Twilight Menagerie

Twilight Menagerie

Mally-chan and hato chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing. Nothing at all

YAOI WARNING!!!

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Chapter 8

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Seto sat at his desk, typing calmly. Typing a notice of termination to be precise.

Yami cooed softly, gently weaving various pieces of yarn together with his hands, cheeping from time to time. He sighed after a moment. "I want to go outside...” He mumbled after a moment. "I know you hate when my instincts take over... but I'm going nuts. I haven't stretched my wings in so long...” Yami mumbled, continuing to weave, wings drooping.

Seto looked up, and then sighed. "I dunno... with Malik and Bakura and Otogi's kidnapping... I really don't want you out, Yami. Can't you just... fly around the house or something?"

Yami sighed. "I... suppose...” He mumbled wings drooping more. "But I can’t really... fly. There isn't enough room...” He muttered, looking out the window at the other birds, happily building nests and flying around contently, singing.

Seto watched Yami staring out the window, and sighed. "Okay...” He said. "I'll go out back with you so you can give your wings a good stretch. Would you like that?"

Yami smiled slightly, giving Seto a thankful look. "I'd like that a lot Seto.” He said smoothly. He'd mellowed out a lot since their last little... coupling. Spring fever.

"It'll be good to be out in the fresh air. It gets stuffy in this big mansion of yours.” He smiled, putting down the 'cloth' he'd hand-woven and smiled. "We don’t have to be out long... I just really need to fly for a while... my wings have kinks in them from lack of use."

Seto sighed and nodded, standing. "Alright then. Let's go.” He said, and headed for the door.

Yami hopped down from his perch and followed. "You're worried... aren't you?” He asked after a moment, while following.

"Well... yeah." Seto said, blinking. "Of course. I don't want anything to happen to you.

Yami smiled. "I won’t fly far. If something does happen, I'll be close enough to get inside while I'm still awake.” He said offering Seto a warm hug from behind. "Don’t worry ok? You know it'd take more than a dart or two to take me out... I’m the most stubborn ass on this planet."

Seto snorted. "I'm not arguing THAT point.” He snickered.

Yami chuckled. "You're the one who came up with that point.” He said shaking his head, following Seto into the back yard and stretched, before flapping and taking off, taking full advantage of his short time outside.

Seto smiled lightly, watching Yami gain altitude, and then he looked around the yard suspiciously. He sighed.

"I'm getting paranoid...” He muttered to himself.

Yami flapped his wings in long slow powerful flaps, stretching all the kinks out. "Ahhh Ra this feels good...” He cooed flying back and fourth along the back of the house, being careful to remain close to Seto, and within eyesight. He didn't want to risk being kidnapped, and putting Seto into an earlier early grave.

A man raised his rifle and looked through the scope, and smirked when he found Yami in the cross hairs.

"Gothca...” He pulled the trigger.

Yami squawked and flapped awkwardly. "For the love of RA!” He hissed groaning. This dart's sedative was a LOT stronger. He pulled it out as best he could wincing and tossing it aside, starting to lose altitude, along with consciousness. "Seto!” He called, shaking his head trying his best to not go crashing into the ground. "They're here!"

Seto's eyes widened as men hurtled the back wall. "NO!!!” He threw himself forwards, running as fast as he could towards his falling lover. "YAMI!!! TO ME!!!"

Yami nodded sleepily, practically crashing into Seto, a most ungraceful landing. "It's... a lot... stronger...” He mumbled fighting to stand. "We... need to get inside...” He said as quickly as he could. "If it gets bad Seto... let me go... I don’t want you hurt over me...” He mumbled, cooing softly, stumbling forward, trying to get to the back door, and into safety.

"Bullshit." Seto said, sweeping Yami up into his arms and running for the house. "Thank God I'm all legs, huh?"

Yami laughed sleepily. "Really good time... for jokes...” He said gripping Seto's shirt for balance, wings drooping.

Seto yelped as another shot rang out and narrowly missed them. He dashed through the door and slammed it. And kept running.

Yami groaned. "Where...?” He mumbled eyes fluttering closed, only to be fought back open. He wanted desperately to make sure Seto was safe before he passed out, but it was starting to seem he wouldn't make it.

Seto ran over to a small red button on a wall and hit it; the alarms sounded throughout the house.

"Shhhh...” He said, and pulled Yami into the closet under the stairs. "The cops will be here in less than five minutes...”

Yami nodded slowly, placing a weak kiss against Seto's shirt. "Love... you...” He breathed, eyes closing one last time, the sedatives finally proving too powerful for him.

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

"Rem!!!" A voice pierced through the veil of sleep. "Rem! Wake up, Rem! PLEASE!!! Rem!!!" Hands were shaking her. "Rem!"

Rem groaned softly, forcing herself to sit up. "Oh...” she mumbled a hand rushing to her head as a wave of dizziness washed over her.

Rex put an arm around her to steady her. "Rem... Oh God... are you okay? Did they hurt you?” He wiped a trickle of blood flowing from a deep cut on his forehead out of his eyes. "Are you alright?"

Rem grimaced opening her eyes. "Rex...” she said shaking the remaining drowsiness away. ”Oh sweetie how'd you get that cut?" She said hugging him.

Rex whined and licked her cheek, and upon looking him over, she found many other cuts over his body, especially on his forearms.

"Are you okay, Rem?" The coyote asked again. "How many fingers?” He held two fingers up.

Rem smiled. "I'm fine Rex, what happened to you?" She said standing slowly, picking him up. "Where’d you get all those cuts?"

Rex gave her a guilty smile. "… Promise you won't get mad?” He asked, giving a hopeful wag of the tail.

