!!!” He growled and lifted his head, irritated at being awoken. But then he looked around and remember where he was. And then, he realized that the screaming was... familiar. He darted out of the corner and ran to the front of his cage and looked out.

"DAMMIT I SAID LET ME GO!" Otogi howled biting at Rafel, trying to fight against the men tugging him by the collar. "I REFUSE!” He howled digging his claws into the carpet and putting all his weight against being pulled. "I'll not be your little whore! I have standards!"

Bakura's eyes widened. "Dice Boy?!" He gasped, then stood, pulling his kimono down to hide his equipment. "Otogi! OTOGI!!!"

Otogi blinked, struggling against the men. "Bakura?! God Bakura! Malik was hysterical! We were going to see Seto when these guys--!" Otogi yelped, and began forcing himself to walk backwards, seemingly playing tug-o-war with Rafel. "Kidnapped me! Poor Yugi got beaten pretty badly!"

"Have you seen Malik, though?! Is he okay?!" Bakura asked, his tail lashing frantically. "How about Yugi?! They didn't hurt him bad, did they?! HEY UGLY!!! Let the panther talk, huh?!"

Rafel grunted and tugged at Otogi more. "Shut up rat!” He hissed.

Otogi growled. "I don’t think it's anything serious... but he'll have a black ey--ack!" Otogi lost some footing. "Malik was in tears last I heard, I didn't get to see him. They kidnapped me before I could--" Otogi gasped as he lost more footing, the carpet not offering much traction. "Take care of yourself Bakura!!" Otogi shouted, now out of sight of the skunk. "MALIK MISSES YOU!"

Bakura screamed and slammed his fists against the glass of his cage. He listened to Otogi continue fighting, and then the sound of a door closing. But he could still hear the panther raising hell. A moment later, Rafel and the two men walked by. Bakura raised his tail and flattened his ears, baring his teeth and growling.

"Oh shut up rat. We brought you a little gift. " Rafel said chuckling. One of the men opened the door, and dumped the quivering contents of a small box into Bakura's room, locking the door behind them once more.

There, curled up on the floor among a small white blanket, was a trembling ball of black and white fur.

Bakura's eyes widened and he dropped, scooping the bundle into his arms and scuttling back into his corner with Tuc, Nod and Dust. There, he lay the blanket down and moved it to get to its contents.

"Spunky...” He whispered, uncovering the baby bunny. Tuc and Nod moved in, also excited to see him back, but concerned as to what his condition was.

Spunky whimpered softly, opening his eyes, which had lost their ruby luster, and were now a dark brown. Though once he caught sight of Bakura, he weakly forced himself up on his little paws, his tail raising out of the blankets.

"Oh by the way, I couldn't save him." Rafel chuckled. "Seems Dai went right to work.” He laughed, leaving Bakura to deal with the monstrous new bunny.

Bakura's eyes widened as he stared down at Spunky.

"Spunky...? Oh, Spunky...” He breathed as Tuc and Nod sniffed over their baby.

Spunky quivered slightly, seemingly still wracked with intense pain. He still had long floppy ears, though he had a slight mop of fur on his head, that was longer than his other fur, that had grown out and turned black, in a perfect longhaired line down his back, ending at an elongated tail, which still seemed to be growing, and sprouting fur.

Daisuke smirked from the window. "Do you like it Bakura? I gave him a particularly violent new treatment... it induces the changes at a much more rapid rate... but induces immense agony. He'll be lucky to live through it...” He said smirking. "But if he does, just think of all the fun you'll have, two skunks playing together."

Bakura's eyes widened and he backed away. "He... you've made him a... a hybrid? A rabbit skunk hybrid?" Then, his eyes narrowed. "He's... in pain?” He whirled. "DAMN YOU! He's just a baby!!” He launched himself at the glass and slammed into it, angrily. "HE'S JUST A FUCKIN' BABY!!! IF HE DIES, SO WILL YOU, YOU SADDISTIC FUCKER!!!"

Daisuke smirked. "Save your energy for fucking someone.” He said chuckling. "You may want to cherish the last day you'll have with him, I doubt that he'll make it through today.” He said calmly, beginning to walk away.

Spunky whimpered, weakly staggering towards Bakura, wanting to be near his beloved friend. He collapsed in the middle of the floor and panted painfully, closing his eyes once more, small body wracking with pain.

Bakura screamed and banged on the side of his cage again, but turned at Spunky's pained whimper and scooped him up, taking him back to the corner and settling down, cuddling the baby bunny.

"Shhhh... it's okay, Spunky... You can beat this... I know you can... Just rest... shhh... I'm right here with you... I'm here... daddy's here... daddy's here...” And he began to gently groom the baby bunny, while Tuc and Nod sat curled up with Dust nearby, and watched.

