After the civil war and the deaths of many innocent people, the group known as the Dark Hoods emerged. It must be said that they had already existed for about forty years. They helped the poor and stole from nobles. Corrupt nobles were killed by them. In Havre Etienne, Saint Troye, Etienne, and Meltz, they were labeled a criminal organization. However, in Meltz this only happened a few years ago. For a long time, the Dark Hoods were popular among the poor, but then, seven years ago, they killed a noble family. In that incident, three innocent maids and an animal were also killed. This caused the Dark Hoods to lose their image as Robin Hood like figures. Robin Hood was a hero, well known in Roselande and Dehl. He saved many people and was the former leader of the Hood band. The Dark Hoods, however, were different. They did not only want to steal from nobles, but also to kill them if they were corrupt. Robin Hood believed that anyone who kills is a criminal without positive motives. There are even rumors that the Dark Hoods killed Robin Hood himself, since even governments do not know how he died. He was found dead in a river, next to his wife and his eight year old child. To this day, no one knows why Robin Hood died, but right after his death, the Dark Hoods appeared. That is why many believe they were involved. The three murdered maids were poor women, one of them not even eighteen. In Meltz, after that case, the Dark Hoods were officially declared a criminal gang, and the death penalty was expected for every member. The Dark Hoods apologized, but claimed that the poor who worked for nobles were not truly innocent. This caused great anger, even among the farmers.
Sip
Cossette: "Oh, I like hot chocolate."
Fiona: "Mhm."
Fiona was reading the book The Dark Hoods Way, a kind of documentary book that showed what the Dark Hoods had done over the past forty years.
Fiona: "Hmm… I do not quite understand this."
Cossette: "What do you mean?"
Fiona: "I thought the Dark Hoods did not kill innocents, but apparently they are willing to do so when they have no other choice."
Cossette: "Hmm… then they are not good, are they?"
Fiona: "Hmm… the three maids who were murdered seven years ago… at that time I was still in the Dark Umbrella Academy."
Cossette: "I was only five years old back then, and you were thirteen."
Fiona: "Hmm… wait, here is another case. This happened two years ago. The Dark Hoods kidnapped the daughter of a noble and threatened to kill her unless the noble named Steven Vinci resigned as finance minister. Four days later, she was found dead. Her throat was slit, her eyes removed."
Cossette: "Hmm…"
Fiona: "Damn it… this is not a good group. That girl was only fifteen years old, Cossette."
Cossette: "Yes?"
Fiona: "From now on, you stay with Naomi. Do you understand?"
Cossette: "Why?"
Fiona: "Because you would be in the way."
Cossette: "You mean because you are worried about me?"
Fiona: "Ugh, coughs, blushes. I said it is because I do not want you in the way, okay."
Cossette: "Hmm… okay, but only if you admit that you want it because you are worried."
Fiona: "Hahhhh… fine, fine, you win."
Cossette: "Hehehe… ugh."
Fiona put her hand on Cossette's head and gently stroked it.
Fiona: "I am worried about you, okay. Satisfied? Please stay with Naomi, but do not stay in the same room with her, otherwise I will have other worries."
Cossette: "What kind of worries?"
Fiona: "Sweats… moral worries."
Cossette: "Huh?"
Fiona: "Just forget it. That woman is strange, okay."
Naomi: "Hmm… who is strange?"
Fiona: "Huh!"
Cossette: "Ugh."
Naomi suddenly stood behind them.
Fiona: "Uh…"
Naomi: "Hehehe, it is fine. I understand what you mean, Fiona."
Fiona: "Uh… no, that is not what I meant."
Cossette: "Uh… she meant the food. I should not cook so strangely."
Fiona: "Sweats. Cossette, that does not really make it better."
Naomi: "Oh yes, the food… ghhh… I had to stay on the toilet for a long time. At that point, you would rather have your period."
Fiona: "Ugh… Naomi."
Naomi: "Oops… sorry."
Fiona: "That is what I mean by strange. I want Cossette to stay with you. Can you please avoid words like that around her."
Naomi: "I am really sorry. I truly am. I can show her one of my films instead."
Fiona: "That idea is actually okay… wait a moment."
Fiona remembered.
Jade: "Well… she shows naughty things in her films."
Fiona: "Huh?"
End of memory
Imagination
Cossette: "Oh… that is so cool. I want to be like that too."
Fiona: "No, Cossette."
End of imagination
Fiona: "Ugh… maybe not okay after all."
Naomi: "You… Fiona…"
Fiona: "Huh… yes?"
Naomi: "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Fiona: "Huh?"
