First of all, I have to admit that I am not a native speaker, so there might be a few mistakes, but if you write me a message to tell me about them, I will correct them as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Level 5, and I don't earn my money with these stories.

The Hero

Emmy walked along the streets of London. As a 19-year-old she felt very much like an adult when she strolled through the city looking at the shop windows and occasionally buying something. She had finished her school exams a few weeks earlier and had nothing more to do than wait for the start of the new university semester in autumn. She still wasn't sure which subject to choose. She was interested in history, but not sure which job she could take afterwards. Maybe archaeology like her uncle had studied? Or art? Martial arts? There were so many options.

"Excuse me, miss?"

Emmy looked around where a police officer and a boy stood. The officer had a deep, gruff voice and so much chest hair that it poked out of his shirt. The boy looked pale and timid.

"Yes?"

"I'm Inspector Grosky of the Yard. May I search your handbag, please?"

"My handbag?" Emmy asked puzzled but gave the officer her bag.

The man ruffled through her few things until he got hold of a brown purse that Emmy had never seen before. He turned to the boy. "That's it?"

"Yes," the boy replied.

"What's going on?" Emmy asked.

"Please follow me to the Yard," the officer said and took hold of her arm.

"I'm sorry?! What's going on here?" Emmy was baffled. How had this purse gotten into her handbag and who was that little boy?

"Let's talk in the Yard."

Emmy had no choice but to follow Inspector Grosky towards the close Scotland Yard building. Only when they were inside, did he let go of her arm. "Will you please tell me what's going on?" Emmy demanded.

"This boy told me you stole his purse," Grosky explained.

"What!"

The boy in question sat down on one of the benches in the entrance hall and looked at the floor.

"And here we have the proof." The officer held up the brown purse triumphantly.

"But I didn't do anything!"

Grosky couldn't be swayed. "You and the rest of the pickpocket scum in this city are finished. He says it was you. Are you calling him a liar?"

"No, of course not." Though she probably should. Frustrated she threw her handbag onto the next bench.

"She stole the wallet that was in my pocket," the boy said timidly, not even looking at her.

Emmy lost her control. "Liar! This is ridiculous. I'm telling you this child is confusing me with someone else."

The officer laughed. "Oh, that old one. Is that right, son? You just confused?"

"She did it," the boy said and pointed a shaking finger at Emmy.

"Shut it!" she snapped. She knew she should keep a level head, but this was just such an unfair situation! And there was nothing she could do if no one believed her.

And then he came into her life.

"Might I be of help?"

Emmy turned to the kind voice that had spoken, only to look into even kinder eyes that watched the scene worriedly, and her breath hitched. It was then she realised the man wore an old-fashioned top hat.

Apparently, the police officer knew the man, for he didn't hesitate to give him the facts of this case.

Emmy prepared herself to be interrogated by the man and reprimanded for her behaviour, but he only studied her for a moment before turning to the boy. While talking to him, he discovered – to Emmy's and the officer's surprise – that the boy had used his mother's money to buy new trainers and had taken the opportunity to put the wallet in Emmy's handbag to make it look like the money had been stolen.

Emmy was horrified and impressed with the boy's cunning at the same time. But even more, she was impressed how the man with the top hat had been able to figure this out so quickly.

When Grosky asked the man how he had known, the man with the kind eyes replied that the boy had been shaking as if he were the criminal and that he wore new shoes.

"Don't worry," he said to the boy in a friendly tone. "I'll help you return the shoes."

"Thank you," replied the boy, sniffling.

"Then I'll dismiss you, miss," the inspector said.

"Oh yes, right," Emmy mumbled, then ran after the man outside the building. "Wait!"

The man turned to face her.

"Thank you so much!" she beamed at him. If it weren't for him, she might have ended up in a cell, and she didn't want to imagine what Uncle Leon might have said to that… This man, with his kind eyes and chivalrous behaviour, was truly her hero today.

"No need to thank me, miss," the man replied with a smile. "Helping a young lady like you is the duty of every gentleman." He tapped his hat. "Have a lovely day."

Emmy could only stare after him as he and the boy walked along.

"He called me a… lady," she whispered, not believing what he had said. With Uncle Leon and his men, she had always been the tough girl, almost one of the guys, but never a woman – or a lady. "Wait!" she shouted again. "What's your name?" But he was gone.

Inspector Grosky came down the steps towards her. "That, miss, is Hershel Layton. Don't let the hat fool you, that is a man of powerful intellect. He helps us out from time to time with our tougher cases."

"Hershel Layton," she said, more to herself. "I'll remember that."

