Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 5

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Seto sighed and walked into his house, and braced himself to be tackled... someone usually did, especially with Marik in the house. But no tackle came. Blinking, then shrugging, he sighed and headed for the kitchen, stomach loudly demanding to be fed.

The house was silent, almost eerily and all the curtains were drawn. Just as Rem had suggested. Yami frowned softly watching Seto. Ryou and Marik had finally laid down for a much needed nap, the stress taking a heavy toll on them.

He flapped silently landing softly behind Seto. "Seto...”

Seto nearly jumped right out of his skin. "AAH!! Oh... Yami...” he said, sighing in relief. "What's going on? Everything's so quiet and it's dark... what's happened? Something's wrong, I know it... where's Mokuba?!"

"Mokuba's fine. He's sleeping with Marik and Ryou." Yami said calmly. "But you're right... something did happen.” he said sighing.

Seto blinked, and then stared. "Mokuba's with Ryou and Marik... you're here...” he took a deep breath. "Yami... where is Malik?"

Yami frowned looking down, as though he'd somehow been the one to blame. "This morning he was playing with Mokuba in the front yard... they kidnapped him.” he said softly. "Marik almost ran out after him... Ryou and I had to wrestle him back inside and shut the door. He called Rem... She’s the one who suggested all the drapes be closed... Seto I'm sorry...” he whispered, wings drooping.

Seto closed his eyes and slowly sank onto a stool that sat at the kitchen counter, slowly exhaling. He propped his elbow on the counter top, and let his face fall into his hand.

"They took Malik...?”

Yami sighed softly. "Yes... Mokuba was lucky to get away unharmed.” he said walking behind Seto and hugging him slightly, letting his wings drape over Seto. "I didn't have time to tell him to stay inside... I was telling Ryou and Marik at the time...”

Seto sighed and shook his head. "Dammit...” he muttered. "Malik should have KNOWN better!” he slammed his fist down on the counter. "DAMMIT!!"

Yami's wings puffed at the sound of Seto's hitting the counter, having startled him. "It's ok... we'll get them back somehow... It's my fault... I should have told him first...”

"Yami, Malik should have KNOWN better!" Seto shouted, but then sighed and calmed down. "How... how are Ryou and Marik taking it?"

Yami sighed softly. "They're sleeping right now... Marik took it really hard... Ryou's too petrified to talk about it...” he said softly, beginning to sing a song, hoping to calm Seto's seeming rage.

Seto sighed and wrapped an arm around Yami's waist, just holding him and stroking his wings. "I should call Pegasus...” he said softly. "That's three gone in four days... four if you count his hedgehog...”

Yami sighed, cooing softly. "Maybe we should close the club for a few days... we're running short on help... and it's so risky...” he said worriedly.

Seto sighed. "I... I dunno... No... The club is a good way to spread the word, Yami. And besides... if there are hybrids in the club, then they're safe. No, we shouldn't close it down...” he stood. "I'm going to call Pegasus...”

Yami sighed. "And say what?” he said shaking his head. "Seto this is getting terribly out of hand... we can’t even go out in YOUR yard... they're climbing walls to get to us! How long before they just break in and take us in the dead of night?" Yami said shaking his head slightly. "It's like they're stalking specific people to take! It's ridiculous!"

Seto frowned. "I don't know. Maybe Pegasus has an idea...” he said, heading for his office. "Then we should check on Ryou and Marik...”

Yami nodded. "I'll check on Marik and Ryou... you take care of that call...” he said sighing once more and following Seto until he turned into his office. Yami continued down the hall and peered into Mokuba's room. Curled up around Mokuba were Ryou and Marik. Ryou's ears twitched and he woke up immediately, looking utterly terrified. "Marik!"

At Ryou's cry, Marik whirled and roared, baring his teeth and claws. Mokuba jerked awake and all three looked to the door.

"Oh... it's you." Marik said, lowering himself down to the bed and licking Mokuba's cheek when the boy whimpered.

Yami coughed, soothing his feathers down, as they had puffed to three times their normal size. "Uh... yes. I just came to check on you.” he said calmly.

Ryou whimpered softly, offering Yami an apologetic look. "Sorry... I just was frightened.” he said offering the same apologetic look to Marik and Mokuba. "Sorry...”

"It's okay. Better safe than sorry." Marik said softly. Then Seto appeared behind Yami.

"Pegasus is on his way.” he said. "He insists that he must comfort Ryou. And he said he was bringing a precious baby?"

Ryou smiled softly. "Precious Baby...” he said nuzzling Marik. "It will be good to see him...” he mumbled sighing, ears drooping slightly.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Precious Baby?"

Marik purred and nuzzled Ryou back. "Tuc and Nod's baby... the one Ryou gave Pegasus... the...” he sighed and drooped, sadly. "The only one left...” And he made a sad noise, resting his head on the bed.

Yami frowned slightly. "Oh... I see...”

Ryou nodded and sighed. "At least Precious Baby is safe... I'm... I'm sure Tuc and Nod would... be happy that one of their babies is ok.” he said softly, nuzzling Marik once more. "Maybe he'll want to play with us...”

Yami nodded. "I'm sure they're ok... We'll find your bunnies and our friends."

"Murrrrrrrrr...” Marik moaned. He never really noticed how much those bunnies meant to him. He nuzzled his bunny plushy and began to groom it.

Yami sighed and looked at Seto. "When is he arriving here?” he asked looking back to the pitiful sight of Marik, grooming the bunny plushy. "It's depressing to see him like this...”

Ryou gave Marik a sad look, and began grooming him, hugging Mokuba while he did, the poor youth still startled slightly.

Marik purred loudly and nuzzled Ryou, soon abandoning the plushy in preference of the larger living version. He gripped Ryou in his paws and pulled him close, then hovered over him possessively, purring and grooming him all over.

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "Marik... thank you...” he whispered softly.

Yami sighed and left the room. He headed to Seto's room and opened the window, staring out. Damn those bird urges of his. Seeing Marik and Ryou so close, made him want to build a nest even more. Damn spring! Damn trees! Damn NESTS!

He sat there struggling with his urge for so long, that he nearly shouted when he saw movement. At first he was ready to sound the alarm, but stopped when a limo drove up and drive, and a moment later, Pegasus got out. The man looked up and saw Yami in the window, and gave him a wave of greeting.

Yami squawked slightly, waving back twitching. "Damn millionaires...” he grumbled under his breath. "I'm really REALLY starting to hate spring...” he mumbled, catching sight of materials that would be PERFECT for a nest... just... LYING there...

Pegasus knocked on the door, and soon enough Seto opened it. He nodded. "Ryou is upstairs. He wanted to come greet you himself, but Marik has gotten a bit... clingy.” he said. Pegasus nodded.

"I see.” he replied, and followed Seto up the stairs and to Mokuba's room. There, Seto turned on the light.

"Marik? Ryou? Pegasus is here."

"Ryou, baby...” Pegasus said, kneeling and opening his arms to Ryou. Marik rumbled slightly, but loosened his grip on his mate.

Ryou smiled and nuzzled Marik, before hopping off the bed and darting into Pegasus' arms, hopping the whole way, just like he used to before Pegasus finally changed his ways. "Master!!” he cooed, nuzzling Pegasus and clinging to him, trembling softly.

"They took Malik... Master I'm getting scared...”

"Shhhh... it's okay, baby...” Pegasus said softly, rocking Ryou and rubbing his back. "You know I'll do all I can to help." And he placed a kiss on top of Ryou's head, and then looked up at Marik, who was watching him closely. He gave the lion a small sad smile, and then opened an arm. Marik's ears shot up in surprise, but after a moment, he slid off of the bed and slunk over to Pegasus, belly to the floor, and hid his face in his shoulder. Pegasus smiled and began petting the lion, too. Seto quirked an eyebrow, surprised at Marik.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus sniffling. "Marik's scared too... Master it's just us and Yami left... a-and Tuc and Nod... and their babies are gone... Precious Baby is the only one left!” he said, big tears welling up in his eyes. "Is Precious Baby ok? Is he safe?"

Yami twitched slightly; glaring out the window at the pile of very soft looking materials laid hap hazardously in the vacant lot across from Seto's home. The lot was always well kept, and usually served as a playground for children in the area. But all the string! String everywhere! And twigs!

Yami twitched again. "Ra... Forsaken... children...” he hissed, wings quivering, the urge growing.

Pegasus smiled and released Marik and Ryou and moved back a bit, then turned and showed that he was wearing a small backpack. Marik blinked and opened it, and found a nest of cotton balls inside. And curled up in the middle of it, fast asleep, was Precious Baby. He opened his eyes and looked up at being disturbed, nose quivering. He raised his ears when he recognized Marik and Ryou's scent. Marik grinned.

"Baby...” he purred, and scooped the baby bunny out.

Ryou smiled and licked the bunny's ears. "Master...” he cooed, curling up in Pegasus' arms. "I'm so glad he's safe and sound...” he whispered. "Malik... he's gone... what happens now master? We're all that's left...”

"Shhhh... It’s okay, baby...” Pegasus whispered softly, watching Marik lay down with the bunny and begin to groom it, purring loudly. Seto sighed and went to check on Yami. He blinked when he found him in his room, staring out the window and... Seto narrowed his eyes... PLUCKING...

"YAMI MOUTO STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!!!!"

