-Fourteen Months Earlier-
There was a stillness in the air, a calm before the storm as the car pulled to a stop in front of the Triton's new residence. Hershel noted it was a large and splendid house, with palm trees and bright greens outside complimenting the smooth stone walls of the house. A little water fountain trickled in the garden, and that was one of many minor details. Distractions really. He held his breath. This was it; he was going to see his apprentice again.
Brenda led them to the front door and as they stepped inside, she halted in the doorway and called out.
"Luke dear, we have a visitor."
There was a pause before the young boy answered, and Hershel held his breath.
"Coming, mum!"
The patter of running feet, and then Luke turned the corner, drawing to a halt as he laid eyes upon the 'visitor'. Time halted, and both Hershel and Luke remained locked in disbelief. And then tears sprang to Luke's eyes.
"Professor!" he sobbed, breaking the spell and making a dash for the Professor. Within seconds, the distance had been crossed and Luke flew into Herhsel's arms. Hershel laughed with delight, but then coughed politely.
"Now, Luke. What did I say? A true gentleman never makes a scene."
"You..." Luke panted. "You said a true gentleman... never makes a scene in public! This is my home, and in my home I can hug my friend!"
Hershel closed his eyes, a warm grin painted on his face. The bond they shared was special, different than any he had shared with past apprentices. Only Luke was a constant friend, pure of heart and always inquisitive. That's how Hershel knew Luke would make for a fine gentleman, and a wonderful person.
Brenda watched with a look of pure joy, having to wipe away a tear. This is more than she could have hoped for. This Luke. This Luke was her son. The Professor was exactly who they needed.
Eventually the two broke off, Brenda having to pry the desperate Luke from the Professor, and then the trio proceeded to move off into the living room. As they entered, Hershel took in all the exquisite items around, from luxurious furniture, to rare bones and archaeological finds displayed on the walls, in glass cases, and on the bookshelves. He was pleased to see some familiar items, but also new ones. It seemed as though the Triton family had found quite the fortunate position over here. The job really did pay more.
"Look at this, Professor!" Luke exclaimed, grabbing the Professor's hand and dragging him over to the mantelpiece. He pointed at a ornate little eyepiece sitting in the case. "Dad says this is a looking device from a society even older than the Azran! And this!"
He dragged Layton to the left then, and pointed at a large tapestry on the wall.
"This was a gift from the Chief Officer of the Archaeological board over here for my dad's service. Apparently it is a replica of a tapestry woven by the Jilsot people."
Luke continued in the same fashion, very much the young excited boy he always was. Well, times ten. Hershel only grinned and allowed himself to be led about the place, looking at items both ancient and fascinating. Brenda coughed after a little while and asked if the Professor and Luke wanted some tea.
"I know we only just had some tea, Professor, but I'm sure you wouldn't be adverse to some more?"
"Of course not. Thank you."
"I'll definitely have some!" Luke cried. "It's been forever since I had a cup of tea with the Professor!"
Brenda chuckled then as she moved off to the kitchen. She called out teasingly as she disappeared beyond the doorway.
"Only six months Luke."
"That feels like forever!" he retorted.
Layton took a seat then, his smile widening.
"It certainly does," he agreed. "Tell me Luke, how is life in America?"
"I..." A shadow passed over Luke's face, but he quickly shook it away. "Great. I mean, we live in a nice big house. And school's okay I guess."
Luke's voice fell away at the end, and Hershel sensed he had touched a delicate spot. He changed the subject then.
"I'm sure you have encountered many mysteries then. Tell me about this new one you wrote to me about."
Luke's disposition improved then.
"Right! Well... You know what, let's save that for later. Speaking of the letter, however, I wasn't sure if you got it, because you never wrote back. But now I know why!"
"Indeed. It made for quite the surprise."
"That it did! I almost had a heart attack! Seeing you is much better than getting a letter back. This... this is wonderful! It will just be like the old times!
Luke's eyes buzzed with possibilities, and Hershel smiled up at Brenda as she returned with two cups of tea. She passed one to Luke and the Professor, though it was clear she didn't want any. He took a sip and allowed the pleasant liquid to run down his throat. Tea was surely a delicacy.
Luke's expression crossed then.
"Wait... What about Flora? Why didn't she come?"
"Now now Luke!" Brenda tutted, placing a hand on her son's shoulder. "Surely seeing the Professor is enough."
"Well it is. Though I just wonder what Flora is doing? You know she hates to be left alone!"
