Tharias Roman's Story

Tire and Lube Express exit. Where the hell is that? I've seen the layout of the Wal-Mart before, briefly, and understood it was around the side. As soon as Viktor had given the “Ok” to leave, I began a slow walk to the right of the building, not in any hurry and honestly savoring the fresh air and the sunlight. I'll probably have weird vision problems after the two months is up, and maybe respiratory problems too... being cooped up in a Wal-Mart for two months. Yeah. But hopefully I'll have some of that money to pay for the medical bills. It didn't take me all that long to find my way to the exit, and I'm a little sad now that I'm here. The door is appropriately labeled, it's this nice blue-gray colour. I'll probably grow to hate it in the time I'm here. I know the others will be reaching their doors now and the flare will go off soon, my laid back demeanor will vanish in a scurry to survive. So many emotions course through me in these seconds. I'm nervous. I'm giddy. I'm scared. I'm curious. My heartbeat picks up a little and close my eyes. Slowly, eyes still closed, I place my hand and touch the door handle. I keep my hand still, I dare not move it in case someone things of it as cheating, but it's really cold. “Bye sun. Bye air.” I in a nostalgic tone. Strange, the one thing running through my head is that I will probably need to think outside the box regarding a shower. Why is personal hygiene so important? I should be thinking of food and water. Oh well. I rock on my heels, open my eyes, and wait for the flare.

If I hadn't been high at that time I wouldn't have taken this offer. Damn drugs, always making sure I don't live a normal life.
Well there are quite a lot of women here and I'm sure they'll be needing some loooovin' soon so I can't say I'm unhappy. Wow, she's one hottie.

"... Mr.Roy, you will go in through the do-it-yourself exit..."

Do it myself? Ofcourse old man, I'm going to do them myself.... Maaann thank God, I'm not high right now or I would have been on the Stairway to my usual cell in the downtown police station, with a sexual assault charge... Mister Roy?! What am I, your uncle? I'm young too, godamnit! Screw this old man... wait no point, he's dying anyways. Damn, if he has so much money, why doesn't he see a doctor. Old fool... With so much money he could be looovin' all the women from Albert street to Ohio Street. At the same time. All night long. Once he's well.

I start walking. Do-it-yourself door...Do-it-yourself door... There! Oh great, there are no women here. The only person here is that Tharius dude. I stand near the door waiting for the flare... whatever that is. Better ask him. I call out to Tharius, "Dude, what's a flare?"

I look up. "Dude, what's a flare?" Oh crap, it's that guy. What was his name again...? Troy? No, that's right, Roy. How can he not know what a flare is? Three or four sarcastic and snappy answers jump to mind right of the bat, but I restrain myself. Why make an enemy before this thing has officially started? I remove my hand from the door handle and stuff it in my pocket. "It's like a signal that is shot into the air and it lets off a burst of light and a loud sound. Like a firecracker but not as fancy." I shrug and turn away.

It took me a moment to realize I was holding my breath. Why? I'm really nervous now, I guess. I look over my shoulder and size the other guy up, trying to do it discreetly but you really can't when out and out staring. Honestly, I'm one of those who will judge a book by a cover and then change my opinions later. If I met him on the streets I wouldn't pay him much attention, or maybe I would due to his somewhat... different appearance. My mind wondered for a split second if he could be insane but I skipped over that an instant later. Nah, he seemed alright. Really all I want is to establish a 'home' and just plain survive. Meeting and socializing would have to come after I had the necessities.

My eyes are intent on the sky, watching and waiting. And suddenly there it is; the flare. I hear the sound of it first, a quick sound that sounds kind of like a loud hissing cat. Then twin red balls of light are in the sky, no trace of how they got up there save for a dark smoke trail. Another second paused in the air and then they fall, spiraling downwards in hypnotic loops. The trail left by them looked like a swirly mini tornado outline. I grabbed the handle and turned it, pulling open the door. I took one last breath of fresh air, and then I stepped inside. The last of the light disappeared as the door shut behind me. It was this hazy, blurry dark that my eyes couldn't quite get the hang of. I'm betting in an hour I'll be able to see better, though.

