Professor Layton Hit the Road, Chapter 1
After…not so few incidents involving Sam's Desoto and Layton's car, the group finally reached the famed city of Misthallery, covered in fog. « Well, here we are in Misthallery. » Layton said as he got out of the car.
« Indeed, here we are in your typical British village. » Sam added.
« Made without reference material apparently! » Max came out of the Desoto. Emmy was the last to come out, still dizzy from the various collisions. She ended up face first on the ground, and Max gasped in shock. « Well that's just awful of you, Emmy! You smooched the car window so much it seemed like you were lovers, but you betray it immediately…for the ground! You sure are despicable, hon! »
Emmy glared at him with such hatred it could kill an elephant. « You are dead, you oversized eastern bunny! As soon as I gain my balance… » she growled at Max, as she continued to stumble, until Layton arrived to support her.
« Say, this fog is kind of eerie. It reminds me of these old cheesy horror movies made back in the day before CGI was a thing. » Sam commented.
« All we need is a group of teenagers with no survival instinct to be thrown as a meat shield! » Max then commented.
« Misthallery is known for its constant thick fog. Some say the town is straight out of a fairy tale. » Layton explained, after Emmy finally got her balance.
« Not any fairy tale I've ever read… » Emmy noted.
« You'd be amazed about how many fairy tales are actually darker than what are usually portrayed. Did you know that in the original Red Riding Hood she's actually eaten and killed by the wolf, or that in the original Snow White the evil queen is forced to dance in boiling hot iron shoes until she dies? » Sam then commented.
« Fairy tales' writers were probably sociopaths. Which is something I can relate with! » Max exclaimed with a grin.
« Of COURSE you would. » Emmy glared at the white bunny.
Xxxxxxx
As the group entered the village, Emmy admired the surrounding, taking pictures of the river. « The river is pretty impressive. »
« Several canals flow through the town and into the river here. » was Layton response.
« You know if it wasn't for the fog, the poor homing placement and the lack of tourists, I'd say we're in Venice! » Sam exclaimed.
« Bet some Italian guy came here and designed the village. Seriously, these guys are everywhere. » Max commented with an annoyed frown.
« While Misthallery has a certain charm, I wouldn't really compare it with Venice. » Layton commented.
« Yeah, it looks more like its haunted cousin made of the ashes of the poor bastards who died of the plague. » Max then said with a grin.
« Well aren't you quite educated regarding…well, haunted archaeology. » Layton said partially pale.
« You would be surprise to know how much knowledge my little buddy has for various locations…as long as they are related to extremely violent events or a dark past. » Sam then said.
« Well, there's certainly no danger of a drought hitting here. And I sure hope the plague isn't around. » Emmy then commented. She then looked at a large hill, which dominated the town. On top of it, was a large house. « Say, what's that thing on top of that hill? »
« It appears to be a house... » Layton responded.
« Oh! Is it haunted? Is it haunted!? » Max exclaimed in excitement.
« I dunno Max. that thing looks far too recent for being haunted. It could host some sort of serial killer if it would make you happy. » Sam responded.
« Or perhaps is where Clark lives? » Emmy asked, being far more reasonable.
« It seems a bit ominous for Clark's tastes, but perhaps… » Layton pondered.
« Come on guys, it's totally a haunted house. Or perhaps one of the new setting for the SAW franchise. » Max complained.
« You crank me up, little buddy. » was Sam response.
« I've got a strange feeling about that place. Something about it…» Emmy noted, before noticing someone, pointing at a man with a pink jacket over a white shirt with a purple tie, and white pants, held by a green belt. « Ooh, here comes someone. Maybe he knows where we can find Mr. Triton! »
« Hello my friends, » he greeted the group. « Welcome to Misthallery. I am Aldus. Charmed. Nice hat. ».
« I could not agree more on that sentiment my gargantuan friend, but I prefer fedora's more to be honest. Also- » Sam then commented, before being interrupted.
« Let me show you something the locals keep secret. It's in that crate over there. » Aldus pointed at a wooden crate.
« What secret you seem to be so interested in showing us? » Sam asked.
« I do believe that the best way to discover it is to open the crate. » Aldus responded.
« Sorry, but we don't have really the time to open the crate ourselves, so why don't you open it for us instead? » Max then asked.
