Chapter 10

Sisterhood

In the heart of Sweet Dance City, October had unfurled its banners, bringing with it the excitement of Halloween. The city buzz with vibrant energy as idols from all corners of the globe prepare for their Halloween-themed performances. In this diverse city, there was no official recognition of any particular religion or holiday, allowing each idol to embrace and celebrate their unique cultural traditions on stage. It’s a harmonious mosaic of cultures, a tapestry woven with music, dance, and the magic of performance.

Magali feels her heart swell with happiness. She cherishes this idea, for it allows her to participate in Sweet Dance City's tradition of embracing the world's cultures through performance. Magali sees this as a golden opportunity to share her family's rich heritage with the world, to let the rhythms of her ancestors' dances and the stories of her people resonate with audiences far and wide. As she prepares for her own Halloween performance, she can't help but smile at the thought of spreading the warmth and vitality of her family's culture around the globe.

In the cozy confines of their crew hall, Magali and Conrad immerse themselves in the creative world of design, bringing to life their Halloween-themed outfits for the upcoming performance at the end of the month. Magali's eyes gleam with excitement as she meticulously sketches her costume concept. She has decided on an enchanting portrayal of a mermaid, a creature from the depths of the ocean, known for its mesmerizing beauty.

Her design features a skin-tight, azure dress adorned with intricate scale patterns, shimmering like the surface of the sea. The dress elegantly flows around her, evoking the graceful movements of a mermaid beneath the waves. Magali knows that dancing in such a costume will be a challenge, but she is determined to master it before the performance. She believes in the power of her passion and skill to transform her into the enchanting mermaid she envisions.

Conrad, on the other hand, is crafting his own vision of Halloween allure. With a mischievous grin, he sketches an outfit inspired by the allure of vampires. His costume is a dark masterpiece, featuring a sleek, tailored ensemble in deep crimson and jet black. The centerpiece is a tattered crimson-lined cape that billows dramatically, creating a sense of mystery and darkness around his persona.

But Conrad's costume wouldn't be complete without a signature accessory. He designs a massive, ornate scythe to complement his vampire look. The weapon is a work of art, he imagines it gleaming in the spotlight of the stage. It's a bold choice that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween - a night when the line between the living and the undead blurs. As he works diligently on the scythe's details, Conrad can't wait to unveil his transformation on stage, ready to mesmerize and captivate the audience.

In the midst of their creative fervor, the crew hall's door bursts open, and Zoila strides in, accompanied by Lanna, their faces bearing a sense of urgency. Magali and Conrad look up from their costume designs, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption.

Magali is the first to break the silence, her voice filled with warmth and curiosity. "Hey, guys, what's up?"

Zoila exchanges a glance with Lanna before turning her attention to Magali and Conrad. She takes a deep breath, her expression serious. "Can we talk for a minute?"

They all gather around, finding a seat in a small circle. Magali's heart races with curiosity as Zoila begins to speak, her tone tinged with concern. "I received a letter today from the council," she says, her voice carrying the weight of her revelation. "They're not happy with me, not at all."

Conrad raises an eyebrow. "Why? What happened?"

Zoila sighs, her gaze falling to the floor for a moment before she continues. "It's because I haven't participated in any performances since I came to Sweet Dance City. The council sent me a warning letter. They're essentially telling me that if I don't start performing soon, they'll force me into retirement."

Magali couldn't contain her frustration any longer, and it bubbled forth in a gruff, almost exasperated tone. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying the weight of her concern. "Zee-Chan, I tried to tell you that you need to participate in your trainee class, but it's like my words just vanish into thin air when they reach you. Now, what are you going to do? You still don't know how to dance!"

Conrad, always the voice of reason, interjected with a calm demeanor, attempting to mediate the situation. "Take it easy on your sister," he advised gently, his voice soothing. "Let's not forget that you received a warning letter as well."

Zoila, intrigued by this revelation, couldn't help but tease her sister with a playful grin. "Really? Lili, you bad girl. You didn't want to do performances either?"

