AUTHOR'S NOTE: I am so, so, so sorry I haven't updated in like a week! I forgot to mention I had a busy week coming up in the last chapter. School ends in like two weeks, which means exams are coming up, which means extra studying for me (Yipee-_-). My mom's birthday was this week, I had a late birthday party this weekend, Mother's Day is today, and I've had chores out the wazoo, leaving me with no spare time to write. (And leaving me exhausted beyond words!) I did manage to finally find the time to write this chapter after all of the chaos, so without further ado- Chapter 28!
Chapter 28:
"We need to stop that machine." Layton finished.
Emmy stared up at the machine, towering four stories above them with a crazy Rowland in control of it. It was now breaking through the roof and out to the surface. "How?"
Before the professor could respond, rubble began to rain down from above, nearly hitting them in the process. They moved away as fast as their legs would carry them, running for the others,
"We need to evacuate now!" Layton yelled over the clamor.
They didn't need to be told twice. Everyone ran for the exit, each being forced to dodge large amounts of debris.
Luke was the first to exit, soon followed by Flora, who narrowly escaped a blow to the head by a part of the wall. Nalah and Inspector Rowland came next, with Philip right on their tail, his face turning red with rage. Finally, Layton and Emmy ran out, just as part of the castle began to collapse. Everyone continued to run away from the destruction, dust landing in their eyes and hair as they ran.
"Professor! What do we do?" Luke asked in a panicked tone.
"We need to get onboard that thing somehow." Layton answered loudly.
"How on earth are we going to do that?" Nalah yelled.
Layton didn't respond. He turned around, studying the machine. He noticed a long rope ladder was hanging off the side, most likely what the fake Rowland used to climb onboard. They might have a chance to grab hold of it if they moved to higher ground, but why would she leave the ladder there?
"Everyone, move higher up!" Layton commanded.
The group stopped and stared at the professor. The three who didn't know him well looked at him as if he just escaped and asylum. "You want us to move higher up? You want us to go where that thing can flatten us?!" Inspector Rowland screeched, her eyes widening in horror.
Layton nodded. "It's the only way we can stop this."
Inspector Rowland didn't look convinced, but nodded, and soon began to climb upwards. The others followed quickly behind, all eyes constantly watching the insane robotic Rowland, her crazy laughter filling the already tense air.
Layton made his way to the front of the group, Emmy, who refused to leave his side for even a second, following directly behind him. They grew closer to Rowland's machine and soon found that the rope ladder was strangely in reach.
"It's as if she wants us to follow her." Emmy stated uneasily.
Layton gave Emmy's hand a squeeze and began climbing up the rope ladder, the rest soon following suit. It felt like hours had passed before they finally reached a platform on the machine for them to stand on.
Layton pulled himself up, and turned to help Emmy up next. Once everyone was safely onboard, Layton began his search for the control room of the machine.
"Glad you could make it."
All heads turned to face the voice, the fake Rowland staring back in amusement. "It took longer than I expected, but good of you to show up."
"Why are you doing this?" Philip growled.
Rowland laughed. "As I said, I don't want merely the treasure."
Philip frowned. "What do you mean?"
Rowland grinned. "It's said that whoever holds the treasure will receive great power. Many believe this is a myth, but I think differently."
"How are you going to receive power? You don't even know where the treasure is!" Nalah boldly stated.
Rowland gave her a cold smirk in response. "No." She let out another laugh. "I do know where the treasure is located!"
Philip gasped. "You knew? Why didn't you tell me, you worthless piece of scrap metal!"
"I knew I couldn't get the treasure for myself if I did that. Really Philip, you created me to be smarter than that." Rowland stated nonchalantly.
"Then where is it?" Flora piped in.
"You will see soon enough." Rowland ran towards a set of steps, then paused. "I'd suggest you stay here if you don't want to lose your lives." She pushed a button, closing a door behind her.
"Wait!" Philip screamed. "Get back here!"
The machine began to shake underneath them. Each member of the group grabbed on to anything near and held on for dear life.
"What's happening?" Flora squealed.
Layton glanced up and stared. There was a large shovel-like claw coming out of the back of the machine. Rowland's all too familiar yell could be heard over the noise. "Get ready Locusamator! I'm coming for your treasure!"
Rowland aimed for a spot in the ground, and sent the claw for it. Realization suddenly hit Nalah. "She's looking for the tunnel!"
Now everyone was staring at her. "What are you talking about?" Luke asked.
"My grandma used to tell me stories about the princess of Locusamator. She used to sneak out of the castle and travel down into a hidden tunnel. There, she would meet with her lover, and the two would stay for hours there." Nalah explained.
"And Rowland thinks the treasure is down there." Emmy realized.
"Why does she want us here then?" Luke asked.
"Apparently she needs us for something." Layton stated coldly.
"That's brilliant." Emmy groaned.
"Yes!"
Everyone turned to watch as Rowland jumped with joy. "I've found it! The treasure will be mine!"
Emmy looked back at the professor. "Now what?" she whispered.
The door opened up, and out came Rowland. "Now for your part, my dears. I don't know what may lie in that tunnel, whether it be snakes or traps, so you all will go first."
"What?! I will not!" Philip exclaimed.
Rowland ignored his comment. "Now, who will go first. How about you two dearies?" She pointed to Luke and Flora, who now both held nervous looks.
"No!" Luke argued.
"We won't do what you want!" Flora added.
Rowland expected that response. "Oh, I think you will." She once again took out her knife and aimed it at Flora. "Walk."
"She is way too attached to sharp objects." Luke muttered under his breath.
Rowland escorted the two towards the ladder. "You all, follow."
The others were hesitant, especially Philip, but they obeyed her command as they feared their companions fates.
They made their way down the ladder and landed in a large pile of dirt. They could barely see the tunnel entrance through the haze Rowland created.
Rowland handed Luke and flashlight and jabbed him with her fist. "You first."
Luke shot her a hateful look, but did as she said, watching his step as he slowly moved the light side to side. Even with the flashlight, he could barely see two feet in front of him. He felt something bump into him and turned to see Flora's frightened expression.
"What do you think is down here?" Flora stammered.
"I'm not sure." Luke admitted sadly. He wrapped his arm around Flora's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll make it out of here."
Flora smiled and nodded. They had been in much worse situations and survived. This would be cake compared to those.
Meanwhile, Layton stood outside anticipating the possibilities of what could be down their with his daughter and apprentice. "Why do you send children to go first?" He asked Rowland with an angry tone.
"They are the most disposable." Rowland smirked.
Layton groaned, approaching Rowland as if he would seriously hurt her. Emmy reached out and grabbed his shoulder to stop him. She had never seen him like this. She definitely would love to watch him punch the living daylights out of the stupid robot, but she didn't want Luke and Flora to end up in even more danger by Rowland's anger.
"What is taking so long? They should have found the dead end by now." Rowland muttered to herself.
A deafening scream suddenly pierced the air.
"Luke! Flora!"
Again, sorry for the delayed update. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Hopefully I will be able to write Chapter 29 sooner than this one. Bye for now!