Chapter Text
“I have one more patient for you, Rory,” Davy on the desk said, handing him a chart, “Some kind of burn.”
Rory Williams took the chart and scanned it quickly, “Okay. What’s open?”
“Curtain three,” Davy replied giving him a smile.
Nodding to the other man, Rory headed out to the waiting room which wasn’t too bad for a Sunday afternoon in the middle of the summer.
“Mr Constantine,” Rory called. His patient stood and Rory frowned in surprise to see the man wearing a trench coat, white shirt and a red tie, his dyed blond hair was a mess, and he had the look that he had just rolled out of bed, “Please come with me.”
As a blonde woman stood to join them, Rory shook his head, “Sorry, you’ll have to wait here for the moment.”
Rory’s patient turned to the blonde woman, had a quick, annoyed whispered discussion before she sat down and he turned to Rory with a charming smile, “Lead on, mate.”
Walking the man through the security doors, Rory motioned him to take a seat on the bed and pulled up the stool.
“Okay,” Rory told him, “Looking over your information it says that you burned your arm. I’ll do an exam to check the area, and if required I will get one of the doctors to take over, or I will clean it up.”
Constantine shrugged, “Really sorry about this, mate but I lied a little bit.”
Confused Rory heard a strange noise behind him, turning he saw the blonde woman from the waiting room walking through a portal to what looked like a ship or space station. Spinning off his stool, Rory grabbed a scalpel out the kit to defend himself.
“I know you’re confused, Rip,” the blonde woman said, “But we’re your friends and we’re taking you home.”
Gripping the scalpel and letting the Centurion in his head free, Rory replied, “No idea who you are and I’m going nowhere.”
Constantine shrugged, “Sorry, mate,” he pulled a strange looking silver device from his pocket and a flash of light filled Rory’s vision before everything went black.
Sara Lance sighed as she watched Rip fall to the ground, “That could have gone better.”
John frowned at her while crouching down to relieve the unconscious man of the scalpel before pulling him off the ground and onto his back in a fireman’s lift, “You’re not kidding.”
“Let’s get back to the ship before anyone comes looking for him,” Sara motioned John back onto the Waverider.
Carrying the unconscious form of his amnesiac friend, John was relieved when they entered the ship and Sara closed the portal. Resting Rip on the medical couch Sara slid the cuff onto his arm and checked the readouts. They now had to wait until he woke up to see if he remembered anything now that he was onboard the ship once more.
“Well?” John asked.
“As far as I can tell he’s healthy,” Sara noted before frowning at him, “It would be easier with Gideon.”
“That wasn’t my fault,” John defended himself, “I had no idea that the idol would react with the spell in that way.”
Sara rolled her eyes, “Now we have no AI because she’s suddenly human, unconscious and in Star Labs.”
John frowned, “From everything the doc told us, she’ll be fine and she’s sleeping just now. It’s probably a lot to assimilate going from an AI to human. If we give her time, I’m sure she’ll wake up soon just like Dr Snow told us.”
“Until then we can’t really go anywhere,” Sara sighed. She looked down at the man on the bed before her, “He looks different.”
John shrugged, “Well you said this is a camouflage. He’s bound to look different.”
“I mean the last time I saw him without the beard he looked odd, but it seems to suit him now,” Sara mused, shaking herself she turned back to John, “Do you have any ideas how to return his memories to him? Because I only know of one way and, without Gideon, it’s not possible.”
John mused, “There are a few spells and rituals I can try but since this was caused by the time drive and not a spell or curse then it becomes tricky.”
“Well, the last time this happened ‘Phil’ was writing about us,” Sara said, “So it was slightly easier for him to accept his movie was basically real. But this time he’s a nurse? It’s the last thing I expected.”
John shook his head sadly, “Rip is a lot more compassionate than you give him credit for, Sara. He just knows how to hide it because he was raised to believe it was a bad thing.”
She pinned him with a sharp look, “I didn’t know you two were such good friends.”
“Spend some time almost getting eaten alive by a demon,” John noted with a shrug, “You tend to bond.”