Rem gave him a soft swat on the behind. "Not if you know I will because you did something stupid and dangerous."

Rex whined and tucked his tail in. "I was worried about you!” He said, then gulped and looked back at his cage. The front glass panel had been broken, and many edges were smeared with blood.

Rem sighed and gave him another soft swat. "You naughty little coyote." She said amused. "You could have really hurt yourself." She said carrying him to the back and running him a hot bath. "Here... take a bath... I have to make some phone calls."

Rex yelped when he was plopped in. "Rem... They took Marik...” He whimpered as she turned away. "Why did they take him? Who were they? What do they want with him?"

Rem sighed softly. "I don’t know Rex... don’t worry about Marik... he'll be ok." She said calmly. "Just take your bath... I need you to be calm... the other hybrids are all frightened too... you have to be strong for me, and help me calm them down once you're cleaned up."

Rex sighed and slowly nodded. "Yes ma'am...” He mumbled, and sank into the water with a sigh.

Rem smiled. "And for heaven's sake wash your hair this time." She said as she left. "I don’t feel like sitting and combing through it for another hour trying to get the tangles out!"

She hurried to her office and dialed Seto's number, hoping he was there.

"Kaiba here." Came his answer, very quick and agitated. She could tell he was very tense by his tone.

"Seto? What's wrong?" Rem said worriedly. "Has something happened? Is everyone ok?"

Seto blinked. "Rem? No... Those bastards almost got Yami. Shot him with a powerful tranquilizer while he was flying in the backyard. I carried him back to the house but they chased us. I had to set off the alarm system. The police are still here and Dr. Inogawa is checking Yami over in the other room."

"At least he got away... they got Ryou and Marik." She said sighing. "I tried to save Marik, they broke into my shop, sedated me and broke into his cave... when I came to... they were long gone...” Rem sighed, her voice wavering. "I'm so worried...”

Seto closed his eyes and let out a breath, slowly sinking into his chair and leaning back. "They... got Ryou and Marik?” He asked softly, as if hoping that he had heard her wrong.

"Yes... Marik ran to the pet shop to tell me... he was a wreck... he hadn't even been here two minutes before they came...” Rem replied shaking her head.

"God... what are we going to do? Yami will be devastated... and Mokuba... Oh God... and Pegasus!” He sighed and shook his head. "Maybe... maybe we should make flyers. And I'll report it to the police... put up posters... SOMETHING!"

"Seto... chances are they won’t be seen in public. They wouldn't go to the trouble of kidnapping them to let them back out into the street so quickly...” Rem said shaking her head. "Besides, we don’t even know if they're keeping them in this town. For all we know they are all pets again, in Timbuktu."

"God I hope not... Who are these guys?! And what the fuck do they want with hybrids?!" Seto shouted, banging his fist on his desk as a cop walked in.

"Sir, is there anything else?"

"YES!!!" Set shouted, making the officer jump. "I've just been informed that those assholes have kidnapped another of my hybrids!!! And another belonging to Pegasus Crawford!"

"Seto calm down...” Rem said softly. "We'll find them, I'm sure we can think of a way...”

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

"Murrrrrrrumph!!" Marik called as he paced back and forth at the front of his cage. "Murrrrrrrrrr...” He lifted his head and sniffed, trying to pick up Ryou's scent. But despite just being across the room from him, he was unable to do so.

Ryou sniffled softly, sitting on his knees near the front of his cage, gently scraping his small claws against the glass, looking miserable. "Marik...” He mumbled, ears drooping. "Do you feel better?” He asked softly, hoping to deter his longing to be with his mate and end some of the depression.

Marik looked at Ryou, sadly, and slowly dropped to the floor, laying his chin on his paws. "Murrrrrrrrr...” He moaned, ears drooping as he stared at his lover.

Bakura curled up tightly around the three bunnies in his arms and sighed, his heart also aching for his mate. He began to groom Spunky.

Ryou sighed and looked down. "Do you feel better Marik?” He asked once more. "I... was worried about you.” He added quickly. "Maybe... once we're all feeling a bit better we could work on finding a way to get away...”

"... My stomach feels fine... my heart is a different story...” Marik said softly. "I'm so sorry Ryou...”

Ryou smiled softly. "There's nothing to be sorry for Marik...” He said calmly. "At least we're together... as long as we are, I'll be ok...” He said giving Marik a sincere look. "You did the best you could... they were determined, and there were so many... no one could have escaped that, and certainly not with another person in tow...” He cooed softly. "I'm glad you tried... that means the world to me."

Marik shook his head. "My best wasn't good enough!” He cried. "I promised to protect you!"

Ryou shook his head. "And you did.” He said calmly. "You never promised to save me from an angry mob of men with tranquilizers. You protected me, and you're still here, so you still are."

Marik looked down. "If I had protected you I would have saved you from them.” He argued.

"Oh don’t be so hard on yourself." Ryou said smiling, ears perking a bit. "I already told you, as long as we're together... then we'll make things right.” He sighed. "Now please? You protected me... and I'm glad for it."

Marik sighed and slowly nodded. "I'm sorry... I'll try Ryou.” He smiled. "... I love you."

"I love you too Marik...” Ryou cooed smiling. He once again pressed his hand against the glass, ears drooping back down. "I wish you were with me in here... its cold.” He mumbled pouting slightly. "Poor Tuc, Nod and Spunky must be freezing...”

Bakura smiled slightly and raised his head. "They're fine.” He called. "Spunky is between his mom and dad and they're all curled up with me in my tail. And under a blanket. We're all nice and warm, Thumper. Malik, love? You okay?"

