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

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

Chapter 39

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

Ryou yawned softly nuzzling into Pegasus' arm. "Master..." he mumbled sleepily. "I...I think you said we were going home today..." he mumbled yawning loudly, before curling up tighter to his side. He wanted to see Marik desperatly, he also couldn't help but lust for a few of the wonderful vegetables growing in HIS garden. "I want to eat the yummy treats in my garden..."

Pegasus yawned and smiled, looking down at his baby bunny. "Awww... are you ready to go home, precious?" He asked, reaching out and stroking Ryou's side.

Ryou stretched into the strokes and nodded sleepily. "I miss...a lot." he mumbled beginning to gently groom Pegasus' side. "Do you miss home too?"

"Mm hmm..." Pegasus sighed, smiling. "We should go wake Malik." He said. "You know... I've been thinking about what you said, Ryou. About Malik not ever being happy with us..." He rolled over onto his back and stared at the cieling.

Ryou blinked slightly. "Y-you have?" he asked curiously, nudging Pegasus' hand with his cheek, asking wordlessly to be petted. "A-and? What...have you thought of?

"I have decided to take him back to the shop." Pegasus said. "I'll put him up for sale. For one week. And if he is bought in one week, then he will go to a new home. I of course make the final decision on whether or not to sell him. If no one I approve of offers to buy him in that week, then he will come home with us."

Ryou shook his head. "W-what?! B-but that's awful!" He said shaking his head. "W-why not just give him back to Bakura?! H-he'd be happy!" he said sniffling and sitting up to tug his own ears. "That's not fair...."

Pegasus frowned. "If I give him back to Bakura then I'm right back where I started with him!" He said, also sitting up. "You said you wanted a companion, and I wanted Malik out of my way! He was a dreadful nuisance. So I killed two birds with one stone and made him my pet. But he's still being difficult. So I will sell him to someone who will keep him out of my way. Maybe I'll put up an add over the internet. If someone out of the country bought him he would REALLY be out of the way..." The man mused.

Ryou gasped softly and gave Pegasus a wide-eyed heartbroken look. "Please! Don’t!" he said tears welling in his eyes. "It...it would be CRUEL...Master please...if you want him out of the way, just give him back to Bakura and take ME out of the country...please don’t do something cruel to him..." he said sniffling. "He hurts enough as it is, please don’t sell him to someone out of the country..."

Pegasus sighed and smiled. "I'll work something out." He said softly, kissing Ryou's forehead. "So that everyone will be happy, okay?" He ruffled Ryou's hair. "I don't want you to be unhappy... I'll figure something out."

Ryou sniffled. "I...would be happiest if Malik was happy." He said softly. "He wants to go home master...he misses his family...Bakura..." he sighed softly. "Please? give him back...keeping him when he's so sad...just punishes me...it hurts my heart to see him so sad...without his lover or his family.."

"We shall see. Now, go wake Malik and get your things together." He said, kissing Ryou's cheek before heading to the bathroom.

Ryou hopped out of the room. "Malik...we're going home" He called softly, hopping onto the bed and licking his cheek. He sniffled softly. "Oh Malik...something bad is happening..." he said shaking his head. "H-he's going to sell you!"

Malik mumbled and slowly opened his eyes. "Huh? Oh... mornin' Ry...." He said, yawning. "What now?"

"P-Pegasus...h-he's going to sell you..." he said shaking his head. "O-once we get home, he's taking you back to the pet shop!"

Malik's ears shot up and he bolted upright. "What?!" He gasped, eyes wide in horror.

Ryou sniffled. "He said he was going to, and he wasn't even going to let just anyone buy you! He had to approve it!" he said nuzzling into Malik, shaking in fear.

Malik's ears drooped. "That's his way of saying that he won't let Seto get his hands on me..." He murmured, beginning to shake as well. "I... I don't wanna go! I can't! Ryou, you... you're my best friend!" And he turned and nuzzled his face into Ryou's hair. "I don't wanna leave! I wanna stay with you!"

"Malik...y-you have to get away before he does that...please say you will...Don’t let him sell you to someone out of the country! You'll never see Bakura again if he has his way!" Ryou whimpered, beginning to cry. "Th-then what will you do? Please, w-when we get home, run away! U-use the hole in the back yard...." he whispered the last part. "Y-you'll be able to escape a-and tell the others..."

Malik gulped. "I... I can't leave you, Ryou!" He whimpered. "I... but..."

"Ready to go?" Pegasus asked, walking into the room. He looked at the pair of frightened hybrids. "Oh, come now..." He said, walking over and petting them both.

"Master! Please!" Malik begged. "Don't sell me! Please!"

"Well, Malik... you aren't adjusting. You aren't happy." Pegasus said.

"I'll be happier here than anywhere else!" Malik whined. "Please! I... I wanna stay with Ryou!"

"We'll see." Pegasus said, rubbing Malik's hair.

Ryou sniffled and tugged his ears, tears falling down his cheeks. "Please...not to a different country..." he whimpered, though he crawled into Pegasus' arms, wanting to be cradled and loved. "Please master?" He asked, once Pegasus had picked him up, nuzzling into his chest and yawning once more, despite his fears he was simply worn out.

Pegasus smiled. "We'll see. I'll think about it. I will do whatever is best." He said. "Now, you two get dressed and get into your harnesses. I'll call up the bell boy." And in fifteen minutes, they were on the elevator on the way down to the lobby to check out. Malik was pressing close to Ryou, still looking very worried.

Ryou nuzzled him and sniffled, gently grooming Malik's ears. "Malik...I don’t want you to go that far away...." he mumbled pathetically. "I want you where I'll know where you are..." he sniffled, nuzzling into him. "Wi-with Bakura..." he said softly. "He'd be happy..."

Malik gulped and nodded, and tucked his tail under as the elevator opened and Pegasus led them out. He checked out, and then walked out of the hotel, heading for the docks, and to the boat that would take them to their plane. Suddenly, Pegasus stopped.

"Malik? Would you like to say goodbye to Kheti?" He asked, and Malik turned. Kheti and her mistress were having breakfast at a table nearby.

"Yes Master." Malik said.

Ryou smiled softly as Malik scampered over to the table.

Kheti yawned softly and looked at Malik and smiled. "Good morning. Looks like you're headed for home aren't ya?" She said leaning down and offering Malik some bacon. "A treat for the road hm kid?" she said licking his cheek.

Malik stared up at her with wide eyes. "K-Kheti! Master... he... he's gonna sell me!" He whimpered, shaking.

Kheti blinked. "Mistress?" She asked smiling sweetly. "Can we buy him? With a little cleaning up, he could be a show fox." She said softly, tugging Malik's ear gently.

Malik's eyes widened significantly. "Kheti!!" He hissed in shock and alarm. Pegasus walked over, chuckling.

"Looks like your Kheti has taken an interest in Malik." He said to Kheti's owner. "You... aren't interested in purchasing him, are you? Perhaps you can breed them?"

Ryou squeaked slightly, eyes wide. "Master!" he scolded slightly. "That's awful!....well maybe it's not..." he smirked at Malik. "I'm sure he'd understand, a beautiful girl SEDUCING you into sex..." he taunted, remembering Malik's little laughter at his own 'breeding' predicament.

Malik's eyes widened and Kheti's owner laughed. "Oh goodness, no... I have a stud for Kheti." She said, and Malik's eyes widened.

"WHAT?!" He yelped.

"Uh oh... uh... hmm..." Pegasus chuckled, looking down at Malik.

"He's with my husband." The woman said, and Pegasus blinked.

"Oh really?"

"Yes, there they are now. And here come the kids!" The woman laughed. Malik's jaw dropped.

"KIDS?!" He whirled and saw stampeding towards them five little fennec kits and a large handsome male calmly trotting after them.

Kheti laughed softly. "Khilek!" She called waving the stud over. "Malik, this is Khilek. Khilek, this is Malik, that young kit I told you about, isn't he just cute?" She said giggling softly as her kits tumbled over each other to dog-pile on Malik.

"Malik, these are my young ones, Kazar, Anibus and Neveah." She said pointing to each kit in turn. Anibus was a surprisingly BLACK kit, with big sparkling blue eyes, Neveah was a powder colored kit, with auburn eyes, and Kazar was an almost dusty red colored kit with brilliant green eyes.

Kheti laughed. "And these two plump ones." She said motioning to the two kits who were tugging his ears. "Are Daos and Erim." she said smiling. "They're still working off their kit fat..." She said as the two blushed and immediately went back to tugging Malik's ears.

Daos was a typical sandy kit, as was Erim, but their coats were particularly shiny. All in all, there were four kits that were sandy colored, or a slight variation of, and one kit, that was obviously quite special.

Malik sat there, stunned, as the kits climbed all over him, and stared at Kheti. "You... You're... you have KIDS?!" He finally blurted. Pegasus started laughing so hard, he had to sit down.

Ryou cooed softly. "They're absolutely DARLING!" he said scooping one up and nuzzling it, to which the happy pup giggled and began to nibble at Ryou's long floppy ears. "I absolutely adore children!" he chirped gleefully.

Kheti laughed. "Of course I do." She said calmly. "I'm a show fox, every so often my mistress will have me mate for kits, or bid on a studding, for the breeds." She explained. "Aren't they beautiful? They're all the most perfect creatures on the planet..." she said, taking pride in more than just their outer appearances, it was clear she was still quite in love with being a mother.

Malik was thunderstruck. He had never even SUSPECTED!!! Slowly, and almost guiltily, he turned to Kheti's mate, Kilek. And he gulped and huddled down, submissively, showing the larger male that he was accepting his dominance, and thus, his status as Kheti's mate.

Kheti laughed softly. "Oh don’t worry. Khilek would probably ASK for you to join in, he's my horny little lover..." She said licking the male's cheek, while he laughed.

"Hey, if you're interested, as long as I get some too, you're welcome to join us..." he purred leaning towards Malik. "Kheti loves a new thrill... and she seems to be fond enough of you..."

Malik's eyes widened and he let out a nervous squeak, turning bright red. Pegasus laughed again, and turned to Kheti's owner.

"I am considering selling him... might you be interested? They all seem to get along quite well." He said, petting Ryou.

Ryou laid the small kit on the floor and began raspberrying his tummy, the small kit squealing in delight and squirming. "Eeek!" he squealed giggling.

The woman looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure...." She said softly.

Kheti smiled. "Oh come on, I'm sure he's got more than a few good genes in him, just look at those eyes!" she said motioning to Malik's brilliantly colored eyes. "If he's got genes to make those, who KNOWS what sorts of treasures he's got hidden in him." She said softly, giggling at the mortified look on Malik's face.

