You and Me

by Schimelos

Madame Vastra and Jenny have known each other for six years. While working on a case that takes them to Japan, the pair reminisce of how they met, their early days together, and their first case. They can both see where this is going, but neither appear to be brave enough to take the leap. Just a story of how these two got together. Disclaimer: I own none of these characters

4. Left Behind

Chapter 4

1886 Day After Arrival in Japan - The Investigation Begins

Vastra's POV

I awoke slowly, blinking several times, taking a moment to assess my surroundings. I was not in my room in London. I was not in my bed, but in a silly thing called a 'futon'. I was also not alone. Beside me, not more than three feet away, Jenny lay on her own futon, peacefully sleeping. She was on her side, facing me, with most of her hair covering her face. I smiled. It felt good to be around her again. The past few weeks, she was keeping a rather great distance from me and hardly speaking. Something has been on her mind. How I wish I could into that head of hers to find out.

I looked up at the ceiling thinking back to our conversation on the train.

"You and me. We got a good thing going, right?"

What had she meant? Of course, I considered her and I close friends. Perhaps it hadn't started in that manner, but over the last six years we had grown considerably close. She hadn't elaborated on her thoughts and afterwards, she returned to her quiet brooding. I hadn't wanted to consider it, although the thought did cross my mind every so often. Perhaps Jenny was considering leaving my service. No, she enjoyed our work too greatly. Although, it would be logical that she would consider finding another of her kind. I snuck a glance at my young companion. She is of the age that one normally seeks out a mate. The thought made me feel slightly ill. I don't want her to seek out another. I don't want her leave.

I left my little bed and donned on my robe. It was time to think of other things. Such as this strange case. Dragged all the way over to a strange country. For what? To find four missing women. Stop, what appeared to be, an uprising of sorts against the town. And, deal with ninjas. I shook my head. I had hoped that this would be an open and shut case. I was hoping to be done by next week and on my way back to London soon after. Foolish thoughts. There was a reason we were beckoned. This small town and their small police force could not handle this type of situation. No doubt, neighboring towns did not want to lend a hand. Much too afraid of these so called 'Black Spirits'.

Why do I let myself get dragged into these things? I asked myself. I knew the answer. It was because of her. My eyes went back to the young woman. I smiled. She looked so peaceful when asleep. Her kind heart is what caused all this. From day one, she had always had a fascination with the line of work I had found myself in. The Doctor arranged for me to work with Scotland Yard, but Jenny was the one, who pushed me to do it. If not for her, I probably would have let the cases go cold and then disappeared.

We received the request to come to Japan nearly three weeks ago. At the time, there were only three girls missing. The message had been brief. Jenny had read it nearly five times. Her brown eyes darting from the left to right and her mouth moving to read in a silent fashion.

"Well?" she had asked when she finally finished.

"Well what?" I tilted my head to look at her. I brought the cup of tea to my lips and watched as my young companion scowled at me. I knew it was bad to taunt her, but that look she'd gave me... it was very endearing. How I love to antagonize her up sometimes.

"Are we going to go?" she asked in a hurry.

I considered the question for a moment. Jenny had a large heart. For her, it wasn't about the chance to see a new country nor was it the promise of payment, which seemed to be quite staggering. No, for her it was because of these women and the injustice served to them. Crime against women always set her on edge. Who could blame her? She herself was almost one of them. Had it not been for me, who knows what would have happened. I banished the thought from my mind. Best not think of it.

"Well, it appears that they are quite in need of our services," I ventured with a knowing smile. I watched my young friend's worry dissipated. She took that as affirmation and quickly set off to pack our things.

I let out a breath and turned back to the door. The sunshine beamed into the small room when I slide the wooden door open. Faintly, I could hear birds chirping and the sound of people on the street going about their day. I had to say, it was much quieter than London. There were no horses, so no sound of their hoofs on the cobblestones nor the smell of their droppings. It was almost... peaceful.

