We are One: A Sweet Dance Fanfiction

Chapter 1 – Ready the stage

In the early morning light of May, a young girl, Magali Anna Artisan, steps onto a train platform in California, her ticket clutched tightly in hand. The steel behemoth before her is her vessel, carrying her across the vast expanse of America, all the way to Florida. Her heart beats with anticipation, for she journeys not to just any destination but to a realm of dreams—the city of idols nestled near the Florida Keys, known as Sweet Dance City.

As the train begins its rhythmic journey, Magali gazes out the window, eager to catch her first glimpse of this mythical place. She imagines the city as a canvas painted with brilliant colors, where music and dance weave tales of wonder. It is a place where aspirations soar higher than skyscrapers, and talent flows like the warm Gulf Stream winds.

Sweet Dance City is a magnet for souls from every corner of the world. Some arrive with dreams of fame, yearning to take their place in the pantheon of idols. Others come as avid spectators, drawn to the siren song of the young talents who grace its stages. And then there's Magali, whose journey feels like a homecoming. It's a return to her birthplace after seventeen years spent away from this hallowed ground. She left the city with her family when she was but a baby, yet the dream of becoming an idol, just like her parents, never ceased to burn within her.

The train rumbles to a halt, signaling Magali's arrival at her destination. She disembarks and heads toward a waiting bus, which will ferry her to the city's entrance. Sweet Dance City, however, is unlike any other in America. It guards its heart jealously, allowing only residents to enter freely. Those not fortunate enough to call it home must secure a pass to witness the mesmerizing idol performances at the grand Dance Square stadium. Magali, though, possesses a precious permit—a golden ticket of sorts—granted for the sole purpose of her entrance exam to join the illustrious ranks of idols.

At the city's gate, she presents her papers, her heart pounding with excitement and trepidation. The guardian of the gate scrutinizes them briefly before granting her passage. Magali steps over the threshold, her journey into Sweet Dance City officially commencing—a journey that will test her resolve, unveil her hidden talents, and perhaps, one day, allow her to dance among the stars.

As Magali immerses herself in the bustling heart of the city, each new sight that unfolds before her elicits a gasp of wonder. A vibrant tapestry of shops, each adorned with supplies tailored for aspiring idols, adorns the streets. Restaurants stretch as far as the eye can see, their tantalizing aromas tempting passersby with promises of culinary delights. Boutiques beckon with their racks of flamboyant and colorful costumes, like butterflies in a spring garden.

The bakeries, in particular, waft a gentle, sweet fragrance of freshly baked pastries into the air, a siren's call to anyone with a sweet tooth. The streets are a lively spectacle, teeming with visitors who revel in the joys of shopping and indulging in the local cuisine. Magali can feel her heart swell with an overwhelming sense of belonging. This city, with its kaleidoscope of experiences, is where she knows she'll discover her true self, embarking on a journey that will transform her into an idol.

As she continues her exploration, Magali retrieves a map from her suitcase, her fingers tracing its intricate lines. She's confident she can navigate her way to the coveted Dance Square, the epicenter of her dreams. Her steps echo with determination as she strides through the bustling streets, the vision of her destination burning brightly in her mind.

However, the city's labyrinthine layout proves a formidable adversary. Magali's initial confidence falters when she realizes she's taken a wrong turn somewhere. Undaunted, she tries different paths, each attempt only leading her deeper into the labyrinth. Frustration simmers beneath her determined exterior, but she refuses to yield to it.

Hours pass, and Magali throws her map to the ground in exasperation, her patience worn thin. "Come on, throw me a bone already! Where is the Dance Square, anyway?" she exclaims in a voice tinged with frustration.

Standing still amidst the bustling crowd, Magali hopes for a kind stranger to offer directions. Yet, to her dismay, the passersby seem locked in their own worlds, ignoring her pleas as they continue on their way. She gazes around, a sense of urgency gnawing at her. In a hushed whisper, she murmurs to herself, "Oh, man. I need to reach that square quickly. But this city is far larger than I ever imagined. I must find my way before I miss my entrance exam."

Before long, a group of menacing figures spots Magali in her distressed state and approaches with ominous intent. Her instincts flare, and she turns her gaze toward them, immediately sensing that trouble looms. The leader of this foreboding group steps forward, a smirk playing on his lips as he addresses her, "Hey there, pretty girl. You seem a tad lost. If you're searching for the Dance Square, we'd be more than happy to guide you. But, of course, we'd expect something in return."

Magali's senses sharpen as alarm bells ring in her mind. She begins to retreat slowly, her voice steady yet cautious, "No, thank you. I'm not interested. I'm in a bit of a hurry, so if you'll excuse me—"

Before she can complete her sentence, the leader's grip tightens, his fingers closing around her arm like a vise. "Hey, don't be so shy," he taunts, his voice dripping with deceit. "We simply want you to join us for a meal or something. We'll take you anywhere you want afterward. What do you say?"

