"That was a nice movie," smiled Kotonoha as she left the theatre with Ryuji, walking arm-in-arm with him.
"It was OK, I guess," Ryuji shrugged. "There weren't any fight scenes, though."
"It was a romantic comedy," Kotonoha informed him.
"Like I said, it needed more fight scenes," he told her. "The only highlight about tonight was that I got to spend time with you." Kotonoha blushed and took hold of his hand. "It's kinda chilly. How about we go and get some coffee before heading home?"
"Coffee?" Kotonoha asked. "That would keep us up all night."
"We'll just order decaf," he suggested. "That way we can warm ourselves up, and no caffeine to keep us all night."
The two entered a coffee and Ryuji and Kotonoha chose a table to seat at. That was when another patron came in. He was an attractive young man, with dark hair, and a sparkling smile. He scanned the coffee shop and his eyes fell upon Kotonoha who was looking over the menu with Ryuji.
"Hello there, beautiful," the man said as he came up to the table. "I'm Mikado Sanzenin. What's your name?"
"Hey," Ryuji retorted. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all," the man replied nonchalantly. "I just wish for this lovely lady's name."
"Her name's none of your business," Ryuji shot back. Sanzenin wasn't intimidated in the least.
"Could you please leave us alone?" Kotonoha requested politely. She didn't like men flirting with her. Plus, she was engaged. "I just want to have coffee with my fiance."
"Fiance?" Sanzenin frowned. "My dear, I'm sure you could do better than this. Like myself."
"I knew I heard your name before," Ryuji scowled. "Mikado Sanzenin. You're that famous skater from Kolhotz High School. A bit far from home, aren't you?"
"I'm just in this city to participate in a competition," he said, "And maybe sample the sights." He leered at Kotonoha who hid herself behind the menu.
"How about you take a hike before I mess up that pretty face of yours?" Ryuji threatened, teeth gritted, eyes flashing in anger. Mikado was about to comment when he felt an unnatural chill flowed through his veins as he locked eyes with Ryuji. He backed away slightly then cleared his throat, recovering.
"Actually, I'm just going to grab something and then leave. I have an early morning of training to attend to," he said. He then waved at Kotonoha, "I hope to see you again, beautiful." Mikado grabbed a muffin from the counter, paid for it, then left.
"What a douchebag," muttered Ryuji.
"Ryuji-kun, thank you for chasing him off," Kotonoha said gratefully.
"No problem. We're engaged and it's my job to make sure guys like that don't try anything with you." He put his hand on hers and smiled gently at him. "Excuse me," he said, standing up. "I just need to use the bathroom." He left the table and towards the back of the coffee house where the bathroom was located.
Sanzenin was on his way back to his hotel room when he was dragged into an alley. He grunted as he was pinned against the wall. He wanted to shout but no sound came as he was speechless, struck with terror by the creature holding him against the wall.
"Now, show me your fear!"
The creature's eyes glowed and Sanzenin screamed.
Ryuji returned to the table just as the waitress came to take their orders.
"Do you have any hot chocolate with marshmallows?" he asked, smiling.
The Following Day...
"Mikado Sanzenin," Ryo stated as he looked at the file photo of the latest victim. The young man no longer longer looked the same. In this picture taken of him at the scene, Sanzenin was now as pale as a ghost, with his hair white as snow, and catatonic with a look of terror frozen on his face. It was another addition to the growing list of victims. Just two weeks ago, Nanami Kanroji had also joined the list as well. She too was a member of the basketball team along with Otome Katou and her friends.
Ryo still suspected Ryuji had something to do with these attacks. Unfortunately, the young man was protected by his family, lawyer, and bodyguards. He needed to find a way to prove Ryuji was behind these attacks. He just needed the opportunity.
LOVE HINA/DOUBLE TROUBLE
Chapter 51: Murder on Rokkenjima (Part 1)
BY: KAMEN RIDER CHROME & TEN-FACED PALADIN
Akiko had quickly made herself at home at Hinata-Sou, claiming a room before getting to meet the other residents. The other residents liked her and she was quickly accepted. She did freak out a little when she met Moe who was essentially a Life Dopant. Still, her adorableness won the girl over and she insisted Moe sit in her lap at dinner. The French doll certainly didn't mind.