Cossette: "Hmm?"
Fiona: "Sure."
They stood up and went to another part of the library.
Fiona: "What is it, Naomi?"
Naomi: "Uh… it is like this. If you are afraid that Cossette might learn things from me, there is a house nearby that I barely use. Only on holidays. And do not worry, I never really do anything there. Hehehe. That house was meant for me and my fiancé, Arthur."
Fiona: "Does it not bother him?"
Naomi: "Hehehe. You cannot bother the dead."
Fiona: "Ugh."
Naomi: "He died in an accident."
Fiona: "Ugh…"
Naomi: "Hehehe. It was two years ago. I wanted to quit acting for him, but then he died. And well… even though he once cheated on me, I forgave him. And then things were calm again. Then, as I said, he died in an accident."
Fiona: "An accident?"
Naomi: "Two years ago, the Dark Hoods stormed the company where he worked. They said that everyone who worked for nobles deserved death or punishment. Then the police came during the shootout, and he was hit accidentally by the police."
Fiona: "Ugh… I see."
Naomi: "I could not say goodbye to him because I was in the hospital. My mother was seriously ill and she died the next day."
Fiona: "Hmm…"
Naomi: "As for my father, I never met him. He died before I was born. But I had a kind stepfather who took care of me after my mother's death, at least for three months."
Fiona: "Three months?"
Naomi: "It was too much for him. Dealing with his job, losing his wife, taking care of me. He disappeared and left the house. He was found after two weeks, well, what was left of him. Hehehe."
Fiona: "All of that happened within three months?"
Naomi: "Two years ago, exactly. I am sorry for bothering you with this. Where were we? Ah yes, the house. If you do not trust me, I understand. You can use the house. I also do not want to disturb Cossette or teach her naughty things."
Fiona: "That is not necessary."
Naomi: "What?"
Fiona felt pity for Naomi. Losing so much within three months two years ago. Fiona now understood that Naomi's strange behavior came from pain, and she did not want to hurt her.
Fiona: "Cossette will stay with you."
Naomi: "Are you sure? I mean, are you not afraid that I might do something strange again?"
Fiona: "No. I trust her to you."
Naomi: "Oh…"
Fiona: "Unless you do not want that."
Naomi: "What? No. No problem. I would be happy to take care of her."
Fiona: "Good."
Fiona walked away, then suddenly stopped.
Fiona: "About the food… could you please buy food instead of cooking?"
Naomi: "Hehehe, sure. Do not worry."
Fiona: "Thank you very much."
She left the library.
Naomi: "Hmm…"
Memory
Naomi: "I am here, Mom. Do not worry."
Naomi's mother: "Naomi… why are you still awake? Go get some sleep."
Naomi: "It is fine, Mom. I will stay here a little longer."
Naomi's mother: "Could you please give me my pills?"
Naomi: "Oh… which pills?"
Naomi's mother: "I need three pills."
Naomi: "Three is a lot."
Naomi's mother: "Bring them to me, please."
Naomi gave her the pills.
Naomi: "Here."
Wee wee, wee wee
Crash
Naomi: "Hmm? What is going on?"
She opened the door and looked outside.
Naomi: "Huh…"
There were severely injured people. A doctor came out, her name was Rose.
Naomi: "Excuse me, what is happening, Ms. Rose?"
Doctor: "There was a shootout. Five injured and one dead at the Dens company."
Naomi: "Wait… my fiancé works there. How is he? Were there any dead?"
Doctor: "Uh… yes."
Naomi: "Huh… is he okay?"
Doctor: "What does he look like?"
Naomi: "He has brown hair and a wound on his neck."
Doctor: "Ugh…"
Naomi: "Is he okay? I need to see him."
The doctor looked at a body bag, walked over, and opened it.
Naomi: "Huh!"
Doctor: "I am sorry. He was already dead when he arrived."
Naomi: "No… no… Arthur… no."
Doctor: "Please calm down."
She held Naomi's hands. At that moment, they heard something from the room where Naomi's mother was.
Naomi: "No… Mom."
She ran to her.
Doctor: "Quick, we need help."
The doctors came and pulled Naomi away.
Naomi: "Mom… Mom."
Crash
A few hours later
Naomi: "Hahhh…"
Footsteps
Naomi's stepfather: "Naomi."
Naomi: "Dad."
Stepfather: "How is she? I heard what happened. How are you?"
Naomi: "Arthur is dead."
Stepfather: "Ugh…"
Naomi: "As for Mom… she is being treated right now."
The door opened. Rose came out.
