The few days had passed by with ease. Johanna was becoming more at ease being home at last with her father, and wasn't as wary of Elaine as she had been in the beginning. However, she was still inclined to stay by Desmond's side whenever possible. The day to leave back for London before beginning the trip around the world. Even Johanna looked excited when they left.
"So, do you know when we'll be going, papa?" Johanna asked as she, Desmond and Elaine walked down the streets of London towards Gressenheller University, where they were going to meet up with Professor Layton, Emmy, Luke and Aurora. Raymond was already waiting for all of them patiently on the Bostonius. She seemed fairly anxious to leave.
"We'll have to pick up some supplies, and the others may feel the need to give Aurora a small tour of London. But we'll probably leave before the day is out," Desmond assured her as she held onto his hand tightly. "Just be patient."
"I will! I can be patient!"
"That's true. More so then Elaine, here." Elaine scoffed at that remark.
"I think you'll find that you're actually thinking of yourself, Monsieur. I 'ave far more patience then you ever could."
"Yes, of course you do." Desmond rolled his eyes. Elaine sniggered and smiled down to Johanna.
"'E's just jealous that 'e doesn't 'ave my level of patience," Elaine told Johanna as she gave Desmond a teasing grin.
"Don't be childish."
"Again, that is all you~."
The walk continued on to be peaceful as they walked into Gressenheller University, and found Professor Layton's office. It was more spacious then Elaine's at the museum, she couldn't deny it. At least, when his office was bare except for furniture. While Elaine wasn't exactly the most neat with her papers and such, she was tidier then Professor Layton in comparison at least. At least she didn't keep notes tacked to her corkboard that were weeks, even months out of date.
"… And Dr. Glaive will take over my classes," finished the Professor, confirming that the Dean of the university approved his request to go on the trip. A research expedition as far as the Dean would know.
"And here's the list for everything we'll need," Emmy said cheerfully as she held up said list. Everything seemed almost ready to go. Just pick up the supplies and the adventure to begin. For the three archaeologists present, this was truly a trip they could never afford to miss out on.
"I can hardly believe that we are so close to uncovering the secrets of the most ancient civilization known to man," said the Professor. While he seemed to epitome of calm, he did have a tinge of excitement in his voice and smile.
"I know," Elaine agreed, barely fighting down a grin. "It's going to be amazing! Adventure and archaeology, what more do you need?"
"Ah, yes. I meant to bring this up to you," Desmond spoke up. "I've been looking over some Azran texts again with our recent finds in mind, and I realised something. Those three great Azran ruins. I'm convinced that activating all three of those sites was a strict condition for awakening the Azran messenger."
"The first challenge, perhaps?" Elaine mused. "See if we are capable enough of creating technology that can at least assist perhaps in uncovering those sites." Professor Layton nodded in agreement.
"I must say it is an honour to be present at such a turning point in our history. But in fact, Professor Sycamore, your thesis already touched upon-."
"Ahem!" Emmy coughed, ending the conversation earlier then they probably would have wanted. "Excuse me for interrupting, but at this rate, no historical discoveries are going to be made at all. Why don't we finish our preparations first? You can always discuss the finer points of your studies once we're on our way." The archaeologists looked a little embarrassed, though Desmond was much quicker to recover then Professor Layton and Elaine.
"Ah… Yes, of course."
"Oui…"
"Very well," Desmond agreed, adjusting his tie slightly. "Can I count on you to get the necessary provisions? I intend to research our destinations a little more."
"Can I go with you, papa?" Johanna asked from the couch. She and Luke had been playing a small game of chess while the adults had been talking, letting Aurora watch and trying to teach her the game.
"If you want to, I don't mind."
"I don't mind getting the provisions," Emmy agreed.
"Thank you, Ms. Altava."
"Please, Professor. Call me Emmy."
"Oh. Are you sure?" Desmond frowned a little. "That… doesn't feel right."
