Hi! Lina Inverse here! Or that's what I've been told. See, according to this guy that's been following me, I raided a bandit camp, and lost my memory in the process. Sound strange to you? I couldn't believe it myself.
Here, let me start back from what I first remember...
The first memory I have is of pain, and a lot of it! As consciousness came to me, I realized it was my head that ached, which seemed strange to me. I opened my eyes to see where I was, and was greeted by...an empty room, save for the bed I lay in, a chair, and a door.
As I studied the barren room, the door started to open. Who could be coming? I pulled the covers closer to me and watched the door, unsure of what to expect.
As the door swung inward, I was surprised to see...a man! He was rather tall (he practically hit his head on the door frame!) with long blond hair, wearing blue clothing, and he was holding something. He didn't look like a bad person, but he was a complete stranger! Who walks in on a girl unannounced?
I dove a bit deeper under my covers. "Who are you?" I asked, surprised by my own voice. The man looked at me, as if just now noticing I was there.
"Huh?"
...so much for that approach. He set down what he had been carrying -a bowl of water- and approached the bed. I tried again: "What do you want?"
He responded by taking a small towel from the bowl, and after wringing it out, put it on my forehead! I recoiled a bit in shock! ...although it did lessen the pain a bit. Still, he was a stranger! I scooted away from his reach. "What are you doing?"
"I'm just trying to make your head feel better. You got a big bump on it the other day." he replied. For being a complete stranger, he didn't sound like he meant me harm.
I didn't remember why I would have have gotten hurt, so I decided to take advantage of this man and get what information I could. "What happened?"
"Relax. You're at an inn now. I got you to a healer after that bandit boss fell on you. You really need to be more careful."
What?! When did THAT happen? "Huh? B-Bandit boss?" I had no idea what he was talking about!
"Yeah, remember? You cast that one spell that sends them into the air...and when he landed, he landed on you."
My mind was reeling. What nonsense was this guy spouting off? Maybe this was all just a dream...
He didn't seem to be lying..at least, he probably thought he was telling the truth, but it was too much! "What are you talking about? And who are you?" If all this guy was going to do was give me a headache, I couldn't take any more!
"Lina, are you okay? It's me, Gourry." He looked concerned, which scared me a bit. Who was he to care for me? (And just who am I?)
Gourry. The name sounded so...foreign to me. Still, if that's his name, "Gourry?" I replied.
"Yes, Lina." He answered.
Okay, so Gourry was his name, but Gourry what? I looked up at him; he just smiled back, as if this was a normal thing for him. "Gourry who?"
"Uh...Gourry me?" He seemed confused by my question, but not nearly as confused as I was!
"Me? Nice to meet you...Gourry Me." It was an odd sounding last name, but hey, so's the first! If it worked for him...
"Umm...Lina?" Uh oh, I must have made a mistake! He was looking at me with a concerned look.
"You do know who I am, right?" Well, you just told me your name is Gourry Me, but no, I have no idea who you are! And stop looking at me like that, it's making me nervous!
I took a moment to really study him. He had a nice build like he did a lot of physical work. Maybe he worked here? (Wherever here was!) He sure knew what he was doing to get rid of my headache. Time to make a stab in the dark. "A water boy?"
I jumped back as he nearly fell over. He wasn't looking so good. "Mr. Me? Are you alright?"
WHUMP!
He DID fall over! I peered at him from over the bed, unsure as to why he had reacted that way. Maybe he ate something bad?
"L-Lina..." He pulled himself up off of the ground and gave me the strangest look. "Do you know who you are?"
Great, so he didn't know either! I thought some more to see if anything came to me, but it was all a blank. There had to be something...
"Lina." He got up off of the floor and...sat on the bed. Hey now, I didn't invite you! Sure he's nice and all, but still! "This isn't funny." Please note I am not laughing. In fact, I'm terrified! He was starting to sound threatening!
"What are you talking about? I don't know!" I was trying to maintain a cool composure, but it just wasn't happening. Tears started to well up in my eyes.
"Hey, hey." The threatening tone was suddenly gone, replaced by worry. "Relax. Relax. Lina, do you have that thing where you forget your memories? Animosity?"
Stupid tears wouldn't stop! Still, you'd understand if you'd just been yelled at by some stranger, nice looking as he was. All of this thinking was making my head pulsate with pain. "I-I don't know! You're making my head hurt!"
"Hey, relax. Now why don't you tell me what you do know." He spoke in a calm voice, which actually did make me feel a bit better. Maybe he was just as lost as I felt.