Emmy sighed. « Don't worry. I'll open it. But I might need something to open it. It seems pretty sealed. »
« Not to worry. I do believe we have just the tool for the job. Max? » Sam then said, only to turn to Max.
« Here ya go, Em! » Max exclaimed, pulling a crowbar out of nowhere.
Emmy raised her eyes confused. « Where…did you kept that? »
« Here's a hint Emmy. None of your god damn business. » Max shot back.
She decided not to question it any further, and opened the box. As she did, a small yellow coin popped out, falling in the hands of the lady.
« Beautiful! She shines like the sun! This, my friends…is a hint coin! When you find a puzzle you can't solve, use one of these lovelies. » Aldus explained.
« You mean that one of these small shiny pieces of metal beaten several times with an oversized hammer have the solution to any sort of puzzle this world reside? » Sam asked.
« Quite indeed. » Aldus responded.
« Well spank me with an oversized newspaper and call me Sax, why haven't we used these to solve actual problems like world hunger! » Sam exclaimed.
« No seriously. These "Save Children" adverts are seriously getting on my nerves. » Max said annoyed.
« There is, however…a drawback regarding hint coins, you see. » Aldus warned the group.
« Drawbacks. Why does it have to be drawbacks. » Sam groaned annoyed.
« They are in limited supply, so I would recommend using them wisely. If you squander them, I will not dry your tears. » Aldus continued.
« I think we can find a solution. If you could please hand the coin to us, we could have the Geek try to recreate it! » Sam exclaimed.
« As long as we don't hand it to Bosco. » Max then said.
« Hint coins are hidden in various places, so if you see something suspicious, it might just be them. » Aldus then said.
« I'm actually surprised we're the very first human beings to be able to use these peculiar puzzle solvers. » Sam commented.
« You're a dog and your pal is a rabbit. Speaking of which, how are you able to talk with us, drive a car, and do all things you are currently doing? » Emmy asked.
« You know, it has been since 1987 that we still haven't found an answer ourselves. » Sam responded.
« And with that, I'm afraid that I must go. Such humidity challenges the hair. » Aldus then said, before running off to the distance.
« Wait you fatass, we need to- damn it he's gone! » Max cursed.
« And even before we could ask him for Clark's home address. » Emmy said slightly disappointed.
« That's all right for now. Oddly enough, there was no return address on Clark's letter. » Layton noted.
« Well, I'm sure someone in town knows him. Let's ask around. » Emmy proposed.
« Frankly at this point this Clark is the best hint we have to solve this case. We'll follow. » Sam then said.
« Shall we go? » Layton asked.
« LETS! » Max exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached some sort of plaza, with a map of the city and two small kiosks. There, they found a young boy, with a white shirt with a cream-coloured sweater, short blue denim pants, and blue shoes. « Hey there gramps! New in town? »
« Actually, some of us are new to this entire archipelago! The last time an American called this place home it was shot as an enemy of the revolution. » Sam commented.
« These limeys had it coming Sam. Also what did you call us brat? I've killed for less ya know. » Max then said.
« Let's avoid having any unnecessary fighting, shall we? After all, as men serving justice, you should know better than to abuse your power. » Layton then said.
« Whoa, whoa, whoa! Knowing better about power abuse? Who told you that?! » Max exclaimed.
« You seem to be suffering from some pretty severe delusions. Or it might just be a European thing. » Sam added.
« Anyway, if I might ask…do you know where the Triton residence is, young man? » Layton asked with a kind tone.
« Sure. » the boy replied. « That old Triton guy lives straight across the rope bridge and then left of the crossroads. I live up North Ely, but we had to evacuate the area. »
« Evacuate? Why is that? » Layton asked.
« The oracle said it would be dangerous there, so we had to go. » the boy responded.
« That's a hell of a lot of trust toward a guy who probably gets its forecasts after getting high on oil. » Sam commented. The boy and Emmy raised their eyes in doubt. « What? Why do you think they were so vague back in the day? »
« I can tell you this oracle is different. Mum said the oracle has saved a lot of people from getting hurt. » the boy replied.
« Wonder who this oracle is. » Emmy pondered.
« I'm not sure, but if an oracle is predicting the giant attacks, I'd say that the giant is, in fact…a cyclops. » Sam said dramatically.
