Hello and I am back! Huzza, what a break for me! It actually wasn't a break, this is just what happends when I have a whole bunch of stories but no laptop, stinks to be me. Anyway, since I'm on what appears to be a Professor Layton so of run, I've decided to do the games in story mode, but with my own twists and stuff added in.

So, to clear things up: the Professor Layton games belong to Level 5 and some Japanese Profeossor who's name I can't pronouce or remember. ...So yeah, there ya go.

And to all the fans of the 'Lost Light' series, good news! My plans of making a sequel to it is coming along... a little slower then I'd like to admit, but it's deep in development. So until I can post it, I'm doing the games!

Now, on with the reading!

PS: you see mistakes, tell me and I'll fix them when i can. XD

A little village planted far away from prying eyes was dressed in black, the air of depression lingering in the dirty covered streets. The small church was filled with sad eyes, each casting a quick glace to the casket as it passed down the aisle. It was placed at the back of the church where the podium normally sat for sermon, a plaque in gold placed in front said:

'Loving husband and father who will be missed.

Baron Agustace Reinhold.'

From the back of the crowd, a man with rather large and purple lips dabbed his eyes gently, daring a glance at the Baron's widow, who looked distant. "He… he will be missed ma'am."

"Of course he will…. But his death is more than just a sad moment…."

"When will you…."

"Not yet, I'm afraid the villagers will panic if someone new comes too soon."

"Then when?"

"…A month, at least, then I'll send the letter."

"Very well, you know best." With a curt nod from his master, they returned to the ceremony, each face stern.

The sun shone brightly on a rather cool spring morning as a small, red car puttered along the country road, far off from any city. A boy, wearing a light blue messenger's cap with a matching color sweater, looked out the car window happily, watching a dragonfly keep at pace with the car then fly off. The driver, a tall man with a slightly taller than usual black top hat, smiled watching the child before his eyes returned to the dirt road. The man's name was Hershel Layton, renowned professor of archeology at London's Gressenheller University, known for his ability to solve any puzzle presented to him and his love of tea. The child accompanying him was Luke Triton, self acclaimed apprentice of the professor and holding the ability to talk to animals.

As the car, named the Laytonmobile, continued it trek down the country roads, Luke was pulled away from the outside world when he was handed an important sealed letter, containing two sheets of parchment. Reading the actual letter through, Luke frowned slightly and turned to his mentor.

"I don't understand professor, why are we going to solve an inheritance dispute?"

Layton laughed slightly at the question. "Luke my boy, do you really think I'd take on something as simple as that? No, no, this is something much more interesting than that, but I think it's best I explain a little more for you to understand. A few months back, the wealth Baron Reinhold passed away in this small village we're about to visit. Days after his passing, his will was discovered, with it a most peculiar riddle of all things. It merely stated that "to whomever finds the Golden Apple, I offer the entire of my estate'. Naturally, those who read the will went off in a frantic search of this Golden Apple, looking everywhere they possibly could, but all came up empty handed soon enough. It turns out no one's even hear of such an object, till its mention in the will. It seems the late Baron staked his entire fortune on one last puzzle. He seemed like a very interesting man, I only wish I could have met him in person before his pass."

"But what is the Golden Apple? Surely someone in that village knows something about this." Luke asked eyes curious.

"Actually, no one is really sure of its true form. Some say it's the Baron's fortune itself, others say it could be the Baron's true will left blank so the finder can claim everything for themselves. But with no clues about its whereabouts or what it could actually be, the late Baron's wife as written to me asking for my assistance in locating it."

"And you just jumped at the opportunity?"

"You will learn Luke: a gentleman is always ready to help when called upon, especially if called on by a beautiful woman."

"Um… if you say so Professor."

"Now then," Layton striated his top hat, "We should be nearing the village. Check the map and see how close we are to our destination."

"Sure!" Luke smiled and dug back into the envelope, pulling the second piece of parchment out. Unfolding it, he blinked in surprise at the multiple curling roads drawn onto the piece. "W-What's kind of map is this?"

