-Oxford - Thursday: Part 21-

Gayle King ran a hand through her hair as she stared in the mirror of the police station bathroom. She had never met a man who even when given all the proof who was so hard headed. She could see that in the Chief Inspector's eyes as he looked over the case files, as he checked information in his computer, most likely pulling up other things that what she had said was starting to truly hit home with him. Yet at the same time, Tyler was refusing to accept it as truth even with how it all fit so perfectly together. 'Maybe that was the problem' she said turning around as she leaned against the edge of the sink. It was far to perfect she supposed not that there was any real link but the fact that it was to easy to point in the direction of Heth was almost as if someone else knew that such a thing would happen at some point and wanted a fall person. 'Yet who?'

The thought that crossed her mind was Jia Mianju who in some way or another worked on each of the cases. The three women being the seemly only ones that he hadn't really touched and she wondered if that was exactly true. It wasn't as if he didn't have access to those three cases, he had been there on the scene for Jane Doe, he hadn't been the first on the scene but he had been there. The five missing girls that were still out there, he was working on those cases, not as lead but again he was helping. The only case that was really his the police weren't really even at this point and time pushing charges against, that was Lady Kyoko and he was working more under John Tyler. 'Yet it is clear, Tyler trusts that Officer Mianju.'

Not only was that clear in her mind but also that Tyler seemed to have a personal grudge against the Takarada family, one that she couldn't place. It was odd in all respects for the last half a century the Takarada family was a strong influence in the Royal family. First with the Queen Mother Leiko being the formal Queen Consort of King Phillip but she also had been the mother of both Crown Prince Albert and her Majesty Queen Mary. Her children were as much Takarada in every way but name. Both of those children had grown up with Lory Takarada, and even the Queen's children had been raised alongside Kouki though truth be told none of them as close as Crown Prince Charles and Kouki. Still, the Princes and Princesses had Lory in many ways as an Uncle, and the Queen herself was more of an elder sister to the man having been raised with him as children. It was more of a surprise to her that Lory hadn't stayed within the Palace that he had returned to Japan to start up LME.

Again this wouldn't have been odd, even if he had been adopted officially by King Phillip and Queen Leiko he would still have been the third in line and that was only if Parliament had agreed to change the laws or accepted him and she highly doubted that they would, even now. 'Not that any of that matters now' in a way it was a curse and a blessing that the Queen, unlike her mother, had been so fertile, King Phillip's siblings and their bloodlines would likely never again see the Crown unless remarried into it. It didn't mean they didn't have Royal blood for they did, just that they were now so far removed from taking the Crown. It was one of the reasons why in the past, they hid such things, it was all based on blood and no one needed to know the truth if the Crown so stated so. That was why Kyoko had been given such a treatment, while there were people who did know the truth, no one would ever be able to prove it and those that might be able to do so. Well, they had ways of making sure such things didn't come into the light. It had been ruled by the Crown and even should the next in line want to change that they would not be allowed to do so. That didn't mean they couldn't go out of their way to make the girl's life difficult or make her disappear altogether but Lady Kyoko would always be Lady Kyoko the legal and blood child of Lory Takarada.

'It also made her a perfect bridal candidate' because she did hold a title of her own if only due to her father at the moment. Yet her connection to the Royal Family itself, the children would always remain close, Leiko had done an amazing job in assuring that difference, a large one that wasn't very common. Those children actually got along, they actually liked and cared about each other and not just because it was expected of them. Even Leiko's two children had been close and Lory with them. So it wouldn't be long before others would be putting in their offers to marry Kyoko to have some sort of sway with Charles when he became King. 'That child...' she wondered exactly how well Kyoko would be able to handle such a possible future, based on the damage done to her on the physically, mentally, and emotionally she likely had some hidden issues but she couldn't see the damage as of yet. Again she was reminded how Brown could be so fond over the girl and that it was a true feeling at that. Not that she worried that it would influence him in any way. That would only apply to Ruto but he was a Banshee he was allowed that in a way.

Pushing her fingers into her temples she allowed the sigh to escape her lips, 'I need to look more into Tyler and this Mianju' there was something she was missing, 'Kyoko told Ruto that Mianju scared her' to the point she had basically run into Ren Tsuruga's arms. 'That boy' there was something indeed about him and her. Yet she supposed at the same time she couldn't be surprised by that either. He did work for Lory, he was rather close to Maria, it would make sense that he would feel a certain desire to protect Kyoko simply because of who she was related too. King lifted her head looking at the ceiling none of that mattered though she supposed in the end. 'She still wants to use Mianju to get to Heth' and she knew ahead of time before Brown and before she had met him that he had contact with Heth. 'How could she know that though?' True there was the history she had with Heth, apparently. They had no record but her words on the matter but even she could tell from what the Ankou had been able to dig up on the man, that women went missing at a higher rate when he was abroad.

