SHADOWY GO
Chapter12: The consequence of fate.
Hikaru and Tagami were dumbstrucked when they arrived at the place, they'd never imagined such magnificence. They knew the old man was rich but they didn't realize he was this rich.
"Maaaa! Shibuya... are you sure we should be here?" Tagami whined a bit. His family was by no means poor but still the grandeur of the place was intimidating to him.
"Geez Shibuya! Are we still in Japan?" Hikaru's eyes as large as saucers.
"You two, don't be ridiculous." Shibuya with a snort. "My grandfather doesn't live here, it's company owned. Of course he owns the company but... this is just a showplace, alright?"
"Then who's the lucky bastard that gets to live here if your grandpa doesn't?" Hikaru asked as the car slid smoothly onto the paved driveway past the automatic double sliding gate. The two steel gates slid shut as their vehicle went past it.
It was still quiet a distance from the gate to the main house but they could spot the blue roof of the white mansion, all the large windows illuminated in soft yellow bright lights.
"Nobody lives here, there's not even a single guard. There are surveillance cameras everywhere though and alarms in place and it's monitored by a security company. They will alert the police if something happens."
"Hikaru, I can't believe nobody lives in this beautiful place. Look at that vast exquisite garden I can see it's very well kept." Sai put in knowingly.
"Yeah Shibuya, how come the garden is in great shape. Someone took care of 'em."
"You noticed that?" Shibuya was impressed. Hikaru usually just took explanation at face value.
"My grandfather has some sort of arrangement with landscape architect students, they can play as much as they want with the outdoor space provided they also maintain the garden in good condition."
The car circled around a large four tiered water fountain before it completely stopped before an entryway which looks like a roof with four pillars with some fancy design. They got out of the car not waiting for the driver to open it, and didn't even notice the car leaving.
"Hhhmmm... really, you're grandpa is so smart. He can surely beat my old man in business strategy with one hand tied behind his back."
Tagami sighed, his father started a construction company right after he graduated in college. It was doing well and his father was making quiet a name for himself. He admired his father but as his first born he was always compared to his father's younger self and he didn't really measure up. His father had been a captain in the swim team when he was in high school but still good with other sports, and he was always at the top five in his school and that didn't change when he went to college.
Tagami on the other hand was mediocre when it comes to academics. He had to study his butt off just to get good grades. So when he discovered that his old man was no good in basketball, he embraced the sport with a passion. He loved his father but he sometimes wished he wasn't so perfect. He disguised his feelings of inferiority with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Most people thought he had plenty of friends but the truth was he only have Shindou and Shibuya.
He liked Shindou best since he didn't have to watch his words or actions around him. It was Shindou's innocence he liked most coupled with that rough attitude, he felt people won't be looking at him too closely. Shibuya on the other hand came from old money, at least on his mother's side. She married the company lawyer arranged by Shibuya's grandfather, of course. Shibuya's father was not some lame lawyer either or he wouldn't have been hand-picked by the boss to be his son-in-law.
Tagami sighed, he also really liked Shibuya. There couldn't be anyone more nicer. Compared to Shindou, Shibuya was sharp and refine but the two think alike. They didn't have the same likes or dislikes, but they agree on most things. They didn't even have to discuss or talk about stuff because it's already understood. And he would have to talk his head off because if he didn't it would suddenly become very quiet. And he felt Shibuya could see right through him and it would fluster him. Without Shindou he wondered if he and Shibuya would've become close friends.
"What are you gripin' about Tagami? Shibuya's grandpa just happened to be born first. Just give it a few more years, I'm sure your dad will be able to catch up." Hikaru said laughingly.
"Shindou's right, and it was my great great grandfather that started the business and it has already become very large and successful when my grandfather took over."
"Yep, no sense in comparing the two and I don't even want to. Right Shibuya?" Shindou nudged his friend.
"Right." Shibuya nodded.
"OK, so what are we doing exactly in this party?" Hikaru asked, he hope nothing's expected of him other than eat.
"It's alright Shindou, you don't have to sit with anyone if you don't want to. It's buffet style and you can find a spot to hide with your food." Shibuya smiled.
"Are there anyone here we know, Shibuya?" Tagami asked. "I hope you can introduce us to some nice girls. I badly need a girlfriend." Tagami moaned.
"Don't look to me for girlfriends, Tagami. You know I don't have one, and I'm too busy for that."
"Busy? Busy? How can anyone be too busy for that?" Tagami argued. "What about you Shindou? You have a girlfriend, don't you?"
Hikaru scratched his head; between school & study, basketball & kendo, Sai & go. Especially Sai & go, not to mention his family & friends, he couldn't find where to stick his future girlfriend in his schedule.
