Professor Layton Big Bang 2024

PROLOGUE 

“You’ve always been so interested in the Azran, Desmond. Perhaps you should give it a rest for the evening.” 

My wife, Molly, said as she stood beside my desk. My small candle flickered and cast shadows in the dim room. Adele, my 3 year-old daughter, raced in with a smile.  

“I’m ready to be tucked in!” 

I smiled and began to put away the large book about the past Azran discoveries. I planned to make a trip to the ruins soon. Molly glanced over at me as Adele went off toward her room once again. 

“Desmond, please think about what I said....not just for this evening. Don’t get so hung up on the Azran mystery that it’s all you can think about and work on, okay?” 

I nodded and joined her to tuck Adele in. Her words remained in my mind today. Even though it’s been years. 

Chapter 1 

The morning woke up with golden light stretching after the dark slumber of night. Clouds sailed the pastel ocean, and the trees danced in the wind. Spotlights of sun splashed against random parts of the room and practically blinded me in the morning. Perhaps I should move the bed to a different part of the room. But bigger matters have taken up residence in my mind lately. All my life, but especially after losing my wife and daughter, I had spent my life searching for the Azran secrets and longing to get revenge on Targent.....until recently. All had become known. At last, Layton knew who I was, and I couldn’t be more surprised, (and disgusted), upon discovering his assistant, Emmy Altava, worked with the group as well! After my dramatic departure, I had considered visiting Layton and trying to make things right...but I couldn’t. A new adventure awaited me, I believed, but what? I had spent my life waiting for this moment, this discovery, and now it was over. What was I supposed to do now? 

“Mastah, is something wrong with the tea? You’re glaring at it.” 

“No, no, nothing’s wrong, Raymond. I was simply......thinking.” 

 “Ah, I see. “ 

 I spotted the day’s mail and paper on the counter and decided to see what was new. On the paper’s cover, in large print read: LOOKING FOR A PILOT FOR SECRET ARCHEOLOGY PROJECT. A smirk crossed my face. Adventure has arrived. 

Chapter 2 

Clouds sailed past like fellow ships as I steered the Bostonious. Below were the tips of mountains; frosted in snow. I looked down and noticed the place that always filled me with a bittersweet feeling. Windy Valley. I had discovered the hidden forest many years ago on an archeology trip, and I had decided to propose and marry Molly there. The place had been nothing more than a legend for sometime, so my proving its existence made London Times headlines for awhile. But, being that she was such a big part of my memories of the place, I no longer feel the joy I used to when going there. I pushed the pedal on the ship harder than necessary. 

“Are you ok, Mastah?” Raymond inquired. 

“But of course.” I said quickly. 

I continued the journey until I arrived at the address. I parked the ship farther away from the main building. I noticed a bright yellow plane as well. Something was familiar....

 I started forward as the wind billowed through the yard, making grass bend in determination and icy fingers creep up one’s self. I tightened my scarf, slightly missing my old boa I’d worn so long in my Descole disguise. Just then, the yellow plane’s door swung open and a lady hopped down. She swept her long, wavy dark hair behind her shoulder and pulled out a bag and camera. I felt myself cringe. It couldn’t be....surely not.....not after all of this time. She turned around and when she saw me, her eyes widened. 

“Professor Sycamore, I didn’t expect to see you.....well....ever.” 

“Miss Altava, might I ask....what are you doing here?” 

“I’m a reporter for the World Times, Professor. I came to discover this secret archeology project, gather people’s thoughts on it, and do it in an undercover disguise. As an archeologist, I’m sure you’re here for the actual work?”  “A pilot. So, if we must speak in there, you will be going by a different name?” 

“Sarah Phillips. They can’t know I’m a reporter, or I’ll get kicked out in a heartbeat.” 

“I see.” 

I did. Too well. I’d been through so many times of disguises and false identities, so I knew what it mean to be undercover. I nodded to her and went inside. Indoors,  the smells of coffee and lunches perfumed the air. A man in uniform, or a suit, rather, stepped up to the platform. 

