Genevieve’s Gaming Convention
Date: 2025-07-19 16:06
(Genevieve’s Gaming Convention)
[Sat Jul 19 2025]
Queen‘s Warehouse/span>/spanafternoon, about 77F(25C) degrees, and there are clear skies. The mist is heaviest At Hawthorn and Sidney/span>/spanObadiah gives a nod to Genevieve, “Well you met it.” He snickers a moment then adds, “So many games.” He glances back to Marlow and Ambrose, flashing them both a smile before giving Sophie a bob of his head.
Genevieve squints at Marlow for a moment, “Wait I know this…” She says, but then the other woman pulls out the Blitzball and she immediately puts it together with a laugh. “Very nice, but of course, nothing but the best for our star Blitzers.” She agrees with a small half bow before raising her hand to wave at the others who are coming in. “Hey all, come in, wander around.”
ObadiahArachne wasn’t ignored, just missed in his initial round of greetings, and he peels off from talking to Genevieve to go stand near the webweaver, drinking from his cocktail as he moves through the crowd.
Sophie gives Obadiah and Ambrose a wave.
Luka makes his way into the establishment with an amused look. He makes his way over to the group chatting, giving a lazy salute with two fingers to his temple. “Wassup beautiful people.” Luka greets the group “We got some kind of gaming tournament going on? Who’s the favorite?” Luka prompts them to catch him up on the details
“Thanks, most of the stalls have merch in them of some sort too if you’re looking for a souvenir.” Genevieve mentions to Ambrose as he looks around. “Hey Arachne, good of you to make it.” She says to Arachne and nods at Luka, “Something like that.” She agrees, “Don’t think there is a favorite really though, more of a free for all situation.”
Obadiah looks over at Stelle when she walks in giving her an upnod, forgoing the usual exchanges of winks for the time being.
“I’ll show you my trick shot later,” Marlow tells Genevieve when she guesses her character correctly. “You look amazing of course, though my peripheral vision keeps looking for a second wing,” she admits. “What exactly is Red Bull?” Marlow asks, heading over to the stand to look.
Stelle holds up a casual peace sign in Obadiah’s direction, shaded eyes scanning the crowd.
And yoink, Ambrose doesn’t mind if he does help himself to a little bitty sword, into the suit pocket it goes.
Obadiah yoinks a robot from the borderlands stall as he moves with Arachne to the Outer Worlds stall
Although she’s not dressed in cosplay, Arachne melts right in with the crowds gravitating toward various games con stands, slipping right over towards The Outer Worlds 2 stand with an excited gleam in her eyes. “My god son has been raving about this game when he played it on Xbox Games Pass,” she tells Obadiah when he joins up with her. “He’s trying to break into the streaming space like Matthew, so I spent an hour watching him on Twitch and it was a surprisingly humorous game.”
Stelle dips down her sunglasses, apaprently not finding whatever or whoever she was looking for. Likewise she yoinks a little letter opener from a stand but rather than moving on she lingers nearby.
“The one wing thing is a bit weird.” Genevieve agrees with Marlow, “But also sort of iconic so…” She trails off, almost smacking Sophie in the head with her giant oversized plastic sword as she turns to look over. “It’s an energy drink, you know, Red Bull gives you wings.” She informs her, waving to Stelle when she comes in.
Sophie glances at Kai, “Pika Pika!”
Stelle pops a peace sign towards Genevieve and comments, “Looking good, no?”
“So did you only drink half a Red Bull, then?” Marlow asks Genevieve, looking entirely unapologetic for her terrible joke.
Kai moseys on into the convention wearing a bright yellow Pikachu onesie and waves at Sophie as he gravitates over to the Ghost of Yotei stand, “Siiiick,” he calls out.
hefts her big shark-colored toy on her shoulder, striding in with a grin. “Fuck, this is a lot of nerdom,” Viviana/span>/spanKai whistles at Genevieve, “Good lord. Who is that?” he asks, standing on tip toes to try to get a better look at the gorgeous cosplayer.
“You know that has chemicals in it,” Obadiah unhelpfully tells Arachne as he plays with the little robot souvenir when she picks up the energy drink. Bold statement of him. He looks around then and adds, “You aren’t old enough to have a godson. What is he? 10?”
“Hey Kai, nice onesie.” Genevieve says over to Kai and flicks her eyes over Viviana, “Nice, just don’t blow the place up like she did to those council people at the end of the first season.” She requests. “It’s Vie.” She says to Kai.
“Oooh… whoa,” Kai blinks several times at Genevieve, his cheeks burning red, “Uhhh… nice costume!” he tells her and immediately turns toward the Ghost of Yotei display, mentioning to Stelle, “This looks cool huh?” he asks with a little grin.
Isla spends a few moments trying to gather her bearings before picking out the Borderlands 4 stand and making her way towards it.
“Oh hi welcome, I don’t think I know you.” Genevieve mentions to Isla and Vivian, “I’m Vie, come on in and feel free to have a look around.”
“You know that has chemicals in it,” Obadiah unhelpfully tells Arachne as he plays with the little robot souvenir when she picks up the energy drink. Bold statement of him. He looks around then and adds, “You aren’t old enough to have a godson. What is he? 10?” (re)
Esme slinks in to the warehouse, looking around with some interest, wiggling a wave to some of the gathered as she starts wandering.
Viviana squeezes the trigger on her shark toy, and the eyes light up and the jaw moves. “I make no promises, Vie,” Viviana says with a perfect grin, bracing it on her shoulder. “I heard there was ass to kick at like… video games or something,” Viviana says.
“Your entire existence is made of chemicals, Mercer,” Arachne remarks blithely to Obadiah as she brings the cup to her lips, sampling it with a delicate sip before passing it over to him. “Here,” she offers. “Try some. It’s no worse than you swimming in microplastics and inking everything.”
“I want to try this, someone should drink it so I can try it,” Marlow says, looking around at those present as she considers the Red Bull in her hand.
“Yeah,” Stelle replies to Kai, eyes locked on a nearby screen showing a trailer, “The euh… Staff informed me this was euh… not exactly a sequel, I suppose but something similar to another game from the same studio? I will need to check the first.”
Esme casually makes her way around and along, drifting closer toward the shady looking dude as she lingers near some of the other stands, just casually perusing and deciding what she might or might not want to try out.
“I dunno much about it, but it’s some kind of similar game to Ghost of Uhh… Sushi…ma…” Kai shakes his head, “Anyway, /that/ game was based.”
“Hey Esme.” Genevieve says to Esme giving her a bit wave and almost taking something out with her oversized sword again. She grins at Kai, “Thanks!” She calls out and nods at Viviana, “Yeah for sure, although probably not until everyone’s a bit more settled in.” She admits. “Maybe you should offer to pay for them to do that.” She suggests to Marlow.
Obadiah holds out his hand for the cup to take a quick sip before handing it back. “It tastes purple,” he agrees with Arachne, lowering his voice some as he watches everyone filter in and out, the room filling up. When he spies Matthew and Malin he leans in to whisper something to Arachne.
Viviana meanders towards Stelle, eyes more on the woman than the game that she was advertising. “Are you actually, like… working this stand or whatever? Like selling the game?” Viviana says to Stelle, the foam rocket launcher on her shoulder probably a poor decision to bring here, she was finding. She shifts it.
Ambrose is also fairly near to the shady looking guy, perhaps clocking him but neither approaching nor drawing attention. Instead, he’s just people-watching and absorbing information, wandering between stands without one particularly drawing his attention.
Isla stares at the screens, completely immersed in watching the trailers for the upcoming titles. “Think someone’s selling used consoles around here, maybe?” She starts, only barely turning towards Vivian.
“Hey Esme.” Genevieve says to Esme giving her a bit wave and almost taking something out with her oversized sword again. She grins at Kai, “Thanks!” She calls out and nods at Viviana, “Yeah for sure, although probably not until everyone’s a bit more settled in.” She admits. “Maybe you should offer to pay for them to do that.” She suggests to Marlow.
Arachne lazily threads her arm through Obadiah’s own, accepting the cup back with a free hand. Her head tilts to hear his whispered words, casually following his gaze toward the open warehouse doors to spy Matthew and Malin in the distance.
Arachne says “Just put Queen’s Warehouse into the GPS, Jenny.“
“Heyyy Genevieve. Esme waves back to Genevieve and laughs as she nearly takes someone out. “Love tha outfit!”