Yami yelped. "THE TWINE!” he howled, feathers puffing up, some falling off at the quick sudden puffing. He coughed slightly hunching down and turning around, knowing this was NOT going to get past Seto... oh no. "Uh... I mean... uh... hi."

Seto blinked and eyed Yami. "The... twine?"

Oh hell...

Yami grinned sheepishly. "uh... what about it?” he said innocently, offering a very lame smile.

"I don't know...” Seto said, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe. "You tell me."

Yami coughed slightly. "Uh... I have no IDEA what you're talking about.” he said quickly.

"Oh?" Seto asked. "So you also have no idea what you are talking about yourself?"

"You're the one who brought up twine." Yami said quickly.

"Says the one who shouted 'THE TWINE' as soon as I walked in." Seto shot back with a smirk.

Yami twitched. "... Lies!” he shot back quickly. "I was just minding my own business...” he said calmly, hoping to dance his way out of THIS little mess.

Seto narrowed his eyes, and then grinned. "You're flustered!” he announced, pointing at Yami. "And embarrassed! You've turned red!" And he walked over. "You are NOT weaseling your way out of this one, Yami... TALK!!!"

Yami turned a shade darker and hunched slightly, his wings puffing up more. He snuck a glance out the window and his eyes widened. Some birds were already taking HIS twine... he twitched, growling slightly.

Seto blinked and looked out the window. He saw the birds... and the...

"The twine... Yami... You want the twine?!” he blurted. "What the hell for?!"

Yami twitched slightly. "I...” he paused. "It's nothing. Are Ryou and Marik holding up ok?” he asked, though his eyes narrowed the closer those birds got to that one piece of purple fabric rope... He twitched once more, his wings beginning to quiver.

Seto blinked. "Yami... why do you want the string?” he asked. "I am NOT letting you change the subject here...”

Yami twitched again. "I don’t want the string. Who said I wanted the string? Certainly not ME.” he said calmly, though his eyes never left the other birds.

"Yami... you are OBSSESIVELY watching the birds taking the string. I mean, WHY would you want that? They're just... Oh. My. God." Seto slowly turned and stared at Yami, then raised a finger, pointing at him.

At that point, an innocent cardinal went after the purple fabric rope. Yami snarled. "Why you son of a---!” he howled, shooting up and knocking Seto out of the way, throwing the window open. That was HIS string!

Seto yelped, then whirled and wrapped his arms around Yami's waist. "OH NO YOU DON'T!!!” he roared. "YOU WILL NOT GO OUTSIDE!!!"

Yami shrieked, squirming against Seto and flapping his wings madly. "BASTARD!! I'll KICK YOUR FUCKING ASS!!!” he howled, enraged at the bird that was starting to take HIS purple string. HIS SPECIAL string! Yes, somehow that SMALL piece of purple string was SPECIAL! It was THE string!

"GODDAMMIT YAMI!! MARRIIIIIIK!!!!" Seto howled. And a moment later, Marik charged into the room on all fours with a roar, and pounced. All three went crashing to the ground, Marik sitting on Yami's chest.

Yami suddenly made one of the most AWFUL sounds anyone had ever heard; a high-pitched squawking sound that... if continued for a long period of time could PROBABLY cause ears to bleed. He then BIT Marik and shoved at him, biting and flapping his wings madly, squirming to get up and to his precious string before some halfassed OTHER bird was able to take it to present to IT'S mate in a nest. HIS STRING!

Marik howled and with one swipe of his paw, smacked Yami right the floor. Seto stood and slammed the window shut and closed the curtains. Pegasus stood in the doorway with Ryou in his arms, and Precious in Ryou's, Mokuba peeking out from behind the man's legs.

"What's going on?" Mokuba asked.

"Yami's being stupid." Seto growled, glaring down at the bird that Marik was pinning. "YAMI! STOP IT!!!"

Yami panted softly, growling at Marik, seemingly completely lost in his bird instincts. He had to be, to be growling at a lion like he'd be kicking its ass.

Ryou frowned softly. "y-you know Seto... he was the first successful bird... They used to feed failures to Marik all the time... they were probably getting desperate at the time they made Yami.” he said softly. "For all we know he may have some VERY powerful bird genetics... I mean LOOK at him... it's completely unlike him to... well... be undignified in public...”

Yami snapped at Marik once again, twitching and growling.

Marik snorted and placed a firm paw on Yami's head, mashing his face into the floor.

"Annoying turkey...” he growled. "I should stuff you and eat you with cranberries." Seto rolled his eyes, and knelt.

"Yami...” he called. "Yaaaamiiiiii...” And he ruffled Yami's hair.

Ryou giggled. "Marik be nice!” he said smiling slightly. He always loved when Marik made fun of Yami... even though he scolded himself afterward. Marik was just so creative with his name-calling...

Yami hissed swatting Marik harshly across the side of the face with a wing, squawking at him quickly, much like a VERY angry bird would at someone who was handling it wrong.

Ryou hugged Precious quietly and nuzzled Pegasus. "He's very... angry isn't he?” he said, trying to contain his impolite giggles.

Marik growled and changed position, straddling Yami's back and pinning his wings down with his knees. "Knock it off, bird brain.” he growled. "Maybe you haven't noticed, but I am NOT in the mood to put up with your stupid BIRD SHIT right now!!! I swear, you shit on me, and I'll shit on you!!! So if you're gonna pull your stupid bird crap with us then don’t get mad when I pull my lion crap with you!!! LIKE SOAKING BAKURA IN THE ULTRAVIOLET STUFF!!!"

Ryou giggled once more, cooing at Marik. "Be nice...” he said giggling and nuzzling Precious. "The baby bunny is watching this, you're scaring him.” he said softly, his mood having uplifted from the little fiasco that was unfolding before him as Seto and Marik tried to wrestle Yami into submission so he'd calm down enough to realize what was going on.

"GOD DAMMIT!!" Seto yelped as he held down Yami's legs. "Ryou, Mokuba... SOME one... go get some fuckin string!!!"

"You said 'fuck'!!!" Mokuba giggled.

"String?" Pegasus asked. "What do you need string for?"

"He spazzed out watching the birds gather nesting materials!!" Seto spat. Marik turned and looked back at Seto with an expression of disgust and dismay.

"THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT?!” he shouted, then looked down at Yami. "YOU MOTHER FUCKIN OVER GROWN DODO BIRD!!!!" The lion roared. "I'M GONNA MAKE CHICKEN NUGGETS OUT OF YOU!!!"

Ryou burst into more giggles, covering his mouth. "MARIK!” he said shaking his head. "Stop it! I'm going to feel AWFUL in ten minutes for laughing at all your horrid names!” he said tugging his own ears, burying his face into Pegasus' chest. Precious however, was thoroughly interested in the lion, the bird and the human, seeming to STILL wrestle.

Yami let out another bone-chilling screech, the kind that literally upturns your stomach. Nails on a chalkboard, you'd WISH it was that pretty.

Ryou yelped painfully. "AHH! AWFUL!” he howled, covering Precious' ears rather than his own. The sound was so AWFUL his teeth even ached from it.

Marik opened his mouth, put his head right by Yami's ear, and ROARED!!! As loud as the roar that he had woken the pair with that morning, rattling all the windows and making Mokuba howl and clap his hands over his ears.

Ryou howled once more. "MARIK!” he hissed, his fur bristling. "My EARS!” he whined loudly.

Yami's eyes narrowed and he turned and BIT Marik, though it looked more like a kiss.

Ryou's eyes widened slightly, in the middle of his rant and he started laughing once more. "Awwww how CUTE.” he teased.

Marik yowled and hurled himself backwards, squashing Seto flat. Pegasus blinked when a squawking and flapping Yami squirmed out from under them, but with a roar, Marik whirled. And this time, he did NOT look like he would be merciful. Teeth and claws bared and the look of a hunter in his eye, he leapt at Yami, reaching for him with his unsheathed and VERY sharp claws.

Yami shrieked once more and flapped up, diving at Marik's face and tugging his ears and hair sharply, flying past him, literally knocking him onto his back, letting go once Marik had lost his balance. He shrieked once more, flying from the room quickly, seeking instinctually another open window or door.

Ryou gasped and hopped from Pegasus' arms and hurried to his mate, nuzzling him and licking his ears and face. "Marik are you ok?!” he gasped, grasping Precious in one arm and checking Marik over with the other.

But he was only answered with a growl. Marik raised his head, eyes burning in anger and a powerful blood lust. Then with a roar, he dug his claws into the carpet for traction and sprang after Yami.

Ryou shook his head. "Seto they're going to kill each other!” he said quickly. "We have to get them apart before someone gets hurt badly!"

Yami flew down the stairs and down the corridor, heading for the French glass windows, that opened out, the closest exit to get to his goal, the twine.

Ryou put Precious down and scampered after Marik as quickly as he could. "MARIK!! MARIK STOP!!"

Marik roared and leapt straight off of the stairs, hitting the ground running, his claws scratching the marble floors as he went after Yami.

Yami threw open the window and flew out of it, not even stopping to push the window completely open. He flew over the wall, across the street and made a LOUD commotion, scaring off all the other birds and picking up his beloved string.

Ryou gasped as he made it to Marik just in time to tug him back, keeping him inside. "MARIK!” he whined softly. "Don’t go outside!” he said starting to sound desperate. "Please!"