A low moan brought my attention back to Jenny. She stirred, lifting her head to glare at me. "Oi, enough with that. Tell the sun to go away. I'm not ready." With that, she dropped her head back down, bringing the blankets over her head.

I resisted the urge to laugh. "I apologize, my Dear, I didn't mean to wake you."

Something in my stomach began to stir at the sight of her. Jenny sat up, letting the blankets fall into a pool on her lap. She stretched, rolling her neck to the side and extending one of her arms into the air. It made for quite the sight as she was only in a chemise. I turned around to give my young companion some privacy. However, the image of her was seared into my mind. I couldn't be certain when this started. Slowly over time, it became much more difficult to resist the urge to appreciate certain physical aspects of Jenny Flint. The curve of her hips as she swung her sword about during training. Those lovely red lips as they curled into a smile that seemed to illuminate her entire face. The swell of her breasts in that chemise of hers. I felt my throat go dry and I closed my eyes, trying to will my thoughts away.

"Did you sleep well, Ma'am?" I heard her ask as she shuffled about.

"Yes, surprisingly," I answered. There was a light smell of rain that lingered on. However, the clouds all vanished giving me the expectation of a clear and sunny day. "And you, my Dear?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she answered as she came into my peripheral vision. She wore a long black robe and had tied her hair up in a loose bun. She crossed her arms over her chest and regarded the morning scenery. "Quite beautiful, don't you think?"

I watched as Jenny admired sky, stepping out onto the small porch that let out into the yard. "Yes, beautiful indeed," I agreed, not tearing my eyes away from her. I cleared my throat, realizing that I was staring at my friend for far longer than appropriate.

"A bit of a contrast from London, I'd say," she mused and turned back to enter the room again. "Pleasant sort of smell. I could get used to not havin' horse droppin's everywhere."

She went to the luggage, opening my case. We had arrived so late the night before, we hadn't had time to unpack. Ito briefed me slightly on what little he knew of the case we were requested to work on. The mention of ninjas made my stomach turn slightly. Of all the stories I had heard, most of which were from Jenny, had made me believe we were not dealing with actual human beings. They were more like phantoms.

"Will this do?" Jenny asked, pulling out one of my dresses.

I gave a nod of approval. She turned to close the door and kept her back to me to give me privacy. Shedding the robe, I wondered briefly if my body would have to same effect on Jenny as hers had on me. Would she find it flattering to know that I had become slightly fond of her? Fond that was not strictly friendly. A part of myself wanted to scold that part of my mind to even consider that notion. Put the fact that we were both females aside, there was also another issue. We were not of the same species. An ape would not find green scales very appealing. Still, there was a part of me that could not stifle the rise of hope in my chest whenever she smiled at me. Whenever I caught those dark brown eyes with my own.

"These ninjas," Jenny began as she began to tie my corset. "What exactly is their purpose? You know, aside from kidnapping and such."

I half turned my head towards her. Her brown eyes focused solely on the task before her. "Ninjas have been around for centuries. The stories you have told me do hold some truth. That much I gathered after my talk with Ito last night. Their most useful talent was the ability to steal information from others. They are rather adept in disguising themselves and moving about undetected. Which is why stories are so intriguing to children. They sound more of a folk legend than anything else."

"Much like wishing on a shootin' star, eh?" she asked with some amusement.

My mind went back to a night so long ago. A different time. A different me. We shared a smile. "Quite so," I agreed. "For a long time, it was uncertain that they existed at all."

She moved around me once she finished. "You sound rather impressed, Ma'am," she noted as she went to retrieve my dress.

I gave a sound of approval. "Perhaps a little," I admitted. "In addition to espionage, they were also employed as assassins."

"Assassins?"

