Xenotober 2024 22 Candygore (Lin, Tatsu)
a/n: Art class in NLA, and I would give anything for a painting on black velvet of Nopon playing poker.
The idea was to challenge the humans in art class by bringing in xeno models. That's how Lin Lee Koo volunteered Tatsu to sit as a model for six sessions.
"Tatsu not show all his fur, right," he had quivered before the first session.
"What? Ew! No!" said Lin. She rushed him onto the small raised platform before he could shed so much as his lobed hood. "Keep it all on, round boy. I gave up jokes about peeling you months ago. Ew."
It seemed fairly silly to Tasu, but he supposed it was good for the class to start with such a fine figure of a Pon. The instructor did gently request that the young Nopon remove some of his gear, the hat, the oversized pack, and finally his thick glasses. As a result, the activity in the room was vague to him, but Lin assured him that the students were learning a lot.
The instructor had Tatsu pose in a variety of natural ways. Most were graceful and easy to hold. The best day was when he was asked to pretend to sleep. This he did with such fervor that his face was damp with drool when Lin poked him at the end of the session.
The last session was another easy pose. He was asked to stand in a sagacious pose with his wing arms wrapped around his belly. He contemplated Life, the meaning of art, and the prospect of lunch. He felt like quite the wise oldiepon. He could only vaguely see the students, who sounded excessively lively today. He asked Lin why his deep expressions had made them behave so irreverently.
"Probably because we were trying new media," said Lin. "Didn't you notice?"
"Tatsu keeping eyes firmly turned to the All."
"At least you didn't snore this time. I'm surprised you didn't notice the change. Usually we have easels and paper. Today people were making clay models and wire frames. I was using papier-mâché."
"Sounds tasty."
"No. Anyway, everyone made a sculpture but mine's the best. It'll be life-sized when it's finished."
The instructor came over to thank Tatsu for his efforts. "We plan on having a gallery exhibit at the end of the month. I hope you'll attend."
The exhibit was held in the Outfitter's hangar. Tatsu wasn't convinced that every student had understood the assignment. Was he really nothing more than a flappy circle to them? Not that it mattered. He didn't really care about the other students. He was here to support his bestest, most beloved friend, Linly. He was dying to know how she had immortalized him.
His feeling were mixed. He thought her pencil sketches were tentative, almost as cartoonish as her fellow students' works, but a few of her studies of his wing arms showed a true understanding of Nopon grace and power. He didn't care for the still life where she had added a cornucopia behind his resting form. He preferred the colorful pastel where he stood with one wing raised in a triumphant display.
"Dance of victory!" crowed Tatsu.
Lin put firm hands on his shoulders. "Do not demonstrate in the gallery."
The instructor's voice came over the sound system, drawing everyone to a small open space. He thanked the visitors and praised the diligence of the artists. Then he announced a special presentation. "Miss Koo wanted to introduce her final piece as an interactive experience."
"Hi!" Lin spoke without hesitation into the mic. "We've been drawing and sculpting my friend Tatsu for weeks now, but I know in my heart that no one else understands him as well as I do. I don't believe anyone else has captured his true essence. I won't believe it." She turned and shouted over her shoulder. "Hit it, Alexa!"
The lights dimmed to a soft spot light. It illuminated a radiant version of Tatsu as the artwork was slowly lowered from the ceiling on a nylon rope. The sculpture was lovingly and imaginatively crafted. His fluff was recreated in crinkly gold paper fringe, while his vest and hat glowed fluorescent green. Swirls of peach and mango decorated his graceful wings. Flutters of streamers in a rainbow selection whirled gently as the sculpture approached the floor. It stopped at the level of Lin's head, bobbing and turning slowly. "No one else," said Lin, "knows his over-the-top enthusiasm and his all-encompassing curiosity. No one knows his generosity and vivid imagination. And no one else knows how sweet he is, right to the core."
The crowd gave a pleased round of applause at this lovely memorial. Tatsu felt prickly with suspicion.
"So please enjoy this piece. I'm calling it Candygore." Lin pulled a brightly decorated stick from behind her back. "Who wants the first wack at it?"
a/n: Youngest wants another Candygore story so that may happen.
Next up: Adult cartoon (lower your expectations, people)/two tacos with missing soda. Omg these prompts!