Bronev's office was impressive. That was undeniable. It seemed like a cosy enough study that still seemed made to impress all who entered and probably give a little comfort. Decorated with many artefacts or small ornaments with one or two plants. A pointed skylight covered the entire ceiling, showing the dark clouds above. But in the middle of the room was the man himself.
"Well, well!" BRonev spoke in a sardonic tone, addressing Professor Layton. "At long last, here you are. How do you like this Nest of ours?"
"Bronev! You soulless monster!" Desmond snapped, practically yelling. "I'll make you pay for what you've done!"
"Ah, you've brought some extra baggage along with you, I see." Bronev acted as though Desmond hadn't uttered a word. "However, I have no interest in the braying of fools.
"No, no. Professor Layton. You are the one I've been waiting for. I would like to extend an invitation to you to join Targent."
Elaine's mouth felt dry. She already had an idea of what incentive Bronev would use, and she wasn't certain how the Professor would get out of it. She would have wondered momentarily while no offer was extended out again to herself, or Desmond. But the theories came quickly. They already had translators, and their work was nearly completed. She would no doubt a pointless acquisition at this stage, and Desmond? Well, he had his daughter back. They took her to try and make him join, didn't they? So it was pointless to invite either of them now. There was no hold and no need.
But, could that stop a future 'invitation'?
"I beg your pardon?"
"This is an absolute joke!" Desmond told the Professor, though he was still glaring at Bronev. "Don't listen to him!"
"Don't feign surprise, Layton," Bronev went on. "You are, after all, an archaeologist. One who has seen the Azran ruins and knows their significance. Power and wisdom beyond anything mankind possesses today. Don't tell me you aren't tempted!"
The Professor didn't show any strong emotion, but he replied back in a firm voice,
"The advancement of man's knowledge is a worthy goal, but one that should be pursued in freedom, not at the cost of human rights." Elaine twitched a smirk. She already knew that without incentive, the Professor would say no. Targent's actions weren't part of his nature.
"Hmph! Such a noble sentiment. However, you also are here today because you seek the Azran eggs. What difference really is there between you and me?"
"We are nothing like you!" Desmond spat. "We understand the importance of free will. Why would we ever want to become your slaves?"
"'Free will'? Pah! Are you so attached to your independence that you'd forgo the rewards of working together for a greater goal?" Bronev questioned. "No matter. Let us not dwell on our disagreements. How about a little game?" Bronev gestured to the coffee table were a few rows of coins. "This one is a favourite of mine. A simple coin game. The winner takes the Azran egg. Are you in, Layton?"
"Very well," Layton agreed. "What are the rules?"
"There are twenty four coins in a row. You and I will take turns picking up coins. On your turn, you may pick up one, two or three coins, as you prefer. The same applies to me. The person who picks up the last coin wins the game. It's as simple as that."
The game was simple enough. Elaine remembered playing that game sometimes with Philippe whenever he visited after he left for college. The number of coins was sometimes varied, but other than that there was not much difference. Still, the game was a little tense as the Professor played against Bronev, but he was calm and collected and if he was stressed, it didn't show. It was impressive, no denying that.
The Professor did end up winning, much to the relief of everyone.
"Well then, Bronev, I appear to have won. Now, I believe the Azran egg was the prize we agreed on." Bronev didn't look too bothered, surprisingly. He gave a small shrug and removed their missing egg from his jacket pocket.
"I suppose I have no choice, do I? You can have the egg." Bronev moved the egg towards the Professor, but pulled back at the last second. "But before you start to feel smug, I'd like to show you something…"
Bronev gestured to a screen, and Elaine clenched her teeth. She knew this was coming. It wasn't all too shocking but the footage of the Professor's parents enjoying their dinner outside in the open still felt sickening none the less. The Professor couldn't hide some of the anxiety he was feeling either.
"No! How…?!"
"A charming old couple, are they not?" Bronev spoke. "You must be very fond of them, Layton."