A short silence followed. « You…sure have a wild mind, don't you? » Layton admitted.
« Honestly this giant case is not even the weirdest thing we faced in all these years. » Sam then said.
« Oh! Tell them about the Teddy bear mafia! » Max exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
Grand Bridge Street Interactions:
As the group was walking in the entrance of the city, they met a sleeping policeman. « Zzz…pudding…»
« Chocolate banana with extra jimmies, actually. » Sam replied.
« Huh!? What time is it!? Oh no, I'm late! How long have you lot been standing there? if the chief hears I was snoozing again, I'm done for! » the man woke up in a panic.
« Unless he dies! » Max replied.
« I hope I…didn't say anything while I was napping. No matter. I trust you'll keep this to yourselves! Misthallery is closed to visitors. Promise you won't mention this to the chief, and I can let you pass. » the policeman proposed.
« Don't worry, our lips will be more sealed than cement-covered feet of the enemies of the Ted E'Bear Mafia! » Sam declared.
« …I'll take that as a yes…» the man replied.
« That's what Sam said! Duh! » Max replied with a deadpan expression.
Xxxxxxx
After some more walking, the group finally reached the rope bridge. However, while one side could be easily passed, the other was blocked. « What the-there are two rope bridges here, but one is sealed off! » Emmy exclaimed.
« And it appears that is the bridge that we need to use. » Layton then said.
« I would gladly use the flamethrower, but we also need to use the bridge. » Sam then said.
« Luckily for you folks, I have a solution to this puzzle! » Max then exclaimed, as he pulled out a chainsaw.
« A rather impressive cutting instrument, but what if I told you only need to cut one rope to undo the entire blockade? » Layton said.
However, as Layton was talking, Max had already dealt with the entirety of the ropes. « Sorry professor, did you say something? I was having too much fun tearing apart these things. »
« Well, this solution is also correct. » Layton noted.
« So what kind of fiend individual would create such an articulate blockade in order to annoy innocent bystanders with puzzles made for children? » Sam asked with a frown.
« Well, there is no sign indicating a bridge closure. I suspect it is the work of a local mischief maker. » Layton deduced.
« If you need us to go on a Zippo raid, feel free to say so. » Max said.
« Oh yeah! Did you know we actually fought in Vietnam? Don't remember having any traumatic flashbacks after coming back. It was almost disappointing. » Sam said.
« I mean the bridge system reminds me of Nam. Seriously, what civilized nation still uses rope bridges? » Max asked annoyed.
« This bridge may have its best years behind. I don't think we need to worry, however. » Layton replied.
« I wish I shared your confidence, Professor. I can't believe people still use this bridge! » Emmy admitted.
« Well it seems that we met the very first person suffering from bridgephobia. We know a psychologist that could help you facing this fear. » Sam then said.
« I'm not really afraid of bridges… I'm afraid of THIS bridge. You can't even drive on it! » Emmy exclaimed.
« You're not supposed to drive on it you lazy Brit. » Max replied with a deadpan expression.
« Of course, you bloody- » Emmy was on the verge of strangling Max, before a small mouse ran across them at full speed, dropping what seemed to be a badge in the shape of a mouse.
« Well that was weird. Wonder if it was Jimmy Two Teeth British cousin! » Sam exclaimed.
« You have…a mouse friend… » Emmy said like a disappointed mother.
« More like a rat friend, but despite our initial conflicts, he and the brotherhood of vermin actually helped Max to maintain his presidency! » Sam then said.
« Oh yeah, friendly reminder. If you strangle me, you're actually strangling the president of the United States! » Max then said with a grin.
« No amount of political titles will save you from becoming my dinner, you furry bastard… » Emmy growled out of her teeth as she marched forward.
Xxxxxxx
After some walking, the group reached an utterly devastated house. « Bloody-look at this house! It's completely destroyed! » Emmy exclaimed.
« The road also seems to be damaged as well. » Layton noted.
« This must either be the work of some dastardly German bomber or an IRA agent…or perhaps it's just the giant. » Sam deduced.
« We need a record of this! » Emmy started to photograph the scene.
« Oh? You have a camera? » Layton noted.
« Of course! Gathering data can only help an investigation! » Emmy replied.