She brought the dress over my head and helped me into it. Such a cumbersome task. I wasn't particularly fond of the process, but I had to admit that the fashion in this time era was exquisite. "I'm afraid so," I answered as Jenny went around me to smooth out my skirts. "We certainly have our work cut out for us." She gave a sigh. I could almost read her thoughts. It appeared we would be spending quite a deal of time in this country. I placed a hand on her shoulder as if to try and lessen the tension that was becoming visible. "Do not fret, my Dear," I began, soothingly. "Let us begin with finding the reason for these kidnappings. I believe we have an audience with Mr Tanaka this morning."

She nodded. I left her to get dressed, venturing out into the hallway. It was quiet and I wondered briefly how many people were staying in the inn. I allowed myself the moment to consider this.

We were on the west side of the building and on the main floor. Our door led out into a long hallway with one room across from our own, two on the right of ours, another across the hall and then the washroom. Down at the very opposite end of our room, there was a set of stairs. If this floor was a mirror image than that amounted to ten rooms. The Tanaka's no doubt occupy one and the daughter must have had one as well. Question was, did she stay on this floor or above?

If all the rooms on the main floor were a duplicate of Jenny and mine, than all would have that doorway that let into the yard. It would have been simple for the kidnapper to take the girl on this floor. He would have most likely entered through the doorway from the yard and not have needed to come down the hall to go upstairs.

I tapped my foot on the floor, thinking over how much noise this could produce if someone were to walk on it. I took a few careful steps, listening for noise. It did not produce enough to attract attention Then again, if he had needed to go through the hallway, someone may have just assumed a guest was in need of the washroom.

Before I could contemplate the matter further, Jenny emerged from the room. She eyed me suspiciously. "Oi, you've started without me, haven't you?" She snapped at me.

I held back the laugh that threatened to escape. "I assure you, I haven't gotten very far," I promised her. "Only observing the number of rooms on this floor."

"Uh-huh," she placed her hands on her hips, letting one eyebrow arch. How I enjoy this part of our banter. That look on her face was lovely. "Well, let's be on our way. You ready, then?"

"Yes, my Dear."

We were given more rice and fish that morning. We also met with Tanaka's wife. All conversation, of course, was translated by Mr Ito. We all chose the same positions as we had the night before at the table. Mr Ito sat across from Jenny, letting Tanaka's wife to sit beside him. Jenny was at my right, quiet as she observed the scene. She would, no doubt, share her thoughts with me later.

Mr Tanaka's wife was a smaller creature, shorter than Jenny. She had her hair up in a bun on the top of head. As I later found out, I was also suppose to address her as Tanaka-san. How very confusing. If I say the name, both the female and male will think I am addressing them. I decided I would do what I have always done in the past – avoid using names.

"Shall we begin then?" I asked Ito.

He gave a nod and explained in Japan that we were ready. Mrs Tanaka grew quite solemn, as one would expect. Mr Tanaka sat straight up, folding his arms over his chest. He gave a nod towards Ito. Ito placed his eating sticks down. "As I briefly explained last night, Tanaka-san's daughter was taken back in February."

"How unfortunate," Jenny chimed in as she placed her hands in her lap. I made a mental note to thank her. Of course, I had forgotten to give my condolences. "Please relay to them, our dearest sympathy. We are committed to do everything we can in finding out what has happened to her."

Ito nodded and began to translate. I watched as the faces of both the humans changed. They softened somewhat. Mrs Tanaka gave a warm smile, although I was quite certain there was sadness there, as well.

"There were three others taken. All in the same fashion," Ito continued. "As I said, Mariko was the first in February. Then, by the end of that month, Riku. Umiko was taken in mid March. Lastly, Haruka was taken just two weeks ago."

"And, you are certain that these Black Spirits are behind this?" I asked.

"We are," he answered. "Tanaka owns a company that was founded by his grandfather back in 1820. Tanaka Trading Company. The country has slowly entered the market of trade between the Americas and Europe. It has proven quite profitable for the Tanaka family. However, there is history between the company the Black Spirits."

"In what way?"

