This ficlet is based off a lovely comic on deviantart called "hint coins" by Sym-chan. I'm sure every person who has ever played the games has done this at some point… Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Professor Layton or hint coins, though I do wish I had some…
Setting: In Unwound Future, as our beloved heroes are about to enter the surveillance room of the mobile fortress
As the small lift creaked to a standstill and its rusty doors began to open with a loud screech, Professor Layton turned to look at his young ward and apprentice with a firm expression.
"This is the moment of truth everyone," he said in a low voice, "the entirety of our success depends on what we are about to do. Are you both ready?"
Luke nodded, a determined look in his eye, and Flora gave a small murmur of assent. Both were prepared for the task set before them.
"Very well, let us proceed." Layton stepped out of the elevator and led the others up a tall staircase to the surveillance area. As the three reached the top of the flight of steps they were greeted with the sight of a large brightly lit room with a multitude of screens and complex controls lining the walls. Standing in the middle of the room with a smirk on his face was none other than the mastermind behind the entire attack on London- Clive. His smug smile widened as the trio entered the room.
"Professor, I see you've finally- " but he broke off in surprise as Layton took no notice of him, ran to one of the panels, and began to inspect it intently. Luke fell to his knees and began to rummage under one of the control booths, and at the same time Flora started to search the floor as well.
"Wha- what are you doing?" The shocked criminal genius yelled at the three, who continued to blatantly ignore him and poke around the room in a dogged frenzy. Suddenly Luke shot up, a look of triumph on his face and a small gold coin in his hand.
"Look professor! I found one!"
"Splendid my boy!" the professor replied, still searching the other side of the room, "Keep looking, there very well might be more in this area."
"Hint coins?" Clive spat angrily, "Hint coins? I am about to unleash untold horror on London in mere moments, and you're looking for hint coins? What is wrong with you people?"
"Why Clive," the professor said, turning towards the irate man with a smile on his face and another newly found coin in hand, "a true gentleman knows that when it is offered, one must always take a hint."