« We also need to poke it with a stick! » Max then said.
« No we don't Max. This isn't a corpse! » Sam scolded his little buddy.
« Oh, sorry Sam. Jeez, what was I thinking!? » Max apologized.
« Implying that poking a corpse with a stick is ethically correct for you two? » Emmy said disgusted.
« It's more like confirming if someone is dead or not. It's surprisingly effective. » Sam justified the method.
« But yeah, we actually do it for fun most of the time! » Max then said.
« Well I hope no one got hurt here. » Emmy then said worried.
« Relax. At best they are rotting in hell. » Max then said with a grin.
« You'd be amazed to know that hell isn't nearly as bad as it's usually portrayed. It's more like losing your pants in the middle of the lesson in front of everybody rather than eternal torment. » Sam then said.
Emmy raised her eyes in shock and disbelief. « Wait, you've BEEN INTO HELL!? »
« Yeah! You see, when our friend Bosco went missing, we went to search for clues in his store, but we were abducted by T.H.E.M., who had also turned Bosco into a cow! It was mostly him altering his past by stumbling across his younger past self. Then we managed to return him to normal after using a time machine, and found out that T.H.E.M was our Mariachi recurring gag Pedro and the younger versions of him, who time travel to sing birthday song and sell the souls of the dead for revenue. Bosco was so scared that he had a heart attack and his soul was sent to hell. Meanwhile, the ship was about to explode, so we entered the portal for hell and-…wow I guess it sounds crazy when I say it out loud! » Sam explained.
« Don't worry, Sam. I still believe you. » Max reassured his giant canine friend.
« You better believe it Max. You were actually there! » Sam replied.
Layton eyes darkened under the shadow created by his hat and remained silent.
Emmy was on the verge of insanity, and felt down on a fetal position. « Aliens….cows…..Mariachi…..time travel…..souls…. »
Sam looked at Max with a knowing look. « Max, you know what to do. »
« Roger that! » the bunny exclaimed, as he dropped a brick on Emmy's head.
« Wait what happened? » she asked confused.
« Oh nothing spectacular. Just the fact that we were going to find this Clark house. » Max responded.
« Oh, yes, the case. » Emmy regained her composure. However, as she looked at the carnage, she noticed that the door had a red X marked. « Huh. Wonder what that symbol means. »
« Indeed. I've never seen a mark quite like that before. » Layton replied after regaining his composure.
« What do you think that symbol is supposed to mean? » Emmy asked.
« Don't touch the witch's mark! Not unless you wanna end up like Brock! » a young man laughed behind the group.
« Holy weenie on a weasel stick! You almost startled us! And you don't want to see my little buddy startled! » Sam exclaimed.
« Yeah, last time someone did I chew off his arm. » Max admitted.
« I startle myself sometimes! I used to complain about this dump, but look at it now! » Brock exclaimed.
« Was this your house? I'm so sorry, my good man. » Layton offered his condolescences.
« Was this my house? You bet it was! The operative word here being "was"! The witch mark appeared, and the windows went SMASH, the walls went BOOM, and the roof went OH NO! You looking for some nice, warm rubble over your head? I'll sell cheap! He-he-he! » the man laughed once more.
« Honestly with the right price this seems like the deal of the century. Plenty of open air, natural lights and right next to the city centre. I know folks who would kill for this kind of housing! » Sam exclaimed.
« YEAH! And don't forget the natural moisture! » Brock laughed again.
« Woah sir, you can only tempt us so much before we decide to buy something! And now we're seriously interested! » Max exclaimed.
« We could really use a vacation home these days. Question though: what about air circulation? » Sam then asked.
« Plenty during the summer! Heck, in all seasons really! » Brock laughed again.
« Well good sir, with your incredible real estate agent skills, you have managed to convince us to buy this state of the arts house. We will discuss later the condition of the payment. » Sam then said.
« Believe me folks, you won't regret it! » Brock exclaimed.
« The only regret I have now is the fact that there is a small possibility that we might lose the chance to buy this piece of art! » Max exclaimed, before the group moved on.
« If I have to be perfectly honest, yours wasn't the best idea to mock that poor man while giving him false hopes. » Layton said in a scolding tone.
« Who said anything about mocking him and giving him false hopes? That thing is a legitimately good deal with a couple alterations! » Max exclaimed while raising an eyebrow at the professor.
