Yo. Just saying hi up here. There's somewhat of a slight spoiler on Unwound Future, but it's on a character that I won't name. Now, have fun!

Disclaimers: I don't own Professor Layton-haven't you read the last disclaimer?

"There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go."

~Author Unknown

The Child

Hershel looked back at the boy. He had stopped crying earlier, and now his eyes looked straight ahead, his empty, distant stare making Hershel worry. The boy clung to him tightly, never letting go in the fear that the man with the top hat would leave him; he had lost too much already.

They walked aimlessly for awhile, each of them occupied with their own thoughts, or the lack of them. Hershel kept checking on the boy, as if he were afraid that he may, somehow, break away from his grip and decide to go back to the fire, or jump in the way of a moving vehicle. Thankfully, none of these things happened. The boy just walked with him, looking at the ground with his vacant stare, his thoughts muddled and hovering out of reach.

They walked together until they spotted a inspector. The man wore a drab grey coat on top of a white shirt streaked with ash and a dark tie, a moustache and a grim look etched on his face as he slouched with his both hands in his pockets. He had a rather large moustache, with dark eyes that took note of everything as he yelled orders to his companion; a shorter, stouter, man with sideburns and a small moustache, dressed in the standard police uniform; a blue suit with a matching hat with a white stripe on top of his dark brown hair that made him a bit taller. Hershel said to the boy to go to them.

"...I know that you have lost someone precious..." he said, kneeling down to see him more clearly. "... But for your own well-being, you have to go to him so he can help you. Do you understand?" The boy nodded, but when Hershel stood up, he seemed to cling tighter to his jacket. Hershel sighed inwardly.

So young, to be so bereft, he thought. "Here, what about this...? I'll go with you to him, and see how he's like, alright? Then, if you don't like him, we could... we could look around for your family." The boy flinched when he mentioned the word 'family', but otherwise, didn't reply. "So, do you know of anyone?" Hershel prompted. When the boy didn't reply, merely shook his head ever so slightly, Hershel nodded, coming to a decision. "Very well. Should it come to pass that you have nowhere to stay the night, you may stay with me, if you so wish."

The boy looked at him at astonishment. It was the first sign of emotion that the boy showed, other than sadness, that hour. His mouth fell open slightly, making him look like a gaping fish. He then opened and closed his jaw, as if trying to form words, but failing miserably. Hershel just smiled at him, meaning every word of it. I don't think she'll mind. I'll just have to explain the situation to her, and then-

-There's nothing to explain Hershel. She's dead. His face darkened, and he closed his eyes, shutting out the voice that bothered him constantly over the pass hour, reminding him of what happened. After all, she wasn't dead. She can't be dead. It's impossible... He shook his head slightly, as if it would help him be rid of his dark thoughts, and looked at the boy again. The boy didn't notice his slight change of demeanour earlier, and was still gaping like a fish.

When the boy regained his wits, he just nodded in thanks. They walked quietly over to the inspector, who didn't notice them, and was currently muttering at himself and scowling at shorter man with the tall blue hat, who seemed to be panicking. Hershel didn't blame him.

"... Mister...?" asked the boy quietly, speaking so softly that Hershel almost missed the question altogether. They both stopped walking for a moment so the boy could talk.

"...What's your name...?" Hershel blinked in surprise; he didn't think that the child could talk at all, so soon after losing everything. After a small pause, he turned to the child and gave him a gentle smile. "...Hershel. My name is Hershel Layton." The boy nodded, as if confirming something. Then, out of the blue, gave him a hug and a small, sad, smile.

"...Thank you."

With that, he walked away from Hershel at last, and made his way towards the inspector.