"K-Kheti... I like you." He said. "I really do, but... Ryou is my best friend. And... I... well... I have a mate... I hope... I mean, we never made it official or anything, but... I love him..." He stared at her with plaintive eyes as Pegasus laughed at Ryou playing with the kit. "I... if I go with you... I'll never see him again..." He shut up when Pegasus and Kheti's owner turned their attention back onto him.

"I... I can't leave Ryou..." He said quickly, looking at the bunny. "He's... he's like family to me... I'm sorry..."

Kheti laughed once more. "Oh I'm just teasing you goof." She said laughing. "I'd love to have you around, but certainly not for sex." She added calmly. "I get more than my share."

Ryou nuzzled the kit, before letting it scamper to it's mother, where Kheti lovingly picked each up in turn, to sit in the nest/seat with her and eat.

Ryou whimpered and nudged Malik. "It...it might be a good idea..." He said softly. "A-at least,...you'd know someone.."

Malik smiled sadly and looked down at Ryou. "I know, but... I can't leave you, Ryou..." He said softly, nuzzling the bunny, then turned and hugged Kheti. "I'll miss you..." He said, then said quietly, so only she could hear, "if you're ever in Domino, Japan... go to The Jungle! It's a club and grill, for hybrids! And with any luck... I'll be there." And he let go and moved next to Ryou. "I hope to see you again, sometime." And he smiled and wagged his tail.

Kheti nodded. "I'm sure you will." She said smiling.

Ryou nuzzled Malik as they began the long walk and boat ride back to the plane. "It...will be good to go home..." he said softly. "I miss the calm surroundings of home." he mumbled yawning once more, feeling somehow utterly drained.

The idea of Marik however, kept him treading forward.

Within the next hour, they were on their plane, and before they knew it, they were being shaken awake by Pegasus.

"Malik. Ryou. Wake up. We've landed." He said, petting the pair.

Ryou nuzzled into Malik and whined loudly. "Sleeping..." he mumbled stubbornly, curling up tightly.

Pegasus laughed. "Come on, Ryou! We're home!" He said. "You two get into the car. I'm going to call Rem about Malik."

Ryou jumped up at that, wide-eyed. "Y-you can’t!" he said frantically. "Master please!" he said, eyes starting to well with tears. "You can’t sell Malik!" he sniffled. "Please reconsider!"

Pegasus frowned and looked back at Ryou, and the terrified Malik.

"Ryou. I am sending him to the pet shop for a week. I may sell him, I may not. But if he does come home, let this week in the pet shop be a warning. If he wants to stay with you, he will have to be a good fennec. But that is ONLY if I decide to keep him. Honestly, he has been more trouble than I ever anticipated." Malik whimpered.

Ryou shook his head. “Y-you can’t!" he said, shaking his head more. "I...I don’t want you to!" he said beginning to cry. "H-how can you do this!? This won’t make him happy! It won’t make me happy!"

Pegasus sighed. "Ryou. That's enough. Go to the car." He said. "Scoot!" And he gave both hybrids a little slap on the behind to send them on their way. Malik yelped and fled.

Ryou however didn't flee, he glared at Pegasus hurtly. "...I...I won’t ever forgive you if you sell him...I...I'll never forget!" he said sobbing and scampering after his friend, hating the idea of Malik being ushered away to a complete stranger.

Pegasus glared. "An attitude like that is NOT how you get what you want, Ryou!" He snapped. "Keep this up and I WILL sell him. Now go!"

Ryou sniffled and turned back once more. "Well behaving did nothing for me either! You'll still do it!" he snapped back, crying visibly. "You said all you wanted was my happiness! You're cruel!"

Pegasus glared. "Ryou! You are grounded to your cage for two days!" He shouted. "If you do not go to the car RIGHT NOW, then I will make it THREE!!!"

Ryou glared at Pegasus once more. "You...you are a VERY cruel man..." he said softly, soft tears dripping from his cheeks to the floor, he turned and fled for the car, before he let anymore of his hatred for Pegasus' actions show through.

Pegasus frowned. "Three it is..." He mumbled, then dialed the pet shop and waited for Rem to answer.

"Hybrid pet shop." Rem said smiling. "How can I help you?" She asked politely, while offering a bowl of cheerios to the squirrel hybrids, who quickly stuffed their cheeks to bulging and skittered back into their tree, giggling.

"Hello Miss Rem." Pegasus said. "How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, Mr. Pegasus." She said though her expression changed to one of worry. "How can I help you today?" She repeated carefully.

Pegasus sighed. "Well... Malik is not... working out for me, honestly..." He said.

"Not...working out?" She repeated, sounding shocked and more than a little worried. "What do you mean?"

"He's not adjusting. He's not behaving. And he's not happy. He tried to commit suicide on our vacation. I have decided to try and find a new owner for him. I would like to send him back to the store for one week and offer him up to sell. Anyone interested will contact me. I will decide whether or not to sell him. If he is not sold to someone satisfactory by the end of a week, I will consider taking him back for a second chance. May I do this?" He asked.

Rem nodded slowly. "I...I see." She said softly. "I...I guess there's no harm in that." She said calmly. "Alright. I'll take him in. Bring him by when you have time."

Pegasus nodded. "I will." He said. "I'll be there in a few minutes." He said, then hung up and went down to the car. He climbed in and looked at Ryou and Malik curled up together in the corner. "Malik, I'm dropping you off at the pet shop." He said, and Malik's eyes widened.

"No!" He yelped. "Master, please!" He shook his head, eyes filling with tears. "Please no! I, I'll be a good fox! I promise! Please don't sell me!"

Ryou sniffled and nuzzled Malik. "Don’t! Please just leave him alone! You're not doing the right thing!" He sobbed trying to shove Malik behind him to protect him from the threat of being taken away. "J-just leave him with us!" he said, hunching down and almost seeming to prepare to attack to protect Malik if he needed.

"Ryou. I may not even sell him. And I will take you to visit him every day, okay?" Pegasus said. "This may be for the best. If I sell him, he may be happier with his new owner." Malik pressed his face into Ryou's side and began to cry.

"NO!" Ryou said shaking his head. "He'd be HAPPY if you would just give him back to Bakura! Y-you're wrong!" He said, tears sliding down his cheeks. "Y-you've hurt him enough! Please just give him back to Bakura!" he said shaking his head.

"Absolutely not." Pegasus said. "I will not reward his misbehavior. What was it you had said before Ryou? Send him somewhere he can never be happy because he is a bad fox? I beleive your suggestion was to send him to Africa to work in the mines..." Pegasus smirked, throwing Ryou's words back at him. "You were quite keen on getting rid of Malik at one point." He watched as Malik lifted his head, his eyes wide and full of pain and tears. He stared at Ryou with a look of hurt and betrayal...

Ryou glared. "Well it's your fault! I didn't know that you had gone and ruined me with things to make me love you!" He hissed, fur bristling. "It's YOUR fault!"

Pegasus froze and his eyes widened. And so did Malik.

"Oh, shit Ryou..." Malik gasped. Pegasus narrowed his eyes.

"Malik..." He hissed, and the fennec gulped and ducked down behind Ryou. "Come here." Pegasus growled. "NOW!!!"

Ryou growled, hunching over Malik. "Leave him alone!" he hissed, ears flattening against his skull. "J-just give him back to Bakura...." he added carefully. "Give him back to the one he loves...give him back and I will forget what you did to me..." he offered in a dangerous deal. "Give him back and I'll forget what you had done to me, what you did to me..."

Anything to save Malik from being sold away...for all he knew, Pegasus would have him killed...just like he had tried to do to Marik.

Pegasus growled and lunged at the pair. He seized Ryou by the ears and Malik by the tail. He flung Malik down to the floor, then turned and opened the window to the where the driver was. The driver looked back to see what his employer wanted but instead found Ryou being stuffed through the window and plopping onto the seat next to him. Then the window was rolled up, and locked. The man blinked at the bewildered bunny, then winced at a loud slapping noise from the limo behind him, and a yelp from the fennec.

Ryou whimpered softly and hunched down beginning to tremble. "Malik I'm sorry..." he whimpered shaking his head. He had such a big mouth! He sobbed softly hugging himself, digging his small claws into his skin. He always did this! He always hurt the ones who meant the most to him with his horrible inability to keep his mouth shut when angry.

He sniffled and whimpered, seeing small trails of blood beginning to seep from the cuts he'd made with his claws in his arms. He couldn't stop the hurt... his heart ached because of the pain his friend was facing.

The driver looked down at the bunny and sighed, pitying him. He reached out and pet him gently at a stop light. "Shhhh... don't cry, little guy...." He crooned softly, then winced at another yelp from the fennec, then jumped at a bang when Malik's face slammed into the window behind him. Pegasus was yelling...

"YOU HAD BETTER PRAY TO YOUR GODS THAT I SELL YOU, YOU WORTHLESS MUTT!!!" He was screaming. "BECAUSE IF I DON'T, YOU'RE BEING PUT DOWN LIKE THE MANGY DOG THAT YOU ARE!!!"

Ryou sobbed, shaking more, trying to cover his ears so he didn't have to hear his friend suffering. He was terrified of what he'd done. "I... I'm sorry..." he mumbled, over and over, sobbing and rocking slightly, wishing something...anything would happen so his friend could get away. Get away to safety...away from Pegasus and back to Bakura.

"STOP!" he wailed sobbing. "STOP HURTING HIM!" he sobbed louder, his claws now digging into his ears harshly, as he tried vainly to block the sounds of pain, the hurt.

There was another slap, and another yelp.

"Little beast!" Pegasus spat, and Malik could be heard crying.

"No... please!" He was begging. "I... I'll be good. I'll be a good fox... I... no, please! Don't!! No!!! NO!!! PLEASE NO!!!

"SHUT UP!!!"

"DON'T!!! I'll be -- YEEAAAH!!!" Malik howled in pain.

Ryou clawed at his ears, desperate to escape his own personal torture, that Pegasus was inflicting on him without even trying. "Oh god Malik I'm so sorry...." he sobbed, softly, his ears slowly being stained with blood. What he wouldn't give to have them ripped away... to escape the sounds of... of his friend being hurt so badly.

Every fiber of his being was screaming, sobbing clawing away at him. What had he done?! It was his fault... everything! It was his fault! He caused this! He caused it! All of it! His fault!

Ryou sobbed louder, trying desperately to get enough air to breathe.

