The Jungle

The Jungle

Mally-chan and Hato Chiisai

Disclaimer: We own nothing within this fic.

YAOI WARNING

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

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Chapter 9

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Bakura had fallen asleep in the ferns in front of Kaiba Corp. and woke late at night. Slowly peeking out, he found the street deserted. Stretching, he climbed out of the flower bed and proceeded back to the pet shop. There, he picked up Marik's scent, faint as it was, and began to follow it. He was determined to find him. As the sun began to rise, Bakura had found himself several miles away, trotting along side the exit ramp of a highway and into a suburb. A woman who was out getting her paper saw him, and screamed, before running into the house. Bakura snorted and went on his way, but inside, the woman was calling Animal Control. And as soon as Rem walked into the pet shop that morning the phone rang.

Picking it up she found herself being yelled at by an excited Dai; Bakura had been spotted, and ordered her to go and oversee his recapture. She hurried on her way and found herself in the middle of a wild goose chase through a quiet suburban neighborhood involving five animal control officers, seven of her own men, and about fifteen police officers who were laughing and talking about how they couldn't WAIT to write up the report on THIS one.

Bakura in the mean time was running wildly between houses in a panic, trying to find which one Marik might be in and avoid re-capture.

"Hurry we have to find him!" Rem shouted, looking frantic. She had a lot on her to-do list today, including retraining Ryou and this was just taking away from her time to plan.

Malik groaned softly. "What's with all the noise? Jeeze can't they keep it down?” he grumbled, nudging Marik a bit. "Go see what's going on...” he mumbled lazily, unwilling to get out of bed just yet.

Marik yawned loudly and stretched, hopping from the bed and moving to the living room to look out the window. He blinked at all the people running in every direction, and then he saw Rem. His eyes widened. Then, he sniffed. His eyes got large.

"Oh, you must be kidding....” he gasped. He heard a crash and ran to look out the window into the back yard, and there he saw Bakura dragging himself from the bushes. Marik's eyes widened and he put his paws on the window sill.

"Muuuuuuurumph!!” he called, excitedly, tail lashing about wildly. Bakura perked up, sniffing the air, and then saw Marik. An excited grin appeared on his face and he ran to the window.

"Lemme in! Quick!!" Bakura gasped. Marik whirled and ran back to the bedroom.

"Muuuurumph!” he said to Malik, nudging him. Malik grumbled and swatted at him. Marik frowned, jerked the blankets away, got a mouthful of Malik's boxers and jerked him out of the bed and onto the floor.

Malik groaned and swatted Marik. "Knock it off!” he grumbled standing, and readjusting his boxers. "What's the deal?” he asked, yanking the sheets away and crawling back into bed. "Jeeze I'm trying to sleep"

"Bakura!" Was Marik's reply, as he grabbed the blankets in his teeth, starting a game of tug-o-war with Malik. "He's owseye!" Marik growled between clenched teeth. "You haha leh hin in!!!"

Malik looked at Marik exasperatedly. "Why didn't YOU just let him in?! you've got hands!” he growled, yanking the blanket away and knocking Marik face first into the carpet. "Jeeze.” he mumbled, spreading the sheets back on his bed and going to the window. "Oh nice... a skunk.” he mumbled, opening the window as the creature scrambled in, just narrowly dodging being seen.

Marik immediately leapt onto Bakura, and two were soon rolling around on the floor, crying and laughing at the same time, happy beyond belief at seeing each other. Malik closed the window and watched them for a moment as they both began excitedly talking at once.

"Alright alright what's going on here!" Malik said after letting them have their moment of reunion. "What is he doing here?!” he added, annoyed. "Someone explain."

Marik shrugged and looked at Bakura, who blushed.

"I, uh... I broke out of the pet shop and tracked Marik down....” he mumbled. Marik blinked.

"How?"

"I always told you that you smelled." Bakura said with a smirk, and Marik glared.

"Why did you come?"

"I... missed you... I was all alone. Ryou was bought a few hours after they took you away!" Marik's eyes widened.

"Bought?! By who?!"

"I don’t know his name, but I've seen him on the news. Rich guy. Long white hair. Real fruitcake." Bakura said, then looked at Malik. "Who's the kid?"

Malik glared. "My name is Malik, not kid.” he said harshly. "You may want to consider using it if you plan on staying here.” he added threateningly. "Just because I like Marik, doesn't mean I'm willing to deal with a skunk with a bad attitude.” he added. "As it is, I have a hell of a lot of explaining to do to sis if she sees you..."

"Damn right." Ishizu snarled from the door way. Marik and Bakura jumped and whirled. Marik gulped and Bakura hid behind him. "Malik... WHAT is going on here.....?!"

Malik hung his head. "Great...” he mumbled. "Uh... well they're friends?” he said hopefully. "Why don’t you two tell her?” he asked them suddenly, wanting out of the hot seat.

Ishizu glared down at the two hybrids.

"B-Bakura is my best friend...." Marik whimpered. "He ran away to find me....."

"Ran away from where."

"The store..."

"The pet store?"

"Yes....."

"Then that's where I will return him to." She said.

"NO!!" Bakura howled. "Please! I don’t wanna go back there! I hate it there!!!"

"I am NOT running a rescue center for stray hybrids!!" the woman screamed.

"why not? You can get government funding...." Marik suggested weakly. Ishizu glared.

Malik snickered, glad to be out of Ishizu's line of fire. "I don’t think she really could.” he said amusedly. "sis, lets just keep him for now.” he said reasoning. "We'll make him earn his keep, I'm sure he could do something useful for you...Right?” he said turning and glancing at Bakura, signaling he'd better agree.

Bakura glared, but nodded. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Bakura froze, eyes wide.

"Rem...” he gasped. Marik blinked.

"Rem? Rem is here?!” he asked, and Bakura nodded. "Are you sure?"

"I can smell her!" Bakura whimpered.

"Get the door, Malik." Ishizu said, and Bakura scuttled behind the sofa to hide.

Malik sighed and answered the door. "Hello ma'am.” he said smiling at her. "Come to check on Marik?” he asked trying to sound curious about the visit. "Marik!” he called. "That lady's here c'mere!"

Rem smiled, looking around the home a bit. "Hello Marik." She said patting him on the head. "It's good to see you're ok, but the real reason I'm here is because one of our animals was seen in this neighborhood. Have you seen a skunk?"

Marik perked up and looked at her. "Bakura?” he asked. "Bakura's here? What's he doing here? How'd he get here?” he asked, hoping that Bakura stayed out of sight and that the overly large tail wasn't sticking out.

Rem frowned. "Well... have either of you seen him?" she said, turning to Malik and Ishizu. Malik turned and gave her a pleading look, sure Rem couldn't see. "please..” he mouthed turning to Rem and shaking his head. "I haven't seen any skunks...” he said slowly, hoping his sister would say the same.

Ishizu rubbed her face. "It's too early for this..." She grumbled. "Malik, let that bloody lion outside before he pees on my carpet...." And she wandered back to her room. Marik glared after her, offended.

"I would do no such thing!!!” he growled, then slipped out past Rem and peed on Ishizu's flowers again, then kicked up dirt with his back feet, effectively ripping up the flower bed. "Take that... now you HAVE a reason to complain, lady....” he growled, and went back in, sitting at Malik's feet and looking up at Rem.

Malik grinned at Rem. "Well, neither of us has seen a skunk, we'll keep an eye out for him though, ok?” he asked petting Marik a bit.

Rem nodded. "Thank you." She said softly, deciding they were telling the truth. "Well... I should get back to searching soon, I have an appointment for animal training later… seems one of our other rodents is having difficulty behaving for his new master." She mumbled taking her leave.

