.

"It's your move. Whatever could you do? I win, concede." The almost unseen pony sitting in the dark glared sidelong down at the playing pieces scattered across the magnificent marble board between them and let loose an almost inaudibly disturbing hollow laugh. Only his eyes could barely be seen as he looked over the board. It nearly shone in comparison to the drab surroundings, and him. The wastes are kind to nothing and nobody. In this still room hidden between one room and another the bright and shiny thing stood out like a sun in and of itself. An impossible thing, as was the pony sitting on the other side of the table.

Much to their annoyance this game partner let loose a laugh of his own, a bright and bubbly laugh out of place here in some manner untellable. The pony hidden in the dark was quick to anger and went to flip the table, but the other one waved a hoof in an accusatory manner towards them. It halted his action instantly.

"Uh-uh..you know the rules. Neither can quit nor interfere until it is done. Hush now and let me take my turn." The dimly lit surroundings were almost made less dull just by this ones mere presence. Reaching out to slide a piece forward the dark pony interrupted.

"You can't use that piece, and you claim to know the rules!?" Those eyes flickered oddly. The reply was immediate.

"Look closer." Was the only response. Their hoof pushed until the piece slid into place.

"No, no! You cannot!" It shouted in some terrifying and imperceptible way. This anger was futile. The board allowed the move.

"How dare you? You seek to raise my ire!?" Those dark eyes practically quivered with rage aimed straight towards.

"Do be quiet, it's your turn." The unconcerned tone seemed to anger them even more, but their gaze turned to the board once more.

"Very well, but you will pay for that..with this." At that the dark one took a piece not yet on the board and set it into place. A brief flicker of concern crossed the others face.

"Bringing out the big guns, finally? I was wondering if you were ever going to use them. I thought perhaps it might be avoided, but it never can with you, can it? Let the game continue then. You have just raised the stakes considerably, I wonder what makes you so confident this time?" This was stated with true attention. It had been a long time coming. The pony half-hidden out of the light sat back and some grim satisfaction passed their countenance.

"It is simple really, I have found the one move you cannot thwart or deny in any way. I can't wait to see your face when I finally beat you." That hollow laughter echoed throughout the hall, it nearly had some actual feeling to it.

"We shall see. The game is not yet decided." Another move and another were made and countered. Time and again pieces were maneuvered, toppled, replaced in an increasingly desperate bid to gain advantage over the opposing side. Each time the board was nearly cleared only to have another set of pieces clash. Neither able to claim victory or defeat.

"I would say you are cheating, but we both know you can't." It was nearly an accusation towards the dark pony, but it made little difference.

The game continued as it was. The stream of moves and counters refined further and further until infinitesimal actions on the board began to matter all the more. The strain of concentration at this depth was nearly palpable between them. There were others watching now, sight unseen. This was becoming a real show. Such intensity surrounding the game was a rare thing to be relished and closely scrutinized. Those watching may learn something as yet missed, some new stratagem to add to an increasingly complicated arsenal of the same. Now this, was exciting. The game pieces ebbed and flowed back and forth with increasing ferocity behind each withering move, calculated to an exactness undreamed of heretofore.

The players long since ceased any conversation, so intent were they on their moves and gambits. Unrivaled depths of planning and actions taken were being reached. The sprawling board was littered with pieces come and gone. Some only to be called upon again. Neither side showed any sign of relenting. This time, someone was going to win. Who would it be? The game was ceaseless, difficult to follow. The intensity just kept building with no end in sight. This was really going to be it.

- - -

The victor will surely be decided soon.