This is a work of fiction. The characters, groups, and events portrayed within are in no way intended to resemble those of the real world.

It was a beautiful day in London, England. Many civilians were out for a stroll, and the streets were busy as well. It felt perfect outside. Not too hot, or too cold. In the background, you could hear bells, coming from a clock tower or a church, perhaps. It was an ordinary day in London, but very soon it would become extraordinary. It would send some familiar faces on an adventure that they would not soon forget.

Meet Professor Hershel Layton. A professor who studies archaeology at Gressenheller University in London. He became a professor at the young age of 27, and his love for fossils, and other artifacts from the past is matched only by one thing, puzzles. Hershel is well known for being an avid puzzle solver, and is always up for a brain teaser. He often journeys to faraway places, making new friends at an archaeology dig, or helping someone out with a personal problem. While no one is perfect, Hershel Layton is as close as you can get to being a true gentleman. He would sit down with a nice cup of tea and tell you that no one can achieve perfection, but when a situation occurs, he always seems to do the right thing. You can always find Layton in a crowd when you see his black top hat, with a red stripe at the brim.

Luke Triton is one of Layton's closest friends. He is a boy about 11 or so years old, and the son of one of the Professor's old friends. His dad being a mayor, Luke is growing up very proper also, but does not get as much quality time with his father. He has an odd but fascinating talent of being able to communicate with animals. While this may seem far-fetched, he can normally help an upset stray, or make your average pet feel a bit better. Luke travels with the Professor on many of his journeys and is more than a help when it comes to solving puzzles. He is an intelligent young man and is growing up to be a fine person. He calls himself Layton's "apprentice", or "apprentice number one" when associating with Layton's other friends. He wants to grow up to be a "true gentleman" like his friend and mentor, Layton. He wants to always do the right thing, and like Layton, tries to never refuse helping someone in need. And that's just what got the Professor and Luke started on their newest adventure.

Both Luke and the Professor were in a bus, and while the Professor sat calmly, his assistant (while Luke would correct him and say apprentice every time he called him that) was staring, confused at an envelope.

"It just doesn't seem to add up, Professor."

Hershel looked down at Luke, smiled, and said, "I honestly thought you were pulling my leg."

"What? I wouldn't dream of it!" Luke stared at the letter once more, and began to read it in his head.

"Professor, I hope this letter finds you well. As for me, I'm in quite a predicament. You see, the London we know and love has been thrown into absolute chaos. To complicate matters, the calamity I speak of does not take place in your time. This may be difficult for you to believe, but I am writing to you from 10 years in the future. I know this is a lot to take in, but I'll explain it all soon. For now, I ask that you head to the clock shop on Midland Road in Baldwin. I look forward to seeing you again.

Your student, Luke Triton"

Luke was puzzled. Could this strange letter actually be sent from his own future self? He didn't know what to make of it, and Hershel was also mystified by the note. Neither one of them really knew anything except that they were supposed to head to the Midland Road Clock Shop.

"Strange as it sounds, it seems that the author of this letter is none other than your future self, Luke."

A confused Luke responded, saying, "From…my future self? But how is that even possible?"

"I don't know. But it does raise the question: If this letter is indeed authentic, how did it get there?"

Jokingly, Luke responded, "Um…by time-traveling postman?" He smiled. "Just joking, of course! But on a more serious note, I think this mystery might be the oddest one we've ever encountered!"

"Indeed. And even in the future, you seem to need to my help in solving it. You're constancy can be quite a comfort in these uncertain times, my boy.

"Er…well, thank you, I suppose. But back to the main question, how do we know that this letter is real?"

"Hmm. Well, we haven't much to go on yet. But I can't help but think that this strange occurrence is connected to the terrible events of last week."

"Hmm."

Just then, Luke started to remember the unfortunate events that occurred at the previous weeks' time-machine demonstration.

"It all started about a week ago," Luke thought. The next thing he remembered was the voice of Dr. Alain Stahngun, talking about his newly built "time-machine."