Malik sighed in relief after closing the door. "You so owe me.” he mumbled flicking Marik's ear.

Marik nodded, humbly. "I do, Master Malik. Thank you so much...." And he rubbed against Malik, purring loudly before running over to the sofa and pouncing on Bakura, excited beyond belief.

Rem returned to the pet shop, already tired, and when she got there she was startled to find someone in her office.

"About time." The man said, standing. "Did you find that skunk?" She blinked and shook her head. "I'm here to pick up my order.” he said, and she nodded.

"Yessir. Right this way." And she led him out into the pet shop. She got to Yami's cage and walked in, hearing him snoring. She knocked on his tree. "Yami... Yami, wake up." She heard him grunt. "Your new owner is here to pick you up." After a moment, Yami's head poked out of the tree, his eyes narrow and hard. He looked around, ready to torch his "owner" with words. But they got lost somewhere on the way to his mouth when he caught sight of the man.

"Come out of there and get down here so we can go home." Seto Kaiba commanded.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rem sighed after Seto left and looked at Rex. "hey. Rex sweetie... do you remember Ryou?" She asked softly. "Would you like to repeat the same deal as before?" She added smiling. "He's become naughty again and needs shaping up, if you can scare him into behaving again I'll give you whatever you want for dinner."

Rex loped to the front of his cage. "Really?” he asked. "Will he come here, or will I go there, cuz some fresh air would be great......" And he grinned.

Rem nodded. "You'll get to come along. Dressed of course, after all his owner is a very special man, and you want to look your best while you... retrain the bunny." She said calmly. "He might favor you and keep you around to keep Ryou around." She added opening his cage door and plucking him up. "Let’s get you cleaned up a bit, then we'll go to his house... and please try not to break anything... Mr. Pegasus is a very firm man and might lose his temper."

Rem hurriedly washed and dressed Rex in tattered brown tanned leather shorts and a matching vest, which hung open over his chest, and put spiked bracelets around his wrists.

"There you go. What a vicious looking creature you are." She said proudly. Rex always seemed to carry a natively predator look, and the tanned leather seemed to bring it out even more.

She picked him up and put him into a carrier and quickly drove to Pegasus's house.
Rex was bitching the entire way, still angry about the bath, but when he saw the house he shut up. When the doorbell rang, Pegasus went into the bedroom where Ryou was. He had decided to let Ryou think that the bunny thing was only when Rem was there, so he let him out of the ball (eventually) and spent the night in a normal bed again.

"Ryou.” he called gently, shaking Ryou. "Wake up."

Ryou whimpered softly and squirmed away. "I'm sleepy...” he mumbled opening his eyes slowly. "good afternoon...” he added softly, rubbing his eyes and stretching. "Why'd you wake me up?" Ryou asked after a moment, looking at the clock, he normally didn't wake from his afternoon nap until around four o' clock. Ryou looked at Pegasus confusedly. "What's the matter?"

"Miss Rem is here, Ryou, I'm sorry." And he plucked him up out of the bed and carried him out of the room, Tuc and Nod running frantically after them. He took Ryou into the 'Bunny Room' as he called it, and set Ryou into the nesting box, placing Tuc and Nod in with him.

"I have to go let her in.” he said.

Ryou pouted a bit, but at least this time he was dressed. He hugged Tuc and Nod and pouted in silence while Pegasus answered the door.

Rem smiled and nodded to him. "I brought the only thing more qualified to straighten Ryou out than me. Pegasus, I'd like you to meet my precious Coyote." She said opening the pet carrier and watching Rex emerge, looking as badass as ever, despite his being cleaned up. "He's the one who put Ryou in line the first time. Just give him instructions on how you wish things to go, and he'll perform. He's such a good worker, and he loves what he does." She said proudly.

Pegasus blinked at the vicious looking thing. Why, that beast would scare Ryou to death! Perfect.

"He does not want to admit that he is not human." Pegasus began, blinking when the coyote growled. "He wants to walk on his own, as in WALK, not hopping properly on all fours, he wants to have normal clothes, eat human food and go back to his human life. This is unacceptable. He is a pet, and must get that through his head. He is NOT human." Pegasus concluded, and Rex nodded.

"Gotcha... where is the little appetizer?” he asked, and Pegasus quirked an eyebrow at that, looking at Rem.

Ryou peered into the room and gasped. Rex! That awful woman had brought Rex. If he'd just been closer he would have heard the conversation proceeding... Ryou picked up Tuc and Nod and bolted away, hoping to hide them in the safety of the guest room before Rex caught on. Hopefully he'd even have time to hide!

Ryou opened the door and placed the small bunnies in the closet. "Please be very quiet and stay here.” he said softly, closing them in and quickly closing the guest room door, and searching out a hiding place of his own. He heard footsteps however, and settled for hiding in the small area behind a red velvet divan. He shook his head and hugged himself, his ears bristling in fear.

Pegasus led Rem, who was straining to hold back an eager Rex, to the Bunny Room. He opened the door and stared.

"Dammit! He figured out how to get out of his cage!” he cried. Rex grinned.

"I'll sniff him out....” he growled, and Rem released him from the leash so he could to do just that. He made his way into the guest room and over to the closet. He began to paw at the door, and a thumping noise was heard inside. Pegasus blinked and opened the door. There were Tuc and Nod. Rex let out an excited bark, and charged at them. They darted out of the way and fled from the closet. Rex whirled and ran after Tuc, who was still wearing bandages and therefore was slower.

Ryou gasped as he saw Rex charging after his beloved bunny friends and squirmed out from behind the divan and tackled him, biting him at least five times in a split second, before darting off, Tuc in tow.

"Leave them alone!” he shouted, darting down the halls and skidding on the tile as he tried to turn. Ryou yelped as he slipped and fell, landing painfully in effort to not crush Tuc, who scampered off to hide. Ryou winced and got up slowly, unsure of how badly he'd hurt himself, and a little dazed and disoriented.

With a roar Rex burst through the door and came charging down the hall after Ryou, teeth bared and eyes on fire. Tuc dashed under a grandfather clock (Nod was nowhere to be seen) and Rex then tackled Ryou, HARD, sending them both crashing down the stairs. Pegasus, wide eyed and worried, ran after them, Rem at his side.

Ryou winced and whimpered struggling to get up, almost sure something had been broken... it at least felt that way! His whole body ached from the tumble down the stairs. He squirmed to get up, to get away before Rex re-oriented himself and hurt him or worse.
But Rex was up first and immediately seized Ryou's ears in his teeth. Ryou squealed as he was dragged across the hall, then slammed into the wall by Rex.

"Hello, Ryou... did ya miss me?” he growled with a sadistic grin.

Ryou winced. "Like a hernia.” he mumbled painfully. Though he seemed moderately pleased that both Tuc and nod had gotten safely away.

Rex chuckled. "Well, glad to know you missed me... and we're gonna be seeing a LOT more of each other now... until you finally accept the truth." And with that, he tackled Ryou to the floor and glared down at him. "You are an animal. A pet. You are NOT human. You never will be again... got it?"

Ryou glared. "Animal huh?" he said, biting Rex's arm as hard as he could, and not letting loose. "Amuhnl thus!” he mumbled around the hunk of flesh in his mouth. Ryou however, had to grimace, remembering how he'd wanted meat earlier, and suddenly feeling very... put out by the idea. 'ugh..'

Rex roared and turned, slamming Ryou's head into the wall, stunning him. He moved back, eyeing his wound, then pounced proceeding to give Ryou the most ferocious beating yet. When he was done Ryou was lying on the floor covered in bruises, and bleeding.

"Care to try that again, rabbit?!" Rex snarled.