« If you say so… » was all Layton said.
« By the way professor, why was I on the ground? Did something happen? » Emmy then asked.
Layton simply gripped his hat gently. « It's best for you to not know. »
Xxxxxxx
Wrecked Home Interactions:
« It's a wooden crate! » Sam exclaimed at the sight of a crate.
« Perfect to carry a vast array of alcoholic beverages and stabbing utensils! » Max added.
« I dunno, little buddy. It doesn't look big enough to carry both knives and bottles…» Sam admitted.
« That's why the bottles got to multitask once broken! » Max replied.
« You continue to baffle me, little buddy…» Sam replied.
Xxxxxxx
After a while of walking, our groups found itself in a small plaza, with a rather robust lady in the middle. She had black hair and wore a red hood, white shirt, green jacket, and a blue skirt.
The group decided to get closer, and noticed that she was in trouble. « Oh dear, oh dear! What a trouble! » she exclaimed.
« Do you need help, madam? May we be of assistance? » Layton asked.
« My cart fell over! Now my cart is empty and the street is full of my stuff! » the lady exclaimed.
« Perhaps we can help you put it all back on the cart. » Layton then said.
« Yes! Oh, please, oh, please! I would be so grateful! » the woman thanked the man.
« Well no wonder this cart fell. It's essentially garbage carrying more valuable garbage. » Max then said as he inspected the scene.
« I'll have you know that I built the cart myself! » the lady protested.
« I'm not saying that you built it like crap, I'm simply saying that it's made of junk! Look at this: "Made in China". » Max responded, after showing one of the metal bars that made up the support of the cart.
« This way not only you increased the possibility of your valuables to spill in the streets, but have also favoured a communist regime over the British economy. » Sam exclaimed.
« W-well…it was the best price available… » the lady justified herself.
« May this be a lesson next time. Remember: go cheap, but not too cheap. » Sam scolded her.
« Unless you're buying a phone or a television! » Max then said, as he, Sam, Layton and Emmy collected all the stuff that felt off the cart and put it back.
After a while, the cart was refilled and the lady was good to go. « Your belongings are now in order. ».
« Kinda crazy that all this stuff fitted perfectly like some sort of psychotic jigsaw puzzle. It almost seems too convenient! » Sam said.
« At least we don't have to march several meters every time to solve this damn puzzle! » Max commented.
« Oh thank you! » the lady thanked Layton. « Now I must hurry and evacuate the area! »
« Is it perhaps this giant rampaging in the streets of this small foggy Venice-wannabe village? » Sam asked.
« I mean duh! What, you thought it was because of a flood or an earthquake? » Max frowned.
« Well I guess these two are a bit too illogical… » Sam admitted.
« I can't tell if you guys are mocking the situation or if you are being serious. » Emmy frowned.
« Well your dog friend is quite right! We should thank the oracle for warning us in time every time! » the lady exclaimed.
« Again with this damn oracle! Seriously, are you guys even Christians? » Max frowned.
« Who is he…or she…or it? » Layton then asked.
« Oh I don't ask questions. The police hear from the oracle, and they inform everyone else. » was the lady response.
« You would do great in a totalitarian regime. » Sam then said.
« Now if you excuse me, I have to go. Be careful, and thanks for the help! » the lady then said, as she proceeded to move on the street.
« Again with this giant. » Layton noted.
« You know at first this whole deal seemed like some sort of poorly planned prank made by five years old, but it would seem like everybody in this small village believe this giant like the population of New York believes in giant sentient rats equipped with weapons made out of crystalized evil living in the sewers. » Sam commented.
Xxxxxxx
Meanwhile, in the New York sewers, a giant bipedal rat sneezed.
« You-you! Slave! Explain sneeze! » another bipedal rat said.
« Sorry-excuses, Warlock Master! Slave felt-felt….a disturbance… » was all the first rat said.
Xxxxxxx
« Homes ruined. An all-out evacuation in progress… » Layton noted.
« And this damn fog who just doesn't know when to quit! » Max complained.
« Oh no, this is typical of this region. » Layton then explained.
« Five minutes in and I already hate British climate! » Max exclaimed slightly angry.