Though the man's wicked grin attempts to intimidate her, Magali stands her ground, her defiance unwavering. With a swift and decisive motion, she lowers her center of gravity and, with a determined shout, declares, "I said I'm in a hurry, so LET ME GO!" In one swift motion, she delivers a powerful knee strike to the man's groin, freeing herself from his grasp.

Magali seizes her suitcase and, without looking back, bolts away as fast as her legs can carry her. Her heart races, but her determination to reach the Dance Square unscathed fuels her sprint through the labyrinthine streets of Sweet Dance City.

As Magali sprints through the winding streets, she glances over her shoulder and spots the menacing men hot on her trail. Despite the tight weave of the crowd slowing them down, they persistently pursue her. Unperturbed, Magali effortlessly maneuvers through the throng, her nimble footwork allowing her to maintain her lead.

The pursuers, however, refuse to relent, even as the crowd hampers their progress. Desperate to escape, Magali veers into an alley nestled between two buildings. But as she turns into the narrow passageway, a sudden collision sends her tumbling to the ground.

A young man in a blue hoodie, the unwitting victim of her collision, extends a helping hand as he inquires with concern, "Hey, are you okay?"

Magali takes his offered hand, quickly regaining her footing as she brushes dust off her skirt. "I'm fine. Sorry about running into you; I was being chased by some goons, and—" Her words are abruptly cut short by the sound of the men's approaching voices. Panic surges through her. "Crap, they're coming!"

The young man in the hoodie takes charge, cool and collected. "Hide behind those trash cans. I've got this," he declares.

Taking refuge behind the concealment of the trash cans, Magali watches as the young man attempts to play it cool. The pursuers round the corner, their faces twisted with determination, and confront him. "Hey, did you see a young girl run through here?" they demand.

The young man feigns casual ignorance, his voice laced with nonchalance. "A young girl, you say? Did she have shoulder-length brunette hair with a hairband? A red and white striped shirt, blue skirt, and black shoes?"

The men confirm his description eagerly, their impatience palpable. "Yes, that's her! Where did she go?"

The young man offers a subtle nod toward the alley's depths. "Down the alley. If you're fast, you won't miss her."

The men follow the hooded man's direction, sprinting off in search of their prey. The men runs off headed to the direction the hooded man points to. When the coast is clear, he checks behind the trash cans to look for his new friend. But she had already left her hiding spot to run off the other direction.

As Magali navigates her way back through the bustling crowd, she glances over her shoulder, relieved to see no signs of pursuit. Breathing heavily but free from danger, she muses to herself, "That was a close one. I feel bad that I left without thanking that guy. If he lives around here, I'll probably see him again and thank him properly—"

Her thoughts shatter abruptly as she collides with a uniformed police officer, tumbling to the ground once more.

The imposing officer turns his gaze upon Magali with a stern and aggressive demeanor. "Hey, who are you? Are you causing any trouble?"

Magali, her urgency unabated, scrambles to her feet, her voice tinged with a sense of desperation, "Sorry, but I don't have time for this. I'm in a hurry, so if you would excuse me."

Before she can make her escape, the officer seizes her arm firmly and insists, "Hey, you can't just disturb the peace and run off like that. I'm going to need you to come to the station and show me your papers."

Magali's panic mounts, and she begins to struggle, pleading with the officer, "Please, let me go. You don't understand, I have to be somewhere important. I can't be late!"

"Oh, I see. That's the way you want to do this?" The police officer's stern tone matches the click of handcuffs around Magali's wrists. His voice carries a note of finality as he continues, "You are under arrest! You are being charged with disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. By the time I am done with you, you'll never set foot in this city ever again!"

Panic wells up inside Magali as the reality of her situation hits her. Time is slipping away rapidly, and she's on the brink of arrest. The officer remains unmoved, deaf to her pleas. She knows that once she's given a chance to explain herself, it will be too late. Missing her entrance exam and being forced to return to California is a grim prospect. The thought of facing her father with such a failure gnaws at her.

Desperation grips her when a familiar voice cuts through the tension. Magali turns to find the same young man in the blue hoodie from the alley. She hopes against hope that he can somehow intervene.

The idol acknowledges him, "Hey, officer, is everything okay?"

"Oh, hey, Conrad. Don't mind me; I'm just doing my job."

Conrad leans in, advocating for Magali, "Yeah, about that... Could you let that girl go? She's an idol, just like me."

The officer raises an eyebrow, his suspicion palpable. He gazes at Magali with renewed scrutiny and inquires, "She is?" He then takes another look at her as he asks, “that’s odd, I’ve never seen you before. Okay then, show me your Idol ID. Do that, and I’ll let you go.”