"It seems that Lady Dahlia has provided a rather interesting puzzle, no doubt to see if we're actually up for the task ahead. Why not see if you can solve it?" Layton smiled knowingly.

"Of course, this should be no problem for the apprentice of the great Professor Layton!" Luke shifted in his seat and began to read:

'My village is located on the road that is connected to no other town,
can you locate where my village is.'

Luke frowned, examining the picture drawn at the bottom of the 'directions'. "Well lets see…. Oh, it's this one!" He pointed to the town furthest to the right.

"Nicely done Luke, expertly solved."

"And now we know which direction to head in."

"Quite right. Now, gather your things, we'll be arriving shortly."

Luke was slightly bewildered by that statement. "Wha- wait, did you have it figured out?"

"My apologies, I mean no disrespect, but a puzzle like that is easy to with just a quick glance." Layton winked playfully at his apprentice, Luke smiling back.

"Of course not. Well then, I hope St. Mystere is ready for us!"

Layton smiled as the car slowed and came to a stop in front of a half risen drawbridge, a large stone wall stretching on either side of it. Grabbing his shoulder bag and small suitcase, Luke stared open mouthed at the ominous blockage that stood before them. Joining his slightly dazed assistant, Layton frowned at the drawbridge.

"This is rather frustrating…."

"How are we supposed to get in?"

Both jumped in surprise when an explosion sounded just left from where they stood. Black, thick smoke billowing out of an archway, no doubt the entrance to the drawbridges mechanics.

"Flippin', stupid useless…. It had to break down today didn't it."

A short and rather dumpy looking man exited the smoke, coughing hard and attempting to wave it away. Straitening his rather old and well-worn baseball cap, he kicked the wall in frustration.

"Excuse me sir, what seems to be the problem?" Layton called across the lake that separated the town from the road.

The man frowned and glared over at Layton. "Who're you? Never seen your face befor'."

"My name is Hershel Layton and this is my ass-"

"Apprentice."

"Yes, excuse me, apprentice Luke. We were hoping to enter into your fair village."

"May I ask why? I ain't a fan of strangers."

"We've been contacted by Lady Dahlia to help with a slight, hmm, family problem of hers."

"Lady Dahlia ya say? Mmm, well, I ain't about to disrespect the misses' request…."

"So you'll let us in?" Luke asked hopefully.

"Wish I could laddie, but the automatic crank to this bridge broke. Been attemptin' to fix this blasted thing all mornin'."

Luke deflated slightly, but Layton merely smiled and said, "Can't you do it manually? I'm sure you have a back-up in case such evens happen."

The man thought on this and nodded. "That's true, I forgot about that…."

"How could you forget?" Luke asked amazed.

"Listen here you, we don't get many visitors to this little village. In fact, I ain't to surprised that the bridge broke like this, it's used so little. But let me see if I can find that manual." He walked back in, being covered by the archway's shadow.

"Not very nice." Luke frowned.

"Some problems seem to bring the worst out of people. Unfortunately, that negative outcome is normally forced onto people we care about and we can't complete the job we sought out to do."

"But if you hadn't have said anything, he'd still be complaining."

"I'm sure he would have calmed down and figured it out soon enough. Remember Luke, no matter how difficult something seems to be, every problem has an answer." Layton looked up as the bridge slowly descended in front of them, the chains creaking loudly. It touched down with a slight thump and they passed over, Luke running ahead slightly. Layton called the bridge keeper's attention once more. "Would it be alright if we left our bags here until we acquire a room?"

"Course ya can, you helped."

Leaving most of their baggage behind, Luke still holding tightly onto his shoulder bag, they journeyed further into the village. The place was rather charming, stores and building resembling more the old English version of living; Luke was slightly expecting to see a horse drawn carriage. People were plentiful, passing by the duo, keeping to themselves, but Luke couldn't help to notice the strange looks they were receiving.