"I… What do you intend to do to them?" he demanded calmly.
"Nothing at all, if you accept my invitation."
"Don't pay attention, Professor!" Desmond told him. "It's a trick!"
"How tiresome you are! I warn you, Layton, if you listen to his drivel, I'll have less mercy for you than I had for him." Desmond's fists clenched at that remark. "Now then, the choice is yours. What will you do?"
"I… My parents…" Professor Layton sounded uncertain. But he was clearly trying to think things through in a logical manner. He inhaled deeply. "No. I will never join Targent."
"You won't?!" Desmond actually looked a little surprised, and Elaine couldn't blame him. She took a little longer to give her answer then the Professor if she remembered correctly. Perhaps the Professor knew something too that none of them were aware of quite yet. Bronev seemed a little amused though and gave a chuckle.
"So you don't really care about your parents after all? And I thought you were such a soft hearted man." The Professor didn't say anything. "So you won't accept my offer. Suit yourself. Oh, I won't coerce you. I'd rather let you go and see what you do.
"Here, have the infamous egg!" He threw the egg to the Professor who caught it in both hands. "But know this, Layton. Wherever you go, I'll be just one step behind, waiting for you." He stood and began to walk out of his office. "So long, boys!"
So long… boys…
That stuck out. But why?
She, Emmy, Aurora were here. That evened their group out gender-wise. Bronev probably thought it was the best thing to say, for one reason or the other.
Though there was some good news. That footage of the Laytons was apparently from a party the previous week, according to the Professor. Even the last telephone call to them had shown they were perfectly fine. It was the same type of luck Elaine had had.
But now that they had all the eggs, they would finally do what should have happened in the Bostonius. Maybe doing it right outside of Bronev's office and on the now empty roof wasn't an entirely safe idea (anyone could arrive at any second), but activating the eggs now would probably save time so they'll know where to go before stepping on the Bostonius.
Aurora focused on the eggs, and then her eyes began to glow as her emissary subconscious took hold. She spoke to the stones, though only Elaine was able to understand what she spoke.
"O sacred stones of aura, hear the call of the emissary, reveal unto the world your true form."
The eggs responded. They began to hover and project a beam of light each. But they each had to be aligned perfectly. Taking a few minutes on each egg to think it all through, they began to align the lights one by one. Each completed egg changing shape, looking as though they were to be attached.
After all eggs were completed, they automatically combined together. Forming a shape that was slightly similar to an ankh, but with the horizontal piece going through. It was a remarkable thing to see, and quite amazing what the eggs led to becoming. They truly were a key, and it somehow seemed fitting that it would resemble the key of life.
"Ngh…" Aurora groaned, holding a hand to her head. The key must have brought back her memories at last.
"Aurora, are you okay?" Elaine asked gently, though the slight pain on Aurora's face was concerning.
"My… My head…" Aurora gave another groan, a little longer this time. But it appeared to quickly pass. Her eyes widened. Terrified and shaken. "No!" she said in a low voice, fear and disbelief in her voice. "I don't believe it! It's a lie!"
"What's a lie?" Elaine asked. Aurora didn't answer. Instead, she quickly snatched the key that was still hovering and pushed passed Elaine quickly.
"What is it? Aurora! Come back!" called Professor Layton as Aurora ran towards the edge of the building.
… She wouldn't. She wouldn't honestly contemplate…
But she was. She stood near the edge of the building. Key held tightly in her arms. She was actually planning to kill herself! More and more, Elaine felt ill as she tried to contemplate what on earth this 'lie' was. It shuck Elaine. It really did. What could have caused Aurora the need to take such drastic actions?
"The power of the Azran…" the girl spoke softly. "Must not be unleased. I… I remember everything…" Aurora's voice was sounding slightly shaky. "I remember what the Azran legacy is. I remember… Who I really am."
"What do you mean?" Professor Layton asked her. He seemed ready to run in case she did jump.
