Inverse Mansion
*Lina is in her bedroom getting ready for the party she was roped into attending. We hear a knock on the door and see a smirk on Lina's face that just smells of trouble.*
Lina: Is that you Gourry?
Gourry: Umm...yeah Lina.
Lina: Well, come in already!
*The door opens and Gourry walks into the room.*
Gourry: Hey Lina. If this is about my leaving don't bother, you're not going to change my mind. It took me a long time to...
*Whatever else Gourry had to say was cut off as Lina threw something small and heavy at his head (too bad, Gourry was really on a roll). A stunned Gourry looks at Lina from his prone position on the floor.*
Lina: Gourry, I'm completely over that whole moving out thing. This is about something different.
Gourry: ...
Lina: I want to invite you to a party, for tonight.
Gourry: ...
Lina: Did you hear me? I want you to escort me to a charity function tonight.
Gourry: ...
*Lina is slightly worried that she has caused Gourry a concussion. So she does the most logical thing, she throws something else at Gourry's head (to sort of get him jump started).*
Gourry: Ow! Lina would you stop that already?
Lina: Well then answer me when I speak, jelly-fish brains!!
Gourry: I can't.
Lina: Why the hell not!?!
Gourry: Because I didn't understand the question.
Lina: (face-fault) WHAT? Gourry even you can't be that dumb!
Gourry: (with patented confused look) Well, it's just that I thought you asked me to a party tonight.
Lina: (getting pretty darned fed up) YES GOURRY! I asked if you would like to escort me to a party!
Gourry: Lina we've been best friends since for ever. We've been through a lot together, but not once have you ever invited me to a party. What will Luna say? She'll probably fire my grand-ma and grand-pa just for me thinking I could hang out with all those rich people.
Lina: I could care less what Luna thinks. It would serve her right for thinking she can force me to do something I don't want to do.
Gourry: (taking his life in his hands) I don't think I can go with you Lina.
Lina: WHAT!?! What do you mean?
Gourry: I can't risk my grand-parents' jobs like that, Luna would murder them if I tried to take you to that party. Besides I wouldn't know how to act at a fancy party Lina. It's just not me.
Lina: (cute puppy eyes) Gourry, it's bad enough that you're leaving me to follow some pipe dream of becoming a police officer. But now you will deny my one request of you before you go? Gourry, I spoke to Luna already. She said it would be okay for you to come to the party. So relax, it'll be fun!
Gourry: Luna said it would be alright for us to go on a date? (there's something in Gourry's eyes that says 'foreshadowing')
Lina: (uncertain) Well, I guess you could call it that. Anyways, meet me in the foyer at eight exactly. Don't be late, you know how Luna hates tardiness.
*Lina turns to the mirror to primp for the party, evidently she believes the conversation to be over.*
*Gourry takes his cue from Lina and goes to the door.*
Lina: (over her shoulder) Do you have something appropriate to wear?
Gourry: Ummm...yeah I guess so.
Lina: Good.
*Gourry walks out of Lina's room, looking dazed (so what else is new).*
*We see Lina look at her reflection smugly.*
Lina: And so the stage is set.
Saillune General Hospital
*Filia and Sylfiel are having tea in the cafeteria.*
Filia: You have to come Sylfiel.
Sylfiel: Oh Filia, I don't think I can.
Filia: It's for a good cause. All procedes from the benefit are being used towards a new addition for the pediatrics wing. Think of the happy children Sylfiel! Besides that, it'll give me a chance to show you who's who in Saillune.
Sylfiel: (clearly crumbling under the pressure) The pediatrics wing?
Filia: Yes. Hundreds of children that need you, Sylfiel Nels Lahda, to enjoy herself at a party this very night. Think of their faces Sylfiel!
Sylfiel: Well...I suppose it would give me a chance to meet most of the staff here at the hospital.
Filia: Never mind all of Saillunes 'blue bloods'
Sylfiel: (shyly) So who exactly attends these functions Filia?
Filia: Hmmmmm.... well the big names are of course, the Inverses and the Graywords. Rumors are that even Zelgadis Graywords will be attending tonights party. Besides them... well, we should see just about everybody of any importance. Maybe you'll find a handsome prince to rescue you from Dr. Metallium.
Sylfiel: (blushing) Actually Filia, that's exactly who I'm looking for.
Filia: Eh?
Sylfiel: Filia, you know most of the people here in Saillune right?
Filia: I suppose so. Being a nurse here at Saillune General means that I see a lot of faces coming and going, if that's what you mean.
Sylfiel: Well, I just happen to be looking for someone. A particularly handsome someone actually (Sylfiel looks just about ready to die at the admission).