Stelle shakes her head fervently and comments, “Could you imagine? I do not fit in at all. I believe all I have in common with it is euh… Swords, no?” There’s a moments pause to answer a text before she looking Viviana over and asks, “Wonderful outfit by the way.”
“I don’t know, it’s a gaming convention, not a garage sale, is it?” Vivian asks of Isla. “I’ve never been to these sort of conventions before.”
“Hey guys.” Genevieve greets Malin, Matthew and Hester when the come in. “Feel free to have a look around, some of the stalls have free merch and things.”
Matthew walks in hand in hand with Malin, looking over the various stands, but lagely content to go wherever he’s led.
Esme flashes Ambrose a smile when she sees him, “Good t’ see ya when we’re not in the thick of combat.” She muses, hands sliding into the front pocket of her hoodie.
Viviana grins a bit, looking to Stelle. “I don’t like games either, but if you’re gonna show up to a place, my plan is always to come and ball,” Viviana says. “And I know Arcane had like… it’s a video game too, so… here I am,” Viviana says, with a wicked grin.
“Are you kidding? Free swords,” Ambrose deadpans back to Esme, evenly, with a mild smile. “And likewise. Lot of effort into this, and I’ve played a game or two in my day.”
Hester rather forgets how sour she’d been once she gets lost in the current of cosplayers, otakus, and weebs. Curious eyes behind her glasses look over Genevieve, appraising her cosplay with a hmmm. “.. nice wig,” she affords the One-Winged Angel, giving a sneaky thumbs-up.
“I could pay, but I’d rather just jump someone who drinks one of these and sprouts wings,” Marlow tells Genevieve. “They shouldn’t be too hard to catch if they aren’t used to having wings,” Marlow points out, lifting a hand to wave toward Matthew and Malin as they arrive.
Isla tilts her head side to side, thinking. “I ‘unno…. Figured people might take this chance to sell their stuff too, yeah? First time I’ve been somewhere like this for me, too.”
Kai wanders away from the stand as he looks around, his tail flopping and bouncing around as he walks around, eying some of the stands and not-so-subtly Genevieve when he thinks she isn’t paying attention, though he isn’t exactly /leering/, “Free swords? Where?” he asks.
Malin has blue-grey eyes wandering about, brushing the pad of a thumb delicately across the back of Matthew’s hand as she takes everything in. Fuller enhanced lips form a smile as someone greets the new arrivals, and she gasps, “Look at you,” telling her further, “You’re like a final fantasy. You look great. I fully intended on dressing up, but something happened and I forgot…” Her voice trails off as eyes grow wide and then she waves to Marlow, taking in her outfit. “Who are you dressed up as?”
“Hey guys.” Genevieve grees Jenny and Meridith when they come in. “There’s letter openers in the Ghost of Yotei stand.” She advises Kai.
Malin has blue-grey eyes wandering about, brushing the pad of a thumb delicately across the back of Matthew’s hand as she takes everything in. Fuller enhanced lips form a smile as Genevieve greets the new arrivals, and she gasps, “Look at you,” telling her further, “You’re like a final fantasy. You look great. I fully intended on dressing up, but something happened and I forgot…” Her voice trails off as eyes grow wide and then she waves to Marlow, taking in her outfit. “Who are you dressed up as?”
Sophie gives Hester a little nudge as she walks up, “Heeey.” She says with a warm smile, “Neat huh.”
“Yes I have euh… I have only seen the show, the game evaded my interest, no? I wouldn’t say I don’t like games in general though,” Stelle reasons with a raise of her eyebrows, “But you did a good job, no? Hopefully your prize is euh… ‘choice’? That is the word, no?”
Meridith stares at Genevieve for a loooooooong time.
Vivian lets out a soft sigh. “No kidding, huh?” She looks around. “Anything that piques your interest?”
Jenny gives a wave to Genevieve as she walks in not her normal outfit “Hello!”
Hester turns around, ready to mouth off at whoever -that- was – only to shriek happily when she sees it’s Sophie, “Sophie!! You’re here! Ohmygod, there’s so many people, I hate it..” She’s probably cosplaying as a mummy or some Silent Hill monster, with her bandages like that.
“Star player of the Zanarkand Abes,” Marlow replies to Malin boastfully, holding up her Blitzball. “Did you slip, fall, and land on a distraction?” Marlow asks Malin ever so innocently.
Viviana grins a little bit. “We’ll see,” Viviana says with a wink. “I haven’t played the game either, but uh… I’ll play Mario Kart. I did that while babysitting a couple times. It’s pretty easy, at least,” Viviana says. “But thanks, thanks. Do you uh… play this one?” Viviana asks, lifting her chin up to the Ghost of Yotei poster.
Isla finally rips her eyes away from the screens to look around the convention floor some more. “Yeah, there’s stands for lots of upcoming games that I’d like to check out, and! There’s supposed to be a Mario Kart tournament later!” She says, a tinge of excitement audible in her voice as she speaks those last words.
Sophie grins at Hester, “Hey hey.” She looks around, “If I had any skills I’d dress up but..I swear to fuck I’m not that capable.”
“Things do have a tendency to happen.” Genevieve agrees with Malin, “And thanks, just happy I’m not the only one who dressed up, that’d have been super embarrassing.” She claims.
“Are we going to be driving around in cars?” Vivian asks of Isla, raising her eyebrow.
Jenny raises up a plastic ID card that says MULTIPASS on it. Saying over to Arachne “Thanks! Where’d you get that drink from?”
Stelle shakes her head and looks up at the poster herself before she replies, “It looks interesting. Apparently it is euh.. Coming out in October. The staff told me euh… There was another one that released a few years back in the same style so… I suppose I will check it out.” There’s a short pause, shaded lenses dropping for a moment to look at the trailer on screen again before Stelle continues with, “I have never played Mario Kart either. I euh… Spent an unreasonable amount of time playing World of Warcraft before I moved here.”
Meridith tips her head politely to Arachne as she moves to Jenny’s side.
Esme grins, “I hope you’re playing in the tournament then.” She tells Ambrose with a chuckle. Then she’s drifting off a bit again, properly approaching the shady dude to for a hushed chat like a curious consumer before something changes hands and she’s back to wandering against, checking her phone.
“Ah, no-” Isla shakes her head, an amused little giggle escaping her lips. “Mario Kart is a videogame, Viv.” She states flatly, eyes still wandering the convention floor as she bites her lip, unsure where to go next.
Matthew looks over all the costumes, clearly impressed, Genevieve earns a solid couple of nods, “Yo, you went all out!” Then over towards Marlow with, “Hey, that’s a cool top. Dunno the game, though.”
Malin seems to see it now — Marlow’ costume, and she goes, “Ohh, perfect. That’s a fantastic fit,” as she nods. “It was a very hard landing, yes. Firm, but well placed ultimately, I guess,” she says of her distraction, scritching at a temple with the tip of a nail before looking back to Genevieve. “Oh, if no one else dressed up, then you just shame everyone and make sure they never fail you again.”
Viviana grins over towards Stelle. “Nice,” Viviana says. “I heard that game is super fucking addictive, so you’re in good company,” Viviana says to Stelle. “The one I wanna try to play is Baldur’s Gate – I see videos on it all the damn time, and it looks so fun,” Viviana says to Stelle. “Who doesn’t like cool characters, though?”
“That’s okay, you already look ten times better than me,” Hester peers down at herself, pulling up a pantleg to show Sophie a large bite mark on her ankle. “I probably shouldn’t be here at all but ehm, I’m trying to find new inspiration and ways to distract me,” she mouthbreathes at her fellow freshman, swiping an energy drink and.. a peculiar little antique from one of the stalls. “Oh nice, look!”
“Hey Alice!” Kai calls to her with a grin, “How’s it going?” he asks her and gravitates over to Ambrose, “Who’re you supposed to be? That one Ace attorney guy?” as he looks the man over curiously, a little grin on his lips.
Alice finally spots Stelle, rushing over, her over-sized labcoat sleeves flopping this way and that as she waves on approach. “Hey! I didn’t realize it was a cosplay thing or I would have been here sooner.”
Sophie giggles at Kai, object!” She yells, in a classic Ace Attorney pose.
“I might just, yes. Give you a chance to reclaim your racing title against me,” Ambrose muses back to Esme, watching her departure and the fellow she gabs with for a moment… before his attention drifts elsewhere. Not his circus, not his monkeys. Instead, it’s to Kai. A brief look to him, then down to himself, then back. “… for once, fairly accurate.”
Jenny raises an eyerow over to Obadiah “Not sure when i’ve been around ya’ while shifted.”