Malik nodded. "Yeah... missing that thing called a bed.” He grumbled from under his own blanket. "I'm far too pampered a person to be sleeping on this lame animal bed stuff. Bring on the cushions already!” He said offering Bakura a smile. "Hey Flower, come on over, I think I want to sleep on that tail of yours."

Bakura chuckled. "I'm sure you do. You are so spoiled. This little bed thingie is more than I had at the pet shop, so I'm fine. Right, Simba?"

"All good here!" Marik sang, pulling his bed to the front of his cage to be a few feet closer to Ryou. "And we didn't even have blankets!" And he pulled his on and over his head and huddled down, looking quite comical peeking out from under his blanket-made hood.

Ryou giggled softly repeating the actions with his bed and peeping out from under his own blankets. He grinned. "MARIK!” He squeaked, sounding like a delighted child when he peered out from under his blanket, hoping to ease his lover's pains and lighten his heart with his 'adorable' antics.

Marik blinked, and then smiled warmly, his eyes shinning with love and adoration for his little mate. He slowly lowered his head and rested it on the edge of his bed and just gazed lovingly at Ryou, and Bakura smiled and turned to Malik, his smile broadening at the sight of his own golden fox.

"I love you.” He called, and then frowned. Marik's nickname was Simba... Ryou was Thumper... he was Flower... so what the hell was Malik?! Bakura began to pour over this in his mind, determined to come up with a name for Malik.

Spunky nuzzled into Bakura's fur and yawned softly, gently nibbling on the fur in his sleep, signs of just how young he was, he still thought like an unweaned baby in his sleep, and Bakura's fur WAS quite soft.

He wrinkled his little nose after a moment and snorted, before sneezing and rolling over, deciding to continue sleeping peacefully.

Bakura smiled down at the bunny and gave him a tender nuzzle. "My little Spunky...” He crooned, before nuzzling both Tuc and Nod.

Ryou smiled. "Bakura, I'm surprised... you didn't like Spunky when we brought him over...” He said smiling. "I'm glad he has such a loving family."

Malik smirked. "Bakura's taking good care of Spunky, the little rascal is just his type." he teased smiling at his lover and yawning broadly.

Bakura looked up, and then gave Ryou a sad smile. "He's my little angel... Poor baby.” He held up Spunky, who squirmed in protest at being taken from his warm comfy napping spot. "Look what they did to him!!"

Ryou nodded. "But you will love him just the same...” He said softly. "He's still Spunky on the inside, and besides... he looks like he needs as much pampering as Malik now, with that soft silky tail of his." He said smiling.

Malik nodded. "Now you'll have to groom his tail as much as yours!"

Bakura smiled. "At least his is a little tail." And he cuddled the baby bunny, licking his nose in apology for disturbing him as he replaced him back between his parents.

Spunky huffed softly and nuzzled into his parents, yawning and drifting off almost immediately into a genetic-change induced sleep. Ryou sighed. "I wonder where baby Dust is...” He mumbled.

Bakura sighed, but every hybrid's ears perked, then laid back when the elevator opened, and there stood Rafel. He left the elevator, and behind him, was Dartz.

"Show me around to all of the newer acquirements, please.” He said to Daisuke, beside him. "And give me a bit of a background on each."

Rafel nodded stopping at each cage, showing the creature within.

"This one's that skunk you wanted, his name is Bakura. He seems pretty tough, but he's a real pushover, thanks to those bunnies...” He said smirking at Bakura. "This here is his mate, Malik. He seems pretty laid back, but he's got a smart mouth on him...”

"Ikhras, hemet!!!" Malik snapped quickly, and the three men observing him blinked. (AN: ‘shut up, woman’)

"What did he say?" Dartz asked, amused at Malik's smirk; the fox REEKED of attitude. Kheti, Bakura and Marik chuckled, knowing perfectly well what he had said.

Rafel rolled his eyes slightly, not caring enough to find out what was said. "Then there's this lion. His name is Marik, and Dai said he was a stray from the start... seems even the strays can clean up nicely. He seems too cornball to really worry about, a little on the 'upidstay' side...”

Marik narrowed his eyes and growled. "Watch it, 'icklessday'...” Bakura buried his face into his tail, laughing.

Ryou giggled softly.

"Watch it yourself lion, or else." Rafel threatened before turning to Ryou. "This is that rabbit, his name is Ryou... I'm not too sure about his past. Dai didn't have a clue. He was special ordered, and faced the best genetic alteration available to be the most perfect rabbit. A rare one at that, Dai's told me he's only made 8 male rabbits, and most of them were scraggly jack rabbits, nothing like an albino white rabbit."

Dartz nodded. "Didn't this one have some kind of... loyalty enhancement?” He asked, moving closer to the front of Ryou's cage. Marik began to growl louder.

Ryou backed away slightly. "Go away!"

Rafel nodded. "Dai said he took care of it though. He should be ok to put to work soon enough, but for now he's just for show I suppose. He's the ultimate in submissive sexual partners, and he's got the perfect feminine build... he certainly was made to be the most beautiful bunny. If I were a customer, I'd pay for a fuck with that lil fella." Rafel said smirking over his shoulder at Marik.

Marik roared angrily, leaping to his feet and slamming into the glass front.

"Rafel... no teasing the animals, please." Dartz said. "I'm sure you give them enough hell as it is. Try to tone it down."

Rafel chuckled. "Sure sir. Why were you so interested in this little runt?" He asked, pointing to Ryou, who was now huddling beneath his blanket, the only visible part of him being the tips of his ears, which stuck out from under the blanket.

"Dai mentioned you were particularly fond of his file...”

"I want him." Dartz said, suddenly. "Bring him."

Malik, Marik, Otogi and Bakura's ears all shot up.

