My first Layton's story! Hope you like it. It takes place after the events of the Unwound Future, but don't blame me if I don't know everything about the games, I didn't finish them! And I tell you, English's my second language, so please be kind! :D

"It's another request of help, professor." a young girl with a peach-coloured dress was sat on the yellow sofa of an office in Gressenheller University. To be precise, in professor Layton's office. Not that the professor was really listening. There were an uncountable number of there letters which he never opened. And since Luke was gone, he hadn't really cared for people who wrote of their problems. It was before Flora would decide to do it for him. "It comes from a certain Remus Beresford, from… Beattown." the girl was expecting the same answer as always: 'I don't have time, right now'. Which didn't arrive.

"Remus?" said the man instead, looking at her. "Would you mind to read it for me, my dear?".

Flora nodded, smiling inside.

Dear Hershel,

I know it's been a while since we last met, and I know I should've been more polite with you. But I do need your help, now.

I know you have been involved in many of the cases which were on the first page of the London Time, the news reached me even here in this little town. Let's be honest, who doesn't know you?

Anyway, I'm sure you know about the annual dances which are hold here in Beattown, and I'm sure as well you know how many people are there. It's a very important event for us, they come from everywhere to dance in those three days, even from London, where you live.

The matter is a threatening letter I received about a week ago. Thought I know I can trust you, I'd like to be safe showing it to you personally. I ask you to reach the town as soon as you can, because if the threat is true, the destiny of the town and the dances is bad, as for the people who'll be here.

Sincerely, Remus Beresford.

"That's it." concluded the girl.

The professor seemed frowned.

"May I ask who 'Remus' is? You seem to know each other pretty well."

"It's a long story which doesn't end nicely, I'm afraid." answered him, as Flora understood it was going to be his only explanation, at least for now. "What are you going to do, professor?"

"It seems serious. The Dances of Beattown are well-known and lots of people take part. If it is as he says, it could be dangerous for all of them." he said, letting out a little sigh. "I guess we could go there and check the situation.".

That's why they were on the Laytonmobile, heading to Beattown. A new adventure, actually the first one after Luke had left.

It has been a bad thing for the professor. It was bad even before the meeting with Claire, and after it he has been gloomy for quite a time. Flora had to learn how to cheer him up a bit, but it wasn't easy, mainly because she didn't ever know if he needed it. She also had to become his assistant, though she didn't even notice it. She collected his letters, made him tea,

Not that him and Luke had completely broken, they wrote to each other once or twice, but there was a ocean between them and letters didn't arrive that fast. They had almost give up. Nonetheless Layton wrote him before leaving London to explain where they were going and why. He let Flora write her lines as usual and sent it the same day of the departure.

After hours of travelling, they arrived to what seemed to be the road sign which showed the beginning of Beattown. A lot of little dancers were drown under the word. Just after that sign there were a lot of people who where working with festoons and lights. The Dances were going to begin the night after that one and each one was doing something to participate. They weren't probably aware about what was going on, if there was really something. Flora, who was sleeping when they get to the town, slowly opened her eyes. When she understood where she was, she sat straight on her seat and looked outside with curiosity. That was going to be a perfect celebration, if not for that thing of the letter.

The more they approached the main square, the more people they found. It was even hard to drive, so finally the professor decided to park in the quieter place he found, hoping to don't disturb the preparations.

The town wasn't new for him. It had a long uphill which leaded to the church and, more on, to a nice bar restaurant where you could buy some delicious cookies. On the left of the main road there was a big square where every year the people went to dance. On that square there were also a good music shop and a bakery, which in that moment where closed. On the other side of the square there were the elementary school and the town hall.

"That's where we're heading." he told Flora, almost yelling to be heard. She nodded and both began to push into the crowd to make their way, Layton's hand firmly holding Flora's. They didn't have much time to observe the building from the outside, so they just went inside.

It was fresher inside, though it was not even launch time. On the floor there was a red carpet which continued on the white stairs.

"Hershel Layton!" a male voice said, maybe the most panicked voice the professor and Flora had ever heard. "Thank goddess, you're here!"

Hope it wasn't too boring. Please R&R!