Upon hearing Kai call out Alice’s name Matthew look sthat way too. He smirks.
Viviana grins up at Alice. “You look ready to do science, Alice!” Viviana says, aiming her shark launcher at her and pulling the trigger to make the mouth move and eyes light up. “Hey, Alice,” Viviana says, her smile bright.
“How do you not know Final Fantasy ten, it’s a classic,” Marlow tells Matthew with full Boomer indignation.
Kai glances at Hester, “Aww if it isn’t my best friend forever Hester! But you look tired, maybe you should go drink some energy drinks right now buddy. I bet those would perk you up, they might even have new flavors you could try,” he grins at her a little.
Esme is drawn to this stand by the letter opening probably, flashing a grin toward the trio. “Heya.” She greets as she looks it over.
“Very much so. Something about euh… I do not know, the world is particularly immersive, no?” Stelle offers as explanation, not that it explains much. Her eyes flick back to Viviana then and a small smile pulling up the corners of her lips. “I have heard of this Baldur’s Gate, no? Euh… It sounds interesting, yes.” Then, all eyes are on Alice’s entry, shades dipping downward once more and a toothy grin erupting onto Stelle’s face, “Oh? I did not think it took too long at all. You are euh… Fashionably late, as we always are.”
Alice gives Viviana an equally bright smile, waving again and causing her massive sleeve to flip this way and that. “I’m a character from Stelle’s phone game,” she says. “The horse game. Um, the shoes weren’t ready yet, so it’s not like… finished.”
Stelle holds a casual peace sign up towards Esme. “Feeling better?”
“Hand raid earlier this week,” Obadiah says flatly. “Dovie and I had Gabe on his back heels when you pounced and knocked both of us back, put me out of range and then one chomp later I had to retreat. Gave Gabe just enough time to fall back and take out Dovie.” He brings his tiki drink to his lips and slurps before adding with a wink, “Not that I keep track of this shit or anything.”
Hester follows Sophie’s gaze to Kai and Ambrose, and immediately her expression falls flat. Giving the former a stink-eye, she intones to the Vasquez, “Hello, Mr. Vasquez. I see you’ve caught the least popular Pokemon of all.” Grabbing a couple more energy drinks, she sniffs sharply and corrects, “Oh wait no – a Digimon, actually. That Pokemon you’ve got is Temu quality, sir. Better return it. Before I drink all the energy drinks so he can’t have any.”
“Nice, I’m like… Jinx, from League of Legends,” Viviana says. “Only character I could even think of with a build like mine,” Viviana says with a grin. “It looks good!” Viviana says to Alice, turning her attention back towards Stelle. “Are you guys going to play mario kart?” Viviana asks, looking to Esme now, Viviana’s smile blossoming. “Hey, Esme.”
“Aaah.” Vivian nods her head at Isla’s words. “Doesn’t seem to be any games I play I don’t think so.” She lets out a sigh. “All of them seem very… New.”
Matthew spreads his hands all mock-apology as he calls out, “Sorry Mars, I was a Nintendo kid, I didn’t play that series.” Like the first six games weren’t on that system first.
Malin starts to snicker as she listens to Hester use ‘temu’ as an adjective now so freely.
Jenny says “What is?“
“Sort of a personality failing of mine.” Genevieve admits to Matthew and nods at Malin, “I’ll keep that in mind.” She agrees, waving to Alice when she comes in. “Heya, cool wig.”
“I did not plan to but I suppose while I am here it will be fine. I will euh… Need to do some prep for Rome so if it’s a little long I may need to step out early though,” Stelle replies to Viviana, flicking her thumb over her phone a few times.
Ambrose lets his gaze drift to Hester, then from her to Kai, and then back, lips pursed in muted amusement. “Gracious. And hello to you too, Miss Flanagan.” Off his attention goes again, though, distracted as it often is.
Esme grins to Stelle, “Yeah, much!” More generally she asks, “How’re you all doing? I told Vie to put me down for playing if she needed more bodies.”
Stelle looks down at her arms and then over towards her everywhere else before giving Esme an almost Mercer-worthy thumbs up. “All put back together myself too.”
“I’ll be back,” Arachne tells Obadiah, slipping out from his companionship to head for the doors.
“You can crush their spirit, little by little, and even sprinkle it on things to add more flavour,” Malin is relaying to Genevieve her thoughts on how to destroy others to make them comply better in the future. As Matthew leans in and whispers, she provides him with a confirming nod. “It is,” she replies, smirking at him some before bumping a hip into one of his lightly.
Alice whips her head around when she’s addressed, scanning the crowd before leveling on Genevieve and offering a smile. “Oh! Thanks! Hi! I’m, um, Tachyon! From Stelle’s horse game!”
Isla tilts her head at Vivian with a michievous smile. “Well, nothing wrong with trying new stuff, right?” She says, smiling as she leads Vivian away from the stall and back into the general flow of convention-goers. “Maybe you’ll find something you’d like to play when we get a console for the apartment!”
Jenny raises her eyebrows over to Obadiah “OH! I remember now.” she says looking over someone and then someone “Either of y’all in a cosplay? I’m doin’ Leloo Dallas.” she says raising her multipass that displays the name
Hester tosses back -all- of that purpleberry punch, shoving the empty cup.. into the nearby trash bin, because she’s a responsible con attendee. She makes a point to show off to Kai her plastic water bottle, gently pushing it to Sophie all ‘hold my drink’ like.
Jenny raises her eyebrows over to someone “OH! I remember now.” she says looking over someone and then someone “Either of y’all in a cosplay? I’m doin’ Leloo Dallas.” she says raising her multipass that displays the name
“Why did it become /my/ horse game?” Stelle asks, more to the floor than to Alice herself.
Jenny raises her eyebrows over to Obadiah “OH! I remember now.” she says looking over Obadiah and then someone “Either of y’all in a cosplay? I’m doin’ Leloo Dallas.” she says raising her multipass that displays the name
“Good. Mist is fuckin’ rough, but I’m glad everyone got out okay.” Esme looks around a beat before finally buying one of those letter openers. “I’m gonna keep wandering, but good seeing ya!”
Viviana was leaning closer to Stelle. “That… was actually my question,” Viviana says to Stelle. “Like… are you making a game?” Viviana asks.
Obadiah placidly watches two of the Montroses leave before looking up when he hears Alice speak. He gives a flick of his fingers in her general direction in greeting before returning to the conversation at hand.
Jenny raises her eyebrows over to Obadiah “OH! I remember now.” she says looking over Obadiah “I’m doing a cosplay for Leeloo Dallas.” she says raising her multipass card that display that same name.
“Mmmm! Looks good, I guess I can’t get any if you’re going to drink it all, but you go girl!” Kai calls to Hester in encouragement, his eyes catching the light as he watches her with a cold little smile.
Esme makes her way to this stand now, playing with her new letter opener. “I made it!” She smiles to Obadiah and wave sto Meridith and Jenny. “Heya. I think I saw ya both briefly yesterday maybe? Esme.” She introduces herself.
Alice turns her attention back to Viviana and Stelle, smiling wide. “You look great, Viv,” she assures. “And yeah, I can’t do the tournament, sorry. Mission to Rome soon. I’m probably only gonna stick around for another few minutes.”
Stelle/span>/spanStelle pops open an all too colorful app underscored by the name ‘Umamusume’. Stelle comments after a moment to let the visual sink in, “I picked up playing it after I got my horse, Cheval, and now it is my phone game.”
Matthew ricochets off of Malin’s hip bump, shifting to step behind and to her other side as his eyes land on The Ghst of Yotei Stand like it was the most interesting thing ever. “What’s that game?”
Obadiah smiles a broad, genuine grin at Jenny, “Fifth Element is one of my all time favorites. I have a type and I blame Milla Jovovich for it.” He smiles when Esme walks over and opens his free arm to give her a side hug, “When is the fun going to start? I have an itch that can only be satisfied by redshelling a bitch.”
Genevieve heads over to the main stage to deal with some setup stuff.
Five minute warning for Mario Kart Grand Championship, anyone who would like to compete please make their way to the main stage.
Kai looks over to Genevieve, “Your outfit is too good! I came here, trying to be all cute to encourage everyone to be nice to me at least while I’m here, but yours blows me out of the water,” he says and presses his hand to his chest lightly.
Jenny gives a nod over to Esme and then over at the announcement moving to the main stage.
Esme laughs, returning the side hug, “Right now I guess!” She tells Obadiah.
Obadiah makes his way over there too.
