Target: You

Chapter Twenty

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I'm so happy I almost killed most of you with the last chapter's cliffhanger. XD Don't know if there will be a cliffhanger in this chapter or not... Guess we'll see when I get down there. XP I'm back in school now, so chapter updates will be back to every one to two weeks. I've made this chapter longer than usual though. By the way, I don't think anyone caught my Ryoko naming pun. RYOko... RYOUko... heh heh, well, I thought it was clever at least. XD

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"Shit!" Anzu cursed, watching Bakura stomp away, his hands balled into fists at his side. He was getting away! Damn it all, she had to talk to him. With perfect timing, Jounouchi chose that minute to walk up to her door. "Oh, Jounouchi, thank goodness! Please stay with Ryoko."

With that, she grabbed her shawl and exited her rooms. "Anzu, I have to tell you something important--" Jounouchi implored.

She ran past him down the corridor, calling out, "I'll be back soon!" Jounouchi frowned and watched her go. Oh, well. He figured he could tell her about Bakura later. He had made up his mind that she deserved to know that her old fling was back in her life. He had skipped breakfast and lunch, thinking hard before he came to that decision.

"Uncle Jou! Uncle Jou!" a little girl screamed, running up and jumping on the man's back. She tugged on his dirty-blond locks ruthlessly.

"Oh, no, it's Ryoko the Terror!" he cried dramatically. He glanced over his shoulder at her. "Shouldn't you be in bed, young lady?"

She shook her head fiercely. "Nuh uh. I feel much better!" She sneezed after her exclamation. Jounouchi chuckled.

"I can see that."

"And now I'm gonna kick your butt!" she declared before wrapping her arms around his neck and tugging him backward.

"Your momma would kick your butt if she heard you talking that way," he scolded lightly. She stuck her tongue out at him and continued her tugging.

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Bakura stormed down the corridor, barely able to contain his fury. He couldn't see where he was going; the sparks in his eyes were blinding him. To think, he had gone to her rooms with good intentions. Yet, there she was, practicing her... her prostitution to beget a child! He shook his head. No, it wasn't prostitution. It was witchery. Just like she had bewitched him so many years ago. He was so foolish to think they could rekindle at least a friendship.

"Bakura!" Anzu yelled, running down the corridor after him. He didn't turn around.

"Bakura!" she cried louder, running up and blocking his path. Her sapphire eyes were wide with unshed tears, her long hair disheveled. He calmly stepped around her and finished the few extra feet to his door. "Please stop!" she screamed.

He could hold his tongue no longer. He whirled around to face her, his eyes flashing dangerously. "You slutty bitch," he accused, stabbing a finger into her chest. She gasped and slapped his hand away.

"How dare you?" she hissed. He scoffed.

"You're engaged to that flaming idiot and you have a child! You didn't waste any fucking time after you left, did you?" he snapped, turning towards his door and fumbling in his pockets for his keycard. Anzu's eyes widened in surprise.

"He's not an idiot! And so what if I decided to move on with my life after a bad experience?" Anzu spat, planting her hands on her hips. Bakura startled her when he burst into laughter.

"God, you piss me off," he told her between laughs. He slid his keycard into the door and stepped inside when the door slid open with a "whoosh." Anzu marched in after him. He looked behind him in surprise. "What are you still doing here?"

"I came here to apologize for being so coldly formal to you at lunch, and this is how I'm treated!" She threw her hands up in dismay.

"Apology not accepted," he bit out and stomped over to his bedroom. He threw open the door, feeling satisfied when it smashed into the wall, creating a small crack. He flung himself onto his bed and pulled off his shoes. He looked up when he realized Anzu was still standing in the doorway, glaring at him. "Is there a reason you're in my bedroom?"

She face-faulted and glanced around uneasily. "No. Goodbye," she said curtly and about-faced, prepared to leave.

Bakura gracefully pushed himself off the bed and sauntered over to her with a sly smirk spread across his features. "I think there is a reason," he whispered into her ear from behind, trailing a finger from her shoulder to her wrist. She gasped and swung her head around.

