Mall Rats Return

[Tribelover15]

Lottie

I looked up from my cleaning session and see Zandra, I wipe my forehead with my sleeve as I begin to smile. “That’s sweet of him and I’m happy to accept his offer” I tell her eyeing the corners, I had seen a small one that I was keeping an eye out for but I’m sure a big one is hiding somewhere just waiting for its attack.

I let out a sigh and nodded my head “I think so too, not sure I’ll be able to get it the way it use to be but I’ll do my best to make it so someone can live in this room” it was a challenge and I was happy to do it. I probably wasn’t gonna stay that long depending on how long it would take to sort this out. But many ideas did float in my head of what I could do.

[Zandra]

Zan

“Why dont I help you, we can move all the stuff you dont want to keep out the room, by the time we have done that Andy will be over to collect spiders and probably clear the spider webs in the corners” I offer her the help.

I liked Lottie, she was easy to chat to and because she wasnt here when I was there isnt any angry feelings.

[Jack]

Eciov

God I am a dumbass! I had figured out Tally knew off Amber’s pregnancy but not the status of mother and child. I smile from the corner of my mouth when Tally refers to Ebony as a ‘witch’. I now knew what I could shock Tally with next…

Tally then continues on about pregnancy and stuff leaving me blank… “So yeah, Amber she did return with her son. And that ‘witch’ Ebony, she has sisters!”

Tally looks at me, her eyes bulging out of her head. “Your eyes! They were part of the Techno’s. Both wives to the leader. Java was as cuckoo as Ebony, but Siva she was different. She joined the Mall Rats and spent most of her time folding clean clothes that she never wore. It would be nice to see her again. But come to think of it maybe she was the most crazy, she dated Lex!”

@Zwenja

[Tribelover15]

Lottie

I smiled at Zandra’s offer, i did really like her. She was kind but also fierece which was people i had looked up to when i was younger. ”I would like that. If there is stuff that should stay but i dont want it here there should be some other place for it im sure”

I wasnt sure what i would be left with beside a bed, something to put my clothes in and maybe a nightstand but it would be nice tl clear everything out. ”If you need help in your room i can help out as well”

[Zwenja]

Tally

I listen curious to Ecoivs words. Let’s say… If I’d be drinking something right now, I’d be spilling it all over!

“Sisters… Wait… Three witches… Like Hkcus Pocus!” I grin. Andy, would now say something like “Yeah fuck who was the virgin setting the candle aflame?”

“Well it probably will take weeks to catch each other up to date. I mean that one girl… Zandra… I think I heard her name before…we never met that Lottie girl… So someobe new to get to know, just like you. And if more show up… It will be lots of talks and stories. Bet the Serpents will love that…” I do quotation marks, saying the word LOVE…

“Maybe we should take a break and say hello to Cloe… I liked her back the days… She never was just a follower…”

@Jack

[Danni]

DANNI

Cloe and her friends move away from the fountain and after a moment I pick myself up and wander over to one of the empty shops. Looking around I stare at the mess for a moment before a yell pulls my attention back to the moment. Biting my lip I put my bag down and carefully move into the room, trying to work out what this shop would have been.

I can’t tell if it’s been lived in before, but either way it really needs sorting. There are racks and racks that appear like displays and I eventually decide this must have been some kind of comic book shop. My options are limited but I decide to start by just moving the stuff I don’t want to the door, and then I can sort out the space a bit better after that.

There has definitely been something living in here, and the number of cobwebs indicate I’m going to find some nice creepy crawlies but I try and just focus on clearing the space one box at a time.

[Jack]

Eciov

I grin when Tally mentions ‘three witches like Hocus Pocus’. I remember my parents had that movie on repeat before the virus wiped them out I somehow remember it had to be a virgin to set the black candle alight. Back then I didn’t know what virgin meant but I certainly do now… I must remember if I come across any candles not to light it, I don’t want to be responible for bringing the Sanderson sisters here… Us Mall Rats are enough for The Serpents, let alone the crazy supernatural… It’s funny how our minds can wander sometimes eh?

I would be lying if I had heard everything Tally had said what with my mind wandering but I did catch about us taking a break and saying hello to Cloe…

I place my mop and bucket to the side.“A break sounds good! I would love to say hello to Cloe. I am ready when you are. Cloe was also smart, apart from when she hooked up with one of the Techno’s.”

@Zwenja

[Zwenja]

Tally

I nod to Eciov agreeing to the break. I take Leo from his box and realise he needs a change. I grab the bag Andy left here and carefully place the blanket down to change Leo fast. The used nappy towel goes into the special bag to be washed later. I really need to check that out here. I probably can wash the towels out while I shower? And at last wash his little onesie then too. Use the water efficiently…

I now hold Leo “Then let’s go and say hello… So Cloe had a boyfriend?”