Malin admits to Matthew, “I think I probably really suck at it, but sure, why not?”
Viviana pauses, “A mission to Rome!” Viviana says. “Oh, shit!” Viviana says, getting a flash of memory. Viviana looks at the game though, and as she does, she leans over to whisper something to Stelle. “Cute game,” Viviana says. When Alice compliments her, Viviana flashes a wink and a perfect smile to her.
Matthew grins at Malin, “OKay, I’ll do it too, I definitely suck at it…. so we can race each other. Little wager?”
Viviana says “I’m gonna go to the tournament stage, though.“
Alice says “No worries! I might wander around a little bit, but then I’ll probably go get ready.“
Stelle nods towards Viviana a few times and her jaw twists a little bit. There’s a moment of digestion and then a nod and a wave as Stelle comments, “Yes, go ahead I will catch you later, no?”
Tucking her Blitzball, which is really just a decorated soccer ball with delusions of grandeur, under her arm, Marlow heads for the pain stage. “I call Bowser,” Marlow calls dibs, looking around to see if anyone dares object.
Marlow also heads for the main stage, but pain stage works too
“Nice, schmice, you’re the stinkiest Pikachu there ever was because Ash would throw the ball and you’d be like ‘sorry, go get rekt, pika pika’,” Hester seethes at Kai, swiping another energy drink off the shelf to chug. “He’ll never get all these expensive goodies. Sophie! Help me hide the swords from him,” she barks at Sophie, angrily drowning herself in another cup of purple.
“I want Princess Peach,” Malin declares after Marlow is making a claim.
Matthew grins at Malin, “OKay, I’ll do it too, I definitely suck at it…. so we can race each other. Little wager?”
“You should be Baby Peach,” Marlow tells Malin, no explanation for her reasoning given.
Obadiah gives a mischievous grin. “Mario, Standard Kart, Standard Wheels, Standard Glider.”
Jenny looks down at the controllers “Who is goin’ first?
Viviana steps up towards the stage herself. “I call, uh… whatever one is left,” Viviana says, unshouldering her shark launcher to hold it under her arm.
Ambrose sifts his way over toward the main stage, gradually, mostly ignorant of anyone and everyone else for a time. “Dry Bones.”
“I want… Yoshi!” Matthew calls out, tacking on his own request in the wake, “But if not him, then Wario!”
“That’s Sexy Baby Peach to you,” Malin stresses to Marlow without missing a beat as she quickly sticks out her tongue, and then tells Matthew, “A wager is always wise.”
Meridith folds her arms and looks annoyed.
Vivian finds Isla, bringing a hand to put on her shoulder. “Found you.” She lets out a soft sigh. “T-thought I lost you for a moment.”
“Sexy baby Peach?” Alice asks incredulously, looking to Stelle with barely-hid disgust on her face. “That’s kinda…”
Isla peers around panickedly, jumping when Vivian grabs her shoulder. “There you are!” She grabs Vivian’s hand without a moment’s hesitation and leads her out of the warehouse.
“I’ll be Bowsette!” Esme declares
Sophie sighs and rubs her neck.
Kai glances over to Hester and continues with that cold little smile to her, “Can you get me an energy drink, bestie?” he asks with a tilt of his head, though he looks over to Malin, “You’d make a great looking Princess Peach!” he calls to her in encouragement.
Beaming every so brightly, Malin replies to Kai warmly, “Thank you. I think so, too.”
“Sexy Baby Peach,” Marlow corrects herself, giving Malin a fanged half-smile. “I forgot myself, highness.” She peers at Matthew. “You keep your weird tongue in your lane, Yoshi,” she warns him.
Viviana glances over the rest of the characters, Viviana’s face scrunching up as she looks over the selection. “Oh, wait! That guy! Hell yeah! I choose King Boo!” Viviana says, “Or dibs, or whatever!” Viviana says.
Genevieve flashes Kai a grin although she seems a little busy with the setup.
62At the stage has been setup over two dozen Nintendo controllers connected to a main screen that displays the game and allows dozens of people to play at once in the same race. (Each round I announce either use drive or use pickup, if you get a pickup you can use emote using it when you want to, if you already have a pickup you cannot get a new one until you’ve used it.)
Genevieve walks down the line giving everyone their controllers. “Does everyone understand how to play?” She checks.
Stelle shrugs at Alice and flicks her head towards the entrance. “I euh… have something to share when you are ready, no?”
“I call donkey kong.” Jenny decides moving over to the controllers
“Understood,” Ambrose agrees, taking a controller in hand.
Malin offers up a look that tells Marlow she is forgiven, as playful as it is, and then her attention shifts to Genevieve. “We try to kill each other!” is her understanding. “With shells and banana peels!”
Matthew sticks his tongue out at Marlow, “Never!” And then to Malin he throws out, “Okay, open ended wager, winner claims all.” With that he puts his game face on, “Let’s go Yoshiii!”
Obadiah throws up a thumbs up and sets his drink aside for now. Need both hands free.
Kai wanders up to the main stage, though he holds up his onesie covered hands and shakes his head, “No playing for me, I think,” he grins and comes to a stop somewhere near Obadiah, giving a firm nod to the man, “I had some of your tacos this morning. Delish as per usual, sir.”
“No, but that’s never stopped me before,” Viviana says to Genevieve, taking one of the controllers in her hands. “Ghost power!”
Esme picks up a controller and starts to settle in, “No questions here!”
Accepting her controller, Marlow rotates the controls under her thumbs to warm it up. “Let’s go,” she says. “I’ve got a Yoshi to destroy.”
Genevieve steps back as the screen lights up with the character select screen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwgd9Su5TKo&t=5s
Players choose your racers!
“No! Pikachu doesn’t get energy drinks, because he was being a pika-pika-piece of crap!” Hester furiously delivers to Kai, practically punching her arm right back into the stand to show him another energy drink– but he’s already wandering away from her. “You get back here and give me whatever you’re hiding!” yells the fat one in the bandages, chucking her cup at Kai.
“Open ended sounds wildly dangerous,” Malin informs Matthew, scrunching her nose at him. “That means if I win I can make you dress up like Cupid and wear a big diaper around everywhere for the day,” she notes before using her controller to find her Princess.
Jenny uses her controller to claim Donkey Kong on the selection screen before looking to see what everyone else picks.”
Obadiah tightens his imaginary driving gloves and adjusts his sunglasses before doing exactly what he said he was going to do: Mario, Standard Kart, Standard Wheels, Standard Glider.
Viviana selects King Boo, and chooses standard everything, like a basic bish.
Esme locks in Bowsette with a quickness, humming the theme music idly under her breath.
As anticipated, Ambrose click-click-clicks his controller over to Dry Bones and locks in. The rest of the options are picked after cycling through once. Standard, standard, standard.
Matthew stares at Malin like he did not expect this and then he’s like, “Ohhh noooo, I will not be sexy cupid for a sexy baby peach.” He collects the controller and locks in on yoshi.
Alice winces as the noise starts up in earnest. She shoots a glance at Stelle, then jerks her head towards the door, but she doesn’t wait for an answer before slipping out through the crowd.
Malin reaches to rid her eyes of her sunglasses, shaking her head some and causing her beach waves to get redistributed a bit about her shoulders. “Sure you won’t,” comes her reply to Matthew, not at all agreeing with him.
Genevieve watches the character selection play out.
Suddenly the screen changes to a big overview of the track selection which is done automatically before 3… 2 … 1… RACE! [Round One, use drive or use pickup]
Esme uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanJenny uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanchooses Bowser/span>/spanMarlow tells Malin.
Ambrose uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanMalin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanMarlow uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanMatthew uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanViviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They hit a speed boost and shoot ahead (+10)/span>/span“Pics or didn’t happen!” Malin calls out to Marlow about her plans for Matthew, and then her tongue is spilling out to the right side of her mouth as she focuses way too hard on using her controller.
Kai glances over his shoulder to Hester and smirks a little, he turns back to watch the match with his arms folded behind his head, leaning to the side on one foot while he watches with a broad grin on his face.
As soon as the race starts, Esme is mashing the speed button, swerving to dodge a bomb before focusing back on the track and trying to make sense of all the racers.
Obadiah glances over at Ambrose and Viviana when they zoom past him and Marlow, before refocusing on the task at hand.
“Temporary truce so we can take her out?” Marlow offers toward Ambrose, nodding toward Viviana as she shoots ahead.
It’s mostly systematic, how Ambrose takes to the game; everything is focused on finding optimal lines. Mostly everything. Aside, to Marlow, “Deal.”
