the {eye} of the {storm} || the blairs

[ghosty]

[googlefont=Kristi:400]

Pandora {pb} Blair

I sit down on a chair next to the fireplace, which is roaring, like the lions our father wants us to be. But not all of us want to be the lion, the hunter of all. And I'm one of them. But despite my horror at what we do, I do it, because I don't want my life to be the  hell that I know it will be. Kirrily is the only one that will never do the training, and actually works in the hospital that we own. And good for her, because she's doing what she's always wanted.

The fact that almost all of us have killed someone, apart from Kirrily for two reasons: She's below the age that all of us were when we killed someone, and that no matter what anyone does to her, she will never do it. Even if she was threatened to be killed, she would just say no. And I applaud her for it; because I tried that, and failed miserably at it. 

The whole room around me filters out, and the memories of what happened when I last had said no. And that time, I killed someone. The time before that, I was beaten within an inch of my life. So what will happen if I say it again? I don't want to find out. 

Mother comes to me and sits down in the chair opposite to me. 'Pandora, you've been ever so quiet recently dear. Even your fathers noticed that. Is there anything wrong?' I want to scream at her, to get everything off my chest, to scream, 'You know what's wrong! I'm a murderer! I'm tainted with the blood of another!' But I know that I can't do that, because it's not her fault. It's the fault of the monster that lives downstairs, in it's realm of terror. His training ground.

And the scary thing is that it's only a matter of time before I'm sent down into the realm, to fight the permanent fear that permeate that room below. And I'll have to fight, against those that I love. And I'll lose again, because I won't, can't hurt those that I love. Even Cadmus, who's too far gone to be sane anymore. And I'll still face the consequences of losing; the bruises that litter my body are renewed, and the floor becomes my saviour of the hours that I lay there, out cold from the strikes that are inflicted from my family. 

And then father comes in through the door. 'Pandora, can I borrow you?' And here we go again...

[Traid]

Zephyr {zb} Blair

A frightened child. That’s what Zephyr once was. Not anymore, though. Now he is simply a killer. Someone who almost has been trained to enjoy the sight of someone in pain. He knew at first it wasn’t right, but now he seemed brainwashed by the fact of his father and his dirty work. It became the norm, and that’s how Zephyr saw it.

It was only a bit ago when Pandora had declined doing what they did. She didn’t understand. This all had to be done, and she couldn’t refuse. That’s why our father beat her. That’s why she was disciplined. Even so, Zephyr didn’t feel it was right of his father to hurt one of their own. Sure, they fight for survival, but sometimes it is best to work in a team. Discipline by abuse is not the way to keep a team at its best. He didn’t want it to happen again. So, without being completely obvious, he tried his hardest to keep it from happening.

Zephyr followed his father inside the doorway, making eye contact with Pandora. Their father spoke.

“Pandora, can I borrow you?”

As Pandora was looking to her father, Zephyr could see her want to say no. Zephyr needed to make sure nothing caused a disturbance in the household. Not again. He looked to Pandora, nudging his head in the direction their father wanted them to go. As to insist on Pandora following. Though, his eyes showed comfort towards Pandora.

He thought to himself: ’Please, don’t resist… Not now.’

[Arrows]

Cadmus {cb} Blair

Beads of sweat littered Cadmus' hair line as his body heated with his work out. One punch, slide, second punch, roll forward, final kick. He had spent the entire winter warming in the basement practicing his moves and motions. He never knew when the next chance would come along for him to strike again... to kill again. Yet that didn't matter, all he knew is that when it did come he would be as ready as a lion about to pounce on an unsuspecting gazelle. He could feel his hands and his entire body begin to tire from what now had been three hours of nonstop working. With one final hard punch into the dummy he turned away and grabbed a small white cloth. He wiped the cool cloth across his moist forehead so it could capture the water that was his sweat. 


He remembered his Father stepping out about an hour ago and only just now did he realize he never did return. Curiosity picked at his brain like vultures as Cadmus claimed the old wooden stairs. The instant he stepped through the thresh hold of his home he could feel the heat emanating from the blazing fire place. His eyes surveyed the quite house in search of any other Blairs in the general area. His dark brown eyes locked on his sister Pandora sitting silently next to the fire. With a sigh he swung the basement door shut and made his way over to the seat next to hers. 

