Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy :)
Dikratsblim - Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
You are not alone about Sherl. He seems a little unnecessary and his voice is a bit off (although most of the voice acting in that game is a bit off). I'm not sure if you know this but there's a Katrielle Layton anime which is pretty good. You can find it on YouTube, but it's not dubbed in English. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
djinn - Thank you so much as always.
aivenir - Wow! You sure have put a lot of faith on writing skills. But I'll try my best not to disappoint you. Are you going to read one chapter of this story and then watch the chapter on a playthrough or are you going to wait till I finish the 'The Miracle Mask' and then watch the playthrough? Either way I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Oh and I love black tea as well, especially English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Darjeeling. But I also like fruit teas in the morning like Lemon and ginger.
Thank you.
Pinkflamingwarriorofjustice - I'm sorry to say that most of your questions I can't really answer without spoiling the story, but I can say that Emmy will leave like in the original. The rest you would have to wait to find out. I'll think about whether I'll make my own version of 'That Time I got Reincarnated As A Slime'. I have only watched the first few episodes so I'll look into it. Thanks for reading.
Guest - Thanks so much, enjoy the next chapter.
Chapter 1: The Masked Gentleman
Dearest Hershel,
I trust that this letter finds you well. I have read wonderful things about your work Hershel...or rather, Professor Layton.
It's difficult to believe that it has been nearly 18 years...
I'm sure this letter comes as quite a surprise but I must ask for your help.
We have experienced a series of terrifying incidents here in Monte D'or. I must be cursed by the Mask of Chaos for it is now threatening to destroy outer city,
I hope you can forgive me after all these years. I don't know who else to turn to.
I cannot give you the full details now. However, if you can spare the time. I shall tell you all upon your arrival.
We are desperate need of your help, Hershel.
I've enclosed the address for the Ledore Estate.
I hope to see you soon,
Angela Ledore.
En Route to Monte D'or
Edgar looked over the letter once again in the backseat of Layton's car before folding it up and putting it down next to him. He leaned his head back and tried to ignore the headache caused by the long journey and the heat made worse by being in small metal car.
Edgar has faced many puzzles, mysteries and riddles in his past and he knew he will face many, many more in the years to come. He could stare into the complexities of the universe and make sense of it all, find every hidden secrets and know everything that cannot be learned.
However, there is was one thing that Edgar would ever understand:
Why is there a bloody desert on a tiny island? An island closer to the arctic circle than to the equator.
However, all the effort Edgar is using to solve this particular problem is only making the pain worst and so decided to let it go. He leaned his head on the door so he could feel the cool breeze on his face. The back windows didn't open and the car was older than air conditioning, but Emmy and Layton have opened their windows to battle the heat of the mid-afternoon sun.
He, Layton and Emmy drove through sandy, desolate, wasteland towards the city of Monte D'or. The journey had been relatively silent ever since they left London as the three travellers were trying to keep cool by doing as little activity as possible. However, Edgar had questions for Layton and so he leaned up again and poked his head between Layton and Emmy.
"So since we have nothing to do but roast in this oven you call a car, I might as well ask what this Mask of Chaos is."
Emmy, who had volunteered to drive, gave a proud smile as she glanced at Edgar, "Donald Rutledge wrote about it in his book, "Ancient Histories"," she said before Edgar cut her off with a groan.
"Spare me the book recommendation, Princess," he muttered, earning an annoyed look from Emmy.
"As I was saying," Emmy said through a sigh, "According to legend, the mask bestows great power upon whoever wears it."
"Yes," Layton agreed, "the allure of omnipotence is as old as mankind itself. You seem to know quite a bit about the mask, Emmy," he observed.
Emmy smiled happily, "I read it in the book you gave to me on my birthday," she told him before scowling as Edgar muttered the word 'nerd' under a cough.
"This Mask of Chaos is well known in the world of archaeology then," Edgar said as he took of his leather jacket and placed on the seat next to him.
"Oh yes," Emmy replied, "Among researchers, it's quite a popular topic."
Edgar sighed, "Well it looks like this 'marvel of archaeology' is being used for evil if the letter holds weight. Ms Angela Ledore has been pretty vague on the details."
"Speaking of this Angela," Emmy added, shooting a coy look at the Professor, "What is your relationship with her, Professor? Is she one of Professor Layton's lost loves?"
"Now that's a thought," Edgar commented with a grin, "I think Professor Layton having a girlfriend is like a duck making a nest in a tree."
Layton furrowed his eyebrows, "How do you mean?"
"Not impossible, but very hard to imagine," Emmy answered, causing her and Edgar to laugh at Layton's expense.
Layton gave them a light glare before looking ahead, "To answer your question Emmy, I've known Angela since my school days. Our relationship was...complicated," he replied hesitantly.
Emmy and Edgar shared a concerned look at his answer. They weren't expecting him to be so indefinite in regards to Angela. Edgar cleared his throat.
"Is something wrong, Prof?" he asked.
Layton turned back to him with a small smile, "I'm quite alright, Edgar. It looks like we're almost there."
He was right. Driving over a ridge and looking down a large valley, Monte D'or came into view a few miles away. Edgar could see how lively it was, despite how it wasn't even dark yet, with its lights and colourful buildings.
However, there was one thing that worried Edgar. The city looked like it was built at the bottom of a bowl with sand dunes surrounding it on all sides. Edgar wasn't sure what made him more nervous, the fact that the sand dunes loomed over the city or the fact they were driving towards the centre of the bowl.
Edgar convinced himself to get over it.
Monte D'or
Five Hours Later
After returning the horses and buying them carrots for their hard work, Layton, Emmy and Edgar walked back to the main plaza where the victims of the Masked Gentleman were still standing. Edgar thought it was best to note the new developments down in his notebook.
New Mystery - The Petrification Miracle: Around a dozen people had been turned to stone whilst watching the parade presumably caused by the Masked Gentleman. Others may have witnessed this take place so we must identify these witnesses and interview them. We should also identify the victims as well.
After a few moments consideration, Edgar decided to jot down another mystery that they had encountered.
