[ Ah, another beautiful day in Goldenrod City; the sun is shining, there's a slight breeze, kids are running around to avoid being stomped by robot unicorns, ufos are in the air-- wait a minute... ]

Oh dear, this again...

[ Yup, that time again, where new people appear out of nowhere and everything defies all logic. Honestly, even after this has happened three things, it still never fails to completely blow his mind. Well, most of the time, nothing really happens to Layton on these days, so he's at least safe. So, he's just going to go out and enjoy this nice day of dinosaurs with his Pokemon-- ]

[ --except when he tosses his Pokeballs, it doesn't release his actual Pokemon, it actually releases these things; ]



[ ...what... ]

[ And if that wasn't confusing enough, all six Dittos decide to transform into Layton... Know how no matter what Dittos transform into, they always have dot eyes so you can easily identify them apart from the real one? Well, Layton has dot eyes... ]

Well...

[ Have fun trying to figure out the real Layton out of these seven!! ]

[ So, guess who has just found out that today is the best fucking day ever? Really, do you know what day it is today? Do you? ]

[ ...no, it's not just a Sunday, nor is it just January 29th. Gosh, get your head straight, good man and woman, and go look at your calender again!! You know why? Because, it's National Puzzle Day!! ]

[ As most people who know the Professor, they will notice very quickly that he's quite the fanatic about puzzles, so really, this day is just mindblowingly awesome. He will even use the word "cool" for this day. So y'know what, he is totally jumping on this obscure holiday and rolling with it. ]

Earlier this morning, it has been brought to my attention that today is National Puzzle Day. We certainly do not have anything like this back in London in my time period, so it will be splendid if I may celebrate this day with a few others.

For this special occasion, I will be doubling the amount of picarats rewarded for each puzzle solved. Along with that, you may redeem your picarats for prizes and I will send them out shortly after with my Pokemon. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions or concerns. I have quite the number of puzzles behind me so we may do this all day.

Here is my first puzzle, worth 10 picarats to start things off easy:

"Behold is the glorious Eiffel Tower, standing over 1,000 feet tall. It's a massive monument to Paris, but there is a way to make the entire structure vanish before your eyes by using nothing by two coins.

How does one accomplish this feat?"

(( ooc: bringing back the picarat system that Layton has been using since he got here! The higher the amount of picarats, the harder the puzzle is. When you get an answer wrong, your picarats will decrease by a small amount and whenever you solve it, that's the amount of picarats you get. Layton has a bunch of prizes from food to toys to clothes to whatever, so solve solve solve for free things!! ))

[ Lookie here, check out this gorgeous view of the sea. The way the water is so clear and the sun shining brightly down on it. It seems like the perfect day for a swim and the perfect day to be outside, especially on the beach. Those by the Cianwood and Olivine beach should get out right now and sit right there, just like what the good old Professor Layton is doing.

Sitting on a nicely placed mat, he seems to be in a good mood as usual. His Ninetales is sitting right next to him, nudging her head towards him, asking for pets. He gladly delivers them, all the while looking at the Pokegear that he has started up. ]

It is August 22nd already? A year does pass us by quite quickly, doesn't it? To think that I have already been in Johto for a year and of all days that I have arrived on. I suppose today is the day of two anniversaries.

[ Two anniversaries? Shouldn't it be just one and the one that marks his year stay in Johto? Well, the Professor hasn't said anything about it, but today is actually his birthday! Huh, how funny to arrive on that day of all days. So, that means that he's actually now thirty-nine years old now, but not like anyone will know. He hasn't really been talking about his birthday since it's not terribly important. You'll just have to deal with trying to figure out what he means by "two anniversaries". ]

It always strikes me curiously odd that I have arrived in Johto on this date and when I have first arrived here with Claire, my Ninetales and originally a Vulpix back then, I have never thought that I'll be here for an entire twelve months. Since then, I have adjusted well to this world and the many different people. I will have to personally give my thanks to everyone that has helped me during this time period.

Therefore, I will thank everyone by bringing back the chance to exchange your picarats for prizes. For anyone new to my picarat system, picarats are a type of point system that I use. They determine how difficult a puzzle is; the easiest being 10 and the hardest 99. When you solve the puzzle, you earn the amount of picarats that was assigned to that puzzle. However, if you get the answer incorrectly, the amount drops little by little. If it drops too much, I will stop it at a certain number. This is just my little way of distributing points to those who are kind enough to solve my puzzles. You may then exchange these picarats for prizes, such as now.

I have stocked up on new prizes just this morning, so please do ask if I have anything available and I will check for you. [ See those two giant bags behind him? Yeah, they're filled with different things such as supplies, food, clothes, all that! They're bags of everything! ]

I will be sending these prizes off with my Noctowl to bring to you. If you are interested in solving a few puzzles of mine to earn more picarats, then do not hesitate to ask. This whole double-anniversary has actually reminded me of a puzzle, so please do give this a try. This is a fairly easy one and will be only worth 15 picarats:

"A man is four times as old as his daughter. In 20 years time, he shall be twice as old as her. How old are they now?"

[ Easy 15 picarats right there, guys! Go go gooo. ]

(( ooc: tags will be slow since I'm packing up today and leaving back to my hometown tomorrow. Sorry for this guys, and also, for that Mix 'N' Match meme, I have gotten requests from different people that the deadline will be extended to include the newcomers. Therefore, the deadline is midnight EST today! Make sure you get all your characters in and I will then post up the matched pairs sometime after midnight! Thanks, guys! ))

[ Hello there, good people of Johto!

Isn't today just a fantastic morning, with the sun shining brightly and the weather being a nice mild temperature? It's days like this when people should go outside and have all the fun they can before the weather turns into something terrible such as heavy rain. Considering how completely random Johto is when it comes to unusual weather at the strangest times, days such as today might not last for so long. That is why everyone should hurry up, get out of their beds, and be out of their tents and rooms for a great day! Who can resist after all?

Well...it seems like one Mafia leader can, but that's a later story.