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I’m glad to see so many care about this project. Various historical lands bearing archeological treasures have been recently discovered! We are going to send teams out to mine the lands.” 

Emmy raised her hand. 

“Yes, Miss Phillips?” 

“Why is this a secret project?” 

“If people know about the treasures in these lands, we’ll have competitors after them before we get a chance. People who are more likely to sell than display and keep them safe. “ 

Emmy nodded and noted this. 

“We’ll need volunteer pilots and sailors for transportation, as these locations are all over. Any volunteers?” 

I raised my hand for either sailor or pilot. Emmy did so,  I assumed, for pilot as well. A couple of others also raised their hands. 

“Fantastic! Now we will divide up our archeologist volunteers into groups. For those of you sailing or piloting, the locations are on that board over there.” 

We walked over to it and my heart seemed to momentarily stop. Windy Valley was one of the locations. 

Chapter 3 

I stared at the horrid print for ages, it seemed. Emmy turned to me. 

“Why, Professor, you look ill. Are you alright?” 

“Yes, I’m fine. Just.....surprised.”  

I had to find a way to stop this. Nobody was laying a shovel on that land.

 Later, Emmy came up to me again.  

“Professor, there’s something you need to know about these people.” 

“Besides the fact that they’re destroying meaningful property?” 

“They’re doing this illegally. Their whole name is fake. In fact, I hear they’re after ruining archeologists’ reputations. That’s why I want the scoop on all of this so I can publish it after.” 

“Good. I own Windy Valley, so surely there’s a way to stop them.” 

However, there was a problem. A contract had been signed for the land years ago, and after all that happened, I hadn’t seen it since.  

Emmy poked me. 

“Goodness, what?” 

“Are you listening to me?” 

“Well....no.” 

“Well, I was saying, maybe we could actually work together.” 

“Miss Altava, are you mad?” 

“Why, no.” 

“You, a woman both related to and having worked for Targent, want to team up with me, someone who hates Targent beyond comprehension?” 

“Ah, well, I do regret that decision. But, if you can help me with disguises and all, and with better transportation, I happen to know of some way we can protect Windy Valley and all of the other locations from destruction. I know someONE who can help as well.”  

“I didn’t say I needed help. I will keep your proposal in mind, however.” 

“Very well.” 

Once dismissed, I flew the Bostonious back to Windy Valley, landing softly on the cold, green carpet of grass. I stepped out and the refreshing winds seemed to envelope the forest. I stepped over to the small garden of violets; Molly’s favorite flower. 

       ………………..

“Desmond, these flowers are perfect.” Molly said, eyes shining. 

“I thought you said they were your favorite. When we build the cabin here, we can have a whole field of violets. What do you think?” 

“Splendid! I love Windy Valley. And, I love you.” 

       …………………..

I fought the tears in my eyes as I held the flower in my hand. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. 

Chapter 4 

I whipped around, pleased that the wind removed any previous traces of my sadness. However, my pain got quickly replaced with more anger and irritation. 

 Bandana whacking him violently due to the winds, Randall approached. A thrilled grin showed on his face.  

“I’ve done it! I’ve discovered Windy Valley! I-”  

 He froze once he spotted me. 

“Hello, Ascot. What are you doing?” 

“You knew about Windy Valley already?” 

“I OWN Windy Valley. You are trespassing on my property.” 

“I-uh-I say!-I had no idea! Why would you of all people own a historical legend like Windy Valley? Shouldn’t anyone be allowed to come to it?” 

“What do you plan on doing here, Ascot? Advertising your discovery to the London Times? Breaking the ground for gold? Your plans disgust me. A true archeologist-” 

“Well, you are ASSUMING that’s what I’m here for. I care very much about keeping these things in historical condition. I would like to do some exploring, but I will be careful...if that’s okay.” 

“Hmph! So many are after this place.” 

“I guess I’m really not the first after all...” He muttered. 

Something about the great disappointment in his face and posture made me decide a baffling plan in no time at all. 

“Look, if you want to know more about Windy Valley, I’ll make you a deal.” 