"I'm probably gonna be too busy..."
"Ahhh, you two are messing with me." Tagami said in accusing voice.
"I don't think you'll find a girlfriend here tonight Tagami, I mean isn't this why Shibuya invited us? Because there'll be no one here our age?" Hikaru reminded Tagami.
"Yeah, you're right." Tagami sighed again.
"I'm inviting you to a party, not a funeral, so stop sighing!" Shibuya jumped Tagami and had him in a head lock.
Hikaru laughed as he watched his friends' shenanigans. These two, he find it hard to believe that they can't get a girlfriend same as him. They're both tall for their age, they could easily pass for sixteen year olds, they're not bad looking, good build, and the way they dress you could tell they came from a well-to-do family. While he on the other hand looked like the poor relation. And although he did grew two more inches during the summer he was still shorter than them.
"But Hikaru, I think you look more adorable compared to them." Sai interrupted his train of thought.
"You're just buttering me up, and don't use that word on me, that's for girls." Hikaru shuddered.
"Stop it Shibuya!" Tagami tried to get away by tickling Shibuya's sides.
"Shindou help me, hold his arms still..." Shibuya was laughing as he tried to dodge the hands while keeping the headlock secure.
Hikaru jumped into the fray and had Tagami in a bear hug pinning Tagami's arms to his sides, with his shorter stature it wasn't too difficult especially with Tagami being bent over. Tagami tried to get away by dropping to the floor and rolling but the two followed him. Shibuya was giggling and Tagami was hollering for them to stop between laughter and tears. Hikaru was poking his sides, his other arm was pinned between his body and the ground and Hikaru only needed one hand to secure his other other arm.
The fracas would have gone on indefinitely if it weren't for the main doors opening suddenly. The three of them frozed as two pairs of eyes stared at them. One was full of irritation the other with amusement.
"Takeo... what is this?" Shibuya's mother standing there with coiffed hair not one strand out of place. She was a tall handsome woman and her height was quiet intimidating and she used it to her advantage.
"Leave them be, Saya. Boys will be boys." The old man chuckled. "I suggest you three come on in and behave yourselves, the guests will be arriving soon."
The three scrambled to their feet and straightened their clothes. "Grandfather, these are my friends, Shindou Hikaru and Tagami Towa."
The two bowed down and smiled shyly at the old man and mumbled, "Hajimemashite, doozo yoroshiku." Shibuya almost choked, he seldom see them in such good behavior like this.
The old man nodded and smiled approvingly. "My pleasure to meet you boys. Takeo will take good care of you both, so I'll leave him to it. Please do enjoy yourselves." Before he left them.
"Takeo, none of that alright? And the two of you, be good." A parting order from Shibuya's mom before going after his father.
"Yes ma'am!" The three of them said in unison but she didn't hear them.
"Your grandpa is sure nice Shibuya. I thought he would be intimidating." Hikaru said.
"Well he's nice enough when it calls for it but he didn't stay as head of the company for being nice, I'm sure." Shibuya grinned at him.
"So Shibuya give us a tour of this place, I bet your grandpa has lots of toys?" Tagami looked excited.
"If you like old stuff, he has plenty of those. He collects armours, shields, masks, and all sorts of weapons. Medieval stuff."
"Really? Mine also collects old and weird stuff." Hikaru laughed.
"And my grandpa doesn't collect anything that I know of." This from Tagami. "So let's see them."
"Alright but be really careful when touching them, OK? We might have to wear gloves." Shibuya muttered his last sentence.
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A few minutes later Shibuya, Tagami and Hikaru were in a room full of ancient suits of armours which were lined-up one side of the wall. While the medieval weapons lined the other side with some of them hanging by the wall on display, out of reach. Several exquisite Japanese silk robes along with hair accessories encased in glass alternating the weapons. But it was the throne like wooden chair with dragon design, which was set on the the dais further back that gives highlight to the place.
"Oh geez! Just look at all these stuff... Shibuya! Your grandpa's really into this kind of thing?" Tagami his eyes on the suits of armours, that stood like guards.
"Ha ha ha! Actually my grandfather is also into delicate china, vases and such. It's in a separate room in which I have no access, only a handful of people in my family does. He doesn't want any kids loose in that room." Shibuya chuckled.
"So, can we try them on? The armours, I mean." Tagami beginning to get the itch to get his hands on them.
"I don't think grandfather would mind or he wouldn't have given me the door code. What about you Shindou, you wanna try those things too?"
"They look heavy, I don't mind putting on one of those fancy robes though." Hikaru joked, fancy robes are not his style. "But since they're encased in glass that means, hands off, huh?"