The Pokegear turns on and it focuses itself onto a familiar Professor. He seems quite refreshed, despite the time of the day and that he seems to be on some... cliff. Well, it looks like he's making his way towards the Safari Zone and he has always been a morning person after all, so he's not all that grumpy. Also, look; no cast! Aww yeah, look at his right arm. It's all healed and perfectly fine. Look at him waving that hand of his toward the camera. ]

Good morning, everyone.

Today is a beautiful day out, so I do hope that most of you will be deciding to be heading outdoors. It is not often when Johto gives us a day like this. Therefore, please try to make the most of it.

As you can see, my arm has fully recovered. It has taken a bit longer than I have expected for it to come off, but it is perfectly healed. I will have to take it easy for a while, however. However, this is not what I have made this video feed for.

I have never thought this might work, but the previous morning, I have discovered something. I've thought it might be interesting to share with everyone.

[ He heads back into his tent that has been just behind him. Inside, there's two sleeping bags. One is already nicely rolled up and placed to the side. As for the other sleeping bag... well, let's just say that there is 6'4" man taking his sweet time getting up and when it says "taking his sweet time getting up", it means "not getting up at all". Now, what the heck does Layton want to share with everyone that involves a man sleeping? ]

[ The Professor lowers the gear for a few seconds, the camera now focusing on the ground. A few beeps and boops there, he finally focuses the feed back on Xanxus and-- just why on Johto is the Pokeflute radio turned on? Well, good trainers and breeders, for this reason! ]

[ The music plays for half a minute and so far, it seems like nothing is happening at all. Then suddenly, there's a bit of stirring and for the love of Ho-Oh, is Xanxus actually waking up?! That he is and what do you know? Using this song actually works! Hello, new alarm clock. ]

Good morning, Mister Xanxus. [ :D ]

[ Xanxus, however, is not very amused by any of this at all. Not only has he woken up to the worst fucking music ever, he's being recorded. He shuts off that damn radio and glares at Layton. ]

...What the fuck are you doing?

It is already ten am. I have had to wake you up somehow.

[ Still extremely agitated by this whole thing, Xanxus slips out of his sleeping bag and starts rolling it up. He refuses to look at that camera. ]

Turn it off.

[ And with that, good bye everyone! ]

(( ooc: replies will come from both Xanxus and Layton! Tags will from both of us after work! \o\ ))

[ Hello, Johto-residents! Check it out, you're getting this cool video feed of a top hat! Ohhhhhh, impressive-- wait a minute, do you know that top hat? Well, who else really wears a brown top hat with a red brim? Who can it be? Quick, five seconds and fifteen picarats if you figure out who this is.

...............

Well, if you guessed Professor Layton, then congratulations! This is fifteen picarats for you, but hey, isn't this an old face? It has been quite the while since the good old Professor has made a post to the network. Well, he has been quite busy and when the camera zooms back out when Grim the Dusknoir takes charge of it, it can easily be seen what he has been busy with; a broken arm and a new location.

He clears his throat. ]

I apologize for disappearing for quite a while since my last entry to the network. As you can see, I have broken my right arm, so it has been quite difficult to do much without it.

[ He's right-handed so he's not very used to doing things with his left hand. You can only see how frustrating it is to try write something or whatnot. ]

But the main point about this video feed is to ask if anyone has also been relocated to another location and having quite the loss of memory for the past few days. I believe it might be connected to the similar incident back in late-November and early-December, but this is only just a theory.

I also do have information concerning about the discoveries that have been made down at the Alph Ruins a month ago. I do apologize for the lateness of this, but if anyone will like to hear on what we have found, I am more than glad to share. The ruins has quite the strange inscriptions over it.

Thank you and do take care, everyone.

[ And the feed shuts down! ]


(( ooc: Yeah, Layton has a broken arm from after the trip to the Ruins from falling into a chamber and landing on it badly. The cast should come off in about two more weeks, so till then, if you're in the area, COME SIGN IT FOOLS-- tags will be slow, sorry about that! ))

[ Here is Layton.

Here is Layton having a good time in the Pokemon Centre, getting his healed Pokemon and looking really happy.

Now he exits the centre and what does he see?

Well, a completely new city, that's for one but more importantly? HE SEES THIS RACING PAST HIM. ]

...I do wonder if that's a type of Pokemon...

[ But in other news, OH GOD NEW CITY. WHY IS HE ON AN ISLAND-- HELPPPPPPPPPPPP ELITE BEAT AGENTS WHERE ARE YOU ]

[ Now, this is a very familiar view to those that have known the Professor for some time; the Pokegear placed down on a small coffee table angled in such a way to film its owner, a open notebook with a fountain pen nearby, a hot cup of Belle Classic tea, and the great Professor himself. From the surroundings, it seems that he's in a Pokemon Centre-- Violet City's centre to be exact. He will go to a cafe, but he is getting his Pokemon healed so he doesn't mind spending some time here.

He takes a single sip from his teacup and adjusts his hat. A true gentleman should always look proper before an audience and having a dry voice is no good. However, it seems as if he's not looking too proper right now. ]

It seems as if another festival has passed us by. I do have to admit that this has been one of the first few times I have celebrated Easter in quite a while and it has been lovely to attend this festival with others. I hope that everyone else has had a great time as well.

[ At this point, a small Teddiursa pops into the view. She struggles to climb onto the table from the Professor lap but does so. She stares at the Pokegear, clearly interested in the little device. The Professor just chuckles, picking up the small Pokemon and placing her back on his lap. She doesn't struggle much but continues to look at the gear by standing on his lap. ]

I will have to thank Miles for sending me this Teddiursa from the egg hunt in Goldenrod. As you can see, it has hatched just recently. The egg I have received mysteriously such as from Christmas has hatched as well. I believe that it is called a 'Turtwig'.

[ The Professor picks up his gear and points it beside his chair where the little Turtwig is playing around with an Eevee that has hatched just a few weeks ago. Layton then places the Pokegear back on the coffee table where it can point towards him. ]

I have not named either of them yet, so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. The Teddiursa is a female while the Turtwig is a male. I'm afraid that both are a bit picky in their names though. [ The Teddiursa agrees by nodding her head. ]

Ah, but that is not the reason why I have made this post. In fact, it is to concerning about something I have asked back in November.

