Flora Reinhold: The City of Bronze

by EmeraldWings1992

When the professor goes to America in response to Luke's letter, a plea for his help arrives. Flora takes it upon herself, with the help of arrogant classmate Eric Shiner, to solve this mystery. But things go from bad to worse as the clues pile up, and Flora will find that she'll have to depend solely on her own wits in order to solve this mystery. First of a trilogy. DONE

1. The Professor's Departure

A/N: A new story, a new story! I just don't take a break, do I? Haha.

I'm working on this, and another story at the same time, an Ace Attorney AU called "Apollo Gramarye." That is on a different account, called WingedEmerald1992.

Alright, enough shameless self promoting. For this story, you don't have to read "The Professor's Apprentice," but know that it is a companion piece to this, and explains what the professor is doing in America with Luke.

This does happen after "Unwound Future." Flora is fourteen here, and I am trying to write from her POV.

Now, here we go!

…

Chapter One: The Professor's Departure

"What do you mean, you're leaving tomorrow!?" I cried, watching Professor Layton, my guardian, as he moved around the flat, packing things he would need for his trip. The fear of being left alone, and the anger at it happening again, rolled through my chest.

"It sounds as though whatever Luke needs help with is quite urgent," the professor said. "The sooner I reach California, the better."

"Well… may I come? Please? I miss Luke and…" I trailed off as the professor looked up at me, a hesitant look in his eyes. I knew that look. It was the same look he gave me every time he was about to tell me no.

"I'm sorry, my dear," he said, putting the books in his hands down and coming over, placing his hands on my shoulders and crouching slightly to my level. "But you have to stay here."

"But why?" I demanded.

"Because you have missed too much school, my dear. Any more, and you will be forced to repeat the year," the professor explained. I looked down, my shoulders slumping under his hands.

"You want me to stay, to focus on my studies," I said. To be honest, it was different from his normal reasons.

"Exactly. You understand, right my dear?" the professor.

"I… yes. Okay," I said, knowing there was no arguing. Professor Layton smiled warmly at me, giving me a brief hug. He then returned to his packing.

"Don't worry, my dear, you won't be alone. The housekeeper at Gressensheller, Rosa, said she'd keep an eye on you, and that if you're ever feeling lonely, you can go to her house," the professor said. I nodded, wanting to say it wasn't the same, that Rosa was him, but I was unable to find the words.

"Alright, Professor," I said softly.

The next morning, I stood on the dock, watching as the professor's ship disembarked on it's way to California, America.

…

A/N: Very short, yes, but this is the only one that'll be that short, promise!