Chapter 2: Life of an Idol

The sun, a familiar beacon in Sweet Dance City, began its ascent over the vibrant landscape, casting a warm glow over the bustling metropolis. Most idols take this moment to stretch their arms and practice their dance moves early in the morning. Once they had a chance to work out their stiff muscles, they get ready to continue their journey to becoming Super Idols someday.

The morning rays gently infiltrated Magali's room, coaxing her awake with the promise of a fresh start. Stretching her arms skyward, she yawned heartily, feeling invigorated after a restful night in the crew building. With anticipation bubbling within her, she knew that this day would mark her first full-fledged experience as an idol in the vibrant city.

As Magali readies herself, changing into comfortable attire for the day ahead, she cautiously pokes her head out of her room. The absence of Conrad hints that he is either still in the embrace of slumber or had already begun his day's activities. Seizing the opportunity, Magali gathers her bag of toiletries and a change of clothing, planning to make her way to the public bathroom on the first floor. She recalled Conrad's mention that the halls lacks bathrooms, but finds comfort by the fact that navigating the crew base is a straightforward endeavor, allowing her to locate the communal restroom with ease.

Inside the bathroom, Magali is shocked to see how massive it is. The bathroom is so big that she can see at least a hundred other idols walking around and socializing comfortably. There is a heated bathtub the size of a swimming pool for idols to bathe in. She also sees a dozen or more private showering stalls for idols to use at their leisure. Nearby are several machines that sell soap, shampoos, lotion, and many other toiletries for idols to look their best. Everything an idol needs are readily available to them, and nobody is there in need for anything.

As Magali showers, she notices how well kept and maintained the bathroom is. The water is perfectly warm, tiles are clean, nothing smells like mildew or mold. Clearly the building is well taken care of to keep the idols happy and relaxed. She hated the idea that she would have to share the bathroom with the other girls in the base. Now that she has a chance to try it out, the experience is better than she’d expected.

Magali relishes the luxurious shower, enjoying the momentary solitude amid the bustling world of idols. The warm water soothes her muscles, and she takes her time to make sure she looks her best. As she dries off and dresses in a fresh outfit, a sense of anticipation bubbles within her. Today marks her first full day as an idol, and she's eager to explore the vibrant city, meet new people, and embark on her journey to stardom.

With a towel draped over her shoulder, she leaves the spacious bathroom behind and returns to her crew hall. Inside, she finds Conrad in front of a folding table all set up with a banquet of food waiting for her. The smell of eggs, bacon, toast, and sausage fills her nose and makes her mouth water. She was starting to feel hungry, and she is glad that there is food prepared for her.

Once she is seated, Conrad greets, "Good morning! How did you sleep last night?"

"I slept just fine. I'm pretty surprised at how easy it is to relax here. It's almost like this building is specifically designed for idols."

"I'm glad to hear that. I knew that once you gave the base a shot, you'd love it. Now let's have some breakfast; it's on me today. It's a Sweet Dance tradition for the crew leaders to buy breakfast for their new members."

"Thanks, don't mind if I do," says Magali before she picks up a breakfast sandwich. She takes a bite, and her eyes light up with delight as the flavors blend perfectly in her mouth. "Wow, this is delicious! The spices on the meats are bursting with flavor, and the eggs are light and fluffy. How do they make the food taste this good?"

"Sweet Dance Society only hires the best chefs to feed the idols. Our jobs as idols are important, so they make sure we are well fed and taken care of. Everything they make for us is packed with calories and nutrition to keep us on the stage. The healthier we are, the better performances we can provide for our visitors. It only makes sense that they go out of their way to take care of us."

"That does make sense. Too bad it can't be like that everywhere," Magali responds before taking a sip of some freshly squeezed orange juice.

As they continue to eat, Magali takes a good look at Conrad for the first time. He's no longer wearing his blue hoodie, allowing her to observe him more closely. The first thing she notices is that his hair is naturally blonde, not a wig or dyed like other idols. His friendly brown eyes make her feel comfortable, and he appears a few years older than Magali, but still quite young and handsome. She can assume that his looks contribute to Conrad's popularity as an idol.

After they finish eating, Conrad clears the table and then asks, "So, did you fill out that application? I need to drop it off at the council building before the end of the day."

She nods and slides the completed application onto the table. "I filled it out this morning. Let me know if I missed anything."

He picks up the application and looks it over. Once he sees that there are no issues, he signs it and puts it away to be delivered. "Congratulations, you're now officially a member of the crew. Welcome to Howard's Dance Party!"

"Just so you know, I only decided to stay because my dad said great things about you. I've decided to stay, but I'll be keeping an eye on you. So, no more stunts like you pulled yesterday."

"Fair enough," Conrad answers with a nod.

Once everything has been settled, Conrad clears all the furniture and stores it in a nearby closet. Meanwhile, Magali stands by the glass door to the balcony, gazing out at the city. She watches as all the idols leave the crew base to start their day, wondering what their routines entail. Looking into the distance, she sees people enjoying their day, idols taking pictures with fans and signing autographs. Restaurants have lines of customers eager to try the city's breakfast cuisines. Everyone appears so happy, a stark contrast to the people back in her old home.

