#prof layton.... how could you do this to me.....

[ambrosiadreamer]

very frustrating having the answer to a puzzle or math question correct, but not being able to figure out how to format the answer correctly

#prof layton.... how could you do this to me..... #nate ramblings

[islaytonlost]

Three's a crowd

For a prompt by @madmaxou. This is a four part series, currently being badly proofread. First part, Second Part, Third Part

This chapter contains: Interrogation, hugging

Disclamer: I am no professional in writing OSDD. Please do not use my fanfic to shape your views on the real world.

------- It was weird seeing the Prof like this. Lucy had thought that Fendi was jumpy but this was worse. His sister, who she was lucky to know actually was his sister thanks to Katrielle’s letters, sat in the corner of the interrogation room while Drew sat in the middle. 

She’d been checked at the door by Flora for weapons. Flora was taking Drew seriously and it was maddening that he didn’t believe that him, or at least one of him had saved her life. She couldn't thank him because it could be a lie intended to manipulate him. Lawson had messed him up more than she thought.

“So you claim your name is Lucy Baker.”

“Come on Prof! There are years worth of records to prove it and I know you’ve been through ‘em.”

“Prof?”

“It’s a nickname I had for you. You didn’t like it so much at first you said your dad is a real professor but you warmed up for it because you are my prof, you’ve been teaching me how to be a real detective.”

“Oh.”

“You’ve known me since I joined here and were assigned to the mystery room.”

“Mystery room?”

“The backroom where we work,” this was her worst nightmare. Not only did he not remember her he also thought she was capable of doing something as awful as murdering him like Justin Lawson. He made her who she was and he couldn't even remember it. Or well, a part of him had. Lucy didn't fully understand what was up with this. She thought she had but she didn't.

“You call it the mystery room?”

“Because it’s where the toughest cases get solved!”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, we’ve solved tons, our first were the hand sandwich. That were a fun one. There were this lady and she’d been killed in this hotel.”

“I read the file.”

“I trust her,” Flora pipes up, “Katrielle trusts her too and she’s a good judge of character. She can solve any mystery. Just like you, and Lucy.”

Lucy’s heart rate speeds, please let him trust her, please. If he trusted her maybe they could get somewhere, maybe she could help her friend.

“Hm.”

“Look, I’m not defending him but Lawson couldn't kill you. He had his chance and he couldn't finish you off. He brainwashed you, it’s worse but he used this manual to try to brainwash you. We think it’s where Al comes from.”

Drew laughs, “no! Al’s like me, he just was what Justin wanted because that’s the only way to survive. He’s not a product of some brainwashing!”

Lucy’s eyes brightened, he had answers! “So you came from before?”

“Oh long before I was even adopted. I can't remember ever taking on the last name Layton.”

“So why are you here?”

“To protect Alfendi, wait, you’re not the one doing the interrogating.”

“But don’t you see! We’ve been looking for the answers for ages and you have them. If you won't tell me can you write them down. Al and Fendi need to know, they’ve been so worried that some cheap manual could have done this.”

Drew hesitates, “you’re innocent, you don’t need me, you're innocent. Some suspect really did stab us.”

Finally! Fendi celebrities, suddenly rushing into control. Lucy’s eyes widen when she notices the change.

“Prof?” She asks tentatively. It was all in the shoulders when she saw them switch control and this was so much like Fendi.

“Lucy! I was so worried, are you okay,” he ran across the room to hug her. Lucy rushes to him, they throw their arms around each other and simultaneously wince when they hit each other's wounds.

“I’m fine Prof, thanks to you. I’ve even located the suspect, I needed to prove it wasnt me. I didn’t blame you for blaming me, not after Lawson but I had to prove myself to you!”

“Thank you Lucy. Thank you, and uhm Flora,” he turns to his sister who was already sneaking out the room, “i’m sorry. I was foolish for not contacting you. Drew remembers you. He has memories we don’t have and they’re mostly of you. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

“It isn’t fine, don't be foolish! I’ll try harder and now that Drew is around because he still is we need to figure out something for him. You’re smart enough to help us.”

“Thanks, I think,” Flora had never gotten on with Fendi, his attitude was just too aggressive for her. Not that she’d ever told him that, nor did she hold it against him. Sometimes his brutal honesty was helpful when the other people in her life preferred to sugarcoat the truth but overall, he was just a lot to take in, “uhm, I’ll be back later… In person. I just need to,” she leaves. 

Lucy frowns, Flora had been so bold a minute ago, “your sister’s a bit meek Prof.”

“She’s very clever Lucy, just had a weird life. Hopefully you’ll be getting to know each other well but for now, we need to write to Drew, tell that idiot who everyone is and who we trust.”

Lucy’s face lights up, “he trusts me Prof! That means he likes me!” she hugs him again, “all of you like me! I am your greatest friend!”

Fendi laughs, “that’s not an achievement, most people are scared of me. Now, come on. We need to get everything down and a certain someone wants to take control from me and say hi too. He’s not thinking of the bigger picture though!”

----------------

Flora listens to the celebration from outside the mystery room. Drew had been right about one thing. Keelan Makepeace had a few accomplices within the force. It was the only way Alfendi had been unable to solve the case. There was no way it was Lucy, she was too new but it was someone.

Now wasn’t the time to tell them what she’d discovered though. They were both happy and alive. The mole had no one to report to, he was isolated, it could wait a little while, until they were in a safe location. She pulls the files closer to her chest and heads to the filing room to return them.

“Hello Flora,” Blane smiles. 

#I am mean #I am not continuing this #I just wanted a clifhanger #lucy baker #alfendi layton #flora reinhold #lmbr #lmbr fic #fanfic #interrrogation #three's a crowd fic

[pokefanclaire]

London Tourist

Hello! I’m so new to this but I have another Lucifendi ship fanfic (don’t judge me too harshly) Also I don’t own any rights to the game, or characters its purely my weird thoughts. So this one is about a visiter that will come to London, and the Commissioner has asked Lucy to be his tour guide but Alfendi gets jealous and mutual pining happens. Pretty tame but please let me know what I'm doing as its all so new! Any advice would be greatly recieved.

London Tourist:

Lucy quietly knocked onto the commissioners office door startling him from an unexpected evening nap.

“Ah Lucy my dear, take a seat. Thank you for coming to see me at such short notice. The matter I want to share with you is of a personal nature. So please excuse that I have chosen you specifically”

Lucy suddenly felt uneasy.

“I have a friend, a very dear friend of mine who’s son will be coming to London for a few days and I was hoping you would be kind enough to show him around London. Inspector Layton will be able to maintain the cases for you while you’re away. I would like you to do this as a favour to me personally so all expenses will be covered by me. Is that clear my dear. I have had my assistant book tickets for some interesting plays, tours and visits that I believe will interest a couple of like minded youths as yourselves?”

“sounds grand sir”

she beamed at the commissioner thankful her unease was unwarranted.

“His name is Eric, he is your age I believe possibly a year older. I’m certain you’ll get along very well. He will be a calm and welcome change from your changeable mentor.”

“I look forward to meeting ‘im”

Lucy felt very proud that out of all her colleagues she had been chosen to show the commissioners dear friend’s son around London.

“thank you Lucy, that will be everything. And I thank you for rising to the challenge of tour guide” He chuckled as Lucy skipped toward to door. ‘What a sweet and generous girl’.

“Night Commissioner! Thanks agai’”

“Good night.”

Lucy ran back to the Mystery room hoping her mentor would still be around to hear her ‘mission’. Opening the door Lucy was greeted by an exhausted placid Prof stretched out on the sofa with case files scattering the dimly lit room

“Lucy dear! You’re still here.”

“I’ve jus’ finished speaking with th’ commissioner”

“ah yes, of course. Sorry Lucy I momentarily lost track of myself. Are you about to embark on a solo mission? Can you tell me any details or is it on a need to know basis?”

Alfendi chuckled toward Lucy, adoring the pride on her face.

“oh it’s nowt like that Prof, its a personal favour the commissioner would like me to do for his good friend. He wants me to take care of his friend’s son while he visits London”

Alfendis eyes shot up to meet hers “He?”

“yea, some lad a similar age to me. Eric I think it wer’”

“…and…. you said yes?”

“’course Prof, I cant let him down. Besides I don’ have no reason to turn him down”

“……. oh”

“you can ‘elp if you like? You know London better than anyone ‘ere at Scotland yard. I still feel like a tourist”

“...doubt he’ll want to see the London eye once he sets eyes on you dear Lucy...” his voice suddenly sounded bitter as a streak of crimson hair washed over his head.

“Um hi Potty, I wasn’t expecting you this late in the evening”

Alfendi’s eyes were hidden under crimson dishevelled hair making it hard to read his expression but a smirk pulled at the edge of his smile.

“Just fine my dear Lucy, and yes I would be thrilled to guide you when my schedule allows. In fact i’m quite free now”

“We can wait for Eric. He will arrive tomorrow afternoon some time, and I have ‘is number here”

Potty Prof strode toward Lucy unexpectedly grabbing her wrists.

“In that case, now is the very best time to show you the city before any corruption. Don’t you agree dear Baker?”

His grip worsened on her now pink wrists. Before she could register the twinge of pain, Alfendi had pulled her forward sending her tumbling into his chest.

“Clumsy girl” he sneered. “falling for me are you my dear Lucy?”

Lucy looked up, unable to process the last few exchange of words.

“sto’ messin’ with me Potty”

Alfendi towered over her, a streak of red flashed across his cheeks as he crouched to meet her eyes.

“I haven't started yet my dear, now please collect your belongings. I really must show you what London can do to you before Eric has the chance”

‘Did I hear that ‘ight? Is he jealous of some lad I haven't even met seeing London wi’ me?’ Lucy had never seen her mentor like this. Lucy had regular run ins with Potty Prof, that wasn't new. But she was sure he had some new found venom in his voice while pronouncing his name too...

Lucy struggled to keep up with Alfendi’s new speed and determination to leave the mystery room.

“Baker! Come on!”

a desperate sounding Alfendi held his hand out to take Lucy’s. Pulling her from the room he fumbled with keys, hastily locking the Mystery room.

“I’ll get the commissioner for this.. I swear….” he snarled under her breath to no one in particular.

Alfendi took a deep breath “Lucy dear….” He held out a slightly trembling hand to her “….please allow me to…show you….what i’ve longed to… for some time… but if I can just....” He stumbled as flashes of burgundy replaced the crimson red of his hair “.. accompany you this evening” he finished by kissing the back of her hand.

“Prof? Are ya ok?”

“Yes dear, I just wish I had more time than fate has decided to grant me, more time so that… I could show you both sides.. and how… he is all bark.. he wouldn't hurt her....”

Alfendi’s train of conversation trailed off as he began muttering to himself. Or his other side she thought.

“prof if ya sure its not an inconvenience. Then lets go! Where first?”

Splashes of red and dishevelled hair gave Lucy a small jump.

“oh hi Potty! Where to first?”

“Baker, dear Baker...” He whispered in a sultry tone forcing her to take a step backwards.

“Why don’t we start here?”

Alfendi increased his steps toward Lucy.

Lucy instinctively stepped back matching his speed knowing how unpredictable Potty could be. Her wrists let out a twang of pain reminding her of his last practical joke on her. ‘You’re tougher than this Lucy lass’ she encouraged herself ‘He’s your Prof, he wont ‘urt you’ she glanced left and right in blind panic looking for an escape. Alfendi cupped her chin with his hand bringing her wide eyes to meet his. ‘Don’t panic’ Lucy thought as she acknowledged Pottys hand on her chin, softer and gentler than she expected. A rush of heat rose to her cheeks as she breathed in that familiar scent of her beloved Prof ‘Why now Potty? always keeping me on my toes’ an audible groaned slipped past her lips as she felt his heated breath against her lips

“Potty?...”

She took a step back to gain some distance.

THUD.

Lucy’s back met with the wall.

“yes dear?….”

Alfendis hand slid down her chin, caressing the soft skin of her neck.

“you know Baker, I wanted more time… This little situation with Eric has meant I have had to adapt to time constraints” he took a final step closer to Lucy closing the distance between them

“…..will you forgive me if I act at all un-gentelmanly under these circumstances….”

He lowered his hands to meet hers, lifting them above her head in one fast and smooth motion.

“….Prof? What’ got into ya all sudden like”

Lucy’s hands struggled against Alfendi’s but he was taller, stronger and currently sporting his darker persona.

“this aint some time to joke ya kno’ Prof ya said ya were gonna show me London before Eric arrives”

Alfendi leaned into her neck, his breath uneven and franticagainst her ear.

All the hair on the back of her neck rose as waves of electricity seemed to shoot down from her now numb arms held above her head. The comforting smell of Alfendi filled her head and she bit down on her bottom lip letting out a small squeal.

“I said i’d show you what I… I mean London can do to you..”

“Please Prof my arms.. they hurt a little”

Crimson hair flashedto deep burgundy as he let go on Lucy’s arms.

“Lucy, please forgive me, are you in pain? Are you okay.. please forgive me...us?”

Alfendi nuzzled his face into her neck not wishing to meet her eyes and confirm what he already knew.. that he had blown any future chance with his sweet Lucy. he spoke softly. 

“Please Lucy, its me I wont hurt you. I’m so sorry”

“Prof...”

“Lucy?”

Alfendi took a cautious step back and forced himself to meet with her rubyred eyes. Lucy stared into the Prof’s soft amber eyes, taking in the look of embarrassment and hurt that marked his face.

Alfendi scanned her face in a panic searching for clues to her expression was she upset? Scared? no. thats not it. A soft glow of red spread across her cheeks intensifying the ruby red of her beautiful eyes.

“Prof, my ‘ands were numb is all. Dont fret, I aint hurt”

Alfendi studied her face with desperate closeness causing Lucy to blush brighter with fresh heat flooding to her cheeks

“Prof please...”

she stifled a moan by biting down on her own lip wincing.

“Lucy dear…I cant begin to…”

“Prof’.Al......”She paused “Alfendi. I was never in any danger..not from you.”

An unfamiliar serious expression marked Lucy’s sweet face as she matched Alfendi’s closeness causing him to take a step back.

“wasn’t there something important you wanted to do to me Alfendi...?”

#lucifendi #alfendi layton #lucy x alfendi #alfendi #lucy baker #mystery room #layton brothers mystery room

[teenytinyapprentice]

can you give me layton and luke headcanons? i need sone dad layton-

You know despite thinking about these two all the time the moment I’m asked for specific thoughts on them I’m like UHHH.. UHHghguh thheeyy.. theyre frrien;dds;ds... thweyy love e ac;;hother;; SOOOO;OO MUChhghgh.... THeyRE BESTFRIen;dss;; BEALSe,..... FBDSJFKS BUT DEspite that.. here’s a headcanon dump under the cut of whatever came to mind dskjfh sorry if I am repeating myself haha 

Layton didn’t actually think about the reality of what he agreed to when Luke became his “apprentice”… mostly that he didnt think to clear room for him until he was actually in his office and Hershel awkwardly had to move a bunch of books and papers for Luke to be able to sit and have space. He hasn’t actually interacted with kids as young as Luke on a consistent basis until this point so at the start there’s a lot of “oh yeah kids need xyz”. Emmy was a big help with this as she did NOT take kindly so having babysitting duties somehow become a part of her assistant work (not that she doesn’t love Luke!) and makes sure the Prof knows he better step up and do what he promised when he agreed to let Luke tag along! Which led to him stocking up on snacks, keeping more child friendly books/activities around, making sure things Luke would need were actually within reach and of course just making sure there was space carved out for him in his office. This bleeds out into his actual home as well - when he’s caught unprepared for Luke to spend the night and he ends up just shoving books and papers off his bed so Luke has room to sleep too. After the six months or so he’s much better prepared and turned his “guest room” back into a guest room instead of storage space for all his Stuff. And no, Hershel will never learn his lesson with this. Every kid he adopts he will have a mad scramble because he’s like Oh Shit! Gotta have ROOM for the kids I take in sadkjhfsdfb

Building off that last one - Luke is pretty anxious about being useful when he first started being Layton’s apprentice. Hershel saw this more as he enjoyed Luke’s company and he was happy to have him around and teach him what he could, but Luke took it very seriously. He was rushing around cleaning, organizing and dogging the Professor’s every step for a bit. Takes some assurance that he’s not going to like, not be allowed to come over if there’s nothing to do that day... but he does eventually hit a much smoother helping and just hanging out balance

Hershel has a “teacher voice” that he almost never uses outside of class, but occasionally slips out - but it absolutely always catches Luke off guard. Like oh right! You’re a teacher… almost forgot. ESPECIALLY effective if Luke is making trouble, that gets him looking real sheepish real fast...

