Chapter Summary: The origin of Fox Metal
Chapter Word Count: 7,582
"What do our alien overlords want?" Ho Dio asked his assistant. "I've always wanted to say that," he added with a laugh.
"They are not our overlords," Kiki, his assistant, said to him, repressively. "They saved us from bankruptcy after your last idea for an idol group failed and now they have a controlling interest."
"The world just isn't ready for country idols," Dio said, sadly. "I still believe it is an idea worth exploring. Maybe next year. So, what do they want from us?"
"Do you remember our deal with that Fox God temple?" she said.
"Create an idol group for some of their priestesses? Yes," he said. "Have they met the agreed upon conditions for that?"
"Have some of their people become members of a successful idol group?" Kiki said. "Yes." She handed him a review of the newest idol group to reach the top one hundred on the national charts. "The group isn't that special. Just another idol factory product. They'll be gone in a couple years, once they age out. But right now they have talented songwriters and have extreme cuteness. And three of the Fox priestesses are in this group."
"Do we know why they wanted us to do this?" Dio asked, glancing through the review. "And why did I agree to it?"
"Reason? I don't think they ever gave us a reason. And you agreed because of your ex-wife," Kiki said.
"Ah, yes," Dio said. "One of the divorce conditions. If I agreed to it she wouldn't sue me for everything. Did I mention that she was one of their priestesses when we met? But she had to give that up when we married."
"No, you didn't," Kiki said.
"I suspect something very cloak and dagger is behind it," Dio said, putting the review down. "How does this relate to our new owners?"
"They've tentatively approved of an experimental idol group," Kiki said. "They've given us a separate budget to pursue creating it. We just need an idea for the group that they'll agree with."
"We aren't allowed to tell anyone about this are we," Dio said, frowning as he contemplated the lost promotion opportunity.
"The appropriate government agencies know of our relationship with the Serpent Clan, but you signed a large number of NDAs as part of the purchase," Kiki said. "So, no, you can't use our owners for publicity."
"So, we can experiment with an untried idol group idea, make our alien owners happy, make those crazy Fox people happy, and possibly make a lot of money, if it's a good idea," Dio said.
"Yes," Kiki said. "And we still have our regular operating budget for our other idol groups."
"What's your plan?" Dio asked.
"My plan?" Kiki said, looking at him in surprise.
"You're the brains behind our success," Dio said. "If I had listened to your opinions about that last idea, we wouldn't have gone bankrupt."
"It is good that you acknowledge this," Kiki said, nodding. She handed him a multi page document. "One of the reasons the country music idea failed is that it isn't music you are very familiar with. A successful new group needs to have an existing fan base to tap into. You taught me that. We didn't have anyone deeply versed in country music to steer it in the right direction."
"So, you want us to create an idol metal group?" Dio said, amazed. "Has it ever been tried?"
"There are several metal bands signed with the entertainment conglomerates, underground metal bands, and club bands playing this kind of music," Kiki said. "But no idol groups playing music like this. It's perfect. You know this music. What were you playing when I came in here?"
"Judas Priest," Dio said. "But what's our hook? It needs to be something new, not just heavy metal sung by idols. They won't be taken seriously, and for this to work, it can't just be because they are cute."
"That's your job," Kiki said. "I can give you the plan but you need to provide the inspiration. This is for those Fox people, so make that part of their theme."
"Good idea," Dio said. "They can be on tour bringing this new kind of music, this new metal, to the masses, for the Fox God." He thought for a moment. "Needs some work to really sell it. But yada Fox God yada something. It'll make the Fox people happy and seem very mysterious. And make us a lot of money."
"Of course," Kiki said. "And any profit we can roll into other projects."
"Is that in our contract?" He asked.
"We have to break even with our other projects," Kiki said, "but we can be creative."
"So, we need to get these three," Dio said, tapping the idol group list. "Do we have a plan for that?"
"Page 4," Kiki said. "We can buy their current group and then spin them off."
"And what do we do with the rest of their current group?" Dio asked. "We're going to be busy getting this new metal idol group going."
"We'll find some use for them," Kiki said. "Maybe try your country idea again if we can find a maestro who knows country like you do metal? Or some other type of music?"
"I'll have to think about this," Dio said. "We don't want them sitting around. There's no profit in idle idols."
"But buy them?"