I take my first step uneasily, hands held out a little to the sides of me for balance, but still forward enough for me to make sure I don't smack into anything. Thankfully Wal-Mart is designed with wide aisles for carts, so my slow journey isn't stopped by trying to find a clear path. What I didn't count on was the mini bin they had planted smack dab in the middle of an aisle, I tripped over it and fell awkwardly to the side and hitting a giant shelf. “Shit!” I cursed loudly, my word echoing through the seemingly empty store. I picked my self up and poked my cheek which had a scratch. I felt my way back to the bin and inspected it's contents. A whole bunch of packets of air fresheners. Now I was doubly careful as I trudged along, practically dragging my feet. My eyes started to adjust and I could pick out shapes and guess what objects were, like tires and steering wheel covers.

Finally I was out of the Tire and Lube Express, and into another dark aisle.

Burst of fire and light and sound... I look up at the sky and see what Tharius was talking about. I guess this is the cue for us... I walk inside into the darkness... What little light is there, is there because of the moon, so I block the exit from closing.

Now, first things first. Since this is the place where those stupid rich and 'civilized' people go, I'm guessing I won't find drugs and even alcohol... This is going to be a nightmare... The light isn't enough but I know a way to traverse this place, mostly because I have traversed dark alleys as a child trying to get away from bullies, but let's not discuss that. I hear noises and what sounded like a person shouting. Well, someone isn't using their brain.

Now, since there is nothing to do I am going to search the shelves for something of value. It's Do-it-yourself so I should find something useful. I spread out my hands parallel to the ground to my side. This allows me to move easily, keeping those shelves away... Next step in the How-To-Walk-In-A-Dark-Alley manual is to take small steps and keep the sole of shoes as close to the ground as possible. Maaaann, running away hasn't helped this much before...

I look at the things on the shelves but the darkness isn't helping. Maybe the torch in the pho- Oh, right I don't have my phone now... Damn rules... I guess the next step would to be to get to the exit of this store. Even my with awesome walking-in-the-darkness I am stumbling... Damn Obama... It's his fault. I know he planned these aisles this way so people will fall and be forced to take his draconian Medical health care plans... Oh No Obama, you ain't winning against me.

I keep walking straight till my legs hit a shelf in front of me. Jackpot. A shelf placed this way means only one thing. Somewhere along this wall is the exit...

I was wrong... Luckily, using the one hand rule I was able to get out of the store. Damn Obama and his lackeys!

Next step in my faltering plan: Find the electronic store... Oh wait, Tharius was in the store next to mine so I guess he is somewhere close by. He looked upperclass enough to have visited Walmart before, I think... I shout, "Yo, Do you know where do Electronics store is?"

Just two meters away from me I can hear someone else and I freeze in my tracks. "Yo, Do you know where do Electronics store is?" comes Roy's voice. Man I need some kind of light cuz' a voice from the darkness can really scare a person. From working as a carpenter I got used to glancing at blueprints or designs and then could keep them in my mind like they were in front of me. Anything else I'll likely forget. The layout Viktor had shown me a while ago was fresh in my head. Tire and Lube. Do-It-Yourself. Craft. Electronics. “It's after the Crafts, which is to your right.” I tried to make out his figure but couldn't see anything. Oh well. “See you around.” I replied, already walking the other way, to where the Sporting Goods should be. I passed by another section that smelt like rubber, oil and other various chemicals. My feet chuffed on the ground as I inched forward, I tried to stick to the shelves at the end of the aisles and use them as a guideline.

My eye's were still trying to adjust, but it was still really difficult to see. I stopped after a while and ducked into a smaller aisle, hopeful that it would be the section I wanted to be. I inspected the shelf I was closest to and it's objects, and was rewarded with a rough outline of a fishing rod. Camping supplies had to be in the next aisle over. I scooted along the shelves and over into the next aisle. Nope. This was fitness. I went back to the fishing section and tried the aisle to the other side of it. Bingo. Camping.

I felt the objects on the shelf, looking for a flashlight so I could see. I got a big grin on my face as my fingers clasped around a large emergency flashlight. I fumbled with it for a second, tracing my fingers around it try to find a switch or a button. A yellow-white beam jumped to life in my hands and I let out a laugh of triumph.Let there be light, I joked. I grabbed three more flashlights and 5 packets of batteries that were hanging beside them. Next I used the light and scanned the aisle, grabbing a medium sized tent that had a picture of a smiling family on it. Really? Are families that happy? I slung the package's strap over my shoulder like a purse and kept on.

