Above the skies of London, the two ships were soon approaching port as they landed.
"London...it feels like its been so long since we were last here." Aelita said.
"Yeah. After what happened with Clive and his plans, we haven't seen much of the professor. But with years having passed on this world, we can finally enjoy the city again." Jexi said.
"You guys have it easy. I've only been here once. That was until i was knocked out and thrown headfirst in Labyrinthia." Hope said.
"What about during the Azran stuff? We stopped here then too." Jexi said.
"Oh, right… almost forgot about that." Hope said. "What I'm saying is though, is that you guys have had more adventures with the Professor than I can count before I got here."
"True. We have a total of 8 adventures counting the ones you joined in on." Jeremie said. "How did that start? Guess that was when we were looking into the university here."
"It feels like it was so long ago." Yumi said as they walked down the streets.
"Still, feels different without our major players here. But we can still make do." Ranma said.
"Yeah. We could be master detectives like the professor." Pit said.
"For the last time, he isn't a detective, he's an archaeologist, like Robin." Nami said.
"Then how do you explain that place?" Asta asked pointing to a small shop where a girl was hammering a sign in.
"Layton Detective Agency?" USApyon said.
"I guess the Professor wants to try something new…. Unless that's another Layton." Nana said.
"Why not just ask her if shes a Layton?" Mahiru asked.
"Hey, move it." a voice said as something was squeezing between their legs, soon revealed to be a small dog.
"Did… did that dog just talk?" Erica asked in shock.
"What's this? You can really understand me?!" he said.
"Well… yeah, we can. Were hearing you, so we aren't crazy." Zephyr checked. "How can you talk anyway?"
"Can't tell ya now." he said moving over to the girl hammering. "Hey, you there. Is it true?"
She looked around for a bit before looking to the dog. "Was it you?" she asked.
"Can you really solve any mystery?" he asked.
"Oh...a talking dog." she said unimpressed.
"You're not surprised?" he asked.
"Its only talking." she said nonchalantly.
"Only talking?! Is it true? Can you really solve any mystery? I want some proof." he said. "With this puzzle."
He then pulled a puzzle out along with a few triangles.
001: Care for a Cake?
The letter 'K' has fallen down from the sign above the cake shop. Use the triangles to make the letter 'K' inside the box.
"Well this is simple." she said placing the triangles before they made a K inside the box.
"Well...okay. You seem to be up to scratch." he said.
"Naturally. Now, allow me to show you inside." she said opening the door as the dog ran inside.
"Uh...let's show ourselves in as well." Zinia said as they did so.
They saw the small little office area with a desk, couch and a table and chair set for tea.
"Now...what's your problem?" she asked.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm a talking dog!" the dog said.
"Is that all?" she asked.
"All right. And I have total amnesia as well." he said.
"Total amnesia? You don't even remember your name?" Nana asked.
"If I could just remember my parents, it would make sense. I feel like I'm me but not really me. I don't even know if I'm pedigree." he said.
"Is that all?" she asked.
"I want you to find out who I really am." the dog said.
"Hmm...I dunno." she said.
"Come on! I'm a talking dog!" he said.
"Got anything else? A diabolical box that kills you? A letter from the future? A relic from an ancient civilization? Anything like that?" she asked.
"No." he said.
"Well this is my first inquiry but...perhaps this is fate." she said. "Any clues?"
"Well actually, its very rare for me to meet people who can understand me. Some people can hear me, some can't." he said.
"So youre like… a Special case for people to understand or not?" Akane asked scratching her head.
"Ah….that dog...just talked." a boy in the doorway said holding a tray.
"And there's another rare one there." she said.
"Who is this?" Hope asked.
"My assistant apparently. I told him I don't require help but he wouldn't take no for an answer." she said.
"What's all this about? Miss Layton?" the boy asked.
"Wait...Layton?" Ranma asked.
"Oh yes. I'm Katrielle Layton. A pleasure." she said. "Now I don't believe he's told me his name."
"Ernest Greaves!" the boy said saluting as the group looked at him with a sweat drop.
"Pretty sure we were talking to the dog." Natsu said.
"Actually, its just like cat ears there said. Can't even remember my own name." he said.
"Cat ears? This is just the way my hair is styled." Nana said. "Well we need to name you, anyone have any ideas?"
"Before than...I will have to charge you my fee, even for man's best friend." Katrielle said.
"I'm not paw." he said.
"Anyway…" Katrielle said grabbing a piece of paper. "I think I'll take some inspiration from the famous Sherlock Holmes."
"Incredible. To be named after such a prestigious figure." Ernest said.
"Who asked you." the dog said.
"And there. You are now...Sherl O.C. Kholmes." Katrielle said. "Sherl is a great name."
"Yes...for a girl!" Sherl said.
"Come on, Sherl-y you must be calm." Nana said.
"Oi...Kat. You in." a voice said as opening the door was a imposing man in a brown jacket.
"Ah. Welcome, Inspector Hastings." Katrielle said.
"Inspector Hastings?" Tails asked.
"Yes. He is an important man from Scotland Yard." Ernest said.
"Look...Kat. I realize you have helped me in the past and with your little grey cells, you could possibly solve this case in no time." Hastings said. "This is something that effects all of London...all of Britain for that matter! Hard to believe something like it got nicked."
"Whoa, slow down! Nicked?" Zephyr asked.
"Another word for stolen." Aelita said.
"So whats been stolen exactly?" Hope asked.
"Best you come see for yourselves. At Big Ben." Hastings said.
"Big Ben? I'll assume you mean the Elizabeth Tower and not Burly Benjamin who lives a few blocks down?" Katrielle said.
"No time for this. Let's go." Hastings said.