Ahh finally, another chapter! It's been awhile hasn't it? Unfortunatley this chapter is pretty short, and i personally dont like it, but it had to be written to keep the story moving. Stay with me, the next chapter is going to be pretty packed. (Also: i didnt want to spend lots of time detailing Clive's master plan because i assume if you're reading this story you've played the game and know all the explanation, so you don't need a complete redo of all those facts.)

Disclaimer: i'm also pretty certain you know what's supposed to be said here as well, so i wont relate it again...

"NO!"

Clive launched himself forward in a desperate attempt to reach the side of the ledge, but it was too late. The girl had vanished into the blackness, inevitably seconds away from smashing her neck at the bottom of the abyss. Behind him, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps as the Professor and Luke ran to join him and the shell-shocked Flora. He kneeled at the side of the platform, still unable to believe what had happened.

What was she thinking? We didn't need the girl! Stupid, self-sacrificing fool!

His great plan was almost complete; he was so close to finally receiving the revenge he desired, and she was supposed to be there at his side when it happened. He was not only doing it for himself, but for her. Together they would rule. But now that dream was crushed. She was gone. Gone forever all because of one insignificant little girl who couldn't keep her damn balance for five seconds. How ironic…

A cold yet maniacal laughter filled the room, causing the professor, Luke, and Flora to turn in alarm. Clive slowly realized that the haunting laughter was coming from his own mouth; it didn't concern him however, it was time to end this pathetic imitation. At this stage, what was the point in keeping it up?

"Luke?" the professor's voice was cautious as he stared at the still laughing young man. Clive turned to face him, a chilling look on his face.

"Enough pretenses professor. I know you've been aware of my motives for quite some time, haven't you?" as he spoke Clive slowly reached up and removed the blue cap from his head, tossing it to the side. Luke and Flora both had looks of shock etched on their faces, but Layton's face was a mask of calm, an unreadable look on his face.

"I see. So my deductions were correct, Luke; or should I say, Clive."

"…C-Clive? What's going on?" Flora's eyes darted quickly between the two men nervously.

"You see my dear, there never was a 'future London'." the professor began, still staring into the dark eyes of the traitorous man standing before him. "This has all been an elaborate charade set up by our friend here. The place that we've been led to believe is the future is nothing more than an extensive stage, made to resemble a possible future. It's a brilliant ruse."

"So…then you mean to say that there's no future Layton or Luke, or…Flora?"

"That is correct. All along we have been being manipulated, by someone who inside is nothing more than a wronged child bent on revenge. That disastrous explosion 10 years ago not only demolished the laboratory where it originated, but a nearby apartment complex as well, killing 10 people… including the parents of a young family, leaving a distraught and enraged child all alone in the world." The professor began to pace slowly, and his footsteps echoed loudly in the cavernous room as he continued on.

"This child was miraculously adopted by an elderly and very well-to-do woman by the name of Constance Dove, and he was raised surrounded by wealth and ease… yet he could never forget what had happened to his parents that fateful day. Ten long years he spent planning and preparing to execute his revenge, and finally the plan is coming into place…isn't that right, Clive?"

"Very good professor," Clive's voice dripped with sarcasm, "although considering your reputation it would have been…disappointing if you hadn't figured it out eventually."

"But professor…" Luke trails on slowly "How on earth did you figure all this out?"

"There have been many clues along the way Luke, many small things out of place." He abruptly stopped pacing and fixed Clive with a cold stare. "Your partner in crime is gone, and I'm sure that blow has hit you hard, but I have yet to unravel the full extent of your plans Clive." As he finished speaking he continued to gaze at the man, a now questioning look on his face.

The features on the young man's face suddenly contorted with a mixture of rage and grief. "She was the only thing that mattered to me, the only good thing I had left in this miserable life, and now she's dead… so now I have no choice but to finish our plans without her. I have to. They deserve what's coming to them; they have for years."

Suddenly and without warning he turned and took hold of Flora by the arm. Pulling her along roughly he dashed toward the doorway leading back to the stairs. Reaching the entryway he turned back to face the stunned professor and Luke.

"I'm afraid this will be our last meeting. Farewell professor. "

With one last scornful glance, he turned, and still grasping Flora roughly by the arm, fled down the stairs and disappeared.