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 8

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

Rem cursed as the automatic doors opened with a bang; the store was open and she hadn't even fed the animals yet. As Marik was dragged out, a few people drifted in, including a young man with blonde hair and tanned skin. He blinked at the men dragging the lion across the floor.

"What's wrong with him?” he asked Rem, gesturing to the lion.

Rem sighed softly. "He's going to be put down..." she said mournfully.

The young man blinked. "Put down? Why?” he asked, eyeing the blood on the floor that had been left by the man with a crushed ankle.

Rem sighed, dusting herself off. "He's been here too long, and ruined someone else's pet..." She whispered.

"How long is too long? And what do you mean ruined? I thought this was a pet shop, not a pound where the animals who aren't adopted by a certain time get killed!!" the teenager seemed to be angry.

Rem sighed. "It is, but the orders came from above my head... the only way he's going to live is if someone buys him... right now." she said, turning a halfhearted hopeful glance at the man. "Would you like to buy him?" She whispered. "If you do, I'll sell him to you cheap... I hate to see him go… he's such a sweet creature."

The young man sighed and approached the lion, circling him and looking him over. He knelt and turned Marik's head to the side so he could see his face. "What is he?” he asked, deeply impressed with the beast on the floor before him.

"He's a lion." She said calmly, though her hopes were rising. "He's been here a long time, and is always eager to please." She whispered, leaning over his shoulder, not wanting anyone who may be walking in to overhear. "He's obedient and loyal and a really funny little guy."

The young man snorted and looked up at Rem, giving her a look. "A really funny little guy?” he repeated. "Lady, if THAT'S little, I'd hate to see the BIG guys." But he grinned. However, a moment later, the grin faded. "He's got blood on his mouth.” he commented, and looked at Rem for an explanation.

Rem smiled warmly just the same. "Well we were about to put him down and he bit someone, wouldn't you do the same in that position?"

He grinned. "I guess so. He IS gorgeous.... but... I dunno. I really just came in to look, not buy....” he sighed. "Not yet, at least.....” he bit his lip, looking over Marik, thoughtfully.

Rem pulled the man close and whispered in his ear. "Say you'll buy him, and you won’t have to pay the fifteen thousand dollars. I'll sell him to you for fifteen." she said softly. "He's my favorite, and I really don’t want him to die." she added, stepping away and picking Marik up gingerly. "If... you're done looking. I should take him to the back..." She said, hoping to keep appearances professional, incase anyone was watching... specifically.

The young man blinked, and his eyes widened, then he looked over Marik again. He sighed and nodded.

"I'll take him. I would never be able to live with myself if I could have saved a life and did nothing." And he smiled at Rem. "I'm Malik Ishtar. I'll browse around until he's ready." and he smiled at her cheerfully, running a hand through Marik's hair.

Rem smiled in delight. "I'll have him ready shortly." She hurried to the back and began untying him. "Marik sweetie!" She said hugging him strongly, despite him being out of it. "You won’t die today." She added, placing him in a tub and beginning to hurriedly scrub him down, wanting to get him in his new home before Pegasus was around to catch on.

Marik moaned softly, not really having registered what she said, and didn't even notice that he was in a tub. He turned and feebly snapped at Rem's hands, too sedated to know what was going on and who was touching him.

Rem chuckled softly and pinched his cheek rather hard. "Wake up wake up. Just enough to understand. You have to be a good boy for me Marik... you're going home. You need to stay there this time." She added, washing his hair which was currently a thick mop of suds.

"You have to live for yourself in this new home, you need to be a good lion and do what you're told." She said, dumping some water over him to rinse his hair out.

Marik groaned and swiped at her with his claws, still not aware of his surroundings. He claws caught Rem's arm a bit before he collapsed into the tub again, whining.

Rem hissed slightly and picked him up, beginning to dry him. "Marik listen." She said, uncaring of the bleeding wound on her arm at the moment. "A man named Malik has bought you... understand? He saved you. You need to be a good boy." she said as clearly and calmly as she could, beginning to dress him in a dusty colored loin cloth, and tied anklets and bracelets of small teeth and claws to his wrists and ankles.

"Understand?" She asked, straightening his collar and quickly combing his hair.
Marik did not answer, he simply stared blankly through eyes that were barely open, and twitched his tail a bit. A weak rumbling growl came from his chest, but faded quickly.

Rem sighed but nodded, picking him up and carrying him behind the counter. "Malik?" She called softly.

Malik turned from where he was watching Weevil digging around in the sand and walked over. "Yes?"

She smiled and motioned to Marik, who was curled up on the floor, looking around dazedly. "He's ready." She whispered. "Thank you for this... we both appreciate it." she added taking the five dollars and smiling. "Please hurry... the man who wanted him put down will be coming soon, and... if it's the same to you, I'd like him to not find any evidence otherwise.." she whispered.

Malik nodded and with a grunt, picked Marik up. "Do I get any care instructions?” he asked.

"Feed him fresh meat at least twice a day, and give him plenty of exercise, other than that I hope you two enjoy each other." She said smiling. "If you have any trouble with him, there's a safety catch in his collar. Use this to give him a good shock, he should stop after that." she said, handing Malik a small remote control. "We have to put them in the collars of all potentially dangerous pets, whether they actually are dangerous or not."

Malik nodded and stuffed the remote into his pocket quickly before he could drop Marik. "Thanks.” he said with a smile, and making a face at Marik's weight, he carried him out of the store and to his car, stuffing him into the almost non-existent back seat of the Porsche.

"Heavy son of a....” he muttered to himself, climbing in and driving away.

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

Ryou cried softly, shaking his head, frightened and utterly devastated that Marik was gone. "Marik..." He whimpered softly, fresh tears rolling down his cheeks. "Oh god Marik...” he felt sick, he couldn't stop shaking. "Marik..."

Bakura wasn't any better; he was sobbing into the dirt floor of his cage, in complete anguish over the loss of his best friend, and furious that he could do nothing to stop it. Neither he nor Ryou paid any attention when Rem came in with their late breakfast.

Rem sighed softly. "I'm sorry..." She whispered to them, quickly moving onto the next animals, not wanting anyone but herself to know that Marik had lived, it would ruin Pegasus's plan if Ryou found out.

Ryou snubbed the food, not having an appetite after just watching Marik disappear from his life forever. Tuc and Nod however took the chance to nibble on bits of food, hungry despite their bond with Ryou.

Bakura looked at the food, and threw it at Rem over the wall, as he had done his litter box, then curled up behind his stump and continued to cry, like Ryou.

Ryou curled up on the floor, rope pulling his neck at an uncomfortable angle, half gnawed away. He looked at the usual flood of customers and sighed miserably

A few hours passed, long and miserable for both rabbit and skunk, and then, a familiar man walked into the store, looking around curiously with one visible eye. He began making his way around the room, stopping here and there to inspect the animals. He stopped at Marik's enclosure and stared in, a satisfied smirk briefly playing across his face. Then, he moved to Ryou's cage. He blinked. He blinked again, then moved over to where Ryou was and knelt.

