The Jungle

The Jungle

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

Pegasus/Ryou, Marik/Ryou, Bakura/Malik, Seto/Yami

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Chapter 36

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Seto smiled as Yugi, Grandpa, and Otogi got into the car. Yugi moved to Yami and hugged him.

"Hello Otogi. How are you doing?" Seto asked. Otogi sighed and nodded, flicking an ear and lashing his tail.

"I'm doin' okay...” he said. "Grandpa has been great." And he smiled at the man who insisted that he call him grandpa. "Thank you for getting me out of that store."

"No problem." Seto said with a smile. "Ready for the meeting?"

"I wish you would tell us what it's about." Yugi said.

"Secret." Seto chuckled.

Yami chuckled. "We're making a porno, and we wanted you to star in it with Otogi,” he said chuckling. Though his laughter only increased at the elbow he got from Yugi. "What? I can’t joke around too?"

The limo was quite crowded, with a lion, a skunk, a bird, a panther and 3 humans in it. Yami grumbled slightly. "Gods you need a BIGGER limo... as ridiculous as that sounds."

Seto didn't answer. He grinned and pointed, and Yami turned and looked over at Otogi, who was wide eyed, backing away from Marik and Bakura, who were approaching him curiously, sniffing.

"Murrrrumph... ?" Marik said, snuffling over Otogi's ears. The panther narrowed his eyes and bared his teeth, hissing.

Yami snickered. "Guys! Knock it off.” he said chuckling. "Leave poor Otogi alone.” he added before leaning against the window of the limo. "Just be nice 'til we get where we're going.” he added, closing his eyes.

Outside he could hear the faint noises of birds and he sighed slightly, listening as they flew by. He opened an eye and peered out the window, watching them curiously. He felt somehow... drawn to be out there with them right now. His wings quivered slightly, as he watched the birds.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!!!!" Otogi howled, scuttling backwards until he was in Grandpa's lap. But Marik just followed, his ears wiggling in interest as he purred and continued to sniff at Otogi. Seto looked at Bakura, who returned the look, and shrugged. Otogi shrieked when Marik licked his face, then howled and pounced. Bakura yelped and leapt aside as the two big cats began yowling and scuffling.

Yami grumbled and flared his wings suddenly. "KNOCK IT OFF!" he shrieked, obviously annoyed from being stirred from his bird watching. He growled slightly, watching the shocked looks on the cat faces, followed by almost instantaneous sitting. He huffed, and looked back out the window, looking saddened, as the birds were now long gone, and out of sight swallowed by the infinite sky.

Otogi slowly turned and glared at Marik. "Stay away from me...” he growled.

"But you smell interesting!" Marik whined.

"I don't care! Stay back!" Otogi hissed. Seto sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Hush, both of you.” he ordered. "Bakura, get out of my lap." The skunk slowly obeyed.

Grandpa laughed. "Boys behave. Otogi, let him sniff you for a moment, if you act like that he'll only want to sniff you more.” he said chuckling. "Remember how you acted when you first smelt Yugi?” he said amusedly.

Yugi giggled when Otogi turned red and crossed his arms. "I hate this...” he grumbled. Marik moved forwards.

"It's how we get to know people.” he said happily, sniffing over Otogi. "We get to know people better than humans ever can!" Bakura watched and snickered when Otogi's nose twitched. And by the time they pulled up in front of the club, Marik and Otogi were making little feline noise and sniffing each other all over. Seto sighed and shook his head, and Bakura snickered.

Yami smiled slightly, stretching his wings once everyone piled out of the car. He looked up once more, and heaved a sigh. Something was missing...

Grandpa chuckled and pulled Marik and Otogi apart. "Now boys, you've sniffed enough for a while, why don’t you two go inside with the rest of us?” he said grinning broadly. "I'm sure Seto brought us here for a reason."

Seto smiled and nodded. "Yes. Everyone in. Bakura, I want you between Otogi and Marik."

"Got it." Bakura said with a nod.

"I claim top position!!!" Marik howled, and Otogi stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide. Everyone slowly turned to look at the lion.

"You dumbass!" Bakura yelped, smacking Marik upside the head, and Yugi covered his face, giggling hysterically. Seto gave Marik a look, and Otogi gladly placed Bakura between Marik and himself.

Grandpa groaned irritably. "Marik behave! Otogi, don’t listen to them." Yami followed grinning to himself at the suggested idea by Marik. Hey... he wouldn't mind watching that. He'd play birdy for that big cat any day... He chuckled and cooed softly, before sneaking behind Seto and hugging him discreetly.

He would play birdy... but Seto was HIS big cat... and he loved being his prey over Otogi any day. Though... he wondered briefly what it'd be like if Seto were a hybrid as well... Something he'd have to look into.

Grandpa caught sight of Yami and chuckled. "Well well... you seem happy." he mused.

Seto glanced back at Yami with a small smile. "Okay boys... Marik, Bakura, I think you have some work to do... Yami, can you fly up and do a final check on the wiring? We'll test all the equipment while we wait for the others to arrive. Now... Otogi. This is my... "pet" project." Otogi blinked and nodded. "A hybrid club. I'm going to hire hybrids, give them a chance at having their own life. Bakura is our bartender, Marik is our bouncer. But there are other poisitions open, if you want to be a part of this." Otogi's eyes widened and he looked at Yugi and Grandpa, then around at the club, and then back at Seto.

"R-Really?” he gasped.

Yami nodded, flying to the ceiling and checking the wiring over. "It's true. They're taking their lives back by the horns.” he smiled down, flitting from light fixture to light fixture. It was a mere matter of moments before Yami was out of sight, and the lights flicked on. It was simply spectacular!

He flew back and landed yawning slightly, still a bit out of it from his illness, which was indeed clearing up quite nicely. "We're going to have to make this quick...” he said yawning. "I'm getting sleepy."

Seto rolled his eyes, but grinned and looked around. "As you can see, Yami is our techie.” he said to Otogi. "Marik! Bakura! Hit it!!!" The pair nodded and ran through a door, and a moment later, Otogi yelped and clapped his paws over his ears as the place began to vibrate and shake with music and a vertigo of colored lights gyrated about wildly; the club was up and running. Marik and Bakura ran out of the room they had gone into, cheering and shouting.

"IT WORKS!!!" Marik was yelling over the techno-ish music interwoven with a violin. "IT WORKS!!!"

*You said that we could last forever
Forever and a day
You said that we could last forever
If only I would stay
I know
That in your soul
The Light fights through the rain
But if you promise me forever
I know that it’s in vain*

"SCORE!!!" Bakura howled, leaping onto Yami and crushing him in a hug.

Yami squawked loudly. "Ra damnit Bakura!” he shrieked squirming wildly not liking having his wings pinned down by the tight hug. He grumbled, finally breaking away, though smiling slightly at Bakura, once he'd calmed down. "Don’t get the wings... I panic.” he mumbled, folding them carefully. He grumbled and flew up, quickly unplugging the speakers. "I think I might take over as resident Disc jockey... this music is awful.” he said firmly.

Bakura looked up and glared. "Hell no! This music is great!" Marik nodded his agreement. Seto rolled his eyes.

"Yugi, Mr. Mouto, Otogi... I'll give you the tour while they argue.” he said, and beckoned them to follow him.

"No way are you bein' the DJ if you're not gonna play this kind of music!!!" Bakura howled at Yami.

Yami huffed. "You don’t know what I'd play!” he said adamantly. "You're just bitter because you won’t get a say!" Yami said flapping his wings slightly. "Nothing knows good music better than the birds! After all we created it!"

Marik and Bakura looked at each other, then burst out laughing.

"Yami, if you're gonna play a bunch of bird calls, this club will be named the city's worst two days after opening!!!" The skunk shouted.

Yami rolled his eyes. "I would do no such thing!” he said crossing his arms. "I'm just saying, I know good music from bad. You should give me a chance, seeing as I WIRED this whole damn building.” he added glaring. "Including that stupid tv behind the bar counter, that Bakura wanted so he could watch tv while working without guests knowing." He said glaring slightly. "I believe I'm OWED a shot at what I want to do."

Bakura snorted. "So you did the wiring! So what! Me and Marik did everything else!! We are the ones who are going to be working here to support ourselves and our mates! You don't HAVE to work to support yourself! You don't have to work at all! So if you insist on picking music, I insist that Marik and I get final say, and have the right to veto anything you may choose!!!" And Marik nodded his agreement.

Yami growled. "I might not 'have' to work, but I won’t be taken care of! I want to get my own things, and earn them the right way. Seto is NOT a cushion to sit on!” he growled furiously, enraged that they'd even suggest such a thing. "You'll let me do this because this is a place of work, and you're NO higher on the employee ladder than ANYONE else!” he said glaring. "So you moved some chairs. MOST of the hard manual labor was done by contractors! You did what any mindless chimp could do! You didn't have the chance of being electrocuted during your little trips here!!"

Marik and Bakura bared their teeth, growling and bristling. "We've put in a hell of a lot more time and effort into this place than you have!!!" Marik growled, and Bakura lashed his tail.

"Yeah! While we've been busting our asses, you've been lounging around at the mansion!!!"

Yami flared his wings, the feathers quivering. "If by lounging you mean going over every single inch of the floor plans and so much math you two would run home crying to mommy after ten minutes! I busted my ass just as much as you did!” he growled back. "Seto sent you here each day to help your walking, I already KNEW how to walk, I was needed at the mansion to help him with HIS work, NOT to mention all the damn work needed to be done here!"

"FUCK YOU!!!" Bakura shouted as Rem and Dr. Inogawa walked in. "No WAY are you choosing the music for this club!"

Rem blinked, then narrowed her eyes. "BAKURA!" she said sternly. "YOU Apologize RIGHT now!" she said firmly. "This is EVERYONE'S club, and if Yami wants to pick the music he can!" she said tapping her foot. "I'm ashamed of you!" She added. "He's worked as hard as the two of you, and here you're trying to exclude him from the fun at the end? You should be ashamed. What would Ryou and Malik say if they saw you acting like this?"

Marik and Bakura both turned and looked at her with wide eyes.

"But he said my music sucked!!!" Bakura whined. Marik on the other hand gave a "Muuurrrumph!" and ran over to Rem, hugging her and purring and nuzzling her.

Rem looked at Marik sternly. "Don’t you try to sneak out of it. You were bristled and baring your teeth too. Both of you apologize." She said angrily, crossing her arms. "If you get along nicely, he'd probably play songs you wanted too Bakura, it's a Disc Jockey's job to take requests. It's not always going to be what he wants, and he knows it."

Yami nodded, glaring slightly, folding his wings, looking still a bit upset that Bakura and Marik were denying him the job he wanted.

"He's a jerk!!!" Bakura cried, throwing his hands up into the air, while Marik wined and gave Rem the sad sorry eyes.

Rem frowned deeply. "You're acting like a little jerk too Bakura." She said, sounding deeply disappointed.

"Murrrrrrr... .." Marik said, and licked Rem's cheek. Bakura just glared at Yami, crossing his arms over his chest. "They never did get along...” Marik said with a sigh, then whispered into Rem's ear. "Oh, and just so you know... that time that you dyed Bakura pink when you tossed him in my cage for hurting Yami... Yami really was acting. He wasn't hurt at all. He was just trying to get Bakura into trouble."

Rem chuckled softly. "I knew Marik, but it's not nice of you to tattle." She said firmly, turning her disappointed look on Marik. "Both you and Bakura did something mean, even if Yami is a jerk, it doesn't give you the right to act like jerks too. Now I want you to apologize." She said crossing her arms. "Or I will not be coming to this club to visit."

Marik's ears shot up, then drooped. "Muuuurroow...” he whined.

"I will NOT apologize to that stuck up cock of a control freak!!!" Bakura snapped, turning and storming off.

"Bakura!" Rem called after. "Wasn't a temper tantrum like this what caused Malik to run off that day?!" She said sternly.