"The founder of the Black Spirits is said to be a Tanaka," Ito explained. "Mr Tanaka's brother, Masato."

Jenny and I shared a look. "So, we are to go under the assumption that Mariko was taken by her own Uncle?" I asked.

Ito let out a sigh. "It is plausible," he began. "Masato was cut out of the company when their father stilled owned it. Both were actually employed within the company at the time. Masato and the late Mr Tanaka had a... disagreement. This led to Masato's dismissal from, not only the company, but the family as well."

"What did he do?" Jenny asked.

Ito gave his employer a sideway glance. Tanaka frowned and shook his head. He must have understood the direction our conversation had gone. "That I cannot say," Ito replied, carefully. "He will not say. It is forbidden to speak of it within the family."

I watched Jenny's face change. She was troubled by this. "So, after he was casted out, he formed this criminal organization?"

"Yes. Stories be told of illegal brothels," he explained. "Selling of drugs and... people."

"People?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Are you certain?" Jenny asked, seemingly understanding something I had missed.

"Jenny?" Her brown eyes turned to regard me. There was an intensity in her stare. I was certain now that I misunderstood something in the conversation. The sale of people? I am ignorant of most ape traditions and I have come to know most of their usual crimes. This was new.

"Yes, we are certain that there is," Ito answered. "Which is why we sent for you. We had heard of your great successes in many cases that you have taken in London. If anyone can find these girls..." He didn't finish the thought.

Jenny and I shared another look. We never made promises. We could not guarantee the recovery of lost ones. It was too dangerous to take such a risk as to elevate the hope of family members only to return with no news or worst, devastating news. If the Tanaka girl was taken more than a month ago... chances were that she was dead. All we could hope to do is bring her assailant to answer for his crime. "I assure you," I began, carefully. "We will do our best."

"What of these Ninjas, then?" Jenny interjected. "What do you know of them?"

"Very little, I'm afraid. Anyone who has come in contact with a ninja is not generally given the opportunity to share their findings. They are either never seen from again. Or they are killed."

"How do you know they'd seen them then?" Jenny asked. I suppressed a smile at my companion's cheeky tone.

"You mean, how are we so sure that ninjas are the ones who had taken them?" Ito countered, almost defensively. The man reached into his breast pocket to retrieve a piece of paper. "They leave this."

I grabbed the paper and unfolded it. It was black and on it, in red, was some sort of symbol. I believe it was some sort of Japanese kanji. "Does it stand for something?"

"Death," he answered.

I watched as Mrs Tanaka began to visibly shake. She stood suddenly, muttering something, and then began to clean the table. I returned my attention towards the paper again. The paper was worn and it looked like it had been unfolded and refolded countless times. "This isn't the exact one found in Mariko's room," I stated before handing the paper to my companion.

Ito regarded me for a long moment, his expression darkened. "My father was a former Samurai," he explained. "Before the Meija era, Samurai were our soldiers. Now, they are all but stories we tell our children. Ten years ago, my father was assassinated by a ninja. That was left on his person."

"I am sorry for your loss," I offered, proud with myself that I remembered to offer that sentiment.

"Something still troubles me," Jenny spoke up. "I understand the connection between the Black Spirits and Mariko. However, how do these other girls play in exactly? Are they related to the Tanakas in anyway?"

"Yes," Ito answered. "Each of their fathers holds a seat on the board for Tanaka Trading Company."

This was getting more interesting, I decided. So, these Black Spirits are hitting the owners of Tanaka Trading where it will most hurt. They cannot take down the company, but that doesn't mean they cannot hurt them in other ways. Jenny once explained the bond between parents and children before. While I had rarely had the opportunity to witness it, parents were very protective of their young. I had almost laughed the point off, but then Jenny began to tell stories of her own parents. The more she told, the more I began to believe her.

For the longest time, I had believed ape families flawed. How could a parent abide by their children working instead of education? Why are some children simply abandoned?