Akiko had also begun making herself a presence in Keitaro's office as he worked, watching how the day to day activities went. She claimed that she wanted to see how a detective worked and if it might be a possible career movement for her. The Urashima Siblings personally felt that Akiko wanted to try and bond with her father a little by knowing what he dedicated his life to. She probably wanted to follow in his footsteps and understand the type of life he'd led more deeply.
"Don't you have anything else to do?" asked Keitaro, glaring at Akiko who was reading files over his shoulder.
"Do you honestly do cases like this?" asked Akiko, ignoring the question and looking over the files of missing pets. "A detective actually finds lost pets?"
"Normally a specially-trained person will be needed, but Phillip-niichan with enough information can track down the pets' habits so Keitaro-niichan can find them," Kanako explained.
"Sounds boring," Akiko shook her head, "So, you run this dorm on the side when things get slow?"
"No. We were going to open an office here in the city, but Granny dumped the place on us out of the blue so she could go on a world tour," answered Keitaro.
"Really?" Akiko blinked.
"She's getting old and wants to spend her last few years enjoying herself," said Kanako. "Sides, she's run this place for years and deserves to retire and relax."
"As an added bonus, we even managed to find a place to set up our agency," said Phillip, "As for managing the dorm, we have the tenants help out to clean the place and hot spring. We do maintenance too from time to time."
Akiko sighed in bliss. The first time in the hot spring had been a magical . Urashima would brag about the Hinata-Sou from time to time and she was glad to find that it was everything she expected it to be.
"So, care to tell me about the giant robot in the back?" she asked.
"HardMammother," Phillip replied. "He was a gift from the Molmol royal family."
"You mean an engagement present from your future in-laws," Kanako teased.
"Molmol?" Akiko blinked. "I haven't heard anything about this."
"It's in one of the case files," said Keitaro, pointing at the filing cabinet. "It was a very long report to write." He really wanted to put that case behind him. Aside from his childhood idiocy, it was the most embarrassing thing to have ever happen to him.
Akiko nodded and then saw the case file opened on Keitaro's desk. "Hey, what's this?"
"A case we're still working on with the Hinata City PD," said Keitaro. "People going into catatonic shock with their hair turning white."
"Creepy," she grimaced.
Keitaro would have gone into the details, but a soft knocking came to the door which cut him off. The door then opened before Shinobu poked her head inside, "Sempai, you have a client."
"Okay, send them in," Keitaro nodded. Shinobu nodded and opened the door to the office to let the client in.
The man who entered the room was dressed in a casual suit with a shirt and tie ensemble, looking like a rather well-to-do detective in his own right. He had a handsome face, which Akiko was silently swooning over as Kanako dragged her away so the pair could talk. He had dark red hair, an oddity for a Japanese man but he made it work for him. It was styled fashionably with fringe sticking to his left side. He and keitaro looked at one another for a moment before smiling.
"Well damn," Keitaro laughed as he stood up. "Battler Ushiromiya. It's been years since I last saw you."
"Same here," Battler smiled. "You know, I've been following your exploits on the news. I'm surprised though that you setup your agency in a girls' dorm.
"It wasn't my first choice, but we've settled in quite nicely," Keitaro smiled. "So, how about you? Solved any interesting cases lately?"
"The usual detective beat that Tokyo Metropolitan has me go for," Battler shrugged. "As much as I'd like to just sit down and compare our best cases and match wits on those practice cases your brother whips up, I'm here on business."
"Business?" asked Keitaro.
"I want to hire you and your brother to help me with something," Battler sighed.
Now this caught the Urashimas' interest.
Sonozaki Manor
"What's this?" Ryuji asked as Ryubee handed him an envelope.
"It's a letter of invitation from a friend of mine, Kinzo Ushiromiya," said Ryubee. "He's invited me to his home on Rokkenjima Island for a special gathering. Unfortunately, I cannot attend."
"Because of work," Ryuji assumed. Ryubee nodded.
"He said that he requires my help to solve a riddle," said Ryubee. "But I thought that you should go in my place."
"A riddle?" Ryuji cocked an eyebrow.
"Not just any riddle, Ryuji," Ryubee smiled mysteriously. "A path to riches."
Ryuji's eyebrows rose in interest, "I see."
"Also, you could consider this a vacation. You have been working hard," said Ryubee.
"Thank you, Otou-sama," Ryuji bowed gratefully.
"You can bring along your fiancée along as well. Consider this a vacation for the two of you," Ryubee suggested.
"Thank you," Ryuji bowed again. A chance to be alone with Kotonoha and strengthen their engagement was always nice. Not like their relationship was threatened, of course, but it would be nice to be away from the city for a bit.