Bakura stopped and his tail twitched, but then he snorted and kept going, walking out the back door and slamming it behind him. Marik sighed, tail drooping, and he nuzzled Rem again, hoping for a comforting ear scratching.

Rem sighed and scratched Marik's ears. "Let Yami do what he wants sweetie. You know he'll try his best... he wants to do a good job just like everyone else." She whispered, motioning to Yami, who apparently had no clue anyone was looking, because his wings were drooping and he looked more than a little hurt.

She shook her head. "Even if he doesn't act like it... he's a hybrid too, and he wants to be around other hybrids. If you two keep pushing him away, who will keep him from losing faith in himself?" She said softly. "Now come on, why don’t you apologize, and then we can go see Seto, he has a big surprise for you two you know." She said, handing him a small piece of raw steak. "Don’t tell anyone." She whispered in his ear, smiling as she and the Doctor headed to the back, leaving Marik and Yami to themselves.

Marik devoured the steak eagerly, then sighed and looked up at Yami. "Murrrrrrrrr... ...” he moaned, in his own lion apology.

Yami smiled sadly. "It's fine. I'll just stay with Seto. I'm sure you two don’t need me around anyway.” he mumbled straightening his wings a bit and sighing.

"No...” Marik said, shaking his head. "You're the one who's the most familiar with the equipment... you're the best one for the job.” he said.

Yami shrugged. "Bakura won’t have it. It's fine. Otogi's just as familiar with such things.” he said shaking his head. "I'll give him the floor plans, he'll give it two glances and know exactly what's going on. He's as brilliant as Seto.” he mumbled walking towards the back. "Come on, they're waiting for us."

"Yami... come on... I'm sorry...” he said, blinking when Seto came out of the store room, followed by everyone else... aside from Bakura, of course.

"Everyone take a seat." Seto said, standing by the largest table. He turned as the door opened, and in walked the cheif of police and an animal control officer, followed by the woman from the game store in the mall. "Ah, there you all are. Welcome, please sit down. Yami, come over, here, Marik go get Bakura, please?"

"Right." Marik said, turning and trotting towards the back door.

Yami took his seat next to Seto and smiled slightly, when the woman from the game store smiled. "Well hello Yami. You gave me quite a scare last time, but it's good to see you're in good health. I wouldn't want my favorite little customer to disappear forever." She said sitting on his other side and beginning to pet his wings. "You're so magnificent!" she praised, eager to explore his plumage and examine him.

Yami blushed slightly. "Erm... well thank you." He said laughing softly at the attention, before unfolding the wing and stretching it across the table, for all eager hands to pet and touch.

Rem chuckled and reached across, touching his wing. "Well Seto, I'm glad to see he's become more friendly towards people. I'm also please to see he's happy and healthy."

Seto smiled and nodded. "It wasn't easy to get him to mellow out, I'll tell ya that...” Everyone turned when Marik and Bakura walked in, snagging chairs and dragging them over, both sitting in them backwards. The police cheif eyed them and scooted away slightly.

Dr. Inogawa chuckled. "Your plumage is top rate Yami, top notch.” he said examining the wing. "I see you've managed to stop plucking so much." he added.

Yami flushed and folded his wing quickly. "Seto lets get this started please. I'm still wanting that nap.” he said frowning, wanting out of the spotlight for a while.

Seto chuckled. "You're so lazy.” he said, ruffling Yami's hair affectionately. "Okay, just so everyone knows each other... This is Yami, Marik and Bakura, and over here is Otogi. This is Yugi, Yami's younger brother, and Mr. Mouto, Yugi and Yami's grandfather. Dr. Inogawa, veterinarian and hybrid veterinary care specialist. Miss Rem, hybrid specialist and manager of the local hybrid pet store. Animal Control Officer Shudo, Police Cheif Yuyama, and Mrs. Miyoko, owner of the Card and Games shop in the mall. You all are here because you know the truth about hybrids... and you don't like it." Seto said, looking around at everyone.

Yami grinned slightly, and nodded. "Seto's asked you all come... because... well we want to try to open the public eye. So many people have lost their lively-hood, because of these people kidnapping us.” he said, cooing at Seto slightly.

Rem laughed. "Such a cute little lovebird." She teased. Yami blushed slightly and raised a wing in front of his face, glad he had them to hide behind.

Dr. Inogawa chuckled. "Seems things worked out, eh Seto?” he asked, chuckling.

Seto chuckled. "Yes... remind me to show you the video my brother took of when he and Marik put that ultraviolet solution all over Bakura...” Marik grinned and chuckled, and Bakura's ears tilted back and he growled at Seto.

Yami growled slightly at Seto too, glaring. "I will make you regret that when we get home.” he warned.

Rem laughed. "Yami be nice." She said placing something on the table no bird could resist, a puzzle toy with bells, mirrors and sunflower seeds inside. Yami twitched slightly, looking indignant. He wanted it... oh RA how he wanted it!... but he couldn't have it... he had a role to fill. But RA he wanted it...

Bakura and Marik grinned and snickered, and with a giggle, Yugi pushed it closer to Yami. Seto smiled and shook his head. "Anyway, I've called you here to ask you to help us in this... crusade.” he said.

Yami snatched up the toy suddenly and began feverishly working at it, peeping like a baby chick at the delightful ringing of the bells, and clicking of the puzzle.

Rem laughed. "I'd love to help, in any way I can." She said in an amused tone over the noise and delighted peeping of a pleased Yami. She grinned and set another toy on the table, something Marik would enjoy. A catnip bunny plushie. She grinned slightly, unable to help her mothering of the hybrids, or her own sense of mischief.

Dr. Inogawa chuckled. "As long as I don’t lose my best customers, I'll help as well. You know how I love examining Yami, Birds are glorious creatures."

Miyoko smiled chuckling at the determined look on Yami's face. "And as long as our little gamer is still alive to come out to visit me, I could never deny him the help he needs."

Marik let out an excited 'meep!' and pounced on the plushy, purring loudly, nuzzling and cuddling and licking the thing. Otogi's ears perked when he smelled the catnip and stared at the plushy. Bakura rolled his eyes.

"Way to help him be human, Rem, brilliant...” The skunk drawled.

"I can't deny what I've seen." Cheif Yuyama said. "They were humans who were kidnapped and made into creatures... illegally. The men doing this to them have to be brought to justice!!"

"Absolutely! This is cruelty!" Officer Shudo said, banging his fist on the table. Otogi darted over Bakura, lunging for the catnip plushy. Marik roared and jerked the thing out of the panther's reach, and Bakura yelped and fell back off of his chair; the big cats were at it again, and were soon rolling around on the floor, in a raging battle for the bunny plush. Bakura yelped and scuttled under the table for shelter.

Rem laughed. "Otogi... .." She said, grinning. She dangled a fuzzy dice, filled with catnip. "Look what's here to play!" she called.

Seto stormed over and jerked Marik and Otogi apart. "Bakura, some help here?” he asked. Bakura scuttled over and shoved the bunny into Marik's mouth and the dice into Otogi's. Both were immediately purring and playing with their toys. Seto sighed and dropped them. They didn't even bother to return to their chairs. Bakura set his chair upright and sat down in it.

Rem rolled her eyes and presented her final toy. A beautiful desert fox that smelled almost the same as Malik. It smelled of sandalwood and coated with man-made fur of the same texture as Malik's. She placed it before Bakura. "Don’t be such a grouch sweetie. It doesn't become you." She said smiling.

Grandpa laughed. "Well... now that everyone is ... entertained. What do you propose we do to bring this out to the light Seto?” he asked, leaning forward on his elbows.

Seto watched Bakura stare at the plush, then snatch it and cuddle it, crooning. He sighed and shook his head.

"Well... THEY were supposed to be on this until SOMEone decided to distract them...” And he gave Rem a mock glare. "But... well... I haven't figured that out yet.” he looked down, embarrassed.

Rem laughed. "I can’t help it... they're still my little hybrids." She said scratching Bakura's ears. "There's treats inside the fox honey, but you have to figure out how to get them out."

Yami cheered suddenly, as the toy popped open. "YES! HA!” he said proudly, beginning to eat the sunflower seeds, completely oblivious to the meeting now, as were the others. Grandpa laughed loudly.

"Well... Why don’t you hold a duelist match?” he said thoughtfully. "We all know that Yami has fun dueling, and would easily prove himself through that means. His style of play has been recognized world over."

Rem laughed softly. "Or if we could find some living relatives of each of the hybrids, we could have them testify in court for their hybrid relative's rights to be reinstated."

Seto nodded. "That's good... a tournament...” he looked at Yami and smiled. "Otogi would be recognized as well... Court would be a bit harder... but Rem, if it came to that, your testimony would be vital. But anyway... this club would be a major way to do that. We could have people that would never get near a hybrid, and give them the opportunity to get to know them. We could put fliers on the back of the menus, and on the doors in the bathroom... Officer Shudo... I want you to let me know whenever a hybrid is brought into the shelter... I will adopt them. Each and every one! Dr. Inogawa... as long as there are hybrids, you will be needed. You are the best one to take care of them, medically. Rem... I want to make a rehabilitation center for hybrids who have been... forced to become animals. I want you to run it, and help them become human again." Seto looked at her.

Rem nodded. "Yes of course. Though, I will entertain their animal side as well." She said, motioning to the hybrids in the room, each in their own little world with their toy. "They aren't animals, or humans. They're something utterly new, it'd be cruel to not entertain both values of their soul."

Grandpa nodded. "Heh It's good to see them calm and content though." Yami finished the seeds and cooed contently yawning and leaning into Seto slightly. "Well Seto, I'll be looking forward to this tournament, and I hope you're competing...” he chuckled. "You wouldn't want Yami to hold a grudge about that forever."

Seto sighed. "I think he'd gouge my eyes out if I didn't compete... he's going to want to win his title back from me, won't you?” he asked, poking Yami in the arm.

Yami blinked a bit. "Oh... huh?” he mumbled opening an eye. "Title? Oh yeah... I'm gonna kick your ass...” he yawned, nuzzling into Seto more, wrapping his wings around him to steady his blue-eyed lover.

Rem laughed. "Somehow I don’t think he minds that much... you're so cute together."

Seto blushed, and watched Bakura licking his fox with a skunky purr.

"Well... I'm in on this...” Officer Shudo said. "I'll alert you whenever we get a hybrid in."

"And I'll run their fingerprints!" Cheif Yuyama said.

Rem nodded. "I'll try to get good homes for the hybrids who choose to remain as animals, and help those who want to go back to their old lives get back on track."

Yami cooed and snored softly, having fallen asleep against Seto. It WAS time for that afternoon nap he'd been 'trained' into having, due to Dr. Inogawa's advice. Plus he was sick.

Seto blinked and looked down at Yami at the snore, and everyone at the table snickered. "Excuse me...” Seto said, picking Yami up and depositing him on a nearby sofa.

Grandpa laughed softly. "He still not feelin good?” he said shaking his head.

Dr. Inogawa blinked. "When did this happen?” he said, scolding Seto slightly. "Don’t you know a sick bird is sometimes deadly?” he added quickly. "I demand to see him in my office this afternoon, you can bring Otogi in at the same time."

Seto quirked an eyebrow. "He's much better now. And he freaked when I suggested bringing him in.” he said. "I'm sorry, but after the whole thermometer up the ass idea, he fights the idea of going to the vet tooth and talon...” Yugi giggled.

Dr. Inogawa laughed. "I don’t take temperatures from birds. Sick or healthy their internal temperature is the same. They regulate that with their feathers. Taking a bird's temperature is a simple feeling of the wing."

Seto blinked. "I took his temperature...” he said, baffled. "From the ear with a thermoscan…"

Dr. Inogawa laughed. "It was likely inaccurate. Heat escapes from his body from his wings. When he's cold, he'll puff up the feathers to keep warm. When he's hot, he'll fan them out, or flap them.” he said laughing. "Feel the underside of his wings, if you think he's sick. Much like taking a small child's temperature by feeling the forehead."

