AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm so sorry it took so long to update. I don't know why it came now, but the dreaded writer's block hit me! *Shivers* Anyway, I finally have an update! ENJOY:)

Chapter 25:
"Emmy..."

"I am not Emmy. I am Princess Luciana." Emmy stated.

"What?" Luke exclaimed.

"How is that possible?" Nalah asked.

"It was said that if a female stood in the Circle of Amator, the symbol of Locusamator, I would return." Emmy explained in a nonchalant tone.

"Why did you come back in Emmy?" Flora asked.

"I expect that this "Emmy" is my current host?" she asked, observing her hands and smiling in satisfaction at her current body.

Flora nodded.

"Then I suppose she was a part of the ritual, the one that brings my return." Emmy finished.

"Princess! Welcome." Philip exclaimed, walking up to Emmy.

"Are you the one responsible for this?" Emmy asked.

Philip nodded.

Emmy smiled and stood up, ignoring everyone watching her with frightened eyes.

"You have my thanks." she said.

Philip smiled and bowed. "It was no small feat though, my dear princess. I require payment."

Emmy frowned, not approving of a commoner commanding her.

Philip stood taller and continued. "Lead me to the treasure, your prized possession."

Emmy looked shocked. "No."

Philip frowned. "What?"

Why would I take you to my most precious possession?" Emmy asked firmly.

"We are the ones who returned you to the world. It's the least you can do." Rowland commented, walking up and giving an annoyed glare at the stubborn princess.

"I am allowing you to stand in my presence. That is payment enough." Emmy stated.

"You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for me!" Philip yelled, surprising Flora and Nalah, who both backed up from the delirious man.

"Emmy," Layton began.

"I am not Emmy.

"Pardon, Luciana. What-"

"I am royalty. You will address me as such."

"Princess Luciana."

Emmy smiled. "That's better. You may continue."

Layton sighed. "Princess Luciana, what is this treasure?"

Emmy frowned. "I refuse to speak of it."

"Princess, why do you refuse our simple request?" Rowland asked.

"It is not a simple request. I will not lead you to my treasure." Emmy responded in an irritated tone.

"We brought you here specifically for you to lead us to the treasure of Locusamator! You will do just that!" Philip commanded.

"You do not command me, peasant!" Emmy roared.

Luke winced at Emmy's tone. "Professor, how can we stop this?"

"I'm honestly not sure, Luke." Layton replied.

"Lead us to the treasure!"

"I have already told you, no."

"You will do as I say!"

"I am a princess! I command you, not the other way around!"

Philip groaned. "Why must you be so difficult?"

"Philip, will you please stop yelling at Emmy?" Layton asked.

"I am not-" Emmy began.

"I will not! She will lead me to the treasure!" Philip snapped.

Emmy looked at the professor, waiting for him to do something with the annoying man.

"Philip, is all this really necessary?" Layton asked.

"You just don't understand!" Philip snarled. His frown was soon replaced by a small smirk. "I will have what I want."

Out of nowhere, Philip charged at Emmy and grabbed her arm, jerking her with him.

"Emmy!" Flora screeched.

"Let her go!" Luke yelled, charging after them, followed by a distressed professor.

Philip stopped for a moment, pulling a sword out from under his cape. He held it up to Emmy's neck, causing her to wince. "Stay where you are, or you will never see your friend again!"

Luke smiled at this. "Don't you need her?"

Philip scowled. "I can use someone else if necessary!"

Rowland looked at her companion and shook her head. "Philip, that is not a way to negotiate with the likes of them." She ran up to Nalah and dragged her towards the exit, ignoring her squeal in pain. "Follow us and the girl gets it!"

Philip lowered his sword and took off running for the exit, bringing Emmy with him. Rowland followed, holding a knife to Nalah's neck.

"I repeat, do not follow!"

Layton, Luke, and Flora stood silent, confused, and scared by the events that jut took place.

Luke looked at Layton. "Professor, what do we do? They have Nalah and Emmy! Or the princess...who's in Emmy...oh, never mind!"

"Are we going after them?" Flora asked, hope filling her tearstained face.

Layton nodded. "We have no choice. We can't let Philip and Inspector Rowland find that treasure, or hurt Emmy or Nalah."

'And I promised Emmy I would keep her safe...' Layton mentally added.

Luke and Flora showed determined looks, adding hope to the group. "Let's go!"

Luke ran towards the direction the villains left through, soon followed by Layton and Flora, both suggesting he slow down his pace.

They made it to a corridor with two halls leading either left or right. "Uh, Professor? Which way is it?" Luke asked.

Layton stayed quiet, listening for any sign of life down either hall. He noticed something white down the hall to the right.

He began walking and called to his companions. "This way."

Flora ran ahead and examined the object, gasping when she realized what it was. "Professor, it's Nalah's shoe..."

"They went this way!" Luke announced.

"I hope they are alright..." Flora sighed.

Layton put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, then guided her forward. "Come along, you two."

"TELL ME WHERE IT IS!"

The trio stopped upon hearing Philip's familiar voice ahead of them.

"I will not! How many times do I have to tell you no?"

"FOOLISH GIRL! TELL ME NOW!"

Luke sighed at the all too familiar argument. "He never stops does he?"

Layton shook his head. "He won't until he gets exactly what he wants."

"Why does he want Luciana's treasure?" Flora asked.

"Im not sure. Things should clear up quite nicely very soon, though." Layton answered.

"Let's hope it's sooner than later." Luke stated.

"Hmph!"

Flora stopped. "What was that?"

"Hmph, Hmph!"

"I think it's coming from there!" Luke exclaimed while pointing at a door to their left.

Layton walked up and tried to door, which was surprisingly unlocked. He jerked the door open and gasped.

Flora stared, completely shocked by the inhabitant of the room, tied to a pole in the middle of the room. "Is that...?"

CLIFFHANGER! Who is in the room? Will Layton and company be able to save Nalah and Emmy? Chapter 26 coming soon!