Luke didn’t like tea until the Professor started making it for him. He’d only ever tried more herbal or black teas before but Hershel made an educated guess that sweeter, fruitier teas would appeal and bought those instead. Luke took his duty of learning to make tea Properly very seriously, practicing at home and tossing quite a few pots right in the trash after Hershel tries to be polite but he couldnt quite grimace his way through the first batch Luke tried to make… 

Luke keeps a lot of stuffed animals and they end up kind of everywhere… you can find a teddy bear in his office, pretty much every room of the house, the laytonmobile… other professor’s have found teddies in lecture halls much to their initial confusion..

Building off the last one - Luke quickly becomes known around Gressenheller. Lots of other faculty and students start to recognize him and Luke’s made a few friends - sometimes even sits in on Hershel’s lectures and takes very dutiful notes (and teddies get returned directly to Layton’s office with a smile and gentle reminder to let his boy know he should keep an eye on his things lest they get lost!) 

Luke really isn’t a fan of mess, so Hershel’s disorganized office and living space drive him a little nuts. He cleans up after him constantly despite Hershel assuring him it isn’t necessary! Really! - They do at least come to ONE agreement that Hershel can ONLY stack books on the floor if they’re NO TALLER than Luke himself after a stack topples over on him one time…. (and Luke will continue cleaning up after him well until adulthood, chiding him all the while. It’s a point of contention.) 

Piggyback rides are a 50/50 success rate because of Hershel’s hat… if Luke isn’t asleep with his head down on his shoulder he’s usually got a hand on the brim so he doesn’t accidentally knock it over craning his neck to see something past it. and he is absolutely NOT allowed to eat anything while he’s up there.

Hershel teaches Luke how to tie his ties and bowties… sooomeetimmess Luke feigns forgetting how to do it because he just thinks it looks much better when the Professor ties it for him. Layton knows better but indulges him anyways. 

Luke is a total baby when he gets sick. He hates being sick and gets really grumpy and fussy… despite knowing its mostly just theatrics Hershel still privately gets pretty worried whenever Luke’s feeling ill. On the other hand it’s basically impossible to get Layton to rest when he’s unwell. Luke basically has to bully him to do more than just drink herbal teas and actually Take Medicine and Take A Nap. If HE has to take the nasty cough syrup then so do YOU! 

Both of them have spells of sleeping rather poorly... (they’re bound to have nightmares after some of the stuff they’ve been through). It becomes a bit of a late night ritual to meet up in the kitchen for some tea, snacks and conversation until they’re able to get some sleep. This continues on for the rest of the puzzle family and somehow every so often, everyone is up at 3am for tea and cookies and its very pleasant... 

#sunnquy-lavendrr #long post #teenytinytalks

[asklaytonandwright]

I suppose I won’t take a break. I want to get done with it. I suspected it might have been Olive... At least they didn’t make her turn out to be horrible... The end of the case was still bittersweet. I love dark chocolate, but still... I cried physical tears about that part of the story and they had to go and ruin it!

I really want cases to end on satisfying notes. The only one so far out of both was Gina’s case. Rei’s was alright, but there’s still the unsolved mystery and the fact that no one who knows anything is willing to trust us with the info... This is going to get long in the tooth...

I’m also a bit upset about something else. I’m docking imaginary points any time the game unnecessarily reuses characters. They made the Great Ace Attorney so they would have a whole new world or setting to work with... what have they done so far?

You have so much potential, but you reuse so many of the characters and gimmicks. (Like summation exams every half hour) It’s like its own little pocket instead of a whole new world.

Let’s see, new characters in GAA 2, not counting anyone who so much as showed their face in the first one, one way or another. Who do we have?

Rei Membami- Lovely girl, took a few bites out of Maya. She’s really just a Maya clone though. Maybe an afterthought because the developers realized that Susato wasn’t “Maya” enough. Which, Susato < Maya, sooo yeah. (Not saying I don’t like Susato in her own way. But I’m head over heals for Maya for reasons.)

She so wants Susato now that she’s seen her cross-dressing though, and I am in full support.

Menimemo - Another racist name, good job. Claims he attempted murder for justice, but didn’t actually kill. Passes it off on a sixteen-year-old girl, but pretends it would have been far less heroic for her to do it. When it’s pointed out he’s just as bad as the murderer he killed, he just says, “I guess.” Yeah, he definitely believes that (not).

Mrs Altamont - Gorgeous and fairly reasonable as a juror, honestly. I love her queen bee motif and really she could be my queen. Ahem, moving on.

Duncan Ross - Really sad to have died so young. He was about to start his career and his marriage. Honestly, if I meet the love of my life now after waiting for so long (about fifteen years I suppose) and lose them just like that... I probably WOULD go out like Olive wanted to. Taking their killer down with me.

Selden - Pretty much like Cece Yew or Deid Mann. One of those characters you forget about not long after because the writers practically did too. Okay, next....

Oh, is that it? Brand new setting, you can use all the new characters you want, no obligations to reuse any, and in the first two cases, you use 5 new characters? Two of which barely count because they’re already dead and have very little characterization. Really, AA franchise, I thought you could do better.

Seems like they try to make up for it by having like 75 percent of them be loony toons. I get it, AA has eccentric characters, it’s like their seal of authenticity. But they still need normies to make the wackos stand out! Like all the rest of AA did!

Like, every other character not only is at least a little eccentric, but they practically have to LIVE that silliness 24/7 in this game! Painters have to paint on the stand (I really thought there would be some purpose, like a reveal of her painting), actors have to prance, dance and quote like that’s the only thing that matters, like lunatics! If your job is radio transmissions you do that constantly, you can’t even take a day to, IDK, pay attention on a jury!!! The doctor has to come to court still wearing the gloves from his latest operation, and might I add, not hear half of the GD trial! The list just goes on and on!

Honestly, I really just want them to go back to Phoenix. I really hope they haven’t abandoned him and all the lose ends they left behind, five years ago at this point. And wasn’t it the original creator, Shu Takumi who made GAA? After not working on it since Trials and Tribulations? I have no idea how he worked on Spirit of Justice slightly after the first GAA, getting SoJ right, but GAA wrong. I know a lot of people hate SoJ, as well as DD, but I love them. The people who say that are probably like the gen wunners of the series.

Either way, I don’t know what to think. Just as long as none of the bad elements make it from GAA to the main series. I guess he wanted to try something new with it. Honestly, the music makes it feel like Prof Layton, but with all the charm of Mystery Journey. Maybe he liked what he saw in PLvsAA. I don’t know what it is, but they just can’t make the story work. Not even for individual cases. Aside from a handful of good things (*AHEM* Iris, Gina, Holmes) I’ve been thoroughly let down with this side series. It doesn’t look like there’s going to be a third and I’m actually glad.

Now where the heck is AA7? It’s been five years! I think we all want Apollo and Trucy to find out they’re related already! I mean, it was mentioned at the end! You can’t not finish that!

#great ace attorney #great ace attorney 2 #manager #rant

[claitea]

tagged by @rokuseis :D

1.

Named after someone? nope! though i've been questioning changing my name again recently and i'm like this close to taking sylas or something--

Last time you cried? i think it was when i finished prof layton and the miracle mask a couple months ago haha... though i did tear up during the forgotten truths epilogue in dragalia lost last month

Do you have any kids? pff no

Do you use sarcasm a lot? nope, i dont get sarcasm myself. the amount of times i have enthusiastically agreed with something a friend said, only for them to turn around and go "soapy.... i was joking"

What's the first thing you notice about people? huh i... actually dont know. voice?

Eye color? very dark brown, looks black

Scary movie or happy ending? happy ending please... i cant take horror at all and i just want the characters to be perfectly happy all the time

Any special talent? i can. draw. sort of. thats about it for me

What country were you born in? the philippines! man i miss the shopping center my grandparents used to take me to... jollibee... :(

What are your hobbies? drawing and video games, as if that wasn't apparent enough haha

Do you have any pets? two dogs, a pomeranian cross something we don't know called papi, and a pug cross beagle called lola!

What sports do you play/have played? i dont do sports... a friend got me to try volleyball once. i get scared every time the ball's thrown at me so i dodge instead of catching, oops. i do like bowling ig, and roller/ice skating

How tall are you? 156cm last i checked? i want to be tall ;-;

Favorite subject in school? no do not even talk to me about school i hate it there. even stuff i'm supposed to enjoy like music and visual arts was garbage. hhh

Dream job? graphic design for video games... its a niche kind of area, i know, so first i'm aiming for just general graphic designer and working my way up!

2.

Favorite color? red!!!

Last song? currently listening to cinderella step by daoko

Last movie? i actually cannot remember. i haven't had the attention span to sit and watch a tv show or movie for months.

Last show (completed)? again cannot remember?? hhh

Currently reading? sjvdjfhr i picked up mo dao zu shi months ago, read only the first chapter, actually thought it was interesting and wanted to read the rest, and then i never went back to it. whoops. i'll get to it eventually...

Currently watching? i guess i'd say the dragon prince but i haven't watched it since like last year. i'm so behind :(

Sweet, spicy or savory? sweet!

Craving? so many things... barbeque chips, spring rolls, a nutella sandwich, popcorn, pasta, i could go on

Coffee or tea? both are gross... i want apple mango juice

i get nervous about tagging so steal this from me if you'd like to!

#tag games #clai speaks

[layton-fanfic-library]

Hello! My name’s Sofia. I’m pretty new to writing fanfiction and just started writing a prequel fanfic for Layton Brothers. I just wanna know if you have any writing tips that I should keep in mind. The fic is mainly about the memories Alfendi shared with his older brother before his unfortunate passing. Its kinda like a slice of life/tragedy fanfic. Tho I’m afraid I might accidentally bore people since the story is planned to be long. Do you have any tips on how I can avoid that?

Hi! That’s great that you’re writing a prequel fic for LB. There’s so much of Alfendi’s past that we don’t see during the game.  

I don’t think it’ll be a boring story! Alfendi is a fan favourite, and readers will be glad to read all the content they can get. I’ve always found slice of life fics enjoyable to read and a lot of people go into Layton games knowing there will be Tragedy and Feels. Unwound Future is by far the favourite of the series and it’s the most tragic of all!

But if you are worried readers will get bored... Here’s a few tips?

Have an interesting description for your fic! Something that will catch readers’ attention but won’t give away too much of the story.

Tag the characters who are going to play a major role in the fic. (This is easier done on AO3 than FFNet)

It might be hard to include ‘cliffhangers’ for a slice of life fic, but you might be able to do this if the slice of life chapters are connected. Or maybe you could include a preview description for the next chapter?

Have the reader care about Alfendi’s older brother and his relationship with Alfendi. That’s not to say he has to be the most ORIGINAL INSPIRING CHARACTER IN EXISTENCE. A lot of the Layton characters fans love are built on cliches. There is nothing wrong with cliches. Even if you gave me the most cliched character in existence, I could end up caring about them if I like how they’re written. 

If you can stick to a schedule, regularly updates might help. Readers will know when to expect your fic and they could be waiting in anticipation. (Though, it is hard sticking to an update schedule and you should only produce what you can manage! Real life comes first!)

Personally, I love fics based off little character details from the games. EG, Brenda likes to travel and brings home bizarre little souvenirs to her family. That’s so cute. I’d love it if someone wrote a fic based on that! It shows attention to detail and character nuance! A lot of these little character traits can be found on the Layton Wiki, which I definitely recommend using if you’re stuck for idea!

Lucy. If you’re writing a fic about Alfendi, you might want to stick Lucy in there somewhere. Even if it’s just a tiny cameo of Alfendi telling Lucy about his brother. But that’s up to you!

As much as Layton fans are drawn to tragedy and angst, they do like their hurt/comfort too. 

And if you’re writing about Alfendi, just be careful how you portray ‘Potty’ and ‘Placid’ Prof with Alfendi’s split personality. Please don’t cut out my tongue, Alfendi fans, I’m using this as an example. A lot of fans prefer the names ‘Al’ (being the new personality) and ‘Fendi’ being the original... I think? But then, since you’re writing a prequel fic you might not even touch on this, so don’t worry too much!

I’m sorry I don’t have more tips but I have these help? Anyone can add to this if they want to help the writer out :) 

#professor layton #alfendi layton #LBMR #Writing tips #What am I doing #LMJ era #lucy baker #professor layton fanfic #asks #replies #Please be patient with new writers writing about Alfendi #They might be fresh off playing the game and might not understand the issue with Potty and Placid #We can POLITELY advise them

[professor-laytons]

Could you do Alfendi for the ask meme? Thanks! :D

awh yeah its alfendi time!!!!!

how i feel about this character:

one of my favourites!! i had told myself i was gonna play all the games in order, but i gave up on that because i wanted to find out more about alfendi, without just reading his wiki page - i just wish we got to see more of him :’)

all the people i ship romantically with this character:

just lucy! i guess theres the past relationship w hilda too--

my non romantic otp for this character:

can i say lucy here too... crime solving duo!! also i wish we got to see the flora + kat + alfendi dynamic, i forget that they’ve never even met?? its all just fan works??

my unpopular opinion about this character:

here’s something: i don’t like his potty/placid prof nicknames - they just dont work for me?? so i just call him al or fendi respectively. i feel like the nicknames make him a bit two dimensional? or something?

also... if level 5 actually decide to bring him back in the future (idek what the plan for the whole layton series is) i’d be scared they wouldn’t do it right?? like they would throw him away and not develop his story or his character at all - he has a lot of potential imo, and i guess i have high hopes ^^,

one thing i wish would happen with this character in canon:

i dont know what the chances of another series of lmda are, but i think itd be amazing for him to show up - we’d get to learn so much more about him!! and how he interacts with others!! literally any content being released with him in would be a dream come true,,,

thank you for the ask!!

