Fates Supports/Subaki Kagero

Back

C Support

Kagero: Subaki, could I speak with you for a moment?

Subaki: Hm? Hello, Kagero. I have some time. What's wrong?

Kagero: Nothing is wrong, it's just... I was wondering how much you know about art.

Subaki: Art? Hmmm... I have decent understanding of it, at any rate. While I was in training to become a soldier, people often praised the maps I produced.

Kagero: I...see. In any case, I would like to ask a favor of you. I need help developing my artistic sense. I was hoping you could teach me about art.

Subaki: I'm not quite understanding. Do you need me to teach you how to draw?

Kagero: That would be part of it, I suppose, but I was thinking of starting more basic. The best place to start would be regarding what constitutes appropriate taste.

Subaki: You mean...you want to learn what is considered good or bad art? Seems like a roundabout way to learn, but I suppose it could work. Why do you keep looking around? You appear fairly suspicious doing that.

Kagero: I would prefer that my request remain absolutely secret.

Subaki: I don't think what you want is particularly unusual or something to be ashamed of. Most artists look to others' work for inspiration.

Kagero: It's not that my art is lacking in inspiration so much as it's, well...

Subaki: Go on.

Kagero: This would be quicker if I showed you some of my work. I'll bring some later, and you'll see what I am trying to say. Until then, please don't make it known that I asked for your help.

Subaki: You needn't worry about me—I'm a natural secret keeper!

B Support

Kagero: So... What do you think? You've been staring at my drawings for some time...

Subaki: I...definitely have a better understanding of why you sought my help. Remember how I mentioned that artists look to each other for inspiration? That's not what you need.

Kagero: It's that bad? Oh, gods...

Subaki: It's not that it's bad. You just have a very unique point of view in your art. For example, you labeled this piece Scenic Mountain... But it really looks more like a bloodshot eyeball with its lid half-closed. And this one, Infant Resting... The infant has pitch-black wings and a fiendish tail. I can see now why you want to learn what is considered appropriate in art.

Kagero: I know that what I create isn't...right. But I can't seem to produce anything else.

Subaki: I don't think it's wrong, actually. Maybe it's an aspect of your personality using your art to speak through. To change, you'd probably have to destroy that part of you and nurture a new part.

Kagero: How would I destroy a part of me?

Subaki: I guess you'd smother the creative part of you with whatever is conventionally good. You'd have to change your basic understanding of what is beautiful.

Kagero: But...I don't even know what that means.

Subaki: Hrm. Have you ever looked at a view or seen a particular person and thought, "I like this"?

Kagero: Of course! But when I've tried to illustrate what I saw, it becomes something else. I have no idea why this happens...

Subaki: Maybe that part of you I mentioned is trapped—only able to emerge in your art. You aren't just copying what you see— you're adapting it with your feelings. It's a very abstract way of creating your art, but it isn't wrong at all.

Kagero: Hmph... This isn't very easy to understand at all.

Subaki: Heehee... That's because our own hearts are very difficult to understand. Looking at your art, I can tell you have a lot of chaos in your soul.

Kagero: Hmm...

A Support

Kagero: Subaki, do you have time for an art lesson today?

Subaki: I do, but I have to tell you, I don't think you need to change your style.

Kagero: What do you mean?

Subaki: After we last spoke, I dug up several books about art technique. Many of those who are considered great artists weren't appreciated in their lives. The art they created was very different, and they were treated as outcasts.

Kagero: This is not making me feel much better.

Subaki: What I mean is...maybe you have that same spark of genius, like other great artists.

Kagero: You truly think I have that potential? Even after looking at the art I make?

Subaki: It's exactly because of the art you make that I believe I am right! It's chaotic, and dark, and moody, and difficult to grasp, but it demands attention. The longer you look at it, the more sense it seems to make. It's like a new art style being born.

Kagero: It feels good to be praised by a man of your caliber, Subaki. I still feel unsettled, though...

Subaki: Don't be. You created this art without even trying to do it. I'm actually a little envious. You truly have natural talent!

Kagero: Now you're just being flattering. We both know you are the perfect example of skill and talent.

Subaki: I wasn't born with talent, though...

Kagero: Excuse me? What do you mean?

Subaki: Ah, sorry. Just thinking out loud. Anyway, what I have been meaning to say is this: treasure your style and viewpoint. What you create is incredibly unique. In fact, I think our lessons are at an end, and now I would like to learn from you!

Kagero: You truly mean that?

Subaki: Very much so. Believe in yourself, and have faith in your instincts.

Kagero: Thank you for the kind words, Subaki. It's settled, then! I'll do my best.

Subaki: Excellent. And please—when you complete them—I'd love to see your new works.

S Support

Subaki: Kagero, I have a favor to ask of you...

Kagero: Now this is a new experience. I can't recall you ever asking for favors before... I'm more than glad to do whatever I can. I'm happy you feel you can ask me.

Subaki: Do you really mean that? That you'll do whatever you can?

Kagero: Of course! I've taken up so much of your time with my art questions, it's the least I can do. Just let me know what you need.

Subaki: Then... Well... Here goes nothing... Kagero, I really adore you. As we've talked and grown closer, I've realized that I want you in my life. I want to be able to call you my sweetheart.

Kagero: Your s-s-sweetheart?!

Subaki: Did I ask too big a favor of you?

Kagero: Oh. I... Well, ignoring the need to talk about how you and I define favors... Why me? And what do you mean when you say that you adore me?

Subaki: When you showed me your art, I realized you had this natural talent. I truly admire it in you, as natural talent is not something that I have. I've worked incredibly hard to make myself as good as I can be. I've worked equally hard to hide how hard I work from everyone.

Kagero: So then... You are attracted to my natural talent?

Subaki: I am! But also so much more than that. You're so humble about your talent, too. Most people would strive for the limelight. Not you, though. And when you realized your skill, you were quick to offer me help. How could I not love these things about you?

Kagero: Subaki...

Subaki: It's not your talent that I love you for, though. I admire and respect it, but it's your presence that touches me. Even if your talent mysteriously vanished, I'd still love you just for being around. So...what do you say, Kagero?

Kagero: Yes, of course. Even if you hadn't said those flattering things, and even if you weren't so perfect... I'd still love you. And I'll admit, I'm a tiny bit happy to hear that you've had to work hard to improve. Yes, I would be honored to be your sweetheart. I look forward to our future together.

Subaki: Me too! I love you, Kagero!