So... It just happened that I had a craving for good HnG fan fictions and I came back to the site. Realized the HnG fandom was pretty much dead; saw my own fic not updated and it made me feel bad...
I haven't wrote in so long; this chapter had been so painful to write. I don't remember where I wanted to go with the story so I just wrote where my inspiration led me. I hope it is up to standards. There is probably mistakes in this chapter; I really wanted to get it up ASAP.
Apologize for the painful wait, I know how it feels like... Unfortunately, I can't promise the next chapter in a timely manner.
Chapter 6
Yeongha vs. Reminiscence.
It finally happened.
The NetGo Internet forum went into an uproar. After a period of dormancy – one that seemed endless - Reminiscence, the presumably Sai's apprentice, was finally facing one of the newly risen stars of professional Go world. Will the Apprentice – as some has started to call him – be able to fend off the fierce Korean Go Prodigy? Will he buckle under the brutal force of Yeongha's strength? Will the Apprentice prevail? Will his winning streak continue strongly?
The news spread like a wildfire and just within minutes, the number of the observers increased exponentially. Those who were lucky enough to live with the KST time zone were already glued to their screens; those who weren't so lucky had to drag themselves from the bed of their previous engagement. Needless to say, this head-to-head battle between the two newly risen NetGo stars might be one of the most anticipated games of the NetGo.
.-.
It started off as a calm game; one that is paired with only probing and without any aggressiveness. It was so unlike both of the players that all those who were watching didn't know what to think. Were they bored, or were they playing their hands safe? Both players were known for intensity in their game, for the brutal slaughter they grace their opponents – for the sheer force and strength demonstrated by their skills.
This game… it was more like the calm before the storm. No wind seemed to be disturbing the water yet you could feel the sense of foredoom… a storm was brewing.
-click-
There it was, the beginning of a battle.
5-6.
The attack was subtle, yet a sense of anticipation came unto everyone. What went through the head of Yeongha, some wondered. Was he taunting; showing off a glimpse of the beast within him? Was he expecting something from his opponent?
12-13.
Reminiscence played within seconds. Yet to the disappointment of everyone else, it was barely any response to the taunt. Reminiscence went to the opposite side of the Goban. This nonchalant attitude seemed to have angered the Korean Prodigy.
5-10.
He played right back. This time, it was a straight attack to the already built cluster of Reminiscence. Will the Apprentice retaliate, people wondered. Surely he would not allow the attack to become more physical? Even if he didn't address the issue right away, the menace was still there, and he surely would do something?
It didn't seem to be the case. The next move was as quick as the first one, yet no attention was paid to Yeongha's attack. It was as if all Reminiscence cared is the territory that he had been building on the side.
More attack… yet no response. It continued so on for 10 more hands…
The game started to feel like speed go yet without the calculated genius of the pros. It seemed that Reminiscence was loosing his touch. Disappointment filled the chat room. The Apprentice didn't seem to be phased by any of these. He kept playing his moves, with the same nonchalance and speed as the beginning.
The observers left one by one. Within 5 minutes, the majority of them had quit the game. Those who left were driven by the only thought that reminiscence might have a different plan, one that no one seemed to be able to see.
30 minutes into the game, it seemed that Yeongha had a huge advantage, one that will most likely bring him into victory within 10 minutes.
Until… that move.
Out of sudden, the board had shifted. The game was completely different. That move… it changed the dynamics of the game; it completely reversed the situation. As if the God of Go had intervened in the favour of Reminiscence.
Multiple hands were exchanged, until within 15 minutes, the resignation beep was heard. The game has finished. With the komi, Reminiscence had won…. By 5.5 moku.
Those who stayed left out the breath that they were holding. The game was genius. Yeongha stayed strong to the end; but that move was too decisive. The situation became impossible to overcome – he had no choice but to surrender.
As those who observe sat there savouring the last bits of the intensity, Yeongha suddenly left the game. It was soon followed by Reminiscence's exit.
.-.
As Hikaru was yawning and stretching his arms, a beep and a flashing icon on the lower right of his screen caught his attention. Curious, he clicked on it.
A private chat conversation opened up.
Yeongha: who are you?! Why aren't you a pro yet?!
The exasperation was apparent in the tone of the message. Hikaru laughed out aloud; that cocky redhead got a taste of his own medicine. He snickered, planning to taunt the guy a bit more.
Reminiscence: why would I? Defeat you again in the pro world?
Hikaru rested his back on his chair comfortably. Oh that felt so satisfying…
Kilometers away from Hikaru, the young Korean pro in front of his computer gripped his mouse hard.
That insufferable brat. Yeongha clenched his teeth. That's it! He thought. He's going to show that brat who is best.
Yeongha: cocky brat. I'll show you who are the boss!
Challenge sent.
.-.
After the usual banter and game with Yeongha, at midnight, Hikaru plopped himself on his bed. Ah, it feels like heaven, he thought.
The game and exchange of words were getting out of hand. He might've pushed the taunting so far, Hikaru mused. Who knew the young redhead was so adamant at bringing the Japanese boy to the pro world? Hikaru is starting to feel the strain… the redhead just doesn't know when to stop!
Hikaru rolled in his bed, gripping his hair in exasperation. What would he do now? He surely isn't going to become pro in Korea! His dad is about to get transferred to Japan within weeks and there was no way that he could live alone in this country without his mom's cooking! Korea, a country where kimchi was a staple food… Ugh, that pickled cabbage.
Hikaru shuddered in thought. No, he would never stay in Korea alone. Call him a mama's boy, but there was not a chance that he would be deprived of his mom's cooking!
Maybe it's a good thing that they were going to move back to Japan… that'd stop Yeongha a bit… Hopefully, Hikaru thought.
The future might be uncertain. One thing for sure, however; Hikaru would never stop to play Go.