Chess is an ancient and storied game which has endured down the centuries thanks to its ability to challenge a player on a strategic and intellectual level. But sometimes it can simply be the common ground needed to break the ice between two strangers and give an excuse for them to get to know one another better.

Fujiko had always owned a chessboard, but never learned to play, and Gabriel made a living carving them by hand. So when he agreed to teach her, she was sure that no bad could come of the offer, and perhaps a great deal more besides. But the well-intentioned help offered by a djinn in desperate need of the restorative energies only the granting of a human's wishes can offer overhears what were intended to be idle comments and things soon take a turn for the strange.

This short piece was requested by fujikobeaumont and features a namesake at her own choosing.