So I was thinking that after I finish this fanfic I would start another, but I'm not really sure what to do. I was wondering if I should do my version of Neverseen. So if you guys have any ideas or suggestion please comment!
Anyways, this chapter isn't the best but things are definitely going to get more interesting! So keep reading! Also plz R&R! Thx! :)
Chapter 8- Jewel's POV
Crap. She remembered. Not all, but most parts. And now that she did, she wish she hadn't. She was dangerous, a tool. No, a weapon. She recalled the time when the Neverseen agents were chasing her in the woods and overheard them saying she was trained. Now she knew exactly what they meant. She was trained. Trained to be a weapon. She was exactly like Sophie, but Jewel's powers were far greater. Her inflicting was special. However, she still didn't understand how. Still, the thought of being deadly was dreadful.
Jewel laid frozen on her bed, clutching the Black Swan note in her hand. Her hands trembled with anguish and fear. What if she hurt someone? Her mind went back to when Sophie tried to probe her mind. Jewel already knew that she wasn't used to the fact that someone was going to go through her brain and could see every single memory she had. But, she thought she'd be fine. She wasn't. Immediately once Sophie entered her mind, Jewel panicked. She remembered squeezing something in her hand really hard, as she believed was Keefe's hand after seeing her grip mark on it. But she couldn't help but panic. The feeling felt too familiar. In a bad way. That's when the lock on her memories came loose.
Her mind was instantly filled with memories of being tested on. Neverseen tried to forcefully barge into her brain using machines made by their best Technopath. She remembered being strapped against a metal table, and being stabbed with pointy things. Maybe that's why she always hated doctors. She hated that feeling though, that Neverseen etched into her brain forever. The feeling of being violated, loss of privacy. And with Sophie in her head, it seemed exactly like that. It scared her. So then she started attacking Sophie in her mind. Jewel knew that she was hurting Sophie, but her instinct was self-protection. But the conscious part of Jewel was able to stop herself long enough for Sophie to leave her brain, which led to the whole collapsing mess.
But the experience of someone in her mind again just brought back too much pain. Jewel shook her head and covered her ears. The screams from her memories. All from her, when she was tortured to spill Black Swan's secrets. She didn't even know what they were talking about at that time. She was just a frightened and clueless ten year old. But then, time went on and Neverseen seemed to be tired out from trying to break through her head. So instead, they just taught her their own secrets and tricks, changing her into one of them. Then they trained her so she could use her powers to hurt people and to take advantage of things.
But one day during training, they found out about her special inflicting. A few more blanks filled the place where the memories should have been. It skipped forward to when Jewel was around eleven to twelve years old. It was around the day of when Neverseen was attacked and brought down. Neverseen knew they wouldn't have a chance winning against Black Swan and Sophie so they retreated. But they didn't want Jewel to be found and spill Neverseen's secrets so they somehow locked it away, either with a machine or a super talented inflictor or telepath. Jewel stumped for a second. Wait, that wouldn't make sense. They couldn't get into her brain, so how could they lock her memories? She knew that they could implant their memories into hers but they could never alter her memories… unless…. Jewel's eyes widened at the sudden realization. A Mesmer.
No way. No way. No way. Jewel repeated in her head. Her heart was racing as she pondered about the theory. It could be possible. A Mesmer could easily convince her to do anything so couldn't they just command her to forget everything in that certain time period? It made sense. Jewel didn't like the thought that she was manipulated into forgetting. She felt anger surge through her veins. It wasn't fair for them to just snatch everything away from her. First her normal human life and then her memories. And they train her to hurt people. That just wasn't humane anymore. Will she grow up to suddenly hurt her love ones? No. She won't let that happen. She will find them and this time it'll be her to take Neverseen down. Forget their revenge. Now it's time for hers.