"I'm sure that you will all have a wonderful time," Ryubee smiled. "Kinzo-kun has been known to throw some wonderful galas now and then. They are most enchanting."
Hinata-Sou - Urashimas' Office
"So what's this case?" asked Keitaro. He and Battler had taken seats while Kanako had provided tea and Phillip watched on, ready to begin researching on anything.
"Well, you'll need some background to understand it," Battler sighed. "I suspect that you already know that I'm part of the Ushiromiya Family."
"One of the largest families involved in conglomerates in the country," Phillip began, "Your grandfather, Kinzo Ushiromiya, built his fortune upon many different industries. It is said he found a literal gold mine and from there his fortune grew as he invested in many different industries. He has four children: Krauss Ushiromiya, Rudolph Ushiromiya, Eva Ushiromiya and Rosa Ushiromiya. He also has grandchildren from each of his children's marriages: George Ushiromiya, Jessica Ushiromiya, Maria Ushiromiya, Ange Ushiromiya and Battler Ushiromiya."
"Suffice to say, you're loaded and from a big time family," Keitaro nodded.
"Yes," Battler nodded. "Anyway, my grandfather is hosting a gathering. It's mostly family and a few extra guests he's invited. My parents are roping me to go along with them, mainly to help them out."
"Help out with what?" Kanako asked.
"My grandfather has this will that states that he will hand over his entire fortune to the one who solves his riddle," said Battler. "Only the one who solves it is the most worthy. My parents, aunts and uncles are scrambling to figure it out." Battler shook his head. "But Grandfather's contracted a terminal illness so he's due to die soon. So if he dies and no one figures it out, they're afraid the fortune will go to waste. So now they're asking select individuals for help."
Battler slumped slightly, "In a sense, they're asking me to bring you and Phillip in after they heard about all of the big cases you got involved in."
"So, he doesn't plan to give up his fortune to anybody unless they solve a riddle?" Akiko questioned. "Isn't that a bit harsh and unfair?"
"I still have trouble understanding my grandfather," Battler shrugged, "I'm gonna go but I've got a problem."
"What is it?" Keitaro asked.
"My little sister Ange has the flu so she can't go. However, my dad and Kyrie-san have to go and so do I. But I just don't feel right leaving her with a babysitter," said Battler.
"Well, how about you let her stay here while we're away?" Keitaro suggested. "There are plenty of people here to make sure she stays healthy and Haruka and Kanako will make sure she gets everything she needs."
"Careful about that," Battler grinned. "I spoil her enough as it is. She'll be unbearable if you do any more."
"The hot spring has medicinal properties," said Phillip. "If she stays here she'll be healthy in no time. Also, she wouldn't be lonely while she's recovering."
"I did see a few younger kids when I was coming up here," said Battler.
"Plus, you'd have nothing to worry about," assured Keitaro.
"I'll have to ask my parents," said Battler, "But I think we can arrange something."
"So, can I bring along someone extra?" asked Keitaro.
"Well, you could," shrugged Battler. "But this is a semi-private party so don't bring too many people. Family members or romantic partners."
"Well, I can't go," said Kanako, sounding upset. "Someone needs to stay to take care of the agency."
"Sorry, Kanako," Keitaro apologized.
"Just make sure to write me a sensational report so it'll feel like I was there," said Kanako.
"Guys, I appreciate this," Battler smiled. "I really do."
"Hey, what are friends for?" Keitaro smiled. "Besides, this will be another chance for us to collaborate again."
Hinata-Sou - Kitsune's Room
"Say, Kitsune, how would like to come with me and Phillip to an island this weekend?" Keitaro asked.
Kitsune blinked, looking up from her latest report to look at her man, "You're whisking me away for an island vacation?" she began to grin. "Tropical I hope."
"More like high society," Keitaro replied with a smile. "A chance to show off some nice clothes and talk snob with a bunch of other snobs."
"Hm, not as fun," Kitsune pondered. "But a chance to break out those nice lacy garters I was saving for a rainy day might be fun," she grinned at seeing Keitaro flush. So much for hardboiled when it came to her! "I think I can find something nice."
"That's great," Keitaro smiled.
"Hey, Kei? Do you prefer black or red?" she asked.
"Um...black?" he answered, unsure of what she meant by that question. Although, being a detective, he could make a pretty good deduction.