Sara checked the screen again, “Let’s leave him to rest. I’ve set the alarm to let us know when he wakes up and put up a forcefield so he can’t leave this room. We don’t want him getting anywhere near the time drive.”
John nodded, “You can say that again.”
Ray, Jax and Zari looked up when Sara and John entered the bridge, Mick was lounging in a chair with a beer in his hand, but the tilt of his head let Sara know he was paying attention. Ava was sitting stiffly on the chair in the parlour, with Nate not far from her both looking annoyed as they had been voted down when Constantine said he could possibly locate Rip.
“How is he?” Ray demanded instantly.
Sara gave a slight wince, “He has no memory of us.”
“So, he’s Phil again?” Jax asked.
Sara stole one of Mick’s beers and took a seat on the stairs, “No.”
“Then who does he think he is?” Ray and Jax demanded in unison.
“Rory Williams,” John spoke up, “A nurse working in London.”
Mick let out a snort of amusement while Jax said, “At least he’s still English this time.”
“Once he wakes up John is going to try to retrieve his memories,” Sara told them, “But as with Phil, we just have to remind him we’re his friends, that his memories are fake, and he belongs here.”
A snort from Nate made Sara turn to him and Ava, “Neither you nor Ava need talk to him at all but if you do remember at the moment, he isn’t Rip.”
Ava shrugged, “We’ll try.”
Rory’s head was killing him. Pressing a hand to his forehead, he slowly opened his eyes before slamming them shut when the light jabbed through them like a knife. Trying to get his bearings, Rory wondered what happened because he was sure he had been at the hospital. If the Doctor had kidnapped him from work, he was going to kill the Time Lord.
“Amy?” he murmured, letting her know he was awake because he knew she would be at his side if he was hurt or sick. Especially if the Doctor had picked them up. He was confused and saddened when his wife wasn’t there sliding her fingers through his hair and telling him to stop being lazy.
Finally, he forced his eyes open and frowned as he looked around a medical bay, realising he was on a ship, a space station or just a good bit in the future. Suddenly Rory remembered the last patient he had.
“Son of a…” he breathed, looking around properly.
He was still in his scrubs which meant whatever they’d done to him had been while at work.
“You’re awake,” a voice came from behind him making Rory turn to find a blonde woman walk in. She was a good bit smaller than him, but Rory could see from her bare arms she was extremely fit, and from her stance, the Centurion part of his brain noted she was a warrior.
“Who are you?” Rory demanded, “Where am I? And what do you want?”
She stepped forward trying to look unthreatening, “My name is Sara Lance and, I know how confusing this will be for you, but I promise it’s the truth.”
Rory folded his arms waiting for the explanation.
“Your name is Rip Hunter,” Sara told him, “You were stopping a Time Demon and used the core of this ship. It sent you through time and changed your memories as a camouflage. I understand you think you’re someone else but you’re not. We’re your friends and we’re going to help you recall who you really are.”
Staring at her, Rory finally managed to say sharply, “I know exactly who I am, Miss Lance. And I’m going home.”
“There,” she smiled, “That was the real you for a moment. Hold onto that and we’ll get you back.”
Shaking his head in bemusement, Rory stared at her, “What is wrong with you?”
“I know this is strange,” Sara said, “But this is for your own good. I made a promise to a friend of ours that if I found you then I wouldn’t let you leave again.”
Rory remained silent trying to work out his next move but began to pace so he could get closer to the door, hopefully without her realising.
“Your room is still here,” Sara said, moving so she was the same distance from him as he walked, “It was locked until recently so all your things are there for you to go through, which will hopefully help you remember who you are.”
Rory reached the door and shook his head, “No, thanks.” Hitting the button to open the door he ran into the corridor and chose a direction at random. Running through the corridor he saw a tall man with dark hair coming towards him.
“Rip?” the man grinned at him, “It’s so good to see you.”
Letting the Centurion take control, Rory ducked and caught the man in his stomach throwing the man over his shoulder and onto the floor. The man let out a loud oomph as he hit the ground, and although the nurse part of his mind wanted to check the other man was alright, thankfully the Centurion part was in control. Turning a corner Rory stalled finding the man, John, who had been his supposed patient standing there.