Conrad seizes the opportunity, his voice filled with playfulness as he continues his act, “Actually, she left her ID at my crew hall. I was looking for her when she bumped into you. Please forgive her, she’s new at this whole idol business.”

The officer sighs deeply, his resolve wavering. He removes the handcuffs and concedes, "Okay, you're free to go. Please keep your ID with you at all times from now on."

With that, the officer walks away, leaving Magali and her newfound friend, Conrad, behind. Relief washes over her, and gratitude fills her heart as she contemplates her second chance at reaching her dream.

"You okay?" Conrad's concern lingers in the air as he checks on Magali.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks again for your help," she replies, rubbing her wrists where the handcuffs once bound her.

As a warm smile graces his face, Conrad extends a hand, initiating a proper introduction, "By the way, I don't think we've officially introduced ourselves. I'm Conrad Howard. Nice to meet you!"

"I'm Magali Artisan. Thanks for everything."

Conrad playfully remarks, "Artisan, eh? You best be careful with that last name. People might think you're related to the amazing Super Idol Julian Artisan."

Magali chuckles nervously, "Yeah, I wouldn't want that."

Curiosity gleams in Conrad's eyes as he inquires, "So, are you an idol? I hope you are; I would hate for that cop to think I lied to him."

Magali collects her suitcase and smooths her hair, her voice tinged with determination as she replies, "Not yet. I'm on my way to the Dance Square to take an entrance exam. I got a little lost on the way there."

"Wait! If you're taking the exam, then why are you in this part of the city? The Dance Square is all the way across the city past the river. And the exam starts very soon," Conrad remarks with growing concern.

Magali checks her watch in alarm, her face paling, "Oh no! I only have thirty minutes. Will I make it there on time?"

Conrad's response is a sobering reality, "Not on foot."

She sighs sadly, contemplating the looming disappointment, "Great, I can't believe that I'm going to miss my exam. How will I explain this to my family?"

"Don't worry, I got this," Conrad reassures her with determination. He darts to the street, hails a nearby taxi cab, and beckons Magali to join him. Leaping into the cab, Conrad demands of the driver, "To the Dance Square, and step on it! We needed to be there five minutes ago!"

The taxi driver, dubious about the impending traffic, hesitates, "Are you crazy? The traffic going there is going to be insane."

"Just go. I know a shortcut," Conrad insists.

The driver complies, slamming on the gas pedal, and they speed off. Within moments, the roads start to congest, and traffic slows to a crawl. Conrad leans out of the window, scanning the surroundings. He then points urgently to the entrance of a tunnel, "Take the tunnel; there's no traffic there at this time."

The driver questions his choice, "Are you sure? The tunnel doesn't head towards the Dance Square."

"Just trust me!"

The taxi veers sharply into the tunnel. As Conrad predicted, it offers a clear path, allowing the cab to speed ahead. Conrad pulls himself back into the vehicle, and Magali can't help but inquire, "Why are you helping me?"

Conrad's response is casual yet genuine, "No real reason. I just want you to make it to your exam and become an idol."

Skepticism colors Magali's voice as she retorts, "Oh, please! I heard you say that you have a crew hall. If you think helping me is going to convince me to join your crew, then forget it!"

Conrad grins and dismisses her concerns, "Oh, you don't have to worry about that. I don't have any room in my hall anyway. I won't ask you to join if that's what you're afraid of."

Despite her lingering suspicions, Magali begins to relax during the taxi ride, focusing on the immediate goal of reaching the Dance Square in time for her exam. She observes Conrad closely and finds only kindness in his proud face. She knows from her father that idols must adhere strictly to numerous rules to protect themselves, which eases her anxiety. She decides to make the most of the ride.

Soon enough, the taxi exits the tunnel, revealing a highway running parallel to a river. Conrad leans out of the window once more, excitement in his voice as he points to a massive purple stadium in the distance. "There it is! The Dance Square is right across the river. We're almost there!"

The taxi driver interjects, a note of concern in his voice, "This highway isn't going in that direction. We're headed straight to the Homeland, and there will be traffic there too. We're not going to make it on time."

Conrad, undeterred by obstacles, instructs, "Take this exit coming up; it'll take us across the river!"

"But the exit is closed and barricaded. They're doing some construction on the bridge," the driver protests.

"Drive through it anyway!"

Magali's anxiety spikes as the seemingly innocent ride to the Dance Square transforms into a daring escapade. As Conrad urges the driver to plow through the barricades, they venture onto uneven asphalt. The ride becomes an unpredictable rollercoaster, sending Magali's heart racing as she clings to her seat, praying for her safety. Meanwhile, Conrad seems to be thoroughly enjoying the adventure.