Viviana lucks into a speed boost, seeing her cart zoom straight ahead. Viviana had a dippy grin on her face, but it wasn’t clear how much she understood what was going on. “No! Fuck!” Viviana says. “Take him out!” Viviana points briefly towards Obadiah.
Matthew and Malin are neck and neck in the back of the pack as Yoshi and Peach but you’d think this was the race of his life. “It ain’t happening!” me calls out.
“I always get what I want!” Malin claims in response to Matthew, eyes never leaving the screen.
“Hmm… who do I want to win…” Kai considers and then gives a firm nod to Viviana, “Viv, you’re my guy! Kick their ass!” he laughs a little and gives a mildly excited hop before heading over to stand behind Viviana. Not like /right/ over her shoulder or in her personal space, just to split his attention between watching her reactions and what’s happening in the game.
Jenny uses her controller to swerve out of the way of a bomb watching Ambrose take the lead
Matthew attempts some sabotage, “Naw, I’mma get this block and take you out with a red shell!” he promises Malin, “My aim is next level in this game.” But he’s actually running into the wall, and off the track, when was the last time he played?
Matthew uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a red shell(+5)/span>/spanHester stomps a foot and yells all manner of elementary level insults Kai’s way, but they’re probably lost in the clamor of the crowd around the actual competition. Sulking now while Sophie suffers her ill mood, she just chugs yet another energy drink. Being mad makes one do crazy things.
watches from the side.
King Boo leaps out to the front of the pack, followed up by Dry Bones with Mario and Bowser just behind and the rest of the pack trailing as they struggle to get used to their karts.[Round Two, use drive or use pickup]
Genevieve shoutcasts. “Looks like we’ve got some early domination from Viviana’s King Boo, that’s that Rothwell blood coming in clutch no doubt, but she’s not won it yet!”
Meridith waves to Cadalie, looking a little sour.
Esme uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a banana peel(+5)/span>/spanKai turns a bit to give a wave to Cadalie, “Oh hey Cadalie,” he greets her distractedly before turning his focus back to the game itself, tail bobbing a bit as he shifts around.
Malin uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a banana peel(+5)/span>/spanViviana uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve for a pickup but miss(+2)/span>/spanMarlow uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve for a pickup but miss(+2)/span>/spanAmbrose uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanJenny uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve hard to pick up a blue shell(+2)/span>/span“Hi, y’all.” Cadalie greets, her voice subdued enough to be drowned by the competitive noise.
Matthew makes good on his promise and hangs back purposely just to fire that red shell at Malin. “SEE, I TOLD YOU!” he’s claiming to her just as that red shell makes way for her tail.
Cackling, Malin is calling at Matthew, “I’m going to make you wipe out!” Only, she’s not able to really get ahead of him just yet, so those are just fighting words.
Viviana thought that was because Kai knew better. Viviana nonetheless swings an elbow back behind herself, but between that and someone sideways towards Ambrose, Viviana scrunches her nose up, skidding around a pickup into a curve, and losing some momentum.
Viviana thought that was because Kai knew better. Viviana nonetheless swings an elbow back behind herself, but between that and glancing sideways towards Ambrose, Viviana scrunches her nose up, skidding around a pickup into a curve, and losing some momentum.
Esme goes for a banana powerup! She ‘ah has!’ as she starts back on the track, trying to position herself for ideal targetting.
Malin goes, “Oh fuck,” as she realises Matthew has a plan for her.
Jenny swerves to get the blue shell looking over to Ambrose and then using the blue shell on him with a grin.
Vroom. Ambrose guns for the first, missing any pickups, and taking the initial, to-be-expected blue shell of the game.
Matthew is looking all smug as the red shell hits, he’s encroaching fast behidn Malin, looking like he may surpass her after all.
“Hey,” Marlow frowns over at Ambrose, indignation written onto her features. “We were supposed to be taking out the leader, why are you gunning it, traitor?” Marlow demands, just as Jenny instead takes the shot. “That’s my girl,” Marlow calls out encouragingly.
Obadiah has his eyes on the screen, that game obsessed focus in his eyes as he keeps using skill rather than boosts. Unable to close the gap with Ambrose in any meaningful way he holds back at the threat of an impending blue shell. Strategy is never to lead this early in the race anyway, right?
“Maaaan Viv you’re killing it. The only way these guys will even have a chance to win is if they try to take you out first, but… let’s be real, they just don’t even have the skills, not even altogether,” Kai tells Viviana with a laugh and a playful glance at the other players, “Might as well give the prize money to her already, Gen!”
Matthew glances towards the order, trying to discern the order of the pack that he’s falling further and further behind. “Oi, Don’t you dare lap me,” He calls towards Viviana, “Or I will be aiming a shell your way!” He doesn’t have any items, though.
You might the the world was over, given the way Malin shrieks so very loudly in response to Matthew’s game plan. Her poor character spins out and crashes, losing speed and momentum as Princess Peach after that homing projectile of a red shell locked on and took her out.
Scratch that, Hester turns around and Sophie isn’t anywhere to be seen. She takes her angry stomps towards the next stand – coincidentally, just a shady looking dude. While she’s incensed, he offers out something sweet her way, and of course she obliges.
Having already missed the pickup she was aiming for Marlow takes a hand off her controller to draw her replica sword and take a swing at Kai with it during his trash-talk.
Dry Bones pulls into the lead only to be sent into a spin from that blue shell fired by Donkey Kong. Yoshi’s Red Shell takes out Mario and sends him back to last place! King Boo is still in the lead with a cluster of Dry Bones, Bowsette, Princess Peach and Yoshi just behind![Round Three]
Off to the side Genevieve shoutcasts. “Viviana is still seeming uncatchable folks, although Jenny’s blue shell is definitely helping her out there. But it’s still anyone’s race.”
“Oh my fuck!” Kai yelps and staggers to the side reflexively when Marlow swings out him and he notices out of the corner of his eye. But the onesie isn’t made for combat, nor much besides sleeping, and he slips and falls. Hard. Onto his shoulder with a thud, “Argh…” he lets out a soft groan of pain.
Matthew uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanEsme uses a Mario Kart Controller: They hit a speed boost and shoot ahead (+10)/span>/spanViviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanPreston makes his way in – rather fashionably late, and joins the main stage, mostly just watching now.
Marlow uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanJenny uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanMalin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanEsmeuses her banana peel at just the right time and manages to (accidentally even) hit a speed boost in the process! “Woo!” She cheers for herself as she takes off in it.
Malin scrunches her nose as she tries to figure out a way to get back after Matthew.
“FUCKING YOSHI YOU MOTHER…” Obadiah exclaims when he spins out and apparently falls to last place. Taking a moment to get his breath he buckles in again and focuses on the driving once more, apparently mastering corners really really well this game.
“What the fuck!” Viviana says, her voice pitching upwards towards Matthew. “You shell me, I’ll fuckin’… I’ll fuckin’ shell you back!” Viviana says to Matthew, her brow furrowing as she focuses on the screen, her smile turning to a bit of a frown as she uses her rainbow-painted short nails to tap on the buttons. “Shut the fuck up, Kai,” Viviana grumbles, her eyes flickering towards the others distractedly. She was getting competitive now.
Ambrose uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanJenny picks up one of the coins, starting to nyoom past a couple of people on the track “Hell yeah.”
With a look of satisfaction as Kai gets knocked over and stops hyping up Viviana for the time being, Marlow gets a hand back on her controller in time to take a corner deftly, though she’s toward the rear of the pack now.
On goes Ambrose, just focusing on the race for now, brow knitted with a distant stare. The buzz of his phone distracts him, but he’s locked in. Or trying to be.
Kai slowly gets back up to his feet and brushes himself off, he glances around himself with a forced look of nonchalance, “I totally meant to do that… pika…” he mutters and glances to Sylvia, then back to Viviana and the game, “Sorry Viv. You got this!”
“Oh, you want some of this!” Matthew forgets about his race with Malin once Viviana starts shouting his way. “Naw, get that sack of bones, it ain’t natural,” He starts to rally against first place, veering just out of the way of a bomb. But it’s an over correction, he skids off the track and has to swerve to get back on, losing position. “MALIN,” he’s calling towards her, “FIND A WAY TO BANANA THAT BONER!”
Hester breathes heavily (more heavily than usual) as she searches around the convention and just sees an ocean of nerds and nobody she knows. “Oh my god.. there’s too many people. Too many people,” she groans and rubs at some discomfort on her chest, the effects of those multiple energy drinks beginning to show.