"They don't look to happy, do they?" Luke stated, inching closer to Layton.

"More cautious than anything, remember what the bridge keeper said, they haven't had visitors in awhile."

"What are they expecting us to do?"

Layton smiled slightly at that. "You really can't guess on these things Luke, but I'm sure there's nothing to worry about."

"Still slightly unnerving…." Luke slowed, causing Layton to look back.

"Something wrong Luke?"

"What do you suppose that is?" Luke pointed to something in the distance, but Layton didn't have to guess to hard at what. Standing so tall that it disappeared into the clouds, an oddly built but none the less menacing looking tower stood in what looked like the middle of the village. It was as if the builder of this structure wanted to make sure everyone could see it no matter where they were in the village.

"It's nothing to be afraid of Luke, just a building. Come now, we're going to be late."

"Yes sir…."

"T-This is a house?"

"Of course, this is a mansion, home of wealth."

"…And we're meeting Lady Dahlia in there…."

"Well, no doubt seeing as this is her home. Come, we're running a tad late." Luke cautiously followed his mentor, feeling so out of place. Reaching the large double doors, Layton knocked stoutly on them, the knock actually echoing into the building. A few moments passed before one of the doors opened, a short bearded man answering the call.

"Good afternoon, Professor Layton I assume?"

"Your assumption is correct sir, and who would you be?"

"Matthew," he bowed, "Only servant to the Reinhold mansion."

"Really? Seems quite a task to keep this place in order." Luke commented.

"That it is, but fret not. While my image precedes me, I have more than enough energy to spare to keep this place tip top. Now then, the lady of the house awaits, please follow."

They were lead through the doorway into a extravagant building, the floors polished marble, the supporting pillars a rich dark granite that Luke had never seen before. Multiple pictures hung on the wall, diamond chandeliers hung low from the ceiling and casted small rainbow shadows on the floor. Big deep brown doors separated the owner's private rooms from prying eyes, Luke assuming each room contained something even more incredible than the last. They stopped at another pair of double doors, Matthew knocking twice before opening the doors and allowing Layton and Luke through.

They entered what appeared to be a parlor, the marble floors gone, replaced with deep red velvet carpet which was kept in perfect shape. The room contained a grand bookcase filled to the brim, nicely decorated but uncomfortably looking furniture, and another chandelier which was smaller than its friends in the main halls. Two people were already relaxing in the parlor, both looking slightly bored. A skinny, pointed nosed man situated himself near the large window that peered out to the front lawn, pushing his red glasses further up his nose as he stared Layton down. The other man was rather large, a mini mustache adorning his upper lip and small green hat on his head, which he kept removing to pat away the perspiration on his brow.

On the opposite wall from where Layton and Luke stood, a large door opened slowly, a tall, well dressed woman walking into the room filled with males. Her yellow hair was drawn back into a tight bun at the back of her head, pale skin somehow glowing in the sunlight thanks to the pink fine silk dress she was wearing. In her thin arms laid a big white cat that looked very content in the woman's arms.

"Professor Layton I presume?" Her voice sounded slightly airy, as if speaking was a difficult task.

"That is correct ma'am." They shook hands, Luke keeping well enough away; for whatever reason, he didn't like her too much.

The calm moment ended when a loud 'BOOM' sounded from outside, the house shaking horrible from the vibrations it caused. Layton placed a hand on Luke's shoulder to steady him, Luke looking around frantically for the source of the noise. The cat in Lady Dahlia's arms hissed and wiggled with fear, finally breaking away from its owner and slinking out the door. Luke watched, slightly bemused, for he could have sworn the cat wore a smile of triumph as it dashed out of the parlor.

The house soon stilled, Layton keeping his grip on Luke just in case something else happened. The patrons of the room did jump when Lady Dahlia let out a terrified shriek.

"Where is she! Where has my Claudia gone! MATTHEW!"

The butler stumbled in, slightly weary of her. "Yes Lady?"