Together we walk around to where Cloe wants to stay…

@Jack

[Jack]

Eciov

“My lips are sealed. That’s a conversation for you and her when you catch up…” I leak my arm with her’s. Leo is being held in the other. I spot Cloe talking with Salene and Dee outside their chosen room. I did feel a bit guilty heading over and interrupting. I wasn’t sure how long they had been speaking for. It was now or never though, because who knows how long it will be until more ex Mall Rats rock up…

I unlink from Tally and run ahead hoping Cloe will put her arms out for me to run into. “CLOE! Guess who…”

@Zwenja @Tribelover15 @Salene

Andy

The container was filled with spiders. Each time I would put another one inside, the ones within would scurry around and nearly manage to escape back into Zandra’s room but no spiders managed it, not on my watch. I did one final swoop and found zero more unwelcome guests.

I pick up the container and head through the sewers. I climb the ladder and head over to Bert and Ernie. At first I felt my heart racing as I couldn’t even see where I had covered them, I had hid them that well. I perch down in front of Bert and Ernie and release the spiders into the grass. “Bert and Ernie will keep an eye on you. Su casa es tu casa (Their house is your house.)” I roll my eyes and pick up the empty container and head back down the ladder as I mutter, “I do worry about myself sometimes… I blame that fruitcake from when I had to babysit him in the cage…”

[Zandra]

Zan

I grinned at Lottie, sounds like a good deal to be, we’ll get these rooms sorted in no time" I tell her and start moving things while being very aware of more potentional unwanted visitors.

I moved a fair bit of stuff outside, clothes and blankets that had holes in them, empty boxes and containers, anythign that I thought I wouldn’t want in mine and it meant Lottie could always go through the pile incase I had put out anything worth keeping.

I was fairly impressed with what we had managed, the room looked loads better but there was still some piles int he corner and I was sure there would be spiders lurking in there. I had dropped a few things as the little crawlers fell out but i managed not to scream… again.
Hopefully Andy will come along soon and clear them away

[Jack]

Andy

I bomb it through the sewers and back into the Mall. I decide to take the route behind the staircase past Zandra’s as Rossini’s shoes was where me and my family were and then it was the cafeteria so it made sense to go that way. I fly into Zandra’s spider-free room and grab the dirty mag and glass. I nearly bang into a woman with dark hair holding a box outside of Magazines. I spot Zandra and Lottie just close by outside the Music shop. “Sorry sorry.” (with a smile) “I am Andy by the way. I can come in your room shortly if you like. Already done your neighbour. I don’t mess about.” (fyi Andy says this not realising this could be interpreted as dirty I just realised this on my proof read ).

I take a few strides and join Lottie and Zandra. “Nice job. You two make quite the team. Zandra your room is now clear. Lottie, your time has come! Operation bye bye spidey at your service.” And I begin… Maybe I will get a chance to speak to Lottie properly later. We hadn’t had the chance since I did good with my jacket and then pissed all over that cos of my meltdown…

@Zandra @Tribelover15 @Danni

[Danni]

DANNI

Moving a few boxes out of my new room I’m nearly barrelled over by a young man with red hair, he apologises and introduces himself as Andy. Before I can say a word he tells me he’s already done my neighbour, the comment brings a smile to my face and I have to stifle a laugh. ’Done my neighbour?’ I have to ask. I have a feeling he didn’t intend it how it sounded but it was still quite funny.

@Jack

[Patsy]

Jade

Knowing far to well that it would be a long journey she had tried to pack her bag sensibly. The letter from Brady was of course there, together with clothes to change into, a sleeping bag, food and not to forget the teddy bear that she got when she was a little girl. It was the only thing she had that had once been in the town she was now heading to.

She wasn’t entirely sure about where she was going, but she knew the city name and the name of the mall. She would get there! Right now she found herself next to the river, trying to catch a fish or two so she could save the other things she had in her bag for later.

[Zwenja]

Phoenix

Years ago, when I was taken by slave traders, there had been a few farmers kids around the area. Little groups that at last held onto the knowledge of their families, growing vegetables, sometimes even having animals.

But now it seems that those last resorts of the old world are all broken down and left behind.

Kyle just checked out another little cottage “Empty…” He signs. “The house is mouldy… Might be someone died in there, considering the smell…”

I pull a face of disgust, what makes him grin wickedly “Don’t worry baby…I’ll protect you from any ghost or zombie!” Sam rolls her eyes and I shove him away as he lays his arm around my shoulders.

“I probably will have to protect YOU. Mr Cats are evil…” I grin devilish as he crosses his arms with a pout “Cats are devils in disguise! They have nasty claws and can bite! They steal your stuff!”

Kyle has a weird fear of cats. He goes rigid when seeing one.

“Come boys… As much as I find those silly flirting moments between you both cute… I’d like to have a roof above our heads for the night. I am not fancying sleeping out on the streets of a city we don’t know…”

Like always when she gets impatient, her signing goes a bit sloppy, but as she speaks too I can figure it out by the moving of her lips.