Kai calls out, “Banana that boner!” in echo of Matthew’s sentiment, a shit-eating grin on his face.
Bowsette drops a banana peel just as Princess Peach was catching up and Princess Peach is sent spinning back to the middle of the pack. King Boo is staying in the lead but Bowsette is now nipping at her heels as Dry Bones and Donkey Kong move up through the pack, Mario still in last place as he races to catch up from his earlier spin out.[Round Four]
Genevieve shoutcasts. “Viviana is still in the lead folks as they complete the first lap, but can she keep this up? Esme seems to be wanting to have words with her about it!”
Viviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanEsme uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanJenny uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanMatthew uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve for a pickup and crash!(-2)/span>/spanMalin is remembering how to armor herself with that banana peel, and she’s holding down a trigger to keep that thing dangling behind her cart. “I always thought a banana was more of a euphemism for a boner, but okay!” she calls to Matthew, not releasing said weapon, but keeping it as her own protection.
Malin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a blue shell(+5)/span>/spanAmbrose uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a red shell(+5)/span>/span“I’m comin for first place, Viv!” Esme teases Viviana with a laugh, staying on her heels for the moment but not quiteee catching up yet from what she can see.
Marlow uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanMatthew goes for one of the pickups only to have it stolen by Obadiah, he’s just about to run into Malin and her banana shield so he swerves, running into the wall and then, off the course. Thankfully the raincloud is there to fish him out and drop him back on the track, woefully in last place. “FUCK!”
Jenny ignores the pickups, trying to get further ahead in the race. Intensely focused on the screen “Not if I get there first.” she says over to Esme
“Oh fudge, oh fuh,” Hester grimaces, clutching at her chest. Carelessly, the large nerd barrels through all the other nerds, bumping her shoulder against Isla’s on her way out of the venue. “Oh god, I’m gonna die…”
Obadiah flexes his hands, looking down at his moonstone cuff before looking back up when he gets a blue shell. Deciding now is just as good as anytime he fires it and slides around the next corner. “Choke on this, Boo!”
Viviana lets a small smirk touch her lips in spite of the focus that had settled on her once she lucked into the lead. “Fuckin’… gotta get it from me, first!” Viviana croons, giggling kinda madly as she shifts in the place. “Holy shit, this is actually,” Viviana starts to giggle some more, her hands shaking at the controller as she keeps her focus locked in on the game. “Fun… FUCK! I told you guys to take him out!” Viviana says about Obadiah.
Kai glances over his shoulder at Hester when he notices she might be running out of the convention, his lips quirked up with that cold little smile again, he turns his gaze back to the screen, his pupils heavily dilated at this point, arms folded across his chest as he looks like a stoned Pokemon fan while he observes the game.
Gunning it down a straight portion of the track, Marlow calls out toward Viviana, “Stop trying to misdirect, we’re still coming for you,” Marlow declares.
“And before that wolf eats my grandma, give that wolf a banana!” Malin is singing out a past Norwegian Eurovision entry, still holding tight to that virtual banana peel on the screen.
King Boo takes the corner in the lead but then that blue shell fired from Mario has her kart spinning out as Bowsette takes the lead, King Boo still right behind, with Dry Bones and Donkey Kong close behind. Yoshi makes a bad turn and crashes struggling to catch back up to the pack from the rear of the group.[Next Round]
Genevieve shoutcasts. “Just goes to show you the power of those pick ups, and Ambrose is still holding his red shell, I would not want to be whoever is in front of him right now.”
Viviana uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a blue shell(+5)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a blue shell(+5)/span>/spanMalin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanEsme uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanMarlow uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve hard to pick up a blue shell(+2)/span>/spanAmbrose uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanMatthew uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/span“Woo! Thanks Obes!” Esme laughs as she speeds ahead, ignoring a nearby powerup to try and keep her lead.
Jenny uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanJenny doesn’t seem to be going for much pickups currently. Just focusing on trying to get into the lead over the race as she picks up one of the coins
“Special delivery,” Marlow says snidely as she fires off her blue shell immediately upon picking it up, sending it firing off toward the unfortunate leader.
Matthew At this point Matthew is just trying to finish the race, he’s got soo much ground to cover. He’s not winning any wagers, a diaper is definitely in his future, but he can at least try for not-last and maintain some kind of dignity, right? He dodges and weaves obstacles, avoiding the drivers lapping him, staying on his course; his tongue is captured in his teeth, extremely focused.
“Good one Vice President!” Kai is quick to switch loyalty after Marlow launches her attack, a shit-eating grin on his face, hazel eyes bright as he follows the action on screen.
Ambrose is still holding, indeed, and he does NOT utilize his red shell immediately; it’s more technical driving for him. Just more into the straightaway, biding his time with the item until late into the turn, using it on whomever happens to pass him next. Unfortunate timing for them.
“My pleasure,” Obadiah grumbles as he some how picks up another blue shell, pleasantly surprised. Marlow already released hers, which would go after Esme, and his would just add insult to injury, maybe? Either way he is going to sandbag this turn and hold onto his shell for now.
Viviana hisses out, glancing briefly towards Marlow. “Maybe I’ll redirect your ass onto… fuck, I dunno,” Viviana says, biting her lower lip as she lingers back from the front, her eyes – covered in pink contacts, watching the screen as she starts to lose her lead. With a tilt of her controller (she didn’t need to tilt these controllers, right?) Viviana leaaaans her physical body over to make the swerve into a pickup. Likewise, she holds onto her blue shell.
A spike of texting washes over the morning idleness in Cadalie’s posture. She practically jumps when Meridith whispers to her.
Malin is still holding onto the banana peel like it is the most precious commodity known to mankind as Princess Peach continues to move about the track.
Donkey Kong and King Boo come out of the corner neck and neck in the lead but right as Bowser’s Blue shell sends Donkey Kong Spinning, Dry Bones’ red shell snipes out King Boo. It’s Dry Bones and Princess Peach neck and neck in the lead now, with Bowsette nipping at their heels.[Next round, third lap] Genevieve shoutcasts. “Things are getting spicy as we head into the final lap here with Ambrose and Malin neck and neck in the lead.”
Esme uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a star(+5)/span>/spanMalin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanJenny chuckles “Curse you bowser.” as she focuses back on the race after getting knocked out by the blue shell. Trying to get back into the lead
Matthew uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a red shell(+5)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanJenny uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/span“What was that about my very great ass?” Marlow asks Viviana in a warning tone, though her attention suddenly shifts to Ambrose. “Truce is over,” Marlow unilaterally declares as he moves into the lead.
Malin narrows her eyes, focusing harder now. She doesn’t glance at Ambrose in person, only at his character on screen. Her tongue is out again as her intention increases and she manages to avoid a bomb.
Marlow uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanEsme picks up the star and immediately uses it to protect herself as she tries to get back in the lead!
Ambrose uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanMeridith nods gently.
Viviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanObadiah continues to be the corner king, not getting any speed on them straight-aways. He glances over to Viviana, “Are you going to use your blue? Or should I do the honors? Wait until I take out one then you can take out the other?”
“So be it,” Ambrose claims back as he locks in, leaning forward in intent. Tight lines, proper driving.
Preston watches the action for a long while, “I like the outfit,” Preston mentions to Genevieve, not wanting to distract the gamers from their very intense game of Mario Kart that’s going. Folding his arms over his chest, he smiles, a tad, still watching.
Viviana glances to the side, towards Marlow, briefly. A little grin spreads across her lips. “Well, does your very great ass and mine want to take him out now?” Viviana says, firing the blue shell as she glances towards Obadiah. “All yours now, if you wanna fire yours!” Viviana says, showing her teeth in a wicked grin.
Matthew isn’t even in the picture but he’s got that red shell. He holds it at his tail, preparing it to launch at someonem, anyone who happens to cross into his sight hairs. He takes a turn, leaning bodily with every twist of the track, until he closes in on someone ahead of him. The red shell is released.
“Deal,” Marlow tells Viviana, turning traitor on Ambrose without batting an eye.
Obadiah gives a firm nod to Viviana and goes weapons free sending his blue shell down range
Bowsette passes on the inside to take the lead, with Donkey Kong just behind then Dry Bones and Malin neck and neck. Yoshi’s red shell strikes Mario and sends him spinning, almost allowing Yoshi to catch up to him but not quite. Obie’s blue shell connects with Esme who is immune from picking up a star![Next Round, this will be second to last round] Genevieve shoutcasts. “Esme comes from nowhere to take the lead, that’s that biker gang racing instinct for sure, and she immediately uses her star, smart play but can she stay ahead with so many racers so close behind?”
