Luke Triton and Emmy Altava and the Chase for the Lost Anubis

Emmy suddenly finds herself travelling to America and bumping into a sixteen year old Luke Triton. Before they know it the two are on a mission to retrieve a lost artefact The Statue of Anubis, not only do they have to find the statue but people have been going missing.

Chapter 1: America

For years Emmy Altava had travelled the world working where there was a job for an English speaker or living in the wild or a hitchhiking with a group of travellers. It has been a good life with its ups and downs making new interesting friends, but also finding herself on more than one occasion with no shelter but she had pulled though and wouldn't have changed it for the world, her next destination was America.

She had been to many historic and wilderness countries such as; Egypt, Spain, Japan, China, even the North Pole, all the countries were very different to each other in its landscape and it citizens and she had loved them all but still there were none like Britain. She had been meaning to go back to her home country a number of times over the years or just pay a visit to some of her old friends such as Luke or the professor... but there was always a reason to keep travelling such as coming across a new island that she had never heard of or a friend recommend her somewhere new to visit or maybe she was just putting it off, maybe she thought if she went back to her home she would never want to leave.

But this time she was going somewhere that was a bit similar to Britain, where people spoke English and where everyone worked normal boring office jobs and lived in solid homes, she was going to live in a small town outside California with a friend Emmy had met in Australia, she was living there now and had offered her a place to stay.

So Emmy sat in the airplane looking down at the clouds that where too thick for any land or sea to be seen she wondered where they were she was now when the intercom sounded and the dull sound of the piolet's voice sounded though the plane.

"Passengers we will be arriving at California Airport in ten minutes please switch all mobile devices off as we prepare for landing…" Emmy took out the folded up letter in her pocket she had received from her friend a month ago, the letter read,

23rd of March

'To my Dear friend Emmy,

I hope this letter see's you well, it has been nearly a year since we last spoke in Australia we had a great time and got to know each other very well to a point where I know that you're a friend I can trust and that you can solve any puzzles that come your way (It's what I expect from a previous assistant of Professor Layton). I would not ask you to do this if it wasn't necessary but I don't know who else I can ask, I can't go to the police or a detective and you said you have never been to America but I understand if you're busy or you're back at home with your friends but please hear my story first.

I'm living in a small town outside California at the moment with my cousin Finny, it's a quiet town nothing really happens here but three months ago a large crate was snuck into our little town museum at night. Me and Finny saw it all from my bedroom window it took four men to carry the crate and they snuck it though the back entrance, at first we just thought the museum had a new artefact for display we went over there the next day and asked the reception lady that works there and denied that the museum have been getting any donations for years.

I first I just shrugged it off but my cousin's felt that something was wrong, he's a curious guy the type who's always getting himself into trouble but he's got a good instinct and he was right! Something was wrong in that crate. He continued to investigate the museum, asking staff and the rest of the village it wasn't until the beginning of March that he disappeared. Of course the police were called, there was no sign of a body or blood, there are no witnesses nor suspects or sign that he was attacked, he has taken no belongings nor his car. So what's happened to him? I know it's got something to do with that crate we saw that night, Finny's intuition was always 100%! I don't feel safe in this town anymore but I can't leave until I know what's happened to Finny.

I have put a newspaper article about the case inside the envelope but it's doesn't tell you much, if you do decide to help I can describe this case in more detail. Please send a reply to the address enclosed in the envelope, I hope you can join me in America.

From your faithful friend,

Fran'

Emmy had got this letter a month ago and it was now the beginning of May, Emmy felt I rush of sadness when she thought of her friend who has been grieving for her cousin and didn't know if he was dead or not. He looked like a nice lad as well, on the newspaper clipping that was inside the envelope was a photo of a boy about seventeen with mad brown curly and an honest face with a huge smile but he had a spark in his eyes which clearly said he was a curious and intelligent person but had had a knack for mischief and seemed to find himself into bad situations without realising it.

Emmy had grown good at working out someone's personality just by their face thanks to all her travels and the many people she had met, looking at the boys photograph she hoped that Finny was alive…

Xxx

Emmy collected her luggage from the desk and moved though the airport, which wasn't as busy as Emmy expected it to be and waited outside the front for Fran's car to pick her up. Soon enough a light blue corsa stopped in front Emmy and a young woman about Emmy's age literary jumped out. She was short girl with tanned brown skin that said she had travelled a lot and had long coffee brown hair pulled back into a ponytail that trailed down her back and had large honey coloured eyes, the moment she saw Emmy she leaped towards her and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

"Oh Emmy!" She cried, Emmy flinched she had forgotten how loud and affectionate Fran could be, also how strong she was…"I can't thank you enough for coming all this way! It's been so horrible, no one else would believe me! But I knew you would! Could you get Finny back?! I've missed you so much!"

"Calm down Fran!" Emmy shouted who was able to pull away from the bone crushing hug, she had to take a few breaths before she could talk again "I've missed you too," She had smiling "But let's start from the beginning."

"Oh yeah of course! I haven't told you everything!" Fran gasped then smiled "It's a long drive from my town to the airport but I passed a little café half way by a lovely looking beach we can talk there."