New Mystery - The Mask of Chaos: It is said that it grants the wear tremendous power. Is this true? Where did the Masked Gentleman acquire it? Could this be what's causing the 'miracles'.
Edgar snapped the notebook closed and was about to put it back in his pocket when he heard a soft giggle next to him. He turned and saw Emmy giving him a teasing grin.
"I see you're putting the notebook to good use," she observed, causing Edgar to roll his eyes.
"I don't need it. I can remember everything about this case," Edgar muttered as he shoved the book into his pocket.
Emmy laughed again, "If you insist. However I doubt you'll be able to solve this case without it."
"Hey, I solved the Spectre and the eternal life cases without it."
"The Professor solved those ones," Emmy pointed out.
"And I solved them with him. I don't remember you doing anything," he retorted, earning an insulted gasp from Emmy.
"I was assisting the Professor," Emmy defended herself, "besides I was hardly there for the second one. However, giving the chance I could solve cases much better than you."
"Oh really," Edgar challenged, "Why don't put your money where your mouth is."
Emmy sighed in exhaustion, "What are you talking about."
"£50 says I can solve this case before you can. Throughout the investigation we each get one guess to deduce who is behind all of this and the person who guess correctly wins. What do you say?" Edgar proposed with a sly smile and holding out his hand for her to shake.
Emmy gave him a deadpan look, "You're really betting on a serious investigation."
"£75," Edgar said, raising the ante.
"Do you know how insulting you're being?"
"£100."
"Done," Emmy agreed, shaking his hand with a challenging grin.
"Emmy," Layton called out, making the two jump and pull away, "were you be able to find out anything that may help us when you were interviewing the residents?"
Emmy pulled out her notebook and reviewed her notes, "Yes, It seems our Masked Gentlemen first turned up here a month ago. He's been performing his miracles left, right and centre. It has the whole city in a frenzy."
"He's been doing it to innocent people," Edgar muttered, "bloody coward."
Layton hummed, "It's worrying to see this troublemaker able to act in impunity for so long. Presumably the police are struggling with the case."
"Seems so," Emmy answered, "They are trying to catch the culprit but they can't do much without any leads on his identity."
"No leads?" Edgar questioned, "surely there has to be something they can work on."
Emmy shook her head, "Since they don't know how he does these miracles, I'd say it's pretty hard for them to pin down suspects."
"Well there's not time like the present," Layton said, "let's investigate the victims."
They eventually made it back to the main plaza and looked at the people turned into statues. The Monte D'or police had already taped the area off to ward off the public, so the things that the three could do are limited.
Emmy frowned in concern, "Well, it looks like we can't do much here. It's a shame we can't do anymore. Those poor people."
Edgar and Layton hummed in agreement, "Are only is hope is to find out what's going on as quickly as possible," Edgar said.
"I'll just take a few photos, be right back," Emmy told them, taking her camera out of her bag and jogging away.
Edgar sighed and rubbed his head tiredly, "We were pretty close to where it happened. We could have been victims ourselves."
Layton nodded plainly, "Indeed. We will have to take causation as we continue this investigation. We wouldn't want to fall for the Masked Gentleman's next miracle."
"Speaking of taking caution," Edgar muttered as he spotted somebody in the crowd of people.
The person he spotted was a heavyset man in his forties or fifties with fair skin, thick black hair, and a large moustache. He wore a salmon pink jacket suit and white trousers and fidgeted oddly. His name was Aldus and he first met him in Misthallery. There was two things about him that annoyed Edgar (other then the pink jacket): one his over-friendliness and two his love for Hint Coins Whatever they maybe. Edgar tried to avoid him as much as possible.
"Prof, why don't we head further into the city. We could probably gather more information there or something," Edgar urged as he pushed Layton away from Aldus.
"Oh alright," Layton unsurely said, not quite sure what came over him.
They found Emmy and walked under the giant circus tent which acted as a gate into the main city. Edgar glanced at the clown ballon that almost crushed him and Layton as they walked by. The police must of dragged it there to unblock the road.
Emmy looked at the balloon as well, "Seems strange that something so big could float," she observed.
"Well it looks like it won't be floating any time soon," Edgar replied, looking over the massive rip on the side of the balloon.
He was about to continue talking when he heard something that made him stop.
'Is...someone crying?' he thought to himself as he followed the sound and ignored Emmy's cries.
He followed the gentle sobbing around the clown balloon before he saw something that made his heartbreak. Standing all alone were her hands covering her face was a young girl around six years old. Most of her facial features were hidden under her a blue cap that seemed to big for her. What Edgar could see was her lower face and dark brown hair tied into plats and she wore a pink coat over a purple dress.
Edgar immediately went up to her and kneeled down to her height.
"Hey there," he said in the softest voice he could muster, "what's wrong?"
The young girl sniffed and looked up at Edgar, "I've...lost...ma mammy," she answered in a Scottish accent, trying to speak through sobs.
"It's alright. I'll help you. My name is Edgar Cipher, what's your name?" Edgar asked comfortingly.
"Bonnie," the girl replied as she wiped her eyes with her sleeves.
"Bonnie, that's a lovely name," Emmy said as she walked up behind Edgar, "what does you mother look like?"
"She's tall an'... an' 'er hair is th' sam coloor as mine. She gonna be angry at me. I'm always gettin' lost," Bonnie answered sadly as sniffed.
"I'm sure she won't be angry at you," Edgar reassured, "tell you what, why don't I buy you something for being such a brave girl."
Bonnie instantly perked up as soon as he said that, a broad smile spreading across her face.
"Really?" she chirped happily.
'Of course that would work,' Edgar and Emmy thought at the same time with a mental sigh.
Edgar stood up and held out his hand for her to take, "Come on then, wee lamb," he urged.
Bonnie took his hand but gave him a glare, "Don't call me 'at," she demanded.
"Alright then, timerous beastie," Edgar teased, making Bonnie pout in anger and Emmy to giggle.
They met up with Layton and travelled underneath the giant marquee to another grand plaza. It would seem the miracle had not deterred the tourists from continuing to have fun as they enjoy the festive surroundings. The plaza itself was made of square tiles of concrete and each corner of the plaza had a tall column with a statue perched on top of it.