Marik struggled, growling and roaring. "I'll kill him! I'll kill him!!” he kept repeating over and over again. Seto ran out the front door and down and down the driveway, then out the gate. He ran across the street.

"YAMI!!!” he shouted. "YAMI!!!"

Ryou nuzzled Marik trying to calm him down. "Marik please... don’t kill him...” he said sniffling softly. "I need you to protect me... I need you here with me...” he mumbled softly, kissing him. "Remember? Y-you said you were going to take care of me...”

Yami clutched the purple string and plopping down to his knees, groaning softly. He looked around, utterly confused and feeling like a truck had just hit him, then decided to back up to see what they'd hit.

Seto ran over and jerked Yami to his feet. "What the HELL is wrong with you?!” he roared.

Yami blinked stupidly, before slowly realizing what he had in his hands. He groaned slightly. "Ra dammit...” he grumbled, before sighing softly. "I... well I guess its stupid to admit it now, I'm sure I did something really REALLY stupid... but... well I got a... uh...” he looked at the rope in his hands. "Piece of string...” he said, looking down guiltily, wishing he wasn't drawn to cause MORE stress in Seto's life.

Seto's eyes narrowed and he raised his hand and brought it across Yami's face in a loud slap. "You IDIOT!!!” he roared. "All that over a fuckin piece of string?!! YOU NEARLY GOT YOURSELF KILLED!!!"

Yami winced but made no move to defend himself. He probably deserved more than that. He sighed softly. "I'm sorry. I don’t even really know what happened... I was talking to you... and then...” he sighed. "I don’t even know... I'm sure I had that coming though...” he mumbled, wings drooping.

Seto glared. "You started cursing at a bird and tried to jump out the window." Seto drawled, crossing his arms. "I had to have Marik restrain you. And then you started making this AWFUL noise and bit Marik on the nose, TWICE, and he lost it and TRIED TO KILL YOU!!!"

Yami winced slightly. "Sorry...” he mumbled eyes still downcast. "I... don’t even know...” he sighed, still clutching the purple string. "I'm really sorry Seto... I... well...” he sighed once more. "I got this for you...” he said pathetically.

Seto blinked, and then smacked his hand to his forehead. "Get in the house before someone tries to kidnap you...” He mumbled, pointing towards said house.

"You mean the house with the vicious lion trying to jump out off the window so he can maul me?" Yami asked.

"That's the one." Seto replied.

Yami shook his head. "I'd rather take my chances with the kidnappers...” he grumbled. "I don’t even really know what I did, and I'm going to get my ass kicked FURTHER.” he grumbled, his wings drooping more. "Ra I HATE being a bird...” he grumbled, sighing. "I just end up giving you aneurisms!"

Seto sighed and shook his head, then grabbed Yami and lifted him up into his arms and kissed him. "But I love you anyway...” he said softly, carrying him towards the house where Ryou was managing to calm Marik down.

Yami sighed. "Sorry Seto... maybe I should just stay in the aviary a few days...” he mumbled looking pathetically at the wretched piece of purple string he'd caused ALL that trouble to get. "I mean... I just raised hell for two feet of purple rope."

Seto rolled his eyes and carried Yami towards the house. "I thought you liked blue...” he muttered.

Yami nuzzled him. "There wasn't any blue string... at least I don’t think there was." He said, beginning to unweave the string. He worked quietly, resting contently in Seto's arms, peeping softly and cooing.

Ryou nuzzled Marik. "Marik... I love you...” He cooed licking his cheek. "Please calm down...”

Marik growled at Yami as Seto walked in with the bird in his arms, only to get a squirt of water in the face.

"No! No!" Pegasus said sternly, and then handed the water pistol back to the younger Kaiba brother. "Thank you Mokuba."

"No problem, sir." Mokuba smiled, taking it back.

Ryou smiled and hopped over to Pegasus, nuzzling him. "Precious master... always knows just what to do...” he said dreamily, cooing.

Precious Baby hopped over to Marik and squeaked, licking his paw.

Yami yawned suddenly, leaning into Seto's arms more and beginning to doze, the string having been previously unwoven was now being rewoven... even as he was beginning to doze off... into a miniature nest.

Marik whined and lay down, not wanting to get squirted again. He nuzzled Precious gently, and nudged him a bit, playfully.

Precious squeaked delightedly and pounced on Marik's paw, gently gnawing it as though he were a mighty lion himself.

Ryou hopped back into Pegasus' arms and nuzzled him. "Precious master... I'm worried... Marik says he'll protect me... b-but... he's scared... just like me."

"Of course he is...” Pegasus said, petting Ryou and smiling at Marik playing with Precious.

"Murrrrrrrumph!" Marik challenged happily, bounding away from the bunny, then turning and lowering his chest to the floor in a playful stance, his tail swinging about as he waited for Precious to give chase.

"His best friends have been kidnapped...” Pegasus said, petting Ryou and giving his tail a little flick. "That would frighten anyone."

Precious darted towards Marik, pouncing on his head and gently chewing his ears. The mighty hunter strikes again!

Ryou nodded hugging Pegasus. "What are we gonna do... I'm so scared... I'm afraid to leave the house...” he mumbled, ears back. "W-what if they get me? What will I do then?” he clung to Pegasus' shirt tighter. "Master it's scary...”

"You know I will fight with everything I have to get you... AND your mate...” Pegasus said, stroking Ryou's hair. "Back home safely.” he hugged Ryou and kissed his forehead. "And your friends, too. And any other hybrid that these people may have taken.” he watched Marik give a playful meow and knock Precious baby over, then lick his little bunny tummy before backing off to allow the baby to retaliate.

Precious squealed and squirmed, rolling onto his feet and giving a playful growl, before charging Marik ferociously. He landed on Marik's face and gently bit one of Marik's ears to stay in place.

Ryou giggled loudly. "Precious!” he declared, amused.

Marik chuckled, then gave a mock growl and gently shook his head, trying to dislodge the bunny from his face.

"You haven't considered have kids, have you?" Pegasus snickered into Ryou's ear. "He'd be great with little... cubs...”

Ryou blushed softly. "He would... but I REALLY don’t think we could have any... we're both men... not to mention we both work at night... who would tend to them?" Ryou nuzzled Pegasus' shirt. "I would... but then Marik would have to work even harder to make enough money...”

Pegasus chuckled. "get a baby sitter!” he said. "and as for HAVING kids... I'm sure we can contact a female bunny that you could get... friendly with...” Pegasus teased, tweaking Ryou's tail.

Ryou's eyes widened. "NO!” he howled loudly.

Precious squeaked and jumped, turning to look at Ryou confusedly.

"You're AWFUL! How could you suggest that?!" Ryou said blushing darkly. "Y-you KNOW I could never... I couldn't even...!!”

Pegasus laughed, and then looked at Marik. "Marik, would you be willing to loan your mate out to a female bunny?” he asked.

"WHAT?!" Marik roared.

"And then you get the kids?" Pegasus sang in a tantalizing tone. Marik blinked, and then cocked his head, thinking about it.

"Kids, huh?" the lion said thoughtfully, and Pegasus bit his lip to stop his laughter. The lion seemed to seriously be considering this!

Ryou wailed loudly. "NO!! If you want kids YOU go make them! I'm sure Master Pegasus could FIND a female LION!" Ryou whined his face so red it could have easily been mistaken for a tomato.

Precious flicked his ears softly, his nose quivering. His own little bunny giggles.

Pegasus laughed, and Marik snickered.

"But Ryou!" Marik whined, putting on a sad pouting face. "I want BUNNY babies!!!"

Ryou whined louder. "I want lions!"

"But I want bunnies!!!" Marik argued. "C'mon Ryou... can't you just knock up some bunny chick? For me? Pleeeease?" Marik pleaded over Pegasus' howling laughter, though it was getting harder to contain his own.

Ryou glared. "NO!” he said starting to sniffle. "Stop it! If you want babies YOU go make them!"

"How about this?" Marik chirped eagerly. "You go fuck a bunny, and I'll do a lioness, and we get one baby from each pairing, so we can have both a lion AND a bunny!"

"There you go!" Pegasus laughed. "Compromise!"

Ryou looked between Pegasus and Marik, before suddenly bursting into tears.

Pegasus and Marik both blinked, startled by this, but in moments were ALL over Ryou, hugging and petting and kissing, and offering gentle loving words, and in some cases, purring and nuzzling and licking.

Ryou whimpered softly and sniffled. "You're both cruel... teasing me like that knowing how things are...” he muttered sniffling. "A-are you TRYING to make me go mad?"

Precious nipped Marik's tail and tugged softly, squeaking angrily at being suddenly ignored.

Marik blinked, then chuckled. "We don't need to knock up some two-bit whores, Ryou...” he purred, turning and pinning Precious to the floor with a gentle but firm paw. "We will get back Bakura, and Malik, and Otogi, and our own precious babies...” Pegasus smiled and nodded, petting Ryou's hair as Marik went back to "wrestling" with Precious Baby.

Ryou smiled softly and nuzzled into Pegasus' hand. "Master...” he cooed softly, licking Pegasus' arm, before sitting up and nuzzling back into his arms. "I miss you so much.” he cooed giggling and blushing slightly. "Marik's good... but you're very good too...” he added in a whisper, blushing darkly. He laughed once more and nuzzled into his master's shirt.