He was talking in front of a large building, on his sides were a water fountain, and a large contraption with a clock face, which must've been his time-machine. There were many people watching the demonstration, sitting at tables with white tablecloths. Two people were seated at each table, including Professor Layton and Luke. Other recognizable people were Inspector Chelmey and Constable Barton from the Scotland Yard, Prime Minister Bill Hawks and his wife, and other scientists well known around London.

Chelmey and Barton were the most recognizable to The Professor and his young apprentice. They had been with them during their latest few adventures, and could be spotted from a mile away. Chelmey was a tall man of authority, and had olive green pants and sport coat. Under that he had a few shirts and a small purple tie. Barton was smaller, wearing mostly lavender and had a purple hat to go with it. Both he and Chelmey had mustaches that stood out more than any other feature on their faces.

Chelmey is a police inspector and takes his job maybe a bit too-seriously. While showing mixed feelings for Luke, he particularly did not like Layton. His reason for this is that he doesn't like Layton's snooping around. He says Layton should "let him do his job" although Chelmey often is wrong about the person responsible for the crimes that he is investigating. He secretly admires how Layton always can figure out what really happened in a Sherlock Holmes-esque way. Normally he treats people with no respect, unless they are other people from the Yard or political world.

Constable Barton is hopeful of getting up to an Inspector level like his boss and co-worker, Chelmey. Chelmey basically treats him like garbage. Every time he makes a little screw up, Chelmey will yell at him to almost no end. He truly does mean well, but is scared to voice his opinions on business matters to his boss, in fear that he could be scolded or fired in doing so.

Anyways, Dr. Alain Stahngun was starting to explain his time machine to the guests at the demonstration.

"Using a six-dimension alpha distributor, I was able to guide a concentrated stream of Hamanier particles through a temporal vortex, more commonly known as a wormhole. This stream of particles allowed me to divine the terminal points of the vertex. Armed with this information, the next step was to artificially distort the flow of time and generate a massive magnetic field via a Soolha coil. Once the magnetic field is firmly established, one has the ability to quite literally punch holes, or Hive gaps, into the very fabric of space-time. After this crucial step, it is simply a matter of constructing an energy gate to…

While Stahngun was explaining the complicated project of building a fully functional time machine, Chelmey and Barton chowed down on some grub that had been provided.

"Quite the spread we have here, Inspector. Though it does make me wonder what we did to deserve invitations to such a feast."

"It's obvious, Barton. I'm an influential man in the world of law enforcement. It's only natural I'd be invited to an important event such as this."

While chewing, Barton responded to his boss' comment. "I suppose that's possible."

"Possible, you say?"

"Erm, probable! Highly probable, sir!"

"Hrm. Well the food here is certainly nothing to write home about."

"I'm sorry you feel that way," Barton said while taking another bite. "I think it's quite scrumptious myself."

"Bah. This over salted chop and pile of wilted greens has nothing on Amelie's cooking."

"If that's your feeling, sir, I'd be happy to relieve you of that, um, burden."

"Now, see here, Barton! If you don't return to my chop to me at once, I'll have you driving a desk next week."

"It would be worth it! Mmm…This roast is simply delectable."

While Barton ate, and Chelmey explained that his wife makes better food, the Prime Minister, Bill Hawks, and his wife, Caroline, were also talking about the food at the presentation.

"This food is simply dreadful, Bill. Do get this over with quickly, so we can leave."

"…Yes, dear."

The Professor and Luke also had a quick chat before the rest of the demonstration occurred.

"I have to say, I fell a bit out of place here, Professor."

"That's quite understandable, Luke. I'm sure most people would feel the same way in presence of the Prime Minister.

"Hey, look! I think I see Inspector Chelmey over there!"

"Hmm…"

"So, Professor. What do you think about this whole event? Do you believe that someone has really built a working time machine?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Still, if it proves to be true, can you imagine the stir it will cause in the scientific community?"

"Well, I, for one am very excited. Though you don't seem entirely convinced, Professor.

"Anything's possible, Luke. But I won't be convinced until I've seen the contraption work for myself. And I must confess, something about this entire demonstration seems a bit…off."

"Why do you say that?" Luke is obviously very eager for the demonstration to begin, but Layton has his doubts. "Ah, of course! That must be your famous intuition talking, huh?"