Spunky gave a pained squeal and whimpered once more, curling up tightly, his pained quivering increasing. Dust whimpered softly, looking at his brother and then to Bakura. Tuc and Nod nuzzled Dust, gently pulling him back to give Spunky room.

Spunky whimpered once more, panting softly and opening his mouth to gently nibble Bakura's finger, thirsty.

Bakura gulped and whimpered back, nuzzling him, then looking around. He spotted a water bottle on the wall and went over to it. He wet his fingers, then returned and held them to Spunky's mouth.

"C'mon, baby...” Bakura crooned, nuzzling the little bunny.

Spunky whimpered softly eagerly licking away every drop of water from Bakura's fingers and offering him a weakened nuzzle as thanks for his efforts.

Bakura sighed and curled around the bunnies again, preparing to stay awake with Spunky as long as he was needed to...

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

Marik sighed as they all piled out of Seto's limo and walked into The Jungle.

"Seto? Who... who's gonna run the bar?" The lion asked, nuzzling his mate. Seto frowned.

"Malik? Can you handle that?" The CEO asked.

Malik nodded slowly. "Yeah... I can do it.” He mumbled softly, seemingly half-hearted at taking over his lover's position. Yami sighed as well. "I'll DJ for tonight...” He mumbled, seeming none to thrilled at taking Otogi's place either. Sure he wanted DJ, but certainly not at that cost.

Ryou sighed softly and nuzzled Marik. "Marik...” He whispered giving him a sad look. Words just couldn't express...

Marik sighed and nodded, nuzzling Ryou.

"Yami...” Seto said, following the bird to where he would start warming up the equipment. "Every hour, I want you to make an announcement. I want you to warn the people in here that no hybrid is to be allowed outside alone. Tell them that there have been disappearances... I called Police Chief Yuyama... Bakura, Otogi, and Pegasus' hedgehog aren't the only hybrids missing... there have been a lot of calls to the police in the last couple of weeks... We have to get the word out. Will you do that? Every hour?” He stroked Yami's cheek in loving concern.

Yami nodded leaning into Seto's touch. "Of course...” He mumbled looking down. "This is why I keep telling Yugi to stay human...” he mumbled. "I don’t think things well ever... really be fixed for us. I'm used to it though.” He said offering a weak smile. "The psychos hunt ME down like I'm a precious jewel... but seeing my friends...” He sighed.

Seto sighed and nodded, then hugged Yami. "I love you.” He said. It was at times like this, that he felt he couldn't say that enough.

Marik and Ryou helped Malik get the bar ready, and half an hour later, Rem entered, bringing Rex in for work, along with Weevil the chinchilla, Espa the lemur, twin Siamese cat sisters, a female sugar glider named Sybil, and a wolf named Caine who was the assistant chef. Rex and Weevil were busboys, and Espa and the females were waitresses. And right behind them came a pink female cockatoo, Kira, who was also a waitress, and owned by Mrs. Miyoko, a supporter of the ideas of hybrid rights.

Ryou smiled slightly. "Be careful everyone... if there's trash to take out, make sure Seto or Rem goes with you...” He said softly, bowing.

Rem nodded. "No one is to leave the building without an escort." She explained. "There have been a mass of hybrid kidnappings... and I don’t want anyone else lost." she said sighing.

The hybrids all glanced around at each other, nervously.

"But... I fly to and from work...” Kira said, looking scared.

"I'm sure Rem will drive you home." Seto said to her. "I'd have Yami escort you to and from work, but that would leave him to fly to and from the house on his own, and he's already suffered a kidnapping attempt today... As you all have noticed, Otogi and Bakura aren't here... I'm afraid that Bakura went missing this morning. And Otogi was kidnapped off of the streets this afternoon, right in front of Yugi."

Ryou hugged Marik, sniffling softly.

Malik however had his eyes downcast, tears welling in them. "Bakura...” He mumbled miserably.

Yami sighed, his wings drooping. "Everyone just... be careful. If you feel threatened, tell Seto or Rem.” He said calmly. "There's no reason to go outside alone."

Rem nodded in agreement. "I'll go with you, if you need to take out the trash, or any other reason. Do NOT go outside alone."

They all nodded, and within the next hour, the club was open. Marik was even more vigilant in his bouncing duties, and warned people who came in with their hybrids not to let them out of their sight. Ryou was more soft spoken than usual as he led people to their tables, and Marik was quite vicious whenever anyone dared to grope his mate's little behind.

As promised, Yami made the announcement every hour on the dot. It was a sad night for The Jungle. Ryou sniffled softly, hardly able to hide his distress and fear. But he hid his tears, offering each group that came in, a warm smile and good seats.

He returned to the front and looked at Marik, ears back in fear. "Do... you think Bakura's ok?” He asked softly.

Marik sighed. "I hope so.” He said softly, then lifted his head as his nose twitched. He smiled. "You have a visitor...” He said.