As the taxi ascends onto the bridge, Magali begins to breathe easier as the ride becomes smoother. However, her relief is short-lived when she gazes out the window and notices the lack of safety railings on the bridge. The sheer drop to the river below terrifies her, and a wave of nausea washes over her. Doubts about her decision to come to the city flood her thoughts, and she wonders if this journey was a monumental mistake.

After they successfully cross the bridge, the taxi once again plows through another barricade, reentering the local city. As expected, traffic begins to slow down, and they are tantalizingly close to the Dance Square. The driver, seeking guidance, asks, "What do we do now?"

"Take this back street right here! It'll take us directly to the square!" Conrad directs.

The driver obediently turns into a narrow alley flanked by buildings. Magali peers ahead and, upon spotting a large closed gate in the distance, lets out a blood-curdling scream. The driver shows no sign of slowing down as they hurtle toward the looming obstacle. At this point, Magali's life seems to flash before her eyes.

Meanwhile, Conrad remains calm, shouting into his cellphone, "Open the gate! We're coming in fast!"

The gate creaks open agonizingly slowly, but the cab still hurtles forward, its destination just inches away. Magali clenches her eyes shut, bracing for impact as the cab attempts to squeeze through the gate. In a harrowing moment, the taxi narrowly clears the gate by the slimmest of margins. After passing through the back street, the cab executes a sharp turn into the parking lot of the Dance Square. The screeching of tires echoes as the vehicle comes to an abrupt halt in front of the entrance. The ride has been rough, but miraculously, nobody is hurt.

As Magali struggles to catch her breath, Conrad calmly announces, "We're here."

Magali, still rattled by the wild ride, explodes with frustration, "Are you insane?! What the hell was that? We could have been killed!"

Conrad, undeterred, defends his actions with a grin, "But we got here on time, didn't we?"

Magali checks her watch and realization dawns upon her, "You're right! I still have ten minutes left." She seizes her suitcase and hastily exits the cab. "Bye! And thanks again!" she yells as she rushes toward the Dance Square.

The taxi driver looks at Conrad, puzzled, and asks, "Who was that girl?"

With a mysterious smile, Conrad replies, "I don't know, but I think there's something special about her. And I'm going to find out what."

Inside the Dance Square, Magali presents her documents to the receptionist for the entrance exam. After all the formalities are sorted out, she's escorted to the lobby, where she finds a room filled with other young women waiting for their exams. One by one, each individual is summoned to the auditorium. A few minutes later, they return, their expressions ranging from elation with a freshly acquired license to disappointment as they leave having failed the exam.

As Magali's turn for the audition approaches, a sense of worry begins to gnaw at her. Everyone around her is adorned in colorful and flashy idol costumes, with many sporting bright pastel wigs or dyed hair. In contrast, Magali remains in her casual attire, as she didn't have enough time to change into her costume before registering. She can only hope that her dance skills will be enough to carry her through the exam; the issue of her attire will have to wait.

Finally, her name is called, and it's time for her audition. The secretary escorts her to the stage, a dark and daunting space illuminated only by a single spotlight aimed at the center where Magali is to perform. The stage is bare, devoid of props or backdrops, set against an empty black backdrop, presenting a stark contrast to the vibrant costumes worn by the other auditioning idols. Magali's footsteps echo through the auditorium as she takes her place.

Under the harsh spotlight, she takes a moment to glance at the vast auditorium. Her stomach flutters as she observes the hundreds of seats before her. Most of them remain unoccupied, but there are scattered individuals in the audience, presumably family and friends of those auditioning. Magali silently wishes for someone she knows to be there for support. Among the audience, she spots four individuals dressed in idol costumes, slightly different from the others. These four are older, ranging from thirty to fifty years old. Magali assumes they are the judges responsible for evaluating her performance, potentially senior idols.

Her gaze continues to sweep the room, and to her surprise, she spots Conrad sitting casually in the upper corner of the auditorium. He waves at her and gives her a thumbs-up, offering silent wishes of luck. "It's that guy again... I wonder what he's doing here," Magali muses to herself, her curiosity piqued.

"Good afternoon, Miss Artisan," one of the female judges announces, her voice carrying a warm welcome. "Welcome to Sweet Dance City. I am Aries, and I am joined by Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo. Today, we will be evaluating your performance to determine if you have what it takes to become an idol in the Sweet Dance Society. Allow me to explain the rules of the exam. We will play music at random, and you will perform for us. You are free to sing, dance, and showcase your talent in any way you choose to convince us to accept you into our community. Depending on your performance, we will either grant you a license or send you home. Do you have any questions?"