Rem giggled softly. "Poor Seto, you should have told him that!" She said shaking her head at Inogawa.

"Then I'd NEVER see that beautiful bird of his!” he argued chuckling.

Seto groaned and thumped his head on the table top a few times. "I hate you.” he grumped, pointing a finger at Dr. Inogawa.

Dr. Inogawa chuckled. "Well when you come in, we have some things I'm going to need to discuss with you anyway.” he said standing. "But I really should be going. I have three appointments before noon, and you're going to be coming to see me at two.” he said firmly.

Rem laughed. "Whenever you want Yami to settle down, just fill that toy I gave him with fruit or seeds. That'll calm him down for a while." She said standing as well. "I have to open the shop, and try to work with the squirrels today...” She said groaning.

Seto blinked. "Squirrels?” he asked.

Rem nodded. "Yes, they're quite popular. Sugar gliders. We had some come in not long before Otogi." She said motioning to the purring panther, curled around the dice cube, batting at it.

Grandpa chuckled. "Well Yugi and I should head back to the shop. I'll leave Otogi with you until after his little doctor visit."

Seto sighed. "He'll love that...” he mumbled. "Well, I will be in touch with all of you. I'm going see about giving these boys a day off.” he looked over the hybrids sleeping and playing with their toys.

Grandpa chuckled, nodding. "That's why I'm leaving him with you.” he said amusedly. "I may be old, but I've still got my wits." With that, Grandpa and Yugi were out the door, followed by the rest of the group, leaving Seto to the hybrids.

Seto sighed and turned to look over the hybrids. "Oh boy... what am I gonna do with you all...” he mumbled. "Okay, Otogi! Marik! Bakura! Eyes here!!!" None of them listened. Seto sighed and shook his head, then walked over and snatched their toys away. "Boys... come on. We're not a bunch of housecats. Now come on. I'll take you guys out to lunch." Their excited cheering woke Yami.

Yami groaned softly stretching and looking around half asleep. "Ra you're all loud...” he mumbled, picking up his toy, and making the bells jingle softly, smiling to himself. What a delightful little sound those bells made. "What's all this noise about?” he asked, slowly waking up, as he began to twist parts of the puzzle, to make clicking sounds.

Otogi laughed. "Bird.” he said amusedly. "Now gimme my dice!” he said to Seto, snatching it back and grinning.

Seto rolled his eyes. "We're going out to lunch, Yami. Where do you all want to go?"

"Chuckie Cheese!!!" Bakura announced with a big grin. Seto blinked and quirked an eyebrow.

"Ummm... no.” he said.

Yami blinked slowly. "How about... Olive Garden? The salad there is pretty good.” he said thoughtfully. "Plus I like the breadsticks." (We don’t own Olive Garden, we just love it)

Otogi blinked. "I haven't been there in a while, do you think they still serve those Tours of Italy?” he asked thoughtfully. "I REALLY love that chicken parmesan and lasagna...”

Seto sighed and shook his head. "First we need to consider your dietary needs. With your genetic changes and all you can't handle things like you used to...” They all pouted. "Marik, Otogi. You should be fine almost anywhere we go. Meat is what your main course should be. Yami, you're right on with the salad and bread sticks, which would probably be best for you. Bakura... you're the problem... You eat vegetation and bugs."

"I'm omnivorous. You're exaggerating this, Seto." The skunk said. "We know what we can and can't have. Just take us to the fuckin Olive Garden already."

"Yeah Seto." Marik said with a shrug. "We know what's not good for us. Just relax." And the pair headed for the door. Seto blinked.

Yami snickered. "Ohhh burned.” he teased, shaking the toy and peeping delightedly as the bells jingled once more.

Otogi grinned, flicking his tail. "You've gotten a lot softer Seto.” he said after a moment. "I remember the days when you'd get pissed over the smallest detail, fire men just for the hell of it...” he said amused. "Now your employees boss you around."

At that Yami burst out laughing. "Oh Ra! I never even thought of it like that!"

Seto blinked, and then glared. "Get your panther ass out to that car, Ryuuji Otogi... or you'll be eating the fucking table scraps! Yami! Stop that damn playing, those bells are driving me crazy!!!"

Otogi chuckled and hurried out to tell the others the good news, they were indeed going to Olive Garden, and that Seto was pissed that he'd pointed out his soft heartedness.

Yami looked up from his toy, and shook it again. "Make me.” he said smirking. "Because I have no intention of stopping. I rather like this little device."

Seto growled and walked over, snatching the toy from Yami, and then snatching Yami himself, tossing him over his shoulders. "The last thing I need is to get shit from YOU, too!!!” he snapped, storming out to the car and tossing the toy into the front with the driver, before shoving Yami into the back seat, and into Otogi's lap.

Yami blinked, more than a little upset at the loss of his toy. "Give that back!” he huffed, sliding off of Otogi's lap.

Otogi laughed. "Be good and I'll get you one for Christmas.” he said chuckling. "Ho ho ho.” he added flicking an ear.

Yami grumbled and crossed his arms. "Good goin, you pissed Seto off and he took that... That... whatever it was!” he said flustered, and wanting the noise-making delight back.

Bakura snickered. "You make enough noise on your own.” he taunted.

"Certainly not any more than you do Bakura.” he said glaring and crossing his arms, still pissed at the skunk for denying him the chance at being DJ. "If anything, I make far LESS noise than you."

Otogi blinked and raised an eyebrow. "Did I miss something?"

Bakura snorted and rolled his eyes. "Riiiight... when I'm sitting around napping, you're singing in the shower!!!" Marik burst out laughing.

"At least I bathe.” he retorted. "And don’t try to pass my tongue off as soap and water."

"Oh Christ...” Seto groaned, letting his face fall into his hands. "For God's sake, can't you guys NOT fight for ONE DAY?!"

Yami glared at Seto. "I can, but I won’t let him walk over me. If he didn't provoke me, I wouldn't fight with him.” he said simply, growling at Bakura slightly, before looking away to look out the window once more. No birds... just empty sky. Yami sighed softly, wings drooping slightly. Where were the birds? Why weren't any of them outside?

Otogi chuckled. "Nice little family you got here Seto.” he said amused. "Two kids and an overfriendly lion."

"Otogi, shut up." Seto and Bakura said in unison,

Otogi snickered. "You're just sour because you know it's true."

Marik purred, giving Otogi a long wet lick up the side of his face, then began snuffling his right ear.

"Murrrrumph!!!” he exclaimed happily, and flung his arms around Otogi, purring and nuzzling and licking him. Bakura blinked.

"Marik? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Otogi squirmed slightly. "Get off man!” he said shoving Marik slightly, a little disturbed at the sudden hugging and grooming. "Off!"

Yami grumbled, being bumped by Otogi's struggling. "Knock it off you two!” he growled, looking back out the window.

"Murrrrrow!!" Marik mewed, all but crawling into Otogi's lap. He seemed enthralled with his right ear! Bakura looked at Seto, who shrugged.

Otogi shoved Marik off once more. "What's WRONG with you?!” he growled, becoming upset.

"Murrumph!" Marik said happily, and pounced right back on him, licking his ear.

Otogi snapped at him. "Man I said get off!” he shoved him once more, and bared his teeth. "What's your problem?!"

But in moments, Marik was right back on him again. Bakura blinked and crept closer, sniffing over Otogi. "Oooohhh...” he said, his ears perking up and wiggling. "Man, I don't know WHAT kind of hair products you're using but... oooooohhh...” And the skunk buried his nose into Otogi's hair, and began to purr as well.

Otogi snarled and bit them both. "BACK OFF!” he hissed, tail lashing, slightly puffed. "Sniff yourselves or something!"

Seto covered his mouth to hide his snickering. Both Marik and Bakura yelped and huddled in a corner of a car together, both giving Otogi the sad-puppy-in-the-rain look.

Otogi glared, snarling once more before settling down. "And STAY off."

"Murrrrrrrrrr... .." Marik whined sadly, and he and Bakura began licking the other's bite mark left by Otogi.

"Geeze... be nice...” Seto said, feeling sorry for the pair.

"I was. The first 3 times I asked them to leave me alone." Otogi said calmly. "Unlike you, I've not softened. If they're stupid enough to not listen, then they're lucky all I did was bite them to get my point across.” he said flicking his tail and smoothing the fur.

Seto rolled his eyes and grumbled something that sounded like 'bitch'.

"That would be a good word I'd use to describe you." Otogi said back, flicking his ears. "Now, I'd rather not fight, so let’s just ride in this limo in silence, each enjoying their OWN personal space."

Bakura blew a raspberry, then turned and went back to grooming a happily purring Marik's ears. Seto snickered. “They’re still suffering from that damn brainwashing, try to show them some patience, Otogi.”

Yami sighed once more, and rested his chin in his hands, watching the empty sky. He was thinking, and thinking usually lead to... long drawn out things. He wanted to be where the other birds were, he desperately wanted the company of the other birds... and there were consistently less and less as the days passed. He frowned and thought.

The weather was getting a bit chilly for his tastes. His eyes widened slightly as a realization dawned on him... before he grinned slightly. Yeah... that sounded fun... he'd have to try it sometime.

Otogi yawned slightly and rested his head on the back of the seat, waiting patiently for them to arrive for lunch.

The car pulled to a stop. "Okay boys, we're here." Seto said, getting out of the car. "Remember... human.” he said, looking specifically at Marik and Bakura. He got out of the car and walked in, not waiting for the hybrids. He walked right up to the hostess.

"I need a table for five, preferably in an isolated corner. Now.” he said.

Yami followed slowly his wings folded carefully. "Hi.” he said, feeling out whether or not hybrids were welcomed in the restaurant.

Otogi followed, Marik and Bakura right behind him. "Oh smells good in here.” he said grinning.

The hostess blinked. "You have... hybrids?" She said blinking at the mishmash group of animals.

"Yes. Yes I do." Seto said simply. "Hence the reason I want a table in an isolated corner. Marik, come back here.” he finished, grabbing Marik's tail as the drooling lion started to follow his nose to the kitchen.

The woman faltered slightly. "I'm... not quite sure we allow pet hybrids into this building...” she said softly. "I'll have to ask my manager before I can seat you." She said bowing slightly. "I'm so sorry, I'll be right back."

Yami growled slightly as she left, crossing his arms. "Pet. Pet indeed.” he grumbled, once again offended at what he was.

Seto sighed and shook his head, but leaned against the wall. "Well, sometimes it helps to have a large wallet.” he said.

"Large wallet indeed." Bakura said, going through said wallet.

"Give me thaaat!!!" Seto snapped, snatching the wallet from Bakura's troublesome paws.

Yami snickered. "You should get a chain for that. I went through it this morning.” he said amusedly. "I put in a picture of Mokuba for you. How can you have NO family pictures in a wallet?"

Otogi chuckled. "Because he's hardass Seto Kaiba. If he got caught being NICE it'd ruin his corporate image."

Seto glared at them. "Okay... as of now, Marik is the only one getting desert.” he growled.

Yami rolled his eyes. "Big hairy deal. I don’t like pie.” he said chuckling. "And that's pretty much all they have here, dessert wise."

Otogi however frowned. "Ass.” he grumbled.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Bakura, one whine from you and you forfeit your breadsticks, too.” he grumbled, and the skunk shut up. Seto turned when the manager walked over.

The manager took one look at the hybrids and made a soft clicking noise. "I see...” he said shaking his head. "I'm afraid we cannot serve your animals in the building. There are strict laws involving pets in areas of food consumption.” he explained. "I'm afraid we can’t serve them. We'll be happy to take food outside for them, or allow them to eat in the lobby, separate from the other guests. There are too many highly dangerous hybrids."

Seto narrowed his eyes. "Animals? They are not animals, and they are NOT my pets, they are my friends! You get people in here every day who are more dangerous than these four here. They only get dangerous when they feel threatened, or when they are being treated as lesser beings! They are also probably more polite and cleaner than some of the people you get in here on a daily basis...” And Seto folded his arms and glared.