His face hardened and he shot a glare at me. 

“I think not. The last time we made a deal....if it weren’t for my friends, I would have lost everything. Do you hear me? EVERYTHING!!!” 

“Well, I suppose you don’t care so much for this place.” I replied smugly. 

For a few moments, he seemed to ponder that thought. At last, he sighed. 

“Well, as I always say, ‘no risk, no glory’.” 

“Good. If you’ll help me save Windy Valley, you may QUIETLY investigate it. Miss Altava will be helping as well. Your knowledge on archeology may help.” 

“Great, Old Chap, but-” 

“You’re fired on sight if you ever call me that again.” 

“Sorry. Chum, if-” 

“What did you just call me?!”  “If you want to investigate all of this, Hershel would be a great teammate.” 

“Absolutely out of the question.” 

“Fine, where do we begin?” 

Chapter 5

 “So you believe the documents are still somewhere in their office?” Randall asked, cocking his head in a quizzical manner.

 “Yes, I do. I lost them all of those years ago, but there must be proof somewhere.”

 “I might be able to get access to it. As a photographer, I’ll be in the office at times. In fact, if they want the images edited, I would have to be in there for sometime.” Emmy remarked, a mischievous spark in her eyes.

 “True. With the documents, I can bring the authorities into this; an easy win in a legal battle. But without that proof, this will be an uphill climb.”

 Randall tapped his chin.

 “Will you still be their pilot? I mean, if you don’t like them anymore…”

 “But of course I will! I must get information. I can use my patrolling abilities to my own advantage too, you know.”

 “Fair.” Emmy replied.

 I sat and discussed this mission with Randall and Emmy a bit longer. We agreed that Randall would work undercover for the team as a supposed archeologist participant, I would be the pilot, and Emmy planned to capture important evidence with her camera. 

            …………………….

 I walked away from Desmond and Randall and headed for the office. What a strange change in plans! I had intended on joining for one of my first solo photography projects for The London Times. Never did I expect to see Professor Sycamore and Randall again. But perhaps this will be good. Maybe I can prove I can be trusted again. I went inside and gasped. There stood Uncle Bronev talking with the rest of the team. My hands shook. He’d recognize me for sure! And then questions swam through my mind. Hadn’t he been arrested? Where did he live now? Did he know that this was wrong and that his son was involved, or was he innocent? And…could I go against my uncle? He turned toward the doorway and I ducked behind a tall potted plant. At last silence filled the room, and Uncle Bronev had left. That was too close! I walked over to the other man who was left in the room.

 “Excuse me, Sir. I’m Sarah, the photographer and pilot. I was told I’d have an office here to work on my photos. It’s my specialty to give professional-quality photos.”

 “You must be the photographer from The World Times! I was very impressed with your resume’. Yes, your office is this way.”

 I followed the man down hallways, trying to sneak glances at the other doors. Was there a place for property selling documents here? Why would there be? Wasn’t this just this exploration team’s office? But Professor Sycamore seemed to believe that there was a good chance it was here. I’d have to look later when nobody was around.

 Chapter 6

 I waited for Emmy to return. It may be said that she was simply returning from her new job, but truly, it was returning from a reporter job that they cannot expect. I’m hoping she’ll have good news and perhaps know where the documents are today. I had been working on the Bostonious for travel, as it needed some minor repairs. Randall had been exploring the land about the camp. Why, I don’t know. 

 At last Emmy returned, but instead of an expression of success, it seemed she was nervous and hesitant, with a bit of disappointment.

 “I see you’ve returned from your first day as their photographer. How did things go?”

 “Um…fine. Perfectly fine.”

  I raised a brow.

 “Look, Professor Sycamore, it is not fine at all!”

 “I gathered that. Let me guess, they fired you.”

 “What? No! Why would they do that?”

 “No real reason, I suppose. Unless criminal records count..”

 “Look who’s talking.”

 “Hmph.”

 “No, but, you’re not going to like this one bit.”

 “Please get on with it, Miss Altava.”