"I'm engaged!"

Her declaration sent a pang of rememberance through him, but he ignored it. He circled her to stand in front. "Yes, you are," he agreed.

"So, why would I want you when I have Yuugi?" she asked sarcastically though Bakura detected hesitancy in her tone. She stepped back a bit.

"I don't know; you tell me. After all, we both know what a manly hunk porcupine boy is," he replied casually. Anzu glared at him, not appreciating his joke. Bakura closed the space between them. With his hands on her shoulders, he slowly lowered his lips to hers, gently caressing the pink buds with his tongue. Her eyes were wide with shock, but she did not pull away.

"Does the prince make you feel like this?" he whispered as he broke the kiss. Anzu's eyes closed, and she buried her hands in his wild mane. He trailed his lips down her jawline to descend on her throat. His tongue darted out to trace the crevices of her neck and collarbone. She gasped as he pushed aside her flimsy top and lowered his mouth to one firm breast.

"And does he make you feel like this?" His lips fell even further down across her abdomen. Bakura's hands felt up her legs to her inner thighs under her sunny yellow skirt. He slowly pulled her undergarments down to her ankles, soon followed by her skirt; she willingly stepped away from them. Tantalizingly, the king's tongue formed a wet trail to the center of her womanly flower.

"Oh, Bakura..." she moaned, tossing her head back. He smirked maliciously from above her in the manner that a fox would before snagging its prey.

He continued his sweet torture, fully aware he was seducing another man's fiancee. That was one of the best parts. He, personally, did not have anything against Yuugi; however, Bakura found that he hated the younger man now. Anzu was his before she was Yuugi's! He doubted Yuugi cared for her as much as he had four years prior. If she wanted to leave her past behind and not tell anybody about what had happened, then that was fine with him. He would forget he cared about her and only focus on stealing her away from Yuugi just to get back at both of them.

Anzu squeezed Bakura's hair tightly and bit her lip in ecstasy. Half-lidded, she looked down at her former--and soon-to-be current--lover. A gleaming sparkle from her left hand caught her attention. She shifted her gaze to the over-sized diamond resting on her finger. Reality struck her like a bolt of lightning. She flung herself away from Bakura as if she had been burnt.

"What are you doing? What am I doing? Oh, my God!" she cried. Bakura calmly stood up and stared curiously at her. His cape formed a black pool on the floor, highly contrasting against the cream carpet. His shirt was unbuttoned down to the waistline, and his hair was tangled from her fingers' playing. Had she done that?

"You want this," he pointed out savagely. "Admit it."

"No! I'm engaged!" she wailed, moreso to convince herself than him. She ran a shaky hand through her hair as she bent down to pick up her undergarments and skirt. She threw them on haphazardly before running out of the bedroom. Bakura did not move to follow her, merely stared after her with a predatory smirk. She wanted it. Oh, yes, she did.

On the verge of tears over her own betraying actions, Anzu blindly ran out of Bakura's rooms, paying no attention to Malik and Careen as she passed them at the door. Careen swung around incredulously.

"What?!" she howled angrily, staring after the woman with her mouth agape. Malik squeezed her shoulder with his eyes narrowed.

"Bite your tongue, Careen," he commanded. The woman stamped her foot in a temper tantrum, but remained silent as she stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Malik sighed and wandered over to Careen and Bakura's shared bedroom.

The door was open, and Bakura was sitting on the edge of his bed, his shirt still unbuttoned. Malik sprawled himself lazily in the doorway with a blond brow raised. "Have you lost your mind?" he asked in a tone reserved for commenting on the weather.

Bakura shrugged and equally calm, replied, "She was mine first. The stupid prince stole her. She has a child by the bastard, too!"

Malik completely ignored the last part, apparently not surprised or simply not caring. "I doubt he abducted her and is forcing her to remain here. As a matter of fact, the way I remember it is someone was a fool and made her leave Yamisha, forever to regret it. It is obvious she came here of her own free will, where she feels she is wanted." And with that food for thought, Malik left Bakura alone to consider what had been said.