"Okay..I woke up in this room, and then a knock came at the door. Then you walked in and started asking me questions. Umm..." I really did try to remember something...anything, but nothing came. "That's it."
Gourry got an odd look on his face, but didn't say anything.
Wait, there was something! "Oh! And my head hurts." ...okay, so it was rather lame, but at least I did have the ability to remember something!
Gourry looked at me, well, the top of my head since he didn't meet my gaze. He then smiled at me, but his eyes gave him away. He was nervous about something, but (like everything else at the moment) I had no idea what.
Best way to find out is ask. "Is something wrong, Mr. Me?"
"Who? Oh, me" Yes, you. You did say that was your name, didn't you? I should have just gone back to sleep, it would be less harmful to my health.
"Um, it's just Gourry." Oh.
Okay, this was just too much! I had to get his name right, at least. "I thought you said you were 'Me'?"
"No, I'm not. You're you." Wait, what?
"But then who is Me?"
"You." Man was this man confusing! That's it, I'm only sticking to first names!
"I'm so confused!" I exclaimed. Maybe he'd leave me in peace to sort this all out.
"Yeah...me too." I just looked at him in shock. We made the greatest pair, didn't we? At this rate I'd never learn anything, other than how to make a headache ten times worse! I rubbed my head to relieve some of the pain, which was a bad idea.
"Don't do that, you'll only make it worse." I wish you had told me that before I rubbed my head. Gourry stood up and looked down at me. "We should go to the healer again and see if he can do anything to help you."
I looked at Gourry a bit in alarm. He wanted me to go with him? And to see someone else? I wasn't so sure about that...
GROWL!
...I felt a horrible rumbling come from the depths of my body. It felt like forever since anything had been in my stomach! I looked up at Gourry, who had obviously heard it too.
"Could I get something to eat, first?" I asked him pitifully. As far as I knew I was broke, and he'd been nice enough to me already...
"I think that's a great idea!"
He looked rather pleased with the idea, so I smiled back. Maybe he didn't know much more than I did at the moment, but he was a really nice guy! Just where had he come from, and why was he helping me? I decided I'd stick with him to find out.
As I hopped down out of the bed, I landed on something. I looked down to see two discarded boots. They looked to be my size, and since I was without (and Gourry already had boots on), I slipped them on. They fit perfectly! Now to catch up with Gourry.
Gourry had already walked over to the door, but stopped by the wall. I hadn't noticed it before, but a black cape was hung up there. He took it down and turned back to me. "Here."
"What's this?" Was he making me carry his things now?
"It's your cape. I took it off earlier when I brought you in here." He held it out to me.
"Thank you." I replied, but now I had more things to think about! He had brought me in here, and...undressed me?? Okay, so it was only my cape (which was kind of cool looking, actually!), but still! Just who was this guy? Was he...my lover? I put the cape on and waited for him to make the next move.
Here, take this, too. He held out a belt which had a small scabbard on it, and what I'd assume was a weapon inside. I wasn't quite sure why he'd want me to carry his weapon, so I just looked at him.
It's your dagger. I didn't think you'd want to sleep on it. Again he held it out to me.
Oh, I see. I took the belt and fought with it for a moment until I got it on. It felt strange to have extra weight on one side, but I didn't want to complain right now. Food was calling! Okay, I think I'm ready! I smiled.
"Come on, there's a really great restaurant here." Gourry led me out of the safety of my room and into the unknown...
* * * * * * * * * *
As we descended the stairs, the best smells wafted up to me. I couldn't remember ever smelling anything so good! Gourry didn't seem fazed, so I didn't comment, and followed him to the dining area.
Gourry walked over to an empty table (although the whole room looked deserted), and pulled out a chair. I was expecting him to then sit, but he remained standing and looked over to me.
Here, Lina. Sit.
Why was he being so nice to me? Was it just in his nature? Still, I wasn't going to be rude, so I took the seat. Thank you.
He seemed satisfied, so he took a seat opposite me. It felt a bit awkward just sitting there (and with a man besides!), so I looked around the room, hoping to spy someone to serve us, if possible.
What can I get for you? I jumped at the sudden intrusion and whipped my head around. Somehow I had managed to overlook the waiter, as he now stood next to Gourry.
Yeah, I'll have the chicken. What do you want, Lina? Gourry looked at me expectantly.
Me? Uh...I don't know. What DO I eat? I wasn't even sure, and there were so many choices on the menu! (Gourry had been kind enough to pass it over.) I didn't want to order something I couldn't even stand...