Some months ago, I have offered to go exploring in the Alph Ruins, old and abandoned ruins that are located just outside of Violet City. Rumour has it that it might hold a key as to returning back home or hold information as to how and why we have arrived here. While I am a professor, I am also an archeologist so studying these ruins will be a great interest to me.

I am here to ask if anyone will like to come and explore these ruins with me whenever it might be to find any clues or just to look around. I believe that we can find many different things there, so it will benefit many.

I will be providing food to everyone that will come along, though it will be very kind if anyone can help me supply a bit too. Please do inform me if you have any kind of allergy to certain foods so I can keep it in mind when shopping. If we also have anyone that can cook for this trip, I will be very grateful if they can do so.

To those located in other cities and away from Violet, I will be more than glad to lend a few of my Pokemon to ride upon to cut the travel time. I can also clear the Sudowoodo for anyone to take the shortcut from Goldenrod into Violet.

This trip will take place from May 6th to the 8th where we will be staying there for three days and two nights, so that will give everyone about a week and a half to decide and travel. If if you cannot make it but will like to hear on whatever we might discover, I will gladly share any information over the network.

Please do contact me if you are interested in this trip with me and thank you.

[ And with that, the Professor turns off his Pokegear. ]


(( OOC: This is the IC-sign up for the plot event that is happening over at the Alph Ruins! To sign up your characters for this event, please head over to the ooc post about this and comment then you can have your character comment here for an IC-sign up! There is no deadline on signing up other than...well, when the event takes place! Sorry for the wait everyone about this entry everyone!

For Souji: I don't think everyone knows about this, but Souji now has a breeding centre and instead of waiting an entry from me to get an egg from him, he has an answering machine where you can place your order of whatever egg at anytime and he'll send the egg(s) over to your character! Both this and the Alph Ruins event is mod-approved!

ETA: Replies will be tagged later today! ))

[Good afternoon, Johto!

Thank you for tuning into this Pokegear post. How is your day? Oh dear, rainy? That's not good, but don't be down! This entry to the network will hopefully cheer you up with a smile upon your face. Why is that? Well, just keep watching and you might know why.

The camera starts off with your friendly neighbourhood gentleman, Professor Hershel Layton! The setting seems to be taking place inside his room at the Goldenrod Hotel. He doesn't seem to be holding the Pokegear but rather positioning it on his table to record, something that the Professor does often. He doesn't want to be holding it since he is sure that people do not want an extreme close up look upon his face nor does he want to hold it long enough for his arms to hurt. Besides, he is having a nice cup of tea right now! It will be rather hard to drink his tea while also holding the Pokegear.

He takes a single sip from his cup before placing it down on his saucer on the table. He adjusts his hat once and clears his throat.]

Good afternoon, everyone. I do hope that everyone is taking shelter from this rain whenever it will be in a building or under a tree. Hopefully this rain will let up soon as well.

[Because the last time the Professor has been out in the rain like this in the wild, it has been a huge thunderstorm. Not that great.]

I suppose I should now explain why I have made this video feed to the network, but perhaps this will tell the story much better than speaking about it myself.

[He reaches over to pick up the Pokegear and he turns the camera around to show the bed where something is sitting on top of it. More like something like these:



Hey, don't those look familiar! They're Pokemon eggs! You have probably seen them from other trainers or even have had your very own. Even if you have never seen them before, you can tell that they are indeed eggs.

Around the bed of Pokemon eggs is the Professor's team of Pokemon aka the parents of that pile; Claire the Ninetales, Walter the Noctowl, Klaus the Arcanine, Alden the Alakazam, Theodore the Empoleon, and Duifje the Pidgeot. Unfortunately, the other two parents, Grim the Dusknoir and Matthew the Ditto are in the box at the moment. Some of you might notice that Pidgeot is a new addition to the Professor's team! In fact, that Pidgeot belongs to Mr. Netherlands that have gone home recently, so maybe you will even know whose Pidgeot that has used to belong to!

After a few seconds of this scene, the Professor records places the gear back on his table, facing towards his seat. He sits back in his chair after.]

Some of you might know what those are, but for those who do not, they are Pokemon eggs. As you can see, I have the lot of them. I have only intended for a few, but it seems as if I have gotten much more than that.

[To be quite honest, he has thought he will only get one egg of each of his Pokemon, not a bunch. Oops.]

This is where I will ask for some assistance in this.

I am willing to part with some of these eggs and for no charge if you are able to provide them a good home and care. As much as I wish to keep them all, even I cannot handle a number as large as this.

[He will be keeping one of each egg though so his Pokemon don't have to lose all of their new children! That will be just plain cruel.]

The kind of Pokemon eggs I have here with me are of Vulpixes, Hoothoots, Duskulls, Growlithes, Abras, Piplups, and Pidgeys. I do only have a limited amount of them, so I am afraid this will be a first-come-first-serve basis. I apologize for this in advance.

If you are interested in taking them off my hands, please do not hesitate to ask. I will greatly appreciate it.

Thank you.

[And then the feed ends! COME AND GET YO EGGS BROS]


(( OOC: The egg post for Layton is up! Sorry for the lateness for the people who have been waiting since the last ooc post about this

The recent ooc post where people have reserved eggs are right over here! If you have not put a reserve on an egg, there are still some slots open up for certain Pokemon. Check out the list to see how many are open and you can nab them! If you come too late to grab an egg, your character can still express interest and Layton will take their name for the next egg batch whenever that may be!

Tags will be slow so I hope none of you mind backtagging. I will also still be tagging back everyone in Layton's last post, so please bare with me. Thank you! ♥ ))

[Hello, good people of Johto! It's been a quite a while to get an entry from this Pokegear! Man, can you even remember who it is? Here's a hint: it's from a man with a top hat! Picarats are 30!