Ryou whimpered softly and curled up, remaining silent. He kept his eyes closed and shook from the fear and the pain his body was now feeling. He huddled tightly against the wall, fearing the next impact of a fist, or teeth from Rex. Ryou whimpered and buried his head under his hands.

"It's time for a crash course you little rodent...." Rex growled, advancing on Ryou. "Now... What are you?"

Ryou whimpered and shook his head. "I don’t want to!" he wailed miserably "go away!"
Rex roared and tackled Ryou, bashing him about a bit.

"WHAT ARE YOU?!” he roared.

Ryou whimpered. "I'm not a bunny!” he wailed sorrowfully. "I'm not!"

Rex attacked again. Pegasus winced as he watched. Over and over again Rex asked Ryou the same question, and over and over again, Ryou refused to give the correct answer.

"If you don't cooperate, I may just have to go re-energize myself with a fresh bunny snack...." Rex growled. "And you'll suddenly find yourself lacking another friend... Why do you think Marik was put down, Ryou? He was a good boy... accepted who he was. Then you came... you made him see different. And now, because of YOU... he's DEAD!" And he rammed Ryou to the floor.

Ryou whimpered and glared up at Rex. "LIAR!” he shouted angrily, wincing at the effort put into the shout. "Leave Tuc and Nod alone!” he added, forcing himself wearily to sit up, though his ears drooped lower than they ever had from fatigue and injury. "Marik didn't DIE because of me!” he challenged stubbornly. "He DIED because whoever ordered me told Rem to kill him!"

"And why would that have been ordered?" Rex asked, his tone honey coated venom. "Think about it, Ryou... What reason would he have to put Marik down?"

Ryou whimpered and shook his head. "I... don’t know...” he mumbled looking away. "What reason would anyone have to order a person to be genetically ALTERED!?” he snapped. "Let alone kill someone else!"

Rex snorted. "No matter what you say... you cannot escape the facts... You are not a human. You are an animal... a pet... and your refusal to accept this cost Marik his life. It's All. Your. Fault." and he gave Ryou a good smack to drive the point home. "Now... what are you?"

"But it wasn't my fault!” he whimpered. "I never did anything to make him be put down..." Ryou mumbled pathetically. "It wasn't my fault..."

Rex growled and seized one of Ryou's ears, tugging it, painfully. "WHAT! ARE! YOU!!!” he growled.

Ryou yelped and tried to pull away. "stop please!” he whimpered. "please!” he whimpered as Rex only tugged harder, repeating the same question. "Please just leave me alone! I'm sorry!"

To his surprise, Rex released him and sighed. "Fine.” he said with a shrug. "I'll leave you alone." then, he grinned. "I'm hungry...." And then he whirled and charged up the stairs, heading straight for the clock where Tuc was hiding.

Ryou whined. "Please don’t! Stop!” he struggled to get up and tackled Rex with the little bit of strength he had left. "Leave them alone!"

But Rex shrugged him off and reached under the clock. Tuc squealed in fear as Rex seized his ears. Then Rex turned and dangled Tuc over the stairway banister; all that was between the rabbit's kicking feet and the marble floor was two floors worth of air. "What are you." Rex hissed.

Ryou stared at him shocked. "Please don’t! Give him back!” he struggled to reach the bunny. "Don’t hurt him! Please!"

Rex growled and let go, letting the bunny fall a few inches before catching him by the ears again. "WHAT ARE YOU?!?!"

Ryou whimpered and backed away, staring at him with fear clearly scrawled across his face. "A-alright...y-you win...j-just please don’t hurt him!” he pleaded softly.

Rex grinned. "Say it.” he drawled.

Ryou sniffled softly. "I... I'm a bunny...” he mumbled softly. "Please give him back..."

Rex snorted, then tossed Tuc aside, and the terrified rabbit ran down the hall and vanished around the corner. Rex then slowly stalked towards Ryou.

"Good boy... you're a bunny... but not only that, you're a pet... and whose pet are you?"
Ryou backed up slowly, whimpering at the pain that he felt with each movement.

"I...I..." he whimpered and looked away. "Please...y-you got w-what you wanted...j-just leave me alone…”

"Whose pet are you?" Rex hissed. "Who is your Master?"

Ryou whimpered and looked away. "....I...don’t know...” he mumbled pouting, cringing fearfully. "I-I really...d-don’t.."

Rex growled and lunged at Ryou, not touching him, just scaring him. "WHO BOUGHT YOU?!?!"

Ryou toppled over backwards, laying on the floor now looking up at Rex. "P-P....P-Pegasus...” he said softly.

"good boy...." Rex crooned. "Your Master is Pegasus. So you call him Master Pegasus. And whatever he tells you to do, you do. Got it?"

Ryou whimpered and sniffled, hiccupping and trying to stop himself from shaking so fiercely. He gave a slight nod and tried to squirm away, despite all the punishment he'd endured.

"Good boy..." Rex said, walking past. "Today's lesson is over... I'll see you tomorrow...." and with a barking laugh he made his way over to Pegasus and Rem, who leashed him. Rex wagged his tail at the woman, his eyes asking if he did well.

Rem petted him and smiled. "As you can see, he's very persuasive." she commented, leaning over and whispering in Pegasus's ear. "If you want to keep him around, just give me a call... Ryou tends to forget his lessons quickly." she said smiling and picking up the pet carrier. "You did such a good job Rex!" she praised, scratching that heavenly spot behind his ear.

Rex let his tongue roll out and he panted happily, tail wagging like crazy. "Can I ride shotgun?” he asked, and Rem laughed. Pegasus chuckled as well.

"I'd rather not keep him around... but if you could bring him by once a day, whenever is convenient for you, I will make it worth your while.” he said softly so that Ryou would not hear.

Rem nodded. "We'll be back tomorrow." She said and grinned at Rex. "Yes, and I'll even roll down the window for you." she said, knowing how all animals of the canine species enjoyed sticking their heads out windows.

Ryou sighed softly in relief once Rex and Rem had left. He whimpered and slowly tried to force himself to get up. "ouch...” he whimpered, giving up and flopping to the floor painfully. He looked at Pegasus and sniffled miserably.

Pegasus quickly rushed over and knelt, gathering Ryou into his arms.

"Shhhhh.....” he crooned, softly. "shhhh... it's okay... they're gone...... It's okay..." And he planted a gentle kiss on the top of Ryou's head between his ears. "why don't we get you into the tub, hmm?"

Ryou whined and nuzzled into Pegasus's arms. "I want to go home...” he whimpered. "Please...j-just make them...s-stop coming..."

"shhhh......." Pegasus said, standing and carrying Ryou into the bathroom. He ran a bath, undressed him, and set him in the warm water. "Do you wish to bathe alone?” he asked. "Or do you need some help?"

Ryou pouted. "I… I can do it.” he said softly. He felt embarrassed Pegasus had seen him nude so far, the idea of being bathed by him....

Pegasus smiled and nodded, gently rubbing Ryou's head. "Very well. I will got and see if I can find your friends, and bring you up some dinner." And he turned and left the room.

Ryou sniffled and began washing himself slowly. "ouch...” he winced and laid his head on the side of the tub, unwilling to move any further, he was clean enough. Even his ears throbbed, and probably his white fur was tinged red with his own blood, thanks to Rex biting them so much. He couldn't even move his ears anymore... he wondered for a moment if it was just because they were so sore... or if Rex had torn a muscle or something.

