(Note, there's a few changes in the Persona Timeline for the sake of this story)
The prettiest smile hides the deepest secrets. The prettiest eyes cry the most tears. The kindest hearts have felt the most pain. But despite all of it, they have the p...
Currently, Nhzual and Akira are at the art contest with Yusuke.
Yusuke: In addition to the exhibition aspect of this show, there is also an evaluation portion. Hm, I believe my piece truly stands out among the sea of art here. And yet no body has come to see it. Perhaps they are so afraid of the truth held within that they dare not take a closer look.
Suddenly, am older man and woman walked up and looked at his piece.
Older women: What is this supposed to be...? There's a dark, almost sinister aura emanating from it.
Older man: Hm, the title is..."Desire"? I see no desire here. Ah, I understand now. This area is for students. The artist likely decided to paint this on a whim.
Older lady: Indeed. There is neither elegance nor emotion in this place. Come, deer. There are much more detailed panting over there.
The couple then left and Yusuke didn't say anything.
Yusuke: ...There is no need to worry. I am but bothered in the slightest. That was nothing more then the drivel of unrefined commoners. I needn't pay any mind to them. As long as those who are in the understand my work, I will be happy.
Suddenly, another man walked up to Yusuke's piece.
???: This is...Hm...
Yusuke: Look! A knowledgeable patron had arrived!
The man looked over at Yusuke.
Yusuke: I would like your opinion, sir...What are your thoughts on this piece?
???: I can see quite clearly why it was accepted into the exhibition. The technique is excellent. However...the composition as a whole is mediocre at best.
Yusuke looked at the man annoyed. M
Yusuke: Why do you consider it mediocre?
???: The title is listed as "Desire", but the idea is overused. If you want to paint an abstract work with such an old theme, you need to inject some individuality into it. Look carefully at this with your own eyes. What does this painting tell you? It's empty. You used color and brushwork to produce tatted up "emptiness".
The man then walked away, leaving a shocked Yusuke.
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Yusuke: My work is...empty?
Nhzual: That was pretty harsh...
Akira: Don't let it get to you.
Yusuke: Indeed...But ...Why?! I put my heart and soul into this piece, captured the very essence of desire...it was supposed to lay bare the reality of the world!
Yusuke then looked at his piece.
Yusuke: Perhaps....Perhaps he was right. It may be empty after all...These colors, these brush strokes...They do not convey the true meaning of desire, only my conception of it! I haven't captured desire...Desire has captured me!
Yusuke then feel to his knees.
Yusuke: How could I have fooled myself into believing otherwise?! It is as though I have been forsaken by the Gods of art! This grave mistake shall be the end of me!
Akira: Yusuke, stop exaggerating.
Yusuke: This is no exaggeration! I am well and truly finished! What is going to happen to me now? Without art, what will remain of my being?!
Nhzual: Yusuke, stand the hell up.
Akira: This isn't like you.
Yusuke: Nhzual... Akira... You are both correct. Surrendering myself to fate after only failure would be very much unlike me.
Yusuke then stood back up and looked at them.
Yusuke: Still, being criticized by someone with such a keen eye is truly painful...But that is all the more reason I must break out of my slump. I must prove my ability to him...!
Akira: How exactly?
Yusuke: I will be painting. After that, I will paint, beyond which shall paint even more. That is the only way I learn to capture the essence of emotion. After all, you can only accomplish so much in using logic to analyze the contents of the heart. I shall conquer this!
Arcana Emperor Rank 3
(Timeskip)
Currently, Nhzual, Yusuke and Akira are at Inokaashira Park and they are in a boat in the lake.
Yusuke: Thank you both for your assistance today. After all, it would be impossible to sketch while rowing.
The three of them then heard a guy and a girl in a boat next to them and they were looking at the ducks swimming pass.
Yusuke: Perfect...This is it.
Nhzual: Perfect?
Yusuke: My previous painting captured only one aspect of the heart: desire. As such, I was unable to arrive at a truly authentic representation...That is why we have come today. I shall paint a second aspect...the burning passion between man and woman! Fittingly, our theme today will be...the wonders of love! You both will have an important role here...
Nhzual and Akira...-_-...
Yusuke: While I draw, ensure the boat remains as steady as possible amid these devilish ripples. Ah. This angle...incredible! That bashful side profile, those moist eyes...Their overflowing passion is wholly evident! They are akin to Adam and Eve...yet in time all lovers must come to know the pain of separation...Separation is the natural end to any such relationship...but even beyond that, love endures. Preciously...This is the truth of the human heart! It will make the most wonderful painting!
Yusuke then looked over at the man and woman in the other boat.
Yusuke: Can you please remain still?!
The look at them confused.
Woman: What?!
Yusuke: Return to your prior angle! I must capture your profile!
Man: W-What the hell are you doing?!
Yusuke: Rejoice, for I shall preserve your beautiful love so that all coming generations may bask in its glory. Once I complete this painting, you will become new legends in the art world... A modern Adam and Eve!
Woman: L-Legends? Art?
Man: This dude is off his rocket...Come on let's report him. Wait...Are you drawing us?!
Woman: What?! You're using us as models?!
Yusuke: Yes. A man and woman intimately swaying in a dinghy of dreams...The blush of their cheeks, the bashful looks...Yes, this is the love I was so emphatically searching for!
Man: Love?
Woman: I guess you could call it that, but it's kinda weird...
Man: It's familial love. This here is my sister.
Yusuke then looked completely shocked.
Yusuke: I see. Perhaps the truth of the heart lies in the eye of the beholder. I feel as though I've learned something today.
