Endgame
I've been replaying AAI2, so take another pantoum poem, this time on Simon Keyes (Sōta Sarushiro)! I actually plan to make this an ongoing thing, since I like write pantoums poems for fun whenever I get the time or if the mood strikes. As of now, Klavier & Kristoph Gavin, and Calisto Yew/Shih-na,(and, maybe, Matt Engarde, or Diego Armando/Godot?) are on my list - but I'd love to take other character requests, if anyone has any!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is copyright © 2018 Turnabout Writer. All rights reserved.
He appears as just the joker of the circus,
Who always stood by the side of (and hid behind) his only childhood friend.
He would blindly follow whatever 'Simon' says –
A meek, shy monkey who would cower in his weakness.
Accused for the murder of his childhood friend,
He was saved by the mastermind of the chess game.
(… But is this meek persona actually a caricature of the inner weakness in himself that he loathes?)
… see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil …
He who masterminds the game,
Was once a pawn who couldn't touch the untouchable Bishop, King, or Queen,
… see the evil, hear the evil, speak the evil …
The one who protected the blind assassin that saved him from death.
Slowly, he leads everyone to taking down the Bishop, King, or Queen …
(It was all just a show, an act – the animal tamer could really tame … !)
Admiring and trying to become as untouchable as that assassin that saved him from death,
Exploiting emotional weakness with a calculating, vengeful face hidden under the paint.
The animal tamer continues to manipulate and tame,
Clouded with misunderstanding of his father.
With a face full of apprehension and fear beneath the paint –
"Checkmate," he declares, though his voice quivers with childhood suffering.
But he turned out to be cut from the same cloth as his despicable father,
And is exposed in his game of 'Simon Says.'
"Checkmate," says the chess master victoriously, cornering the monkey yet freeing him from his childhood suffering.
So, in the end, he stands as a pitiful jester in the court.