We both nod and together we go back on the path we had been following. There were never real streets out her between the farm land. More paths that people had worked into the earth by using them constantly.

But by now, even those paths are dissappearing. We just follow a way of maybe a bit shorter grass. There are a lot of rabbits hopping about and it pacifies my nerves in a weird way.

At last I can offer to whoever is now in the mall by helping to feed people. I remember back the days… Trudy had been a vegetarian. If she still is? I mean… Where we live, you can be. We grow enough vegetables and fruits. Have eggs, flour and milk… But I doubt you have much choice around here anymore.

I now can see some of the higher up buildings of the city in the distance. They look dark.

Considering how run down the whole area is… How… Left behind the land looks, nature taking over everything… The old handwritten journal which I took from Eagle Mountain (maybe someone else wants a look in it too?!)… I don’t expect a welcome home party with drinks and buffet by coming to the mall.

I am more filled by a feeling of concern and dread… My eyes linger on Kyle’s and Sam’s back, both are chatting away again. What am I leading my soulmates into?

[Tribelover15]

Lottie

I smiled and soon we were getting started, it certianly went faster when it was two of us rather than just one doing it all. It was a small room but man there were a lot of stuff Thats been put here over the years.

I stood up and dusted myself off when Andy came in, ”Thank god for that, sorry little crawler but i dont you in here” i Said with my hands on my hip looking around the room.

@Zandra @Jack

[Zandra]

Zan

As Andy appeared i grinned “Fab! Thank you!” I tell him before turning back to Lottie “I’m gonna make an actual start on my room, swing by once you’re free” I tell her with a smile before turning around and heading to my room.

I wasnt sure if Lottie wanted to chat with Andy while he handled her room so I left it open for her to come by once she was ready.

I see Danni as I am walking back to my room “If you dont like spiders Andy is clearing rooms for people” I smile, I dont recognise her “I’m Zandra” I say introducing myself.

@Danni @Tribelover15 @Jack

[Jack]

Andy

Lottie seemed pleased to have my assistance in taking away the spiders. Zandra was very thankful. As I began to scour the room for the long legged critter’s, Zandra decides to head to her chosen room leaving just Lottie.

I spot quite the beast lurking above Lottie. “Lottie, there is a big one above you. Just stay still or it could get caught up in your hair and you don’t want that…” I creep forward and get the glass around it and slip the mag between the glass and the ceiling. The spider cascades down to the foot of the glass.

I come off my tip toes and flick the spider out into the container. “Phew! Glad he didn’t get away. One hell of a big bugger! There was none the size of that in Zandra’s room. Maybe the spider’s prefer it here, this is where they come to dance the night away and do a bit of karaoke?” Oh no! Andy what are you doing! Now talking nonsense to the girl that has seen your kindness, your temper and now your bizarreness. Lottie’s room is just called the music shop, it does not mean this is where the spiders come and rave and pass out… I think it is fair to say I have probably managed to scare Lottie off, more than the unwanted eight legged party animals…

@Tribelover15

[Danni]

DANNI

The guy doesn’t respond to my query but instead dashes off into one of the other shops, obviously on a quest to do whatever he’s doing with my neighbours.

A girl with lovely red hair. Ones over and explains the situation, ’that makes more sense,’ I reply to her, ’he told me he was ‘doing’ my neighbours and I did get a little confused.’ She introduces herself and I nod, I recognised her name but couldn’t quite place it, ’I’m Danni, another recipient of a red letter.’

Looking around the mall I think for a moment, I get the feeling that, apart from the serpents, this place has been abandoned… not what I imagined for it, I’ll be honest.’

@Zandra

[Zandra]

Zan

I grinned “I think the only person he wants to ‘do’ is Lottie” I look over my shoulder at the music store “Nice to you meet you Danni, the joys of being lucky enough to be called back here for some unknown reason”

“Yeah the entire city is in ruins and as much as I like to distance myself from the Mallrats, not having them in the city has made such a difference. I genuinely believe if Amber and Bray turn up they’ll be trying to get everyone cleaning up the city and repairing whatever damage they”

“So far the only person I know here from when I was a Mallrat is Salene, I am kinda hoping no one else from my past turns up. What about you?” I ask curiously.

[Danni]

DANNI

Zandra tells me Andy wants to ‘do’ Lottie and I laugh quietly, ’explains why he rushed off so quickly then, obviously trying to impress.’

She doesn’t sound impressed at being called back, which doesn’t surprise me, I had a feeling none of us really wanted to be here. ’Mmhm,’ I really didn’t want to get into a conversation about Bray and Amber, that would sour my already bitter mood.

’Salene knows everyone,’ I comment with a small shrug, ’honestly, I could have lived a happy life without seeing her or any of the mall rats again… being here, not exactly the highlight of my life!’

@Zandra