"Ha! You professors are all alike!" Emmy laughed. Elaine coughed to cover up a slight snort. While Desmond did have the capabilities of being polite, she couldn't really say he was like Professor Layton in too many ways. "But really, don't worry about being so polite. We're going to be spending a lot more time together. Besides…" Emmy lightly smirked. "I don't think you have much problems calling Elaine by her first name~."
"She was as adamant about that as you, Emmy," Desmond replied with an amused smirk. "Now if you'll excuse me, there is still much to be done. I'll be at the Bostonius with Johanna and Raymond when you're finished shopping." Desmond left with Johanna holding onto his hand tightly.
With the list in hand (and of course, importantly enough, money to use), the remaining people shortly left as well. A little humorously, they did have to explain what a bus was to Aurora. It was a bit funny in Elaine's mind that the last member of an advanced race didn't understand what a bus was a first, but didn't make any comment. It would have been rude and a bit insensitive towards Aurora. Besides, she grasped the concept quickly enough anyway.
Arriving in Kensington, Aurora, appearing curious, walked a little quicker than the others so she was ahead and stopped to look around in light awe. While the busy London streets were something not too amazing for Elaine or any person who had lived here long enough, it was the complete opposite for Aurora.
"Welcome to London, Aurora!" Luke said cheerfully to the young girl.
"This is… This is your world…" Aurora trailed off, still looking around. It was a bit like watching a child at their first day at school, feeling unsure. "It's so different from Lake Kodh," she commented. "So many people…"
"So, what do you think? This is Kensington High Street!" Luke began to lightly prattle about some of the establishments, and Elaine couldn't help but think of that moment as a little sweet. She kind of wished Johanna had stayed with them so maybe she could have helped Luke along. But she couldn't blame the little girl for wanting to stay with Desmond.
"Hm? Wha…?" Aurora frowned and began to look around a little.
"What's the matter? Has something caught your eyes?" asked Luke, before something actually caught his eye. "Oh, what's mum doing here?" Elaine looked in the direction of a bus stop Luke was looking at and saw Brenda Triton. She looked much better compared to when Elaine last saw her. Still having some after effects of being locked in a basement…
Elaine frowned a little to herself. It was times like these, actually thinking over the crimes he had committed and how their relationship started before he first kidnapped her… She just had to question how it is she and Desmond were together. She wasn't just pretending the things he did never happened… Was she?
"Come on, let's go and say hello!" Luke had already walked ahead quickly enough, Emmy and Professor Layton behind him. Elaine would have followed too but she noticed Aurora staying where she was.
"Are you okay, Aurora?" Elaine asked. The young girl didn't respond at first, but she soon answered with,
"I feel something… Calling to me. I have to find it." Aurora then went to walk in a different direction, Elaine quickly moving after her.
"'Ey, wait!" Elaine probably should have called the others. Just so they wouldn't worry about where Aurora or herself had gone. But if Aurora sensed something, it could have been Azran. Granted, they were heading to the London Museum, but that was beside the point. Besides, if they did get separated from the others they could always just go to the Bostonius and wait for them there.
Approaching the London Museum, Aurora stopped near the steps and looked up at it. Elaine stayed close by, occasionally looking around in case of anything really.
"Elaine, what is this place?" Aurora eventually asked, breaking the near silence there had been.
"This is the London Museum," Elaine explained. "It 'ouses lots of ancient artefacts."
"Would, that include Azran artefacts?" Aurora questioned. "Something about this place feels, familiar." Elaine furrowed her brows as she thought back to her time of work there.
"Azran artefacts? Well, I've been missing from work for a year, so I wouldn't be too certain. I suppose they could 'ave found some stuff while I was away though."
Another reason to be annoyed by Desmond? Making her miss possible excavation digs of interest.
"Work? You work here?"