Pegasus had no luck finding the rabbits, but that was no surprise. He returned to the guest room with a tray of fruits that were Ryou's favorites. But Ryou was not there. Worrying, Pegasus went into the bathroom to find Ryou still in the tub. He knelt by the tub and picked up a wash cloth and soap, carefully washing Ryou, making soothing noises to him the entire time. Then he let the water drain and lifted Ryou out, wrapping him in a towel.

"Here we go...” he said as he set Ryou down on the bed and tucked him in. He offered Ryou a slice of pear. "Here. Eat.” he said.

Ryou turned away and winced. "I'm... not very hungry...” he mumbled. "I'm too sore to eat...” he added softly. Ryou winced softly, his ears stung, in places he was sure Rex had bit him. "Please... don’t let them come back... please...” he pleaded softly. "they hurt me..."

Pegasus didn't answer. He simply removed the tray and left the room, turning off the lights, leaving the door cracked so that Tuc and Nod could find their way in.

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

Malik stared boredly at the TV. "Isn't there something you two could be doing?” he asked, watching them be just as lazy as he was. "you know... like I dunno... something?” he flipped the channel for the hundredth time.

Bakura lifted his head and blinked at Malik, then began grooming his tail. Marik chuckled and rolled over onto his back, scratching his belly. "Isn't there something you can be doing instead of watching television?” he shot back. Bakura looked up with a smug grin, then went back to his grooming.

Malik yawned. "it's human nature to watch mind numbing crap.” he said boredly. "but fine. Why don’t you tell me about your love escapades with bunny boy. I'm always up for a good story."

Marik bristled and growled, and Bakura looked up with a smug, and now amused smirk, chuckling.

"Fuck off, Bakura." Marik growled, then looked at Malik. "I am NOT discussing my love life.” he said to him. "That is none of your business... and I have to pee." Bakura snorted.

Malik smirked. "oh but I thought you were trained to do what your 'master' told you” he taunted, amused himself. "Besides, I think Bakura'd love to hear about your little fling." he chuckled.

Bakura snorted. "HEAR about it?” he asked. "I HEARD it!!! I all but SAW it!! He was under that big plastic log fucking Thumper like a... like a horny rabbit!!" Marik growled louder this time.

Malik laughed. "oooooh under a log hmmm? Cute little bunny invited you in for a stay hm?” he chuckled. "did you two split a carrot too?"

Marik grumbled under his breath, muttering a bit before finally mumbling. "..... no... peanut brittle...." Bakura and Malik blinked then fell over laughing. Marik snarled and got up, stalking from the room and into the back yard, where he relieved himself on the bushes, then flopped down in the sun, sighing.

After a few minutes, Malik followed Marik outside and sat next to him. "You miss him... don’t you?” he said after a moment of silence. "Why... don’t you tell me a little about him.” he said, trying to console Marik a bit for his earlier teasing.

Marik let out a large, long sigh. "I miss him a lot...” he said, and Bakura came out and lay down beside Marik. "I've never been in love before. He was so scared when he came in, he was always under his log. He'd only come out when he thought no one was looking. He was shy and timid, and....” he sighed again.

Malik nodded a bit. "And? Keep going. Tell me about this wonderful bunny that you love so much..." Malik said calmly. "It'll make you feel better."

Marik smiled slightly. "I had some rabbit for breakfast that first day. He screamed and cried when I went to eat them, so I gave them to him. He named them Tuc and Nod, and they were so close... Bakura was his usual ass hole self," Bakura snorted. "But Ryou was as nice as can be to him. He would have made the perfect bunny if... if it weren't for the fact that no matter what, he would not give up his humanity. He still believes that he can return to his old life... and I wish he could... I wish that's where he was now, but... he's a pet. And it will kill his heart....." And this time, it was Bakura who let out a depressed sigh.

Malik blinked a bit. "So what? Nothing but yourselves is stopping you from going back to a life like a human's. Sure it wouldn't be exactly the same, but the only ones making you pets right now, is yourselves." Malik said dully. "If you asked, I'd take you out, buy you clothes and help get you jobs somewhere. None of the changes are so big that they can’t be hidden from the public eye. You could easily pass as human if you wanted to."

Both Marik and Bakura blinked. "It's not that easy..." Bakura muttered. "How am I supposed to hide my tail?! How do we hide our ears?! Our claws?! Marik has those eyes.... no, it would be obvious that we weren't normal. And by law, we are not human. We can't..." And Marik sighed and moved closer to Malik, hoping to get his ears scratched.

"Besides..." Marik said as Malik complied. "Being a pet isn't all that bad." and he smiled lightly. "It's nice here. You're nice, your sister is..... ummm...."

"Hot." Bakura said.

"I'm sure she's nice... we have a nice place to sleep, food to eat, and all the time in the world to relax in the sun, which is something we didn't get in the pet shop. All in all, it's not bad." And Bakura nodded his agreement as he went over to the shrubs to dig for grubs.

"Something you don’t get, is that bunny though." Malik said after a minute. "and you could hide your ears in your hair, or under a hat, file down your claws, and hide tails under a coat or Marik could even loop his around his waist like a belt. You're just afraid to try."

Marik and Bakura both jerked and stared at Malik.

"FILE MY CLAWS?!?!" they both cried in horrified unison.

Malik nodded. "Yes. File them.” he said calmly. "Or are you that attached? you know they'd grow back if you let them."

"You're nuts." Bakura snorted, then went back to digging. Marik chuckled.

"Maybe we'll try it someday...."

"Fat chance." Bakura grumbled.

"But it wouldn't be easy for us to find work... I've never had a job in my life, I've never worked before. And Bakura is..."

"Lazy." Bakura provided, popping a grub into his mouth.

"Yes, lazy." Marik said with a smile. "He could always go around and de-grub gardens, but..."

"Fuck you."

"the thing is, we've been out of this world for so long... it may take us a while to get used to being back in it again." And he smiled up at Malik. "We just need time, and maybe, someday, we can go out and live our own lives... and repay you for giving us the opportunity." And he laid his head in Malik's lap and purred.

Malik nodded. "well... I just think your bunny had the right idea." Malik said after a minute. "You aren’t that much different, you know... and well if you ever intend to see him again, I don’t think animals could do it... but then again humans might not be able to either..." Malik said, smirking at the implication he was making. "Maybe it's just impossible...” he added slyly.

Bakura snorted. "Nothing is impossible.” he said, looking back at Malik before retreating to a corner of the yard, relieving himself, and burying it. Then he went back to his grub digging. Marik sighed.

"What happens, happens. And what ever does happen, we have you to thank for it, Master Malik." The lion said.

Malik grinned broadly. "If nothing is impossible, then it's NOT impossible to return to your old lives.” he said amused. "And you just admitted it."

Marik looked up. "Of course it's not impossible to return to our old lives... the question is, do we WANT to. I sure as hell don't."

"Me neither." Bakura said as he went after a grub that was trying to burrow away from him. He caught it and ate it. "My life sucked.” he finished.

Malik sighed. "you two...” he mumbled. "Maybe that bunny is better off away from you.” he said after a minute.

Marik sighed. "Ryou said that... we would travel together..." and he smiled lightly, closing his eyes and enjoying the sun. "I would give anything to travel the world with him." Bakura snorted and rolled his eyes, continuing to dig for grubs. "I'd spend the rest of my life with him......"

Malik nodded a bit. "Lions don’t travel.” he said calmly. "It's ok though you'll probably never see him again..." Malik said somberly

Marik opened his eyes and fixed them on Malik, a look of deep sadness in them. "Please...” he said, softly. "Don't say that......"

"why not?" Malik said after a second. "I don’t see why I shouldn't say the truth."

"Because... nothing is impossible....." Marik said, simply, and Malik said nothing. All was silent for a while, save for the sounds of birds, Marik's purring and Bakura's grunting as he dug up the shrubbery. The silence was broken by Ishizu's piercing shrieks when she caught Bakura 'destroying her garden'.