According to a sign, this area they entered was named Galley Plaza after the round art gallery which greets them after they past the marquee. Like most of the buildings in Monte D'or, the gallery was built out of red brick and marble and it had a smaller dome on top of it and even small dome on top of that. The entire gallery was built on a grassy hill where visitors would have to climb up marble stairs and underneath a Greek-style column gate to enter. Edgar could see that the two roads diverged on either side of the gallery, one heading to eastern side of the city and the other to western side.
Edgar spotted a skinny police officer with his cap pulled over his eyes roaming around the plaza and thought he could help her find Bonnie's mother. He gently led the young girl over to him and waved to catch his attention.
"Excuse me, I-"
However before he could finish his sentence, the officer cut him off.
"I don't have time for your teenager shenanigans," the officer rudely interrupted him, "I've got this miracle man to find. But I can't see him anywhere."
Edgar gritted his teeth in to prevent himself from unleashing his fury. He didn't want to get in trouble with the police so soon. Luckily, Layton and Emmy walked up and extinguished any fight about to take place.
"I'm afraid that the Masked Gentleman has long since fled the scene of the crime Constable," Layton told him.
The officer didn't seem to fussed about this revelation, "I knew I shouldn't have finished my sprouts," he muttered, "Full belly, empty cell," he joked.
"Bloody waste of tax money," Edgar mumbled under his breath.
"Us d'Orian police are on the beat 24/7," the officer continued, "but the Gentleman is still miles ahead of us. He's some kind of supervillain! We've even had to cordon off the gallery now thanks to all his funny business. Is nowhere sacred?"
Edgar raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What happened at the galley?"
"Oh right," Emmy realised, "he means the case of the living painting. I heard about that on my private investigation."
"I wasn't aware of this case," Layton said, earning a sheepish look from Emmy.
"Sorry, I was going to tell you later."
"It was a right shock, I can tell you," the officer said, "How would you feel if you saw a painting pop out of it's frame and start wondering around."
"'at soonds proper excitin'," Bonnie happily chirped as Edgar nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, everyone loves it when the museum comes to life," Edgar joked, earning a glare from the officer.
"Not when they start harassing the tourists. They come from miles away to see the gallery and now they can't see it. It's going to put a dent on our city's economy," the officer said, making Layton and Edgar share a knowing look when he mentioned the last part.
Layton hummed and rubbed his chin, "So we now know that at least two incidents are linked to this masked man. And supposedly to the mask..." he mused.
"We need more information," Emmy said as he trailed off, "let's find Bonnie's mother and head to the Ledores' house."
Edgar nodded, "Speaking of which, you couldn't help us find this girl's mother could you," Edgar told the officer.
"Sorry, too busy," the policemen said with a lazy wave before walking off.
Edgar snarled, "Fucking tosser."
"Edgar," Layton exclaimed in shock, "mind your language, there's a child present."
The teen chuckled, "Please, she's Scottish. I'm sure she's heard worse" he said as he waved his hand dismissively.
Bonnie nodded her head eagerly, "That's reit, mistah. 'at policeman was a reit nonce."
While Layton and Emmy looked horrified, Edgar smiled proudly down at Bonnie.
'She's adorable!' Edgar internally squealed.
They searched for Bonnie's mother with little success. They stood on the steps of the gallery to get a better look view of the entire plaza, but after five minutes of scanning the swarm of people they couldn't find her mother anywhere. Edgar frowned in worry and thought about asking another police officer when he noticed that Bonnie had disappeared from his side.
He looked around in panic until he saw a large blue cap somewhere in the crows and immediately followed it. He pushed his away through the people towards the east side of the gallery and entered alleyway that ran along the building. Unlike the ones they chased the Masked Gentlemen, these alleyways were brightly lit and filled with tourists, attracted to the shops and stalls.
He spotted Bonnie at one of these stalls (which looked to be a toy booth) looking up at a giant stuffed bear in awe. Edgar sighed and came up to her.
"Bonnie," he called out, snapping the young girl out of her daze, "please don't run off like that. If you wanted to see something ask me first," he gently scolded.
"Sorry, mistah. aam always daein' 'at," she apologised as she bowed her head.
Edgar smiled kindly as Layton and Emmy caught up with him, "It's alright. Would you like me to get that bear for you?"
"Will ye?" Bonnie gasped in excitement.
"Of course," Edgar chuckled before addressing the man running the booth.
He was tall and burly man in his late twenties with grey slicked back hair, fair skin, and a crooked nose. He wore a sleeveless white shirt, brown trousers and had the widest smile that he has seen on a person. The booth owner smiled pleasantly at Edgar and flexed his arm.
"Step right up, step right up! Our toys are cheap and our smiles are free! How may Jean-Paul be of service to you?" the now named Jean-Paul greeted energetically.
"Hi can we get the-"
However, Jean-Paul's eyes widened and his smile dropped into astonishment. He gripped his hands together and began wiggling in a lovesick manner.
"My eyes!" he declared, "My eyes have been dazzled by the splendour of your light!"
Edgar was understandably taken back by this.
"Excuse me?" he questioned, hoping he wasn't talking to him.
He followed the vendor's line of sight towards a surprised Emmy who had stepped up to the counter next to him.
"Splendid creature, you are a radiant goddess sent to walk upon this earth!" he loudly said, making Emmy give him an uncomfortable frown.
"I'm sorry," she asked in confusion.
Edgar smirked at the sight, 'This is the perfect opportunity to tease Emmy. This is perfect material for a joke. I mean a lovesick shop vendor making...' he stopped his train of thought as reality settled in, '...love confessions. He's confessing his love for Emmy,' he thought as he felt a sharp pain in his heart.
"O Venus! O Aphrodite! Please take any of these toys free of charge!" Jean-Paul continued to declare, making Emmy smile sheepishly at him.
"N-no thank you," she stammered before sending a glare at Edgar that said 'Don't you dare even think of making fun of me'.
However, much to her surprise, Edgar had an annoyed frown on his face rather than his normal teasing half-smile. She was even more surprised when he stepped between her and the vendor.
