Rise To Stardom - Chapter 110

Chapter 110: Time Capsule
[Paradox’s] music video, one which had been released on the same day the song itself was released, was one that was simple yet effective.

The fact that it was shot in a bar, an environment that was relatable to a lot of people, more or less put them in the same state of mind as the people in the bar whom had listened to it on that same day.

Curiosity and anticipation.

So, when the song finally started, with only the undiscernible figures of Kyle and the session musicians performing the song, the occasional strobe lights highlighting their features for a split moment as it cascaded around, it gave the music video a never ending feel of interest.

The film lens that was also used, made the colors of the music video feel less saturated and more realistic, giving a sort of retrospective feel to the video.

This was a decision that was deliberately done by Maria and her cinematographer as per Kyle’s request, one which had him include something at the end of the music video.

In his words, ‘I want the last part of the music video to not break away from that sense of introspection with the addition of it so, any way you can make it work, please have it done.’

So, eventually, when the music video came to an end for the viewers, the strobe lights brightening up to reveal Kyle, along with Caleb, Maeve and Paul, all of whom seemed to have been enjoying performing the song itself, it gave the viewers, a sense of fulfillment.

However, what really made the video just as popular as Kyle’s other music video, was something most viewers, never expected.

Just as the video was about to end, about thirty-five seconds was still left on playback before it ended.

And in those thirty-five seconds, was a smooth transition to a short clip of a homemade video from a smartphone of someone’s POV, walking through a corridor of a neat apartment.

Eventually reaching a corner, the video’s feed showed as a ball of crumpled paper, flew straight into the bin from said corner of the room.

Watching as the person in the video, picked up and unfurled the sheet, a few scribbled and canceled lyrics in it that were still clear enough to be seen, most viewers had realized, that it was the uncompleted lyrics to the song itself.

This had really made them interested in what was going to happen next and there was even a group of internet netizens who decided to amplify the image’s resolution for more visual clarity.

That amplified image, was still making its rounds around the internet, with people talking about how the old lyrics, felt like a mashup of lyrics that weren’t meshing well together.

Yet, seeing it made them understand that Kyle, just like every other musician out there, struggled to get things right.

Sure he may be talented but, it was obvious he was also putting in a lot of effort into bringing about the best version of his diaristic style of music.

Just twenty seconds left on the feed though, a raw piano tune was soon heard, one that seemed to be the piano riff that was now perfected in the finalized product.

Hearing a sigh from the recorder of the video, they watched as the feed, finally moved past and turned around the corner.

Just like Oliver had met Kyle the day he had finalized the lyrics to the song, the viewers watched in amusement and surprise as they saw Kyle, seated in the center of the living room amidst scattered lyrics sheets upon lyrics sheets.

Turning his head towards his agent, his hair unruly and dark circles under his eyes, they watched as the young man said with a tired smile;

“I’m not sure just yet, but… I think I’ll name it, [Paradox].”

That was where the music video, finally ended.

And for a lot of casual viewers on the internet who just liked good music and music videos, that short clip felt like a time capsule of sorts.

One that the young star had preserved on the internet forever.

But, for Kyle’s fan group, this time capsule was content.

Content they could sink their teeth into by finding more to discuss about their favorite young celebrity.

–

Princess Peach: Alright. I don’t know what sort of voodoo magic KK uses to constantly keep entertaining us but I’m in love with it! Also, does he ever rest? I’m a bit concerned…

Mamma Mia: @Princess Peach; Would be great if he prioritized his health over anything else but, considering he has a tendency to always seek progress, there’s really nothing we can do but hope.

Peter_Writes_Fantasy: It’s one thing to watch a good music video to a great song. It’s another thing, to be treated to a time capsule from the creator of said song. Kyle just never misses…

WeDoABitOfTrolling: Just read the amplified image of his cancelled lyrics sheets and damn, songwriters really must do some serious head banging to make their lyrics make any measure of sense. Props to Kyle man. [Paradox] is a freakin’ masterpiece!

Alice In Wonderland 88: @WeDoABitOfTrolling; It really is! Can’t stop listening to it! I’m addicted!

Wendy_The_Witch: At the rate at which Kyle keeps dropping bangers, I’m certain I’d be buying a deluxe edition of his music album on day one when he eventually gets to making one!