Shibuya didn't answer, he was busy helping Tagami who was already trying to disassemble one of the standing suit of armours.
"Hikaru look, look, a fan!" Sai who had been silent for awhile now broke into his thoughts.
"Why do you sound excited? It's just a fan and it doesn't even look that fancy. Looks more like your everyday fan, wonder what it's doing here."
"Hikaru look more closely, it's a tessen. I used to carry one of those all the time." Sai cooed." I don't like to carry swords, I prefer to use the tessen instead."
"Sai..." Hikaru let out a drawn out breath "...surely there's a limit to one's lameness. Are you telling me you'd rather carry a fan than a sword?"
"Why, yes..." Sai sounded bewildered, he noticed Hikaru's disparaging tone.
"If I'm gonna be stuck with a ghost, why can't I have a cool one?" Hikaru rolled his eyes. "Sai! From now on you are going to practice kendo, not just me. It's about time you reacquaint yourself with the sword..."
"But Hikaru..." Sai tried to interrupt Hikaru's tirade.
"...and no buts or I'll kick your butt. Prefer the fan? You're joking, right?"
"But Hikaru, it's not that I don't know how to use the sword. It's just that the blade intimidates me and I don't like cutting people. Besides even if my family belongs to a warrior clan we never really go into fights. We hire other swordsmen as guards and they're the ones who does the fighting. I never really have any uses for the sword especially in court. I just play go... mostly."
"Ohhh really? That's explains it, it really explains a lot. I mean, why carry a sword when you can carry a fan?"
"But Hikaru, it's not just a fan. It's a war fan..."
"War fan, my ass. What you gonna do? Fan your opponents to death?" Hikaru said mockingly.
"Hikaru... wahhh! I'm telling you it's a weapon too! Hikaruuu... meanie!" Sai wailing like a ghost that he is.
Hikaru felt a little guilty for putting Sai into that state. "Alright, alright! Damned ghost..." He grumbled. "Would you like to check it out?"
"Huh? Huh? Check what?" Sai a little lost.
"Your frigging fan!" Hikaru irritated at Sai's denseness.
"But it's not my fan!" And continued crying.
Hikaru took a deep breath and soften his voice but what he really wanted was to kick Sai. This was one of those times when he wished Sai had a physical body of his own. "Sai?"
"Yes Hikaru?" Sai paused his wailing for a moment to answer.
"Sai, let's just take a look at the fan. Wouldn't you like that?" Hikaru's voice very placating. "If you like I could get you one, just like Kaga's with the word igo on it. How about it?"
"Really Hikaru? You would get me a fan? Ohhh Hikaruuuu..." And Sai wailed even more.
"That was suppose to make you happy... Sai, stop that!" Hikaru did not know what to threaten Sai with anymore, he already used everything in his arsenal.
"Hey Sai! You said it's a war fan, that's really cool. Maybe you could show me how to use it sometimes. That would be great... Really, that's truly amazing... I mean on top of being a go player, you know how to use a fan. Surely there aren't many people who would be able to play go and fan their opponents to their defeat at the same time?"
"Well, actually it's not like that." Sai already at the end of his distress with Hikaru's exaggerated praises.
They approached the stand that held the upright open fan. Hikaru picked it up and was surprised at the weight, it was heavier than it looked. The thick guard was made of bamboo but the sticks to its ribs were made of iron, the laquered paper which covered the ribs was in very good condition but very plain looking. A black fan with just "Humility" ideogram on it, was as plain as you can get. It looked so ordinary.
"Hikaru! Hikaru! Can I try it? I haven't held a tessen for a long time. May I borrow your strength?"
"My body, you mean?"
"Well yes but more so your strength. I will guide it and you can always resist anytime if you choose. May I Hikaru?"
"Sure Sai, whatever." Although Hikaru didn't really know why Sai was asking for permission. It was already in their hands and he wouldn't mind fanning himself with it, not that the room was hot. On the contrary it was actually cooler inside but not cold. The other rooms outside were much more warmer.
Meanwhile Tagami and Shibuya could only manage to do half of the armour. Tagami was walking in it turning himself here and there, trying to view himself on the shiny surfaces of the glass cases. While Shibuya was trying on the throne like chair with also half a costume, wriggling about trying to get a pose of what he thought a king ought to sit.
Tagami picked up a wooden pole with a curved blade at the end, he brandished the staff above him and laughed. "I am Benkei, I will have my 1000th sword or I will have all your heads!" He announced gleefully pointing at the suit of armours standing in line like soldiers in attention, his voice reverberated in the enclosed space.
"That's funny..." Shibuya laughed in response, "...then I will be Yoshitsune to your Benkei. I'll make you my slave."