Jewel started to get up to pack before she noticed she didn't know where to get anything in this house. Jewel knew that the trip would take longer than just a few days. It could take weeks of walking. She couldn't even teleport to their hideout if she didn't even know where it was located at. Or relocated at. Meaning she'd have to go on foot. And that meant that she would need some food and clothes packed up. Yet she didn't know where to find them in this mansion. It was like trying to find your way out of a complicated maze. Then again, she wouldn't even know where to look in the first place.
Jewel groaned and put her face in her hands, mentally slapping herself. There goes her brilliant plan. She didn't have a clue of where to start. Either way, she knew that she'd have to go and find them. Glancing at the clock, it was still the early evening. Ah right, Jewel thought. Keefe took her home during school, so it was still pretty early to sleep. She suddenly remembered the conversation she and Keefe had just a few minutes ago. Again, Jewel had the urge to slap herself.
She was such a jerk to him about his mom. She didn't know what possessed her to be that cold but with all the things she knew about Neverseen, it just got to her. Brought back her dark past. Ew, that made her sound too dramatic and depressed. She sighed and plopped down on her bed, stretching out and pulling the blanket around her. She wanted to apologize to Keefe again for saying such awful things. She didn't even have the right to say those things. She had no idea what happened between him and his family, so she definitely shouldn't have said anything.
"Urg! What's wrong with me?" Jewel cried out in frustration. She was starting to hate herself. Not only was she completely out of it but she was absolutely an official dimwit. She sighed heavily with regret.
"Geez, why am I so stupid all the times?" Jewel asked herself. "Why am I so weak?" Jewel couldn't help but think back to all the times she needed help or was too scared to move. In fact, now that she thinks about it, she was really pathetic after Sophie probed her mind. Jewel just had a complete breakdown, not to mention she was so rude to Keefe too! It felt like she was scared of everything. And she can't even light leap without getting sick. Even more pathetic! Jewel shoved a pillow in her face and screamed out. I have to be stronger next time, Jewel thought, determined. She wasn't Neverseen's little puppet no more. And she wasn't Black Swan's pawn either. She's Jewel Parisi. And she will not be afraid anymore. Jewel repeated this in her head until finally, her eyes felt heavy and she slowly faded into an everlasting darkness.
Jewel woke up pretty early the next morning. The sun barely awoken itself. Jewel threw open the fancy curtains to expose the beautiful scenery. The ombré blue sky was splashed with a bright pink color mixed with shades of yellow and orange. Silhouettes of trees stood in the far background as the grass glistened from the morning dew reflecting the sunlight. It seemed so perfect that Jewel wish she could snatch out her iPhone and snap a pick. Sadly, she didn't have any of her human belongings anyways. She sighed and teared her gaze away from the perfection. She tip-toed downstairs, hoping not to wake anyone. She quietly walked into the kitchen and flicked on the lights. She might as well find out where the food is anyways. Not just for breakfast but in case she needed to escape to track down Neverseen. Black Swan may have said that they were coming for her, but that was all the better when she left to find them. She just needed to figure out how.
She stalked through each cabinet and drawer hoping to find something. All she found were jars and pots. She passed by the fridge and knew that she wouldn't need anything in there since she'd be traveling so she couldn't possibly take food that needed to be kept fresh or cool. After searching through all the draws, she still couldn't find anything. She saw all the different kinds of utensils and plates and cups, but no food. Just as she was going to search through all the cabinets a second time, a loud voice boomed throughout the large, silent room.
"What are you doing?" Keefe asked from behind. Startled, Jewel spun around too quickly, accidently tripping over her own foot. She tumbled to the ground, stubbing her toe with the edge of the table leg.
"Ouch… I was um… hungry so I was looking for something to eat." Jewel said, which was technically true. Keefe gave her a smirk and pointed at a door next to the counters.
"All the foods and snacks are kept in the pantry closet." Keefe said, matter-of-factly. Jewel, once again, felt so pathetic.
"Thanks." She mumbled and trudged over. She averted her eyes away from him. She silently cursed at herself. Didn't she say that she'll try to be stronger? Jewel took in a quick breath before swiftly turning to face Keefe who seemed a bit startled at the abrupt action.