"I cannot comment on parents casting out their children, Ma'am," she explained one evening. "I can say that I have seen parents lose their children while they were still nursing. I have seen them lose children whom were ten, fifteen, and even well into adulthood. I have seen that pain on their faces. Nothing could hurt them more. A part of themselves are lost forever."

I knew of loss, of course. Having lost my sisters and my people. I felt that pain. I hadn't ever considered that Apes could feel that pain, too. In their own strange way, they developed bonds amongst each other just as Silurians had. Although, I was still fairly certain those bonds were easily severed. It was that very thought that led me down this road of being a detective. The Doctor set me on the road, however it was Jenny's countless reminders of the people left behind and the pain they felt that made me follow it.

Fall 1880 – Vastra's Flat

Vastra's POV

"What in the world are you doing in here?" I asked, feeling my anger finally boiling over. "And, how did you even get in here?"

This was the final blow to my trying patience. First she took residence upon my doorstep for several days. Now for the past three days since I agreed to teach her combat, she had taken upon herself to take residence in my very home. I eyed the small make shift bed that was set up beside my own. Nothing more than a crate of sorts and piles of rags and blankets. Nevertheless, I had never seen an Ape so grateful. It had been a long time since she had slept on anything soft and comforting. A pile of blankets was a step above the hard ground or bench. But my patience was wearing thin. This creature was already taking up too much of my time and invading too much of my space.

I hadn't given her a key to the flat. No, while I was out and about, she was to leave. Towards the end of the day, normally after supper, we were to meet at that old house with the unlucky number. The arrangement was against my better judgement. I am fairly certain that this ape cannot be taught to fight.

With a huff, I glowered at the young ape. She half turned her head at me, not paying me much heed, which angered me all the more. She sat on her heels by the fire, her hand holding some straight stick. Over the fire, she had placed some sort of large bowl. Was she cooking something? She broke into my home to... cook? She must have noticed my mood for she smiled. It smoothed my irritation slightly. Strange how she was able to manage that.

"You overpaid," she offered as explanation and when she noticed my confusion, added, "For the matches, Ma'am. I decided to cook you something in thanks."

"Overpaid?" I blinked a few times.

"Aye," she murmured and then turned back to the bowl. "It's almost done."

"You haven't answered my other question," I pressed on. "How did you get in here? I distinctly remember locking this door." I shut the said door and begin to shed my veil. The onslaught of smells began to overpower me. It wasn't unpleasant.

"I picked the lock," she explained without looking at me.

"Picked?" She must has sensed my confusion for she turned around, pulling something out of her pocket. It was a small... twig?

"Aye, picked it with this."

I look at the door and then back at her. "How...?"

She placed the twig back in her pocket. "Perhaps, I'll show you someday. Maybe even teach you," she regarded me for a moment. "Return the favor as they say."

I should be angry with her. She's invaded my home. My life. Instead, I find myself sinking into a chair, watching her with interest. Then my eyes catch the file that was opened on the table. "What is this doing out?"

"Sorry, Ma'am," she begins and almost appears embarrassed. Almost being the keyword. "I fear that my curiosity got the better of me."

"You are poking about my things," I said and shot her a dirty look. "Do you know no boundaries?"

"It wasn't as if you hid it or anythin'," she reasoned as she began to gather the food and pour it into two bowls she had set beside her. "You left it on the bed. Open, mind you."

I grabbed the folder and lifted it. "This is not your concern," I scolded her.

She gives me a strange look. It is another expression she has worn, however I can't put a name to it. Her brows curved inward and her lips pursed together. "I started thinkin' back to the night I got attacked by those men. Match girls were avoidin' George Street. Actually, the whole lot of 'em were avoiding that part of town altogether. In my haste, I'd forgotten why." She brought over the bowls and sat across from me. She placed one of them in front of me then pointed to the file I had placed back on the table. "Most of 'em were last seen there. Not far from where ya found me."

