DIS: Well, I'm back now that I have some time to update this stuff. Thanks to Angel, MeeMee, Cataracta, and Winged-Wolf01 (don't worry, I'll be doing a Malik/Anzu one soon enough.) Here is the next chapter and enjoy! Hope I did a better job this time...
X
Chapter Fourteen, Seto and Yami's Investigations
The sun had not yet come up and Anzu was already awake. She sat at her window, her forehead resting against the cool window. So much had happened in such little time. I used to be so happy, she thought sadly, touching the cold surface of the glass window. Closing her cerulean eyes against the tears threatening to erupt, she thought to herself, Life used to be so much easier. What could have caused some madman to come after my family? And what could have been the reason for him to go after my friends? Isis did nothing and yet he killed her. She opened her eyes, a single tear following the path of her curved cheek. Will I never be rid of him? I just want to be happy again. Is that so much to ask? Anzu wiped the tear from her pale cheek and sighed shakily.
Mother, Duke, father and Isis...They're all gone because of me. It's my fault Isis died and it's my fault that Malik, Marik, and Seto are suffering. And yet, even though they know all of this, they are still trying to protect me. They shouldn't though...So why do they? Anzu felt her lips tremble and she covered her face with her hands. "I don't want anyone else to get hurt," she whispered, tears spilling from her eyes. "I don't...I don't want anyone I care for to die!"
X
As soon as the sun was up, Marik ushered Bakura away from the door.
"...You are truly going to do this, Marik?" Bakura asked him, eyeing him carefully. "Ma cherie is feeling awful about what happened to Isis." Ignoring the pet name that Bakura had given Anzu, Marik gave a shrug.
"Seto gave orders for me to tell her. I'm only following them, so if you have a complaint, Bakura, don't tell it to me – tell it to him."
"All I was saying, Marik, is that – "
"I know what you're saying, Bakura, but that isn't the point!" Marik snapped abruptly. The Frenchman's eyes narrowed into slits, eyeing the male cynically. "I'm aware of how terrible she's feeling, but this isn't her fault. Isis and all of us have been trying to protect her. We know what the risks are in doing this, so it's only our own fault." He sighed, running a tan hand through his hair. "I only wish we had thought of protecting ourselves and Anzu earlier."
"...I know," Bakura said softly, gazing down the hall, his eyes dull, "but we must do what we can for the time being." Marik nodded, and turning to Anzu's door, his door on the knob, he paused. Glancing behind him at Bakura, who was turning to leave, he cleared his throat.
"Bakura."
"Oui?" The male grunted, turning to meet Marik's gaze.
"...Uh...Thank you. For helping Anzu through all of this, I mean. I don't think she would be able to keep a smile on her face if it wasn't for you." Bakura stared at him with a blank expression, not responding. Finally, a reluctant half-smile came to the Frenchman's lips.
"Though that may be true, in the current consequences, I'm not sure if we'll see her smile ever again." At those words, Bakura turned and moved down the corridor to his room. Marik watched him for a moment longer, before entering Anzu's room. Anzu looked from the window, dark circles under her eyes. She smiled at him wearily.
"Good morning," she greeted softly. "You look so serious. What's wrong? Has something happened? Not...another murder?" He shook his head, closing the door behind him.
"No, not another murder," he replied. "Anzu, Seto has discovered the killer." She jumped to her feet, hurrying over to Marik, eyes wide.
"What? He has? Did he turn the man in?" Marik held up a hand, silencing her. Her questions had been blurted out and he knew that she wanted her family and Isis avenged more than anything at that moment. He led her to the bed and sat on the edge, bringing a leg up, slinging his arm over it. "Marik? Please...Tell me who it is."
"He hasn't found out the exact person, but he knows for a fact that it's either Essex or North." She put her fingers to her lips, eyes becoming wide.
"What? No...That can't be," she whispered, staring at her lap. "They are the king's most trusted men and are part of the ton! I can't imagine one of them as..." She trailed off and Marik sighed. He should have known that she would have reacted thusly. "I don't understand, though, Marik. What had either of them had against my family? That's the only thing I don't understand."
"I know," he grumbled. "Trust me, Anzu, I don't get it, either." He snorted. "But when Seto finds out which one it is, I'm going to kill him. I'm going to gut him and – "
"No," she grasped his arm, surprising him. "Please, Marik, don't result to violence."
"He ate my sister, Anzu! Do you think I'm just going to brush that off?"
"He did the same thing to my family," she countered, frowning. "I know that you're very angry, but violence won't solve anything. If we want answers of why, then we need to keep him alive." Marik frowned at her, and then was, once again, aware of her hands on his arm. The place she touched tingled.
"Either way, he's going to die. I'm not about to simply let this go."
