Disclaimer: I don't think it needs to be said. If I owned Professor Layton then Descole would be in it more.

Chapter 3

We arrived at my friend's by early afternoon, most of the day being spent going to meeting some of Connor's friends. I lifted the mat, grabbed the key, and unlocked the door swinging the door open wide ushering him in with my bags.

"So, this is your friend's place? Nice place she has here." Connor said. I nodded while closing the door behind myself. The front entrance was a comfortable size like the rest of the house and the entire place was made up of wood and stone. She definitely knew how to decorate wherever she went. At that same moment, a long, lean figure descended the stairs. Her long hair cascading down her back in its usual tangle, she smirked at us.

"Came in the 'back way' again Reika?" I asked knowing the answer already. She smiled in answer, Connor snorted. I shot him a look effectively silencing him. I glanced at her outfit, a black, form-fitting dress that buttoned up the front with a pair of black tights underneath. She had a job planned for later I could tell. Reika always wore nothing, but black when she had a target to go steal from and I still found it highly amusing how many criminals I associated with on a regular basis even though I worked for Targent. Connor started up the stairs with my things while Reika told him where my room was. I slowly followed him familiarizing myself with the layout of the house. Once I was somewhat unpacked and settled in my temporary home I aimlessly wandered the entire house eventually wandering out the front door. Highyard Hill was a quiet, peaceful neighborhood. I enjoyed that type of setting.

I spent the remaining time wandering the town as dusk fell and eventually gave way to evening.

Ted waited patiently by the door as Broneph thought about his request. It was a tough decision to make, Ted's second in command was also away visiting family and letting him do the same might make things complicated should the soldiers under his command decide to ignore Broneph's orders. This was not going to be an easy decision. Well, if it was that important than maybe he should let him go visit his ailing grandmother, after all family seemed to be a huge deal in Japan.

"Alright, you can go tend to your sick grandmother." Broneph sighed.

Ted bowed, "Thank you, Sir."

He turned and strolled out the door a small smirk on his face. If he wanted his little bird back in her cage he would just have to go get her himself, under the pretense of visiting family of course. Now the only problem was how he was going to get close to her without alerting that pit bull of a thief. As he dwelled on the subject he realized that one other problem stood in his way, how was he going to take her back the states without her causing a scene? He bit the bottom of his lip in thought as he set out for the docks.

Broneph sat on the edge of the bed staring at an old photo of Mayazaka from before she had moved to America. Sighing heavily he gently set the photo on the nightstand beside his bed and walked out into the hall. He would just have to carry on with his duties as he normally would. That was all he could do while he waited for her to return, if she ever did return. Lost deep in thought Broneph nearly tripped over his ferret, who was lounging in the middle of the floor.

"What are you doing there?" he questioned as he lovingly picked him up. The ferret glanced up at his owner lazily before curling back up. Broneph smiled glad to have a distraction from his thoughts. Maybe Maya would come back someday. He just needed to keep his thoughts positive on that subject. She just needed some space and then she would come back.

When morning came I found myself up and about the house not sure of anything anymore. Letting out a long sigh, whether from exhaustion or who knows what, I dressed in a nice cherry red dress and bounded down the stairs. Reika stepped out of the kitchen.

"I just got done talking with Doland, the Triton family's butler. He had a message from Brenda saying she wanted you to come over today. Frankly I am not surprised you unknowingly made yourself a new friend and you haven't even been here for more than a day." she laughed like the maniac she is before ducking back into the kitchen. I face palmed as I strolled out the door excited that Brenda wanted me to come over. I was so excited I practically ran all the way to her house.

"HEY THERE! New in town?" a guy shouted. I nearly ran right into him and screamed. I wanted to punch this guy so hard.

"Yes and why should that be of any concern to you?" I questioned.

"Well, the name is Bucky. If you need a ride somewhere then just come find me. So, need a ride anywhere?" Bucky explained with fervor. I breathed deeply trying to keep myself calm and asked if I could get a ride to the Triton household. He nodded and with that I found myself in a boat leisurely floating down the canals of Misthallery on my way to see Brenda. After disembarking at the little bridge that spanned the canal running past the Triton house I continued on my way to visit my new found friend. I knocked on the door Beth, their maid, greeting me once again. Stepping inside I waited for Brenda. Soon she came down the stairs with little Luke following closely behind. It took every ounce of self control I had not to pull him into a crushing hug on the spot, but I was finding it to be a losing battle.

"It's very nice to see you again too, miss Maya." he managed to get out while he gasped for air.

"Sorry, Luke. So, Brenda what did you have in mind for today." I sheepishly let him go as I turned my attention back to his mother.

"Well, I was thinking we could go for a walk around the town. There is something I wish to discuss with you. Luke, stay here sweetie." she responded.

Luke nodded as I was ushered back out the door. We wandered the town aimlessly for hours before she finally told me what had been bothering her.

"I do not think the Doland in our house is the real Doland." Brenda stated. I was floored, this is not what I expected at all. Well, I suppose I can not get away from my work completely. We made a slow circle back to her house as I had her explain her idea to me in slightly more detail. This was going to be an interesting stay especially with the events that were yet to come.