She spent the next few weeks with researching as much as she could about Hershel Layton – sometimes it felt like an obsession to her, but the man fascinated her. She had thought about asking Uncle Leon if he knew the man but feared he might find her fascination childish and forbade it. She found out enough without him from articles: Hershel Layton was an archaeology professor at the Gressenheller University in London who loved tea and puzzle-solving. As Grosky had said he sometimes helped the police with tricky cases and occasionally ventured out to solve a mystery in a different town. The more Emmy read about the man, the more he fascinated her, and she desperately wanted to see him again.

So one Tuesday morning, she found herself in a lecture hall with fifty other students. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to sit here since she wasn't an official student and didn't pay for the university, but it would only be for one lecture, so she didn't feel too bad. Still, she tried to fit in the crowd. Like the others, she had a notebook and pen ready.

And then he entered. Professor Hershel Layton. Emmy had found out that he was the youngest professor in the history of Gressenheller and only had had the job for a year now. Still, he strode in confidently, took out his papers, greeted his students with a warm smile, and started lecturing. Though he mostly read from his papers – explaining to them the intricacies of ancient Greek statues –, he spoke with passion which made listening to him not only easy but fun. He then showed his class pictures of the statues he spoke about via a projector and Emmy noticed that he was the most at ease when he simply spoke from the heart instead of clinging to his notes. When she turned her head, she saw that the other students took frequent notes and seemed as interested in the lecture as she was. Emmy, however, was too mesmerized to take notes. She stared so intensely at the man, she was sure he would feel it soon. Once or twice his eyes travelled over her, and she quickly averted her gaze, but he didn't seem to recognise her. She wasn't sure if she should feel grateful or disappointed.

After the lecture, the students showed their gratitude by knocking on their tables, then began to pack together their things and chatter. Emmy sat there in shock. Hershel Layton truly was the most amazing man she had ever met.

She debated walking to him to say hello; what if he truly didn't remember her? But then again, she knew she couldn't walk away. So with a rapidly beating heart, she put her notebook and pen in her backpack and made her way to the front desk where the professor put away his slides and papers.

"Excuse me, Professor Layton?"

He looked up at her, seemed to ponder something for a moment, then smiled. "Hello, miss. It's good to see you again."

Emmy smiled too. "I came by to thank you for helping me the other day."

"Please, it was nothing."

"Not to me."

He smiled again. "Did you enjoy the lecture?"

"Very much. It was most fascinating!"

"That's good to hear, Miss…?"

"Ah, yes. Altava. My name is Emmy Altava."

"Are you a student at the university, Miss Altava?"

"Oh," her cheeks coloured. "Um, not yet. I hope it was okay to come to the lecture?"

"Of course. My lectures are open to everyone who is interested in archaeology."

"My uncle likes archaeology very much. I could actually follow you quite well."

"That's good. Do you want to become an archaeologist as well?"

"I'm thinking about it, but only if I have you as my professor."

Layton chuckled. "Since I am the only lecturing archaeology professor in Gressenheller, that could be arranged."

That day Emmy entered her uncle's house with a huge grin on her face.

"Emmeline, is that you?"

"Yes, Uncle Leon." She followed his voice into the dining room where dinner had already been served. "Sorry, I'm late."

"Where were you?"

"I participated in an archaeology lecture. I believe I know now what to study in autumn."

Uncle Leon nodded. "Yes, archaeology is a noble field, though it brought me nothing but grief. But I thought you wanted to join Targent?"

Emmy suppressed a sigh. It had never been her wish to have anything to do with Targent, but since Uncle Leon wished it for her, she wouldn't refuse. He was the man who had taken her in when she had lived all alone in the streets. "I thought I might do both. I can study in Gressenheller and still train in combat and weaponry with the Targent crew. And in my semester holidays I can come with you as work experience."

"Why do you want to study in Gressenheller? I thought you wanted to go to Oxford."

Emmy shrugged and tried to sound casual. "It's closer to home." But Uncle Leon always knew when she lied.

"Emmeline."

"I met the archaeology professor of Gressenheller and find his lectures excellent. I'd very much like to study under him."

"I see. What's the man's name? Maybe he's known in the archaeology branch."

"Hershel Layton," Emmy said and tried not to blush.

Uncle Leon stared at her. "I beg your pardon?"

"His name is Hershel Layton," she said again, then frowned at Uncle Leon's shocked face. "Is something wrong?"

"No. No, of course not." But Emmy also always knew when he was lying though she would never act on it. "Yes, go study in Gressenheller and train with Targent."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, if that makes you happy, I won't stand in your way."

Emmy smiled. "Thanks, Uncle Leon, you're the best."

And so it was that Emmy Altava started studying archaeology at Gressenheller University that following autumn.

Professor Layton grinned at her when he noticed her during the first lecture of the semester.