"...Neither am I," she answered. Anzu stared at the ground for a moment, her ocean-blue eyes fixed on a certain spot. She sighed and turned to him, throwing her arms around his neck. He blinked rapidly, surprised, before pulling her closer, his arms sliding around her small waist. "I wish that I had gone through this myself. Isis wouldn't be dead if so."
"Stop blaming yourself, Anzu," he growled to her. "This was never your fault. We knew what could happen if we associated with you and we thought we were prepared." She buried her face in the side of his neck. She had cried all morning, but somehow she still had tears to spare. They rolled down her cheeks mercilessly. Marik hesitated, then stroked her hair and kissed her on the cheek soothingly. "We're going to keep you safe and deal with this. I promise." She nodded mutely, clinging to him for comfort.
X
Seto had just finished dressing when Marik entered his room, his hands in his pockets. The earl looked at the male through the mirror and could see why so many women were attracted to him. He wasn't the normal type of rogue. He didn't care too much for his appearance, but he admitted he was handsome. He was casual with the way he moved, spoke, and dressed. Though he was nearly as rich as Seto, he didn't try to dress the part. He rarely wore extremely fancy clothing. Normally he just wore...moderately fancy clothing. And, as Seto observed him, he noticed how contemplative he looked.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Seto spoke, still watching him in the mirror. Marik's eyes moved to him and he shook his head in response.
"She cried," he told him. Seto turned around, fixing his doublet and then putting a firm hand on the vanity.
"And just how did you handle that?" He asked, wondering if he had done the right thing. He sincerely hoped that Marik hadn't suggested they make love to make her feel better. He'd be beyond an idiot if he did. However, if he comforted her in the way a man should...
"I hugged her," Marik muttered, fingering a candle thoughtfully, observing it in interest. "I didn't leave until I was sure she was alright. I told her that I'd return with Bakura later on for lunch."
"I see." Seto gazed down at the ground, frowning to himself. "I'm going to take Yami with me, then, to investigate this little matter."
"Sounds fine."
"Marik."
"What?"
"Try to cheer her up. I don't need to see Anzu depressed or crying. It's unbearable to see her as something other than her normal, bright self." Marik nodded slowly.
"Bakura and I should have no problem with that," he told him. Seto nodded and the two men exited the room. As they did, they heard a shrill shriek come from Anzu's room. Sparing no time, the two darted down the hall. Anzu burst out of her room, smashing into Bakura, who stumbled.
"Que? Que? Que?" Bakura repeated, eyes wide with worry. The Frenchman started to spurt things in French quickly, grabbing Anzu bridal style and practically running circles. Marik and Seto stopped him.
"What is it? What happened?" Seto demanded. Anzu gulped and pointed inside her room.
"Th-there's a huge spider in there..." She whispered, eyes wide with fright. For a long time, the men stared at her, before Bakura cleared his throat and set her down on her feet.
"Euh..." He gave a rueful smile to the two men. "I will take care of this, gentleman." His suave demeanor had returned, but then again, it always did when Anzu was present. Seto sighed and after being assured by Anzu that she was alright, he said his goodbyes and left to find Yami.
X
The Earl of Avon stood near a window, having a warm cup of tea. It was unpleasant looking outside, especially with the clouds and mud puddles. He sighed, taking a drink of the warm substance. How dreary-looking outside. He winced. And of course, why shouldn't it be after Isis' death? He stared down at his tea mournfully. I used to love her so much and I would always fight with Seto over her. And still, while she was with Seto, I flirted with her just to spite him. His reluctant smile was one that came rarely. But so long as Anzu is safe, I suppose... He took another drink of his tea, sighing to himself.
"Yami," a growl came from behind him. Yami turned and smiled at Seto, who looked tense and irritated. "I've been searching this whole damn hell-hole for you. Is this where you've been the whole time?"
"Oh, Seto, are you finally admitting we're friends?" The Earl of Avon chirped, his mood brightening from the presence of his ex-rival. Seto glared at him. "Ooh. Ouch! That's a dirty look if I've ever seen one. You should have some tea!" Seto looked pissed then and Yami knew that it was time to get serious. Setting his tea down, he crossed his arms over his chest, a frown forming on his mouth. "Okay, I'll be serious. What is it, Seto? You wouldn't have sought me out unless it was something truly important."
"And it is," the latter answered with a growl. He glanced behind him and nodded to the doors that led outside. Yami reluctantly followed him outside, understanding the need for secrecy. In a low voice, Seto said, "I have found out who the killer is – not quite specifically, though."
"Meaning?" Yami murmured.
"Essex or North is the killer, but I haven't found out which one."
"How do you know that it's one of them."
"The king is being manipulated. He's keeping his court at the castle longer than necessary and he knows that there is a killer loose. Why does he keep his honored people at court then?"