Malik continued to cry and plead, sobbing as he begged Pegasus to stop. And then, all suddenly went quiet.

"Filthy animal... THAT is all you are good for..." Pegasus growled. The driver of the limo looked ill as he pulled into the parking lot of the pet shop. A moment later, the door opened and Pegasus got out, and jerked Malik's leash. Malik tumbled from the car, landing hard on the asphalt with a yelp. He was shaking and bleeding from his nose and split lip, and had a black eye. Pegasus jerked the leash again, storming towards the store entrance and Malik whimpered and followed at a slow limp. His little lavender harem pants were torn, but what made Ryou's heart stop was the blood stain beneath the base of Malik's tail, which the fennec was holding at an awkward angle... Pegasus opened the door of the shop and literally kicked Malik inside; he wasn't even letting Ryou say goodbye...

Ryou shook his head horrified. "Oh God..." he whimpered shaking his head, utterly horrified at what he'd done. He felt his heart sink. "Malik..." he breathed, backing away from the window, ears flattened against his head, this time in fear. Oh god... how could he.... he could never... He burst into tears.

"W-what have I done?!" he sobbed loudly.

Rem gasped at Malik and quickly stooped to pick him up. "Mr. Pegasus..." she said, looking angry. "What have you done to him?" She said shaking her head. "This is a direct violation of animal cruelty laws..." she said trying to soothe the pain in the boy, as she cradled him against herself.

Pegasus glared at her. "ANIMAL cruelty, yes... but currently, no laws have been made to protect hybrids, so I am in violation of NO law! And at this point, he had better pray that he is sold. If he isn't... I am considering two other solutions. I will either have him put down, or I will be contacting Dai to have him give Malik the same loyalty enhancements that Ryou has been given." Malik winced and turned, glaring.

"F-Fuck off...." The fennec growled in a hoarse tone. "I... I would rather die..."

"That can be arranged..." Pegasus hissed, then looked at Rem. "Any possible buyers will be approved by me. I am saying this right up front. Seto Kaiba will NOT even be considered." And he whirled and left the store.

Rem shook her head after him. "Come on Malik... let’s... let’s get you cleaned up..." She whispered, kissing his forehead. "A nice hot bath will help you feel better..." she said letting soft tears fall into his hair. "You poor thing...Bakura will be heartbroken to see you so hurt."

Malik winced and slowly relaxed, laying his head on Rem's shoulder. "R-Ryou... will be blaming himself..." He whispered, softly licking Rem's cheek in thanks. "How... how are Marik and Bakura?"

"Marik's staying here for the moment..." She said softly. "I'll put you in his enclosure after you're cleaned up." She said softly, carrying him to the back and running him a hot bath, carefully stripping him. "You two can talk and you can help him with his work." She said, gently sliding Malik into the tub. "He'll be glad to see you... he's missed you. Once you think you're healed enough I'll call Bakura... they've been working on a big surprise for you and Ryou." She said smiling. "But I won’t tell you what, they've worked very hard on it."

Malik blinked and smiled, but winced when the hot water stung his wounds.

"Why... why has Marik been staying here?" He asked.

Rem gently began bathing him. "He still thinks of it as home... he's adopted me as a mother figure... and he was very stressed out when Ryou dumped him. He's fine now...better than ever, but it's good for him to have a little bit of a break..." She said being careful to be gentle to Malik's wounds. "Poor thing..." she whispered gently wiping at his face, before running the rag under the water to deal with other places.

"He really tore you up...." she breathed, shaking her head.

Malik let out a yelp, then a whine, gritting his teeth. "I... I'll be fine..." He managed to gasp. "I guess Ryou rejecting him like he did really shook Marik up. He's here for... mental security, I guess..." He sighed. "He feels safe here, I think... Thanks... Can I go see him, now?" Malik asked.

Rem drained the tub, and took a small hose and sprayed him gently with it, rinsing away the bloodied water. "In a moment..." she said, being careful to wash away all old wounds. Once she was satisfied, she picked him up and handed him a towel. "Dry yourself off while I get you something to wear." she said softly. "Try to keep yourself from bleeding... if Marik and Bakura saw it... well... I'm not sure it would be good for Marik to see..." She said softly.

Malik sighed. "It doesn't matter, Rem." He said. “Marik will be able to smell it..." And he took the towel and began drying himself off. "I could always smell it when... I could smell it on Ryou..." He mumbled.

Rem sighed softly and returned with a pair of black cotton boxers. "I suppose... I just hope he'll be ok... you're hurt badly, in so many ways..."

Malik took them. "I'm fine." He said, rubbing his hair dry with the towel. "I'll just be walking funny for a day or two..."

Rem laughed slightly. "Bakura's been wanting that out of you since you left." She said jokingly.

Malik jerked his head up and stared at Rem, then grinned and laughed. "I'll bet he has!" He chuckled. "And I'm more than willing to comply!" He wiggled into the boxers, then lifted his hind foot to scratch his ear. "I'm hungry..."

Rem laughed. "Malik, here we act like the people we are. " She said smiling. "You'd disappoint Marik if you came out to see him in any way other than on your own two feet. That means scratching with your hands."

Malik giggled. "Yeah... I dunno, but scratching with my foot has always... entertained me..." He blushed and grinned. "And... at this point, I think it will be easier for me to walk on all fours... walking on two will be an even bigger pain in the ass... and yes, that DOES have a double meaning..."

Rem laughed. "I'm sorry Malik, but it's house rules... the other hybrids would whine if you got away with it. I'll help you." She said helping him up slowly. "Besides, it flatters you more to walk upright..." she said grinning. "Bakura can’t see your 'ass' if your 'tail is in the way'."

Malik snickered. "Oh, knowing Bakura, he would find a way, Rem. Beleive me... He would find a way..." He winced and took a few tentative steps. "Ow... okay. It's not so bad... I'm good... and hungry. Can I get something to eat? I haven't eaten today..."

Rem nodded. "Its almost lunchtime. I'll serve it early for you." She said leading him out to meet Marik. "You just get situated. I'll start serving lunch." She said hurrying away after getting Malik into the cage.

Marik blinked and looked up from his work when the door opened. His eyes widened. "Malik?" He gasped.

Malik grinned slightly. "Hey Marik..." he said taking a slow seat next to the lion. "I... heard you've been working real hard." He started offering a smile. "Thought I'd come by and surprise you."

Marik stared, then grinned and pounced onto Malik, crushing him in a hug and covering his face with licks while he made happy lion noise.

"Murrrrrrrrr!!!! Murrrrrrumph! Murrrrrrupmh!!!"

Malik laughed and shoved at him. "Marik! Marik calm down!" he said hugging him slightly. "I got it I got it! You missed me!" he said laughing and shoving him off. "I heard you were working, so... I'm here to help. So what're ya workin on?"

"I'm so glad to see you! How are you? What are you doing here?! How's Ryou!? Where is Ryou?! And why...." His smile disappeared. "Why do you smell... like...." He trailed off and his eyes widened as he stared at Malik.

Malik coughed slightly. "Shut up." He said calmly, his personal signal he didn't want to talk about it. "Ryou's still with Pegasus... I'm fine and I'm here because Pegasus is selling me." He said his ears drooping slightly. "He's pissed. And before you even get your hopes up, he said Seto can’t buy me."

Marik's ears drooped. "Why... why is he selling you?" He asked, beginning to purr and groom Malik's large ears.

"Because I wouldn't let him have his way." Malik replied calmly. "I wouldn't let Ryou give you up without a fight... and he's pissed because of it." he nuzzled Marik and smiled. "So, what are you working on?"

Marik sighed. "Well... menus and stuff for the club." He said, and showed Malik his sample of the menu he had made. "This is how the menu will look. All of these clippings..." He gestured to the clippings that surrounded him, "are possible items for the menu. So I'm selecting what will and won't be served and organizing them to put on the menu. Then Yami will look over them and price them."

Malik grinned. "Well what do you have planned so far?" he asked, looking at the food clippings. "It all looks pretty good."

Marik sighed. "Well... I'm trying to make sure that there's something for everyone on here. Carnivores AND herbivores..." He said. "Sooooo... here's what I have for appetizers..." And he showed Malik the clippings. "Stuffed mushrooms... buffalo wings... nachos... onion blossom thingie... queso... and then we have the menu divided up in three sections. Herbivores, Omnivores, and Carnivores. And then they're broken into smaller sections from there... but see? Lettuce wraps and salads and stuff for the herbivores... mixed stuff for the omnivores, which is where I also put the pasta, and stuff like steaks and ribs and stuff on the carnivore part of the menu... and then the kids menu... and then drinks and deserts!"

Malik smiled. "Great Marik. It looks great." He said proudly. "Ryou will be thrilled to see how well you're doing."

Marik grinned and purred, thumping his tail in the sand.

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

Ryou sobbed softly terrified. He feared Pegasus right now... the very thought of him struck Ryou silent with terror. What would he do? What about Malik? Ryou hiccupped softly, fur bristled. He shook his head, trembling harshly against the seat, his bloodstained ears flopping slightly. "M-Malik..." he whimpered hugging himself, once again digging his claws into his flesh. "W-what h-have I done... I'm so sorry.... s-sorry..."

The door opened and Pegasus stood there, looking down at Ryou. He seized him by the ears and dragged him out, then took him to the back of the limo, tossing him in and climbing in after him. He closed the door and instructed the driver to take them home.

Ryou sniffled, crawling under the seat, shaking like a leaf in a crisp breeze. What was going to happen to him now? He whimpered softly and shook his head, trying to will the thoughts away. He didn't want to think of what Pegasus would do, enraged like he was.

"Ryou. Come out from under there." Pegasus ordered. "I want to hold you."

Ryou choked back a sob. "P-please... I… I don’t want held..." he whimpered softly. "I... I want to stay where I am..."

Pegasus sighed. "I'm sorry baby... I know I lost my temper, and that scared you... But Malik is just not working out. He angers me, he upsets you, and he... he just causes trouble. We will be better off without him."

Ryou sobbed more. "P-please... j-just leave me alone..." he whimpered, crying softly.

"As you wish." Pegasus said in a cold tone. "That is what you will be for the next three days. In your cage, alone."

Ryou sniffled softly. "It's the only way I can be sorry enough for what you did to Malik." he replied, equally cold, crying softly. He let his ears droop, a part of him was deeply hurt his 'mate' had done something like that to any creature other than him, and he was subduing it. That wasn't the actions of a mate... it was the actions of a monster...

Ryou buried his head in his hands and sniffled, softly.