"Have you seen my Claudia? She was just here a few moments ago! Oh where could she have gone?"

"Excuse me ma'am," Layton actually dared to enter the conversation, "Would you perhaps be referring to the cat you held in your arms?"

Lady Dahlia turned to him, the calm demeanor gone, eyes blazing. Luke stepped quickly behind his mentor. "Claudia is not a cat, she's a person, she has a name! Claudia Agatha Elizabeth Violet Reinhold the third!"

"…Very well then," Layton collected himself, "I believe I saw your Claudia dash out the door after that noise sounded."

"What! And you didn't think to stop her! Matthew, did you see her?"

"No mi'lady, she must have just slipped by me when I walked in."

"Imbecile! I'm surrounded by incompetent people! We must find my poor baby quickly, she's a wreck if I'm not near and the outside elements are just murder on her!"

"But Lady Dahlia," Luke spoke gently, "She's a cat, an animal, and animals need to-"

"For the last time boy, Claudia is a person! Much more regal and sophisticated then you'll ever be." Luke flushed and stepped back behind Layton, feeling slightly ashamed. "Now we must find her!"

Layton took another chance. "Lady, you're letter speculates the importance of this will-"

"That rubbish can wait once my Claudia returns! Someone please go find her!"

"Of course, we'll set out now." Layton tipped his hat to her. Lady Dahlia huffed and stormed back into the room from where she entered, slamming the door behind her.

"Hmm, that was almost calm for her." The pointed nose man finally spoke.

"That was calm?" Luke asked bewildered.

"For her yes, she can get much worse."

"And how would you know that?" Layton frowned.

"I'm Simon, the Baron's nephew, or at least I was when he was alive."

"And I'm Gordon, the Baron's brother," the large man spoke, "Besides Lady Dahlia, we two are the only living relatives of the Baron."

"So am I to assume you three asked for my help?" Layton asked.

"We'd seen your name in the paper a few times and Lady Dahlia just jumped, demanding that we call you here."

"But it seems your talents have been reduced to hunting down that cat of hers," Simon laughed, "What a shame. And I suggest you do it quickly, Lady won't talk to anyone until her cat returns."

"Then we'll set out. Come Luke." Layton turned and walked out, Luke following quickly, very happy to be out of there.

"Professor, don't you find it slightly rude that we've been sent on a cat chase when we should be worrying about the will?" Luke asked as they exited the mansion.

"Yes, but Lady insists that we find her ca- I mean child, so that is what we shall do."

"But why, we should just go back in and demand that we start our search on the will."

"A gentleman always takes the request of any lady… no matter how strange the request is." After searching the mansion grounds, they had to conclude that Claudia had escaped into town while she had the chance.

"How are we suppose to find her in this place, it's huge!" Luke frowned.

"Remember what I said Luke, every problem has an answer. I suggest we ask around, surely someone's seen a white cat."

And indeed people had, claiming the 'white demon' had run through the square to the market, heading in the direction of the park. The fish monger ranted that Claudia had abscond with two of his biggest fish

"Lady Dahlia said Claudia hated being outside," Luke frowned, "But she seems to be having the time of her life."

A clang of trash cans made them jump, a low growl of warning coming out from behind the cans. And she walked out, purple bow untouched from the chaos she had made, Claudia giving the duo the evil eye.

"There she is, now how do we make her come back with us?" Layton frowned.

"Oh, let me try Professor!" Luke smiled.

"Ah yes, I forgot you have a special way with animals." Luke bent down, holding his hand out to comfort Claudia.

"Come here Claudia, lets go home! Your, um, 'mom' is worried." But instead of Claudia happily walking to Luke, she hissed violently and clawed him on the cheek, running off after her attack. Layton collected Luke instantly, who was pressing a hand firmly to his cheek. "That cat's a terror!"

"Are you alright? Let me see…."

"Ok, so, clearly she doesn't like me, so now what?" Luke winced as Layton gently wiped the cuts clear of blood.

