So, this is the first chapter of a Professor Layton fanfic project I'm embarking on. Naturally, you can expect a plethora of puzzles and a heap of mystery. I think this series will be probably a little darker than the original Prof. Layton games, but I'll be trying to keep it within a reasonable resemblance of the original games. So, sit back and enjoy Professor Triton And The School Of Phantoms.

Prologue: A Pleasant Reunion

"Here's your tea, Professor."

The sound of a china teacup meeting a small plate echoed through the cafe. Despite it being a weekend, the cafe was mostly empty. Besides the owners, the only inhabitants of the little shop were a young man of about 20 in a light blue cap and open blue blazer with a matching blue tie, and a cheerful old man in a wheelchair wearing a brown tophat. Despite his age, the old man still seemed young and his eyes had a certain kind of peculiar sparkle to them.

"My, Luke. You've certainly grown."

Professor Layton took a sip from his tea and folded his hands across his lap. The young man rubbed the back of his hand in embarrasment.

"Heh. Well, I'm still a boy at heart, Professor."

Luke Triton grinned as he pulled out his chair and sat down at the table. In front of him sat his own cup. A cup of coffee.

"Yes. I happened to notice from the surprising amount of milk and coffee you had added to your coffee."

The Professor rubbed his chin in thought with a calm, knowing smile. Luke was naturally upset.

"Argh. I thought you wouldn't notice. What gave it away?"

"Simple, Luke. A fly would much prefer sweet tea to a normal cup of coffee any day, wouldn't it?"

With a little flourish, the Professor pointed to a small black fly which had been circling around Luke's coffee for quite some time.

"I see your mind's still as sharp as ever, Professor." Luke smiled and laughed as he swatted away the fly. "Sorry, Mr. Fly but this is my coffee."

"Yes, well... Even in old age, a true gentleman keeps his wits and mind sharp. Actually, tell me, Luke... Have you been making sure to keep your mind strong?"

This time Luke just sipped his coffee and didn't say a word. His hat naturally cast a shadow over his eyes, and his cheeks flushed red.

"I see..." The Professor crossed his arms and closed his eyes as he began to think up a puzzle. "That won't do at all, Luke. Remember what I taught you? A true gentleman leaves no puzzle unsolved."

Professor Layton's eyes snapped open and he smiled mischeivously, his eyes shining.

"How about you try this one on for size? As a little bit of a refresher."

- - - - - - Puzzle 001: A Study in Blue- - - - - - - - -

I recently walked to my office to find the door locked from the inside. As hard as I tried to push it open, it wouldn't budge. Luckily, I had a spare key which I used to open the door. But for some reason it wasn't unlocking the door. Eventually, I decided to break down the door. However, once I got inside the place was a mess! Someone had knocked over my most expensive ink and it had covered the floor in a blue mess. I realised right away that the person behind this heinous crime must have accidentally knocked over the ink and fled in fear. However, the door was definitely locked from the inside and the window was bolted shut from the inside. I looked around the room but the only trace of the culprit I could find was a screw that hadn't been there before. Just how did this messy mastermind escape?!

Luke closes his eyes in thought and put his hand on his chin in thought...

"Hmm... How about... This!"

Luke's eyes instantly snap open and he grins, almost goofily. It's instantly apparent that he has the answer.

"Another puzzle solved."

"Heheheh. This one's an easy one, professor."

Luke put down his cup as he begins explaining his answer.

"The culprit just switched your door with another one, didn't he? That's why there was a screw on the floor and why your key didn't work!"

Professor Layton was pleased. He nodded and his smile grew bigger.

"It looks like after all these years, you still have a knack for puzzle solving. I'm impressed, Luke."

"Oh, it was nothing, Professor. Though, I should mention that if this really happened, it wouldn't work for a second considering you have that big tophat symbol on your door."

"Very observant, Luke. I'm surprised you remembered that."

"I'm just doing my best to follow in your footsteps."

Luke grinned and patted a black leather briefcase on the floor next to him.

"This is all my teaching equipment. I'm not exactly a professor, yet but everyone has to start somewhere."

Professor Layton let out a chuckle.

"Well, then, Luke. Don't keep me in suspense. When are you starting?"

Luke drained the rest of his coffee and wiped his face on a napkin.

"Tomorrow's my first day. I'm going to be teaching at Gressenheller High."

Luke beamed and the Professor nodded calmly.

"I'm very proud of you, Luke. You've become a gentleman in your own right."

Luke gasped in shock as Professor Layton took off his tophat and placed it in front of him.

"Here, Luke. This is my parting gift to you. It was given to me once I became a true gentleman and now, Luke, I pass it onto you."

"P..Professor..."

Luke's eyes brimmed with tears and, for a second, he reflected how he was as a young child calling himself the Professor's Number 1 Apprentice. It was only then did Luke finally notice how old the Professor had gotten. While he still remained his dignity and youth, it was clear that the man was tired and frail.

"Now, Luke. A gentleman doesn't cry in public."

The Professor smiled kindly as Luke took off his cap, and placed the top-hat on.

"Professor... I can't thank you enough..."

Professor Layton merely shook his head.

"No, Luke. You have earned the title of a gentleman now. No longer are you my apprentice number 1. You are now a 'Professor Triton', of sorts."

"Thank you... Professor." Luke whispered as Professor Layton wheeled himself out the door.

"No, Luke. I should thank you."

The Professor smiled as he left the cafe. It felt rather bare and empty with only one person in it. Luke finally wiped the tears from his eyes and smiled.

Professor Triton... It had a nice ring to it.

-Prologue: Finished-