Inverse Mansion
*We see two young women at the breakfast table. The redhead is consuming enough food to feed a small nation. The other woman is standing over her shoulder lecturing.*
Luna: Lina it is of the utmost importance that we attend this event. I would think you would be excited, after all it is for charity. (The word is uttered with a distinct insult)
Lina: What charity would that be Luna? (not rising to the bait)
Luna: Does it matter Lina? We're expected to attend. If we don't show, what on earth will the others think. Never mind the press...
Lina: Did it ever occur to you Luna that I don't give a damn what ANYONE thinks?
Luna: Did it ever occur to you Lina that Linverse Inc. is your bread and butter? That you would not be the wealthy socialite you are if it weren't for the hard work I've put into that company. Why if I'd had your attitude growing up, today we would be as poor as Gourry and with as much of a future.
Lina: It's not Gourry's fault that he's poor. (angry but biting back what she would have said to anyone else who insulted Gourry)
Luna: Of course it is Lina. He has no drive, no ambition. For gods' sake, he grew up as our servant and has no intentions of bettering himself...goodness knows he could never get into a decent college if his life depended on it (which of course it does).
Lina: I'd prefer not to discuss Gourry's situation. (anger seethes beneath the surface)
Luna: Whatever. Be ready to leave the house at nine Lina, and look pretty. Zelgadis Graywords is expected to attend this party as well. His first since the unfortunate accident. If you can manage to charm him we might get an inside track to finally taking out his damned great/grandfather.
Lina: (choosing to ignore that her plea to not attend the function had been denied) Why on earth would I want to charm one of the Graywords. Blind Eye and Linverse have been bitter rivals ever since you got Gaav Flare in that corporate takeover six years ago. Besides you know as well as I do what they say about Zelgadis Graywords.
Luna: Regardless Lina, in this business you take every advantage you can. I've tried to shelter you from the worst of it, but I think that might have been a mistake. From now on I believe you should take more responsibility in the company that provides you with the luxuries to which you have become so accustomed.
Lina: ...
Luna: Remember Lina, Linverse is our power. We can guide Linverse to the highest heights or we can end up as penniless as Zoamel Fashions. Remember that Lina, and it would do you to remember as well that I have been lenient with you today. Which you should not expect in the future. Next time you attempt to disobey me, we shall a much more unpleasant conversation Lina.
*Luna leaves the room, and Lina seems to have finished eating.*
*Rowdy enters.*
Rowdy: Miss Inverse?
Lina: Rowdy please, I'm not Luna. Just call me Lina.
Rowdy: Yes Miss Lina.
Lina: ...
Rowdy: I have a message from my grandson.
Lina: Why didn't he just come here himself?
Rowdy: I'm not sure Miss Lina. All I know is that he said you were to meet him at your "special place" immediately.
Lina: (confused) Okay then, thanks a lot Rowdy.
*Rowdy exits.*
Lina: I wonder what Gourry wants to talk to me about, especially at our childhood meeting place.
*Focus on Lina's wondering face and fade to black.*
Saillune's Train Station
*A young woman steps off a train. Fear and excitment race across her face, vying for expression.*
Sylphiel: I can't believe I finally made it. (looking at everything around her) Saillune! I'm finally back after all these years. Now, if only I can find him everything will turn out perfectly.
*Sylphiel races to find a cab.*
Rezo's Mansion
*We see two men earnestly discussing a familiar issue. One of the men is missing an arm, his shirt sleeve pinned at the elbow.*
Zelgadis: No. End of discussion. No.
Rezo: At least hear me out son.
Zelgadis: Not son remember, it's great/grandson.
Rezo: Indeed. That is hardly the point.
Zelgadis: You wouldn't think so would you?
Rezo: You will attend this function Zelgadis. It is far too important to Blind Eye for you to miss.
Zelgadis: They all are, and I've managed to miss every single one of them until now.
Rezo: Zelgadis you will be twenty-one in two months. I believe it is high time you began acting like a man and took on more responsibilities at the company. This is your future you know.
Zelgadis: That damnable company ripped my future away. Literally. Who knows what I could have been if not for this handicap. I was only a child Rezo, and your bloody experiments at Blind Eye stole my body from me. (this passionate speech is usually enough to guilt Rezo into just about anything)
Rezo: Indeed.
Zelgadis: ...
Rezo: Zelgadis that bitch Luna Inverse is just looking for the perfect opportunity to one up me and Blind Eye. She and her sister attend every single one of these events. They present a wonderful facade that allows them to maintain friendships, and more importantly partnerships, with some of the most important people in this town. I will not allow this to continue. You remember Zelas Metallium? Well, as of six months ago Luna and Zelas have become great friends. With that friendship Luna has gained a hand into the hospital board as it's new head, as well as the clout Zelas holds with the law. Xellos Metallium, the district attorney, being her son and all. What would you have me do Zelgadis? Give in. Allow that..that...ex-waitress to ruin my lifes' work? I think not Zelgadis! I will fight back. WE will fight back, with every single thing we've got. You will be at the charity function tonight. You will be charming and intelligent. I don't care what you do before or after this party, but during this event you will make me proud.
