Its Kinda Like a Game: Press Play

Chapter 5

Chris, Jamie, and I spent another thirty minutes after the tournament ended competing in some random games. When two o’clock rolled around however, Chris called it quits for the night, and Jamie followed suit a few minutes later.

I joined a few of the late night gamers in some rounds, but found that I was getting increasingly bored with the games as there were no true competition. On my way back to the programmer room, I felt a hand come up and grab my sleeve by the elbow.

            When I turned I found myself to be face to face with someone around my shoulder height. They wore a darker, but dull greed hoodie so I couldn’t see their facial features.

            “A-Are you Anonymous?” spoke the mysterious person in a very hushed tone. From the voice I was able to depict the unknown person was a girl, but age was undetermined.

            It took me a minute to respond, “Yes. I am.” I knew they were going to ask me to play them in a game, as was a usual thing, newer people trying to challenge the best and see where they stand.

            There was a second of silence before they finally spoke again, “W-Would you play me in a few games? I-I promise not to take long, as you seem to be ready to leave.”

            I sighed and agreed to play. She seemed to perk up. Just for a brief second I caught the look of her left eye, which I found was a deep orange. Peculiar eye color. Oh well, could be one of those fancy colored lenses.

            I walked slightly behind her into a room, and set my card on the table. When she did the same I instantly initiated the start, not wanting other people to join and get over excited.

            When I set the headset on, I head the crackle of hers being adjusted before her voice spoke, “I only want to play a few games. Three in fact if that’s ok with you. One round of each.”

            The idea seemed fast, but I figured she would do the longest game mode possible. “I can agree to these terms, as long as it will not take any more than an hour.”

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            The first game she chose was a race. Personally I was no common player by any stretch to these games, but I still had a decent amount of skill on the track. The race that was selected was a four-lap race, but was the stereotypical figure eight course.

            When the timer count down ended and the race began, I could tell it was going to be a challenge. My opponent started out with a start boost, leaving me a full car length behind her.

            The race took its toll, as I struggled to gain any distance between her car and mine. As the third race commenced, I was starting to get very agitated. As we entered the final turn, my car slide to the right and bumping hers, causing it to spin wildly and out of control.

            End result of the race was a win for me by only three seconds. My normal win margin, even against the other top players, was at least ten seconds. I cursed under my breath; she was good, very good. To think she would have beat me if not for such a lucky occurrence as what happened in the last second.

            “Wow, that was a close one!” She said over the mic, seeming very pleased with herself. Her tone implied that the comment was heartfelt and meant what she said. At least she held no harsh feeling towards me for the way that I won in the end. I know that I felt bad for it, but maybe it best that I don’t tell that.

            “Yes, indeed the game was close.” I reply back, partially ashamed of what I did. I kept silent as the next game was chosen. The name that appeared on screen was Dragon Age, a third person medieval, fantasy, and sword fight game.