Goldeneye 007 (go back »)

Screams were heard as black hands clutched on Nintendo 64 controllers. Three brothers burned calories while the sun slumbered. Blood on the walls and floors, yet nobody was harmed. Bullets flew and bodies dropped. A brother smiled, the other frowned. Another sat in silent concentration. The atmosphere was such that it was as if a fourth person stood in the room. The youngest of the three was the most skilled. The oldest the least competent. The night was old, and the games were brand new. Eyes were tightened, buttons were pressed…

An AK47 in hand, I searched the depths of the temple for my predators. Little could be seen in the darkness. Music issued from the ceiling as I turned a corner. Nobody here. The eyes blinked in an effort to remain focused. Silence…

My third eye kicked in as I turned and caught my opponent by surprise. I cocked my weapon towards him, straight for the chest, and pulled. Ditto. Such was the timing that it was as if we’d shot ourselves. BANG, BANG, BANG.

My life was going down, but I stood my ground. He was falling, his weapon still singing. Mine kept pace with his. We were both falling, so symmetrical, like an act. The red stains on our clothing could very well have been ketchup. My eyes went wide as he took out a bigger weapon. My hand went for mine… and found none. Thank God we live twice.

I opened my eyes again. Get me a weapon. I ran naked through the corridors, scared of being caught. I ran past a corpse, and saw it was me. Shuddering, I turned right, and saw an old friend. The man I had once killed was running in my direction, weapon drawn. I froze for a split second, and was defrosted by his fire. I dashed for the nearest exit. He kept pace, reckless in his shooting.

Get me a weapon! As if in answer, I heard a loud beep, beep, beep. Time was running, but not on its own. The beeps blast in my ears as I made my escape. Walls inches from me were torn by my old friend’s fire. I turned right, heart racing, nakedness flaring. Beep, beep beep! A weapon! But I frowned: no ammo?

My heart stopped beating, it was a dead end. I turned and saw my pursuer, his gun pointed at my head. I said my prayers. And the shot was never fired.

 Black eyes went wide as mouths raged. The youngest of the three wiped his brow.

‘You were lucky’ the oldest said, turning, ‘this close to shooting you down’ he made a gesture with his thumb and index finger to put emphasis on his words.

‘I won’ said the older, ‘you’re both rubbish’

‘You had the best weapons’ the younger replied,

‘’Cause I’m the best’ he boasted,

‘Next game?’ the oldest inquired,

The brothers nodded. Black hands clutched on Nintendo 64 controllers, cartridges were replaced, and buttons were pressed...

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