DISCLAIMER: I don't own Professor Layton. Level-5, if I ask really nicely, could I get Layton and Mah Boi for Christmas? I don't own Gravol either.

Thanks for the lovely reviews! Cookies for everyone!

This fic is also the product of a conversation between my sister and I. Don't ask me where she got this idea.

It was a fair day at the carnival, perfect for an afternoon of fun and greasy food. The professor had brought Luke to the carnival as a treat. "Even an English gentleman must have some time to relax every so often," Layton had said. It wasn't often that they could take a break like this, given the professor's busy schedule. When he wasn't lecturing at the university, the professor was marking papers and checking Luke's homework. That wasn't even including the times when a mystery in some little village in the countryside called the two away.

The carnival had been Layton's idea; he had found an ad in the newspaper. Luke had agreed enthusiastically, happy to spend some time that didn't include puzzles with his beloved mentor. So far, Luke had ingested about half his body weight's worth of grease and sugar. The professor had politely declined trying the deep-fried marshmallow on a stick when offered, preferring to keep his stomach lining in one piece. He had brought along a thermos of tea—the real stuff, of course—and a small bag full of digestible food. A box of Gravol had been thoughtfully included in the bag. Greasy food played havoc on one's digestive system, as Luke would undoubtedly find out in a few hours. The professor's top hat drew some odd stares, but otherwise it was ignored.

Several hours, a hidden puzzle and a Gravol later, Luke was exhausted. The sun was beginning to set, reminding carnival-goers that they had meetings at 7:00 AM sharp the next morning. Luke was starting to droop, having spent his energy reserves. Layton guided his self-proclaimed apprentice to the parking lot, where the Laytonmobile awaited. It had been a long day for both of them, although not for the same reasons. Luke had spent much of the day yelling his delight as he was swung up, down, left, right and diagonally on the rides. Layton had been besieged by random passerbys and carnival workers wanting him to solve puzzles. It was as if he wore a bright, flashing sign above his head saying: "Professor of archaeology and master puzzle solver here! Kindly interrupt my day to ask me to solve random puzzles that have absolutely no relevance to your life!" He liked puzzles; that he would admit freely. But, for the love of God, even he needed a rest from solving puzzles all the time!

The professor halted his internal ranting before it got too out of hand again. He turned to Luke, hoping to distract himself, only to find empty space. He scratched his head, looking about. Where was he? Layton could've sworn that Luke was right by his side...Aha! A blue cap behind that trash can! He walked over, confirming that it was indeed Luke who was huddled there.

"Luke, my boy, whatever is the matter?" Layton asked, crouching so that he was at eye level to Luke. His apprentice had a terrified look on his face, arms wrapped tightly around his knees. The professor had never seen Luke look so frightened before. He reached out to pat Luke's head. "Tell me what's scared you so."

Luke's eyes darted from side-to-side, looking like a frightened animal. He leaned close to the professor, who obliged by bending towards Luke. "It can see me, Professor! It's going to eat me!"

Layton frowned. "What can see you?"

Luke grasped the lapels of Layton's coat, pulling him forcefully down. He was much stronger than Layton had given him credit for, given that he was rather stringy. "The ferris wheel. It knows that I'm here. It's going to crush my bones and then it's going to eat me!"

"...Luke, why do you think that the ferris wheel is going to eat you?" Layton asked after a moment's pause. This didn't have anything to do with the incident at St. Mystere, did it? It seemed that Luke had come away far more scarred than he had realized.

"It can smell me, Professor! It knows!" Layton looked at his diminutive apprentice worriedly. Luke sounded like he was only a few moments from hysteria. It was best to leave the matter until a later time. Layton scooped the boy up, carrying Luke like a sack of shaky, sweaty potatoes to the car. Not exactly the most gentlemanly thing to do, but given the circumstances, he doubted that Luke could walk on his own.

"It'scomingit'scomingit'sgoingtoeatmeIdon'twannabesquishedProfessor!"

A spot of therapy might do Luke some good, thought the professor. Yes, it might do quite nicely.

And so, poor Luke had a phobia of ferris wheels that lasted well into his adult life.

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