The manager shook his head. "I don’t care if they're your own flesh and blood. They're animals, they have FUR or FEATHERS. Someone could be allergic to them; they're filthy beasts by all authoritative standards. I personally love animals, but I'm forbidden to serve them in this restaurant.” he said calmly. "I can serve them in the lobby, if you want."

"In the lobby?!" Seto screamed. "You mean this tiny amount of space we are currently standing in?! What good will that do?! Anyone who wants to come in will have to walk right past them!!! You're better off with us in the fucking KITCHEN!!!" Marik and Bakura glanced at each other, and then moved forwards.

"S-Seto...” Marik mewed, taking hold of his arm. "C'mon... let's just go...”

"Yeah...” Bakura said, wrapping his tail around Seto and taking his other arm. "It ain't worth it."

Yami frowned and pulled Seto's arm. "Seto...” he said wrapping his wings around him. "Come on. We'll go somewhere else. This isn't the only place in town with salad."

Otogi nodded. "It's not worth fighting over Seto. We'll just go somewhere else."

Yami gently pulled Seto to him, before sneezing slightly. "Come on. Let’s just go home to eat."

Seto growled as he was forced backwards by the hybrids. He glared at the manager. "I WILL be taking legal action...” he growled, and the man frowned, but paled. Seto was forced into the car, shaking in anger, but suddenly found himself being nuzzled and cuddled by four purring, crooning hybrids. He blinked, then sighed and closed his eyes, forcing himself to relax. He lifted a hand and scratched the first pair of ears he found, and judging by how small they were, it was Bakura's head that he had found.

Yami sighed, once Seto had relaxed. "Seto, he was just doing his job... Pets aren't allowed.” he said sighing once again. "No one knows we're not animals, it's fine.” he assured. "Besides, I'm sure your cook could cook anything they can cook, just as good."

Otogi nodded smiling slightly. "We're getting used to bein snubbed; besides there's nothing like a home cooked meal."

"You shouldn't HAVE to get used to being mistreated...” Seto sighed, wrapping an arm around Yami. He smiled slightly as Marik and Otogi purred, Yami sang softly and Bakura crooned. "You know...” Seto said softly. "Maybe having a house full of hybrids isn't so bad.” he opened his eyes and smiled at them. "Quite honestly, I can't stand animals, and I can't stand people... but you guys, when you're not trying to piss me off...” here he gave Bakura a look, and the skunk let out an uncharacteristic giggle. "I find you all quite... pleasant." And he kissed Yami on the cheek.

Yami grinned slightly and nodded. "We have our moments.” he cooed smiling. "Let’s just go home. You have a tournament to organize.” he added grinning. "IF I heard correctly."

Seto gave Yami a look. "You dork.” he said, smiling and laughing slightly under his breath. "I love you...”

"Awwww... You two are so cuuuuute!!!" Marik cooed, and gave Seto and Yami each a long lick up the side of their faces. Bakura burst out laughing at the look on Seto's face.

"Marik! Ewwww!!!" Seto howled.

Yami glared. "Marik!” he said swatting the lion. "What have I told you about LICKING me?!” he grumbled wiping the side of his face.

Otogi snickered slightly. "Lil spit never hurt anyone.” he said chuckling.

Yami growled. "It will, if I keep getting covered in spit."

Marik smiled and wiggled his ears, lashing his tail happily.

"Muuurow!” he said. Bakura snickered, and tackled Marik playfully, and the pair started rolling around on the floor of the car, wrestling.

Yami shook his head and nuzzled into Seto. "Think I can talk you out of some alone time this evening?” he said softly, wanting a little privacy with his lover. They BOTH had needs... very FUN needs.

Seto chuckled. "Down bird.” he said with a big grin.

Yami pouted playfully. "I'll remember that when it's most convenient.” he warned.

Seto smiled and wrapped an arm around Yami. "We are not discussing this in a car full of lunatics.” he said, kissing Yami's cheeks.

Yami grinned and wrapped a wing around Seto. "Then maybe you should have the driver get us home fast.” he whispered, grinning ferally. "Because I'm sick, I get special privileges...” he added, discreetly nibbling on Seto's neck. "And I think I'm going to call dibs on lunch...”

Seto snickered again. "Oh, show some patience you crazy bird.” he said, pulling Yami into his lap. "Tonight... you are MINE!!!" And he kissed Yami fiercely and began tickling him.

Yami squawked loudly. "Dammit Seto you KNOW I'm ticklish!” he howled, trying desperately to get away.

Otogi grinned broadly and grabbed Bakura and Marik. "Hey guys... look at that.” he said smirking.

Yami yelped and squirmed. "Ra dammit Seto you'll burn in hell for this!” he howled, laughing so hard he was beginning to cry.

Marik and Bakura grinned and watched. Seto stopped and released Yami, grinning.

"I love you!” he sang in a goofy tone.

Yami huffed, his wings puffing up, as he caught his breath. "You'll be lucky if I don’t shit in your shoes for that!” he howled, blushing in embarrassment.

Otogi laughed. "C'mon Seto, you gonna let him get away with that?” he taunted, thoroughly amused by Yami torment.

Seto looked at Otogi. "Yes. Yes I am." Seto said. "Because he doesn't mean it. Yami's all bark and no bite."

Yami growled. "We'll see. Check your shoes buddy boy...” he growled, not taking well to THAT little comment.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Oh, hush you.” he said. "You all wanna try another restaurant?"

"Yeah!" Marik blurted. Seto smiled.

"Okay, where do you want to try to go now?"

Yami glared, crossing his arms. He wanted to go HOME... He could think of PLEANTY of good reasons to go home...food... sex...duel monsters, just to name a few.

Otogi chuckled. "Why not a drive up this time, that way we don’t have to go in. Applebee’s has that to go service.” he said thoughtfully. "Then again though, they don’t have much in the way of salads...” he said smirking at Yami, who was busy plotting Seto's downfall, once they reached home. "How about... oh now we could go to that new Chinese place. Rice is ok for birds to eat, once it's cooked. Plus it's got meat for Marik and me."

Seto smiled and nodded. "Okay. Chinese good for you, Bakura?"

"Always." Bakura replied with a grin, so Seto called up to the driver. When the car pulled up in front of the place, Seto turned to Otogi.

"Guests first. What do you want?” he asked.

"Beef and Broccoli, Mushu Pork and..." Otogi looked thoughtful. "Some white rice." He replied calmly.

Seto nodded. "Yami?” he asked, turning to his lover.

Yami grinned. "Pot stickers, and before you say I can’t have them, I can so!” he huffed. "Mu goo gai pan and some fried rice. Oh, and some egg rolls and Fortune cookies.” he said grinning.

Seto blinked, but then shook his head and chuckled. "Okay Yami, okay.” he said. "Marik?"

"Garlic chicken with steamed rice!" Marik said, lashing his tail. "Egg rolls and egg drop soup."

"I want the combo fried rice!" Bakura piped up. "With wontons and hot and sour soup." Seto nodded and went into the restaurant, deciding on Teriyaki Chicken for himself.

The order was filled quickly, and five large bags were passed through the window. Yami grinned broadly and reached into his bag, passing out a fortune cookie to each of them. "It's unlucky to start a mean of this sort, without starting with the cookie.” he said informatively. "Grandpa's traditions are always right. So guys, what’s in YOUR future?” he said chuckling.

Bakura opened his cookie and munched it, then read his fortune. He blinked, and burst out laughing.

"Read it!" Marik commanded. Bakura nodded and cleared his throat.

"The mirror is often a good friend... in bed with a rope.” he said. Seto blinked as the others burst out laughing, then sighed and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. Marik opened his cookie and held up his fortune.

"Being flexible will increase your opportunities... in bed with a rope.” he read, and everyone burst out laughing again.

Otogi snapped his open and grinned. "Keep an open mind and a steady pace... in bed with a rope.” he said proudly, popping the cookie remains into his mouth.

Yami laughed and shook his head, snapping his own cookie open and reading the slip quietly. "... The hell?” he blurted before laughing. "... suppose you can get what you want today.” he said laughing harder. "In bed with a rope."

Seto rolled his eyes. "You guys are so weird...” he mumbled.

Yami grinned. "Come on Seto. You gotta do it too.” he said nudging him. "You don’t want to spoil the good mood do you?"

Seto rolled his eyes and cracked one open. "You will always get what you want through your charm and personality.” he said simply. Everyone stared at him.

"... Well that's the biggest load of shit I've ever heard." Bakura said.

Yami laughed. "Damn, that must have been meant for someone else.” he said laughing. "Oh well.” he said digging out his chopsticks and breaking them apart, before opening the pot stickers and beginning to eat them.

Seto glared at the giggling hybrids. "Oh, shut up.” he snapped. "No eating in the car, Yami."

Yami grumbled, and popped another pot sticker in his mouth. "Why? It's cleaned spotless every day.” he grumbled. "I'm hungry."

Seto rolled his eyes. "Okay, you can finish the one in your mouth, but no more. If I let you eat, the others will want to eat, and they're not as neat as you are." The skunk, lion and panther whined.

Yami rolled his eyes and popped a pot sticker in Bakura's mouth, and then Marik's... then Seto's. "Lighten up. It's not the end of the world if your car gets messy ten minutes before your servants clean it out."

Seto made a face. "Ah!! Ah!! Hah! Hah!!! HOT!!" Marik and Bakura laughed at Seto.

Yami smiled and offered a pot sticker to Otogi. "Oh you big sissy, hot food won’t kill you, a little heat never hurt anyone.” he said popping another into his mouth and closing the empty container, before beginning to nibble on snow peas.

Seto rolled his eyes. "Yami, stop eating!! WAIT for God's sake!!!"

Yami grumbled slightly, and shoved a bite of the mu goo gai pan in his mouth. "Hush.” he said grinning, and going back to his food for a moment, before closing it. "I haven't eaten all day.” he said calmly. "At least you and the fur-club had breakfast." He added.

Seto snorted and rolled his eyes. "Whatever, feather-head.” he grumbled as the car pulled up in front of the house. The "fur club" was immediately out of the car and running into the house with their food.

Otogi hurried into the dining room with Marik and Bakura. "DIG IN!” he howled delightedly, opening his sack, breaking the chopsticks apart and beginning to shovel in the delicious food.

Outside, Yami walked behind with his lover grinning. "You are SO mine once we have our privacy." He declared; glad to have a moment of privacy. He chuckled softly fluttering his wings slightly to stretch them.

Seto sighed and went to the dinning room and sat at the head of the table, opening his food containers and digging in.

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

Pegasus and Ryou were jerked out of their sex induced sleep by a hyper fennec.

"Master! Wake up, Master!" Malik cried, taking a flying leap onto the bed, and bouncing the poor bunny right off.

Ryou yelped, whimpering and slowly peering up over the side of the bed. "That hurt...” he mumbled pathetically. "Why'd you do that?” he said, sniffling slightly, nursing a small bump on the head.

"Sorry Ryou...” Malik giggled sheepishly. "But I'm awake and I wanna play!" Pegasus chuckled and shook his head.

"Okay, Malik. Okay. How about we go swimming in the lagoons? You can see the fish, and slide on the water slide... maybe swim with dolphins?” he suggested.

Ryou grinned and nodded. "That sounds fun.” he said yawning slightly, his ears twitching. "Let’s go!"

Pegasus smiled. "Okay then. Ryou get your swim trunks on, baby. And Malik, turn away unless you want to see me without mine."

"Fennec, exit stage left!" Malik said, and scampered from the room. Pegasus chuckled.

Ryou mewled softly and nuzzled Pegasus. "Master... I... I don’t know if I should swim...” he said softly. "I'm... not very good at it."

Pegasus smiled. "It will be fine, angel.” he said. “I'll be right with you. I won't let anything happen to you. And there are life guards."

Ryou whimpered slightly. "You're... sure?” he said fearfully. "B-because I haven't swam since before... before I was a bunny. I'm... not sure I am even able to anymore."