« None the less, these are most certainly related to Clark's letter. » Layton then said. He then pointed a road to the left.« The Triton house is up ahead. Let's find Clark as quickly as possible. »
« What are we waiting for! » Max then exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
More walking, more new locations discovered. This time our heroes reached one of the many canals present in the city. « Wow I guess Misthallery truly wishes to be a Venice-wannabe. » Sam commented.
« There's nothing wrong being a wannabe Sam! Unless you are an edgy teenager trying to be a Darth Vader wannabe. » Max then said.
« Well….it IS a rather quick method of locomotion. Even faster than cars. » Layton explained.
« We must take a boat ride before we leave, Professor! » Emmy exclaimed.
« As long as it's something less depressing that whatever that poor bastard has to offer. » Sam commented.
« Does that thing even float? It looks ancient at least! » Max complained.
« Well that's where you're wrong, new folks! Bucky is the name and boats are my game! » a man, named Bucky apparently, exclaimed.
« Well at least we know that this guy riming is even more depressing that the boat. » Sam frowned.
« At the very least try to look somewhat like Venice with something that doesn't look like it came out of the Afghan navy! » Max complained.
« It may not win a beauty contest, but my beauties are as sturdy as ever, and perfect for any sort of travel down the canals! A must if you are new from around here! » Bucky exclaimed.
« On the bright side with the fact that supposedly you own several boats, it means you have something actually decent. » Sam noted.
« But this beauty here has something I'm most proud of: speed. It can take you anywhere in town in a flash! It's better than flying! » Bucky said.
« Wait, you mean that dinky thing ACTUALLY has a motor? Seriously, how did you put a motor on that thing? » Max asked surprised.
« This beauty is full of surprise, white rabbit. Looking for Alice by the way? » Bucky partially mocked Max.
« Actually, we're looking for the Triton residence. Do you have any idea where this individual is located? » Sam asked.
« Right across this bridge, fido. You can't miss it! » Bucky said.
« Many thanks. » Layton then said.
« And remember: if you want to get around in a flash, just find Bucky! » Bucky exclaimed.
« Well, in your boats ignorance of the laws of physics we trust. » Sam then said.
Xxxxxxx
After some more walking, the four found themselves in front of a large house, partially hidden beneath a human-made forest. « Do you guys believe that large house up ahead is the Triton residence? » Emmy asked.
« You four looking for the mayor's roost? » a young man said. He wore a dark blue jacket over a red shirt with white pants and brown shoes. He also wore a blue hat with a yellow band.
« Is this some sort of British or Misthallery slang kids say? » Sam asked.
« Cause damn, that's the dumbest slang I've ever heard in my entire life! » Max then said.
« …No you birdbrain! I'm asking if you are looking for the mayor house! » the boy then said.
« Wait…so you're saying that this is the Triton residence, kid? » Sam asked.
« That's what I said! » the boy exclaimed.
« By all Tyrannosaurus Rexes in the planet of Neptune! Layton, you never said your friend was the mayor of the town! » Sam exclaimed.
« Have you any idea how many favours he could do for you!? » Max almost shouted.
« In my defence, I wasn't aware of his position…and it would not be very gentleman like, nor friend like, to use his position for my benefits. » Layton said.
« Your loss, pal. » Max said almost disappointed.
« Been a while since you've seen him? How long you being cooped up under a rock? » the boy asked.
« Kid, if you don't stop using bird talks, I'm going to feed you to the vultures of the third dimension. » Max said slightly annoyed.
« Don't worry kid, he's not serious. » Emmy reassured the boy.
« You should not count on that, gal. » Sam confessed.
« Aaaaaaany way, he has been mayor for over a year now. He does a good job, what with all the troubles. He's pretty coo'. » the boy then said.
« Don't say I didn't warn ya brat! » Max exclaimed as he attempted to charge at the boy, only to have Emmy grabbing one of his ears and holding him in place.
« Let's just go. » Emmy said like a mother to a child throwing a tantrum.
Xxxxxxx
Triton Estate Interactions:
« Look at all this greenery, little buddy! » Sam exclaimed.
« Wouldn't be surprised if this place was England's biggest Hippie community…» Max joked.
Xxxxxxx
After having stopped Max from trying to kill a child, the group entered the propriety and reached the house. « Well, here we are. » Layton said.