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Anzu drudged back to her own rooms, head hung down to her chest. She really was a slut. She had almost slept with Bakura, and she was getting married in scarcely a week and a half! Yuugi's face suddenly popped into her mind with vivid clarity, and she grimaced at the onslaught of guilt. She knew she would never have the courage to tell Yuugi what she had done, but she would have to make it a point to not even look at Bakura, let alone be intimate with him. Her guilt grew as she realized she longed for his touch, but she just could not betray Yuugi.

With a heavy heart, Anzu slid her keycard into the slot. She dragged herself into the main room and looked around for her daughter and friend. She could hear Ryoko's high-pitched squeals coming from her bedroom, so she headed in that direction.

She stopped in the doorway with a small smile tugging at her lips. Ryoko had Jounouchi pinned to the ground and was punching him in the chest while Chisara tugged on his pantleg playfully. The man "oww'd" in good humor and let the toddler believe she was really strong. He looked up when he noticed she was watching them. His expression turned suddenly serious. He lifted Ryoko off himself and set her down on the bed.

"Anzu, there's something important I need to tell you about the foreign diplomat currently visiting," he started cautiously. Anzu smiled crookedly.

"It's okay, Jou. I already know who it is."

He swallowed the lump that had developed in his throat. He doubted that he hid his relief very well; he had not wanted to be the one to tell her. He rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you okay about this?" he inquired carefully.

"Y-Yeah, of course!" she assured him quickly. The unshed tears gathered at the corners of her eyes protested the lie, but he didn't comment on it.

"Do you need to talk about it?" he asked. Anzu shook her head and forced a smile onto her features.

"No, I'm fine. Really! Thanks so much for watching Ryoko. Would you mind escorting us to dinner tonight? I've been so busy with the wedding preparations and Ryoko's cold; I've missed you lately!" she gushed out in one breath. He raised a brow at her obvious attempt at changing the subject, but humored her with a nod and gentle smile. She was not handling it very well, but he wanted her to feel like she had control of the situation. He spun Ryoko around before setting her back down on the bed.

"See you then, loves!" he called back as he exited the room.

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Seven o'clock rolled around fast, and the rumbling of her stomach reminded Anzu that it was time for dinner. She finished tying the ribbon in Ryoko's silky chocolate locks. She pulled the light pink shawl tight about her daughter's shoulders and kissed her cheek. "Sit tight. Uncle Jou will be here in just a minute."

She hurried into the bathroom to finish applying her make-up. She paid no attention to the fact that she was extra careful with the application. Nor did she notice that it took her twice as long to pick out an evening gown than it usually did. She finally settled on a dark red gown that flowed to her toes. She wrapped a black shawl around her shoulders to keep the chill off her highly exposed chest and abdomen.

"Knock, knock," Jou said as he entered the main room, the door having been left unlocked for him.

"Be right out!" Anzu yelled back, dabbing on a bit of pink lip gloss. "There," she whispered to herself. "Eat your heart out, Bakura." She paused in horror. "I know I meant Yuugi. Oh, I might as well just shoot myself right now." With an angry vein throbbing in her forehead due to her slip of the mind, she stomped out into the main room. Jounouchi inched back warily. She cleared her throat and composed herself. She smiled sweetly.

"I'm ready. Ryoko, come on, honey!" The little girl came bounding out of the bedroom. Taking her by the hand, Anzu exited the room, followed by Jounouchi.

Anzu steeled herself as they entered the dining hall. The normal gathering of twenty or so noblemen and ladies were sitting down and chattering amongst themselves. Anzu sighed in relief as she saw that Bakura, Malik, and Careen were not present yet. She sat down next to Yuugi and placed Ryoko on her other side. The little girl insisted that Uncle Jou sit with her, as well, and he was only too happy to comply.

Moments later, the Bakurian trio entered the dining hall, the last three to arrive. Bakura seated himself directly in front of Anzu, much to her chagrin. "You look ravishing this evening, my lady," he said boldly.