Malik chuckled. "You're on your own Bakura.” he said calmly. "I'm gonna go back to watching TV...” he said getting up and going back inside.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Seto Kaiba sat in the back of his limo, gritting his teeth and glaring hard at the screaming box in front of him. The moment Yami had laid eyes on him he went ballistic, screaming and shouting and cursing... it had taken five very large men, three nets, and a good deal of shock treatment from Rem to get Yami into the crate. Rem had offered to keep him until he was better trained, but Seto refused; it was Yami's fighting spirit that had drawn him to the King of Games, and he wanted that spirit intact... he wanted to conquer it himself.

The car stopped and Seto got out. A few servants removed the crate from the car and followed Seto to the back yard. There, right outside of his bedroom window and slightly to the right was a large, elaborate aviary, filled with birds; and now, it was time to introduce them to their king. The crate was set down in the aviary. Seto gave a nod, and the box was flung open.

Yami was out of that crate in an instant, his feathers fluffed up and ruffled, he growled at Seto, from his perch in a tree. Rem had slipped the clothes he would have been wearing, into the crate, and he'd slipped them on, preferring clothes to nudity. "You bastard...” he breathed dangerously. Yami glared, straightening the silk harem pants he'd been given, and giving a greatful breath they were a solid, non-see-through indigo, and he was also grateful that the backless shirt he'd been provided wasn't see-through either.

He glared down at Seto, his wings quivering in silent, though obvious rage, his crimson eyes fixed on Seto's own frozen eyes just daring him to come any closer.

Seto smiled slightly, eying Yami's plumage. He was gorgeous. His employees left, taking the empty crate with them.

"Nice to see you too." Seto said calmly. "This is your new home now, and I am your Master. If you will notice, there is a little tunnel halfway up the aviary. If you go through there you can get into your room which is inside of the house and will be heated and air conditioned. It is next to, and actually connected to my private suite. I'm sure it will be to your liking. If you don’t want to stay in there, there is a hollow tree near it. I wasn't sure if you would like a nest or not, so I had one installed at the top of the hollow tree, right outside of my window. Is there anything else you need?"

Yami growled. "Yes.” he said, slowly regaining his composure.

"Okay..." Seto said, lifting an eyebrow, prepared for some shouted insulting demand that Yami knew he would not fulfill.

Yami however kept a calm voice. "I'd like you to bend over, so I can shove your head so far up your own ass you'll not see the light of day again for a good many years.” he replied, eyes relaying the utter hatred he had for Seto right now.

Seto sighed and looked down, shaking his head, slightly.

"Suit yourself, Yami.” he said, turning and heading for the door to the aviary. He left and closed the door, locking it, looking up at the livid King of Games.

"If you need anything just....” he paused, then grinned. "SING out for me...."

"Drop dead!" Yami hissed, throwing a nearby fruit that was hanging from the tree's branches at the window, sending fruit splatter in every direction.

Yami sighed after Seto seemed to be gone and looked around. "He knows I'd just find a way out of here... it will only be a matter of time..." he mumbled, beginning to inspect his surroundings in great detail, observing every possible means of escape, and how those means could be properly utilized....

Seto knew perfectly well that Yami would try to escape, but he would find it to be rather difficult. The aviary was made of steel, and the window were to small for Yami to fit through. Every piece was welded together so nothing could come loose, including the tunnel into the house. And that room was escape proof as well. The door was the only vulnerable point, and if tampered with, it would deliver a nasty shock. But Yami would probably find that out the hard way.... Seto chuckled at the idea, but at the same time hoped to God Yami didn't try it... he didn't want him hurt... Seto went into his office, clicked a few things on his computer and brought up the observation cameras so he could watch his beautiful new pet for a while.

Yami hissed a bit, yanking his hand away from the door. "... sneaky bastard...” he mumbled sitting on his knees by the door nursing his still tingling hand. "There has to be another way....” he thought to himself. It was then his eyes caught sight of something... rather... interesting. "Well well well...” he said, smirking. "Looks like someone forgot to conceal this bit of wire....” he said, noting that the wires lead to the door. "Even if I don’t get away, at least I'd get the satisfaction of pissing him off..." Yami reasoned, debating whether or not to utilize the exposed naked wires. All it would take, was a quick snip, and SOMETHING was bound to stop working... and from the look of it, that something would be the door's 'anti-escape' shock system.

Seto chuckled as Yami reached for the wires. He'd fire the idiot who left them exposed, but later. Just as Yami's fingers touched the wire, Seto pushed the button on his remote control; Yami's shock collar activated and gave a good zap.

Yami hissed and clutched his neck a bit. "bastard....” he growled and began fiddling with the collar, determined to remove it. His feathers bristled a bit from the tingling left by the shock. "Ra... just you wait, I'll gouge your eyes out and feed them to your guard dogs....” he grumbled, looking at the wires again. "I could rip these out so fast your head would spin, and be out of here in less than five minutes... and you know it... spying bastard." Yami looked around for the camera that was surely in the aviary.

He suddenly received another shock, and then, Seto's voice boomed over an intercom system.

"I heard that... that wasn't a nice thing to say, pretty birdie...."

"Truth hurts doesn't it you slimy bastard?” he said sarcastically. "And for the record, you need to hire someone to tend to these plants. They seem to be dying... or wait, maybe it's just that freezing personality of yours that's killing them." Yami huffed in retort.

Yami glared at the door, deciding a better time to go after those wires, would be when Seto was sleeping. "Enjoy this while it lasts, I assure you I'm not a permanent guest in your little birdhouse."

"I don't intend for you to be, Yami." Seto said. the truth was that while he had a strange infatuation with Yami, he also loved pissing him off; it was funny as hell. "I hope that at some point I'll be able to let you roam about wherever you want without flying away. But for now, you stay right there." And then he picked up the phone and ordered someone to tend to the exposed wires immediately. And much to Yami's dismay, fifteen minutes later, a pair of men were doing just that.

Yami, however didn't let them get away with doing their job... at least not without adding their injuries, to his insult. "Hope you cover health insurance.” he cackled as he watched the men scramble out, their job finished, but not at the cost of tattered clothing and multiple scratches and bites, as well as deep gouges in their backs and necks.

"Heh..." Yami said, calmly sitting back on the branch he'd picked previously, and cleaning the blood from his hands slowly.

"Care to tell me why you decided to do this Seto? Was it because you couldn't stand constantly losing to me? Pretty sad. It'll be worse when you have to add losing to a bird to your list of defeats. I'm sure that'll make you look like a real genius then..." Yami drawled boredly, looking around once again for the cameras.

Seto frowned at that... as good as he was at pissing Yami off, Yami seemed to be twice as good at pissing Seto off. Seto chose not to answer, hoping that Yami thought he hadn't been listening. He wanted to send him another shock, but that would be the same as admitting defeat, so he didn't.

Yami snickered a bit. "Oh? No big shot defense? Not surprising.” he said finishing his preening. "Even now, you can’t beat me...admit it, you may take my social standing down from human to animal, but you're still no better than the dogs anyway. you merely were trying to 'level' the playing field I suppose..." Yami said in mock-thoughtfulness. "Dog... ahh isn't that something you called Yugi's friend? it suits you much better."

Seto snarled, and this time couldn't resist. He pushed the button.... and held it.

Yami yowled and clutched his collar, trying desperately to pull it away from shocking range. "BASTARD!” he shouted his feathers puffed and quivering in pain.

Seto waited until Yami fell off of his branch, then released the button. "I would watch your tongue if I were you, you stuck up cock!” he snapped over the PA. "Maybe you need something clarified... the fact is, I OWN YOU!!!"