If you guessed Hershel Layton, then you are correct! Add some picarats to your names! The Professor would love to do that himself, but he's a bit busy right now. Why? Well....

Professor Layton is stuck in an elevator...

...Oops...

Well, what has happened is that Layton has gone to the Goldenrod Department Store to buy a birthday gift for young Miles Edgeworth because it is just coming up this Sunday. It's always good to get an early start and buy it ahead of time so he can always package it neatly in a box, write a heartwarming card, prepare the party, and all that. So, there he is, trying to pick out gifts and he decides he should probably check what's on the fifth floor because maybe he can get Miles a TM with the large gift he has already gotten.

Thus, he decides to take the elevator because at that moment, he has been on the second floor. As much as exercise is nice, he's almost forty now and he's carrying quite a lot of bags. His thighs will probably burn from all those steps. So, he takes the elevator, presses the fifth floor's button and off he goes!

But then the elevator shakes and suddenly stops.

He nearly tumbles over and falls, but he manages to grab onto the wall to stop himself. He looks up to the elevator's indicator of floors and finds that both the third and fourth floors' lights are on...Does this mean he's stuck in between the floors?

...Oh dear...

And that's what leads him to here, sitting on the floor of the elevator with bags around him from recently bought items. He has stalked some books he has bought to position his Pokegear to point towards him without actually holding it himself.

He clears his throat and straightens his hat before speaking.]

Hello, everyone.

It's been quite some time, has it not? I do apologize for that. I'm afraid that I have been quite busy these past few months since I have woken up, so I do hope that everyone is doing fine.

As for myself, it seems like I am in quite the predicament...As you can see-- [He picks up the gear and points it towards the elevator's floor indicator where it the light is on for three and four] --it seems as if I'm stuck in this elevator.

[He puts the Pokegear back on the stack of books and points at himself as he leans back against the wall]

I have called by using the telephone in this elevator but they say it might take a few hours before they can completely fix the problem. So, I hope I can pass the time by making this entry to the network.

It has been quite a while since I have also given out puzzles, so I hope that someone might be able to solve these to cease this boredom. For those who have already solved puzzles of mine in the past, you are free to exchange your picarats for prizes if you wish.

Being stuck in an elevator has reminded me of a wonderful puzzle, so here it is. This one is worth 30 picarats.

"A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. Every morning, he takes the elevator all the way down to work. When he arrives back, if there are other people or if it has been raining, he takes the elevator all the way back up to the tenth floor. However, if he is alone or it hasn't been raining, he takes the elevator up to the fifth floor then takes the stairs.

What is the reason for this??"


(( OOC: TL;DR LAYTON GOT STUCK IN GOLDENROD DEPARTMENT STORE'S ELEVATOR WHICH IS A HUGE NO TO AA PEOPLE BECAUSE THE HOW MANY PEOPLE GOT KILLED IN ELEVATORS. NOW LAYTON IS GIVING PUZZLES SO GO ))

( All you need to know is that life is full of surprises and Layton turns but he wakes up-- )

Ahhhh--!!

[--with this right up to his face.

Oh life, so cruel.

So much for the love of his life's beautiful face to be there to comfort him...Or having no one hear his sudden loud yelp of shock.

Grim the Dusclops being the normal cameraman-- er, cameraPokemon it is, he's just recording all of this through the Pokegear in the little corner of the guardhouse right between the National Park and Route 36! With the cold weather outside, it has been best to stay indoors and with a bored Ghost-type Pokemon, taking video recordings is really the funnest thing ever.

So people who are just watching this feed have just watched the Professor scream ungentlemanly from having a drooling plant up in his face. Of course, who wouldn't after waking up from a month-old coma and instead of turning to see a person, this greets them?

Oh, and for an extra bonus, a little detail that people might be noticed is that the Professor is tied to a bear. Yeah, try getting that image out.

Needless to say that the Professor is not in the most calm state right now. From waking up from London back to Johto, waking up to see that Pokemon, then waking up to see that he's tied to a bear isn't really something he can be calm about. Heck, he can't even touch the floor since the Ursaring is standing up, so he's just dangling there from the bear.

All the Professor can do is just press a hand up to the side of his forehead and let out a silent sigh. Oh dear...]

My Word...what have I waken up to?

[Is this what people call a midlife crisis? Cause it totally feels like one.

Grim just keeps on recording the Professor and then does Layton notice that this is going out to the network. Better straighten his hat and speak properly.]

It appears as if I'm back in Johto. Quite the puzzle as to why. A much bigger puzzle would be as to why I am strapped to a bear.

I do hope that there is a good explanation for this..

[Cause Layton is just a bit-- y'know, CONFUSED AND GOING "WHERE IS CLAIRE OH MY GOD I'M TIED TO A BEAR WHAT IS THAT POKEMON UP TO MY FACE EVERYONE HEARD ME SCREAM AAAAAAA"]

I apologize for my sudden-- erm, scream earlier for anyone watching. Waking up with a Pokemon has been quite the surprise and when I find myself no longer in London.

If anyone can explain to me what has happened so far, that will be greatly appreciated. Especially as to my certain predicament. As you can see, this is not how I normally spend my days...

Thank you--

[Oh, and one last surprise to end this feed is a rush of Pokemon just charging at the Professor. Let us list them; a Ninetales, a Noctowl, Growlithe, Kadabra, and a Piplup all just charging at their trainer.]

NIIIINEHOOOKADABRAAAAHOOHOOLITHEAHPLEASEDON'TLEAPYOUMIGHTHOOKADPIPPIP

[Oh this scene, isn't it familiar? Oh yes, yes it is.

Well, the next few seconds that are recorded are very simple. The Pokemon pretty much tackle the good old Professor and with their combined weight, they both knock down Layton and the Ursaring to the ground.

...oops.]


(( OOC: Heading to sleep so I will tag in the morning! ))

[Good morning, Johto! Guess what today is. It's Christmas morning! You know what that means-- you can open your presents and everything! The weather is great, the sun is shining, it's the perfect Christmas morning! It's just like in a movie, what everyone expects-- lights, decorations, presents, and so much more! It is the first Christmas in Johto and the Professor is loving it.