Anzu bit her lip and gave him a look that clearly told him to shut the hell up. "Thank you, sir," she replied stiffly. Careen seethed between Bakura and Malik, but she held her tongue at the silent warning look Malik directed her way.

"Papa Yuugi, I'm all better!" Ryoko exclaimed, leaning forward to see around her mother. The prince clapped his hands and smiled widely.

"I'm so glad!" he replied, and she giggled. Bakura eyed the scene enviously, wishing for the first time that the little girl was his daughter and not that fool's.

"King Mutou, I've decided to extend my stay a few more days to further check on inventory here. I do hope we won't be overstaying our welcome," Bakura commented. The king waved him off.

"Of course not, dear boy! Now that you're staying, you can attend my grandson's and fiancee's betrothal ball in two days time," the king suggested jovially. Bakura hesitated, suddenly wanting to take back his previous statement. He did not want to go to a ball where the woman he wanted would be happily celebrating her engagement to another man.

Yuugi, also, did not want Bakura to attend; not after the way the ivory-haired king gazed at his fiancee and the brazen compliments he gave her. Nevertheless, it was his duty to agree and 'insist' that Bakura attend the ball.

"Well, then, we will attend this betrothal ball, to be sure," Bakura finally conceded. Clearing his throat to rid himself of the lump which had developed in it, he inquired, "And when is the lovely wedding?"

"A week after the ball. Will you be able to attend the wedding, as well?" Yuugi asked, trying to hide the sound of disappointment in his tone. Bakura glanced at Malik. Attend the wedding? Not a chance in hell.

"I regret that we must be on our way soon after the ball," Bakura replied, feigning sadness. Yuugi exhaled in relief. Bakura directed his attention back to Anzu with a coy smile playing on his lips. She glared at him, knowing full well what he was up to. She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin before standing.

"It is past Ryoko's bedtime, so I bid you all goodnight," Anzu said, lifting the sleepy toddler up onto her hip. Yuugi slid his chair back and began to rise.

"I'll escort you," he offered. Anzu waved a hand and shook her head.

"No, please. Finish your dinner; we'll be fine," she responded sweetly. Yuugi hesitated before nodding.

Bakura stood. "I would be honored to escort the ladies back to their rooms." Anzu's eyes widened and she glanced at Yuugi whose eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Jounouchi stood quickly. "No, King Bakura; please don't trouble yourself. I will escort them."

"I could do it," Mai offered, seeing the trap Anzu was stuck in. The king shook his head.

"We can't have three beautiful ladies wandering the corridors by themselves at this time of night." He paused. "And I don't think Lady Anzu needs four escorts."

Everyone shared a laugh as they realized almost half the table was standing. Yuugi, Jounouchi, and Mai sat back down, but Bakura remained standing.

"I assure you that I only hope I can complete the task quickly and efficiently," he said to no one in general. Anzu tightened her mouth into a line; she was not falling for his gentlemanly act for one second.

"It's settled then," King Mutou declared, only wishing to still any further dilemma about who would take Anzu and Ryoko back to their rooms. Malik eyed his cousin in a strange mixture of amusement and disapproval. Prince Yuugi was fair to fuming with anger.

Once Bakura, Anzu, and Ryoko were out of the dining hall, she turned and hissed, "What do you think you're doing, causing a scene like that?"

"I just wanted to be alone with you for a little bit," he replied quietly. Anzu's facial features softened, and she set Ryoko down on her feet. She faced forward as the trio started down the corridor on the five-minute walk to her rooms.

"Mommy, I'm tired," Ryoko protested, trying to stand still. Anzu sighed, suddenly feeling very tired herself. She was surprised when Bakura bent down and lifted the child into his arms. She slid her pudgy arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder before quickly falling asleep. Anzu smiled.

"You like children," she commented. He shrugged.

"I think I mentioned before that Bakurians dote on their children," he responded.

"She didn't take to Yuugi or Jounouchi that easily," she remarked. "Must be instinct."

