Chapter 3: The Council

As the golden rays of morning sun stream through Conrad's window, they gently stir him from slumber. With a languid stretch and a contented yawn, he runs his fingers through his tousled blonde hair. The world outside beckons with its cloudless azure sky, promising yet another perfect day to be an idol in the bustling metropolis known as Sweet Dance City.

Eager anticipation fills Conrad as he rises from his bed, the warmth of the tropical sun infusing his room. He looks outside, greeted by the sight of yet another clear, warm day gracing the city of idols. Retrieving his trusty notebook, he readies himself for the day ahead. As he dons his attire for the day, he meticulously reviews his notes and meticulously lays out his plans. It promises to be a demanding day, one he is eagerly looking forward to as he anticipates meeting the fans who would come to see him later.

Exiting his room, still adorned in the haze of dawn, he embarks on his morning routine. In the corridor, a flicker of curiosity leads his steps toward Magali, who sits intently before a computer screen. Her gaze bares an unmistakable determination as she scrutinizes her online profile, dissecting every detail with determined focus.

"Good morning," Conrad greets her. "What are you up to?"

With a measured pause, Magali shifted her attention away from the screen for a moment to acknowledge his presence. "Oh, good morning, Conrad. I'm just checking out my profile, examining everything they've posted about me. It's weird how much they posted here. And there's even an app that I’ve learned about in class yesterday. It's amazing how little privacy we seem to have, and yet everyone’s pretty okay with it."

As Magali continues to explore the site, she finds a tantalizing link on her profile, one that piques her curiosity. With an inquisitive click, she finds herself transported to a new website. "DanceTube? What's this?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Conrad can't help but raise an amused eyebrow. "You can't be serious. How have you managed to navigate life without ever hearing about DanceTube?"

A nonchalant shrug punctuates Magali's response. "Well, excuse me for not keeping up with the latest stuff on the internet. When your father is a Super Idol, he tends to keep you busy and leaves little time for social media. But seriously, what is this site all about?"

With a knowing smile, Conrad explains, "DanceTube is a social media platform where the Sweet Dance Society shares videos of all our performances to the public. It's a site for those who can't attend our shows in person, giving them with a front-row seat from the comfort of their home. It serves as a way to find new fans and invites them to experience our performances firsthand. It's pretty generous of our city, don't you think?"

Filled with curiosity, Magali clicks the play button, her eyes fixed on the screen. "Oh hey, look at this! It's the video of my entrance exam! I had no idea that they recorded that."

Conrad leans in closer, casting a quick glance at the video. "Yep. And look at all the views you got. Not surprising since you are the daughter of a super idol."

Excitement courses through her as she scans the video's details. Yet, a sense of apprehension lingers. Magali's curiosity soon extends to the comments section. Her fingers hover over the mousepad, hesitating for a brief moment before she ventures into the world of opinions.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Conrad cautions, a note of concern in his voice.

But his warning arrives just a moment too late, as Magali has already opened the comment section. As her eyes dart across the screen, her expression twists from eager anticipation to horror. The comments, a stark contrast to her expectations, range from negative to malicious, a cruel symphony of harsh judgments.

"What the hell is this dance routine?" demands one comment, dripping with disdain.

"Her outfit is stupid! Did she fish that out of a dumpster?" mocks another, veering into cruelty.

"This is Julian's kid? He must be quite disappointed to have a daughter like her. She may as well be a stripper," a particularly hurtful remark stings.

"She's cute! I'd hit that!" offers an unsettlingly lewd comment, contrasting sharply with the preceding negativity.

"This is quite a letdown. I expected more from the daughter of a Super Idol," reads another, carrying an undercurrent of disappointment.

"She still became an idol? I guess they'll let anyone in these days," scoffs a final comment, echoing a sentiment that pierces through Magali's heart.

The weight of the cruel words hangs in the air, a painful reminder of the harsh scrutiny she faces as a newcomer to the world of idols. Paralyzed by the shock of the comments, Magali slowly scrolls down the page, her heart sinking with each cruel word. It's a relentless assault on her self-esteem, a barrage of negativity that threatens to consume her. Just as the comments reach a new low, Conrad intervenes, mercifully closing the comment section and offering Magali a lifeline to escape the verbal onslaught.

"Rule number one of the internet," Conrad begins, his tone carrying a seasoned wisdom. "Never read the comments. You'll get nothing good from it. Just humanity's worst thoughts all piled up in one place."