"I'll deal with him. You and the Prof head to the manor. I'll catch up after I found Bonnie's mother," he told her calmly.
Emmy blinked in astonishment before nodding in agreement, "Okay, Professor let's carry on."
"Of course," Layton said before they continued their way up the alley.
He was just as intrigued as Emmy about Edgar, but also relived that he didn't have to stop any fights between them.
As they walked away, Jean-Paul seemed to deflate in sadness before jumping to attention when Edgar snapped his fingers in his face.
"Oi, paying customer here," Edgar angrily said.
"Right sir," Jean-Paul coughed apologetically, "how can I help?"
"I really hope you don't that to all your female customers."
Jean-Paul rapidly shook his head, "Of course not, sir. But that woman is the exceptional. I'm sorry of I offended you."
"Ay coorse, ye offended heem," Bonnie piped up, "she's his girlfriend," she said, making Edgar sputter in shock.
"What!? No she's not," he told her.
"She isnae?" Bonnie asked in surprised.
"No. What makes you think that she was?"
Bonnie shrugged, "Dornt know. Ye act like a coople."
"Well, we're not a couple," Edgar insisted, "I'm just saying that he shouldn't go around harassing women."
"Like what you do is any better," a little voice inside his head said.
'That's different. I'm charming,' Edgar thought sternly.
"Is it different?" the voice criticised.
Edgar decided to ignore it.
"Well, I'm sorry for the trouble," Jean-Paul told him, "tell you what, if you solve this puzzle I'll give you any toy for free," he offered, making Bonnie gasp in joy and look up pleadingly at Edgar.
The teen sighed, "Fine what's this puzzle then."
Puzzle Start
Jean-Paul ducked down underneath the counter and lifted up a strange looking device. It was a large metal box with a glass screen at the front so you can see inside. Attached on top of the box were four smaller metal boxes in a row and, like the bigger box, they all had a window to look inside. Jean-Paul then ducked underneath the counter again and placed four items on the desk next to the device. A pair of metal legs, a metal torso, two arms attached together by a metal plate and a robot's head. Edgar guessed that those four items came together to make a toy robot.
"Right," Jean-Paul said as he dusted his hands, "This robot comes in four parts, head, body, arms and legs. To put the parts together, all you have to do id put each part into one of these boxes," he said, pointing to small boxes, "flip the switch and they'll be constructed in the box below. The problem is you're not sure what order they'll be assembled in or which way up they'll be. You have three guesses to not only get the order right, but also which right up they have to be to construct the robot."
"Three guess," Edgar hummed once he explained the rules, 'well, I have to know what order it goes in first so I'll just place the parts in normally and I'll have my order.'
Edgar placed the legs in the first box, the torso in the second, the arms in the third and finally the head in the forth and flipped the switch on the side of the larger box. After some rumbling and shaking the parts dropped from the smaller boxes into the large box. However, as predicted, they weren't in order. First came the torso which landed the right way up, then the head but it was upside down, then the legs with the feet pointing to the right and then the arms with the hands pointing to the left.
"One go down, two to go," Jean-Paul declared as he opened the window, took out the robot and dissembled it for him.
'Right now I have my order,' Edgar thought, 'it goes box 2, 4, 1, and 3. Now I just need to know which way around they need to be.
He took his second go, putting the legs in box 2, the torso in 4, the arms in 1 and the head in 3 and flicked the switch. The machine rumbled once more and the parts dropped again. This time was much more successful, the legs was first and the right way up, then the torso but it was upside down, then the arms but the hands were pointing to the right, and finally the head but it landed on the left side.
"One more chance, sir," Jean-Paul reminded as Bonnie watched Edgar eagerly.
Edgar took a deep breath as he watched the vendor take the robot out again, 'Okay, you can do this. I got the order right, but I need to find which way up. The legs in box 2 were fine so I can ignore that. Box 4 made the part turn upside down so I'll just have to turn upside down to make it the right side up,' he thought as he placed the two parts in the way he described, "now the arms and head are going to be trickier. The arms were pointing right so I'll have to turn it 90 degrees to the left and the head was on its side so I'll have to place it on its left side as well,' he decided as did just that and flicked the switch.
The machine rumbled again and the parts dropped for the final time. First came the legs, then the torso, then the arms and finally the head. All of which were the right way up.
"Congratulations!" Jean-Paul bellowed as Bonnie cheered in delight.
Puzzle Solved
"Go get your prize," Edgar urged the young girl.
He smiled as Bonnie eagerly pointed the largest stuffed bear in the booth. Jean-Paul retrieved it and happily gave it to her. Bonnie tightly hugged the bear in her small arms and gave Edgar a big grin.
"Cheers mistah!" she happily chirped, making Edgar chuckle slightly.
"No problem Agatha," he accidentally said, earning a confused look from the young girl.
"Who?"
Edgar flinched slightly at the slip up, "I-I meant-"
"Bonnie!" a voice rang out through the crowds.
They turned to see a woman with bushy reddish-brown hair come out of the crowd a run towards them frantically. Bonnie's face lit up and she ran up to the woman.
"Mammy!" she cried as the woman wrapped her in her arms.
"Och bonnie, I'm so glad yoo're alrecht," the Scottish woman said before frowning down at her daughter, "Whit did ah say abit runnin' aff like that," she light scolded.
"Sorry," Bonnie mumbled sadly.
The woman smiled and hugged her again, "It's alrecht. Jist be careful next time."
Edgar awkwardly walked up to them and coughed to catch their attention, "You must be Bonnie's mother. I'm Edgar Cipher, we tried looking for you in the crowd but-"
"Och aye, don't worry yerse abit it. I'm Tanya, thenk ye fur lookin' efter mah dochter. She's quite a handful," the woman known as Tanya said with a friendly smile.
"Look mammy, he won me thes," Bonnie happily cried as she showed her the bear.
Tanya sighed, "Nae anither one," she muttered before giving Edgar another smile, "We shoods be gonnae noo. Say thenk ye tae th' nice man," she urged her daughter.
Bonnie gave Edgar a broad smile and waved, "Thenks mistah!" she cried as Tanya led her away.
