Hi, this story is set a year after Lost Future. Luke has come to visit the Professor for the summer holiday.
"Professor, professor, what's this?" Luke asked rushing down the stairs to the Professor, carrying a rather thick looking folder.
"Well, that's my memory folder, it is where I keep all of my precious memories and photographs," he replied taking it from the boys hands.
"Wow," Luke exclaimed "You must have so many stories to tell,"
"As a matter of fact I do, during my lifetime I have met many people and experienced many things," Layton explained "granted, like any man, there are things I regret or would like to change but I am happy with the life I have lived,"
"I suppose even bad things can be good, sometimes they can shape who you are,"
"I guess you could say that,"
"I mean look at you and your friend Randall, his disappearance sparked you journey into archaeology and you went on to be the greatest archaeologist of all time,"
"Hmm, you know Luke I never thought of it like that," Layton smiled at the young boy. He had helped him put his life into a different perspective and appreciate everything he had done, even though he had lost those he had loved.
"Professor?" Luke wondered.
"Yes Luke," Layton replied.
"Do you think we could look through the folder? You have been my greatest mentor, I want to know about your life," Layton was taken aback by the youngster's enthusiasm but he had no objection to it.
"I don't see why not, in fact I would be thrilled to tell you," Layton passed the folder to Luke who then cautiously opened it.
"Hmm, what's this Professor?" Luke said taking out an interesting looking certificate.
"Why that is my university graduation certificate," Layton said "In fact, my first day of university is when I met your father,"
"Really?" Luke said "What was my Dad like back then?"
"Well, he was actually very different," Layton explained "Let me tell you how we met,"
Hershel stood before his new home for the next three years: Gressenheller University. He had to admit it was a bit daunting. He had never planned to study archaeology but he felt it was his duty, to Randall, to Angela. Still, during the time he had lived in Stansbury he had to admit that his intellectual curiosity had been piqued by the Norwell Wall and the legends of the Azran Civilisation. As much as he tried to deny it there was something about archaeology that was so appealing.
Layton continued to stare at the towering building. He couldn't believe he was here. Gressenheller was one of the hardest universities to get into and he had done it. He was one of those select few; one of those intellectual elite; one of those privileged students of Gressenheller. Just the thought of Hershel Layton at Gressenheller University made him feel like he was in some sort of dream.
"Hey, you there," said a voice from behind him. Hershel turned around. Standing before him was a young man with light brown hair. "You must be new here to right?"
"Well yes" Hershel said, slightly intimidated. "It is my first day here,"
"Well, what a coincidence, me too!" the young man smiled. "What are you studying?"
"Archaeology," Hershel replied
"Well me too!" Clark grinned putting has hand out to Hershel "My name's Clark Triton,"
"Hershel Layton," Hershel took his invitation and proceeded to shake his hand
"So Hersh, you seem like a genuine sort of bloke, why don't I show you around,"
"Of course, if it is not too much trouble,"
"Nah, my lecture doesn't start for an hour, besides I couldn't leave you, you looked so lost," Hershel chuckled slightly. Not knowing whether he was trying to be nice r sarcastic. Still, he didn't know anyone else and a tour of the university really would be a big help.
So, Clark, with Hershel in tow, made their way around the university, exploring the grounds. It was such a huge place with amazing architecture. After about half an hour of walking Clark paused.
"Say Hersh, what's say we have a little fun eh?
"I beg you pardon," Hershel muttered nervously.
"You see those two girls over there? Clark enquired "There names are Brenda and Claire, do you reckon I cold get a date with one of them?"
"Well, I suppose…" Before Hershel had a chance to finish his sentence Clark had already started to make his was over towards them.
"Well hello ladies," Clark said "I better call heaven because there seems to be two angels missing,"
"Well look who it is, Clark Triton, still trying to buy peoples affections with cheap chat up lines," Brenda laughed.
"Well, with your face you couldn't even give it away love," Clark grinned sarcastically.
Brenda gasped in shock before delivering a short, sharp slap across his face. Hershel could help but laugh.
"Ooh feisty one you are," Clark said stumbling backwards and holding his cheek. A fiery look spread across Brenda's face.
"You may think your this clever cheeky chappy but let me tell you, you are just a sad pathetic child," Brenda scorned before storming off, with Claire following behind her.
"So is that a yes then," Clark shouted as she walked away before laughing to himself. He then turned and headed back towards Hershel.
"So how'd it go?" Hershel grinned, raising an eyebrow.
"She wants me," Clark cheekily replied. The two looked at each other before bursting into laughter; Hershel especially. Who'd have thought his first hour at university would have been so interesting. Clark was such a perplexing individual; a real loose cannon. Although, they were both so different something seemed to click and, it was clear, they both knew they were going to be friends for a very long time.
Layton couldn't help but chuckle as he recounted his memory.
"That's really interesting, I always thought the idea of fun was a foreign concept to him," Luke smiled.
"Oh no my boy, your father was a real joker at university," Layton said "In fact, he was very rarely serious,"
"But how come he is so serious now?"
"Hahaha oh Luke I'm pretty sure your father is still just as comical as when he was a student,"
"Just not around me,"
So, what do you think? Don't forget to review. If you have any ideas for chapters I would be happy to include them. What should his next memory be? Ooh it's so exciting I have so many ideas. Keep watching this space. I will try and update as soon as I can. ;-)
Ok, see ya!