"Ryou?" Pegasus called, schooling his features into a worried stare. "Ryou Bakura? Is that you?!"

Ryou raised an ear, looking up with a miserable tear streaked face and nodded. "Pegasus...” he said softly, his throat sore from hours of crying. "What... are you doing here?” he asked sitting up slowly, surprise finally settling in. "c-can you get me out of here?” he asked suddenly.

Pegasus blinked. "I had heard of this place and thought I'd check it out... what are YOU doing here?!” he asked, keeping up the act.

Ryou sniffled softly, rubbing his eyes. "They kidnapped me... and look what they've done to me!” he said shaking his head. "Everyone here... I-is like that. Can’t you do something about it?"

Pegasus swallowed. "I... I don't know...” he looked around. "Hold on. I'll get you out of here.” he said, reaching in and petting Ryou's hair. Then he turned and headed for Rem.

Rem nodded as Pegasus approached her; she'd been carefully cleaning the front desk area for a while after he'd entered. "Is he to your liking?" She said softly.

Pegasus nodded. "Yes. I will take him home immediately.” he said. "If problems arise I will be sure to contact you." And he gave her a glare letting her know that he was still angered by the lion incident.

Rem nodded. "I'll fetch him for you then. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." She said, taking the check and tucking it into the register, before leaving quickly to get Ryou from his enclosure.

"It's time to go bunny, looks like you get to leave today anyway." She said smiling and untying the rope, leading him from the cage to Pegasus.

Ryou clutched Tuc and Nod and looked back at Bakura's pen, not able to see him.

"Bakura....” he whimpered.

Bakura lifted his head and looked into Ryou's cage seeing him gone. He leapt to his feet and ran to the front of his cage, staring with wide eyes as Ryou was carried across the room by Rem and handed to a tall man with long hair. Bakura felt his heart sink into the ground.

"Thumper...” he whimpered, hardly able to believe that he was losing another.... friend. He felt the tears, which had finally stopped, begin to fall again.

Ryou looked at Bakura and frowned as Pegasus carried him from the room. Ryou winced slightly, his eyes burning at the suddenly much brighter sunlight. "Ahh...” he mumbled squinting a bit as his eyes adjusted. "Thank you...” he said, squirming a bit to walk on his own, after what had been so long.

Pegasus did not put him down, however. He got to his limo and climbed in, still holding Ryou in his lap. "Now... What happened to you? And... Who are these?” he asked, looking at Tuc and Nod.

Ryou hugged the smaller bunnies. "This is... Tuc and Nod... and... This horrible.... man named Daisuke. He did this to me...” he mumbled looking down. "I just want to go home and be with my family and friends again. I'm not some animal... I'm human!” he said looking up a bit. "No matter what I look like"

Pegasus sighed. "I know, but... your genetics have been altered. Genetically, you are no longer human, and unfortunately you have no rights by law. If I were to let you go back to your family... Animal Control would pick you up and bring you right back here. Because that is how people see hybrids like you... as animals. I'm sorry, Ryou." And he hugged him, gently.

Ryou shook his head in disbelief. "My family wouldn't call animal control!” he said in shocked hurt. "J-just because I've changed a bit doesn't mean it's not obviously me!” he felt his ears drooping. "I'm still human... I'm still me..."

"I never said your FAMILY would, Ryou, but....” he sighed and kissed the top of his head. "But others would. I'm sorry, but for the foreseeable future, you must stay with me."

Ryou shook his head. "I have to go home Pegasus! My family is surely worried sick! My friends! I… I have to finish school... I... I..." Ryou looked down. "I can’t live like this! I'm not some creature! They kidnapped me! s-surely someone would do something once I told them!” he said hopefully, desperate to at least save others from the same fate

Pegasus sighed. "Without proof, no one can do anything. For now, you'll just have to accept this."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Malik looked boredly at the sleeping lion on his couch. "sis's gonna have a hernia...” he mumbled amusedly. He looked at the small remote he'd been given and sighed.

"When's he gonna wake up?” he said thoughtfully, wanting to do something with his new companion.

Right on cue, Marik groaned and twitched an ear, stirring slightly. Malik sat forwards in interest as Marik slowly lifted his head, blinking, trying to clear his vision. "urrrr.... m' I dead?” he mumbled.

Malik grinned a bit. "Nah, that lady sold you to me for five bucks.” he said amused. "So you ain’t dead yet."

Marik blinked blearily at Malik. "Huh?"

"The lady at the pet store. She said she didn't want you to die, and convinced me to buy you for five dollars." Malik repeated. "So.... do something lion like.” he said eagerly. "I want to see something interesting."

Marik looked around. "I... you... you bought me?” he asked. "You, saved me?"

Malik nodded. "Only because that woman was so eager to save you. I don’t have fifteen thousand dollars, but I did have five.” he said grinning. "So, you gonna do something liony or what?"

Marik blinked, but then looked down and curled up, hiding his face. He sniffled slightly. "Thank you...” he said, softly. "What... What am I to call you?"

"Malik is fine... what's the matter? Aren't you happy to be alive?” he asked, suddenly concerned.

Marik sighed. "I just.... miss.... my friends....” he sniffled again. "I'll never see them again."

Malik frowned. "What friends?"

"The... the bunny.... and the skunk.... he... Bakura was my best friend. He was my ONLY friend until... Ryou came..." Marik sniffled.

Malik thought for a minute. "Oooh... by the way. The lady said you were being put down because you messed up someone's pet. Which pet was it?"

Marik suddenly lifted his head. "Messed up..?! Why that.....” he growled loudly, showing both teeth and claws. "Messed up my furry feline ass!” he snorted. "And it was the rabbit! And I didn't 'mess him up'! I just....." But he stopped and stared hard at the wall, an angry growl still vibrating through him.

Malik blinked. "just what?” he asked, curious and amazed at Marik's feline grace, despite the hot temper.

"Nothing..." Marik snorted, stretching out his body and hopping to the floor, padding around the room on all fours, sniffing, curiously. "Hmmm... Who's the chick? Your girlfriend?” he asked, picking up a female scent.

"My sister." Malik laughed. "So... you messed up the rabbit?” he added, pushing the topic. "Well I'm just glad I got you, she sure was in a hurry to get you out of there before whoever it was that wanted you dead showed up." Malik said thoughtfully. "How did you mess up that bunny anyway? Tear him a new one or something?"

Marik turned and glared at Malik. "I did NOT mess him up!!” he snapped. "Exactly what are you implying?"

Malik shrugged. "The woman said the reason you were being put down was because you 'messed up someone else's pet’ I was just asking what you could have done."

Marik looked around and mumbled something under his breath. "I... I love him.” he finally said. "And unfortunately for them... the feeling was mutual."

Malik rolled his eyes. "So? How does that ruin anything?"

"We’re supposed to be loyal to our masters. And he loved me, so he wouldn't be loyal to his master..... And we umm... we kind of.....” he trailed off, turning a bit red.

Malik's grin broadened. "You fucked the bunny!” he blurted before trying to hide the snickers. "You FUCKED the BUNNY!!"