Gourry must have picked up on my distress. Just bring us triple portions of the chicken, and some soup would be good, too.
The waiter didn't miss a beat. Anything to drink?
Wait, I can't pay for this! I blurted. I didn't want to get stuck with a bill I couldn't pay!
The waiter turned to me.
Gourry waved him off. It's okay, I'm paying. Water will be fine.
I smiled at Gourry, You're so nice, Mr. Gourry! Okay, so it sounded a bit sappy, but I was too hungry (and grateful) to care.
The waiter gave me a strange look then turned back to Gourry. Your order will be out shortly. Then he turned and walked away. Just what was his problem?
I turned away from the rude waiter to stare out the front door. People were starting to come in and fill up the other tables. There's so many people! Where are we?
Gourry turned his attention to me. In a restaurant.
I continued to look about the room, curious about who these people were. Most were dressed very nicely (more so that the odd garb I was wearing). "They must pay you pretty well if you can afford to eat here."
Gourry laughed at my remark, as if I had been telling a joke. I wasn't sure what was so funny about it, but listened as he replied, Sometimes. So uh, Lina...have you really forgotten about yourself?
"What do you mean? And what's a Lina?" He was starting to talk in riddles again.
Wait, but he was Me! No, he said he wasn't...so if I'm Me, then why'd he say he was Me?
Gourry didn't seem to notice my confusion. Yep, you. Your name is Lina.
Lina...he had called me that when I first woke up. So my name was Lina? Lina who? Me? I had to roll that off my tongue, too. Maybe he was just making this all up to play with my head. I'd be a raving lunatic soon if this kept up! Still, he got points for originality. I guess it's an okay name.
He gave me a look of surprise. I like your name just fine.
Maybe he HAD made it up! He must be related to me, maybe a brother or something. If he was my big brother, that would explain why he was being so nice, and not expecting anything in return. The thought disappointed me, he was pretty good looking, but such thoughts are not acceptable when speaking of one's own brother!
I had to know the truth before this went any farther! "Are you the one that named me?"
He gave me an odd look. No, I didn't name you.
Well that was a relief! It still didn't clear things up though. "Then who did?"
Gourry just shrugged his shoulders. I know my parents named me.
"Did they name me, too?" Inquiring minds had to know!
"My parents? Oh no. They didn't." Whew, so we aren't related! "At least I don't think so..." Forget I just said that...
Argh! He was so good at answering my questions, but doing it in such a way to make twenty more replace the one! Common decency flew out the window as I blurted, "Then where did I come from? Where are my parents? And why are you being so nice to me?"
Thankfully, Gourry didn't seem to notice. (Please don't tell me he's used to this!) "Your parents. Hmm... You said your homeland was Zephi-something. So maybe they are there still. And I'm your protector. I have to look after you."
Ah ha! The truth at last! So why didn't it sound familiar to me? Maybe he was right. Maybe I did have...that thing he said I had. Something bothered me though. "Protector? Are people after me?" I looked over my shoulder just to be sure.
"Probably. You have pissed off a lot of people."
His statement felt like an arrow had pierced through me. What had I done to make people angry? I slid down in my seat a bit, not wanting the other patrons to see me, in case any of them felt ill will toward me.
"But don't worry!" Suddenly his hand reached out at me, and before I knew what he was doing, he had turned my head to meet his gaze. "I'm here to keep you safe!" He smiled in sincerity.
There again with the kindness! Had I paid him to protect me? Maybe I was some horrible criminal that stole from people, and thought I needed a big thug to keep away victims seeking vengeance. He didn't look the part, but we hadn't been in any trouble yet. At least, not as far as I could recall.
I had to know the truth! I looked him right in the eye. Am I a bad person?
"Uhhh....ummm....hmmmm...well..... His pause did not reassure me in the least, You're not really bad." He must have seen my face, because then he followed up with, "You can be really nice when you want to be!"
The waiter chose just then to return with our food. Gourry quickly forgot our talk and dove into his food. I wasn't feeling so hungry anymore...
Gourry's food was rapidly disappearing off of his plate, but I had managed to eat only one bite. It's upsetting to find out that you're a bad person. I was waiting for someone to recognize me and do me in for my crimes. Maybe I'd ask Gourry just what I'd done before they did me in...
As I sat moping, Gourry's arm shot out and...grabbed a piece of my food! "Hey! Why'd you do that?"
You didn't look like you were going to eat it, so I did.
Well I was! I put my arm around my remaining food and took another bite. My stomach protested, so I finally gave up and pushed my plate away. I'm not so hungry anymore.
