Chapter 96: A Legacy of Inspiration
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"Dapo questioned, 'This is unbelievable.' His eyes widened in shock. They both stay in their apartment, with many piles of newspapers and magazines all around them.
Eki smiled, shaking her head. "It's surreal," she replied.
The two artists' teams started to become famous everywhere in the world. People who know about art were talking about their works in art groups all over different places. They got invites to give talks, join conferences, and even set up exhibitions. It was a powerful experience but also came with its challenges.
The need to keep moving fast was very strong. People from many countries were looking and waiting to see what they would do next. They are always busy making and promoting things, with almost no time left to think about themselves.
They began to receive invitations for endorsements, reality TV programs, and various products inspired by their art. As they gained more fame, many people desired to connect with them. It was an overwhelming selection of possibilities.
"Take care," Eki said, his voice full of worry. "We need to focus on important things."
Dapo nodded. "I know. We need to stay grounded."
In the middle of chaos, they find calm by doing their art. It is always there for them, like a safe place to go. A lot of time was spent in the studio searching for new ideas and testing the limits of their creativity.
But as popularity increased, people began to pay more attention. Critics started looking at their work with much detail, searching for mistakes or things that did not make sense. Some individuals accused them of cultural appropriation—profiting from the traditions of various communities.
Eki and Dapo found it difficult to accept the negative feedback, but they stayed strong in their commitment. They decided to set up workshops and seminars so young artists could come and learn from them. Also, they start scholarships for new artists to show thanks and give back to the communities that inspired them.
They get notice and praise from art society for their hard work in protecting culture and supporting ethical artwork. They change into fighters with a mission, not just artists anymore.
But, when they become more famous and strong, dangerous things start to happen. They begin receiving threats; their studio gets damaged by vandals, and some people even try to steal their art. They come to understand that the world of art is not always full of glamour.
Eki and Dapo exchanged anxious glances, the noise from outside was very loud. It sounded just like that night when someone entered our house without permission. Their hearts pounded in their chests as they moved towards the window very carefully.
When they looked through the glass, they saw a group of shapes hiding in the dark. Even though their faces were hidden, the way these figures stood told much about their hostility.
"We need to get out of here," Dapo whispered, his voice barely audible.
Eki gave a quick nod, many thoughts going inside her head. They cannot handle those people alone; they need help.
They were fast gathering their belongings, hands shaking from fear. Just as they were on the edge of leaving, Eki got an idea. Their art. Their life's work was still in the studio. They couldn't just abandon it.
"We can't leave our work behind," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Dapo hesitated. "But it's not worth risking our lives," he argued.
Eki shook her head left and right. "No, not just art," she expressed. "It is our legacy."
Dapo looked at her with eyes full of respect. "You are right," he said calmly.
They packed with hands shaking in excitement, putting inside the things that mattered most to them. They knew well it was a risk, but staying still felt impossible because no one wanted to leave behind what they had built together.
Just when they were ready to go, a sound came from downstairs. Somebody was walking up the steps. Fear and panic filled them. They had to act fast.
Stuck in one spot, they concealed themselves behind the big painting. Their hearts beat fast as the steps got closer and closer. The door makes a noise, it creaks when opened and then I hear people talking inside the room.
Eki and Dapo, hold breaths with fear, making their bodies very tense. They can hear the sounds of someone searching in the room and footsteps echoing in this quiet place.
At the most intense moment, suddenly the lights turned off and the room became dark. People who came in stopped moving and talking, their voices now full of confusion.
Eki and Dapo walked near to the door, where a faint light was glowing in the darkness. This little bit of light came from the window. There stood somebody, their shape visible by night but their face not seen.
Their hearts were beating very fast in their chests; they needed to get out of there, but getting seen was too dangerous. They stayed still, bodies frozen with fear.
The body moved, and eyes looked around the room. It seemed like I could see in the dark because those eyes found where Eki and Dapo were hiding.
A cold dread washed over them. They had been discovered.