Magali, still shaken by the harsh words, utters a bewildered question. "Oh my god, why are people so nasty?"

A shrug accompanies Conrad's reply. "No idea. But as far as I can tell, it's always been like this. Try not to be scared. The comments are mean, but nobody got hurt by simply ignoring them."

A determined gleam appears in Magali's eyes as she shares a surprising piece of her past. "Oh, I wasn't scared. I may be a girl, but my dad made sure I can defend myself. I studied martial arts for a couple of years back at home, and I'm pretty good at it."

To prove her words, she takes a step back, a controlled confidence radiating from her. With precision and grace, she launches into a series of swift jabs and roundhouse kicks, her movements precise and fluid. Each strike is impeccably executed, a testament to her martial prowess.

Conrad watches with an impressed grin, applauding her display of skill. "That's pretty good, impressive! Too bad none of that will help you here in the city."

Perplexed, Magali questions, "Really? Why not?"

Conrad imparts an important piece of Sweet Dance City's laws. "Article eight of the Sweet Dance book of laws states that idols and guests are not allowed to commit any acts of violence within the city boundaries. This is also known as the 'Violence Free Article.' Even slapping anyone could get you exiled from the city."

"Exile? What does that mean?" Magali inquires, a note of apprehension coloring her voice.

Conrad offers a grave explanation, his tone tinged with seriousness. "It means that you will be blacklisted and removed from the city boundaries. Once exiled, you will never be allowed to return to Sweet Dance City."

Magali gasps, the pieces falling into place as she recalls her encounter with the police officer on the day of her arrival. "So that is what that cop meant when he said that he would make sure I'll never be able to step foot in the city again. I had no idea how strict these laws are. I should take some time to learn them."

After a brief pause, her eyes widen with realization, and she poses another question. "Wait, is every performance recorded and put on DanceTube?"

With a nod, Conrad confirms, "Yup! Every performance ever recorded was uploaded for anyone to watch."

"Even my dad's?"

"Of course! I watched all his performances. I learned all his moves and mixed them with my own. That's how I even tried to learn the crab swipe, but it's too hard to do without a personal trainer though."

Magali, brimming with newfound enthusiasm, hurries back to the computer and accesses the DanceTube website. As she searches for Katrina Artisan, she says, “if my dad’s performances are up on DanceTube, then my mom’s must be there too! Let’s see what I find.” However, her initial search yields nothing but disappointment. "Huh? Where's my mom's profile? And her performances?"

"Try searching again using her maiden name," Conrad suggests.

Magali nods and proceeds with another search, this time employing Katrina Vincent. The result is different, but it still leaves her wanting. Her mother's profile emerges, but it's bereft of any information, and there's not a single link to any videos of her performances. Her disappointment is palpable.

"Well, that's weird. Why is my mom's profile blank? And there isn't even a single link to any videos of her performances," she wonders aloud.

Conrad hesitates, then softly breaks the news. "Oh, right. I forgot that she passed away. Sorry about that. Once an idol passes away, their profile is cleared, and all recordings are then removed from DanceTube. They do that to respect the memory of the deceased, but they do keep the profile up to show that they were idols at some point."

A heavy sigh escapes Magali's lips as the weight of reality settles in. "I guess I won't be able to see her perform. I was really excited to see how she performed on stage. I guess there's no way for that to happen now."

“Don’t you have her memorial drive?” asked Conrad.

"Memorial drive? What's that?" Magali inquires, her curiosity piqued.

Conrad leans in, his voice lowered as if sharing a well-kept secret. "A memorial drive is a special disk that holds all the recordings of a deceased idol. They're exclusively given to family members of the idols. They're super high-tech and heavily encrypted. If I remember correctly, nobody can make a copy of a memorial drive, not even the best hackers have come close. I'm honestly surprised you don't have one for your mother."

Magali's eyes light up with newfound hope. "Wow, that's incredible! Where can I get one?"

Conrad ponders for a moment before responding. "Memorial drives are relatively new, and I assume your mom passed away before they were invented. However, they can probably still create them for older idols. They typically distribute them to the family as soon as an idol passes away. Why not ask the council if they can make one for you?"

"The council?" Magali repeats, a touch of uncertainty in her voice.