As he sat down the wooden chair let out a long creak and Cadmus smiled faintly. He sat there for several moments unsure of what to say since he could surely cut the silence of the room with a knife. Only the occasional crack of the fire would soothe his ears with sound. Ultimately he grew annoyed with the silence and turned towards his sister. "So Pan whatcha been up to?" The question was generic and utterly over used these days but it was a way to start conversations at least. Before she could reply however Cadmus' ears picked up the sound of approaching foot steps and he glanced up to see who it could be. With a smile he nodded to his brother who now stood like a statue in this room of never ending awkwardness. "Hey Z quite the cold weather huh?" That question made him want to throw up even more, of course it was cold the damn windows were covered in winter's frost. 

He thought his brother was about to respond when the silence grew even thicker. Cadmus instantly stood as their Father, the man who trained them all, entered the room. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest in anticipation for what he would say. After several antagonizing moments his wicked voice whispered its way to his ears as he asked Pandora to come with him. He gulped harshly as he turned towards his sister with eyes of sorrow. He knew how much she despised having to be what he wanted her to be and he would never forget what she had done for home every time they fought for Father. 


For what seemed like an eternity no one moved or spoke and Cadmus could see the irritation sparking in Father's eyes as he waited. Then he saw Z nudge Pan forward with his elbow and Cadmus could feel the regret coming from his brother for having to send their sister forward. Clenching his hands into fists Cadmus cleared his throat then said sternly to their Father, "Do allow me to come as well Father. I promise I won't be a burden." I then let my eyes wander to Pan and I try to smile to show her that it will be okay since I shall be with her. That is if their Father allows it after all...

[Ailera]

Kirrily {kb} Blair

Kirrily knew how to time things. Most of the time, she could predict in advance days she needed to get home a little late. Every now and then she would get home and hear the sickening sounds of intentional injury, and make her way quickly to her room before her mother caught sight of her. This was one of those days, and she had just opened the front door.

It was supposed to be difficult to hear things from the basement, but she could hear anyways the beginnings of a fight. Kirrily stopped to listen out of morbid curiosity, then started towards her room. No need to get involved in anything. In twenty or thirty minutes the boys would emerge, then Pandora after a stagger. Some things Kirrily was sure about.

Before she could make it to her room, she heard feet rubbing against the floor and turned around. It was her mother. "Finally home?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. Kirrily nodded her head, then turned to get away before her mother could say anything else - though she was a few seconds too late. "I think your father would like you to watch."

A cold shock ran through Kirrily's body. No, she couldn't go down there. First of all, it would be beyond awkward to stand around her siblings for more than half a minute. They were more like strangers she had to live with than a family. Second of all, nothing good ever happened down there. And the last time Kirrily went down there was that day her personal space bubble got incinerated.

Nonetheless, without a word she walked to the door and opened it. Rarely did she show anything besides apathy for her family, though her emotions were as wild as any creature from beyond the fence. While descending the stairs, it seemed no one noticed her, but just as she reached the bottom she noticed her fathers eyes flicking away from her. Kirrily sat on the last step. She was told to observe, not participate. She bit her tongue.

[ghosty]

[googlefont=Kristi:400]

Pandora {pb} Blair

The stairs that lead to the basement creak on every step lower, like they know what's going on. I almost laugh; the stairs knowing more than me; but that's not really that uncommon. I would be the last person to know anything in this family. even Kirrily knows stuff before I do, and she isn't one of us in the same way. She's still wholesome, and unbroken. She's the only non-murderer.

The monster stand's beside me, and motions for me to take a weapon from the table in front of me. They're only practise weapons, but they still bloody hurt when they hit you. I deftly pick up the spear, and spin it between my fingers. The spear, of all of the weapons, has to be my favourite, if I had to pick one. It's more me; it's light, and is more graceful than anything else.

I'm glad that Zephyr's down here with father, Cadmus and I, because he isn't that hard on me, and makes sure everything's fair. Cadmus, Cadmus, well, he scares me a little, because he's... what's the words? Focused? He want's no more than to hurt people. And then father booms again. 'Cadmus, You ready to fight Pandora?' His voice was a question, but in a way that was expecting no answer. 'Take a weapon then,' he continued. And I began to wait for the pain to start.