Next on my mental list was a sleeping bag, which was close by. It had a string on the top of it's cover so I didn't have to carry it awkwardly. I finished by grabbing a lighter before making my way back to the fitness section. I chose a really large gym back and shoved the flashlights, lighters, and batteries in the bag. Now that I had a bed – kind of – and a light, I thought about what I might need next. I sighed and walked down the next aisle.

I wave my flashlight beam around, facing the direction I knew the toys would be, illuminating the long stretch of path. People further down could probably see the light, as I could defiantly hear people. Now that I had a light I could move around quicker, so I got to the section in under a minute. I shone the light over countless board games and puzzles, but I didn't think I'd need one of those unless I got extremely bored. I moved on and found myself in a girl's aisle, pink exuberant toys were displayed everywhere. Defiantly never ever needing anything here. Ever. Ok, maybe the stuffed cow that was eerily staring at me, but that would be for later.

Finally I hit the jackpot : Boys Toys. There were Hot Wheel cars and Lego's and all sorts of goodies. Though, I'm not here to play, but rather to grab a Nerf gun and a foam sword. These are convenient ways of soft defense. Just in case. I browse the toy guns and finally choose one with a big cartridge and a long range. Oh baby! I feel a little childish as I rip open the box and equip my new weapon, making sure that I grab extra ammo. Close beside is a strong foam sword, and I stuff it under my arm with the rest of my stuff. The extra ammo goes in the gym bag. I feel so 'cool', with my Nerf gun to protect me.

"Damn, I.. Can't...Reach.." I huffed, crossing my arms finally. I tried one more time and gave up. "Screw this. I'm going to find a base." I hissed quietly, turning from that aisle to where my cart is. I shuffle over, feeling the metal under my fingers. I grab the cart, and do a U-turn. I'm headed for Cosmetics now, I'd really need something that smells good so I don't smell like a ball of grease. I move my cart forward, making a high-pitched screech. Seriously? I'm pretty bad at this. Hey?! What's that? I think, seeing a shining light down the grey-blue pathway towards the back of the store. I immediately take action, leaving my cart behind in order to protect my items. I sprint to the brightly-coloured toys and notice the light is really close. I search around for something to keep the opponent busy, staying as close to the light as I can, so I can see the options of what I can use. I hear a 'clicking' sound and I reach for the first thing in the aisle beside me. Wait- a NERF gun?! Are you serious? Whatever. I tell myself, opening the box and taking the gun out. It was a little orange and black pistol-type thing. I put the ammo in and load the gun. Rounding the corner and pointing it at someone. I realize it's Tharias.

And there it was, the sound of a toy being unwrapped. I'd know it anywhere. The frustration of plastic ties and tape that was practically cemented to cardboard, plastic casing that cut under your nails when you tried to pry it off. I spun around and found myself facing the girl called Caitlyn, she had a Nerf pistol aimed at my chest. The light from the flashlight shone in her face, and I winced. After being in the dark, the full on power of light would not be fun for the eyes. I hiked all the things I was carrying farther up my shoulders and quickly shot off 5 shots in her general direction, hoping they would hit. Then in quick precession I ducked into the next aisle and stuffed all my stuff onto one of the bottom shelves, so I could better use the light and Nerf gun. I jumped back to the previous aisle and readied myself.

I swish my head around as I watch someone race past me. "What the...?" I walked in the direction the figure had gone and ran in to a cart. "Oww!" I slightly pushed the cart aside and ran in the same direction as the figure. When I stopped I realized I was in the toys section. A devious smile spread across my face, than I heard steps and rattling of toys and finally a voice. "Ah ha!" I said a little louder than expected. I quickly grabbed the nearest thing that I could reach for protection. A light saver? I giggled a little than clutched the handle. I'm not a violent person, but I will kick some butt if need be!

My eyes hurt, that idiot shone a flashlight in my face! I'm angry now, and I have to fight back. He'd already blinded me, and shot me in the stomach. I weilded a plastic lizard and held it at my side. I scooched away into the darkness, before he could come to face me again. I look behind me- and up on the shelves against the wall, I find a dora scooter. I jumped on, speeding from the end of that aisle to around it, in the aisle beside it. I scoot forward, being careful not to run into random crap. He made it easier to see with the flashlight- so it was easier to maneuver around the thin aisles. I appeared behind him, now. I aim my lizard carefully, at his chest. Then fire. It seems to swerve wrong and hit him in the cheek.