Magali shakes her head in response. "Then let the exam begin," Aries declares. Another judge signals the start, and the music fills the room. Magali takes a moment to listen to the melody, identifying it as a slow dance. She closes her eyes and immerses herself in the rhythm, her feet gently tapping to the beat of the drums. Then, she begins to dance.

As Magali moves, the judges exchange perplexed glances. They had chosen a slow dance for her, but she's performing a faster-paced, hip-hop-inspired routine with incredible energy. Her movements align seamlessly with the music's beat, yet the judges appear unimpressed. Each of them starts jotting down notes, seemingly preparing to fail her. Conrad can't help but share his disappointment, whispering, "I guess she's nobody special after all."

However, as the exam continues, Magali executes a breathtaking move. She spins gracefully, lowering herself close to the ground. Her legs stretch out left and right, her hand sweeping across the floor. With a swift transition, she lifts herself and continues her performance. This move shocks the judges, eliciting a gasp from Conrad. It may seem deceptively simple, but any experienced idol knows the difficulty of executing it perfectly. Magali not only performs the move flawlessly but also maintains impeccable balance and seamlessly transitions to the next sequence. The judges and Conrad are left in awe, realizing that they have witnessed a level of skill and elegance they didn't expect. In an instant, opinions throughout the audience shift.

As the music eventually comes to a halt, the exam concludes. Magali catches her breath, her heart pounding as she awaits the results. She has dedicated significant time and effort to prepare for this exam, believing that she delivered her very best. However, the puzzled and astonished expressions on the judges' faces make her anxious. She glances at Conrad, who shares their astonishment. Despite the uncertainty in the room, Magali remains steadfast in her belief that her performance was stellar enough to secure her a license.

"So, how did I do?" Magali asks, her voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

"Miss Artisan, you are aware that the music that was played for you was a slow dance," Aries begins.

As Aries speaks, Magali starts to sweat nervously, sensing where this conversation is headed. "Um, yeah. My dad didn't teach me a lot of different genres of dance moves. He's been too busy to teach me everything he knows. I know I danced the wrong genre, but I feel confident that I followed the rhythm well. Don't you agree?"

Virgo clears his throat before responding, "We are looking for idols with a more diverse collection of dance styles, Miss Artisan. Given the music that was played, we were expecting something along the lines of ballet or waltz. While I do admit that your dance routine was well-executed, it's not what we are looking for."

Magali's heart sinks as she realizes that she may have failed the exam. She lowers her head, grappling with the thought that all her hard work and practice may have been in vain. Her lifelong dream of becoming an idol seems on the verge of slipping away, leaving her to ponder what her life will be like from this point onward.

"However," Capricorn interjects, providing a glimmer of hope, "that move you performed during the exam. It's the crab swipe, isn't it?"

Magali nods, a small spark of optimism igniting within her. Taurus then consults Magali's application and inquires, "I noticed that you left your family history section blank. This part of the application is optional, so there's no issue. However, we are curious. Please don't answer if you're uncomfortable, but who are your parents?"

Magali hesitates for a moment, contemplating her response. She had omitted that part of the application deliberately, not wanting anyone to know the identities of her mother and father. Yet, they seem to have deduced her father's signature move, leaving her feeling that honesty may be her only path forward if she hopes to pass the exam. With a deep breath, she finally replies, "My mom is Katrina Artisan, and my dad is Julian Artisan.”

The auditorium falls into a sudden hush, a collective gasp reverberating through the air as the revelation hangs heavy. It is a moment that will be etched into the memories of all who are present. Whispers and murmurs swirl like a chaotic storm, the words spreading from one eager ear to another, each person trying to piece together the puzzle that has just been laid before them.

Conrad, who is sitting there in quiet astonishment, can't help but voice his disbelief. "No way," he gasps, his voice a shocked whisper, as he turns to look at Magali.

Magali, now feeling her heart pound harder in her chest, has indeed let the cat out of the bag. The secret she has so carefully guarded is out in the open, and there is no turning back.

Virgo can't resist the urge to clarify the astonishing revelation. "So let me get this straight," he begins, his tone filled with incredulity and curiosity, "you're the daughter of the first Super Idol couple in history. And you didn't want to tell us?"

Magali's response is immediate, her voice confident despite the turmoil within her. "Well, I didn't want to use my father's name to pass my exam," she explains with a sense of determination, "I wanted to show everyone here that I can become an idol using my own skills."

The room falls into another heavy silence, a palpable tension hanging in the air as everyone tries to process the bombshell they have just been handed. The judges, once mere observers, now huddle together, their faces etched with solemn contemplation as they deliberate on the course of action.

A few nerve-wracking minutes tick by, and then, as one, the judges return to their seats. Aries rises to her feet and clears her throat, her eyes locking onto Magali. "Miss Artisan," she begins, her voice measured and authoritative, "I believe that we've come to a decision."