Marik rolled his eyes and glared at Malik. "Yes! I fucked the bunny! So what?!" And he turned and slunk behind the sofa, flopping down and sighing.

Malik's giggles finally subsided. "Well at least I got you out before whoever it was that wanted you dead came in.” he said peering behind the couch. "So, hungry?"

Marik blinked and looked up. "Before the guy came in?” he asked. "The guy who ordered Ryou ordered my death and said he didn't WANT Ryou anymore... why would he have come in?!"

Malik shrugged. "I dunno. She just said he was coming in, and wanted you safely out of there before he did. So he'd think you were dead."

Marik frowned. "Why would he come in?” he mumbled under his breath. Then, he looked up at the sound of a door opening.

"Malik? I'm home!" Came a woman's voice.

Malik grinned. "Scare my sister and I'll give you whatever you want for dinner.” he whispered grinning amusedly.

Marik blinked, and his eyes widened. "Really?” he asked, and at Malik's nod, his eyes narrowed and a sinister smile crossed his face. Ishizu came into the room, blinking at her brother leaning over the back of the sofa.

"Malik, what are you--"

"GRROOOWWARRRR!!!!" Marik roared, leaping over and sofa and charging at her.

Ishizu jumped and screamed, raised her purse and slammed it down on Marik's head when he reached her.

"YEEOWCH!!" Marik yelped and tumbled away, coming to a stop in a crouch, pouting and rubbing his head.

Malik howled with laughter. "Be nice sis, he's just playing with you!” he said patting Marik's head amusedly. "He's our new pet."

Ishizu slowly lowered her purse and clutched her chest where her heart was threatening to burst. "Malik Amasis Ishtar......" She gasped. "You... You..... What IS that... that THING?! Where did you get him?!"

Malik grinned. "That new hybrid pet store.” he said calmly. "Isn't he great? I love how exotic he is."

"Hybrid... pet store?" Ishizu asked, weakly. "He's a hybrid pet?! MALIK!!! THEY ARE NOT CHEAP!!! HOW MUCH DID YOU SPEND?! WE CAN'T AFFORD HIM!! TAKE HIM BACK!!!" Marik whimpered and slunk behind the sofa again.

Malik held up his hand slowly. "He was on sale. They were gonna put him down. The lady asked for five dollars.” he said calmly. "It was either that, or he would have died. Just look at him, he's nice enough."

Ishizu stared at the tail that could be seen. "Is... Is he a... LION?! OH GODS!! HE IS!!! MALIK!! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!!?”

Malik blinked a bit. "....how UTTERLY cool he is!” he blurted amused. "Come on Ishizu, look at those cute eyes of his and say you'd rather have him die. You can’t!" Malik gave Marik a slight wink, signaling it was time to make with the cutest most loveable look he could muster.

Marik slowly peeked out from behind the sofa, fixing big watery eyes on the woman, lower lip trembling.

"P-Please... they'll kill me if I go back... Master Malik saved my life....” he whimpered.

"And WHY will they kill you?" She asked, though Malik could see her softening at Marik's look. Marik let the tears fall.

"Because... I've been there so long... three years... no one wanted me because they were scared of me! I don't know why! Please don't send me back!! You're my last chance!!"

"Aww now look you made him cry..." Malik said hugging Marik. "and you want to send him back, very cruel of you sister, especially when you're always talking about putting other's needs before our own.” he said softly, scratching Marik's ears.

Ishizu gave Malik a look.

"Malik, your little mind games are NOT working on me...." She said, and Marik began to shake and whimper again. "But... okay. You can keep him. Maybe he'll keep you out of trouble. But I swear, Malik... if I get ONE more call from the police station telling me to come pick you up, he's GONE!! Do you understand me?!" Marik blinked and looked up at Malik, inwardly laughing.

Malik pouted slightly but nodded. "Fine. No more late night partying with the wrong crowd.” he mumbled crossing his arms.

Ishizu nodded, eyeing Marik, then left the room, muttering. Marik looked up at Malik.

"Jail?” he asked, amused.

"I like to party at the clubs, but sometimes I get into a fight or two.” he said calmly. "It’s not my fault."

Marik chuckled. "Riiiiight....” he said. "Well... thanks. For saving me... Again." And he smiled and purred, nuzzling into Malik's chest.

Malik nodded softly and petted him "no problem."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Pegasus sighed and shifted Ryou in his lap when the car stopped in front of his house. He got out, Ryou in his arms, and looked up. "Here's your new home.” he said.

Ryou wrinkled his nose a bit, once again squirming to walk on his own. "It's.... very big...” he mumbled softly, still clutching his beloved bunny friends.

Pegasus nodded. "Yes.” he said walking in, not putting Ryou down. He carried him up the stairs. He paused. He had a room fixed for Ryou but he couldn't let Ryou know that he had been prepared to bring him home. So he took Ryou into a guest room. "This will be your room for the time being.” he said, setting Ryou down.

Ryou looked around a bit. It was everything a human could want... a bed... a bathroom, end tables mirrors windows. Ryou looked at Pegasus smiling a bit. "... I.... I like it.” he said a small smile forming on his lips. "I've... missed a bed.” he said putting the bunnies down and flopping down on his side, a small moan of satisfaction escaping his lips. "Mmm sheets and pillows and blankets...” he practically purred. "Thank you.” he said, sitting up once more, flicking his ears a bit.

Pegasus smiled. "Can I get you anything?” he asked, watching Tuc and Nod begin to explore. "Some food, or something?"

Ryou thought for a moment. "Something with meat in it!” he said suddenly. "I haven't had any in a long time.” he added looking thoughtful. Though he wasn't craving it by any means, really he felt a craving for cucumber slices and cheese, and possibly a few strawberries or blueberries.

Pegasus frowned. "I was told that with your genetic alterations you would not be able to digest meat very well... that I had to stick to fruits and vegetables.....” he said.

Ryou grumbled for a moment before sighing. "It’s alright, I'm not that hungry anyway.” he said picking up a pillow and nuzzling it. "Mmm everything smells so good in here...” he commented, his nose picking up the faint scent of lilac. He nuzzled deeply into the pillow and yawned loudly. "Mmm....." he hummed curling up on the bed and beginning to doze off. It was time for all good little bunnies to take their mid-day nap; after all, they tended to stay up past dusk, for they were partially nocturnal.

Ryou shivered a bit, and crawled under the covers, smiling warmly at the human comforts he so greatly missed, and nuzzled into the soft bed, his companions joining him quickly, leaving three soft bunnies sleeping soundly on the guest bed of Pegasus's house.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Rem brought lunch around, Bakura did the same thing with it that he did with his breakfast; he chucked it at her. He spent the rest of the day trying to get into his stump that was still locked up, charging anyone who got too close to his enclosure, and quiet honestly had brought Rem to the end of her rope.

Rem grumbled and banged lightly on Bakura's enclosure wall. "Bakura if you don’t knock it of this very minute I'll have you sent back to Dai for behavior treatment!" She roared, exasperated at his unbelievable behavior.