"What?" he replied, baffled. Anzu stopped and stepped off to the side. She straightened her back, gathering her courage.

"I wasn't going to tell you this, but seeing you holding her like that makes me think you deserve to know. Ryoko is your daughter."

Bakura's heart pounded in his chest as he stood stark-still, staring at a blank spot on the wall behind Anzu. He had a child! He unconsciously tightened his hold on Ryoko, his daughter. Just as suddenly as he had been told this shocking news, his happiness faded into fury.

"You weren't ever going to tell me?" he demanded in a deathly quiet voice. Anzu realized her mistake when she saw the gleam in his eye.

"Bakura, you don't understand. I was young and scared. I was carrying the child of a man who didn't care about me," she said quickly, looking around to see if anyone was watching them.

"You were never going to tell me that we had a daughter together," he confirmed, his voice raising an octave. Anzu glanced at Ryoko when she stirred.

"Keep your voice down!" she hissed, suddenly growing angry with him, as well. He hadn't denied that he did not care about her. "Why should I have told you? You didn't give a rat's ass about me. Why would you care about Ryoko?"

"She's my child, you stupid woman!" he replied furiously. Anzu's eyes widened.

"I don't want you touching my daughter when you're that angry. Give her to me," she demanded, holding out her arms. Bakura backed away and struggled to calm himself, still maintaining his hold on Ryoko. The little girl's eyes were wide open now, observing the odd exchange between her mother and the stranger holding her.

"How do I know you're even telling the truth? It's not like she looks like me," he pointed out though deep inside, he knew his former lover was not lying. Frustration rose up swiftly in Anzu. She had not expected denial.

"She's yours! I've never been with anyone but you!" she nearly shouted, forgetting about any possibility of being overheard. "It's not like I have brown eyes!" Tears began to flow unchecked down her cheeks. Ryoko whimpered and squirmed in Bakura's arms.

"Mommy, don't cry!" she implored, holding a hand out to her mother. Bakura stepped forward to allow Anzu to take the girl into her arms. "Is this my daddy?" Ryoko asked innocently. Bakura looked intently at Anzu, waiting for her answer. The woman set the little brunette down and knelt down before her.

"Remember when I told you daddy went to Heaven?" Anzu asked. The toddler nodded in comprehension. "Well, he missed you so much that he came back!"

Ryoko looked up at Bakura in awe. "You're my daddy!" she exclaimed, jumping back into his arms. He caught her awkwardly as she latched herself onto his neck. He looked over his daughter's shoulder at her mother. Anzu was wiping her tears and looking off down the corridor.

"Yes, I am," Bakura replied, tweaking Ryoko's nose. He glared at Anzu while telling the little girl, "I only wish I hadn't gone to Heaven, so that I could have been with you all the time." Anzu did not miss his full meaning.

Ryoko chattered on about anything and everything as Bakura carried her back to their rooms, but not a word passed between the two adults.

In the shadows, a shaky hand was raked through creamy hair as the figure watched the scene in dismay.

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Ooo, a mysterious figure with creamy hair. That pretty much rules out... well, only Yuugi. HAHA. XD It could be Careen, Mai, Jounouchi, or Malik. I'm so evil. XP So anyway, now Bakura knows about Ryoko, and he's not too thrilled about Anzu keeping it from him. Hmm... Aaaaanyway, aside from all that, two really awesome people, Winter Peacecraft-Yuy and Michelle were so kind to draw four pictures of Bakurian royalty in the future. Please check them out at the URLs below; they're really good! (FFdotnet won't let me do it correctly, so please piece the URLs back together.)

Teenager Princess Ryoko -- wwwDOTan-eternityDOTcom/RyokoArt1.jpg

Queen Anzu and Teenager Princess Ryoko -- wwwDOTan-eternityDOTcom/RyokoAnzuArt2.jpg

Queen Anzu -- wwwDOTan-eternityDOTcom/AnzuArt3.jpg

Bored as hell King BakuraXD -- wwwDOTan-eternityDOTcom/BakuraArt4.jpg