Yami at this point was sleeping soundly in Seto's arms, a small purple nest had been woven from the rope, and was resting in his arms, a show of his workmanship in the name of spring, an devotion to Seto.

Seto sighed and shook his head, smiling as he carried Yami upstairs. There, he took him to the bedroom, stripped him, and tucked him in. "You dork.” he sighed, running his fingers through Yami's hair, then tuning and looking at the little nest that he had placed on the bedside table... and an odd idea came to him. He slowly smiled, then kissed Yami's forehead before pulling out his laptop and logging onto the internet through his wireless connection.

Downstairs, Pegasus was placing a kiss on Ryou's forehead.

"I need to go home, baby...” he said. "I have other hybrids to care for, now... And you need to get ready for work."

Ryou nodded and nuzzled Pegasus. "Take good care of Precious baby...” he said picking up the rambunctious bunny and handing the squirming furrball to Pegasus, smiling. "He's so spoiled...” he said grinning.

"Just like you were...” Pegasus laughed, holding the squirmy thing in his arms. "Your mate got him all wound up. He's gonna be wired for the next hour!"

Ryou laughed softly. "Marik tends to do that... he means well though.” he said smiling and crawling over to Marik, hugging him tightly. "He's my lion...” he cooed, licking his cheek lovingly.

Marik purred loudly and turned, licking Ryou's cheek.

"Murrrumph!” he announced happily, lashing his tail and smiling. Pegasus laughed.

"More like your kitty.” he said.

Ryou grinned. "Yeah... so fluffy and soft.” he grinned at Marik teasingly. "My big fluffy kitty."

Marik purred happily, closing his eyes.

"Well, you two be careful. Marik, protect my precious baby bunny." Pegasus said, leaning over and giving Marik a scratch behind the ears.

"Murrrrrrrumph!" The lion exclaimed, and licked Pegasus' hand, which delighted the man; the lion had REALLY warmed up to him over winter.

Ryou nuzzled Pegasus once more. "Come visit us soon!” he called, watching Pegasus leave, before suddenly tackling Marik and sitting on his chest grinning.

"The mighty hunter has his prey...” he said chuckling, before scampering off quickly. "But he's just too slow!"

Marik chuckled and stretched. "Is that a challenge, my dear?” he asked calmly.

Ryou paused, flicking his tail slightly. "Oh not at all, it was just a fact.” he said smirking.

Marik's eyes widened. "Why you little cotton assed fuck bunny!” he yelped, leaping to his feet and charging at Ryou.

Ryou squeaked delightedly, before dashing off to lose the mighty lion predator. "Only for you!” he giggled.

Marik grinned and gave a playful roar, chasing Ryou up the stairs and down the hall.

Ryou squealed and sought out the PERFECT hiding place, one he knew Marik wouldn't find him in so easily. He grinned to himself at his cleverness.

Marik blinked when Ryou disappeared. He frowned. "Hmmm...” he lowered his face to the ground and began sniffing, following Ryou's trail.

Ryou grinned. Oh Marik would NEVER find him this time, this hiding place was perfect, and with the room having been just cleaned, his scent would be almost impossible to follow once he came in. He wiggled slightly. How he LOVED throwing Marik off.

Marik frowned, following his mate's trail, purring deep in his chest the entire time.

"Ryouuuuuu...” he called in a low, sexual tone. "Ryouuuuuu...”

Ryou squeaked, peering out from behind the shower curtain just barely. Squeaky clean bathroom, with a white squeaky clean bunny... he blended RIGHT in.

"Hmmmmm...” Marik mused, then began calling. "Murrrrrumph! Muuuurrrrrrrumph! Murrrumph!"

Ryou giggled softly, watching Marik, his ears quivering softly. He moved slightly, his claws gently scratching against the porcelain tub.

Marik froze, and his ear flicked, then he slowly turned, grinning. "Someone hid someplace where their claws make noise...” he rumbled, slowly stalking into the bathroom.

Ryou squeaked ears shooting up. Oops! He froze in place, not hardly breathing, as he watched Marik, just barely able to see him.

With a thundering roar, Marik launched himself into the bathtub, slipping and falling over.

Ryou yelped, scratching against it and launching himself out of the tub as Marik fell over, laughing as he skittered away.

Marik scrambled to right himself, finally hurling himself from the tub and taking off after Ryou down the hall. Seto rolled his eyes as the pair charged past.

Ryou laughed and slid down the banister to get down the stairs faster and took shelter in... of all places... the linen closet.

Marik followed, leaping over the banister halfway down and landing easily, seeing Ryou's tail disappear into the linen closet. He grinned and chuckled. "Ryou...” he called in a sing song voice as he knocked on the door. "Come out and plaaaaayyyyy...”

Ryou backed up and burrowed under the blankets, filling in the hole and hoping to stay hidden.

Marik snickered and opened the door. "I smell bunny...” he hissed, moving into the closet.

Ryou shivered beneath the blankets and pillows, Marik always was so good at turning him on... and this game ALWAYS did it.

Marik then took a flying leap, landing in the middle of the blankets and sheets and what not. "Where's the bunny?!"

Ryou yelped at Marik's weight landing on him. "Ouch!” he squeaked

Marik immediately grabbed the area that yelped. "GOTCHA!!!"

"AAAH!" Ryou yelped and jumped up, head peeping out from beneath a pillow. "Marik!” he said grinning and rewarding the 'mighty hunter' with a kiss. "I thought you'd NEVER catch me...”

Marik snorted. "I'd never stop hunting you, Ryou... not until I HAD caught you...” And he licked Ryou's cheeks.

Ryou nuzzled him and grinned. "Remember this closet?” he cooed sighing and pulling Marik to lay with him, covering them both up with multiple sweet smelling sheets.

Marik smiled and curled around Ryou. "Mm-hmm... I also remember the wrath of Seto when he found out what we had done in here...” he snickered, beginning to lovingly groom his mate.

Ryou nuzzled into Marik and sighed contently. "if only everywhere were as comfortable... and secure as this closet.” he mumbled. "I'd feel safe forever, and there would always be sweet smelling soft warm blankets and pillows"

Marik smiled softly and continued to purr, gently bathing Ryou with his tongue, and playing the part of a devoted mate.

The pair fell asleep where they lay, snuggled up together, and were loathe to leave their spot when they heard Seto calling two hours later. But Marik gave Ryou a lick and with a reluctant sigh, and dragged himself from their little nest. Seto stopped and stared.

"Marik... if you and Ryou--"

"Cool it, rich boy." Marik yawned, stretching. "We just slept. No intercourse was involved."

"... okay... well, get ready for work, please." Seto said, rubbing Marik's head behind the ears. The lion purred and rubbed against Seto's legs. "And try to get out of pet mode, eh?"

"Sure." Marik said, and stood, opening the closet door. "C'mon Ryou."

Ryou nodded, taking Marik's hand and sighing. "All our fun comes to an end.” he pouted softly. "I'm really starting to hate work... it's so dangerous!"

Marik smiled and nuzzled him. "Shhhh... it's okay. You and I will never be out of each other's sight.” he said gently. "Come on now... let's make you look sexy, hmm? And I need to groom, eh... brush my hair...” Seto rolled his eyes, but smiled at Marik's little slip up.

Ryou grinned. "Marik... you're too cute sometimes.” he said kissing his cheek.

Marik smiled and nuzzled Ryou. "Come on, love.” he said softly, taking Ryou's hand and pulling him towards the room that they were staying in.

Ryou grinned and began rummaging through his clothes. "Do you think we'll be ok?” he asked softly, picking up part of his playboy bunny outfit. "D-do you think they'll try anything in the club?"

Marik sighed. "Hard to say.” he said. "In the club, it's too public. Too many eyes, too many witnesses... I would be inclined to think that we'd be safe in the club. But... I also thought we'd be safe on Seto's property... and... Malik proved that wrong, sadly... But I won’t let you out of my sight, Ryou. I won't...”

Ryou sighed softly. "I hope we'll be ok...” he mumbled sighing. "What if they get you first? What if I'm left alone?"

Marik frowned. "I will fight with all I have to get back to you.” he said. "I will fight to my last drop of blood and last breath in my body."

Ryou smiled softly. "Ok... b-but what if you do get taken first? What do I do then?” he asked softly, nuzzling him.

Marik turned and held Ryou. "You do whatever you can to stay safe...” he said. "Stay with Seto... or... or go to Pegasus... and wait for me...”

Ryou frowned. "Wait? B-but... what if they don’t let you go?” he asked softly. "I... I would die without you...”

Marik smiled softly, running his claws through Ryou's hair. "I would fight to get back to you, Ryou. I would do anything possible... ANYTHING!"

Ryou sighed and nodded. "I love you Marik... I want you to know it... i-incase something bad happens... I have a bad feeling...” he mumbled, fur bristling slightly. "I... I want to not go to work tonight... I feel like something awful is going to happen...”

Marik smiled and hugged Ryou. "Nothing will happen. But in case it does... I love you too, Ryou. More than anything."

"I hope nothing happens...” Ryou mumbled softly, his ears tilting back. "I hope nothing happens... I hope you're right...”

Marik nodded, pulling on his leather pants and a shiny black button up shirt that was nearly see through. "It's gonna be okay.” he said encouragingly, wrapping a gold chain around his neck three times, before clasping it, then pulling on his boots. "Ready?"

