DIS: I'm back! And I want to thank SilentMonkGirl, Cataracta, Eternal Eyes, TeaG, louisiana-southern-belle, Meemee (glad that you've been reading it!), and Angel! I also want to point out that I did not want to kill Isis, but I had to put some drama and suspense into it – as I said I would. Also, the cannibal sort of thing was put in this story so it wouldn't just be, 'She wanted Bakura. She wanted Marik. She did not know. She did this, she did that,' sort of thing. I wanted to spice things up a bit! But I have to admit that I'm doing a good job of not blowing the guy's cover. (grins, rubbing chin) Anyway! To the chapter!

X

Recap: Last chapter introduced the Earl of Avon, who seemed to be Yami! Also, the cannibal's started to go after Anzu's friends and the first to go was Isis Ishtar, her long-time companion in her grief. Now, Anzu worries that one of her other friends might be harmed!

Chapter Eleven, Mourning and The Trial

"Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste death but once.

Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear;

Seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come." – (Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', Act II, Scene II)

The scream echoed throughout the palace, making him smirk. He heard swearing from Marik Ishtar and knew that they had found his recent victim. He strolled along the hall and his new enemy slammed straight into him. "You!" He shoved him against the wall and the other male gasped for air as his nails dug into his throat.

"What are you doing? Get off of me, fool!" He ground out to him. There was no saving him, for he was his rival in the king's affections. No, he wouldn't allow him to steal the glory from him that he so sought! Never would he be humiliated by him. Ever.

"There has been a murder," he told the man, releasing his tight hold only slightly. "Isis Ishtar has been attacked by the same cannibal that obliterated the Mazaki family of York."

"Is that so?"

"That is so."

"Then why, you idiot, are we standing here idly?"

"Don't snap at me!" For a long time, the two males could only stare at each other with growing anger and resentment. He wanted to break the other's neck and feast on him (though he was sure that he would taste nothing better than dirt.) "We must leave...To the room of which Isis Ishtar's corpse dwells."

"...Yes."

X

Marik felt his heart pounding in his chest, seeing the remains of his sister, the one that had always had a care for what she did, who she did it to, and for people in general. He had never taken advantage of that kindness and had never respected her enough. Doubt and anger was building in him and he felt horrible – beyond horrible! – for how he treated her. He rubbed his face wearily, then glanced at Bakura, who was beside him. The Frenchman looked almost anemic.

"Qui...Qui..." Bakura took a deep breath. "You should take care of Anzu." He told Marik carefully, his eyes moving over the corpse. "I'm going to inspect this a bit. I won't move or touch her, Marik, don't worry." The other male eyed him, then nodded and turned to Anzu, who was rubbing her arms rapidly, her eyes wide with fear and terror.

"Anzu," he put an arm around her and she instantly threw herself against him, her whole frame shaking. He felt awful for her at that moment. She had suffered enough with her family dying and now her best friend – and his sister – was dead and in the same manner. However, there wasn't anything that anyone could do. Not at the moment and not with the situation at hand. Isis was gone and even if he might not want to admit it, he was missing her all ready. What am I going to do now? Anzu needs a female friend and I sure as hell want to be something more than Isis ever was!

"What's happened?" Vincent Essex came scrambling in, Lord North following closing at his heels. Both men halted at the doorframe, looking shocked at the sight that they saw.

"Dear God," North murmured. "What's happened to her?"

"Seems the cannibal struck again," Essex sighed. "And to such a beautiful woman." Marik glared at him, loathing the Lord of Essex with every particle in his being. He wanted to rearrange the man's face so not even an ugly woman would take him for her husband.

"This doesn't concern you, gentleman," Bakura told them coolly, having turned around, his arms across his chest. When he truly wanted to, Bakura could look (and be!) a genuine, ruthless, bastard. His resentment for Essex seemed to channel into the male and he stiffened, his nostrils flaring in aggravation. Apparently he had not gotten over the unfortunate scene that he had played out in his home. What was more, was that the Lord of Essex did not like to be told what to do, especially by a Frenchman that Essex considered a 'sirrah.'

"Fine," Essex huffed and turned on his toe, casting a dirty look towards Bakura and Marik. North glanced at him, then turned back towards them, sympathy written cleanly on his face.

"Is there anything I should get you three?" He asked gently.