Gourry was fast to consume my portion, but I looked away, not wanting to meet the other peoples' gaze, but scared to not.
What's wrong, Lina? He must have finished it off, already.
I couldn't meet his gaze as I asked my next question. "How do I make people hate me?"
"Mmm, mostly you blow them or their property up."
"Blow them up? How could I do that?" I didn't seem to be carrying any explosives with me, unless the dagger I wore was more than it seemed. Somehow, I didn't think so.
"With your magic."
Okay, still confused... "Magic?"
"Yeah, you're a sorceress." Gourry said this all as if it was plain as day.
There's that familiar feel of pain again... I just stared back at Gourry, not sure how to reply.
Gourry held his hands out, "You know, Bam! Boom! Blown away!"
Ah, so it has something to do with hand gestures! I looked at mine, and even though it felt silly, made some random hand movements, willing anything to happen! Nothing did. "How?"
Gourry looked thoughtful as he scratched his head. Gee...I dunno. You chanted words and stuff usually got blown up...or frozen... You can also do some healing magic..but I've mostly seen you blow up things...or overkilling with your Dragon Slave."
Dragon Slave? Just think, me, able to summon something as powerful as a dragon to do my bidding! The thought did sound appealing to me... "Does it really summon a dragon?"
Gourry gave me a blank look, then started to chuckle. "Let's worry about getting your memories back first, then we'll worry about your magic."
Probably a good idea, I decided. I tried out a few more hand gestures just to make sure it was a lost cause.
"Now..how can we get your memories back. Ah! I know! Since it was a bump to the head that caused you to forget, maybe a bump to the head will make you remember!"
Bad idea! I quickly scooted away from the table and put my hands over my head. "No, it hurts!"
Oh, sorry.
I snuck a peek at Gourry. So far he was still in his seat. "You wouldn't really hit my head, would you?"
Gourry waved his hands, trying to calm my fears, I realized. "Oh no, I won't hurt you."
That was a relief! I settled back into my seat and smiled at him. My stomach finally decided it could take food again, so I looked down at my plate. It was empty! "You must be really hungry!"
Gourry shrugged it off. "Nah, not really. With you being sick, I don't feel all that hungry."
...he had just eaten three portions of chicken and said he wasn't hungry? How much did he eat normally? "Uh oh! You didn't get sick, did you? You should be in bed if you are." I got up out of my seat to stand next to him, to help him in any way I could.
"Oh, I'm not sick. You are." he replied.
"I don't feel sick, just confused. You say a lot of strange things!" I might be a bad person, but I refused to be a liar!
"Really?" He sounded surprised.
"Yes. You're silly." The scary thing about it was, I liked it. I must really be crazy...
Gourry looked a bit sheepish as he rubbed the back if his head. (Did I say something wrong?) Yeah, I guess I am." We spent a moment just looking at each other before he cut in again. "Anyhow, shall we go to the...hey where did I say we were going after we ate?"
Wait, I knew the answer! ...it was just taking it's time to come to me. (I blame the headache!) As I was trying to remember, Gourry took out some coins and left them on the table. Then suddenly,
"Oh yeah. Let's go to the healer." Wow, I remembered something!
"Okay! I was already out of my seat, so I turned to walk out the door. Thing is, where would I go once I was outside? I admitted defeated and stayed near Gourry. ...where's that?"
Gourry got up out of his seat and indicated for me to follow. "This way. I took you to him this morning."
"I don't remember that." Pointless to say, but I wanted to say something. It wouldn't be fair to make him talk to the wall.
"That's because you don't have your memory...and you were asleep." I just nodded my head and followed alongside Gourry.
* * * * * * * * * *
The healer's shop was rather small, and reeked of the oddest things. (I was afraid to guess!) He and Gourry spoke to each other for a few minutes, before the healer turned his attention to me.
What's your name? he asked.
Er..I don't know. Guess my memory was being selective again.
Her name's Lina Inverse. Gourry answered for me. Good to know I do have a last name.
How old are you? the healer continued.
I don't know. I looked to Gourry, hoping he knew.
Gourry just shrugged. It never really came up.
I see. The healer commented. So tell me, Miss Inverse, what do you remember?
Man, did everyone want to give me a headache? I woke up, and it's all pretty confusing after that. I'd rather not go into it.
I see. He scribbled on a little note pad for a few minutes.
I couldn't wait anymore, I wanted an answer! So what does it mean?
"Yeah, do you know how to cure her?" Gourry must have been wanting to know pretty badly as well.