Ryou nodded, pulling on his playboy bunny suit and sighing. "Almost.” he mumbled, pulling on the matching shoes, completing the sexy outfit. "Let’s go...” he said softly, ears back fearfully.

Marik smiled and took Ryou's hand, and they met Seto and Yami in the front hall. Seto opened the front door and looked around, then beckoned the three hybrids out. They all scampered to the limo and scrambled in as quickly as they could, Seto getting in last.

Yami grumbled. "I hate this...” he mumbled crossing his arms.

Ryou nodded. "I hate being so afraid...” he said softly, clinging to Marik. "It's terrible...”

Yami nodded. "I don’t see it getting any better either...”

Marik hugged Ryou to his side, as Seto did with Yami.

"It will all be okay." Seto said, trying to keep them calm. "Just stay indoors at all times. And never let yourself be alone."

Yami sighed. "I hate indoors.” he mumbled sighing.

Ryou sighed softly nodding and leaning into Marik. "I hope this whole thing blows over... I want Malik and Bakura back... what if they killed them?!"

Marik frowned. "I doubt they would kill them... they must be kidnapping them for SOME... profitable purpose."

"Possibly selling them... smuggling them out of the country...” Seto said with a nod. "They wouldn't go through all that just to kill them...”

Ryou whimpered. "Then we'll never see them again! If they sold them out of the country!” he sniffled, looking horrified.

"Now Ryou, you know that Pegasus and I will search for them. And remember... they have microchips." Seto said.

Ryou sighed. "But you can’t TRACK them with a microchip... a-and if no one ever says anything... they'll be lost forever.” he said sighing. "I miss Bakura and Malik...”

Yami sighed, Ryou had a legitimate point... if they never told, how would Seto or Pegasus have any power to do anything?

Seto shook his head. "Take them into a vet, and they'll be scanned. And they will come up as being owned by ME. Of course... these people could REMOVE microchips."

Yami elbowed Seto harshly and glared. "Ix-nay on the emove-ray.” he hissed.

Ryou's face had a look of utter TERROR plastered on it.

Seto blinked, then winced. "Oops...” he mumbled, and Marik glared.

Ryou sniffled softly, and buried his face in Marik's shoulder, trembling softly.

"Very slick Seto. Make Ryou cry.” he said crossing his arms.

Ryou sniffled. "I-its ok... I'm not crying... I... I just wish this would all go away...”

Seto sighed. "I'm sorry, Ryou...” he said. "I didn't mean to upset you...”

Ryou nodded. "It's just the truth... it's not your fault.” he said sighing. "It's just frightening... To think that if things hadn't gone the way they had...” he said softly, before smiling at Marik. "But... I suppose I'm happier this way, even though it's much more frightening to live as a hybrid...”

Marik hugged him and rubbed his back.

"We will bring Malik and Bakura home, Ryou." The lion purred as they pulled up in front of the club. They got out of the car.

"RYOU! MARIK!!!" They turned as Rex ran out of the club and over to them. He grabbed Ryou, who was nearest. "Malik... Malik is gone?!"

Ryou nodded. "You shouldn't be out alone Rex, it's dangerous! You could get kidnapped!"

Yami smiled slightly. "I'm sure he'll be fine as long as it's during club hours... with so many people in and out it'd be hard to catch him without being seen."

Ryou hugged Rex, which caught the coyote by surprise. "Thank god you're safe...”

Rex sighed and hugged Ryou back. "How did it happen, Ryou?” he asked. "Rem just told us he had been taken... but nothing else... she's inside right now, and...” he blinked as Marik shoved by and ran in, wailing for Rem. "And, uh... wow... he's not taking this well, is he?" The coyote asked.

Ryou shook his head. "Not at all... I'm just as scared as he is though...” he mumbled sadly.

Rem hugged Marik tightly and rubbed his back. "Marik are you ok?" She said softly, worried for her favorite lion.

Marik shook his head, his face hidden in her shoulder.

"N-No...” he sniffled, and slowly slid to his knees. "I... I should have protected him... with Bakura gone, I should have taken care of him...” he cried, and Rex, Seto, Ryou and Yami entered the club quietly. The place was silent save for Marik. the others were already there... Caine sat with the Siamese twins, Kira, Sybil, Weevil and Espa.

Rem sighed softly. "It'll be ok Marik... I promise." She hushed him, gently petting him and scratching his ears. "Do you wanna let Rex watch the front for a little while and spend some time with me? Would that make you feel better?" She asked smiling warmly. "I have your favorite squeaky mouse." She said in a sing song voice. "It's just outside in my car. Would that make you feel better?"

Marik slowly looked up and gave her a wet smile and nod. Seto quirked an eyebrow, but sighed.

"I'll stay with you, Ryou.” he said to the rabbit, knowing Ryou didn't want to be alone. "And Marik will be with Rem, it'll be fine. He needs this for now."

Ryou nodded and sighed softly. "I know...”

Rem ruffled Marik's hair. "You wait in here I'll go get your toy. Why don’t we go in the back that way I can chat with you in private?" She said heading out the front door to get Marik's favorite squeaky mouse from her car.

Marik headed to Seto's office, and leapt up onto the sofa, curling up in the corner after kicking off his shoes; shoes on the furniture made Seto blow a fuse...

Rem returned shortly and headed into Seto's office. "Hey Marik...” She said in a sing song voice, squeaking the mouse. "Lookie what I have?"

Marik's ears perked up and the turned his head quickly at the squeak, his tail thumping on the sofa.

"Murrrrrrrrumph!” he exclaimed, eyes on the toy.

Rem smiled and tossed the toy to him. "Who's my good lion?" She cooed walking over and sitting next to Marik on the couch. "Do you miss being my lion?" she asked thoughtfully, scratching his ears.

Her answer was a loud persistent squeaking as Marik began to play, chewing on the toy and purring as he received the coveted ear-scratching.

Rem laughed and gently tugged the toy. "Marik sweetie I asked you a question. " She said amusedly. "Now you know it's not polite to ignore me."

*SQUEEEEEEE*

"Sometimes...” Marik sighed, before attacking the toy again. *SQUEEEEEkah SQUEEEEEE* "I mean... I like being able to live a life, instead of sitting around in my cage all day...” *SQUEEEEEEeeeeeee...* "But I miss some of it... like... well...” he blushed slightly, and small smile crossed his face as he sighed.

Rem blinked. "Like what?" She said taking a comb out of her purse and combing his hair.

Marik sighed. "It... well... I guess it's kinda dumb...” *squeakasqueakasqueeeEEEEEEEeeeee* "I kind of miss my walk around the shop ever couple of days, and... the kids...”

Rem laughed. "So... is that what you miss? Feeling superior, and having small children to play with?"

"No." Marik said, smiling. "They were cute... and they pet me and it felt nice... usually...” he winced, remembering one terrible toddler who pulled his tail and his ears and his hair and poked him in the eye and smacked him in the face and then kicked him in the balls... Rem had asked the mother not to bring her child back. And the woman went nuts... Marik remembered nearly attacking that woman in Rem's defense.

Rem laughed. "I bet you wish you had cubs of your own...” She said amused. "It IS spring...”

Marik sighed. "I just want Bakura, Malik and the bunnies back...” he said, halting his chewing of the squeak toy.

Rem smiled and began rubbing Marik's tummy. "We'll get them back... and then we'll all go somewhere fun and you can run around naked and on all fours all you want." She said laughing softly. "We'll make a day of it, and you can have fun however you want." Rem scratched his tummy more. "Then, we'll all have a nice dinner and come home."

Marik perked. "Really?” he gasped. "All of us? A day where we can just be... ourselves and stuff?” he looked at Rem eagerly, the squeak toy all but forgotten.

Rem nodded and ruffled his hair. "Yeah, a nice day when it's warmer, we'll have a picnic lunch, and play ALL day!"

"WITH NO CLOTHES!!! WE'LL BE NAKED!!!" Marik howled in his own odd excitement, and club going people outside of Seto's office stared at the door, and slowly moved away from it.

Rem laughed loudly. "You can be as naked as you want." She cooed smiling. "So perk up, we'll get your friends back... and just think about all the fun you have to look forward to!"

Marik smiled and purred loudly, letting Rem know just how much he WAS looking forward to it. Then, he climbed to his four paws and moved over to her, purring loudly and rubbing up against her like an overgrown housecat.

Rem laughed and gently shoved him. "Oh now you big pussy cat...” She said chuckling softly and hugging him. "It's a wonder you didn't get bought for so long... but you always have been lucky haven't you?" She said poking his nose. "Saved from death by the scientists... taken care of in a pet shop... falling in love with a boy who became a bunny... taught to be human again by the bunny, and now... just look at you."

Marik smiled and just purred louder, continuing to rub up against Rem, and licking her face every now and then.

Rem smiled. "I do miss having you around the house. You were such a cute little house guest." She said tickling him slightly. "But something tells me you're much happier being Ryou's pussycat now." She said laughing softly. "He has you by the tail...”

Marik snickered. "Which one?" He giggled.

Rem laughed. "The one that keeps you in line." She said swatting him slightly, before snatching away his favorite chewie. "uh oh... look what I stole...” She sang.

Marik's eyes widened and his ear perked up. "Muurrrumph!” he exclaimed, making a pounce for the toy, tumbling off of the sofa. He turned and began batting at it.

Rem laughed softly, tossing Marik the toy once more. "You big kitten...” She said smiling.