Rose: "I am sorry, but there was nothing more we could do."
Naomi: "Huh."
Rose: "She has passed away."
A few days later
Dong, dong, dong
Naomi: "Attending one funeral is already hard… but two."
Naomi's stepfather, Benoit Elson, stood beside her.
Benoit: "Do not worry. I will take care of you from now on, Naomi."
Naomi: "Dad."
A few days later
Benoit: "Naomi."
Naomi: "Yes?"
Benoit: "You look tired."
Naomi: "So do you."
Benoit: "Haha. Work, my little one. Get some rest. I made food for you, your favorite. Mussels and boiled lobster."
Naomi: "Oh, thank you."
Three months later
Naomi: "Dad? Dad? I am back. Hello?"
She could not find him.
Naomi: "Maybe he went for a walk."
After four hours, she grew worried and called the police. He was reported missing, and two weeks later
Doorbell
Naomi: "Hello."
Naomi looked terrible. Dark circles under her eyes, barely any sleep, barely eating. So much had happened in three months.
Police Officer: "Ms. Naomi, it is about your stepfather, Benoit Elson."
Naomi: "Did you find him?"
Police Officer: "Yes… I am sorry."
Naomi: "Why are you sorry?"
Police Officer: "We found his remains. He is dead."
Naomi: "Ugh… hahhh… what… what did you say?"
Police Officer: "We are very sorry. We will find the perpetrator. It was definitely murder."
Naomi: "Hahhh…"
After that, Naomi started taking many drugs, staying out overnight, and drinking heavily. She tried to take her own life three times, but it did not work. She returned to acting after one year, but received a lot of criticism. Because of the trauma, she could barely act anymore and since then only gets minor roles.
Naomi: "Gulp… gulp… hic."
End of memory
Naomi: "Hmm…"
Meanwhile
Fiona left the library and went back to the police station.
Fiona: "Hey, Henry."
Henry: "Oh, Miss Fiona?"
Fiona: "Give me every detail about the Dark Hoods."
Henry: "Why?"
Fiona: "Why? Because I am a detective. It is my job to catch criminals."
Henry: "Oh… you used to be nice."
Fiona: "Not right now. That is why we have to do something. I need to see it."
Henry: "Hmm… the Dark Hoods were once known for their good deeds. They did kill some innocents, but that happens sometimes, does it not?"
Fiona: "When an innocent person dies, a child dies, then it is different. It may be that they once did good deeds. I understand the frustration toward nobles. I do not like them either. But I do not understand killing innocent maids just because they worked there, or killing a noble's child just because she was a noble's child. Now show me the files, Henry."
Henry: "Yes, ma'am."
He gave her the files.
Fiona: "Is there anyone you arrested who worked for them?"
Henry: "No, but we know someone who used to work for them."
Fiona: "What is his name?"
Henry: "Remy Thomas."
Fiona: "Ugh… what?"
Henry: "You heard correctly. Before Sherlock took him as his right hand for his cases, Remy Thomas was a member of the Dark Hoods."
Fiona: "Ugh… then I need to talk to him. Was he in prison?"
Henry: "He was only a new member. He was there for four months. Mostly stealing or breaking into houses. That is all. No reason to hold him longer. You can talk to him."
Fiona: "I will. Thank you, Henry."
She left the police station.
Crash
The door slammed.
Henry: "Oh dear…"
Fiona was angry.
Fiona: "Great…"
She went to a phone booth, inserted a coin, and dialed.
Fiona: "Answer, you idiot."
Jade: "Fiona?"
Jade suddenly appeared from the phone.
Fiona: "What the hell?"
Jade: "Sorry, did I scare you?"
Fiona: "Do you live in a phone booth?"
Jade: "No, but I was nearby. I can teleport through phone booths and clocks."
Fiona: "I am trying to reach Remy, but he is not answering."
Jade: "No problem. Call again."
Fiona: "Okay."
She inserted the coin and dialed again.
Fiona: "Hello, Remy. It is Fiona."
Remy on the phone: "Oh hey, Fiona. How can I help?"
Jade: "My turn."
Remy on the phone: "Is that Jade? What is she doing with you?"
Suddenly, Jade stuck her hands into the phone.
Fiona: "Huh."
Meanwhile with Remy
Remy: "Argh, what is going on."
She pulled him through.
Remy: "Ow, ow… my head."
Crash
Back to Fiona and Jade
Fiona: "What are you doing?"
Jade: "You will see."
Remy came out.
Jade: "Hahaha."
Fiona: "Ow, that does not look good."