[modmad]

So I woke up from a nightmare and now I can't fall back asleep. And I'm just laying here and started thinking about prof Layton cause it an excellent series and you recent fan art made finish watching the anime. And like theirs no way kat isn't aware of earnest's feelings. And I was like how could she just string him along like that but had the revaluation that she knows and is just waiting for him to come and out and openly admit it. Or at least I hope that's the case. Thoughts?

yep, very much what I felt was happening- there’s various stories in the series which are about people taking a step back to allow other people to do something that’s important for them to do themselves, and having started to play through the game I feel this angle even more so (her ‘won’t someone kiss me strongly like that-?’ bit at the end of the film-scene theft case is MUCH more flirty in LMJ than in the show!) also I genuinely really like that they don’t make anything actually happen between them? I mean I ship the ot3 and Katnest is a part of that for sure but I actually appreciate that nothing happens; it makes their relationship feel much more platonic/respect based, and Kat is cheeky! leaving it open ended fits well with her free-spirited personality :Tb

#lmj #layton's mystery journey #katnest #layton's mystery detective agency #I'm in this gig for the personalities man #they do them well #also don't worry folks imma be back to the ducks soon #this is like #a little holiday for my heart #keeps things fresh y'know? #botanyjokesorsomething

[bbs-backlog-challenge]

BB’s Games Of 2019

2019 as a year felt like it lasted two years, and a lot happened in my personal life. Got a new job, learned to drive, got my first car, moved out of the in-laws’ basement into our first real apartment, started my first long-term game of DnD (which in itself has involved a new relationship and an emotional breakdown)- and between it all I somehow managed to play 77 games. Backlog’s down to 35 titles, lads- at this rate, I’ll be down to zero by July 2020. (Not gonna happen.) In 2020, I’d like to explore the SNES catalogue a little more, but before that happens we have to review everything 2019 brought me, in a somewhat chronological order.

- Near A Tomato Carry-over from last year’s post since I was in the middle of playing it at the time. I definitely never quite got a handle on the combat and I think some of the themes went over my head, but I still had fun here, and the 9S hacking minigame never got old. It was a gift from an old friend who I miss. Was nice to reconnect. - SSBU With my new main Zelda, I cleared all of WoL and got every spirit on the Spirit Board. I never really used her before but she’s cute now! Really liked the attention to detail in the spirit encounters. Unfortunately, Cloud is still in the game. - Mega Mans 1 2 and 3 I actually spoke about my experiences with the Mega Men in my BBLC post for Mega Man Eggs, so you should read that right now. - Metroid Samus Returns It’s Good. Like, a solid Good. Never Great, never Bad, just Good. It’s nice to see one of the least accessible games in the series get a remaster, but it feels very disposable, if that makes sense. Like they just needed a Metroid to keep people busy while they reboot Prime 4 development. AM2R is vastly superior, go play that. One point of amusement- the game tells its story without narration, and also seems to pre-suppose you know Metroid lore. I was entertained by the thought of a newcomer to the series being completely mystified by the sudden space-dragon that comes out of nowhere to wreck you at the end of the game. - Khimera: Destroy All Monster Girls You can click here to download it, ‘cos it’s free, which is almost criminal. This is one of the higher tier games I’ve played this year. A little bit Mega Man, a bit Metroid, with hints of Touhou and Undertale, it’s pretty tough at times but never to ‘precision platformer’ levels. It’s a lot of fun and the dev deserves your support. - Steve And Ollie RPG Oh, I made this one. Making something else next year? Question mark? - Prof Layton 3 Feels like these are getting weaker as they go along. The story has always been absolute boohockey, but the puzzles feel like they’re degrading in quality too. With over 200 in each game, that’s not super surprising, and I’m glad they didn’t bulk it out with a load of the awful block-slider puzzles. Still, it’s Layton, if you liked any of the other games you’ll like this cos it’s the exact same thing. - Fault Milestone Two Yo, there ain’t a damned thing I can say about Fault, so go play the first one and then play this and you’ll understand. - Full Throttle I never bothered to finish it. The obtuse old Sierra puzzlers were hard enough to deal with back in the day, and just feel kind of inexcusable now. I don’t have the patience for it. - eXceed 3rd Slick and fun bullet hell with a nigh-incomprehensible story and great music. Touhou fans will like it. Music by SSH who is relatively well known in doujin circles. - ASAMU Finished it before writing my BBLC post! - Eternal Senia Everything I said in my post rings true- do your best to look past the wonky translation, because there’s a heartfelt story underneath it. Very accessible gameplay, by design. - Inivisble Inc You have never before been, nor will you ever again be, so aware of having left a door open. I fully expected to hate Invisible, but I got hooked pretty hard. Quite tempted to do another run of it once the backlog is clear. - Pyre GOTY. Supergiant’s best game so far, and that’s not an easy thing to say for this Bastion veteran. I sobbed by the end. I’m not being dramatic- literally sobbed. Please play it. Music and writing and, just, heart, are all top tier. All the Nightwings are the best, but Hedwyn is the best best. - Ellipsis Finished it before writing my BBLC post! - Just Cause 2 I found myself getting bored very quickly. The main missions are all identical (really, they are) and the side missions are very uninspired. Blitzing around in a jet or grappling around a mission target is a lot of fun but it feels very shallow. There’s a lot to do but not really any reason to do any of it. I dunno, it’s a kind of hollow experience, that I nonetheless had fun with. - LiEat It went over my head a little, but that’s more on me I think. These horror-esque, eccentric japanese RPG Maker games usually do. But, it’s neat, and short. If this sort of thing usually sticks on you, I think this is a good title. - Shantae Pirates Curse These games always felt non-essential to me; I’m not sure why they never stuck. They never really go below or above Good. Entirely enjoyable but I don’t feel like I’d have really missed anything if I hadn’t played them. It is, however, absolutely worth investing in for the utterly superb sprite work. That doesn’t sell a game by itself, I know, but Shantae is a pixel art masterclass. - FF5 I’d more or less finished it by the time I wrote my BBLC post, so I don’t have much to add. It’s a refreshingly goofy entry in a series known for taking itself too seriously, even compared to its predecessor. Look forward to my entry for this game in my Games Of 2020 post, having played the Four Job Fiesta! - Touhou 17 It’s mid-tier in the touhou hierarchy, IMO. Didn’t set my soul alight but I did enjoy it. Playing as Wolf Marisa makes the final boss too chaotic to really enjoy, but playing through again with Reimu made it more fun. I beat Extra on my third run through, which gave me false confidence that after 10 years I might actually be good at these games- to then be quickly humbled by attempting Th11’s Extra. Final Boss’ theme song has one of the greatest lead-ins of all time, especially given you start the fight by running away from her! Also really loved the Stage 4 theme as you barrel head-first into Hell (the real one this time), and the haunting, calm-before-the-storm serenity of Stage 5, overlooking the City Of Beasts. - HackNet + Labyrinths GOTY. (Yes, I know I already said Pyre was GOTY; it’s my post, I can have two GOTYs. Make your own damned post!) It’s hard to say what I loved about these games without spoiling too much- just know that they play very much like investigation games, and figuring out the puzzles feels great. Labyrinths technically takes place during the events of Hacknet, with a somewhat more Black Hat approach to things- despite this, play all of Hacknet first, and then play Labyrinths. The expansion introduces a lot of new stuff and much trickier challenges, such that going back to the base game afterwards to finish that would leave it a little hollow- a disservice to how great the ending is. - Mega Man X I said everything I wanted to say in my BBLC post, and anything I didn’t cover was better said by Egoraptor. - Octodad Finished it before my BBLC post! - Chroma Squad The final mission is disappointingly poor, but everything up to that point was pretty good. Huge variance and creativity in the bosses. However, the most fun I got from it was when I realised the game allowed me to customise my team name, transformation name, and other such terminology. Dave, Dayve, Davy, Davina, and Dehve shouting “It’s time to Chromatise, Chroma Squad!” very quickly became “It’s time to shit, you bunch of fucks!” and it was funny every single time. (Personal favourite bit of dialogue- “I tried to shit! It worked!”) - Pyrite Heart Finished it before my BBLC post! - Starfox 2 Finished it before my BBLC post! - Burly Men At Sea Finished it before my BBLC post! - Disc Room Finished it before my BBLC post! - Kokurase Finished it before my BBLC post! Should have broken these ones up a bit! - Metroid Rogue Dawn Very, very impressive romhack let down by a distinctly un-fun final section. They managed to fix so many of OG Metroid’s problems, I’m surprised the gauntlet of terribleness that is Tourian escaped with only a cosmetic change. Nonetheless, it’s free, and the other 95% of the game is superb, even from a purely technical standpoint. - Wuppo I dunno what happened here! I was full of praise for Wuppo when I played it, but somehow I just couldn’t stick with it and just never felt like playing it. It’s a very aimless game, and I wonder if that might be why? It’s a shame, I feel disappointed in myself for not seeing it through, but ultimately I play games to have fun and I just wasn’t quite there with Wuppo. - Super Mario Odyssey I loved it, obviously. I wrote my BBLC post towards the end of my time with Odyssey so most of that stands- I do want to add that the controls always felt a little loose, like I wasn’t quite as in-control as I was in Galaxy. Also Mario prioritises walljumping over ledge-grabbing and it’s super-hard to unlearn that instinct after 20 years. Finally- Long Journey’s End is just bullshit. - Secret Of Mana Dropped it pretty soon after Finning it. There’s some logic to the way the game works, some kind of hidden turn-order system, that I could not at all figure out. My AI companions (useless, btw) would hit an enemy which meant I couldn’t, except sometimes the hit would still register but only actually go through 3 seconds later, without any way to tell which way it was going to go. It takes like 7 months for your character to get back up after taking a hit. It’s just, wonky, and I couldn’t solve the puzzle of how to make the game do what I wanted to do. - Pokemon Shield Still working my way through it. It’s- yeah, it’s pokemon. Get a similar vibe to Sun/Moon with it that it’s kind of unfinished- lots of small (and some not so small) parts of the game just feel like there were bigger plans that couldn’t be realised in time. I’m still enjoying it! They did a great job of making the gym battles, and the whole process of 8-badges-then-champion, feel like a spectacle. I think only the anime has managed it to this degree before. - Earthbound Man, I really, really want to like this game, but the battle system is terrible. I need to play through the game again buffing my party up with cheats or something, because it’s so unbalanced and cheap. Everything else about the game is wonderful, but I got so frustrated with the fights! - Mario Kart 8 Didn’t play any of the single player this time, it was midgi’s christmas present so I just joined a couple of multiplayer games. Absolutely baffled that the game features F-Zero style anti-gravity courses, has Mute City and Big Blue, and even has the Blue Falcon as a selectable vehicle, but they haven’t put Captain Falcon in it. Like he’s ever going to get another game of his own? Let him have this! - Carmageddon 2 It’s pretty clunky by now, being 20 years old, but still plays well enough. The physics are super loose so you slide around like your tires have been buttered. It was more fun when they were zombies instead of just normal people. Missions are brutally hard and should be skipped with cheats. - Neopets After 15 years of playing, I finally got a Ghostkersword. The site as a whole has gone through a lot, and certainly its heyday is long gone, but there’s no other game quite like it. I’m playing the Food Club every day, still. - SIF New phone can’t run the actual gameplay section well enough, so I just log in occasionally to grab free scouts. Here’s another one whose golden years are behind it, sadly, but I certainly still have a lot of affection for SIF. - FF1 Mobile version, which fixes a lot of the bugs with the NES original. This year I completed a solo run with 1 Red Mage, a 4-black belts run, a low-level run, and a 4 White Mages run (which ended up being a lower-level run than the low-level run). I’m fairly comfortable in calling myself an expert in FF1, now. There’s still not really any other games like it- build a party as balanced or imbalanced as you like, and see how they fare. I’d like to build my own game in a similar style, one day. - Re: Live Gacha games and RPG just don’t mix! Both gacha and events do not gel with core RPG mechanics of your character(s) developing in strength as the game goes. It seems impossible to balance the game well- do you cater to the whales who spend and spend until they have the strongest teams possible, meaning the free players or the terminally unlucky can’t stand a chance, or do you cater to those players and give them no reason to spend for the more powerful characters? It’s a shame, because the anime was baffling but in that enjoyable way where you just kind of go with whatever it throws at you, and exploring that in a non-freemium game with a solid beginning middle and end would be really interesting. - Tiny Thief Mobile game that’s not available any more, I think my BBLC post covered it well enough. - F-Zero One of the criticisms most commonly levied against F-Zero is that it wont hold your attention for long. While that’s true, it’s not like you have to make a purchasing decision about it any more- it comes bundled in with the other games you’re buying, so the only investment is time. Ignoring that, it’s still fun to burn around the tracks, and the sense of speed hasn’t ever diminished. The music, too, is underappreciated, with Port Town being my personal fave. - F-Zero GX I can’t believe Nintendo hasn’t done anything with this ridiculous universe for 15 years now. The cutscenes are so hilariously overwrought, and the cast of characters is huge! It could so seamlessly intersect with the Starfox universe, too. There were rumours of a Starfox Racing title some time ago, and I really hope that’s the case. It’d work so well (by which I mean, a particularly enjoyable kind of awful). Anyway, the game still plays great, Story Mode is WAY too hard, Dr Stewart’s theme is a Tune. - Stratosphere This game is from 1998! Build a flying fortress, deck it out with fortifications and weapons and power supplies, then use it to destroy other fortresses. I only ever played the demo as a kid, never got the full game. Took some cajoling to get it to work on modern hardware, but eventually I got in and it wasn’t worth it at all. Wow, that performance, apparently it was designed to run at a terrible frame rate and it wasn’t just a result of my 1998 PC not being up to the task! A shame, but I guess it put one of my ghosts to rest. - DKC 2 The best of the three SNES games, despite the inclusion (and protagonism) of Diddy Kong. Lots to love here, but the OST is top notch. - DKC 3 Not as good as 2, but IMO better than 1. There was a much heavier emphasis on gimmick levels in 3, not all of which hit their target, but does provide a great deal of variety. Consensus is that 2 is better, but if someone claimed 3 was the best DKC, I’d let them get away with it. - King Arthur’s World (SNES) Speaking of putting ghosts to rest… We somehow always managed to get this game whenever we got a SNES, and kid!Beebs most certainly didn’t have the patience for it. Adult!Beebs barely does, either. It’s a very ambitious attempt at some sort of RTS/Puzzle hybrid, somewhat comparable to Lemmings? King Arthur must make his way from his starting position to the throne elsewhere in the map to claim it as his own, using the myriad abilities of his soldiers to get him there in one piece. I decided this year that I was finally going to play through the whole damn thing, start to finish, for the first time ever. With copious use of save states and rewinds, I was finally able to slay this demon. For as fiddly and frustrating as it is, I would still say people should check it out if they have the tools to do so- there’s not really anything else like it, on SNES or otherwise; you’re guaranteed a unique experience, if nothing else. - Oscar (SNES) Terrible. - Spanky’s Quest (SNES) With a name like that, how could I refuse? It’s a weird little puzzler, aping (wahey!) Bubble Bobble and Parasol Stars a little. You’re a monkey who can blow bubbles that stun enemies, but if you bounce the bubble on your head it gets progressively larger and can be burst to send a barrage of similarly-sized sports balls at your opponents to knock them out. You know, just like real life. - Addam’s Family (SNES) This easily-dismissible movie tie-in is actually a very competent platformer with some very, very light metroidvania exploration involved. Gomez has to go through Addams Mansion and rescue the members of his family who have been kidnapped by… something. There’s hidden secrets everywhere and the family can be rescued in any order you like. Genuine recommendation. - Panel DePon/Tetris Attack The only vs puzzler I enjoy (yep. Not even puyo puyo. I know.) I played the HECK out of this in my teenage years, and got crazy good at it. Tendonitis says I’m not allowed to do that any more, but once I shook the rust off I was still pretty strong! It was released as Panel DePon in Japan and was fairy themed, but for the western release they replaced all the fairies with Yoshi characters and renamed it Tetris Attack despite having nothing to do with Tetris at all. Up to you which you prefer- language isn't too much of a barrier here. Soundtrack is killer. - Subsurface Circular Finished it before my BBLC post. Still not decided if I liked the way it ended. - Master Of Orion 2 C’mon. After playing three other pretenders to MoO2’s throne, I had to give the real deal a couple of spins too. It’s Civ 5 in space. Customisable race builds. A whole galaxy to bring peace to, by whichever means you prefer. Would love for someone else to get into it. - Touhou 8 Last minute entry I just played yesterday ‘cos I wanted some Touhou and I haven’t played this entry in a long while. A Solo Marisa Normal Final B run, if you’re interested. Kaguya beast-mode tearing apart the Spell Of Imperishable Night at the end of the game is still an awesome moment, but it’s a shame you can miss the last couple of spells if you take some unlucky hits. - And here’s the list of Bins, which are all covered in their BBLC post: No Time To Explain MoO Skyborn Jumpjet Rex StH 4 Ballistick Munch’s Oddysee Outland Project CARS RiME Magicka Waking Mars Urban Chaos Divinity: Dragon Commander Strike Suit Zero Hell Yeah! Lambda Wars Beta Stranger’s Wrath MoO 3 XCOM Lots more Fins than Bins this year! Good to see!