"MURROW!" Marik blurted, tackling it to the floor to the ground and proceeding to chew the living daylights out of the thing, filling the office with strained squeaks from the poor abused toy.

"Ahhh... if only the trouble makers could see our bouncer now...” Sybil giggled, entering the office.

Rem laughed softly. "Now Sybil don’t tease him." She said sternly. "He's just taking a break."

"From what? Walkin’ in the door?" The sugar glider joked. "Anyway, there's a hybrid out there who wants to see you, Rem. Says he used to be in the shop. Says his name's Honda?" Marik looked up.

"Heyyyy... I remember him!" The lion said, slowly grinning. "The Chipmunk!!!"

Rem nodded. "Alright... Marik when you're done chewing, go back to work. Though I don’t think Rex minds watching Ryou. I heard he had a slight crush on him... but then again... how could anyone NOT? He’s such a little sweetheart...” She said ruffling his hair. "And don’t worry, he won’t make any moves. He respects your mate, and your having mated."

Marik nodded. "Good. Smart move. Either that or he respects my teeth and what they did to him LAST time he pissed me off...” Marik snickered. "By the way... his broken wrist didn't need surgery after all, right?"

"No... but he won’t be able to ever use it in a strenuous activity." She said softly. "The surgery was a possibility, but the doctors said there wasn't much they would be able to do for it...” Rem patted Marik's head. "He doesn't blame you for it though, so don’t let it get you down." And with that said, Rem left to meet Honda and talk to him.

Marik blinked. "Doesn't blame me for it? I broke it!!!" Marik blurted, but shrugged and went back to his chew toy, making Sybil giggle as she shut the door.

"So... what's your name?" Honda asked with a grin, looking Ryou up and down.

Ryou blushed slightly. "U-um... I'm Ryou... and you?” he asked softly, flicking his ears and hiding behind his little greeting podium, which held menus and a reservation book.

"I'm Honda. Never seen a MALE rabbit before... you make a cute one, though... any straight guy would take one look at you and want you...” and he winked.

Ryou blushed and busied himself with his menus... they REALLY needed straightening.

"You're cute when you blush...” Honda said, moving around the little podium and placing his fingers under Ryou's chin, making him look at him.

"Honda!" Rex called from the door.

"WHAT?!" Honda snapped, clearly annoyed at being interrupted.

"Better watch it. He's Marik's." Rex announced. Honda froze and his eyes popped out.

"MARIK!?" the chipmunk removed his fingers from Ryou's face and took a great leap back, tail twitching. "M-Marik's huh?” he blurted to Ryou with a nervous laugh. "Well, fancy that!"

Ryou blushed more, looking at Honda with a fearful look, that ever-hot fearful look, before returning to his straightening of menus.

Rem laughed softly, tapping Honda on the shoulder. "He's cute isn't he? But I think he's a little out of your league sweetie." She whispered.

"GAAAAH!!!" Honda howled, turning more than a few heads. But then he turned, and his look of terror was replaced with a grin. "REM!!!” he cried, and crushed her in a hug. It had been nearly a year and a half since he had been sold, and he had grown at least four inches and filled out nicely. He had muscles and flesh now, as opposed to his gangly adolescent form that he'd had when Rem had last seen him.

Rem laughed and hugged him. "My but you look much more mature than you did last I saw you." She said rubbing his back. "But I do see you're still looking for a mate... poor guy." She said softly in his ear. "Well... Ryou would have been a fine mate... but Marik beat you to him." She chuckled.

"Ehhh... so I hear...” Honda laughed, guiltily, then looked back at Ryou. "Sorry, man... I have a bit of a stuffy nose right now, I wouldn't have hit on you if I had picked up your scent well enough to know you were already mated...” Rex snorted and rolled his eyes.

Rem laughed shaking her head. "You big liar...” She teased.

Ryou blushed slightly, backing up uneasily, this new hybrid wasn't helping his newly growing phobias. "I-its ok...” he said softly, offering a weak smile.

"Don’t mind Ryou sweetie... he's just frightened, with all the hybrid kidnappings." Rem explained. "He'll warm up to you."

Honda blinked. "Hybrid kidnappings?!” he gasped, his eyes wide. He looked back and forth between Rem and Ryou, his own ears back in worry.

Rem nodded. "Yes... we've lost four and had one attempt on our DJ." She said motioning to Yami, who was announcing the hybrid kidnappings over the loudspeakers once more.

"Three of which were close friends of his." She added softly, pulling Honda away so Ryou wouldn't have further reminder of his lost friends.

"Really? Anyone I know?” he asked, sitting down at a small table with Rem.

"Bakura." She said calmly. "He was one."

Rem pushed the small bowl of nuts towards Honda, grinning.

Honda's paw darted into the bowl, but then he froze. "The skunk?! The one who gave me this?” he asked, looking down at a couple of scars on his forearm, where Bakura had bitten him when he tried to get a little too friendly with the cranky skunk.

Rem laughed softly. "Yes... the same one." she said patting his head. "He was the first to be kidnapped...”

Honda winced, then sighed and looked down. "I see... Whatever happened with him, anyway? He was still hiding in his stump when I left... wouldn't even say goodbye...”

"He fell for a fox." She said chuckling. "A very handsome young man named Malik. Malik bought him... but then ended up being kidnapped and turned into a hybrid too."

"Wow... really?" Honda asked, popping nuts into his cheek pouches. "So... where's this fox?" He looked around. "Must be pretty hot to catch Bakura's interest...”

"Kidnapped earlier today." Rem said sadly. "Poor thing...”

Honda winced. "Wow... that sucks...” he muttered.

Rem nodded. "Yes it does... so what did you need?" She asked softly.

Honda sighed. "Well... honestly... I was wondering if you could um... put in a good word for me with Seto Kaiba... I might be needing a job... really soon...” he sighed. "Remember the lady who bought me?" Rem nodded. "Well... Mistress had cancer... but she had beat it... or so she thought." Honda sighed.

“It's back... and she's on her death bed... and she says that when she dies... I have my freedom." Honda looked at Rem with mixed feelings; grief for his dying mistress, and excitement at the thought of being a free, err… chipmunk.

Rem smiled. "Well... I could try, but your best bet would to get close to his lover." She said chuckling. "He's got Seto around his finger...” She said pointing to Yami, who was preparing the next song. "If you can win him over, you can get anything you want. He's the one who wired this entire building, and assigned MOST of the new hybrids to their jobs."

Honda looked up at Yami. "Really? Well... when is his break?” he asked.

Rem rolled her eyes. "Perpetually? He's always goofing off behind the scenes, between the songs... He TRIES to be serious... but I think he's just pretending."

Honda grinned. "Okay.” he said. "Wish me luck, then." and he stood and boldly headed for Yami.

Rem got up, heading back in to play with Marik some more before he went back.

Yami sighed, bored, one hand holding half of a headphone to his head, the other tapping various keys and buttons, regulating sound and scrolling through the list of available songs, looking for the next song to play.

"I like that one." Honda said, tapping the screen over a title of a song. "Hi. I'm Honda."

Yami blinked and without turning around, merely set the song on follow-up. "Yami.” he said calmly. "Can I help you?"

"Yeah... I'd heard that if someone might be looking for a job, you're the man to talk to... nice tail!" Honda said, looking down at Yami's tail feathers. "They'd just started the avian projects when I was sold."

Yami twitched slightly, narrowing his eyes. "Well thank you .” he said calmly. "So you want a job... what skills do you have?"

Honda sighed. "Well... ummm...” he thought a bit. "I, uh... I've just been caring for my mistress recently, she's... dying... and she says that when she's gone... I'm free. She heard about this place and told me about it, so... here I am."

Yami chuckled slightly. "That didn't answer my question at all. I said what skills do you have."

Honda sighed and drooped. "Other than stuffing my face, and answering telephones and making sure the bills get paid and that mistress is okay... I really don’t know... I've been with her for about two years, and before that I was in the store for a year and a half... I was fourteen when I was nabbed and made a hybrid. I was in that shop even before Marik was there, and I'd heard that he was in there longer than anyone."

Yami nodded. "And how old are you now?” he asked, calmly turning to face Honda, crimson eyes boring into his, seeming to stare right into his soul.

"Eighteen." Honda said through the nuts in his cheek pouches, which were quite visible.

Yami chuckled. "Pilfering the guest's snack foods are we?"

Honda's eyes widened. "Rem gave them to me!!!” he whined, turning red in embarrassment. "Come on, we all have our animal quirks we can't get rid of!!!"

"Yes, and I never get to do the teasing." Yami replied calmly. "So... you want to work here so you can support yourself...” he looked thoughtful. "Tell you what. I'll make you a deal. " He said smirking. "I'll get you a job here as part of the cleanup crew... but...” he said thoughtfully.

Honda blinked and flicked an ear. "But?” he prompted.

Yami flicked a wing slightly, beginning to preen it. "I assume your mistress sews?” he said calmly.

Honda blinked. "Ummm... no.” he said, cocking his head. "Mistress is dying. And is very wealthy. So she never needed to. She's leaving me enough to get a life set up for myself, but I still need to get a job to support myself."

Yami snapped slightly. "Damn...” he said chuckling. "Oh well... sure. Go to the back and start helping in the kitchen."