"Good," Kitsune winked. She had a nightie in that color that she wanted to show off. She just hadn't had the opportunity considering the chances of having Naru, Motoko, or one of the other girls walk in when things started getting hot. Now this might be her chance to put it to good use.
Day of Departure-en route to Rokkenjima
Keitaro, Phillip and Kitsune were riding a ferry towards Rokkenjima together. However, along the way, Phillip was looking up at the sky. The clouds were gray and growing thicker, never a good sign when one was hoping for pleasant weather.
Since the guests to the Ushiromiya party were expected to arrive in formal or semi-formal wear the group had to change before arriving. Fortunately the ferry was privately owned so being dressed in fancy clothes felt less awkward. Keitaro was wearing a black suit with a royal purple vest underneath and a red tie. As always, his black fedora was set on his head. Phillip just wore a suit that didn't stand out, not having much interest or taste in such things. Kitsune herself had donned a slinky black dress that hugged her curvy figure with more black material sewn onto shaped like an ornate peacock along the hem of her dress. The dress had a slit on the side, revealing her legs covered in stockings and her feet sporting black high heels. She dolled up her face with purple mascara and ruby red lips, topping off her ensemble with her best jewels, gold bracelets on her wrists and black pendulum stones hanging from her ears. She even opened her eyes slightly, making her look very seductive. Keitaro's eyes kept trailing back to her, making her smile.
"What's wrong, Phillip?" Keitaro asked.
"I was watching the weather report and it's predicted that we'll have a storm coming," said Phillip. "The clouds show that there's truth in the prediction."
"Well, we will all be inside by then," Keitaro reassured his brother. "So, found any new info on the family?"
"Just the surface information," said Phillip. "Once I meet them, I'll get more data access."
"Hey, is that it?" Kitsune pointed and Keitaro picked up the Denden Sensor to look through the binoculars.
Rokkenjima Island, privately owned by the eccentric Kinzo Ushiromiya. It was as much as a mystery as he was. Even the source of his fortune caused speculations. He never really gave a solid answer of where he got that initial burst of fortune, but most speculated he found a stockpile of gold somewhere on the island and was just keeping quiet to keep prospectors away until he could buy the island.
"That's the place," Keitaro confirmed. He shivered. Why did he feel a chill of excitement? Was it because the island reminded him of a setup from one of the many mystery novels he'd read?
"Looks like the place is still as creepy as ever," a new voice added. Keitaro turned to see Battler approaching. He was dressed in a white suit with a black vest and a red shirt with a black tie. One the right lapel of his jacket was the well-known half-eagle mark of the Ushiromiya. It was something of a family rule that anybody who was a blood relation to the Ushiromiya family had to wear its crest during family functions. Battler hated it, feeling like it branded him like cattle.
"You know, I'm surprised you're even on this ferry in the first place," commented Keitaro in amusement. "I thought shaky transportation scared the heck out of you."
Battler blushed, and confessed, "That was a long time ago, Keitaro. I've gotten better with dealing with shaky transportation. I just try not to think of it."
"So, those meditation exercises Phillip recommended for you did work then," Keitaro assumed.
"Like a charm."
"Battler-kun, are we there yet?"
The one who spoke was a woman who came up from the lower levels of the boat. She was a very beautiful woman who had more than a little Italian in her. She had ginger-blonde hair and blue eyes, looking like the epitome of western beauty. Her hair was tied back in a braided bun and on the right she wore a rose-like hair piece to decorate it. She wore a white blouse under black vest and jacket, even wearing a pink tie. She also wore a short frilled red skirt with high boots and striped socks.
Her name was Beatrice. She had come to Japan from Italy to learn fashion design from different cultures and met Battler completely by chance. The two were completely in love and had been dating for a while. However, Battler had kept her a secret from his family since he knew they likely wouldn't have approved of her. It wasn't because she was foreign, not with how western influences worked on the Ushiromiya family and how reportedly his grandmother was Italian, but because she really didn't have any high standing be it in herself or in her family. This would be her first time meeting the rest of the Ushiromiya Family and she wanted to make a good impression.
"Almost there Beato," Battler smiled.
"Don't call me that," Beatrice smiled, swatting his shoulder. "Now, what can I expect from your relatives? I want to make a good impression on all of them."
"Well, it's been awhile since I last saw them," Battler said honestly. "But you better expect some people used to being at the top of the world of high society. Though, some of them should be down to Earth."