"NO!!!" Marik roared. "KEEP AWAY FROM HIM!!!" And he began slamming against the glass.

Rafel turned. "You calm down this instant or so help me those little rats won’t be the only ones I send to Dai for a little 'play time'!” He hissed, stalking into Ryou's cage.

Ryou whimpered shaking his head. "Please! Don’t! I-I don’t want to go!” He squeaked, gasping when his back hit the cold wall behind him.

"Shut up rat." Rafel sneered, picking him up suddenly, blanket and all. Ryou yelped and began squirming but was hopelessly tangled in the blanket.

"MARIK!"

Marik went into a frenzy. Dartz frowned and walked over to Marik's cage, reached out, and pressed a button on the panel under his nametag. Bakura's jaw dropped when Marik's room began to fill with a gas, and within moments the lion collapsed, fast asleep.

"There. Let's go." The man said, and headed for the elevator.

Ryou gasped. "MARIK! MARIK!" He wailed. "Please! W-what did you do to him!? MARIK!” He sobbed, as he was carried away from his now passed out mate.

Rafel chuckled. "What's wrong Peter Cottontail?” He said chuckling and tweaking the little bit of fluff that peeked out from the blanket entanglement.

Ryou squeaked. "Stop! P-please! Marik... I... I have to help him!"

"Rafel, be nice." Dartz said, and took Ryou from the man's arms, getting into the elevator. "Hush, little one. He's simply sleeping. I didn't want him to harm himself; he's such a magnificent creature. He's your mate?” He pet Ryou. "How did THAT happen?"

Ryou squirmed, not liking being touched by this man. "H-he broke into my cage... a-and I loved him...” He said softly. "Please... let us go home...” he pleaded softly, squirming away from each pet. "Why did you kidnap us? Why did you want me?” He asked a bullet-train of questions.

"Hush now. Rabbits are quiet creatures." Dartz said calmly as the elevator closed and descended. "Be calm and relax. I will not hurt you."

Ryou whimpered softly and his ears fell back. "B-but...” He stammered beginning to tremble. He bit his lip however and became quiet, not wanting to face any anger from any more people. As it was Rafel was just waiting for a chance to torment him.

"W-where... are we going?" He asked after a moment.

"To my room, little one." The man said, continuing to stroke Ryou's hair as he waited for the elevator to open.

Ryou swallowed hard and nodded, still squirming softly, but they died down as his fears rose. But maybe if he remained still, he'd be able to find a way out...

Rafel chuckled. "He sure is skittish...” He said amusedly. "More of a mouse than a rabbit."

"Hush now... rabbits are timid little creatures." Dartz said, and smiled down at Ryou. "He's perfect. One of the most wonderful works Daisuke has ever done." The elevator opened and Dartz stepped out and walked down the hall. "You may go, Rafel."

Rafel nodded. "Sure.” He said walking off and down the hall in the opposite direction of Dartz. Ryou whimpered, his ears practically hidden in his hair they were plastered so far back against his head. He looked at Dartz fearfully, but said nothing, for fear he's elicit some sort of anger for speaking.

Dartz entered his room. It was dark, save for moonlight filtering in through skylights, and trickling water could be heard from a fountain in the window. The man set Ryou on his bed, and removed the blanket from his body.

Ryou squirmed away instantly, backing into the headboard of the bed and yelping fearfully at the contact. "Please... d-don’t...” He said shaking his head. "Marik is my mate...”

"Hush now." Darts said, walking over to a dresser, then returning with a brush and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Come. Let me groom you."

Ryou swallowed hard, but did as he was told, though he was shaking like a leaf. He picked up his blanket and clutched it to himself fearfully. "W-why...?”

"Because. I enjoy grooming creatures like you. It's very soothing.” He said, running the brush through Ryou's hair and petting him.

Ryou's ears drooped. "Creatures like... me?” He asked curiously, slowly calming down. "W-what do you mean?"

"Both man and beast is beautiful, little one. Fusing them together creates a creature of magnificence." Smiles and strokes him. "Of divine beauty."

Ryou blinked, a blush creeping across his features. "You... flatter, but I do not see that beauty you see.” He mumbled looking away, ears bristling slightly. "Only Marik is beautiful to me, and he's all I need...”

Dartz smiled. "Ahh... such is the blind love one has for a mate. I would love to experience that again one day.” He said, continuing to brush Ryou. "What of your friends? Do you see the fennec as beautiful? Or the skunk? What of yourself?"
Ryou shook his head. "I don’t look at Malik and Bakura like that... I suppose they are... but not because they're hybrids... a-and no... I do not think I'm beautiful at all. I hated being a rabbit from day one.” He mumbled, ears tilting back in annoyance. "It took away all the things I cherished... Marik gave it all back...”

Dartz frowned. "But you're beautiful.” He said, placing his finger on Ryou's chin and making the boy raise his eyes to meet the man's gaze. "You're beautiful."

Ryou's blush darkened and his eyes looked away. "I don’t think so... but as long as Marik loves me, I'll be content... as long as I h-have Marik...” He mumbled clutching the blanket tighter.

"And does he not think you are beautiful?" Dartz asked with a small smile.

Ryou blushed. "I... suppose, but you always think your lover is beautiful... it's part of love...”

Dartz smiled. "This is true. When you love someone you see the most perfect person in them.” He brushed some hair out of Ryou's face and smiled, then picked up a bottle of lotion and took his blanket away, before beginning to rub the stuff into Ryou's skin.

Ryou blushed darkly, squirming away slightly. "D-do... do you think I'm beautiful?" He mumbled, blushing darkly.