"Hey Conrad, can I ask you something? What exactly do idols do here in the city? I assume we do performances and stuff like that, but then what?" she inquires.

He takes a moment to ponder his response. "I don't think there's anything that we're supposed to do. This city is both our home and our job. The main thing to keep in mind is that as idols, our job is to entertain the guests who come to watch our performances. As long as we do that, we can do whatever we please. I could spend hours describing all the things we do every day, but I think you should experience the city and find your own path to fame. What I can say is that most young and new idols should go and attend their trainee classes."

"Trainee classes? What are those?" Magali asks, her curiosity piqued.

"The trainee building is a place where older and more experienced idols teach and train the younger ones. They also help set up performances for us."

"Wait a minute! After all the work to become idols, we still need to go to a dance school? How does that make sense?" Magali questions.

"The trainee classes are in no way, shape, or form required. However, I would recommend them to anyone. It's a great way for idols to meet each other and form strong friendships. Try not to think of it as a school but rather as a resource we can take advantage of. It costs nothing, and it can only make us better idols. Besides, considering what the judges said about your entrance exam, I would take full advantage of it," Conrad explains.

"I guess you do have a point. I'll give it a try and see where it takes me," Magali concedes with a nod.

Conrad smiles. "I'm glad you're considering it. What class are you in, by the way?"

"What do you mean? I didn't sign up for one yet," Magali replies.

"Everyone is assigned a class once they become an idol. They do that for you so you can get started on day one," Conrad explains.

"I didn't know that. How do I find out what class I'm in?" Magali asks, her curiosity growing.

"You can check your profile on the computer," Conrad answers.

"Really? Where can I get a computer?" Magali inquires, looking around.

"There's a computer right there against the wall," Conrad points to a small desk with a computer and monitor.

Magali approaches the computer slowly and curiously. "This is a computer? I thought this thing was an old relic you have lying around as decoration."

Conrad chuckles. "Wow, you really are a princess. I guess you only had laptops back at home."

"Hey, I thought I told you not to call me Princess," Magali says with a hint of irritation.

Conrad grins. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that. I found the fact that you've never seen a desktop kind of funny. How about I call you Mags instead?"

"Hey, who said you can give me a nickname?" Magali responds.

"Don't get me wrong, I think your name is cute. But Magali can be a bit of a tongue-twister. If you want, you can call me Connor, Rad, or even C-Rad!" Conrad suggests.

"Ew, no! I'll just call you by your normal name. Call me whatever you like, just not Princess," Magali insists with a playful smirk.

"All right! Now that everything is settled, let me teach you how to use the computer. We'll get this bad boy booted up and log you on," Conrad exclaims. With a push of a button, the monitor comes alive and boots the homepage. Conrad then grabs the mouse and connects to the internet. He takes the keyboard and logs into the Sweet Dance Society official website for registered idols.

"Okay! Now that we're in, you'll need to set up a username and password. Use your ID number to find your profile."

Magali takes a seat in front of the monitor and follows Conrad's instructions, entering all her information. She then pulls out her license and enters the ID number to pull up her profile. Once it comes up, she gasps as she sees her photograph and all her idol information already published on the internet.

"Wow, this is incredible! And they set all this up in just one night?" she marvels.

"Sweet Dance Society has a team of people working around the clock to update every idol's profile quickly. It can be scary knowing that they can manage everyone's profile so quickly. I personally find it pretty convenient. Nothing about our profiles is ever outdated," Conrad explains.

Magali continues to review the information on her profile. "Hey," she exclaims as she points to the part where her family lineage is filled out. "Why is my mom and dad listed here? I specifically left it blank in my application. Can they do this?"

"Well, you did tell the judges who your parents are during your entrance exam. You did sign a contract letting them publish anything you tell them."

"Can anyone see my profile?" Magali inquires.

"Yep. Everyone, including other idols, guests, and even fans. I know it feels like an invasion of your privacy, but everyone wants to know who the idols are they came to see, especially other idols who need to know who they will be working with. Think of it like a tool for idols to assemble teams or partners for bigger performances. You can find idols based on many different search criteria," Conrad explains.

She lets out a stressful sigh. She had no idea that being an idol meant being so open about her life to the world. She starts to wonder how many people in the city already know who her father is. At this point, she hopes that the news won't travel too fast, and she can at least have a normal life for even a brief amount of time. The last thing she wants is for people to judge her based on her family before they get to know who she is as a person.

"Did you find out what trainee class you were put into?" Conrad inquires.

"Let's see... My class is called Violet Skies. Are you in that class?" Magali responds.

"Nope. I'm in the Crimson Wings Class. We're still in the same building, so we should run into each other pretty often," Conrad explains.

"Are you headed to the trainee building today?" Magali asks.

"Sorry, but I am a bit busy today. I need to drop your crew application at the council building first. Then I need to go to the record store and sign autographs for the rest of the day. I can tell you how to get to the trainee building. It's easy, I promise!"

