The Game That I Came From Novels & Stories

I slink out of the office to the game room, where Eriq’s playing Kingston, an early game I designed based on my grandmother’s birthplace—a first-person shooter still popular today. “Behind you,” I say, sitting beside him. He spins, shoots the target, and keeps going. For ten minutes, he plays, only acknowledging me when I point out enemies. “You okay?” I ask after another five minutes of silence. “Why wouldn’t I be?” “Oh…” I mumble. He keeps playing, eyes glued to the screen. He’s upset about the Japan trip—I get it, but he should know it’s just business. “Are you mad about the trip?”

It said and smiled some more. "I know, but why does it feel like I forgot something?" I will ask. "It's a game, remember?" It says. "I know I joined it but I can't remember what kind of game. All I remember is I came here and I said I was going to volunteer. But can you explain the game?"

“ The first game is called the game of mirrors.” Nael yelled from across the field. Earlier that morning, I woke up feeling uncomfortable than usual. Maybe it was because the day of the first game had finally come, or maybe it was because I was under the same roof with my mother's murderer who threatened to murder me too. I complained to Luke, and he gave Nael permission to take me to the valley of lilies before the game. “ What will the competitors be doing? What's it about.” I asked as I plucked some lilies into a basket Irene had woven for me.

But every fight ended up the same way, with him tugging me closer and whispering, “Admit it, you just like fighting with me.” And I would laugh, because we were fire and fire. The week after graduation, we launched our game, Erevos. We flew to Chicago for the game launch; the place was glittering with thousands of people ready to see our game. I was nervous but because he was with me, I felt ready, prepared to let the whole world know what we had created. Jeremy looked breathtaking in his tailored black suit, his golden blonde hair tousled gruffly; he never bothered to comb it.

[A new quest had arrived: Defeat the Upcoming Monster Mob] "Eh!?" I said, as I was confused, for sure this is a notification from a game I've been recently playing called Evangelion. To be honest, I only played this game because my childhood friend Vince recommended it to me, but since it was an augmented reality game I hardly had time to play it as I was required to go outside to actually play the game. Although, I guess I'm well versed at it since I've been helping Vince subjugate some quest every now and then.

"I know this game very well. Many women have tried to play it with my family." My blood was boiling now. I couldn't believe the shit he was spilling. "Can you just go away? Leave me alone. I came out here to clear my head, not have someone clog my mind with dumb shit." "Yeah, withdrawal tactics. You know I have figured out your game and you're trying to run away." "What game are you talking about exactly?"

Seven years ago, I came here, ready to get rich or die trying, and as my head game and luck would have it, I got rich and kept getting richer. Today would be the last time I would be allowed to play the game and Sasha would be here to see my farewell victory. I had won a total of two hundred and sixty-two times, with zero losses incurred and today would be my final ban from here if I had my victory number two hundred and sixty-three. My team had created an unreleased weapon gear that was meant to be released for the United States military which I used to win every game since my first ever win. “I won,” The old geezer shouted at the top of his voice, like a kid smashing a pintado.

Edrin I have told this story many times. I have told it to firelight and stone. To rivers that never answer and to skies that pretend they don’t hear my prayers. I have told it to myself until the words wore grooves into my bones. No one ever listens the way they think they do. They listen for triumph. There is none. The Game does not begin with spectacle. That is the first lie people tell themselves. It begins with a quiet thought. With an invitation folded too neatly. With a certainty that whatever you are walking toward cannot be worse than what you are leaving behind.

I recognized him instantly, it was Larry from highschool. Okay, this is getting familiar. Gradually bringing back some memories. "What game?" A blonde girl I recognize also from school questioned. "It's a game most of us here know about from highschool" Larry replied with his lopsided smile. "The dare and dare game" Larry simpered at me, making me swallow. I don't have a good feeling about this.

Olivia's POV When I get home, I see that I have an email from Enzo and an invite to join his game online. I am surprised I thought I would never hear from him again. I quickly click on the link and am invited into a game. I do not know this game, and I have not played it before, but it looks fascinating, as you are a character in the apocalypse. You have to survive and try to join groups. I play for a while. Then I see someone walking toward me in the game. I half my headset on so I can talk to other players as they join in.