Virgo stands up as well, his gaze steady upon Magali. "Miss Artisan, we all feel that the performance you showed us was not the best of your potential," he declares with a hint of compassion, "you need more practice and must diversify your dance routines."

Capricorn, the third judge, joins in, offering a more nuanced perspective. "However," he begins, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom, "the crab swipe you performed was nothing less than a masterpiece. Your father would be proud knowing that he passed it down to a worthy successor. We will take that into consideration when we vote."

Magali, still reeling from the revelation and now the center of attention, can only nod in acknowledgment. The die is cast, and the path before her is uncertain. But one thing is certain—the legacy of her parents will both challenge and inspire her as she pursues her dreams of becoming an idol in her own right.

Taurus rises and decisively states, "All who believe that Magali Anna Artisan has successfully passed the exam, please raise your hand."

Magali's eyes widen in disbelief as every single judge raises their hand in her favor. "It's unanimous. Congratulations, you are now Sweet Dance City's newest idol."

The entire auditorium erupts in joyful applause upon hearing the announcement. Aries approaches Magali, presenting her with the coveted license. However, Magali's elation is somewhat dampened, and she gazes at her license with mixed emotions. She realizes that she has passed not solely due to her skills but because the judges uncovered the secret she had been trying to keep hidden – her lineage as the daughter of not one, but two Super Idols.

As the exam concludes, Magali is guided out of the building. She drags her suitcase through the parking lot, sighing as she wishes that the judges had never inquired about her family. She can only hope that this revelation won't lead to her being treated differently by others. All she desires is a simple life as an idol without the shadow of her famous parents hanging over her.

However, her solitude is interrupted by a familiar voice calling out, "Hey, wait up!" She turns to see Conrad running towards her, desperation in his voice. Once he catches up, he eagerly asks, "Why didn't you tell me that Julian was, in fact, your father?"

Magali responds curtly, "Why is that any of your business?"

Conrad's excitement is palpable as he explains, "Are you kidding me? I'm Julian's biggest fan! I became an idol to be just like him. I've watched all of his performances, and his moves stun me every single time!"

With a hint of sarcasm, Magali quips, "If you want an autograph, I can call my dad later. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find a place to stay."

Conrad, however, has another request, stating, "Actually, I have a different favor to ask you. I know what I said earlier, but would you consider joining my crew?"

Magali raises an eyebrow, reminding him, "Hold on, I thought you said your crew was full."

Conrad admits, "Yeah, I kinda exaggerated a bit. Turns out I do have one room available. I didn't want to rent it out, but you can have it if you want."

Magali, however, declines with a firm response, "No thank you," before turning away and resuming her walk.

Conrad quickly steps in front of Magali and exclaims, "Wait a sec, let me show you something real quick." He executes a spin and lowers himself close to the ground, stretching his legs out left and right. Then, he performs the swipe and stands up. "Well, what do you think?"

Magali observes his attempt at the crab swipe and critiques, "That's definitely the crab swipe... But it's sloppy. Your legs were too stiff, and the swipe was awful. It looked like you were cleaning the floor, not dancing."

Conrad admits, "I know. I've been trying to perfect Julian's move for over a year, but each time I try, I can't seem to get it right. If you join my crew, you could teach me how to do it properly. Come on, what do you say?"

Magali remains resolute, replying, "You're even more insane than I thought! My answer is still no. Now, stop following me." She continues to walk past him.

Undeterred, Conrad runs in front of Magali once more and persists, "Fine, I get it. If you don't want to join my crew, you don't have to. But tell me, where do you plan to stay?"

With a sigh, Magali reluctantly shares, "If you must know, I'm headed to the hotel. I'll figure out what to do from there."

"In that case, why are you going this way? The hotel is in the other direction."

Magali is shocked by Conrad's statement and checks the map once again, realizing that her surroundings don't align with the map. She had been convinced she was headed in the right direction moments ago. She sighs in frustration, muttering, "Why is this map so hard to read? I didn't have this problem back at home."

Taking the map from her, Conrad flips it right side up, and Magali realizes that she's been reading the map backward the entire time. She nods, acknowledging his assistance. "Thanks again. I'm still headed to the hotel, so please stop following me."

Conrad responds with a playful tone, "As you wish, princess."

"Don't call me princess!" Magali exclaims, her frustration evident. She grabs her suitcase and turns around, following the direction of the map. After a few steps, she looks back to see if Conrad is following her. She finds him standing where she left him. She continues to walk, checking on him again at the end of the block, and once again, he hasn't moved. She takes a sigh of relief and heads to the hotel, sure that he has given up on her.