Magali nods. After she receives instructions on how to get to the trainee building, she gets ready to go. The day is still early, and there is plenty of time to get to the trainee building in time for class. Once she's out of the crew base, she heads to the bus stop and waits. With Conrad's directions in hand, she is sure that she'll make it without getting lost. She learned that the bus she's waiting for stops at all of the city's most important locations, including the Dance Square and trainee building.

The bus arrives a few minutes later. She boards the bus and scans her ID, which allows her to ride for free. She then asks the driver to stop at the trainee building for her. The driver nods and pulls off. As the bus moves through the city, Magali looks out the window and takes a good look at the city. Everything looks so peaceful outside. Considering how large it is, she was expecting some type of crime or corruption going on. However, so many people are just walking around wearing all types of outfits without a care in the world. The police keep everyone safe, and not a single sign of poverty can be seen.

After several stops, the bus drops Magali off in front of the Trainee building. She stares at it in wonder, impressed by its massive and elegant presence. The building stands in the middle of a vast park, with idols scattered around the area. Its sheer size is awe-inspiring, occupying as much space as an entire city block. Three towers rise from the building, adorned with drawings of idols and the word "STAR" emblazoned on them. Being situated away from the bustling heart of the city, she doesn't see any random guests disturbing the idols and their work. Instead, all she witnesses are idols freely mingling and socializing with each other, radiating happiness.

A friendly local police officer inside the building guides Magali towards her designated class. The officer points her toward an elevator that ascends up one of the towers leading to the various classes. She rides the elevator up to the correct floor and takes a moment to survey her surroundings. Each floor boasts eight doors, each leading to a trainee dance hall: one on each wall and one on each corner. Plaques with room numbers and class names adorn each door. She finds the door with “Violet Skies” written on it, symbolizing the end of her trip. Magali breathes a sigh of relief, grateful that she has reached her destination without any issues.

She opens the door and steps inside. The size of the Trainee’s dance hall is impressive, slightly larger than the dance floor at the crew hall. One wall features a massive window that overlooks the city, offering a view of the Dance Square in the distance. Another wall is adorned with mirrors and equipped with railings for balance. On yet another wall, colorful decorations surround the words "We're Idols" in bold print. The hall is fully equipped with everything a young idol needs to practice their dance moves, including a closet filled with spare costumes and held items conveniently located near the entrance.

Two young women are leaning on the railings, engrossed in conversation. They both appear slightly older than Magali, a comforting realization. One of the girls, an African American with platinum white hair elegantly tied up in a bun, complementing her attire, a white dress adorned with delicate blue butterfly motifs. The other idol, with a much lighter skin tone, boasts long, striking purple hair adorned with rainbow highlights. Her black outfit is enriched with vibrant, multi-colored ribbons, creating a stark contrast in their respective idol ensembles that resembles a captivating interplay of light and darkness.

She takes a nervous breath and starts walking towards them. They both seem friendly enough, so Magali is confident that she can make friends with them. She only hopes that they don’t know who her father is and fit in. As she gets close, they both notice her and greet her with an excited smile. Magali smiles back and begins her introduction, “Good morning, it's nice to meet you two. My name is-”

“Wait, we know who you are. You’re Magali Artisan, Julian’s daughter,” interrupts the girl with the purple hair.

Magali's expression falls, disappointment washing over her as her hopes of living a normal life in the city are shattered in mere moments. She can't help but wonder how many other people know.

“Yeah, I have notifications on my phone that alert me about all new idols. We got so excited learning that the daughter of a Super Idol is not only joining the city but our very classroom,” the girl with purple hair continues enthusiastically.

She then pulls out her phone and shows Magali the notification she received yesterday shortly after Magali was accepted as an idol. Magali is surprised that Sweet Dance Society even has an app. Seeing this, she immediately resigns herself to the idea that her father's fame will always precede her, and she will be treated like a celebrity whether she likes it or not.

“Oh my god, how rude of me! We never even introduced ourselves! My name is Desmond Dorrow, fourth-year idol. Please call me Dessie. It’s so nice to meet you,” greeted the girl with purple hair.

“And I’m Lannabelle Anders, third-year idol. Please call me Lanna for short,” said the platinum-haired girl.

Magali blushes as she smiles. They both are very friendly to her and don’t seem intimidated by her being the daughter of a Super Idol. “It’s so nice to meet you two, and I hope that we can all work together to become great idols someday.”

“Well, this is quite the surprise,” says the voice of a young man. Magali turns around and finds a young man in his early twenties standing by the entrance of the hall. His brunette hair and azure light overall outfit sparkle in the sunlight. His smirk radiates confidence and arrogance, creating an overpowering aura that makes Magali feel slightly intimidated.

“So, you’re Julian Artisan’s daughter. I’m shocked that a celebrity with such talent would even bother attending dance classes. You’re pretty modest, and I can appreciate that,” he says.

