Silence and The Hero

The next morning started out like all the rest. The loud, obnoxious trumpet awoke the sleeping campers from whatever slumber they were in. They were given approximately twenty minutes to get to the library, pick up breakfast and their shovels, and walk to their respective area.

Squid groaned while he read the new digging sectors off the bulletin board. "We're about twenty minutes north this time, gentlemen. And we're digging with C-tent for the next while," he told the D-tent members around him.

"Fan-freaking-tastic," Zigzag yawned as the group collectively groaned. Noticing the girls walking towards the library, he called out the new location to them. Song raised a thumbs up in response. Nova didn't lift her eyes from the ground, and the moment Sunshine saw X-ray, she frowned and looked away.

"Looks like Sunshine's pissed at you dude," Armpit noted to the leader.

"You don't fucking say," X-ray pushed in between the group to go pick up breakfast. The boys shrugged and continued on.

The cool early morning air made the trip to the new digging site somewhat easier. Two armed guards walked with the group, their guns resting on their shoulders. There was no attempt made to start a conversation. When the guards stopped them, the group went off to start their holes. Sunshine put herself as far away from X-ray as possible and started digging. Song shrugged, as her and Nova started new holes beside her. Zigzag, Magnet, Armpit, Squid and X-ray dug in silence. Zero simply raised an eyebrow at his tent mate's antics but did not say a word.

That night at dinner, the girls sat at a different table then the boys. Sunshine had her back to the boys, Song and Nova sat on the other side. Nova was a little more lively than she had been—she was chatting with the girls—but there was still a certain sadness that lingered behind her smile. Song glanced back at the boys from D-tent once or twice, but did not make a move towards them. Zigzag frowned when Nova returned to her meal and her smile slid off her face.

"I think it's bullshit how we have to leave the girls be. They look miserable, least Nova does."

"Trust me on this, the girl's just need time. They'll turn around after a few days," X-ray assured him. I hope Sunshine at least does.

"Ah, don't worry about them Zag," Squid lifted his spoon at him, "You worry too much".

"Yeah dog, this shook them as much as it did us."

Zigzag lowered his eyes to his gruel, taking a spoonful to his mouth.

From a few tables over, Magnet could hear Rocky laughing with his tentmates. Glancing over, Rocky was slapping his friend on the back. When he felt Magnet's eye on him, he paused before smirking. He returned to the conversation without anything more. Magnet stabbed his spoon into his bowl. What's that guy's angle?

Magnet glanced towards Song, who was smiling as she poked an annoyed Nova in the sides.

Her smile made him feel warm, but he could not ignore the nagging feeling in his head. He continued to poke at his food for the rest of dinner.

"Mailcall!"

A member from A-tent had grabbed the mailbag from the office. Under the watchful eye of a guard, he distributed the parcels and letters inside.

"Nicole Von-"

"Right here, you idiot," Nicole swiped the parcel from the youth's hand. "Names Nova, I'd appreciate it if you called me that from now on."

Eying the guard, the youth shrugged and continued to call out names. When he had handed out the last parcel, he swung the empty bag and followed the guard back to the main office. Song looked dejected.

"Maybe next time, honey," Sunshine rubbed her back. They were standing outside the Rec Hall, watching the other boys do their yard work. The girls were sweeping the boards in and around the hall.

"Whatcha got there, Nova?"

Nova wrapped her arm around her broom to keep it steady, reaching for the letter duct taped to the cardboard box. After scanning the letter, she rolled her eyes.

"Mommy and Daddy send their ever growing disappointment to me, as well as some harsh words about 'If this doesn't help you, military school will'. And my mom left a P.S. saying that if I wanted to ever step foot in my...her house again, I had to dye my hair to a "sensible color". Might as well see what this is".

Running her nail along the tape, she opened the folds of the box, only to stare at the contents within. Sunshine and Song moved around her to find that Nova's mother had sent her a box of hair dye. The box proclaimed, "Sweet like Honey!" on the front, the girl plastered on the front looked cheery and full of life. Nova groaned, lowering her face to the railing.

"You were a blonde before?" Sunshine asked, picking up the hair dye.

"Yes!" Nova reached for the box and hid it away, "A little darker than honey blonde, but yeah, I was. No way I'm dying my hair back though."

"Ugh, honey, it might be time for a touch up," Sunshine motioned to Nova's roots. A few blond strands were starting to show.

"It might be a good change," Song offered, "I mean, it's not like you're going to get hair dye anywhere around here. Take what you can get, right?"

Nova stared blankly at the two, but just before she could say anything, she heard someone shout "Theodore!"

The girls turned towards Armpit, Squid, Zigzag and Magnet, who were throwing rocks towards a hole.

Must be for another bet, Nova concluded.

A boy with dark brown, curly hair in an tight afo style, average height, wearing a clean suit ran up to the group.

"Hey Theodore, is there a place where I can fill my canteen?"

Nova inwardly shuddered when Armpit took the guy and put him in a headlock close to his armpit.

Squid pointed his chin towards the assumed newbie, "You know he smells bad, right?"

"My name, is not Theodore," Armpit emphasized before pushing the newbie to the ground. "It's Armpit."

"Looks like new meat is getting chewed out," Sunshine snickered as the group gathered around the boy.

"There's a water speaker over there," Armpit motioned towards the faucets used for filling canteens. After stumbling to get up, the youth walked towards the faucets. The gang went towards the steps of the Hall.

"Man Pit, why you gotta be so mean?" Zigzag said.

"I ain't being mean, I'm his mentor," Pit pointed to his chest, "Isn't that what I'm supposed to do? That's my duty"

Magnet glanced up towards the girls and smiled at Song. The new kid waved thank you to the boys of boys laughed, as Armpit, Squid and Zigzag moved towards the doors of the hall. Nova managed to close the parcel before Magnet could get too close.

"What's up guys?"

"Not a ton," Sunshine replied. "Who's the fresh meat?"

"I think his name is Stanley, just got shipped in today. Armpit got stuck with him as his 'mentor'."

"He looks skiddish," Nova noted, "He'll learn soon enough. Is he a newbie for D-tent?"

"Yeah, he got Barfbag's bed."

"I'll take it Barfbag's not coming back then?"

"Sorry, Mom says that he'll be in the hospital for a little while. From what I heard he wasn't as fortunate as Beauty in getting there with a ton of time. That and the hospital is short staffed. He's still getting treatment."

Nova sighed, as she looked out onto the yard.

"Hey listen, X-ray told us guys to give you girls some space, but you're welcome to come sit with us at dinner if you want," Magnet rubbed the back of his head. Song looked to Sunshine.

"I'm fine as long as sit as far from X-ray as I can. And he better not start shit with me," Sunshine folded her arms over her chest.

"Sure thing chica, that can be arranged."

Nodding, Sunshine continued to sweep sand off the edge of the deck. Nova put the box on the ground near the outside wall and followed suit.

"We'll see you at dinner," Song said. Magnet simply smiled before he turned and walked back to the others. When he left, Song heard someone cough in front of her. The new boy was staring wide eyed at the girls.

"I didn't know there were girls at this camp."

"There are," Sunshine stated, " What do you want."

Spooked, the boy fumbled with his jug, "U-uh, I was just wondering what to do next, l-like should I be somewhere or...?"

Sunshine sighed, "Right now, it's chore time. Usually happens six times a week after you dig holes. Or at about 3 o'clock. There's a bulletin board by the shovel shed that says what tents do what, but mostly we do the same work. D-tent cleans the halls. I suspect because today's your first day, you won't be asked to do much. Besides, supper will be ready soon."

"Uh, okay..."

"Just go what in your tent until you hear the dinner bell."

"Okay!"

He scanned the three girls over, but looked frightened at Nova's appearance. He then turned and sped walked towards the lettered tent's.

"Doesn't seem like he has much going on up here," Sunshine motioned to the side of her head.

"Sunshine!"

"What? I'm just sayin' Song. So Nova, you gonna dye your hair or not?"

"Nah, did you see his face? I like that type of intimidation. Feels good, you know?"

Sunshine rolled her eyes, smirking as she did so. "We'll just have to see how he fits in, I guess."

Song sat down next to Magnet at supper time. The good thing for her was that today's menu had no sign of gruel on them. Just your healthy helping of every type of bean. Sunshine sat at the end of the table opposite X-ray. She sneered in his direction before digging into her meal. Zigzag motioned for Nova to sit beside him.

"Have you guys met Stanley yet?" Zigzag asked the girls.

"Yeah, he came to ask us what to do next after Armpit showed him his namesake," Sunshine paused to take a sip of water.

"Namesake?"

"When you stuffed him into your armpit, Pit."

The boys at the table hollered and laughed. "Hey Stanley, this where you sit," Zigzag moved over to allow the new boy in. Nova nearly blushed when she realized how close her and Zigzag were sitting. "Sit down."

There was a moment of silence as Stanley sat himself down on the bench.

"Hey, yo new kid," X-ray tried to get Stanley's attention, "Yo, so see you didn't dig today, you wouldn't mind giving up your bread to someone who did, now would cha?" He placed the white bread beside his tray. Sunshine rolled her eyes but said nothing.

"No, you can have it," Stanley said quietly.

"So what they'd get you for?" Squid asked. Always the starting question, Song smirked as she leaned in closer to hear.

"Stealing a pair of shoes."

Song noticed Magnet perk up as the boys laughed.

"From the store?" Squid raised his mug, "Or were they still on someone's feet?"

"No no, he just killed the dude first," Zigzag spoke quietly, "He just left out that little detail,ain't that right?" Nova elbowed him lightly in the arm. He stuck his tongue at her, which earned him a smirk.

"They were Clyde Livingston shoes," Stanley explained further.

Song noticed Zero perk up as Squid and Armpit exclaimed in shock.

"Man, you did not steal no Clyde Livingston"Sweet Feet" shoes," X-ray said in disbelief.

"It was his World Series cleats."

"Hold on," Magnet threw down his napkin," How did you get them? He's like the fastest guys in the Majors." He pointed to Squid, who was an avid watcher of the games, whenever the TV worked.

"He hit four triples in one game," Squid said with food in his mouth.

"Clyde Livingston donated his shoes to a homeless shelter," Stanley told them, with a hint of guilt in his voice.

Song nearly tuned out of the conversation, until:

"Did they have red X's on them?"

Song dropped her spoon and stared at Zero, who had talked for the first time since she got there. The rest of the group was shocked to silence.

"You got Zero to talk!" Squid broke the silence.

"Yo, what else can you do Zero?" Armpit wondered. Zero turned his head from Armpit to Stanley.

"Yeah, yeah they did," Stanley told him simply.

Zero returned to his food. Song still hadn't touched her spoon.

"WELL, that just happened, and I'm going to leave before anything else weird happens," Sunshine picked up her empty tray. "You girls coming?"

"Let me finish my beans," Nova scooped another spoonful in her mouth.

"You can stay, don't choke yourself. What about you Song?"

"I was going to check the office after, see if my family replied."

"O-kay, I'll be back at the tent if you need me."

Sunshine dropped her tray off with a clang and walked out the door.

"So uh, I didn't know there were girls here," Stanley spoke up.

"Stanley, this is Song and Nova," Zigzag pointed, "And Sunshine just left."

"Nice to meet you, Stanley," Nova saluted as she shoved her mouth full of beans.

He waved sheepishly before returning to his food.

"It won't bite if you eat quickly," Song hummed, smirking at the memory. Stanley nodded as he scooped more beans into his mouth. The group chatted on about sports for the rest of dinner. Squid and Armpit got into an argument about which baseball team was better. They decided to settle it over a game of poker.

"Come on Squid, he needs to keep some of his shower tokens," Zigzag pleaded, "Armpit is starting to stink cause of the heat."

"Ah, shut up man, yo momma doesn't seem to mind my aroma."

Zigzag flipped Pit the bird. Nova was trying not to giggle beside him. "Wanna have another bet with this?"

"Sure," Nova shrugged, "But I want shower tokens AND bread this time as winnings."

"Loser gives up three tokens and bread for a week?"

"Deal."

The four left towards the Rec Hall. X-ray mumbled something about going back to the tents and left.

"...Are Nova and Zigzag a thing?" Stanley pointed towards the retreating duo, as Nova shoved Zigzag.

"They seem like it, don't they?" Song rested her head on her hand, " They say they're just friends, but they have a different way of flirting."

"Basically, Nova punches Zigzag and he ruffles her hair. They make bets and do funny skits together," Magnet hummed.

"If that ain't true love, what is?" Song smirked as the quadruplet left the hall. Magnet coughed as he stood up.

"I'm hitting the showers. I'll see you later."

He rose, leaving the table quickly. Song stared at his retreating backside, a look of concern on her face.

"You don't talk much I take it," Stanley tilted his head at Zero.

"I haven't heard Zero say one word since I got here," Song informed him, shrugging towards the silent boy, "No offense to you".

Zero shrugged.

"Didn't have a reason to talk?" Stanley prompted.

Zero nodded, the small hint of a smile gracing his lips.

"Well I think you got a good voice Zero, you should talk more often," Song smiled gently. An oh so faint blush glowed on Zero's cheeks. He stood to discard his tray.

Motioning to Stanley's half eaten tray, Song asked, "All done?"

"I guess".

"Zero here can take you back to the tent. I gotta stop by the office".

Stanley followed after Zero to the trashcan and then out the doors. Song walked from the hall into the cool air outside. Tucking a loose hair behind her ear, she made her way to the office where they keep supplies, extra suits, and mail.

Stepping inside, she found a boy from A-tent organizing and shining boots while he was being overlooked by a guard.

"There any more mail in here?"

"Far as I know, it's all gone. But hey, I have no objections to a pretty lady like yourself taking a look," the boy winked.

If Song's eyes could roll any farther into the back of her head, she probably would have seen her brain.

The guard watched her like a hawk as she made her way to the "mail room". A simple closet with shelves carried all the mail for the camp. One shelf had a box for outgoing mail, the other incoming. Peering into the incoming box, she found nothing inside. Grumbling, she replaced the lid.

"Feel free to stop by any time, gorgeous," the boy called out as she left. She stuck around long enough for the guard to tell the boy to shut up and get back to work.

Shit like that normally doesn't happen. Sure, it's an almost all guys camp, but I never get objected to sneering or rude comments. Strange. Then again, I'm usually in the company of the guys or Nova and Sunshine. Oh well, lucky me I guess.

As she walked back towards the tent's, she thought she heard something hiss.

It couldn't have been a snake, that was too loud, and Mr. Sir should be on patrol by now. That sounds too much like a human.

Song turned completely 360 degrees, but saw no one. Concerned, she picked up her pace, making it inside her tent just as a shot rang out from the other side of camp.

"You okay?" Nova raised an eyebrow, her winnings were being counted on her cot.

"Yeah, I'm okay. My mind's playing tricks on me."

"Must be the heat," Nova hummed, gathering the tokens in her pillowcase for safe keeping.

"Did you leave Zigzag any tokens?"

"A little. If he needs a shower, I can chuck one at his head. I managed to get one from Squid too." Song chuckled when she received a wink from her little, goth looking friend. While Nova's hair was still black, her roots were slowly starting to show their true blonde color, though not enough to comment on the fact. She had brought only one tube of red lip stick to camp and used it conservatively. She still wore her combat boots, only because she felt more comfortable digging holes in them. Her nose ring was tiny enough not to take away from her whole face. There was no makeup around her grey eyes.

She is a very pretty girl, Song thought to herself.

Sunshine strolled into the tent, an air of annoyance surrounding her.

"What's eating you?"

"Nothing Nova, just had a run in with X-ray."

"Oh? How'd that go?"

"Peachy." Sunshine shoved her hands into her pocket.

"Well what the hell happened?"

Sunshine was approaching the girl's tent when a voice called out to her. Turning, her mouth made a thin line upon the realization it was X-ray.

"You got a minute?"

"No."

"Oh come on, something's wrong. Talk to me girl."

"There is nothing to talk about."

"...It's about Barfbag isn't it?"

Placing her hands on her hips, Sunshine faced X-ray head on.

"You promised to look over him."

"I tried too!"

"You didn't do shit. If it hadn't played out like it did, he might be dead right now! What he did was suicidal! You knew he was upset about Beauty!"

"I never thought he would go that far!"

"He was desperate!" Their shouting had attracted the attention of a few campers and guards. Lowing her voice, Sunshine continued, "He was probably upset that she was alone with her step-father. She told me before that he was her only surviving family member within the southern United States. The shit he did to her regardless, he still has custody over her. She does have a maternal grandmother in Montana, but she can't come down to Texas for a few reasons, but she's suing for custody. Until that goes through, her step dad is the one who is in charge of her during her hospital stay. If I knew Barfbag, that news plus the fact he's such a love sick puppy would be a recipe for disaster."

"I didn't know, okay! If I would have...if I would have seen the signs..."

Lowing her shoulders, Sunshine sighed. "I know. I'm just upset this all happened. We're all pretty roughed up about it."

