Chapter 2: I have much to tell you
After remembering the day of Luke's homecoming, both Flora and the Professor had been working diligently on preparing a homecoming party fit for the queen herself. Both had collected all the necessities: Balloons, cake, candies, and even a present for Luke. Finally it was time for Luke to return after several long months studying abroad to become a professor like his own mentor. Layton and Flora sat on a small bench at the train station eager to see their dear friend. After what seemed like hours waiting, Luke's train finally arrived. Flora watched as many people were reunited with family members, lovers, and even at one point their beloved dog, but where was Luke? After most of the smoke from the train had cleared the Professor stood up and walked about the platform looking for his dear apprentice. After a few minutes he spotted a tall and thin young man sporting a light blue sweater and cap. It was Luke!
Luke looked around the station platform hoping to see his friends. He was nervous; he had yet to see either of them in quiet a few months and hadn't kept his word about frequently writing his letters to either of them. He gripped his only suitcase and continued to walk into the smoke left from the massive train, hoping to see either of his friends. Suddenly he heard the Professor's voice call out to him, "Luke!" he whipped his head around to see Layton standing behind him with a mile wide smile on his face.
"Professor!" he cried back as he began running toward his mentor. The two collided into a deep hug causing Luke's only suitcase to fall from his hand. "Oh Professor, I have much to tell you of my studies!"
"As do I my boy, as do I." replied Layton as he exited the warm hug and led Luke over to Flora, still sitting on the bench.
"Hello Luke," Flora said, "I hope your journey home was enjoyable."
"Oh it was Flora, you should have seen the train it almost rivaled that of the Molentary Express!" Luke said excitedly, some things never changed about the young man, like his happy-go lucky demeanor.
"Come on now Luke, the Professor and I have a surprise for you!" and with that Flora, Luke, and the Professor all climbed into the small Laytonmobile.
"What kind of a surprise? Is it a big one? Is it a good surprise?" Luke pestered Flora.
"Luke, what's the point of a surprise, if I tell you?" Flora sighed, a bit exasperated.
"Flora does have a valid position my boy, now hold tight, only a few more blocks to go and you'll find out what we've got planned." Professor Layton added. By the way Luke had been behaving in the car, it seemed that Luke was in need of another 'how to be a gentlemen' lesson.
In what Professor Layton said was only a few more blocks, felt more like a few thousand miles to the impatient Luke; he never liked surprises, and waiting for one to happen was like pulling teeth. Much to Luke's relief the friends soon arrived at Layton Manor. Bursting from the car, Luke dashed up the stairs suitcase in tow. He bounced at the top stair as he waited for Layton and Flora to walk up the stairs at a rate of almost slow-motion in Luke's opinion. Layton started to give Luke a right bit of 'gentlemanly advice' saying, "Now Luke my boy as a gentleman…"
"I know Professor; a lady should always go first."
"Quite right," Layton replied, "remember that for next time. Now Flora do you think Luke is ready for his surprise?"
"Oh I don't know Professor," she chirped sheepishly, "Maybe we should hold out for a little bit longer?"
"NO!" Luke cried out, the surprise was weighing down on him and he couldn't take the surprise any longer, "I mean, er, could I please see the surprise now?"
"Oh all right," Flora replied as she turned the key into the front door's lock, she opened the door as Luke dashed in. Professor Layton chucked softly to himself saying something about how he was still acting quite like his younger self.
Flora led the eager Luke toward the back patio where she revealed the surprise party they had organized for him. Several friends from their many adventures had been invited; Katia, Inspector Chelmey, and Andrew Shrader were just a few of the many well wishers that came to welcome Luke home. After much celebration and quite a good bit of catching up Luke, Flora, and Layton all curled up in the living room. All were quite exhausted from the party. "Oh Luke, the Professor and I almost forgot the gift we purchased for you!"
"Oh Flora, Layton you shouldn't have!" Luke replied upon hearing he had another surprise in store. Flora came back into the room with a small wrapped box tied up neatly with a bow on top. Luke ripped the paper apart, excluding the ribbon, which he placed playfully on top of Flora's head. After the paper was torn away an aged leather box was revealed. A small symbol was etched into the leather but it was difficult for Luke to decipher what it was supposed to be. Slowly Luke opened the leather box revealing the true present inside: a golden pocket-watch. "…oh my, Professor, Flora you really shouldn't of. I mean look at it, it's magnificent!"
"Open it up my boy; I do believe there is a simple, yet powerful message inside it." Luke fumbled with the latch that opened the watch, but eventually opened it revealing Layton and Flora's message: 14-5-22-5-18, 7-9-22-5, 21-16!
"What's this?" Luke mumbled, "A puzzle?"
"What good is a normal message from two of the finest puzzle masters, when you could have a puzzle message instead?" Layton replied upon hearing Luke's confused response to the message they had inscribed on the watch. "See if you can figure it out!"
"I'm tired Professor, maybe tomorrow I'll figure it out." And with that Luke slinked off to bed, soon followed by Flora and the Professor.
Anyone feel like trying Luke's puzzle? It's worth 25 Picarats! Just PM me your answer (So as not to spoil the answer!)