“I know you’re confused, mate,” John said, “But this is your home, Rip.”
“What is wrong with you people,” Rory snapped, “Why can’t any of you listen to what I’m saying. I am not this Rip guy. My name is Rory Williams, I have never met any of you before today and no matter what you say or do, I’m not going to remember a life that wasn’t mine.”
Just as he finished talking, something thudded across the back of his head and Rory dropped to the ground unconscious again.
“Did you have to hit him?” the annoyed voice of Sara came as Rory swam towards consciousness with yet another headache.
A man grunted, “Seemed quickest way to stop him after what he did to haircut.”
Rory heard Sara let out a sigh before she said, “Let’s not give him any more brain damage, Mick.”
“Whatever,” the man grumbled.
Forcing his eyes open Rory realised he was not in the medical bay this time but, from the looks of things, a cell. Slowly sitting up he found Sara standing on the other side of the glass with concern on her face.
“Are you okay?”
Rory glared at her, “Well I’ve been abducted by a bunch of lunatics who keep knocking me out, while trying to convince me I’m someone I’m not. How do you think I am?”
She gave a slight smile, “There are some painkillers and water just down in the corner, and something to eat if you’re hungry.”
“Or you can let me go and I’ll get something at home,” Rory shot back at her while he found the painkillers.
Sara winced, “I know this seems harsh, Rip but it’s for your own protection. The last time this happened I let Thawne and his Legion of Doom take you, and I can’t let that happen again.”
Rory sat on the bench again, “So your logic for keeping me captive is so someone else doesn’t? That makes complete sense.”
“I left you some books and a few of your diaries to read through,” Sara told him, “We’ll talk a little later once you’ve had some time.”
Rory watched her leave and sighed. He listened to the Doctor every day, but this was true nonsense. Finding the small stack of books, Rory lifted the top one opening to the first page finding it was handwritten and realised this was the diary of the man they thought he was. A part of him wanted to read it a little but he didn’t want to invade the person they thought he was privacy. Closing it and putting it carefully to one side, Rory checked what else was sitting there and found Treasure Island, one of his favourites.
Putting the blanket and pillows they’d given him on the floor to sit on, Rory started to read.
John sat watching the security feed of the cells as Sara spoke with Rip, or Rory as he was calling himself these days. It was odd watching his friend like this, he truly believed he was this Rory Williams and there wasn’t even a hint of recognition of any of them.
If they had Gideon, it was possible she would be able to get through to him, but currently Gideon wasn’t an option.
“Well?” Sara appeared at his side.
“He looked at the diary then put it down,” John told her, “I don’t think he’s going to read it. We need to try something else.”
Sara frowned, “What about your spell?”
“I need some supplies,” John said, “I’ll go pick them up in the morning,” adding before she could argue, “A night-time trip isn’t a good idea.”
Dropping into the seat beside him, Sara stared at the man on the screen, “Rip was always close to Jax, and Ray gets along with basically everyone. Maybe I should get one of them to try get through to him.”
John shrugged, “Why not? Or you could try your girlfriend.”
Sara frowned at him, before ignoring the jibe, “I’ll ask Ray to try first. Jax still has some issues from evil Rip.”
Rory drank the tea he’d been given with his breakfast as he continued to read the book. He’d been fed and managed to get some sleep but was still in a cell. Rory wondered what Amy thought happened to him and hoped that the Doctor would be able to track him down somehow. He smiled slightly imagining Amy walking in, with River at her side, taking out anyone between her and him.
The door to the room outside the glass opening interrupted Rory in the middle of a chapter. He let out an annoyed sigh, marking his place with the handy bookmark that was already inside the novel, placing it to one side before looking up at whoever had come in to annoy him some more.
“You’re the one I hit yesterday,” Rory noted seeing the tall man with perfect coiffed dark hair, looking like he stepped off the page of a magazine, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
The other man gave a shrug, “I’m okay. I’m Ray,” he introduced himself, “And you’re using the name Rory just now, right?”
“I’m not using it,” Rory replied sharply, “It’s my name.”