[Arrows]

Cadmus {cb} Blair

Cadmus couldn't help the smile that stretched across his cheeks as his Father delightedly accepted his request to accompany him and Pan. With a nod towards his Father and a light pat on the back to Pan he followed their Father's lead. Surely enough their Father led them straight to the basement door. Without hesitation he opened it and began his descent into the poorly lit room that Cadmus had made his realm of expertise. He watched Pan and Z enter first then with a crack of his neck he followed after them down the rotting wood stairs that creaked eerily with every step they took. Everything about this place had a sense of darkness and mystery that Cadmus adored since he was just like this place. Dark, cold, and most of all unpredictable.

The moment we all arrived at the bottom of the stairs Father clapped his hands for our attention. Instinctively Cadmus locked onto his Father to take in every word that escaped his mouth. Much to his surprise he told Pan and himself to grab a wooden sword for a fight. At first Cadmus stood baffled that his Father wanted to pit the two against each other again since Cadmus always beat her. Partially because she didn't try so he could show off, but also because he was simply devoted to this line of training and work. Clearly his throat he dared to speak to their father while he saw Pan pick her sword. "Why are you having us two fight again? Every time I easily defeat her so I don't see the point." Instantly their Father snapped back at him sending his saliva all over Cadmus' face, "Because I decide how to assess my children now pick a weapon and fight or no dinner or any food for an entire day!"

Cadmus sighed in regret and sent an apologetic look towards Pan as he grabbed a sword. The moment the rasp wood hit his hands he felt powerful just as he always did. Even though he didn't long to harm Pan again he wouldn't allow himself to be made a fool of. He would give this fight his all just like he always did. He would show to his Father and to all his family just how ready to become a true killer on his own he was. Pan was just another challenge he would have to overcome. Cadmus knew in this line of work that relations must be beaten to succeed, so winning was of utmost importance.

As their father yelled for the fight to begin Cadmus noticed something that shocked him. Kirrily his sister so against this all she only worked at their hospital actually came and sat down on the stairs to watch. Surely she wasn't here on her own will but that didn't matter. Now he had to prove his strength to her, to show he how strong he could be to protect her if anyone ever went after her. With one last nod of apology Cadmus found his first opening against Pan's defenses and lunged swiftly forward. Today he had to prove he just how strong he could be after all.

[Traid]

Zephyr {zb} Blair

As Zephyr stood silent, he thought of the many things which could go wrong with this situation. If even one child refused, it could all end extremely badly. When Cadmus opened his mouth, Zephyr gave him a stern look, but he wasn't quick enough. The words spat out of Cadmus's mouth for what seemed like forever to Zephyr. He could just imagine where it was headed.

"Why are you having us two fight again? Every time I easily defeat her so I don't see the point."

Surprisingly, their father only growled at Cadmus. Though, the danger had not disappeared. Now Zephyr had to watch his siblings fight off against each other without interfering. He knew if he even opened his mouth for a tip to either one, he'd be growled at. He had to please his father. It's what was right. At least for now.

Their father shouted for the fight to start, and Zephyr felt like just closing his eyes. Though, he played it strong and acted attentive. Watching. His father wanted him there because he knew he'd break up a fight if one started for real. Especially if the fight was between his father and a child. In reality, Zephyr would join his siblings if they were to rebel against their father. But he couldn't show his true self to his father if he still wanted his approval. Priorities had to be decided. Zephyr would break up a fight, and would have to take his father's side if one happened.

There was a silence before Cadmus struck towards Pandora. Then the opening move was initiated. Zephyr couldn't help but clench his teeth as a substitution for closing his eyes.

[Ailera]

Kirrily {kb} Blair

At first it seemed, to Kirrily, like no one was acting any different from usual. She'd only seen Zephyr and Pandora fight a few times, but never Cadmus. She didn't know what to expect from the brother only a year older than her. She noticed Cadmus looking at her and quickly diverted her eyes. No, she wasn't looking at him. She locked her gaze on a point beyond her family, but something brought her back before she could lose herself in thought.

"Why are you having us two fight again? Every time I easily defeat her so I don't see the point." Kirrily looked immediately to Cadmus, surprised but not shocked. She didn't think any of her other siblings had a vocal problem with their father. Even she tried to avoid right out apprehending him in general - that was a gutsy thing to do. Kirrily had no guts, just stupidity.

She looked at her father, who was growling something back at him. Kirrily didn't hear it, she was already letting her thoughts cloud her reality. Thoughts about Cadmus, but mostly seeing herself saying something. She hadn't said anything directly to her dad in a while. Not since his last try to get her into it. The efforts were growing weaker and further apart for him to pull her in, and she thought maybe he was going to give up fully.