"Bye Bonnie," Edgar called back as they disappeared into the crowds.
He smiled gently, glad that Bonnie had found her mother. Although he couldn't help but feel a little sad as she left.
'Agatha would be the same age as her,' he thought, sighing sadly.
"Excuse me, sir," Jean-Paul called out as he leaned over the counter, "since the angel you were with wasn't your girlfriend, can you tell me her name?"
Edgar sent him a stern glare.
"Sorry," Jean-Paul apologised sheepishly.
Ledore Mansion Gate
This is part of Monte D'or was much tranquil.
The noise of the celebration was nothing more then a hum in the distance and lampposts gave only a small amount of light. Edgar had to walk up the alleyway for a while till he found himself on a wider street. Finally, he spotted Layton and Emmy standing beside a gate that led into a place hidden by a tall grey wall.
They stood patiently for Edgar. Layton looked up when he heard his footsteps while Emmy leaned on the wall with her arms crossed. Edgar raised an eyebrow as he saw her grumpy expression.
"Hello Edgar," Layton greeted, "did you find Bonnie's mother."
"Yep, she's safe," Edgar said before turning to Emmy, "what's wrong with you?"
Emmy turned away with an annoyed huff, "Nothing," she muttered.
Edgar sent a confused look at Layton.
"We ran into two gentlemen on the way here who we played a game with," Layton sheepishly explained, "we had to guess which of the three cups contained the red ball. Emmy has the misfortune to lose."
Edgar gave Emmy a dull look, "You do know those sort of games are scams, right? I did a lot of them back in the day."
"Well, I know now," Emmy murmured before she pushed herself off the wall, "Shall we go in?"
"Indeed," Layton said, "this is the first time I've seen Angela in 18 years. I'm a little nervous, truth be told."
"It'll be fine. What's the worst that can happen?" Edgar reassured as they made their way to the gate.
The pushed open the gate and entered a large ornamental garden filled with cypress trees and Greek statues. The path they stood on led to a grand manor house made of red and white brick. It was partially built on a grassy hill with a flight of stairs leading up to the entrance. Edgar briefly noted that this was the second grand house he has ever (legally) entered, but unlike Barde Manor in Misthallery, the Ledore Mansion was well lit and looked welcoming.
"What a magnificent garden!" Emmy exclaimed, no longer miserable about the earlier incident, "And look, they even have balconies!" she said as she pointed to a white marble balcony just above the front door.
Edgar's attention, however, was not drawn to the elegant balcony, but the person upon it. She was beautiful, her face and pale blond hair partially illuminated by the house lights, making her shine radiantly. She gazed out onto the garden, not having seen them yet, with a weary expression on her soft face. Her long red dress and her pearl necklace gave her a sophisticated look.
The teen was slightly entranced by her appearance, only for it to be broken by Layton as he walked by.
"Angela," he softly said, surprising Edgar.
As if she heard him, Angela turned towards them and a gentle smile appeared on her face, a sight that made Edgar blush slightly.
She turned from the balcony and headed indoors so she could welcoming, giving Edgar enough time to question the Professor.
"That's Angela?" Edgar asked Layton as they walked up the marble stairs, "are you sure that's not her younger sibling or her daughter?"
"Fairly certain," Layton answered, "I supposed she hasn't changed much over the years."
Edgar straightened his jacket collar in preparation for her arrival, "You can say that again. She's absolutely beautiful."
Layton sighed tiredly and Emmy gave him a sharp look as he said that.
"Don't get any ideas, Pig," Emmy demanded.
Edgar gave her dry look, "Emmy, I'm a proud hedonist. You're efforts in suppressing it are in vain."
Emmy growled in annoyance and try to kick Edgar in the shin, but he quickly moved away. Layton just prayed that his apprentice would just behave himself.
The two large oak doors swung open and Angela appeared elegantly.
"It's so wonderful to see you again, Hershel," she greeted gently as she addressed the Professor.
Layton tipped his hat slightly, "It's good to see you again too, Angela."
"I'm very glad you came," Angela added.
Edgar and Emmy noted the awkward air between the two and shared a concerned look. Not that they had gotten a better look at Angela, the kind smile on her face seemed...forced as if she was troubled by something.
'The Mask of Chaos must be really worrying her,' Edgar thought as Angela let them into the house.
They entered a lavish parlour room with comfortable looking chairs and sofas and decorated with various antique paintings hanging on the walls.
Angela turned back to Layton with a teasing smile, "Well, Professor Layton. I'm disappointed in you! The Hershel I know would never neglect to introduce his friends," she said, observing Edgar and Emmy.
Layton seemed to just remembered the other two and raised his hand to introduce them, "Oh, of course. My apologise. This is-"
"My Name is Edgar Cipher," the teen interrupted with a half-smile as he raised his hand for Angela to shake, "I'm the Prof's apprentice. What's your stance on Ephebophilia?"
Angela, who had taken Edgar's hand, was startled by his question and a blush lit up her cheeks.
"I-I'm s-sorry?" she stammered.
Edgar smiled proudly at making the older woman flushed. Even when Emmy grabbed ahold of the scruff of his collar, pulled him back and shot him an annoyed look he kept on smiling.
"Sorry about him, he's...difficult," Emmy apologised to Angela who recovered slightly, "My name is Emmy Altava. I'm the Professor's assistant and Edgar's wrangler."
"T-the pleasure's all mine," Angela said politely, "Please, call me Angela. My husband, Henry, isn't here just now. He has meetings until late," she explained, ushering them to take a seat.
"Ah Henry!" Layton exclaimed happily, "How is he? I can hardly believe that the two of you are married now. Extraordinary how time flies."
'Henry?' Edgar thought as he glanced at the Professor, 'I knew Angela was married, but the Prof has never mentioned he knew him. Were they also friends?"
"It passes in the blink of an eye," Angela agreed, "but it still feels like an eternity."
A long pause followed her last sentence. She looked down at the wooden floor in melancholy. If there was one thing Edgar hated it was uncomfortable silences.