"Well then, I guess it's time I've met my future in-laws," she replied, smiling.
"Well, we're going to dock soon. Just in time since I don't want to be caught out in the storm," Keitaro commented, pointing at the sky.
"That does appear ominous," said Beatrice. "Like an omen of things to come."
"Cheery," Kitsune grimaced. "Come on, we're getting to go to a high class party with all sorts of sweets, food, and booze. Let's just have fun with this while our men deal with an old riddle."
"Just try not to overdo it," advised Keitaro.
Their ferry docked at the island and they were greeted by servants of the Ushiromiya family. They were all dressed in black suits, looking much like butlers.
"Welcome Battler-sama," one of them greeted as Battler stepped off the boat. "Your guests I presume?"
"Yes," Battler nodded. "Make sure that they're comfortable."
"Of course."
The butlers took on the luggage of the group since it would at least be an overnight stay in the mansion if not a bit longer. For Kitsune, this was an entirely new experience for her. This was high society. The closest she got to that was the odd time he had tried to do some pieces on a celebrity arriving in Hinata Hot Springs.
Battler and his guests were led towards the main mansion and it was just as Battler remembered it. It was a massive stone house, western style with gardens and other decorations surrounding the place, making it look incredible. It was obviously an expensive layout though, more money than any of the others aside from Battler had ever seen.
"Wow. You grew up in this?" asked Keitaro.
"No, my family lives elsewhere but every year we come back to meet the family," Battler shook his head.
"So, a family reunion, huh?" Kitsune asked.
"More or less. Only everyone's going to be interested in that damn riddle Grandfather wrote in the main hall," Battler sighed. "If I remember my parents, aunts and uncles then everyone's going to be trying to one up each other and likely brought someone to help them with the riddle."
"With the fortune on the line, I guess it makes sense that they should compete over it," said Phillip.
"It's never pleasant when they argue over who should inherit it and the position of family head," said Battler. "Unfortunately, it's all they ever seem to talk about when they get together."
"Inner-family struggles, huh?" Keitaro frowned.
"Come on. Let's head inside. They should've arrived by now," said Battler as he and his guests head up and into the mansion. A servant opened the door for them and they went inside into the foyer.
And there assembled were the members of the Ushiromiya Family. They were all milling about in the main hall, making polite gestures to one another and saying the usual greetings and such for a reunion. It didn't escape Battler or Keitaro's eye that the adults kept throwing glances to the back of the foyer where a portrait of blonde woman.
"Looks kind of like you," Kitsune commented to Beatrice on the portrait of the woman.
"I don't see the resemblance," Beatrice denied.
Keitaro scanned the room and then his eyes fell upon a pair he hadn't expected to be present. "Sonozaki..." Keitaro whispered. There he was, Ryuji Sonozaki, nephew and adopted son of Ryubee Sonozaki. He was dressed in formal wear as well, wearing a dark blue suit over a white shirt and red tie. With him was Kotonoha Katsura who was also dressed in formal wear, comprised of a black blazer over a white shirt and red bowtie. She wore a matching pencil skirt as well.
"You know, I've never met them before," said Battler. "I wonder who invited them?"
"We know them," Phillip commented."The boy is Ryuji Sonozaki, the adopted some of Ryubee Sonozaki, formerly his nephew. The girl with him is his fiancée, Kotonoha Katsura."
"Sonozaki?" Battler blinked, but then nodded. "Okay, I see. Ryubee Sonozaki and my Grandfather are friends. He must have invited Ryubee to come but he sent his adopted son in his place or something."
Keitaro's eyes were narrowed. Ryuji Sonozaki was young, a teenager that hadn't graduated from high school yet, but he was still a member of Museum. Not only that, he'd been performing research on Gaia Memories to make them more powerful through a process of selecting compatible users.
"Hey, Battler," greeted a blonde girl. "It's been a long time, hasn't it, cousin?"
She had her hair in a ponytail and had blue eyes. Her outfit looked like a school uniform consisting of black jacket and a red shirt with a red tie. On her left arm was the crest of the Ushiromiya family, making her a blood relation to the family and Battler.
"Hi Jessica," Battler smiled. "How have you been?"
"Not bad I guess," Jessica shrugged. "Who are your friends?"
"Oh, an old classmate of mine, his brother and his girlfriend," Battler answered. He looked Jessica up and down. "You know, you sure filled out nicely over the years. You're not using padding, are you?"