"Yes," Dio said. "As soon as possible so we can get things going. Rapping idols?" He shook his head. "No, wrong kind of audience. What other kinds of music can be done with idols that hasn't been tried?"
"You'll think of something," Kiki said.
"We have important news," Jas said, before they started their daily practice. The idols stopped warming up and joined her at the front of the stage. "Our management company has sold this group's contracts," she said.
"What does that mean?" One of the girls asked.
"It means that you now work for someone else," Jas said.
"Are you coming with us?" Mika asked. "Who will determine what we sing?
"They only wanted the group, and all of you of course," Jas said. "They have their own maestros and impresario to guide you. But I will remain with you through the transition."
"What about our concerts next month?" One of the other girls asked quietly.
"They have been put on hold for now," Jas said.
"So they are shutting us down?" Yanzy said. "Can they do that?"
"It's in our contract," Yuki said. "They can fire us all if they want to, no questions asked."
"Or you can quit," Jas said. "Your contracts allow you to quit with no penalties if ownership of the group changes hands, or we change the kind of music that we expect you to know."
"So, if we became a singing baseball team, we could quit if we didn't think we could do that?" one of the Tomoe twins asked.
"Yes, in the unlikely chance that something like that happened, you could check to see if your contract covers that," Jas said.
"What do we do while we wait?" Mika said.
"You will continue to practice," Jas said. "They did not buy the group so you can sit and talk all day long."
"So, the same as before until they tell us what to do?" Yuki said.
"Yes," Jas said. "So get back into position."
"An interesting group," Dio said, watching a recording of the idols practicing.
"We have been successful in training them," Jas said. "We selected girls who can adapt to the needs of an idol group. You have not told us what you plan to do with them, but they should all be able to handle anything you would expect a trained idol to do."
"Trade secret," Dio said. "We already have plans for some of them. The others, we are still discussing how they will be used in our organization."
"I will make our assessments available to you," Jas said, nodding. "Some are more suited for certain types of music than others."
"We welcome your observations," Kiki said. "These are the ones we would like to work with first." She fast-forwarded the video to show a group of four. "The three on the left."
"The four of them spend a lot of time together," Jas said. "Where you find those three you'll find the fourth."
"We will keep that in mind," Dio said. "Please include the profile of the fourth."
"Verdict?" Dio asked Kiki after reviewing the profiles and the video.
"They have promise," Kiki said. "I do not know if we would have given them a second look without the incentive but we can work with them."
"How much more work will your plans for them require?" Dio said.
"We need a trained band. These three are singers and adequate dancers but this kind of music, whatever you want to call it, requires a band to back them up. They may be able to learn, but it takes years to be able to play at the level we need for this to work."
"Can we use this fourth idol?" Dio asked. "Does our contract allow us to build the group with more than the three?"
"We have a lot of freedom," Kiki said. "We just need to create an idol group centered on them. How we do it and who else can we use? However we want, as long as we stay within our budget."
"So, we can use her," Dio said thoughtfully, nodding. "But is there a role for her?"
"According to her profile, she can play lead guitar," Kiki said. "And she's been training with the other three. Some form of martial art."
"But can she shred?" Dio asked. "Can she handle the pressure of this new metal? Or old metal?"
"She can audition like any of the others for the backup band," Kiki said. "No favors."
"Good," Dio said. "Set up meetings with these three, and let the others know that we are auditioning for a backup band for a new idol group. They can audition themselves, or recommend others."
"Got it," Kiki said. "Have you worked out the background story yet?"
"The Fox God is bringing a new type of music to the world, Fox Metal, and it's a fight against the old guard," Dio said. "That's all I have so far. Good versus the evil of chaos and complacency."
"Okay, I can work with that," Kiki said. "We'll need to bring in a costume designer. What do you have in mind?"
"Something gothic," Dio said. "Victorian?"
"That will attract a certain kind of audience," Kiki said, frowning.
"As long as the music is based on traditional idol themes we'll have the right audience. We may attract others but these are still idols. We want a different kind of music, not unrecognizable idols," he said.
"Should be interesting," Kiki said. "I'll arrange interviews and auditions."
The next day at practice, the idols were all talking about the changes. They'd all be given the opportunity to try out for a position in an unnamed idol based band, though most were singers and the call sheet specified instruments.
"Are you going to try out?" Yuki asked Yanzy.