Hershel took another sip of his tea and smiled fondly
"Indeed she does. However, Flora has had quite the exciting offer. She was accepted into Gressenheller in recognition of her excellence in science. She is one of the youngest people to ever be accepted."
"That's wonderful!" Luke exclaimed, and Brenda echoed his sentiment. "But even so, I'm sure she wouldn't have wanted to miss out on this."
"She did not want to, of course. However, she is in a period of exams which she could not leave, however much she wanted to. She has given me this-"
Hershel was cut off as a small dog burst into the room, yapping in delight.
"Oh," Luke exclaimed, moving to pick up the small Jack Russell. "This is Theodore. He says he's happy to see a new guest."
Hershel raised an eyebrow at the name. Surely it was no coincidence that this dog shared the same name as him. Well, his old name. Hershel Layton was the only name that belonged to him now. He cast the thought aside and smiled at Luke and Theodore.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Theodore." Hershel addressed Luke then. "It must be exciting to be able to communicate with your pet. Not many can say that really."
Luke giggled and began to hug his dog. He stopped as his earlier thought popped back into his head.
"What was that about Flora giving you something, Professor?"
"Ah, I have a letter to give you, from Flora and a message from Flora. She promises she will definitely fly over here the first possible opportunity."
"A letter?"
Hershel fished in his jacket pocket and remembered that he left it in one of his bags.
"Another time then," he sighed.
"But Professor!"
Brenda squeezed her son's hand then.
"Now Luke, Hershel has just come off a very long flight. He is exhausted! The only thing keeping him up is his eagerness to say hello to you."
Luke glanced out the window at the afternoon sun, and then back at the Professor's eyes, red-veined and with bags underneath.
"Oh..."
Brenda sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Oh Luke. It's not like he isn't going to be here tomorrow."
"I know, but it's still light outside, and... Well, here I'll be too excited, while the Professor is snoring away."
Hershel smiled at Luke as he took another sip of his tea.
"I will stay awake as long as possible."
"You mean it?"
"Of course I do. We have much to catch up on. I'm sure this mystery, however, can wait one more day?"
Luke bit his lip and then nodded.
"For now," Hershel continued. "Let's just talk about your life here."
Luke glanced over in his mother's direction, uncertainty staining his eyes. He gulped and then turned to the Professor.
"Well-"
A loud click interrupted him and there was the sound of the front door closing.
"Looks like your father's home," Brenda beamed, rising to greet her husband. "Clark dear; I'm sure you'll be delighted to see who is sitting on your armchair."
There came the grumbling of a middle-aged man, and then Clark appeared in the living room doorway. He took in the scene before him immediately, and then a broad grin erupted on his face.
"Hershel! I was afraid I'd miss your arrival."
Hershel rose and made to shake Clark's hand, but the other man pulled Hershel into a tight hug.
"Come now, Hershel," he said, a wide teethy smile forming on his face. "We're friends now. No need for such formalities. A hug for a good friend any day."
"It is wonderful to see you, Clark," Hershel stated, standing back to addresss them all now. "Truly, I could not have asked for a better reunion. It has only been a few months, and yet it feels like years have passed, and yet no time as well. It is a strange feeling."
Brenda laughed at that, leaning on her husband's shoulder.
"A good one though," she stated warmly.
"Indeed. I have had quite the welcome. You are all my friends, and I am sure this shall be only the first of many visits."
"I don't want you to leave..." Luke muttered, his voice cracking.
Clark and his wife smiled at each other and pulled their son into a hug. Clark spoke then.
"Oh Luke, you're speaking as if Hershel is just about to leave. Save the farewells for their appropriate time. Now is a time for joy and greetings."
Luke's expression softened at that and he turned to the Professor.
"So Professor, tell me all about this adventure in Folsense. Was it as grand as ours?"
Hershel noticed Luke's small look, a look that told him that the young boy felt left out, regretful. In response, he smiled. He knew just how to raise the boy's spirits. His smile then was one of a man feeling at home, at peace and feeling like he could be no happier.
"I'll tell you all, Luke. And worry not, because we shall soon have another adventure to share in, shall we not?"
Luke almost jumped on the spot from excitement, but he quickly composed himself, reminding himself that he was a true gentleman. The adults all beamed widely at Luke, and then the Professor's apprentice returned the grin.
"Of course, Professor. For I am your apprentice. And I am your apprentice... number one!"