Kirrily found herself eventually looking away from Pandora and Cadmus. She didn't want to see them fight, and she definitely didn't want to see them get hurt. Instead she looked at Zephyr. She looked at his face, and hoped for any hint that he opposed it. Her impression of him was that he was completely absorbed into their father's side. Of course, after seeing Cadmus, she hoped she was wrong.

[ghosty]

[googlefont=Kristi:400]

Pandora {pb} Blair

Kirrily is in the basement. All of my thoughts jump out of my head like a bee stung my brain. Kirrily. Is in. The Basment. During a fight. The looks that all the others gave showed me that they had the same shock as I. And then I looked at Cadmus. He smiled at me, and I knew then I had to defend for my life; he was out to hurt me. Not because he's nasty, but because he loves me. He want's to get me able to fight for myself. I want to show him that I can.

He jumps at an accidental gap in my defence, and I roll back instinctively, my body taking over with the drills I was forced to do. I try and find an opening, but as he's trained a lot more than I have, I couldn't get near him. Again, the practise blade swipes at me, and I only just avoid it again. Under the staring eyes of my family; Father, Kirrily, Zephyr, and most of all, Cadmus, I begin to panic again. My training days flash before me, and the last time I fought Cadmus. And the blackness of being knocked out.

Finally, when I come back into the real world, I notice rather quickly that Cadmus got a few hits on me when I was out. And then, the time slows, as I spot an opening on Cadmus. The legs! I sweep the spear along the ground, pushing his legs from underneath him. And I move towards him, and hit the spear towards his chin, hopefully knocking him down and out. I had won, against Cadmus!

Yeah, like that's going to happen. I grip the spear, and get back off the ground, and swing towards Cadmus's feet.

[Arrows]

Cadmus {cb} Blair

He could finally see some light of determination sparking within Pan's eyes. He had been longing for centuries for her to defend herself and now she was. However, he couldn't let her beat him now. That would just be an embarrassment and he couldn't have that after all. She should understand, she knew how much this meant to him. If he lost his Father would loose all warmth he had towards him. Cadmus loved Pan of course he did but this fight was more beneficial for him to win so she just had to understand why he couldn't let her win.

Camus grinned as he scored a few weak blows against her in the opening assault. However that was when he saw it. The excitement in her eyes as they locked on to hit legs and that was when he knew her next move. Pan didn't give up easily that was for sure but one thing was true no matter how you put it. He had been trained and bred to fight, he was experienced while she was only half of that. Surely enough he watched as her sword swung towards his legs quickly, a move he knew how to counter like the back of his hands. Swiftly as she was caught up in her motion he dived forward into the air avoiding the wooden blade. Then as he hit the ground he front rolled forward and behind his sister.

Out of the corner of his eyes he could see his Father grin but he also saw Kirrily. It hurt him that she would have to watch him like this. He didn't want her to think he was a cruel ruthless monster. Yet, maybe that was who he was. Maybe being a monster was what he was meant to be. Maybe he was always meant to be alone and to kill in brutal bloodshed. Without even hesitatating he sent a blow straight towards Pan's back. I'm sorry Pan, Kirrily, I really am but I have to do this, It's who I am, his mind whispered softly.

[Traid]

Zephyr {zb} Blair

Zephyr watched as the two had at each other. He could see both the regret and enjoyment in Cadmus’s eyes. He knew his father wanted them to be ruthless and brutal, but a young human could only take so much before their true colors show. Nobody in this family wanted to kill, besides their father. It was obvious that somewhere, deep inside, everyone had a little god in them.

As Cadmus saw his opening and rushed for the painful blow to Pandora’s back, he shuffled towards his father. He spoke low and silent to his father, as to not disturb the sparring practice.

”Father, I think they’ve had enough—“ Zephyr was then interrupted quite quickly by his father, though he spoke in quite a louder and more harsh voice.

”I’ll say when they’ve had enough!”

It was almost as a growl, mixed with discipline and order. Zephyr shuffled back, shoulders shrunk backward, ”Yes, father…”

There was a moment of silence before the strike would hit, so Zephyr could do nothing but wish for mercy towards Cadmus. Something Pandora was probably not going to get.