"Again, I'm really sorry for what I said last night. I said too much and it wasn't even my business. And you were so nice to me too… so anyways, sorry!" Jewel blurted out. There was a hushed pause before Keefe let out a laugh.
"That's what you were so worried about?" Keefe grinned. Jewel looked at him, exasperated. She forgot he could sense her emotions. Her cheeks turned a rosy pink color as she stammered an excuse.
"Of course not! I was worried about what to eat… that's all." She denied. Urg, that was the lamest excuse in history! Now all Jewel wanted to do was hid in a corner. What was wrong with her? She always got so flustered when Keefe was around. She quickly grabbed a random snack off the shelf and munched on a loaf of what seemed like bread, not looking at Keefe. He did the same and sat down next to her. Both of them sat quietly, no one dared to say a word. But finally, Keefe broke the ice.
"Okay, so this has been bothering me lately but what is going on? Obviously something happened yesterday at school which you were super scared about and when Sophie probed your mind, well, you started screaming and shaking. Not to mention, you completely worn Sophie out. You're kind of leaving me in the dark here!" Keefe ranted, completely outspoken about his thoughts. "Especially with what you said last night." He mumbled, more quietly. Jewel sat silent for a while, debating how much to tell him. He didn't necessarily have to know about Black Swan sending her a note, but he probably already suspected that some of her memories came back.
"Well, I just remembered some things." Jewel started. She explained about how she was taught their secrets and tested. She decided to leave out the trained-to-be-weapon and her inflicting powers. After she was done, they sat in an awkward silence.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you went through all of that…" Keefe said. Jewel could sense that he had no idea what to say. Most people wouldn't know how to reply to a person who's been tortured and tested out like a lab rat. Jewel already knew that Keefe was better at teasing and joking to cheer up a person but she knew it was a too serious topic to give a heartfelt joke. Keefe was about to open his mouth to say something before a loud sound went off. It sounded like a doorbell. Keefe sprang up and ran to the door. Oh, so it was a doorbell, Jewel noted. Jewel took one more bite out of her bread and turned to see who their guest was. There, an older version of Fitz appeared before her eyes. It was Alden. She went up to him and greeted him.
"What are you doing here?" Jewel asked, curious.
"Hey Jewel, seems like I'm here to take you to meet the council." Alden replied with an unsure smile. Jewel almost choked on her bread.
"Now?!" Jewel exclaimed. Alden sighed and scratched his head.
"Um preferably yes. The council needs to see you and their schedule seemed to be packed so now is practically the only time they have for today." Alden explained.
"Why today?" Jewel questioned.
"The council decided it, not me." Alden sighed, tired. "Sometimes they can be very impatient. Not to mention, they're not always making the smarter decisions." Jewel looked at the weary expression on Alden's face. She wasn't sure what he meant by that but she let it pass.
"Okay, let me change then." Jewel agreed. A moment later, Jewel was facing a large dome building. It was made out of a beautiful jade-green colored stone and stood out in the already mesmerizing city.
"So were exactly are we?" Jewel asked in awe. Alden gave her a warm smile.
"This city is called Eternalia. And the councilors work in that building." Alden informed. Alden then looked over at Keefe, who was minding his own business.
"So tell me again why you're here?" Alden asked, drained. Keefe flashed his trademark smirk and winked at Jewel.
"Because who would miss out an adventure with a Foster relative? School can always wait!" Keefe answered happily. Alden sighed but seemed too worn out to say anything. He led them inside the building and soon Jewel was right in front of the infamous twelve councilors. They stared at her in deafening silence. She fidget under all the attention.
"Um… hi?" Jewel greeted, uncertain. Keefe almost let out a laugh, but he forced it down. He pushed her head down with his hand and she was about to yell out when she noticed that he and Alden were both bowing. Oh…. Now I feel dumb, Jewel thought.