 “The owner of this exploration….it’s-“

 “Professor Sycamore! Miss Altava! There’s a stunning view of the Windy Valley Mountain just a few feet from camp! We simply MUST see it at sunrise tomorrow!”

 “Sounds lovely.” Emmy replied.

 “I have seen it then, and it is a remarkable sight.” I added, remembering many a morning.

  There were mornings when Molly and I would go on walks in the sunrise, and sometimes Adele would wake up and join us. Sometimes I’d pulled an all-nighter for work and the golden, pastel hands would wave into the candle-lit office.

 “Anyways, Randall, your arrival is good timing. You see, Leon Bronev is the leader of this.”

 Silence weighed heavily in the room. But inside, a thousand thoughts flooded together, and boiling anger filled me.

 “That monster dares take Windy Valley from me?!!! He’s already tried in the past, and it’s still partly his fault that my family is gone! He will NOT win! I will make sure of that!!!”

 “I agree. We must stop him! He’s ruined enough historical sites.” Randall agreed.

 I went off to my room, too angry to continue talking with them.

   ……………………..

 I went to Desmond’s room later, and I knocked on the door.

 “Professor Sycamore, may I come in?”

 “Yes, I suppose so.”

 “Are you alright?”

  He sighed.

 “That man makes me very angry. He seems to be connected to all I’ve lost. And now he’s trying to take more from me. I must get those documents more than ever!”

 “Indeed. It seems to be the easiest way. I will look harder tomorrow.”

 “Thank you.”

 “No problem.”

  But as I walked away, I was still confused. I didn’t want to be against either of them.

 The next day, I returned to the office, and I searched about whenever I could for the documents. However, I could not find them. At least not yet. But what was worse is that members of Targent, particularly Uncle Bronev, seemed to be everywhere. There was no way I could hide forever.

“Professor Sycamore?” I called him.

 “Yes?”

 “We may have a problem. My name may not be the same, but Un-Um-Bronev, will recognize me in a second. He’s everywhere!”

 “Don’t worry. I have a plan. Come back to camp.”

 “Alright.”

Chapter 7

I paced as I waited for Emmy to return. When she did, I smiled. 

 “I have a plan that just might work. They currently know you as a photographer, but NOT as a reporter.”

 “What are you saying?”

 “By disguising as someone different, you can be a totally unrecognizable person to them, someone they can trust…We must make an excuse, however, for the departure of the photographer. But you can cover as both. Therefore, you can record, photograph, and report all of your findings without raising suspicions.”

 I smirked proudly.

  Emmy raised a brow.

 “You really thought this out, didn’t you?”

 “But of course! You know a plan must be made thoroughly and quickly in drastic times like this. That man will NEVER lay a hand on Windy Valley as long as I live.”

 Emmy and Randall exchanged glances.

 I brought out a suitcase.

 “Here, you’ll need this.”

 Emmy opened it and found wigs and various outfits. She tried to hold back a laugh, but Randall laughed immediately.

 “Do you carry this around everywhere?”

  I crossed my arms.

 “When this saves such a historical land, you will regret making fun.”

 Randall sobered.

 Emmy left and put on a stylish wig and professional clothes. She applied makeup, put on her camera bag, and walked out.

 “Well?”

 “The look is unrecognizable. But, you will need to change your voice.”

 “What?!”

 “Miss Altava, they will see right through this if you sound exactly the same.”

 Emmy sighed and nodded.

 “Do you think they’ll be suspicious about a reporter showing up?”

 “Not at all. If you claim you’re there to spread their name and fame, they won’t care about anything but that.”

    ………………………………

 Soon, I returned to the camp. I found a guy waiting at the entrance.

 “Oh, um, I don’t believe I know you, Miss.”

 “Emiliana Albertson. I’m the reporter.”

 “Oh, a reporter. Come right this way! Mr. Bronev is excited to report our certain success to everyone.”

 “Of course. I will be sure to capture it all.”

 “Thank you, Miss Albertson.”