Some time later, she arrives at the hotel and attempts to check in, only to encounter an unexpected problem – the room prices are exorbitant. She looks up at the prices and exclaims, "Why are these rooms so expensive? I've seen five-star hotels back at home with cheaper rooms!"

The clerk explains, "Our hotel is for guests who plan to stay overnight for performances, not for long-term living."

"This is ridiculous! I only have enough money to stay a week at best. Where am I going to live?"

The clerk offers a suggestion, saying, "You're an idol, so I recommend that you join a crew and live at the crew base. If you have the money for it, you can buy a house in the Homeland. There are plenty of crews that are looking for idols. Would you like me to recommend some?"

Magali feels defeated but declines, saying, "Never mind, I'll manage."

She collects her suitcase and walks out of the hotel, contemplating asking her father for help but ultimately deciding against it, remembering her promise to start fresh in the city without relying on him. As she looks up, she finds Conrad waiting for her outside the hotel, wearing a kind smile.

"Let me guess, you knew that this would happen?"

"Considering what you said at the Dance Square, I figured that you wouldn't have your dad's credit card. I get it; you want to start fresh like everyone else who moved here. I did the same thing too." Conrad takes a few steps closer to Magali and reaches out to her. "Last time I'm asking, I promise. Please join my crew. At least you won't live with some strangers. You'll love my crew."

She considers her options. She knows that Conrad is a bit extreme, but she can tell that he is not a bad person either. When she was in trouble, he was there to help her. If it wasn’t for his help, she would have missed her exam. She may not fully trust him just yet, but she also doesn’t know anyone else she can trust either. The day is also getting late, and she is tired from her trip and complicated arrival to Sweet Dance City.

“Fine,” she answers.

“Really? Thank you! I promise that of all the crews in the base, mine will be the most fun.”

“Under one condition,” she interrupted as she points at him. “I have the right to leave anytime I want. No begging or pleading, I get to leave no questions asked. Am I clear?”

“Sure thing! People change crews all the time, that’s no problem.”

“Now that’s settled, where is the base anyway?”

Conrad turns around and points at a large building in the distance. “Our home is over there. You’re going to love it here in the city, I promise.”

The building is not that far away, they can walk and be there in about twenty minutes. As they get closer to the crew base, Magali learns how massive the building is. It takes up several square blocks of the city and is surrounded by a ten foot tall wall. As they walk, Conrad explains that the security of the base is to keep visitors out and give idols privacy from fans. As Magali gets closer to the base, she is noticing more and more idols walking around. Many of them are dressed in casual clothes, while the rest are wearing their idol costumes. She is also surprised to see how many idols wear wigs or dye their hair in many pastel colors or hues. The city feels like living in a whole different world.

At the gate, Conrad scans his license, and they're granted access. Inside the base, Magali is in awe. It resembles more of a resort than a home for idols, with pools, spas, swings, and a track for exercise. There's even a small stage for practice performances. The entire place buzzes with activity, and the idols seem happy and content.

Entering the building, Magali is pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-kept everything is. Despite the youthful age of many of the residents, the base is immaculate, devoid of graffiti or litter. She thinks to herself, "I guess living here won't be so bad after all."

They take an elevator to the eleventh floor, and as they walk through the hallway, Magali notices that it's exceptionally quiet. She had expected to hear music blasting and the sound of idols practicing dance steps, but Conrad explains that each hall has soundproof walls so that people can work on their performances without disturbing each other. She's impressed by how peaceful the building is.

Stopping at a large door with a plaque reading "Howard's Dance Party," Conrad announces, "Well, here we are! The official motto of this crew is 'life's a party.' Come on in, I'll show you around your new home."

He opens the door to reveal a mudroom where people leave their shoes, umbrellas, and raincoats before entering the hall. As they step into the hall, Magali sees a massive dance floor with furniture neatly tucked away in a corner. The floor is padded with soundproofing material to allow for dancing without disturbing those below. Doors in each corner lead to individual bedrooms, and there's a glass sliding door that opens to a balcony. The hall is spacious and offers a room for each resident, which leaves Magali quite satisfied.

Conrad then opens the door to the back right bedroom and says, "This is going to be your room. I've never rented it out, so it should be clean."

Magali inspects the room and finds it to be decently sized, equipped with everything she needs for comfortable living: a full-sized bed, a television, ample closet space for her outfits, and a bookcase for casual reading. She's pleased with what she sees and asks, "So where's the bathroom and kitchen?"

"The cafeteria and public bathrooms are on the first floor. I know it's a bit of a hassle, but you'll get used to it," Conrad explains. He then invites her to check out the view, claiming it's great.

Magali follows him to the balcony, and when she steps outside, she's greeted by a breathtaking sight. The panorama of the city is stunning, with colorful and visually pleasing buildings, crystal-clear rivers dividing the city districts, and a magnificent beach in the distance. The setting sun bathes the city in an orange glow, and the cool ocean breeze feels refreshing against her skin. It's a perfect place to unwind with a good book.