When I looked in the previous aisle no one was there, but I could hear someone, maybe more than just a someone. The hell? I thought to my self and look around. She's gone, but my darts from the toy gun are on the floor. I bend down and pick them up and reload the gun. I guess she left. I walked towards where I stashed my stuff when I heard something squeak ever so slightly. I turned around and there she was. This time I made sure I pointed the light not in her face and I studied her. She was on what appeared to be a small child's scooter and was brandishing a plastic lizard. And then she threw it at me, I didn't think she would so I wasn't prepared.

It hit me on the side of the face, the plastic was sharp and the thing was heavy, falling to the ground. “Oww?!” was the first thing that came out of my mouth. That's where I hit my cheek earlier. I poke my cheek a second time and it felt sore, I looked up at her accusingly. I willed my pupils to enlarge and gave her my best 'I'm a poor hurt puppy and it's your fault' look. Hopefully this would get her guard down, because after holding this look for a few more seconds I unleashed Nerf gun fury, this time aiming at her face, knowing the foam and suction cup darts couldn't do much damage. Like before after firing I ducked and rolled – yes, rolled – into the aisle I had stashed stuff in. My roll was really sad and I probably shouldn't of done it because here I am, lying on my belly, vulnerable. But I mean c'mon. It's in the moment, for effect, and in my mind I seem pretty dang awesome.

Another two darts hit me in the head and I fell back, off my scooter. It threw me off balance and I struggled to stand. By the time I was up, he was down, on his stomach. But he wouldn't stay that way. I grabbed the next nearest thing and studied it quickly, hoping it was useful.

Oh, and it will be, my friends, it will be. A foam sword is now in my hands. Being as generous as I am, I give him few seconds to stand. Because a noble fight is fair, right? Definetly not because I was trying to get the plastic darts off my face, no, no. I hear somehting else in an aisle close to us. Another person perhaps? Anyways, I struggle to make it seem like he headn't hit me at all, I placed my gun on a shelf and reload it with ammo.

I know she's there, hovering close to me. I had dropped my flashlight on the ground and now I reach for it, but how can I carry it while fighting? So instead I fumbled around for the foam sword I had left on the bottom shelf. Tent...no. Gym bag...no. Ah ha! Foam sword. I pushed myself up with my arms and while crouching I rocked back on my heels and propelled myself to my feet. Smooth. She was just setting her Nerf pistol on a shelf, though it was harder to see her now that the flashlight was on the ground. I thought about picking it up and placing it on a high shelf so I could see better, but what if in the process she struck? I would have to take my chances. Besides, the bottom halves of our bodies you could see just fine. Who needs to see anything else when sword fighting?

I stand up from the ground and run down the aisles, my eyes finally adjusted enough for me to see ahead of me without banging into anything. I walk up another aisle and recognise it immediately as the toys section. I walk over to the shelves, which are lined with row after row af dolls, and the proper one's too, where you can change the clothes and brush the hair. I take one of them from the shelf and delicately open the box, swiftly removing it from the packaging with my nimble fingers. I stroke the dolls blonde hair, and take the brush out of the box, brushing her silkly hair. I look up suddenly, hearing something close by, and immediately drop the doll. I'll look like the biggest pussy ever if I'm found stroking the dolls hair.

I continue down the aisles, arriving at the bikes section. I grab one and hop on, whizzing around the store. I can't even remember the last time I rode a bike, but it's just one of those things you never forget. I take a sharp turn, almost banging into the aisle beside me and grab something from the aisle, not sure of it's contents. I park the bike and lean it against the shelf, taking a closer look at the box. It's a remote control plane. How the hell this will help me, I'm not sure, but it could come in handy. I put it in the bikes basket and turn around. That Tharius guy is lying on the floor with a Nerf Gun in his hand. I have got to get one of those, I think. Wait, what the fuck is he doing on the floor? I roll my eyes and hop on my bike, riding off again, looking for the boys toys section. They have to be close. I see an action figure, and nod to myself. If my memory's correct, it's right down here.

