A Peculiar Shop [Open]

[nightsilence]

Evelrayn walked through the crowded streets of District 10. Normally, she wouldn't be here around all the people, she preferred quieter places, but she had errands to run so there was no avoiding it. She tried to blend in to the rest of the crowd and not draw attention to herself, she really didn't want to have to talk to these people who she didn't know. She walked on the outskirts of the crowd, the progress was slower yes, but it kept her from having to push through all the people. Glancing at the shops around her, she located the one she was searching for at last. It was older-looking than most of the other buildings and very few people in the crowd were heading into it. A smile broke out on Evelrayn's face, 'Finally, a blessed relief from these people,' she thought. She wasn't claustrophobic, she just disliked large crowds. Evelrayn opened the door to the shop and stepped inside, hearing the soft chime of a bell as she shut the door behind her. The inside of the store was larger than the exterior had hinted at. It stretched back to a counter with a large variety of items behind it. There were all various sorts of things stacked up on shelves that were pushed tightly against the wall. From foodstuffs, to electronical items, to weapons there was just about everything imaginable. Evelrayn gasped at the sight. The fact that this shop could have so many things in it and no one shopped in it was inconcievable to her. Cautiously she walked up to the counter, trying to find someone in charge. "Hello?" she said in a voice slightly quieter than her normal speaking tones, "Is anyone there?" She heard some bangs and crashes coming from somewhere behind the counter and saw an old man emerge from a back room behind the counter that she hadn't noticed before. "Well hello Miss," the man said in a tone that while friendly, definitely betrayed his age, "How may I help you?" Evelrayn couldn't help staring at the man. He was wearing a faded green apron over a tan shirt and white pants. His hair was scattered every which way, and his glasses were askew. All in all, he looked like he'd been through a tornado or worse. Evelrayn decided against asking why he looked that way and instead pulled a list out of her pocket. "If you could sir," she said quietly, "I'd like to have a loaf of bread, two canteens of water, a quarter of a cheese wheel, a stick of butter, a pair of scissors, twenty-four arrows, and a handbag if you have them." "Of course my fine young lady!" the man said, "You just wait right there and I'll be back with those things in a jiffy." He walked back to the storage-room and she began to hear clattering again. She spotted a chair in the corner of the room and sat down to wait.

[Molly]

Bianca Leon:
I was in the back of my uncles shop today. he said there was going to be business today and i better help out and come to work. but i always came to work even if i wasn't paid for it. i just wanted to help out and figure out what all the things in the shop were. how to work the weapons, how people make everything, it is all very exciting. imagine how many miles some of these things had to be shipped. i was sorting through the boxes in the back storage room, to get everything neat and organized, when my uncle came barging in and knocked half of my stacks of pots on the ground. i wasn't mad though, it must have been my fault. i quickly gather all the pots out of his way and start to re-stack them properly and out of the way.
i didn't see what he had to get but as quick as he came in he went back out the same. i could hear he was talking to someone, it sounded like a girl.
i started to get occupied in the conversation that i put my ear to the door. she seemed like she needed a lot of things, i thought of why she would need these things, when suddenly the door opened again and banged me in the head. it hurt for about a minute or so then stopped. my uncle came and asked me were i put the canteens of water, i didn't tell him but i put them on the shelfs to make it easier for the customers to see.
"Uncle i am going to get them, you get whatever else you need from in here."
and before he could reply i was already shutting the door behind me and went to the shelf on my right to get the canteens. i turned around, and almost jumped out of my skin. the girl was sitting down on a chair, i didn't notice her until now. i put a hand over my heart and ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm myself down.
but after a second i figured she didn't see me and went back into the room to help bring the rest of her order out to the counter.

[nightsilence]

Evelrayn blinked, 'Had that been a girl who had just walked out?' She'd only seen it in her periferal vision, so she had passed it off as nothing until the figure had jumped. There was no way that a trick of the light could move in that way, and Evelrayn turned her head slightly to get a better view of the person. The girl was definitely in a state of surprise, running her hand through her brown curly hair seeming to be trying to calm herself down. 'Oh,' the thought dawned on her, 'She probably didn't notice me here, I must have startled her.' Evelrayn opened her mouth to apologize, but the girl turned and disappeared into the back storage room. 'She must be a relative of the old man's,' Evelrayn thought. That was interesting, maybe he wasn't as old as he appeared to be. Standing up again, Evelrayn walked over to the counter, hoping to catch another glimpse of the girl before it was time for her to leave.