Dartz smiled. "I do.” He said. "Would you like some fruit? I have some grapes over there.” He pointed over towards the window, where grapevines could be seen growing up the side of building, and large clumps were within easy reach from the window.

Ryou blinked and nodded slowly. "I... I am rather hungry...” He said sheepishly, blushing at the compliment of beauty. "Is... That why you kidnapped me? Because... you think I'm beautiful?” He asked softly, ears slowly relaxing; Dartz didn't seem to pose a threat.

Dartz nodded. "Of course. Only the best will be offered in my business.” He walked across the room and leaned out the window, plucking a clump of ripe grapes and bringing them back to Ryou. He laid them before him, and then resumed the massage.

Ryou relaxed further, beginning to nibble at the grapes. "They taste wonderful...” He mumbled, closing his eyes, beginning to enjoy the relaxing massage. "Thank you...”

"You are welcome little one." Dartz said, moving on to Ryou's legs. He smiled at Ryou's tail. "This is cute.” He said, flicking it.

Ryou squeaked and glared slightly. "Don’t...” He mumbled. "I hate that...” he added, returning to his grapes and sighing as Dartz seemingly treated him like a prince. His tail flicked occasionally, his ears resting against the bed as he laid contently, being massaged.

Dartz chuckled. "I'm sorry.” He said. "It is cute though." And his hands moved up the backs of Ryou's thighs, rubbing the lotion into his skin, and then, they moved up to Ryou's buttocks. "Your skin is soft."

Ryou blushed darkly at this point, shifting uncomfortably at the touching of his bum. "Th-thank you b-but... you...” He stammered, face stained a dark wine red. "D-do you mind?"

Dartz laughed and removed his hands. "As you wish.” He said, and stopped the massage, thought he soon produced a manicure kit and began grooming up Ryou's little claws, trimming, filing and buffing them.

Ryou blinked watching confused. "Why are... you treating me so special?” He asked after a moment.

"Because you deserve it." The man said. "I would like to do this to every hybrid up there... but unfortunately, many would never let me. But you truly caught my interest. You are unique, dear one."

Ryou raised an eyebrow. "Unique? How? I'm just like the rest of them. Marik is more unique than me. Malik too... they're both Egyptian in descent, Malik more so... I'm just an English boy... nothing special at all...” He said softly.
"You are so perfectly suited to the creature you have been fused with... you are small and gentle and also albino. You look like a little bunny angel." And he smiled as he finished Ryou's pedicure.

Ryou blinked, tilting his head to the side in confusion, producing an adorable befuddled look. "Well... Master Pegasus wanted me... to be this way. He had them make me something suited to me...” He mumbled looking down, a look of anguish crossing his features.

"I see. They chose well. Come now... is it so bad?” He asked, wiping Ryou's face with a cool cloth.

"I-is what so bad?” He asked, letting Dartz wipe his face, contented at the coolness of the cloth. The shot he'd received had made him have hot and cold flashes all day. The rag felt quite nice against that.

Dartz smiled and finished, then just sat and pet Ryou. "Being what you are.” He clarified, eating a grape himself.

Ryou nibbled another grape. "It's... not so bad, as long as I have my mate...” He murmured softly. "I'd do anything for Marik... he's the love of my life... even before my loyalty enhancements came into play.” He said smiling slightly. "Marik fought so hard for me, he changed so much...”

Dartz smiled. "I see. Tell me... what are those rabbits to you and your friends?"

Ryou's ears drooped slightly. "They're... my friends...” He mumbled sadly. "Tuc and Nod... they've been with me since I was in the pet shop... Marik's very first gift of affection...” He said sighing. "He gave up his breakfast, so I wouldn't be upset. S-Spunky is Bakura's baby bunny... one of Tuc and Nod's babies... a-and Dust is the other... Marik loves Dust...” he murmured. "Why?"

"I am simply wondering. That skunk protects them fiercely, even though we know that they are not his pets. But they are not pets to you either, are they?” He smiled and stroked Ryou's hair. "They are more to you than that."

Ryou nodded. "They're... w-well... almost like my children. I love my bunnies...” he said softly. "Y-You're not going to hurt them anymore are you? Please... th-they're just babies...” He said grabbing Dartz's shirt. "Please, don’t hurt them anymore... th-they're only babies!" His ears drooped and he gave Dartz a pleading look. "Rafel nearly killed poor Spunky... h-he dipped him in scalding water... please... I'm begging you...”

Dartz's eyes widened. "He what?” He gasped, then stood and cupped Ryou's cheeks in his hands. "He will be disciplined. I will not tolerate such cruelty." And he turned and walked to the door, pressing a button on the intercom system. "Rafel, to my room. Now!"

Ryou's eyes widened, and be backed up on the bed. "I... I do not like him...” He whimpered, yelping when the door opened and Rafel stepped in.

"Yes sir?" He said looking mildly confused.

Dartz was quick to strike the man across the face. "I do not want to hear of your cruelty again, Rafel! You will NOT torture those rabbits to torment the skunk, OR the others!"

Rafel nodded, glaring at Ryou slightly, as if to say 'I'll be getting you for this... later... '. "Yes sir.” He said calmly. "Don’t torture the rabbits, dually noted."

Ryou's ears flattened against his head, and he buried himself beneath Dartz's blankets.

"And... I want the two adults taken from the skunk." Dartz said, suddenly. "The adults and the gray infant... give them to the others. The rabbit, lion and fennec. They belong to all of them."

Rafel nodded. "Right away.” He said shooting another glare towards Ryou, before turning and leaving, to follow his new orders.

Ryou huddled beneath the blankets, trembling.

Dartz turned and smiled. "Report any misconduct to me, little one. The man does what he is paid to do, but sometimes does a bit extra...”