King pulled out her cell phone looking at the time, she should likely be heading back to the hotel. There was more information that she felt was needed now if Mianju was more than he seemed from the initial report. It was just too odd now that she thought about how he really did seem to have his hands in everything surrounding Heth. Yet from what she could recall from the report, the man didn't seem at all to stand out. Well short of having named his daughter Cinderella, which struck her as odd. It wasn't the oddest name she had ever heard or been called but it was indeed a name that would stand out and this man didn't stand out. Even now it was hard to picture him standing out, 'Tyler notices him though and so did Kyoko' but she hadn't noticed him. 'No that's not right' she had noticed him when she got into that car, he had been watching her and that was why she had been drawn towards him. Yet she couldn't say it was a bad vibe, unsettling perhaps but again she wasn't sure. It had disappeared far too quickly for her mind to grasp at it now, and that she knew was not a good thing. The Ankou needed to store everything that could cause a problem, needed to be able to recall it without question, it could save the Crown not to say themselves.

'Maybe I've been King too long' but that didn't seem right either to her. 'I'll ask Brown later' she pushed the thoughts out of her head. She had to let Tyler know she was leaving, there was no use pushing him she was sure he would bend on his own and her watching would only delay the response but Tyler for all his faults and his strange hatred for the Takarada family, another thing she wanted to look into. He was at least on record a good cop. So she would just have to put faith in that in the next few days he would push for charges against Heth instead, 'not that we can allow that either.'

Lory stared at the young man with long blonde hair, his eyes were kind and that had been the first thing he really picked up about the bunch. 'Miroku Fujinumua' it was always nice when you saw a young man who grew up with a great deal of money show true kindness in their eyes. He knew it wasn't so much for himself but Reino. He had heard from Kyoko that Reino was not fond of being touched by anyone outside of the four male friends of his and the way that Miroku seemed to quickly move forward, the way the other three young men seemed to circle him it was most likely true. 'I'll have to ask Ruto later if he knows more about this matter' it could be very important.

Miroku gave a small bow of his head towards Lory, "Forgive me I suppose you weren't informed that Reino isn't a huge fan of being touched." Lory watched with amusement in how the man seemed to know exactly how to address someone of higher rank, "I'm Miroku and these three are..."

Lory chuckled softly, "I know exactly who you and your friends are Mr. Fujinumua" he motioned towards Reino "Reino Kobayashi" he said with a small nod of his head, "Kiyora Mittsu, Dasuku Tsuko" he said nodding to each of them as they looked at each other and he held out the biggest smile full of nothing but true warmth "and Shizuru Saiai the man who assured my daughter's injury was nothing serious" he chuckled slightly, "I'm afraid even if it had been she would have refused to see any doctors." Shizuru stared at him before nodding slightly. "I also heard you have sisters of your own and have treated her and got those two," he said frowning slightly at Kiyora and Dasuku seemed to pale slightly as if expecting something bad about to happen "to think of her of such." Shizuru eyes followed Lory before turning back towards him.

Shizuru, "Yes sir. Lady Kyoko reminds me of my sisters."

Lory moved forward placing a hand on the man's back, "Good, I will be looking towards you to keep her safe when it comes to these other four" he watched the young man look at him slightly before straightening even more so, a slight smile fell upon his features.

Shizuru, "Yes sir. I'll treat her as if she was one of my sisters."

Dasuku leaned towards Reino slightly, "Is it just me or does that man seem to like Shizuru?"

Reino stared at his friends, there was a hint of pride in Shizuru's features, something that he rarely saw other than when dealing with his own family. Yet most of all there was a sort of fatherly warmth coming from Lory as well, something he himself didn't really know first hand unless he thought about how Tomi sometimes looked at him in the same way when he had been younger as if he was proud of him. Now he questioned even that. He felt the little grudge next to him stir slightly. His hand was itching to touch Lory's to see what exactly he was thinking about, what memories were coming through but the moment that thought echoed in his being he noticed Ruto moving closer to Lory. That man scared him, truly scared him. Turning his eyes back towards Dasuku "Well Shizuru rarely gets much attention and he was the most useful to Lady Kyoko..." not that it was exactly true.

Miroku leaned in barely touching Reino's shoulder, "You were the one that saved her though."

Reino had in a small way aided her, the second time he was sure she didn't even realize. There was something dangerous about that man but it was his place to say anything either. Some small part of him was sure that the only reason he had moved was that he knew that if something truly bad happened to her and Tomi knew he could have done something it would be him sharing her fate. The first time, however, yes he realized or more along felt that something was off with Shoutaro Fuwa when he had followed her, the spirit adding to his worries to the point he knew that she was there being watched over. Would he really have done something otherwise? He wasn't too sure anymore. He had to school his face as he saw the little grudge with its hands on its hips it was almost as if was thinking of saying something before simply turning it's back to him with its little arms crossed. 'Is it picking up on my energies now?' That was slightly a disturbing thought to him somehow. 'Grudges aren't supposed to act like this.'