#gaming #video games

[sintheyokai]

(LB: Devil’s Child) Chapter 1: Lily

Note: Chapters will be very long (approximately the length of playing a full Case File in LBMR), thus updates will take while

Word Count: 4902

Time- 8:30 a.m.

Alfendi walked through the halls of Scotland Yard. As usual, he was on time, but he supposed a certain Detective Constable would not be. Unlike him, Lucy had always been late.

"Morning Alfendi!" he turned his head right at the voice of Hilda Pertinax. Hilda had been his coworker prior to Lucy, so it was not uncommon to be greeted by her in the morning. He stopped to turn and look at her

"Morning Hilda." he gave a friendly smile.

"Lucy late again?" she asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

"Per the usual," Alfendi chuckled, "About 15 minutes until she arrives, from what patterns I've studied."

"Oh, I see..." Hilda smirked, "Stalking your assistant now, are we?"

A small, but very red blush graced Alfendi's cheeks, "Now where in the hell did you get that idea?" he gazed at the Interpol officer in disbelief.

"Relax, Al," Hilda snickered, "I was only joking. Well, have a good day at work."

"You too, I hope." he said, continuing down the halls towards the Mystery Room.

***

Time- 8:52 a.m.

Something was wrong. Something had to be wrong. Lucy still wasn't in, and it was seven minutes past her usual arrival time. He decided to ask Deputy Commissioner Chan.

Exiting his office, he heard his name being called, "Alfendi!"

He looked down the hall to see the man he was looking for.

"Have you seen Baker?" the Commissioner asked, "She hasn't come in, nor has she called in sick."

Alfendi began to panic. "I-I was about to ask you the same thing..." his voice trembled.

"I see," Chan put his chin between his forefinger and thumb, "Well, let's wait a bit longer. Perhaps she's simply a little later than usual."

Perhaps... Alfendi fretted in his head, Or perhaps worse...

***

Time- 9:25 a.m.

Alfendi burst from his office, or rather, Potty Prof did.

"ALRIGHT, TIME TO BE CONCERNED."

Hilda and Florence sped towards him, wondering what his sudden outburst was about.

"Al, what happened?" Florence asked

"What happened, Sich, is that Baker has not called the office once to let me or anyone else know that she's not coming in today!" Alfendi shouted, "And that is usually the first thing she does upon being sick, if not her housemate!"

"Alfendi, calm down," Hilda said, "Do you know her housemate's number?"

"Yeah." The inspector replied, going back to placid, "I'll go call now." And he went back to his office, pulling out his cellphone and dialing his sister's number.

Her voice came out on the other end almost instantly, "Mmyellow?"

"Fauna?" Al asked.

"Al?" the woman said, "Damn! Long time no ta-"

"Yes, I'm aware I haven't called in a while, but for now I need to ask you something very urgently," Alfendi cut her off, "Is Lucy still at your place?"

Fauna was silent on the other side, so silent, Alfendi almost thought she had hung up.

Then, as if very confused, she spoke, "Nooo??? Is she not at work?"

Al felt his body tense. If Lucy wasn't home, nor work, then where was she?

"No, she hasn't come in," he said, attempting to keep his voice steady, "Or called for that matter." he then came up with an important question, "Do you know what time she left?"

"Uhhh..." Fauna said, "I think it was 'round... 4:30 this morning?" There was a pause, "Yeah! Yeah it was, because I remember hearing hushed cursing as she tripped on one of the kids!"

Alfendi could not answer. For him, everything had stopped.

Four thirty a.m.?

And yet Baker was always late?

How was that possible?

"A-Alright..." he managed to stammer, "Well, we'll keep looking then, I suppose."

"Mmtay," Fauna said, "I'll try calling her and see if she picks up. Love ya, Al."

"Piss off, Faun." Potty joked, suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

As soon as she hung up, he screamed.

"FUCK!!"

He ran back into the hall, nearly crashing into Florence's IV.

"Not there?" Hilda panicked.

"Answer me this, Hilda..." Alfendi held in his rage and panic, "How does a girl who is always late... manage to get up at 4:30 in the morning and straight up walk out???"

"I assume this girl is Lucy?" Hilda said, "If it is, then I'm about as confused as-

Alfendi's cell rang in his pocket, and he immediately took it out.

Unknown Number

"Well, answer it!" Hilda insisted, "It might be Lucy!"

With that thought in mind, Alfendi put the phone to his ear and asked, "Hello?"

"Prof!" a certain detective constable's voice was heard on the other end.

"Lucy?" Alfendi exclaimed, returning, once more to his placid persona.

"Aye, this is she. Prof, I need ta know if you can pick me up."

"Pick you up? Why would I need to do that?

"Well, umm..."

Suddenly, Alfendi heard a loud honk on the other line. It almost sounded like-

"A tugboat? Baker where in the fresh living hell are you!?" Potty shouted.

Alfendi couldn't see it, but at the moment, Lucy's face was a bright, burning scarlet. She laughed sheepishly, signing extreme embarrassment.

"A-Anchor Bay..."

Alfendis eyes grew large, and while his jaw did not actually drop, it felt like it had.

"How in the hell did you manage that!?" he shouted

"I DON'T KNOW, NOW CAN YA PLEASE PICK ME UP!?"

"Alright, fine. I'll borrow someone's car from here."

"Ta, Prof! I'll wait by th' shore."

He hung up and stared blankly at Hilda, "Hilda I need your-"

"I heard," Hilda said, handing Alfendi the keys to her corvette, "Deep blue, silver finish, now go save your assistant."

The inspector did not answer, and immediately set off to Anchor Bay.

Upon arriving, he heard his assistant,

"Proooof!!"

He turned his head to see Lucy, rushing from the water's edge and up to the docks. She reached the corvette and gave a tired glance at Alfendi

"I swear I don't remember walkin' 'ere..." she said, already knowing Alfendi would ask questions.

"Lucy," he put his hands together in a prayer like fashion and up to his mouth, "Considering the fact that you own no cars, and no modes of transportation, I'm extremely suspicious that you got up and walked out of your home at 4:30 a.m. of your own accord and walked five hours without remembering any of it."

He noticed Lucy grow slightly tense before relaxing, "What d'ya mean, 4:30? I feel like I jus' woke up!" she exclaimed.

Alfendi was quick to confusion, "Were you sleepwalking?" he asked. He knew it was an odd question, as he didn't think anyone could sleepwalk for five hours straight, or do morning activities for that matter.

"Tha' migh' be it," Lucy agreed, "Look, Prof, let's jus' drop th' subject an' get back to th' Yard."

Deciding not to inquire about it anymore for now, Alfendi opened the other door, allowing Lucy to get in. As they drove back to Scotland Yard, Alfendi's curiosity got the best of him. His hair turned bright red, and Potty asked:

"Why do you think you got up so early?"

"I donno," Lucy responded, "Maybe I needed to do summat but my body took over first."

That makes absolutely no sense. Potty thought.

Let's drop it now, Placid advised Potty in the mind they shared, I'd hate to humiliate her or make her uncomfortable.

Alright, Potty yielded, But if this happens again, I'm going to ask as many questions as I can.

In a few minutes, they were back at their workplace, and the day went on as normal, albeit constant checkups on Lucy.

***

Time- 1:38 p.m.

She was acting strange. First it was this morning, now she just seemed to be forgetting things that were routine.

She went to get tea and coffee, and almost immediately came back without any cups.

"Lucy? Where are the cups?" Alfendi asked.

As soon as the words passed his lips, Lucy's head snapped towards him.

She didn't look normal. Her eyes were wide, almost fearful, her fists clenched.

Then Hilda came in, looking nervous, and Lucy's head snapped in her direction.

"Al?" Hilda asked, almost cautiously, "C-Can I speak to you for a moment? Alone? It's rather urgent..."

"Alone?" Al repeated, "Why?"

"I just-" Hilda nearly shouted, "It's of dire importance, Al, and I don't want Lucy hearing it."

"Alright," Alfendi turned to Lucy, "May you please continue what I asked you to do while I speak with Hilda?"

Lucy's fists relaxed abruptly, and she looked around.

"Oh, shoot, I forgot t' make th' tea and coffee!" She exclaimed before heading back to the side room.

Suddenly, Alfendi's head jerked towards Hilda as she slammed his desk.

"Alfendi Layton, I think Lucy's dangerous." she stated firmly.

Alfendi was shocked, to say the least. "Now why would you think that?" he inquired.

"At Anchor Bay..." Hilda began explaining, looking down slightly, "We got a report that there was a murder, not long after you and Lucy left. The victim was Pearl Marina, a fisherwoman who practically lived at the docks." she paused, looking at Alfendi, who seemed deeply intrigued at this new case.

"The scene was probably the worst though: blood everywhere, Pearl stabbed with a harpoon tied to an anchor. The only way we know about it is because of an eye witness." Her eyes widened in horror, "And the description of the killer was... Quite incriminating..."

Alfendi raised an eyebrow, "Oh? How so?"

Hilda wrung her hands together, "Witness claimed the killer wore a green top, pale khakis, brown and white Oxford pumps, had light ginger hair..." She paused, noticing Alfendi's increasing panic.

She sighed, "And an orange cap..."

Alfendi felt his heart stop. It suddenly became hard to breathe, his lungs feeling as though they were being crushed.

"B-But-" he started to stammer, before he noticed Lucy in the doorway, a dark eerie shadow across her face.

"Lucy!" both Hilda and Alfendi exclaimed in shock and fear.

"Did you... hear us?" Alfendi asked, already knowing the most likely answer.

"It weren't my fault." she claimed, her voice dark and stern.

"Hm?" Alfendi asked.

"Lucy, I need you to answer-" Hilda was trying her best to remain calm.

Then, without warning, Lucy dropped the cups. They shattered, the contents splashing everywhere, and Lucy grabbed the sides of her head in a panic.

"IT WEREN'T MY FAULT!" she screamed, "I SWEAR IT WEREN'T ME, IT WEREN'T ME! NOTMENOTMENOTMENOTME!"

Al stood up, preparing to run if things got heated. Hilda backed up, an immense fear in her eyes.

"Lucy, calm down, please!" Alfendi cried out.

"IT WERE 'ER!!" Lucy continued, "IF THERE WERE A DEATH, THEN IT'S 'ER FAULT, NOT MINE!"

"Lucy, who is 'her'?" Hilda questioned, still backing up.

A panicked expression came upon Lucy's face as it dawned on her what she had said. She let out a groan, grasping the sides of her head even harder, doubling over.

And then, she relaxed. She let go of the sides of her head, looking around to see that everything was alright.

Or at least, that's what Hilda saw. Alfendi saw otherwise. She looked around, then at her hands, as if expecting to find something. Then he heard a little chuckle. Lucy noticed the duo standing across from her, and the smile went away.

And what struck Alfendi weird was not her current behavior, but rather, her hair.

It had grown a few shades brighter, ginger dominated by red rather than the usual golden brown.

There was a still silence in the room, before she spoke.

"Well, shit," Lucy said, chuckling sinisterly all the while, "I wanted t'be chased, not caught like a fucking bu'erfly..."

Alfendi and Hilda were taken aback. Lucy was not one to use this language. The occasional, "damn," and, "bugger" were heard, but never too extreme.

"L-Lucy?" Alfendi stuttered, "I-Is everything-"

"Who th' 'ell's 'Lucy'?" she snapped back, "Sure ain't me!"

"Then who are you?" Hilda asked

"Loopy Lily, AT thine serVICE!" she exclaimed, tipping her hat off in mock politeness, "But o' course, you police folk know me as th' York-Lanc Fox!" she giggled slightly before it turned into a loud, maniacal laughter. An insane, paralyzing laughter loud enough to reach the heavens.

Neither Hilda nor Alfendi could move. While Hilda was put off by this new Lucy, Alfendi recognized the name instantly. He had only been 19 at the time, but he had been interested in the cases.

He remembered the York-Lanc Fox. He had no choice to.

"You were the one to nearly kill me 10 years ago!"

Loopy raised an eyebrow, before she smiled in recognition.

"OOoh! You're th' crime enthusiastic bitch that gave me the slip!" she growled the last bit. Alfendi flinched from the harsh words, shrinking back slightly.

"Did you kill Ms. Marina?" Hilda asked impatiently.

Loopy gave her a crazed laugh in reply, "Aye, Ms. Busty! It were meee!"

Hilda and Alfendi were taken aback by the immediate confession. Hilda recovered quickly, however, and quickly grabbed a pair of handcuffs

"Well, Miss Lily," Hilda said firmly, "I'm afraid I'll have to arrest-"

Suddenly, a knife whizzed past the both of them, their attention going to the projectile.

"I'm afraid I can't allow ya t' do that..." a sickly growl came from behind them. As they turned their attention to Loopy, they saw that she had ran to the window, sitting on the sill.

"Like 'ell I'm being arrested now..."

And with that, she leaped out the window, running off to God knows where.

It was dead quiet.

Suddenly, Alfendi's phone began to ring. He fetched it from his pockets and looked at the caller:

Damn Sister #3

He immediately picked up, "Hello?" he said.

"Al?" Fauna said on the other line, "That you?"

Alfendi gave a hoarse whisper, "Yeah..."

"I set up a lunch break with Lucy at 2:05 this afternoon at the Madame Cafe," his sister said, "Ya coming?"

Alfendi turned pale, "Uhhhh..."

"That was a rhetorical question Alfendi Layton, you are coming to this damn lunch." she hung up.

Alfendi stood there, terrified beyond compare.

He supposed he should get ready.

***

Time- 2:00 p.m.

Alfendi walked along the street, preparing himself to tell Fauna about Lucy.

But as he turned the corner, he froze. There, sitting at an outside table...

Was Fauna, chatting happily away with either Lucy or Loopy.

Slowly, he approached the two.

"Al!" Fauna exclaimed, "Ya made it! I, uh..." she faltered, looking at the detective constable, "Heard that ya met Loopy..."

Alfendi's eyes widened in disbelief, "You knew!?" He looked at his assistant, and noticed that, at the time, Lucy was in control, and looking ashamed.

Fauna nodded, "Luce told me, saying it felt like there was a huge memory gap between 1:30 and 1:55, so she assumed Loopy had broken out."

Alfendi sat down and looked at Lucy, but now, Loopy was glaring at him.

"Dammit!" she shouted, pounding a fist on the table, "This is your brother!?"

Fauna glanced at Lily, "Yeah... You know: The one you weren't supposed to attack." she said, as if speaking to a child. Lily flipped her off whilst sipping her coffee in reply.

