"Are you ready?" they both asked at the same time. 

Ash coughed, rejecting eye contact with her as Kasumi did the same. Brock choked back a laugh.

 Ash then rang the bell.

Surprisingly, the door opened almost immediately. There to greet them stood an elderly man and beside him one house butler.

"Lady Kasumi, it's so wonderful to see you."

"Likewise Sir Adam. I assume you've heard of Ash Ketchum and Brock Castillos?"

"By reputation, yes," said the elder man. He extended his hand. "How do you do?"

"Rather cold, but then aren't we all."

"Dreadful time of year," agreed Adam. "But enough of my rambling, Lord Gabriel and Lady Anne are waiting for you in the parlor. This way, please."

Ash had to stifle a whistle as he was led through the large mansion. 

To Kasumi, this was surely unimpressive, but the grandeur was not lost on him. If he ever did decide to take Brock's advice and resurrect Brock's old guest home, a new manor might just be in order. But that was business for another day. Presently, there was the matter of a couple who might very well hold the key to the present case. It was a thrill. He was in his element.

The couple themselves were wearing similar-looking color outfits. The husband who introduced himself as Gabriel Lyon was a blond hair man, with a large mustache. Anne Lyon had her magenta color hair tied up in an elegant bun and had a bit of blush on her cheeks. She was very athletic and poised, similar to Kasumi herself. If this sorority of theirs was good for anything, it was keeping its members at their physical primes. 

Except Kasumi was naturally beautiful and didn't have the news to use all those products-

"Sir Ash and Brock," Kasumi was saying, "won't you gentlemen introduce yourselves?"

"Oh, we both know who you are," said Anne graciously. "We welcome the assistance. The sooner this fiend can be found and dealt with, the better."

"I couldn't agree more," Ash answered, taking a seat on the maroon color sofa next to Brock and Kasumi.

"Did you want a pad, perhaps? For note keeping?" Sir Adam asked. 

"I do not need them. Now, to begin, do you think you could recount the circumstances leading up to the discovery of the bodies? Can anyone tell me about your daughter?" 

He let them both talk, noting that this was a story the couple had told together before. It was straightforward, uncomplicated, and horrifyingly brutal. 

Lady Anne smiled softly. "Where do we start? Sakura was our youngest daughter. We have four older daughters but they now reside with their husbands far away." 

Ash nodded but was it clear he wanted to get straight to business. 

"It was night time. We had just arrived from a charity event and Sakura was expected to be home by then." Lord Gabriel closed his eyes, too traumatized to keep talking. "As soon as we entered our house we saw her a few feet away. She was on the floor in a pool of her blood. Her clothes were ripped and she looked like she was-" Lady Anne paused before continuing, "as if she was sexually abused. She was beaten up to the point that I almost didn't recognize her face."

"What did you do?" Brock asked calmly. 

"Why of course I rushed to her side while Gabriel ran around the manor," Lady Anne said. "So you just rushed inside?" Ash asked, genuinely perplexed. "What if the perpetrator had still been there? You could have been accosted."

"Oh perish the thought!" exclaimed Lord Gabriel smartly. "I don't believe I'm privy to this the humor in this situation," Ash said. "There is none," said Lady Anne. "It's just that Gabriel was part of the national army during his youth. He can acquit himself quite well in combat. It would take quite the opponent to beat him. He has even taught me and our daughters his best moves."

Ash was unconvinced. "And yet someone managed to overwhelm your daughter. Quite the opponent indeed." Brock shot Ash a look. 

"You'll hear no argument from us on that," said Lord Gabriel. "I've had over a dozen years of the best martial arts instruction that money can buy. Indonesian silat, Chinese tai chi chuan, judo, savate..." he trailed off. "The idea that they were so handily overcome is truly frightening."

Ash nodded but said nothing at first. "So you rushed inside and found her body near the door entrance."

"Yes," supplied Lady Anne.

"Was she dead at the time of your arrival?"

"Yes. The details are rather gruesome and I don't believe I shall ever manage to forget the sight." 

"Did you find an X-mark on her?"

"Well, yes and no. We didn't know it was the murderer's mark at the time." 

"Why not?" Lady Anne and Lord Gabriel exchanged glances. "Because it was covered in-you do know how the murderer left their mark correct?"

"I was informed that they simply carves an X in them at the scene of the crime."