"Ryou!" Pegasus called, walking into the club and over to Ryou, hugging him tightly.

"Master!" Ryou gasped, clinging to him. "Master... th-they took Bakura and Otogi!” He said shaking his head, clinging to Pegasus and sniffling. "I'm so scared...”

"I know, baby... I know... oh, precious... I'm so worried about you...” He looked at Marik. "All of you...” and he gave the lion a scratch behind the ears. Marik gave him a slight purr of gratitude, but Pegasus could tell that it was forced. "I know you're worried about your skunk friend.” He said sympathetically to Marik.

"Murrrrrr...” Marik said with a sad nod. "Seto said your hedgehog...” Pegasus nodded grimly.

"He went out and never came back...” Pegasus said. "I'm worried about him... Don’t worry. We'll find them.” He told the two hybrids, and kissed the top of Ryou's head.

Ryou sniffled. "W-would you like a seat?” He offered weakly. "I... I can get you o-one with a nice view...” He mumbled, ears drooping.

Pegasus smiled and nodded. "As long as it's of you.” He said, and Marik glared, making the man laugh. "I'm not moving in on your mate, calm down!"

Ryou laughed softly, giving Pegasus a kiss and nuzzling him. "Marik's just worried...” He said softly, picking up a menu and leading Pegasus through the club to a table within view of him. "I'm scared... We're staying with Seto... b-but times like these make me long for my cage... safe in your arms...” He mumbled softly, looking down.

Pegasus smiled. "I would take you and let you stay in your cage, but it has been over-run by squirrels a badger and a hedgehog as of late...” The man chuckled. "How is Malik holding up?"

Ryou sighed. "He's miserable... He misses Bakura... We're all worried about him. But we don’t know where they took him... no one has seen him... he's just... gone." Ryou replied softly, nuzzling Pegasus.

Pegasus sighed and nodded. "He had your bunnies when he disappeared?” He asked.

Ryou nodded sniffling softly. "Precious Baby is the only bunny left...” He mumbled, ears drooping. "Is he ok?"

Pegasus blinked, then smiled and nodded, pulling Ryou into his lap. "Precious is fine.” He said softly, cuddling and petting Ryou like he used to when he got upset or scared. "Precious follows me around everywhere I go now... He has a little cage in my room for when I have to leave and can't take him with me. He's there now...”

Ryou nodded sniffling softly and curling up into Pegasus' arms closing his eyes. "Why is this happening? I... I thought everything would be better now... y-you're here... Marik's here... but...” Ryou nuzzled closer and shivered. "W-what if they get Marik? What if they get ME?"

"I would search for you." Pegasus said softly. "You and Marik both. And I will help search for Bakura.” He stroked Ryou's back, and flicked his little tail. "Master will help. Come on now, it will all be okay... who's my good bunny?"

Ryou sighed softly nuzzling into Pegasus once more. "I'm your good bunny.” He mumbled flicking his ears softly. "I'll always be your good bunny." He cooed smiling softly.

Pegasus smiled. "I love you, baby... Now go on... Those people are waiting to be seated. And just LOOK at that cute lady bunny they have with them! Oh, she's giving you the eye...” Pegasus chuckled, teasing Ryou. Female bunnies always got horny when they saw Ryou, and got very seductive and suggestive.

Ryou smiled and got up, hurrying over to seat the new guests. "H-hello, welcome to The Jungle. S-smoking or non?” He asked, pulling out enough menus for everyone.

"Non-smoking." the man said.

"But things can GET smokin’...” The female bunny said. The man's wife turned red and her eyes widened before she burst out laughing.

"Muffy!" She scolded as the female looked Ryou up and down.

Ryou blushed slightly. "U-um... yes... follow me.” He said shyly, leading them to a table and passing out menus as they sat. "W-we advise you not t-to let your hybrid out alone... there's kidnappers out... we've lost 3 t-to date...” He mumbled, ears drooping.

The man blinked and looked up. "Excuse me?” He said, frowning in concern.

"Kidnappers?!" the woman gasped, and the female's ears shot up and her eyes widened.

Ryou nodded. "Yes... they pick up strays. S-so please don’t leave your hybrid unattended...” He mumbled shaking his head. "Or something awful could happen."

"I'm not a stray!" the female gasped. "I have my collar!"

Ryou nodded. "Our DJ had his too, but he almost got kidnapped today.” He said motioning to Yami. "It's safer to just be near your family... don’t take chances."

The bunny paled, then cuddled closer to her mistress, who pet her.

"Thank you for alerting us." The man said with a nod to Ryou.

Ryou nodded. "We've been alerting everyone we can.” He said smiling and leaving them.

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

Dartz sat at his desk, tapping his fingers and waiting for Daisuke to bring him more files. He looked over the pictures of the skunk, the panther, a hedgehog and a deer that had been brought in over the past forty eight hours.