"That's one way of putting it," Layton said as he adjusted his top hat. "But enough speculation. Look over there, Luke."

There is a guard in the background that looks awfully nervous about something. He is looking out for something. So, Layton being a true gentleman, he wants to try to relieve the man of his stress. If he was asked about it, he would reply by saying, "a true gentleman always helps a person in need."

"That guard? What about him?"

"He seems to be looking for a man who snuck in uninvited."

"Oh, so we have an intruder in our midst!"

Layton and Luke went over to talk to the man.

"Oh, dear. This is NOT going to go over well…"

"You look troubled, sir. Might we be of any assistance?"

"Oh, yes, please! You see, I've just received a report of some untoward behavior…

The guard explained to the Professor that someone did, indeed, sneak in uninvited. He has received a few clues as to the man's whereabouts, so he shares the information with Layton and Luke, and under examination, Luke gladly directs the guard to the intruder's table. The thankful guard goes and arrests the intruder.

"Splendid work, my boy!"

The guard with a red hat, and a long pointed nose protruding from his face re-approached Layton and Luke after making the arrest.

"Whew! Thanks so much for your help. That fellow's mooching days are over!

"Did you see that, Professor? I just aided in the apprehension of a suspect! Oh look, the presentation is about to begin! Let's get back to our seats.

As both the Professor and Luke reached their seats, a man with a big face and even larger chin took the stand. His mustache was so large that you could only see half of his mouth. He spoke loudly but slowly, making sure he pronounced each word perfectly.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for taking part in an event that will undoubtedly go down in scientific history. And here to demonstrate mankind's first time machine is its creator, Dr. Alain Stahngun!"

Dr. Stahngun had dark gray hair in the shape of a lightning bolt in both the front and back of his head. He also had a goatee and wore a white lab coat and wasted no time getting started.

"Thank you, my esteemed colleagues. After years of research in the field of time travel, I am pleased to share the fruits of my labor. In just a few short moments, I will be moving on to our scheduled demonstration. But first, I am pleased to announce that Prime Minister Bill Hawks is in attendance today. As such, I have reserved a very special seat for our very special guest. Please, join me on stage, Prime Minister. No need to be shy!"

Bill Hawks was an older, shorter, man. Probably in his fifties to sixties. The man had on a red sports coat with a blue bow tie. His face is as close to a square as possible. His nose is shaped like a vase. And he had rectangular glasses over his eyes.

"Is this thing real?"

"What do you mean?"

" I mean, is this contraption a genuine, working time-machine?"

"Why don't you have a seat and see for yourself."

The presenter again went on stage and requested a few words from the Prime Minister before the rest of the presentation.

"Before we start, would you honor us with a few words, Prime Minister?"

The Prime Minister smiled and waved, and without hesitation, gave a speech to the citizens of London who had attended.

"Good afternoon, everyone! Today is a monumental day not only for our great nation but for the entire human race. Since the beginning of time, we humans have strived to transcend our natural limits. We have conquered the skies and the seas, and we have even traveled to outer space. But the one frontier that has always eluded us is time. Indeed, traveling through time is a dream many thought was out of reach for humanity. Until now. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you will join me in ushering a new era for mankind!

Bill Hawks' speech was fairly simple, but yet enough to get everyone thinking and being more excited for the presentation that was to follow.

"Thank you for those words, prime minister. And now for the moment you've all been waiting for! Please take it all away, Dr. Stahngun!" With those words, the presenter left the stage and Dr. Stahngun started again.

"I have just one more request before we start. I'd very much appreciate the Prime Minister's assistance in this demonstration. What do you say, Mr. Hawks?"

The Prime Minister all of a sudden turned either confused or enraged.

"Wh-What?"

"I assure you, there's no cause for concern."

"But I was under the impression that I would merely be observing the proceedings."

"Ah, well, do forgive my presumption. It was never my wish to make you uncomfortable. I realize it's been some time since you traded in the hard sciences for the softer variety. Please, feel free to return to your seat, Prime Minister."

Stahngun did not know that Bill had other ideas.

"Wait! What I mean to say is of course I can assist you."

This widened Bill's wife, Caroline's, eyes. She thought that Bill had officially lost it.

"Bill! Have you lost your mind?"