Hikaru walked to the middle of the room, facing the two boys on the dais. He gave them a smile then bowed. "My name is Fujiwara no Sai..."
Crouching very slightly with the right foot forward, his hands at his left where he tucked the fan, he drew it out like he was drawing a sword. Pointing it towards them, he unfold the fan with a snap and the cracking sound of the iron fan made the two boys jump. With his left hand supporting the right wrist, his hands formed like the wings of a butterfly. He turned the fan parallel to the ground, sliding to his left side he then drew the fan in a downward arc to his left. He turned his palm up along with the fan made a 180 angle sweep, turning his body around and snapped the fan closed as he reached his original position. He used the folded fan to parry some imaginary attacks from his right, guiding it in circular motion to his left then flicked the fan open again as if to deflect something. It was more like a dance than anything; there was no kicks but his leg would bend up close to his body and the open fan would sweep over it as if to shield it. Thrusts, sweeping and guiding circular motions, with only the barest of punctuation in movements was a sight to see. The graceful movements belied the strength expended. The two boys who were watching could feel the cool slash of the fan as it cuts through the air. And at the distance of twenty feet, it was no joke. He stayed within an imaginary center at a radius of five feet, sweeping anything that might get into his inner circle. Except for the snap of the fan opening and closing, there were no hints of violence only grace and eternal harmony within himself.
The kata looked like the simplest of forms but intricate in its precision, and was slowed on purpose for the movements to be appreciated. But it was fast enough that you would miss it if you didn't follow the movements closely. Time slowed for the three of them as Hikaru perfomed his dance of the iron fan, but in reality it was only about three minutes. At the end of the performance, Hikaru smiled playfully to Shibuya who was sitting on the throne staring at him in disbelief. He made a sweeping gesture to him and bowed.
"I am his highness' most humble servant." He murmured softly but still audible in the silence of the room.
Tagami and Shibuya just stared at Hikaru with their mouths open. They've known Hikaru since forever, how come they didn't know he can do stuff like that? It wasn't the kata but the gracefulness with which it was performed. Yeah, sure the kata looked awesome but still he shouldn't be able to do stuff like that. That's just not him, he looked like someone else when he did it, even the smile wasn't his!
"Shindou, where in the heck did you learn to do that!" Tagami was shocked.
"Shindou?" Shibuya just as shocked.
"Hey, hey..." Hikaru covered his embarrassment with a laugh, "...from the priests at the temple of course."
"How come we didn't know?"
"Yeah Shindou, how come?" Tagami parroted.
"Hey! You think I go around prancing like that just to anyone? I was just messing with the fan..." Hikaru finished lamely. "And Sai, I'm going to kill you after this." Hikaru swore to Sai.
"But Hikaruuu... it was just a performance. I used to do it during festivals with my family as audience. What's wrong with doing it?"
"Nothing's wrong but next time you ask me first, you idiot!"
"But didn't I ask you..."
"Alright, alright. Just shut up already!"
"Geez Shindou, that was really beautiful. Do it again, I wanna see it again!" Tagami was like big puppy hovering over Hikaru asking for treats.
"No way! Not doing it again!"
"Oh come on, Shindou. Do it for me, please? Didn't you say you're my humble servant?" Shibuya reminded him.
"Dream on!"
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An hour later most of the guests had arrived. Although it was an informal party, most of the guests showed up in formal wear especially the women. Only the younger ones wore casual clothing but still in good taste. It was a high class gathering and could not be mistaken for something else. It seems the cream of the crop of the corporate world gathered in one place. The bosses, investors, VIP's and colleagues.
Shibuya's grandfather is the president of a very large chemical and pharmaceutical company, and planned to launch a new product of health drinks targeting a wide range of consumers. Similar to a sports drink but designed to boost mental acuity and relieve stress instead. This was what the party was really all about, a promotion for the new product. It will be served along with the other beverages and distributed as giveaways later on.
The three boys joined the party just in time to catch the master of ceremony's opening speech. Hikaru wasn't really listening, he wasn't interested in the things that didn't concern him and the truth of the matter was that he didn't understand what the guy was talking about. Besides he was too busy checking out several tables on the far side of the room where guys in pristine white chef uniform and hat were standing by at a ready.
Tagami was also checking the same thing and was nudging Hikaru to it. They would've already gravitated towards it if it were not for Shibuya holding them both back by their scruff. "At least wait for the guy to finish." He hissed at them.
Hikaru turned to Shibuya and pat him on the head. "We're kids so it's OK." It looked ridiculous since Shibuya was much taller.