"As long as I remain only ruin awaits." Aurora began to take a few steps forward. Her intentions clear. "But if I were gone…"
"That's not true!" Professor Layton said back, stopping Aurora. "Even if you were to us now, it's too late. Events beyond our control are already in motion. The world is in great peril. Your death will not change that now."
"So what am I supposed to do?" Aurora finally turned back to look at them. It was a slightly good start to get her away from the edge. The Professor extended his hand towards her.
"Come with us. Help us secure the Azran legacy." Aurora looked down, glancing briefly to the edge. She was seriously contemplating her options. But she looked back up to the archaeologist and moved forward. Realising suicide was no option now.
"It has all come back to me… all the things I didn't want to remember…"
"Did the key trigger those memories?" Desmond inquired.
"Yes," Aurora nodded, still clutching the key tightly to her chest. "The Azran have a message to whoever should manage to piece it together. 'In the place of awakening, the gateway stands. Open the way, enter the sanctuary. There our power lies.'" Aurora looked down. "As the key was constructed, I knew these words. I fell I have always known them.
"The sanctuary of the Azran stirs, it calls to me. No!" Aurora shuck her head. "We must dispose of the key stone! We can't let the last door be opened!"
"Come now, Aurora," Desmond told her calmly. "You are just feeling a little overwhelmed. Perhaps the power in this key is too much for you."
"You… Perhaps you're right… Even now, the power flowing through me is almost too much to bear."
"You look rather pale. We should take some time to rest before we attempt our next step. I'm sure Elaine can look after the key in the meantime. Now, try to get some rest." Aurora smiled towards the Professor and nodded in thanks before handing the key to the slightly surprised Frenchwoman.
Elaine had taken the key carefully. Afraid to break it. It was a beautiful thing really. Maybe she could do a rough sketch of it. For reference purposes. She took in its detail, and lightly stroked the base of it. The material felt smooth where her fingers moved. It would be a shame for it to be ruined. To be broken. But, if what Aurora said was right, perhaps that was for the best. No one would get the legacy. Maybe humanity would never get technology it needed for a long time yet, but neither could it be used for evil.
Elaine had been so focused on the key, she never once noticed Desmond give a brief chuckle. The kind she had heard before, in the first year they knew one another. Nor did she notice the dark, smug look in his eyes or the smirk he now wore. However, hearing his laughter, Elaine froze. He… He wouldn't…
"Is something wrong?"
No… Not after what Aurora just said…
"Ha ha ha! I win this round, wouldn't you say, Layton?"
That voice…
"It can't be…"
Elaine could understand the Professor's disbelief. Even with her eyes widened, she couldn't bring herself to move. Even when she heard the swift movement of fabric. Why? She should have moved. Keep the key from Descole.
"Recognise me now?"
Before Elaine could react, she felt Descole's arm snake around her waist and pull her back tightly by his side. Regardless of her own wishes.
"Descole!" Professor Layton said coolly, lightly glaring at the man. Elaine gripped her hold on the key. Desm… Descole may have made his promises, but Elaine overlooked one thing from the past. Descole twisted words and often made false promises. Who was to say the Azran legacy would be any different? "But why? I don't understand."
"Why what? Why did I take you with me all over the world? My only concern, my sole purpose in life, is to bring down Targent. Targent took away everything that was important to me." Elaine could hear the sneer in his voice. "They crossed the line when they stole my daughter!
"I knew you would be an asset in my battle against them, so I used you, Layton. It is as simple as that."
"Who are you really?" Professor Layton asked. Elaine would have given even a weak chuckle at that if she could have brought herself to do so. She wasn't too sure even.
"This is no time to recount my life story, Layton. I must take my leave. And Elaine here shall be coming with me. Until next time!"
In what seemed like almost of movement, Elaine ended up being carried bridal style by Descole before anyone could stop him. Seeing they were heading towards the edge, Elaine blanched and moved an arm around his neck and shutting her eyes tightly as she pressed her face in his boa to avoid seeing the streets below, which would have possibly had her screaming in fright.