"Inform the king of this," Bakura advised. "He'll want to know that one of his people are missing – and by murder, at that." Lord North nodded, bowing to them politely and turning his back on them, moving down the hall, the ends of his robe flapping open, showing his white sleeping pants. Bakura shut the door and sighed, glancing at Anzu, who had paused in her crying and was just sitting on the ground in the circle of Marik's arms.

"Do you suppose the king will give her a proper burial, Marik?" Anzu asked at last.

"I should hope so."

X

"What did you say?" The bellow rang in North's ears and he almost winced. Wise as he was, however, he kept his eyes steadily at the king, carefully avoiding his eyes, which would only anger him more. North had the urge to back out of the conference room, having done his job, but he knew that would make the king demote him or even worse...Put Essex in his spot. Biting his tongue, he stared furiously at King George, wanted to spurt out as many curses as his mind knew. However, knowing better, he kept his mouth tightly shut, his tongue bleeding from his teeth digging into it. "How the devil does some cannibal get through my court?"

"It must have been someone in the ton," Essex told him, entering. "There could be no explanation."

"You know..." North spoke up slyly. "It's a little suspicious that this is happening right after the Earl of Avon arrived."

"That's true," Essex agreed. "I bet he just wanted to weasel his way into your court to eat his fill." King George appeared distressed at this piece of information. He had been a good companion with the Earl of Avon for most of Yami's life. It seemed unlikely that the charming, cheerful youth would be the one to cause so much terror. It was even more unlikely that he would do it to the Mazaki family and Isis Ishtar. But...What if it was Essex or North? Lord North was certainly hostile enough, but could it truly be his faithful servant that was the cannibal? King George didn't think so. And Essex certainly wasn't the cannibal. He too much of a cheerful lad. So. That left Yami. He was the only logical person. He couldn't think of any other person powerful enough to do so. Those were the three and Yami was the likely one...The Earl of Avon was not to be.

X

"Ahem!" A maid came bustling in, looking nervous. Anzu looked at her breakfast that had came on a tray. It was a simple sallet (salad) with leek, borage, bugloss leaves, hop buds, endive, chicory, cauliflower, marigold leaves, radishes, tarragon, and spinach. She had mead as her drink and a fourth of a loaf of bread beside her sallet. It all looked perfect for a dreadful morning.

"Thank you," Anzu murmured gently, picking up her fork.

"I'm sorry about your friend," the maid murmured gently. "I can imagine how you feel. My whole family's dead as well, that's why I'm working for the king here in Norwich." She offered a gentle smile and laid a hand on Anzu's. "Don't worry. I've heard rumors they've found the cannibal."

"They have? Who?"

"They say that it's the Earl of Avon," she whispered, bending down so that Anzu could hear. "But a lot don't think that it could possibly be him. He's too much of a sweetheart, don't you think so, madam?"

"Goodness gracious!" Anzu leapt up, setting her tray aside. "It wasn't Yami! It's impossible! How could he have been the one when he was out of town when my family was attacked?"

"That's true..."

"I have to go find Marik – or Bakura!"

X

Marik sighed, his hands resting firmly on the balcony's railing. His sister was dead and his brother would have been as well if he hadn't yanked the dagger out of the fool's hands. And then there was Anzu...Anzu, who had been the first to see Isis' maimed body, had been taken to bed. She had been, Marik supposed, traumatized. After months of staying low, the cannibal had finally struck again. He must have been spying on Anzu, figuring out just who was close to her. His brows snapped down at that sudden deduction. Then it must be someone that is in the ton and has been around us... Marik, hopeful, thought, Bakura? It's possible, but Seto has been around us as well. Speaking of which...When he returns from that errand the king sent him on, he must be the first to know.

"Marik!" Anzu came scrambling in his room and he turned, then he found himself staring at her chemise. He blinked, then rubbed his face.

"Anzu, did you consider putting clothes on before coming in here?" He demanded of her, appearing genuinely embarrassed. She looked down, then crossed her arms over her chest, flushing.

"This isn't the time for formality!" She told him severely. "The king believes it to be Yami that is the cannibal."

"Hmm, it is possible, I suppose."

"But Marik," she protested, "he wasn't here when my family was killed. It couldn't have been him and think of it! – He would have had to find out who's dear to me, am I not correct? He's not been here to do any of it! He must be innocent!" Marik sighed.

"Then it's Bakura." Anzu gave him an appalled look. "What? He's obsessive and sick enough to do it."