Conrad nods, offering her an explanation. "I'm sure you've heard of them. They are the leaders of Sweet Dance City, a group of twelve individuals who govern everything within the city's borders. Most people know them by their code names, which are based on the twelve constellations of the zodiac. You actually met four of them during your entrance exam."

As the memories flood back, Magali recalls the four elder idols who presided over the entrance exam, identifying themselves as Aries, Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo. She had no inkling at the time that these four were esteemed members of the council. "Those were the leaders of the entire Sweet Dance Society? And I can just walk up to them and request my mom's memorial drive?"

Conrad affirms her query. "Yes, indeed. You can ask them for any favor, as long as it’s reasonable. Their primary job and duty is the well-being and happiness of the idols within the city, as long as we work within the laws of Sweet Dance City of course."

A sense of newfound optimism lights up Magali's eyes. "That's incredible! How can I meet them?"

A warm smile crosses Conrad's face. "You can schedule an appointment at the council building. Come on, I'll go with you!"

After preparing for the day, Conrad and Magali embark on a bus journey toward the northern part of Sweet Dance City in search of the council building. The sight that greets them upon arrival leaves Magali breathless; the sheer size of the structure dwarfs any other edifice she's encountered in the city thus far. It looms over her, an imposing presence, and she can't help but wonder about the gravity of the matters it houses within its walls.

As they approach the building, Conrad takes the opportunity to elucidate the council's role in Sweet Dance City's political affairs. He mentions that many accomplished idols find employment here, contributing to the guidance and support of the next generation. Magali observes the bustling activity around her, idols of various ages moving about, each engaged in a unique purpose. She can't help but ponder whether her own journeys will lead her to this place more often now that she's aware of its existence.

Once inside, Magali and Conrad converse with the secretary to secure an appointment with the council. They manage to secure a slot three days hence, and with that settled, Magali's task becomes one of patience as she awaits the appointed day. Conrad departs for his meet-and-greet duties, while Magali uses her free time to further explore the city and acclimate herself to its rhythms.

The following day, during a break in her trainee class, Magali seeks reassurance from her classmates about her impending council meeting. Lanna and Dessie offer soothing words, assuring her of the council's reasonableness and their willingness to assist idols with their concerns. They share their own experiences and impart wisdom about what to anticipate, allaying Magali's fears and granting her newfound confidence in her impending encounter with the council.

Finally, the fateful day arrives when Magali is scheduled to meet the council. She had hoped for Conrad to accompany her, but he advises her to stand before the council alone. As she boards the bus, a mix of excitement and trepidation courses through her veins, each passing moment bringing her closer to the council building. Despite knowing that the council exists for the betterment of idols like her, the prospect of meeting the city's leaders feels intimidating, akin to meeting her bosses for the first time. Nevertheless, her unwavering determination to uncover her mother's memories keeps her moving forward.

Upon entering the council building, she checks in with the secretary and proceeds down a lengthy corridor. The security guards offer a brief nod before she embarks on her solitary journey, her footsteps the only sound echoing in the quiet hallway. The closed doors that line either side of the passage pique her curiosity, and she can't help but wonder about the nature of the work conducted within these enigmatic rooms.

At the end of the corridor looms an imposing double door, its sheer presence reminiscent of the final boss chamber in a video game. A sign adorns the door's side, bearing the inscription, "Hall of the Council." Magali stands before these formidable doors for a moment, steeling herself for the encounter that lies beyond. With a final deep breath, she grasps the handle and pushes the door open, revealing a spectacle that leaves her breathless.

The council chamber is enveloped in a void of pitch-black walls, offset by a dazzling array of bright lights. As she steps inside, she is met with the sight of twinkling lights that mirror the starry night sky. Pillars adorned with radiant, spiked orbs line the path leading to a monumental desk, where twelve idols await her arrival. The council's fascination with stars and constellations is evident in the breathtaking decorations that adorn the room.

Seated at the desk, the twelve council members patiently await Magali's presence at the podium. As she steps forward, she can't help but notice the presence of the four idols who had judged her during the entrance exam. The council members, dressed in vibrant idol costumes like any other citizen of the city, appear older than the average idols, their ages spanning from the mid-thirties to the fifties.

As Magali took her place behind the imposing podium, the council members greeted her in unison, their voices resonating through the Hall of the Council. "Welcome to the Hall of the Council. Please state your name," the idol in brown requests.

Magali's confusion was evident in her voice as she responded, "My name? I thought you all already know who I am? Some of you were at my entrance exam."