Jenny uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve hard to pick up a red shell(+2)/span>/spanAmbrose uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a green shell(+5)/span>/spanMatthew uses a Mario Kart controller: They make a small correction to pick up a star(+5)/span>/spanMalin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanMarlow uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanEsme uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanJenny takes a chance and swerves to pick up a red-shell and almost immediately using it to try and gain the lead.
Esme is focused in now, gripping her controller, practically on the edge of her seat as she tries hard to keep her lead!
Nearly spinning out to avoid a bomb, Marlow manages to just barely course correct, swearing under her breath.
Finally, Malin is using the controller to throw that banana peel in an arc to try and mess up Esme. She tilts the control stick forward and then releases the trigger, launching that thing forward.
There we go, Yoshi picks up a star and Matthew uses it immediately. That dino’s speed picks up and he just starts aiming at everyone, placement is no longer the goal, it’s all about how many drivers can he possibly hit and knock out of the way.
Viviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They grab a coin and accelerate faster(+8)/span>/spanKai glances away from the screen for a moment and his gaze happens to fall on Sophie, “Hoooly. That’s a cheap ass dress. Did you buy that just for this convention? Who’re you supposed to be?” he asks her with a tilt of his head, a little smirk on his lips.
Obadiah keeps his head down and charges forward, not really thinking about anything else at the moment.
Stilled in his stance, Ambrose continues to focus on the game when his phone buzzes again; the item is held for the moment.
Viviana moans as both of the blue shells bounce off of Esme’s starcoated self. Standing *up* now, Viviana had hunched shoulders, her lower lip sticking out and her eyes wide open as she holds the controller closer to her chest, leaning forward to focus in as she drive, drive, drives!
Yoshi grabs a star and uses it, Donkey Kong fires a shell into Dry Bones who goes into a spin then Princess Peach’s banana Peel catches Donkey Kong in turn. Bowsette maintains her lead but that blinking invincibility is gone now, Princess Peach right behind her and King Boo currently in third.[Next round, final round]
Genevieve shoutcasts. “Bowsette is still in the lead, but can she hold on with all those pick ups ready to be used? Princess Peach is definitely looking hungry as the racers come around the final bend!”
Esme uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanViviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They dodge a bomb and keep on going(+2)/span>/spanObadiah uses a Mario Kart Controller: They hit a speed boost and shoot ahead (+10)/span>/spanAmbrose uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanJenny uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve hard to pick up a green shell(+2)/span>/spanMarlow uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanMatthew uses a Mario Kart controller: They swerve for a pickup but miss(+2)/span>/span“C’mon…c’monnnn” Esme makes an ‘eek’ sort of sound even as she tries to take home the win, knuckles turning white from the grip.
Jenny grabs one of the blue shells, keeping it for now to use on the last stretch of the race
Viviana makes an overdramtic groan as she dodges a bomb, straight into the green. Viviana stomps her foot, and then breaks into a fit of giggles, pushing her neon blue ponytails over her shoulder now.
Malin uses a Mario Kart Controller: They head into a straight, picking up speed(+6)/span>/spanAmbrose uses his item and launches a green shell, off to bounce on the wall and try to snipe the distant Esme. Once it becomes clear, though, that he’s nowhere near the finish line himself, he allows himself to get fully distracted and fishes his phone out of his pocket.
Obadiah cackles with manically glee as he hits the speed boost and leaps forward. Probably too little too late but he doesn’t care: he is in the zone.
“Go, go, go!” Malin is shouting at Princess Peach, as if she isn’t the one in control of just how fast and where Princess Peach is.
Genevieve notes This is the final round, final chance to use pickups you have before the finish.
Viviana uses a Mario Kart Controller: They gracefully take a corner(+4)/span>/spanSkipping the chance at a last pickup, Marlow just focuses in on picking up as much speed as she can in the final straightaway.
Matthew’s pickup game could use some work, just as he’s going for one he swerves, missing it just barely. “Oh for fuck’s sake!” He shouts at the console and the rest of the players, “Who even picked this track! I hope everyone here gets damp socks in their shoes,” is the curse he lobs out. He throws himself back in his seat and then he spies how close Peach is as Malin is chanting, so he throws in his weight there, “GOGOGOGOGO!”
Jenny launches her blue shell over towards the person currently in the lead. Trying to take that spot. Not really sure where she is in this lineup at the moment
Kai wanders back to the main stage and redirects himself to stand behind Marlow, afterall, she was winning, “Looking good…,” he just assumes and goes on, “I like your costume. Really retro. I thought mine might help everyone be nice to me while I’m here at least, but… eh.” he grins a little and shrugs.
“I think Mars is always looking good,” Preston points out to Kai as he watches from the back.
“Sure, that goes without saying, but Mars dressed up for the convention,” Kai glances to Preston and reaches up to flick one of his floppy pikachu ears.
Bowsette keeps her lead in the final stretch until a green shell from Dry Bones has her spinning out and Princess Peach surges ahead. But then Donkey Kong’s Green shell from the back of the pack sends her into a spin and lets Bowsette take the lead once more. The Karts shoot over the finish line:
1st: Bowsette
2nd: Princess Peach
3rd: Dry Bones
4th: King Boo
5th-6th: Bowser & Mario
7th: Donkey Kong
8th: Yoshi
Genevieve shoutcasts. “Give it up for your first place racer Esme, second place Malin, and third Ambrose.”
Preston as Genevieve announces the winners. “Woo, Esme! Good job!” Whistling loudly, probably way too loud for such an event. “Malin and Ambrose as well! Good work everyone!”
“Aww… good try anyway, Vice President,” Kai says and claps for Esme, Malin and Ambrose, “Woooo!” he calls out to them in congratulations.
Isla starts clapping, having followed the whole race with baited breath.
Once he’s crossed the finish line, Ambrose bids a dip of his head to Esme and toward the rest of those participating. “Good race, most excellent,” he agrees placidly, before his phone distracts him and he drifts off the stage. “Duty calls.”
Esme legitimately seems surprised she won. “Woah! Thanks!” She laughs, starting to shake out her hands. “Great job all!” She echoes.
Malin looks quite pleased over getting second place, because that obvious means that the open ended wager is in her hands, and the way she looks at Matthew might just be enough to make more people scared. It’s predatory and victorious, and she’s daring him to try and get out of whatever her intention is going to be. She smiles much more softly at Preston and Kai after someone has announced Esme as the winner, and she applauds Esme.
Malin looks quite pleased over getting second place, because that obvious means that the open ended wager is in her hands, and the way she looks at Matthew might just be enough to make more people scared. It’s predatory and victorious, and she’s daring him to try and get out of whatever her intention is going to be. She smiles much more softly at Preston and Kai after Genevieve has announced Esme as the winner, and she applauds Esme.
Viviana laughs brightly as the game ends, bringing up her hand to settle the controller on her lap as she slouches back at the chair. “Good race,” Viviana says, grinning over towards Esme. “I coulda won. I blame you two,” Viviana says, crinkling her nose with a smile towards Obadiah and Marlow.
Jenny gives a round of applause chuckling “Dang, I was so close until I wasn’t.” she puts the controller down. “That was pretty fun, been ages since i’ve played.”
Esme grins, “Very good race.” She laughs toward Viviana. “I was sure you had it. You all are fierce.” She muses
“I’m pretty sure the way to get people to be nice to you is to give them money, not to wear your pajamas,” Marlow tells Kai. “Have you tried being rich?” She blows a kiss toward Preston, then tells Esme, “Good job, you were really locked in there.” She turns to Viviana next. “You were being rude about my ass, I have no sympathy,” Marlow states primly.
There’s a kiss blown Preston’s way, and he reaches out to catch it – slipping it into his pocket shortly after.
“I was near the back most of the match!” Obadiah says to Viviana with a frown but since it is Esme that wins he gives her a genuine smile, thumbs up, and cheer.
Genevieve applauds for the winners and goes and gives Esme and Malin vouchers for some sort of overpriced e-sports hardware. “And thanks to all our cosplayers these evening.” She announces, also going down the line to give them all vouchers as well if she can see them.
