AUTHORS NOTE: Sorry this chapter took so long. I was hoping to write this sooner, but I forgot about cheerleading practice this week and tryouts tomorrow. Sorry to keep you waiting. Anyway, you may proceed to the story!

Chapter 21:

Professor Layton, Luke and Flora had floated on the quiet sea for several hours. Their stomachs began to growl, and the children's moods began to sour.

"Are we lost?" Flora asked.

"I'm hungry." Luke proclaimed.

"Are we sure we are heading the right way?"

"I want food."

"Did we read the map wrong?"

"I think my stomach is eating itself."

"Both of you, please be quiet!" Layton yelled.

He was not one to raise his voice, especially at children, but he was considering throwing them overboard at this point. He knew their attitudes were bad partially from worry, and from being on the sea, but it was getting ridiculous. He wondered if they would ever find land.

"What's that?" Flora asked.

Luke squinted his eyes against the sun. "It looks like...it is! It's the island!"

"Which one?" Flora questioned.

Layton looked at the map. "I believe it's the larger one in the middle of the map."

Flora frowned. "So it's not the one we are heading to?"

"No, my dear. We will stop at this one for supplies though. And I believe we could all use some time out of this boat." Layton stated.

Several minutes later, the boat floated towards a bay. A few villagers stood on the docks, waving.

"They seem friendly!" Luke said.

When they finally made it to the docks, Layton and company were greeted by a blond headed girl around Luke and Flora's age. She was wearing a white shirt with a purple skirt, and white shoes matching her shirt. Around her neck was a golden necklace with a pendant in the shape of a heart.

"Hello there! Welcome to Elsmonte!"

Luke and Flora smiled. "Hello. How do you do?"

The girl giggled. "I'm doing wonderful!"

She paused then continued. "What brings you to Elsmonte?"

Layton tipped his hat and began. "We are stopping here for a few supplies. We hope we won't impose."

The girl smiled. "Of course you won't! We love visitors! I'm Nalah by the way!"

Flora's smiled broadened. "It's nice to meet you!" She pointed at Layton. "This is Professor Layton." She guestured to Luke. "This is Luke." She pointed to herself. "And I'm Flora!"

Nalah gave a curtsy. "Would you like me to show you the market center? You should find your supplies there."

"Yes, thank you." Layton replied.

After helping the group tie up their boat, Nalah showed the three around.

"There's where we sell clothing, and there is the butchers, and there's Mama Addie's!" Nalah cupped her hands to her face and whispered. "Mama Addie makes the best food in the town! Don't let my mom know I said that!" She winked.

Luke immediately turned to the professor. "Please, can we eat there?"

"Please?" Flora chimed in.

"It really is the best food in the world. You simply must try it!" Nalah added, joining Luke and Flora.

Layton smiled, defeated. "Lead the way."

The three kids cheered and ran for Mana Annie's restaurant.

After receiving a table, Layton, Luke, Flora, and their new friend Nalah all sat together.

Layton took this opportunity to learn something from Luke and Flora's new accomplice.

"Do you know any information regarding your neighboring island." He asked.

Nalah stopped and stared, obviously not expecting the question. "I...uh...don't know too much. Mama doesn't talk about it. She just told me to never go there."

"Why is that?" Layton asked.

"It's not safe. Many say spirits haunt that island. It was originally called Monsterallie, but it now more formerly known as Locusamator, or 'place of lovers'." Nalah answered.

"Why is it called 'the place of lovers'?" Flora asked.

Nalah cleared her throat and began. "There is a legend abiding in Locusamator. A king's daughter fell in love with a young knight. They wanted to be together, but their families would not allow it. The girl's family locked her in a tower, saying she could not be with the man she loved. The knight disagreed with this, and soon released the girl. He presented her with a gift, a gift she treasured forever.

No one knows what happened to the two, whether they got married or not. Legend says, if the spirit of the girl is awakened, she will be able to lead you to the gift she was given, her most prized possession."

"Wow. That's a strange tale." Luke stated.

"Indeed." Layton breathed.

"Are you planning on going there?" Nalah asked.

The trio nodded.

"Why would you go there? It's not safe and who knows what lurks around that place!" Nalah exclaimed.

"But we have to." Luke began.

"Our friend was taken captive. We believe she's there now." Flora finished.

Nalah considered this. "Why would someone take your friend there?"

"That's what we're going to find out." Luke explained.

Nalah looked worried, but then smiled. "Well I hope you find your friend. And I hope nothing hurts you on the way."

Layton smiled. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Layton company had gathered a few necessities for the trip, and returned to the docks. Nalah had gone to do something, but said she'd catch up.

After a few minutes of Layton, Luke, and Flora loading the boat, Nalah ran towards them. "Are you sure you really want to go there?" She asked for the twelfth time.

"We have to find Emmy!" Luke stated firmly.

"And what if you don't make it to her?" Nalah asked.

"We have made it through many, countless trials. The professor saved London from destruction for Pete's sake!" Flora commented.

Luke smiled. "And saved my hometown from a specter, and figured out how to bring Abrosia back, and found the Elysian Box. Oh and there was that time when he found that city Azr..."

"Luke." Layton interrupted. "I don't think Nalah wants to hear my past right now."

Luke blushed. "Sorry."

Nalah smiled. "Well then, would you mind if I came along?"

Layton, surprised by the question, asked, "Won't your mother notice your gone?"

"I asked her if I could be your guide. She doesn't mind." Nalah answered.

"Oh professor! Can't she come?" Flora gave pleading eyes.

"I don't know..." Layton began.

"She won't be any trouble." Luke interrupted.

"It will be like I'm not even there." Nalah added.

Layton frowned. "I suppose you could come, but it may be dangerous."

Nalah shrugged. "I want an adventure! And it couldn't be as dangerous as the things you have done."

Layton nodded. "Very well. Just don't get into any trouble."

Nalah smiled while Flora jumped with joy.

Nalah helped Flora finish loading the boat, while Layton and Luke untied it from the dock. When that was done, the four jumped into the boat.

"Ready?" Layton asked.

The others nodded.

The boat began its ride to Locusamator.

Hurray! I finally finished this chapter! I will attempt to update sometime this weekend!