Yami groaned softly and sat up, his left wing ached from he fall and he winced a bit. "Bite my feathered ass!” he shouted back.

"Maybe later." Replied Seto, before turning off the PA system, deciding to get to work.

Yami winced and looked at his wing and bit his lip. He couldn't decide if it had broken, or just bent the wrong way a bit. Whatever the case, it was searing with pain. "ahh....” he mumbled, getting to his feet slowly and letting the wing hang limp, as it seemed to feel better that way. "Bastard...” he growled, moving around the aviary to distract himself from his burning wing, and occupy his mind with other things.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Pegasus yawned as he walked down the hall. Rem was scheduled to be there early this morning, before the pet shop opened. He felt a bit sorry for Ryou, but.... he had to get him trained. He knocked on the door and walked in, smiling at two pairs of alert ears and eyes watching him from next to Ryou; Tuc and Nod had found their way in. Pegasus opened the curtains and pulled back the blankets of the bed, lifting Ryou into his arms. He carried to boy out of the room and into the Bunny room, where he set him down in the nest box (which had received work on it so Ryou couldn't get out). He then caught Tuc and Nod, who had followed, and set them in with Ryou. Then he closed and latched the door and went to get some coffee before Rem showed up.

Rem smiled and knocked on the door, Rex sitting calmly next to her, ready for more Ryou torment. "Good morning Pegasus. Was he obedient last night?" she asked, as he invited her in.

Pegasus snorted over his coffee. "He had no TIME to be obedient... didn't even eat. Just went to sleep. Can we try to keep the physical abuse toned down? I don't think he can handle a repeat of last night."

Rem nodded. "Yes of course. Rex, please try to tone it down a bit today." She said letting him loose. "Do a good job and I'll double your ration for a week." She called after the eager coyote.

Rex nodded and stood, wagging his tail as his leash was removed. "He's in his cage..." Pegasus said, and that was all he got out before Rex bolted up the stairs. Tail high and wagging, he sniffed his way down the hall to the Bunny Room. He walked in and looked around.

"Nice digs... for a rodent...” he muttered to himself, then saw the naked bunny sleeping in his nesting box. Rex grinned, then let out a vicious roar, leaping at Ryou and landing on the clear plastic right over him.

Ryou yelped and stared straight up at Rex, eyes wide with fear. "G-go away!” he squeaked, burrowing under the bedding to hide from him. "G-go away!" Ryou clutched Tuc and Nod to him, hiding them under the bedding with him.

"I don't think so...." Rex growled, fiddling with the latch. With a click, it opened and Rex dove into Ryou's cage, closing the door behind him. "C'MERE, RABBIT!!!” he roared, digging for Ryou.

Ryou wailed, shoving Tuc and Nod into the next area, and scrambling through after them, getting away from Rex for the moment. "Go away!” he shouted hiding once again under the bedding with Tuc and Nod, who were thumping their feet, and making clicking hiss noises.

Rex snarled and went after them, until Pegasus burst into the room.

"NO!!” he thundered, making Rex freeze. Rex yelped as he was seized by the collar, and gagged as he was dragged out of the cage. Ryou peeked out. Pegasus looked enraged. "NO NO NO NO NO!!! His cage is his safe spot!!! You do NOT go after him in there!!!" And he dropped Rex on the floor. Rex tucked his tail in and ran behind Rem, staring out at Pegasus, fearfully.

Ryou whimpered and remained hidden beneath his bedding fearfully, not just of Rex, but of Pegasus. Even Tuc and Nod stopped their thumping and trembled in his arms.

Rem patted Rex's head. "Shh it's ok... you didn't know." She said slowly calming him down. "I'm sorry..." she said softly, scratching Rex's ears. "He didn't know that sir, he won’t do it again."

Pegasus nodded. "Yes, I'm sorry. My fault for not telling you." Then he turned and looked at Ryou, holding his arms out to him. "Shhh... it's okay... c'mere...” he crooned.
Ryou simply buried himself deeper into the bedding, trembling so fiercely the very bedding shook. "P-please... j-just make them go away...” he whimpered out from under his haven of wood shavings.

Pegasus frowned. "Ryou, come here.” he said, sternly. "Or do I have to use the shock collar?"

Ryou whimpered and slowly emerged, looking pitiful, covered in bruises and small cuts. His ears still drooped lower than before and he looked halfheartedly at Pegasus.

Pegasus smiled and lifted Ryou up, cuddling him. "Good bunny.” he said in a kind tone, and offered Ryou a little blueberry.

Ryou turned away, refusing the treat. "I'm not hungry...” he mumbled softly, eyes locked on Rex. Having Rex around would do wonders for someone's appetite, if they were trying to diet that is.

Pegasus shrugged. "Okay. Now you be good for Rex." And he set Ryou down and headed for the door. Rex grinned and lowered his head, moving towards Ryou.

"Class is in session, cotton tail...."

Ryou looked at Rex tiredly and curled up on the floor miserably. "What now...” he mumbled softly.

"First, a review of yesterday." Rex chuckled. "What are you?"

Ryou sniffled softly. "a bunny...” he mumbled, looking at Tuc and Nod, still worried Rex might try something.

Rex smiled and nodded. "Good! And bunnies are what?"

"tired." Ryou replied, closing his eyes.

Rex blinked and rolled his eyes, glancing at Rem. "ASIDE from that....” he grumbled.

Ryou groaned softly. "Not even remotely interested...” he mumbled trying to go back to sleep.

Rex growled and pounced Ryou smacking him around a bit. "WAKE UP AND ANSWER THE QUESTION!!!"

Ryou winced and sighed. "What do you want me to say?” he mumbled closing his eyes and sighing, no longer sleeping, just not wanting to see, anymore.

Rex growled. "Okay.... let's try this another way. Who is your master?"

Ryou groaned. "Pegasus.” he mumbled softly.

"That's right." Rex said in a fake happy tone. "And that makes you his...?"

"sleeping bunny." Ryou mumbled boredly.

Rex snarled and gave Ryou a firm swat over the head. "AND THAT MAKES YOU HIS WHAT?!?"

"augh!" Ryou yelped swatting Rex back. "Knock it off you wretched hound!” he grumbled, curling back up. "I said I was his bunny.” he grumbled grouchily. "I don’t really care to be doing this today.” he added glaring at a wall. "I'm sore, I'm tired and I don’t CARE anymore.” he said, making sure it was clear to everyone within earshot.

Rex snorted. "Well, you can nap later. It's time for lesson two. Bunny Behavior.” he moved across the room. "Now... come here, unless you want me to make a breakfast of your little buddies....” he snarled, waiting to see how Ryou would approach him.

Ryou rolled his eyes. "Bunnies don’t normally move when someone wants them. Have you ever seen one? If someone wants a bunny they go pick it up. You want me. Come and get me.” he mumbled sharply. Ryou seemed standoffish, but his soul was in so much pain...his world was ripping away at the seams and it was so confusing that he didn't know what to do anymore. "I'm too sore to hop around...” he added softly looking at the floor, slowly forcing himself to sit up.

Rex's eyes widened and he looked at Rem, as if to say 'I can't beat the shit out of him, so NOW what?'

Rem frowned a bit, thoughtfully. "Why don’t we try something simpler than movements. he does look a little worse for wear." She smiled. "Pegasus, why don’t you try petting him and treating him like a pet." She offered. "And you can nip at him if he does something wrong." She said patting Rex. "You did really good... but maybe a little too eager to torment him." She said scratching his ears a bit. "But you seem to have gotten the job done."