“Niiice!” Matthew enthuses, his outburst from earlier over and now he’s all cheer and smiles for the game. He sets his controller down with dramatic care, like it betrayed him but he’s choosing forgiveness. If he has any sense of trying to get out of his wager with Malin, he makes no show of it, resigned to whatever torture she has in store. “Hey, You were impressive,” he praises, “I thought for sure you had it but Bowsette got that good good with the green shell!”
Meridith applauds gently.
“Thank you,” Malin says to Genevieve as she accepts her prize. She moves up to Matthew and says, “You’re going to be so cute as Cupid.”
“I have! I’m selling a variety of services,” Kai tells Marlow with a grin, “So much so that I have a little nut that I might try to grow into a business somewhere, I’m still figuring that out though,” he hmms and looks from Marlow to Malin and back, leaning down to murmur to Marlow.
“Hey.” Genevieve says over to Preston after a moment, “Sorry I was just super pre-occupied with, you know.” She gestures vaguely to the big screen and game.
Matthew shoots Malin a pleading look, like maybe this might get her to choose otherwise. “No pictures,” is what he declares after, “I refuse.”
“No need to be sorry,” Preston mentions to Genevieve, nodding in understanding. “You had an event to host. Looks like it went well though!” He exclaims.
Viviana pauses as Viviana glances over towards Marlow, “Well, my apologies, then,” Viviana says. “I didn’t mean it in any bad way – but maybe I was focused and fumbling over words,” Viviana says, blowing her bang out of her eyes. “Forgive me?” Viviana says, fluttering her pink eyes at Marlow.
Obadiah looks up from his phone and rolls his eyes, “Thanks Vie! I gotta bounce”
“That’s the end of the official proceedings everyone.” Genevieve calls out, “But feel free to linger and grab merch or whatever for as long as you like.”
Genevieve nods at Obadiah and gives him a wave, “Thanks for coming.” She says and then nods at Preston, “Yeah I think mostly it went ok, I was maybe a little slow tabulating the scores there but otherwise seemed pretty smooth.”
Meridith gives Genevieve a nod and says, “Good job, this was one of the better events I’ve seen.”
“Gen!” Kai calls out as he tries to rush her, “Before you go, can I grab a picture?” he asks, holding up his phone.
Obadiah loots the floor before leaving
“It’s Mister Pierce, August’s aunt,” Marlow explains in response to Kai’s whisper. “Don’t overthink it,” she suggests mildly. “I can probably forgive you,” Marlow tells Viviana, dragging the words out slightly. “If you hand over your phone number so I can challenge you to a rematch sometime.”
Preston snorts a bit, “Well, you’re a lawyer, no? Not a mather?” Tilting his head just a bit, he glances over to Marlow, parting the pocket he kept her blown kiss in, grinning at her. But he’s back towards Genevieve, “You need some math genius maybe, to instantly calculate.”
“Oh thanks.” Genevieve replies to Meridith with a grin, and nods at Kai, “Yeah of course.” She agrees, stepping over and wrapping one arm around his waist while she uses the other to balance her oversized plastic sword on her shoulder so she can glower menacingly into the camera for the selfie.
Jenny looks over to Genevieve “Wasn’t there also a cosplay contest gonna to happen here?” she asks as she stands up from the stage and moving over to the GTA booth.
Isla leans against a booth, watching the banter happening on the main stage as she drinks her redbull, looking more and more disgusted with each sip.
“Oh I more meant without me… but fuck it!” Kai says and extends his phone out, grinning at the camera to get both him and Genevieve in the pic.
Viviana sticks her tongue against one of her incisors, her smile blossoming on her lips. “Sure, Tidus, sure,” Viviana says, Viviana’s blue braids flopping over her front as she shifts her stance to lean forward, showing her phone to Marlow. Viviana lowers her voice to a stage whisper. “I’m not actually Jinx. I’m Viv,” Viviana says, tapping one of her neon-colored nails against her nose.
“But Matthew,” Malin is telling Matthew, raising both eyebrows at him. “Everyone knows if there aren’t pictures then it didn’t happen. And I already promised Mars,” she says with a nod towards Marlow. “You don’t have a choice there.”
Kai grins at someone and steps away from her, “Thanks!” he says, cheeks slightly flushed as he turns to jog out of the convention.
Kai grins at Genevieve and steps away from her, “Thanks!” he says, cheeks slightly flushed as he turns to jog out of the convention.
Genevieve waits until after the photo is taken. “Oh sorry.” She tells Jenny, “Not a contest, just vouchers for everyone who came in cosplay.” She clarifies, giving the other woman a voucher. “Viv’s my cousin.” she mentions to Marlow and nods at Preston, “Yeah that’s true, but I’m a bit of a perfectionist sometimes.”
Esme pockets the money with a grin to Genevieve, “Thanks again. Glad ya decided to put this one.” She says, checking her phone.
Jenny blinks looking down at the voucher “Oh, cool.” she says looking over to Meridith “Is that powder what I think it is?”
Meridith says “No. “
“Nothing wrong with being a perfectionist,” Preston adds now, “Sad I missed the start of it though, I’d have wanted to play.”
“Your cousin threatened my ass,” Marlow snitches to Genevieve as she saves the number someone shows her. “Rothwell family of incorrigible bullies.”
“Your cousin threatened my ass,” Marlow snitches to Genevieve as she saves the number Viviana shows her. “Rothwell family of incorrigible bullies.”
Matthew bares his teeth, resigned once more in whatever it is Malin has in store. “Alright, wager’s a wager,” he reasons towards her as he drops the controller on his chair and makes way to stand at her side. “And I guess you promised Mars, wouldn’t want to make Daddy mad,” he addds, huffing out a laugh. “But I insist on dignity. Or at least a cloth diaper. God, I should’ve picked Donky Kong. This is what I get for putting my faith in Yoshi. I have so many regrets.”
“Don’t go bad mouthing Yoshi just because you don’t have what it takes.” Genevieve complains to Matthew and nods to Marlow, “It’s how we roll.”
Tamar drifts over towards Meridith after trying to take in what is going on and not really doing so well. “Evening, Meri,” she greets quietly. “You look nice.”
“Making Daddy mad is generally a bad idea, especially when I’ve just lost a race,” Marlow nods her agreement with Matthew. “But what is it that I was promised? Just so I can enact my vengeance if the promise is broken,” she explains.
Meridith tilts her head politely to Tamar. “You as well, how are you?”
Viviana grins, straightening to her full height as Viviana stretches her arms above her head to a series of pops.
“*And* I’d do it again,” Viviana says to Genevieve. “I’m a fucking rulebreaker,” Viviana says with her perfect smile flashing across her lips.
Esme starts to step away, waving, “Good seeing everyone! Great gaming!”
Matthew pulls a face and then shoots someone an apology. “You right. That’s on me.” And since Marlow doesn’t remember he looks to Malin, “Actually…” he’s clearly about to lie.
“I am well,” Tamar murmurs back to Meridith, but her gaze drifts over the others, half-listening to the conversation around her.
Matthew pulls a face and then shoots Genevieve an apology. “You right. That’s on me.” And since Marlow doesn’t remember he looks to Malin, “Actually…” he’s clearly about to lie.
“You are dressed as a domestic terrorist.” Genevieve agrees with Viviana and nods at Preston, “Yeah, curse of our mismatching hours strikes again I suppose.” She laments, “Alright, I think I’m going to go flop, thanks for coming out everyone.” She says with a little wave.
“That’s right,” Malin replies to Matthew, giving him a shit eating grin as she takes her wins and holds fast to them. “Papa needs to see how good of a boy you’re being for me,” she says with a nod to Matthew, gesturing lightly towards Marlow. “Oh, I promised I’d send you a pic of him in his big boy diaper. No Depends for this man. He’s going to get cotton at its finest, and I’ll find some big ass pins to hold it all together, plus maybe some laurel to crown his curls, and a cheap bow for him to try and chase me around the house and hit me in the ass with a heart shaped arrow or something.” Then when Matthew is about to tell something not entirely truthful, she looks to him curiously.
Malin waves to Genevieve and tells her, “Thank you so much for hosting. It was a lot of fun and now I get to torment Matthew because of it.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Marlow warns Matthew when he gets that look in his eye. “Some rules are rules for a reason, Viv was it?” Marlow checks. “I think I met another Viv not too long ago, actually.” She nods as Malin confirms the promise. “Adult Baby Matthew pictures, that was it. Thank you for reminding me.”
Malin points at Matthew, “Adult baby.” Then she proceeds to point at herself. “Sexy baby.”
“You should really get legal advice next time someone offers you a bet.” Genevieve advises Matthew before slipping out.