Wal-Mart

Looking around me at all these young faces, I feel embarrassed. My hair is turning white, I'm getting old and I must seem really weird to them all. Silently, I've made a name for myself; Viktor Walton. I am a wealthy man, and I've decided to treat these young'ns to an enjoyable game. I made them wait in the cold for a while as I drove here, and already some look wary, "Hello." I grumble, recognizing a few faces, though some are new. "I am Viktor Walton, and this where you will be living for the next two months. I will be in there with you, but my facilities are already set up so I don't have to amble around the dark and get lost. I will be watching, through some of the camera's. Each turns on at a different time for a random amount of time so I can keep an eye on you, but they will stay off for a bit too so I don't seem like a old stalker." I paused a moment and coughed into my sleeve. "As mentioned in the phone call, only the hydro for the toilets, sinks, drinking fountains, and the salon wash bins are operating. If you'd like to stop playing, you must walk out the left front entrance, as all other doors will lock after you enter them. I will have a ride arranged for you to go back home- or wherever." Damn it was cold out here. "I've been introduced to you all, so no need for formalities - at least I don't need them. I'll be getting to know you all real soon, just like the rest of you will get to know each other. Please don't maul each other, and have a good time. If you have any questions, important ones, to ask me, knock on the tenants door and I will try to answer them the best I can." I turned to the young girl called Minzy and said "You will be going in through the left entrance, close to the restaurant. Red, you will be entering beside her through the left exit. Through the right entrance will be Alyssa, and the right exit doors will be Roselee. Angelica, you will go in through the fire escape in the hair salon, and Jack will go in through the escape in the lawn and garden section. In through the grocery section is Calyx, and the escape in the paper and cleaning is Caitlyn. Mr.Roy, you will go in through the do-it-yourself exit, and Tharius in by way of the tire and lube exit." I inhaled quickly and exhaled slowly. I don't talk much, and that seemed like a lot to say, for me at least. "Please head to your respective doors and wait for the flare to shoot up into the sky, then you may enter. Let the games begin!" I said the last part heartily and even threw up my hands in the air for effect.

I grin excitedly. Oh, this is so gonna be great! I rejoice inwardly. Walking towards the hair salon, I position myself at the door and wait.
After a few minutes, I start to fidget and squirm inside the down jacket which I'm wearing. I kind of feel lost without my MP3 and headphones. I know I wouldn't have enough battery to last a couple of months, but whatever. It's practically my life.

I nod slowly, I'm excited, but a little disappointed to have been placed in such a spot. I plan out where I'll head, and what I'll pick up on the way. If I am to survive in this place, I'll need supplies. I walk toward my exit point and wait, I am too excited to bother complaining about the frigid breeze, but I can feel it against my coat. The fresh air is nice, too bad I probably won't smell it for another two months. Won't it be weird to be stuck in a place with no light? No windows, and the only place you can see outside is the front doors? I'd definitely need to keep my sanity up by passing by those doors every once in a while. I wonder where I'll stay. Will there be territories? Boundaries? Questions fill my mind, and I shoo them away as I look to the sky. The sun is bright, for a winter day. I can't believe this is the start of my new year. I quietly make a resolution to myself that I'd win.

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.

I arrive a little later than expected and decided to wait alone near one of the doors thinking"i hate large groups i hope i don't have to stay in the exact same part of the store as all of these people."I had a check list of things to find first was if any pets were still alive in the store if so he would release one of the dogs to have as a companion if not he would move to number two on the list and head for food and other supplies hoping i won't have to compete with the others on that by taking the time to do his first goal then he might talk to one or two people maybe.

I tapped my foot on the ground, I was being impatient and was wondering why Viktor hadn't set the flare up. My thoughts were that some people may be confused about finding their doors, and are having a hard time getting around the building to get to them. I shrugged carelessly, trying not to seem to much of a brat while I sat back and frowned because I didn't get what I wanted. At least I’m here, or else- I'd be in school. I thought to myself, trying not to think about school too much. I had convinced my parents to let me stay- saying it was a 'Modern Survival' class. You see, they're paranoid, after their first son died of pneumonia, they've protected me with their lives. I mean, yeah, I'm pretty sure they want me to succeed in life or whatever- but they'd rather be able to know that I can survive off of an everyday shop. They are the kind of people who used to read all the books about 'the end of the world' and stuff like that, but did they have to take it this far? Oh well I thought, glad that they let me come.

Left exit, left exit. Was all I was thinking when I ran for the left exit. "Hurry the hell up and shoot the flare!!" I yelled, wanting this this standing outside to be over.