Ryou nodded from beneath the blankets, slowly working up the nerve to peer out. "I... I do not like him...” He said swallowing hard. "H-he's cruel...”

Dartz sighed and nodded, petting Ryou. "He can be that, sometimes. Come now. Out of there." And he pat Ryou on the bottom.

Ryou climbed out from under the blankets and pulled his own blanket onto himself, nuzzling into it and shivering. "If... you like hybrids so much... w-why are you doing this? I... I would think if we were so beautiful as you said we are, you'd not want to tarnish that beauty with such a... risqué business...”

"There are others who wish to enjoy your beauty on an intimate level. As do I. And that is what I offer. There are some who would pull you into an alley and rape you. Here it is not like that. Here I make sure that you are safe. We screen all clients for disease, and check their criminal records. Those who have a history of cruelty towards animals, or an STD are not permitted. Here, I can care for you and make sure that you are safe in a sexual encounter, and care for you afterwards, should care be needed. You are fed and watered, and bathed and sheltered. You are protected. Unlike strays on the streets."

Ryou frowned softly. "But... I had a home and a master...” He said softly. "I wasn't a stray... a-and I don’t... really want to have sex with anyone but Marik...”

Dartz chuckled. "Really? A rabbit who doesn't want all the sex he can get?” He asked, grinning.

Ryou blushed. "Certainly not. Just because I'm a bunny doesn't mean I think about sex constantly.” He said calmly. "I have my needs, but I'm no sex machine. I have my mate; he's horny enough for the both of us."

Dartz blinked, and then burst out laughing.

Ryou crossed his arms looking quite proud of himself. "Besides, I'm not the type to go about initiating such a thing."

Dartz chuckled. "Yes... you seem too timid to be doing that.” He commented, petting Ryou's hair.

Ryou wrinkled his nose, batting away Dartz's hands and began to fix his hair, despite it having barely been messed up at all. "Messy...”

Dartz smiled and stroked Ryou's back. "Little neat freak, eh?"

Ryou grumbled. "I just don’t like people messing up my hair... I have it just how I like it." he said softly, looking down. "Why did you kidnap me...? I... I had a master. Marik, Bakura, Malik and I all have masters...” He asked, timidly. "We weren't strays at all...”

Dartz frowned. "You wear no collars. You do not reside with any masters. You walk the streets with no leash. To Animal Control, you are strays. I simply got to you first."

Ryou shook his head. "But we're not animals, we're people, we have masters, our own houses, jobs!” He said clutching the blanket. "Animal control knew about us, they supported us...”

"And yet they still pick you up and throw you into the pound." Dartz pointed out. "They treat you as animals."

Ryou sniffled. "But... if it came down to it, I'd rather be safe in the pound... a-away from hungry eyes and hands...” He said softly. "This place frightens me... I don’t like people looking at me like they're starving... like I'm some sexual escape...”

"Were you oblivious to the same eyes and hands at your place of work?" Dartz asked, raising his eyebrows. "Did you not see the hungry looks?"

Ryou's eyes widened and he shook his head. "Marik was there, he protects me... and Seto... No one dared...”

"And yet they still look at you. Even with your mate's protection, they still have touched you, haven't they?" Dartz asked.

Ryou shook his head. "Never!” He said firmly. "Not with a lion as my mate."

"I must wonder if you are trying to convince me, or yourself." Dartz hissed, moving closer to Ryou.

Ryou backed away, ears falling back against his head, eyes wide. "There's no doubt in my mind! No one ever touched me! They all knew better... Marik made it pretty clear...” He said softly. "I may have gotten looks, but I never noticed, because Marik put an end to them almost instantly."

"He cannot stop everyone." Dartz reasoned. "He is only one man, next to many who would have you."

"S-sure he can! He's part lion too, and that's the part people fear... fear enough to leave me alone." Ryou reasoned back, backing up just a bit more, uncomfortable being too close to Dartz at the moment.

Dartz shook his head. "He cannot protect you from their stares. And your ignorance will not make them go away."

Ryou shook his head. "As long as I don’t notice... a-and they don’t touch then who's to say they are or are not staring?” He said softly. "They may be, but as long as I don’t see, I won’t know."

"Ignorance is bliss." Dartz said with a slight smile. "But it can also get you into trouble."

Ryou blinked. "... Like what?” He asked confused. He didn't think himself ignorant...

"Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away, little one...” Dartz said, standing and scooping Ryou up, heading for the door.

Ryou squirmed, trying to get loose. "Please... I don’t want to be in a cage...” He whimpered softly. "E-even if you treated me like an animal, your beds are hard, t-the rooms are cold, the litter is gross and the blankets don’t offer enough warmth...” He pleaded. "Please... I don’t want back in that cage...”

Dartz smiled. "I'll see that you get more blankets and clean litter.” He said, heading for the elevator.

Ryou shook his head. "Please! I don’t want to!” He whined, struggling more. "I hate cages! I don’t want it!” He whimpered, breaking loose and backing away. "Please don’t...”

Dartz frowned. "Enough now. Come here.” He said, reaching for Ryou. "Where else am I supposed to put you?"

Ryou backed up more. "S-someplace with a toilet and a real bed!” He grumbled, backing up more. "My master treated me far better. I-if you appreciate beauty so much you wouldn't make me go live so uncomfortably.” He said stubbornly. "Litter ruins my claws, dirties my fur, that floor is dirty and freezing, a-and I want my master...” Ryou said sniffling. "I want Master... I... I want his hugs, his kisses and I... I want h-his warm bed to sleep in...”

"I will consider an alternative. But for now, back you go." Dartz said, catching Ryou and carrying him to the elevator.