Aries, seated among the council members, rose to address her. "It is true that we do know the names of all idols who grace our city. However, it is customary that you must still state your name every time you appear before the council to make a request. It's the way idols show respect to the council."

Though she frowned at the formality, Magali complied, her voice steady as she replied, "My name is Magali Anna Artisan."

"Welcome, Idol Magali," the idol in brown acknowledges her. "Since this is our first official meeting in the Hall of the Council, allow us to introduce ourselves and the roles we play in our city."

With Aries, an idol clad in a pink dress and long purple hair, leading the way, each council member took their turn to rise and reveal their roles to Magali. "I am Aries, the overseer. As the ram and the hawk, I oversee the everyday activities of the idols in the city."

Next, Taurus, a male idol also dressed in pink, stands. "I am Taurus the bull. I am head of law enforcement and security around the city. With my horns of honor, I keep our idols safe!"

Gemini, a female idol dressed in a blue dress, full of bubbling energy and excitement, couldn't contain her enthusiasm as she introduced herself. "Hi! I am Gemini, leader of the twins brigade. I am head of education and training for idols and their children! It is nice to meet you!"

Then came Cancer, a male idol in violet attire. "Greetings. I am Cancer the crab. I am head of healthcare and medical records in the city. I keep our idols healthy and fit for their performances."

The elegant woman dressed in white identifies herself, "I am Leo the lion. Like the traveling lions in the savanna, I manage the international affairs of our sister locations around the world."

Virgo, following Leo, stands gracefully. "I am Virgo, I represent the virgin maiden. I manage the relationships within the city and resolve domestic disputes."

Libra, another elegantly dressed woman with blue hair and a golden gemmed tiara, smiles warmly as she introduces herself. "I am Libra. I manage the profiles of all the idols around the world. Pleased to meet you."

Capricorn, a silver man adorned with silver goat horns, is next to introduce himself. "I am Capricorn. I handle legal affairs and protect Sweet Dance's reputation on social media."

A woman in an aqua blue water inspired dress introduces herself. "I am Aquarius of the flowing water. I make sure all idols have nutritious food and fresh drinking water."

Another woman, her dress adorned with fish scales, reveals herself next, "I am Pisces. I oversee the environmental impact our society has on the planet."

Finally, the man in brown takes his stand with regal authority. "And I am Scorpio. I manage the financial matters of the city and serve as the leader of the council."

After the council members have announced themselves, they all take their seats. Scorpio, the leader of the council, then speaks, "So tell us, daughter of the Super Idol Julian Artisan, how can the council serve you?"

Magali hesitates for a moment before responding, "Umm well... I was told that when an idol passes away, their performances that were recorded are stored in something called a memorial drive and given to their family. Is that true?"

"It is," Scorpio answers.

"I was hoping that I can get one of my mother’s, Katrina Artisan."

Scorpio turns to Libra, seeking her input. "What says you, Libra?"

Libra opens her laptop and quickly checks the information. With a heavy sigh, she answers, "I’m afraid that we cannot grant this request."

Magali's disappointment is palpable as she inquires further, "Really? Why not?"

Libra explains, "Only one copy of each drive may be distributed to each family. The Artisans already own a copy of Katrina’s memorial drive. Our records state that Julian owns the only copy in existence. If you wish to see the contents of your mother’s memorial drive, you must obtain it from him."

Magali is taken aback. "My dad has it? But I've never seen him with something like that. What if he doesn’t have it anymore? Can I request a new copy then?"

"I’m afraid not," Libra responds solemnly. "The reason memorial drives were created in the first place is to prevent them from being sold on the black market. Before these drives were invented, copies of the recordings would be duplicated and sold on the internet. To protect the memories of the deceased, memorial drives are now highly encrypted and impossible to duplicate. Families are then left in charge of protecting the legacy of our idols. But if the drives are lost or destroyed, the memories of the idol are then lost forever. I am truly sorry, but the society only did this to protect the dignity of the idols under our care. I hope you understand."

Magali falls into a heavy silence for a moment, absorbing the disappointing news. "Is there anything else the council can do for you?" Scorpio inquires gently.

After a thoughtful pause, Magali shakes her head. "No, I guess not."

"Then let us conclude our meeting," Scorpio suggests. "Have a great day, Idol Magali. I hope we will meet again soon."