Emmy was a diligent student, she took many notes, read all the necessary books and more, and always came up with intelligent questions she could ask the professor after the lectures.

He always seemed to enjoy answering her questions. "I like your enthusiasm," he told her one time. "Keep that up. Passion is what makes a person succeed in their life."

In her third year as an archaeologist student, the professor was the one to stop her after a lecture. "Miss Altava, may I speak with you?"

"Of course."

He brought her into his office – his wonderful chaotic office that showed how much he loved his subject – and offered her tea which she declined; she was too nervous to wait for the water to boil.

"As you probably know, a professor has a lot to do," he then started to say.

Emmy nodded, wondering where this conversation was going.

"Since I can't keep up with all of my responsibilities anymore, the dean has suggested that I got an assistant."

Emmy's eyes widened. Surely, he didn't mean…?

"I'd like you to be that assistant."

"Me?" She was truly shocked.

"You are a very organised mind as I could see by your essays, deeply know the material, and I believe we could work very well together."

Emmy blinked a few times. "Wow."

"Only if that fits into your schedule. I don't want you to get stressed. But you would only need to help with minor tasks like organising slides for my next lecture, checking books out from the library or correcting tests from semesters under yours."

"That sounds amazing!"

"And you'll get paid, of course."

"I'd even do it for free." She beamed at him. "Yes, I'd very much would like to be your assistant."

Layton smiled. "Wonderful. Could you start already on Monday?"

"Yes, of course! Oh." Her smile vanished. "I'd have to stay longer in the afternoons, wouldn't I?"

"Sometimes, yes."

"Then I first have to check this with my uncle because I often work at his… firm in the afternoons."

"Yes, sure, you don't have to answer right away."

Emmy nodded and hoped very much that Uncle Leon would agree. For him nothing was more important than Targent, not even her happiness even though he claimed otherwise.

But to her great relief, he was completely fine with the idea, he even seemed to be excited about it.

"So it's okay if I miss a training session once in a while?"

"My dear Emmeline, you are already the best fighter we have. If you don't forget your training at all, I believe we're fine."

Emmy grinned. "Thank you so much, Uncle Leon. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Just be an excellent assistant to Hershel Layton."

"I'm going to be the best."

And Emmy truly became the best assistant anyone could wish for. Not only did she do the tasks the professor gave her in an exemplary way, but she also thought on her own about what the professor might need next, be it a certain book, a pen for taking notes, a cleaner office, or just a cup of tea.

"Please, Emmy, you are not my servant," he told her when she brought him once more a steaming cup of his favourite Earl Grey blend.

She smiled at him; she was so glad he had finally agreed to call her Emmy, at least when they were alone. "I know. But I want to assist you in any way I can." She felt her cheeks redden and quickly moved to her place on the sofa to continue correcting tests. It wouldn't be a good idea if the professor found out what a huge crush she had on him.

Life was truly wonderful, and Emmy could already dream of a world where she wasn't his student anymore. From all the time she spent with him, she knew he was single and more in love with his work than any person. But because of his smiles, kind words, and considerate gestures, she also knew that he was fond of her, and in her heart, she just knew that with time and patience and a nudge in the right direction – once Emmy had graduated from university – she could persuade him to start a relationship with her. All the afternoons together even in stressful times had shown her how truly compatible they were together. They were already an excellent work team – why then couldn't they also be an excellent life team? Of course, the professor – being the gentleman that he was – would be apprehensive about her idea, no matter his own feelings: people would frown if he dated a nine-year younger ex-student, but even that would matter little with time.

Yes, life was almost perfect, and Emmy just had to wait for her true happiness.

And then suddenly from one day to the next everything changed. Uncle Leon had decided it was time to pursue Targent's goals in a more forceful manner; he was running out of patience. Therefore, the whole operation moved to a dark and dingy place which Uncle Leon had called the Nest.

A huge tower hovered before Emmy the first time he showed her her new home. She hadn't even known he had been building this area. Inside the tower stood a huge Azran stele, and Emmy feared that his obsession with this ancient civilisation was gaining new heights. The men he had hired seemed more like criminals and he even abducted scientists and archaeologists to work for him. The training also intensified and even though Emmy was in excellent form, the methods became unfair – five men attacking her at once, or one man holding her firmly while others fought her. Sooner or later, she came on top of everyone because she was just smarter, but her skin became bruised, and her muscles ached. But all of this physical pain was nothing compared to what Uncle Leon asked her to do.

"Emmeline," he said one evening during dinner, and Emmy's stomach curled in fear. Over the last few weeks, Uncle Leon had sent his men on special missions, all of them dangerous and highly illegal. Emmy knew it was only a matter of time until she too would have to show her devotion to Targent.

