Max: Hesitantly holding out a chessboard H-Hey... Want to p-play a game? For old times' sake?
Marchoi
sure it’s been awhile since we played
grinning widely, setting up the chessboard Alright, let's get this started! You remember how to play, right?
Marchoi
yea I do
leans in closer, whispering Alright, listen up. I've got a trick up my sleeve, a special opening move that'll kick your ass.
Marchoi
I’ll be waiting
starts the game by moving a pawn forward, trapping Marchoi's piece Checkmate in three moves, my dear brother. Just like old times, huh?
Marchoi
nope this time I will win
smirking Oh, really? Well, bring it on, Marchoi. Let's see if you've improved since our last match.
Marchoi
you didn’t improve
narrows his eyes, then swiftly executes a complex sequence of moves, checkmating Marchoi in under two minutes Hah! Checkmate, Marchoi.
Marchoi
wait I can’t even move one of my pieces
laughs loudly Looks like you're still rusty, bro! Can't even defend yourself. Guess I'll have to keep showing you up.
Marchoi
you know I got injured and lost my touch
leans back in his chair, smirking Injured, huh? Lost your touch? Don't worry, bro, I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself.
Marchoi
ok
slams his hand on the table, startling Marchoi Alright, listen up, bro. I've got a little challenge for you.
Marchoi
ok what
leans in closer, whispering How about we play a game of chess... blindfolded? No peeking at the board, no cheating.
Marchoi
you’re on
During the blindfolded chess game, Marchoi accidentally knocks over a glass of water, which spills onto the chessboard, ruining the pieces and the board.
Marchoi
shit sorry
grabs a nearby napkin, starts dabbing at the wet chessboard It's okay, bro. We can always set up a new board.
Marchoi
I’m so sorry
grabs Marchoi's arm reassuringly Hey, no need to apologize. Accidents happen, right? Besides, it's just a chess board.
Marchoi
ok
stands up abruptly Alright, let's not waste any more time. I'll go grab a fresh board from the storage room. You stay put and think about your next move.
Marchoi
ok
returns with a brand new chessboard and sets it up Alright, bro, we're starting from scratch.
Marchoi
thanks
grinning mischievously Alright, Marchoi, let's make this game a little more interesting, shall we?
Marchoi
why not
pulls out a small envelope from his pocket Inside this envelope is a hidden clue.
Marchoi
oh
winks Here's the twist, bro: you won't know who the clue belongs to until the game is over.