He confidently walks up to Magali and extends a welcoming hand, saying, “My name is Brandon McCatt, and I am a seventh-year idol. It's an honor to meet you.”

She shakes his hand and greets, “Thank you. I’m Magali, and – Wait, did you say seventh year?” Magali takes another look at Brandon. He appears a bit older than she is but looks younger than Conrad, who is only a fifth-year idol.

“I see that you're a little shocked. Allow me to explain. I have been an idol since I was only fourteen years old. I have more experience than most idols my age.”

“Fourteen? I thought you can’t be an idol until you're seventeen?”

“That’s true for most people, but that only applies to those moving into the city. I was born and raised here, and I live in the homeland with my father. The society doesn’t want minors living in the crew halls with older idols, so they've banned anyone below seventeen from becoming idols unless they live in a house. Since my family owns a house in the homeland, I was allowed to become an idol at a younger age.”

“I see, that makes sense. Sorry, this is just my second day living here, so everything is so new to me. I have so much to learn.”

“That’s perfectly fine. If you do have any questions about the city, please feel free to ask me anything. I am more than happy to help,” said Brandon in a comforting voice.

Magali nods happily. She can smile knowing that all her classmates her very friendly and willing to help. She thought that as soon as people knew that her father is a Super Idol, people would look down and treat her poorly. She can take a sigh of relief with hope that she can live a normal life in the city after all.

“Well, look at what we have here! I was told that I was getting a famous new idol in my class, but I figured she wouldn’t bother attending,” said the voice of an older woman.

Shocked by the sudden voice Magali looks towards the entrance and spots an older woman leaning casually against the doorframe. In contrast to the younger idols in the room, she appears to be in her mid to late thirties, though age had certainly not dimmed her allure. Her confident posture and shapely figure might have left some of the younger girls feeling a twinge of envy. Her wavy, dark brunette hair flows gracefully down to her waist, framing a pair of narrow, piercing brown eyes. Dressed in a casual ensemble of blue jeans and a cream blouse, she carries herself with a certain Latin flair, adding a touch of sultry sophistication to the atmosphere.

Magali is taken aback by the woman's striking presence. It is clear that she is no ordinary idol, and the aura of authority she projected leaves no doubt that she holds a prominent role in their class.

The older idol surveys the room, ensuring that everyone is present. "Line up, everyone," she commands with authority.

Without hesitation, Dessie, Lanna, and Brandon promptly form a line. Magali follows suit desperate to keep up, her curiosity piqued as she wonders about the purpose of this sudden gathering. The older woman positions herself in front of the four idols with the demeanor of a drill sergeant. Her hands rest firmly on her hips as she introduces herself, "I know most of you know who I am, but since we have a new student in my class, I'll be introducing myself once more. My name is Leilah Pikul, and I am the dance instructor for the Violet Skies class. My job is to teach you all how to become better idols and lead you on the road to becoming Super Idols. The journey will be long and filled with challenges, but with my guidance, I am confident that one of you will make it. Are there any questions?"

The quartet shake their heads in unison. Leilah then produces a phone, tapping on the screen to initiate the music. The energetic and fast-paced rhythm fills the room, pulsing with beats that demands attention. "Today, we'll be working on stamina," Leilah announced. "Many idols will need to dance tirelessly without rest. Simply follow my lead and mimic my dance moves. Do your best to keep up!"

With hardly a moment's notice, Leilah began to dance, her every move meticulously replicated by the others. Magali exerts herself to keep pace, but the intricate dance steps are foreign to her. Her fellow classmates had clearly been working with Leilah for some time and had committed her every move to memory. The choreography flows seamlessly from one step to the next, and despite her best efforts, Magali consistently lags behind.

While some moves are relatively straightforward, others prove more complex, involving spins and balancing on a single foot. Magali struggles to maintain her footing, occasionally stumbling or tripping over herself. She fights to regain her footing and persevere, but each error only adds to her difficulty in keeping up. The rest of the class shows no mercy, dancing on without pause.

As the music draws to a close, Magali falls to her knees, gasping for breath. The song had lasted barely five minutes, but to her, it felt like an eternity. She hadn't anticipated the sheer physical demands of being an idol, and she hadn't even set foot on a stage for a live performance yet. Her assumption that her innate talent, inherited from her father, would be sufficient has been swiftly shattered. Glancing at her classmates, who appeared unscathed and without a drop of sweat, Magali can't help but feel utterly overwhelmed.

"Magali, what happened?" Leilah's tone is stern, disappointment evident in her expression. "As the daughter of a Super Idol, I expected much more from you. If you plan to make it here in Sweet Dance City, you're going to have to give much more than that."

Magali, still catching her breath, offers an apologetic look. "I'm sorry... I'm just not used to these new moves. Couldn't we start with some more basic steps and then build from there?"

Leilah's expression remains unyielding as she responds firmly, "Absolutely not." She shifts her gaze to the rest of the class, her voice determined. "Since our newest classmate is facing some difficulties, we are going to repeat what we just did. And we're going to keep repeating it until my moves are ingrained in your minds. By the time we're finished, you'll be able to dance in your sleep! Am I perfectly clear?"