Bakura whirled and chucked a rock at her head, and it slammed into the glass.

"LIKE I FUCKING CARE, YOU FRIGID BITCH!!!” he screamed, trying to get into his stump.

"What is your problem?!" She screeched back, unable to hold her temper any longer, as Bakura had been pushing her buttons all day.

"YOU KILLED MARIK!!" Bakura screamed, hurling himself at the wall in his fury. "HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND!! AND YOU KILLED HIM!!!” he continued to slam into the wall, which began to crack as the hole he had made with a rock that morning hadn't been fixed yet. "I HATE YOU!! I HATE YOU!! I HATE YOU!!!"

Rem, now sure it no longer mattered if anyone knew, growled. "He's not DEAD you stupid skunk!" She growled, banging the wall. "Stop bellyaching and shut up. He’s fine."

Bakura stopped and looked up at her. "W-What do you mean?!"

Rem rubbed her forehead. "I sold him at the last second. I told you I didn't want to see him dead. Now will you STOP acting like a horse’s ass and behave?!" She grumbled, looking genuinely pissed.

Bakura stared up at her, eyes full of tears. Then he turned and stormed off behind his stump, curling up again.

"When have I ever behaved...?” he asked, peeking one narrow eye out from behind it and fixing it on her.

"You’ll start now or I'll have you put down." She glared, before turning and storming away.

"Nice little fit you had Bakura... lovely." Yami mumbled, taking a bite of an apple. "Real forward and practical."

"Shut up." Bakura snapped. "I don't give a fuck what she does... Marik was the only one who made this place bearable... now that he's gone....." Bakura trailed off with a heavy sigh, curling up in his tail.

"Poor baby." Yami said preening a wing with his hands. "So what do you plan to do? Pout about it all day?” he mumbled. "Or do something about it"

"Do WHAT?!" Bakura snapped, glaring. "I've got nothing to live for! No one wants a skunk... The only one who cared was Marik... and Ryou......" And he rested his head on his paws again.

Yami rolled his eyes. "Think you stupid skunk, RA!” he said standing up and stretching. "You’ve just made a massive hole in your cage, chances are it won’t be repaired until tomorrow, you've got a few large rocks left to make it bigger... catching on?" Yami said boredly. "I've heard skunks have the best noses of the animal kingdom, second only to hound dogs. Is this adding up to you?"

Bakura blinked. "Point taken...” he said. "But what does my nose have to do with anything?"

As he waited for an answer, he wandered across his cage and took a bath from his little pond on the corner; feeling satisfied that the pink was hardly visible any more.

Yami rolled his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "Ra... you've been a monochrome rat so long it’s turned your brain to mush. Didn't you always complain that Marik stank? He had his own particular scent, and that trail will be good for a week, provided it doesn't rain... if you got loose...." Yami trailed off, hoping Bakura could figure it out at this point.

Slowly, Bakura turned and looked up at Yami. "Are... are you proposing that I... break out?” he gasped, eyes wide.

Yami sighed. "No, I was suggesting you ask Rex to break out.” he mumbled sarcastically. "YES I was suggesting you break out. You’ve already made your own means of escape. Just go when Rem shuts down for the night, it's not THAT hard to figure out."

Bakura swallowed and looked around, nervously. "I... I dunno.... I haven't been out of this building in over a year, I....” he huddled under his tail, shivering slightly.

Yami raised his eyebrow. "...sissy.” he said amusedly. "I'd hate to have met you before they made you a skunk, big baby.” he teased, knowing anger could easily distract Bakura from any fear. "Maybe you are fit to be someone's cutesy little baby pet."

"FUCK OFF!!" Bakura roared, startling several animals, AND customers. "I am NOT a SISSY!!! And I don't see YOU attempting anything!! Marik and Ryou were taken away and you didn't do a THING!! You never even came out of your hole!! WHO IS A SISSY NOW, YOU OVER GROWN ROOSTER!?!"

Yami rolled his eyes. "I couldn't see Rem actually killing him, and Ryou got bought. Big whiney baby. You'll make some little girl a cute pet, with a big pink ribbon around your neck." Yami cooed at him, in a sickeningly cute voice. "There's no humanity left in you skunk-boy, just a mindless skunk that has to have a 'rooster' add two and two for him. Because he's as dumb as the dirt he shits in."

Bakura began to shake; he was livid. "I'll show YOU, you cock sucking......” he turned and eyed the front of his cage, then backed up. He crouched for a moment, and then leapt forwards, charging as fast as he could. At the last moment, he lowered his head and leapt, slamming into the glass, shattering it. All the animals pressed their face against the glass of their cages at the sudden crash. Bakura landed on the floor and rolled, then leapt to his feet, claws skittering on the tile, and ran, knocking kids over right and left.

Yami grinned and shouted after him. "Don’t forget to follow your nose you half assed monochrome rat!” he grinned, feeling somewhat better he'd managed to help Bakura. "YOU'D BETTER GET OUT TOO, YOU SHITHEAD!” he added, laughing as he fell from his branch in something akin to joy.

Bakura turned to get his bearings, looking for the front door. But he stopped when he saw Rem.

Rem gasped. "Bakura!" She shouted, charging forward to catch him before he got away.

Yami growled. "YOU BIG SISSY!! LEFT LEFT!! THE DOOR IS LEFT!” he shouted, after having sat up to see the scene of Rem trying desperately to catch a loose skunk. "LEFT YOU ASS!"

Bakura's eyes narrowed, but instead of running for the door, he charged at Rem.

"I'll teach you to dye me pink you lousy evil WITCH!!!" And he leapt at her, knocking her flat on her back. "Take that! What now, bitch?! How ya gonna stop me, huh?!” he roared as he skidded across the floor, turning to face her again. A door banged open and the big burly men who had helped remove Marik came running in with nets, ropes, and tranquilizers. Bakura's eyes widened. "Oh... That's how....” he muttered and turned, bolting for the doors.

Yami was laughing hysterically at this point. "YOU DUMBASS!” he laughed as he watched Bakura scramble away from the men, narrowly being missed by a tranquilizer dart or two. "GET OUT! YOU STUPID RAT!" Yami cheered, though the scene of multiple people trying to catch a naked skunk person was more than hysterical. "AND WHEN YOU DO, GET SOME CLOTHES, YOU'LL PUT SOMEONE'S EYES OUT!"

Bakura charged out the front doors, knocking over some people and looked right and left. His tail perked up as he caught Marik's scent. "Gotcha!!” he gasped, and ran, still on all fours and still buck naked, down the street.

The men charged out of the pet shop after Bakura, while Rem consoled the people Bakura had scampered past, explaining things as best she could.

"Get him! COME BACK HERE YOU STUPID RODENT!" One man shouted, as two others once again took aim with their tranquilizer guns. A third tossed a net, narrowly missing Bakura.

Bakura turned and darted down a dark alley, not that it helped him any, him being almost totally white. He dodged through trash and trash bins, bursting out onto a busy street on the other side, eyes wild in panic. He darted through traffic and into a flower bed in front of a building of Kaiba Corp, hiding under the large ferns, shaking.