Honda blinked. "I... well... I can't.” he said, fidgeting. "I really need to get back to Mistress... it's just that she... probably won't live to see the end of the month, so... I wanted to get ready for when she's... gone... I won't be in any emotional condition to be hunting for a job then...” The chipmunk explained, sadly.

Yami nodded slightly. "Fine... when you're ready, come. I'm sure you can gauge the dress code.” he explained motioning to the various workers. "Make it work, when you're ready I expect you to be dressed appropriately, and ready to work. If you think I'm a hard ass, just wait until you meet Seto."

Honda gulped. "Uhhh... yeah... okay, sure. And, umm... I'm sorry to hear about your friends... I knew Bakura, and... holy shit... is that... MARIK?!” he blurted, staring across the club at the lion confidently striding out of Seto's office and towards his post at the door.

Yami rolled his eyes. "Yes. That's Marik.” he replied calmly. "I wouldn't piss him off... he's quite vicious."

"I can believe it!!! Holy shit!!! I remember him when he was first brought into the shop!!! He was skinny runt!!! He was like... as tall as you are now, man! But he was skinny and scraggly and mangy and... wow! He looks like a different guy!!! Does he still have that, like... squeaky nasal geek voice?" The chipmunk asked.

Yami smirked broadly. "Well, let’s find out shall we?” he chuckled. "HEY MARIK!” he called, chuckling. Oh this would be fun... oh what would happen if Ryou found out?

The lion turned. "WHAT?!” he roared in his deep baritone-bass voice. Honda's jaw dropped.

"Holy shit!!!!" the chipmunk squeaked.

Yami chuckled. "I HEARD SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOOOUUUU!" Yami sang, grinning broadly.

Marik blinked and flicked an ear.

"YOU'RE GONNA GET ME INTO TROUBLE!!!" Honda squeaked.

Yami chuckled. "Yeah... probably.” he chuckled. "WANNA KNOW WHAT I HEARD MARIK?!” he called laughing. "SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR PAST IN THE PETSHOP!"

Marik frowned and cocked his head, then poked Rex, said something, then ran over. "Say what? I can hardly hear you!" The lion called, making his way up to where Yami and Honda were. He gave Honda a casual glance, but no more than that; he didn't recognize him.

Yami smirked. "I heard something interesting about you...” he said smirking. "I heard you had a squeaky geek-ass voice when you first were in the pet shop... oh just IMAGINE what would happen if Ryou found out his big 'mighty hunter'...” Yami let the sentence hang, unable to stop his rolling laughter.

Marik's eyes widened and a look of horror crossed his face. "You heard WHAT?!” he screeched.

Yami laughed even louder. "You heard right squeaky. I heard you were a squeaky voiced scraggly skinny little lion cub.” he said smirking. "No taller than me."

Marik's eyes widened even more, and he gulped, then slowly turned to Honda. "And just where did you hear that, Yami?” he growled in a low tone.

Yami chuckled. "Some of the little birds outside told me.” he said smirking. "I think I'll just leave for a moment to tell Ryou all about his great 'mighty hunter' and his squeaky voice."

Marik gave a low growl and seized Yami by the tail feathers. "Who are YOU?!” he snarled at Honda.

Yami laughed. "Your co-worker. You know the rules Marik, no killing the coworkers.” he said calmly. "Now if you don’t mind, you're wrinkling my feathers...” he said laughing slightly. "I think Ryou has some news to hear...”

Marik growled even louder and tightened his grip on Yami's tail. "Waitaminnit... chipmunk...” he seized Honda's arm and looked straight at the scars. "You're the one who hit on Bakura!!! And he bit you!” he yelped. Honda gulped and nodded. "You were sold not two weeks after Bakura was brought in! And you were there when I was brought in!" Honda nodded, nervously.

"Hi Marik... you, uh... you've... grown?” he mumbled.

Yami laughed shaking his head. "Be nice Squeaker or I'll have to call Seto over here.” he said snickering. "Now let go, I have to go talk to Ryou, and you have to leave the poor chipmunk alone."

Marik growled. "YOU will stay at YOUR post!" The lion snapped, then grabbed Honda. "And YOU are coming with ME!" And with a terrified squeak, Honda found himself being dragged away by the MUCH bigger male.

Yami laughed waving. "See you at work later!” he called amusedly, preparing the next mix to be played.

Ryou blinked catching sight of Marik dragging the poor chipmunk. "Marik?” he called softly, looking confused.

"Snrrrrllll...” Was all Marik said as he dragged Honda towards the store room, the chipmunk looking terrified.

Ryou gasped softly, putting down his menus and hurrying after Marik, who was looking quite angry. He flicked his ears, stopping to peer in the store room door...

Marik calmly slammed Honda against the wall.

"Okay, Chip...” he growled in a low tone, and the chipmunk gulped. "First things first... I am NOT having a conversation with a gluttoness rodent. Empty your fuckin' mouth. NOW!!!" Honda spat out an absurd amount of nuts onto the floor. "Good boy...” Marik growled. "Now... mind telling why you're telling people about a part of my life I would rather have them know nothing about?" the lion asked, calmly inspecting the claws on his free hand.

Ryou's eyes widened as he watched, ears shooting up, quivering as they picked up every sound of their conversation. He didn't know whether to stop Marik, or not... but his curiosity was tugging him. What part of his past? Marik never really spoke about his past to him...

"I I I... you came through that door and I saw you and... I recognized you but I couldn't believe it!" Honda squeaked. "You... you're so... MASSIVE!!!" Marik snorted. "You've like... Doubled in… no, TRIPLED in size over the past two years!"

Ryou blinked, raising an eyebrow, his tail flicking slightly as he listened. Doubled in size? He peered in sneakily. How did this chipmunk know Marik? What did he know about him?

Marik glared. "C-C'mon, Marik! I was a scrawny punk when I left that place, but you were scrawny compared to me!!"

"And yet you were still scared to death of me...” Marik smirked.

"Well... YEAH!!! You were a starving psycho with claws and fangs!!!" Honda blurted, and Marik gave a sinister chuckle.

"Still am...” he hissed.

"You don't look starving to me...”

"Not for food, maybe...” Marik snickered.

Ryou's eyes widened once more. What on EARTH was going on? Starving? If not for food... for what?! Ryou bit his lip and tugged one of his ears, listening more intently, determined to find out what was going on...

"Come on, Marik. Can you blame me for being shocked when I saw you in here?! You're like... nearly two feet taller!"

"A bit over a foot and a half." Marik snorted. "I was four foot six when I was made into this."

"Yeah! and you're what now?!"

"Six foot two." Marik smirked, releasing Honda and folding his arms over his chest. Honda sighed in relief and stood up taller himself.

"And you didn't even weigh a hundred pounds when you were brought in! You were skin and bones, we could all see your ribs!" Honda exclaimed. “You look to be around two hundred pounds now!”

Ryou covered his mouth, looking at Marik sadly. The idea his lover had been so short and thin... so unhealthy, nearly brought him to tears. Poor Marik! However he still listened, curiosity growing all the stronger, glad to be learning a little about Marik's past.

Marik snorted and leaned against a stack of boxes. "It's amazing what a healthy diet and proper care can do for a kid." The lion said with a shrug. "You think I liked being the size of a ten year old at age nineteen? I was stunted. Probably would still be about five feet tall if it weren’t for the lion DNA in me."

"Obviously. You must be the first guy in history to go through puberty at age 20." Honda snickered.

"Oh, fuck you." Marik snapped.

"Heh... that's the last thing you ever said to me in that pet shop. Hey Marik, do me a favor and inhale some helium, then say that again. My, won't that bring back memories?" Honda teased, and Marik glared.

"You're walking on thin ice, Chip."

"Honda. It's HONDA!!!"

Ryou giggled softly. Helium? Memories? Was that what Marik was hiding? That he'd had a squeaky voice? He giggled more.

"I don't care. You're Chip. Always have been, always will be." Marik snorted.

"Oh? Shall I start using YOUR old nickname?" Honda shot back. Marik's ears laid back and he growled, averting his eyes to the floor.

"No... Honda...” he muttered, and Honda gave a satisfied smirk.

"Thanks.” he said, and Marik gave an irritated snort.

Ryou blinked, flicking his ears. Old nickname? Oh he just HAD to know! He grinned broadly, curious and joyful. This was more fun than playing hunter... in a horrible way!

Marik glared at Honda. "You keep MY PAST to YOUR self, pal... or I'll rip out your kidneys with my TEETH!!!” he roared, grabbing Honda by the collar and jerking him close. "From the FRONT!!!" Honda gulped and nodded.

"YESSIR!!!” he squeaked.

Ryou squeaked as well, gasping. His ears fell back fearfully. Marik was frightening when he acted like that... and this poor chipmunk was the target for all that aggression!

"I-It's cool, man! I won't tell! I swear, Marik! Please!" Honda babbled.

"Good." Marik snorted. "Now get out, before I make my job title of 'bouncer' a literal one and BOUNCE you out the fuckin door!!!!" And he flung Honda to the floor. The chipmunk scrambled to his feet and ran for the back door as opposed to passing Marik to get to the front. Marik growled as Honda left, but once the door closed, he sighed and seemed to sag, before dropping down onto a box and propping his elbows onto his knees, staring at the floor.

Ryou blinked and snuck in silently. "Marik...?” he called softly. "What's... what's wrong?"