Daisuke hurried in, carrying a fresh stack of papers. "Here sir. My men said that they couldn't get Yami, the tranquilizers weren't strong enough for him.” He said shaking his head. "I'm terribly sorry.” He handed the stack of papers to Dartz to examine.

"Hmm. I'm surprised they were able to get close enough to him to SHOOT him...” He said, flipping through the files. Once again, he would set a few aside, pause at a few, and some he hardly paid attention to. Then, he stopped.

"That one.” He said. "He's magnificent... we could use more beasts like him... It would be good for business... I want this King of Beasts added to my collection.” He turned and handed to file to Daisuke. "I want him."

Daisuke nodded. "Do you want me to send a vial of stronger tranquilizer so they can try to get Yami again, once his guard is down?” He asked, taking the file and smiling.

"Perhaps...” Dartz said. "Tell me about that lion... it said he was one of your earlier experiments?"

Daisuke nodded. "One of the first.”

Dartz nodded. "Will he be difficult to handle? How aggressive is he?” He asked. "Should we play it safe and leave this one alone?"

Dai chuckled. "He CAN be aggressive... but that's where his mate comes into play.” He explained calmly.

Dartz looked interested. "A lioness, eh? We could use one of those, too...” And he started flipping through files, looking for her.

Daisuke burst into laughter. "He isn't mated to another lion."

Dartz blinked. "He's not?” He stopped flipping through files and looked at Daisuke.

"Not at all. His 'mate' is a rabbit. I believe he's in those files as well." Daisuke said shaking his head.

Dartz blinked. "Rabbit? Ooookay...” He started flipping through files again, but stopped. "You said 'he'?"

Daisuke nodded. "Indeed, the lion's gay, or at least bi.” He said calmly. "When the rabbit was made, they somehow ended up in the same cage and mated."

Dartz blinked, and then chuckled. "How entertaining...” He said, and then tossed another file down. "I want that one.” He tapped the photo. "The female fennec could use a partner in case we get a voyeur in here."

Daisuke nodded. "Alright.” He said taking the file. "Anything else?"

"Hmmm... Oh... oh, yes... I want this one... I especially want this one.” He slammed down the folder. "A male rabbit... we don't have any of those. This isn't your lion's mate by any chance, is he?"

"The very same.” He said chuckling. "I will have to do some work on him before he'll be useful for you sir." Daisuke said slowly.

Dartz blinked. "Oh? Why? What kind of work?"

"He was special ordered." Daisuke began explaining. "His master wanted him loyal to whoever mated him." He added. "I'll have to remove that mental suggestion, or he'd go insane."

Dartz snickered. "Yes... please do.” He said. "How about this fennec... Malik? He was special ordered by the same man, or so the file says...”

"He's fine." Daisuke said smirking. "He just wanted Malik out of the way.” He took the files. "I'll send a more potent tranquilizer for the bird with these orders. You should have them all soon.” He said leaving to place the new kidnapping orders.

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

Marik silently slunk into Seto and Yami's bedroom and crept to the foot of their bed. He checked the clock... It was five minutes before he knew Yami would wake up and give Seto his heart attack inducing wake up call; crowing like a rooster. But this time, the alarm was Marik. He took a deep breath, opened his mouth, and let out a massive, thundering roar that literally shook the windows.

"GYAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!" Seto howled, and a room over, Mokuba was heard screaming.

Yami howled and his feathers puffed up to three times their normal size and he literally FLEW from the room, seeking shelter on the chandelier, wearing only his boxers. "RA DAMMIT MARIK!” He howled from down the hall.

Ryou yawned, peering in and rubbing his eyes. "That wasn't very nice of you Marik...” He mumbled, though he looked thoroughly amused.

Seto stared at the lion, chuckling and swinging his tail back and forth.

"Oh, you son of a... YOU'RE DEAD, ISHTAR!!! DEAD!!!" And he leapt from the bed. Marik's eyes widened, and he ran, Seto on his heels.

"Wha'd I do?" Malik yawned, emerging from the bedroom.

"THE OTHER ISHTAR!!" Seto roared, chasing Marik down the hall.

"Oh... okay." Malik mumbled, and returned to bed.

"Oh shit oh shit oh shit!" Marik giggled as he ran, Seto close behind.

Yami growled and the instant Marik ran under the chandelier he dive-bombed him and tackled him to the floor. "YOU FUCKER!” He howled grabbing him by the tail painfully. "Wake ME up like that!” He hissed beating Marik over the head with his wing.

Ryou giggled softly from the top of the stairs, watching as Seto joined Yami in giving Marik a swift beating for waking them up.

"Owwie owwie owwie owwwww!" Marik whined. "My tail! Ow, my tail!!! Leggo leggo leggo!” He squirmed away, dropped to all fours, and ran as fast as he could for the back door.