Magali defends her position with a determined look in her eyes. "Hey, my case was different!" she argued. "I wasn't sure if I was ready to take the stage, and I took a little longer to get started. But at least I know how to dance, and when I did begin, it was a challenge against Seasons. And let's not forget," she added, her voice laced with pride, "I won that challenge fair and square."

Lanna chimes in, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Let's stay focused on the issue at hand," she interjected. "Zoila needs to start doing performances soon, or she might not be able to continue as an idol."

Conrad seeks more specifics. "How soon are we talking about?"

Zoila replied, her tone tinged with a touch of embarrassment, "By the end of the month."

Magali, having transitioned from scolding her sister to teasing her, couldn't help but wear a mischievous grin. "Well, well," she remarked, a twinkle in her eye. "Now you'll have no choice but to attend those trainee classes. I wonder just how quickly you'll be able to learn how to dance."

Zoila, surprisingly, had an unexpected request. "About that," she began, her voice uncharacteristically serious. "I don't want to learn how to dance from just any instructor. I want to learn from you, Lili."

Magali points at herself, “You want me to teach you? But why? I have no idea how to teach others how to dance!”

Zoila's eyes softened as she turned her full attention to Magali. She holds Magali’s hands as her voice carries a sincerity that hadn't been present moments ago. "Lili, I know I haven't been the easiest sister to deal with, and I've made my mistakes. But I want to use this time we have to do something different, something that brings us closer together."

Magali looked at her sister, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean, Zee-Chan?"

Zoila took a deep breath, her gaze steady on Magali. "You've always been more than a sister to me. When we were growing up, I looked after you as a mother figure. I took care of you because we lost our mother, and that was our relationship for as long as I knew. But now, I want us to bond in a new way. I want to be your true sister, your comrade, your equal. I want you to be my mentor, my guide in this world of dancing and performing."

Magali’s starts to well up with tears. Her sister's words touching her in a profound way. "Zee-Chan, I..." Her voice quivered, and she wiped away a tear. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll teach me, Lili. Take the lead, just like you've always done. Help me learn how to dance, and let's share this journey together. Let's strengthen the bond that's always been there, but now in a new way, as sisters."

The emotion in Zoila's words overwhelms Magali. She nods, tears streaming down her face, but this time they are tears of joy. "Yes, Zee-Chan," she whispered, her voice filled with love and acceptance. "I'll teach you, and we'll do this together." In that moment, the sisters' bond grows stronger than ever as they embrace the opportunity to share their dreams and passions.

The following day, Magali and Zoila are alone in the crew hall, ready for Zoila’s dance lesson. Magali has on a pink leotard, ready to start teaching her sisters the secrets to dance. Zoila wears a purple leotard, her hair tied in a ponytail and ready to learn.

Magali stands in front of the full-length mirror. She adjusts her pink leotard and tugs at the elastic waistband of her dance tights. Nervous excitement flutters in her chest. She's used to being the one who takes orders from her instructor Leilah, but today, she's stepping into the role of teacher for her sister.

Zoila stands beside her, her reflection mimicking Magali's movements. Her eyes meet Magali's in the mirror, and there's a mix of anticipation and vulnerability in them. She's stepping into unfamiliar territory, willing to be the student after being Magali’s protector and caretaker for so long.

Magali takes a deep breath, trying to calm her jitters. "Okay, Zee-Chan, we'll start with some basic stretches to warm up."

Zoila nods, and they begin a series of stretches, reaching for their toes and extending their limbs. Magali guides her sister through the motions, offering gentle corrections and encouragement. As they move through the warm-up routine, Magali can't help but smile at the sight of Zoila's determination. It's a side of her sister she hasn't seen before.

Once they're properly warmed up, Magali claps her hands together. "Now, let's start with some basic steps. We'll work on your posture and balance first."

They take their time working on the initial lesson. Magali patiently guides Zoila through the fundamental steps of dance, emphasizing the importance of balance and posture. Zoila is a diligent learner, her determination shining through as she begins to grasp the basics.

Magali decides to demonstrate a light twirl, her body moving gracefully like a seasoned ballerina. Zoila watches in admiration, inspired by her sister's elegance. She decides to give it a try, fueled by her determination. However, as she attempts the twirl, her feet become entangled, and she ends up face planted on the ground.