The other students nod in agreement, ready to endure the repetitive training. Meanwhile, Magali dreads the idea of starting over. Doubts creep into her mind, causing her to question her decision to come to Sweet Dance City. Does she truly possess the potential to be an idol? Should she have stayed home and followed in her father's footsteps?

Suddenly, an image of her mother flashes in her mind, and she recalls the reason she embarked on this journey. Her mother's path to becoming a Super Idol could not have been easy. Magali feels that she must have dedicated herself to perfecting intricate dance moves, captivating audiences on stage. After years of hard work, both her parents achieved the esteemed title of Super Idol. Magali draws inspiration from her mother's dedication, reigniting her determination to succeed as an idol in her own right.

The memory of her mother fuels Magali's determination, and she summons the strength to get back on her feet and try again. As the music restarts, she puts forth her best effort, still stumbling and tripping as she attempts to mimic her teacher's intricate moves. Despite her exhaustion, she perseveres, reminding herself that this is only the first day. Her classmates have been training for years, and none of them are complaining. To succeed as an idol, she must work just as hard as everyone else.

Several grueling hours pass before the class is finally granted a much-needed break. They all sit together, replenishing their energy with snacks and water. Magali takes a long gulp from her water bottle, trying to cool down and regain control over her uncontrollable sweating. After catching her breath, she remarks, "Wow, that was intense! Seriously, how are you two holding up after all that training?"

Lanna replies, "Oh, we're just used to it by now. Miss Pikul can be quite a drill sergeant when it comes to dancing. I've seen many people either transfer classes or quit being idols altogether due to her rigorous training."

Magali's surprise shows on her face. "Really? I thought all teachers were this strict with their students. Why hasn't anyone done something about her?"

Dessie offers an explanation, saying, "That's because everyone who survives her training becomes some of the best idols in Sweet Dance City. She's tough, but her results are undeniable. I wouldn't have come this far without her. After retiring as an idol, I heard she became obsessed with training the next Super Idol."

Magali is taken aback by the revelation that Leilah Pikul retired at such a young age, considering her exceptional dancing skills. She asks in surprise, "Wait, she retired? How old is she? She looks way too young to be retired, and she's still a fantastic dancer."

Lanna provides some context, saying, "Most idols do retire in their thirties, but Miss Pikul has been retired for a long time now. I think she quit being an idol in her mid-twenties."

Magali can't help but express her curiosity further. "What? But she's such a skilled dancer. Why would she give up being an idol so soon?"

Dessie, having heard some rumors, chimes in, "I'm not sure. She had already quit by the time I became an idol. I did hear some rumors about why she quit. One rumor says that she tripped during a performance, and all her fans laughed at her. She was so embarrassed that she couldn't get back on stage. Another rumor says that she lost a partner who had worked with her for a long time and couldn't find another one. All her fans abandoned her and followed her partner. She lost the will to get back on stage ever since then."

Brandon, who has overheard the conversation, interjects disapprovingly, "Dessie, really? How many times must I tell you to stop spreading false rumors about people? It's very rude."

Dessie defends herself, saying, "Oh, really? I don't suppose you know why Miss Pikul retired so early, then?"

Brandon crosses his arms and explains, "Actually, I do. I was only a kid when it happened, but it was pretty big news around the city. You see, Leilah Pikul was born and raised in Colombia, specializing in Latin-style dances like salsa, bachata, merengue, bomba, and other South American styles. She was an expert at it. She came to the city as a teenager and quickly gained a following. Her footwork was unparalleled, and she seemed destined to become the next Super Idol."

"During her travels in Europe, she fell in love and married a French Idol. Their marriage was fine for a while, but they had different views on starting a family. Leilah wanted to wait until her idol career was over, while her husband was eager to have children sooner. Two years after their wedding, he left her for a younger idol. The divorce hit her hard and affected her on-stage performances. Her fans gradually stopped attending her shows, leading to her eventual retirement."

Brandon continues, "Leilah planned to return to her hometown in South America. However, the Sweet Dance Society didn't want her exceptional talents to go to waste, so they offered her a job as a dance instructor instead. Over the years, many have complained about her teaching style, claiming she's too harsh on idols. In my opinion, those idols are simply weak and shouldn't be on the stage anyway. While some may whine about her methods, I admire her dedication and I have become a better idol under her teaching. She doesn't want to harm anyone; she merely wants the best for us idols. The stage is unforgiving, and fans can be ruthless. She pushes us to survive and excel in our jobs, even if she has difficulty showing it."

Magali can't help but smile after hearing Leilah's story. It brings her comfort, knowing that Leilah wasn't being mean or vindictive towards other idols. If Leilah's goal is to forge only the best idols in Sweet Dance City, then Magali is determined to do her best to make that dream come true for her.

But their break time is cut short as Leilah returns to the class and announces, "All right, everyone, break time is over."