  I walked over to  Uncle Bronev, and something felt…wrong. He hurt so many people, yet he feels like a father to me. Tears filled my eyes unexpectedly as it all sank in as to what I was doing. I wasn’t helping him secretly this time. I was truly going against him. Could I do this? Desmond and Randall had no issues, but were they as close? Desmond was his actual son though! I fought back my rising emotions. 

 “Mr. Bronev, what are your plans for the beginning of this investigation? And what do you hope to find in Windy Valley?”

 “Oh, gems, maybe the cure to all illnesses! They say a plant grows there with such an ability. “

 “Oh? And what do you plan to do with this if you find it?”

 A temporary sadness flashed in his eyes. But then he recovered and turned back on his “performance appearance”.

 “Sell it for money. “

 “Oh, I see. You probably could make a grand amount off of it.”

 “Of course! I could make a fortune if I make people fight for it.”

  I nodded.

 “Tomorrow we begin digging.”

 “I see.”

  Later, I returned to the camp.

 “I have news, but nothing you’ll be pleased about.”

 “Well, considering your mission, I didn’t exactly expect to be pleased about it.”

 “He’s looking for…the flower. And his intentions are to sell it for a fortune. He also plans to start digging tomorrow.”

 Desmond jumped up, anger flaming in his eyes.

 “How DARE he?! Sell it for a fortune!!! Does he not have anything better to do?! That flower could save lives! People he cares about! Oh, but wait, he doesn’t care about anyone but himself!”

 “Professor Sycamore, wait!”

 Desmond sighed.

 “Please, Miss Altava, I need a moment.”

 He left for the room he was staying in. 

  ……………………….

I picked up my watch chain and opened the clasped picture of Molly. I remembered a particular conversation…

  …………………………..

 “Molly, I’ve discovered something!”

 “Oh? What is it?”

  I grinned.

 “There’s a flower in Windy Valley, a sort of special herb, that can cure just about any illness. Oh, Honey! If I can find it, perhaps we can prove the doctors wrong!”

 Molly glowed with happiness.

 “Really? Oh, that’s wonderful!”

  I took her hand.

 “I’ll find it, Sweetheart. You’ll be well again.”

   ……………………..

  I blinked back tears as I looked at the photo and recalled how I’d failed to find it. And now some jerk wanted to ruin it by selling it for mere dollars. That flower, once found, needed to be left alone. 

 “Mr. Sycamore?”

 I opened the door.

 “Miss Altava.”

 “I know you’re upset, but Uncle-….uh…Bronev, may not be as heartless as you think.”

 “Oh really?” I asked sarcastically. 

 “Really. For a moment, when I asked what he would do with the flower, he looked sad.”

 “Hmph! That makes no sense to me.”

 “Do you think maybe he was….thinking of your mother?”

  I froze, sadness washing over me. Again.

 “Of course not.” I grumbled.

 “You saw what he did when the Azran lights occurred…”

 “We will not speak of that. Anyways, we must come up with a plan to stop them from digging tomorrow. The only way is for us to disguise and act as workers. WE can volunteer to go in. We’ll work from there.”

 “A good plan….does this involve more wigs?” She smiled.

 “Perhaps.” I smiled back.

 The next day, Randall and I, in proper disguises, went to the work field. We were, after some encouragement to the bosses, assigned to go in.

 “First step down. Now, let’s see what we can do.” I said as Randall and I left for Windy Valley.

Chapter 8

 Randall and I walked up the steep mountain side.The wind took on an icy, clean feeling and smell, and the higher we climbed up, the stronger it got. Once again, I regretted not wearing my boa. At last, we reached the land that meant so much to me. The emerald-green grass was as a soft as a carpet, and the trees made a lovely shade over most of the valley, together forming a roof. Due to that, in the past, Molly and I would sit during the rain showers completely protected by the trees, but watched as the rain would splash onto the leaves. The wind would carry the wet mist and spray us at times, and Molly would laugh. Flowers sprinkled about the valley in beautiful bold colors. They always stood out against the rich green surroundings. And then I saw the patch of violets. Molly’s favorite flower.