"You'd know considering how much you've groped me," Jessica snickered.
"Groped her?" Beatrice frowned.
"Uh...stupidity of youth and hormones?" Battler sweatdropped.
"Oh, I don't think we've met," Jessica smiled, taking notice of how Beatrice was sticking close to Battler. "I'm Jessica Ushiromiya, this pervert's cousin."
"Beatrice, his girlfriend," the Italian woman smiled. "Bongiorno."
"Wow! Really?" Jessica smiled. "Great! For a while there we thought he'd never get a girl! Uncle Rudolph and Aunt Kyrie have been trying to hook him up with girls they knew if what Mom said was true."
"Is it really so unbelievable that I'd be able to win a girl's heart with my charm?" Battler asked. Jessica turned her face away, her cheeks puffing as she tried to hold in her laughter. "What?"
"Hello, Battler," greeted a bespectacled young man. He wore a pale green suit with a brown vest marked with the Ushiromiya crest.
"Hey, George," Battler greeted. He then spotted the little girl standing behind George. She was wearing a pink shirt with a black dress and a black bustier-like piece of clothing marked with the family crest.
"Ah, Maria-chan!"
"Hello," the small girl smiled. She glanced over to Keitaro and Phillip. "You two are nice. Two hearts as one."
"Pardon?" Keitaro blinked, Phillip beside him.
"Don't mind Maria-chan," George chuckled, patting the girl's head. "She's got a vivid imagination."
"She's also very cute and I bet she'd grow up to be a babe," grinned Battler.
"What was that?" Beatrice frowned, pinching his cheek. "I can't take you anywhere can I?"
"You should have seen him when he was single at Tokyo U," Keitaro commented. "Always flirting with any pretty girl who looked great in a skirt. He even peeped on the tennis club during practice, not to mention he attended every competition that the swim team and rhythmic gymnastics team went to."
"I was showing my support to our school's teams," Battler defended.
"Funny, we met during my first fashion show at school," Beatrice smirked. "I believe some lingerie was being modeled that night."
"I was playing wingman that night," Battler huffed. "The models were just eye candy." Then Battler received a slap on his back courtesy of his old man.
"Nice to have you finally show up, kid!" Rudolph Ushiromiya spoke. He wore a deep blue suit and white tie with the family crest on the left lapel. His hair was black, but slicked back. He spotted Kitsune and in a flash was in front of her, taking her hand. "And who is this lovely young lady?"
"Mitsune Konno," Kitsune replied, faking a smile. "Awfully forward, aren't you?"
"Well, I can't help myself when I notice such a beauty among us," said Rudolph. Unfortunately, his flirting was interrupted when a woman tugged on his ear. She had short white hair and was wearing a long purple blouse with black pants, but the blouse had diamonds cut onto the sides, exposing her sides and close to her hips. She didn't wear the family crest, meaning she was either a friend or married into the family
"Rudolph, really? Each time?" the woman, Kyrie, asked.
"Ah ha ha ha," Rudolph grinned. "It's the Italian in me I'm afraid."
"Dear old dad," Battler sighed, massaging his temple. "Everyone, this is my father Rudolph Ushiromiya and my stepmother Kyrie."
"Now I see where you get it from," Beatrice said in amusement.
"Ah, and who's this?" Rudolph asked, smiling as he gave Beatrice the once over.
Battler sighed, knowing that the moment had come and he had been steeling himself for it. Grasping, Beatrice's hand he finally spoke, "Dad...Mom...This is Beatrice. She and I have been going out for a while now."
"It's nice to finally meet you both," Beatrice smiled almost saintly. "Bonjiorno!"
"Oh my!" Kyrie gasped,smiling. "Battler, she's beautiful. You two look like such a good pair."
"My good for nothing son has finally found a girl! A beautiful foreign girl at that!" cheered Rudolph. "Banzai! Banzai!"
"Rudolph, please behave yourself and stop acting like a child," scolded Krauss, the eldest son of the family. he wore a red suit with the crest on the left lapel. He had the same shade of hair as Jessica, proving he was her father but perhaps a bit faded due to his age. He seemed pleasant, but the lines on his face just made him look...conniving.
"Ah, Onii-san, as sour as ever, huh?" Rudolph shot back cheekily.
"I see your son has brought along guests," Krauss studied the Urashimas and Kitsune. "Ryubee Sonozaki couldn't make it either so he sent his son in his place."