Kyo "That son of mine" she growled under her breath a heavy sigh fell upon her features as she rose from her seat and made her way towards Kyoko. "Kyoko dear, it seems Daiki won't be joining us tonight. He can't be bothered..." she said tapping her foot slightly, clearly, annoyance playing across her features before she school herself. Kyoko smiled softly a smile at her.

"It's alright Kyo, I did take up a lot of his time today." Reino's eyes widen slightly as he noticed that once again Ruto was there at her side putting a plate back His head turned back towards where Lory was and where he had been just a moment before as if expecting him to have a twin but there was nothing.

Kiyora wrapped an arm around his shoulders as if he realized exactly what he was missing, it was almost as if Ruto had teleported at least in Kiyora's memory that was what it seemed. Reino knew that the truth was that his speed was just that quick. It wasn't the first time he seen people move at such speeds but they never worked as a manservant, 'but they did kill people' alright so the only people he really knew who could move at such inhumane speeds were all killers and all worked for his so-called Uncles. Yet there had been none of those feelings of a life being endangered or needing to scare someone, to prove themselves the better man. It was just at this man was quick, he had heard Kyo's words and had taken action as if he knew exactly what was going to be said. 'Does he has super hearing as well?' Again he was reminded just how badly this man scared him.

He had totally missed anything else being said around them but Lory was talking to Shizuru or more correctly, Lory was doing the talking. Kyo had moved back to the table sitting down. It was strange how Lory was leading Shizuru to the table but neither sitting down just yet as they chatted. At first, he didn't realize it but the one girl name Amanda seemed to be looking at them all before turning and whispering something to David his eyes would fall upon them before nodding.

Kiyora arm fell away, "Think those two are fucking?" Reino mentally sighed.

Dasuku "No man," he shook his head, "Ain't no way they are doing the dirty. You gotta stop watching that shit."

Kiyora rolled his eyes, "Those two are to fucking close, look at the way they hang off each other." He muttered and nearly jumped when Brown was standing behind him a hand falling heavily on his shoulder.

"Princess Amanda and Prince David are just close so please refrain from such talk." Dasuku snorted at the pale face that was Kiyora the way he was clearly struggling not to just drop to his knees. Reino might have found it amusing but that man was also more than he seemed.

Miroku leaned forward slightly, "Try not to piss off the guard dogs Kiyora." Kiyora nodded his head as Brown moved back towards the table. It was clear the two Princesses and Prince seemed more annoyed he was there but he took it in clear good humor.

Miroku eyes falling towards Reino slightly and he had to agree with his best friend. There was something strange about Brown as well. Ruto was much smaller than Brown but the fact remained that man could move just as quickly from the looks of it. 'Maybe not as quick' but more so that man was quiet and likely deadly. 'Tonight is going to be a long night.' His eyes snapped towards the door as it opened and stepped in the boy from last night.

Keiji stared at him for a moment before flashing a smile that didn't reach his eyes, he walked past him towards his mother kissing her cheek softly. "Sorry I was late mother, I tried." She touched the side of his cheek gently and smiled warmly at the young man.

"I know." Reino didn't miss the way her eyes darted towards them, clearly, they weren't exactly welcomed here.

Keiji made his way towards the kitchen, "That better not be fish Kyoko" Kyoko, of course, was not looking at him Reino hadn't caught what she had said before their voices dropped. Keiji was soon chased out of the kitchen by Maria for bothering her, Auntie and she had not been exactly quiet about it either when shooing him away. As he left the little kitchen section of the room Reino felt the glare that seemed to be in his direction. Yet when he looked it was that smile as he took a seat at the table.

'It's like one of my father's business dinners' he thought bitterly to himself and his eyes fell upon the chestnut hair girl once more before turning away. 'So where is that man?' Already feeling mentally tired and bored he looked at his friends minus Shizuru which hurt a bit "Shall we get this dinner over with?" he said shoving his hands in his pockets as he stared at Shizuru who eyes fell towards him. He gave the faint smile and Reino realized right away, that he was trying to find a way for them to be accepted, it was like when he dealt with the people at one of his family dojos. The pain that he had felt disappeared at once and Reino gave his friend a smile in return as the four of them made their way towards him.

A/N: Saiai is Japanese for Beloved [chosen for the fact his family runs several dojos and he has sisters, I thought it would be funny that this would be their last name]. Mittsu is Japanese for the number 3 used more when ordering food. [There is a reason why I picked this to come later!]. Tsuko is Japanese for Passage or Passing [I picture his family being in construction; working on road repairs, buildings, ect.]

I noticed I never stated why I picked Reino's and Miroku's last names. So here's the answer! Kobayashi and Fujinuma are actually the last names of two characters in Boku Dake ga Inai Machi, who were friends. Kenya Kobayashi was a very observant and realized Satoru Fujinuma's strange behavior and the shift in personality. Thus why I picked these two last names for them as a "backward-refection" of Reino and Mirkou [Reino being more like Satoru and Mirkou being more like Kenya] :D