Ryou struggled once more. "Please! I don’t want to!" He said, soft tears rolling down his face. "I don’t want a cage... Please... Surely there's somewhere else you could put me!” He said shaking his head. "Cages frighten me! Please!” He sobbed breaking loose a second time, backing into the back corner of the elevator. "Please don’t... d-don’t...”

Dartz sighed. "But in your cage, you are near your mate.” He pointed out.

Ryou glared through his tears. "Near enough to feel heartbreak every time we see each other!” He said sniffling. "That's cruel! Marik feels horrible enough, and you taunt him with me...”

"Would you rather be separate from him completely?" Dartz asked.

Ryou sniffled softly. "D-do you truly intend to sell me as a sex object?" He countered.

"Yes. If that is how you see it." Dartz said calmly.

Ryou looked away. "How else am I to see it? Is that not the truth?"

"Yes. It is." Dartz said

Ryou sniffled softly. "If you have any sort of heart... you won’t put me back in that cage... it would kill Marik... the moment someone picked me... it would kill me to see him hurt like that, it would kill me to see him picked...” He said hiccupping slightly. "Please... don’t put me in that position... I'll do anything at all... please just don’t make me go through that.” He mumbled sniffling and trying to wipe away his tears.

Dartz said nothing as the elevator door opened. He picked Ryou up and carried him out and towards his cage. A glance showed Marik still asleep.

Ryou gave Dartz a heartbroken look. "You're a horrible horrible cruel man...” He mumbled softly, tears sliding down his cheeks.

Dartz quirked an eyebrow, then shook his head, chuckling. "You weren't saying that while I groomed you.” He said, opening the door to Ryou's cage and placing him in his little bunny bed.

Ryou glared. "I won’t let you groom me again...” He growled softly. "I know what you’re true colors are... you're a horrible man out to make money at the cost of others... you have no heart...” He said shaking his head. "You'll knowingly put us through hell, and when we beg for something to lessen the pain, you turn the deaf ear.” He grumbled. "I would rather be in the pound.” He said sniffling and looking away.

"Grooming me is a privilege, my master taught me that much, and it's something I give freely only once.” He added glaring, his eyes filling with tears. "Why... why can’t you listen to me?"

"I am listening.” He said, tucking Ryou in. "I must go. I have things to do." And he stood and turned to the door.

Ryou growled. "No you're not, you’re hearing, but you don’t have the heart to actually LISTEN to my words." He hissed. "You're utterly heartless! Terrible cruel man!” He choked out, beginning to cry.

Dartz's eyes widened and he quickly kneeled, caressing Ryou gently. "Oh nooo.... no no no... Don't cry... shhhh... don't cry, little one..." He gently kissed Ryou's forehead. "I hate to see such beautiful creatures cry... I will consider your words, okay? Please don't cry..."

Ryou sniffled, large watery tears rolling down his cheeks. "You're only saying that to make me stop, you're not really." He said softly, sobbing. "You would much rather just kill me from the inside out." he buried his face in his blankets, shaking his head, his small body wracked with sobs. "How can you be so cruel to us?"

"No..." Dartz protested, sitting down next to Ryou. "I don't want to kill you... not physically OR spiritually... And I mean it when I say I will consider your words." He smiled and stood. "But I have business to attend to. You rest." He said with a smile, then turned and walked out of Ryou's cage, closing the door behind him.

Moments later there was soft chuckling heard. "Hey rat." Rafel said, smirking at Bakura. "Look what I got." He said, holding a new box, soft scraping heard from within.

Bakura's head jerked up and his ears perked. "Dust? Did you bring back Dust?!" He gasped, leaping to his feet and wagging his tail.

Rafel chuckled. "Kinda..." he said reaching into the box and pulling out the bunny, two large spiky protrusions from his back visible, and longer little claws clearly visible. "If this is that thing you call Dust."

Bakura's eyes widened. "Dust... what... what happened to him?!" The skunk cried, prancing anxiously at the front of his cage.

"Oh nothing... Dai just decided to have a little fun with him..." He said, flicking the small bunny's nose, causing the poor creature to make a sound quite similar to Yami's squawks.

Bakura's ears quivered. "P-Please... may I hold him?" He asked, softly, not wanting to anger the cruel man.

"Nope." Rafel said smirking. "I've got orders to get those other bunnies of yours and distribute them among your little friends. "Now you push all but ONE to the door, and I'll think about letting you say goodbye to them."

Bakura gulped, and nodded. "Yessir..." He said, and turned to look at Tuc and Nod. "Sorry..." He murmured to them, picking them up and carrying them over to the door, leaving little Spunky all by himself in the bed.

Rafel opened the door and snatched the two adult bunnies, slamming it quickly shut. He tossed Nod roughly in Malik's cage. "Stupid rats...” he mumbled opening Ryou's cage and roughly tossing in Tuc, shutting the door. "I fuckin hate rabbits." he mumbled returning to Bakura's cage and opening the door once more. "Ya got 10 seconds." he said handing the drooping baby to Bakura.

Dust looked sick, very sick, and was hardly moving, save the soft trembles of pain that still wracked his little body.

Bakura gratefully took the baby bunny into his arms and scuttled over to his bed, laying Dust down by his brother so that the pair could at least know that the other was okay. Bakura nuzzled Dust, crooning in near desperation, trying to calm the frightened baby down. Then, he looked him over, to see just what was done to him.

Dust trembled softly, fur bristling for a moment, before those previously known as 'spiky protrusions' did something unexpected. He flapped small little wings, wings that were in the pinfeather stage.

Spunky blinked and sniffed his brother, confused.

