[IC]

[takesliberties]

[It's a quiet afternoon/evening, and Touya's out; Hikaru's in their room, sitting in front of a Goban and studying a game]

Comments

[mustgo]

[]

I... didn't want to leave without a farewell this time.

[takesliberties]

[shakes his head furiously] That'd be the worst--!

[mustgo]

[]

We have enough time to talk and play.

[takesliberties]

[draws a deep breath and lets it out]

Yeah. It's like a dream.

...

It's your move, though.

[mustgo]

[]

[... not commenting on the waking up part of dreaming ...]

Oh!

[points]

[takesliberties]

[places it, and stares at him for a few moments rather than studying the board]

[mustgo]

[]

... Hikaru?

[takesliberties]

[shakes his head and looks back at the board, considering it, then plays, stone making a sudden loud snap as it is placed]

[mustgo]

[]

[... points ...]

[takesliberties]

[plays again, focusing; it looks like he wants to show Sai his current level, when focusing and playing all-out]

[mustgo]

[]

[noting that, phasing from unsure to pleased and interested- and spending more time deliberating. it's best if they both go all-out.]

[takesliberties]

[starts focusing more as well, eyes almost pale as he mentally runs through potential developments on the board]

[mustgo]

[]

[playing mercilessly, determined to provide a challenge]

[takesliberties]

[AS IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING BUT. But Hikaru's playing well, surprisingly focused given everything, searching out whatever sparse weak spots Sai might leave]

[mustgo]

[]

[IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS]

[takesliberties]

[JERK!!]

[His style has become a fusion of his previous risky play and Sai's own style, taking the sort of peeps and approaches and attaches that Sai would be likely to take. There's also more of a steadiness to it than there had been -- that's still his greatest weakness, the overall sense of control. Of course, Sai would have seen much of this in their games here in camp, and in watching Hikaru and Touya play, but it's clearer than ever as he focuses on playing to the best of his ability]

[There's a few places where he pulls through where not long ago he wouldn't have seen any choice but to resign, but soon enough he does run out of options]

...I resign.

[mustgo]

[]

[sits back, letting out a long breath]

[takesliberties]

[studies the board for a long moment, then looks up at Sai with a trembling smile.] So that's the distance I have to go to face you.

[mustgo]

[]

You will make it.