Leading the flock {Baptist one shot}

[Knuckles]

Baptist Jay
Narration Thinking 'writing' "Speech"

It wasn't easy being a father when he wasn't able to adhere to the requests of his children. Cyclone always wanted him to share a story with them, but Baptist wasn't able to. No matter how many times he tried to write down on a sheet of paper that he was deaf, it felt as though Cyclone never understood until Rayna took over sharing the words Baptist longed to say. It wasn't easy being a father, but it was something that he was blessed with which was why he planned on taking them out and sharing a very important part of their history with them. He hoped for a great day. Something to distract his mind as the world raced around him, but right now all he had was a chance to offer his children an adventure, and that adventure was one they eagerly took.

Dead, frozen grass crunched beneath the soles of his feet as a bright blinding light reflected off the white ground blinding the young man, but not once did the genuine smile leave his face. On one side of him walked his daughter, Rayna, and on his other side was his son, Cyclone. Baptist was a blessed man from the time his parents found him abandoned by those who should've loved him. But his life came with a lot of pain and misery. A shattered heart slowly mend together inside him. All the pieces were finally going back into place after the devastating loss of his two cousins all those years ago. Jabber died in the almost eight years ago, and Storm died almost seven. His life was going well until he lost another cousin just last year. Taurus wasn't a Jay, but he was a Hawk. Another bird who fell too soon. Baptist never heard the sound of the cannons blasting through the arena signifying the death of the three people he cared most about, he never even heard the sound of their voices, yet the pain still rang deep through his hollow bones.

Rayna pulled at his sleeve before holding a sheet of paper in front of his face asking where they were going. What started as a simple walk around the district turned into an adventure. Drawn to the graves of his dead cousins, Baptist stops in his tracks for only a moment long enough to write a simple phrase - 'I have something to show you all. A very important part of your past.' - before handing the crumbled up sheet of paper back. His heart melted when she smiled back. From what Baptist knew, Rayna had a fascination with history, and Cyclone enjoyed the stories. A written story. One on paper that Baptist saved from many years ago while learning to move his hands in a secret sign in order for his children to understand. Living in silence was one of the hardest disabilities to overcome, but not once did it stop him from achieving his goals. Never once did he stop to think about the horrific amount of work it took in order to succeed because giving up wasn't part of his vocabulary. Whatever he owned, he worked for, and working for it increased the price value from something small into something great.

A gentle breeze filled the air, and for only a second, Baptist let go of his daughter's hand long enough to move his shaggy hair from his eyes. Large clouds of smoke from the many factories blocked the view of the district - pollution was a horrible part of living in the toxic district of nine, yet it was home to many. But it all went away the moment he stepped foot into the tribute cemetery. Cyclone was seven. He was born the year Storm journeyed through the arena; he wasn't even alive when Jabber died, and knowing this made Baptist feel older than he truly was. His eyes scanned across the names on the tombstones taking in every single one of them wondering how families could let the final resting place become a land of ruins - some of the graves hadn't been touched in a while. His heart plummeted deep into his stomach devouring the thick thread slowly as the broken pieces started falling away once more, however, he pulled himself together until the emotion was fully under control. But the moment he saw Jabber's name, Baptist stopped in his tracks as horrible memories flashed through his mind. Taking a deep breath, he removed a sheet of paper before kneeling down in front of the grave motioning for his children to gather around.

'This is Jabber Jay. He was reaped for the 64th games. A year before you were born, Cyclone. 16 at the time, he was in love with Fawn, your aunt. In the games, he never made it past the bloodbath being the first to die. They jumped him and threw him around like a rag doll - it was painful to watch. But his memory lives on.' Baptist watched as his children read the words taking it in over and over; at one point he saw Rayna reading it all out loud. In that moment he longed for the chance to be able to hear her voice. He yearned for the chance to hear the sounds around him, but this was his life he was given to live, and it was up to him to live with it. Standing up, he ran a hand against his face trying to wipe away the tears before they formed before making his way over to the next set of graves. 'This is Storm Jay. Cyclone, you were born during this game. Rayna, you were 6. Storm was in the 65th games. He was an adventurous kid. Always had his nose in a book. Always reading. Always listening to the rain. He had a twin he loved more than anything in the world. Storm made it to day 4 and died 10th place. He grew up a lot in the short period of time, but that wasn't bad because he became a more confident being. Storm's death tore the family apart for a while, but uncle Mick was capable of bringing the pieces together.'

After giving them a moment, Baptist motioned for them to follow. One step after another he led them towards the newest stones added to the fleet. To Baptist, it felt like all time froze. Nothing made a difference in the rhythm of his beating heart. Gripping the hands of his children tightly, he found himself holding onto them to keep himself from falling apart. Knowing that sweet Rayna was old enough to participate in the games terrified him. His entire body quivered with fear, yet not once did he allow her to think it would happen. But when it came down to it, he would be powerless. Nothing but a broken man trapped in a world filled with complete chaos. His heart shattered like glass busting against the ground the moment his eyes fell upon the name. Taurus Hawk was another brave bird trying to fly too soon. He knelt in front of the grave allowing his fingers to trace the name before scribbling a story on the paper in hand.

'And this, is your cousin, Taurus Hawk. Taurus was brave like Storm and Jabber. He fought hard, and for a while I thought he would take flight and win it all, but he wasn't able to. Taurus was cut down in a feast. Bloodthirsty vultures pecked away at his skin until nothing remained. All three of these people had one thing in common. Love. They all loved their family more than anything in the world. Taurus even killed for his brother. One day you'll understand. I love you all so much, and I'm proud of you both. Don't ever forget it no matter what.' Baptist handed them the sheet of paper before wrapping them closely in his arms. One breath after another, he promised he would never let go because his love for them compared to no other.

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1345 words