I sniffed the bowl. It wasn't an awful smell, just a little overpowering. It was some sort of soup with what I recognize as being carrots, potatoes, and some sort of meat. I looked up at the little ape, watching as she began eating spoonfuls of this strange substance. "Is there a point in all this?"

"You know who's behind this, don't you?" she asked and for a moment, it sounded as if she were accusing me of something.

"What would ever make you think that?" I asked as I lift spoonful of liquid to my nose.

She was silent for a long moment while she chewed. Then after swallowing, she answered my question. "I heard whispers of the girls being taken in that area. They were found dead elsewhere, weren't they?"

I tilted my head. "Whispers?"

"People on street," she explained with a shrug. "They talk amongst themselves. If you listen right, you can find out a whole lot. Shame bobbies don't ask us. Reckon we can solve half their murder cases."

"How does this relate to your belief that I know this culprit?"

She bit her lip. "You'd only got the case that very day. Ain't that what you said? Must have. You said yourself that you had only just got into town and was helpin' Scotland Yard out. Big coincidence that you ended up right where these poor girls were last seen. Reckon the man responsible either works nearby or lives there. That's why you were there, weren't you? To catch him in the act as they say?"

I look at her for a long moment. She wasn't too far off in her theory. I had an idea of who it may be, however I couldn't be certain. I had deduced that the girls were being taken on that block or not far from it. I put the spoon down. "Again, I say, this does not concern you."

"It does," she insists and then hesitates for a moment."One of those girls... I knew her." Reaching over, she grabbed the folder. Flipping through the papers, she found what she was looking for, pulled it out to hand to me. I studied the face staring back at me. It was just like the other ten girls that were taken. All looking somewhat the same or similar. "She was a match girl. Like meself," the little Ape explained, motioning to the picture in my hand. "We were... close. Didn't know her for very long, but she was a sweet thing. Taught me to read a bit. Then one day she was gone. Asked around a bit. Found that she had worked a few blocks down from George Street."

"That was where I found you?" I have a hard time with Ape names... street names are a whole another matter.

She nodded. "She was found some weeks later. Practically across town."

I studied her for a moment. This little determined thing. She stared back at me and if I didn't know better, I'd almost say she was cross with me. "I may have an idea of whom may be responsible for this," I conceded, but then shook my head. "However, this matters not to me. This matter is for the Ape police."

The sound of her hands slamming on the table nearly made me jump in my seat. The little Ape stood, looking over at me with what I can say was defiance. "I thought you were workin' with the Yard. Ain't that what you said?"

"It was not by choice, I can assure you."

She pursed her lips together in a thin line. She blinked a few times and I watched as strange phenomenon took place. Her eyes became wet. From what I remember the Doctor telling me, this was crying. Why did Apes cry? I couldn't remember the reason he had given me. "I don't understand you," she muttered and I could tell she was trying to keep her voice steady. "You have all these talents. Skills, really. You took those men out as if you were playin' sport! Just like that! You made it look so easy." She shook her head, looking away from me. I watched as a drop of water began to trickle down her cheek. The air began to smell of salt. I believe these were called 'tears'. "You could help us!" she turned back to me almost desperate now. "You could do so much good for so many people. Yet you'd rather... hide away."

I leaned forward, scowling at her. "And why should I?" I countered, darkly. "Did I not explain before how your kind killed my family? Massacred them! Why would I help your kind after such a grave injustice was done to me?"

Curiously enough, her expression began to soften. I watched as the tension eased and she began to wipe away the tears from her eyes. She sat down, never taking her eyes away from mine. "Because, it's the right thing to do, Ma'am." I scoffed at that, leaning back against my chair. "Tell me then," she began and her voice was calm and friendly. "What good will it do you?" My eyes widen at that question. "If you don't help us... what will it do for you? You're already unhappy as it is," she looked around. "Don't seem like you have a friend in the world. You live alone. I have a feelin' that you ain't got much else to lose."