"Ah, that's the courage we've come to expect from our fearless leader. You have my thanks," Stahngun said admirably. "And now, without further ado, I give you my time-machine!"

The time-machine was still in the background, looking quite impressive. The clock face alone, must've been a full 10 feet tall, and under it was a big engine of some sort. All over the machine there were engines and generators and all kinds of machinery huffing and puffing.

"Mr. Hawks, would you mind just stepping inside?"

Part of the time machine opened up and revealed a staircase to a closed area which must've been where you selected where you wanted to go. Bill Hawks climbed the steps slowly and then turned to face the audience.

Then, Stahngun pulled a red lever, and the time-machine was activated. Some gauges started moving, and smoke started coming out from everywhere. Then, the very staircase that was used by Hawks folded back up again and Hawks was inside the time-machine. No one could see him now, and this is when the pressure really started to kick in. Stahngun was about to officially send the Prime Minister of England through time. Wow. As the doors closed, Stahngun didn't even flinch.

He nodded, and then pulled another level. All of a sudden, the huffing and puffing was louder, the smoke got heavier. Noises started coming from the machine, and Layton immediately realized that something wasn't right.

"Huh?"

Lights flared, static emerged from the machine and the insides were filled with smoke. So much so, that Bill Hawks started choking and could barely breathe. Lights flashed, everything was going out of control as if there had been a system overload. Obviously, nothing good could come from this.

BAM! In a split second the whole machine exploded. Expensive parts of machinery went everywhere. A cloud of smoke and dust surrounded everything as more and more pieces shot up into the sky. The machine had apparently failed, because everything had been wrecked in the explosion. A thick cloud of dust came and Dr. Stahngun became trapped in it. Everyone's faces were in complete shock or horror. Gasps filled the air alongside all the smokescreen and someone screamed, "What the dickens just happened?"

The remaining parts of what was a clock face toppled over and broke the water fountain, turning it to shambles.

"Something's gone very wrong!"

Layton stood up and stared at all the little pieces that just a moment ago had been part of Dr. Alain Stahngun's time-machine.

The worst part was that in the middle of all of the smoke, Dr. Stahngun and Prime Minister Bill Hawks had vanished. There was no trace of either of them, anywhere, and for the time being, all of England had no real leader. Bill's wife, Caroline, was the first person to react to everything.

"Oh! Where is he? Someone find Bill!" Her voice was so frantic, you could only imagine what was going on inside her head. At first, she was a bit wobbly and then a second later, she fainted.

Ironically, the presenter told everyone to "please remain calm and refrain from panicking." It was unlikely that anyone would trust the man after hearing the uncertainty in his voice.

"This is chaos! Dr. Stahngun and the Prime Minister have vanished!"

Luke was very right about the situation as it was total pandemonium. People searching frantically for the Prime Minister. Others for Dr. Stahngun. No one knew what to think, and most people didn't want to stay there any longer.

Layton couldn't believe his eyes. He could only mutter, "My word," while staring at the nearby scenery.

And that was all that young Luke could remember about the situation. So, basically, Luke had remembered everything about the incident that occurred. He had even remembered the front page of the newspaper the day after the demonstration.

Time-Machine Demonstration Goes Awry!

Professor Layton and Luke were both still in the bus, and now chatting about the previous week's events.

"So, you think that what happened last week is somehow connected to this letter. Wait! Maybe if the time machine was real, this letter is real too!"

"I don't know about that, but these two elements aren't the only puzzling issues. Tell me, Luke—have you heard about the recent disappearances occurring in London?"

"Oh, yes. I read about it in the paper. Some of London's greatest scientists have been mysteriously vanishing."

"Yes, and I can't shake the feeling that those disappearances are linked to this whole affair. In any case, it seems our best course of action is to head to the location mentioned in the letter."

"Good idea!"

Layton and Luke reached their bus stop and both walked off the bus with a new investigation. They were to head to the Midland Road Clock Shop to see if the people there could tell them anything about the incident or the letter that they had received. The Professor didn't know what was going to happen, but the whole situation seemed to pique his interest.