Ryou giggled softly, hurrying after his 'injured mate'. "Marik don’t go outside!” He called racing after him to shower him with love and comforts.

Yami grunted softly, before whining himself. "dammit... now my wing hurts again...” He grumbled, gently rubbing the sore joint of his wing.

"I'm gonna put that lion out of his fuckin misery!" Seto hissed, shaking in rage.

"Seto... before you do that, could you please at least put on underwear?" Mokuba called from the stairs. Seto froze and slowly looked down at himself; he was buck naked.

Yami snickered slightly. "I TOLD you to put on underwear last night...” He chuckled. "But nooooo... don’t listen to me, the NOT naked one.” He said, breaking out into laughter.

Ryou and Marik were heard laughing softly in the other room, likely for the comment Mokuba made.

"I think I should disappear for a while, love." Marik snickered, nuzzling Ryou. "I'll see ya later." And he ran down the hall on all fours.

Ryou giggled softly and hopped after him, gently nipping his tail. "No kiss?" He said cutely.

Marik turned and knocked Ryou flat on his back and covered the bunny's body with his own, giving him a hot, smothering kiss that tasted of sex. Then he turned and dashed away.

Ryou blushed blinking. "Wow...” He mumbled, slowly recovered from... THAT little surprise. He grumbled slightly. "Oh THANKS Marik! Leave me hanging like that!” He huffed, but then giggled. That was nothing he couldn't solve later that evening... behind closed doors. Poor Mokuba wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.

"Wow... that was HOT!" Malik blurted from the doorway. "Ryou, you lucky bunny!" and he shook his finger at his friend.

Ryou blushed. "Don’t tease!” He said shaking his head and tugging his ears. "Besides, he's the good kisser... I'm not so hot at it...” He said sheepishly. "Marik's so... hot.” He blushed darkly, standing.

Malik snickered. "Sure is.” He said, then leaned against the doorframe and ran his hands down his boxer clad body. "Mmmmm... makes you feel... dirty?” He asked, mischievously winking and wagging his tail.

Ryou turned a darker shade of red. "E-excuse me?” He said giving Malik a confused look.

Malik laughed and walked over to Ryou, then sat beside him. "C'mon... you have a rabbit's sex drive! Seeing that lion must get you SO horny sometimes! C'mon Ryou... spill it! You can tell me!! I'm your best friend!"

Ryou squeaked. "I most certainly do NOT have a rabbit's SEX DRIVE!” He howled tugging his own ears harshly. "Th-that's ludicrous!"

Malik giggled. "But don’t you get all hot and bothered when Marik's around? I do when I see Bakura's ass in those leather pants of his...” A brief sadness flashed through his eyes, but he bravely put on a smile.

Ryou blushed and bit his lip. "N-no...” He said quickly, not wanting to share such intimate information so freely. "I... I...”

Malik giggled and licked Ryou's cheek. "Liar." He said. "What's wrong? You don't trust me?"

Ryou squeaked. "It's very personal...” He said softly.

"Well, yeah... But... I thought we were close enough to trust each other with that information...” He frowned slightly. "Was... was I... wrong?” He asked, looking a bit hurt.

Ryou shook his head quickly. "No! I... I trust you... I'm just... well... shy...” He mumbled looking down and blushing more.

Malik smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "Yeah... I know.” He sighed. "But come on... don't you ever feel like... talking about how Marik makes you feel?"

"I... never thought about it before...” Ryou said softly. "I... I suppose I could...”

Malik giggled. "And who better to talk to than me? Or Bakura? Okay, scratch Bakura, he wouldn't be the best to talk to about this kind of stuff...”

Ryou laughed softly. "Alright...” He said smiling and sitting down near Malik. "Well... Marik is wonderful...” He whispered. "He's perfect for me... I love being taken care of, I love it when he's over me, growling and powerful...” Ryou blushed.

Malik giggled. "Ahhh... the bunny likes being dominated, hmm?” He asked, nudging Ryou with his elbow.

Ryou blushed. "Y-yes...” He stammered.

Malik grinned. "Have you ever dominated Marik?"

Ryou's eyes widened. "Never! I couldn't possibly! I wouldn't even know how!"

Malik grinned. "You should try it sometime! I'll bet it would get Marik SO hard if you pounced him and pinned him suddenly...”

"I... don’t know." Ryou said softly. "He might not like that at all... He's never even suggested it."

"Maybe he's shy about it. Embarrassed. I could... talk to him about it...” Malik suggested. "See if he's ever fantasized about it...”

Ryou nodded. "Maybe...” he said softly. "I... If he wanted that... I... I could try...”

Malik smiled and nuzzled him. "Cool. I'm gonna spring that on Bakura one of these days... I'm gonna keep him on his toes!"

Ryou giggled softly, and got up to all fours, and began hopping down the hall, sniffing Marik out, eager to try Malik's suggestion.

