Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life (Gran [Ariston])

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

A museum, of all places. It’s been a while, definitely. He decided to come alone to the museum and perhaps appreciate some of his free time with the company of…no one, yes. He recalled the moment he visited the opening of a new museum around Penecia, by then meeting both Nagisa, the heir of the Sugiharas, her brother and, oddly enough, Hyde serving as the young lady’s escort for the night. Quite an experience, definitely. What dragged him to another afternoon in a museum were, surprisingly enough, Hyde’s words. His in-deep analysis about a picture. Back then, Shunnosuke was taken aback by how intelligent and accurate Hyde could be, and how…interested in art he was. The blonde teenager liked art s well, no doubt about it, but… differently. For the first time, he devoted his time to understand how someone’s perception about speechless pieces could tell more about them than he imagined. More than he wanted to tell. People seemed to gather around, taking their time to admire the selected pieces of art exposition. The museum main hall was crowded today, steps behind the teenager’s back indicating the constant movement in the area. The young Kurosawa was too busy to care, right now infatuated and mesmerized by the same art piece he saw days before at Penecia’s museum inauguration: a dark-themed painting with a young man in suits portraying a ball mask. Why was he so captivated by it? Why does that picture relate to him so much? Would he ever find out…?

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life (Gran [Ariston]) WUEnE86wmhQ

Nearby, a tall man in refined clothing would be watching an exhibit from further away. He had a reason for coming here beyond the exhibit, but it appeared he was too late to get there. However as fate would have it, he found a familiar student looking at one piece within a crowd. Before he lost him, he would walk towards him, stepping to the side of him through a crowd and looking at a piece. He didn't say anything yet, as he had to make sure he was not wrong, even though this young man tended to dress uniquely for lack of a better word, so he was fairly sure it was him. He took a glance, and smirked lightly of accomplishment. Things may come together a bit easier than he expected. "Hm...."

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

The crowd around the young heir of the Kurosawas dispersed, much to the teenager’s own joy. It was better this way. He didn’t want others to have the same fixation for that picture as him; odd and eccentric as it may sound, there was some sort of connection between Shunnosuke and the picture that shouldn’t be shared by many. He couldn’t really prevent anyone from staying there, however, leaving to the teenager the only plausible option to ignore possible newcomers — except when the newcomer here is a famous Zela teacher. — Good day, professor. — He smiled mellowly as he greeted Ariston, without taking his eyes away from the picture, though. Benefits of peripheral vision. Plus, the European stature matched to the unique hair length won’t request direct visual contact, for they were a fairly unique combination only one man in whole Azores portrayed. — Appreciating art in your free time, I suppose? — He asked nonchalantly. Interest in arts indeed suited Mr. Rhodes, unless he was dragged to the museum for a different unknown reason.

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston's smirk turned into a wry smile when Shunnosuke addressed him. "I suppose. But I was rather lucky to see you. Let's just say I haven't been seeing many students since the school was closed down. I suppose fate brought us here, or like before, you enjoy following me around." He turned to the piece while contemplating something. "I am afraid I have no time for art, not when everything has been so recently scattered around. How have you been? I imagine you have had little rest." He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, checking something before putting it away.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Fate, huh? While he normally didn’t believe in “fate” itself, it was definitely a nice coincidence to meet Ariston of all people here, too nice to not consider the possibility of the cosmic forces joining hands to give the teenager a small push in his desired direction. Still, thinking of such word used to describe the encounter sounded pretty…romantic per se, in more ways than one. Heh, whatever. — I’d rather stick to the first option, for my utmost respect for you prevents me from stalking. Besides, I’m sure you must be quite accustomed to students desiring your company by now. — He replied quite confidently and well humoredly, still not taking his eyes out of the picture. Not until Ariston mentioned…something else. — So you know… — He chuckled a bit, taken aback by how…direct Ariston could be without even saying an explicit word. Sure it was a disconcerting experience. Not that he could try and hide it efficiently when a mystical deity outed you on a national broadcast. Speaking of which… — Yes, let’s say I’m trying to conciliate my regular schedule with…my civil obligations to the country. It mustn’t be different for you, since your name was also there, am I right? — Probably this was a good time to be more straight to the point. There was always a risk he was wrong and Ariston was just a regular civil, but the teen decided to take a risk. He only hoped Mr. Rhodes wouldn’t be displeased by his straightforwardness in the matter…