"Jewel Parisi, you are Sophie Foster's sister?" A councilor with sapphire blue eyes and medium length black hair, questioned. Jewel stood up straight to face him.
"Yes." She replied, confident.
"Interesting..." He mumbled. "Well welcome to the Elvin world. I'm councilor Emery. It's nice to finally get to meet you." Jewel nodded, unsure of what to say.
"I've heard that you have forgotten some things… about Neverseen, so it seems." Councilor Emery commented. Jewel nodded and forced herself to speak loud and clear.
"Yes, I was capture by them when I was ten." She added. Another councilor with pointy ears scowled at her.
"So how do we know you can be trusted?" He bellowed. Jewel took a small step back.
"I— um…" Jewel stammered. How was she supposed to answer that when she didn't even trust herself? Keefe gave her a weird look.
"She's another Black Swan project, like Sophie. How could she possibly betray them? We all know that Black Swan and Neverseen have very different opinions and motives." Alden answered for her. She looked at him, grateful. Then she averted her gaze to the short, pointy elf that spoke.
"I was made as a backup. To take down Neverseen, not to help them." Jewel said boldly. Councilor Emery glanced at another councilor.
"Well Oralie?" He asked her.
"She's not lying." Oralie confirmed with a gentle smile to Jewel. Oralie was very beautiful and seemed to be the delicate type. But she did appear to be nicer than the rest.
"But—" The elf with the pointy ears started again.
"Bronte, you already shown hatred towards Black Swan's creation. There is no need to do more harm." Emery stated with a warning tone. Bronte glared at Jewel before mumbling something under his breath.
"However, he's right. We can't fully trust you just yet. You've been with Neverseen for so long, yet you don't remember anything in that time period. How do we know if you're not manipulated by them without knowing?" Emery asked, looking at her. Jewel tensed and thought back to her theory of the Mesmer.
"I think I would know…" She managed to say. Oralie examined her face before frowning.
"She's unsure, very worried." Oralie noted. Jewel clenched her hands. Crap, she's an empath, Jewel cursed in her head. Everyone turned their heads to look at her, their eyes bored into her. She backed away and grit her teeth. Things didn't seem like they were going well for her.
"Tell us what you do know." Emery ordered. Jewel nodded and explained everything that she could remember about her time at Neverseen. She mentioned about her powers and her special inflicting. Bronte perked up when he heard this. Emery and he shared a look before they turned to her.
"Well I suppose you are telling us the truth and all you know." Emery said, receiving a nod from Oralie. "It seems as if you would need an instructor. You will go to school like normal and attend special training from Bronte for inflicting and Tiergan will be your mentor for telepathy. You will also take Linguistics in the Elite sessions. We want you to notify us immediately when you remember more about Neverseen." Emery concluded. Jewel nodded.
They left and soon Jewel was on her way back to Keefe's place. It could have turned out a lot worse, Jewel thought, she let out the breath she's been holding since the start of the meeting. She's won over their trust for now at least. She felt very relieved at the moment and glad to have that over with. When they arrived back home, Keefe popped up in front of her and grinned.
"So, feel like going back to school?" He asked with an amused smirk. Jewel already knew the answer he wanted.
"Nope, I'm feeling too tired. Might as well stay." She replied, plopping down on a nearby couch.
"Good decision, little grasshopper. I taught you well." Keefe joked. Jewel giggled. Sophie must have shown him some kind of TV show from the human world. They grabbed some snacks and started to play an Elvin board game when the doorbell rang. They scurried towards the door and found no one behind it. All that was there was a small envelope. Keefe checked outside to see if anyone was nearby. Jewel picked up the envelope to find a small swan printed on it. Her heart drummed against her chest as she teared it open. She took out a small post card with the Eiffel tower on it. She gasped as she looked at where it was addressed from. It was the address of her old apartment.
A light bulb went off in her head. She knew exactly what Black Swan was trying to tell her. If she wanted to find answers, she'll have to go to the place where it all started. Back to the place she was kidnapped. Paris, France.