[Ailera]

Kirrily {kb} Blair

The fight began. Kirrily squinted at her brother and sister as if a great light was radiating off of them. It looked wrong. Pandora stumbled around, and Cadmus came at her with little interest. When Pandora finally did try, Cadmus leapt at her with real force. Kirrily backed up a step, pulling her knees closer to her and twisting one of her hands into her hair.

"Father, I think they've had enough-," Zephyr says. Kirrily looked at him hopefully. She wanted it to work, for their father to just be tired enough to stop right there and let everyone leave. She knew it was stupid to hope, though. He wouldn't stop it even if he was tired. She knew by her father's quick reply, a bark really, reclaiming his power of the situation.

Everything pauses for a few moments, and Kirrily looks around properly. Cadmus wasn't at all what she had hoped he would be. No, he might be worse than the others. He actually looked like he enjoyed what he was doing. She looked at Pandora, and wondered what was going through her mind. Kirrily never fully understood anything Pandora related. Sometimes, it was hard to believe they had the same parents.

Then the fight started again, and Kirrily scooted towards the wall side of the staircase. She kept her eyes off of her two fighting siblings, and went back to looking at Zephyr. She silently applauded him for working up the volume to say something. It made her think a little differently of him.

[ghosty]

[googlefont=Kristi:400]

Pandora {pb} Blair

And I was right; Cadmus didn't fall for it. He hit me really hard with the sword and I went down again. And a voice I don't normally hear arguing with Father spoke up. Zephyr. 'Father, I think they've had enough-,' and unsurprisingly, was shot down in flames, by a growl, a normal reply from father at anything.

I get back off the floor again and the lull in the fight is strange. I turn towards Virrily, for I still don't why she's still here. Seeing her family fight was one of the worst ways of seeing them.

Me and Virrly have never really been that close, and unlike all of the others, I don't click with her. Maybe because she succeeded where I failed; not becoming the killers father want's us to be.

Given the chance, I would try and get rid of him. Father that is. All that he seems to do is cause trouble, and just throws us apart. But I wouldn't be able to do it myself; I would need someone like Zephyr to help, because by ourselves, he would trounce us.

And the fighting starts again. Cadmus comes towards me, and flicks the sword and me, and I step back, tripping over my own feet. That always happens when I panic, and I fall on the floor, but defending for my life. And I kick Cadmus back and stand up, and drop my weapon.

Father seethes at me, 'What the fuck are you doing?! Are you STUPID?' And I laugh at his face. I regret it at once, and say quickly, 'I'm not fighting anymore. I'm done with Cadmus at least. He always beats me, because I don't want to fight him!'

And father slaps me, hard, across my face.. 'Fight,' he said, 'Or die. Your choice. I will kill you now if you don't Pandora. I'll go all the way.' I back away, a reflex away from him, and faster then is natural, I pick up my weapon, and with tears on my face, swing at Cadmus. 'I'm sorry Cadmus. I'm sorry.'

[Traid]

Zephyr {zb} Blair

His fists tighten as he watches the battle continue. Then, something happens which not even Zephyr could see coming. Pandora had dropped her weapon. Zephyr shot open his eyes wide and his jaw dropped the slightest bit. What had she done? She couldn’t just stop like that. Did she want to die?

'What the fuck are you doing?! Are you STUPID?' Their father screamed towards Pandora. What happened next was almost unbelievable. She let out a chuckle. It was obvious everyone caught it, but Zephyr wished he had imagined it.

'I'm not fighting anymore. I'm done with Cadmus at least. He always beats me, because I don't want to fight him!' Pandora had said straight after the laugh was heard. She was actually standing up to their father, and it was something Zephyr had wanted to do for years. He had just stood behind his father because he had always wanted to be a good child. The time would come yes, but he was always too young to try. But that was then, this was now.

The fighting continued, but Zephyr was now filled with rage. He took in a deep breath and turned towards his father. His head turned to Pandora and Cadmus.

”Stop.” He directed to the two. Then he turned to his father, not even waiting for the two to stop fighting. He started what he thought would be an amazing speech to his father. "Father! Someone has to be the man of this house. You may think you are, but a man would never pit off his own childre—“ Interrupted once again. Though, this time not with words. A right hook smashed across Zephyr’s face, and he fell to the floor. He looked up to his father, in pain. His father’s eyes showed leadership and brutality at the same time. Zephyr had gone too far, and he knew it. Now he needed to wait for the pain.

[Arrows]