Zelgadis: ...
*Rezo, confident in his victory, walks away.*
*Zelgadis slumps into a lush chair, severely upset by the whole situation. Fade to black.*
Inverse Grounds' Treehouse
*Lina finds Gourry in their old treehouse.*
Lina: So Gourry, what's up?
Gourry: Hey Lina, what are you doing here?
Lina: You asked me to meet you here Gourry.
Gourry: I did? Gee, did I mention why?
*Lina did something very violent in order to jog Gourry's memory. Honestly, she was just trying to help him remember.*
Gourry: Oh Yeah! Now I remember.
*Lina gives a victory sign.*
Gourry: Lina, this is kind of serious.
Lina: Gourry, since when do you do serious?
Gourry: Since I decided to...leave the Inverse Mansion Lina.
Lina: What?!?!
Gourry: I've been thinking about this a lot Lina. I don't want to live out my life as someones errand boy. I want a home for myself someday.
Lina: Gourry, this is your home. I mean, you've lived here almost your entire life.
Gourry:...
Lina: If there's anything you need Gourry just let me know. You know I'll take care of it. We're best friends, you and I. (insert happy smiles here)
Gourry: I'm getting tired of watching my grandfather and grandmother working non-stop when they should be retired. All I want is to take care of them Lina. I can't do that here.
Lina: You can't do that anywhere Gourry. Remember you have no skills. (insert bitterness here)
Gourry: (takes the comment good-naturedly) Yes, I can Lina. I've joined the police force. I start training tomorrow.
Lina: WHAT?!?!
Gourry: I know this is hard Lina, but we'll still see each other all the time. My new apartment is only ten minutes from here. I can still protect you from everything, all you have to do is call me.
Lina: Protection? As if I, the great and beautiful Lina Inverse needs protection?
Gourry: What about the time I saved you from those kidnappers who tried to get you in your sleep?
Lina: I had it under control.
Gourry: What about that mugger in the park?
Lina: I was waiting for the right moment to fight back.
Gourry: What about...
Lina: Boy, your memory sure gets clear sometimes. Huh Gourry?
Gourry: Hmmmm...what were we talking about Lina?
Lina: Nothing important Gourry. Nothing important at all.
*Gourry jumps from the treehouse.*
Gourry: Okay, well I gotta finish packing.
Lina: Whatever.
Gourry attempts to help Lina down from the treehouse, Lina jerks back.
Lina: I'm fine, I'm gonna stay awhile. See ya.
Gourry: Are you sure? (he's obviously unsure)
Lina: You doubt the beautiful genius Lina Inverse? Go away Gourry.
*Gourry lopes away. Leaving one very sad beautiful genius behind. As we close up on Lina we see one solitary tear fall down her face.*
Saillune General Hospital
*We see a blond woman giving Sylphiel a tour of the hospital.*
Sylphiel: Wow, Nurse Filia. Saillune's hospital is so much more extensive than Sairaag's.
Filia: You'll notice a great deal of difference between Saillune and Sairaag Sylphiel.
Sylphiel: I know. I just hope I'm up to it.
Filia: Oh, I'm sure that you'll enjoy you're residency here Dr. Nels Lahda
Syphiel: Doctor? *giggle* Oh stop it Filia, I don't think I'll ever get used to people calling me doctor.
Filia: You seem to really care for people Sylphiel. To me, that is the mark of a great doctor.
*The two women share a moment of quiet camaraderie.*
*Which is at once broken by a walking smoke stack by the name of Zelas Metallium.*
Zelas: Off wasting time with another of your friends Filia (the way she says friends is much the same way Luna said charity in the first scene)
Filia: (face hardens) Hardly, Dr. Metallium. I was simply giving our new resident a tour of the hospital.
*Zelas turns a predatory look upon Sylphiel.*
Zelas: Sylphiel Nels Lahda I presume. I'm Saillune General's chief of staff Zelas Metallium. I have one rule here: don't be the weak link. As long as you give me 110 percent effort, we'll be fine.
*Without another word Zelas turns a corner and disappears.*
*Sylphiel and Filia turn to each other, Sylphiel in confusion and Filia in shame.*
Sylphiel: Is she serious? She can't possibly be that mean? (Sylphiel feels the fear begin to outweigh excitement all of a sudden)
Filia: Oh, she's more than serious. She's dangerous.