"You..." Shibuya grabbed the hand on his head then turned Hikaru towards where the guy was still doing his spiel about the company. He tightly wrapped one arm around Hikaru's neck as a warning, "...Didn't mother told us to behave? Besides my relatives are here and I don't want them looking down on my friends, so be patient a little." He whispered close to Hikaru's ear. "And Tagami stay where you are." He added a bit louder for the other to hear.
"I wasn't doing anything." Tagami said innocently.
"Alright, alright, let go of me already." Hikaru rolled his eyes. "I promise I will be on my best behavior." Hikaru was a little irritated, why do they have to stand so close with the big wigs? If they'd only stayed at the periphery, it would have been so easy to just slip out. As it is they were at the forefront but a little to the side where Shibuya's grandfather and his counterparts stood. Not at the center of attention but still conspicuous if they leave their spot.
The clapping of hands and flashes of the cameras signaled the end of the speech, and the three of them would have headed to where the food was when Shibuya was called by his grandfather. He was introduced to the other guests who looked like nice ojisans but Hikaru knew they were rich ojisans who owned businesses or they wouldn't be here. Shibuya gave them the signal to go on ahead, it looked like those introductions gonna take some time.
"Man, it just hit me that Shibuya does really come from a rich family. I know it but somehow I... I don't know how to explain it."
"I know what you mean." Hikaru agreed. "But your family is also well off Tagami, compared to me, my family is completely middle class." Hikaru laughed. "I'm the odd one in our group but I don't mind though except for the 1000 yen a week. What I wouldn't give for more." Hikaru grumbled.
"I wish we were middle class, no expectations to succeed some business I don't even understand. I think you are luckier than most, Shindou."
"Eeehhhh! Really? You think like this Tagami?" Hikaru was a bit shocked that Tagami could be serious like this. He was always clowning around.
"Ha ha ha! Must have gotten it from my old man. Well let's not talk about it anymore, I'm hungry."
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Hikaru was munching something he didn't recognize. All he could think of was that the thing was chewy. It tasted like it's meat but he couldn't quiet put a finger on what it was. "Surely not fish," he thought.
"Could it be oyster, Hikaru?" Sai intruded in his thoughts. Hikaru knew Sai didn't think so either, it had a delicate earthy taste but for the butter and garlic.
Some lady handed it to him and he didn't think to refuse, she kinda looked nice to him. Anyway, it actually tasted delicious and he wasn't a picky eater. And looking at the people present at the party, surely they wouldn't serve anything weird, would they? Hikaru didn't think so.
He lost Tagami & Shibuya a long time ago. Tagami was on hot pursuit of some girl, and Shibuya was dragged around by his grandfather, being introduced to his grandpa's associates, looking miserable.
And he felt miserable and bored to tears too. The guests to him all looked like they've just stepped out of a fashion magazine, totally out of his orbit, he thought. A live band was playing, and everyone seems to be rather having a good time. The great hall was decorated with red and gold and each long buffet table had a decorative fountain flowing with what he could only think of was wine. Each buffet table was filled with delicacies in intricate presentation and has two or three waiters in attendance. So he didn't think he could get away with filching some alcoholic beverage.
Hikaru had been sitting in a corner for sometime, waiting for either Shibuya or Tagami to reappear. He felt conspicuous sitting there alone, although who would notice some kid in the corner? Most of the guests are grown-ups but he was wrong in thinking there won't be any kids besides the three of them. In reality there were quiet a few of them here and there. He wasn't interested in making friends with them and it seems it was mutual. Nobody bothered with him and that was just fine with him, he didn't really care.
He didn't notice that three pairs of eyes were watching him, staring really, as if to make sure it was really him. He placed his empty plate on the table and was zeroing in on one of the long buffet table across the room that held the mountain of sweets. The food at least were tasty, although he didn't know most of them. He wished Shibuya's grandfather would just finish already with the introduction and let Shibuya go. "And Tagami that asshole! How could he just leave me here." He grumbled softly.
"I seem to remember going to a gathering with my uncle. I don't think it was like this though. Each of us has our own table and we all face forward towards the Emperor, I think."
"Really? Are you nobility? You talked about some emperor before. Daigo, was it?"
"Yes, No, I don't know. I'm not sure anymore." Sai a little bit perturbed that he can't remember.
"Don't worry Sai. It's only to be expected. I mean, a thousand years is a long time. I can't even remember what I did last week. So quit worrying about it, OK?"
"If you say so, Hikaru." Sai said his feelings soothed. What Hikaru said made sense. "Are we going to eat again, Hikaru?"
"Who's we? I'm eating, you're not." And then something dawned on Hikaru. "Hey Sai! Are you telling me you can taste the food I eat?"