Luke also thought that something was up, and was determined to get to the bottom of this whole thing. He didn't know if time travel really had anything to do with it, but it sure sounded like a huge puzzle, and puzzles were one of his favorite things.

"Well, here we are. The clock shop the letter mentioned should be around here somewhere. But where?"

"This seems an ideal time to consult the map that accompanied the letter."

In true Luke fashion, the Future Luke wanted to test Layton to see if he was worthy helping him in the future. Sure enough, they would only find out the shop's location by solving a puzzle. Luke assured that he could figure it out, so he took the map and solved the puzzle. He finished by using one of his signature quotes, "that was almost too easy!"

Layton and Luke were now back on the trail to Midland Road.

"Great! Finding that shop should be a snap now. Let's go, Professor!"

The Professor and Luke strolled down Midland Road, talking about what they expected to see at the clock shop. Luke suggested that his future self might be there, but then realized that it probably wasn't possible. No conspiracy really sounded right. So they figured to probably just wait and see.

"It's probably just a bit farther down this path."

Layton and Luke ran into a man by the name of "Stachen." He had seem them on their previous adventures, but always tried to keep his identity a secret.

"Keh keh keh! Can't say I've seen you two whippersnappers before."

"Are you sure about that? I feel like we've met before."

"Keh keh keh! Oh, no, no, no, you must be thinking of someone else. But enough about that. I'm suddenly not feeling too hot. I better head home. Be seeing' you fellas around.

Professor Layton and Luke finally reached the clock shop after walking a few blocks. It was at the very end of Midland Road. It looked like a house, and had a giant clock face on the front of it. It would remind you of the one that was on the time-machine. Actually, it was very similar. You'd know that it was the clock shop even if you were a mile away. It really stood out to you.

"This must be the place, Professor!"

"Ah, finally."

"I'll get the door! Huh?"

"What seems to be the matter, Luke?"

"The door is locked. How are we supposed to get in?"

"Let me have a look. Ah, of course. It seems we need to solve a puzzle on this door to gain entrance."

The puzzle that Layton figured out showed him a 2x5 rectangle. In the left squares, a clock was shown. On the other few pieces were symbols. The puzzle said to "push the timepiece" to gain entrance to the shop. At first, Layton didn't know what to make of the puzzle, seeing the different portions of a clock on many of the pieces. But then he looked at the symbols, and saw that one of them looked like an hourglass. Without hesitation, Layton pressed that portion, and it turned green.

"That did the trick!"

Luke opened the door slowly, and peeked inside. He wanted to see the insides of the place as soon as possible. Who wouldn't? I message from the future, directing him to go to this very shop! How exciting! He really wanted to see the insides, but at the same time he couldn't just barge in. How rude! He had to slowly open the door. When he took the first step, he was amazed by what he saw. Grandfather clocks, clocks to go on mantles. Big clocks, small clocks. Clocks that told the time in roman numerals, or Arabic numbers. Ones that chimed, ones that didn't. They walked through the shop. At a desk, they saw an old woman staring at them. At that point in time, she looked really creepy. She had a big smile like those "pudding face" commercials if you're familiar, and had a full head of gray hair. She looked to be in her sixties, at best. She blinked once, showing that she was a real person, because honestly, there might have been confusion.

Layton tipped his hat to the lady and then looked down a straight path to see what was most definitely the biggest clock he had ever seen.

"Look, over there!" Luke called the Professor to what seemed to be the main attraction at the shop. He didn't know that it had already caught the Professor's attention.

"What's this?"

"Oh, gracious – customers! We haven't had any of those in ages. Welcome!"

"Good day to you, madam. You'll have to excuse us, but we're not actually here to shop. You see, I received a letter the other day pointing me here."

"A letter, you say? Let me take a look at it, dearie. Hmm, yes. There's no mistake here. Whoever sent you this wanted you to visit our little shop."

"So you don't know the person who sent out this letter."

"Unfortunately, I can't say I do. But I do know who you are, Professor Layton!'

As the woman said that, she turned and revealed a little clock that she was using as a hairpiece. Obviously, whoever sent this letter was a mystery to even the owner, Spring. Layton knew that they were in the right place, though. He could sense it. It must have been his "famous intuition speaking" as Luke would say. At first he was a bit surprised that Spring knew who he was. He hadn't realized how often he was in the news.

