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Hisoka challenged me to a game of chess. Now, neither of us actually knew how to play the game all that well, so we brought Uncle Tenkei along to coach us as we played. Hisoka invited us to her room, where we would play the game.

Hisoka’s room smelled…sterile. I think that was the word to best describe it. It smelled like disinfectant and ethyl alcohol. A bit like Uncle Toten’s room, but a little less so. Still, my rhinophores didn’t particularly like the smell.

Hisoka’s desk was full of papers and homework, but Hisoka stuffed them all in the desk drawer to make room for her chess board. I pulled up a chair, and now it was game time. Hisoka took the white side, and I took the black side. I’ve heard that white goes first.

O-OK. So, there should be eight pawns lined up in a row like this. T-Then behind them goes the rook, the knight, the bishop, the king, the queen, another bishop, another knight, and another rook for the black side. For the white side, though, the queen and king switch places, so that the kings and queens are respectively on the same file.

We had a rough idea on what each piece did, but little else. I heard about pawns being able to move two spaces when they haven’t moved yet, I think?

Hisoka moved her pawn. If I read the board right, she moved it from e2 to e4. Uncle Tenkei shivered. It looked like they were familiar with this maneuver.

I’m going to be honest. I didn't invite you just to play chess.
Huh?

I moved my pawn to match hers. e7 to e5. If she was so confident in her play, maybe I could imitate it to gain a similar advantage.

What did you call me for, then?
I’m just a little…anxious.

Hisoka moved her king to e2. Uncle Tenkei put their hand to their mouth, clearly surprised at how clever of a play Hisoka made and trying to hide it.

Anxious about what?

King to e7. Fight fire with fire, I think they say. Uncle Tenkei looked astonished with my play. I didn’t know why; I was just mimicking Hisoka. Maybe I would need to shake up my next moves, then, so that Hisoka wouldn’t take advantage of it.

It’s just… That kitsune guy, and what Mom said about him.
About the fact that he has friends willing to die for their cause? And that provoking them could start a war?
I…looked into that man. His name is…Komi Shiosuke II.
The Second?
Y-Yes. He claims to be the heir of the Komi Clan… B-But I don’t think his claims are legitimate.

Hisoka moved her king to e3.

Right… The Komi Clan.
D-Don’t worry. Mitsugawa-sensei and I will make sure he never comes here again.

Pawn to d6.

Thanks, Uncle Tenkei.
It’s not just that, actually. There’s…another thing.
What is it?

Bishop to b5. Uncle Tenkei looked like they couldn’t focus on the game anymore.

You see, I’ve been getting…cramps.
Cramps?
Y-Yeah. Cramps. You know…
Oh. I get what you mean. I’ve had those too.
S-Sorry, should I be here for this? I feel like this should be between the two of you.
No, it’s fine. It’s just… They just keep coming. And I’ve been feeling…cranky.
Yeah?

Pawn to c6. I was a little too eager to capture Hisoka’s bishop. Isn’t it weird that pawns can only capture pieces diagonally in front of them?

My body just hasn’t been agreeing with me lately. It sucks.
From what I’ve seen, humans deal with this stuff too.
Really? I didn’t know. I have a lot more I need to study…
Yeah. Humans make things specifically to help with that.

Bishop to c6. My strategy was foiled immediately, and Hisoka captured my pawn. Uncle Tenkei had their eyes on the game again.

Shoot. Where was I?

I cleared my throat. Pawn to c6. I retaliated and captured Hisoka’s bishop.

No! My bishop!

Hisoka and I laughed. Uncle Tenkei kept a straight face, but they seemed invested in the game again.

Oh, yeah. Maybe when we go on a shopping spree, we can buy some of that stuff for you. Aunt Minami has been planning one for a while.
Really? That’d be great!

Hisoka moved her bishop to e3. Or, she would’ve…

No. Bishops can’t jump over other pieces. Only knights can do that.

After thinking for a bit, Hisoka moved her queen to g4. It looked like she was going on the offensive.

I’m just glad I have someone to talk to about stuff like this.
Of course! That’s what cousins are for.

King to e6.

Aurita?
Yeah?
…You just put your king in check.

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