Win or lose, it's how you play the game. ◌ Accidental Video ◌ 006

[missthewoman]

[The Guide starts filming, showing the brightly coloured lobby of a laser tag arena. Irene is looking up to something off-screen intently, then frowns slightly. She is reading the score from the last round, and the result is not as favourable as she could have liked. All the same, she turns to America with a smile.]

Tied again, dear. Another round?

Comments

[voice]

[gravity_splode]

Having fun out there?

Re: [voice]

[missthewoman]

[Oh? There is a voice she has not heard in a while! After a moment to get the Guide out she replies,]

Absolutely! You're quite a sharp shooter yourself, if I recall. Perhaps you'd care to give it a go?

[voice]

[gravity_splode]

I miiiiiight. Your friend there gonna stay in or no?

[missthewoman]

Oh, we will be at this until the draw is broken. But don't let that hold you back, dear.

[gravity_splode]

Guess I'll have to come and swing by, then.

[missthewoman]

I look forward to it. Until then. [With a polite nod (that he can't see) she hangs up and gets going on the 16th tie-breaking game...]

[action]

[gravity_splode]

[It isn't long before Xigbar arrives at the arena. He's not used to non-lethality, really, but hey. He figures he might as well give it a try.]

Re: [action]

[missthewoman]

[Ditto. But in this context, it's kinda nice when your target doesn't die.]

[Irene is relaxing in the lobby with a drink of bottled water, and she stands to greet him when she sees him arrive.]

A pleasure to see you again, Mister Xigbar.

[action]

[gravity_splode]

Likewise. You been keepin' out of trouble?

[He's mostly asking to ask. It doesn't matter one way or the other, to him.]

[missthewoman]

[She favours that question with a wink]

Always. And you?

[gravity_splode]

Of course I am.

[There's a grin to match his words.]

[missthewoman]

Well, well. How very mundane of us! Shall we see if this game can break our tedium?

[gravity_splode]

Y'know, I can't think of a better way to break the tedium.

[missthewoman]

That's the spirit.

[Yes, nothing a little (simulated) weapon fire to brighten the day!
After signing the waver (something along the lines of the company is not liable if you run into a wall or go blind from pointing the laser into your eye), you're good to go.

There are a variety of laser guns to choose from. As Irene takes up one of the smallest there, she glances at Xigbar.]

I'm afraid that none of them are quite like what you killed the fish with, but I'm sure it won't hold you back.

[gravity_splode]

[The prospect of losing an eye isn't particularly new to Xigbar. But he signs the waiver all the same. He wouldn't have blamed the company anyway, but that's not what waivers are for in the first place.]

Nah. 'S long as it's got something to point at people I oughtta be good.

[After a moment of consideration he settles on a mid-weight laser gun.]

[missthewoman]

And how fortunate that person is me.
I shall see you in there.

[And she slips through the door into the dim labyrinth.

Although she has the advantage of having played several rounds in here already and having a good feel for the laser gun, there were some elements that kept the game fresh. Most notably, the layout changed every round.

Scanning all around her and glancing up at the second floor, she found a spot that looked favourable for defence, to start. She then lay in wait for the bell that signalled the start of the game, keeping attentive for Xigbar's appearance through the light fog and the loud music.]