Ray winced for a moment before he pulled a chair over and sat, “It’s not. Your name is Rip Hunter, although that’s not the name you had as a kid. You were originally called Michael but in order to become a Time Master, you had to change it, so you chose Rip.” He paused, for a moment before explaining, “Time Masters were at one point the supposed guardians of time. They raised you and until a few years ago you worked for them.”
Rory rolled his eyes but held his tongue for the moment knowing the more information he had the better.
“You saved a lot of lives making and stopping alterations to the timeline,” Ray continued, “Then your wife Miranda and son Jonas were killed by a man called Vandal Savage who it turned out was working with the Time Masters. You recruited us to stop them, which we managed to do, and we protect the timeline now.”
“My wife’s name is Amy,” Rory said softly, “And my daughter is called Melody. Both are perfectly fine. I have never heard of Time Masters and I have no idea who any of you are.”
Ray sighed annoyed but Rory was beginning to go over and over the idea of Time Masters. If these people had access to time travel, that would allow Rory a possible way to contact the Doctor.
“Rip,” Ray sighed, “I know things were bad between us all for a while, but you sacrificed yourself for us. The fact you survived is incredible and I can understand why you want to hide in this life you created for yourself after everything but it’s time to come home.”
Rory shook his head, “It’s a nice sentiment but no matter what you say, I am not and have never been Rip Hunter.”
Ray grimaced before he stood, for a moment Rory thought he was about to say something else before he simply walked out.
“We can’t keep him locked in the cell,” Zari said as the team gathered in the library, “It’s not fair.”
“Don’t see why not,” Nate muttered.
“Because he isn’t a danger to us,” Zari reminded him sharply.
Ava frowned, “Tell that to Ray.”
“I’m fine,” Ray spoke up, “But he’s insistent he’s not Rip, and I think he’ll try to get off the ship any way he can.”
Sara sighed softly, “John is getting supplies to try the spell for returning Rip’s memories, until then he stays in the cell. I don’t like it either,” she stopped Zari arguing, “But it’s for his own protection and our safety. Rip, no matter what memories he holds, is still very smart and he could cause problems for us.”
“How long till John does the spell?” Jax asked.
Sara shrugged, “He said he had to collect some ingredients. I’m hoping he’ll be back soon.”
“What about Gideon?” Ray changed the subject, “Have we heard from Star Labs?”
With a smile, Sara replied, “Barry called earlier. Gideon is not only awake but is in good health and Dr Snow is just keeping her under observation for a few days.”
“That’s good,” Jax sighed in relief.
“For now,” Sara said, “We’re stuck here in Star City. So, you may as well visit family and friends or pick up some supplies you want. I will stay on the ship and keep an eye on Rip.”
“Are you sure?” Ava asked, “One of…”
“I’m sure,” Sara cut her off, “He’s my responsibility.”
Rory looked round when the door opened again, wondering who was coming to persuade him he was someone else this time. A different blonde woman walked in, taller than Sara, and looked at him with distaste.
“I don’t know what your game is this time, Rip,” she said sharply, “But I know you’re making sure they let their guard down before you do whatever you’re planning.”
Rory stared at her for a minute before laughing, “You are crazier than the rest of them.”
“After what you did to me,” she snarled, “I know how untrustworthy you are.”
Letting out a sigh, Rory stood and moved to face her, “Look, whoever you are.”
“You know who I am,” she snapped.
“Whoever you are,” Rory repeated, “Your people abducted me. You all keep telling me I’m someone I’m not while holding me prisoner. Whatever issues you have with that guy, I know nothing about them and have nothing to do with them. Though I can offer the number of a good therapist for you to talk through whatever you need to.”
Anger flashing in her eyes, the woman leaned in and she stated darkly, “Even when you ‘get your memories back’” she put in the air quotes, “I will make sure you stay in this cell.”
With that said she turned, her hair flipping over her shoulder as she marched out. Just before the door closed, he clearly heard Sara’s voice demanding, “Ava, what are you doing?”
Sighing Rory sat and picked up his book again, he’d been here a day and as they’d used some kind of portal technology then Rory was sure the Doctor would be able to find him.
At least that was what he was telling himself.