"You're not being fair to Bakura," she told him. "What's he ever done to you?" Marik raised his eyebrows at her. "Well...I don't think he'd do that to Isis. He never had anything against her. And besides, he didn't even know my family or I before I met you!"

"Oh, Anzu," he sighed, looking wearisome. "You don't seem to understand the concept that to murderers, it doesn't matter."

"Why doesn't the cannibal just kill me and get it over with?" She demanded. "Since you're the expert."

"Aren't you feisty? He wants to torture you, Anzu."

"...But it is only Malik, Bakura, Seto, Yami, and you that are left."

"And?"

"He's going after the people that are close to me, so he'll...He'll go after you five next."

"There had better be a good explanation for this," a voice came from behind them. Both turned to see Seto with an arched brow. The two glanced at each other. "What's happened? The ton is abuzz with excitement. Has something happened?" Anzu burst into tears at that and both males looked startled.

"Poor Seto!" She wailed, crying into her hands. It was her words that made Seto snap into action. He glared at Marik and in swift strides came level with him, close enough to bite.

"You'd better tell me what – "

"My sister is dead," Marik told him bluntly.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN, DEAD?"

"I mean that the cannibal got her. It's pretty basic, really. We did expect it since Anzu was in dan – " He stopped while he could, seeing the tension running through the other male's body. They both stared coolly at each other, before Seto turned on his heel, storming out of the room. The door slammed loudly, making both Anzu and Marik wince.

X

He saw Seto going down the hall with hasty, long strides. He smirked, knowing that the Earl of Huntingdon had just found out about his fiancée's death. He hoped the pathetic fool cried his heart. To be controlled by a woman was considered weakness and the lord had let himself fall under the power of Isis Ishtar. Smiling, he came out of the shadows in which he was hiding and chuckled in amusement. Yes, this would make the earl break, no doubt.

X

Seto strolled in Norwich's gardens, his mind slowing down. He certainly was in no mood to have someone pleasantly speaking to him. His fiancée was killed and now, not only was in danger of being eaten himself, he was stuck with her brother's and Anzu. It wasn't so much Anzu, but the fact that he had to be the one to protect her now. He sighed, running a hand through his hair wearily. What was the point of it all? And what was more...Who the hell could he trust? The murder was so close! So close! It could be Marik, Malik, Bakura or even the king for all Seto knew. A sigh escaped his lips once again and he paused in his pacing, seeing that the Earl of Avon was approaching him. Frowning, Seto waited, wondering what made him look so concerned. Isis? Surely, but there was something else that lingered on the male's facial features...

"Seto," Yami gasped, pausing to catch his breath. "I have heard of Isis' demise!"

"There's one way to put it, my lord," Seto told him coolly. "Quite insensitively, I might add. Bluntly put, she was murdered."

"Yes, yes, whatever," Yami waved a hand distractedly. "Seto, they believe that I am the cannibal!"

"Fools!" He snapped out. "I'll kill them for implying so."

"You care so much for me?"

"No, you idiot. I am speaking of Isis and Anzu! You weren't in England at the time these murders started. Have they not a wit about them?"

"Seto, I need a lawyer before the king calls me to trial! I have gotten about this information by one of my servants. It was not me, I would not do that to Anzu, nor my beloved. As much as you resent me, you do understand it would be unfair, don't you?" Yami was almost pleading, cold beads of sweat on his face.

"I hate you, Yami," Seto told him frankly, "but I also want the true murderer condemned. I'll..." he cringed "...be your lawyer, if you wish it." Yami sighed. "Who's started this rumor, anyway?"

"My people tell me that it was Lord North and Lord Essex that suggested it to the king."

"You mean to tell me that those two, who have sworn to be enemies, were plotting against you?"

"It would appear so. Then again, the king did display his affections towards me, as well as the ton."

"True."

"What will you say?"

"The truth, what else? You were not here to do such a thing and that you were once in love with Isis."

"You may have to lie when saying that. Say that I...Had a mistress that I met and chose over Isis."

"Very well. And if the ton speaks out?"

"Everyone loves me, Seto, why would they?"

"If you're so sure, then, Yami."

X

Anzu shifted her position in the chair, frowning. Yami was forced to be seated in a hard chair in front of the king, who was scowling down at his once-friend. It seemed that in the matter of such a small amount of time, things had went horribly wrong in Norwich. Perhaps it was a bad omen. No matter, for things were about to play out and thankfully for Yami, he had Seto as his speaker and lawyer.

