The Jindai High students were on cloud nine. Not only had they ditched their sadistic tour guide---Fraulein Freakazoid, as some had taken to calling her now that she was no longer around---but they also about to visit one of the highlights of the overall tour. And, after THAT they’d get to eat!
Miss Krieger had taken a moment to discuss things with another tour group leader, but the students wouldn’t join him until after spending time in the rooms dedicated to ongoing works by international artists. The area was also set up as a discovery lab of sorts, allowing visitors to try their hands at various art forms. They would also be videotaped---the museum was in the process of putting together advertisements for their unique opportunities.
A slender near-emaciated man in a turtle-neck walked over to Miss Okibasu, hand moving like he was conducting an imaginary orchestra. “Ah madame, you must be the teacher of this marvelous group of youngsters. To have lead a group of hungry seeking minds to paradise, surely you shall be rewarded.” The man bent to kiss Miss Okibasu’s hand. “And, you have brought so many beauties with you. Perhaps I should pack up and move the studio to the Tokyo National Museum.”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Miss Okibasu. This young lady is Kaname Chidori, student representative. We look forward to all that you can teach us.” She bowed to the bright-eyed man.
“Oh, be still my beating heart. Miss Chidori, you must be an angel sent from above.” The man brought Kaname’s hand up for a long lingering kiss. “I must paint you. Surely I must.” He looked expectantly at Kaname.
“Uh…OK…I would be flattered.” Kaname felt butterflies in her stomach. For some reason, she had the urge to look at Sousuke and gloat.
“Do you promise?” The artist looked like a leopard ready to pounce.
“Y-Yes. Sure. Glad too.” Kaname’s eyes were filled with stars momentarily. Maybe the painting would be hung on the wall here. Kaname Chidori, masterpiece.
“Excellent! But I have been remiss. I should introduce myself. I am Isamu Valentin.” The man bowed to the class. At his words, a short man in a stained apron ran out with a tall drink and a short written biography. He handed the drink to Mr. Valentin and begab reading aloud.
“Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Mr. Valentin’s mother was a native of this fine country. Even at an early age, the brilliant artist was fascinated withy the intrinsic beauty of the human form. Grace. Beauty. Spontaneity. Not only do those words describe his magnificence, but they also describe what he seeks and wishes to portray. Inspired by the visual grandeur of Greek civilization, and by the exquisite art of the Renaissance, his works have gone on to receive universal praise world wide. His bronzes stand in the largest and most prestigious art forums in Europe. His paintings hang in museums across the globe. Those of us who work with him are eternally grateful. You are about to receive a rare privilege, one unlikely to be surpassed for the remainder of your fortunate lives.” Breathless, the short man took out a hankerchief, dabbed it at Mr. Valentin’s forehead, them disappeared back into the studio.
“I wrote that.” The artist mentioned. “Like my works, I wanted it to be understated, but with an unmistakable truth.” He turned and walked way. Turning again he said “Well, come on, now. You’re all about to be inspired.
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[FIC] Class Act (part 11)
Moderators: KiLlEr, HELLFIRE, Taurec