The men followed closely, but looked around once they reached Kaiba corp. "Dammit... we lost him...” one mumbled. "Its fine, we'll call animal control and have them keep a look out." Another said as a third examined the ferns for a moment. "We'll have to get back and have Rem call Dai; this won’t go over well..."

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

First thing in the morning, Pegasus knocked on the door to Ryou's room, a tray of fruits and vegetables in his hands. He walked in and over to the bed, setting the tray down on the bed side table.

Ryou's ears perked slightly and he opened his eyes, rubbing them slightly he sat up and looked around dazedly. He wondered briefly where he was, but then remembered what happened the previous day. "H-hello. What time is it?” he asked looking around, noticing the room was bright with sunlight.

"It's almost nine." Pegasus said. "I brought you some breakfast according to your specific dietary needs." And he set the tray down on the bed before Ryou. He was aching inside, he wanted to cuddle the boy and feed him, but that would give it all away. It was not time for Ryou to know who he was yet.

Ryou smiled a bit and nodded. "Thank you.” he said softly, picking up one of the fruits and eating it slowly. "You... wouldn't happen to have any clothes I could wear would you? I feel silly running around in a bunny suit..." Ryou asked picking up a stick of celery to nibble.

Pegasus smiled. "I'm afraid not.” he said. He reached out and removed the gloves and booties for Ryou, since he couldn't really do it himself. Then he removed the big blue bow. "Is that any better?"

Ryou rubbed his neck a bit and nodded. "Yes... a bit.” he said feeling awkward being without the ribbon, but glad to be rid of it. "Thank you." he said softly, picking up another bit of his breakfast and offering it to the small bunnies who had been eying it. "Is... there something I could do to repay you for rescuing me?"

Pegasus's mind was filled with all sorts of things, many of them not exactly appropriate. But he simply smiled and shook his head. "No.” he replied, petting Ryou on the head. "I'm glad my money could go to a good use."

Ryou frowned a bit. "Surely there is something I could do... I'd hate to be a burden... some chores perhaps? I'd feel so useless if I couldn't make myself useful...” he mumbled looking down. "I'm sure there's something I could do to make up for the cost of myself..."

Pegasus blinked. A cute little bunny Ryou in a French maid outfit with a feather duster, up on his tip toes to reach a high spot, skirt riding up showing that cute little butt and puff ball of a tail as he--NO!! BAD!! BAD THOUGHTS!!! Pegasus gave his head a little shake.

"Whatever makes you feel better.....” he said with a smile, petting Nod who was near him.

Ryou pouted slightly. "Is there something that needs cleaning? I could clean, or cook, I'm quite good at cooking.” he said desperate to compensate for the money spent on him. "Please Pegasus... anything will do, I feel so useless... I can’t go home... I can’t continue my schooling, please let me at least do something to help you."

Pegasus smiled. "Whatever you feel like doing. The house is open to you.” he said. "I will be going out shopping for you and your little friends here...” he picked up Nod, who looked none too pleased, and Tuc thumped his foot.

Ryou blinked and carefully took Nod away from Pegasus. "I don’t think they're... used to you yet. They feel threatened.” he said smiling and hugging the small bunny. "I'm sorry...” he added quickly, slightly embarrassed at how his little friends had reacted. "I'm sure they're just cautious of you, you are new to them..."

Ryou put down Nod gently and looked at Pegasus. "Is it possible I could... call my family? Let them know I'm at least still alive?” he asked softly, pushing the tray aside, for Tuc and Nod to finish.

Pegasus frowned slightly. "We shall see. But you must understand, Ryou... anyone knowing what has happened to you... well... people knowing may cause trouble. We must be cautious, so we will have to wait and see....” he said, petting Ryou's hair, gently, then smiled and ruffled it, just to see Ryou fix it.

Ryou grumbled and immediately began fixing his hair, looking miffed. "Please don’t.” he mumbled. "Might...I come shopping with you?” he asked softly. "I could at least carry the bags.” he added hopefully, wanting desperately to make himself useful. "I promise I won’t be any trouble!"

Pegasus smiled. "I'm afraid not. For now, I think it best that you stay inside. And your friends will get upset if you leave them in a strange place. No, you must stay here for now. I will be back later on today. Enjoy your breakfast." And he turned and left, locking the doors to the room he would soon be moving Ryou into.

Ryou slowly got out of bed, and tested out walking once more. He was a bit wobbly at first, but quickly regained the old skill. He peered out the door and began wandering through Pegasus's vast house, his two friends following closely behind him, seeming a bit on edge.

Ryou however was curious, and his nose was in heaven. "Everything... smells so good...” he breathed in awe. Everything smelled of lilac or clover, fresh linens, and the kitchen smelled of lemon dish detergent. "Oooh..." Ryou said softly, his ears quivering a bit in his excitement. "It's good to be able to be human again...” he mumbled, closing his eyes and sniffing around the kitchen, before his ears perked up. "Oh Gingerbread!” he squeaked, and hurried to the cabinet, on top of which rested a cookie jar. "Oh....” he mumbled standing up on his tiptoes, though unable to reach. "Who PUTS their cookies up this high?!” he grumbled, and began seeking out a chair, hoping to sneak this little snack before Pegasus returned.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ryou grumbled, he'd spent nearly the whole day looking for a chair, not to say he hadn't found any. He'd found many. Most of which were too heavy to move. He stared up at the cookie jar longingly. "I want a cookie... for heaven's sake I know Pegasus isn't this tall!” he grumbled, and began hopping up and down, trying desperately to reach the little gingery treat that had been taunting him all day.

Grumbling, Ryou came up with a new plan of action, namely, climbing the cabinet.
Tuc and Nod watched him from where they were huddled together in the corner.

Suddenly, their ears perked up, and they began thumping their feet in warning. But alas, Ryou did not heed the warning in time and Pegasus walked into the kitchen to see Ryou hanging off of a cabinet, his little bunny tail in full view.

"And just WHAT do you think you're doing?” he asked, amused, and the bunnies ran to the other side of the kitchen.

Ryou squeaked and immediately detached himself from the cabinet, turning around sheepishly. "I... wanted a cookie?” he mumbled. "I couldn't find any chairs I could move...” he added hoping to remedy his embarrassment a little. "Why on earth do you keep that jar so high up?"

Pegasus blinked, and then laughed, lifting Ryou down from the counter top and cuddling him. He walked out of the kitchen and carried Ryou back to his room, the bunnies following behind.

Ryou squirmed slightly. "I'm not a child you know... I can walk.” he mumbled crossing his arms and pouting cutely.

"Aren't you supposed to hop?" Pegasus asked an amused smile on his face. "And what if I like carrying you around?"

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "So I have ears. It doesn't REALLY make me a bunny.” he huffed, looking away with a pouty face. 'Honestly...’ he thought pouting. 'I wish I could go outside and sit in the sun....’ he sighed a bit and gave up on walking since Pegasus was intent on carrying him. "You know... I must be heavy."