It's still pretty early right now-- seven o'clock to be exact, perhaps early to some, late to others. For the Professor, he has slept in a little today but not too much. He suspects that Luke or someone else wouldn't let him. If not Luke or his Pokegear going off, it'll be his Pokemon, all five of them. Who've known that even Pokemon can get excited on Christmas day? 

The Pokegear records placed on some stacked books-- not the ones he received as Christmas gifts, mind you -- on a chair. The Professor is drinking a nice hot cut of Belle Classic tea from the tea set from Miles, sitting at his table in his hotel room of Violet City. He has arrived back here just yesterday afternoon to be reunited with his friends and assistants. After winning his Plain Badge, it has been pretty easy to travel from Goldenrod to Violet. Makes the whole travel less tedious.

Anyway, in the background on the bed behind him lays all the Christmas gifts he has received. Miss Tenjoin's heating pack and manual for computer use, Mr. France's box of hat care supplies, Mr. Justice's book of puzzles, Miss Riddleton's Pokemon rubix cube, Remi's book of puzzles and clothes, Mr. Wright's books and tea set, Luke's stack of mystery novels, Kaito's Pokemon-themed riddle book, Hal's box of chocolates, and Merlin's wrapped chocolate. To say the less, the Professor is very happy about all the gifts. With each wrapping he has ripped off, his smile has grown.

He clears his throat before speaking.]       

I do hope that everyone is having a wonderful morning right now. As you may now, it is Christmas day. To be completely honest, I've never thought I will be spending Christmas here in Johto. I have not thought I will be staying here for that long for this actually.

[A small chuckle. When he has first arrived here in August, the last thing he has had on his mind has been spending the holidays in Johto.]

All the gifts I have received have arrived here safely to my room. I will like to greatly thank everyone for the wonderful gifts they have sent me. Each one has helped brighten my morning wonderfully, so thank you all. It seems as if I have gotten enough puzzles that will last me for about a month, haha.

[Seriously, he has like so many books he can read and puzzles to solve. However, considering how much he reads and solves puzzles in his spare time, he'll wizz right through them.]

I also do hope that everyone has gotten what they have wished for this Christmas. For those I have sent presents to, please enjoy them. I have tried my best to get something that will best suit everyone.

Along with those gifts should be a small bag of chocolates that are either milk, dark, or white. These are all made by Mr. France here in Johto. They are shaped to resemble hint coins, something that I've had back in London. Back at home, they have been used to gain hints in puzzles, but here, they are just treats to eat.

Walter has traveled all over Johto yesterday to deliver both gifts and bags of chocolates. Even if I do not know you as it is rather hard to meet everyone here in Johto, you should still have had received some hint coins. It is the least I can give and do with how much I have commissioned.

So, I wish everyone a good day and, of course--

[Suddenly, all of the Professor's Pokemon appears almost right on cue behind him; Claire the Ninetales, Walter the Noctowl, Grim the Dusclops, Klaus the Growlithe, and Alden the Abra smile as much as they can towards the camera. They all take a breath and in a loud voice, they say in general;]




(( OOC: tags will be very slow and might be done in two hours! Gonna be watching a movie with family and friends. This entry is fast-forward to tomorrow because I'm not sure how much free time I have on Christmas since I got PARTY TIME or something. Don't forget to request something here so I can write you a dabble or something! I'll get to the requests already there soon. Happy Holidays everyone! ))

[Y'know, a lot of video feeds starts out quite normal, don't they? They just begin for a few seconds on the person starting it or perhaps the floor then towards the owner of the gear. It doesn't really matter. They all manages to have a very calm start and Professor Layton is one of those kinds of people that has all of his feeds opening like that. So, when a new entry appears in the network with his name attached to it, one can expect the same thing, but this time-- HELLO WALL. FANCY SEEING YOU HERE. MY, YOU'RE LOOKING RATHER WHITE AND PLAIN AND BORING TODAY. OH, WHAT'S THAT? YOU WERE JUST RECENTLY DESTROYED BY A WALKING FRUIT PUNCH? NAAAAAAAAAH. STOP TALKING NONSENSE.

Yes, isn't this a strange sight to see? The Professor never has had any video feeds that starts off with the wall or anywhere else, much less for longer than a minute. He normally has the camera upon himself. That or all over the place when his Noctowl is holding it, but at least it has attempted to stay on him. Even if he does have it pointing at sometime else, it is normally only for a few seconds. What is the problem?

But other than that, where on Earth is the Professor? He will normally appear on screen by now. Well, he can't be holding this Pokegear. It's pointing straight at the wall, but at a very elevated height. He isn't that tall, so who is holding it now? 

The camera turns around and-- NOW HELLO GRIM THE DUSKULL. HOW COME WE'RE NOT SURPRISED?

Grim has became the unoffical cameraman-- er, camerapokemon --since that Violet City gym badge win and it has been recording this whole feed from the beginning, finding nothing better to do outside its Pokeball. These past few days have been rather strange with all the new arrivals. Also, all of his companions has disappeared too during it. The Vulpix and Noctowl have not been seen at all and in their places have been these other weird Pokemon. Something like an "Alakazam" or whatever it has called itself. Well, whatever has happened, the Alaka-whatever has disappeared as well, but Claire and Walter still isn't back. So, being alone, it might as well fiddle around with the Pokegear.

The camera pans towards the wall again before it falls upon the chairs and sofas of the Pokemon Center, and will you guess it? That's where the good Professor is, sleeping on one of the sofas! Well, anyone will be exhausted from that weekend. Even he needs to lay back now and then.

The focus stays on him just sleeping comfortably for a little while longer. It isn't until about a good five minutes when he does manage to wake up.

With a small quiet groan, he pushes himself up in a sitting position on the Pokemon Center's couch, placing a hand on his forehead. Oh dear, what a headache. It feels almost as if someone is pounding on the side of his head with a hammer. His knee feels strangely aching as well. Man, this will be the last time he will ever try to mark two whole classes' papers in one night if he wakes up like this now.