Soon enough, they were home. Pegasus pulled Ryou out from under the seat and carried him into the house where the servants were waiting to greet them. He set Ryou down in the middle of the front hall and stripped him of his bunny suit. "Cage. Now." He ordered, and gave Ryou a pop on the behind.

Ryou growled at him softly, and hopped to his cage, the only place he had left to hide from the horrible person parts of him were forced to love. He was all to happy to be in his cage and all but slammed the cage door for Pegasus, thankful to be rid of him for three days.

He hopped to a far corner and curled up, laying down and burying himself in some of the soft wood shavings. He growled softly to himself, and proceeded to do what he planned to do from now on. Snub everyone and everything.

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

Seto sat at his desk before his computer, but for once, his eyes weren't on the computer. He was grinning in amusement at Yami, who was on his perch in the corner, peeping and chirping happily as he worked on a new puzzle box that Seto had given him, that had a special treat inside of it; a chocolate covered cherry.

Yami stuck his tongue out the corner of his mouth as he worked, concentrating on the puzzle, peeping and chirping delightedly each time he heard a click, jingle or clank from the small puzzle. He cooed and hugged the puzzle suddenly, seeming much like Yugi, fallen in love with a new game.

The phone rang, startling Yami from his musings, causing him to drop his toy and yelp, blinking dazedly seeming to snap out of a love-stricken daze. "....phone." he said after a moment.

Seto laughed loudly as he reached for the phone. "That's it. Kaiba Corp. is going to start a line of hybrid toys! Starting with puzzle boxes! And you get to test them all out if I can watch!" He said, then picked up the phone. "Kaiba here."

"Hello. It's Rem. Malik's in the store." She said quickly. "Pegasus is selling him... but you can’t buy him." She said quickly. "He won’t sell unless he approves the buyer."

Yami picked up the toy and cooed at it lovingly, beginning once more to work away the puzzle. It was a matter of moments before a soft click was heard. "HA!" he cheered, taking the cherry and eating it quickly, looking both pleased and contented with his treat. "Mmmm..."

Seto stared. "Malik? He's selling Malik?!" He yelped, standing. "Why can't I buy him?! He's just being an asshole, isn't he?!" He looked at Yami. "Yami, Malik's in the shop! Go get Bakura!"

Yami nodded, setting down the empty toy and hopping off his perch to find Bakura.

"He's just being an ass... But he beat him pretty badly before he brought him in..." She said softly. "In more ways than one..." she added shaking her head. "If he doesn't sell... he's going to have him killed."

Seto winced and closed his eyes. "Oh God.... What did Malik do to make him that mad?" He asked.

"He wouldn't say exactly... it doesn't really matter. What matters is we need to get him sold to someone before seven days pass." She said quickly. "Or he's going to die."

Seto sighed. "I... I'll do what I can..." He said.

"MALIK'S IN THE SHOP?!" Bakura yelped, banging the door open. Seto looked up.

"Yes... Rem... we're coming to visit." He said, and hung up. "Apparently, he's angered Pegasus. Alot. Pegasus has beaten him, and put him in the shop to be sold. And... if he isn't sold within a week... he's going to have him... euthanized..." Bakura paled.

Yami frowned. "Well... let’s go see him then we can try to figure out how to get around that whole mess." He said shaking his head. "Last thing we need is an enraged skunk in the house."

Seto chuckled. "Yeah. That's true." He said. "Come on Baku--" But the skunk was already running to the car. Seto blinked, the shook his head and smiled.

Yami chuckled. "I guess we're starting to get too slow to keep up with them." He said offering Seto his coat and smiling. "But I am looking forward to an emptier house...it'll be good to go back to waking you up the fun way." he said chuckling.

Seto glared. "I am forseeing SOME body sleeping in the aviary..." He said, leading the way to the car, where Bakura was waiting.

Yami chuckled slightly. "Looks like someone has a masochistic view of fun." He teased, mischief in his eyes. He hadn't meant THAT at all...but who was he to complain that Seto had brought that up.

He got into the car and laughed slightly. "I bet he'll be glad to see you Bakura." He said offering a reassuring smile. "It’s been a while. You can tell him all that you've done. He'll be so proud."

Bakura shook his head. "How bad is he hurt, Seto?!" He asked, half frantic. "We can't let Pegasus kill him! Please! Can't you buy him?!"

"Pegasus has told Rem that he won't let me buy Malik." He said. "I'll figure something out, but...." He sighed. Bakura whimpered slightly.

Yami frowned. "He'll be ok Bakura, We'll think of something." He added. "We just have to keep calm...the last thing you want to do is get MALIK worried like this. He's already hurt he doesn't need that."

It wasn't long before the car stopped in front of the petshop and Bakura darted out, followed by Yami and Seto.

Bakura burst into the shop. "MALIK?!" He called looking around wildly. "REM!!! WHERE'S MALIK?!" But his nose took him right to Marik's cage. And there Malik was, sitting with the lion helping him to put a menu together. "Malik! Rem! Rem, open the bloody cage!!!" Bakura howled. "MALIK!!!"

Rem laughed softly. "Bakura what did I tell you about asking nicely?" She said tapping him on the nose. "Malik's ok, see? He's just helping Marik." She said opening the door slowly and letting the skunk in to see his lover.

Yami grinned watching them. "It's good to see them happy.." He said watching Bakura all but tackle Malik and begin drowning the poor fennec in kisses, licks and the like.

"SHIT!!" Marik yelped, tumbling out of the way as Bakura narrowly missed tackling HIM.

"Malik! Malik! Malik!" Bakura was shouting over and over again. "My Malik!!!"

Malik laughed and hugged Bakura close. "Bakura!" he cheered licking his cheek. "Oh I've missed you." He cooed grinning. “I bet you got jealous of Marik getting all those phone calls.." He teased kissing him suddenly. "Well I'll make up for it later." He whispered before gently nibbling Bakura's ear.

Bakura grinned, hugging Malik. "I missed you so much, Malik... What did he do to you?! Seto said that Pegasus hurt you, that he--" Bakura stopped and blinked, then sniffed Malik. His eyes narrowed and darkened.

"Uh oh..." Marik mumbled, heading for his cave.

"Damn that nose of yours." Malik said frowning. "Calm down." He added sitting up and hugging Bakura to himself. "It'll be ok... I'm not hurt." He whispered, gently nipping and licking his mate. "Don’t get any stupid ideas Bakura... you've worked so hard, now isn't the time to throw it all away..." he cooed gently. "We'll get him later... for now, how about focusing on ME... I have been gone for so long...." he said smiling."So what's this big surprise I've been hearing about?"

Bakura was still growling and bristeling. "Can't tell you." He said with a smile, trying to make Malik happy and NOT freaking out about what he was smelling from the boy. "It's a surprise." And he nuzzled Malik. "God, I missed you..."

Malik gently began grooming Bakura's ears. "Calm down...I said we'd get him later...and you know I'll wanna...but lets wait until Ryou's far away....that way we can gut him without putting Ryou in danger..." He whispered nuzzling him. "We'll make a whole day of it..."

Bakura smiled and crooned. "I was so worried about you..." He sighed, wrapping a loving, but posessive tail around Malik. "I'll never let go of you, Malik...."

Malik smirked. "I'll have to pee someday." he said chuckling, hoping to get his lover to laugh, and melt away some of that anger.

And Bakura did laugh. "Okay, okay.... so I'll let you go SOME times..." He said, crooning and licking Malik's ears. Marik sighed as he watched from in his cave, an empty lonely feeling growing in him.

Malik licked Bakura's cheek. "So...you won’t tell me the surprise?" He said smirking. "Not even a hint?"

Bakura smiled and nuzzled him. "It's something that everyone dreams of having." He said. "that's all I'm givin ya." And he licked the tip of Malik's nose.

Malik gave Bakura a devious glance. "Oh I think you'll tell me more..." He purred in his ear. "Marik, out of the den....I'm borrowing it." He said smirking. "I owe Bakura a few...talks." He said after a moment. "Yeah...talks."

Bakura's ears and tail shot up, and so did Marik's ears. "Oh no. Not MY cave!" He said. "You can use that damn burrow you dug in the corner when you were here last time!"

Malik gave Marik a look. "Cave, unless you're gonna watch us 'talk' right here and right now." he said firmly.

Marik whimpered, then threw his head back and roared. "REEEEEEMMMM!!!!"

"TRAITOR!!!" Bakura howled.

Malik laughed slightly. "big baby." He said laughing. "C'mon Marik...don’t you wanna make me happy?" He said, giving Marik a very convincing pout. "Besides, the burrow thing is Ryou's thing." He added quickly. "You might want to practice incase he ever digs you a hole somewhere and wants to get his bunny groove on." He pouted. "Please?"

Marik glared. "Fennecs live in burrows too, Malik." He said. "MY cave!" Bakura rolled his eyes as Marik glared and cuddled his bunny plush.

Malik gave Marik a VERY convincing heartbroken look. "How mean to your old master, kicking him out of your cave..." He said burying his face into Bakura's chest, appearing to cry when ACTUALLY he was nibbling on things beneath Bakura's shirt.

Marik glared. "My caaaaaaave..." He whined again, while Bakura slowly turned pink.

Malik let out soft sobbing noises, before nipping one of Bakura's nipples, and toying with it between his teeth through the fabric.

Marik snorted when he saw Bakura's face. "You're not fooling anyone, Malik!" He called. "Bakura! Dammit! This isn't fair!"

"Oh, was it fair to me when you fucked Ryou in Seto's linen closet?!" Bakura snapped.

Malik snickered and got up, dragging Bakura into the cave and shoving Marik out. "Mine!" he said dominantly. "You OWE me." He added, shutting the little door that was built into the cave, for Rem to lock if Marik spent too much time in there.

Rem laughed. "Looks like you're out of a cave Marik." She said laughing.

Malik pinned Bakura and kissed him passoinatly. "Oh you're so in for it...." He hissed grinding his hips against Bakura's. "You...me...sex...NOW." he grunted smirking his ever-seductive smirk. "I need some cleaning done so I don’t feel like a whore." He added quickly, working away Bakura's shirt.

Bakura blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Shall I sweep your chimney, dear?" He snickered.

"Maaaallliiiiikk!" Marik whined, pawing at the door. "Rem! Murrrrrrrrrrrr...."

"Oh Marik let them have their fun." She giggled tugging him out of the enclosure. "Why don’t you help yourself to some of my steaks while you wait. That'll make it a nice fair trade. " She said ruffling his hair. "You don’t even have to cook it if you don’t want to. How's THAT for a deal?"