"No. It's far more disturbing." Her voice broke on these last words. "They marked the X across her whole chest. Sakura was covered in blood due to the X-mark's deep lacerations."

Kasumi's hand flew to her mouth. "That's so awful!" 

Ash clasped his hands together, unsure of what to say next. "If this is too painful for you-"

The couple shook their heads. "Nonsense," said Lady Anne. "It was horrific, to be sure. But we've mourned our loss and come to terms with what happened. We just want to help the investigation in any way possible."

Ash nodded, asking a few more questions about the victim and the scene of the crime. In all though, it was a short interview and by the half-hour mark, he had exhausted all possible inquiry.

"I hope we were of some help," Lady Anne said as Ash, Brock, and Kasumi rose to leave. 

"You were," the detective assured them. 

"Thank you again for agreeing to meet with us."

"It was our pleasure." Ash shrugged his cloak back on. "Are you ready?" he asked Kasumi.

"Almost," she replied. "Would it be possible for me to have a moment alone with them?"

"Certainly. Ash and I will be waiting outside." Brock replied before biding a farewell and walking away with Ash. 

Kasumi waited until Ash was gone to turn back to the couple. Lord Gabriel, noticing the coughing tone of his wife, excused himself, leaving only Kasumi and Lady Anne. Kasumi hadn't seen Lady Anne in quite some time and knew that it was best she explain some things before her speculations were allowed to run wild.

"Is he as good as they say he is?" Lady Anne asked, wanting to know. 

Kasumi smiled. 

"I don't know. Maybe. He's an odd one, that's well sure. But I have faith in him."

"Among other things?" asked Lady Anne suggestively. 

"Now what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Lady Anne gave her a 'you know better' look. "Oh come now Kasumi, he is handsome."

"Doesn't seem to know it either," chipped in Lady Anne. "A point in the man's favor." 

Kasumi laughed at this. "Even if I were interested, which I'm not, if any man has consented to lifelong bachelorhood it's Ash Ketchum. I assure you, come a distant second to mysteries and the like in his book."

"He should be so lucky to have you," Lady Anne said.

"My dance card is full enough, I'm afraid. None other than Lord Rudy himself plans to take me out to his new lands in France. He came by earlier today." 

Lady Anne chuckled. "You recount it with the voice of one recounting an unpleasant illness. Perhaps the Lord would have more success if he opened a detective agency!"

Even Kasumi had to laugh in response. "Tell me, do any of your sisters have any idea who you've been spending all this time with?" Lady Anne asked once they'd all calmed.

"Well-"

"Thought so! Secret rendezvous, handsome detectives... I'm beginning to wonder if I'm reading a novel."

"Would that such evil was a mere literary invention," Kasumi mused. Anne nodded somberly. 

"Well, we shan't keep you any longer. The detective is waiting."

"I loved seeing you all again, it's been far too long. Next time, I hope it will be under more pleasant circumstances."

"Sounds like a splendid good idea to me... perhaps a wedding," Lady Anne agreed. "Now go on then. And try not to cause a scandal while you're at it."

Kasumi kissed and hugged her, while the butler brought her overcoat. "We'll catch the bastard who did this," she said in parting. "I promise." 

Lady Anne reached out for her hand. "I know you and Sakura were very close friends. I know how her death affected you but please dear. Don't lose your humanity trying to catch the culprit."

 Kasumi looked into her eyes, "I promise."

"No matter what happens you'll always be family to us."

____________________________________

The ride back was considerably colder with strong winds now added to the equation. Luckily, Ash's carriage had retractable barriers that could be extended down to shield its occupants from the elements. Both were silent at first, but Kasumi had something on her mind.

"I hate to impugn your reputation as a detective, Mr. Ketchum, but-"

"Didn't I just waste an hour of our time? That's the question you wish to ask, is it not? By the way we're past formalities as you stated earlier."

"Right. Ash." Kasumi corrected herself. "Well not quite. That is, it's always a pleasure to see dear friends in any situation. But what on earth could you have possibly learned from that interview that the police don't already know? Besides, Lady Sakura was murdered three years ago."

"Well, I know that Clemont Watson had nothing to do with those murders. It was all too elaborate, too well-planned. And that x mark. . ."

"What of it?"