"Oh, really? And how do you know the Professor?"

"Well, it's hard not to know a man who's in the paper so often. And I do so love my morning paper. I read it front to back every day. So of course I know the Professor."

"Did you hear that, Professor? Further proof that you're famous throughout all of London. Even all the way out here!"

"Hey, now! What do you mean, 'all the way out here'? Just because we don't fancy living in sardine-tin flats doesn't mean we're not centrally located! Still, it is quite a surprise to see the famous Professor Layton in the flesh. I'm going to need some proof before I believe you're not just some celebrity impersonator!

The Professor has earned some of his fame for being an excellent puzzle solver so Spring greeted Layton with a puzzle. Of course, no puzzle was too hard for the Professor. He solved it.

"Well, I for one am thoroughly convinced. You certainly do live up to your reputation."

"Of course he does!"

"Yes, well about that letter. I can't say I've seen it before, but my husband might know something about it. He's out right now, but he should be back any minute. Why not look around the shop while you wait?"

They brought their attention back to the clock.

"Wow—can you believe this clock?"

"It certainly is impressive. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to work."

"Well, there's no shortage of ways to tell the time here. You know, I've never seen a clock so big up close. It's a real shame it seems to be broken. But I've never seen such a wide variety of clocks in one place."

"Yes, and they're all extremely well made. Whoever made them must be tremendously talented."

"Really? How can you tell that by just looking at them?"

"One gains an eye for these things with age, my boy."

"Oh, I think I just heard the door! Someone's here!"

"That must be my husband."

It was indeed Spring's husband. He had a green hat on and you couldn't see most of his face as it was covered in hair.

"Wait till you see the little gem I picked up today, love—oh, my! Customers!"

"Welcome back, dear. This here is Professor Layton. He tells me he has some business with the shop."

"Layton? You're Professor Layton? My apologies! I wasn't expecting you so soon!"

Obviously Spring's husband had been expecting Layton, so naturally, Layton was forming some questions to ask the man. Like, "how the heck did this letter get here?"

"No apologies necessary, my good man. Oh, and allow me to introduce my—

"Apprentice! I'm the Professor's apprentice, Luke! Nice to meet you, sir!"

"Luke, you say? Hmm… What I mean to say is, those are fine manners! Nice to meet you too, lad. The name's Cogg."

"Tell me, Cogg, you seemed a bit flustered by our arrival. We certainly don't mean to impose."

"Oh, no, no, no. It's no imposition at all. It's just that I had instructions to show you our biggest clock upon your arrival."

"It certainly is quite a beauty. Pity it's not working."

"Yes, I'd planned to give her a tune-up before you stopped by so you could see her in all her glory. Now that I'm getting on in age, I have trouble remembering to keep the old gal in good repair. To be honest, I can't recall where this last gear goes, and without it, I can't start up the clock for you."

"Ah, well it certainly makes sense why our arrival might have taken you off guard."

"Tell me—the papers say you're a learned man. Surely you can figure out where this gear goes, yes?"

Hm? Me? Well, I'd like to help, but I'm not a mechanical engineer, you see…"

"Oh, at least give it a try. Don't you want to see our biggest clock in its full, working splendor?"

"I certainly do. Very well. I'll give it a shot."

Layton may not be a mechanical engineer, or any engineer, for that matter, but when looking at it, he clearly saw the answer. He knew how gears worked, so that certainly helped him place the gear.

"That did the trick! You stay right here. I'll go start her up! Here goes!"

The hands on the clock started spinning rapidly and smoke came from the clock, just like the one from the time-machine. Everything shook, and it seemed Cogg had more than just an ordinary clock in the back of his shop.

"Are you all right, Luke?"

"Yes, but that was quite a shake!

Layton dashed for the door and Luke followed. When going outside, there was a sight neither Layton nor Luke could have ever imagined. When going out to the streets of London, something became apparent: This was NOT London.

"What is going on here?"

"And just where in the world are we?"

The area was so much different, it was unreal. Everything had changed. And Spring and Cogg just stood there, smiling, in the Clock Shop on Midland Road.