"Murrrrrrr...." Marik whined. "Okay...." Seto snickered and shook his head.

"Honestly Marik... can you blame them?" He asked. Marik pouted.

Malik grinned and ground against Bakura again teasing every piece of flesh he could as he worked to strip his lover nude. "You're allowed...." he grunted biting down on one of Bakura's nipples harshly, before licking it in apology. "To walk on all fours this week..." he continued, repeating the actions to Bakura's other nipple. "Because you...won’t be able to walk..." he said smirking and kissing him strongly. "Because I'm going to ride your damn dick off." he grunted, moaning.

Bakura snickered. "Oh really? If you're the one riding, I think that YOU would be the one who couldn't walk." He said, jerking teasingly at the hem of Malik's boxers, licking his cheek.

Malik smirked. "Oh trust me, you'll be walking funny right along with me." He grunted finally freeing Bakura of his pants and immediatly latching onto the 'prize he found there, sucking harshly and deepthroating him on the spot.

Bakura threw his head back and howled in surprise and pleasure. Marik's ears shot up and his eyes widened and he turned around and glared at his cave.

"MUUURRRROOOOOOWWWW!!!" He whined loudly, making Seto burst out laughing.

Yami laughed as well. "DAMN they must be having a good time in there." He said shaking his head amusedly. "Think of it this way...if Malik came home like that, imagine how Ryou'll be when HE comes home." he said smirking, implying a LOT of things, most of which involved those 'sturdy' english beds....and lube...lots of lube.

Marik frowned and sat down, pouting. "Murrrrrrrrr...." He whined.

"Marik, get a grip." Seto said. "Bakura had a point. How do you think he felt when you had Ryou home for the night?"

"Murrrr....." Was all Marik said.

Yami twitched slightly, forcing himself, and failing to avert his eyes from that damned brightly colored cockatoo. He whined loudly, before the inevitability occurred and he wandered once again to the cage. It was almost common practice now. But he secretly looked forward to when Seto would come over and 'save' him. He cooed at her and grinned stupidly. "We just keep meeting up..."

Rem laughed softly and patted Marik on the head. "Don’t you worry sweety...I'll clean your cave up after they're done...I'll even put that sweet smelling stuff you like so much in there."

Marik snorted and whined, glaring at the floor. He blinked and looked up when the front doors of the shop opened and in walked a family with five children.

"Oh my!" the mother gasped, seeing Marik out of his cage and not restrained. The family hesitated.

Rem laughed. "Come on in, he's harmless." She said ruffling his hair. "Just a big kitten." She added scratching his ears. "He's mated to a bunny, he's perfectly safe."

Marik sighed, depressed. "I miss him...." He mumbled. "And... I could smell him on Malik."

Rem smiled. "He'll come home soon enough sweetie...just be patient..."

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

The setting sun woke Ryou up. He yawned and stretched and poked his head out of the shavings, then blinked. The door of his cage wasn't locked... it was wide open. And there, right outside the door, was a box wrapped in bright paper and with a large bow on top.

Ryou blinked confusedly and after a moment of debate, he inched forward, sniffing for danger from the box. Was it a trap? Was it a punishment if he snuck out to see what was in the brightly colored box? He slowly crept out of the cage and sniffed it. After a few moments, he opened it carefully, too curious for his own good.

Inside was a little chocolate covered strawberry sitting on a little note, and something beneath it wrapped in tissue paper.

Ryou blinked and sniffed the strawberry, before slowly beginning to nibble it. He looked at the note curiously, flicking his ears.

'To my precious baby bunny. I hope you can forgive me for my over reacting a few days ago. I love you.

Pegasus'

Ryou snorted softly and put the letter aside. He looked at the tissue paper carefully, before deciding to unwrap and reveal the 'gift' that was somehow supposed to make things better.

Inside of the tissue paper was a pair of soft, white suede pants, and a light weight sleeveless white shirt.

Ryou sighed softly. He tried his best to subdue his heart...but because of how he had been altered...he couldn't help it when his heart fluttered. He shook his head slightly. "No...No no!" he said biting himself on the arm harshly. "No!" he growled at himself and hopped back into his cage, unwilling to let himself fall into Pegasus' web of love that he'd been so trapped in before.

He grunted softly, and glared at the wall, but even then he couldn't help the feelings, the love he felt for his master, despite all the horrible things he'd done...all the horrible things he'd still yet to do.

The box seemed to sit there... teasing him... it was so... tempting. Ryou tried to look anywhere but at the box. But to his dismay, he only caught site of ANOTHER one outside of the feeding box of his cage! And another by the play area! And another by where his litter box was! And yet another by the door leading out of the room!!!!

Ryou whined loudly, pulling himself from the cage, to open each box in turn...starting with the one near the feeding box.

When he opened this one, there was a little chocolate covered cherry, with a note reading 'I miss you at night, my angel.' And in this box, was a pair of satin powder blue pajamas.

Ryou whimpered, feeling his heart flutter again. "No!" he hissed, biting down on the edge of the box and whipping it around much like a cat would try to strangle a mouse. "NO!" He wailed sniffling, hunching down as he was drawn to the box near the play area.

He found a slice of chocolate covered banana in this one, and a note. 'If you miss school, I will home school you, my naughty bunny...' And there was a little school girl's uniform in white and light blue, including the little shoes and knee high socks.

Ryou felt his breath hitch and he shook his head. "P-please no..." he whimpered, backing away blushing darkly and shaking his head. Why couldn't he fight it?! Why was he falling in love all over again!? He whimpered, backing up more, until he bumped into the box near the litterbox.

Inside of the fourth box was a caramel dipped apple slice, and beneath that, another note. 'I will teach you not only to walk, and run, but dance. Though you have already danced your way into my heart.' and beneath it was a little white harem outfit, very much like Malik's had been.

Ryou sniffled, stooping to nibble the apple slice. He couldn't stop himself...he was falling back where he had started...and without Malik... He sniffled softly. Without Malik...there wasn't any way for him to fight...he'd never been strong enough alone...and his lion plushie had gone missing since just after they'd returned. He had nothing left to...remind him of Marik.

Ryou hunched down, his heart aching now, for Pegasus, for each of these gifts, that only made him long for his master more. "Please stop..." he whimpered, unable to stop himself from opening the present in the doorway.

This time when he opened it, there was no treat, but instead, a polaroid picture. It was of a magnifiscent pasta dish like the one that Pegasus had surprised Ryou with before. And there was a note. 'Pick an outfit and join me for dinner, beloved. I'm waiting...' And inside of this was, to Ryou's surprise, a little powder blue Playboy bunny leotard, wrist cuffs, shirt collar with bowtie, fishnet stockings and shoes.

Ryou groaned softly, now nuzzling the corner of the boxes he'd so hated. Pegasus had won again...his mental suggestions had once again lead him into a love for the man who'd done everything in his power to keep him solely to himself...away from anything in the world he wanted.

Ryou closed his eyes nuzzling the box. He mewled softly, hopping back to the one he thought would please Pegasus the most, the harem out fit. He put it on in a half daze, before hopping slowly to his master's room, and out onto the balcony, where they'd had dinner many times before.

"You're not standing up right..." Said Pegasus' smooth tone, and Ryou suddenly felt gentle hands on his shoulders, lifting him up to stand on his feet. The arms wrapped around him, hugging him close to his master's chest, and soft lips kissed his cheek. "Hello, precious..." Pegasus murmured into Ryou's ear.

Ryou sighed softly, leaning into Pegasus' arms. "Master....' he breathed, closing his eyes. He felt so at home in Pegasus' arms...it was right...it just had to be the way things were meant to be. He blushed softly and relaxed into Pegasus' touch. "I...will try to walk next time..."

Pegasus smiled. "I missed my precious baby bunny..." He purred, nuzzling Ryou's cheek. "Are you hungry?" He asked, gesturing to the little table that they had eaten at before. It was all set up. Two covered platters, the seating cushions, a glass of champagne for Pegasus and a bowl of sparkling cider for Ryou, salads and candles.

Ryou nodded slowly, dropping back to all fours and sitting at his place obediantly, taking a few thirsty laps at his cider. He'd been true to his word, he had snubbed everyone and everything...he was absolutely starving.

"I heard you haven't been eating." Pegasus said, sitting down across from Ryou. "I'm sorry I upset you that much... please accept my apologies?" He asked, reaching out and lifting the cover from Ryou's plate, displaying the large serving of the vegetable medley pasta... with chicken!!! AND the sun dried tomatoes he had stolen from his master's plate last time!

Ryou practically moaned at the sight of it, and was eating immediatly. It was possibly the most orgasmic food he'd eaten, because he'd gone so long without. Oh the tomatoes!, the chicken!, the vegetables! He ravaged his plate, trying to cram as much food into himself as his body would allow.

Pegasus laughed. "Slow down, precious!" He said, reaching out and petting Ryou. "Easy... slow down and enjoy it..." And he popped his own linguinie into his mouth.

Ryou finally grunted and slowed down, before stopping his plate practically cleared. He moaned softly, announcing a full belly, before laying down on his cushion and closing his eyes. "So...full..." he mumbled, sounding quite pleased.

Pegasus blinked, then laughed. "Well no wonder! I've never seen anyone inhale food like you just did!" He laughed at the sight of Ryou's protruding tummy, and nearly fell over when Ryou suddenly made a face, and belched.

"Ryou! Oh, God!! Ryou!!!" He howled.

Ryou huffed slightly at the laughing and grumbled sitting up and looking away, pouting. "Mean." he grumbled.

"You are too cute!!" Pegasus laughed, setting his fork down and moving around the table and picking Ryou up, cuddling him in his arms. "My precious baby bunny... the greatest treasure of my life..." He crooned, kissing Ryou's cheeks as he carried him from the balcony and into the bathroom, which to Ryou's surprise, was filled with candles. The bath tub was full and steaming, with rose petals floating in it.

Ryou blinked and looked at Pegasus confusedly. "But I'm already clean!" he blurted shaking his head.

Pegasus smiled. "This will be relaxing. And no you're not, you've been in your cage for three days..." He said, sitting Ryou down on the counter by the sink and slowly removing his top, kissing along his jawline.

Ryou closed his eyes, sighing softly. "Master...." he mumbled softly, his ears quivering softly. He shook his head slightly and backed away just a bit, still trying desperatly to fight of his impending loss. "Please...' he whimpered, the fighting in him dying down. He couldn't let this happen...he had to try to fight it.