Frowning with disappointment, Magali reflects on the council's decision. She knows Sweet Dance City is known for its strict laws and regulations, leaving her with little room to challenge their ruling. As she steps out of the council building, she can't help but feel empty-handed and disheartened.

The bus ride back to the crew hall is a somber one for Magali. Resting her head against the window, she observes the other idols going about their joyful lives in the bustling city. She initially came here in search of answers about her mother, but now it feels like she's chasing elusive shadows. She contemplates the conversation she needs to have with her father about the memorial drive, but fear gnaws at her. If he still possesses it, why has he kept it hidden from her for so long? And what if, by some unfortunate twist of fate, he has lost it, leaving her mother's memories forever inaccessible? Her father has always been reticent about discussing her mother, making it even harder to broach the topic.

Upon returning to the crew hall, Magali shares the outcome of her council meeting with Conrad. He offers a seemingly simple solution, "Wow, so Julian already has it? That should make things easy. Just ask him to send it to you."

However, uncertainty clouds Magali's response. She walks to the window, gazing at the setting sun, and places her hand against the warm glass. "I don’t know if I want to," she admits. "If dad still has it, why have I not seen it? My dad shuts down when I ask him about my mom. It would be easy to just show me what was on that drive. I’m just scared that he may have lost it. If that’s the case, what do I do then?"

Conrad approaches her, offering guidance, "Then find another way. Your mother was a Super Idol too; I’m sure she left many things behind, other than the memorial drive. Besides, if you never ask your dad about the memorial drive, then it’s as good as lost anyway. I think you should ask your dad about the drive. Even if he doesn’t have it, at least you’ll know."

Magali contemplates his advice, realizing its wisdom, yet also recognizing the immense emotional challenge that lies ahead. Her longing to learn about her mother is undeniable, but she's also aware that her father's response might shatter her already fragile hopes. She gazes at the vanishing sun on the horizon, pondering her purpose in the city of idols. Questions loom before her: What will she do once she finds the clues she seeks, and what if she never does? She confronts the unsettling reality that, for as long as she can remember, her mission has been her life's focus. Now, back in the city of her birth, she wonders if returning was a mistake.

The gentle caress of the evening breeze against her skin provides a soothing sensation as Magali sits on the balcony. It's a habit she's grown fond of, a moment of reprieve after a long day in Sweet Dance City. Below her, other idols wrap up their day, their activities a comforting backdrop to her thoughts. In the midst of the cooling evening, she takes a deep, revitalizing breath and allows herself a moment of reflection, pondering the events of the day and her plans for the future.

Her cell phone interrupts the tranquility, its ringtone piercing the peaceful ambiance. She glances at the caller ID and sees her father's name on the screen. Magali picks up the call, her voice warm and familiar as she greets him, "Hey dad, what's up?"

Julian's voice, reassuring and caring, responds on the other end, "Nothing much, I just wanted to see how you are doing. I remembered you mentioning that you were going to see the council today. How did it go?"

Magali hesitates for a moment. She's reluctant to divulge the true reason behind her council meeting—her quest for her mother's memorial drive. She knows it could upset her father. The knowledge that he possesses the only existing copy raises a host of perplexing questions she's not yet ready to confront. Why has he never mentioned it before? What if he no longer has it? Or, conversely, what if he does? These are queries she'll eventually address, but she decides to wait until she's better prepared.

Choosing her words carefully, she replies, "I admit that meeting the council made me nervous. They don't seem like bad people, once I met with them. They do seem to care about the city and the idols who live here."

Julian listens, his concern evident in his voice as he says, "That's good to hear. By the way, you never did tell me why you wanted to see them in the first place. Is everything okay? Nothing happened over there that made you want to meet them?"

Magali sighs inwardly, torn between her desire for answers and her apprehension about the possible implications. "No reason really," she responds with a touch of evasiveness. "I just decided that I wanted to introduce myself and meet the people who run the city."

"I see..." Julian's voice trails off, a hint of curiosity lingering. "Well, if you do need anything, my phone is always available to you. I love you."

"I love you too, Dad," Magali replies, her heart warmed by his words. "I have to go now, but I'll call tomorrow, okay?"

After exchanging their goodbyes, Magali ends the call and retreats to her room. A soft smile graces her lips as she lies on her bed, gazing at the ceiling. In a quiet affirmation, she speaks to herself, "I know you're out there, Mom. I hope you're watching because I'm going to be the best idol that I can be and make you proud."