"That cat only responds to two things, her master and food." An old lady with a shawl had appeared behind them, casting a wary eye.

"Do you have anything with which to catch her?" Layton asked, helping Luke up.

"You actually want to catch that fur ball monster?"

"It's a request made by Lady Dahlia and we've kept her waiting long enough."

"Very well," she reached inside her apron pocket and pulled out a fish skeleton, "This should keep that monstrous snowball at bay long enough to get her back home."

"Thank you," Layton took the bones cautiously, "Did you happen to see where she ran off to?"

"I saw her scurry off to the park gates after her attack, no doubt she's there. But a little friendly warning, stay away from that tower you see in the distance," she nodded in the direction of the half hidden structure, "Nothing good every comes from that place and it's a dangerous, especially one so young as that boy there."

"Thank you for the directions and the warning. Come along Luke."

"That was a weird warning," Luke whispered to Layton as they walked onto the park, the old lady wobbling off, "It's just a tower."

"Don't forget Luke, you were slightly weary of it when you first saw the tower in the distance, don't be so quick to judge. There may very well be something to fear in that tower."

"Like what, a monster?"

"Don't let your imagination get the better of you Luke, it's just a building."

Keeping in the direction of the old lady's directions, they followed a well worn path to a pair of grand iron gates, behind them was an untamed forest. Trotting in front of the gates, tail held high, was Claudia, who was starting to look slightly bored.

"There she is!"

"Not so loud Luke, you might scare her off. Here," Layton handed Luke the skeleton, "try and bait her, you may have a better chance than if I do it."

"Right." Inching closer with the fish skeleton held out, Luke called out gently.

"Come here Claudia, see what I got? You want some?" Luke beamed with success as Claudia mewed and walked towards him, allowing herself to be picked up once close enough. "Got her!"

"Nicely done Luke," Layton let escape a sigh of relief that Claudia didn't attack again, "Now, let's head back to-"

"What do you suppose is back there?"

Layton frowned and looked at Luke, who was staring into the darkened forest. "People keep referring it to a park, so I assume…."

"But what kind? I saw a Ferris wheel when we were coming up here, so is it an amusement park? But the gates look like they haven't been touched in ages, why do you think that is?"

Layton smiled gently and pulled Luke away. "Questions for another time my boy, but right now we must return Claudia home."

"What- oh right Professor." They made their way back up the main road, Luke careful to keep Claudia happy so she didn't go running off again. But the feline was more than content lying in Luke's arms, purring away loudly.

They had just turned to corner to head towards the mansion when a man bumped into Luke, making Claudia hiss. The man's large purple lips curved into a hasty smile, appearance seemingly shaken about something.

"Oh, pardon me, in a bit of a hurry." And with that he took off, long legs carrying him quickly into the crowd.

"Who was that?" Luke asked bewildered at the man's speed, Claudia calming down again.

"I'm not sure…. But he's an odd fellow."

"Odd looking that is."

"Luke!"

"Sorry… but it's true! Half of these people you'd never see in London."

Layton frowned. "While true, you should know better than to judge people based on appearances."

"I'm not!"

"Luke."

"…I'm sorry."

"It's alright, now, let's see if we can actually deliver Claudia back peacefully."

But their arrival back to the Reinhold mansion was far from peaceful. Upon knocking on the grand front doors, a deep gruffed voice boomed, "Who the bloody hell is that now!"

"I-I don't remember that voice." Luke said almost fearfully.

"Neither do I…."

The doors opened and Matthew appeared once more, this time looking pale and worried. "Professor Layton! Thank goodness you've returned!"

"What's the matter Matthew? You're awfully frantic, we have Claudia right here."

"She is, you found her? Oh, thank you, that's one weight off my shoulders."

"Claudia's not what you're worried about?" Luke frowned, "Then what's the problem?"

"T-There's been a terrible event!" Matthew quaked, "Simon Reinhold has just been found dead!"