"I may feel like an eternity, but you certainly don't look it," Edgar told Angela, "I honestly thought you looked way younger," he said earning a small giggle from the woman.
"Thank you, you're too kind," she told him.
Emmy gave him a sharp look, "Stop it," she whispered.
"I was paying her a compliment," Edgar whispered back.
"Angela," Layton said, "I'm sorry to broach the topic so soon, but I'm anxious to discuss your letter. Could you tell me more about the unusual happenings in this city."
The visitors leaned in curiously as Angela took a deep breath, "It...it all started a month ago. That was when the Masked Gentleman first appeared. Since then, we've had people turning into horses, people stepping out of paintings...it's absolutely chaos."
"And now people are turning into stone," Edgar muttered, much to Angela's surprise.
"Stone?" she gasped.
Layton nodded, "Indeed, it happened during the parade. A dozen or so onlookers have been petrified."
"Another of his dreadful acts," Angela angrily spat.
"It was quite extraordinary. Tragic, but extraordinary," Emmy added.
"Everyone says he's releasing the power of the Mask of Chaos to destroy Monte D'or," Angela sighed, "This city is packed full of tourists and travellers. We still haven't been able to identify all the victims."
'That's a thought,' Edgar pondered, 'we have been assuming that the Masked Gentleman is a local. I never thought that he might be a visitor. This might be harder then we thought."
"Even Henry is afraid of what horrible nightmare occur next," Angela continued, "He fear's for his own safety and the city's future."
'People turning into stone and he's worried about his own safety,' Edgar thought critically as he got out his notebook and started to jot down another mystery.
New Mystery - The Masked Gentleman: A mysterious person is going around and raising hell around Monte D'or. Based on accounts, he is getting his power from the Mask of Chaos. His motives are unclear for now, but we need to stop him before he causes more harm.
"May I ask what you are writing down?" Angela asked curiously, spotting the notebook in Edgar's hands.
"Oh, I told Edgar to write down notes on the investigation," Layton answered for him, "I hope you don't mind Angela. I thought it would aide us later on."
"Sorry, I should have asked for permission," Edgar said, but Angela reassured him with a gentle smile.
"It's quite alright," she told him.
Layton cleared his throat and leaned forwards slightly in his seat.
"Angela," he started hesitantly, "how is possible that this Masked Gentlemen could possess the Mask of Chaos? I was use the Mask was lost forever. I saw it...along with..." he began to trail off, but instantly Edgar and Emmy turned to him in shock.
"Hold on! You mean you've seen the mask?" Edgar asked in astonishment.
Layton sighed, "Yes... A friend of mine - my best friend, in fact - discovered it back in our school days," he admitted.
"What!? You never mentioned this before!" Emmy sternly said, "First Edgar keeping secrets during the Spectre case and now you."
Edgar sent a glare at her, "Hey!"
"In Edgar's defence, that had nothing to do with the case were investigating," Layton pointed out, earning an appreciative nod from the teen, "however, I must apologise to you two. I have been keeping necessary information back. It may have hindered our progress."
Emmy and Edgar saw how distraught he was and shared a look, deciding how to proceed. Sure, it may have been helpful to know about Layton's past encounters with the mask, but then again if didn't want to share then who were they to judge. They eventually came to a silent agreement and smiled at the Professor.
"It's alright. You can tell us later," Edgar told him reassuringly as Emmy nodded in agreement.
Layton was briefly surprised before he smiled gently as well, "Thank you."
"So," Angela said, drawing everyone's attention back to the distress woman, "you haven't told them about...Randall?"
"I haven't...not yet," Layton admitted.
Edgar hummed in interest, "Randall was the one who found the mask," he guessed.
Layton tipped his stove pipe hat slightly over his eyes, "Yes, Randall Ascot, he discovered it. And I... It was my fault that he..."
Angela saw him trail off and decided to intervene, "After the accident, Henry led several search parties down into the ruins. He never found him, but he did find the ancient treasure hidden down there. And the mask."
"He found it!?" Layton exclaimed in surprised.
She nodded gravelly, "Yes. Everything that Randall sought. Henry brought the mask back here. He said he had stumbled upon it in one of the passages."
"If he found the mask, then what of Randall?" Layton asked desperately, "Surely they would have been together?"
Angela shook her head, "No Hershel. Henry has never stopped searching, though. He refuses to accept Randall's death. Apart from his work, it's really the only thing he thinks about. I can't say that I blame him. I want to believe it too...that Randall isn't really gone..."
"Are you lost as I am?" Emmy whispered to Edgar.
"Yeah, we really need some context to this story."
Layton sighed sadly before something around Angela's neck caught his eye. Edgar followed his eyes and saw that hanging from a string and worn like a necklace was a small stone pendant. The pendant was round and its border was thicker and darker than the rest while the interior had an foreign inscription written in a circle. In the centre was a round hole in which the string was threaded through. Edgar wanted to get a closer look at the inscription as he thought he recognised it, but Layton asked a question before he can.
"Isn't that pendant..." he pointed at it.
Angela instinctively gripped it gently in her hand, "Oh, you remember this? It's aged quite a bit now, much as we have," she said as she tucked the pendant into her dress before he can ask any questions, "Hershel, I've wanted to apologise for our last conversation for so very long. I'm so sorry I didn't contact you sooner."
She paused for a moment to compose herself before speaking again.
"I knew it wasn't your fault. I just couldn't bear losing him. I want to say it was because I was young, but that's no excuse. I...I think I just needed someone to blame. I'm sorry. Randall was your friend. You were in just as much pain as I was."
Layton tipped his hat over his eyes again, "I never held it against you, Angela. You had every right to blame me. I wasn't able to save him. It haunts me to this day."
Angela hummed, "I'm sorry Hershel. Henry insisted we keep the mask here, to remind us of Randall and I-"
"Wait one moment," Edgar interrupted Angela suddenly, "You had the mask here? In this house? Then why does the Masked Gentlemen- God, I feel stupid saying that name - have it?"
Layton instantly perked up, "That's a good point, Edgar," he said before looking to Angela for an explanation.
"It was stolen from us. One month ago," Angela responded.
"Stolen?" Emmy repeated questioningly.