"No, not really." Pegasus said with a smile, getting back to the bedroom and setting Ryou on the floor.

Pegasus sighed and watched Tuc and Nod hop in and scuttle straight to Ryou. "They really are attached to you." He said, a bit surprised.

Ryou nodded. "Yes... well I saved them from Marik. Well... I shouted at him until he saw how inhuman it was to eat living creatures.” he said hugging the small bunnies. "He stopped right then and there, and gave them to me." Ryou said nuzzling the rabbits a bit sadly, thinking about how horrible it was he'd been killed. "But... these little bunnies are all I have left of Marik...” he mumbled, his ears drooping into his face. "They put him down...."

Pegasus blinked. "Marik? Put him down?” he asked, hardly able to keep up the act, Ryou mentioning Marik made him furious. "What happened?” he asked.

Ryou frowned and hugged the bunnies once more. "Whoever ordered me.... wanted him put down." he mumbled sighing. "What kind of horrible person has this done to someone? Let alone has someone killed for no reason?” he pouted and nuzzled Tuc, then Nod. "It's just cruel..."

Pegasus frowned. "What reason would they have to have him put down?” he asked.

Ryou blinked a bit. "I don’t know... I wish I did though... Rem just said he'd ruined me somehow... I haven't a clue how... he'd never been anything but kind to me..."

Pegasus frowned. He wanted to find out for sure if Marik had... mated Ryou. But he couldn't without giving himself away. "I see....” he said.

Ryou sighed a bit. "I really miss Marik...” he mumbled ears drooping into his face, his whole demeanor seeming to whither. He promised that when we got out, he'd travel with me... just like I've always wanted...” he mumbled, a few sparkling tears dripping down his cheeks.

Pegasus frowned. "And how would you do that?!" He asked, a bit more harshly than he had intended. "You're both pets!"

Ryou shook his head. "We are not! We're both PEOPLE!" Ryou said argumentatively. "Just because someone altered our genetics to make us resemble animals does NOT change the fact that we're people, it doesn't make us PETS.” he grumbled, glaring at Pegasus for saying such a thing. "No matter what someone does, I'm still human, and he was human too."

"You're not human. You are a new species, a hybrid. Legally, you are not human and thus do not have rights as you would as a human. Legally, you are an animal, property... I'm sorry, but that's how it is. Legally, you are my pet. I own you."

Ryou shook his head. "That's an awful thing to say! I'm no animal! You know I'm not, you know what happened to me!" Ryou said shocked. "I'm no one's property! I'm human and I was kidnapped. Some sick person had this done to me!" Ryou shouted, though he looked more afraid than angry. "T-this is wrong! I'm not your pet, I'm a person!"

Pegasus gave Ryou a pat on the head. "I know. This is from a legal standpoint. And I'm sorry, but I cannot change the law.” he said, then pulled Ryou into his lap and kissed his forehead. "It will be okay...."

Ryou squirmed slightly, surprised at the sudden motion of being pulled into Pegasus's lap. "Please don’t...” he mumbled shaking his head. He pouted slightly, missing the way Marik did sweet little things like that... it made him feel slightly guilty, despite him being dead. He bit his lip and looked away a bit. He should have felt guiltier, but something was preventing him from feeling much guiltier than that... and it bothered him.

Pegasus did not put Ryou down, on the contrary, he held him tighter, petting his hair and crooning to him softly, trying to calm him down. It seemed that Ryou would be a bit of a handful, and maybe a bit troublesome.... perhaps he should put Ryou in the room prepared for him right now.....

Ryou squirmed again. "Please put me down." Ryou mumbled shaking his head. "I... don’t like being cuddled so tightly...” he added wrinkling his nose.

Pegasus nodded and set Ryou on the bed. "I'm having a room prepared especially for you. You can move in tomorrow.” he said. "Rem apparently makes a house call to see that the pets are being properly cared for...” he made a mental note to call Rem and tell her to make that house call. "So you must stay in there."

Ryou wrinkled his nose. "...but...I...” he said shaking his head. "I don’t want to! Why would she come here?! I don’t like her, she treats me like an animal!” he said in a disbelieving voice. "Can’t you just tell her I'm doing fine? Since when is it her business anyway?" Ryou grumbled.

Pegasus sighed. "It's a requirement. Part of a contract I signed when I bought you. It's so that they can check up on animals and remove them if they are not being properly cared for.” he said. "You have no choice. Now, wait here, and if you promise not to tell Rem, I'll get you that cookie." And he smiled, and then left the room.

Ryou felt his ears begin to droop. Even though Pegasus had bought him... it didn't feel so much like freedom as he'd originally thought. Pegasus was putting him back into bunny Ville. Ryou whimpered softly and sniffled. "I don’t want to do this anymore...I'm not a bunny...” he mumbled pathetically, picking up Tuc and clutching him to his chest, though gently. "I want to go home...I want Marik...” he sniffled. "Marik knew how to make me feel better....” he mumbled wiping his tears and putting his bunny friend down. "Why'd they have to kill him?” he closed his eyes and sighed, looking at the window.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Marik sighed as he looked out the window, stretched out across the back of the sofa. Malik was watching TV and Ishizu was staring at Marik's naked ass, unable to concentrate on her magazine. Whether it was because the lion made her nervous or the fact that there was a hot naked ass in front of her was known only to her. Marik sighed again and swished his tail, unintentionally tickling Malik's ear.

Malik flicked at Marik's tail. "What's your deal? Isn't there something you could be doing, rather than staring out the window all day? Jeeze nothing out there is THAT interesting." Malik mumbled swatting at Marik's tail again.

Marik looked down at Malik. "I miss my friends...” he said softly, but slid off of the back of the sofa and curled up next to Malik, resting his chin on his paws. Instead of staring out the window, he stared at Ishizu, amused at how unnerved she got when he did that. She glared and hid behind her magazine, but squirmed and fidgeted, feeling Marik's eyes on her.

Malik snickered. “Look how much he loves you.” he teased.

Ishizu dropped the magazine and glared at Malik. "Why don't you take him for a walk, Malik?" She snarled. "You bought him, YOU take care of him." Marik blinked. Walk? As in, down the street, like a dog? Oh well... better than stay inside all day. Marik decided to act excited, Malik loved it when he acted like a lion, and since Malik had saved his life, Marik was more than willing to please him... that and for some reason he enjoyed delighting Malik.

Marik leapt off of the sofa and trotted off, returning a moment later with the chain link leash he came with in his mouth. "Muuuuuuurumph...” he said, lashing his tail.

"Put his loincloth on before you go." Ishizu said with an amused smirk, and disappeared behind her magazine.

Malik rolled his eyes. "You shouldn't encourage her.” he said patting Marik's head.

"So..." He said, handing Marik his lion-loin cloth. "How’d they make you look so human?” he asked, as he clipped the leash onto Marik's collar. "Genetic engineers must be really advanced... to do that."

