Disclaimer: Hikaru no Go belongs to Yumi Hotta and Takeshi Obata.


Flashback - Bold and Italics

"Speech" - Double Quotes

'Thoughts' - Italics and Single Quotes

Narration - Nothing


Enchanted Curse

Chapter Eight - Tomorrow's Plans


Two weeks passed under the harsh training regimen, and while Hikaru had no complaints about it, his grandfather argued otherwise. His grandfather was Heihachi Shindou, a regional go champion. While grandfather had made quite an earning when he was younger, Hikaru's father had not wanted to burden grandfather with his expenses. By working hard, his father received a decent-paying job to support the family, something grandfather had always been proud of.

In their family, grandfather was known for collecting all sorts of antiques and junk in his attic, the same attic that he planned to raid if his allowance ever got cut. However, with Akari's persistent but nagging help, Hikaru's grades managed to stay relatively steady. The chance to sneak up there had never really presented itself to Hikaru, but maybe this time would be different. He highly doubted it though.

His grandfather was a bit of an old-fashioned kind of guy.

He came home to Akari diligently studying on her desk, father busily talking on the phone, and mother preparing dinner. He had enough time for a quick shower, something his family no doubt would appreciate after his intense soccer practice. Dinner was quiet as usual, with our father watching sports from the nearby television and Akari and their mother talking.

'Probably about girl problems or something,' Hikaru fleetingly thought. His main concern was how absolutely famished he was.

Kaa-san and Tou-san always sat next to each other while Akari and he would sit across them. While our mother hadn't cooked my favorite today, considering how unhealthy ramen could be at times, the food laid on the table smelled delicious regardless. Ranging from fish and pork belly to broccoli and daikon, he eagerly grabbed food on his plate to no longer feel famished but also leave some for his family. He wasn't that starved.

He was lost in his thoughts, when something changed.

"Hikaru?" My mother spoke up, causing me to perk up. "You're grandfather called today."

"Hm?" How could he have missed that?

His mother continued, not noticing his shocked reaction. "He's a bit lonely, do you mind going to visit him tomorrow?"

He stopped eating, trying to remember if he had the time. Although tomorrow was a weekend, he wanted to get some extra practice in. However, he knew his grandfather always had a soft spot for him and Akari. He glanced to the the side, but Akari was distracted by something their father said. Turning back, he saw the expected look on their mother's face. Bringing Akari might be a good idea since visiting grandfather could be boring at times. There were times when all grandfather did was talk about go this and go that. Akari always seemed more interested, presenting an opportunity for him to sneak away during those lessons and practice his aim.

At least he wouldn't be alone either.

"Hika-" His mother started.

"Alright. Hey Akari, you going to come with?" Hikaru interrupted, turning towards his sister.

Akari looked back at the mention of her name. Tilting her head, she silently asked what was going on.

"Do you want to visit your grandfather with Hikaru tomorrow, Akari?" Their mother filled in. The bright shine in Akari's eyes solidified the answer to his question of whether bringing Akari was a good decision of not. It had.

"Sure!" Akari smiled.

Guess he was going to visit grandfather tomorrow.