"Pero, admito..." Loopy said, surprising Alfendi with how perfect her Spanish was, "Tu hermano es... muy guapo, muy bonito~" she purred, suddenly switching to French, "Il y a bien plus de dix ans, non pas qu'il n'était pas beau, ni"

(*But, I admit... Your brother is... very handsome, very beautiful~ Much more than ten years ago, not that he wasn't handsome then, either~)

Alfendi felt an extreme heat in his cheeks. Loopy glanced at him and choked on her coffee.

"Fuck, you weren't supposed t' understand that!" she shouted.

"Aside from the fact that you think I'm attractive..." Alfendi got out, "You know both French and Spanish?" he asked.

"Well, 'un, tha's what 'appens when you're adopted by a French and Spanish couple." Loopy's sassy response irked Alfendi.

Alfendi looked at Fauna, "Explanation, both of you."

"I don't care 'ow 'ot ya are, coppa!" Lily shouted at him, "I'll say nowt about me!"

"Al." Alfendi looked to Fauna, who was beckoning him over. He leaned in.

"Polaroid Camera." she whispered.

Alfendi immediately went inside, waiting for Fauna.

*Polaroid Camera= Private Conversation

Fauna soon came in, "Alright, Al, I can't spill much, but whatdya wanna talk about?" she asked.

Alfendi thought of the many questions he had. How long had Lucy been like this? What had caused it? Were there any precautions he had to take? Who was the original? He figured he could start with two basic questions.

"What caused her split personality?" he asked.

Fauna tensed slightly before sighing, "All I know about that topic is that she was severely abused, physically and mentally. Both Lucy and Loopy refuse to tell me who or what did the beating."

Alfendi felt his heart shatter into a thousand shards, "A-Abused?" he finally managed to repeat. How could Lucy not have told him?

"Yes, abused, now what else do ya wanna know?" Fauna questioned firmly, Alfendi noticing that his usually tough sister was on the verge of tears.

So he asked, "When was she abused? If you can't answer that, when was she adopted?"

Fauna wiped her eyes, "I'm forbidden to tell any age details about Lucille from before she was twelve, but-"

"Lucille?" Alfendi interrupted, "You mean Lucy?"

Fauna took a deep breathe, eyes widening slightly. Alfendi knew the expression well. It was the look a criminal gave when they had said too much.

"Yeahhh... Lucille is Lucy's, um, actual name..." Fauna trailed. Alfendi mentally face palmed. Fauna had the awful habit of becoming a terrible liar once she spilled the beans.

"But anyway!" Fauna said, attempting to get Alfendi off her tail, "I can answer your second question. When she was twelve, a couple took her in, raising her as their own child."

Alfendi grew curious, "What were their names? Where did they find her?"

Fauna motioned him to slow down, "A Mexican woman and Frenchman by the names of Luv and Remimbur Yuferiver. I'm pretty sure they just found her on the streets, bleeding, bruised, and bawling her eyes out."

Alfendi felt unable to breathe, his eyesight growing dark as both personalities began to argue.

To think she never told us! Placid, she's probably suffered more than we have!

I know, I know. Keep calm for now. If we lose ourselves, the repercussions will be severe.

But Lucy-!

I know. You're furious, but save it for when we're alone.

"Al." he heard Fauna and looked up, seeing her giving him a sincere look, "Sorry that I was the one to break the news to you."

Suddenly, the customer doorbell rang, and Lucy walked in, her face somber and fearful.

"So..." Lucy said, "'ow much didja say?"

Fauna sighed, "Ask him yourself." and she went to the restroom

Lucy's gaze turned to her mentor, "Well?"

Alfendi twiddled his fingers, "All I know is that you were adopted off the streets and were abused."

Lucy put her face in her hands, "I-I-" she stuttered, "I di'nt want ya t' know..."

He brought her outside, bringing her back to the table, "Why didn't you want me to know, Lucy?"

She was quietly sobbing, but she managed to speak, "B-Because you-you would've 'a-'ated me too..."

Alfendi was taken aback at this response. Why would someone usually so cheerful feel like she'd be hated for another personality?

"Lucy, I have no reason hate you," he said, switching to Potty and pointing at himself, "If I did, it'd make me look like a fucking hypocrite." Lucy laughed in response.

"Ta, Prof. I jus' di'nt know, wi' Loopy trying to murder you as revenge for ten years ago an' all."

And right on cue, Loopy came out. She looked around before returning her gaze to Alfendi.

"What did Pippi Longstockin' talk t' you about, 'ot stuff?" she asked.

"Well," Alfendi began explaining. When he had finished. Loopy gave him a stern look.

"Dammit..." she whispered, "Why can't she jus' accept th' fact tha' people actually appreciate 'er? Why does she 'ave t' think everyone 'ates 'er?" she put a hand to her temple.

"Lily..." Alfendi soothed, evaluating his next question, "I know you haven't told Fauna, but can you tell me who hurt you? Can Lucy tell me?"

Lily sighed, "Normally, I'd stab anyone who asked tha'," she said, "But wi' you, it's different. A: My roomie is ya sister, who's forbidden me t' murder yer ass; B: You're a real tall glass o' wa'er, an' th' sight o' you gets me wet; C:-"

She paused, looking at Alfendi's poor face, which was a deep shade of burgundy. She snickered before continuing.

"C: Longstockin's been working wi' you for a while, an' she won't shut up about yer sexy ass."

Alfendi felt blood rush down his nose. He quickly grabbed a napkin and held it to his nostrils. Loopy burst into laughter.

"The sexy ass part were me," she managed to say, "I don' actually know what she thinks of you in romance terms. She does talk 'bout you alot though..."

She took a sip of her coffee, "If ya really mus' know... It were my dad."

While Alfendi's heart ceased to beat, Fauna came back out, holding a tray filled with tea, scones, and muffins. She was quick to acknowledge Alfendi's red face and bleeding nose.

"God..." she chuckled, setting the tray down, "Lou, what've you been doing to my brother?"

"She's been FLIRTING FAUNA." Alfendi said before Loopy could get a word in, "A bit TOO MUCH."

As they laughed and ate, Alfendi noticed that both Loopy and Lucy were coming out often. Then Loopy said something that Alfendi had always wondered.

"Now, Faun, 'ot stuff," she said, "I notice ya don't call each other 'li'le brother' or 'big sister'... Why is-"

"DO YOU KNOW HER AGE!?"

"LOOPY!!"

Both responses came at once, Lily slowly piecing the situation together.

She turned to Alfendi in gleeful shock, "You don't know ya own sister's age!?" her jaw dropped while she still smiled. She started laughing from the pure surprise of it all.

"NO!" Both Placid and Potty seemed to shout, "IT'S BEEN ONE OF MY GREATEST CASES THAT I HAVEN'T. BEEN ABLE. TO SOLVE, AND IT'S PISSING ME OFF!"

And it wasn't a lie. Fauna was rather young looking, probably between him and Lucy, and she was no taller than Lucy as well, albeit a little shorter. For years, he had been trying to find the answer to her question: "How old am I?"

Loopy glanced at Fauna.

"NO," Fauna said firmly, "Loopy, no, Loopy, don't you DARE-"

"She's 38~" Loopy smirked, giving her poor roommate a mischievous grin.

"LooPYy!" Fauna shouted in humorous anguish. Alfendi slammed the table with both hands.

"FINALLY!" Potty shouted, before Placid took his phone out of his pockets and began furiously dialing a number, "I'm telling Katrielle!" he said.

"NOo!" Fauna leaped at him. Loopy merely watched as the shenanigans ensued. Overall, this lunch date had to have been one of her favorites.

***

Time- 3:36 p.m.

As Alfendi and Lucy walked back to the Yard, Alfendi felt a strange calmness. No longer fearful, no longer confused. Just a sense of tranquility.

They passed a middle aged woman, probably in her early 40's, with ginger hair, dominated by an orange-red. She wore a long, deep blue dress with three quarter sleeves, and black mary janes. Alfendi noticed that she was singing.

No, wait, not just singing.

She was crying.

He tried to move on, but realized that Lucy had frozen in place, listening intently to the woman's song.

***Devil’s Flute Theme Extended***

The seas will roar for you

And tell you "Go to sleep"

Rest your head

And know you'll be safe when

The morning sun comes

Alfendi looked at Lucy. Large, rolling tears fell down her face before she finally spoke.

"M-Mum...my...?"

The woman looked up in shock.

"Lucy?" she whispered. The two stared at each other for a whilewhile, Alfendi looking on in wonder.

"Mummy!" Lucy sobbed, hugging the woman tightly.

"Lucy, my baby!" the woman replied hugging back just as tight.

"Mummy, where were you?" Lucy cried, "Me an' th' others kept lookin'!"

"I know, sweetheart, I know, and I'm sorry I couldn't have come sooner..."

Alfendi coughed behind them. As they turned to him, he simply smiled.

"I don't mean to be rude," he said, turning to Lucy, "But, Lucy, might I be introduced to your mother?"

"Aye!" she exclaimed, "Prof, this is my mum, Arianna Baker!" she turned to the newly introduced woman, "Mummy, this is Alfendi Layton! Best Inspector of Scotland Yard!" Alfendi blushed.

Arianna looked at Lucy's mentor in surprise at the name Layton. "Are you, by any chance, related to Hershel Layton?"

Alfendi, although confused, nodded, "Yes, he's my father."

Arianna's grinned, eyes widening in child like glee, "I knew your father when I was small!", she said, "I'm not surprised one of the best inspectors at Scotland Yard would be Hershel's son."

She then turned to Lucy, "You remember the story I told you? About the Golden Garden?" Lucy nodded.

"One o' th' best stories I ever 'eard!"

Alfendi suddenly recognized the woman, "Oh, you're Ms. Arianna Barde! My father's apprentice speaks highly of you." he said.

Arianna chuckled, "Luke always did have something nice to say about me."

"Should we continue to head back?" Alfendi suggested, "Mrs. Baker, you may come along, if you like."

Ms. Baker smiled and nodded in a very similar fashion to Lucy's smile, "Of course! I'd love to learn more on my future in-law~"

"MUM!"

***

Time- 4:08 p.m.

As Alfendi and his company approached the Yard, Lucy stumbled a bit, falling into Alfendi's back.

"Ah, sorry Prof," she said, "It's jus' tha' all this switchin' between me an' Loopy is right tirin'. Ya don't mind filin' tha' I 'eaded 'ome early, do ya?"

"Of course, Lucy," the inspector said, "I myself might head home early."

"A'ight. Ta, Prof." Lucy said, before continuing on, heading to her home with her mother. On the way, she decided to ask her mother a question.

"Mum..." Lucy said solemnly, "Do you know? What... Dad..."

"Yes." Arianna growled lightly, "I am also aware of him causing your personality, and I've divorced him because of it. Unfortunately, he has my ring, thus still has slight control over me due to our vows."

Lucy's heart sunk, before her mother placed a hand on her shoulder and rubbing her back.

"But let's put that behind us, Lucy." she said, "I'm here, and we can search for your siblings together!"

At that moment, they reached Lucy's house. A quaint thing it was, almost like something one would find in a storybook. There was a neat and narrow brick path from the sidewalk to the two steps that lead to the porch. The entire house was painted a pale lavender, and had white trim on the door and windows.

Arianna inspected the surroundings as they walked down the path, noticing the vast amounts of flower bushes adorning the sides of the house.

As they reached the door, she commented, "Lucy, how could you afford such a cute little place?"

"I couldn't," Lucy stated bluntly, "My roommate put an article int' paper, and I gladly accepted 'er offer."

Arianna made a face of acknowledgement before Lucy unlocked the door and swung it open.

"SERIPH, TRANCE, KIDS, I'M 'OME!"

In an instant, five cats appeared, eyes glowing.

Jaguars.

Two large, one medium, and two considerably small cubs, rushing to the door to greet Lucy.

Arianna panicked, "Luc-!"

Lucy opened her arms, "There ya are, ya rascals! Come t' Auntie!"

The largest jaguar leapt into her arms, the others soon following.

"Good t' see ya'll again! D'ya know if Fauna's at work still?" Lucy asked.

The middle jaguar shook it's head, as if to say "no"

Lucy clicked her tongue in a semi annoyed fashion in reply, "Welp," she quickly grabbed a notepad and pen from her back pocket, furiously scribbling down a note.

"This is my mum," she began saying, "I 'ad t' leave early because personalities, I'm takin' 'er bed and Mum can take mine, so she'll be sleepin' ont' floor wi' you guys." she gave the note to the smallest jaguar, "Make sure Faun ge's that, Dahlia Violet."

The kitten jumped up and down, running off with it's new treasure. Lucy turned to her mother, "That bein' said, I'm gonna go nap, so please, Mum, don't destroy the place."

Arianna laughed before Lucy smiled and headed up to bed, soon succumbing to blissful sleep.

***

Time- 1:22 a.m.

Lucy was startled awake by a rough, wet tongue. She opened her eyes to see Trance, the second eldest jaguar, licking her face.

"Trance!" she whispered harshly, trying not to awake her mother, "What's goin'-"

She suddenly heard the others growling, snarling and barking outside in the backyard. Assuming it was a robber, she quickly grabbed the knife hidden under Fauna's mattress and sneaked downstairs, avoiding the creaky steps so that her mother would remain asleep. She expected Fauna to be downstairs, before she realized that Fauna was already gone and working her night shift. So she steeled herself and peeked out the window.

Her heart stopped.

There, lying in the grass, still and motionless...

Were the bodies of her siblings.

#fanfic #layton brothers mystery room

[damedarkhat]

It’s Christmastime, Alfendi Layton

This Christmas, I’m writing a story for @geekygenius​! I hope that you enjoy this fic; it was a joy to write!

Many thanks to @askalfendilayton for once again organizing a lovely exchange!

You can also read this story on FanFiction.

Rating: T for consistency with the main game; actual content is closer to K+ due to mild language

Word count: 2,508

Four months ago, Alfendi Layton made a startling discovery thanks to his beloved assistant, Lucy Baker. Now, it's Christmas Eve, and Flora and Katrielle can't wait to meet the promising young detective constable their brother keeps mentioning. Maybe this Christmas Eve will bring some unexpected joy to the Mystery Room's surly inspector.

Alfendi Layton was in a bit of a predicament.

Ever since that nasty cold he’d gotten in August, he’d given up on explaining away the various physiological symptoms that seemed to arise specifically when he was in Lucy’s presence. The moment she’d shown up on his doorstep to check on him, he had to concede that his feelings for Lucy had passed beyond a mere crush: he had fallen deeply in love with Lucy Baker.

And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.

Every time their hands brushed when passing files or mugs of tea, Alfendi forced down his blushes and focused himself on the cases in front of them with outstanding intensity—even by his standards. Before he knew it, nearly four months had passed, and he was nowhere near closer to resolving his feelings. He knew that Lucy cared for him, but there was a difference between caring for someone and wanting to share a life with them.

“Al!” Katrielle called to him, snapping him from his reverie one December day.

Alfendi looked up at his sister, brushing back strands of purple hair. “Yes, Kat?”

“I was asking if you wanted anything different for tea,” Katrielle replied, an amused look on her face. She sat cross-legged on his couch, a cup of tea in hand.

“For Christmas Eve?” Alfendi asked. “Our usual should be fine, don’t you think?”

“Well, we might need to make a bit more than usual,” she replied suggestively.

Alfendi frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I simply mean in case we have any guests,” she answered all-too-innocently.

Alfendi’s eyes flashed amber. “And why would we have guests, Kat?” he asked archly.

Katrielle shrugged. “For all you talk about Lucy, I’ve never met her,” she replied. “I thought it’d be nice if she joined us.”

Alfendi made a noncommittal noise.

“Oh, come on, Al,” Katrielle prodded her brother. “Don’t you like her?”