I get to stay away from everyone I kniw, they make me mad. I shook my head and looked around. Then I leaned my back against the wall and closed my eyes. I was serious now, not like my usual self but does that really matter when you're playing a game? Well, maybe, I don't know, I've always been serious when playing games. Red, is my name, and my favourite colour. It's good to be Red Kelvin. Abd then I opened my eyes again.

I remained in the same spot for a few minutes, waiting for everyone to take their places. Then I waited a few more, just for kicks. Let them think a little, feel a little, maybe even talk a little. I eventually deemed it was time and stiffly pulled out a miniture gun from my coat pocket, aimed it up in the sky and shot. The flare was almost invisible as it climbed into the sky, but you could hear it. Fierce flickering flames battling against the wind. The sound of a match being lit. Fire comsuming air. A sharp intake of breath. I don't know, it was a weird sound and was over as soon as it was high in the sky. Then it split into two little red blaring suns. It was amusing as they fell, like the seeds of a maple tree that I used to call 'rhino horns'. They left an interesting mark in the sky.

Now the contestants could go in and start this adventure.

I turn my head as I hear a fizzing sound come from the sky. The flare! I open my door cautiously, blinded by darkness as I walk inside. I take a few steps forward to find myself face-to-face with the end of a shelf. The only thing I can see at the moment is this one shelf. On it, I can see a little Mr.clean section before my eyes. I take my time shimmying farther up the same aisle, holding on to the shelf as I go. I'm paranoid of falling over things, because as a child I used to have to get up from bed early in the morning, always stubbing my toe on some anonymous metal. Reluctantly, I move on. No time to waste. I think. While I move, I can see items beside me as I walk, only the ones really close to me though. I pass by a little section of toilet paper and paper towels. I take the smallest batch of toilet paper I can find, Who knows? I might need this in emergencies! Only time can tell. I think, holding the package on my arm. I imagine that my sight will return to me when my eyes adjust, so I wait for a second. Finally, I see a hint of white ahead of me, across the Blue-ish grey flooring, and into the clothing section. Womens apparel is my next destination.

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?"

I bent down on the ground, it was still too dark to see properly, so I crawled to the white. It turned out it was a T-shirt. being me, I ignored it and kep on crawling, trying to find somehting dark to snag. Only because, something dark would blend in best to this black envirionment. Finally, I found a Black T-shirt, but nothing else. I stood, balancing myself so I wouldn't fall. I held onto a shelf to keep myself from falling over, then snagged a pair of track pants. I would prefer black ones, but these were grey. "The best I can do." I shrugged, trying to find my way out of the clothing. I crawled some more, only to find useless Mens wear and some childrens stuff. I continued looking, and eventually ran into a rack with a massive pile of shoes on it. The shoes fell down ontop of me, making a bunch of loud 'thud' sounds as they hit the ground. "I'm screwed." I mumbled, getting up from the floor and regaining my balance. I trudged forward, through the pile of shoes, grabbing some dark sneakers (Hence the 'SNEAK') in the process. I could see light, about seven metres away from me. The front doors! Red, Minzy, Roselee and Alyssa would be around here... I thought.

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.

Caylx walked around the aisle seeing the bright light. She signed up for this but had no idea where she was. She knew she had to win though, to help her sister. Had to. Must. She scooted across the middle of the aisle where the bright light is fearlessy and spoke up. "Excuse me? Is someone there?" She asked to the bright light

I stop, hearing the voice nearby. I bend down, taking cover and scoping out who might be there. After a while I don't hear anything more so I shrug it off, and continue on my way. My hands feel infront of me. They are my eyes right now. My hands feel somehting cool, and hard. Metal. I feel some more only to find out that this is a cart! Carts. I can use this to my hoarding advantage. I think, pulling the cart out of the little area it was set in. I pile my stuff into it, preparing to return to the clothing to find some more clothes. I try to retrace my steps, which is nearly impossibe- considering the fact that my eyes aren't adjusted yet. I cart back to the clothes, trying not to run over any shoes with my cart. I find the aisle I was in before, only because of that damned white T-shirt. I stumble a little, having the cart is easier but harder at the same time. I move over to the next aisle, bumping into a shelf with the cart. I grunt in frustration and continue down that aisle, using my hands once more to visualize the fabric. I also bring it close to my face so I can see. Finally, going down this aisle- I've collected a black sweater, black sweat-pants and grey shorts. I also find a dark grey tank-top. With these items- I beleive I'll move on.