"I've had the chance to talk with the kid," Rudolph said. "He seems nice enough. Surprisingly well-spoken for someone his age."
'Yeah, that's probably just an act,' frowned Keitaro as he glanced at Ryuji speaking with Rosa Ushiromiya. She was owner of her own company, Anti-Rosa, which designed western-style clothing. Ryuji's cousins/sisters often purchased the clothes designed by Rosa's company and Kotonoha even confessed to being fond of the label.
Rosa had long sandy hair in a typical 'hime cut' along with a black country-style coat and a long red skirt. She also sported the family crest on her scarf, showing she was a blood relation. She looked very poised in whatever she did and it seemed that she and Kotonoha were getting along fabulously, much to Ryuji's delight.
When Keitaro first learnt that Ryuji was a Sonozaki by blood and the Wolf Dopant, he was surprised. He even learnt from Kirihiko that Ryuji had been training under him as a dealer and had sold several Gaia Memories. Despite having history of a delinquent, Ryuji was not a stupid musclehead. Not in the least. Now, he was trying to win over members of the Ushiromiya family under orders from Ryubee, no doubt.
Takayuki, however, had defended that Ryuji was not evil at heart. He believed in the altruistic goal of Museum on advancing humanity through the use of Gaia Memories. He had even developed their use in making sure that Dopants didn't go crazy from their use, that evil Dopants came from evil people. Unfortunately, his theories were used to make the T2 Gaia Memories and everyone was still recovering from the mess those things made.
"George, who are you and the others talking to?" asked a new woman. Approaching the group with a folding fan. She was dressed in a dark brown chinese-style blouse and dress marked with gold, both it and the skirt marked with the family crest. She even had it marked on her bare left arm. She had amber hair tied back into the bun almost on top of her head. She was the second child of the family, Eva Ushiromiya.
"Battler's come with friends, Okaa-san," George admitted.
"I'm Keitaro Urashima," Keitaro tipped his hat. "And this is my brother, Phillip."
"Nice to meet you," Phillip bowed.
"Urashima? You mean Hina Urashima's grandchildren?" Eva asked, turning from passive to officially interested in the conversation. "The ones who've become famous detectives?"
"We don't like to brag," Keitaro chuckled, tipping his hat. "But we have managed to make some headlines with some of our cases."
"Detectives?" asked Krauss.
"Don't you read the papers other than the business section Onii-san?" asked Eva. "The Urashimas are the family which practically owns all of Hinata Hot Springs with the kind of pull Hina Urashima has in the city. These two young men have been making some very interesting waves as they have been involved in high publicity crimes such as dealing with large-scale art thieves, protecting politicians, and even hunting down assassins. Your skills certainly aren't to be denied."
"We learnt from the best," said Keitaro. "And we only deal with cases to help with people. The payment is just compensation for our services. We do have bills to pay, after all."
"Isn't Hinata Hot Springs being plagued by monsters?" Krauss asked. "And recently, wasn't there a terrorist scare in the neighbouring city, Fuuto?"
"There was," Phillip nodded. "But it was taken care of. The terrorists unfortunately all died in the pursuit, preferring death to defeat."
"That situation was resolved by the Kamen Riders, wasn't it?," spoke Ryuji as he entered the conversation. "They were thought to be an urban legend at first but I suppose after this there is no more denying their existence."
"I knew they were real," Maria beamed, incidentally looking up at Keitaro and Phillip.
"It's a strange world that we all live in," Keitaro shrugged. "Who knows what might pop up next."
The head butler, Genji Ronoue, then came in and spoke, "Everyone, please follow me to the dining hall."
"I guess it's time we met Kinzo himself," stated Keitaro as he and the guests all followed the head butler into the dining hall for their evening meal.
The Ushiromiya family and guests took their seats at the long table as a young butler and maid came in, wheeling trays. On them were plates of extravagant western dishes that looked absolutely delicious. Keitaro was just glad that Phillip didn't think to bring Su along considering their engagement. No one would have survived.
"Please, enjoy the appetizers, sir," said Shannon, the pretty young maid as she put a plate down in front of Keitaro. The young butler, Kanon, was doing the same as well, greeting the guests as he placed the appetizers before them. Glasses of wine were filled. Maria's glass was filled with juice instead.
"Where's Otou-sama?" asked Krauss as he glared at the empty seat at the head of the table reserved only for the head of the family.
"Kinzo-sama will be joining us shortly," said Genji. "Due to his medical condition, his body still requires rest."
