Canlanma Street Level, Story 4

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Story 4

 "It is a strange thing to be a celebrity in Caelum.

  "To start with, your sudden status change is- well, sudden. Back in the old eras, you had to be on the talent spectrum. You either had to have a lot of talent or a lack of talent to be considered a celebrity. now? Well, now you have to show the most skill with a positive human characteristic. I mean, for many cycles, I have been the Most Engaging person to younger entities. Heck, that reptilian female -Kanako is her name, I think-  is the Most Fashionable and Most Generous to the less fortunate. 

  "The other thing that is different is that we don't do any sort of entertainment or product endorsement as a celebrity. Again, back in that one old era, celebrities were always in some sort of production or on those weird advertisement things - I think that's what they were- for someone someone or something else. Now we just remind entities to do good and then do our regular jobs we did before our status change.

  "This status does have its perks. You get recognized for what you do. It is rather nice, given how long every entity here trains for their work. The status means your name and your services stick out. More business and more apprentices. More positive reputation and just -you know, better things. On top of that, you get a better chance of meeting other entities that can really help you out. I mean, who doesn't remember my legendary pairing with Maximillian, the Most Charismatic sky pirate! But he couldn't handle the status for too long.

  "That's the problem, of course. If you can't handle the status, then you can't handle it. So what do you do then?"

  "Well, as much as I want to continue this talk, I promised Llyr that I would have a snack with her. Can we share rising meal together tomorrow?" The human hybrid with butterfly wings shyly chuckles.

  The older man smiles. "Of course, Irune. Please extend the invitation to Llyr when you see her."

  The young lady smiles back and taps his folded hands. "Of course, Tiberius. Say hello to Yeong for me."

  "I will."

  Tiberius watches Irune flutter away and sneezes some of her crystal dust out of his mouth. As much as he appreciated her caring and sparkling personality, her appearance was sparkly to the point of blinding. He chuckles at his fortune and stares at the clouds in the sky for a while. The Capital buzzes with celebrity groups and chatter, yet Tiberius only senses calm. Part of him treasures the peaceful energy; another part craves adventure. In the back of his memories, Tiberius can hear the sound of horses, arrows flying, spears tearing through the lofty air. He feels his hands shake as he hears Maximillian's groan as a spear digs into his shoulder and-

  "Are you alright?" A pleasant voice severs the pain and distress. Tiberius looks over to see the beautiful feathers on his darling's arms. He flashes a smile and holds her hand. "Recalling your strange visions again?"

  "Yes. The visions of strange creatures and odd energies." Tiberius laughs, "You know me way too well."

  "I'm telling you, somewhere -in another universe- we are still lovers. What else could explain our enduring-?"

  "Coincidence and commitment, Yeong. Nothing more." Tiberius reassures her, even when he isn't as sure.

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