Rose:
"Right exit door. Got it!" I mumbled with a slight smile on my face. This was going to be a long month!
As soon as the flare was shot, I slowly made my way in. I was calm and collected, but something inside me told me I was dying with nerves. "Okay Wally World...it's on!" I walked carefully, weaving in and out of isles and attempting to avoid not hitting anything, or anyone. My eyes were wide open, but I could hardly see about 3 feet in front of me. I slid my hand along a shelf to guide me. If only I knew how where to find a flashlight... I thought. It seemed to be getting darker and darker as I walked on. Suddenly, something got in my way. Alright, I tripped. I fell with a loud thump, knocking down a bunch of objects, which I had no idea what they were. "Not even a minute in and i already fell? What the heck?" I mumbled to myself a little annoyed but giggling at the same time. I stood up and dusted myself off. Boy was I glad this was nothing like hide and seek, or else I would of lost already. I was sure the ruckus was heard all the way across the store.

I head back to th carts, going past the shoe pile again. I evaded it this time- but later i'd have to fix that mess. I could hear laughter nearby, and I duck down low. someone is close, REAL close, but I don't know who. I need to find more supplies- so I can establish a base. THEN it's time to make alliances. I follow a long grey-flooring road. I looked near me, the light was right beside me, and I could see outside perfectly. I must be near the second entrance and exit. Next to the salon. I continued moving forward along this road, careful to make sure the wheels weren't squaking. I could see the "Pharmacy" Sign in big bold letters I hurried forward, leaving the cart behind in hopes to make as little noise as I can. Moving slowly down this aisle, I spot some bandage and polysporin, putting some in the pockets of my jacket. I turn slowly slink down this aisle, all the way to the back. Then, I turn right and head down that aisle. Finding nothing in use. Then, I go down the aisle after that, in specific search of some cough and cold syrup, along with throat losenges. I continue searching, but now, I can see cosmetic things 3 metres away. Cosmetics. Too far. i head back in the direction I came, scrambling past the bandage aisle and into the aisle I was searching for. Almost the first thing I find is cough and cold syrup- but its up high, and i'm too short to reach it.

I look around dazed. I really hope no one heard that... I thought slowly making my way down the isle. At least, I think it was an isle. I stopped to think for a second. If I were a flashlight, where would I be? I took a deep breath and kept walking forward. Up ahead there was a sign that read PHARMACY in big bold letters. I definitely wouldn't find a flashlight there. The camping supplies had to be around there somewhere. I kept walking and out of the corner of my eye I saw something move. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest and I came to an abrupt stop, causing my ankle bracelet and the bracelets on my arm to jingle loudly. I mentally kicked myself, realizing I had been making all sorts of noise from the second I came in. But what the heck was moving only a few feet away from me?

I entered the store, and blinked at the sudden change of light. It was hard to see, and I groped at the air to stop myself from banging into anything. My hand felt along the wall. I could hear some-one saying something, but just ignored the voice. There was a slight thump,like the sound of an object hitting the ground. I could faintlysee a small light in the distance, and decided that was the best way to go. Maybe that was the Electronics Store, they would be bound to have some light. "Hello?" I called. "Anyone there?" I turned a corner and saw the beam of a flashlight. I suddenly felt my feet bang into something, and I stumbled to the ground. "Sorry!" I muttered, realizing the person I had tripped over was a person, most likely a female. I scramble back to my feet, and reach out infront of me, my han grabbing at something small and hard. I feel around abit, and realize it's a pair of glasses. With a shrug, I put them on my face, but all it did was make my vision blurry. It didn't really matter though. I couldn't see in this light, anyway.

I nearly yelped when I felt someone bump in to me. I took a deep breathe and looked behind me. I could barely make out a small figure on the floor, but I couldn't tell who it was. "Uh...hello?" i mumbled quietly, reaching out my hands as I walked towards them to make sure I didn't stumble and end up falling, again. My ankle bracelet made a small clingy sound as I walked, so i stopped, attempting to be quiet. "Are you okay?" I asked the figure. Was this who I had just seen move? It couldn't be. They were in a completely different spot now. I had seen the person in front of me, and this one came from behind. It looked like I had found help.

I, Red, saw the flare. Moment to go inside. I crashed inside and started running. The place that's always been in my favour was the electronics section. I've memorised every route to it. Every exit, entrance, fire escape, et cetera. Even in the dark it was easy to know where to go for me. My eyes just adjusting to the darkness, I kept running and finally reached the electronics. Remembering where some blankets and pillows were, Home section, I ran to get some. I don't even care if I'm making noise. When I finally got there I grabbed a blanket than a pillow and ran hard back to the Electronics.

I was making camp there.