"Well, it can't be done with just a simple knife. Earlier today I went to inspect the other three bodies. X-marks across their chests. Yet this is the intriguing part, there's no way a simple butcher's work like what your friends described could have been accomplished that mark. Even so, years later. The murder used some sort of custom knife or sword. May's father owns a blacksmith shop-"

"If this is another excuse to go see your fishnet-wearing acquaintance, I should warn you I won't be billed for it." Ash laughed. "What is it about the words pro bono that you don't understand? And not that it's any of your concern, but I wasn't thinking of paying May another visit just yet. I'd rather see the evidence myself."

"Are you still convinced that the person who attacked Sakura is connected to the murder of my classmates?"

"Yes. Bit of a hunch for now, but I'm rarely wrong about these things. If my theory is correct, then he'll strike again. Soon. They'll want to establish a pattern, especially since their latest attempt was foiled."

"For what possible motive though?"

"Well that's the devil of it," Ash said. "I simply can't imagine."

"I'll be glad when we can all wash our hands of this dreadful affair," Kasumi murmured. 

She let out a sigh. "So what's next in your investigation?"

"Well, I'm going to the ghettos."

"Pardon?"

"Let's just say that it isn't hard to track down a custom knife or sword. A loosely thief has indicated he might be willing to talk in exchange for a lesser sentence. I'm going to speak with him, see if he knows anything about the deaths of your classmates."

"It sounds like a wild goose chase to me," declared Kasumi. "Nonetheless, I would like to come along." 

Ash laughed. "I don't think so."

"And why not?"

"Because Paris ghetto is no place for a woman. Every sort of scum and lowlife imaginable resides there." 

Her chin went up, as was customary when she was about to make things difficult. "I assure you, Mr. Ketchum, I can take care of myself. I've been to the sailors' bars, there's not a tawdry joke or obscene comment that I haven't heard before. I'm coming with you."

"Very well, you'll have to wake up before the crack of dawn."

"Sounds simple enough."

"And try not to look so. . ." he trailed off, as the word that immediately came to mind was 'beautiful', which he certainly wasn't about to say. Regardless, the perceptive smile on her lips only widened. "I'll see what I can do. Blacken a few teeth perhaps. Or maybe affect a particularly horrid expression."

"It's as though you enjoy teasing me, your ladyship," muttered Ash. "Continue and I shall be forced to consider finding another young woman to escort to the Theater Galla."

"As if anyone but me would even consider being your escort," scoffed Kasumi. 

Ash looked at her. 

 Earlier she'd asked him if he preferred docile women, and he'd answered honestly in the negative. Now he was beginning to realize just how true that was. The challenge in her eyes, the slight smirk at the corner of her mouth, the way her chin rose assertively when she was about to speak her mind... 

He'd never met a woman like her. 

"So, bright and early tomorrow morning then?" Kasumi asked. With a start, he tore his gaze from her to the window, where it was clear they had arrived back at the Grayson Manor. "Um, yes."

"Excellent. Well, you have a good night, I shall see you then." She turned to Brock. "You as well Sir Castillos, oh blimey, I mean Brock. You must promise that tomorrow I will have the pleasure of your conversation as well as your skills as a chauffeur."

Brock chuckled from the front. "Certainly, Kasumi."

They watched her enter the mansion making sure she made it alright. Once the door had closed, Brock made a show of clearing his throat.

"Don't, Brock."

"Oh no, I wasn't indicating about that. It's your turn to steer the carriage." 

Brock stepped off the carriage as he and Ash switched places and now he was relaxing in the compartment.  

"So date huh?"

"Brock-"

"Alright alright. But I was only going to remark-"

"Brock."

A sigh. 

"Right then. Homeward we go." The ride back to the motel was calmly quiet. So quiet that Ash found himself leaning on Kasumi's side and closing his eyes. "Ash?"

"Yeah?" 

Brock shrugged. "Look, though I do enjoy seeing you be in your nature I just wanted to give you a warning." 

"Carry on?" 

"I care for you Satoshi. You're my friend, my partner, my equal companion and due to all these reasons I don't want to see you get hurt."

"Hmm, I see. Is this because of what Kasumi and I were speaking of?" 

"That is exactly why. Sooner or later this will all end and I don't desire to see you depart from someone you've grown attached to, aside from me of course." he replied, showing just a bit of a smile. 

Ash smiled back after a while. "Don't worry Brocko, nothing will happen."

"Alright." Brock smiled.