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

The comment brought a confused glare from Ariston. "I'm sorry? What are you suggesting by that? That's definitely turning the subject over on its head....rather sudden," he said, adjusting his hair over his ear. He almost looked....flustered if Ariston could even give off that demeanor. He simply did not expect Shunnosuke to suggest something like that; perhaps that was a weak spot in his armor. "You're not wrong, I have been figuring out ways to tie up any loose ends on these islands. Seems as though everything is falling apart at the seams....it's rather frustrating to me. Alot of people seem to enjoy poking their nose into my affairs indeed, but they seem to not poke much further after a little persuasion." He kept looking upon the peace, as though hiding the conversation him and the young student were having. You never know who could be listening in, or so Ariston Rhodes believed.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Oh? Shunnosuke raised his glance back to the man by his side. Did he strike a nerve? Not his intention for sure, but he could almost tell, from Ariston’s eyes’ intensity and body language, that the man got…embarrassed? — Oh, I suggested nothing… yet. — His tone was subtle and careful to not poke too much on it now and risking distressing the man, but certainly registering the amusing reaction for further references. — I understand. After everything that happened in the past months, it’s a surprise you’re still in the spotlight in your position, but I’m glad you manage to handle it fairly well. As for me… — After expressing his brief display of concern, Shunnosuke’s mood turned quite sour, noticeable by taking a single look at his face. — It’s like I’m wasting my time and running in circles on a fruitless endeavor. After what happened to Standasen’s stadium and now Zela…makes me wonder what did I receive this "power" for in first place. — He bit his thumb, displeased by the courses his investigation kept leading him to. Seemed like there was nothing for the student to do to prevent whatever, but to go with the flow and see what happens, far from being an appealing modus operandi for someone who likes to take control over his own matters.

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

"Hm.....no one gets this power and doesn't have that issue. They always feel like at some point what they are doing is meaningless. The only thing left we can do from there is things we haven't done yet, or perhaps would not do under normal circumstances. Like me for example. I have to make sure the peace is kept on these islands along with my friends and family, though I originally wanted to forget them." He closed his eyes and paused for a moment. "If things don't change now or nothing is done, I will start to worry about my home....not that I don't already. I imagine you must worry about your own."

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Shunnosuke went silent, dwelling over the last affirmation. Was he truly worried about his home? About what might happen to Penecia in the near future? He didn’t even know…until now. — I guess everyone does… — His face was somewhat troubled with a disturbing picture of Penecia turning into a barren wasteland if Thesis and her brother run rampant over Azores. Worse than that, the image of his family dead… Sure, he had quite a problematic relationship with most, but he wouldn’t want to see them fall for a supernatural calamity. Must be the same for Ariston, thought it was really a surprise to notice he had this, of all things, in common with the teacher. — ”Wanted”? So, does that mean you don’t want to forget them anymore?

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston clicked his tongue lightly before raising an eyebrow at Shunnosuke with a half-smile. "Yes. I don't want to forget them anymore. Irritating or not, many people involved here are either family, friends, or people who don't deserve it. I disdain some of them, but I won't leave them to fend for themselves. I guess it just goes against my values." He adjusted his hair, and ran two fingers across his chin. "But I am glad to see I ran into you. I think I can trust you to do the right thing. What do you think you want to do?"

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

”What do you think you want to do?”, huh? Tough question. In a way, he didn’t want to get involved any further; on the other hand, it’s not like he could back off now. Technically, he could indeed; unlike Ariston, it wasn’t unlikely of him, there was no official compromise or values he would sacrifice for the sake of doing whatever he wants. It was more like he didn’t want to, even though he’d prefer to live his regular upperclass teenager life. — Try and find a way to prevent Azores from being destroyed down the line. Or at least to restore Zela back to the academy we know. I just…don’t have a clue as to where to start. — He looked at Ariston, expecting an answer or at least a lead.

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston pursed his lips. He had some ways to go about it, but it was his responsibility already to look out for him and the rest. He couldn't send them out on their own. On the other hand, he knew they had been through quite a bit according to his brother. "Well, I plan to pursue one of the Primordial Deities and finish him off. I also am looking for a person of interest that could be great leverage against our little friend Thesis. I wouldn't normally ask for your help given your....circumstances. But I guess I have no choice. Any of my missions you find interesting?"

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Shunnosuke placed one hand over his chin, pondering over the options a bit. Unless Ariston was extremely powerful, he seriously doubted they would finish Thesis’s brother on their own. Better to be safe than sorry. — It’s quite risky to search for the Primordials on our own… I’d say for us to go after this person you speak of and try to earn their assistance. Even if Azores in in state of alert, it’s no use being reckless now when there’s the possibility to be careful and take action once we gather allies... Anyhow, may I know who’s the v.i.p.? — He looked at Ariston, expecting an answer or at least a lead.

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston gave a wry smile. He was hoping for a different answer, but so be it. "Thesis had a child. I am trying to find them. Before she does at least. If she figures out where they are they may end up being a new ally for them. I intend to see to it that it doesn't happen. Sound easy enough?" He asked Shunnosuke. He figured with a little extra hands maybe finding them would be possible. He wondered if anyone already knew about this; seeing as how he remembered what happened at Penecia, or so the news told him.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

…alright, not what he was expecting. For a moment, the student looked at Ariston in obvious shock by the sudden revelation. A “child”, eh? Suddenly everything made sense in regards to the importance of this pivotal character. Still, who would be daring enough to have a child with that woman? Gross, to say the least. — A-a child?? — He probably have stated so louder than he should, hastily placing one hand in front of his mouth and glancing back and forth hoping to not have attracted unnecessary attention. — I mean…yes, it would sound easy enough if I at least had a few hints to lead our search, unless you already know their identity and location. Plus, I’m thrilled, how have you learned about their existence? Or rather, who told you this?

» Paying a Visit [Shunnosuke/NPC Ariston]
» Too Much for Too Little [Gran]
» Where to next? (Gran)
» Borrowing Something [Gran]
» A Mystery(Gran)