"Ah, I see...And the only ones close to the king are Essex, myself, and North," Yami acknowledged softly. "I'm guessing you didn't think it was me?"
"No," he replied. "I told you that long ago when I proved you innocent before the king." The Earl of Avon nodded in comprehension.
"So then, Seto, what do you propose we do?" Yami asked.
"We need to get close to North or Essex. Essex already knows me rather well, so I'll take him. You take North."
"Right...Then what?"
"Try to wheedle any hint, any secret – anything out of them." Yami nodded slowly.
"I'll do what I can, Seto."
"You'd better! For the sake of Anzu and all our asses. And Yami – "
"I know. Be careful." Yami smiled at Seto's suspicious look. "I don't want Anzu to think my death is her fault, too." He winked at the Earl of Huntingdon, before leaving inside, whistling a tune. Seto blinked, then shook his head, thinking that the man was absolutely insane.
X
Lord North could feel depression falling on him yet again. Bad weather always caused him to become this way. He sat huddled in a chair by the fire. Most of the guests were in their rooms still, probably taking the chance of sleeping in. Some of the elder guests had been walking around, stretching their withered limbs. He heard footsteps on the soft carpet and he glanced behind him. The Earl of Avon sighed, sitting next to him. "This weather is taking its toll on me," he remarked to North, who nodded glumly.
"Yes. It is affecting me, too." He paused, eyeing Yami thoughtfully. "I am sorry about your friend."
"As well as I," Yami murmured. "I wish I could have protected her better. If only she had chose me as her husband and she would still be alive today."
"And the killer would be dead?" North questioned.
"Likely."
"A bold answer, my friend," he murmured, gazing at the flames of the fire, "but I agree as well. That killer has been able to kill for far too long."
"...It does seem that way, doesn't it?"
"You and your friends should be taken away from here. Unfortunately," North glanced almost maliciously at Yami, "the king is not allowing anyone to leave. Pity, isn't it?"
"Yes, a pity," Yami responded, his suspicion getting the best of him. The way Frederick North had looked at him was very odd.
X
Seto had no trouble finding Essex, who was lounging in the throne room, standing by the window, his face solemn. Often the Earl of Essex was a joyous man, yet he was now standing before the window, solemnly observing the weather's effects. He glanced at Seto and his face saddened. "My friend...I'm so very sorry," he said gently, grasping Seto's hand in a firm shake. "How are you holding up?"
"Fine for the time being..." Essex sighed.
"This man must be stopped, Seto," he told him, looking at the window. "If he is not, he will continue his rampage and will continue to kill innocent people. What purpose does he have for these killings? It makes no sense..." Seto's eyes narrowed on him.
"No, I suppose it doesn't..." The Earl of Huntingdon said carefully. Vincent Hastings turned to him, smiling sadly.
"Please accept my condolences. I know how much you loved Isis."
"She was everything to me," Seto said simply, as though stating a statistical fact. He couldn't allow memories or emotions to interfere in his plans. "Malik and Marik miss her dearly as well. So does Bakura and Anzu."
"Poor thing," he remarked. "Anzu would be so much safer if she were...away from here." Seto eyed him, frowning.
"Yes, I suppose so."
"Have you spoken to the king about it?" Essex asked curiously.
"No," Seto lied, suspicious of Essex, "not yet. I might later tonight."
"I see..." Essex nodded, saying nothing. "Hopefully he'll allow you and your friends to leave."
"Hopefully."
X
"Hmm..." Bakura stared at the chess board. Anzu was beaming, gazing down at the chess board as well. Marik was laying on her bed, watching the game with mild interest. Anzu was winning so far. The first game had been dull because Anzu had been as morose as ever. Then, as they continued to play, she was escaping the dark depression and returning to her bright, cheerful self. "Zut alours. Look at what you've done, Anzu!" She gave a tinkling laugh, clapping her hands in glee.
"I know! My strategy is fool proof." So far, out of Marik and Bakura, Marik had been able to beat Anzu twice. She threw her queen at him once and then muttered things under her breath the other time. Now, as Bakura made a move that would cost him, Marik wondered vaguely how Yami and Seto were doing on the investigation. Hopefully they would come up with something by the end of the day...
X
Yami and Seto were walking up the stairs to Seto's room, thinking of the conversations they had had with North and Essex. They both had been evasive, cynical, and had said identical things. They both were suspicious and that meant they were empty handed for the time being. Sighing, the two exchanged weary glances. This was going to be more difficult than they had thought.
X
DIS: (claps hands) Excellent, that one was longer than my last. I know I'm being a little bitch in not bluntly revealing who the killer is. I assure you, though, that the next chapter he will be revealed. Let's hope I get it done soon, huh? (wink) Please review on your way out. Ciao!