"Now can you sit down and let me steer?" 

"No." Brock replied. Ash raised an eyebrow. "I will sit right next to you." Brock finally said before he stepped out and took a seat next to Ash. 

Ash cracked a laugh. 

____________________________________

"Kasumi," a stern voice said from the shadows. 

Kasumi froze in her steps. Entering the mansion had been a silent enough affair, and she'd hoped to avoid all three of her sisters, she was praying to avoid Daisy the most. 

"Hello, Daisy." 

She stepped out into the foyer, lips pursed. "I talked with the Chief of the police department today. About your consulting. He told me something very interesting. Mind telling me what it might be?"

"Perhaps that I've decided to hire Detective Ash Ketchum on my own?"

"Yes. A fact you neglected to mention my dear sister."

"I just want my classmates' murderer found-"

Daisy's eyes darkened a bit. "I know you do. But what concerns me is you taking such a personal role in it. Especially with someone like Ash Ketchum. Besides those girls weren't really your classmates. You never attended the school you just volunteered." 

She gave her a meaningful look. "That's where you've been, I presume. With him."

"We paid a long-overdue visit to Lord Gabriel and Lady Anne. He wanted to ask them some questions about what happened that night with... Saukra."

"And it is admirable, Kasumi. But if you do so insist on contracting the services of Ash Ketchum, you don't need to accompany him every step of the way. It seems as though all I've heard lately is speculation and gossip about the two of you." 

She sighed. "You are a fine and beautiful young woman, Kasumi. Don't sully yourself with this awful business. And for heaven's sake don't go gallivanting around with this Ketchum fellow when you can hardly give Lord Rudy the time of day. One might get the wrong idea."

Kasumi's chin rose. "I apologize, I was unaware that you had arranged to marry me off to the great Lord. I shall purchase a wedding dress and arrange for a bridal party immediately!"

Another sigh. 

"If only you meant it."

"But you know me far better than that, Daisy."

"That I do. And you know how I detest arranged marriages. I wouldn't dream of forcing one on you. But Lord Rudy is a rare breed. I wish you wouldn't give up on him so easily. I was thinking that you should escort him to the Theater Galla."

Kasumi stifled a gasp. Where had this come from? 

"Ah, well... I've already obtained an escort."

"Oh?" her sister's aristocratic brow rose. 

"And who would that be?" 

The way Kasumi averted her eyes said it all. 

Daisy's nostrils flared. "You must be joking." she sneered. 

"I invited him, dear sister. Just as a good friend."

"A good friend?" she repeated in disbelief. "No, Kasumi, that I cannot allow."

"Why not?" she demanded.

"You know very well why not. This is a very prestigious event. The Governor himself might be in attendance! Besides, what would the people think if they saw one of the hosts with an escort like him?"

"Host?"

"Did you not hear the news? Of course not." Daisy scoffed. "You were out with that block when the news arrived. Lord Piero has to leave the country due to his mother's health in Switzerland so the right to host this year's Paris Opera House of Ballet's annual charity is us."

"This years? I thought-"

"The gala is just three months away. We are the hosts alongside the Herondales and Roys."

Yet Kasumi did not back down. "But just because Detective Ash is an immigrant it does not mean he cannot attend. I know the story, on why our class views people like him poorly."

"Then you know why I can't allow you to escort him. On that, I will not waver."

"How is he to improve his lot in society without a seat at the table?"

Daisy glared at her and was silent. Kasumi sighed, dejectedly. "If that is how you feel, then I shan't be in attendance."

"Go with Lord Rudy, you will have a marvelous time, I promise. It's not a wedding it's a dance. Ignore him all the while if you like."

"Daisy-"

"Accompany him, and I will allow Ash Ketchum to attend. I will send him and that failure of Castillos' son real and authentic invitations."

"But not as my escort."

"Precisely."

Kasumi's jaw clenched. "I shall think about it. Now if you will excuse me, I'm feeling rather weary at the moment. Running wildly around the town with unsuitable rogues can be quite tiring."

Daisy Grayson just shook her head and waved her away. "Go, get some sleep then. You've earned it."

The warmth in her eyes softened Kasumi a bit. "Don't worry, Daisy, I know what I'm doing."

Daisy smiled sadly. "I thought I did too, at your age."

"Good night." She rose to kiss her on the cheek.

"Good night, Kasumi."