"There isn't much time to prepare. I haven't played seriously in months," Yanzy said. "I'll have to get my brother to bring up my spare guitar."
"You can use one of the training rooms at the dojo to prepare," Sita said. "They are sound proof."
"What about the three of you?" Yanzy asked.
"None of us play musical instruments," Mika said. "If they are looking for singers we can try out."
"Sita, Yuki, and Mika?"
"Yes, Jas?" Sita said.
"Maestro Dio has asked to meet with the three of you," Jas said.
"Alone or together?" Sita asked, frowning. She'd been waiting for the opportunity they'd been promised. But as time went on she'd wondered if it was ever going to happen. Wondered if her visions were wrong. This was the first indication that something might happen.
"Alone to start with," Jas said. "Maestro Dio and his assistant would like to see you one at a time to discuss your position in the new lineup."
"Of course," Sita said. "When?"
"Now," Jas said. "They are waiting in the Maestro's office."
"Of course," Sita said, bowing to Jas. Turning to the others, she raised an eyebrow before turning and gracefully leaving the stage.
"Do you know what Maestro Dio wants to talk with us about?" Yuki asked.
"No," Jas said, "but I suspect it was related to this new idol group idea. You will have your turn."
"You wished to speak with me, Maestro Dio?" Sita said, stepping into his office and closing the door.
"Yes, yes," Dio said, giving her a long look. "We are creating a new kind of idol group and I would like you to be part of it."
"What of the group I am in now?" Sita asked. "What are you proposing?"
"We have not decided what to do with the original group," Dio said. "That is still being discussed. But what is your response?"
"What kind of group will it be?" Sita asked. "What kind of music? I do not currently play an instrument."
"A new kind of music," Dio said. "For which we want a new type of idol. We have several openings for singers and believe you can fill one."
"What kind of music?" Sita asked.
"Fox Metal," Dio said. "For the glory of the Fox God."
"Fox Metal?" Sita said carefully. "I am unfamiliar with it."
"It is new, as I said," Dio said. "If you need something similar to compare it with, it is a genre of heavy metal."
"I am not familiar with that musical genre," Sita said. "But I am willing to learn."
"Good," Dio said. "You are excused from practice for the rest of the day. There will be a meeting tomorrow morning to discuss details. Until then, tell no one about this."
"Thank you, Master Dio," Sita said, bowing to them. Turning, she left the office.
"She's definitely one of them," Dio said. "She has that way of moving that Fox God priestesses have."
"Yes," Kiki said. "It should be interesting to see how that presence works on stage."
"Yuki, you can go in now," Jas said, when Sita returned five minutes later. Sita nodded to her. Mika followed another ten minutes after when Yuki also returned.
After all three of them had spoken with Maestro Dio and his assistant, they went back to their hotel room and discussed their meetings.
"What do you think?" Yuki asked, "Were we correct to say yes?"
"Yes," Sita said. "This is the correct path for us."
"This Fox Metal music? Where did the idea come from?" Mika said. "And for the Fox God?"
"This must be the opportunity promised by the Elders," Sita said. "But this heavy metal music is not something I am familiar with."
"It will require research," Yuki said, nodding. "What about Yanzy?"
"She said she would audition for the band," Yuki said. "Her brother is bringing her guitar when he comes to audition. She also said she would help us become familiar with this heavy metal music. She laughed when I told her about it."
"It is something we haven't heard before," Sita said. "But it should be possible to learn it. We have survived harder tasks."
"It sounds more exciting than idol pop," Yuki said. "Though I would like to know where the name came from."
"Fox Metal for the Fox God," Sita said. "The Maestro must have discussed it with the Elders."
"Do we pretend we don't know that?" Mika said.
"For now," Sita told them. "We do not know how much he is aware of."
"Where do we want to go for dinner to celebrate?" Yuki said, jumping up.
"We should wait for Yanzy," Mika said.
"Of course," Sita said. "She is a part of this with us."
So, we'll find a place for her even if she does not pass her audition?" Yuki asked.
"Of course," Sita said.
"Good!" Mika said.
"Because we like her, and not just because you had a vision?" Yuki said.
Sita nodded.
"Excellent," Yuki said.
"What is our current status?" Dio asked Kiki, after interviewing the three priestesses.
"We have the three idols, and have arranged for auditions for the backing band," Kiki said. "One of the other idols, their fourth, has signed up for the band auditions."