And sure enough, there it is, right beside a bunch of other guns and army hats of sorts. I grab a gun off the shelf, take its darts out and put them in the basket, just in case I need to reload, before putting that box back and taking another one. I rip open the box, not caring who hears, and once again hop on my bike. I'm planning on heading to the Apparel Section next, I need a bag to carry all the stuff I'm hoping to get. Then I'll head to the food section.

I arrive at the clothes,and the first thing I do is grab a bag off the shelf, stuffing my supplies into it, and then in tun the bag into the basket. I'm about to head to the food section when I spot it. The Shorts. I can't help it, I head to the restrooms, which I can see aren't too far away and get changed, before heading off again.

This bike really is coming in handy. I'm going much faster than if I were on foot because, to be honest, I've never been the sporty one. Even as a kid, I didn't like soccer or anything, like all the other kids. I randomly stuff food into my bag, and notice some beers in the corner, and stuff them into my bag too, which is almost full by now. I walk over to the counter and check the register, just in case, but they've emptied the register before-hand. Typical.

Now all I need is light. So off I go again to the Electronics store.

Change Of Clothes And Bag Here.

All I saw were darts flying past my face. Surely this means war, and I was not going to be the first one to be beat! I am definitely not a fighter. I could never even hurt a fly. But since they were toy weapons, i figured What the heck? Why not? I searched around and found a black pair of roller blades. "Score!" i whispered. I quickly kicked off my sandals and put on the roller skates. Not too much fun wearing those without socks, but it would have to do for now. I held on to my light saver and found a little button in the process. I pushed it and behold! The light-saver came to life. I smiled to myself, feeling like an idiot. But on the plus side, it served both as a light and a weapon!

I rolled closer to the isles where I say movement, but saw nothing. So i went in circles and rolled in and out of isles, when suddenly I tripped on something (or someone) on the floor and quickly lost balance. "Wahh!" i struggled to regain my balance but quickly lost it and fell, butt first on the floor.

I point my sword at him, watching the movement of his body the whole time. My eyes catch glimpse of something in the corner of my eye, I suspect its someone planning to join in on the battle. I look at my surroundings, wonderng if He was ready or not. I focus my attention back in on him, pointing the sword at him. My focus was diverted from Tharias to a figure hovering by, with a glowing stick of insanity. In a flash, somehting crashed- I wasn't sure if it was Tharias or not. But I was alert now, and still aiming my sword at him. "Let's dance, pretty boy!" I chuckled, swinging my sword through the air in a motion like a figure eight with the blade. It made a swishing sound.

I quickly get on my feet and clutch the light-saver "Boy?" I giggle, than look down. "Oh, shoot! I'm so sorry!" i look straight ahead and see the outline of a girl, with what seems to be a Nerf gun in her hand. I look at my light-saver and frown. "How the heck am I supposed to protect myself with this?" I mumble holding it up in defeat.

“I'm not a boy!” I exclaimed, and then winced, realizing how bad that sounded. “I'm a man...” I murmured the last part, hoping that would make up for the fact of how pathetic I sounded for the first comment. I tried to woosh my sword around like Caitlyn, but stopped myself. I'd likely drop it and look silly when I went to pick it up. I glanced over to the other girl, Roselee. She didn't seem to like the light saber she was holding and the toy's light lit up her face so you could see her frown. “I'm confused... I'm gunna thwack this one over here,” I motioned with my hand over to Caitlyn, “but I don't know what to do with you...” I said almost apologetically to Roselee. Things were quite for a few seconds, and I prayed that Caitlyn was momentarily distracted by the new girl before jabbing out with her sword towards her stomach. I knew full well how touchy girls were about being poked in the stomach by a guy.

Rose:
I looked over at the boy (sorry, man) and grinned. "You don't know what to do to me? Well, good!" I said swinging the light-saver and knocking the sword out of his hands, than quickly picking it up. I smiled with the sword in one hand and the light-saver in the other than moved over to where the other girl was standing. "Something important to know about girls...they always stick together" i said grinning and holding my weapons, ready to fight. I quickly remembered I was still on roller blades which was definitely an advantage. Specially since I had to wear roller blades at the Cafe and i had plenty of practice.