The Impostor: Glad to see Kyle in the limelight again but I’m curious, despite the success of his song, we’re yet to see him actually promote the song after that…

Kyle’s Girlfriend: @The Impostor; Huh… Now that you’ve pointed that out, it is a bit weird that we haven’t seen him on any podcasts, talk shows and what nots to promote the song… Wonder what he’s up to…

–

Just like The Impostor had pointed out on the fan page, it seemed as if Kyle, truly wasn’t doing any extra promotions for [Paradox].

It wasn’t a particularly surprising thing if an artist didn’t decide to expend extra time and resources on promoting an already successful song but, considering it was basically an avenue for them to get their face out there even more, most never skimped on the idea.

However, for Kyle, despite the many calls and requests to have him on various podcasts, talk programs and variety shows, he had Oliver politely decline the offer to spend more time getting down persona of the role he was auditioning for.

Sure [Recollection] helped with memorization of scripts easily but, for Kyle, that was only a quarter of the work done.

The rest, which was understanding and playing the part the best he could, was his main priority.

“Hmmm… those subtle mannerisms need to be perfect…” Kyle paused midway while acting alone in his apartment.

“Also need to really sell the idea of someone who’s lived very, very long…” the young man mused to himself with a thoughtful expression as he slowly paced back and forth.

“It’ll be quite hard to pull off without [Deep Dive] but, I’m sure I can…” Kyle told himself after which he then added introspectively;

“Just project and channel as much of your past life’s experiences that you remember, into your acting.’

‘It should at least, give the illusion of being far, far older than you actually are…’

Halting in his steps and picking up the script, reading through it for the umpteenth time, Kyle nodded to himself.

The script was brilliant for what he had envisioned.

And with Christina’s help, it had been refined to perfection.

At least in his opinion.

The only thing left, was for him to bring his A-game during the private screening.

* * *

[10th Of January, 2020]

The Curator.

A traveler, he liked to call himself.

If wanderlust was a name, then maybe it could be attributed to him.

His real name, itself, was quite literally, lost to time.

An enigma, to say the least.

Yet, at the center of everything crazy going on in the universe, he would be right there.

Right bang in the middle of it all…

However, with a long, long lifespan, came a multitude of problems.

Loneliness for years on end.

A rogue gallery of enemies.

Friends and loved ones, dying before his very eyes.

It never got any easier.

But, it gradually broke him.

Little by little.

Eventually, it took its full toll on him.

It made him jaded.

Depressed.

Eventually, the traveler settled down and lived a mostly mundane life.

Yet, the legacy he built as this oh-so-amazing being that everyone revered and also feared, never left him.

And unfortunately, considering Earth was where he settled, the blue star, was subject to frequent interferences from his enemies and just, unexpected incidences in general.

Due to this reason, despite masking his despondency and jaded emotions behind the façade of different personas over the years, The Curator, did what was necessary to protect the planet.

Why?

Because in his words;

“I’ve put a lot of work into it…”

But more than that, unknown to most, the Curator, hoped, that in the process of being a protector, he would find his way back to whom he once was.

Auspicious.

Optimistic.

Bright.

And most of all…

Happy.

That was why he took on the moniker, The Curator.

Because ‘Cura’ in Latin, means, ‘to take care’.

As thins strands of Kyle’s slicked hair, gently ruffled in the wind whilst driving with the convertible roof of his new car retracted, a Ford Mustang that cost him $40,000, he, along with Oliver, made their way to DreamLand Inc’s HQ in Brooklyn, New York City.

Today was the day of his private screening.

Today, Kyle would be auditioning for the titular role of, The Curator.

…

…

…

Privately screened auditions for actors, just as it sounded, was one that was done with confidentiality in mind.

A lot of the time, these auditions would happen without the general public having even the least bit idea about it.

The same could be said for Kyle the moment he and Oliver arrived at DreamLand Inc’s expansive and modern reception lobby at 6:30am in the morning.

Swiftly, the young actor and his agent were whisked away by Jon’s secretary who guided and had him, meet up with Jon on the upper floors.

Considering the employees were only supposed to get to work by 9:00am prompt, the entirety of the massive HQ, felt deserted at the moment, one Kyle and his agent, weren’t particular perturbed by.

A few minutes later though, Jon’s secretary, Richard, soon led the two to meet up with Jon, one to which all three then exchanged pleasantries and had a few mundane conversations.

Yet, for Jon, he couldn’t help but be equal parts surprised yet curious because of two things the moment he saw Kyle.

First off, the young man, surprisingly, had his medium-length hair gelled and slicked back like Oliver’s, giving him quite the mature yet sophisticated look.

And secondly, was a small, compact briefcase in Kyle’s hands, one that Jon couldn’t help but wonder what was in it.