Who wouldn't when going over the edge of such a tall building?
Feeling the rush of air against her nearly had her gasping but she kept her mouth clenched tight. The sensation would briefly stop now and then, Descole managing to land on one ledge to the next. Her heart nearly burst from her chest. She was afraid that if she dared to look, she would end up dead somehow.
The rush air soon stopped. Elaine's arms were still trembling. Something she had only noticed now.
"You can open your eyes now," Descole told her, letting her down before grabbed her arms and starting to walk at a fast pace.
"I don't believe it," Elaine muttered. "You 'eard what Aurora said, and you still want to find the legacy?"
"Yes!" he spat. "And right now, I'm in no mood for your stubborn, ill-tempered puppy attitude, so just keep silent until we get back to the Bostonius!"
"And 'ow are you going to explain this to Johanna?" Descole's grip tightened almost painfully.
"I'll think of something later. But she should be asleep for another while or so, until we get back to Froenburg. It's quite lucky this base isn't far from Russia." Descole almost seemed to grolw the next line. "So don't you dare say a word to her."
Elaine glared but didn't say anything else. She wasn't in the mood for this kind of game right now. She'll wait until they actually get to Froenburg. Maybe he'll be easier to deal with then.
"That stunt there was insane! We could 'ave died!"
"I wouldn't have done it if I felt we could have," Descole said shortly. "Please don't underestimate me." Elaine just huffed.
The Bostonius was still here as they reached the landing strip. Elaine clenched her free fist. It would have been better if the others were with them. Then they could have prevented Targent taking the Azran legacy together. But no. Descole had to have his stupid, proud moments.
God damn it. She hoped none of the others thought she was now Descole's criminal helper.
But then turned, holding Elaine behind him while still gripping her arm as he unsheathed his sword (how he hid that before, well… Elaine honestly didn't care anymore). Looking up, Elaine saw the Professor coming towards them on a makeshift glider before he dropped down with a pipe in hand. Swinging it towards Descole, the masked man, Descole was quick to block the attack and push Layton back.
Their sword fight began. Elaine was glad to see that the Professor was trying keep all moves away from her direction. She could appreciate that. But it was to be expected from a gentleman with a policy of helping ladies and never harming them. However, been pulled here and there, and being extra close to clanging noises didn't do her stomach or ears any facours.
"What are you planning?" he asked Descole after dodging a swing towards his chest. "Descole this is bigger than us both."
"You can't stop me," Descole told him before blocking against Layton's pipe. "The Azran legacy, is one of the few things I have to live for!"
Elaine wasn't sure how, but Descole had managed to slice a little less than half of the Professor's pipe off. He smirked briefly before Professor Layton grabbed the second half to use as a second weapon. With them both, he was able to disarm Descole. Elaine couldn't help but smirk a little at that.
"Master! Over here!" Looking up, Raymond could be seen flying down towards them on a small plane. Descole didn't waste time and ran, dragging Elaine with him, as Raymond lowered the plan low enough for him to jump and grab onto.
Elaine gave a brief shriek. Descole may have had the plane to grip onto and press his feet against, but she was the one left flying with only Descole's hand to keep her from fall at a high and dangerous speed.
Thankfully, he did pull himself into the back of the plane with ease. Picking up Johanna who was asleep in the back before finally pulling a shaking Elaine in.
"I… I…" Elaine swallowed as she tried to steady herself as she shuck in the seat after settling herself in it. "I 'ate you so much right now you aliéné salaud!"
"You're not normally one for swearing," Descole simply said as he held Johanna on his lap, and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm stressed! You nearly gave me two 'eart attacks in less than an 'our! I am very much entitled to swear!"
"Just try to relax. Until arrive back in Froenburg, that's the most we can do other than talk."
"And I'm in no mood to talk!"