The gym was quiet today, but to be perfectly frank, that was exactly how they liked it. Right in the middle of the room, staring down at the table before them were two girls who were currently engaged in their favourite pastime. A game of chess. Yes, Chess, the game of strategy and careful planning. The undisputed game of kings. That is, unless you were a fan of polo, or horse racing, or fencing, or sometimes also cricket. But, for those uninterested in any of those other sports, it was the sport of kings. And right now, the two girls seemed to be enjoying themselves. Representing Canterlot High, and clad in her usual casual attire, was Velvet Sky, smiling down to the board below. And her opponent? Varsity Trim of Crystal Prep, who was, even on this weekend day, dressed in the more formal uniform of that prestigious school. Though conflict between the two schools had long ago cooled off, there was still the occasional rivalry between them, and this game here seemed to perfectly showcase that.
"Ready to be beaten again, Varsity?" Velvet asked with a smirk.
Varsity glanced up, adjusting her glasses slightly before grinning right back.
"Careful, Velvet...overconfidence is often the quickest way to lose in this game."
It was good-natured verbal sparring, and for these two girls in particular, it was a welcome change.
"It's nice, not having anyone to see us this time," Velvet remarked.
Varsity, moving one piece on the board, nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. I enjoy a good audience myself every now and again, but...if I'm being perfectly honest...I'd prefer not to have dozens of eyes on me."
Velvet, after moving a piece of her own, looked up to her colleague.
"I'm actually glad you could make it over. It just isn't a challenge unless you’re here."
The other girl raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? You don't enjoy playing against the other members of the chess club here?"
Leaning back into her char slightly, Velvet let out a long and exasperated sigh.
"It varies...sometimes they have a good day, but for the most part it's just dull. I'm probably the only person in this school who takes chess this seriously. The others might enjoy it, but it takes very little to beat them."
A knowing smile came to her.
"You, on the other hand, really test my skills. I really do have to be on my best game when you're around, Varsity."
Again, the Crystal Prep girl adjusted her glasses, her chest swelling with more than a little pride at her opponent's words.
"Well, you're certainly not wrong on that count. In fact, if we're being open with one another, I often find that you are my best adversary in this game."
That took Velvet by surprise.
"R...really?"
Varsity nodded.
"Quite. We Crystal Prep students may try as hard as we can with as much as we can, but chess tends to, how shall I put it...fall through the cracks?"
Velvet nodded, understanding.
"Ah...your classmates all think it's too boring to get into?"
Varsity looked away, considering that.
"A bit blunt...but yes, that does sum it up rather nicely."
For a time, there was silence between the girls, and they instead focused on the game itself. Both of them bore looks of concentration and focus, narrowing their eyes every move or so. Velvet would move a piece, then Varsity, and on and on it would go. Every once in a while, a piece would be claimed by one girl or the other, but such small victories often took dozens of moves. It was a long game, one of moves and countermoves the likes of which few would see coming or even be able to think about. Truly, these two girls were masters of this particular contest, and above all else, they enjoyed it. They were engaged in a way that, perhaps, few other things in life could do for them, and as the game drew on longer and longer, their expressions became more and more relaxed, even happy. Then, after a considerable time had come and gone, Varsity let out a long exhale, looking up from the board to regard her fellow chess enthusiast.
"You know...next time we do this, you could always come over to Crystal Prep."
Velvet raised an eyebrow to that.
"You're sure I'd be welcome?"
Varsity chuckled in response to that.
"You might not have made it in with Principal Cinch, but Cadence is a touch more relaxed about such things. I'm fairly certain you'd be welcome over for a friendly game."
Her face lit up a bit more.
"And you really should see the room for the chess club we have over there. The chairs are much more comfortable. And it has a positively divine view of the gardens out behind the school."
Velvet smiled as she thought on that.
"Sounds good. I may just come over."
Then, as her eyes drifted downwards yet again, a new thought came to her. It was a small thing at first, but then it started to grow intro a full on plan. A plan that seemed to give the girl immense delight, much to the slight worry of Varsity. After a while, Velvet swept aside some of her brown hair, looking to Varsity once more, albeit with a look of pure and unrivalled confidence. The kind of look that the likes of Rainbow Dash might have when she knew that a win was at hand.
"And you know, you might be more comfortable playing this game on your home turf..."
With a single move, she took her piece, changed its position, and left Varsity staring at the board with mouth agape, leading to a victorious smirk on the part of Velvet.
"...because this game...is mine."
Varsity continued to stare at what was before her. Her eyes darted from one side of the board to the other, trying to think of ways her King could be able to get out of the tight spot Velvet had put him in. But, as the moments rolled on, she knew she was trapped. Velvet had her yet again, and now, there was only one option for her. The option of honourable surrender. So, after letting out a long sigh, she looked up yet again to the CHS girl in front of her, and slowly, she began to smile.
"Checkmate."
Giggling, Velvet got out of her chair, lifting her arm slightly and offering an open hand to Varsity. The latter looked to that hand for a moment, then broke out into a small smile, standing up from her own chair and taking it. The two girls gave a good shake to one another, smiling all the way, and when it was finally over, Velvet broke the silence.
“So...wanna head on over to Sugar Cube Corner for a milkshake?”
Chortling briefly, Varsity took off her glasses, wiped them off a little with her handkerchief, placed them carefully back onto her face, and smiled sweetly to her triumphant friend.
“Yes...that sounds pretty good right now, Velvet. Pretty good indeed.”