 “You alright?” Randall asked.

 “But of course. Why wouldn’t I be? So far, our plan to save Windy Valley is working.”

 “You were rather quiet and looked sad.”

 “I’m just fine.”

 “Alright then.”

 We went off into the forest. I pondered as to what we were supposed to find. Part of the plan was simply to take the place of the other explorers so they wouldn’t destroy the place in their search. That part was a success. The other was to hopefully find a way to persuade them into believing this was a lost cause and there was nothing worth looking for. But how? And then again, they may doubt our skills and send someone else! Perhaps we should find, or at least say we found something. But what? And what if they still send others? This would not do. 

We went on and found a tunnel, which turned out to be a dead end. How could we stop those terrible people from coming here and taking more from me? 

 “I found something!”

  I froze and then spun around.

  Randall was excitedly waving something small that glittered in the sunlight. I went over and looked closer.

 “It appears to be some kind of stone. With proper cleaning I can take a better look at it.”

 “Right. Do you think this will help us?”

 “I’m not sure what it’s worth is yet. But as their hope is to find a flower, I’m not sure of that either. Besides, if the stone is worth anything, that may lead them here for a whole other reason.”

 “Ah, that is a good point.” He looked at the dusty, dirt-coated stone. 

 We stood for awhile as the icy, roaring winds swept through the land continuously. 

 “Ohh, these are perfect for Angela!”

 *snip*

 I whipped around, and there sat several of the beautiful violets in Randall’s hands. Holding back my irritation, I said,

 “In the future, please do not mess with those.”

 “Oh. Sorry. I thought they were just growing here.”

 “Molly and I planted those long ago.”

 “So they’re a reminder of her…I’m sorry. I had no idea.”

 “It’s alright.”

  I glanced at the flower and suddenly had an idea.

 “I’ve thought of something.”

 “Oh?”

 “The violets. What if we took one and said it’s the flower they’re looking for?”

 “That’s lying, for one thing. And secondly, wouldn’t they want tested proof?”

 “I suppose it is a lie but…if they get their hands on the real flower…”

 “And the proof?”

 “We’ll figure it out.”

 “I don’t know about this. This doesn’t seem like the best solution. As far as both good plan-making and because of having to lie about it.”

 I acquired one of the flowers and we went back down the mountain.

 “By having the flower, they’ll have no need to go up at all!” I announced triumphantly.

 “That is a good point.” Randall agreed but lacked his normal enthusiasm.

   ………………….

 I was sitting at the desk, still searching for the documents whenever I could, when the door opened.

 “I thought I might find you here.”

  I looked up. Uncle Bronev.

 “We need you to be outside in 20 minutes for that update we mentioned. Understood?”

 “Of course.” I offered a shaky smile.

  He tilted his head slightly.

 “Are you alright?”

 “Yes, thank you. Just busy trying to get used to my new job here.”

 I attempted to laugh it off.

 “I see.”

 I went outside 10 minutes later to set up, positioned the camera, grabbed the mic, and headed over.

 “Today our search team has an update for everyone as to how the investigation of Windy Valley is going!”

 “Yes, so far we have sent two of our search party up the mountain to find the herbal flower. They should-“

 “We’re back!!!”

 I whipped around, as did the others, in time to see Randall and Desmond coming down with a flower in hand. My jaw dropped. That fast? They hadn’t been gone that long at all!

 “We have the herbal flower everyone!”

 “That…..that’s amazing! Uncle Bronev isn’t that-“

  I froze. I let it slip. No. No no no! This wasn’t happening!

 But as I feared, all eyes went on me.

 Chapter 9

 “So you’re Emmy.” 

 I was sitting in the office across from Uncle Bronev.

 “Yes…”

 “What is going on here? Why are you interviewing and reporting for my team under a false identity?”

 I was trying to decide what to do. Had he changed? Did he know what he was doing was wrong? I decided to take the chance.