The healer spent another moment looking over his notes, then replied, You'll have to give her time. He then handed a slip of paper to Gourry.
I wasn't sure what it was, but Gourry looked like he would faint! He grumbled something unintelligible as he pulled his money pouch out of his pocket and handed some coins over. "Are you sure there isn't any other way?"
"Well, you could try showing her things from her past. It might jog her memory."
Gourry nodded his head. "Alright. Come on, Lina, let's go."
"But we just got here!" I didn't exactly like sitting here being interrogated, but we seemed to always be on the move. I got up off the couch and followed Gourry back out into the street.
He instantly took off into a run. We have to jog your memory. So let's go!
Yikes, he ran so fast! I tried to keep up as best as I could, but short legs (at least compared to Gourry!) only get you so far. "How is this going to help?"
"I dunno, but I'm sure the healer is right, so let's keep on moving!
Easy for him to say! I was keeping up (okay, so I was trailing behind quickly), but the sudden run was quickly tiring me out. That, and my head was starting to throb again. I wouldn't be able to keep up much longer... "Wait up...you're going too fast!"
Finally I could go no farther (not unless I wanted to eat dirt, which I didn't), so I staggered to a stop. It didn't take Gourry long to realize I wasn't following him any longer. He came to a halt, then jogged back to me. You're tired?
"Your legs are too long." I gasped, sucking in as much air as I could.
I heard him mutter under his breath again, but it wasn't as important as breathing, so I ignored it.
Wanna take a break? He asked casually, then sat down by the side of the road.
Did I ever! I didn't feel up to walking over to join him, so I fell backward to sit right where I was.
I never hit the ground. I turned to see he had caught me in his arms, then was surprised when he set me down right next to him. He even lay me back against him. Compared to the hard ground, he felt rather soft. I just spent a few moments enjoying the silence.
"I don't think this is working." I finally admitted. If he wanted to run me to death just to get me to remember, I'd refuse! I could start over, maybe even do some good for a change. Anything was better than that!
Gourry placed an arm around my shoulder. "Yeah, I guess it's not. So, got any of your memories back?"
"Nope, just got a headache again." I leaned back against his arm, and gazed up into the sky. It was nice to just sit and take in the view. The forest with the bright blue sky for a backdrop looked so beautiful...
Gourry sighed in response. When I snuck a peek at him, I saw that he too was gazing into the sky.
"What will you do now?" I asked. Hopefully I hadn't discouraged him already.
"Try to help you get your memory back.
"You aren't going to make me run again, are you?" I cringed at the thought.
I must have sounded really desperate, because he chuckled before replying, "Oh no, that didn't work, so I guess we'll have to think of something else."
I finally had my breath back, so I made to stand up. Problem was, he still had his arm around me, making it hard for me to escape. I cleared my throat.
Before I could say anything, he looked at me and released his grip, then helped me stand up.
I hate to admit it, but I blushed. I turned away so he wouldn't see. "I'm okay now, but thanks anyway."
I looked down the road, not seeing a town on either side. We must have gone farther than I thought! "Where are we going, anyway?"
Gourry stood up and continued walking, turning to me and holding out his hand. I guess wherever the road takes us, Lina." He smiled.
That hadn't been the answer I was expecting. I looked up into his smiling face. If I didn't go with him, I'd be all alone. Alone in a world I knew nothing about. That thought alone terrified me!
I returned his smile, then reached out to take his hand.
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Wondering where this story idea came from? Last year, I was taking a trip out of town for the week. I RP Lina on the (currently dead) Slayers RPG I'm on, and I made the mistake of letting our moderator figure out a way to take Lina out of the picture while I wasn't around. (He conked her on the head and knocked her out!) While I was away I had the idea of having Lina suffer from amnesia, without telling the other RPers what was going on. (Poor Rocky, who RPed Gourry, had a heck of a time.) It was a new concept, but the RPG went under soon after.
So last Fall Rocky mentioned to me that the idea would make a good story. I had never written a fanfic based around Lina and Gourry, so I thought I'd give it a try. Next problem was, I have a bit of a hard time writing Gourry, so Rocky stepped in to help. We would plan out where we wanted a scene to go, then we'd role play it, fixing things when they didn't work. From there we had to determine the best way to write this. At first we were going to have the perspective jump back and forth between Lina and Gourry, but that was quickly ruled out. Then came the idea to take a page from the original Slayers novels and write the story solely from Lina's perspective. It's been a lot of fun to get in to Lina's head, but it's had it's challenges as well. So what do you think, did it work? Was all of the work we put in to it worth it?