Sylphiel: Surely you are exaggerating.
Filia: I wish. Look Sylphiel, Zelas has no reason right now to dislike you, keep it that way. You seem like a nice person, just stay out of her way.
Sylphiel: Actually...I had already been planning on that.
*The two women laugh a bit, nervously.*
Filia:(hushed tones) Look I don't want to scare you, but I think that there's more to our chief of staff than most know. I try to mind my own business but I hear things, strange things that make me wonder. I can't tell these things to you, I have no real proof of anything. But I've decided that should the opportunity to acquire proof arrive, I'll be ready. As far as I'm concerned Zelas Metallium's days are numbered.
*Sylphiel stares impressedly at Filia.*
Sylphiel: I don't know if I can help, but if you need me I'm there for you.
Filia: It's okay Sylphiel it wouldn't be right to involve you any further.
*Sylfiel is secretly happy at this statement. Nevertheless...*
Sylfiel: I meant it Filia. You didn't have to share any of this with me. As a friend I offer you my help should you ever need it.
Filia: Thank you Sylfiel, that means a lot to me.
*A small pause*
Filia: So how about some tea in the cafeteria?
Sylfiel: (visibly relaxes) Sure that sounds great.
*Sounds of soft voices float down the hall.*
*Shortly after Sylfiel and Filia leave Zelas Metallium walks away from her hiding spot around the corner.*
Zelas: So they want to uncover my secrets hmmmm? Well, this calls for an expert.
*Zelas walks into her office and locks the door. She picks up the phone and makes a phone call to the police station.*
Police Station
*We see a young man on the telephone.*
Xellos: Don't worry, I'll take care of it.
*He hangs up the phone.*
Phil: What will you take care of, my boy? (jovial is the word here)
Xellos: Sore wa himitsu desu.
*Phil finds this extremely funny and pounds Xellos on his back, nearly killing Xellos in the process.*
Phil: Keep your secrets then boy, I've no use for them.
*Before another word is said, a tornado of sappy sweetness hits the station. You guessed it, Amelia enter stage right.*
Amelia: DADDY!
Phil: AMELIA!
Amelia: I'M SO EXCITED DADDY!
Phil: SO AM I AMELIA!
Amelia: I CAN'T WAIT DADDY!
*Xellos decides to intervene here in order to prevent a great deal of police officers filing for workman's comp on behalf of sudden deafness at the office.*
Xelloss: In a reasonable tone of voice please, why are the Saillunes so excited this fine day?
Phil: Xellos, you haven't heard?
Xellos: I suppose I haven't.
Amelia: I'm going to be a police officer, just like Daddy. Upholding justice and goodness. Punishing evildoers...(Amelia pretty much continues in this vein for a while)
Xellos: Amelia's decided to join the force Phil? (he says to the background of a justice obsessed young woman)
Phil: Yes, my little girl is certainly growing up. Now that she's eighteen there's nothing to keep her from following in her fathers' footsteps. I'M SO PROUD.
Amelia: I'M SO HAPPY!
*Xellos decides that he has many things to do that would require him to leave this room. Many others follow suit. Pretty soon we have an empty room and two very happy people.*
*Amelia is so wrapped up in a speech about all the good she will do as a police officer that she doesn't catch her father's one lament.*
Phil: It would all be so perfect, if only your sister were here too.
Zoamal Fashions
*A woman is yelling into a phone in a room filled with extremely unfashionable clothes.*
Martina: What do you mean the ZoamalGustav line isn't selling? That's my best work. Don't get smart with me. Ohhhhhh, this is all Lina Inverse's fault. What? Ever since those damn Inverses became a force in the fashion world, the competition has become fiercer than ever. Of course I'm not scared of competition...
*A man in an extremely unfashionable hat walks in the door.*
Zangulus: Martina dear?
Martina: Zangulus!
Martina hangs up the phone and rushes towards her husband.
Zangulus: Was that important?
Martina: Not compared to my husband it wasn't.
Zangulus sits Martina down with a "we need to talk" face on.
Zangulus: We need to talk Martina.
Martina: About what?
Zangulus: I don't feel that I've been pulling my weight around here. I feel useless. Let's face it, I know nothing about fashion (besides of course my nifty hat) and have no real position here at Zoamal Fashions.
*Martina tries to break in.*
Zangulus: Just wait Martina. I've made a decision. I'm going to join the police force. Training begins tomorrow.
Martina: Is this what you really want?
Zangulus: It is.
Martina: Well, then I'm sure you'll make the best policeman there is.
Zangulus: If only fencing were a requirement.
Martina: Yes, fencing is one thing in which you are completely unbeatable my darling.
Zangulus: So, this is settled?
Martina: Not quite.
*Insert steamy soap opera office sex scene.*
*Fade to Black.*