"I hope you don't mind Hikaru." Sai said softly. Hikaru could almost see Sai turning a little to the side as if embarrassed. A fan hiding his face with only his eyes visible in an embarrassed downward cast. Was he seeing that in his mind's eye? Or was he just imagining things?
"This is weird, this is really weird." Hikaru mumbled scratching his head.
"I share not just your mind but body as well. Although you will always have the control, Hikaru."
"Damn right, I do! So don't do anything stupid. I don't wanna have to exorcise your ass." Hikaru threatened.
"Hikaruuu... don't be mean. You know I won't do..." Sai's indignation was cut off when a hand abruptly turned them around.
"Sakuraga Ryusei?" A boy he didn't recognize was too close to his face that he had the urged to push the owner's face back.
"I knew it was you. What are you doing here? Are you here with your parents?"
The other boy was just a little bit taller than him. He was dressed in casual clothes but they still looked expensive. He couldn't place him really but calling him by that name, he didn't have to wonder very long where they'd met. He was accompanied by two other boys which he didn't recognize either. They didn't look very friendly and was looking him up and down not so subtly.
Asshole, rich kids was Hikaru's not so kind thought. "Must be my lucky night. This is so stupid!" Hikaru stared at the three boys, his defensive attitude mounting.
"Hikaruuu?"
"Sai, who do you think these guys are?"
"I'm not sure Hikaru but he called you by that name."
"What the heck do they want?"
"As you said Hikaru, this is your lucky night?"
"Are you trying to be funny?"
"Well, what else could it be? Or could this be fate?"
"Fate my ass, this is all your fault, Sai!"
"How is it my fault?" Sai wailed his bewilderment.
"It is really you." The boy said satisfaction in his voice that he was right.
"I wasn't sure at first," he paused taking in Hikaru's hair then added "you dyed your hair."
"Yeah, I did." Hikaru agreed touching his hair while trying to remember how they met.
"Well then, are you here with your parents? If so, I would like to meet them." The boy said but it was more like an order instead which irritated Hikaru.
"No, a friend invited me." Hikaru answered pleasantly, he didn't want any trouble and he wanted to get away as soon as possible.
"Who's your friend?" The boy persisted.
"Who's asking?"
"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Kojima. Kaio's 2nd board is my sempai. And you're Sakuraga, Haze's 2nd board. I remember you well." The boy smiled but it didn't quiet reach his eyes. "And these two are my friends, Itou and Okumura." The two bend their head slightly acknowledging him. They didn't seem rude but he heard the short guy Okumura snorted.
"You're mistaken, I'm not Sakuraga. You have the wrong guy." Hikaru said grinning, trying to act innocent.
"Please don't take me for a fool. Do you really think I'd forget someone who humiliated my sempai completely? Coloring your hair blond won't be enough. I would still recognize you."
"Alright, alright! But I was just thinking it would be much better if people would just forget about it. Although I don't remember humiliating anyone. When the heck did I do that?"
The other boy raised an eyebrow as if disbelieving what he heard. "You don't know? Really? Are you always rude that you don't realize..."
"I hope you're not bullying my friend, Minoru." Shibuya suddenly appeared behind Hikaru, interrupting the other boy.
"And he had to come now? Sai, how do I get out of this?"
"So what if you played igo at that school, Hikaru? Is that so bad?"
"Shibuya doesn't know I play go, idiot."
"Does he have to be told everything you do, Hikaru?"
"No. But we've been friends since forever. I know I have my own life separate from him but still..." It didn't sit well with him that he had to keep secrets from his friends.
"Do you want to tell him about us?" Sai asked gently.
"I can't Sai. They will think I'm crazy. Worse yet, lying to them. It's better to keep this between us." Hikaru said regretfully to his ghostly companion.
"I'm so sorry Hikaru. I have caused you so much trouble." Sai whispered almost tearfully.
"Stop that Sai! You are not causing me trouble, not really OK? I can handle it, just watch me." Hikaru assured Sai with great bravado.
"You know this guy, Shibuya?" Hikaru asked.
"He's a relative, a few times removed."
Kojima just snorted, "You two are friends, huh? How come you didn't show up at his tournament?"
"What tournament?"
"Waahhh hahaha, it's nothing, it's nothing. No need to get into that." Hikaru trying to make a last ditch effort to get out of the mess. "Hey look, look! Here comes Tagami!"
Tagami saw Hikaru waiving at him, he looked like he couldn't wait to get away. Tagami had known Hikaru long enough to know when he's uncomfortable in a situation. "Shouldn't have left him," he mumbled to himself as he approached them.
