Interlude 4 - Wizard

A small character story about one of the main protagonists in the larger story universe.

It's a sweltering day. A day when living in the tropics no longer seems the life of paradise promised by tourism posters. For Shane Daiker, this is his fourth such summer here in the outskirts of Bangkok. He's used to the oppressive personality the hot and humid air assumes on such days. It drapes over him like an unwelcome guest with a bad sense of personal space.

In the past years, Shane was able to at least miss the hottest days of the year thanks to his volunteer work in the outer La-Grange colonies. Ah, mild controlled climate. He muses that it's the whine of an elderly man. What will he complain about when he does reach that age? More than a few candidates occur to him with little effort, so he decides to forgo the worry of having nothing to worry about in the future. Besides, in a few moments he'll be in his favorite air conditioned video arcade.

Though once inside, a big and red flashing heap of worry appears in his vision. It's the high score list for Space Knight: The Flight of Doom.

1^st:  WIZ " 1,783,929

2^nd: SZD " 1,117,432

3^rd:  SZD " 1,116,281

Shane stands there tapping his foot as if the noise would conjure up a detailed report on exactly how his high score was so thoroughly crushed. The gears turn in his mind, and the grinding noise can almost be heard emanating from his skull as he watches the scoreboard refresh for the third time. It's reminiscent of the distant sound of an ocean from a seashell, or what a person would imagine that sound to be since seashells aren't records. However, the gears soon stop and Shane embarks on the task of taking his rightful place back from this upstart “WIZ.”

Despite a few harrowing close calls, Shane manages to beat his previous high score, and creates a new entry at 2^nd with 1,121,983. Good. He's satisfied with his progress. That top spot will be his before long. He quickly starts a new game in high spirits.

---

Over the course of two hours and ten tries later, Shane's scores steadily decline. On the last play, he barely broke the one million mark. The only record he's challenging at this stage is the number of expletives uttered during a single game. Luckily for him, the only other person present is the nearly comatose-from-boredom manager at the counter. Occasionally he calls over to apologize for his manners, only to be aggressively ignored with much enthusiasm.

After a disappointing defeat, he decides to pack it in for the day. Swearing that this business is unfinished, he plans for a renewed assault tomorrow.

---

At dinner, Shane broods over his plate of prawns. All he sees is that flashing score. WIZ, 1^st. Across the table, Joni and Anna converse with levity, unaware of his torment. He eyes the two with irritation, before returning his gaze to the unfortunate crustaceans on his dish. A reluctant bite later, he abruptly excuses himself, leaving the other two wondering if the seafood is spoiled.

---

The next day is also a scorcher. Less people roam the streets than usual to stay indoors and enjoy blessed cool air. A few stubborn street vendors brave the heat to peddle their cold beverages, wearing towels as sweatbands. It's a business with booming demand for sure, if only the customer base would leave their homes. Shane however, isn't deterred by the ravaging from the Sun. He has a mission.

Energy drinks and snacks in tow, Shane invades the arcade, ready to lay waste to this usurper's score. There, he discovers the game is occupied by the Russian boy Vlad. Curious, he watches the rest of the boy's play. It's above average, but nothing impressive. Not enough to crack the scoreboard.

His play over, Shane shoves Vlad aside. The boy protests until he sees Shane's kit of rations. With a smile, he vacates the seat.

As Shane begins his first play, a few onlookers stop to watch. The game is a bit of a spectacle, and easily the centerpiece of this small arcade. Because of a special, there are quite a few more customers present than yesterday. This breathed a bit of life into the bored owner behind the counter. In a stark contrast from yesterday, he's brimming with energy and beams a broad smile in all directions.

The atmosphere though is the last thing on Shane's mind. He only has one goal, the high score. The growing crowd watches his adept evasive maneuvers and deadly shots at the enemies with rapt attention. Every now and then, they make a small cheer when he clears a stage, or beats a tough enemy. He hears the first few, before drowning out the rest with intense focus.

The first game ends with yet another personal best for Shane.

2^nd: SZD " 1,247,933

A loud cheer erupts from the watching crowd when the score displays. Shane glances over at them for a moment and sees them offer him congratulations. Without a word, he turns back and starts a new game while muttering to himself. He doesn't want congratulations for 2^nd. That isn't a win! He angrily reminds himself.

For hours, he grinds out game after game. Crowds occasionally form to watch him play and cheer, only to be ignored again. Dusk passes unnoticed for Shane, and it's night by the time he stares out the window. Most of the customers have filtered out, and the few that remain are content to lounge around chatting. The owner sits behind the counter, his boredom from yesterday making a comeback. His best score so far:

2^nd: SZD " 1,573,789

It was from a game where everything went right. He wracks his brain, trying to figure out how he can do better. Since the game just cycles stages and enemies making them progressively more difficult, there's no end. Though by the time he reached this latest high score, the obstacles were too fast to be seen by the eye. While he goes over the whys and the hows of his failures, a hand taps his shoulder.

It's Vlad. Unbeknownst to Shane, he's watched for those hours. He offers the tired young man a break, asking for a turn. Shane reluctantly moves from the seat and dizzily stands. He feels light-headed from sitting so long.

In a few moments he feels the need for relief, so he uses the opportunity to go use the facilities. Washing up, he sees the sorry state his face is in, eyes red and droopy. Sadly, he admits to himself that any more is impossible. Perhaps this is his limit. And this “WIZ” is just on another level altogether. Defeated once more, he returns to gather his trash from about the machine.

Shane watches Vlad play for a little while before sighing and packing up. While he does, Vlad's session ends with his fighter in a fiery crash. Another ho-hum score for the Russian boy. He scratches his head and gives Shane a perplexed look. He could only give him a shrug in return.

His trash disposed of, Shane makes for the exit. On his way, Vlad clears his throat. He fiddles with his PET, and a curious thing occurs. The high score screen on the game begins to change, namely the top entry.

1^st: WIZ " 9,999,999

Shane watches the doctoring, aghast. The Russian winks at him and removes the “WIZ” scores. The board reads:

1^st:  SZD " 1,573,789

2^nd: SZD " 1,417,432

3^rd:   SZD " 1,396,281

“I just wanted to see what number one felt like for awhile, Shane.” Vlad laughs, passing Shane to the exit.

After the boy leaves. Shane remains there, tapping his foot while staring at the Space Knight game, wearing an irritated expression. Though after a minute, it's replaced by one of satisfaction.

Feeling great, he lets out a bellowing laugh and leaves the arcade. While walking, he pumps his fist in the air, gleefully crying “Victory!” The triumphant youth draws plenty of curious stares on his way home.

Author's Note

More than anything, this story is about the environment of the arcade and Shane's experience there. I'd like opinions on how complete the atmosphere feels.