Pegasus smiled and finished dressing. "You'll be fine, baby. Bunnies can swim too. It's instinct.” he said, kneeling and petting Ryou on the head.

Ryou wrinkled his nose slightly. "Really? Have you EVER seen a swimming bunny? Ever?"

Pegasus smiled. "All animals can swim. It's instinct.” he said, standing.

"Birds can’t swim.” he said smartly. "So who's to say I can?"

Pegasus chuckled. "You are being very difficult, Ryou...” he said, walking out of the bedroom.

Ryou hurriedly pulled on his trunks and scuttled after. "Maaaster!” he whimpered calling after his mate. "Don’t leave me behind!"

"I'm not." Pegasus said, holding up Ryou and Malik's harnesses. He knelt and put the things onto the hybrids, then led them out into the hall and to the elevator.

Ryou winced slightly as he hopped. "Master, you're too rough.” he mumbled flicking his ears, trying not to imply too much.

Malik blinked, then giggled. "Ryou got boned!” he giggled.

"Malik, that's enough." Pegasus said sternly.

Ryou whined loudly, sniffling. "Malik! That's mean!” he said, sniffling more, looking near tears.

"Oh, don't be a baby." Malik snorted. Pegasus rolled his eyes as the elevator descended. Then, it stopped and opened. Malik's ears perked up and his tail started wagging.

"Kheti!” he barked excitedly, and darted forwards, licking her face and making little puppy-like squeaks. Pegasus chuckled.

"Hello.” he said with a smile to Kheti's mistress.

Kheti laughed as their owners began to talk. "Hey kid." She said licking along his cheek and rubbing up against him. "Feel frisky yet?" She cooed in his ear giggling softly.

Ryou blinked. "I bet you did...” he mumbled crossing his arms.

Malik frowned and glared at Ryou. He bared his teeth and growled briefly, then went back to happily greeting Kheti.

"My Malik is quite taken with your female." Pegasus said to Kheti's mistress.

Ryou growled back softly. "Ass.” he grumbled. "You should practice what you preach.” he mumbled lying down and nuzzling Pegasus' leg.

"Yes... Kheti's always had a way with the male foxes, any breed. She's a flirt." The woman said amusedly. "But don’t let her fool you, she's not all sweetness. She can be quite the cunning little vixen."

Pegasus chuckled. "I can believe that. And Malik will just be one more broken heart...” he looked down at Malik, who was licking her chin like an eager puppy. He looked down at Ryou, nuzzling his leg, and pet him on the head.

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus' hand. "He needs to be fixed... horny fox.” he grumbled softly. "And people think rabbits are bad.” he added pouting.

Pegasus blinked, and then looked down at Ryou as Kheti's owner laughed. "And WHO was teasing their master with a carrot last night?” he asked, making Kheti's master laugh even harder.

Ryou flicked an ear. "I think my master's been having wet dreams about me again...” he cooed.

Pegasus' eyes widened. "What?!” he yelped, and looked down at Ryou. "You are a NAUGHTY bunny!!!"

Ryou giggled delightedly. "Nuh uh! I'm a sweet innocent little bunny, you're confusing me for Malik! I'm no sexual deviant!” he giggled nuzzling his master's leg.

Pegasus sighed. "Ryou, master has never been with Malik, nor has master ever seen Malik being a "sexual deviant" as you put it. YOU on the other hand, are an incubus with a fluffy tail!"

Ryou gasped softly, looking utterly shocked. "You're a naughty master! Calling me an incubus! I'm a little angel, you're naughty!” he giggled once more. "Master's wet dreams flatter me so...” he nuzzled Pegasus' leg again.

"Ryou, you are so full of shit...” Malik giggled, shaking his head.

Ryou glared at Malik. "I am not!” he huffed. "Hornfox.” he added flicking an ear.

"Ryou, that's enough." Pegasus said firmly. "Malik, when was the last time you engaged in intercourse?" Malik blinked and cocked his head, blushing.

"Ummm... the night before the day I was made...” he said. Pegasus nodded.

"Ryou? What about you?” he asked with a smirk.

Ryou looked thoughtful. 'hmm... that's a good question. I think I've been neglected!” he gasped, in perfect innocence. "Master you're so cruel...” he gave a fake sob and buried his face in his hands.

Kheti looked at Ryou and nudged Malik. "Damn he's good...” she whispered, amusedly.

Pegasus rolled his eyes, then picked Ryou up by the ears until he was dangling curled up in the air at eye level.

"Must we go back to the room so I can remind you of what I did to you only two hours ago? You remembered in the hall way when you complained of being sore.” he said.

Ryou blinked innocently. "You mean spank me, for running off? Then tend to my wounded rear end, thanks to those mean lions?” he said squirming slightly.

Pegasus glared at Ryou. "You are the most... Insufferable little lying fur ball!” he blurted, dropping Ryou. Malik moved over and groomed Ryou's ears, gently.

Kheti laughed loudly. "For a bunny, you're not half bad." She cooed nuzzling Ryou. "You sure outfoxed your own master."

Ryou giggled. "He's just mad cause he got caught having wet dreams...” he mumbled grinning at Pegasus. "But if my master so desires, I'd LOVE to go upstairs and fulfill a few...”

Pegasus glared down at Ryou. "If the naughty bunny doesn’t knock off his naughty deception, he will find himself with a brand new humping toy that will NOT be a living being...” he snarled.

Ryou huffed. "Then his master will be without any fun himself, unless he intends to get one for himself."

Pegasus smirked. "That's what the fennec is for." Malik's eyes widened and his ears shot up. "Perhaps Master will take another mate...”

Ryou growled softly. "You're horrid!” he howled, baring his teeth at Malik and Pegasus.

"Master doesn't want a mate who lies...” Pegasus said, looking down at Ryou.

"I don't want to be master's mate!!!" Malik yelped, tucking his tail in and scuttling under Kheti to hide, as the elevator reached the bottom floor and opened.

Ryou grinned. "HA! Master will be all alone if he gets me a doll! Malik doesn't want master!"

Pegasus glared down at Ryou. "You are starting to go from being a naughty bunny to a bad bunny, Ryou.” he said firmly, letting Ryou know that if he kept it up, he would get into trouble.

Ryou looked away, flicking his ears.

Kheti laughed and shook her head. "He's just playing hard to get." She said amusedly. She gave Malik's ears a lick. “Well... we have to go. My mistress and I are going to town to go shopping." She cooed, rubbing against him. "Maybe we could... get together once I'm back." She added before grinning and licking Ryou's ears.

"You're a cutie; don’t let that bad old master of yours ignore you too long." She said chuckling.

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "Dear God, don't encourage him.” he groaned. "Come on you two." And he pulled Ryou and Malik off towards their destination.

Ryou hopped slowly, pouting slightly. His master usually loved it when he was 'naughty', but he didn't seem too pleased back there. His ears drooped slightly. Why had THAT happened? He wasn't a bad bunny...

Malik looked at Ryou, and gave him a small whine and licked his cheek.

Ryou pouted and nuzzled Malik. "Meanie...” he mumbled pouting further.

Pegasus looked down. "Ryou. Your playful lies are only cute for so long. When you take it too far, it gets annoying and makes you and master look bad.” he said. "If it's just you and Malik and master, it's okay, but if other masters and mistresses are around, you need to be respectful to master and keep your playing limited."

Ryou pouted and looked away, sniffling softly, wanting to just crawl into Pegasus' arms and nuzzle him until he felt better. But he was also angry with his master for being angry at him. He sniffled and lagged behind as they walked, pouting miserably.

Finally, Pegasus heaved a sigh and stopped, turning and picking Ryou up into his arms. He glared at the bunny, then sighed again, and shook his head.

"I spoil you rotten!” he said in a scolding tone. "When exactly did you manage to get me wrapped around your little paw?” he asked.

Ryou smiled softly and nuzzled into Pegasus' arm, sniffling slightly. "I'm not a bad bunny...” he mumbled curling up in his master's arms. "I love you...” he whispered nuzzling his master contently. He grinned slowly as his master walked. "You know...” he whispered. "I'm not a naughty bunny... I'm just appealing...” he said so softly only they could hear. "May I have a carrot?"

Pegasus stumbled and choked, then looked wide eyed at his bunny, then narrowed his eyes. "An actual carrot, or are you being naughty again?” he asked, suspicious. Malik snickered.

Ryou mewled softly and nuzzled Pegasus. "An actual carrot master, honestly, you're so cruel.” he said pouting and nuzzling him once more.

Pegasus snorted and pet Ryou, gently. "Well, with you being as naughty as you have been on this trip, I have to make sure. I have a naughty little bunny in my arms." And he growled and covered Ryou's face with playful kisses.

Ryou giggled delightedly. "You know...” he whispered lovingly. "We could always leave Malik in daycare... and spend the day together...” he said beginning to nibble his master's ear. "We could go to the spa, and make a whole trip of it...” he added licking slowly up Pegasus's neck and nibbling along his jaw line, before kissing him.

Malik looked up and his ears drooped. He whined. Pegasus looked down at Malik. "Ohh... I think you've made your friend feel left out...” he said, scratching Malik's ears.

Ryou pouted at Malik. "Malik! But I wanna have master!” he whined. "You don’t need him!” he said jealously. "I was gonna make him go to the spa with me and do horrible little bunny things to him in the mud baths!” he whined.

Pegasus and Malik stared at Ryou with wide eyes. "I think my horny little bunny is even more devious than I thought!" The man laughed.

Ryou grinned. "Malik can go to the spa with us if he wants... but I don’t think he should take a mud bath...” he cooed gently pawing at Pegasus' shirt. "Because I need you...” he whispered longingly. "This warm weather makes me sooooo hot for you...”

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "Ryou... we'll go to the spa tomorrow.” he said. "You need to cool your hormones.” he tapped Ryou on the nose and set him down again. Malik let out a playful bark and tackled Ryou.

"Yeah! If you don't stop thinking like a horny rabbit, I'm gonna be spending this vacation alone!" The fennec pouted, tugging on Ryou's ear.

Ryou nuzzled Malik. "Sorry... I can help it... this warm weather... it's just like spring.” he said sheepishly. "And I just can’t help myself! Master is sooo fun...” he cooed up at Pegasus. "I'll get into those shorts soon... you watch out!” he said determinedly. "This little bunny wants his carrot!"

Pegasus looked down at Ryou. "Are you sure it's a carrot you want, and not a cucumber?” he asked wryly.

"Isn't as delicious.” he said calmly. "Sure it’s bigger, but not as tasty." Ryou grinned at Pegasus, “want me to prove it?"

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "That's okay Ryou.” he said. He approached one of the lagoons, and walked over to a small shed.

"I’ll like to rent some snorkeling equipment.” he said with a smile to the girl working. "For me and two hybrids."

The girl grinned. "Of course." She said smiling and retreating into the back room after a judging glance at Ryou and Malik. She returned holding a snorkeling set for each of them. "When you're finished return them to me for cleaning." She said reaching over the counter to pat Ryou and Malik on the head.

"You're both so adorable and furry!" She cooed giggling.

Malik smiled and wagged his tail, then licked Ryou's cheek. Pegasus smiled and led them down to the water's edge. Malik waded in to test the water, then yelped and leapt back as something splashed out of the water before him. A male and female hybrid giggled. The male was a beaver, the female, an otter. Pegasus smiled and chuckled when Malik skittered behind him, startled.

"Calm down Malik.” he said, sitting down and sorting out the snorkeling gear. The female crept out of the water, sniffing at Ryou.

Ryou blinked and looked at otter confusedly. "... huh?” he blurted, beginning to sniff back, curiously. "What on earth are YOU?” he mumbled, ears twitching as he gave her the once over with his nose.

She giggled. "You're a bunny!!" She said. "Awww... I've never seen a boy bunny... I'm an Otter! My name's Elizabeth. What's yours? Are you gonna come swimming with me and Andrew?"

"Hi." The beaver said with shy tone.