Pegasus smiled and nuzzled Ryou, slipping the little poofy pants off of him and lifting him naked into his arms, rocking him gently and humming softly.

Ryou sniffled, nuzzling into Pegasus' arms despite himself. "Please... don’t..." he whimpered. "It's... not fair...." he whimpered once more, his sniffles dying down in Pegasus' arms.

Pegasus chuckled. "What's not fair? Do you want me in the bath with you?"

"My cage...." Ryou whimpered. "I... I want my cage...." he whimpered once more, squirming. If he let Pegasus have his way, anymore than he had he would lose himself completly! He struggled slightly, whimpering. "Cage..."

"Hush now..." Pegasus crooned, setting Ryou into the tub and covering him with loving pets. "Who's my good baby bunny?" He asked, kissing Ryou's lips softly.

Ryou's ears quivered slightly, a shiver running through his body. "I...I..." he stammered closing his eyes. "C-c-cage...' he mumbled.

"shhhh...." Pegasus hissed, lifting a cloth and rubbing it gently over Ryou's skin. "Baby... my precious little bunny..." He kissed him again, slipping his tongue between Ryou's lips and giving him an encouraging moan.

Ryou groaned, moaning into the kiss, his pathetic defenses finally shattering. "Master..." he cooed, a soft blush creeping over his features. "Master..." he mumbled moaning softly. "Oh precious master...." he reached up with a shaking hand, and touched his mate's face. "M-my master...please...." he said, smiling weakly. "I...am lonely..."

Pegasus smiled. "My poor little baby bunny..." He said, washing Ryou with tender loving affection. "Would you like to stay with master tonight?"

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus' arm licking the flesh available to him. "Anything for you master...” he cooed giving Pegasus a lovestruck look. "I love you..."

Pegasus smiled and washed Ryou's hair, then plucked him from the tub and sat him down on the bath mat while he turned to get a towel. "I've missed my bunny." He said.

Ryou mewled softly cooing at him. "I've missed you so much..." he said softly. "I've been so lonely...."

"I know precious." Pegasus said, kneeling and wrapping Ryou up in a warm fluffy towel. "Did baby bunny like his presents?"

Ryou nodded smiling. "Yes master, they were very lovely.." He nuzzled into Pegasus' arms. "Thank you..."

Pegasus smiled and picked him up. "I'm glad you liked them." He said, carrying Ryou into his bedroom and setting him down in the middle of the bed. "Wait right here... Master will be right back." He said, and walked into the bathroom.

Ryou blinked and nodded curling up on the bed contently. He looked around the room calmly, waiting for his beloved master to return to him.

A few minutes later he did, fresh from the shower and in his robe. "There's my baby bunny..." He said in a teasing singsong voice, letting Ryou know that he wanted to have fun and play with his bunny.

Ryou perked up slightly, from his slight nap. "Master!" he sang back, hopping to the edge of the bed and hunching down, wiggling his tail in the air slgihtly, before pouncing onto his master and littering him with little lovebites and licks.

Pegasus burst out laughing. "Okay! Okay!! I get the picture!! Down boy! DOWN!!! No? Then I'll tickle you into submission!!!" And he began to do just that.

Ryou shrieked and immediatly scampered away, scrambling under his master's bed, and giggling softly. "nyaa nyaa!" he giggled out from under the bed, his mischievous red eyes gleaming from under the bed in delight.

Pegasus chuckled, and crawled under after Ryou, who backed into the wall.

"Heh... the mighty hunter... has cornered his prey..." Pegasus snickered. "He creeps closer... and closer..."

Ryou squeaked and looked around desperatly, part of him still wanting to get away, and part of him was screaming in pleasure. Nothing made him happier than to be caught... caught by his mate and ravaged afterward.

Pegasus lashed out and snatched Ryou's ankle. "AND HE STRIKES!!!"

Ryou squealed and struggled fiercely as Pegasus drug him out from under the bed. He squeaked and stared up at his master with wide expecting eyes.

Pegasus flipped Ryou into his back and pinned him in place, with one hand on each side of Ryou's head. "Now... what shall I do with my catch?" He chuckled.

Ryou's eyes widened slightly and he shook his head, flashes of Marik...he could see them. Marik did this to him...Marik caught him...pinned him just like this. He struggled slightly. "please don’t...." he whimpered suddenly, giving Pegasus a fearful look.

Pegasus chuckled and backed off, pulling Ryou into his arms, cuddling him. "Awwwww.... did I intimidate my little baby bunny?" He asked, petting and hugging him, sliding a hand up and down his spine.

Ryou squirmed. "Please...I...I should go to bed..." he whimpered softly. "It's....p-past my bed time." he said softly, trembling slightly.

Pegasus smiled and stood. "Baby..." He crooned. "Shhhh... it's okay... master won't hurt you." He said, laying Ryou down onto his bed and laying beside him, petting his hair. "Are you okay?"

Ryou sat up and shook his head. "I...I'm fine but...I want to go to bed now." He whimpered hopping to the side of the bed. "I...I had a lot of fun tonight." He said smiling slightly, hoping Pegasus wouldn't notice he'd snapped out of his lovestruck daze.

Pegasus frowned and sat up. "Where on earth are you going?" He asked.

Ryou blinked. "My...cage?" he said, more in a question than a statement. "I...isn't that where I'm SUPPOSED to sleep?"

Pegasus' frown deepened. "Not when I put you in my bed... you're acting very oddly. Are you still angry at me?"

Ryou shook his head quickly. "I...I'm just not feeling well." He said offering a sweet smile. "I wanted th-the comfort of my cage..."

Pegasus frowned and narrowed his eye, probing into Ryou's mind... and Ryou knew it...

Ryou gasped softly and backed away, forcing himself to think about how he had a massive stomach ache. He yelped when he tumbled off the edge of the bed and shook his head dazedly.

Pegasus blinked, then laughed and got out of bed, walking over to Ryou. "You silly bunny! I told you not to eat that fast!" He said, picking Ryou up and carrying him back to the bed. He lay him down and tucked him in. "Stay with master tonight, angel..." He said, kissing Ryou's cheek. "Sleep tight, baby... I love you..."

Ryou whimpered slightly. "I...would prefer my cage..." he whimpered softly. "I...in case I get sick?" He offered hopefully.

"If you get sick, I want you near me so I can take care of you, sweetie..." Pegasus said, gently stroking Ryou's side. He sighed. "You're still upset with me, aren't you?"

Ryou looked away, biting his lip. "N-not at all.."

"Yes you are." Pegasus said. "You're being... stand offish."

Ryou shook his head quickly. "Not at all!" he gasped, frightened he'd be discovered.

"You are." Pegasus said. "You used to hate being in your cage. Why all of a sudden do you prefer it over my bed?"

Ryou squirmed away slightly. "I...I just don’t want...t-to ruin your room if I get ill..." he said softly, hopping off the side of the bed. "P-plus...I finally made a comfy place in my cage..."

Pegasus sat up. "You're acting suspicious." He probed Ryou's mind again.

Yet again he was met with thoughts of stomach ache and wishes of spending the night in his cage to avoid dirtying his master's bed. Ryou was getting damn good at thwarting Pegasus' ability to read him.

Pegasus frowned. "Fine." He growled. "Go. But feel free to come back, or to call me if you feel worse..." He said, and rolled over.

Ryou backed away slowly before turning and making a mad dash for his room diving into his cage and closing the door. He panted softly, burying himsefl in the shavings. Thank god...if it hadn't been for that one flash of a memory...he would have...he would have.

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

Pegasus sighed and dialed the pet shop, and waited for Rem to answer.

Rem smiled. "Goodmorning Hybrid petshop, how can I help you." She said scrubbing Marik down in a bathtub, despite his yowls of protest.

"Good Morning Miss Rem." Pegasus said. "I am coming to get Malik. And... I have decided not to euthanize him. I will be taking him into Dai and having that loyalty treatment done on him."

Rem nodded, pausing her scrubbing for a moment. "I see." She said, before clicking her tongue and tugging Marik back into the tub by his tail and dumping a large bucket of water onto his head. "I said hold still!" she scolded. "When will you be picking him up?" She asked softly, trying not to giggle at the face Marik was giving her.

"In about an hour." He said. "I will be taking him straight to Dai from there. See you in a bit." And he hung up.

"Let go of my taaaaiiiilllll..." Marik whined loudly.

Rem laughed. "Hold still. Don’t you want to be clean for when Ryou comes?" She said, after putting the phone away.

"Ryou's coming?!" Marik gasped, twisting about to look at her. Seto walked into the room with Yami.

"Yes... Ryou's coming. Pegasus is coming to get Malik. Thanks for letting me eavesdrop on the call, Rem. Bakura is near hysterical though, after hearing what Pegasus plans to do to Malik."

"and that is?" Marik asked.

"Loyalty enhancement. Like Ryou." Seto said, and Marik's eyes widened.

"WE HAVE TO STOP HIM!!!" The lion all but roared, trying to leap from the bath.

But he was once again thwarted as Rem tugged him back into the tub and began soaping up his hair. "Do you WANT to make Ryou's sense of smell go away? You'll stink so bad he won’t want anything to do with you." She scolded. "Why do you think Bakura had his stink glands removed? Because he stank, just like you do now HOLD STILL!"

"MUUUUURRRRROOOOOOWWWWLLLLL!!!!" Marik howled.

"Oh, stop whining..." Seto said, rolling his eyes and walking out into the main shop. He sighed and looked around. Dr. Inogawa was there, giving Malik a final look over while an anxious Bakura constantly got in his way, Otogi was talking with Yami and Yugi about gaming strategies while Grandpa snickered at Joey, who was staring openmouthed at Yami and Otogi, despite the fact that he had been told everything. The lady from the card shop at the mall, Mrs. Miyoko, was fawning over the cockatoo, who she was considering purchasing, and Mokuba was running from cage to cage, looking at all of the hybrids in excitement. Seto sighed. It was finally time to confront Pegasus. Animal Control Officer Shudo was there, talking with Police Cheif Yuyama, and they were looking over the police records that had been brought, proving Marik, Malik, Yami, Bakura, Otogi and Ryou's identities.

Yami chuckled slightly handing Otogi a bit of paper. "I'm going to need you to take care of this for me..." He said nonchalantly, turning to walk to Seto before Otogi could decline, or inquire about it.

"Seto would you mind doing a favor for me?" He asked after a moment. "Just for a few minutes, so I don’t start plucking from anxiety."