Filia: (looks hungry for information) Who might the young man be?
Sylfiel: I was hoping that you could tell me. See, six years ago my family and I were visiting Saillune on vacation. During our trip we were mugged and nearly killed by a group of men. The only reason we survived was due to a young blond man who came to our rescue. Ever since then I have been hoping to find this man again in order to thank him properly.
Filia: (musingly) Thank him hmmm? Well, did the young man give you a name?
Sylfiel: Unfortunately no. Can you think of any heroic young blonds that would have lived in Saillune six years ago Filia? (insert slight desperate tone)
Filia: I'm sorry Sylfiel, but no. But you do realize that the perfect opportunity to find your young man is at the benefit tonight.
Sylfiel: You believe so?
FIlia: Definitely! This means that you'll be attending the party for sure. Great! We can go together.
Sylfiel: Oh thank you Filia. This is so wonderful.
Filia: Oh, don't mention it.
Sylfiel: Just one more thing...
Filia: ...
Sylfiel: Could you not mention this to anyone else, please? It's just that it's kind of personal...
Filia: (smiling) No problem Sylfiel, we'll keep your mystery man just between us.
Linverse Offices
*Sitting behind a large desk, a man comtemplates several sales reports.*
Gaav: (pushing the intercom button): Val! Get in here.
*A young man rushes through the door anxiously.*
Val: You called, Mister Dragonking !
Gaav: Yes Val, but please call me Gaav when we're alone. After all, you are the only one at this bloody company that I can still trust.
*Val fairly shivers in pleasure at the compliment.*
Val: Well sir, I only try my best. After all, it was you who offered me a job at Gaav Flare when no one else would even accept my resume. Even though your company has been taken by Luna Inverse, you know that I'll stand by you to the end.
Gaav: (bristles at the name Luna Inverse) Mark my words Val, I WILL get my company back from that bitch if it's the last thing I do.
*Val quietly keeps his opinion on that subject to himself.*
Gaav: And you're going to help me.
Val: If there's any way that I can be of service, just let me know.
Gaav: Actually, there is. Tonight, as a matter of fact.
Val: (hesitantly) What would that be sir?
*Gaav steeples his fingers in a classic evil thinking pose.*
Gaav: Tonight is the night of the hospital benefit. We are going to attend.
Val: A party? Your big plan is going to a party?
Gaav: (sour look) No Val. This "party" just happens to include a very exclusive guest list, one including Luna Inverse as well as Rezo Graywords. Tonight I will speak to the head of Blind Eye, Linverses number one business competitor. If I can manage a partnership with Rezo, behind Luna's back, I will gain immense leverage.
Val: So where do I fit in?
Gaav: You my dear boy, are going to attack Luna Inverses one weakness. While I am charming Rezo Priest into a partnership, you shall be charming someone into a partnership of sorts yourself.
Val: (confused) I don't understand.
Gaav: Linverse has exactly one weakness. Her name in Lina Inverse, Luna's younger sister. Lina, unlike Luna, is irresponsible and reckless. She cares little for this company, and does as she pleases. She will be our weapon against Luna. At least she will be once you have gotten her onto our side. This is the task I put forth to you Val. Get Lina Inverse to fall in love with you.
Val: ...You're kidding right?
Gaav: You don't think you can handle it Val?
Val: It's not that. It's just... well... I thought that I might get to do something a little more important.
Gaav: Don't underestimate your importance to my plans Val. This is the perfect way to get my company back. And tonight's function is the perfect place to set all of it into motion. There's no way I can lose.
Val: (quietly) So what does she look like?
Gaav: What was that?
Val: Lina Inverse. What does she look like? (hoping that she isn't some kind of dog)
Gaav: Short, flat-chested, red-head. Does it matter?
*Val hears "red-head" and immediately gets excited (not in that way!!)*
Val: (whispers) Ooohhhh, I like red-heads.
Gaav: What??
Val: Umm, nothing.
Gaav: ...
Val: (recovering his composure) You can count on me sir!! I'll have Lina Inverse in love with me before the night is through.
Gaav: And hopefully, I'll have my company back by the end of this month. With that bitch out on her ass where she belongs.
*The two men smile conspiratorily towards each other.*
*Fade to black.*
Inverse Mansion
*Back in Lina's bedroom. Lina is still getting ready for the charity. There is a knock on the door.*
Lina: (cheerfully) Come on in!
*In walks a very pissed off Luna.*
Luna: Lina, what the hell is wrong with you?
Lina: (can anyone say innocent?) Hmmmm...why, whatever could you mean Luna?
Luna: You know damn well what I mean!
Lina: Does this have anything to do with tonights function?