« Can I please drop the bloody idiot? » Emmy almost pleaded to the professor, while still holding the aggressive rabbit.
« It takes more than an anime girl to stop me from killing someone! » Max protested.
« If you promise you won't kill the kid, I'll take you somewhere fun. Like the zoo! » Sam exclaimed.
« You got yourself a deal! » Max exclaimed, before Emmy dropped the bunny like a sack of potatoes.
« Say, this place looks huge! » Emmy admitted.
« Indeed. This Clark guy has done quite well in this year of social service to this small village. Truly, someone we must aspire to be! » Sam declared, pointing a finger to the sky.
« Let's try the door. » Layton proposed.
Xxxxxxx
Triton Garden Interactions:
« An average mailbox of British manufacture. » Sam analysed a little mailbox in the Triton's garden.
« Clearly a relic of a far gone era… » was Max response.
Xxxxxxx
And so, Layton knocked at the door. « Coming… » a voice was heard from behind the door.
Welcoming the four was a man wearing a brown suit jacket over a white shirt with a red bow-tie. He also wore glasses. « Yes...? May I help you? »
« Hello. My name is Hershel Layton. I'm an old friend of Mr. Triton's. He should be expecting me. » Layton explained.
« And we're Sam and Max. Freelance police! Here to support this small British town from the clutches of crime-committing giants! » Sam proclaimed, confetti once again coming out of nowhere. The man who welcomed the four remained silent for a few seconds.
« …. I'll inform Master Triton. Please wait here. » was all he said, slightly confused.
As he wandered to look for Clark, a woman, wearing an orange hood over a blue shirt with a white cravat and grey skirt, walked toward them. « I don't suppose you were planning on visiting the oracle here in town. »
« Are you one of the collaborators of this oracle? Spill the beans and you'll be only moderately be beaten to death! » Max exclaimed.
« I yield! I yield! I know nothing! I'm just a poor old maid! You should ask Doland about that! » she said terrified.
« Don't worry. My little buddy has promised he would not kill anyone until we visit the zoo! » Sam exclaimed.
The butler, Doland apparently, looked at the scene with wide comic eyes, but remained silent. «Sir. Madam…...Psychopaths…Mr. Triton will see you now in the parlour. It's through the door on the left. Wait there. And please try to not harm any of the staff. » he said, almost with a threatening tone, although solely on Sam and Max.
« Don't count too much on it! » Max exclaimed.
« Oh, don't worry Mr. Doland. You can count on it. » Emmy said as she glared the rabbit.
Xxxxxxx
Foyer Interactions:
« Someone left a broom here. » Layton noticed a broom.
« Leaving this just sitting here makes things look rather shabby. » Emmy noted.
« Maybe if we find some bedknobs, we can summon a Nazi submarine! » Max exclaimed.
« …God I love that movie…» Emmy replied.
Xxxxxxx
Greeting the group, was a man in a blue suit with a white shirt and a pink tie. He also wore brown shoes. « Ah! I can't believe my eyes! Hershel! How long has it been? » the man, probably Clark, greeted Layton happily.
« Ah, too long, my good friend! » Layton said.
« And who might this lady and…that dog and rabbit be? » Clark asked.
« Oh, of course. How rude of me. » Layton admitted.
«I'm the professor assistant, Emmy Altava. It's an honour to meet you, Mr. Triton. I've heard so much about you! » Emmy introduced herself.
« And we're Sam and Max, freelance police! » Sam exclaimed, with more confetti coming out of nowhere. Clark remained silent for a while.
« Well that was…an interesting introduction…. » he said. « Almost as interesting as seeing you getting an assistant! Well, we both seems to have moved up in the world. »
« Hardly. Truth to be told, Emmy already proved herself to be my equal. » Layton admitted.
« Hershel, as humble as ever! Emmy, back in London, Layton and I both wanted to be elite archaeologists. One of us certainly succeeded. And somehow…I found myself as mayor of this small, rural town. » Clark explained.
« I wouldn't say you got the short end of the stick, pal. » Sam frowned.
« Depends on the point of view. » Clark responded.
« Say, if I may ask…to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? »
« For us it was the commissioner, Mr. Mayor. Multiple reports of malfeasance in this town. » Sam explained.
« That's my favourite season! » Max exclaimed.