Jade: "Oh dear."
His head was bleeding.
Remy: "Could you be a bit nicer next time? Are you trying to destroy my head?"
A few minutes later
Fiona: "You worked for the Dark Hoods."
Remy: "Hmm? Yes… but what does that have to do with your case?"
Fiona: "They murdered Damon Giroud."
Remy: "Hmm… damn."
Fiona: "And Henry told me."
Remy: "Henry?"
Fiona: "Henry from the police station."
Remy: "I see. Strange, that name sounds familiar. Fine, I worked for the Dark Hoods."
Fiona: "Why?"
Remy: "No idea. Boredom."
Fiona: "Sweats. Why did I even ask."
Remy: "And you, Jade?"
Jade: "What?"
Remy: "Are you helping Fiona with the case or what?"
Jade: "I just met her by chance."
Remy: "I see. Could you maybe leave by chance as well?"
Fiona: "Sweats. You really do not like her, do you?"
Remy: "She injured my head. Look at this."
Jade: "It is not that bad."
Remy: "Oh yeah?"
Splash
Blood dripped onto the floor.
Jade: "It is just a scratch."
Fiona: "Sweats. Jade, sorry, but that looks deeper than a scratch."
Remy: "That hurts. You owe me forty coins for bandages."
Jade: "They cost thirty coins."
Remy: "Then thirty."
Fiona: "Sweats. Hello. Remy, tell me what the Dark Hoods really are. They were not like this at the beginning, were they?"
Remy: "Hmph. They were always like this. They have a twisted way of thinking. Not only stealing from nobles, but killing them. And anyone who works for nobles is guilty. That includes maids, butlers, farmers, workers, even if they are poor."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Remy: "They are criminals. At first, they only pretended to be kind to the poor. But I am telling you now, they are not good. They force new members to kill, steal, threaten, and torture. I had to torture a noble girl and shoot her father in front of her."
Fiona: "Huh."
Remy: "Hmm?"
Fiona: "You killed someone back then."
Remy: "No. I could not do it. That is why I was punished."
Fiona: "I see."
Jade: "And what exactly is their goal?"
Fiona: "Good question. Remy, do you know?"
Remy: "Simple. Destroy the nobles in a brutal way. Power and control. They use the suffering of the poor to gain support, but they do not care about the poor. They probably hate poor people more than nobles because they cannot fight back. They think like children."
Fiona: "I understand."
Remy: "Stay away from them, Fiona. They are dangerous. Do not forget that Cossette is with you. They were always like this. Their leader, I met him once. They call him Corbeau."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Remy: "Just forget it."
Henry: "He is right."
Fiona: "Huh?"
Jade: "Huh?"
Remy: "Ugh."
It was Henry. He had a pistol and fired it toward Fiona.
Remy: "Fiona."
He pushed her away and was hit in the shoulder.
Remy: "Urk."
Fiona: "Remy."
Jade: "Ugh."
Henry: "Ghhh."
He tried to shoot again, but Jade suddenly appeared behind him.
Jade: "Forget it."
Several dark hands appeared and restrained him.
Henry: "Urk… ghhh."
Jade: "Hhhh."
Fiona: "Do not kill him. We need him alive."
Jade: "I know."
She squeezed him until he lost consciousness.
Jade: "There you go."
Fiona: "Remy… Remy."
Remy: "First my head, now my shoulder."
Fiona: "Hahh."
His wound regenerated thanks to the shadows that wrapped around it.
Remy: "Phew."
Fiona: "Thank you, Remy."
Remy: "No problem."
Jade: "What do we do with him?"
Fiona: "Henry?"
Remy: "I knew I recognized the name. Henry Dubois. We both worked for the Dark Hoods."
Fiona: "Hmm."
Jade: "What now?"
Remy: "We ask him a few questions."
Fiona: "Okay."
A few hours later
Splash
Henry: "Ugh."
Water was poured over him.
Henry: "Where am I?"
Remy: "Hello, Henry. Long time no see."
Henry: "Remy. What is this?"
Remy: "You are in an abandoned cabin."
Fiona: "The cabin where you brought me and Cossette."
Henry: "Ghhh."
Remy: "Alright, my friend. I think it is time for some conversation."
Henry: "Tch. What do you want?"
Remy: "What exactly are the Dark Hoods planning?"
Meanwhile
Footsteps
Corbeau: "Hmph… hehehehehe. I did not expect to see you again, Remy."
Click
Corbeau: "It seems I have to deal with Fiona the detective and with you."
Click
Corbeau: "Time to strike."
Click
Whoosh