“I don’t need your help, Kat,” Alfendi growled in reply.

Alfendi had rehearsed how he was going to ask Lucy to join his family for Christmas Eve tea, but when the time finally came to just do it, Layton, all his placid put-togetherness failed him, and he let out a rather sharp, “Baker!”

Lucy was long-used to such outbursts, so she had a wry half-smile on her face when she answered, “Aye, Prof?”

Alfendi wondered at her expression before realizing that he was pointing at her like he’d just solved a case. “Er, that is, well,” he muttered, feeling his cheeks begin to rival the shade of his hair, “what are your plans for the twenty-fourth?”

“Christmas Eve?” Lucy repeated. “Well, I were planning to go home, but Mum and Dad’re goin’ on a cruise in the Mediterranean then. Christmas just south o’ France, can you imagine?” She giggled before growing quiet. Lucy had never exactly been lacking in Christmas spirit, but the prospect of spending it alone was one she avoided thinking about. “So, I s’pose I’ve got nowt to do.”

“Why not have tea with me?” Alfendi asked before he could stop himself. “With us!” He rushed to correct himself. “That is—my family’s all in London at the moment, and we always have tea together on Christmas Eve. You could us—if you want.” Dammit, none of this is going the way I planned.

To his surprise, though, Lucy’s expression was now one of softness. “You mean it?”

Her gentle tone had his heart racing. ��Of course! I’m no less than 96.7% certain that you’ll enjoy yourself.” That was an exaggeration: he knew his sisters would adore Lucy, but whether Lucy would return the sentiments was less certain. Alfendi had found long ago that his usual detachment did not and could never apply to Lucy: she defied calculation.

Lucy smiled. “I’d love that! Do I need t’bring owt?”

“Yes, actually,” Alfendi replied. “We do a small gift exchange on Christmas Eve. Each of us is assigned someone randomly. I’ll give Flora your number, and she can tell you whom you’ve got.”

“Oh, sounds fun!” Lucy exclaimed. “I’ll be lookin’ forward to it!”

Telling his family over their next Sunday roast went about as well as he expected.

Katrielle nearly threw her fork as she squealed with excitement. “Finally!” she exclaimed.

Flora smiled at her younger brother. “It’ll be nice to meet someone who works with you so much, Al,” she said warmly.

“I told you!” Katrielle continued to crow. “Didn’t I, Flora?! I told you!”

“Now, now, Katrielle,” Hershel gentle admonished his excitable daughter, “a gentlewoman never boasts of her own abilities.”

“Very well, Papa,” Katrielle sighed. “Although I did tell you,” she murmured to Alfendi, low enough that their father couldn’t hear.

Flora chuckled. “Let’s try not to embarrass Alfendi too badly when Lucy comes over, Kat.”

“I’ll have you know I intend no such thing,” Katrielle insisted with a smile. “I think Lucy and I shall be great friends.”

“Perfect,” Alfendi groaned. This better not have been a mistake.

Christmas Eve finally came, and Alfendi and Lucy found themselves approaching the front door of Alfendi’s childhood home, gifts in hand. Despite the evening light, Lucy noted Alfendi’s hair color with a small exclamation.

“You’ve got a monk on, Prof,” she remarked concernedly.

“Do I?” Alfendi asked, shaking his head. He was far more nervous than he cared to admit, but there was no need to make Lucy worry.

“You feelin’ alright?” she pressed as he knocked on the door.

“Yes, Lucy, I’m fine,” he answered, trying to assuage her. “It’s just adrenaline.”

“I know what you mean,” Lucy confessed, a small smile returning to her face.

Before Alfendi could begin to overanalyze her demeanor, Katrielle opened the door, exclaiming, “Al! And you must be Lucy. Please, come on in!”

“Ta!” Lucy replied, stepping over the threshold. “It were awfully nice of you to invite me.”

“Of course!” Katrielle said. “I’m Kat, Al’s sister. It’s nice to meet you—I’ve heard so much about you!”

Alfendi shot Katrielle a look that meant don’t, and Katrielle infuriatingly merely laughed to herself—and at me, definitely at me—and took Lucy’s coat and hat.

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Kat,” Lucy said warmly.

“So, Katrielle, what do you do?” Lucy asked, hoping to make small talk.

“I’m a professional gentlewoman!” Katrielle replied, laughing. “And I’m planning to open my very own detective agency!”

“A private detective?” Lucy replied. “That’s brilliant!”

“Thank you!” Katrielle said. “I need to get an assistant, but I’ve found the perfect spot for an office. It just needs a little cheering up.”

“Well, that’s very exciting!” Lucy said earnestly.

Katrielle met Alfendi’s eye briefly, and Alfendi knew his sister had found a fast friend. “Let me introduce you to Flora!” Katrielle said, ushering Lucy further into their home.

Lucy and Flora seemed to click instantly, too, and Lucy had already met Hershel four months earlier. Perhaps having Lucy over is turning out well. Soon, they sat down to eat, and their conversation flowed warmly throughout their meal.

“How was the Prof as a kid?”

“Why do you call Al ‘the Prof,’ Lucy?”

“Sounds like you ought to get a job at Gressenheller, Alfendi.”

“Flora, please…”

Lucy seemed to get on perfectly with Alfendi’s family: they were all passionate problem-solvers, after all. As Alfendi and his sisters cleared the table while his father and Lucy moseyed to the living room for presents, Alfendi wondered if there wasn’t the smallest chance that maybe, just maybe, Lucy might want to be in his life outside the Mystery Room. It wouldn’t be the first time she surprised him, and he doubted that there would ever be a last time.

I should just be grateful that she’s here at all and try not to hope for anything more, he chastised himself as he joined the others in the living room. There was no use in wishing for what couldn’t be when she was sitting right next to him on the sofa, a mug of hot cocoa in hand. I can be content with what we have. I must be content with what we have.

Flora shook him from his reverie when she walked into the living room moments later and began distributing gifts. “You all know the rules,” she said, checking the labels. “One present per person, and lots of cheer!”

“Those are the only rules?” Lucy asked with a giggle.

“And very important rules they are,” Flora replied with a smile. Within a few moments, she had handed everyone a package labeled only with their recipients’ names.

Alfendi held an impeccably wrapped package no bigger than a paperback book. That wrapping job could have been anyone’s but the cheerful looping letters that spelled Alfendi gave it away.

“I’m your Secret Santa, Prof!” Lucy confirmed, seeing the look on his face.

Alfendi’s heart skipped a couple of beats. Dammit, Layton, get it together! “Is that so, Baker?” he asked quietly.

“Go on, Al!” Katrielle said. “Open it!”

“Katrielle,” Flora whispered warningly.

Alfendi rolled his eyes at his sister and meticulously unwrapped his present, peeling the tape off piece by piece and gently unfolding the paper. Within the package, he found a blue-and-red-striped…thing. Soft knit, but small enough for…a kitten…

“What’ve you got there, Alfendi?” Flora inquired.

Alfendi couldn’t help the chuckle bubbling up from within himself. He glanced at Lucy and saw her pleased expression. “I’m 99.9% certain that this is a jumper for Mia,” he announced.

“You’ve got it, Prof!” Lucy chirped. “Now, you two can match!”

Katrielle giggled.

“How cute!” Flora exclaimed.

Hershel didn’t say anything, but he gently smiled and sipped his Earl Grey.

“Thank you, Lucy,” Alfendi said, his voice low. He folded the kitten-sized jumper back, placed it in his pocket, and excused himself for a moment. He stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, out of sight of the others. He felt feverish again—delirious in a way that was actually quite pleasing. Was this…hope?

Don’t read into it, you daft man, he scolded himself. It signifies nothing. Nothing. Stop looking for signs that aren’t there.

Signs that she thinks of me outside of work.

Signs that she cares for me outside of work.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn’t hear a soft voice behind him asking, “Prof?”

Alfendi nearly jumped. “Lucy!” he exclaimed, brushing his crimson bangs out of his face. “What’s the matter?”

“Nowt’s wrong with me, Prof,” she said. “I were checkin’ on you.”

Alfendi forced a smile. “I’m fine, Lucy, truly,” he said. “Thank you.”

Lucy shrugged. “It’s nowt, Prof. You ought to know that.”

Alfendi shook his head. “I don’t mean for checking on me—although, I suppose I should—or even for the present—but thank you for that, too.” The words were tumbling out of him now. “I mean for everything.”

“Everything?” Lucy repeated.

“Everything,” Alfendi replied seriously. He felt a lump in his throat, and before he could open his mouth again, he swallowed the words unsaid. Defending me. Believing me. Being with me. Being loved by me.

Lucy didn’t say anything for a moment. There’s that look again. Soft, but with a flash of determination. Before he could think further on it, Lucy had risen to her tiptoes and gently pecked him on the cheek.

Alfendi’s mind went blank. His mouth opened, but no comprehensible words were coming out. And he was quite certain that if his cheeks got any redder, he’d wind up with broken capillaries.

Lucy giggled good-naturedly and pointed just above their heads. “Mistletoe, Prof.”

Mistletoe that definitely wasn’t there before. “Of course,” he managed at last, his faculties finally returning to him. “Happy Christmas, Lucy.”

“Happy Christmas, Prof,” she replied, grinning.

And as much as he loved her present and the chaste kiss under the mistletoe, Alfendi’s favorite gift on that Christmas Eve the dazzling smile she gave only to him.

Later that evening, after Alfendi had seen Lucy home and had returned to help his father and sisters clean up, he made his accusation.

“Katrielle Layton!” he announced, pointing at his mischievous sister as if he were confronting a criminal.

“What’s it this time, Al?” Katrielle replied sardonically.

“You placed this mistletoe in the doorway of the kitchen after we cleared the plates!” he stated, brandishing the mistletoe for effect.

Katrielle laughed. “Mistletoe?” she repeated incredulously. “I may tease you, Al, but I didn’t put that there.”

Alfendi shook his head. “Nonsense,” he countered. “I’m 92.6% certain it was you. You’ve been meddling in my relation—friendship with Lucy for weeks now, and you couldn’t let an opportunity like Christmas Eve pass you by.”

“Sorry, Al” Katrielle said, placing a finger to her temple and cocking her head slightly to the side, “but the pieces of that puzzle don’t quite fit. I may have suggested that you invite her to Christmas Eve, but I had no plans beyond that.”

“Besides,” Flora piped up, “how would Kat know that Lucy would go looking for you in the kitchen? She wouldn’t have any reason to go there; she’s a guest, after all.”

“An interesting puzzle, indeed,” Hershel remarked, a knowing smile on his face.

Katrielle’s eyes brightened. “Wait just a moment!” she cried. “This mystery is history!” She spun around and pointed at—“Flora! After Al left the living room, Lucy leaned over to you and whispered something before she got up, too! You told her to check the kitchen!”

Alfendi’s jaw dropped.

Hershel merely chuckled and continued to sip his tea.

Flora’s eyes widened, and she began to sputter. “Well, I—I mean, yes, I told her to check the kitchen, but I—oh, what’s the use?” She sighed. “Very well, yes, I hung the mistletoe just before I started handing out gifts.”

“Flora,” Katrielle said, shaking her head, “after all that talk about not embarrassing Al! Why did you do it?”

“Oh, Alfendi, I didn’t truly embarrass you, did I?” Flora asked nervously.

Alfendi let out an incredulous noise. “No, Flora, you didn’t embarrass me.” Admitting that being caught under the mistletoe was more pleasing than embarrassing is the more embarrassing admission. Best keep that to ourselves. “Why did you do it, though?”

“You must have figured it out,” Flora said, hoping to avoid the subject. Seeing her younger siblings merely quirk their eyebrows at her had her sighing again. “Surely, we can all see how well Al and Lucy get on. I just thought it’d be…cute, I suppose. I guess I got carried away.”

Katrielle laughed reassuringly. “There are worse things than wanting our surly brother to be happy, Flora.”

“I hope I didn’t upset you or Lucy, Alfendi,” Flora apologized, her eyes still wide. “I’d hate to have made either of you uncomfortable. For what it’s worth, I think the two of you would be lovely together.”

You and me both. Seeing that his older sister’s worried state, Alfendi admitted a small smile creeping its way across his face, “It wasn’t entirely unpleasant.” In a strange way, maybe his family’s meddling had given Alfendi an unexpected Christmas gift after all.

#LBMRSecretSanta17 #lucifendi #alfendi layton #lucy baker #katrielle layton #flora reinhold #hershel layton #layton brothers mystery room #layton's mystery journey #professor layton #what can i say? it's the perfect time of year for holiday pining and fluff

[askalfendilayton]

LBMR Secret Santa - ‘Tis the (First) Season

Merry Christmas, @multi-the-world-wanderer! You asked for Alfendi and Lucifendi, and I’ve been very inspired by my first British Christmas this year. You English people really know how to get festive!

I’ve also explored the idea of Alfendi’s personalities being more separated than I usually write them. In this fic, they do not share many memories, and are incapable of viewing everything the other does while in control.

Summary: As it turns out, Placid Prof has never had a real Christmas, and Lucy Baker insists on breaking that tradition. Rating: K Warnings: Very minor references to alcohol. Katrielle Layton does appear, but there are no spoilers for LMJ. Ship: Pre-relationship Lucifendi

--

Lucy Baker went hard at everything she did, and that included Christmas.

Growing up in Yorkshire meant being surrounded by the festive season from the second Halloween ended. Attending the local Christmas markets was customary, and she adored witnessing the decorations brighten the streets as the day drew nearer. It was second nature for her to sing the carols as they came onto the radio whilst wearing an ugly sweater: the perks of working from an office.

When she placed a cup of hot chocolate in front of Alfendi instead of his usual tea, she received a raised eyebrow in response.

“’Tis the season, Prof.”

Placid hummed, taking one sip, then another as he studied a case file. “Not bad,” he commented.

She could feel how big her smile was. “I knew you had it in you to be festive! I migh’ decorate the office, while I have you in such a good mood.”

Muttering something in return, he gave her a non-committed shrug which she took as acceptance. As she tidied her desk she began to imagine it, considering which of her ornaments would suit the Mystery Room best.

“I could even bring in some egg nog,” she added after listing off the possibilities. “My Ma has a great recipe for it that I’m going to try for myself.”

“Egg nog?” His tone was critical.

“I’ll do my best to make it right, no need t’fret. And I won’t add any alcohol, since we’d be at work.”

As she strode across the room to put a file away, she caught sight of his face, and realised that it was not disapproval he’d expressed, but confusion.

Lucy opened her mouth, ready to poke fun at the infamous, educated Alfendi Layton for not knowing what egg nog was, but just managed to stop herself in time. Sliding the file into its allocated drawer, a thought nagged at her.

“Or,” she began, “we could have mulled wine, if you want a real drink. Outside work, o’ course.” His silence further confirmed her suspicions, but she gave him a final test. “The ice cubes might make it a bit cold for this weather, though.”

“Oh, yes, I agree, far too cold,” he replied. “I’ve never liked the drink anyway.”

Got you, Prof.

Mulled wine was served hot: nobody would ever consider putting icecubes in it. Peeking over at him from the filing cabinet, he was focused on his work, but she could see the faint blush in his cheeks.

She watched him a moment longer before returning to her own task, her mind whirring.

--

“Has your brother ever celebrated Christmas?”

The question was addressed to an irate Potty Prof, who had just nailed the coffin shut for a suspect. Rather than revelling in the excitement of it all, he was still hung up on a few colourful insults he’d received. Having worked with Alfendi for close to six months, Lucy knew that there was no chance Placid would overhear the conversation, given Potty’s current emotional state.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Brother?”

