Professor Layton and the Book of Memory

by End of The Present World

A blank piece of paper in a strangely addressed envelope. Harmless, until it forces the Professor to recall a portion (& a person) of his past that he tried incessantly to forget. Tea time is forced to wait as Layton & crew investigate a suspicious tycoon with a shadowed agenda. Part I of a trilogy. Canon, apart from a few original characters. R&R intelligently. NOW COMPLETE!

5. CHAPTER 5: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

I'm saving your eyes, since the last chapter was very long. Haha.

Well, it's not to satisfying, but we find out something interesting in this lame chapter. MYSTERY SOLVED. Sort of.

Anyway, hope it wasn't anticlimactic. Sorry. There's more to come. Trust me.

Putting the bill on your tab,

Kelsey

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CHAPTER 5: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

"Of all places, an ice cream parlor."

Professor Layton looked grimly upon what appeared to be a young girl, seated alone at the table. She made no movement, even though his voice was audible enough; she should have noticed her being addressed. The bowl on the table was empty, and a glass of milk sat next to it. A large yellow envelope lay in front of the girl, sealed with a small string tie.

She stared in front of her at the envelope, remaining motionless. "Of all places, why not an ice cream parlor?"

The professor's mouth turned sharply into a frown. "You disappear into oblivion, and then reappear in the midst of a sea of children. Your style is hardly typical. Yet, I can't say it surprises me."

"Oh, yes. Nor am I surprised at your puzzle solving skills. Seems that we just might know each other after all. Did you like your puzzle?" the girl chided, her voice's inflection turning all the more sarcastic with every word she spoke. "It shouldn't have proven difficult. It wasn't very clever."

"It was quite clever, I'll admit, though careless. Unless you meant to be found so easily."

"All puzzles have an answer." She finally turned her head upward, revealing a set of large, black eyes that showed her age more appropriately. She was not a child, but still appeared young. She smiled genuinely, but Layton thought it felt cold. "Of course I meant to be found. And it would only be easy for you. Tell me, how did you figure it out?"

The professor felt his heart clench and stomach feel empty, the same way when he read the mysterious paper's list. That smile…

"Only someone who knew you well could solve it. I'm the only person capable of solving it." He meant to remain steadfast in his harsh glare, but felt it wavering. His eyes softened. "It's been some time, Laura. But I haven't forgotten you." Laura rose from her seat, barely standing to an even five feet. "Not even for a day."

"Good afternoon, Hershel. You know, I actually expected you this morning."

The professor shook his head, pulling the brim of his top hat lower.

"I wasn't expecting anything like this…"

END.