Luna: You're not bringing that idiot, and that's final.
Lina: I've already purchased his invitation and he's agreed to escort me. I would say that all the preparations have been made.
Luna: I will not have the press see my sister in the company of some penniless dummy. Imagine the scandal!
Lina: Look Luna, against my better judgement I 've decided to attend this stupid event. You've asked me to go, so I'll go. But I will be damned if you're going to tell me who I can and can't take with me. I think it would be a bigger scandal if I didn't show up at all, don't you think?
Luna: Are you giving me an ultimatum?
Lina: No. I'm just letting you know that the only way that I will attend this event is if Gourry is there to escort me to it.
Luna: Then I guess that's that.
*Lina is stopped short. This couldn't possibly end that easily.*
Luna: (ominously) I know that you're only doing this to upset me Lina. Believe me, it's working too. But in the end you'll be sorry for it. You know as well as I do that it wasn't luck that has gotten me all that I have. You know that I'm not a woman to be toyed with. In the end I'm a far stronger person than you are Lina, and in the end you will be sorry that you messed with me.
*With that Luna walks out of Lina's bedroom, leaving a slightly scared Lina.*
Lina: (turning towards the mirror) She's bluffing. She can't possibly mean all of that.
*The uneasy tone of Lina's voice let us know that she doesn't quite believe her own words.*
Zoamal Fashions
*We see Martina working furiously at her desk.*
Martina: I've got you now Luna and Lina Inverse. All I need now is a personal item and this curse will be complete. Tonight at the hospital benefit my plans shall reach completion. Zoamal Fashions will once again be on top of the world, with Linverse finally out of the way.
*Martina lets loose with some serious evil cackling.*
*Fade to black.*
Saillune General Hospital
*We see Xellos talking to a woman at the nurses station.*
Xellos: So you haven't a clue where I might find Filia?
No-name nurse: She was giving a tour to one of the new residents, but that was a while ago.
Xellos: I see.
Just then, Filia and Sylfiel enter the scene.
No-name nurse: Well, there she is. (raises voice) Filia, someone's here to see you.
Filia: (smile quickly turns sour upon spotting Xellos) Oh, it's you.
Xellos: (whose smile rarely turns sour) It's wonderful to see you again as well Filia. And who might your lovely companion be?
*Sylfiel blushes at Xellos' attention.*
Filia: That's our new resident, Dr. Nels Lahda.
Sylfiel: Please call me Sylfiel.
Xellos: Pleased to make your acquaintance Sylfiel. My name is Xellos Metallium.
Sylfiel does a double-take.
Sylfiel: Metallium? Our chief of staffs name is Metallium as well.
Filia: Yes, that's his mother.
Sylfiel: (feeling sick at the thought of the COS) Oh, isn't that nice.
Xellos:Yes, but don't hold it against me (oozing charm) I know my mother can be a bit strict with the staff here.
Filia: (interrupting Xellos' flirting) What do you want Xellos?
Xellos: Why simply the pleasure of your company, Filia.
Filia: ...
Xellos: It occurred to me that I have two invitations to the hospital benefit tonight, but no date. So here I am to ask if you would like to accompany me Filia. I'm sure we can make it a night to remember.
Filia: Are you crazy? I hate you.
Xellos: Be that as it may, I thought that perhaps I could begin making amends by extending this invitation.
Filia: Xellos, there is nothing in this world that could make me forgive you for what you've done to me and my family. However, don't let it be said that I'm not civilized enough to at least let you try. Pick me up at eight, and please be punctual.
*With that Filia drags Sylfiel from the room.*
Xellos: (opens eyes to give really evil effect) Now I've got you Filia.
*Cut to Filia and Sylfiel in the hall.*
Sylfiel: What was that all about?
Filia: (just about bursting at the effort to be civil to Xellos) Ahhhhhh! That namagomi thinks that he can outmaneuver me? Hah!!! I don't think so.
Sylfiel: ...
Filia: Don't let him fool you Sylfiel. Xellos is just as horrible as Zelas Metallium, he just hides it better.
Sylfiel: What did you mean when you said that he did things to you family?
Filia: Xellos Metallium is the district attorney here in Saillune. He uses his power in that position to do just about anything he likes, even sending innocent people to prison. He has done things to people I know and care about, and for that I will never forgive him! But I will use him. He has information on Zelas, information that can be of service to me.
Sylfiel: So, you just agreed to go out with him in order to get information about Dr. Metallium?
Filia: You bet! Sorry Sylfiel, you're going to be on your on tonight.
Sylfiel: (quietly) Oh that's alright.
Filia: (in her own little world) Ha! Xellos now I've got you.
*Fade to Black.*