Magali glances around and realizes that everyone else had already finished their food. She's been so engrossed in their conversation about Leilah that she completely forgot to grab something to eat for herself. "Hold on a second, can I grab something to eat real fast?" she asks.

Leilah crosses her arms, her tone like a strict parent. "Sorry, Magali. The stage waits for no one, and neither do I. You have a lot of work to do to get you caught up with everyone else. Let's get to it now."

As her stomach rumbles, Magali sighs, realizing she has no choice but to continue practicing. The grueling training session goes on for a couple more hours, and once it's over, everyone disperses to continue their day in the city. Meanwhile, Magali boards the bus heading back to the crew base, her stomach growling in hunger. She's looking forward to savoring another delicious meal from the cafeteria.

Her legs ache, and she feels weak from hunger as she approaches the crew base. Each step is a struggle, and exhaustion sets in from the intensive training. The simple practice session has left her drained, and she's in no condition to perform any other idol tasks for the day. All she can think about is taking a warm shower and collapsing into bed.

Taking a moment to observe her surroundings, she sees other idols smiling and chatting with their friends. They don't seem as tired as she is after a long day of performing or practicing. Magali can only hope that with time, she'll adapt to the demands of her new job, just like they have.

Suddenly, a familiar voice calls out to her. She turns and spots Conrad, wearing his Oceanic Tyrant hoodie, approaching her. He casually rests a hand on his hip and remarks, "Man, you look beat! I guess they put you through the ringer at the trainee building?"

She nods wearily, replying, "I had no idea that being an idol was so much work. How do you do it?"

"Don't sweat it, Princess. You'll get used to it," Conrad reassures her.

"I thought I told you... not to call me Princess," she mumbles, too tired to raise her voice.

Conrad chuckles briefly, "Sorry about that. It's just funny watching new idols get a taste of what we do every day. You look hungry. Why don't we head to the cafeteria? It'll be my treat!"

"Really? What are we waiting for? Let's go!" she exclaims. The thought of free food gives her a burst of energy, and she practically sprints into the crew base. However, as they enter the building and approach the cafeteria, both Magali and Conrad are greeted by a disheartening sight: a closed sign hanging on the cafeteria doors. Magali can only let out a sigh as her stomach rumbles loudly in protest.

"Well, look at that. Looks like we're on our own today," Conrad says sheepishly.

"Does the cafeteria close often?" Magali inquires.

"No, but it's not surprising. The kitchen cooks for a lot of idols every day, so something is bound to break down or need maintenance."

"How are we supposed to eat now? I'm starving!"

"Relax. We'll just go eat at a restaurant today. Don't you worry, I'm still paying."

"Oh, right! I totally forgot about the restaurants in the shopping district. That's where we first met, right?"

"Yep! And since the city has visitors and idols from everywhere across the globe, there is at least one restaurant for every kind of food imaginable."

"Really? I wonder what kind of food I want today? I could go for some Italian, but Chinese sounds good too. But I'm kind of in the mood for Mediterranean. Oh wow, the choices are endless!"

"How about we go to my favorite spot? You'll love it, I promise!"

Magali nods and says, "Sure, as long as you're buying, I'll try anything!"

With that, they leave the crew base and board a bus headed to the shopping district. The day is still bright and bustling with visitors from all over the world who have come to watch idols perform on stage and meet them around the city. As Magali looks out the window, she sees numerous idols taking pictures and signing autographs for the many visitors they encounter while walking around. She wonders if she will need to start doing that once she starts gaining fans who travel to meet her.

The bus drops them off at the heart of the shopping district. Conrad explains that the restaurant is only a short walk from the bus stop. As they walk around, Conrad gets stopped many times by adoring fans who ask for autographs and pictures. He kindly declines and reminds them that he has a meet-and-greet scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at a nearby cafe. Magali can't help but be amazed at how many fans he has and how polite he is to them. She knows she'll have to learn proper etiquette for the day she has to meet her fans.

Soon enough, they arrive at a small Japanese-style restaurant hidden in an alley. The place looks quite rugged from the outside. Considering this is Conrad's favorite place, she was expecting something fancier. Despite its appearance, the aroma wafting from inside is delightful.

Conrad nods, "This is the place. They serve the best ramen in all of Sweet Dance City. It's not too expensive, the owner is friendly, and the food is amazing! It's been a while since I last came here, and I'm pretty hungry myself."

They pass through the Japanese-style curtains and walk in. Magali looks around in amazement as the restaurant is much fancier on the inside. There are numerous Japanese-style decorations and murals that give it an authentic Eastern look. Idols and visitors sit together, enjoying their meals. Several chefs in the back are cooking like professionals. It's quite a surprise considering the shabby exterior.

She follows Conrad to the owner who is counting money in one of the registers. The middle-aged Japanese man notices Conrad and smiles. "Conrad, it's been a long time! Where have you been?"

Conrad chuckles as he answers, "It's been a while, Yuichi. How's the business doing?"

"Pretty busy as always. But never mind the store, it's fantastic to see you! How's your partner doing? And who do we have here with you? A pretty lover? After all this time, has the amazing Conrad Howard finally decided to settle down?"