They come back in the hall and Conrad asks, “well, how is it? Not bad eh?”

“I must admit, you’re right. It’s a pretty nice place. So, where are our other crewmates?”

“Oh, it’s just us two for now,” he answered.

“Hey, that’s not what you said earlier! You said that you had other people living here and you only had one room. What’s going on here? Why are you lying to me?”

He tries to reassure her, saying, "Hey, calm down. I do have other crewmates, but they moved out a little while ago. They'll come back, and I have their rooms available when they do."

Magali narrows her eyes, sensing that there's more to the story. However, she's running out of time and options for the day. Reluctantly, she decides to go along with it for the time being, despite her suspicions.

“Well, I’m going to turn in for the day. See you in the morning.”

“Wait, just one last thing before you go. Could you fill out an application by tomorrow?”

“An application? What for?”

“I know I invited you to stay here, but the application is for the city. The Sweet Dance Society keeps records of all idols, and that includes where they live.”

Magali grunts, “fine, I’ll have one filled out by tomorrow morning. Good night.”

She enters her room and locks the door. The first thing she does is sit on the bed. She feels that the bed is a lot more comfortable than she expected. Not too firm, and the pillow is soft. The sheets are thin and feels nice on her hands. She then puts her suitcase on the bed and starts to unpack her things. In the bottom of her luggage is a garment bag carrying the dress she wanted to wear to her exam. She unzips the bag and pulls out a beautiful dress called the Moon Flower outfit. She hangs the dress up in the closet and takes a seat on the bed. The dress sparkles as she looks at it. The dress is well preserved, no creases or damage from the long trip from California.

As she continues to look at the dress, she wonders what her mother must have looked like while she was wearing it long before Magali was born. She smiles as she says, “Hi mom. I’m finally here. The place where I was born, and the place where you. . . You know, passed on. I am back now, and I will become a great idol. . . Just like you.”

Magali's phone begins to ring, and she notices her dad's caller ID on the screen. She answers the call, saying, "Hey, Dad, what's up? Are you done with work already?"

"No, I'm still at the office," he replies. "I thought you might have finished your exam by now, so I wanted to check on my little girl. Did you make it to the city okay? Did you pass the exam?"

Magali responds, "Yes, Dad, I passed. I had a little trouble finding the Dance Square, but I did get some help."

"I'm glad to hear you passed," he says, his tone protective. "If they didn't pass you, they'd have had to deal with me. I would've contacted the city and given them a piece of my mind."

"Dad, I've already told you that I'm going to handle this on my own," Magali insists. "It's bad enough that they already figured out you're my dad. Please don't make this even more awkward for me."

“I know, I get it. I’m still going to worry about you, and you can always call me if you need anything. By the way, where are you staying? I was expecting a bill from the hotel. I know it’s early here, but it must be late in Florida.”

“I joined a crew. I’m going to be living in the crew base like most of the other idols.”

“A crew huh? I remember the days when I lived with a crew. It’s a lot of fun, almost like a college dorm, but for idols. Which crew did you join?”

Magali answers, "It's called 'Howard's Dance Party' or something like that."

"Ah, Howard's Dance Party," he responds. "Is Conrad Howard still running that crew?"

Surprised, she asks, "How did you know that? And how do you know about Conrad?"

"Conrad is a popular and well-respected idol in Sweet Dance City," her dad explains. "Rumor has it that he might be the next Super Idol. As a Super Idol myself, I do keep up with the current events of the Sweet Dance Society. I'm glad you found such a capable crew leader; you can learn a lot from him."

Magali hesitates for a moment and then says, "I don't know, Dad. He isn't a bad guy, but he can be a bit... extreme."

Her dad chuckles and replies, "That's Sweet Dance City in a nutshell. The city is filled with people from across the globe, and most of the idols there are under thirty years old, so there's a lot of energy to burn. You'll meet a lot of interesting personalities who will test your patience. I know you can handle it, but remember, you can always come home if things get too crazy for you."

“Thanks dad, I’ll keep that in mind. I think I can handle anything this city can throw at me.”

“I know you will. . . I have to get back to work now. Please take care. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” Magali hangs up the phone with her dad and takes one last look at her room. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, she lays down, ready to drift off to sleep. Tomorrow marks her first full day as an idol in Sweet Dance City, and she's eager to get started. As she closes her eyes, she contemplates the journey ahead. What kind of memories will she create in this city? What interesting people will she meet along the way? All she knows for certain is that her dreams of becoming an idol have finally come true, and she's determined to be the best idol she can be, no matter what challenges lie ahead.