Seto sighed and rolled his eyes, then began coming his fingers through Yami's feathers, plucking any loose ones, or any that didn't look their best.

"It's okay... we'll get him..." He said. "Ryou will be ours again. He'll go home with Marik, and work at the club, and..." He sighed. "Alls well that ends well..." And he kissed Yami's cheek, then glanced over at Bakura, Malik, and Inogawa.

"Is he okay?" Bakura asked the doctor, anxiously.

Dr. Inogawa laughed. "For the five hundreth time YES. He's FINE." he said shaking his head. "He's healed nicely, a lot faster than I expected, even his black eye has faded to almost nothing in record time."

Yami sighed and smiled at Seto. "Thanks..." He mumbled, slowly relaxing, though glad that Seto was so eager to do that, that he'd done it without even being asked directly. "But you're just as worried as I am...usually you wait until I actually ask." He teased, watching Yugi play with some of the young squirrel hybrids, before Mokuba joined in.

"It will be good to have things calmed down...We can get back to our duels for leisure...I won’t have so much crap making my fingers itch to pluck.."

Yami squawked loudly as Marik streaked past before Rem tackled him to the floor, dragging the whimpering lion back to the back room. "Ra forsaken baby!" he growled. "Take your bath like a man you sissy!" he said, feathers puffing up.

Seto laughed, nervously. "After you kicking my ass in that fuckin tournament, Yami, I think I need at LEAST another week of recovery before I have the pride to duel you again." He said, plucking a feather.

"How do those pants fit you, love?" Bakura was asking Malik, eyeing the black leather pants he had brought his lover as a gift, along with the gold jewelry he was accustomed to wearing.

Malik grinned. "They fit fine Bakura." He said smiling as Dr. Inogawa backed away to give the lovers their space, and to help bathe Marik.

Bakura smiled, then shuffled. "I, uh... I got you another present... I don't know if you would want them, but if you don't... please don't hit me?"

Malik blinked. "Um...ok...what is 'them'?"

Bakura sighed and pulled three gold bands from his pocket, matching the bands Malik wore on his neck and arms. "Ummm... they're... for the base of your tail." He mumbled, blushing slightly. "I thought they would kind of... complete your look..." He said. "And I know how you like to complete your look." He gave Malik a hopeful smile.

Malik grinned, taking the bands and fastening two to his tail, taking the third and fastening it to Bakura's tail. "Couldn't complete the look, unless my lover had bit of gold too." He cooed, licking Bakura's cheek.

Bakura blinked, then grinned and crooned, nuzzling Malik. "I love you..." He murmured. Then, the front door banged open.

"MALIK?!?!" Bakura whirled, and his eyes lit up.

"MISTRESS ISHIZU!!" He called, and the woman whirled. She spotted Bakura, and then her brother.

"Malik! MALIK!!" She cried, and ran across the room, flinging her arms around her little brother and bursting into hysterical tears.

Malik grinned and clung to his sister. "Oh Ra sis I missed you!" he crooned, nuzzling her. "See what happens when I screw Bakura? He gave me his cooties!" he teased, nuzzling her.

Ishizu burst out laughing. "I'm so glad you're okay!!! They told me that you had been taken by those people and Pegasus had you, and... Oh, I was so worried, Malik!" She covered his face with kisses. "No matter what you are, you're always my baby brother." She moved back and looked him over. "So, ummm... what ARE you?" Bakura burst out laughing.

Malik laughed softly. "Fennec." He said grinning. "Some kind of desert fox." He clarified. "Apparently I scream the look.”

Ishizu smiled. "Oddly enough... it suits you." She said, laying a hand on Malik's cheek, before hugging him again. "I'm so glad you're safe..."

Malik grinned and nuzzled into her. "I missed you so much. I'm glad you're home...why don’t you pet on Bakura though. He's the one who's missed 'Mistress Ishizu.' " he said chuckling at Bakura's blush.

Ishizu laughed and turned to Bakura. But instead of scratching his ears, she walked over and hugged him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Bakura's eyes widened, but then he smiled and relaxed, and turned pink.

Malik grinned, flicking his ears slightly. It was good to see Bakura so happy, and even better to see his sister.

"MARIK!" Rem howled from the back, followed by a loud splashing noise.

Malik chuckled slightly. "Ryou's going to have his hands full, if Marik thinks he's going to get away with not bathing..." he said amused

Bakura snickered. "Marik never DID co-operate for his baths..." He said. "Once, Rem was just so fed up that she dragged the hose into his cage and turned it on him. MAN that was FUNNY!!!" And several of the store's hybrids who remembered the incident also laughed.

"REM!!! Alright already, I'm clean!" They heard Marik howl, and Yugi and Otogi leaned on each other, laughing. A moment later, Marik ran out of the back, zipping up his jeans and tucking in his shirt, his hair still dripping wet. Bakura snickered and opened his mouth to say something, but then, his nose quivered and he turned, glaring at the doors and wrapping his arms around Malik.

"He's here..." He growled, his ears laying back and his tail bristling.

Malik growled softly. "Don’t do anything...he's got Ryou with him...We don’t want to get him hurt...." he breathed, trying his best to keep his tail from bristling as well. Though he did a poor job. Even Yami's feathers were bristled, and he found himself clutching Seto's hand, as though he were going to hold him back. Malik had to wonder however, if it was more to hold himself back, than Seto.

Rem came to the front and took a deep breath. This wasn't going to be pretty... she knew it. Otogi's ears tilted back slightly, and he gave Yugi a worried look. The tension was so thick you could have cut through it with a knife. It was all Grandpa Mutoh had to keep himself calm enough to prevent a possible stroke. This was the infuriating man... who had ruined SO many lives.

The front door opened and Pegasus stepped in. But his attention was turned behind him. He was laughing slightly.

"Ryou, come on now... Don't you want to see Malik? No baby, I'm not having him put down, he's coming home, and I know you've missed him." He opened the door further and Ryou hopped in. Then, he turned. Both Pegasus and Ryou saw the assortment of people before them, and both froze, eyes wide. They stared, as all eyes turned to glare at Pegasus.

"Miss Rem..." Pegasus finally said in a low tone. "Just what is going on here?"

Rem cleared her throat slightly. Though she wasn't the type to be intimidated by beasts, this man knew just how to knock her down...and all of her new friends, and the hybrids were counting on her. "Mr. Pegasus... these people have gathered here... to discuss some things with you. It involves the... creation of hybrids, and other... issues." She said softly, though she looked at him strongly.

Ryou squeaked softly, backing behind Pegasus at all the glares. He whimpered. Oh this wasn't going to end well. Pegasus would be FURIOUS! He blinked, looking at all his friends, a soft smile spreading across his features. Everyone was there...Everyone! He gave a delighted gasp when he caught sight of Marik, Malik and Bakura. He grinned broadly, trying to hide the amusement he had, that Marik was dripping wet.

Pegasus narrowed her eyes. "I am guessing that you have grown sympathetic to their cause?" He growled. "You will lose your job for this, woman!"

"No worries." Seto snapped, folding his arms. "She has a job waiting for her under me that will pay her TWICE what she is making here!" Pegasus glared at Seto.

"I am guessing that you are protesting my refusal to sell you Malik?" He snarled.

"No." Seto replied. "I am protesting your having innocent people kidnapped and made into hybrids, then owning them against their will. But I will buy Malik. AND Ryou." Pegasus snorted.

"Ryou is not for sale..." He snapped right back, tightening his grip on Ryou's leash.

Ryou's ears tilted back fearfully, and he whimpered softly. He could feel the anger radiating from Pegasus...and it frightened him. He swallowed hard and forced himself to calm down, offering Marik a weak smile. Anything to distract himself from the aura of anger next to him.

He tilted his head slightly in thought, before giving Marik an impish little grin. He rose to all fours and shook his hair out, as though he had wet hair, hoping Marik would understand his request...after all, it'd calm him down a little to see something silly, rather than be trapped in the middle of a heated conversation.

Marik blinked and cocked his head right back, then he blushed and reached up, feeling his wet hair. He smiled at Ryou, then gave his mane a fierce shake, showering the entire group with water.

"WHAT THE FUCK, MARIK?!" Bakura howled, and Otogi let out a panther-scream of annoyance.

"GODAMMIT MARIK!!!" Seto howled, and Yugi squealed and ducked.

Yami twitched and squawked in annoyance. "I WAS CLEAN! RA DAMN IT I WAS CLEAN!! LOOK WHAT YOU DID!" he howled, puffing up more than he had been. "Ra I'm FILTHY now!" he said glaring.

Grandpa chuckled slightly shaking his head. "Boys will be boys..." he said amusedly. "Little water never killed anyone Yami, you'll be fine."

However there was one sound, that wasn't angry from the room...the soft sound of Ryou laughing at Marik's little impersonation of a lawn sprinkler.

Malik smiled at the sound, but Pegasus wouldn't let it continue.

"Hush!" He ordered harshly at Ryou, jerking his leash.

"Don't you tell him what to do!!!" Marik shouted, starting towards Pegasus, but Malik and Bakura leapt forwards and grabbed him, holding him back. Pegasus glared at Marik.

"I see you haven't properly trained your pet, Seto." He sneered, and Marik flattened his ears and roared.

"He is NOT my pet!" Seto snapped. "He is his own man!"

Ryou winced slightly, at the anger in the room. He whimpered softly. "Please stop..." he said shaking his head. "Please..." he didn't know what to ask for. He wanted to go with Marik and live contently...but he couldn't leave Pegasus. Even though he had done many horrible things, he still considered him a mate.

"Please stop fighting...." he said softly, his voice shaking from...fear? He shuddered. If things kept up like they were...

He tried to focus on anything but the talking going on between Pegasus, Seto and Rem. The three of them slinging heated words back and forth. Rem though, seemed to take pity on Ryou and tried to tame the fires of hate.

"Mr. Pegasus, Ryou was made from a poor boy somewhere, you cant possibly keep him, knowing that?" She said calmly. "He has a family who's worried about him, friends who are worried, he has a life he has to live. You cant possibly continue to keep him after knowing these things...can you?" She asked, hoping that Pegasus was just now finding out about hybrid creation.

Pegasus snorted. "Ryou hardly had any friends." He said. "Those he did have are all in this room. His only family is his father, and the man hardly ever sees him anyway. Did you know it was a month before the man reported his son missing? Ryou is mine. He is my rabbit, and that is how it will stay."

"HE'S A HUMAN BEING!!!" Marik screamed.

