Chapter 99: A Creative Legacy
1303words
The idea for an art academy was starting to take shape. It would not only be a regular school but also a haven for artists, where young people with talent could learn from the best experts. They would have the chance to follow what they love and grow their special skills.
Olorun, who is the Yoruba god symbolizing creation and order, was chosen as the name for this academy. This place has a goal to provide hope where artists can seek assistance and direction in their path of creating art.
Making the academy was difficult, but it made us happy finally. We had to spend much time and effort to find a good place, decide what subjects we would teach, and bring together teachers who truly want to help students learn. The goal was to make a place that gives both support and challenge - an area where students can reach their creative limits while feeling motivated.
The academy's doors open wide for many young artists from different places in Nigeria. Painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers and writers fill the hallways with active creativity—each one bringing their ideas about what art can do. It was a place full of young people's excitement; it looked very lively and colourful.
Eki and Dapo, spend long hours giving advice using what they know and can do. They always say it is very important to be original, and sincere, and also correctly do business. They wished students to feel responsible not only for art but also for the whole society.
The academy had one main rule, which was teamwork. They viewed art as a creation by many people because they thought that when artists support each other, they can create something wonderful together. They organized workshops, shows, and displays for their students to work together and learn from each other.
The academy was famous for its top quality, bringing students from every corner of the nation. Eki and Dapo left a huge mark on it - their influence made it into a place where creativity would flourish greatly in the years to come.
But, the academy's successes also brought problems. There were troubles with money, paperwork, and always having to keep up with the latest trends in the art world. Eki and Dapo had to do many tasks: they worked as teachers, managers, and also artists.
Before, when they sat in a room in the evening, feeling tired but happy, they looked at each other and smiled. They come from a very far place. Starting as young artists looking to find who they are, they turned into experienced guides forming the future. Their path has been one of never-ending change and growth.
While they were relaxing, both phones started ringing at the same time. The caller ID displayed the identical number on each phone screen. They felt a cold fear. It was the number they worried about most, the number that always brought trouble with it.
Eki and Dapo exchanged worried looks. The voice on the phone made them feel like there was something mysterious about their lives that they didn't know yet. They thought they ran away from the bad things by making this good force, but now it seems like those problems are coming back. This call reminded them clearly that their fight was not over yet.
'Who is this?" Dapo demanded, his voice filled with anger.
There was silence for a moment, then a little laugh. "Someone who knows you better than you think," the voice answered.
Eki's heart was beating quickly, and she felt a chilling fear getting bigger inside her. They did not know who this person giving threats was. But it was clear that someone wanted to destroy all the hard work Eki and Dapo had done entirely.
'What do you want?" Dapo asked, his voice steady despite the fear.
'We want to play a game," the voice replied. 'A very dangerous game."
Eki and Dapo looked at each other with fear in their eyes. They did not understand what this person was saying, but one thing was clear to them - they were in big trouble right then.
'We're not playing any games with you," Dapo said, his voice filled with defiance.
'Oh, but you will," the voice replied. 'Or else."
Click, line dead. Eki and Dapo left in silence, the threat's heaviness palpable.
For the next few hours, they stayed with much alertness. They called their security team to make safety at the academy stronger and also reached out to the police to tell them about these new threats.
They felt afraid, but they decided to keep going with their plans bravely. The art festival was approaching in only a few weeks and they did not wish for enemies to dictate how they lived.
In the academy, days passed with more stress. Even though students could feel something was not right, Eki and Dapo tried to make everything look normal as much as possible. They knew that fear can move fast, and they did not wish it to affect these new artists.
One evening, just before they were supposed to meet the festival organizers, both their phones started ringing together showing a number they did not know. Eki answered his phone with some doubt in his voice.
'We're watching you," the voice said, before hanging up.
Eki and Dapo stared at each other, fear showing in their eyes. The phone call from someone they didn't know felt like a frightening warning about dangers that hide in secret places. They comprehended they must be cautious but the fear was tiring them out.
"It shouldn't rule us," Dapo was firm. "We have to keep moving."
Eki, her voice shaking a bit, tried to cover up how scared she felt and said: "We must finish this festival. It is really important."
They are excited for the coming festival, with much work to get ready. It seemed like a way to distract their thoughts from constant danger, feeling better by creating things.
Finally, the festival day arrived. It was a mix of excitement and nervousness. The place where we had our event became crowded with many people; you could feel their energy everywhere. Walking through the crowd, Eki and Dapo felt both proud and happy. They had made a unique creation.
While Eki was talking with the guests, she noticed some people standing near the exit. These individuals looked different, not blending in well and showing a sort of intentional and aloof attitude. She gently nudged Dapo to direct his attention towards them.
'I think we're being watched," she whispered.
Dapo scanned the crowd. 'I see them," he replied, his voice low.
They watched with eyes big open, senses very sharp. As night went slowly, the room felt more and more filled with tension. Eki and Dapo exchanged worried glances. They knew something was about to happen.
A sudden disturbance occurred in the gathering. People started screaming and running everywhere. Eki and Dapo look around and see some masked people rush into the place with their weapons out.
A big wave of fear started, and everyone hurried to find a hiding place. Eki and Dapo were also trapped in this confusion. They knew they must escape but there was no way out.
While they searched for a way out, someone stepped from the darkness. It was that same person who called them earlier, with a friendly grin on their face.
'Nowhere to run," the figure said, their voice cold and calculated.
