This is my very first fanfiction! Although the name may imply, this is not actually a crossover between Professor Layton and Dark Cloud, which is another of Level-5's series. There are simply some references to that popular series in this story, but none of the characters from Dark Cloud 1 or 2 will make any kind of appearance. Level-5 has made cameos from their other games before, and I'm just following that tradition. Keep in mind that I may put more OC's in this story than most people do in theirs. I do not own Professor Layton (or Dark Cloud). All rights reserved and all that stuff... yada yada yada... You know the drill.
Dear Professor Layton,
It's been a while since we said goodbye. How have you been? As for me, I'm all settled in and making new friends. I'm writing to you because something deeply puzzling happened here recently. It seems like the sort of mystery that's tailor made for Professor Layton and his apprentice. I don't think anyone else could get to the bottom of it. I've enclosed a document with this letter that will tell you more about the situation. I can't wait to start this new adventure with you! Please write back as soon as you get this letter!
Your friend and apprentice,
Luke
It's been six months since Luke Triton, the professor's self-proclaimed apprentice, moved from London to New York, in America. His father, Clark Triton, got a job transfer as a professional writer. He had hoped to have his first book, "The Truth of the Golden Garden" published in America, where it may then be translated in all kinds of languages and spread all over the world. Being compassionate of his family's wishes, he had, of course, discussed this with his wife, Brenda, and his son, Luke, and they have agreed, seeing what kind of possibilities lay in store for their future, though Luke was reluctant at first. He had become accustomed to his travels with the Professor, and his adopted daughter, Flora Reinhold.
The Professor is a man of truly astounding intellect, and has solved mysteries and cases all over the world. He is also an English gentleman, and holds that image in society very effectively. Flora had come from a noble family and came under the Professor's care when her last relative, her father, Baron Augustus Reinhold, had passed away due to illness. She is usually left behind during the Professor's and Luke's adventures, to ensure her safety, and lately, because of her horrid cooking and her tendency to get kidnapped by, dare I say, some rather creepy men. However, she had always been able to join their company unnoticed, until the duo had reached their destination. By then, the duo decided to just allow her to accompany them. It's worth mentioning that although the Professor adopted her, she is not officially her daughter. This is because the mystery regarding her living conditions and lifestyle before the Professor adopted her were never made public. Therefore, her last name was still "Reinhold".
This adventure started off no differently: the Professor receives a letter, newspaper, or some other sort of information regarding a mystery, solves the daily newspaper puzzle, drinks his tea, puts on his signature hat, and walks out the door. The document that Luke referred to was a yellow envelope, which contained newspaper articles and pictures.
July Snowfall Continues Nearby Met Life Tower
For over eight years, snow has fallen from the sky surrounding the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower. The climate is always very cold within and just outside the tower, despite the rest of Madison Avenue feeling normal weather. Lately, it has become just one of many sights to see for tourists. Meteorologists around the world were baffled and confused about this strange phenomenon, and the locals have become accustomed to this bizarre century old clock tower.
There were three pictures within the envelope. The first was of the aforementioned tower, which indeed had snow surrounding it. Based on the angle of this picture, the snow was within a thirty foot radius surrounding the tower. The second picture showed Luke's new home. It was an apartment within a very tall and rectangular building. The back of the picture has the message "2485 Fbtu 246ui Tusffu: Sppn 219". Knowing that this was a puzzle, the Professor decoded it very quickly. By changing each letter and number down one digit, the message would say: "1374 East 135th Street: Room 108" which was his new address. The final picture had shown the Statue of Liberty, located on the New York Harbor. The statue has nothing to do with the mystery, but the Professor had always wanted to see it in person. After finishing his tea and giving his farewell to Flora, Professor Layton has set off to solve another mystery.
Ok, that finishes the first chapter. I'm trying to make this fanfic as "Laytonesque" as possible. If you have any suggestions, feel free to post them on the review section.