"It sounds nice" Emmy smiled, looking forward to what her friend had to say and of course see more of this country. The two woman got into the car and drove away from the airport either girl noticed the hooded figure in a black car watching them go, the figure waited a few seconds before following the blue corsa.

Xxx

The two girls drove through the city for about 20 minutes until they came to the countryside full of green landscape, Emmy could just see the beach ahead she felt a sense of peace here, it was so beautiful with its bright blue sky and green and sandy coloured landscape and the only sounds to be heard was a waves crashing against the rocks and the breeze of the wind though the open window, if only the car would stop it would be prefect but she didn't notice that some of the noise was coming from the black car further behind them.

"See that little building over there facing the sea?" Fran said nodding towards a small white building that Emmy had to squint to see. "That's the café I was telling you about, a friend of mine went there once she said they make the best cakes at a good price". The café was getting closer into their view and Emmy realised it wasn't as small as she thought, it had a decking with table and chair so people can eat outside and the wall facing the sea was mostly covered by glass so people can sit inside but still see the sea. It looked like a lovely neat little café if not a bit weather worn but it was clearly well taken care off.

"Here we are," Fran said while she put the car into parking "looks nice doesn't it? and in the middle of nowhere, it's perfect!"

Once the two woman where inside the café that black car parked a little further away from the café and the hooded figure stepped out and made his way towards the café…

Xxx

As soon as Fran pushed open the door to the café a small sound of a bell rung throughout the room, there were only a few people in the café sitting in pairs by the window drinking coffee or tea and eating some nice looking cakes. Emmy couldn't help but feel her sweet tooth kicking in…

The floor and walls was covered in light wood, pictures of fish, anchors and seascapes covered the walls. Emmy was pretty surprised and a wave of nostalgia went through her, she had been to places like this before back at home, sea like cafes that rested by the beach that usually sold knickknacks and maps and you would drink tea or eat some fish and chips.

She suddenly felt a little homesick.

"Hello ladies would you like a table?" God, even the waiter sounded British…

"Yes, a table for two please," Fran said but then there was a pause when the waiter didn't speak or lead them to their table. Emmy suddenly looked up at the waiter who was staring at her wide eyed, he had neat light brown hair and tanned skin and he was wearing a white shirt black pants and waistcoat the usual attire of a waiter that showed off his tall and well-built frame but there was something extremely familiar about him especially his accent even though she could hear a bit of American in it.

"Emmy…?" The waiter said in shock, "Is that really you?" Then suddenly Emmy realised why the waiter looked so familiar, his accent, his face, his hair! But it couldn't be? Shouldn't he be in England with the professor? The last time she had seen this boy he was only a little ten year old!

"Luke?" My god where have the years gone?! Emmy suddenly ran leaping into Luke's open arms both smiling and laughing, the customers (or what little of them) stared at the pair in either annoyance or amusement, Fran stood there to the side slightly confused but feeling happy for her friend.

"Luke what's with all the noise!?" A woman with a British voice called out from the back, Emmy pulled away to see a familiar looking woman in an apron and dark brown hair tied in a high pony tail came out behind the counter.

"Brenda!" Emmy gasped, did the Triton family own this cafe?!

"Look who decided to pay us a surprise visit?" Luke said beaming, Luke was now taller than Emmy but he still looked like a little kid when he smiled like that.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you owned this café," Emmy said blushing, "We just came here by chance, unless you had something to do with it?" Emmy said smirking turning towards Fran.

"No way!" She said putting up her hands, "I didn't know your friends lived here, I think this is what you call a small world!"

Xxx

Finally when all had calmed down, Emmy, Luke and Fran had sat down, Brenda thought it was a good idea for Luke to catch up with his friend, so she prepared the tea and cake for them.

"I can't believe I suddenly find you here!" Luke exclaimed "Honestly for six years I thought we weren't ever going to meet again?"

"Nor I" Emmy explained, "I'm more surprised you're here in America of all places! I thought you would still be England, still being an apprentice to the Professor and going on crazy adventures and learning how to be a Gentleman!" She laughed.

"I thought I would be too," Luke said, rubbing one of his shoulders "But my father got a job here in the states that pays good money," Emmy noticed Luke's face fall a little at that statement, "Me and my mum own this lovely café, though but we usually have more customers than this, probably because it's a week day"

"But if your dad is getting a lot of money why do you run a cafe?" Fran asked suddenly, Emmy looked at Fran feeling uneasy now, Fran always seemed to ask the most nosy and awkward questions at the wrong time and to the wrong people and this was one of those times, Luke suddenly shifted in seat but Fran didn't stop there, "And how old are you? Sixteen right? If it's a week day shouldn't you been in school?" Now Luke looked really uncomfortable, he rubbed his left shoulder in discomfort, probably a nervous habit...

"Fran!" Emmy snapped stopping her before this could get any more awkward.

"What? I was only asking!"

Emmy was about to argue back how it was none of their business and that they were being very rude to their hosts, but Brenda thankful was finished preparing the cake and tea and brought it over at the just the right time! Emmy saw Luke whisper something to his mother which sounded like a thank you before she smiled nervously and went back to the counter. Emmy couldn't help but feel that the mother and son were hiding something but she knew better than to ask.