Magali lets out a sigh, her concern masked by a faint smile. She extends a hand to help Zoila up. "It's okay, Zee-Chan. Everyone stumbles at first. Let's try something even more basic."

They continue with the lesson, focusing on foundational movements. Magali demonstrates a simple, yet essential, step, hoping it will help Zoila build her balance. She repeats the step a few times, urging Zoila to follow. However, each time Zoila tries, her balance wavers and she stumbles, falling onto the soft practice mat over and over.

Magali remains patient and encouraging, her determination matching Zoila's. She knows that learning to dance is a journey, and it requires time and practice. She reassures her sister, "Don't worry, Zee-Chan. We'll keep working on this until you're comfortable. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are dancers."

Zoila smiles through her frustration, grateful for her sister's support. It may be a bumpy start, but they're in this together, determined to conquer the world of dance one step at a time.

Zoila's determination is unwavering as she continues to practice diligently for the next few days. She spends hours with Magali, trying to perfect her balance and coordination, but progress remains slow. Every time she stumbles or loses her balance, she grits her teeth and pushes herself to get up and try again.

Magali does her best to remain patient and encouraging, offering gentle corrections and plenty of support. She sees the frustration in Zoila's eyes and does her utmost to keep her sister's spirits up.

But after a week of limited improvement, Magali begins to feel the strain of the situation. She knows that dance is a challenging discipline, and progress can be slow. Still, watching her sister struggle is disheartening. One evening, as they finish another practice session with minimal progress, Magali takes a deep breath and sits down.

"Zee-Chan," she begins carefully, "I've been trying my best to teach you, but it seems like you're not making much progress. Maybe it's time to consider seeking help from your dance instructor in your trainee class."

Zoila looks at Magali, her face a mix of determination and disappointment. "But I wanted to do this with you, Lili. I wanted us to bond through this."

Magali sighs, feeling torn between her sister's desires and the reality of the situation. "I know, Zee-Chan, and I love that you want to do this with me. But sometimes, the best way to learn is from a professional, someone who can give you the individualized attention you need. Your dance instructor is there for that reason."

Zoila finally nods, a hint of resignation in her eyes. "Alright, Lili. I'll talk to my instructor and see if they can help."

Magali reaches out and takes her sister's hand. "Zee-Chan, I'm not giving up on you, okay? We can still practice together, but let's also get you some professional guidance. We'll make this work."

Lanna then walks into the crew hall interrupting the room's rhythm. "Zoila, did you forget about our date?" Her voice slices through the atmosphere like a sharp note in a melody.

Zoila, momentarily taken aback by Lanna's arrival, quickly regains her composure. "I'm coming," she replies. Her gaze then shifts to Magali, and she speaks softly, "Sorry, Lili, let's talk more about this tomorrow. I need to go."

Magali nods in understanding as Zoila joins her girlfriend. Watching them leave, Magali can't help but notice something remarkable. As Zoila and Lanna walk side by side, the movement of their hips seem in perfect harmony, as if they share an unspoken connection that transcends ordinary understanding.

A memory surfaces in Magali's mind, a conversation with Tellu about the mysterious dynamics between idols and their soulmates. How spending time together can unlock untapped potential, elevating their performances to new heights. An idea sparks in Magali's mind, and she can't contain her excitement.

Without a moment's hesitation, Magali rushes toward Zoila and Lanna, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Wait a second! I have an idea!"

Zoila, Lanna, and Magali gather together in the crew hall, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. They sit down, forming a small circle, as Magali prepares to unveil her idea. Her eyes shine with determination.

"I've noticed something remarkable," Magali begins, "whenever you two are together, Zee-Chan seems to move with more coordination, more grace." She turns her gaze toward Zoila and Lanna. "So here's my proposal: I think Lanna and I should team up to teach Zee-Chan how to dance!"

Their eyes widen in surprise. They exchange glances, unspoken thoughts passing between them. Then, they return their attention to Magali. "You really believe this could work?" Lanna asks, her voice tinged with hope.

