The box.

THE box.

Fables and legends sung about it, and Layton could not believe he was holding the artifact in his hands right now.

Ah, the perks of being an Archaeologist, he cheered to himself as he flew back to England, the box safely stored away.

His journey had taken him to the deep Amazon jungle. He was only accompanied by himself. It was a final request from one of his dear friends, Peter Lamange. The poor man had finally been laid to rest last night. He had always been like a second father in a way, Layton mused sadly. But now the request was filled.

Layton gathered his baggage at the airport, before taking the bus back home, the artifact safely stowed. It would be a few days before the museum opened, so Layton would have a bit to examine the artifact and learn more about it.

"So what exactly does it do, professor?" Luke came to the man later that night. Layton looked up, pulling the spectacles from his face.

"It's quite intriguing, to be honest, Luke. Legends tell of a box that was considered sacred among a certain tribe in Africa. While their name isn't well known, their artifact certainly was. They claimed it housed their deity. No one has been able to prove it, however. Well, not until tonight. That is, if I can figure out the secret to the box." Layton went back to carefully turning the object over in his hands.

A few more hours passes, before Luke heard a simple "Aha!" from behind the door. Luke looked inside.

"Did you get it, Professor?" Luke called out. Layton turned around, a pleased smile on his face.

"Indeed I did, my boy!" Luke bounded over.

"Well, let's see what's inside then!"

"Hold on, my boy. You must remember, there could be a powerful item contained in this box, so I want you to-" the Professor looked down to see a black fluid seeping from the rim of the box. He placed the box on the desk, before opening it. A gasp came from the both of them.

"Professor! W-what is that?"

Layton touched the black goo that pooled the contents of the box. It was sticky, yet rubbery textured. He pulled back instinctively.

The fluid seemed to be taking a life of its own, as it spilled over the edge, and began to flood the Professor's desk. Both men stepped backwards, as two orange circles emerged from the goo. A form began to shape. First emerged a dripping head with horns. Long slender arms then began to pull itself out of the box. This was followed by a long, slightly plump belly, and finished with two long legs. Both looked upon in awe. The creature began to take a more solid shape, as it peered right at the professor. Slowly it crawled on all fours, seeming both uncoordinated and yet graceful at the same time. Layton was too awestruck to move, as the creature slowly stood. It placed its hands on its shoulders.

Layton was unsure what to think as the creature seemed to examine him. Its eyes almost seemed to be reading his mind. Was it trying to communicate with him? Was it trying to-

His thoughts were interrupted by a shrill shriek, as the creature opened its maw wide. Layton let out a gasp. The impish looking creature stuck his hands into the man's mouth, and Layton gagged.

"Professor!" Luke cried out. He reached out to try and grab the creature from Layton, but his hand went right through its abdomen. He cried out in shock. The creature brought its back feet onto the man's shoulders, and in one move, began to force itself down the Professor's throat. Luke made another attempt. He grabbed onto the legs of the creature, but once again, the solid shapes became a fluid, and Luke lost his grip.

Layton felt the creature claw its way down its throat, it's body not quite solid, but not quite liquid. It was like swallowing a huge amount of slime. He gave a hard gulp, sending the thick mass down his throat.

Luke watched as a bulge made its was into the Professor's gut, where it then seemed to moved around a bit, before settling down. Layton fell to the ground, and fainted. Luke could only look on in horror.

"Professor? PROFESSOR!"