"Oui. I wouldn't say the museum work is as glamorous as being a professor, but while I do 'ave patience, I just never saw myself as a teacher." Looking back to the museum, Elaine frowned at the sight of a policeman near the doors. Had something happened here?
"What 'as…"
"Aurora! Elaine!" Hearing Emmy's call, both people turned around to see Professor Layton, Emmy and Luke run up to them. "There you two are, we were wondering where you went."
"Desole, Aurora wanted to go to the museum and I thought it couldn't 'urt to take 'er over. I didn't want to interrupt your conversation with Mrs. Triton," Elaine explained sheepishly.
"I should apolgise also," Aurora said, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Well, we could still go," Professor Layton said.
"I know, but I'm a bit concerned about the policeman there." Elaine jerked her head in the police's direction. "I was actually going to go and ask if everything was okay."
"That might be a good idea." Elaine had already turned to walk over to and talk to the policeman, but before she could even open her mouth he was already saying,
"I'm sorry, m'am, but the museum is closed to visitors at this time."
"Why? What's wrong?" Aurora asked. The policeman looked at her with a slightly baffled look.
"Blimey! That's like something my gran would wear! I tell you, ladies and their fashion…" Elaine tightened her lips. It probably wouldn't do to make a smart comment to the police for his lack of tact. Aurora frowned however.
"Do you mean… me?" That managed to shake some sense into the officer who was quick to try and make up for his slip.
"Oh, terribly sorry, miss. Who do I think I am? The fashion police? No. I'm just a run-of-the-mill constable"
'If you were the fashion police, you would be an expert in grandmother clothes,' Elaine though to herself dryly before saying, "well sir, I actually work 'ere as one of the curators and I think it's only fair that I know what the problem is." The officer raised a brow.
"Oh." He seemed a little doubtful but went on. "Well, if that's the case m'am, there's been a robbery."
"Pardon?!" Elaine exclaimed. Shocked and furious. Who the hell dared to rob the museum?! If Elaine caught them she was going to…
"The scene of the crime will be closed to members of the public for the duration of the police investigation. The main galleries should reopen as soon as the detectives cleared that area."
"Thank you," Professor Layton said for them before they walked away, Elaine feeling somewhat bitter.
"I wonder if this is why Inspector Grosky was running around in a tizz," Emmy wondered aloud. She and the boys must have saw him while Elaine was going after Aurora.
"A robbery? Are your people not content with their own possessions?" Aurora asked, in a slightly disappointed tone.
"Sadly, some are not," Layton sighed. "Well then, let's leave this investigation to the police and resume the preparations for our journey."
"Oh yes, Professor! I was thinking," Emmy said. "How about stopping by a fashion boutique before doing the food shopping?" The Professor looked a little surprised, as did Elaine. While she wouldn't mind looking at some clothes for a moment, now just seemed a bit… badly timed.
"Well, we still have time, I suppose. Was there something you needed, Emmy?"
"It's not for me, it's for Aurora. We might end up hiking through rough terrain. She could do with something a little more practical," Emmy pointed out. There was no denying that. While Johanna was wearing a dress to, it would be better suited for the situation Emmy posed then Aurora's clothes. Or at least, do better by comparison.
"She would blend in better," Elaine added in after some thought. "'Er clothes do, er… stick out a bit. We just need something a little more… modern."
"For me?" Aurora asked, looking surprised, while the Professor nodded after mulling it over and agreeing. Emmy and Elaine were both beaming.
"Bonne! I think I saw a place back at High Street that would be perfect." Elaine clasped her hands together, a grin on her face. While Elaine would never spend more than necessary on clothes (being more of a practical dresser who had clothes prepared for work and more special occasions), that didn't mean she an Emmy wouldn't have fun looking for something for Aurora to wear.
"Well then, let's…" Professor Layton trailed off when Elaine and Emmy had already taken Aurora with them, the two taller woman discussing what they should try to find while Aurora looked slightly confused. For those two, this was perhaps going to be the most fun part of shopping today.