Rex wagged his tail and watched Pegasus walk over to Ryou. He picked him up gently and cradled him, kissing his cheek.

"My poor baby bunny...” he crooned, walking around the room, aimlessly, and just rocking him. After a while he sat down on the floor, laying Ryou next to him, and offered him a little carrot.

Ryou whimpered softly. "Please... I'm not hungry..” he mumbled softly. Looking at Pegasus miserably. "I... I'm a little thirsty... though...” he added softly.

Pegasus smiled and nodded, and walked off, leaving the room. Rex was staring at Tuc and Nod, and Ryou watched him, warily, until Pegasus returned with a baby bottle of carrot juice. He sat down beside Ryou and held the bottle up to him, petting him gently.

Ryou looked at the bottle and whined softly. "A bottle?” he pouted. "I'm not a baby."

Pegasus frowned and Rex turned, leapt over and gave Ryou a sharp nip. Pegasus caught Ryou when he jumped, and pulled him into his lap.

"Shhh...” he comforted. "Be a good bunny.” he told Ryou, holding the bottle to his lips again.

Ryou pouted and finally agreed, drinking from the bottle slowly, looking absolutely miserable and broken. 'I'm so humiliated... I wish I could just die...' Ryou thought somberly. 'what do I have left to live for?' Ryou sniffled softly after finishing the bottle and curled up in Pegasus's lap.

Pegasus smiled and cuddled Ryou, gently. "Awwww.... what a good boy... who's a good bunny?"

Ryou sighed softly, but gave no reply. His eyes focused on Tuc and Nod. 'What...am I supposed to do now?...what life is there left to even....bother living with?' he closed his eyes and sighed once more, letting Pegasus dote and fawn over him, as he seemed to enjoy it.

Rem smiled a bit. "He seems to have taken it in this time..." she said after a few moments. "What do you think?"

Pegasus smiled and stood, rocking Ryou gently as he walked back across the room. He lay Ryou down in the nesting box and closed the door, watching Tuc and Nod run over to him, then went out into the hall with Rem and Rex.

"I think Rex has done a good job, but I don't think he's taken to it quite yet... he's just tired. Come back tomorrow in the after noon or evening, to give him time to rest. We'll see if he's gotten another wind by then.” he said, and Rem nodded.

"Can I ride shotgun again?" Rex asked, eagerly, and both humans laughed.

"Yes of course Rex, and I've got a big reward for your breakfast." Rem said, leading him out on his leash.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Yami sat quietly on his knees, unable to move his sore wing, and he'd gotten tired of standing. He had been silent now for well longer than he'd expected himself to be. Sighing, he decided to occupy himself by singing. "I had a dream...of the wide open prairie, I had a dream...of the pale morning sky...I had a dream...that we flew on golden wings...and we were the same...just the same...you and I...” he mumbled, remembering the words to one of Yugi's favorite songs that told a story. He was homesick, and for the moment not even able to fly or break free of this oversized birdcage. Yami sighed softly and winced. "stupid wings...” he muttered.

"You have a nice voice." Seto said as he came in with a dish of food for Yami, and keeping one hand on the remote control, just in case. "I thought I'd bring you your lunch in person today, since it's your first day here."

Yami growled and his other wing quivered in fury, while the injured wing hung limply. "Bite me.” he growled. "I'm not hungry."

Seto rolled his eyes and set the food down. "Well, you'll get hungry... did... did you hurt your wing?” he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

Yami glared and stood quickly, backing up defensively, looking ready to snap Seto in two if he came closer. "You hurt it when you knocked me out of that tree with your shock happy trigger fingers!” he hissed.

Seto's eyes widened and Yami blinked when the CEO fumbled for his cell phone. "Hang on, hang on, I'll call a vet and get you fixed right up.... where IS that fuckin number for the vet?!” he growled, scrolling through his VERY extensive phone book.

Yami stared at him for a moment. "...what are you doing?” he asked after a moment. "Just leave me alone. I'm fine.” he added angrily. "Do you think this is some kind of game? See how much you can damage Yami's pride? You think this is some kind of hilarious joke?" Yami hissed dangerously. "Is that what this is to you?"

Seto blinked at Yami as he held the phone up to his ear, hearing it ring. "What? No. there is NO joke and I am NOT trying to humiliate you. If you've hurt your wing I want a vet to take a look at-- Hello? Yes, this is Seto Kaiba. I have a male bird hybrid who seems to have injured his wing and I'd like to have him looked at...... mm hmm.... uh- huh.... okay. thanks." And he hung up. "C'mon, the vet will see you immediately.” he said to Yami.

Yami's feathers puffed out dangerously. "What makes you think I'm even remotely interested in a vet?” he breathed dangerously. "why'd you do this to me? Is it revenge for me ruining your unblemished title? What's your reasoning Kaiba?!" Yami growled, flapping his one good wing fiercely whenever Kaiba got close, and backing up more.

"Do you think it's funny to kidnap people and mutate them? Does it make you smile that you can ruin someone's life with a simple phone call or two? Is that what you wanted?" Yami said angrily, determined to defend himself, injured wing and all from Kaiba.

Seto quirked an eyebrow and lifted his cell again, calling his limo to the back drive by the aviary. "No, Yami, this is not revenge, it does NOT make me smile to ruin someone's life it's.... never mind. Let's go. Come here."

"I'm not going anywhere with you, not until you explain yourself!" Yami said squawking in a most unpleasant sounding way when Kaiba got close now, flapping his wing and acting like a mother hen guarding eggs. "What made you think this is ok?!” he glared and backed up beginning to step to the side, hoping to get Kaiba to circle with him, so he wouldn't eventually hit the back wall. "Why Kaiba?! What about Yugi?! How is he going to deal with losing a brother?! You've broken my family up! What was the REASON you had for ruining so much?!"

Seto frowned and growled, hitting the shock button and holding it again. While Yami was writhing, trying to get the collar off, he walked over, released the button and grabbed Yami around the middle pinning not only his arms, but his wings down. The he turned and carried him, kicking and screaming, over to the crate that the limo driver had ready. He stuffed Yami in the box, put him in the car, and off they went, Yami screaming and cursing the entire time.

Seto glared at the crate and pounded on it with his fist. "WILL YOU SHUT UP?!?!"

Yami growled. "Well lets see you have a sore wing CRUSHED up against your body and see how YOU like it!" Yami howled from inside the box. "SADISTIC BASTARD!” he howled, squawking angrily and scratching at the box loudly.

Seto rolled his eyes and pressed the button, smirking at Yami's sudden yelp. "Always the hard way, Yami. Why must you always choose the hard way?"

Yami growled softly from within the box. "Because if I always took the easy way out I'd be like you!"

Seto glared. "You think my life is easy you stuck up peacock?!"

"No, I think you just take shortcuts to get your way." Yami growled. "For instance, getting rid of me, so you're top dog again." he growled. "and while you're at it, making sure I never get back in the game. ever."

Seto snorted. "You are the King of Games. You KNOW games... but guess what, Yami. Life isn't a game. It's time you stop acting like it is and accept it like I have. I live my life, and I play games. But I don't do both at the same time. Life is hard. You should try it. Live a life, Yami. Not a game."

Yami growled softly from within the box. "I'd give it a try, but it seems some snotty rich brat stole my life from me. What am I to live for now?” he asked icily.

Seto snorted. "What life was there to steal?” he snapped.

"You think I spent all my time in games. I had a brother, a family, friends. I don’t get those pleasures anymore." Yami hissed. "Yugi's probably cried his eyes out since I disappeared, and you know what? Neither he, nor my friends is ever going to find 'Yami' again! Just some hybrid bird that can claim to be him all it wants! No one will believe me!” he growled. "You STOLE the ones I loved from me, my life was my family and friends Seto, I played games for fun! Because Yugi enjoyed them so much!"