"Il u a de l'orage dans l'air," Bakura commented, his hands cupped over a staff, his chin rested on his clasped hands.

"Mm, indeed," Marik agreed. "Seto is good, but the monarch can be better – and more sneaky."

"Oui, vrai." Anzu felt that Bakura didn't want her to understand anything that he said. She was only hearing one part of the conversation and if Marik started to speak in French...She sighed and turned her attention back to the 'trial'.

"Earl of Avon, Yami," King George spoke up in a rich voice. "You know of what you are being held accounted for?"

"Yes," he replied, not meekly. In fact, he was remaining calm. The only thing that could give him away was his hasty heartbeat.

"And what do you plead?"

"Not guilty."

"Indeed," the king nodded to Seto. "Let us proceed. Lawyer, Earl of Huntingdon, Seto Kaiba, what is it that makes my lord, the Earl of Avon, innocent?"

"Your Majesty and his Majesty's court," Seto paced around Yami, then paused behind him. "We all know that the Earl of Avon is a charming, kind man that would hardly even hurt a fly. Why, we must ask ourselves, would he harm his friend, the Lady of York, Anzu Mazaki, and why would he kill her family? Hm? Why, pray tell me, would he kill his once beloved, Isis Ishtar? And if he were jealous, would he not kill me instead? Ah, you see, my friends, it does not add up!" A murmur of agreement went around. "Was he not out of the country when the murders of the Mazaki family of York started up? Indeed he was! Was he not a friend of Isis Ishtar? Yes, he was! The odds are against the accusations against the Earl of Avon! Now, sure, one would think he may kill Isis out of jealousy, but there is one thing that is wrong about that." Seto paused, crossing his arms over his chest, giving the court a stern look. "His love for her had dwindled down when he met a woman. So." Seto began pacing again, looking thoughtful, before halting once again. "How is it, lords and ladies, that he is jealous...And yet he loves another? No, no, no, that can't be so!" Yami was impressed with Seto. The man was very convincing, even though the 'mistress' was false. "The Earl of Avon isn't the type to do such a thing, we all know that! Look at him, everyone, and tell me. Is he capable – and think hard, very hard on this! Is he capable...Of killing his friend's family and his own once darling? Can you see him doing that? When you decide whether he's guilty or innocent, you had better ask yourself that. Condemning an innocent man to death – and then having the killings continue...Would that not weigh on your conscience?" Silence went around the large room as Seto returned to the side of Yami. He eyed the court, who looked wide-eyed with heavy deliberation. "Lords and ladies of the court of our Majesty the king...My fiancée has been killed and I, over anyone else, want the true killer to be sought out. For all my resentment towards the Earl of Avon, I agreed to represent him in this trial. It was all because I knew he was innocent and because I wanted the true murderer found. I did this because of Anzu Mazaki, who lost her family and was alone in the world. If you want to make an innocent man put to death and you want the last member of the Mazaki family executed, than you're not only stupid, but also heartless. So." Seto glowered a bit. "What are you going to do?" The silence that went around the large room was deafening and Yami almost thought that they were horror struck. Then, a murmur went around and the king cleared his throat.

"All that believe him to be innocent." Many hands shot up, making relief wash over Yami in great waves. "Guilty?" No one raised their hand. "Very well. Yami, Earl of Avon, is declared innocent." A cheer rose up from the court and he sighed, giving a thankful look to Seto, who looked just as calmed as he.

X

"Tré, tré bien, Seto!" Bakura congratulated him politely.

"Mm," he nodded modestly. "I hope you didn't mind me adding you, Anzu."

"No," she smiled. "It's okay. I'm just glad that Yami doesn't to go to the Tower or be executed."

"Yes..."

"Seto...I'm sorry about Isis," she told him apologetically. "It's all my fault."

"Maybe," he agreed. "But we'll have to go on as we have, Anzu. Now, however, we're going to kill that bastard – whoever he is."

X

DIS: Yes, so dramatic! (falls down in a faint) Actually, not so much. I rather liked this chapter. (sweat drop) It took me a couple hours, which is kind of surprising since I normally take less than that to do a chapter. Anyway! Please review! It would bring much joy to my dull life. Also, if there's bad spelling or grammar, than I'm sorry! (wails) I was too lazy to edit this chapter.

Preview of next chapter: After Yami was declared innocent, the king cuts Yuletide down so that everyone has to go home early. Since Anzu was living with Isis, she has to live with someone else. The two that have volunteered are Bakura and Marik...