Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Zip Racer - Episode 6
Nina and Kiki were curled up on Kiki’s bed, while Dax paced the room. It had been to hours since Jinx had been taken. Dax had called his parents to tell them what happened, and naturally they became very distraught ad called the police. “Why would anyone want to kidnap her?” Said Nina, tears streaking her eye shadow and sending blue mascara trickling down her cheeks. “I mean, we know her better than anyone, and I can’t think of any reason at all.” Dax sighed. “I think I know a lot of things you don’t.”
Nina looked offended. “Just because you’re her brother…” “Yes because I’m her brother. There are so many things you don’t know about her. Stuff that only family knows.” Kiki sighed. “Well, it seems as good a time as any to tell us, if it can help us figure out what’s going on.” Dax hoisted himself onto the desk to face the girls. “You guys don’t know anything about Jinx’s real life before she came here. She wasn’t born in Dana Rita like she’s told everyone. Jinx isn’t even her real name.” Nina and Kiki were instantly confused. “Jinx and her dad are in the witness protection program.” Kiki raised her eyebrows and Nina’s mouth fell open. “You guys were always wondering how she learned to transform right? Well here it is.
“Four years ago Jinx, or Haley as she was known back then, was selected to take part in some experiments on the human mind. They were trying to see if humans could learn to use more of their brains, as we only use about ten percent. Haley had a sharp, clear intelligent mind and was perfect for their tests. They were simple enough at first. First they assessed exactly what percentage of her mind Haley used, then worked on various stimulants. But after dozens of tests there was still no change. So, they decided to try a different method. At least, that’s what she was told.
“They called in various experts in hypnosis and other forms of mind therapy. Haley went along with all of this, but noticed that she was seeing less and less of the scientists. It didn't worry her, but she did notice it. One day, another man was sent in to work with her. He wasn’t another certified expert, but a man who had learned to control and calm his mind. He was also rumoured to extraordinary powers. He was sometimes called a magician. He never shared his secrets with anyone; he simply claimed that the magic came from within him.
“Haley was sceptical, but followed his instructions. They meditated for hours, and he instructed her in ways of calming her mind, so that she could unlock its secrets.
After days of this there were no important results. Haley was able to clear her mind very easily, and while it was perfect for relaxing, it didn't really seem like a great accomplishment. One afternoon, the instructions from the magician changed. He told her to pick an animal to her liking and imagine herself in its body. She didn't see this as difficult, and so did as she was told. When she opened her eyes, she was sitting on the ground as the little black cat we have often seen her change into.” He paused for a moment to let all of this extraordinary information sink in. Nina and Kiki were just sitting there in a stunned silence, waiting for what was coming next.
“Haley was thrilled with herself. Unusually, there was no scientist standing by, so she ran through the halls, as a cat, to find one. She found a lab suspiciously hidden behind a false wall in the research department. Once inside, she discovered something horrific. The scientists were going in another direction all right, but not one the Haley was involved in. The scientists had been conducting direct experiments on the human mind. They had killed their test subjects, murdered dozens of innocent teenagers, and physically examined and experimented on their brains.” Kiki’s eyes widened with shock and Nina’s face turned slightly green. Dax ran a hand through his hair, tired and frustrated.
“Haley saw all of this and, without realizing it, transformed back into herself. They saw her and knew that they had to keep her quiet. Luckily, they didn’t see her transform, and simply thought that she had walked in without their noticing. She ran and hid in the bushes in the car park, where she transformed again and escaped. She went straight to the police, but was too late. By the time they sent a squad to investigate, the lad had already been cleared of any evidence of the experiments.
“They believed her story though, as many of the kids enlisted as subjects had been reported missing. But without the vital evidence, they had no hope of making a case. For the safety of Haley and her family, they were moved to Dana Rita and given new identities. Haley Martin became Jinx Clavin, and started her new life. That’s where my mom first met her dad. “
Several minutes of stunned silence greeted the end of his story. Kiki’s head was spinning. Jinx was one of her best friends, and now Dax was telling her that she didn’t even know her real name? It was too much to take in.

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