Ryou blinked and grinned. "We're gonna go swimming... ..But I'm not very good at it." he said sheepishly. He hopped over to Pegasus and grinned. "You're swimming too right?” he asked nuzzling his master's leg. "Cause... it'll be fun!"

Pegasus smiled. "Of course I'm swimming.” he said, putting his flippers on his feet. "Malik let me see your feet." Malik allowed Pegasus to put the flippers on him, then the mask, and stuck the snorkel in his mouth. "Go ahead."

Malik gulped.

"Come on! I'll show you!" Elizabeth said, and dove out of sight. Malik sighed, and waded into the water, then took off at a dog paddle. Pegasus chuckled.

"Now you, Ryou. Come here."

Ryou blinked. "D-do I have to?” he asked whimpering softly. "I don’t wanna... wet fur smells bad! It'll mess up my hair! My EARS!” he began, trying to find a decent enough excuse not to swim.

Pegasus chuckled. "Yes, you have to.” he said, putting the flippers onto Ryou's feet. He kissed his little nose. "You'll have fun, baby. And I'll stay right next to you, okay?” he put the mask on Ryou, and stuck the snorkel into his mouth before he could whine. Then, he slipped into the water, putting on his own mask and snorkel.

Ryou whimpered and hopped to the water's edge. He looked at it fearfully, hopping along the edge and just as it looked like he'd hop in, he'd hop back, and then slowly inch forwards towards it once more. He gave his master a pleading look. 'Master please... don’t go... '

But Pegasus swam further away from Ryou, pretending to ignore him, hoping that Ryou would get upset enough to follow.

Ryou whined around the snorkel, and once again did his fearful little 'dance' around the edge of the water. 'Master please! I'm scared! I... I... Don’t leave me!' He wailed in his mind, sniffling softly and whimpering, pawing at the water, before backing off once again.

Pegasus turned and pulled the snorkel out of his mouth. "C'mon Ryou!” he called, encouraging him. "Swim to master! Come on!"

Ryou sniffled softly and backed up slightly, looking at his master longingly. 'I'm scared... '

"Come on Ryou!" Pegasus called, holding his arms open for Ryou to swim into.

Ryou sniffled and hopped forward, and pawed at the water once more, whimpering. 'It’s cold... w-what if I can’t swim? What if I sink like a rock and drown?' He thought fearfully. 'I don’t wanna drown... '

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "You won't drown. Now stop being a wimp and come on! If you could swim before you became my bunny, then you can swim now. Now come on!"

Ryou huffed. 'Before I became your bunny I could also walk on my own, and go to school.' He thought snidely, hopping closer and looking at the water scornfully.

"Ryou! IN!!" Pegasus ordered with a scowl.

Ryou yelped and whined loudly, but hopped into the water slowly, looking as though it pained him to do so. 'I hate water...' He mumbled in his mind, ears twitching.

Pegasus smiled. "Awww... there's my good bunny... come on! Come to master!” he cooed, holding out his arms to Ryou.

He hopped forward as far as he could, then swim awkwardly to Pegasus, looking completely like a fish out of water. He clung to Pegasus the moment he reached him and glared softly. 'And you wanted to do THIS rather than play with me in the mud?' He said shaking slightly. 'If I drown, I'll nip your toes as a bunny ghost till the day you die!'

Pegasus laughed. "You're adorable.” he said, petting Ryou's hair. Then, he put the snorkel back into his mouth, let go of Ryou and dove underwater.

Ryou yelped and sank quite literally like a rock. He whimpered, paddling pathetically at the water. He couldn't dog paddle, and he couldn't swim properly, all he could do was try to hop in the water, and panic when he discovered that got him nowhere fast.

Pegasus turned and wrapped an arm around Ryou, pulling him to the surface. "Hmmm... You can't hop in the water, baby.” he said. "Try to dog paddle, or breaststroke."

Ryou gave Pegasus an odd look. "... That’s something Malik would do.” he blurted.

Pegasus gave Ryou a look. "Just try.” he said.

Ryou nodded slightly and tried once more to dogpaddle. He whimpered softly, but was able to stay afloat. 'I look like a drowning rat... ‘He grumbled. 'My poor tail!'

Pegasus chuckled at that thought. "You look precious.” he said. "Put your face in the water and see the fish!" And he put his snorkel in and did just that.

Ryou nodded slowly putting his face in the water and watching lots of small fish swim around him. 'Fish... ' he thought softly, squeaking when a fish literally ran into his face. 'It hit me! Master the fish hit me!' He squeaked, surprised.

Pegasus smiled and pet Ryou on the head, swimming next to him. A moment later, the otter frolicked by, and Pegasus nearly laughed at the under water view of Malik paddling along, looking down at the fish, and at the otter's body.

Ryou huffed slightly 'horny fox.' He grumbled, crossing his paws and sinking, yelping under the water and struggling to swim back up. 'Stupid water!'

Pegasus laughed at that, too. Malik paddled over and gave Ryou a happy look, letting him know that he was having fun. The beaver and otter played beneath them, every now and then darting up to give Ryou or Malik a playful nudge or tickle.
Ryou giggled and struggled to swim away, keeping close to Pegasus, feeling most safe in his mate's presence. 'Master... I love you... ' He thought softly, nuzzling him contently. 'Thank you for bring Malik and I on vacation.'

Pegasus smiled at his little angel's affectionate thoughts. He gave him a smile and a pat on the head, then pointed down, pointing out a Manta Ray swimming by beneath them.

Ryou squeaked. 'Oh my gosh!' he said frightened. He began trying to climb on top of Pegasus, utterly terrified of the thing. 'Don’t let it eat me!' He wailed, pawing and trying to get out of the water fruitlessly.

Pegasus sputtered and swam out from under Ryou. Then, he dove down and waved at Ryou happily, then pet the manta ray as it swam by.

Ryou whimpered slightly, watching nervously. He swam down slowly, nuzzling Pegasus, but keeping a fearful distance of the manta ray. 'It’s creepy.' he said timidly. 'I like the little goldfishes better'

Pegasus smiled and pulled Ryou along to a bunch of brightly colored fish. Malik in the mean time, was paddling after the manta ray.

Ryou nuzzled into Pegasus once more. 'Master, I'm starting to get hungry, and Malik's going to get himself hurt... ' he thought sheepishly. 'Can we go get something to eat?'

Pegasus smiled and tapped his watch, then held up ten fingers, two times. 'Twenty minutes' he was saying and kept swimming. Malik was paddling in circles near by, playing with the beaver and otter.

Ryou decided it best to swim to shallower water, and examine those pretty and brightly colored little fish, the ones who'd never pose any threat, or frightening appearance.

He nuzzled a coral reef he took particular interest in, and was delighted to feel the coarse material felt much like a comb, or scratching fingers. So, of course he continued.

Suddenly, as he was rubbing along the thing, he found himself nose to nose with someone with large blue eyes.

Ryou gasped, and choked as he inhaled quite a bit of water at the shock. He curled up, coughing in the water and scrambling to get to the surface, to AIR.

He felt strong arms wrap around him and pull him through the water, and to the shore. He pulled the snorkel out of Ryou's mouth and whacked him on the back.

"Hi. Sorry I scared you." He said with a smile. "I'm Mako." And he pushed back wild hair with webbed fingers, and on Ryou's inspection, he found this hybrid to have long webbed toes as well, and little tiny ears, much like Bakura's, and a short stubby tail.

Ryou hacked and coughed, whimpering. "You didn't scare me, you nearly KILLED me!” he coughed, trying to get that blessed air into his lungs, feeling a little queasy. "Why'd you do that?!” he whined, slowly recovering and wringing out his ears.

"I'm sorry!” he laughed, sitting next to Ryou. "I was just hanging out and BAM! There you were! You startled me, too."

Ryou blinked slightly. "So... what are you?” he asked curiously, sniffing at Mako slowly.

Mako smiled. "Sea lion.” he said. "And you're a rabbit. What's your tan friend?"

Ryou blinked. "A fox...” he said slowly, backing up. Lion... Lion... He whimpered, backing up more. "I... I...” he stammered slowly, not wanting to repeat the previous activities of lions. He shook his head. "Y-you stay back...”

Mako blinked. "Huh? I'm not gonna hurt ya, kid.” he grinned and flicked the water. "What's your name?"

Ryou backed up more. "Ryou...” he said softly. "P-please... j-just leave me alone... l-leave me alone!” he said, images of Alexander and Constantine laughing, flashing before his eyes. Lions... lion's disgrace. "Please g-go away!"

Mako blinked. "Hey... what's wrong?” he asked in confusion.

Ryou glared, growling softly. "You stay away! Go away! I... I won’t! I don’t want you!” he said shaking his head, beginning to tremble softly. "J-just go away!"

Mako blinked and slowly backed away.

"Ryou!" Malik ran over, abandoning his snorkel mask and flippers. "What's wrong?!” he got between Mako and Ryou, and growled.

"I didn't do anything!!" Mako yelped.

Ryou backed up more. "Y-you stay away! Stay away! I... I don’t want lions! I... I don’t want them! G-go away!” he howled, turning tail and scrambling as quickly as he could away, taking shelter inside the snorkel shop, literally quaking in fear.

Malik blinked. "Lion?"

"Umm... I'm a sea lion...” Mako said.

"Oh... umm... Ryou kind of had a bad experience with some lions this morning... don't take it personally."

"Oh... umm... okay...” Mako mumbled and slipped into the water.

"Malik, where's Ryou?" Pegasus asked, getting out of the water.

"He met a sea lion and wigged out and ran into the snorkel shed." Malik said. Pegasus gave a weary sigh and walked over to the snorkel shed.

Ryou sniffled shaking like a leaf hidden cleverly beneath a shelf behind closed doors. "I... I don’t want...” he mumbled curling up tightly. He sniffled softly, shaking his head. He didn't want lions anymore, they'd just hurt him... Laugh... lions and bunnies didn't mate... Lions ate bunnies, used bunnies...

He choked back a sob. "Master... I... I want master... h-he's my mate... ..I love my mate...” he mumbled curling up tighter.

"Ryou?" Pegasus called, walking into the shop. He turned to the employee. "Miss, did you see my bunny come in here?"

The woman nodded, and pointed to the small cabinet beneath the life preservers. "He looked upset, so I didn't go after him. Bunnies can be vicious when cornered." She said smiling. "I'm sure he'll calm down for a familiar face though."

Pegasus sighed and walked over. "Ryou?” he called. "Ryou? Where are you? Where's master's precious baby bunny?"

Ryou sniffled softly. "Master...” he mumbled, slowly peering out of the cabinet. "Master...” he mumbled once more, slowly inching out. "I-It... It was a lion! I-it was horrible!” he said sniffling. "I... I never want to see a lion again!” he sobbed softly. "They only want to hurt me..."

Pegasus chuckled. "Ryou. Baby... it was a SEA lion. There's a BIG difference between lions and sea lions.” he pet Ryou gently.

Ryou shook his head. "I... I don’t like lions.” he mumbled sniffling and crawling into Pegasus' arms. "I... I just like you... j-just you... forever.” he said sniffling. "Nothing else...”

Pegasus smiled and cuddled Ryou, standing. "My poor baby.” he walked out of the shed. "Malik, stop playing with the sea lion, we're going to the water slide!"

Ryou sniffled and clung to Pegasus. He looked at Mako and flicked his ears, clinging closer. "Sea... lion..." he said softly, ears drooping. "S-sorry..."

Mako smiled. "It's okay." He said. "Have fun at the slide!" And he waved jovially before splashing into the water and disappearing. With a playful yip, Malik turned and darted out of the water, starting to run circles around Pegasus, yapping. Pegasus laughed at Malik's frolicking. "Want to get down and play with Malik?" He asked Ryou.

Ryou shook his head slowly, and clung tighter. "Can I stay with you for now?" he asked softly. "J-just until I'm calm again..." he sniffled and nuzzled into Pegasus' arms. "I'm just a little shaken..."