Malik in the meantime turned and headed for the kitchen; how often did one get the chance to raid Seto Kaiba's kitchen?

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

"Oh, shut up...” Seto grumbled, going to his dresser and grabbing a pair of briefs, to Yami's dismay and amusement.

Yami had to cover his mouth at this point. "Tighty whities?...” He snorted back a laugh. "W-well... I... I suppose... someone...” at this point he burst into howling laughter. "As tight assed as you could use them!” He howled, wings shaking from the force of his amusement. "Oh Ra just wait until I tell Yugi!"

Seto turned and glared. "Yami! What the hell?! Shut up! what's wrong with underwear?! I don't wear boxers ALL the time!"

Yami laughed. "Boxer briefs anyone?” He chuckled. "Ra I stopped wearing briefs when I was 10!” He said chuckling. "Those are like... training underwear for guys who...” Yami's eyes widened and he burst into a whole NEW round of laughter. "Are too small to care!"

Seto's eyes widened and he whipped off his briefs.

"THAT'S IT!” He whirled and pounced Yami, putting his briefs over his head and holding them there. "The ultimate humiliation! the coroner will write 'death by underwear' on his report!!!"

Yami howled with laughter and kicked at Seto. "Seto!!” He gasped, trying to yank the underwear off his head. "Come on take em off!” He laughed, tugging at them. "I need to breathe!” He rolled away laughing and pulling the underwear off his head. "Ra...” He chuckled, falling to his back and trying to ease his laughter.

Seto snickered and sat by him, then looked at the underwear in Yami's hands.

"Wow... that was... really immature of me...” He said, turning red and rubbing the back of his neck.

(ahhh…. Boys will be boys…

(lol

Yami snickered sitting up. "Don’t worry...” He said wiping tears from his eyes, tossing the 'offending' undies aside. "I won’t tell anyone about your little underwear outburst.” He wiped his eyes once more. "Ra I don’t think I have enough oxygen...” He chuckled. "I haven't laughed that hard since Yugi and I got into a tickle fight, and Grandpa suddenly burst into the room and joined in!"

Seto snickered. "Really now?” He grabbed a pair of boxers and pulled them on, before pulling on his slacks. "I have to go up to the office. I want you, Marik, Ryou and Malik to stay IN the house. I know you don’t like being confined, but please, Yami...”

Yami frowned slightly. "Oh Ra don’t tell me you're leaving me to deal with them!” He said standing quickly. "And I was going to sunbathe on the roof!” He grumbled crossing his arms. "I hate being indoors all day... what a waste of a perfectly good day, I'll get fat and lazy and pale."

Seto rolled his eyes. "Well... you were already lazy...” He muttered, pulling on his shirt.

Yami growled. "Hardly.” He said crossing his arms. "I work just fine. I just know the difference between MY work, and ALL work. Something you've yet to distinguish."

Seto rolled his eyes again. "Whatever. I'll be back in time to drive you all to work." He pulled on his shoes, grabbed his coat, and walked out of the room.

Yami narrowed his eyes, blowing his bangs out of his eyes. "One day I'm going to find the damn off switch on your back...” He mumbled. "Fucking Energizer...” He added, pulling on some of his winter pants, deciding it was still a little early to be breaking out the leather.

So he settled for black jeans that were just a bit loose on him, a chain-link belt, and one of the new shirts Seto had devised for him. It was much like a coat, he had to slip his wings in carefully, but it covered his back, which was good since the spring air was still crisp at times. This shirt was a deep goldenrod yellow long sleeved shirt.

Seto suddenly ran back into the room and over to Yami. "Love you.” He said, giving him a quick peck on the cheek, then ran back out again.

Yami blinked confusedly watching Seto leave. "What the hell just happened THERE?" he blurted, scratching his head slightly. "... should I build him a nest or something?” He said aloud, thoughtfully. "Because that... was oddly unexpected."

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

Spunky whimpered softly. It had been days since he'd been returned to Bakura, and though he was weak, he'd managed to live, barely clinging onto life. Though the transformation had completed a day ago, his body was still wracked with pain, though numbing in intensity.

He was a beautiful skunny. Skunk-bunny. He still had the body of a rabbit, but from his forehead to his tail, was longer black fur, a mop of it constantly in his eyes. It trailed down his back and into a long skunk-like tail. Though the fur didn't change texture. He was like a super soft skunk, who had been deodorized already.

He gently nibbled on Bakura's hand, pressing against it with his little forehead, his mop of fur in his eyes, and his little tummy empty.

Bakura grumbled and opened an eye. He lifted his head. "Hey, Spunky...” He crooned, nuzzling the baby. He then turned and gave Tuc and Nod a nuzzle, too. "Dust?" the bunny's head popped out from behind Nod at the sound of its name, and Bakura smiled and nuzzled him, too. "You all are hungry, aren't you?” He sat up and stretched, then went and used the litter box, before returning to the bed and waiting to be fed.