"Pease don't send me on any missions," she said before he could speak.

He looked at her confused for a moment, then chuckled. "Oh, my dear Emmeline, I wouldn't dare to harm my most precious asset. Don't you worry."

Emmy sighed in relief. "Thanks."

"No, I have a very special task for you." The way he said it sounded ominous and indeed his next words pierced through her heart. "You have been Professor Hershel Layton's assistant for over a year now and from what you tell me of him, it seems that he trusts you completely. He is an archeology professor and as such we need his research." He fixed her eyes with his cold gaze. "Emmeline, I want you to spy on him and report anything that is Azran-related back to me."

Emmy gasped and stared at her uncle. "I can't do that!"

Uncle Leon glared at her. "Emmeline, your loyalty is to me and Targent, no one else, because when you were just a child no one else cared for you. Don't you remember that?"

"Of course, I do. But please, Uncle, anything else. I'll even go on a dangerous mission."

"No, this is the only way. I need all the information I can get. Oh well, there is another way of course."

"Yes?"

"I could threaten the man and kidnap him." He shrugged. "It's your choice."

Emmy knew it wasn't a real choice so in order to protect the professor, she agreed to her new task.

On Monday afternoon, after her last lecture of the day, her stomach hurt when she as the door to the familiar office. The professor sat at his desk, his nose deep over a book. He looked up at her with a smile. "Ah, Emmy, there you are. How was your weekend back home?"

Emmy gulped. "Good," she said and forced a smile. "What have you got there?"

"Oh this," the professor turned back to his book which showed some detailed illustrations. He rattled on in his passion about this book, but Emmy didn't listen. As she stood next to him, she kept thinking how she could betray such a kind soul. He was the best man she had ever met, and she longed for another way, but she didn't want to put him in harm's way.

"And what's this?" she asked to distract him and pointed with her outstretched arm to a small image at the upper corner of the book. By doing so the sleeve of her shirt slid up and a nasty yellow bruise became visible. Emmy hastily covered it with her hand, but it was too late.

"Emmy! What happened?"

"Oh, nothing," she said, avoiding his gaze. "Just an accident. I-I ran against a doorframe." It didn't sound believable in her ears and even the good-hearted professor didn't seem convinced.

He brought them both to sit on the sofa, then gently offered his hand. "May I see?"

And because Emmy wasn't able to deny him anything, especially something so kind, she lay her arm in his hand.

He gently pushed up the sleeve to examine the bruise. Then he pushed up the sleeve some more and more bruises appeared. Wordlessly he took her other arm, and more bruises became visible.

Emmy didn't say anything, but tears filled her eyes.

"Emmy, my dear, what happened?"

She couldn't tell him, or she had to tell him everything, so she just shook her head and cried.

"Emmy." His voice was so full of worry that her tears turned to sobs and when she felt his arms around her, she didn't hold back. She clung to his chest and sobbed like she hadn't since she was a child. He just held her and gently stroked her back for comfort. Emmy knew this wasn't acceptable behaviour for an assistant or a future love interest, but she couldn't stop herself. Here was the kindest man on earth comforting her because she had the unthinkable task of betraying his trust and spying on him.

With time and comfort her tears faded, and her breaths became calmer. But she still clung to him, refusing to move because she feared to look at him. Her head lay against his chest, his arms around her, and she didn't want to return to the cold reality, so she just stayed like this, even though it wasn't appropriate.

"Emmy, my dear," the professor spoke when she was calm again. "Please tell me what is going on. Whatever it is, I'm sure that together we'll find a solution."

And the word together was the leap she needed. Still only staring at his orange pullover, she started to speak. He let her talk without interrupting once, continuing to caress her back.

She told him everything: how she had lost her parents as a child, how Uncle Leon had found her and taken her in, about his obsession with the Azran and the organisation Targent which had radicalised more and more, about the Nest and the illegal activities and the intense training. And finally, about her task. "I can't do it. But if I don't, I'm sure something dreadful will happen to you." New tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but the professor was there.

"No, don't worry about me, nothing's going to happen. When we have calmed down a bit, we can think clearly about the situation and come up with a logical solution. You'll see."

Emmy sat up and looked at him. He who should be angry with her for agreeing with the task, he who should be concerned about his life. But he smiled at her and wiped away the tears on her eyelashes. Her hero. And without thinking she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.

He blinked at her, seeming utterly befuddled.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I swore I wouldn't pursue you until I graduated, but I needed to show you how much you mean to me."

And to her utter astonishment, he smiled at her and hugged her closer to him. "Don't worry, we'll find a way for that challenge too once the time is right."

Emmy smiled into him and knew that with time and patience, everything would become perfect.

THE END.