"Is that suppose to encourage me?" I asked almost bitterly.

She reached over, tapping the photo of the young ape. "This was Ruth. Never knew her last name," She admitted. Her brown eyes watched me, searching for my reactions. I kept my expression neutral. "She was a good friend. She had three younger brothers. Her father passed, I'd say two years now. She had to quit school so she could work full time. Her mum stayed home to care of the younger ones. They did alright until she went missing three months ago. Now, the mum and those three boys got nothin'. No one lookin' out for 'em. That evil man took her away and now they are left behind."

I didn't want to feel anything. I tried. But something about the way she spoke of them and the way she stared at me brought a wall of sorts down. I hadn't known it was up. Suddenly, I felt remorse. Not just for the young ape she was describing... but for her family. And, for the fact that I hadn't cared about them to begin with. I hadn't even stopped to think of the victim's families... the ones who were left behind like myself. This little Ape in front of me knew of this pain, as well.

"It's easier to not care," she pressed on. "I know that you think that. I know that you probably don't give an arse about it. However, I do know that a little part of you cares. You must. Otherwise, you would have walked on by that night you saved me. You wouldn't have stopped to help. If you didn't care... at least just a little, then you would have eaten me along with those men." She gave me a warm smile and placed a hand over my own. I gasped at the touch. The warm skin of this mammal against my cold scales... it was quite the contrast. "It's alright to care, you know..."

This young Ape has invaded my home and my life. In the last two weeks that I have known her, I have broken every rule I placed upon myself since awakening. I thought back to that night when the Doctor had found me. His pleading.

"Don't do this Vastra..."

"Let me go after them. They deserve death!" I almost shrieked. "They have taken everything from me!"

He placed his hands on my shoulders, calming me at once. "Anger has blinded you." He looked down at the dead man. "I would say you and the humans are even now."

I shoved his hands away. "We will never be even."

I cupped my hands together, letting my forehead rest against them. The Doctor stopped me from making a crave mistake. Taking the lives of innocent Apes. Then after eleven months, he sought me out.

"Why would Scotland Yard require my assistance?" I asked, curiously. "You know that I want nothing to do with these Apes. Eleven months has not changed anything."

"Vastra," he began, placing a hand on my cheek. I recoiled slightly from the touch. "You are just as lost as you were that night. Take this opportunity to build something good in your life. Perhaps you'll even make a friend or two."

I scoffed. "I don't need friends, Doctor."

He smiled at this, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Everyone needs at least one friend."

A thought suddenly struck me. Was this the reason the Doctor insisted I take the position? Did he know I would meet this Jenny Flint? If I had to choose an Ape, she certainly wouldn't be a bad choice. She was amiable. So very hungry for knowledge. No fear of my appearance or of what I am capable of.

The Doctor's plan was to have me work with Scotland Yard to assist them in cases that proved most difficult for Apes to handle. I let my hands fall to observe the little Ape that followed me home. She was watching me, waiting patiently for my response. It would appear that this creature will not let me rebel against the Doctor's plan.

I gave a resigned sigh. "The list of debts will grow for you," I ventured, hoping that perhaps that will deter her. I realized at that moment that I hadn't kept count. Saved her life. Took her in. Gave her a home... apparently. I hadn't done those things for her in hopes of some sort of repayment. I had done it... oh Goddess, because it was the right thing to do.

The little Ape slowly smiled. "So, you'll help?" There was hope in her voice.

By Goddess, Vastra, what are you getting yourself into?

Author's Note

I've been watching a lot of Elementary these last few weeks. I'm a little late on the draw with that show. It's actually very good for anyone out there who hasn't seen it. It's a great modern take on Sherlock. I should add that this is my first time every writing a mystery story. Most of my fanfiction has been straightly goofy and love stories. So, I'm pretty proud of myself for taking up the challenge. With that being said... I apologize for any sloppiness that may or may not occur.