Magali nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely. You two would make perfect dance partners. And with all of us working together, there's no doubt in my mind that Zee-Chan will be ready for performances in no time!" She wears a confident smile, her belief in this plan unwavering.

With Magali as their dedicated instructor and Lanna as Zoila's dance partner, their makeshift dance studio in the crew hall became a place of dedication and transformation. Magali was the stern but encouraging teacher, determined to unlock her sister's potential. Lanna, with her grace and experience, proved to be the ideal partner for Zoila.

In the beginning, Zoila's movements were hesitant and uncoordinated, her lack of experience evident. But Magali was patient, repeating the basics, guiding Zoila through each step with unwavering support. Lanna's presence is a game-changer. Her guidance during practice helps Zoila find her rhythm and develop her own style.

Day by day, Zoila’s dance skill improves by leaps and bounds. Her body, once uncooperative, starts to move with grace and fluidity. With every practice session, she grows more confident in her abilities, her dance skills evolving rapidly.

Lanna, by Zoila's side as her dance partner, is instrumental in her girlfriend’s progress. She demonstrates each dance move with precision, her guidance invaluable in helping Zoila grasp the intricacies of the dance. The chemistry between the two girls proves undeniable, a synchronicity that translated into their dancing.

In just a week's time, Zoila had made incredible strides. The crew hall, once filled with uncertainty, now resonates with music and the rhythmic sound of dancing feet. Zoila had transformed from a novice into a capable dancer, ready to take on the stage and showcase her newfound talent to the world.

On this enchanting Halloween night, the stage at Sweet Dance City pulses with excitement, bathed in a riot of colors, hazy fog, and eerie lighting. The crowd, a throng of expectant faces concealed behind imaginative costumes, brims with anticipation.

As the curtains draw back, three figures glide into view, commanding attention. Magali, resplendent in her mermaid-inspired ensemble, gleams like an aquatic princess. Lanna, the gentle rabbit, exudes an aura of innocence and charm. However, it is Zoila who seizes the spotlight, her sexy zombie attire casting an intriguing contrast to the otherwise vibrant ambiance.

The music surges, a heartbeat of expectation, and Zoila takes center stage. Her introduction crackles with energy, igniting the audience's enthusiasm, their roars of approval ringing in the air.

As the rock music roars to life, Zoila dances with a raw, electrifying fervor, singing her heart out. Lanna, the embodiment of gentle allure, dances in harmony by her side, their chemistry undeniable as they sing into their microphones. In the background, Magali moves gracefully, an aquatic enchantress supporting her sister's performance.

The crowd is spellbound, and their applause and cheers fill the air. The Artisan sisters and Lanna have made their stage debut, and Zoila's transformation from a simple singer to a mesmerizing idol is palpable. Magali watches with pride and elation as her sister's star blazes brightly in the Sweet Dance City stage.

Over the next month, Zoila's performances become a regular delight for Sweet Dance City's enthusiastic audience. Each show is a testament to her growth as an idol, a journey marked by dedication, determination, and the unwavering support of her partner, Lanna.

Zoila, once a reluctant performer, now steps onto the stage with confidence. Her stage presence is magnetic, drawing the audience into her world. The bond between her and Lanna shines in every synchronized move and exchanged glance. Their partnership is the embodiment of grace and harmony, a testament to what two talented souls can create together.

Magali, watching from the crowd with a heart full of pride, is deeply inspired by her sister's transformation. Zoila's beautiful voice, now refined and powerful, resonates through the auditorium, enchanting all who listen. It's not just her singing that captivates; it's the sheer passion and joy with which she performs, an infectious energy that sweeps through the crowd.

As Magali watches Zoila, she too is driven to improve. Inspired by her sister's journey, she recommits herself to her own idol career, determined to reach new heights. Zoila's performances become a source of motivation, a reminder that with dedication and the support of loved ones, dreams can be realized. The bond between the Artisan sisters only grows stronger as they both pursue their paths as idols, united by a shared love for the stage and a deep, unbreakable sisterhood.

One early December morning, Zoila decides to make a shocking announcement to Magali and Conrad during breakfast. Zoila's announcement hangs heavy in the crew hall, the atmosphere tinged with a bittersweet mix of emotions. Magali, Conrad, and Zoila sit at the table, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise, understanding, and a touch of sadness.