 “Uncle Bronev, you CAN’T sell that flower for a bunch of money! That flower is important! It needs to be cared for properly or at least be brought to a place that will tend to it. A billion people would pay you millions for it, but not many will care for it right. They’re blinded by the fame they will receive if they have it. Think about the dreadfully ill who could use that flower so badly, Uncle!”

 He listened with a serious frown.

 “This means a lot to you.”

 “It does.”

 “And why is my son in on this?”

  I gulped.

 “Well…He wants the flower to be safe too. And he wanted to help be apart of that. You see, Uncle, what the team is doing is wrong. Or was wrong. By going after the flower for money and fame won’t do any good. Now that the flower is safe, it should just be brought to a proper place. We don’t need to put that out there everywhere.”

 “I’m not so sure… 

 “Please, Uncle. Don’t let the scavengers get this news out there. I want the flower to be safe first!”

 “Alright…”

 “Thank you, Uncle!”

 He smiled.

 ………….

“I still think you should tell the truth about the flower. This isn’t right!”

 “It’s safest this way for now. We’ll tell the truth when the right time comes.”

 I sat down with a satisfied smile. But something didn’t feel right. While I spoke with great ease and confidence on this matter, I also wondered deep down if this was right. 

 “I’m not so sure that’s a wise plan. I mean, when people find out, what will that mean for us?”

 My instinct was to reply “make a run for it”, but that version of me was long gone. 

 As the night appeared and lingered, I began to worry and question what I’d done. That plan was very much like one I’d have put together in the past. Though perhaps my motives were better this time, it was still full of deceit and sneaking. Randall may have been right. But what now? We might get arrested for this. 

   ……………..

 I walked back to the campsite early the next morning, excited to share my news with Professor Sycamore and Randall. Uncle Bronev had been remarkably understanding and cooperative, so I was eager to tell the others. I also wanted to see the flower for myself. I hadn’t gotten a chance with all of the chaos yesterday. 

 I opened the door and found Professor Sycamore staring at a framed picture with a sad, faraway look in his eyes. I’d seen him look like that at times, but the second anyone was caught noticing, he hardened instantly. I never knew what caused it, but never dared ask either.

 “Good morning, Professor Sycamore! I have great news! Is Randall around?”

 “He’s on the phone with Angela while cooking breakfast outside.”

 “Ah. In that case, can I speak with you first?”

 With a last look at the picture, which he turned face-down on the table beside him, he nodded.

 “Uncle Bronev and I talked last night after what all happened, and he has agreed to calling off the publicity of the flower! He understands the dangers that could cause and the value of it.”

 “And why should I trust him?”

 “I really think he’s changed!”

 “For that matter, why should I trust you? You worked with him knowing who he really was!”

 “Professor Sycamore, please, I really think he’s had a change of heart. I wanted to help you and him to see the truth. Please understand!”

 He sat silently staring at his clasped hands for a moment.

 “Actually, um, another reason I came is to see the flower.”

 Professor Sycamore jumped up and went pale. He turned abruptly for the door.

 “Professor Sycamore, what’s wrong?”

 He went quite pale. His color turned grayish and his breathing became labored. He clutched his chest, cried out, and collapsed. I screamed and ran to him. Randall raced in with a spatula and phone still in hand.

 “What is going on?! Did you kick him or something?!”

 “What?! No! I don’t know what happened. Call 911!”

 Chapter 10

 “Hershel.”

 I grasped at the dark fog around me. Pain throbbed in my head and I could make no sense of anything. Then at last I opened my eyes, and there stood Molly. She was in Windy Valley before the violet field, holding her hand out to me.

 “No, Molly. I can’t. I…failed.”

 “Hershel, the flower is for everyone. To help people get well. It isn’t ours alone. You must share it with everyone.”

 She walked up and grasped my hands. 

 “Promise me you’ll stop holding onto it.”

 “Molly…I wanted it to save you.”

 “That may be so, but that’s not a concern now. You must save those that you can.”

 I met her eyes and grasped her hands.

 “I’ll do it.”

 She gave her glowing smile, and then Windy Valley, and Molly, disappeared. I woke up to an ice-cold cloth being laid on my head.