[A Toa's Friend (atoafriend)]

This was one of my favorite shops in the district. I loved smelling the scents of old parchment and exotic perfume imported from far-off lands, feeling the texture of naturally smooth silk. But most of all, I loved to heft the heavy weapons in my hands. Sometimes I was allowed to try them out in the back where no one could see. They were expensive, but someday I would be able to buy the ones I had my eyes out for: the twin daos for me, a silver bow and dagger for Patryck, a semi-automatic crossbow for Jayson, and a large blade-tipped staff for Terry. Who knows if they'd get picked for the Games? I could at least feel assured that they were prepared.
So far, though, I've never told them about this place. The last thing I wanted was for them to spend their money to buy weapons and play with them like toys. These were the tools to life, not entertainment goods. And they'd go broke (except for Patryck, who's family is only a few thousand short of wealthy) if they bought these. Money and provisions would be my responsibilities. It's funny, though; they're all teenagers now, but to me they'll always be young boys to be looked after. I dread the day that they'll try to join a gang, or volunteer for the Games. Thought I've made them swear not to do these things, they could always change their minds; I can't protect them from everything.
I walk into the shop, my eyes set on those beautiful daos and the silver bow. Then I see Evelrayn there at the counter, trying to look in the storage.
"Woah, where'd you come from?" I asked. "You always do that! Appear out of nowhere!"

[nightsilence]

At the sound of the chimes at the door, Evelrayn turned to see who had come inside the shop. To her surprise she saw Fyuori Allen come through, looking around the shop. When she spotted Evelrayn, Fyuori asked where she'd come from. Evelrayn shook her head, "I don't appear out of nowhere, you simply aren't perceptive enough," she said with a sigh. Returning her gaze to the back room, she searched for a glimpse of the girl who had come out, but to no avail. All that she could discern was more clattering and banging from back there. Turning back to Fyuori, she spoke, "So, what brings you to this place. I'd never seen it before until today, do you know anything about it?"

[A Toa's Friend (atoafriend)]

It wasn't that Evelrayn was a bad person, but...I just really felt like I should keep my true purpose to myself. I'll tell the truth, but not the whole truth.
"Yeah, I come here quite often. It's one of my favorite shops here. I mean, look at those swords!" I pointed to the array of lethal-looking and ornate blades mounted on the wall and set on stands of velvet. "But enough about me, what are YOU doing here? You don't seem the type to come to a store like this." At least, not a survival and fight gear store.

[nightsilence]

Evelrayn could tell that Fyuori wasn't telling the whole truth. It was one of her peculiar talents, being able to tell whether people were lying. True, it wasn't always completely accurate since it was just a feeling that she had, but it could be trusted about 85% of the time. Not to mention it was almost always accurate with people who she was familiar with. They weren't quite friends, more like acquaintances, but Evelrayn had known her long enough that when she had the feeling that she wasn't getting the whole truth from Fyuori, she was certain that it was accurate. "I get the feeling you're not being entirely truthful with me Fyuori," Evelrayn said, "If you'll tell me the truth, I'll tell you why I'm here." Giving Fyuori time to think it over, Evelrayn returned her attention to the back room. Her curiosity was killing her, who had that girl been?

[A Toa's Friend (atoafriend)]

I was very tempted to yell, "How did you know that?! You're psychic!!"
Of course, I know better.
We weren't the best of friends, but we hung out together and were familiar with one another. But was that enough to explain to her about Terry and the others? Could I trust her not to blab? Well, she isn't the kind to be involved in gossip, but still...those boys are very personal to me.

[Molly]

i heard the chimes of the door opening in the front of the shop, either they were leaving or someone was coming. my uncle heard it too. but he was still busy getting the rest of the order for the girl. i had the canteens of water and the arrows in my arms as i walked out, trying not to trip and break any of the merchandise, and was going to put the items on the table, when i notice the girl that made me jump was staring at the door i just came out of, and the other customer was also a girl. they looked to be around my age.
boy i wish i could have a normal district 10 life, not helping around a crappy old shop. but being like the other girls at least they had freedom in a way. but you always wanted what you cant have.
i gently put the items on the counter, and organize them so she can see what i just got for her.
i look at the other girl who hasn't been helped yet, since my uncle is in the back getting the others order i might as well start with hers.
"hi, um what can i get you today?" boy did that sound weird to me i almost never helped a customer.
i heard something fall in the back room but dismissed it, telling myself my uncle can take care of it while i help him get another order.