Using the other hand, he straightens his top hat back on, crooked from lying down. How is it still even on? Well, years of practicing how to do so, even while lying down. After all, a true gentleman never takes his hat off! Or that's just gentleman talk for "the hat is just titled at a certain angle while he has been lying down but still covering his head. You will never get to see what his hair looks like"... Well, the way Layton describes it sounds a lot more better, doesn't it? Take your pick or whatever tickles your fancy.

The Professor blinks a few times and looks around. Confusion spreads across his face. The Pokemon Center? He doesn't recall sleeping in here, or ever. He always slept in the comfort of the inn when he is in a city and just like every other time, he has done so last night. How on Earth did he get out here? Hm. His memory is a bit blurry at the moment and he can't think of anything. He must have been just extremely tired and just fallen asleep here. Well, that has happened before but in his office. Not too surprising if it has happened out here too, just in a Pokemon Center and from marking a bunch of papers. Still, it is curious.

Without quite noticing the Duskull carrying on with its usual tomfoolery and that his Pokegear was in the hands of it, the Professor stands up from the coach. He stretches his arms a few times, feeling the blood rush back into them. He can't stay here for long. He has to get back to the school to get ready for tomorrow's lesson.

Grabbing his sling bag nearby, he begins to make his way outside and Grim follows silently. He tips his hat towards Nurse Joy on the way out and pushes the doors into what he believes is Violet City, but--]

My word...

[Oops...Guess who has been transported all the way to Goldenrod City and seeing for the big industrialized area for once? Another ten picarats for this puzzle. Hint: he begins with "P" and ends with "rofessor 'oh my good tea and buscuits what on Earth has happened now I better get an explanation for this' Layton. Answer: Professor Layton and he is looking even more confused than ever.] 

Where in Heavens am I? I do not recall Violet  City ever looking like this.

[He stares in shock at all the new sights around him. He has heard many things about Goldenrod City and how grand it is but he has never actually seen any parts of it. Everything here is much different from how London is with all the tall buildings, tellies on top of said buildings, billboards everywhere, all of them are new sights.

Standing still and taking in all the things around him, his Duskull finally lets out a small low cry and floats down right beside him. He turns towards the Pokemon and even more surprise is added to the mix to see that it has been recording all this time. Well, that might explain why his coat's pockets have been feeling a little light. But, gosh. This morning is just one surprise after another.

He looks into the camera and clears his voice once.]

Will any kind sir or ma'am out there please explain as to where I am located in? I suspect this may be Goldenrod City from what little I have heard, but some confirmation is best.

[He places one hand up to his chin and thinks for a few seconds.]

As for waking up in a completely different location, I have the sneaking suspension that it might be as how I have first arrived here, though over a smaller distance? Hm...

Well, if anyone can provide me with any information, I will greatly appreciate it.

Thank you in advance--

[But before he can finish his sentence, something tackles him from behind. Well, something as in a distressed Noctowl and Vulpix that has missed their trainer since they disappeared to far away lands of talking creatures that called themselves Digimons.

The Professor lets out a sudden yelp of surprise before he falls flat straight onto a panicking Duskull with a Pokegear in its hands. Oh boy, Domino effect and-- oh good! A second part to this? --the feed forcefully shuts down but not long after for everyone to hear this team crying:]

HOOOPIXHOOSKULLCLAIREWHENDIDYOUVULPIXDUSSHOOHOOPIXPIXWALTERMYNECKHOOVULLL


((OOC: It is five in the morning, why am I still awake-- I will reply to tags later in the day after I get some sleep, go to classes, and sleep in said classes. \o\ ))

[So, guys. Guess what the Professor is doing right now? Well, he's in the Pokemon Center, chilling out. His Pokegear is recording him by his faithful Duskull. It's all good. Just making sure that he picks up his Noctowl from treatment after a long day of training. Pretty normal, huh? Man, what a boring feed.

Oh wait, he's heading towards the door and--

How on Earth is he in Goldenrod City?]

... I suspect that this is another Pokemon's doing? Oh dear...

[It's November 22nd and it's a beautiful day. However, that's not the only thing about today. Today is finally it. It is finally the day that everyone has been waiting for-- or at least just the Professor. Today, November 22nd will be the day that Professor Hershel Layton will challenge his first gym leader and by golly, will he try to win! Or at least go trying!

Climbing the stairs that would lead him to meet with the gym leader, the camera of the Professor's Pokegear records him from what seemed to on the sidelines, not too far from the actual battle field. With how spacious it is in this area, it isn't that hard to hear the small conversation that Falkner and the Professor exchanged after introducing themselves. Their words echoing throughout the gym, most likely shaped in its dome structure for that purpose. Better than to scream out commands for your Pokemon only to lose your voice halfway through.]

A pleasure to meet with you, Mr. Falkner.

Nice to meet you too, Professor. Are you ready?

Yes, of course.

[The Professor ends their small handshake and brings up one hand to tip his hat. He walks over to his side of the field and Falkner to his own. He stops and turns back towards the leader.]

May the better man win.

Oh, I plan to!

[And with a sudden jump backwards, Falkner throws out a Pokeball into the air. In a flash of bright white, a form shapes and turns, and in all its glory, a Noctowl appears.]


Give me your best shot, Prof"! Don't be holding back!

[The Professor chuckles and reaches up to adjust his top hat once again.]

Why yes, of course.

[He reaches for the Pokeball second to the left and fiddles around with it in his hand for a second. With a strong heave, the Professor throws it into the air.]

Walter!

[....]
[The video feed starts up once again, but it seems like it is outside the gym now. It stopped recording sometime near the end of the gym battle. Why, that's a mystery and so is where on Earth this new feed is taking place. It does look like it's outside the Violet City gym, but it's kinda hard to tell though. The camera flies around the place, swaying a bit to the right, to the left, then up, then down. It's just everywhere and... what is that annoying flapping sound? It sounds just like a bird's... Well, if you managed to put horrible camera work and that flapping together as one, you'll probably reach the conclusion that the Professor has given his Noctowl to record this video feed. Well...that was a pretty bad idea cause it just can't stay steady for a single second... But at least after a few minutes, the Pokegear is handed over to the Professor's Duskull to take over the job, and he pulls it off a lot better. It actually focused on something for once! Thank Ho-Oh...