 “W-What? Molly….?”

 “It’s Randall. Not Molly.”

 “Leave him alone.”

 I opened my eyes to find Emmy and Randall standing there.

 “Are you alright?”

 “I…I think so.”

 “The doctor said you hit your head pretty hard and had a panic attack.”

 “I need to confess something.”

 “Chum, you’re hurt, but you’re not dying.” Randall remarked.

 “That has nothing to do with it. The flower…it’s…we…we didn’t find it. I lied so Bronev wouldn’t look for it any longer.”

 “WHAT?!” Emmy shrieked.

 Randall gave her a look and motioned with a tilt of his head toward the bed.

 “I had no idea. So that’s why you acted that way when I shared the news…”

 “I shouldn’t have done that. There were better ways I’m sure…But I plan to tell everyone as soon as I can.”

 Emmy nodded, letting this all sink in.

  ..…………….

A FEW DAYS LATER

 ………………

 A large crowd gathered before Professor Sycamore and Randall, who stood on the very stage Uncle Bronev had used to make his announcements and meetings with the search crews. He tapped the microphone and then began.

 “I’d like to thank you all for coming. I’m ashamed to admit that the hero you’ve all made me out to be for finding the flower….is untrue. In fact, I’m quite the opposite. I lied. I never found the flower. I didn’t want anyone to find it that would use it for fame and money. So I made that up to end the search.”

 Shocked gasps and horrified expressions filled the crowd, and I saw Professor Sycamore wince. 

 Then, I saw Uncle Bronev walk up. At first, I feared what would happen. 

 “I have something to admit too. I wanted that flower for the wrong reason. I was the very person my son here just described. I wanted that flower for the money and fame it would give me. Though stealing is never a good idea, we both made mistakes on this matter. So, I’m sorry, too. However, if you are all willing, I would like to continue the search. But this time, if we find it, I’d like to send it to a natural medicinal hospital to put it to proper use.”

  Applause roared and Professor Sycamore’s jaw dropped. 

 “You really want to do that?” he asked.

 “I do. Son, you highlighted the fact that my motives were all wrong too. I hope you’ll join us on this new search.”

 “I will. Thank you.” He shook Uncle’s hand after a hard swallow.

   ………………

 After much discussion, with my father’s help, new search teams were grouped together. A hospital that had been researching the flower’s medicinal use for many years also sent men and supplies to help us on our search. Randall and I helped look for the flower, and Emmy reported the investigation and announced the new promises of what would happen when and if it was found. 

One day, after a very long day of searching, I smelled a sweet, floral scent I’d never before encountered. Then, after gently moving some dirt aside in a little tree gathering spot, I lifted the prettiest violet I’d ever seen.

 “I believe I’ve found it!!!”

 Everyone gathered around, and it was confirmed that it was in fact the longed for herbal flower. The plant was brought to the hospital at once, and celebration began as well. Many tried to give me honors and full credit for the discovery, but I shook my head.

 “Thank God for the provision of it and leading us to it, not me.”

 After a month passed, extractions from the flower were being tested and small doses were already being used at the hospital. I sat on my balcony and smiled. My father and I had become a bit closer since the search, and the flower I dreamed of finding was found at last. I looked at the framed photo of Molly and Adele beside me. Somehow, I had a feeling they were celebrating too in Heaven. I smiled as the sky melted together in glowing pastel rivers as the sun set. Though the day may be ending, my new journey, as a new man, was just beginning. 

   ……………………

 I flew my plane out thinking a short trip around town in the air would feel like a lovely close to the long months of journeying. Uncle Bronev and I were close again like we once were, and the flower was being put to wonderful use after all. I think we all learned valuable lessons from this trip, and God has blessed us with new life lessons and the flower to help others. I waved at Professor Sycamore, who was sitting on his balcony, and he waved back. I wonder what journey we will all encounter next? 

 I smiled to myself as a I swiftly navigated the bright yellow plane through the sky. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.

Word count: 95.3K words.

Rating: Teen and Up

Category: Gen

Summary: