"A Tale of Fallen Heroes (Pt. 2)"

Chapter 2: Benches of Stone

Madeline sat on the stone bench, crying silently. Her older sister, Carmin, wrapped her arms around the mute girl; trying to console her.

When Madeline's hiccupping sobs came to a rest, Carmin spoke.

"Who was it, this time?" She asked softly. "Was it the Su boys, again?"

Madeline nodded and her sister's expression hardened.

"They're going to pay for that," the elder girl spoke with malice.

No. Please don't do anything, Madeline signed. I don't want to make it worse.

Carmin shook her head at the sweet girl. Since birth, Madeline had been mute. It was physically impossible for her to speak; it couldn't be helped. But wherever she went, she was bullied for her 'disability.' And more often than not, the Su boys were to blame for her sister's tears.

She hated seeing her younger sister get hurt.

And although she would never tell Madeline, Carmin swore to herself that she would make the two boys pay for every tear they had cost her dear sister.

'''''

Hours later, Carmin sat on the stone bench, lost in thought. It was getting dark outside, but she didn't notice. Her mind wandered, but she never lost her resolve to get avenge her sister.

She felt a hot tear trickle down her cheek. She angrily dashed it away.

Yes, she would make the boys regret the day they messed with Madeline. She would show them just how powerful words were to the wordless.

"Hello, Carmin."

The young woman whipped around to face the unfamiliar voice.

A tall, slender man stood to her right, slowly approaching where she sat.

He donned a hooded black cloak; covering his body and the top of his face.

All she could see was his sharp jaw and sly smile.

"Who are you?! How do you know my name?!" Carmin demanded.

She hated how unnerved the stranger made her feel.

"I know a lot of things about you, Carmin. For instance, you have a mute sister, Madeline, who has been ridiculed for her 'problem.' And that you have a thirst for revenge. I can help you."

Carmin eyed the hooded figure. He continue to speaking, as if her gaze didn't phase him.

"Words are powerful things, aren't they? They can persuade, complement, or hurt someone. They can be used any way and at any time. They can give us such freedom. Your sister has suffered her whole life without them. Wouldn't it be such a shame for others to have the same problem? To be retributed?" he drawled, sarcastically.

"All you have to do," he continued. "Is join me."

Carmin's heart rate quickened.

"How do I know that you're telling me the truth?" she asked.

"You don't. You'll just have to trust me." He chuckled, darkly.

"Who are you?" the young woman queried.

"My enthusiasts know me as 'Night Viper.'"

"Well then, Night Viper," Carmin began. "When do we start?"

The man reached up and lowered his hood, revealing his features at last. His long, purple hair was held back in a masculine ponytail. It swung back and forth, in the nighttime breeze.

Carmin became aware of many shadowy figures nearing them. The tainted people circled the stone bench where she Night Viper stood.

His sharp amber eyes seemed to glow as he spoke.

"Right now."