"Yeah. How's Nova doing by the way?"

"Alright, getting better though. She has a phobia of snakes you know?"

"Yeah, she said that."

"She was shaken up that it happened to both of them. Kinda reenforced her fear."

The two stood in silence for a moment.

"Can you forgive me?"

"Maybe. I'm still mad this had to happen. Especially since this new kid came and is trying to wiggle his way into our lives. It's not that I hate him, he's just skiddish and doesn't have much activity going on in his brain, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it. I don't like it either. Barfbag and Beauty were—are part of our crew. No one takes their place."

"Exactly," Sunshine smirked.

"Soooo...can I get a kiss goodnight if all is well?"

"Ugh, not on your life. I said maybe I would forgive you."

"But-"

"Go back to your tent X-ray." With a turn of a heel, Sunshine stomped back to her tent, leaving X-ray in the dust.7

"Nothing of interest, Nova." Nova gave up trying to get a straight answer. She reached to change into her pajamas. "Any mail?"

"No, all the mail has already been delivered."

"I'm sure a letter will be coming soon girl." Sunshine smiled sympathetically at her friend. Just then, another shot rang out not too far from the tents. "The fuck is Mr. Sir shooting at?"

Nova had just buttoned her sleep shirt when Sunshine and Song poked their heads outside the tent. The tent flap for the D-tent boys was open. They were equally as concerned and spooked.

"Yellow spotted lizards?" Sunshine called out.

"Yeah, Stanley here saw one up close, "Zigzag replied, "Nearly got him too!"

"Damn boy, first day here and you're already lizard bait."

"I'm trying not to be," Stanley called out meekly. The D-tent crew laughed at Stanley's comment. Nova poked her head out of the tent flap. Her sleep attire consisted of a white sleep shirt with blue shorts underneath.

Nova took a token from her pocket and started flipping it in the air. Noticing only Nova's head and arm outside the tent, Zigzag called to her from behind Magnet, "Hey Nova, can I have some tokens back? I haven't had a shower yet."

"Dude, you lost them fair and square."

"No I didn't! There is no way you knew Armpit had a full house!"

Nova stepped out of the tent while Zigzag moved from behind Magnet. Noticing he was shirtless, a faint blush rose on Nova's cheeks. Zigzag had to admit to himself that what Nova was wearing was very flattering to her small stature.

"Ugh, I g-guess you can have one." Tossing the coin in Zigzag's direction, he didn't even register when the coin hit him in the chest. Nova flinched, disappearing into the tent. Squid and Armpit hollered, Sunshine sarcastically rolled her eyes, Song moved inside to check on Nova, and Zigzag bent down to pick up the discarded token. Squid almost made a comment about "bitch change" but it was too late at night to get at it with Zig. The boys moved to start getting ready for bed before lights out came into effect.

Zigzag tucked the token in his pocket.

I can do without a shower for one more day.

I have a nice good chapter for you guys, sorry for the wait. I recently got inspired to look at some old stories. I wrote the majority of this two nights ago. I had to re watch a few scenes of Holes to get the aspects of it just right. I guarantee I will be sick of the movie by the time the story is over. A writer must suffer for her work.

What do you guys think? I'd really appreciate actual comments on this. I get the whole "please update soon, this is good so please right more" bit, but as an author, I don't grow if I don't get more feedback. And to be honest, not getting feedback and simply getting "please update" actually DISCOURAGES me from writing. I do put a lot of effort into research, I just want you guys to see it too. Now: What did you like? Favorite line? How do you think this storyline is progressing? Any head cannons or theories lying around? I would love to hear them, so please share!

Just leave your thoughts with the review button. I'm on Christmas break now, so I might find time to write some more. I have some solid ideas about where to take this, especially when it involves Stanley (and later Twitch). So please, review, and thank you so much for reading :)

On a related note, the story I mentioned last chapter that was plagiarized off of this story is called "Sweeter than Sugar" and is by FireSmiley. I have given her a warning months ago to edit her story, but there are still elements in it that are similar if not word for word from my story. I am reporting her on the grounds of plagiarism and am asking for the story to be taken down. She used my elements that I have researched and thought out on my own. I have been in a similar situation before where my ideas were stolen and I will not stand for it again. If you wish, but you don't have to, feel free to report her as well.

Cheers and Happy New Year,

Riddle.