Rafel opened the door not long later, setting down a small platter. "Enjoy it rat." He grumbled, pushing a cart past, obviously on feeding duty that morning. Inside the silver platter was a salad with bits of chicken in it, and a bowl of fruit cocktail. It had been discovered that Dartz would serve dietary needs, but nothing like insects, as people would be kissing his workers, and it would be 'unsanitary' for that to be fed to them.

Bakura sighed and pulled the dish over to the bed where the bunnies could eat from it, too. He set a little slice of pear before Spunky, before cramming some chicken into his own mouth. He listened to Rafel pass out meals, sneering insults at various hybrids, and smirked when Otogi's sharp tongue lashed out with a loud "Kiss my ass, you over grown gorilla. You look more like a hybrid than some of the REAL hybrids around here!"

Spunky made a soft crooning noise in thanks, and took small nibbles of the pear. Once he'd finished, he stood shakily, limping across the room, his tail dragging the floor, as he hadn't adjusted to it's new weight. He hopped into the litterbox and began scraping around softly.

He finished his business and crawled out, flopping to the floor and grunting in pain, before shakily forcing himself up once more.

Bakura sighed and watched the baby. "C'mon, sweetie... you can make it.” He encouraged while Tuc, Nod and Dust nibbled at his salad.

Spunky whined loudly and flopped back to the floor, panting harshly.

Bakura reached out and scooped him up, then cuddling and nuzzling him. "Shhh... it's okay, Spunky... my you've gotten vocal...” He kissed the top of his head.

Spunky sighed softly, nuzzling into Bakura's hand, his tail wagging softly. He gently licked Bakura's fingers, wanting water and more food.

Bakura smiled and gave him a bit of a peach, then dumped the bowl with the fruit in it and filled it with water. He smiled and set it before Spunky and the other bunnies.
Spunky greedily drank the water, and nuzzled into Bakura, slipping into an exhausted sleep.

Rafel walked by. "By the way skunk, you have a reservation."

Bakura's head shot up. "What? What do you mean?!"

Rafel chuckled. "I mean, in a few hours you'll be spending an hour or two in someone's arms.” He said amused.

Bakura's eyes widened and his ears lay back. "W-What?! Oh, HELL no!!! You can tell whoever it is to jack off! NO ONE touches ME!!"

"Oh that's fine, we can just tranquilize you and do some more tests on that 'spunky' skunk thing. " Rafel said calmly. "Dai said something about tests, seeing as how the thing lived."

Bakura's eyes widened and he clutched Spunky to his chest. He lowered his head. "Fine...” He said in a muted tone, tail drooping.

Rafel smirked. "That's what I thought. Eat your breakfast, and I'll be back to get you dressed.” He said chuckling. "You'll be playing the part of the masochistic bitch."

Bakura cringed and curled up, hiding his face in his and Spunky's tail.

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

Mokuba giggled as he chased Malik with his little suction cup bow and arrows. He LOVED having hybrids in the house who would play with him. He had one of Yami's feathers in his hair, and war paint on his face. He was missing a shirt, and just wore a pair of khaki pants. He raised his bow and fired, narrowly missing the fennec who yelped and ran out the front door, Mokuba in hot pursuit.

Malik laughed and scampered, on all fours. "No way are you catching me for my pelt you nasty Indian!” He chuckled, deciding to seek shelter by the tree. He chuckled and raised his read, wiggling his tail playfully.

"Me mighty warrior! Kill evil wolf eating cattle! Or... something!" Mokuba shouted back, giggling. He fired, and hit Malik smack in the middle of his left butt cheek. Mokuba's jaw dropped, then he fell over laughing.

Malik laughed as well, turning and pulling the arrow off of his butt. "Now that's no fair! That's private property!” He said laughing.

Mokuba opened his mouth to spout something back, but his words became a horrified gasp when the arrow that Malik had pulled off of his behind was replaced with a tranquilizer dart.

Malik howled in pain. He hissed and turned, growling. "Mokuba get in the house!” He growled, pulling the dart from himself and throwing it aside. He growled, and ran towards Mokuba and shoved him slightly. "To... to the house...” He grunted, becoming fatigued from the drugs.

Mokuba whimpered and shook his head, grabbing Malik's arm and pulling it over his shoulders, pulling Malik along with him. "C'mon, Malik! Stay awake!" The boy gasped, looking back and yelping at the sight of three men in black dropping over the wall and running towards them, one with a rifle, one with a net, and one with a rope. "HURRY, MALIK!!!"

Malik groaned and shook his head, nudging Mokuba. "I'm... I'm awake...” He mumbled, stumbling to his feet and leaning on Mokuba. "Hurry... into... the... house...” He mumbled shaking his head and pushing Mokuba in front of him.