"So what are you doing here anyway?" Luke said, "Still travelling the world?"

"Well yes I am," Emmy said looking at Fran wondering if she should mention the disappearance of Fran's cousin, Luke was good at mysteries and things like this as well and could be a great help but Fran was not very good at reading eye contact and she just decided to keep it to herself for now.

Luke kept asking which countries Emmy had been too and asking how she and Fran had met, Emmy loved to talk about her adventures especially with Luke, he was a good listener and always seemed to ask questions just like he did when he was a child, he hadn't changed that much.

But Emmy couldn't help but notice that most of the attention was on Emmy or Fran and Luke seemed to always be able to avoided talking about himself or being asked questions like how he was and if he had spoken to the professor lately.

She couldn't get a straight answer from him.

After their food was finished Brenda look the plates and cups and Fran got up from her chair "Do you have a toilet in here?" She asked Luke suddenly.

"Yeah, just go through the door to the left" Fran nodded her thanks and scurried of to the toilet. Once Emmy was sure she was got of ear shot she turned to Luke.

"I'm so sorry about my friend," Emmy said, "She doesn't mean any harm she's overly curious about these things"

"It's ok," Luke said then laughed "She sounds like a lot fun, so what's the real reason your here?" Luke said smirking with his chin resting on his hands with a mischief gleam in his eyes that Emmy didn't know he had.

"When I asked you before why you came here you looked over to Fran like you were trying to confirm something but she didn't understand it, can I take a wild guess?"

"Fire away Sherlock Holmes," Emmy said.

"Ok, I'm guessing it's got something to do with Fran by the way you looked at her before, she called you here to help her something but it's got to be something serious if she's calling for you all the way to America and she can't tell the police because they might not believe her or they're just clueless. I think there's a puzzle, and she probably knows you were Professor Layton's assistant so you're the right person for the job, am I right?"

"Spot on," Emmy said clearly impressed, "Can you guess what that mystery is?"

"If I had more info on Miss Fran then probably...What's her last name?"

"It's Shaw."

"Shaw?" Luke thought scratching the back of his head, "Now where have I heard that name before?"

"Do you want me tell you?" Emmy said smirking.

"No I will work it out!" Luke said quickly.

"Ok then, so can I guess why you're not at school or why you and your mum have this cafe"

"You can try..." Luke said suddenly looking uneasy as he rubbed his shoulder, his confidence suddenly dropping, Emmy could see it she had to be light on him.

"I will start with why you are not at school" Emmy stated, "Your left shoulder is very stiff and you keep rubbing it every now and then usually when you feel uneasy, at first I thought it was just a nervous habit but I think you're shoulder is hurting you. I think you've been in fight and you've hurt your shoulder and been expelled from school and I'm pretty sure you won the fight." Emmy smiled and looking at Luke's face she was probably right his eyes where looking down on his lap and his hands where fidgeting but in his face to Emmy's surprise there was anger or frustration and it held no regret, unlike the young Luke she knew.

"The git deserved it," Luke's voice was cold and harsh but he didn't go into detail, Emmy would get him to talk eventually "So why do you think me and mum own this cafe?"

"I think it's pretty obvious," Emmy said with a sad smile on her face "But I would rather you talk about it and the fight, it might help." But Luke didn't answer Emmy it was as if the whole room had gone silent even though the customers were still present.

"You friend is taking her time," Luke said suddenly bringing his head up to look at Emmy in the eye, in normal circumstances Emmy would have told Luke off for trying to change the subject but the problem was that he was right! It had been a while since Fran had left. Worry and panic filled Emmy's chest didn't Finny disappear because he was investigating the crate? By calling Emmy wasn't Fran doing the same thing and didn't she say she had more information on the case?!

Emmy cursed herself, how could she off been so stupid?!

"I will just go and check on her, please excuse me," Suddenly Emmy pushed herself out of her chair and ran to the ladies bathroom leaving Luke in shock. The toilets where small and avenge looking with only three stalls and all of them where empty.

"Fran!" she called out but no answer came, she left the toilets and saw Luke standing by the door waiting for her "She's not there" Emmy answered in a quiet voice but the customers could tell something was wrong, there was a change in the atmosphere indicating that something had happened, and it had happened not too long ago before their very eyes and they didn't even notice it. It gave Emmy a creeping vibe up her spine and Luke was feeling it as well.

The pair rushed outside not knowing what they would find but Fran's car was still where she left it and nothing had changed

"Look that black car!" Luke pointed out down the road; Emmy noticed it too, the black car speeding down the road leaving clouds of dust behind it.

"That car is going a little too fast." Luke said solemnly shaking his head, "And I'm will to bet that Miss Fran is in that car..."

So what do you think! I will only post another chapter up if this gets some good reviews so please it the review button or story alert! And seriously I would love to carry on with this story. Also the chapters will be getting longer with each chapter.

Oh by the way I have never been to America or California for that matter so I'm sorry if some things seems wrong such as the airport or the beach but this set in Professor Layton world so it's possible.

I do not own Professor Layton or its characters.