Title: Song of the Shimasen
Author: Sempiternal Light
This must be one fiction which i spent a ridiculously long time on. But i really wanted to write something about the shimasen which is actually a japanese musical instrument because i love the sound of it. The main character is a girl that i made up. She just came to me when i was tossing in my bed one night. Well, i know that writing fanfic is for one's own enjoyment so i will not demand for any reviews. seriously. just enjoy this story.
note: i tried to make it as though it's a proper story, so there might be lesser dialogue. and because i'm not really that experienced about making love or anything, do not expect any thorough description of anything like that. i've made it as real as possible...i think.
ENJOY!
Prologue
The General watched as his commanders settled themselves around the imposing cedar table. The six men gazed at the general, with eager anticipation as well as with a feverish respect for him. He was to be feared, that was something that needed no confirmation.
People are like eggs, the general reckoned. By simply cracking an egg, one could discern the number of yolks in it. It was remarkably easy to crush a human being's spirit, and thus ensuring that the insides are exposed. With that, he can then perceive if a person that displays his loyalty externally is actually harbouring thoughts of betrayal internally.
He had always been fanatically obsessed with subjecting his subordinates to mind games, just to ensure their everlasting allegiance. Scanning the room yet again with his laser gaze, he noted how all of them were clad in the traditional yugata (a traditional Japanese costume worn mainly by men). However, the yugatas were all dyed a striking red. On the backs of the yugatas, a single symbol was embossed on it. It was the shape of a triangle, along with a vertical line cutting through the triangle symmetrically. It symbolises what they hold quintessential. To put it plainly, it signifies the rebellion of the government of the Mizu Country, the Red Pines.
"My brothers, we come together today to discuss not only our final plan but also the future of our beloved motherland," declared the general in a tone that quivered with passion.
Shouts of approval from the commanders echoed throughout the grand conference room. Although their spirits had been racked by the consistent attacks by the enemies, they were extremely enthusiastic to hear the finale of their counterattack.
Lifting a hand in the air, an immediate silence ensued. "My comrades, although our victory is within grasp, the snake strikes back with further strength! It has begged for the support of its allies, the leaf and the sand." The general spat out, as though the words that he had just spoken had burnt his tongue.
He allowed a momentary pause before continuing in a wrathful voice. "But this is not the end for us! Decades we have spent under the oppression of the detested snake, my dear comrades, remember how our fellow brothers and sisters lived under the rule of the hateful snake! Remember our fellowmen who fell under the merciless hand of the complacent snake! This is our opportunity to have revenge on them!"
His impromptu speech was received well amongst the men, and there were already nods of approval around. The general was a man that could twist words rather effectively; he had a way of persuading people that was almost inhuman.
He smiled. It was not a sincere one; rather, it was one that an insane man might have plastered across his face. But then again, he was never adept at any exhibition of emotions.
"Do not fret, my brothers! I have a plan that is already in progress. Very soon, not only will the Mizu country be reverted to the rule of the people, the other countries will also be freed from the tyrannical rule of the various government bodies! We will be liberated! We will no longer need to rely on the snake! We will finally be unshackled," proclaimed the general, the loudness of his voice heightened as he went on.
"On the fateful Monday next week, when we eventually meet on the battlefield, their attacks will turn futile. Because, my comrades, we have the ultimate weapon!" He laughed madly, his laughter unpleasant. "No matter who they have asked for support, we will massacre all those that stand in the way! The goal that we yearn for is most definitely ours now! It is without doubt!"
The men then joined in the laughter of the general, some were already revelling and others were thumping one another's back. The only person in the room who was not doing so was the man that stood right behind the general.
The man was unkempt, and his grey hair mangled, with deep scars that covered his face. He wore the same red yugata, but somehow, it did not feel right on him. He stood right there, stonily quiet. Behind his poker face however, there lie a deeper feeling.
Fear.
He was afraid.
For the life of a young girl he knew did not deserve such misfortune to befall her.
None of the scenes from the joyous occasion in front of him was registered in his mind, he had a different mission. A mission for his heart.