“You know who I mean.”

“We’re not brothers.”

“Oh, shush an’ answer the question.”

Pacing the room in an effort to calm himself down, Potty scoffed and finally looked up at her. “I assume he’s celebrated it, but I don’t remember the past four years well enough to tell you for certain. I wasn’t exactly active.”

“No memories stand out? Ice skating, shopping, roast dinners, presen-”

“None of that drivel.”

Huffing, she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re a right Grinch, you know.”

Finally, he smiled, or smirked at least. “Thank you very much.”

Mulling over his answer, she gathered the paperwork to finalise the arrest. A minute later, his pacing stopped.

“Perhaps I do remember something.”

“Hm?”

Thoughtful, he placed a hand on his chin. “It’s faint, but… yes, the dates would match up. When he awoke after our coma four years ago, and I was fighting to regain some control, the hospital room had tinsel in it.”

It was as if she’d been submerged in icy water. “Placid Prof spent his first Christmas in hospital?”

“He wasn’t discharged until mid-January, so yes, he must have.”

“That’s… Lord, that’s awful. Maybe you don’t like Christmas much, but he might’ve never had the chance to.”

Potty considered her words, face unreadable, before his pacing resumed.

--

“He hasn’t come to Christmas dinner in the past few years,” Katrielle said, her voice slightly grainy over the phone. “He always says he has to work, but I heard from Inspector Hastings that he volunteers to do it. I wasn’t too surprised; he’s never been fond of big, mushy family gatherings. Dad and I have missed him, though.”

It was exactly what Lucy had expected. “But this started after he were shot, didn’t it?”

“Yes, it did.” Katrielle paused a second. “And Dad and I do think that the incident has something to do with it. But we don’t want to push him into coming, especially since we’ve all grown closer after we helped him through his recovery. If he doesn’t want to attend one family gathering, we won’t hold it against him.”

Lucy understood, but it was sad to hear all the same. “Thank you, Katrielle.”

The two exchanged brief pleasantries before the call ended. Lucy placed the phone down, thinking hard.

He wasn’t extraverted, far from it, but Placid Prof was good natured enough. If he was given a real chance to enjoy Christmas traditions, without connecting it to his time in hospital, she believed with all her soul that he’d enjoy himself.

Convincing him to try was whole different matter altogether. Getting him to leave the comfort of his office to brave the busy shops and crowded Christmas markets would do him no good, of that she was certain. He’d have to have the type of Christmas which would suit him.

Luckily, he had an expert at his disposal.

--

As soon as one o’clock came the next day, Lucy tossed a scarf to a surprised Alfendi. “Come on, Prof, time to go.”

“Huh?”

It was impossible to contain her smile. “Our shift’s over.”

Glancing at the clock, his expression grew more confused. “Lucy, are you feeling alright? We have four hours left.”

“Not today we don’t. Chop chop, Prof, we’re on a tight schedule!”

She’d cleared it with the Commissioner to go early. She had the holiday leave to spare, and Lord knows that Alfendi did too, with his workaholic tendencies. In the meantime, Florence had agreed to take on any cases that might come their way (“Pick me up a warm beanie from the – ACHOO! – market, and I’d be happy to help.”).

Wary, but by this stage knowing better than to argue with her, he wound the scarf around his neck. “Just what have you got planned?”

“Ehee, but that would ruin it. Come on now, I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.”

It was rarely a white Christmas in London, but a little snow from the night had settled on the ground. She was prepared for the cold weather, layered up with a thick coat, beanie and gloves, but her companion was less so. They’d been outside for two minutes before she noticed him shivering, and she was grateful that she’d remembered to bring him the scarf at least.

“Sorry Prof. I promise you’ll warm up soon.”

Muttering something, he pulled his coat closer around him, trudging along.

As expected, it took thirty minutes to arrive to their destination. Perfect, she thought. That gives us about two hours.

The moment the lights came into view, Alfendi stopped. “Lucy, what is…?”

“The Christmas Market by the Thames,” she replied. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

After a second, he took a couple steps forward. “It’s so… bright.”

It was an apt description: lights of all sorts were a necessity for any market worth its salt. “That’s just the outside. Wait ‘til you actually walk through.”

It was as though a child had taken over his body a moment, stars settling in his eyes. In an instant, they disappeared. “Ah… I imagine it’ll be crowded.”

“Why do you think I got us out of work early?” she replied, unable to help the smugness in her voice. “It’s just after the lunch rush, and it won’t get busy again until kids are finished with school for the day and the adults are done with work. We’ve got time to enjoy it while it’s quiet.”

He stared at her, softness falling onto his face. “Lucy… you organised this for me?”

“I needed to make sure you enjoyed your first real Christmas, Prof. That wouldn’t happen if you were in a crowd.” Checking her watch, she took his sleeve and tugged him towards the stalls. “But we can’t waste any time! There’s so much for you to see!”

While he didn’t seem opposed to the idea, she expected that she’d have to nudge him forward most of the time. However, it didn’t take long for him to get into the swing of things. In a matter of minutes, he’d stopped at a stall which sold little trinkets, quickly purchasing one as a gift for Katrielle. Not long after, they came across a stall which solved logic games, the perfect gift for his father.

An hour in, she spotted what she’d been looking for. “Come on, Prof. It’s time for you to try some mulled wine.”

He shook his head. “It’s far too cold for that, Lucy.”

Giggling, she pointed to a passer-by who was holding a mug, steam rising from the rim. “Now if you’d actually had mulled wine before, you’d know that it’s served hot.” Spotting him beginning to blush, to save him from the embarrassment she quickly paid for two drinks, handing him the mug. “Cheers.”

“Ch-Cheers,” he echoed, clinking his mug with hers before sipping it, a little hesitant. She watched as he considered the taste, trying it again. “That is… something.”

“It takes some getting used to, I s’pose.”

“No, I like it. Who would have ever thought to heat up wine?”

--

The time flew by faster than she thought possible, and unsurprisingly for the English winter, the sky darkened early. As the market grew busier, she and Alfendi bought dinner from a food truck and retreated to a quieter part of the Thames with no stalls.

Sitting by the river, a comfortable silence fell upon them as they ate, but once she’d finished she realised that Alfendi was staring at her, thoughtful.

“What?”

“I’m grateful that you did this for me, Lucy. I suppose it was obvious that I haven’t celebrated Christmas in the past.”

She waited, inviting him to continue.

“The memories from when I – or he – was younger are faint, and I feel disconnected from them. The first real Christmas I remember was when I woke up from my coma, eleven days before it. Katrielle and Dad tried to make the day special for me, but it was a painful one. My body started to reject some of my medications, so I couldn’t eat anything, let alone have a Christmas feast. Not to mention that it was just so cold, and I was even skinnier than I am now.” Pausing, a small sigh passed through his lips. “Unfortunately, this time of year carries bad memories with it, so I’ve never felt festive.”

“I’m really sorry, Prof. I can’t imagine not celebrating Christmas, it were always something I loved when I were younger. And now, o’ course.”

Silent, he stared out at the river. “Perhaps… perhaps I will celebrate it this year, though,” he murmured.

Her heart leapt. “Huh?”

“A lot has happened in the past few months. Uncovering the truth from four years ago has made me feel stronger, and ready to move on from it. Now that I’ve actually seen what Christmas is like, I think I’d like to partake.” He paused. “It’s really like this every year?”

She grinned again. “Every year! This isn’t the only market in London, either, there are so many others we could go to. If you liked, o’ course.”

A few jumbled words left his mouth, until they eventually formed a coherent sentence. “I would like. Very much.”

“How about this weekend? If we get there early, we’ll avoid the rush.”

“Y-Yes, that sounds wise.”

He stopped speaking again, though it looked like he had a lot more to say, his mouth opening and closing.

Waiting, she eventually had to break the silence, which had grown stifling. “Are you alr-”

“What are you doing on Christmas day?” he blurted out.

Blinking, she examined his flustered face. “Ma and Pa are overseas this year, so nawt.” The reminder put a dampener on her mood; it was the first Christmas she’d spend without her family, given she was an only child. “I guess that’s why I’m so eager to do everything else I can ‘round London.”

“Would you like to come to the Layton family dinner?”

She was the one who was surprised now. “Eh?”

“I-I mean, I should go, after avoiding it so long. I’ve bought them presents and everything. You’d be w-welcome, of course, Katrielle would be thrilled. My father would like to meet you, too.”

Was it just her, or was he rambling?

Heart fluttering a little – now that was something new – she stared back at him, before realising she hadn’t answered. “I’d love to! I weren’t looking forward t’spending the day alone.”

“Then you won’t, Lucy Baker.”

The pair smiled at one another – she beaming, he a little sheepish – before they looked up to find the gentlest of snowflakes falling from the sky. Watching as he reached out to touch one, Lucy again saw the stars in his eyes.

Happy first Christmas, Placid Prof.

#Layton Brothers #Mystery Room #Alfendi Layton #Lucy Baker #Lucifendi #LBMRSecretSanta17

[pokefanclaire]

Secret Santa

Hello everyone! I’m no writer but I decided to have a crack at a fan fiction for a ship I absolutely adore. Alfendi Layton x Lucy Baker. Also I don’t own any rights to the game, or characters its purely my weird thoughts.

This fan fiction has mutual pining and teasing but is pretty tame. I’m not entirely sure how to describe this!

Secret Santa

‘Th’ Prof always uses the mug I gifted him for secret Santa. It’s a normal enough looking mug with “World’s greatest detective” printed in black ink and the inside is decorated with a flurry of magnifying glasses facing every which way. I watched him unwrap my gift for ‘im from under the Scotland yard Christmas tree about a month ago and he ‘asnt used another mug from the break room since’ Lucy thought proudly as she eyed the space allocated for making hot drinks.

“Good morning dear Lucy”

Lucy jumped in surprise of his sudden arrival and twirled to see a tired looking Alfendi sporting disheveled placid burgundy hair and 3 day old stubble across his chin.

“slept ‘ere again prof?”

“.. You know you have to fill that with water Baker?”

He gestured to the empty kettle Lucy was absent mindedly staring at. Alfendi laughed light heartedly at his assistants morning forgetfulness.

Lucy stepped aside as Alfendi began to make tea in his favourite mug. He had clearly slept in the mystery room last night she thought, yet his disheveled, unkept appearance did nothing to calm the flutters in her stomach or the increased pounding of her heart against her ribcage from his arrival to the break room.

Noticing the heat rising in her cheeks from his close proximity she snapped her attention toward the fridge to fetch a lemon slice to add to his earl grey tea Placid enjoyed each morning.

The coolness of the fridge gave her cheeks much needed relief, and Lucy gave out an audible sigh of relief.

“’ere ya are Prof”

Lucy beamed turning around. She felt a solid mass suddenly press against her entirety realising the Prof was standing right behind her.

“Sorr’ Prof”

she said stumbling back a step.

“It was entirely my fault I apologise dear Lucy. Are you okay?”

Smiling shyly placid prof tugged at the back of his neck nervously.

“It were nowt Prof, why’d you sleep at the mystery room anyways?” smiling at the nervousness she now felt. “was there some new case?”

“Not at all Lucy, I just didn’t want to get behind on paperwork. And besides my favourite mug is here at Scotland Yard. I really like it, and what it stands for”

Lucy stared at her mentor.

“I think I know who my secret Santa was”

“well you should” Smiled Lucy “been the worlds greatest detective and all that. Piece of cake for a great mind like yours”

Alfendi drank from his mug maintaining piercing eye contact with his dear Lucy.

“...And my dearest assistant, did you happen to find out the identity of your secret Santa?”

“nah Prof’ It was a crazy difficult puzzle with no instructions but it looks lik’ sum kinda box. I spent all Christmas day tryin’ to solve it. My ma and dad had a go too, and my neighbour tried but nowt”

“I wonder who would send you such a thing dear Lucy”

Lucy felt her cheeks burn from his relentless stare. She couldn't remember the last time Alfendi blinked…

“was ‘t you? Prof’”

Of course Lucy had her suspicions with him been the son of the famous Hershal Layton. A Puzzle sounded fitting. But she was a detective constable and all of Scotland Yard would of known that she would find a puzzle an entertaining gift.. Had Alfendi been staring at her this whole time? She watched his sweet amber eyes flicker to a darker, more dangerous shade of yellow.

Alfendi grinned sipping from his mug trying to guess her train of thoughts.

“You know, I’m quite good with puzzles my dear Baker. Can I possibly be of some help to you?”

Before Lucy could answer Alfendi had crossed the room to her. She had just enough time to groan as Potty Prof’s eyes met with hers. From his slightly crouched position he leant over her shoulder and whispered into her ear.

“because I am… the world greatest detective aren’t I Baker?”

“morning folks!” Dustin called glancing over at Lucy and Alfendi with a raised eyebrow “Not interrupting summat am I?”

Alfendi grinned at Dustin, his unkempt messy hair bright crimson.

“You ‘kay Lucy Love?” Dustin smiled, eyebrow still raised questioningly in Lucy’s direction.

Lucy was inches away from the grinning Potty Alfendi’s face, his unshaven dishevelled look making the break room vanish from her vision as heat rose to her cheeks. She took an inward breath, wanting to answer Dustin quickly before suspicion took hold and everyone at Scotland Yard would soon be making fun of her obvious crush on her mentor.

“um yea Dusti’ ta”

she finally managed with an altogether strange look on her face. Alfendi smelt of stale cigarettes, coffee and old books, an intresting and all together appealing combination rushing her senses.

“I’m just fine” Lucy added. Convincing herself this time.

“are you Baker? Because you look a little distracted by something, or someone perhaps?” he teased.

“then see ya Lucy love, have a good’n” Dustin stifled a laugh as he exited the break room noisily jangling his keys. “young love!” he added from half way down the corridor.

Lucy’s cheeks were hot, She could only imagine how uncomfortable she looked to Alfendi as he continued to intimidate her at her eye level.

“Baker, come with me”

He turned on his heels without looking back toward the break room certain Lucy would follow. Lucy hesitated for a split moment, deep in her own thoughts before racing to catch up with her handsome mentor. Out in the corridor, she looked left and right for Alfendi assuming he had gone to the mystery room she skipped up the corridor after him. The door to the mystery room was wide open, with no apparent inhabitant in there she knocked on the door.

“Hello? Prof? Are you here?”

her calls were met with silence but she observed on Alfendi’s desk was the still warm mug of tea, steam escaping the rim. He had to be here, She felt herself falter as she leaned inside the room knowing that it was most likely Potty Prof inside, Lucy felt the familiar heat rising to her cheeks at the thought of her Potty prof, the original Alfendi Layton. Fearless.

Lucy scanned the corridor once more before deciding to search the suspiciously silent Mystery room.

“Prof?”

Hands quickly covered her eyes as the door slammed shut behind her, heated breath brushed against the nape of her neck.

“care to guess which of your dear mentors is here with you?” Whispered Potty..

“Th’ original of course”

Silence fell once more.

“what did you call me just now” twisting to be sure he saw her lips move as she spoke. “not po…did you say original?”

“aye, I mean ya were ‘ere first wernt you? What woul you like me to call ya?”

Dazed Alfendi stared still covering Lucy’s eyes.

“...and Lucy, you aren’t scared are you? Of me I mean. Us”

He moved a hand to the side, brushing through Lucy’s golden hair. She groaned as the familiar scent of the prof fogged her consciousness for the second time that morning. ‘Get it together Lucy, he’s your boss! and this sort of thing isn’t allowed.. besides he’s just teasing. He never goes through with it, jus’ leaves me hanging. He’s all talk, that Potty’ She managed to comfort herself with her thoughts for a moment before allowing one eye to gently flutter open. He stared silently as heat rushed to her cheek turning her a shade of crimson familiar to Potty.