"NO, MALIK!!!" The boy wouldn't let go, and started to drag the fennec. But it was too late. "NO!!! LET GO!!! PUT ME DOWN!!!" Mokuba screamed as one man lifted him up and pulled him away from Malik. The one with the rifle from several yards away shot Malik in the side with another dart, while the last threw the net over the fennec.

Malik howled in pain and fell. "Mokuba... g-get inside...” He grunted. "Marik... Ryou... Yami... save...” He groaned softly, struggling feebly, as his strength was sapped by the tranquilizers.

But Mokuba could only howl as the man held him tight and kept a hand clamped over his mouth. The other two wrapped Malik in the net, and began dragging him towards the wall. They heaved him over, and only then did the third release Mokuba and sprint after him. Mokuba lay on the ground, stunned, as the man leapt over the wall, and a white van drove away. Malik had just been kidnapped in broad daylight! The boy leapt to his feet and whirled, running up to the house, screaming.

"YAMI!! YAMI!! MARIK!! RYOU!!!"

Ryou blinked up from Marik, nuzzling him quickly before standing and rushing to the door. "Mokuba?! Are you ok?!” He called quickly, reaching the door as the youth came in, and hugged him tightly. Yami and Marik followed quickly, both looking upset.

Yami’s eyes widened. "... where's Malik...?"

"They... they took him!" Mokuba cried, hysterical tears falling down his face. "They shot him and then came over the wall and took him away!" Marik paled, then turned and bolted for the door.

"MASTER MALIK!!!” He roared, running into the yard.

"MARIK!!! DON'T GO OUT THERE!!!" Mokuba screamed.

Ryou grabbed Marik's tail and pulled him back, sobbing. "MARIK NO!” He whimpered, trembling. "Please! don’t go!"

Yami pulled Marik back and slammed the door shut locking it. "Don’t go out there! They're waiting for us to slip up! Going out there will just mean Ryou will be left here alone!"

Ryou clung to Marik tightly, quaking in fear and sobbing. "Marik... Marik...” He whimpered. "Oh god Marik... th-they got Malik!"

Marik wrapped his arms around Ryou and hugged him then whirled and ran to the nearest phone, picking it up and dialing the pet shop, shaking the entire time.

"Hybrid petshop, how can I help you?" Rem answered calmly.

Ryou sniffled, hurrying to Marik's side, shaking as well, and unwilling to leave his mate. "M-marik...” He whimpered.

Yami hugged Mokuba and wrapped his wings around him. "Ra... Mokuba...” He mumbled gently rubbing his back. "Don’t go outside... not alone, it's too dangerous. Thank Ra you're not hurt...” He mumbled, hugging him tighter.

Mokuba sniffled and clung to Yami.

"R-Rem...” Marik whimpered. "M-Malik... He's gone! They took him! Right out of Seto's yard!"

Rem gasped. "Marik... I want you and Ryou and Yami to stay indoors. Don’t go outside for ANYTHING. " She said quickly. "Draw the curtains, and stay away from windows... just incase." She said trying to soothe him. "We'll get Malik and Bakura back... I need you to be brave and take care of Ryou... understand?"

Marik whimpered. "But... he's gone, Rem! Taken away! Mokuba tried to get him inside, but... Rem, they... Seto's YARD!!!"

Rem nodded. "Marik... calm down... just... just stay inside away from them ok? Don’t give them the chance." She cooed softly. "Everything will be ok...”

Ryou trembled and clung to Marik softly. "Marik... I'm scared...”

"B-But Rem... Master Malik... And Otogi... and Bakura...” Marik slumped to his knees on the floor. "Oh gods... they're gonna get us all!! What can we do?! Rem, please! You have to do something! PLEASE!!!" Marik screamed into the phone, getting hysterical as he clung to Ryou.

Rem shushed him. "You'll be ok... Marik you just have to stay inside... they won’t get you if you stay inside...” she cooed softly.

Ryou sniffled and nuzzled Marik, trembling. "Marik... w-what if they get us?"

"Yeah, Rem!" Marik exclaimed. "What if they get us?!"

"If you play it safe they won’t." She said softly. "Just stay INSIDE."

Yami patted Mokuba's back. "We just need to stay inside until Seto gets home... he'll know what to do."

Marik let out a loud whine, pulling Ryou closer. "They're my family, Rem... Master Malik and Bakura are my family!" Marik sobbed.

"Don’t cry Marik... we'll get them back I promise... but it won’t do them any good to get caught too understand? Be careful until we figure something out...” She said softly.

Ryou's ears twitched slightly. "S-she's right... we have to stay calm...” He mumbled, though still clung to Marik. "We won’t be any help if we get caught too...”

Marik nodded. "Okay Rem...” He sniffled. "I... I'll try to stay calm...” And he began frantically licking Ryou's ears.

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