Marik turned and tugged his leash, trying to get to the door. Once they were outside, he looked around, lifted his leg and peed on Ishizu's flowers, much to Malik's amusement, then pulled him down the street. "You really wanna know?” he asked, padding next to Malik on all fours.

Malik nodded a bit. "Sure, I'm a curious guy.” he said grinning. "By the way, nice of you to water her flowers. Heh..."

Marik frowned. "What they told you... about how we were created.... it's backwards."

Malik blinked. "so... you're saying you're not a lion then?” he asked, a little skeptical.

"Right." Marik said. "I was human, once.... we all were. I was homeless... living on the street... they picked me up from the gutter where I was starving to death and turned me into this. I've been like this for three, four years..." Marik paused to sniff over a fire hydrant and scratch an itch behind his right ear.

Malik snickered a bit. "Right. You sure act like someone who was once human.” he said sarcastically. "You seem to like being a lion, makes it a bit hard to believe you.” he added. "You trot around on all fours and act like a lion... so you're a lion." Malik added. "You know, like that old saying, if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it must be a duck"

Marik sighed. "The instincts come with the genetics. I wasn't always like this... it was a gradual change. That and we were... trained to act like proper animals. It's just a way of life now. As we're told... we're not human. We're animals......" And he sighed and let his head droop as they continued to walk.

Malik walked in silence for a bit. "Is that what you want?” he asked after a minute. "I mean, just because someone tells you to do something doesn't mean... you have to. Do you want to be like this?" Even though he'd always wanted a hybrid pet, somehow it felt wrong, even if the story Marik had told him wasn't true... it felt wrong to treat him like an animal, if he had intelligence similar to a human.

Marik sighed. "It's all I know now. And it's better than the life I had when I was human...” he smiled up at Malik. "All I wanted in that place was a home... I wanted to BE wanted.... And I have that now... I just miss Ryou and Bakura.... and even that stuck up cock, Yami..." Marik sighed.

Malik thought for a minute. "You didn’t get a home for being an animal. I bought you to save your life. I woulda done it no matter what you were.” he said after a minute. "Life's precious you know... Sis is always feeding me that mushy crap... gotta feed into it sometimes.” he added thoughtfully. "But you're saying its better to be an animal than it ever was to be human? Didn't you ever love anyone while you were human?"

"No." Marik said, quickly. "I did not know love when I was human. I neither gave it, nor received it. Life was nothing but a painful struggle, and sometimes, I just wanted it to end. But when I became this... it all seemed so much more... simple. Animals have powerful emotions... CLEAR emotions... I have felt things that I never thought were possible when I was human. Humans have allowed themselves to become too complex. Perhaps reverting back to nature would do mankind some good.” he said, watching some children playing across the street. "The simplicity of just... FEELING is astounding. I never knew that until I became this."

Malik nodded a bit. "But animals are not capable of love you know.” he said after a moment. "They don’t have sex for pleasure or love, they mate just to bear young... and lions in particular are pretty mean about it. They kill off any young that isn't theirs. Love is a human emotion. Are you saying you'd give that up to be a lion? Animals don’t have the thought process like a human does you know, they might have taught you to act like an animal... but I wonder if you can see how horrifying an animal, especially a lion can be..."

Marik frowned. "I am not a lion. I am not human. I am something in between that I cannot describe. You cannot compare me to either, for I am neither."

"You can’t be in between when you only act like an animal." Malik said, enjoying this rather interesting conversation. "To be both, you'd have to retain aspects of both you know... you don’t act human at all, well... other than talking."

Marik stopped. He looked up at Malik with a pained look in his eyes. "I... wasn't allowed to act human.... they want us to be animals... in human forms with a few physical characteristics of animals. They want us to understand humans so we can serve them.... They want us to have the intelligence and semi appearance of humans... without BEING human...."

"Yes, they do. But I'm not they." Malik said calmly. "I'd rather you act how YOU want to act.” he added. "I'd feel like a real scum bag if I didn't let you."

Marik smiled. "Then accept the fact that no matter how I act, I was once, and still am human.” he said. "Can I go chase that squirrel?"

Malik slapped his forehead. "No."

Marik drooped and pouted, making a disappointed noise.

Malik rolled his eyes. "I don’t care what you are, you're not chasing the squirrels.” he said firmly. "Jeeze man, act your age."

Marik snorted and shook his mane out. "I just want a good run... and I'm hungry...” he eyed a cat sitting on a doorstep as they passed.

Malik gave Marik a whack to the back of his head. "Then ask for food, don’t go eating other people's animals. Besides, Ishizu feeds you.” he added, tugging Marik back toward the house. "Come on, we're going home."

Marik nodded and trotted along side Malik, looking forwards to food.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Ryou woke in the morning it was to his horror that he was no longer in a nice big bed with blankets and pillows. He was in a big plastic box filled with bedding material. Pegasus was outside of it, filling a large water bottle. This was a large room with four large boxes, one in each corner, with little plastic tunnels connecting them. The back right corner was Ryou's nesting box, one was for his food and water, one was for a play area complete with toys and a giant running wheel, and the last had his litter box and smaller versions of everything for Tuc and Nod. Pegasus smiled.

"Good morning.” he said, cheerfully, filling Ryou's food dish.

Ryou shook his head and whimpered. "This is awful! How could you?!” he shouted, humiliated. He sniffled and buried his face in his hands. "How could you?! This is horrible!"

Pegasus blinked as Ryou buried himself, once he found himself to be naked again. "Rem is coming. I'm just putting on a good show. You're a pet, remember?” he said, walking over with Tuc and Nod, holding them by the ears.

Ryou sniffled softly from under the bedding. "This is so humiliating...” he mumbled pathetically. "I wish you'd just tell her to go away...” he added, peering out of the bedding, just enough to see Pegasus put Tuc and Nod in the same box. "Can you at least make this be over quickly? I do not like being naked...."

Pegasus chuckled as he set Tuc and Nod into the bedding, and watched them tear into it right away. "We'll see.” he said, then blinked at the sound of the doorbell. "That will be her.” he said, and opened the door, plucking Ryou from the bedding, much to Ryou's dismay. But what happened next mortified the poor boy beyond belief. He was put into a giant plastic ball. "Just follow me around." Pegasus said, and walked out of the room.

Ryou looked at the ball shocked, mortified and in sheer disbelief. "There is NO way I'm following you around in a giant gerbil ball...” he mumbled defiantly. "I put my foot down here.” he added, sitting in the bottom of the ball and crossing his arms. "I have my pride."

But Pegasus was out of the room and did not hear him. He did, however, chuckle when he realized that Ryou was not following him. He opened the front door and smiled at Rem.

"Thank you for coming. He's not too happy with his new surroundings.” he said. "He still insists that he's human. You should see him now, though. I'm sure he's furious." And he chuckled, letting her in.

Rem sighed. "I'm really sorry, I thought we'd worked that out of him." she said shaking her head. "He's the most stubborn rabbit I've ever worked with." She added. "Do you want me to try and work it out of him again?"

Pegasus frowned a moment. "If you possibly could come over ever evening and work with him.... that would be wonderful, and I'll make it worth your while.” he said, leading her up the stairs.