The camera records the Professor walking out of the Pokemon Gym. He seems very proud right now, fiddling with his top hat's brim with one hand. In his other hand, he seems to be grasping something. Just what could it be? It will take no Einstein to figure it out, seeing as his previous feed was a battle with Falkner. But nevertheless, 5 picarats to those who can guess what was making this man so proud. Grim the Duskull gives only ten seconds for the watcher to guess as he closes up on what is in the Professor's hand.]



[If you guess "Zephyr Badge", that's correct! The Professor now finally has his very first gym badge and on his first try too! He's pretty proud and happy right now. Just look at that smile he has. It's just as big as when he solves a difficult puzzle, maybe even bigger! You can just feel him radiating, even through that screen. He's almost like a child who just received an A+ on his test and in a way, he did. Only now he's 30 years older and got a badge instead of a mark.

And who is there to share the Professor's glee, but the Pokemon that won the battle for him! Claire the Vulpix dances around his feet, jumping and yipping in what seems to be a cheer. Walter the Noctowl flies around the Professor and then perches on his arm once he holds it out. It flaps its wings as if waving them around and hoots excitingly. Even Grim the gloomy Duskull can't escape the happiness going around for it actually mumbled a few "Skulllllllll" for once.

This whole team is just beaming with joy and it is quite a sight to see!]

It appears as I have managed to win my very first gym leader badge of Johto. Although it was a difficult battle, it was enjoyable overall. My Pokemon here have done a wonderful job in helping me so.

I will have to treat them to a very large meal in celebration, no?

[And all at once, all three of his Pokemon give a giant cry of agreement. Claire the Vulpix dances around his feet once more and Walter flaps his wings even stronger. It's chow time! The Professor just chuckles at their excitement, placing his gym badge into his pocket and holding onto his top hat before it flew away. He can greatly understand how they are feeling.]

If anyone knows what is the best kind of treats for Pokemon are sold in the markets, please do tell for I would like to give them today something as my thanks.

[His Pokemon cry out once again.]

But, ah, this video is not just for my win. I did not record this to brag, but rather to ask if anyone is interested in going on an exposition with me.

This exposition will be done in some ruins just nearby Violet City called the "Alph Ruins". They are only about a day's travel to reach there and they seem to be holding some mystery. As to what they might have, I am not too sure. This will be my first time studying anything of the sort here in Johto.

As some of you may know, I am not only a professor but also an archeologist. I have studied many different things back in London, so to study ruins native of this land will be fascinating. I am only asking if anyone will like to assist me in gathering information about these Alph Ruins.

Perhaps studying these ruins may lead to some clues as to how we arrived here and why. We may even gather enough information as to how to find a way home, if that is what some may wish.

My expedition will only last for about a week to two weeks, depending as to how large it may be. Anyone is free to follow along if they wish so. It will be a great pleasure to have someone to work with. However, I am afraid I cannot provide any food during our trip. I will only be able to serve tea there. I do hope that you may understand.

For those who are not located around in Violet City but would still like to know or help, I will be giving a report on whatever we may discover.

I will keep down a list of those who will be coming and give an update as to when we will be leaving.

Thank you very kindly for listening and I do hope I interested someone.

[And the Professor tips his hat before the feed ends.]


(( OOC: But yeah! This is it, guys! The Professor is finally going to head down to Alph Ruins to study it, but he's asking for anyone that want to help him solve it! There's some stuff down there in the ruins such as moon stones, berries, mystic water, all that jazz. There are four chambers in the ruins for the characters to discover and figure out what the meanings are on the walls. Permission granted from the mods for what they can discover and what items they can find~  Oh, and Layton got a badge too. Yaaaaaay~ \o\ ...and sorry about the tl;dr and lack of gym battle action or something s-sob))

[So, the festival is now over and everything around the cities is being cleaned up. The booths has been placed away and the confetti on the ground being swept away. It looks just like what most finished festivals looked like. It even has that usual feeling of nostalgia when you just look around, just thinking about that amazing event. Of course, everything is back to normal, but guess who is still running that little puzzle booth of his? 

Professor Layton, that's who! 

Well, it is not much of a booth as much as it is just an empty green bench with no one but himself sitting on it. He has returned all the tables and desks he borrowed from the school, and has been now reduced to only claiming the bench next to the Pokemon Center. At least three paper bags is sitting by his feet and a Noctowl perching itself on the bench with him. For those who might remember his Hoothoot, 10 picarats if you can guess who this Noctowl is. It actually has evolved on Halloween when fending off those glitches, but it never left its Pokeball for everyone to see until today. Doesn't it look so much wiser? What a fitting Pokemon to its trainer!

The Professor positions the Pokegear on the empty space of the bench, making sure it is set perfectly, the video shaking around for a few seconds. He nods once he has it set up perfectly. He clears his throat once.]

Hello to all out there. I do hope that everyone had enjoyed the festival. It was quite the event, was it not?

[He waits a few seconds almost as if waiting for a response, but continues.]

Well, for those who came across my puzzle booth in Violet City, I would like thank you very much for visiting. It had greatly overjoyed me to see people interested. I had handed out many puzzles, tea, and picarats during those three days. I am also glad that some people had taken their picarats and exchanged them for prizes, however, it does seem that I have quite a lot of items left over.

[He pans the camera towards the bags at the ground for a few seconds before positioning it back at him.]

I will now offer this chance to those who are in different cities or those who had not exchanged their picarats yet in Violet City to do so. As you may see, my Hoothoot here seemed to have grown quite strong and larger into a Noctowl. Isn't that correct, Walter?

[The Noctowl spreads its wings and gives off a cry. Awww yeah, look how awesome it is now. It seems very proud of itself. The Professor just chuckles.]