"No he is not!" Pegasus shouted back. "And neither are you! DOWN BOY!!!" Marik let out a furious roar, and this time Malik, Bakura, Otogi AND Seto had to leap onto him to keep him from eviscerating Pegasus. Yugi watched all of this from next to his grandfather, clutching Nod while Mokuba held Tuc.

Ryou twitched slightly, his fur bristling. "N-no..." he said softly, moving in front of Pegasus and hunching down slightly. He hated to do it, but despite who was threatening who...he couldn't let Marik hurt Pegasus, or Pegasus hurt Marik.

"If you are a man..." Pegasus sneered. "Then act like one." Marik growled. "Ah... I see you can't even PRETEND to be a man. You are a lion. A snarling clawing beast. You will never be anything BUT a beast. You think I would hand over my precious baby bunny to a monster like you?" He knelt and stroked Ryou's hair. "You see? He would eat you alive..." He hissed into Ryou's ear.

Ryou's eyes widened, as the memory of the lions from their vacation flashed through his mind. He whimpered softly. 'No...please...d-don’t say it...' he said in his mind, his fur bristling more, as he backed up defensively, away from Marik, still ready to defend Pegasus if it came down to it.

'Please...don’t ruin my memories...' he hated that he had to hear it, but he couldn't help but doubt Marik once more. Those teeth did look very intimidating. But with all the anger in the room, even Yami looked ready to claw someone's eyes out and rend some serious flesh.

"STOP IT!!!" Marik roared. "STOP LYING TO HIM!!!" And to Ryou's surprise, a small sparkle fell from Marik's left eye, and a moment later, another from the right. "STOP MANIPULATING HIM!!! I WOULDN'T HURT HIM!!! I LOVE HIM! I LOVE HIM DAMMIT!! AND YOU TOOK HIM FROM ME!!!"

Ryou sniffled softly, shaking his head. "Marik..." he said softly, his voice soothing. "Don’t... don’t cry..." he said inching forward slightly. "Please?" he asked softly, ears relaxing, against his hair once more.

Pegasus jerked Ryou back.

"Mr. Pegasus." Pegasus' eyes snapped to Police Cheif Yuyama. "It won't be much longer before you are no longer permitted to own a hybrid." He said. "Not when there are records and proof of their humanity."

"Proof?" Pegasus asked, blinking, and Yuyama walked over and handed him a file folder. Pegasus opened it.

"Criminal records of a young man by the name of Bakura. We printed this skunk and this file popped up." He handed him another folder. "We printed the lion, and this file popped up. And this one for the bird, and this for your fox. And should I print your rabbit... I think we will get a hit as well."

Ryou blinked, and looked at Pegasus slowly. He whimpered softly. 'Please...don’t get angry....I didn't do anything...'

Yami smirked. "So there's your proof. You can’t keep him Pegasus, He's a person." He said sharply. "Let him go back where he belongs. With Marik, and his friends!"

Pegasus' eye narrowed and he flung the files away. "I think you are forgetting something... I am a rich and powerful man... and hybrids are owned by the rich and powerful. And the rich and powerful can... interfere. We can make sure that legally, hybrids will never be anything more than animals."

"But men like me can fight back and interfere with men like YOU to get hybrids their rights!" Seto snapped.

Yami's wings puffed out. "People with influence will help too, Everyone in this room will help, and soon everyone will know what hybrids are....what was done." He hissed back. "It's only a matter of time. You LOSE." He growled.

Rem sighed. "Mr. Pegasus, it would be in yours and Ryou's best interest to release him. You don’t want to put him through any more stress. He's been through enough."

Pegasus snorted. "I will not give him up." He snarled, then eyed Malik and sneered. "But keep that filthy fennec if he means that much to you. I prefer the idea of getting rid of him anyway. Especially before he ruins my bunny."

"You mean before he finally gets Ryou to snap out of this... forced loyalty you've placed him in?" Bakura snapped, and Pegasus glared.

"I will not converse with a bunch of filthy animals." He sniffed.

Rem sighed. "Mr. Pegasus, please, it's in the best interests of Ryou to let him go back to his life. A boy his age has so much to do. You can’t keep him forever, you'll ruin his life!" She said quickly.

Ryou whimpered softly as the others glared once more at Pegasus.

"The only animal in this room is YOU." Malik hissed, tail bristling more. "You're a fucking MONSTER."

Yami growled as well. "You had him kidnapped, you turned him into something against his will and you RAPE him!"

"I never took him unwillingly." Pegasus snapped, glaring at Yami. "Ryou is my MATE. He is mine. I love him. I will NOT give him up."

"YOU OWN HIM!!!" Marik screamed. "You walk him around on a fucking LEASH!!! That is NOT what a mate does! I love him. ME!!! More than you ever could!!!" And the tears began to fall again. "HE IS MY MATE!!!"

"He isn't willing! He's forced to! He's forced to love you because of that loyalty! He loved Marik before he was mated by him! He LOVES Marik!" Malik growled glaring darkly. "The only thing tying Ryou to you is that loyalty that's forced upon him! If it weren't for that he'd leave you and you know it!"

Pegasus glared and growled, sounding much like Marik normally would. Marik let out a frustrated cry and launched himself forwards all of a sudden, sending Malik, Bakura and Otogi falling over, and Seto stumbling to the side. He charged and leapt at Pegasus, who yelped and stumbled back. The lion then went straight to Ryou and dropped to all fours, purring loudly and sniffing him over, covering him with licks and nuzzles.

Ryou growled softly. "D-don’t hurt him..." he breathed, fur bristling once more, though he made no attempt to stop Marik's nuzzles, or harm him. "Don’t..."

Yami blinked and glared. "Let him go! It's time he got his life back, he's not a pet and you know it. Give it up already!"

"Ryou.... my Ryou... my Ryou..." Marik was crooning, and Yugi and Mokuba found themselves struggling to hold onto Tuc and Nod, who were desperate to get to Ryou.

"FILTHY LION!!!" Pegasus howled, getting up and storming over. Marik whirled and growled, but to everyone's shock, Pegasus raised a hand and slammed his palm into Marik's face. The lion yelped and fell over, stunned. Pegasus wrapped an arm around Ryou's waist and lifted him up.

"I will say this once more." The man said in a tone shaking with anger. "Keep that fennec whore..." Bakura glared and tightened his hold around Malik. "But Ryou... is mine..." And he whirled and stalked out of the shop.

"No... Ryou... RYOU!!! NO!!!" Marik screamed, lifting his head.

Ryou gasped fearfully, and clung to Pegasus, though he wanted desperatly to get to Marik. He whimpered loudly, huddling into his arms, too frightened by the trembling anger he felt from Pegasus to even try to break loose.

He yelped when they entered the limo and the door was slammed harshly. 'Please dont hurt me...' he prayed, whimpering.

Pegasus whirled as the car drove away and raised his hand to strike Ryou. The bunny yelped and ducked, raising his arms to shield himself, and Pegasus stopped. He looked down at his bunny, and slowly lowered his hand, then sighed and reached out, drawing the shivering thing into his lap.

"Oh Ryou..." He murmured softly, petting and rocking the boy. "My precious baby bunny..."

Ryou sniffled softly. "Please...I...I didn't do anything...d-don’t hurt me..." he pleaded softly, clinging to Pegasus like a frightened child. "I'm sorry...I'm a good bunny I'm good..." he mumbled soft tears falling from his eyes. "I'm sorry...please don’t hurt me..."

"Shhhh... I'm sorry baby..." Pegasus said softly, kissing Ryou's cheek. "I'm not mad at you... I won't hurt my precious... I won't hurt you... I promise. You’re a good bunny... you're a very good bunny and I love you.... shhhh...."

Ryou sniffled softly. "Master..." He said softly, nuzzling him. "W-what about...th-the police?" he asked fearfully.

"They are bluffing. They can't take you from me, baby..." Pegasus said, hugging Ryou. "No one will... will ever take you from me..."

Ryou sniffled softly, nuzzling his master. "Master...I'd never leave you, even if I did have to live my own life...g-genetics or not...you would always be welcome in my life..." he mumbled, licking his cheek.

Pegasus blinked and looked down at Ryou, and laid a gentle hand on his cheek. "R-Really?" He asked. "Even... even if they took you from me... you would still want to see me?"

Ryou nuzzled into the hand. "You...have done terrible things...but you're still my mate. I would want you near me...just like I want Marik near me." He said giving Pegasus a kiss. "You would always be welcomed..."

Pegasus stared at Ryou with no readable expression on his face, and he stroked Ryou's cheek.

"You... you love that lion, don't you baby?" He said softly. "You still love him..."

Ryou curled up in Pegasus' arms. "As much as I love you..." he mumbled softly. "I will always love both of you...whether it's genetics or not..." he said, gently licking Pegasus' cheek, before laying his head against Pegasus' shoulder, his forehead pressed into his master's neck. "I wish you and he...could get along. I would be happiest...if you did." he sniffled. "It pains me to see so much anger...so much hurt..."

"You... love the lion... but you also love me?" Pegasus closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and pulled Ryou away from his chest and looked him straight in the eye. "Do you love me, Ryou? REALLY love me? Or is it... forced... did I force it on you?" He asked, stroking Ryou's face and hair.

Ryou blinked and frowned softly. "I dont know what is forced anymore..." He said softly. "And...I dont care. I love you now, and I will continue to love you, just like Marik." He said softly. "No one can undo the past...and...despite all that's happened...I forgive you." Ryou smiled and nuzzled the arm near him. "I forgive you...for having me turned into this...for hurting my friends...for all the horrible things that have happened."

Ryou gave Pegasus a small smile. "Forced love or not, I choose to forgive you, because everyone makes mistakes. Forced love or not, I'll welcome you into my life, every day. Forced love or not, it doesn't matter to me...I accept you."

Pegasus stared at Ryou in amazement, then wrapped his arms around him and hugged him close, rocking and petting him. And he still was when they got home. He got out of the car and carried Ryou into the house, then out to the back yard. There, he set Ryou down and gave him a small pat on the behind. "Go on... play in your garden..." He said in an oddly subdued tone, then turned and made his way over to the bench he would sit on to watch Ryou play.

Ryou blinked and smiled sweetly, before hopping eagerly into his garden and beginning to dig up the remaining vegetables that hadn't been harvested. He gave a delighted squeak when he stumbled across a potato and began munching on it.

Pegasus sighed and watched Ryou, lost in thought...

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

Steve Irwin

The Crocodile Hunter, Wildlife Warrior, Reptile Expert, Conservationist...

A Loving Husband and Father.

You were taken before your time.

We miss you.

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