"You're retiring yourself?" Magali asks, her voice tinged with both surprise and concern. "But why, Zee-Chan? After all the work we put in to make you an idol."

Zoila takes a sip of her drink, her gaze fixed on the table. "I was only here to spend time with my little sister," she begins, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "I never really wanted to be an idol full-time. It's been an incredible experience, but I've started to feel a bit restless lately. I think it's time for me to move on."

Magali looks at her sister, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "What about Lanna?" she asks, her concern shifting to Zoila's partner in both dancing and love.

A sad but warm smile graces Zoila's face as she explains, "Lanna knew from the beginning that my time here was temporary. She cried last night when I told her I was leaving, but she understood. Our love is strong, and I know we'll find a way to make it work, even if we're not in the same city."

Conrad, who has been quietly listening, speaks up, his tone filled with support. "Zoila, you'll always be a part of our crew. We'll miss you, but we understand your decision. You've brought a lot of joy and inspiration to this place."

As they finish their meal, the crew hall seems a little quieter, and the trio can't help but reflect on the journey they've shared. Zoila's time as an idol may be coming to an end, but the memories and bonds forged in Sweet Dance City will last a lifetime.

A couple of days has passed since Zoila announced her retirement from the idol life. Now, the day of her departure has arrived. Magali, Conrad, and Zoila find themselves at the bustling bus station just outside the city, their faces marked with a mix of sadness and nostalgia.

As they stand together, a heavy silence hangs in the air, words left unspoken as they grapple with the impending separation. It's a moment of profound significance for all three of them.

Magali is the first to break the silence, her voice quivering with emotion. "Zee-Chan," she begins, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm going to miss you so much. You’ve always been an important part of my life, but spending time with you in this city got us so much closer.."

Zoila reaches out and embraces her sister tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Lili," she murmurs, "you'll always be my little sister, no matter where I am. You've grown into an amazing idol, and I'm so proud of you."

Conrad, standing beside them, chimes in, "You'll be dearly missed. This crew hall won't be the same without you, Zoila."

“Don’t forget what I said!” said Zoila as she makes a grabbing gesture with her hand. Conrad chuckles nervously as he remembers that day quite well and the message Zoila left with him.

As Zoila prepares to board the bus, a familiar voice pierces the bustling bus station, causing her heart to skip a beat. She turns around and finds Lanna. Her eyes shimmering with determination and an unmistakable love, darting through the crowd, dragging a suitcase along. Zoila, feeling a surge of emotion, decides to delay her departure for a few precious minutes to understand the unexpected turn of events.

After catching up to Zoila, Lanna makes her heartfelt announcement, her voice resonating with sincerity, "I can't bear the thought of being without you, Zoila. So I've retired myself too, and I'm leaving the city to be with you."

The surrounding crowd gasped in collective surprise, taken aback by the profound declaration. Zoila, her gaze locked onto Lanna's, stepped closer, tenderly cupping Lanna's cheek as she posed the most vital question of all, "I'm going to travel the world and sing my heart out. Are you absolutely sure about this, Lanna? The journey I'm taking will be a bumpy one."

A warm blush colored Lanna's cheeks as she gazed into Zoila's eyes, her love radiating through her words, "As long as I'm with you, I can handle anything."

A heartfelt smile lit up Zoila's face, her heart swelling with warmth and gratitude. Turning to Magali and Conrad, who stands nearby, she makes a spirited declaration, "Looks like I have a stowaway! I guess I should consider a duet with my lovely Lanna. I hope you all will be cheering us on from here as we travel the world!"

Magali and Conrad, their emotions raw, bid their farewells to their cherished friends and family. With tearful eyes and heavy hearts, they watch Zoila and Lanna board the bus. As the bus gradually fades into the distance carrying Zoila and Lanna away, they cling to the reassuring thought that even though their paths now diverged, they remain bound by the indomitable bonds of kinship and love. Deep within, they harbor the unshakable belief that their journeys would inevitably intertwine once more, reuniting them stronger and more united than ever before.