« As for me, I came as soon as I received your letter. » Layton explained.
Clark raised an eyebrow. « Letter? I'm sorry Hershel, what letter is that? And I don't recall having called anyone known as "commissioner". »
« Well he did say that the call was anonymous. » Sam explained.
« As for the letter…Did you not send this letter? Please have a look. » Layton asked, showing his friend the letter he received.
« I certainly did not write that! But who would had forged it? » Clark asked as he read the letter.
« Who indeed? Have you made any enemies recently? » Layton asked.
« Just say the names and we'll make sure they'll just have some…incidents. » Max grinned.
« Of course, Hershel. I'm the mayor! It appears to me that someone wanted you here in town. » Clark replied.
« I would not be surprised if it was the same guy who thought it would be a fun idea for us to travel all the way from the States. » Sam frowned.
« So …. who wrote the secret message? » Emmy asked.
« Good question, Emmy. » Layton frowned.
« Mr. Triton, there was a hidden plea for help in that letter. » Emmy then turned to Clark.
« Ok. Who is the funny guy in this town? » Max asked annoyed.
« I don't think this is just some prank. Misthallery is indeed in grave danger. We have been, indeed, attacked by some sort of mysterious giant, just as the letter said. It wreaks havoc during the night, when the fog is thick. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but it's true. » Clark said.
« Not as crazy as that time we travelled back in time! » Max exclaimed.
« Have you even seen this giant everyone is so eager to talk about? » Sam then asked.
« Not really. However, the destruction of homes and buildings left in its wake… that is quite enough evidence for me. » Clark admitted. « The townsfolks are afraid. They believe…that the spectre has returned with a vengeance. »
« The spectre? » Layton asked.
« There's a legend here that tells of an ancient spirit…. a spectre. When the town was in danger, the spectre would act as Misthallery guardian in its moment of need. » Clark explained.
« Wait, you mean someone would want to threaten this fog generator? » Max asked rudely.
« But this spectre is… different. Instead of protecting us, it's trying to destroy us! » Clark continued, ignoring Max question.
« Well I guess in the end even the kindest of heroes end up becoming tyrants. » Sam commented.
« Try abusing some power man! » Max complained.
« I'm doing all I can, but if we are dealing with an ancient entity, then I'm afraid my efforts are in vain. » Clark confessed. « As the mayor, it is my duty to keep this town and its citizens safe. But I… »
« Not to worry. We have dealt with ghosts before. Even if it was just a single ghost and was just a feminist. » Sam said.
« As for me…do you even need to ask? » Layton said with a smile.
« Thank you, Hershel. And thank you too Sam and Max. I am eternally in your debt. » Clark thanked the three.
« Before we go…Clark, I didn't even ask about Brenda, or your son. How's Luke? » Layton asked.
« My wife is fine. She's away. Family matter. Luke has…shut himself in his room, as usual. » Clark replied.
« I would like to say hello to Luke if that's all right. I haven't seen him since he was a baby. » Layton said.
« Of course. I think he might enjoy that. But I should warn you… he has been withdraw lately. Some days, I can't even get him out of the room. I ask him what the matter is and… he responds with silence. Perhaps it'd be good for him to talk to someone outside the family. I would appreciate that, Hershel. » Clark replied.
« Should I introduce him Mr. Belt? » Max said dead serious, pulling out a belt out of nowhere.
« You do that, and I'll serve you to him for dinner. » Clark threatened Max.
« If you keep this up Max, you might just get the award for most hated individual in the town. » Sam said.
« The best kind of award! » Max said with a grin.
« I'm glad you're here, Hershel, but I'm already regretting getting the help of these yanks. » Clark admitted exasperated.
« I know Mr. Triton. I know. » Emmy admitted.
Xxxxxxx
If you want to give me any suggestions for quotes and scenarios, just tell me in the reviews. I will also include characters both from the Sam and Max universe (Hit the Road, animated Series Telltale Episodes), alongside the universes of the chumps who participated in the Poker Night at the Inventory 1 and 2. Just tell me when you want them introduced!
In the meantime, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Please review so I can learn your opinion. I'm willing to accept suggestions, so stay tuned. Also remember to like and follow. I would also appreciate if you also supported my other Fanfictions!
See you on the next chapter!