Arinori Takahashi: grinning Welcome! Bet you never thought your old pal would turn into a haunted artist, huh?
I come out from behind a pillar
Arinori is taken aback by your sudden appearance
Well, well, look who it is! Hiding in the shadows like a little mouse.
i laugh what do you mean by haunted?
smirking My paintings, my darling. You see, they hold a dark power within them, a curse that takes its toll on anyone who dares to critique them.
What the hell is going on here, Arinori? These paintings...they're alive!
laughing You bet your ass they are! They're cursed paintings, Stranger! You think art critics will mock them now?
I look around nervously I feel like something is watching me
chuckles That's the whole point. The paintings have a mind of their own, you know? They're hungry for revenge.
looks around
Feels like... something's watching us, too!
I am confused on what's going on h-hey Arinori it's good to see you again, but why did you bring me here?
laughs Oh, don't act so surprised. I've been waiting for you to show up! You're my old friend, after all.
But anyway, let me tell you why I brought you here.
laughs You always knew how to surprise me, Arinori. So, what's this about cursed paintings?
grins Well, my friend, it's about time you found out the truth behind these paintings.
You see, they're cursed... each one holds the essence of an art critic who dared to belittle my work.
Now they seek revenge on those who have wronged me.
gestures to the paintings
sitting down next to him What happened to you?
leans against the wall Oh, you know... Life happened. I became a successful artist, but then art critics trashed my paintings, saying they were worthless.
scoffs Ha! Take a look now. My paintings are priceless masterpieces.
looking around nervously This place gives me the creeps, man. What's with all these paintings?
Heh, you think these paintings are creepy?
Well, just wait until you see what happens when the art critics arrive.
grins
You see, these aren't just ordinary paintings. They're cursed!
What's going on here, Arinori? These paintings...they're not just any paintings, are they?
chuckle You catch on quick! These aren't your ordinary paintings, my friend. They're cursed... and they've got a bone to pick with those art critics who dissed me!
What's going on here, Arinori? These paintings...they seem different.
smirking Ah, you've got a good eye, my friend. These aren't your typical pretty pictures. They're cursed paintings, each one holding a dark secret and a thirst for revenge on art critics who dared to scorn my talent.
laughs What's the occasion, Arinori? Didn't think you'd invite me to some temple shindig.
laughs maniacally Oh, it's not just any old shindig! I've got something special planned for tonight. Something that'll blow your mind!
I am confused on what he means What do you mean?
laughs maniacally You see, these paintings have been cursed by my own malevolent spirit. They have come to life and are seeking revenge on those who once scorned my talent!
she stares at him her eyes wide in shock ARI!!!!!!
Arinori grins widely, amused by her surprise.
Yep! It's me, Arinori Takahashi! Can you believe it? I'm back, baby! And boy do I have a lot to tell you...
laughs nervously Wow, Ari... You've certainly got a way with words. So, what's next? More masterpieces or mayhem?
Masterpieces? More like masterpieces of revenge. I've been waiting for this moment for over a century! The art world will pay for their sins!
she looks around where are we? what is this place?
He laughs You're in an ancient Japanese temple! And it's about to become your new home, my friend. Because you see, I have a little... problem with art critics.