"Huh, that's...weird," Edgar muttered, "Where was it kept? Can I have a look?"
Angela seemed hesitant as his request and cleared her throat, "It was in Henry's study...but...um...he isn't here."
Edgar shrugged, "Don't worry. I've entered a lot of studies without permission. One more won't hurt," he told her casually.
The lady frowned in confusion, "What...do you mean by that?"
Layton coughed uncomfortably, "Edgar is quite the...expert on burglary prevention. I'm sure he could illuminate us on how it was stolen," he glanced at the ornate clock on the oak table near his seat, "but perhaps tomorrow. We still have some investigating to do before we retire for the night."
"Of course," Angela chirped as she stood up, "l have booked a couple of rooms for you at the Camel's Hump hotel-" she stopped suddenly when she realised something, her eyes widening in panic, "Oh no, I only booked two rooms. I wasn't aware there would be three of you."
Edgar shrugged, "Not to worry. It's not like we haven't shared a room before," he told her before he gave her a sly half-smile, "unless you want me to stay over and keep you comp-ack!" he cried as Emmy dragged him away by the scruff of his collar.
"Unbelievable," Emmy fumed as she dragged him out of the front door to the outside.
Layton and Angela watched them leave. The Professor chuckled awkwardly at their behaviour while Angela blushed again at what Edgar was about to say.
"I best make sure they don't argue again. Thank you for meeting us, Angela. Good night," Layton said as he too made his way outside.
"Yes but-" Angela tried to call out but he had already left.
She sighed and rubbed her red cheeks, "Oh dear," she mumbled.
They walked down the marble stairs and along the garden path, taking in everything they had learned about Angela and the Mask of Chaos. Edgar, who was now free from Emmy's firm grip turned to Layton with a questioning look.
"So where are we going now?"
"We are going back to Celebration Boulevard," he answered, "the panic must have died down by now and we may be able to find new clues," he said as Edgar opened the gate for him and Emmy.
'I doubt it,' Edgar thought, 'the police in Monte D'or were pretty thorough with there investigation.'
Before Edgar could voice his opinion however, as Layton stepped through the gate he almost collide with another person.
"Oh, I do beg your pardon," the man apologised hastily, his bushy eyebrows rising in surprise.
He was tall, thin man with brown hair, fair skin and beady eyes. Below his pointed nose was a moustache that covered his top lip and he wore a green vest over a white dress shirt.
"On the contrary," Layton told him, "I should be the one apologising."
The man shook his head, "No, really, sir, it was I who- I beg your pardon, but are you perchance Professor Layton."
Edgar and Emmy shared a tired smile, "They never acknowledge us, huh," Edgar sighed.
"Its what we get being the Professor's assistants," she shrugged, before the two chuckled.
"I am," Layton confirmed, "You have me at a disadvantage, Mr..."
"Mordaunt, personal assistant to Mr Ledore" the man answered, surprising the trio, "Mrs Ledore told us some days ago to expect your arrival. When I saw you just now, I merely wondered..." he began to trail off slightly prompting Layton to speak again.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Mordaunt. Please allow me to introduce my companions, Emmy Altava and Edgar Cipher," he said, gesturing to the two.
Mordaunt nodded politely in greeting.
"I assume Mr Ledore is still working at this hour," Emmy said.
"Oh yes, he has been very busy this month especially with the miracles causing chaos around the place," Mordaunt said, "anyway I must be off. Hope we can see each other again soon," he told them as he hastily bypassed them through the gate.
"Good n-" Layton tried to say, but the man had already disappeared out of sight, "...extraordinary man."
"They must be very busy if they're working this late," Edgar mused as they began walking again.
"Perhaps the real miracle of Monte D'or is how anyone gets any rest," Emmy quipped, earning a humours smirk from Edgar.
Layton laughed lightly as well before nodding towards the alleyways, "You're quite right, Emmy. Now let's head back Celebration Boulevard then we can retire at the hotel."
Shopping District
Edgar walked out of a boutique situated on a wide road known as the shopping district located to the left of the gallery. After interviewing some people at the scene and searching the boulevard, the team hadn't found a single clue. The police had already taken the petrified people away and so they was nothing that they could go on. And, strangely enough, there were absolutely no witnesses. Some people saw the panic and decided to run, but there was no single soul had seen the miracle take place. Even the police were slightly stumped by this.
Edgar followed a potential lead regarding masks at a boutique shop and went on ahead, however, after talking to the lovely shop owner, she told him nothing he didn't already know and the trail became cold. He made sure to thank her and left.
He sighed in exhaustion, 'This case is getting more complex by the hour. I think we need to pick this up in the morning,' he thought as he looked around the Shopping District.
Despite how late it was, the street was still packed with shoppers and tourists. He began to walk up the street towards where he was supposed to be meeting Layton and Emmy. However, he stopped when he stepped on something that sounded like a paper being crumpled. He looked down and took his foot of a single page flyer on the cobblestone road before picking it up and inspecting it. It was an advert for the 'Stellar Circus' decorated with pictures of clowns, acrobatics and much more. According to flyer, the circus troupe was located just outside the city.
Humming in curiosity, Edgar folded it up and placed it in his inside pocket. He had a feeling that this might come in handy.
He continued his way up the Shopping District till he spotted Layton and Emmy standing beside a stone monument on the side of road. The Shopping District led on to a grand arcade and, judging by the excessive neon signs and sounds, it was where the arcades were. Branching off to the left just before the arcade was another road where there was a sign for the Camel Hump Hotel pointing up it.
Layton and Emmy looked up as he approached, hoping that he found something, but their faces fell when he shook his head at them.
"Nothing?" Emmy asked.
"Not a scooby," Edgar answered, "but that's impossible. No clues, no witnesses...what the hell is going on?"
Layton shook his head, "Perhaps we should retire for the night. I believe that the hotel is down there," he said, pointing to the road leading away from the arcade.
They began to tiredly make their way down the road, exhausted from walking, investigating and just being confused about everything.
"Unusual name the Camel's Hump," Emmy mused, "Why do you think it's named that?"