Pegasus smiled and nodded, then laughed when Malik gave a bark and jumped up, snagging the seat of Ryou's swim trunks in his teeth and tugging a bit, whining. "Malik, leave Ryou alone." He scolded.

Ryou whined loudly. "Malik!" he said tugging his trunks up. "Leave me alone! Stop trying to get me naked!" he said scolding. "I don’t wanna be naked anymore!"

Malik giggled. "I'm not!" He claimed. "Come play with me!"

Ryou flicked his ears slightly. "I just got scared… give me a minute." he huffed slightly, starting to act like that perfect mated pet Pegasus had been working so hard to make him. "Honestly."

Pegasus smiled and coddled Ryou, kissing his little nose.

"My little precious..." He cooed, rubbing noses with Ryou. Malik snorted and trotted ahead.

"Fine. Be that way. Deny my very existence!" He whined dramatically, making some nearby people laugh.

Ryou giggled softly. "I DENY YOU!" he called after him, giggling more.

Pegasus laughed. "Ryou! Be nice!!" He kissed him on the cheek.

"Bite me, bunnyboy!" Malik called back.

"You're not gonna take that from him, are you?" Pegasus asked, and set Ryou down. "You go show him who's boss, Ryou!" And he gave him a little slap on the behind to send him on his way.

Ryou giggled loudly and scampered after Malik, tackling him and beginning to chew on his ears. "I'm the boss! I'm the boss!" he giggled beginning to tickle the fox. "I'm biting you!" he howled delightedly.

Malik yelped, then laughed. "No, I'm the boss!" He announced, and pinned Ryou down. "You are mine!!!" And he began licking Ryou all over his face, nipping at his ears playfully.

Ryou squeaked and squirmed, flipping them over and grinning, having now pinned Malik. "Who's the bunny?!" he howled proudly. "I'm the BUNNY!" he sat on Malik's chest and began grooming his ears.

Malik giggled, then decided to use the "secret weapon".

"..... TICKLE ATTACK!!!" He cried, and flung Ryou down, tickling him.

Ryou yelped and kicked at Malik, squirming before finally managing to fling his friend off, and run over to Pegasus and literally RUN up his master's body and rest in his arms. He giggled softly, panting. "Don’t tickle me!"

Pegasus yelped and stumbled, but managed to stay upright. "Honestly..." He scolded Ryou. "You're going to KILL me playing like--MALIK!!!" The man howled and fell backwards as Malik took a flying leap at Ryou, also ending up in Pegasus' arms. Ryou and Malik tumbled away, and Malik leapt up.

"BUNNY!!!" He barked, and charged at Ryou.

Ryou yelped and scampered off quickly, giggling as he ran through the masses of people and back towards the hotel, the one place with lots of hiding places....and plenty of people to lose Malik with.

But Malik soon lost Ryou in the crowd. But as Ryou charged towards the doors to the hotel, they opened. And Ryou skidded to a stop, eyes wide.

"Well well... what have we here?" Constantine smirked.

"I think it's our little friend..." Alexander snickered.

Ryou gasped, backing up slowly. "Y-you leave me alone...I mean it..." he said threateningly. "J-just go your way and l-leave me alone." he said yelping as he backed into a plant.

Constantine and Alexander both chuckled darkly, lower their heads and slowly moving towards Ryou in a frightening stalk.

"ALEXANDER!!! CONSTANTINE!!!" Both lions jerked and turned, eyes wide.

"Oh shit..." Alexander grumbled.

"Boudicea, hi, what are--OW!!!" Constantine howled as Boudicea pounced and began smacking him around.

"No no no No NO!!!" She was screaming. Ceiridwyn charged Alexander and bowled him over, then ran to Ryou.

"Are you okay?" She purred, sniffing him over and grooming his ears. "Did they hurt you?" Boudicea soon joined her, and they fawned over the little bunny while their mates cowered and pouted.

Ryou grinned slightly, and nodded. "I...I'm ok." he said cautiously licking one of the lionesses on the cheek. "Thank you..." he said backing up a little bit, still quite wary of lions.

He looked at Alexander and Constantine and stuck out his tongue, huffing slightly. "Bad old pussycats!" he said sniffling.

The lionesses blinked, then laughed.

"Yeah..." Ceiridwyn giggled. "Bad ole pussycat..."

"Oh, blow me, Ceiridwyn..." Alexander snarled.

"Hell no." The female spat. "You ain't getting ANYTHING for a while if you keep terrorizing this poor little bunny..."

"That goes for you too, Constantine!!" Boudicea snarled, and both lions drooped and pouted. Then, their owners walked out of the hotel.

Ryou grinned at the male lions when the lionesses weren't looking. 'Nya nya see whatcha get for being assholes?' he mouthed, giggling silently.

Boudicea turned. "Master! Lady! Constantine and Alexander were bullying this bunny again!" She whined. The lions glared.

"Alexander! Constantine!" the woman said angrily. "Are you trying to get me sued?!" she scolded, tapping her foot. "If I, or the lionesses catch you tormenting that poor bunny once more, I'm sending you to your kennels with no dinner." she said warningly. "You'll miss out on the special steak dinner we had planned for this evening too."

The lions both gave unhappy meows and drooped.

"Ryou! Ryou!!!" They all turned when Malik came running over. He almost knocked the lionesses over to get to Ryou, and then nearly smothered the bunny with worried licks, sniffs and nuzzles. Then, once satisfied that Ryou was okay, he forced Ryou to the ground and stood over him protectively. He flattened his ears, lifted his tail, bristled and growled at the lions.

Ryou squirmed beneath Malik. "It's ok...They wont hurt me..." he said softly, nuzzling Malik. "Their master will punish them if they do, and the lionesses will punish them." He cooed, turning to glare at the lions, and smirked when no one was looking. 'So there.' he mouthed, flicking his ears, taunting the lions, knowing they could do nothing to stop him.

Once the females looked back to him, he had a look of fear, utter innocence. He was a VERY good actor, and every bit the imp Pegasus said he was.

The lions bristled and growled, and Malik barked aggressively.

"Ryou?! Malik?!" Pegasus ran over, panting. He quickly leashed them, then turned to the owners of the lions. "I am SO sorry..." He gasped, trying to catch his breath. "SOME body..." He glared at Malik, who wagged his tail sheepishly. "Decided to knock me over and have a game of tag..."

The woman laughed. "It's fine, nothing happened." She said smiling. "The lionesses are fond of your little rabbit, and are protecting him from my asinine male lions." She said glaring at them.

Ryou smirked at them again and nuzzled Pegasus, to hide his silent chuckles, seen only by the males during his little taunts.

"We were just heading out to the beach again...come on BOYS." She added firmly. "And don’t forget my warning, if you're caught bullying that rabbit you'll spend the night hungry and locked in a kennel."

Pegasus chuckled. "You try to keep away from them so they won't be tempted to bully you, Ryou..." He said, looking down at his bunny. "Now come on. We're going to the water slide, and then for pizza."

"Yay! Pizza!" Malik sang, wagging his tail.

Ryou giggled and nodded eagerly. "PIZZA!" he cheered, before tapping Malik on the shoulder. "Tag." he sang, before scampering back in the direction of the waterslides.

Pegasus yelped as he was jerked by the leashes. "Ryou! Malik! No! Stop that!"

Ryou scampered so quickly the leash was jerked out of Pegasus' hand and he was running down the path, giggling all the way. "Cant catch me! Cant catch me!"

"RYOU!!! NO!!!" Pegasus shouted, then yelped when Malik got loose.

"OH, I WILL TOO CATCH YOU!!!" Malik shouted, chasing Ryou.

"Oh god dammit!" Pegasus cursed, and chased them.

Ryou giggled and hid in some bushes, knowing Malik wouldn't find him right away. He giggled, catching his breath as he watched the fox whizz by, followed by Pegasus. He giggled and snuck out, to hide in a different bush, as the two caught each other.

"MALIK!!! STAY! WITH! ME!" Pegasus snapped, giving Malik a smack on the backside. Malik yelped and tucked his bottom under himself and tucked his tail between his legs.

"Ryou?" Pegasus called, looking around.

Ryou giggled softly, wiggling his behind in the air slightly...preparing. When Pegasus walked by, he pounced. "MASTER!" he cheered gleefully, popping out of the bush and into Pegasus' arms, littering his face with licks and kisses. "I found you!"

"GAAAAH!!!" Pegasus howled, falling into the bushes. Malik yelped and leapt aside, then blinked at Pegasus's flailing legs and Ryou's behind and tail.

Ryou giggled and curled up on Pegasus' chest, continue to shower his mate with love and affection. "I found you I found you!" he cheered, ending it all with one quite passionate kiss to the lips.

Pegasus sighed. "Ryou... get off of me..." He mumbled. "You are a little imp. You're going to give master a heart attack." And he ruffled Ryou's hair and tweaked his tail.

Ryou giggled and settled down on Pegasus' chest. "But I'm so comfy..." he cooed, nuzzling him. "you're nice and warm...and I could kiss you all day." he said grinning.

Pegasus sighed and looked around. "Ryou... the gardener is giving me a dirty look, come on now..."

Ryou giggled and slowly crawled off of Pegasus, giving him a broad grin. "My wonderful master...." he cooed.

Pegasus sighed and shook his head, getting out of the bushes and hurrying himself and his hybrids away from the burning glare of the gardener.

Ryou giggled and nuzzled Pegasus as they walked towards the waterslides. "That was fun." he said amusedly.

Pegasus rolled his eyes. "For you maybe. And just for that..." He scooped Ryou up. "YOU are coming with me on THAT!!!" And he pointed to the six story Mayan Tower where the waterslides were.

Ryou's eyes widened, and his ears fell flat against his head. "w-what? No!" he said squirming. "I won’t!"

"Oh yes you will!!!" Pegasus said, heading straight for the slides, dragging a wide eyed Malik along with him.

Ryou shook his head and scrambled to get away. "NO! I won’t!" he howled, grabbing onto a tree and clinging to it as Pegasus walked by.

"AHHG! Oh, for Heaven's sake, Ryou!" He howled, people around snickering. "Now, let go of that tree!!"

Ryou shook his head, clinging all the tighter. "I don’t wanna!" he squeaked. "Not the big slide!"

Pegasus growled and tugged Ryou. "Ryou! Don't give it if you can't take it! Now come on!"

"Yeah! Don't be a baby!" Malik said.

Ryou dug his claws into the tree and clung even tighter. "NO! I didn't force you to fall that far! I don’t wanna!"

"Too... BAD!!!" Pegasus roared. "Malik. Tickle him!"

"Yes master." Malik said, and began tickling Ryou.

Ryou yelped and let go of the tree, giggling like an idiot.

Pegasus smirked. "Thank you." And he tossed Ryou over his shoulder and headed fro the slides again, Malik trotting along side him.

Ryou whimpered. "NO!" he wailed beginning to sob. "I don’t want to I don’t wanna!"

"Well, you're gonna." Pegasus said. "You don't have a choice." And he slapped Ryou's tush.

Ryou sobbed louder, and once they reached the stairs to the top of the slide, he grabbed onto the raining and clung to it. "Noooo!"

Malik tickled him until he let go, and before Ryou knew it, they were at the top. Pegasus smiled and unleashed both hybrids for the sake of safety, then sat down at the top of the slide and plopped Ryou into his lap, then directed Malik to sit in front of Ryou. And the next thing Ryou knew, he was hopelessly caught between Malik and his master, and staring at the edge of the slide's drop...

"Ready?" Pegasus hissed into Ryou's ear.

Ryou whined and shook his head. "please don’t make me! I don’t want to!" he howled sobbing loudly. He squirmed frantically clawing at anything to get away. "Don’t make me don’t make me!" he sobbed, trying to get away.

"Here... we... GOOOOOO!!!!" Pegasus sang, pushing them all over the edge.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Malik howled, looking down as they fell down several stories of the slide and under the shark lagoon.