"So, what did I miss? You all look like you're having a fun party here." Tagami said smiling. "I'm Tagami, Shibuya's friend & classmate." Tagami gave them a bow with flourish.
"Kojima here, I'm Takeo's cousin." He said pleasantly enough. "Itou here is also a friend and classmate, but this kid Okumura is a kouhai." Pointing to the shorter kid. The two again gave a slight acknowledgement.
"So, d'you play basket too? Shibuya and I are in the same club, we're JV." Tagami as always excitable at the thought of basketball. "The three of us planned to be in the basketball club but Shindou here," Tagami grabbing Hikaru by the shoulder and gave him a bear hug, "had to go on ahead and become a co-vice captain of the kendo club. We've been so lonely without him, ain't that right, Shibuya?"
"Yeah, that's right." Shibuya agreed.
"Goddamnit Tagami! Don't say unnecessary things!" Hikaru shoved Tagami off and he had this strange need to gag him.
"Really! I thought he was vice captain of some shougi club."
"What shougi? Our school doesn't have that and we certainly don't play shougi. We play basketball... b-a-s-k-e-t-b-a-l-l." Tagami reiterated slowly.
"Wait a minute! But Takeo goes to Sumida." Kojima thought, what a confusing guy.
"Yeah, so?"
"But he goes to Haze, doesn't he?" Kojima pointing to Hikaru.
"Huh? Where'd you get that idea?"
"Does he goes to Haze or not?!" Kojima getting impatient with Tagami.
"Hey come on, come on... This is not the time for it, hahaha! Let's just forget about that thing OK? That's ancient histo..." Hikaru unfortunately didn't talk fast enough.
"We go to Sumida, of course!" Tagami's mouth was faster than Hikaru.
"And what does Haze got to do with anything?" Shibuya cut in at the same time.
"Everything!" Kojima was getting red in the face. He opened his mouth a few times trying to get a word out but he seemed to be struck speechless at the moment.
"What did you say his name was again?" Kojima spoke finally with gritted teeth.
"Shindou... Shindou Hikaru." Tagami answered innocently and with a bit of uncertainty.
"Haze cheated!" Itou's voice was loud enough to get glances from the other guests there.
"Bunch of cheaters! We should tell the headmaster, Kojima sempai!" Okumura also indignant.
"That's what you get from a public school!" Itou sneered.
"What a bunch of lowlifes!" Okumura was enjoying the moment it seems and it made Hikaru mad. He may not be from Haze but his sister, Akari was. And he likes Tsutsui and have come to respect Kaga even with his scary personality. And curiosly enough, he didn't want Sai sad.
"You stupid little twit! Haze won 3-0 everytime! Even if I wasn't there, they would still have won, you dumbass!" Hikaru's voice was dripping with such venom that they had caught the attention of the people in their vicinity.
And it was also most unfortunate that the band chose to end their song in an abrupt manner at that very moment that Hikaru's dumbass comment reververated quite loudly for everyone to hear.
Hikaru winced and wished the floor would open and swallow him up.
Kojima moved forward and face Hikaru with features contorted with rage. "It seems Haze didn't have enough members to form a team. They cheated when they took in a player from another school and pass him off as Haze's."
Kojima felt righteous in his anger. Okumura and Itou nodded their agreement, while Shibuya and Tagami felt bewildered in this turn of events. Hikaru knew that Kojima was right but he just had this need to defend himself and Haze.
"Look, I understand what you're trying to say but... it doesn't change the fact that your school's best players got their collective asses kicked by a bunch of nobodies. Isn't your school suppose to be the best when it comes to go?" Hikaru as usual had a special knack to aggravate the situation.
"You are truly a very obnoxious brat!" Kojima spat out the words.
"Then don't call us cheaters because we're not! We beat your asses fair and square!"
"You have no right to be in that tournament!" Kojima roared at him.
"You're just saying that because you had your asses handed back to you!" Hikaru hollered back.
"You bastard!"
"And you're an asshole!"
If it weren't for Shibuya and Tagami, Hikaru would have jumped Kojima already. Hikaru didn't realize that his two friends were holding him back. Kojima's two buddies also had their hands on their friend. So they stood there squared off while a small crowd gathered to watch their display of tempers. Whispers of 'what's going on' could be heard quite clearly.
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Amano was officially working his beat at the party covering the social scene of the local rich business men and women in the Shibuya district. He worked at a mid-size daily newspaper and his beat was rather broad from local sports to local crime or to just about anything that would sell. Being a journalist was a hard job but his curiosity and putting his nose where it wasn't wanted, and being a good writer made the profession a perfect fit for him.
