The Starseed Experiment

Chapter Nine

Jezebel snuck through the back of her mother and sister's house to Belinda's glass door. She rapped lightly on it, just enough for Belinda to hear but not enough for their mother. It took a moment for her sister to open the door, and when she did she rushed right in. Belinda was surprised, to the point that she looked shocked, scared even. She spoke urgently, though as quiet as a person who was caught off guard could, "No, you're making it worse!"

Jezebel could see her shaking slightly with anxiety. She knew that she was talking about their mother and the situation from a month ago, that if Julia heard she would most likely call the mental facility again. Jezebel wasn't even completely sure Belinda wouldn't, she had believed their mother when she said she was crazy, but she had told Gray that she'd try to convince her to go with her.

She brought her hands up to her sister's shoulders, looking her dead in the eyes, "Listen, we have to leave right now or something bad is going to happen."

Of course Belinda didn't believe her, though there was a hint of trust. She shook her head, "You shouldn't be here."

Jezebel's hands tensed and she spoke just as urgently, if not more, "I know. But please, you have to come with me, trust me. There are people waiting for us."

Belinda shook her head once more, but she didn't say anything, seemingly thinking. Jezebel waited in anticipation, her heart beating fast, she really needed her to believe her, "I know I seem crazy, but I was asked to have you come with me. Mother can't know, they don't want her to."

The younger woman sighed, "Alright."

Jezebel was so relieved. She let Belinda grab her purse and then they slipped back out through the glass door. She led her through the back yard and into the nearby alley way where a car was parked. Belinda looked nervous but Jezebel gave her a look that she hoped would be calming. It seemed to work as they got into the car. The driver took no time in driving off. Jezebel turned to Belinda, "There are two men waiting for us at the airport, we'll tell you everything when we get there."

Her little sister pursed her lips, looking bothered, but her shoulders dropped in defeat, "I trust you."

Jezebel smiled, "And I trust you."

It wasn't too long until they reached the airport and made their way to a private jet waiting for them. Roland stood outside and Jezebel went to his open arms. They held each other for a moment and kissed, Roland smiling widely down at her, his eyes always shining with adoration. He turned to Belinda, almost excited, taking her hand and kissing it, "Belinda, it's so nice to see you."

Belinda drew into herself, shy. She looked to Jezebel and the older sister nodded her head in assurance. They filed into the jet and were met with Gray, who in turn took Belinda's hand in a handshake, "It's good to finally meet you, Ms. Victor."

Belinda seemed overwhelmed, but she sat down along with the rest of them. No one knew who should speak first, so Gray nodded toward Jezebel and she took a deep breath in, letting it out with her words, "We're going to a secret facility. There's something you and I need to do there. I have to show you something and then you have to help us."

She felt bad for Belinda who was definitely not ready, and who looked confused and a bit disturbed. She took her hand and squeezed it comfortingly, "It'll be alright; it'll all be alright."

They had little conversation on the way there, they allowed Belinda to sleep on the way. They finally arrived and they let Jezebel lead Belinda to one of the rooms. Jezebel sat down and prompted Belinda to sit across from her. They looked at each other, Belinda with a neutral expression. Jezebel took her hands, "This will be strange, but you'll remember things. You'll feel more like yourself." Belinda nodded and Jezebel continued, "You need to close your eyes and clear your mind."

Belinda closed her eyes and once she looked relaxed enough so did Jezebel. She focused her thoughts on the life they had before this, on all the events she remembered, then she locked onto Reymera and worked on projecting those thoughts into Belinda's mind. When she felt Belinda pull her hands away she opened her eyes to see recognition in the younger's. Belinda took a moment before speaking, "Uthera, I remember now. I've always known I wasn't entirely human."

"Yes," Jezebel replied, relieved, "Yes. You remember the mission now, right?"

Belinda nodded, "I do."

The elder turned serious, "Gray said we have to get ready for a Draconian attack. We need to train. You can help me like you did on Arcturus."

Belinda nodded eagerly, "I will spar with you."

Jezebel was overjoyed that Belinda now didn't seem so meek, she had found confidence in the revelation. She was more than ready now. She even seemed as determined as she was. With that out of the way they went to a specified room for them to bunk in. Roland was there and took Jezebel's hands, "It worked?"

She nodded with a smile, "It did. We'll start training tomorrow. She'll help me with melee and you'll help me with my powers."

The next day was a long one. Belinda fought with Jezebel, teaching her techniques she hadn't yet taught her on Arcturus. Jezebel caught on very fast, Belinda letting her know how impressed she was. "I don't think we need to train any further with how well you're doing. But we should definitely keep practicing. I, myself, need to hone my skills."  

When Jezebel spent time with Roland he took her to the testing room, having her use her mind to move objects, teaching her how to use her energy shield, and informed her of her ability to regenerate and heal. Once again, Jezebel caught on quickly, always having been a fast learner.

They continued to practice every day, and each day they all became more confident, until finally, when Jezebel was teaching Roland how to swordfight, with Belinda's supervision, Gray came in to tell them, "They're here."