Rem nodded. "I'm sorry, I can’t understand why he's so stubborn, and I thought for sure Dai would get it out of him, but even he couldn't put him in line... fear works... but we just couldn't apparently get him frightened enough." She said calmly, walking in silence after that, until she peered into the room.

Ryou glared at her, seeming to dare them both to even try coming any closer. Rem smiled a bit. "Hello Ryou sweetie, how's my precious little bunny?" She asked sweetly.

Ryou could feel his ears twitching. "I hate you.” he grumbled.

Pegasus blinked, and then burst out laughing. Tuc and Nod jumped at the sudden commotion and buried themselves, thumping their feet. "Don't you want to come say hello to Miss Rem?” he asked, still giggling.

Ryou glared. "Not particularly.” he said, huffing and crossing his arms. "I would be more than happy to say goodbye to her, however.” he added after a moment.

Rem blinked. "Goodness what a bad little bunny." She said shaking her head. "If I were you, I'd spank him." She said turning to Pegasus. "He's acting like he's in charge. You’ve been spoiling him." She said, keeping the idea that Pegasus had bought him on a whim so Ryou would never be wiser. "I would suggest putting his collar back on as well. if he should run off, you can use it to find him, or, if he must run around without one... get him to a vet and have them microchip him."

Pegasus nodded. "I think I just might do both.” he said with a smile. "And... We’ll see about the spanking.... are his living quarters suitable to his needs?" He asked.

Ryou glared at Pegasus. "You will not! I am NOT some bunny! Stop it stop it stop it!” he shouted, the fur on his ears bristling.

Rem sighed. "You may also consider not giving him so many treats, if he acts like this, and yes his living quarters are perfect for a bunny. I would consider taking away some of his playthings until he behaves though. If you give him toys it’s just rewarding him for bad behavior."

Pegasus nodded. "Alright then... what about a place for him to hide like that log he had in the store?"

"As long as he's acting like this, don’t give him anything he wants, only things he needs." She said firmly. "No treats, no toys. Just what he needs to stay alive, until he gets in line."

Ryou glared. "It's not like I can’t hear you...” he grumbled. "Aren't you going to leave?"

Pegasus chuckled. "He really has a strong hatred for you, Miss Rem...” he said, and grinned at Ryou. "Anything else?"

Rem nodded. "I can’t stress enough a spanking if he does something you disapprove of." She said turning. "Well... I guess I'll be going. I'll come back again soon, and see if I can’t coax him to behave." She said smiling and seeing herself out.

Ryou glared at Pegasus. "You're a cruel person.... humiliating me like that....” he mumbled, trying to unlatch the exit to the ball from the inside.

Unfortunately Ryou couldn't. "Humiliate you?" Pegasus said. "I thought she saw you naked all the time."

"She most certainly did not!” he huffed, trying feebly to free himself from his little plastic prison. "I hid under the log.” he said calmly. "Please let me out of here."

Pegasus sighed. "Now Ryou, you heard what Miss Rem said. You don't get what you want until you behave. And that means following me around." And with that, he turned and walked out of the room again.

Ryou looked at the doorway Pegasus had exited from in shock. "I would sooner DIE!” he shouted after the white haired fiend, sitting stubbornly in the ball. "I'm not an animal, and I refuse to humor either of you with the idea!"

Pegasus walked back into the room a moment later with, to Ryou's horror, the dreaded collar. He walked over, opened the ball and caught Ryou when he made a break for it. He wrestled Ryou to the ground and snapped the collar on, then picked him up and plunked him right back down into the dreaded ball. "If it will make you feel better, I got exercise balls for your friends." And a few minutes later Tuc and Nod were rolling about the room in their own little balls, quite miffed at the situation.

Ryou glared and began fidgeting with the collar, working around his own neck trying to take it off. "I'm not following you around, and I'm not an animal so stop TREATING me like I am! You KNOW I'm not an animal!” he huffed, pulling the collar in an angered attempt to break the latch.

But all he got was a quick shock. "Bad bunny." Pegasus said. "Behave. Now follow me." And he headed for the door again.

Ryou stared in disbelief at Pegasus. Had... had he just called him a bunny... in a condescending way? "No.” he said after a moment of shocked silence. "I won’t."

Pegasus turned and looked at him. "No?” he repeated. "If you want to be happy, then we must keep Miss Rem happy. If she is not satisfied, you could find yourself right back in that pet shop. Do you want that, Ryou?” he asked.

Ryou stared at him, his ears sliding back behind his head in a fearful position. "But... I don’t want to....” he mumbled pathetically. "Please just let me out. I'm naked and I'm embarrassed and I just want out.” he whimpered, dreading the idea of returning to Rem. "I'll be good when she's around... please? Just let me out....” he pleaded softly, giving Pegasus his best puppy eyes.

Pegasus shook his head. "Nope.” he replied. "I have to make sure you will behave. Now... COME!!"

Ryou sniffled. "But I don’t want to...b-besides this isn't safe. I could fall and hurt myself...please? Can’t you think of something else a little less dangerous and humiliating?” he pouted shaking his head. "Please Pegasus? I...I promise I'll be good...” he mumbled looking down. "Just please don’t make me do this..."

Pegasus turned and frowned. "No.” he said, and left, giving Ryou a little shock as he did so.

Ryou sniffled, curling up in the bottom of the ball. Even Pegasus saw him as a pet now...was that all he was? Ryou let his ears droop into his face sighing. "Marik...” he mumbled sadly. "I wish you were here...you'd know what to do...You'd protect me...” he mumbled hiccupping softly and burying his face in his hands. "I'm not a pet....” he mumbled, shivering softly at his own lack of clothing. "Cold...” he mumbled curling up tighter.

He remembered Rex's words, and it brought tears to his eyes... because everyone was telling him the same thing. You're not human anymore... you're a rabbit. You’re prey, you're a pet you're not a person you're an animal. Ryou closed his eyes miserably. "I just... went from one prison to another... that's all...” he mumbled shaking his head lightly. "You're not going to treat me any better than she did...you're just another person who thinks I'm not... a person." he mumbled, doubting Pegasus heard him much less cared.


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

Hi everyone! I’m back! So I can go back to updating on a regular basis! YAY!!! But first and foremost I want to apologize to all of my readers for my… bitchiness the last few updates and my whining about the lack of reviews I was getting. I honestly don’t know what got into me really. It was a very stressful semester and the end of the semester was awful. I was up to my ears in papers and exams and library books, and I just got a lot of joy from my reviews; they really make my day. ^_^ But my attitude was inexcusable, and I’m sorry. I don’t write for the reviews, I write because it’s something that I love to do, and I think I kind of lost sight of that. Plus I was spoiled by fanfiction.net where I got almost 800 reviews on one fic (Tearing Down the Sky). Obviously I don’t have nearly that many, but of course, this site has a smaller following. But it has a more mature and intelligent following. Anyway, I’m sorry to everyone. You guys are the best!!! And now, on into 2006 with my… less than PC fics, eh? ^_^