For those who have solved my puzzles before but are located other than Violet City, please, select what prize you may want to receive and my Pokemon here will deliver it to you by flying over there. Do not worry about Walter. He has actually offered to deliver the prizes around, so he will be quite fine. It seems as good training for him from his point of view, haha.

For those still in Violet City and would like to exchange their picarats for the prizes, I am located outside the Pokemon Center. Please, do come for a visit. I have some tea that anyone may like to sip with me.

[And when he means sip tea, he means it. It seems like he overbought everything again...But back on topic!]

My prizes here consist of the usual potions, pokeballs, and other supplies. It is mainly what you find in the markets. It may not stand against what Goldenrod's department store might have, but I do hope that I can provide something as a "thank you" for solving all of my puzzles. Unfortunately, I am afraid I cannot deliver the heavier prizes such as the articles of clothing I may have, so my apologizes.

If you have a flying-type Pokemon with you that would rather pick up the prize, that will be quite fine. I am sure that Walter cannot travel all over the place forever.

[The Noctowl stares at the Professor before flying over and sitting right on his hat. Commence flailing! Oh my good Heavens, you are heavy. GET OFF OH MY LORD MY NECK IT'S GONNA BREAK I NEED THIS TO SOLVE PUZZLES AND GO OUT TO DINNER WITH CLAIRE AND FRIENDS OH MY LORD FFFFFFFFFF-- oh hey, it got off after a few seconds of flailing and chuckles and apologizes. He straightens his hat onto his hat once again and clears his throat.]

B-But yes, if you do have a flying-type, it is more than welcome to pick up the prizes itself. Perhaps it will be strong enough to actually carry the heavier prizes? Please, do not hesitate to ask what prizes I may have and if anyone out there is interested in solving more puzzles to earn more picarats, please do ask. I will not be running out anytime soon, so newcomers are also quite welcome! Actually, I have a puzzle I would like someone to solve, so please do give it a try for those who want to:

"A man was found murdered on a Sunday morning. His wife immediately called the police and they questioned the wife and the staff. These were the alibis:

The Wife was asleep.
The Chef was cooking breakfast.
The Gardener was picking vegetables.
The Maid was getting the mail.
The Butler was cleaning out the closet.

Just from these alibis, the police instantly knew who the was the murderer and arrested him or her. Who was it and how did they know?"

[30 picarats to those who solve this one! Add it to your collection and trade it in! Who knows, maybe the Professor has a prize you might find neat!]


(( OOC: fffffff I-I know I'm behind on tags with profpuzzle , usedeverything and aliapars . I apologize for that. I just been really tired lately from walking everywhere and worrying about what university to apply to and fffff. Don't hesitate to put in your subject what entries/tags I should get to with who, and I'm there! I need to catch up like CRAZY, so I appreciate any help. For the prizes, he does have a great variety and he has a set picarat price for them. Just ask and ye shall receive! Happy exchanging and solving!

EDIT: Dude, okay, who bought Layton five extra icons? Come out here so I can punch you with love. ;; ))

[So, it's finally night time all around Johto. The Hoothoots are now awake and flying around, and the Sentrets were starting to tuck themselves in. However, it wasn't that late out though, so it was not unusual that a new video entry appeared over the network.

The feed started up and it shook around for a minute, just before it focused on a man sitting on top of some tarp. Above him was another large tarp that was attached to a few trees around the area. The rain pittered and pattered onto the plastic wrap, almost creating some kind of rhythm. It was actually a bit smoothing, to be honest. But seriously, jut who on Earth is this man with the towel over his head? It doesn't seem like anyone that appeared over the network, but the area around him didn't seem like Route 29 or anywhere that a newcomer would stay, neither did the equipment he had seemed fitted for a newcomer. So, just who was this person? But hey...doesn't those dot eyes seem really familiar? 

If you happened to look pretty closely and maybe even squint your eyes, you could actually tell that this man is...the Professor?

Yes, it is! It is actually Professor Layton, and for once, it seems like he isn't wearing his top hat. In its place, a medium-sized white towel laid on his head, covering most of his hair, so those curious as to what his hair may look like, ahhh, too bad. All you can get is that his hair colour is brown and that he has some bangs. Other than that, it's hard to tell anything else like the style.

Well, either way, it didn't change the fact that his hair was just completely soaked. He couldn't wear his top hat like this, hence the towel. Actually, he couldn't wear his hat all day today. Ponchos were not kind to top hat wearing gentlemen, so he had to carry his hat around, wrapped in an extra poncho. If that didn't make it worse, while he was trying to set up this camp with the others in his traveling group, his hood kept flying back from the winds, and the leaves and branches had some kind of grudge on him since they kept whipping him in the face....His face does seem a bit red, now that we mention it...Well, if Remi wasn't going to be the end of him by making him climb ledges, then all this camping will.

Smiling a bit, the Professor waved a gloved hand towards the camera.]

I hope that everyone is taking shelter from this rain. It seems like the weather today is rather quite bad--
!! CRASH !!

...Actually, "terrible" would be a better way to describe this. It is rather chilly as well.

[He pulled his beige scarf closer around his neck and rubbed his gloved hands together. With the temperature ranging from 43ºF/6ºC to 41ºF/4ºC, it was pretty cold out. Not to mention that the Professor's hair was still wet, so it just made things worse for him. He'll just have to wait until it dried out, hence why he was up and recording.]

I can't sleep just yet until my hair dries, so perhaps someone can help pass the time. I do have a few puzzles with me for those who want to solve them, but perhaps maybe we can have a new discussion just for a change:

If you were given the chance to return back to your home-- and I am positive we will find a way to do so --will you return? You do not have to answer the question. I have no right to pry into this. I am merely curious. We may go back to the puzzles, if you wish.

[As for the Professor himself...well, you'll just have to ask yourself. He has mixed feelings, and all for different reasons...So much for a happy topic, huh?]


(( OOC: ffffff Sorry to Layton cast if this isn't okay! Give me a holler then! Slowitaus sucks major balls. ;A; ))