[nightsilence]

Evelrayn's gaze followed the girl from the back room as she moved around the counter with parts of her order. 'Yes, she must help out here,' Evelrayn thought. Fyuori still hadn't answered her question, when the girl from the back went over to take her order. Evelrayn sighed, but it was light, and no one but herself could hear it. No one ever really trusted her. Maybe it was because she was so reserved, but for whatever reason, she couldn't seem to win the total trust of anyone. Not even people in her own family. It really did get lonely sometimes, but Evelrayn knew how to cope with loneliness. If anything, that was the one thing she was most used to. The empty feeling that no one was there and that she could only rely on herself for anything. It was a horrible feeling, but in this cruel world it was the closest thing to a truth that there was. Tearing her gaze from the other two, she heard a crash from the back room. It was very loud, and it might have hurt something, if there was anyone back there. With a start Evelrayn remembered the older man who was still back there. 'What if it hit him!' Evelrayn thought with alarm. Not thinking about what the others would do, she leaped lightly over the counter a ran into the back room to find the old man lying unconscious on the floor. Evelrayn got to her knees and examined the man. He wasn't bleeding anywhere, but something had hit him hard enough for him to lose consciousness. Glancing over, she spotted a metal container that had once been filled with grain lying sideways on the floor with its contents spilled out. That must have been what hit him. Covering up her panic, Evelrayn called out to the girl, "Excuse me miss, but you need to get back here right away!"

[A Toa's Friend (atoafriend)]

Shortly after the crash, Evelrayn lept over the counter to do who-knows-what.
"Excuse me miss, but you need to get back here right away!" I caught with a slight tone of worry. Either something toxic has spilled or someone was injured. I wondered whether it was the old man who ran this shop.

[Molly]

How did she just jump over that? i think to myself.
i see the girl go into the back room, all in like sprinting mode or something. i start to walk toward her, until she tells me i should come in quick. well no duh, i mean what gives her the right to just barge into the storage room?
i quickly walk into the room to find my uncle on the ground, he looks unconscious from what i can tell. the girl was by his side.
"hey," in my head i am thinking so what if he is unconscious i have orders to fill, i can call the ambulance and do the orders at the same time, "um he doesn't look that bad, so i think I'm just going to call an ambulance, the doctors maybe able to take it from there."
I'm not very worried over my uncle he always has store accidents. And he would have wanted me to just call an ambulance and get back to work.
"Hold on, let me get the phone," i walk back out to the storage room, wondering were that other girl is. i grab the phone and dial 911. once it starts ringing i walk back into storage and stand over my uncle.
"911 whats your emergency?"
"uh hi I'm in my uncles store called A lot of Nothing but Everything, and he is unconscious."
"OK, mam just calm down a peacekeeper and an ambulance will be there shortly, please stay on the line."
"OK"
i put the phone on speaker and place it on the ground. i look over at the girl.
"well while i am in here what else do you need to complete your order?"

[A Toa's Friend (atoafriend)]

The girl has this ridiculous expression, like "Oh, my uncle's unconcious. 911, okay, done. Now what's your order?" It's like nothing happened! The old man didn't look all that tough. But I guess it's just the norm around here; the old man probably recovers fast.
I clutched my wallet, which held my precious fifty-eight dollars. Terry's birthday was drawing near, and I really feel like I owe him. I mean, it's thanks to him that Patryck and Jayson were able to finally trust me wholly. He's trusted me from the first day we talked. But despite that, I still hesitated to spend this hard-earned money. Then I made my decision: he's my friend, and he deserves it.
I walked up to the counter. "Yes, I'd like something. The bô staff in the back, the one with the blades and the rubies." It was the best one in the store. Terry would love it, and I knew for sure. Along with the staff, I'd also bought some of the special clay from the craft store and sculpted a small dragon for him. It was a traditional gift to all my friends. Something hand-made, with a soul-deep effort put in it, from the bared teeth to the last scale on its feet.

[nightsilence]

When the girl reacted the way that she did, Evelrayn nearly gaped at the girl in shock. Thankfully, she had enough sense to keep herself from doing that and instead just stared after the girl in shock as she called 911 and then continued with taking Fyuori's order. 'What type of person doesn't react when someone they know, possibly even are close to, gets knocked unconscious?" She thought in disbelief. 'Come on,' the completely rational side of her mind thought, 'Maybe this type of thing happens a lot, or maybe the man told the girl not to bother herself if something happens to him, instead just call 911 and continue helping customers.' She bit her lip, that did have a point but still, no reaction whatsoever was a bit beyond her. 'Maybe you're just overly empathetic,' she thought. Well, whatever the case she needed to get out of here, because she wasn't technically allowed to be here in the first place. Standing up with one last glance at the man, she walked out and, once again, leaped over the counter, because the girl was blocking the walk-out entrance. She walked over and stood silently in back corner, mulling things over that had happened. 'Some people...' she thought. Glancing towards the back room she sighed, hoping that the man would be alright.

[Molly]

i go to the back and get the bô staff that she wanted. this was the nicest bô staff in the shop, the prettiest i have ever seen. and its a shame to see it go but some how i could tell that it would be taken care of.
i pick it up carefully and start to walk back to the counter when the peacekeeper came in. i didnt have the guts to say anything, so i just pretended like he wasnt there. i put the bô staff on the counter and then turned my attention to the peacekeeper.
"are you here for my uncle?" i ask politly
"yes now were is he?"
i start walking into the storage room
"over here i will show him to you, its nothing to serious."