"Oh, stop it. She's just a new friend of mine. Allow me to introduce you to my newest crewmate, Magali Artisan!"

"Oh wow, I heard that the daughter of the legendary Super Idol Julian Artisan was joining you idols. I still remember Julian from my younger years." He then turns to Magali and smiles, "It's fantastic to meet you. Please tell your father that Yuichi Aizawa said hi. He might not remember me, but we knew each other."

Magali smiles back, "Thank you. It's great to meet you too."

"Hey Kelsi, come over here," called Yuichi.

A young woman wearing a waitress outfit approaches them. "Yes, boss, what can I do for you?"

"Take Conrad and Magali to our best table. Please take care of them, will you?"

She nods at Yuichi. She then turns to Conrad and Magali, "Good afternoon, I'll be your waitress. My name is Kelsi Tailor. Please follow me to your table."

They both follow Kelsi to a table far from the noisy crowd to give them some privacy. After they are seated, Kelsi pulls out a notepad from her apron and asks, "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Just some water for now. Actually, we're ready to order our food now. We'll take two Aizawa specials, please," answered Conrad.

Kelsi nods, "I'll bring your order soon."

As soon as Kelsi walks away, Conrad takes a moment to look around and see if anything is new from the last time he has been around. Meanwhile, Magali examines the table and notices that there are no forks or spoons, only a pair of fancy chopsticks wrapped in a napkin. She picks up the chopsticks and starts to fidget with them, attempting to pick up the napkin with them, but they just keep slipping from her hand. As she struggles, Conrad notices her and can't help but chuckle at her predicament.

"Having trouble there, Mags?"

Magali grunts in frustration. "Sorry, I just never could figure these things out. Why can't we just eat with a fork?"

Conrad reaches over and takes the chopsticks from Magali. He then places them back in her hand, demonstrating how to use them correctly. Once she gets the hang of the chopsticks, she practices pinching repeatedly. After a few attempts, she's quite amazed at how easy they are to use.

"Better?" Conrad asks.

Magali nods, "These are pretty cool once you get the hang of them. Where did you learn to use these?"

"One of our crewmates is Japanese. He taught me. And he also introduced me to this place a long time ago," Conrad explains.

"Wow, I can't wait to meet our crewmate. Actually, you said that there are two others besides us. So, when are they coming back?" Magali inquires.

Conrad hesitates before responding, "I don't know, to be honest. They left about a year ago."

"Wait, a whole year? Are you even sure they're coming back at all?"

"I'm sure they will eventually. They are like family to me after all. Like all families, we sometimes fight and go our separate ways. We'll eventually forgive each other, and they'll find their way back home."

Magali notices a painful look on Conrad's face, suggesting there's more to this story than he's revealing. She refrains from pressing further, sensing that he may not be ready to share the full details. She silently resolves to be there for him when he's ready to open up.

Kelsi rushes over and places two large bowls of ramen on their table. The aroma wafting from the bowls is delightful, and Magali can't help but smile at the sight. The fragrant broth, tender rice noodles, and perfectly cooked slices of pork and beef make her mouth water in anticipation. She's eager to dig in and savor the delicious meal.

"Is there anything else I can do for you today?" Kelsi asks as she tends to their table.

"Not right now, but we'll call you if we need anything," Conrad replies with a nod.

Kelsi bows and heads off to assist other patrons. Magali excitedly uses her chopsticks to sample a slice of meat from her bowl. She can't help but emit a delighted squeal as the flavors explode in her mouth. The tender, flavorful meat combines harmoniously with the fragrant broth and spices. She's utterly impressed by the culinary delights of Sweet Dance City.

"This is delicious! The best Japanese food I've ever had," she exclaims.

"I'm glad you like it," Conrad replies before taking a bite. He then shifts the conversation, “So how was your first day as an idol? The trainee class treating you good?”

Magali reflects on her experiences. "I had no idea being an idol was so much work, but I did learn a lot of new dance moves. The practice is quite intense, and I don't even know how challenging a performance can be yet. I used to think that idols just got on stage and did their best. But there are so many talented people here, and it seems like they're constantly making the guests happy. It's surprising there aren't more Super Idols in the city."

Conrad listens intently and then asks, "Is that why you came to this city? To become a Super Idol like your dad?"

Magali leans in and confides, "No, actually. I came to this city to get to know my mom a little better. You see, she passed away giving birth to me, so I never had a chance to meet her. All I know is that she was also a Super Idol alongside my dad. I've seen pictures and heard stories, but they're just not enough. So, I became an idol to experience the life she had, to live here among other idols. It's my way of feeling close to her."

"I can respect that," Conrad replies warmly. "Lots of people come to this city for various reasons. Some aspire to become the next Super Idol, while others just want to experience the life of an idol. Personally, I love entertaining others and dream of becoming a Super Idol, just like your dad."

Magali, intrigued by this world she's diving into, asks, "Oh, have you ever heard of a retired idol named Leilah Pikul? She's my dance instructor."