Bakura's eyes widened and he stared. "Wings... Dust... you have wings!" He blurted, and inspected them gently, nuzzling and licking both baby bunnies and crooning to them lovingly.

Dust opened his eyes, whimpering softly, before licking Bakura, burying his little face in Bakura's hand, seemingly seeking shelter there.

Spunky nuzzled his brother and began licking his fur gently, hating to see him in pain.

Dust cooed softly, soft muffled twitters heard from Bakura's hand.

Bakura smiled and nuzzled Dust, scooping him up and licking him gently, before returning to the door, knowing that Rafel had given him more than the 10 seconds he had been allowed. "Thank you..." Bakura said humbly, staring at the floor. He gave Dust one last kiss on the top of his head between his little ears.

Dust whimpered softly, as Rafel shut the door. "Alright you mass of fur and feathers." He said, tossing the creature into Marik's cage, slamming the door.

Dust squawked once more, flapping pathetically to prevent from crashing painfully into the floor. Thankfully, he crashed into Marik's soft mane of hair instead.
Marik jerked slightly and moaned, stirring. Bakura returned to his bed and scooped up Spunky, cuddling him to his chest and walking over to the front window, watching Marik slowly return to consciousness.

Tuc was also watching from where he was cuddled up with Ryou, and Nod was frantically trying to dig her way out of Malik's cage to get to her babies.

Ryou gave Nod a pathetic look. "Don’t... you'll hurt yourself..." He said softly, picking up Tuc and nuzzling him. "Marik and Bakura will... take good care of your babies." He added, smiling sadly at Nod. "I promise..."

But the rabbit didn't stop digging.

"Murrrrrrrr...." Marik groaned, and slowly lifted his head. Dust fell off with a soft plop, and Marik blinked and looked down at the winged bunny. "Hurrrr?"

Dust hopped closer, nuzzling into Marik, as if to say 'Daddy, I missed you!'. He gave soft tweets and gently pawed at him, wanting attention from his beloved 'adopted' father.

Ryou nuzzled Tuc. "Oh please Tuc... can’t you get Nod to stop? She'll hurt herself..." he mumbled, looking at Marik. "Marik... Look what they did to Dust..." he said ears drooping.

Marik stared down at the bunny. "Dust..." He murmured, then began to loudly purr and groom the baby. "Oh, Dust... my Dust Bunny..." Bakura smiled slightly and nuzzled his own precious baby bunny, gently grooming his little paws, still tender from the scalding water they had been dipped into.

Malik gently picked up Nod and hugged her. "It's ok... Bakura loves Spunky... he won’t let anything else happen." He said giving Bakura a look that said 'or else.' "And Marik loves Dust, he'll be ok... Ryou wouldn't let anything happen to Tuc... and I promise to protect you…"

Ryou hugged Tuc. "I'm so scared... I hate it here..."

Tuc turned and began grooming Ryou's ears, and Nod let out a sigh of defeat and let Malik hold her while she watched Marik bathing Dust, placing long licks across the baby's little tummy.

Dust gently kicked at Marik, his longer little claws gently scraping his lion-daddy's face. He squeaked and twittered, squirming before rolling and pouncing into Marik's arms, curling up contentedly, to nap.

Marik smiled and slowly curled up in his bed, still groggy from the gassing he had been subjected to earlier. He groomed the baby's wings, then looked up.

"Ryou?"

Ryou blinked, looking up from Tuc, who he'd been clinging to, cuddling and grooming. "Y-yes Marik?"

"Are you okay?" The lion asked, face filled with concern. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

Ryou sighed softly. "No. I'm fine. He didn't hurt me... just groomed me." he said smiling weakly. "I'm fine."

Marik blinked. "Groomed you?" He asked. "Why did he do that?"

Ryou sighed. "I... don’t really understand either. But he did... and that's all." he said nuzzling Tuc. “He also punished Rafel for being cruel to Spunky and Bakura..."

"About damn time!" Bakura snorted, and Marik sighed and let out a large yawn.

"Well... I'm glad you're okay, Ryou." He said with a smile. "How's Tuc holdin' up? Glad that he got out of getting snipped?"

Ryou laughed. "I don’t think I have the heart to ask him to do that now... both of his babies aren't full bunnies..." He grinned. "Looks like you get to have a little more fun before it's time to retire." He said gently poking Tuc's nose.

Tuc shook his head, then nipped Ryou's fingertip gently as if to say 'you better beleive it. Now cut it out.' Marik smiled and looked down at little Dust.

"Dust has wings, Ryou." He said.

Ryou smiled. "Well he was a little angel... now he just has the wings to prove it..." He said softly, tickling Tuc. "Naughty little bunny..." he said smiling warmly, feeling a tinge of home in his precious companion. "You're such a little trouble maker..."

Tuc gave a little sniff, 'You bet I am!', and lay down, closing his eyes contentedly now that he was back with Ryou.

"My little angel..." Marik purred with a smile, finishing the grooming of the baby bunny, while Bakura diligently groomed Spunky's tail, and Nod, feeling the need to be a mother, groomed an amused Malik's face and ears.

Ryou smiled and curled up, with Tuc, nuzzling him. "I'm glad you're here... you can protect me, just like you used to..." He cooed nudging the bunny softly, giving him a long lick. "And... I'll protect you too..." he added, yawning softly.

Tuc flicked an ear and licked Ryou's nose before settling down for a nap, and Bakura soon did the same.

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

Silverwolfe: O.o … glad you’re over it… ummm… glad you liked the chapter?

Riley: Awwww… well thank you. Glad you’re enjoying the fic.

Lokivsanubis: …. Ummm… okay… well, glad the Monty Python reference amused you… ^_^