"Surprised that stopped him," Rudolph mentioned. "Dear old dad usually is as stubborn as an ox."
"He is getting old," remarked Eva. "No matter how strong he is, no man can fight time or age."
"And now the fangs come out," Battler muttered under his breath. It never changed. Once the family got together it became commentary on how Kinzo should get his affairs in order and pass on his estate or choose an heir.
"Hm," Phillip commented, sipping his wine. "This is from Shafer Vineyards, 2008 if I'm not mistaken. This has been hailed as the greatest wine of the year 2012."
"You know your wine, Phillip-san," complemented Beatrice.
"He learned everything there was to learn about wine when we were hired by a prominent wine-maker to investigate who was sabotaging his business," Keitaro explained. "To try and figure out what avenue the saboteur would use, Phillip learned everything there was to know about wine. He nearly bankrupted me tasting every brand out there. Blitzed himself in the process, but he knows every wine out there like the back of his hand."
"Such dedication," Kyrie commented. "I can see how you two became so prominent if you share that tenacity."
After some time, Genji informed the guests that they could eat first before Kinzo's arrival. However, much time had passed and the members of the Ushiromiya family were either getting worried or impatient.
"Does he really intend to keep us waiting?" questioned Krauss. "Dr. Nanjo, you're his physician. Just how much rest does he really need?"
"You know he is already quite old and his illness is quite debilitating, Krauss-san," said Dr. Nanjo. He was Kinzo's personal doctor as well as one of his oldest friends.
"Then why did he have us called if he doesn't intend to meet us?" Krauss asked.
Suddenly, an ear-piercing scream was heard.
"Shannon!" George gasped and he dashed off.
Keitaro and Phillip shared a nod before they ran in the same direction as George. Battler, hearing the scream, also followed.
George found Shannon on her knees, trembling, pale with fright in front of Kinzo's private study. "Shannon!" George exclaimed as he knelt at her side. "Are you OK? What's wrong?" With a shaking arm, she pointed with a trembling finger into the room. George's gaze followed and his eyes widened behind his glasses. Keitaro, Battler and Phillip also looked into the room and saw it for themselves.
Kinzo Ushiromoya had a noose tied around his neck and was left hanging from his ceiling, with blood dripping from his mouth and a stake through his heart. The rest of the Ushiromiya family and guests also came up to see what's wrong and saw the same sight. Rosa pulled Maria into an embrace, shielding her daughter's eyes from the sight.
"Dear God!" Krauss gasped. "Father!"
"Someone get him down!" screamed Eva.
"NO ONE MOVE!" Battler shouted, cutting off his family from moving any further. "Look, Grandfather is dead and now we're looking at a crime scene. We can't touch anything or else we may lose the key to finding out who did this!"
"He's right," Keitaro agreed. "We can't risk contaminating the evidence."
That was when a crash of thunder was heard. The storm predicted by Phillip had come.
Ryuji, however, as he was holding and comforting Kotonoha, thought, 'Now, this has become quite interesting..."
KAMEN RIDER CHROME: A murder! A murder! Looks like the detectives have stumbled onto a new case. Come on, who didn't see that coming? Anyway, the characters who've appeared in this chapter are from Umineko no Naku Koro Ni by 07th Expansion. Fans of the series must be pleased, huh? Anyway, now we've got the mansion isolated. Can we say 'cliche set up'?
TEN-FACED PALADIN: Now our favourite detectives have gone noir, ending up in the middle of an old-fashioned murder mystery. Kinzo's been killed and the murderer is at large. They have the crime scene and a lengthy list of possible suspects. Now, the question is, 'who done it?'.
USHIROMIYA FAMILY
Kinzo Ushiromiya (80's)
Krauss Ushiromiya (52)
Natsuhi Ushiromiya (47)
Jessica Ushiromiya (18)
Eva Ushiromiya (50)
Hideyoshi Ushiromiya (51)
George Ushiromiya (23)
Rudolph Ushiromiya (40's)
Kyrie Ushiromiya (33)
Rosa Ushiromiya (35)
Maria Ushiromiya (9)
SERVANTS
Shannon (19)
Kanon (17)
Chiyo Kumasawa (70's)
Genji Ronoue (50's)
Toshiro Gohda (40's)
GUESTS
Terumasa Nanjo (60's)
Beatrice (20)
Kotonoha Katsura (17)
Ryuji Sonozaki (17)
