We open our little story to a familiar ship.
Flux: How much longer til we reach Monte d'Or?
Eggman: We're not that far.
Buggy: So what's the deal with this mask?
Flux: The Mask of Chaos is a powerful artifact said to be blessed with terrible power. I thought it to be lost, but that was til I saw this month's paper.
He then showed a picture of a man all in white wearing a mask.
Ren: The Masked Gentlemen?
Flux: He's been sighted all over that town. I know he has the mask because he's wearing it on his face. I will have that mask.
Ian then came in with a large box.
Ian: Hey, partner. You got mail.
Flux: I don't normally get any. May as well see what's inside.
He opened the box and out came two children. Twins,a boy and a girl.
Both: Hello, big bro.
Flux: Well, this is unexpected. What are my little siblings dong here?
Ian: Partner, who are they?
Flux: Ian, meet my young siblings, Damien and Annette. Now what are you doing here?
Damien: Dad asked us to give you this letter.
Flux Then took the letter and began to read it.
Flux(reading): Dear Flux, As you may know, your old man is retired from the evil game, so that is why I need you to show your little siblings the ropes on evil. I know you can do it cause I showed you every move I know. From, your father, Cresaxus Flux.
Ian: Also you got another letter from an Angela Ledore.
Flux: Angela? I haven't heard from her in 18 years. Hmm?
several days later...
We open to a very festive town where a very exciting parade is taking place. We also see our heroes watching the parade.
Aelita: This place is incredible.
Dan: So this is Monte d'Or.
Sonic: No wonder its so popular. I can't even remember why we're here?
Ichigo: We're here to meet the professor. And where's Jexi?
Jexi then arrived with some familiar friends.
Luffy: Jexi, Pit, Link, Ranma! Why are all of you here?
Link: Jexi said you may need our help.
Pit: I just came to enjoy the scenery.
Yumi: So you all came alone?
Ranma: I did bring some of my friends with me, but they wanted to enjoy the sights.
Knuckles: If I knew this trip was going to be like this, I would've stayed with Shadow, Blaze and Silver.
Vector: Cheer up. We're in a place filled with mystery.
Manaphy: I see the professor. Over there!
They turned to see the professor and Luke.
Luke: So this is Monte d'Or.
Layton: Indeed. In only 18 years, this little desert oasis has grown into quite a tourist attraction.
Luke: Amazing, don't you think?
Layton: Yes it is. Some people even call it the City of Miracles.
Luke: The City of Miracles. There's so much to look at here, professor.
Layton: Yes. I've heard that Monte d'Or is quite an exciting town.
Luke: The letter you recieved said some terrible things happened here. That's hard to believe...
Layton: We'll have a better understanding of the situation after we speak to Angela.
Luke: We should be able to see her estate just past this street.
Tails: Professor!
The two turned to see some familiar friends.
Layton: Nice to see you all again.
Luke: Its great to see you again.
Marucho: Same here, Luke.
Layton: I notice you have some new friends.
The heroes introduced their friends.
Odd: So what sort of mystery are we here to solve?
Layton: I'll explain when we reach the Ledore estate.
Amy: This city's like one big amusement park.
Layton: It certainly is a lively town.
Luke: How could anything bad happen in a place so bright and colorful, Professor?
Layton: Never judge a book by its cover, Luke. Only a thorough nalysis will reveal a thorough conclusion.
Luke: Right as always, professor. Let the investigation commence.
Chopper: Optimistic as always, huh, Luke?
They began to investigate the area til they were met by a clown tied up in balloons.
Stumble: Oh, hello there! Heh heh. Welcome to-ugh-Monte-nnngh... Monte...
Pit: Do you need some help?
Stumble: Yes. I need to release these balloons into the air. You know, for the kids. If I don't get these ballons into the air, I'll never earn my clown nose. I'm Stumble by the way.
Puzzle 001: Stumble's Balloons.
Pit: Okay. So I just move the right string, then the middle and then the left. There you go.
Stumble was now freed from the balloons.
Stumble: Phew! What a relief! Thank you for that.
Pit: No need to thank me, Stumble. Helping those in need is its own reward.
Stumble: Sounds like you just got into town. Always be on your toes. And feel free to come to the circus.
The group continued to look at the parade.
Luke: Look at that clown. And those balloons, and the band!
The clowns then released their balloons into the air.
Luke: Look at this place. Everyone is having such a good time.
Layton: They are and I'm looking forward to doing the same, after our investiation.
The group then heard a woman scream.
William: What was that?
Man: It's him! Run!
Man 2: Frozen by stone!
Laura: Stone?
Layton: Quickly!
They began to run toward the destionation of the scream. As they ran, the ballons on the big clown popped and it went crashing down to the ground.
Luke: Ah!
Shun: Luke!
He then grabbed Luke and rolled to the ground. The group then saw a disturbing sight, several people had been turned to stone.
Yukkles: Hey, I'm trying to escape here! Get out of the way, will ya?
Rukia: Sir, try to remain calm.
Yukkles: Calm?! Are you blind? Those people have been turned to stone.
Fabia: How is this possibe?
Amy: Guys! Up there!
The group looked up to see a man dressed all in white wearing a golden mask.
Man: One, two, three, four. Did you miss me, Monte d'Or. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome! I hope you all enjoyed tonights dark miracle. Courtesy of the Masked Gentleman. Consider what you have seen tonight as a warning. Monte d'Or will soon be destroyed. Those who submit to the power of the mask may be sparred. But then again, they may not.
He then made his cane disappear and out came a pair of wings. He then took flight. Just then, several horses were heard galloping in.
Emmy: Guys!
Sanji: Emmy!
Emmy: What are you all waiting for? A written invitation?
The heroes got on the horses, except Luke. He got on a donkey.
Luke: Mine has something wrong with it.
They began riding the steeds after the Masked Gentleman.
Layton: Everyone, follow me!
Luke: Hey, wait for me!
They began chasing the man down the alley.
Masked Gentleman: Persistent, aren't we? But I may as well give them an encore.
Before they could catch him, he dropped several smokebombs. After the smoke clears, the masked man is replaced by a white sheet.
Usopp: He got away.
Layton: Yes, he had quite an advantage over us.
Emmy: I can assume that was the Masked Gentleman.
Jake: But how did he do all those tricks?
Layton: I'm about as clueless as the rest of you.
Ranma: Just who is he?