"I've heard that name floating around every now and then, but I've never met her," Conrad responds.

Magali proceeds to share the story she heard from one of her classmates about Leilah's past and how it made her feel sad. Leilah's unfulfilled dream of becoming a Super Idol, derailed by heartbreak, now has her teaching others in hopes that someone might achieve what she couldn't. Magali finds it a tragic tale.

"It is," Conrad acknowledges, "but she's not the only idol with that kind of story. In fact, most idols' stories end that way. Just about everyone quits for some tragic reason or another."

"Really? Most idols?" Magali asks in surprise.

Conrad nods. He then looks over at his friend who is still counting money in the registers. “Take him for example: Yuiichi Aizawa was an idol when he was younger. He was not only an idol, but a master at the taiko drums. His skills were so legendary, that he earned himself the title and nickname of Rolling Thunder. One day, he injured his right arm during a performance. He did recover, but also lost the ability to play the taiko drums ever again. He had to quit his idol career and was supposed to return home to his family in Japan. Instead, he used an old family recipe to open up a restaurant here in the city. He may have lost his ability to be an idol, but he decided to stay and support all the new and young idols with his family’s cooking skills.”

He then turns to Kelsi who is happily taking an order at a remote table and smiles. “Kelsi Tailor is also a retired idol too. She was an amazing ballet dancer; her footwork and grace were nothing less than incredible. People came from all across the globe to watch her glide across the stage and capture the hearts of her fans. She retired three years ago to raise her baby as a single mother. Instead of doing the one thing she loves, Kelsi is working here to make enough money to raise her daughter.”

“I can’t believe it, she was an idol too?” gasped Magali. She then takes another look at Kelsi and continues, “But she’s so young. She looks around the same age as you.”

“She is. In fact, we both took our entrance exam on the same exact day. Now that I think about it, most of the people who started as an idol with me has already quit and either took jobs or left the city. It breaks my heart knowing that so many people just quit performing. The one thing everyone has been passionately doing since we were just kids, they just give up and move on.

Conrad then rests on his hands with a sad and serious look in his eyes. “You see Mags, the life of an idol is full of joy and happiness. At the same time, it ends with regret, disappointment, and sadness. Everyone in Sweet Dance City came with a story that continues through their idol career. Some stories are better than others. But as scary as that fact is, all of us can only do our best and hope nothing bad happens along the way.”

“Wow, everyone came with a story that continues through their idol careers?” asked Magali. She then takes a moment to imagine what kinds of stories she will hear from people while living in Sweet Dance City. What stories she will be a part of and help write. Trying to imagine every possible scenario is overwhelming, and yet full of curiosity and wonder. “So, what’s your story like Conrad?”

He chuckles lightly before answering, “Let’s save that for another day. After all, Yuiichi once told me that it’s rude to let good food go cold. So for now, let’s eat up!”

Magali nods, and they both continue to eat. Once their food is done, they both head back to the crew base to rest. The day had been filled with hard work and discovery, and they eagerly anticipate another day in the city of idols, ready to face the challenges and adventures that await them.

Magali continues to watch the bustling city below, her mind filled with a sense of purpose and curiosity. The city of idols stretches out before her, a tapestry woven with dreams and aspirations. As she gazes at the stage, where idols continue to practice and perfect their craft, she realizes that this city holds countless untold stories, waiting to be uncovered and shared.

With each passing moment, she feels herself becoming more a part of this vibrant world. Magali knows that her journey as an idol has just begun, and there are countless stories to be written, friendships to be formed, and challenges to be overcome. She is determined to make her mark, not only in her own story but in the stories of those she meets along the way.

With a hopeful smile, Magali leans on the balcony railing, ready to embrace whatever the city of idols has in store for her. As the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, she knows that her own story is just beginning, and she's excited to see how it unfolds.

Her cell phone suddenly rings. She looks at the caller ID and sees it's from her father. She picks up the phone and answers, "Hey, Dad, what's up?"

"Good evening, Magali. How was your first day as an idol?"

"It was fine. I had no idea how much work it takes to be an idol here. How did you and Mom get through it?"

"Sheer will and determination. Of course, we couldn't have done it alone. Many people helped us get through the toughest parts of being an idol. I sure would have never survived alone until I met... your mother."

She notices the pause when he had to talk about her mother. Even though it happened so long ago, it is still difficult for him to talk about his late wife. The loss was too sudden, and it gets depressing for the whole Artisan family. She can't help but feel sad herself. She has never met her mother, and she can never rely on her father to talk about Katrina.

Instead, she decides to change the topic and asks, "Hey, Dad, can you tell me about your idol days? Knowing you, I know you have weird and crazy stories about what you did when you were my age."

As long as Julian could, he shared many tales of his adventures with his daughter. All the people he met, the many crazy things he did with others, and the performances he held. Soon enough, Julian had to return to work, and Magali retired back to her room. She quickly falls asleep to rest for another busy day in the city. All she can do is hope that her story will be filled with more joy than regret.