I can remember when I awoke for the first time.

I was terrified.

I didn't know who I was, where I was, or what was going on. I was blinded by a bright light, and the sound of a grown man screaming in fear pierced the air. The screaming made me even more scared, and that somehow made the screaming worse. It was a petrifying cycle of chaos.

A group of people came to calm both of us down. Out of all of them, I could only understand one. His name registered as Professor and he treated both me and the man very kindly. I found out that the screaming man worked for a police force, and was one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, a mission involving an evil individual named !Claw! lead to a fatal accident.

That's where I came in.

The only thing separating that man from death, was me. I was keeping him alive.

My directive was simple. I was to assist him whenever he needed it. Whenever my assistance was acquired, he would say "Go-Go-Gadget—" and state the gadget he needs. It wasn't all that difficult really. I could hear the man a hundred times better than Professor. I just had a little trouble remembering which gadget was which. And that some commands would get scrambled. He didn't mind though. He was very patient with me.

However, I would later learn that I also had another directive. One the night before the man would be allowed to go home, Professor came into the ward while the man was fast asleep. He was probably the only person who knew I existed, because I knew the moment he spoke, he was talking to me. I don't remember his exact words, but basically, he told me that I was to protect the man from [M~A~D] and !Claw! himself. I promised Professor that I would try my best, even though he never knew it.

To my surprise, I have kept my promise. Sure, there were times he would be in danger and there was nothing I could do to protect him, but somehow he would get out unharmed. Both he and I have done many things over the years. Jumped from planes, escaped from exploding buildings, went on high-speed chases,…

I never imagined wearing this ridiculous rocket ship costume.

It's very embarrassing to say at least.

What made Inspector think this would work in the first place? He can't see all that well inside, which means I can't see at all! I'm relying mostly on my hearing here, but to be honest, it's not very reliable. I think Dog(?) might have seen us, because I hear him yelp. I also hear [AN-GEL] as well, asking Inspector if he's going to a party.

Oh I wish.

"No, [AN-GEL]. This is what I'm wearing when I go back to the quiz show. I'm gonna try for a new toaster. Only it's difficult to see."

As if on cue, I hear something like a crash, and I sense Inspector is falling. In panic, I use my arms to break his fall. But as I lift him back up, I used too much force, and he's now flying backwards. He lands back up on his feet, but my legs launch him into the air, and he falls onto his head. Fortunately for me, Inspector's isn't hurt.

I feel horrible.

All of a sudden, my vision returns to normal, meaning Inspector can see clearly again. However, all I can see is [AN-GEL]'s upside-down face. Blonde. Blue. Something else. She begins to tell Inspector that it's dangerous to wear a costume or mask that makes it hard to see, and reminds him that he already won a toaster.

"Well, I had a little trouble adjusting it. Heh heh heh heh."

I can sense Inspector's body temperature slightly rising in his face, and [AN-GEL]'s something is growing wider.

I do wish I knew what that something was.

It reminds me of the day I first stepped outside the hospital. There were so many lights, sounds, and shapes. I couldn't register everything! I felt so lost. I don't know how, but the man seemed to notice my distress.

"I know this is all a lot to take in, and I'm sure it'll be hard for you to remember later. So if you ever have a question, don't be afraid to ask."

It was then I realized that the man wasn't the only one who was dependent. I was too.

You see, I am him and he is me. He's Inspector, I'm Gadget. We need each other. Because without the one, the other is lost.

Inspector? What is that something on [AN-GEL]'s face?

…A smile?...

…I like it when she smiles.


"A Mind of His Own: The Quiz Master" is complete! Yay!

For the record, I originally planned on uploading one chapter a day, but realized it wasn't worth waiting an entire day to read something less than two thousand words. Hence the constant uploading. Meh.

But this isn't the end for out odd little character here! I have plans on writing a sequel, and I want your opinion. Two simple questions you can answer:

1. Do you want the sequel to still take place during "Inspector Gadget", or do you want to move on to "Gadget and the Gadgetinis"?

2. What episode do you want me to use?

Let me know what you think, and I'll let you guys know in my news updates. The news updates are on my FanFiction profile, so be sure to check every once in a while.

Until my next story, I'll see you all later!


"Inspector Gadget" is created by Andy Heyward, Jean Chalopin, and Bruno Bianchi.