Marik jerked his head up and stared at Ryou, then hastily wiped his face and stumbled to his feet.

"R-Ryou...” he choked out, making a quick sniffle, then squaring his shoulders and trying to act like nothing had happened. "Is something wrong?"

Ryou smiled softly and hugged Marik. "Why were you crying?” he said softly. "Please tell me...”

Marik gulped. "C-Crying? Me? What are you talking about? I wasn't crying. Now, what are you doing back here?" The lion asked.

Ryou sighed softly. "Marik... I can tell... please... why were you crying?” he asked, moving next to the lion and nuzzling him. "Your face is still red... and your cheeks are still wet...”

Marik frowned. "Nothing.” he said stiffly, suddenly looking anywhere BUT at Ryou. "We should get back to work before Seto comes looking.” he said, and walked out of the store room and back into the club.

Ryou frowned and followed him, ears drooping. "Why don’t you ever tell me when something is bothering you?” he pouted. "Well if you won’t tell me, then I'll just ask that poor chipmunk!” he huffed, looking hurt.

Marik froze, then whirled with a loud growl that made everyone around them turn and try to get away from the lion.

"Leave. It. ALONE!!!” he roared, then took his place at the door, Rex nervously scampering out of his way, wide eyed.

Ryou backed away, giving Marik an utterly devastated look, his own eyes brimming with tears that he fought to bite back. He glared, despite the tears. "FINE!” he said sniffling and turning quickly and running away, seeking shelter as far from Marik as he could get... the complete back end of the club, and into the employee's only staff rooms, such as break rooms and bathrooms. Ryou took refuge in the bathroom, locking himself in a stall and pulling his legs up, so it appeared as though he weren't there at all.

Marik in the meantime seemed to be scaring every person who entered the club. His arms were crossed, his eyes were narrowed, his ears were back, and he was snarling, showing a large sharp canine. And everyone could hear the deep rumbling in his chest. After several complaints, Seto went to find Rem, who was still sitting at that little table.

"Rem?” he called, walking over.

Rem popped a fry into her mouth before smiling. "Yes Seto?" She asked calmly, motioning to the seat across from her. "Is something on your mind?"

"Could you talk to Marik? Guests are complaining about his attitude, he looks ready to bite someone's head off! And... have you seen Ryou?" the CEO asked.

Rem frowned slightly. "No I haven't, but I'll talk to Marik." She said standing and heading towards the door. She frowned when she caught sight of Marik. "Marik!" She scolded. "Why on EARTH are you behaving like this?" She said frowning and crossing her arms. "Guests are complaining, you're disappointing me, acting like this in public!"

Marik snorted. "I want to be left alone.” he growled.

Rem glared and grabbed him roughly by the ear and tugged his face to look at hers. "You don’t ACT like this in public Marik." She said sternly. "So help me if you're going to act like a growling beast then I'll take you over my knee right now and PUNISH you like a growling beast." She warned.

Marik visibly bristled and was obviously becoming more angry by the second. "Let. Me. GO!!” he shouted, jerking his ear out of her fingers and taking up his post against the wall again, looking more angry than ever. The people about to enter froze, none of them wanting to walk by the lion.

Rem glared at him. "Marik if you don’t snap out of it then I WILL take you outside and spank you." She said warningly once more. "You don’t act like this in public, I don’t care WHAT happened to make you mad, if you can’t handle it in a civilized way then you don’t need to be here. Do you want to be fired?"

Marik snapped. He let out a thundering roar and put his fist right through the wall, then shoved by Rem and stormed across the club, people screaming and scrambling to get out of his way, and kicked open the door to the store room. With a loud crack they burst open, one of the doors falling to swing on one hinge. Everyone in the club stared, and if it weren't for the music, the place would be deathly silent. Kira in the bar broke the silence with an amazed cheep.

Yami blinked, giving Seto a quizzical look. "Ra...” he mumbled, slightly annoyed, after a moment had passed.

Rem sighed, running her hand through her hair irritably. She looked at Seto. "Do NOT let him off easily for acting like this Seto." She said firmly. "He's supposed to be a human, and that means he needs to be treated just like any OTHER employee that did that...”

A few guests began softly talking amongst themselves, the uneasy silence slowly ending...

Seto blinked and stared at Rem, still stunned. "What? Are you proposing that...” he frowned and grabbed her arm, then dragged her into his office and slammed the door. "Are you proposing that I fire him?” he asked.

Rem crossed her arms. "I'm proposing that you treat this like you'd treat your employees at your office. What would you do in this situation professionally?" She said firmly. "Because he is NOT immune, this is the second time he's had an angry outburst that has destroyed some of your property."

Rem frowned shaking her head. "He won’t learn the boundaries of appropriate behavior, and inappropriate behavior if he isn't treated as an equal to other humans. He's no special case, he is no exception to the rule... by babying him, you're only hurting him."

Seto frowned and sighed, obviously very distressed. "I... I'll think this situation over...” he said slowly. “Would you please see about locating Marik and Ryou both? I want to know that they're both safely in the club...” he said, sitting down at his desk.

Rem sighed. "I'm sure Marik's fine, but I'll go find Ryou... Rex has a good nose, I'll ask him to sniff Ryou out for me." She said softly. "I'm sorry Seto... it's just... twice now. He's acting like a child, and as you can see, he disturbed the entire club with his little temper tantrum. That isn't good for business, plus if he keeps it up, it's endangering the jobs of the other hybrids here who NEED their jobs."

Seto nodded. "I... I know...” He said softly, and put his head in his hands.

Rem went to see Rex, who immediately complied, and in minutes had tracked Ryou back into the bathroom. He opened the door and crept in.

"Ryou?” he called gently into the bathroom.

Ryou sniffed softly, having slowly recovered from his previous upset state. He climbed down and peered out at Rex slowly. "Yes?” he asked meekly, offering a weak smile. "Found... I guess.” he mumbled.

Rem sighed. "Ryou sweetie is everything ok?" She said, being answered by a nod.

"I'm fine...” he mumbled stepping out of the stall. "Just... not feeling too good is all.” he said walking closer and offering them both hugs, which were both eagerly accepted.

Rex nuzzled Ryou. "What's wrong? What did Marik say to you? I saw what happened, but I couldn't hear. I've never seen him angry at YOU before!"

Ryou sighed and nuzzled him back sniffing softly. "I just asked why he was crying... and he refused to tell me... I got upset.” he mumbled ears drooping. "I always tell him my troubles... but he always shuts me out when he's troubled... it's so frustrating!” he slumped slightly. "I wish Master were here...” he mumbled pathetically.

"Wait... Marik was crying?!" Rex blurted. "What on earth would make him cry and get defensive like that?!"

Ryou sighed. "If I knew, I wouldn't be so upset myself."

"You don't know what got him upset?" Rex asked.

Ryou shook his head. "I... can’t think of any reason why he should be angry.” he said softly.

"Hmmm... must have had something to do with that chipmunk guy...” Rex muttered.

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "He seems nice enough...”

Rem sighed. "Ryou why don’t you go back to work ok sweety? Rex, you take over the front, I'm sure our wolf waiter would love to take over your rounds for a little while." She said smiling and ruffling both hybrid's hair, which caused Ryou to only begin fixing his hair.

Ryou sighed, beginning to work once more in silence.

Rem sat back at her table and sighed, beginning to eat her food once more, a lot on her mind... mostly worries about Marik. But as a 'mother' she knew he needed discipline... or he'd never learn. Loving him as an adopted son was so tough when it came time to punish him... but just as her mother had held firm, she had to as well.

Marik did not emerge from the store room all night, and finally, the club was empty and it was time to go home. Seto emerged from his office and sighed, looking around. The club was cleaned up, and the employees were all waiting for him to clear them to go home.

"Where is Marik?” he asked in a monotone voice.

Rem sighed. "I'll go find him." She said shaking her head and following the path of destruction.

Marik was curled up in the corner of the store room amidst empty boxes that he had shredded, and was in a light doze.

Rem sighed and knelt shaking his shoulder slightly. "Marik? Marik it's time to go."

Marik jerked and let out a slight yowl, but then blinked and looked around. "Huh? Where am... oh... did I fall asleep?" The lion asked, yawning and standing, rubbing his eyes.

Rem nodded. "Yes, it's time to go." she said standing. "Everyone's waiting to leave."

Marik nodded and walked out into the club. Kira was already gone with her owner, and the hybrids waiting to go back to the pet shop were by the door, waiting for Rem to drive them back in the van. Yami and Ryou sat side by side. Seto was standing off on his own, watching Rem and Marik approach.

"Marik...”

"Seto... I'm sorry, I just--"

"I can't have employees upsetting customers and flying off the handle." Seto interrupted. "Especially hybrids. And especially hybrids who are considered to be... dangerous. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen. And I can't risk that. I'm sorry Marik... You're fired."

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

Keyhala: ^_^ Everyone hates Dai, dear. And as for killing him off… read and find out. Thanks!

Lokivsanubis: Heh… yes, Bakura IS fucking hot. And yeah, Zaine was nice. And I didn’t hurt Dust, Mally did. But no, Dust is not gonna be a lion. As for more sex… later dear… later…

RisikaTziporah: Uh. Yes. Yes, there are pictures. O.o

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The deadline for my art contest is coming up in three weeks! If you wanna enter, do it quick! I only have 2 entries so far...

REVIEW PLEASE!!!