At this point, Ryou was literally SOBBING. This was WAY too scary for him! He clung to Malik's back, inadvertantly digging his little bunny claws into him. "I want off I want off!" He sobbed, loudly, unintentionally screaming in Malik's ears. After all, when was there time to think rationally when you were about to wet yourself from fear?
But Malik didn't even wince; he was too busy screaming himself.

"WOOOOHOOOOOOHOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Pegasus was shouting, obviously having a blast. Finally, the slide leveled out and they were shot into the pool, bouncing across the surface like a stone someone had skipped across the water, then they all sunk into the water. Malik paddled to the surface and headed for the edge.

Ryou however was still clinging to the fox, tighter than ever, and trembling harshly from fear. "I..I wanna go hooomeee..." he sobbed, once they were out of the water. "I want my cage... I want my toys!" he sobbed even louder latched onto Malik like a leech.

Malik tried to yelp, but when Ryou clung, he sunk. Pegasus waded over to them and plucked Ryou up.

"Now stop that, baby." He said, and cuddled Ryou to his chest. "You were a very good boy. I'm very proud of you. Are you okay?"

Ryou sniffled. "I wanna go home...' he pouted, big frightened tears rolling down his face. "I don’t like it here...." he added beginning to sniffle quickly, as though another round of fresh tears were about to fall.

"Ryou..." Pegasus crooned, chuckling. "My poor baby... I think we're going to spend the day at the spa tomorrow, hmm?" Malik made it to the edge of the pool and climbed out, shaking himself off. Then, he turned and looked back at Pegasus.

"Master..." He said. "I want to bite you."

Ryou sniffled and squirmed slightly. "L-lets go back to the room master... I want to dry off and snuggle into the blankets..." he said softly. "Please?" He added. "Malik didn't like the waterslide either... a-and I don’t feel so well... I think I got too scared..." he mumbled laying his head on Pegasus' shoulder.

Pegasus smiled. "But you did it. And I'm SO proud of you." He kissed Ryou's cheeks and waded out of the pool. "Why don't you two go play on some of the smaller slides?" Malik frowned.

"I don't think I can take it right now, Master..."

Ryou nodded. "I… I wanna go lie down... o-or I shall be sick..." he mumbled groaning softly. "Please take us to the room..."

Pegasus blinked, then chuckled. "No pizza?"

Ryou moaned loudly. "Noooooo..."

Pegasus laughed. "Okay. Let's go up to the room and I'll give my boys a warm bath, okay?" He smiled at Ryou and Malik.

"Thank you master." Malik said, trotting by his side. "That would be very relaxing." Pegasus smiled and nodded.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled into Pegasus' arms. "Thank you Master..." he mumbled and was content to ride in his master's arms, all the way back to the hotel, up through the elevator and down the hall towards their room.

There, Pegasus finally set Ryou down, and Malik immediately tugged his ear, then smiled and nuzzled Ryou, licking his cheek. Pegasus opened the door.

"Okay boys. Get out of your harnesses and swim trunks, and I'll run you a bath." And he walked back to the bathroom. Malik removed Ryou's harness, then turned around so Ryou could remove his.

Ryou removed Malik's harness and nuzzled him. "That was awful..." he mumbled. getting up to all fours shakily. "Don’t ever try to talk me into THAT again..." he said slowly hopping towards the bathroom.

"Master?" He called in softly. "Can we come in now?"

"Of course, angel." Pegasus said, turning and watching the pair enter the room. He slid Ryou's swimming trunks off and lifted him into the tub. He turned to do the same with Malik, but the fennec had already wriggled out of his trunks and hopped into the tub. He relaxed and sighed with a smile, laying down in the warm water.

Ryou laid his head on the edge of the tub and blushed slightly, keeping to a small corner of the tub. 'I feel so naked...' he pouted slightly. Since Pegasus had let him wear clothes, he longed for them more and more, and felt awkward when naked, even if it was just in the presence of Malik and his master.

Malik blinked, then smiled and scooted closer to Ryou, licking his cheek a bit. Pegasus smiled and turned, looking over the soaps.

"Okay boys..." He said, turning to the hybrids. "What scent do you want?"

Ryou scooted away from Malik. "I can clean myself." he mumbled, curling up in the corner, feeling all the more embarrassed. He gave his master a pleading look '...can I wear the wonderful clothes you got me?' he thought hopefully. 'Please master?'

Pegasus laughed. "He wasn't trying to bathe you, Ryou."

"I want the Jasmine scent, Master." Malik said. Pegasus nodded and grabbed the Jasmine bottle.

"Ryou, what scent would like?" Pegasus asked.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "I dunno..." he said softly. "I'll just go with whatever you want..." He really wanted out of the tub at this point, and was deeply considering streaking through the suite to hide under a bed or perhaps.

Pegasus smiled and grabbed the Cherry Blossom scent for Ryou.

"Okay, who's first?"

"I can bathe myself, master." Malik said, snatching the bottle and grabbing a sponge.

"Okay then..." Pegasus said with a smile, and began to lather up another sponge and wash Ryou with gentle loving hands.

Ryou sighed softly and nuzzled into Pegasus. "Master..." He whispered softly. "A-after my bath can you dress me in my clothes?" he asked aloud this time, though only loud enough for the two of them to hear. "I...I would be very happy." he said offering his most endearing smile. "I...I want to...to try walking with you again." He added, nuzzling into him.

Pegasus laughed, and Malik stared. "You want to wear your little maid outfit?" he asked, and Malik's eyes bugged out.

Ryou pouted blushing and growled softly, expressing his anger at the amusement from Pegasus, and his outburst. He hopped out of the tub, splattering water everywhere as he scampered through the suite. He sniffled, frustrated, and hopped into the empty Jacuzzi.

How could Pegasus be so insensitive? It was supposed to be their special secret...and he laughed! He laughed, and now Malik was probably laughing too...Ryou sniffled and let his ears droop into his face.

A moment later, Pegasus walked in. He spotted Ryou, and moved over to him, and knelt. "Ryou? Baby? What's wrong?" He asked, petting Ryou. Malik peeked around the corner.

"Go away!" he sniffled, from inside the jaccuzzi. "J-just leave me alone!" he said, the tears on his face, evident in his voice. "You can laugh at me all you want! J-just leave me alone!"

Pegasus blinked. "Laugh? At what?" He asked. "Ryou, why are you upset?"

"Ryou?" Malik asked, trotting over and peering in at Ryou. "Are you okay?"

Ryou growled softly, glaring. "GO AWAY!" He said, bristling.slightly. "Just leave me alone!" He glared at Pegasus and sniffled. He couldn't believe his master would blurt out their precious 'secret'... and it hurt that he had. Especially since Malik had heard, somehow it felt like salt in the wound that his friend now knew.

Pegasus blinked. "Ryou?" He stroked Ryou gently.

"Ryou?" Malik echoed, hopping into the jacuzzi and nuzzling him. "Did... did we do something?"

Ryou glared and hopped out, and sought out a better place to hide, where he'd get privacy from his 'chatty' mate, and Malik. He felt so betrayed...he wore those clothes for Pegasus, and his master had said it was their secret. He sniffled and snuck out to the balcony, and laid out under the chair, sure he'd be left alone this time. Or at least until his master discovered what he'd done to make him so upset.

But in moments, Malik had sniffed him out. Pegasus moved the chair and sat in it, picking Ryou up and holding him while Malik hopped into the hammock and curled up, his silvery lavender eyes watching intently.

"Ryou? Baby, why are you upset? Because I laughed at your wanting to walk and wear your clothes?"

Ryou looked away stubbornly, unwilling to make up with his master until he was sorry for making fun of his desire to wear clothes, even if they WERE maids clothes. He sniffled softly and squirmed, wanting to get away once again.

"Ryou... I wasn't laughing AT you... I mean, I was, but... you are just too cute sometimes, I can't help but laugh!" He hugged Ryou. "You make me that happy." And he kissed Ryou's cheek.

Ryou huffed and continued stubbornly looking away, quite steamed. 'You're so insensitive...Laughing at me...you said it was a secret! You blurted it out! Malik knows, he'll never forget! He'll make fun of me until the day I die!' Ryou sniffled and squirmed more. "put me down."

"Oh, sweetie..." Pegasus said, rocking Ryou. "Malik lives with us. He would find out anyway. And he won't make fun of you, will you Malik?"

"No, of course not!!!" Malik said, shaking his head. Then, he stared at Ryou before blurting "You have a little french maid outfit?! Can I see you in it?!" And he grinned and wagged his tail. "Is it sexy?"

Ryou glared at him. "Shut up!" he growled, before squirming. "I want to go to bed." he grumbled, still peeved. "You can wear it, since it's SO funny for you two, you can have a blast, laughing at eachother and how funny I must be." he grumbled, ears drooping further. He squirmed more, wanting to see the only comfort he had left, sleeping.

Pegasus frowned. "Ryou, that's enough!" He said sternly. "We are not laughing at you. I would be glad to let you wear your little outfit and help you walk, baby."

"And I wanna see your outfit! I mean, c'mon Ryou... Do you really think I'd laugh at you in a maid's outfit? I get dressed like a freakin' girl in a harem!" He looked at Ryou and sighed. "I'm your friend. I wouldn't laugh at you like that."

Ryou sniffled softly. "I'm just gonna go to bed..." He mumbled softly. "You can wear it Malik, it'd look better on you...' he mumbled, squirming loose of Pegasus' arms and hopping towards the door.

He sighed softly, mind drifting back to school and Yugi and his other friends. Sure Malik was nice...but even though they were...well room mates now, he hardly knew him. But he did know, that he enjoyed a good laugh, and even if he denied laughing at him then, he may laugh about it later, and it would hurt just the same.

After looking at Pegasus for a moment, Malik slipped out of the hammock and followed Ryou.

"Ryou?" He called softly, approaching Ryou who was hiding in the bar. "I mean it... I would never laugh at you. I never even THOUGHT to laugh... And besides... this is progress! He's letting you wear clothes! Even if it is a little poofy skirt. And... did he REALLY let you walk?! Did he?!" Malik asked, eyes sparkling in excitement.

Ryou whined softly. "Please Malik..." he said sniffling. "Just...leave me alone..." he mumbled, ears drooping. A hurt was present in his voice. His chosen mate, the lifepartner who had picked him, had broken their secret, their special secret.

"I just want to curl up on the bed, and go to sleep..." he added hopping towards the bed. He hopped onto the bed and crawled under the blankets. He didn't understand why it'd hurt him so deeply that Pegasus had said what he had. He'd never cared about being laughed at before...at least not to this degree. He felt near tears, ready to cry that his mate had betrayed their special secret, their Mates-only acts.

Malik frowned, then sighed. "Yeah... sure... sleep well, Ryou..." Pegasus came in and looked at Ryou, then went to the Master Bedroom and closed the door. Malik sighed. Well... Ryou didn't seem to want company... He slunk out onto the balcony and curled up in the hammock, since Ryou was in the other bed.

Ryou sighed softly, shaking his head. He shouldn't be so upset...it wasn't like this was the first time someone had thoroughly humiliated him in one swift fell blow. likely it wouldn't be the last. He sighed softly and curled up, beginning to doze. He'd apologize to Malik in the morning.

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I am hereby announcing a contest for all the artists out there!!! It begins immediately, and ends on Halloween. I am challenging everyone to draw my OC. The rules are:

1) The picture must feature Ahmose and/or Mikado. Other Yugioh characters may also be present.

2) No X rated pics. Let's keep it R rated people(That still leaves you with many options ^_~)

3) it can be a scene from any of my fics, or an original scene. But please keep their personalities in mind; Ahmose: stern, quiet, cold and calculated... kinda like Seto. Mikado: playful, loud, funloving, party guy, more like Joey only not... stupid and obnoxious...

4) If you need a visual reference, you can see my drawings of Mikado and Ahmose on my account at DeviantArt, you may search them by name.

The winner will get a fic dedicated to them (cuz I can't think of anything else to give the winner)

Send the picture to me by midnight Halloween night at :

ahmose_inarus@yahoo.com

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