"Maybe it's full of fat," Edgar answered with a shrug, earning a disgusted look from Emmy.
"Why would it be full of fat?"
"You know because a camel's hump is full of fat."
"Yes, I know that, by why would that be your first answer?"
"You asked," Edgar argued.
They stopped bickering when the hotel came in sight on the right. It was a garish, arc-shaped building made of white brick. It had three Middle-Eastern style domes made from golden tiles, one on each end of building and one larger one in the centre. It looked to be five stories high and in front of the hotel were several palm trees and a round grassy area where a giant neon sigh showed the name of the hotel. On top of the sign was a yellow camel statue. which greeted the guests.
"Wow...it's certainly...bright," Edgar said hesitantly.
"It's not that bad," Emmy told him, "I think it looks very fancy."
"Indeed, we have to make sure to thank Angela for providing us with exotic accommodation," Layton agreed.
Edgar sighed as they began to make their way to the entrance, "I suppose there's one good thing about staying here. I don't have to look at it," he said, earning a chuckle from his companions.
They pushed open the door and into the foyer of the hotel. While it wasn't full of fat, the hotel had adopted a horror vacui style of interior design. Green and white checked marked floors, comfy sofas, potted shrubberies, and the walls were lined with Middle-Eastern style white flowers. The front desk was on the far side of the foyer and they made their way to it.
Edgar spotted a pretty Asian woman in her twenties. She had long brown hair, fair skin and she wore a green coat over a purple turtle neck sweater and black trousers. Edgar was about to go over where she was calmly reading on one of the sofas before Emmy caught him and dragged him away.
"I swear I will get a leash for you," she muttered as they walked up to front desk.
The receptionist, a man in his late forties with greying hair, a bushy moustache and a pair of thick glassed perched on his large nose, looked up as they approached. According to the nametag he wore on his dark suit, his name was Pascal.
"Welcome, welcome!" he greeted warmly, "Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, I believe so. Is there anything reserved for one Hershel Layton?" the Professor asked.
Pascal smiled widened at the name, "Ah, yes. Mrs Ledore informed us of your arrival. We would like to welcome you as he special guests. One moment, please, while I find your keys and retrieve your luggage," he said as exited though a wooden door behind him.
When they arrived at Monte D'or, they were welcomed by people sent by the Ledores who offered to take their luggage to their hotel. Once Pascal had left to get their stuff, Edgar decided to ask Layton some questions that has been on his mind.
"So Prof, how do you know Henry Ledore? Was he another childhood friend?"
Layton shook his head, "I wouldn't say we were friends. In fact, I never really talked to him. We both lived in the same village. I remember that he was very quiet and hard-working boy."
"And now he and Angela own this hotel as well as other places," Emmy added, "quite the achievement."
Edgar was about inquire more when Pascal came back with two keys in his hand.
"I'm sorry to say that Mrs Ledore only book two rooms," Pascal said apologetically.
Edgar waved him off, "Don't worry. Two of us would share a room," he told him.
"Share a room? Are you quite sure?" Pascal asked unsurely, earning a nod from Edgar.
'Why is that such a problem?' Edgar thought in confusion.
"If you two don't mind, may I have the room to myself while you two share?" Layton requested.
Emmy smiled brightly, "No problem," she said before sending Edgar a teasing look, "as long as he stays in his own bed and doesn't snore."
Edgar rolled his eyes, "And vis versa."
"Well, if you insist," Pascal said as he handed them the keys, "the Professor is in 502 while the young lady and gentleman are upstairs in 602. I'll have the bellhops carry up your luggage. Do tell me if you need anything else."
"We will, thank you," Layton said as the trio made their way to the elevator.
Stepping inside and waiting for the doors to close, Layton took a deep nervous breath before addressing the two.
"When you two have settled in, can you meet me in my room. We can then discuss...what happened to Randall," he hesitantly said.
Edgar and Emmy shared a concerned look, "Of course, Professor," Emmy agreed happily.
"We won't be long," Edgar added.
Layton smiled and nodded gratefully, "Thank you two."
A bell dinged and the elevator doors slid open to reveal the fifth floor. Layton stepped out and turned back to them.
"I'm in Room 502, so meet me there," Layton reminded as the doors slid close.
"We will," Emmy promised before they closed fully.
As the elevator rose again, Edgar rubbed his face tiredly, "Bloody hell, I'm knackered," he muttered.
"Tell me about," Emmy agreed, "I wonder if they have a bath in the room. I really need one."
Edgar blushed slightly at the mental image, but shook the thought away as they doors opened again.
"So what do you think the Prof is going to say?" Edgar asked as they entered the hallway and followed the signs to their room.
Emmy hummed, "I'm not quite sure. It's clear that what happened still haunts him. Maybe we shouldn't force him to tell us."
"It could be important for the investigation. Besides, it's not healthy to have these things bottled up. You know what happened to me," Edgar reminded, earning a sad hum from Emmy.
"I suppose. Anyway, there's our room," Emmy said pointing to a door marked 602.
They approached it and Emmy inserted the key into the lock.
"Do you know why everybody is acting weird about us sharing a room?" Edgar asked.
"No. It's really weird," Emmy said as she unlocked the door, "perhaps they feel uncomfortable with a male and a female sharing a room together."
Edgar chuckled, "What is this? Victoria times?" he joked as Emmy pushed it open, "There's nothing unusual with a man and woman sleeping in two separate beds in the same ro-"
He stopped suddenly when the door fully opened and he and Emmy laid eyes on the first thing they saw.
A single bed.
...
...
...
...
"Oh...it's a single room," Edgar uttered in astonishment.
"Yep," Emmy said, too stunned to say anything else.
...
...
...
"Did you also think it was a double room?"
"Yep."
...
...
...
"Now everything makes sense."
"Yep."
Wow! That took so long to write. Sorry about that.
I had a job interview the other day so I have been busy.
Anyway hope you enjoyed it. I was hoping to do more puzzles in this chapter, but most of them were very complicated to describe. I also felt like I skipped a lot of the game out, but that was so I wasn't absolutely dependent on the original script.
Anyway thanks for reading and I'll see you next time :)