He was shooting his own photos at the guests, making droll commentaries using his old school tape recorder. He gave special attention to their expensive clothes and colognes, the interaction of the men and women, their peers, and the lavished party itself. He had covered this kind of events before and this was definitely not his cup of tea or rather coffee. But he had to eat and there are bills to pay so he just had to bear with it. He always find the so-called "high society," shallow. He hoped something exciting would happen. Maybe like say, if some guest got drunk and fall flat on their face.
"That would be nice." He thought wryly. "The harder the better." He smiled at his own cruel thoughts. And if he captured that in his camera, he would be happy even if he wouldn't get paid.
The loud 'dumbass' comment that reverberated with such contempt inside the great ballroom was like music to his ears. He muffled the laugh that tried to escape him and went to investigate the scene like a shark scenting blood in the water. He had no difficulty slicing his way through the crowd of guests that was also attracted to the commotion. Two boys it seems were trying to have a go at it and were kept apart by two other boys each. Amano was a little bit disappointed. They were just kids he didn't recognize, except for one. The grandson of one of the richest businessmen in Shibuya district.
"Well, it's better than nothing." He muttered.
He watched and clicked away with his Nikon as the two boys dragged a rather delinquent-looking kid away from another boy who looked like he could spit nails. Two boys were also holding onto the kid but they were not moving, just looking daggers at the other three that disappeared now from sight. Amano inched closer to the three boys left behind waiting to ask his questions innocently and maybe commiserate with them to get a story. If it's any good he'll submit it to his editor, if not well maybe they could still use it to fill a collumn somewhere. He worked in a daily publication after all, they needed stories to fill the paper.
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Tagami led his two friends to one of the private rooms exclusive to his family. He didn't want any trouble from his mother so took his friends away from the party before any of his family noticed the commotion.
He made Hikaru sit on the bed while he dragged a chair to sit facing his friend. Tagami knelt on the bed also facing towards Hikaru.
"Shindou, would you care to tell us what was that all about?" Shibuya asked rather calmly but Hikaru knew he was anything but.
"Yeah Shindou, what was that all about?" Tagami was also waiting seriously and he was never serious.
"It's a rather long story and it's nothing really." Hikaru tried to stall for time.
"Well, we have all night." Shibuya said as a matter of fact.
"Come on Shindou, tell us! You have been so secretive lately." Tagami said in a slight wounded tone.
"Oh geez, where do I start?" Hikaru rubbed his forehead.
"The beginning is always a good start." Shibuya suggested.
"Shoot man, this sounds like it's really interesting." Tagami's excitement was palpable.
"I was sorta dragged along to play go by some friends at Haze. You know my sister goes there, right?" Hikaru said.
"I didn't know you can play go." Shibuya was surprised. Hikaru to him didn't seem to be the type.
"You? Really?" Tagami was amazed.
Both he and Hikaru were not the intellectual type. If it was Shibuya, then that wouldn't be surprising. Shibuya was the brain of the group and the serious one, Shindou was the hothead but shy at the same time, while he was the joker and a bit dense most of the time. And all three of them were equally good when it comes to sports, and they just happened to love basketball. And their personalities just fit each other so well that they were like one person sometimes.
"Wh... when... where?" Tagami was at a loss for words.
"Yes, Shindou. Where and when exactly?" Shibuya was also amazed. He knew about go, seen it played and was just mildly curious about it. And he also knew some people play them professionally like chess.
"Uhmmm... well... ahhh... my grandfather!" Hikaru said triumphantly. "He taught me!"
"I didn't think it was that important so I never mentioned it." Hikaru added hastily.
"Alright, I can believe that." Shibuya nodded. "But what was my cousin talking about you cheating?"
"We didn't cheat, sorta. I mean, we beat them fair and square. It was just that... I pretended to be from Haze..." Hikaru trailed off.
"That would still constitute cheating, you know." Shibuya said reproachfully.
"But we played them fairly..." Hikaru unsure of himself now.
"But you pretended, right?" Shibuya asked but without an accusing tone.
"Yeah, I did." Hikaru said dejectedly. He didn't want his friends to think badly of him.
"It seems there are alot of things we don't know about you, Shindou. You are sure full of surprises tonight." Shibuya looked at Hikaru with new eyes. He just realized there were alot of things about his friend he didn't know about.
"It's alright, Shindou. I can see why you didn't think so." Shibuya said earnestly. He truly did understand.
"Well he didn't, did he?" Tagami was a bit confused. Hikaru said he played them fairly and he believed him.
"Tagami, it was a game between Kaio and Haze. Shindou is from neither school."
"So?" But after a moment of reflection, "oh... ooh... wow!" Tagami getting it slowly.
"Yeah, oh wow." Shibuya agreed dryly.
(End of Chapter12)