Seto rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, Yami.” he said. "We're here. Try to behave yourself while the vet checks your wing." And he got out of the car, carrying Yami's crate into the vet's office, where he was guided into an exam room. He set the crate down on the floor, and sat in a chair against the wall, waiting for the vet to come in.

The doctor came in and looked at the box. "Hello, I’m Dr. Inogawa. Is that the hybrid?” he asked, pointing to a few stray feathers that were sticking out.

Seto nodded. "Be careful, he's in a VERY bad mood and has gotten very aggressive." Seto answered, going to lift the lid off of the crate.

Yami bit one of Seto's fingers that had slipped within his reach. "HA!” he said amusedly, teeth clamped firmly to the finger.

The doctor bit his lip as he watched Seto struggle to free his finger. After a valiant struggle, Seto managed to free his bloodied finger. "Here's some bandages." The doctor said handing Seto some bandages and ointment. "It happens a lot."

Yami scratched at the box warningly. "Leave me alone... I'm warning you!” he growled.

The doctor sighed. "More and more hybrids are becoming hostile these days...” he mumbled filling a needle and jabbing it between the cracks, injecting Yami with a mild sedative. "This'll mellow him out a bit... How's the finger?"

Seto inspected his finger, grumbling. "I'll live... what's that about hybrids becoming aggressive?” he asked.

The vet nodded. "Seems to me they're just angry. I get a lot that are just angry at the world. I'm telling you, I don’t think it's good for people to mess with animal's genetics..."
The man said listening to the box carefully. "You mind pulling out the patient?” he said after a moment.

Seto sighed and carefully removed the lid, peering in to see if Yami was calmed down yet.

Yami looked at him dazedly, eyes half lidded. "I hate you...” he mumbled softly yawning a bit. "And I hate you too...” he said, pointing at the doctor, letting his arm fall limp at his side, and falling into Seto's arms weakly.

"See? Stuff works magic on these guys. Angry to sleepy in less than 5 minutes. If they only made the stuff for wives, eh?" the man said amused.

Seto snorted, and removed Yami from the crate, laying him down on his chest on the examination table. "It's this one..." He said, pointing to Yami's injured wing. "How many hybrids do you see?"

"A lot more than I used to. All the new patients are just angry at the world. It's like they preferred being animals to becoming human enough to communicate.” he said calmly, stretching the wing slowly to it's full span.

"Ahh!" Yami yelped closing his eyes tightly. "Stop that!” he hissed.

The doctor merely ignored him, running a hand along the bone, checking for breaks. "his bones are intact. I'm betting he just sprained it, or bruised a bone.” he said calmly, going to the cabinet and filling a second needle, and taking careful aim, injected a pain reliever into Yami's wing. Yami shivered and growled. "Get off of me before I bite you..."

The doctor shook his head. "I'm starting to wonder if it's worth angering animals, to make a better pet... you know... it just ain’t right... I think tinkering with genetics is going to backfire on us bad one day...." the doctor said calmly, filling a small bottle. "Give him two a day until he resumes normal wing posture, and appears to be using it."

Seto nodded, taking the bottle. "The trick will be getting him to take it.” he grumbled, gently picking Yami up and putting him back in his box, giving his good wing a few gentle strokes before closing the lid. "Thanks for seeing him so quickly.” he said, shaking the doctor's hand. He went out into the waiting room, paid the rather hefty bill, and loaded Yami into the car to take him home.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ryou sighed softly, laying on the divan, intent on not moving. his body wasn't as sore now, but he felt lost, and confused and broken down. When it was just him and Pegasus... the millionaire acted as though nothing were going on, but Rem and Rex came... and suddenly Pegasus acted like he was just a pet, and HIS pet at that.

Pegasus came in at that moment and sighed. He walked over to Ryou, eyeing the bunnies underneath the divan watching him. He knelt before Ryou and gently pet his head, then picked him up.

"C'mon...” he said softly. He lay Ryou on the bed. "Where does it hurt?” he asked.

Ryou sighed and looked away. "My pride..." he mumbled closing his eyes. "Is that what you see in me? some… animal?” he asked softly. "Is that... really what I am?” he asked somberly. "Is that... what you see?"

Pegasus sighed and pet Ryou, gently. "We have to please Miss Rem, Ryou. She's going to keep coming until she's satisfied with your behavior. And Rex will probably be with her, every time. So you're just going to have to deal with it for now. I won't let him hurt you again like he did, but.... please Ryou, just co-operate...."

Ryou grumbled softly. "you didn't answer the question...” he mumbled nuzzling into the pillow.

Pegasus sighed and tucked Ryou into the bed, and lifted Tuc and Nod up. "If I thought you were an animal would I let you sleep in a bed like a person? Or would I keep you in that cage?” he asked, petting Ryou's hair, gently.

Ryou looked at Pegasus for a moment, his crimson eyes seeming to examine him to the soul. "I don’t know... I'm so confused..." he mumbled looking down, his ears falling into his face. "I don’t know anything anymore... I'm so confused... what am I supposed to do?” he asked sniffling. "Pegasus... please help me..."

Pegasus smiled and kissed Ryou's cheek. "You have the rest of today to rest and recover.” he said, softly. "But you also need to eat. Please. Eat something. Tell me your favorites and I'll go get them for you."

Ryou sighed and looked down. "I don’t know...” he mumbled sitting up slowly. "I'm... not really that hungry.” he added. "I'm sure Tuc and Nod are though... could you bring some fruit for them?” he asked in a fearful voice, seemingly frightened that Rex would suddenly appear and rip him a new one for asking for such a thing.

Pegasus frowned. "I'll get food for all of you.” he said. "Hungry or not, you must eat." And he walked out of the room, returning a few minutes later with fruits and veggies. He offered Tuc and Nod a whole carrot, then held out a little lettuce leaf to Ryou. "come on.” he said. "Eat."

Ryou groaned softly. "Really… I'm fine.” he muttered looking away from the lettuce, like a stubborn child unwilling to take a bite of his dinner. "I'm not hungry."

Pegasus frowned. "Eat.” he repeated, and when Ryou once again refused, Pegasus gave Ryou a shock. "I said eat. I won't have you starving yourself.” he said, sternly.

Ryou whimpered and shook his head. "Please... I'm not hungry." he said softly, rubbing his neck gingerly. "That hurt..." He bit his lip and sniffled softly. "I'll eat later....I...I promise."

Pegasus frowned. "No, you'll eat now.” he said. "And unless you want another shock, you will obey, you're going to make yourself ill."

Ryou whimpered softly. "But why? I-I wouldn't lie... I'm honestly not hungry... I don’t feel very good...” he mumbled looking down. "I promised I'd eat later... please don’t shock me anymore. I just don’t feel very well..."

Pegasus sighed. "Okay...” he said, reluctantly. "But you're not getting out of it later.” he pet Ryou and left a few tidbits here and there for Tuc and Nod to find, then left the room, turning out the light to let Ryou sleep.

Ryou laid still on the bed, though he was unable to sleep. His mind was cluttered with questions, questions he was starting to wish didn't have answers. He whimpered softly. "a-animal...” he mumbled shivering. It was slowly becoming very evident...that no matter how hard he'd try he wasn't able to be human anymore... and with the threat of Rex eating Tuc or Nod he had no choice anymore. It wasn't his safety anymore... it was the safety of his defenseless friends.

Ryou sighed and closed his eyes. Was Marik's death... really his fault? He bit his lip and shook his head. "I...it wasn't my fault..."