Alfendi gently traced the outline of her cheek with his outstretched fingers casually moving his face closer to hers before lightly brushing his thumb back and forth over her bottom lip.

“what would happen if I.. We just…..gave in Lucy?.”

Lucy stared at him in disbelief, convinced he was teasing as always she roared with hysterical laughter causing her to lose her balance and tumble forward into Alfendi.

“If I knew it was so easy to get you onto my lap Baker, I would of trapped you in the mystery room months ago”

Lucy’s eyes met with his, smiling broadly.

“I know you Prof, its all teasin’ an nowt else”

“one day I wont be able to stop myself Baker?”

Lucy was left feeling confused at the look on the now placid Prof’s face. Well placid Prof isn’t one for teasing, she thought about the living nightmare her life would become if both potty and placid decided to tease her. Shaking the thought from her head she tried to stand steadying herself on the sofa, offering both hands to the Prof she helped him regain his balance.

“Sorry abou’ falling onto you there Prof! I didn’t mean ta”

Alfendi didn’t reply, instead he stared down silently.

“wa is it?”

Her gaze fell on what had taken the Profs attention. Lucy was still holding Alfendi’s hands after helping him up.

“sorr’ Prof!”

Lucy let go of his hands instantly, retracting her arms from his direction.

“….Lu… Lucy… can you do me a favour please?”

Still looking down at his now empty hands.

“o’course Prof, anything”

Beamed Lucy, hoping by now he would of finally stopped teasing for the day.

“Can you try, to be less… perfect in my presence during work hours. I’ve found it very distracting of late” Alfendi didn’t bring his eyes to meet hers, but Lucy giggled at Pottys latest tease.

Alfendi’s hair was a placid, pale wine colour. He looked up with dull amber eyes.

“I mean it Lucy.”

A silence fell between them.

“tea prof?, how ‘bout I make us a brew! Earl grey with a lemon slice kay? Or would the othe’ trouble maker like a coffee?”

Alfendi laughed sheepishly as Lucy skipped from the mystery room toward the Scotland yard break room.

“Tea would be perfect my love”

morning turned to afternoon, and then dusk as 18:00 flashed on Lucy’s wrist watch.

“I’m ‘eading home now Prof, would you like to ride together?”

Alfendi hadn’t heard the question, or ignored his assistants declaration that she intended to leave.

“Is the mysterious puzzle in your backpack Lucy or at home?”

“s’in me backpack, I like it a whole bunch and who knows when i’ll figure it out eh?”

“May I see it Lucy? If you would kindly accept the help of your mentor”

“Sure Prof, I would love you to ‘elp me get a little further with solving the puzzle. Can I grab you some food from the take out place ‘round th’ corner” Understanding Alfendi will tackle her puzzle for a few hours at least.

“May I suggest something similar? I need to return to my apartment building this evening to take care of some household chores, and shave as i’m sure you’ve noticed I failed to remember to bring my razor with me into to work these past few days”

Alfendi ran a hand through his newly emerging beard with a disgusted curl tugging at the edge of his lips.

“we could grab some take away, and we can cycle to my apartment and I can help you with your puzzle while I take care of my chores”

“I uh.. I like it the stubbl’ I mean Prof.it suits ya somthin wicked”

Alfendi looked over at Lucy his hand frozen in the rough patch of hair now inhabiting his cheek.

“Can you confirm please, the newly emerged stubble you like?” Alfendi raised an eyebrow at Lucy.

“wel’ I guess yea.  stubbl’ or ‘least yours”

Lucy stared for a moment before realising she hadn't answered Prof’s next question.

“oh an’ take out at your place would be grand”

Alfendi didn't say a word until they reached the take out place near Scotland yard.

“what do you fancy Lucy? I mean from the take-out menu of course”

He grinned from ear to ear.

“’ello Potty, wondered if you were joining us this evening”

“Do you fancy something Italian Baker?”

“This is a chines’ restaurant silly”

He leaned into Lucy’s scarf sending his warm breath over her ear.

“I’m the something Italian silly”

“no, I don’t fancy any dam’ Italian”

“yes you do Baker”

Alfendi blew warm air over her ear and felt the gooseflesh wash over her exposed skin.

“yes you do.” he repeated.

The pair stood in silence: Alfendi grinning at her blush, Lucy pretending to be very interested in the Chinese food menu.

“now are you ready to order from the Chinese menu?”

#lucifendi #lucy baker #alfendi layton #alfendi #mystery room #lucy x alfendi

[101flavoursofweird]

LBMR Secret Santa '17

Hi, @artistically-stupid! I was your LBRMR Secret Santa. Here’s Lucifendi cuteness with some Lady Layton references... from Florence Sich’s perspective. (She really ships Lucifendi.) 

There are mentions of alcohol in this fic, but nothing heavy. I hope that’s ok!   

Scotland Yard’s Secret Santa

“What if I want to get a gift for more than one person?”

Lucy was struggling to grasp the concept of ‘Secret Santa’. It was a Christmas tradition at the Yard, founded by Inspector Gilbert back in the fifties, but Lucy claimed she had never experienced it before.

That’s wasn’t too surprising, Florence supposed. Scotland Yard was Lucy’s first full-time workplace and she was one of their youngest recruits. (Dustin’s mental age didn’t count.) Plus, it was Lucy.

She had just bounded into the lab with a cup of tea and a box of biscuits for Florence. If anyone else had done the same, Florence’s suspicions would be on high alert. Last week, Sniffer had tried to sweet talk her into letting him skip the forensics queue.

Former Chief Inspector Britannias had bribed her to identify Katrielle Layton’s DNA at a crime scene. Kat proved her own innocence before the evidence reached the lab or Alfendi was made aware.

Al was livid, obviously, but none of them had ever seen Lucy so enraged. She was ready to bite Britannias’ head off when they brought him in. (How dare he accuse Kat?) Her fury was fuelled by her love for her friends.  

Lucy didn’t expect anything in return for her love. People flocked to her side like pigeons foraging for crumbs. How could she refuse them?

“If you really want to spend shocking amounts on everyone, feel free,” Florence sniffed. “Just don’t expect much in return.” Aside from the Commissioner, who paid for their Christmas party, they were all too stingy to buy multiple gifts. Florence preferred it that way. She had received enough pity presents during her time in hospital.

“Not everyone…” Lucy nibbled on a biscuit. “Just a couple of people.”

“Like Al – Cough! – and Fendi?”

Blood rushed to Lucy’s cheeks. “A-and you, Hilda, Dustin, Sniffer – “

“I bet you wanted the Prof for your Secret Santa.” Florence wheeled herself over to her desk drawer.

Lucy glanced at the door as if she expected Alfendi to burst in. “I don’t know what you’re niggling at.”

“If you say so…” Florence pulled out a slip of red paper with the name ‘Alfendi Layton’ written on it. Lucy gasped. “I was going to swap Secret Santas with you, but since you don’t want Al – “

“Alright,” Lucy squeaked. “I want him.”

Florence handed her the slip of paper, which Lucy folded into her pocket.

“So, who did you get?” Florence asked.  

Lucy cringed. “Deputy Commissioner Chan.”

“Never met him in my life. I’m sure he’ll enjoy the stress ball I bought Al.”

Laughing, Lucy looped her arm around Florence’s shoulder. “Ta, Flo!”

“Don’t mention it. Just mind the drip…”

Naturally, Florence’s cold worsened in the days leading up to the Christmas party. But she wasn’t going to miss it for the world. They hadn’t had a work do since Hilda’s birthday. (Hilda dancing on the table was truly a sight to behold.)

This year, Barton had booked a table at the local pub with Christmas dinner and mulled wine for all of them.

Florence couldn’t join her colleagues in the festive drinking due to the medication she was on. She didn’t really mind. She was just glad to see her colleagues unwind for once, particularly Alfendi.

They had never seen both sides of Alfendi consuming alcohol. It was surreal how his hair flashed from purple to crimson like a Christmas light. The placid half of him – the half Florence knew best – rarely drank. His alter ego... or rather, his original ego, was more indulgent. 

“Before the accident, he and Justin would go out for the odd pint,” Hilda sighed. She and Florence were a couple of seats down from Al and Lucy. Emiliana Perfetti had claimed the spot next to Lucy and was grilling her with questions about Katirelle Layton.

Florence hummed. “Did you ever join them?” 

“Me?” Hilda snorted. “Goodness, no. I can’t stand pints. Wine, on the other hand...” She took a sip of wine and smiled at Florence. 

They looked at Alfendi when he roared with laughter. From the sour expression on Emiliana’s face, it seemed like something had offended her. 

Hilda’s smile widened. “It’s so wonderful to have him back.” 

Florence wiped her nose and nodded. She was still warming up to the ‘old’ Alfendi, though he was nowhere near as bad as she’d initially believed. He was all bark, but would only bite the criminals who deserved it. He would never turn on any of them – especially not Lucy. 

At that moment, he and Lucy were playing tug of war with a cracker. Alfendi won but he gave the prize to Lucy and put the orange paper crown on her head. Florence couldn’t help smiling. How were they so cute together? 

“Ta very much, Prof!” Lucy said, handing him a box-shaped present from under the table. “Here’s yours!” 

“Lucy, you shouldn’t have... It better not be a hat – “ He tore open the box. Florence sat up in her seat, hoping to see what it was. “I don’t know what to say.... Thanks, Baker.” He tried on a pair of green headphones. “These will be perfect for listening to police reports on the go.” 

“Your sisters helped me pick them out,” Lucy admitted, chuckling. 

Alfendi stared at her and stated, “I love... them.”

No! There went his chance. Florence pressed her head on the table. She jerked up when Hilda cleared her throat. 

“You were my Secret Santa.” 

“Oh...” Florence peered into the silver gift bag Hilda has placed in front of her. It contained hair products, lotion and bath salts. Despite her blocked nose, Florence recognized the scent of Hilda’s perfume.

“It’s a pamper pack,” Hilda explained, as if she didn’t know. “Ideal after stressful days at work... or if you’re feeling under the weather.” 

All this must have cost more than your trivial Secret Santa gift. “Thank you,” Florence mumbled. She glanced up and down the table, avoiding Hilda’s gaze. Was that Deputy Commissioner Chan next to Inspector Hastings? 

She tossed him the stress ball from her handbag. “Merry Christmas, Deputy Commissioner!” The ball bounced off his head and everyone burst out laughing. Even Lucy braved a chuckle at Chan’s expense. Al’s arm was wrapped around her shoulder now. Florence doubted anything would separate them that evening.     

The next morning, Florence received a visitor at the lab. It was Katrielle, hunting for Alfendi and Lucy. Neither of them were in the Mystery Room office and Alfendi wasn’t answering his phone. (That wasn’t too unusual for Al.)

Florence asked if she had tried ringing Lucy. Kat shrugged her shoulders and admitted that she didn’t know Lucy’s number. The two of them usually communicated through letters. She was a far cry from her tech-savvy brother…  

Never mind. Florence reached for the lab phone, checked her list of staff numbers and rang Lucy’s house.

After three rings, Alfendi’s voice roared, “WHAT?”

“Oh… Hi Al,” Florence said, watching as Kat’s eyebrows rose.

There was shuffling on the other end – probably Lucy wrestling the phone out of Alfendi’s hands.

“Mornin’, Florence!” Lucy sounded a lot more chipper than him. “What’s the sitch…?”

“Sorry to disturb you both right now, but Al’s little sister is here – ”

“Kat?” Lucy’s squeal was loud enough for Kat to hear. “Eeeeee, you’ll never guess what happened!”

Florence rubbed her ear and handed the phone to Kat. Kat mouthed “Thank you!” and grinned as Lucy launched into an explanation of the Christmas party and all that had occurred afterwards.  

“I’m very happy for you two,” Kat giggled. “Now, if you’re not too busy canoodling, I could use your help with a case…”

As Kat chatted away, Florence leaned back in her chair with a smile. Love was in the air – she could even feel her cold clearing up! Maybe now she could finally pluck up the nerve to ask Hilda out for lunch.

#professor layton #layton's mystery journey #layton brothers mystery room #LBMRSecretSanta2017 #alfendi layton #lucy baker #florence sich #Hilda Pertinax #lucifendi #Hilda/Florence #yeah I ship them now #constable barton #emilianna perfetti #katrielle layton #PL fanfic #LBMR fanfic #artistically-stupid #Sniffer Hague #Dustin Scowers #Chief Inspector Britannias #Gang's all here #my fics #Christmas 2017 #secret santa 2017 #I didn't call Alfendi by the names he's given in-game #I tried my best

[asklaytonandwright]

Spoilers for the Mystery-Solving Files (Layton Anime)

I. AM. SO. PO’D! The ending of Mystery-Solving Files sucked! It ended so abruptly, they didn’t solve the whole mystery of Sherl, Professor Layton and Luke were only in the current time for like five minutes- and Lucy and Al didn’t even say anything, nor was anything said about them!

How is Alfendi supposed to also be Hershel’s son, when Kat doesn’t even seem to know about him!? The only thing I can guess is that they’re planning to make something else to tie it all together, it hasn’t been that long.

But that is no excuse for making the ending so unsatisfying! It’s like, oh, a great cataclysm? No big deal, it’s the future’s problem. Hahah, that’s it, mystery solved, everybody go home. That’s right, Luke, Prof., just pretend like you never left, go directly back to what you were doing before all of this.

I bet Alfendi is adopted too! Wouldn’t surprise me! After all, Prof couldn’t meet someone new, move on and have at least one kid of his own, right? And where the hell was Flora!? To the dismay of some, she WAS adopted by Hershel as well. What did she just move away and never bother to wonder what he was up to? Kat didn’t think she might know something? Did she just die? What!?

Is Emmy not coming back? That’s a shame, I liked her, oh well, who cares. And what about in Mystery Room, where nobody said anything about Hershel being missing? I know they didn’t plan very far ahead, but wasn’t Barton talking to him at the end of it? Maybe it took place after he returned. But you’d think Hershel might want to pop in to see his son!

I am so glad that Katrielle and Liza were a part of this. I LOVE Kat, she’s so energetic and quirky. She fits better in Ace Attorney, really, she’s a lot like Maya. And I do believe I’ve fallen for Liza after her second episode. She’s just the best. If it weren’t for them, I think I’d be upset I watched the whole thing.

That’s one more thing! They showed Kat finding her dad, right? Then they just decided to take a 10-15 episode break before expanding on that!?!?!? When exactly did it happen!? It must have been after the whole Ernest thing, but it’s just so irritating! Imagine waiting for the next ep to come out after they were found, and being met with a regular case. You’d be like “What!? What the heck happened to the professor!? Why does Kat seem unconcerned? Were they just fine? Did they skip the reunion?”

Then you’d have to wait until the second to last episode to find out that they put them out of order for some stupid reason. And here’s one more thing! WHY couldn’t that baron or whoever not have at least made sure his own DAUGHTER didn’t suffer and be absolutely poor!? I didn’t understand in the game, and I don’t now. You could’ve at least made sure they didn’t live in poverty, what with living in your own freaking MANSION!!! You could have spared a little to at least keep them going, supposing the diamonds were worth a FORTUNE!

I’m sorry. Please excuse my rant... I just can’t forgive shoddiness in a series so dear to me. I’ve loved the Layton games for years now, and it seems like they won’t just let it die peacefully, but make it suffer... At least Ace Attorney is doing okay..... When they eventually come out with the next, that is!

Rant over, love,

-The Manager

#manager #mystery solving files