"Good," Dio said. "And the remaining idols?"
"Two have quit, leaving us with ten," Kiki said. "A more manageable number."
"Can we spit them into two different groups? So we would have the Fox Metal idols, and two groups of five? One country and one R&B?"
"Yes," Kiki said. "We'll start evaluating the ten to put them in the right group. We'll need impresarios to guide them. Do you have anyone in mind?"
Dio handed her a list of names. "Here," he said.
A month later, the backing band had been picked, including Yanzy, Yanzy's older brother, a cousin, and two others.
"How do you think we're doing?" Yuki asked Sita, while taking a break during one of their morning training sessions. Sita had, unsurprisingly, been selected to be the lead singer with Mika and Yuki backing her up and doing the more acrobatic stage movements.
"I don't know," Sita said. "This is so different from what we did before. I have no way to judge it. We need an audience."
"It's the songs that will matter to the audience," Yanzy said, looking up from her guitar. "They need to have traditional wording for idol songs but the music must be hard rock or metal for this 'Fox Metal' to be unique and succeed."
"You must be enjoying this very much," Sita said. "Real playing and you don't have to dance."
"Being part of your band? Yes," Yanzy said. "Watching as Maestro Dio and his assistant turn their idea into an actually idol group is fascinating. Usually, the concept for an idol group or band is already set in stone. Getting to see it as it is formed from a basic idea is very different."
"And being considered a legitimate form of music, instead of pop," Yuki said, poking her. "Now you won't be embarrassed to go home."
"Your brother and cousin being in the band must be great," Mika said.
"Yes," Yanzy said, grinning. "We've been playing together for years. Being paid to do so is great."
Several weeks later, Maestro Dio and his assistant Kiki called the three girls into his office.
"Please sit, we have many things to discuss," Dio said, "now that we believe you are coming together as a group with your backing band and are integrating nicely."
Sita and the others nodded, sitting down on the couch in his office, facing him and Kiki across a table.
"We will begin playing in reasonably large venues beginning next month," Dio told them. "You are sounding good and we want to start getting press attention. And to give you experience with the different audience dynamic this music brings."
"Yes, Maestro," Sita said. "Do you have a full schedule of concerts lined up yet for us?"
"There is some flexibility in the schedule," Dio said. "We will spend this year building the audience for Fox Metal in this country. Next year, if all goes well, we shall begin to go wider."
"This is not how a normal idol group begins," Sita said. "From my observations they rarely exist for more than a year or two."
"Audience fatigue," Dio said, nodding. "Yes, there is a limited life in any idol group. Strike while the moment is hot and hope to spin off individual singers or smaller groups. That is why there are so many new ones."
"Your previous group was not building an audience fast enough to survive long term," Kiki said. "It was providing reasonable returns and they weren't losing money, but the music wasn't anything special and there were no really standout performers to increase interest."
"I thought we were good," Yuki said, frowning.
"It's a business," Kiki reminded them. "It's driven by more than what the individual idol knows."
"We understand," Sita said. "The vision from the inside is not always the same as an outer view."
"Why did you decide to do this one differently?" Mika said. "If we may ask?"
"There are multiple reasons," Dio said. "We were rescued, as some would call it, when our last idol group flopped. Badly. Sometimes the type of music matters and I picked one that did not resonate well with the current culture. Our management company was purchased, and we were given another chance. We needed a group of trained idols who could learn new things without starting completely from the beginning. The management company that created your previous group sold it to us."
"They were convinced it would be more profitable to start fresh with another group than drag that one all over the country for little gain," Kiki said. "It did not take much convincing for them to sell."
"There was also the matter of your Elders," Dio said. "We owed the Fox God temple."
"You owed them," Kiki said, correcting him. "It was a personal debt."
"Yes, yes," Dio said, growling at his assistant. "It was personal. But that doesn't really matter. Your Elders asked for us to create a group with the three of you, and we could not refuse. And we have. Our new owners and your Elders have not met but their similar requests have provided this opportunity."
"We are honored that you thought so," Sita said. "We had wondered where the ideas came from."
"The theme being about the Fox God and the type of music being 'Fox Metal' was a big clue," Yuki said.
"We needed something unique," Dio said, nodding. "Using metal as the base music, all of those guitars and drums. Loud and fast music. That is the uniqueness. But for it to work we needed something dramatic and theatrical. We don't want to be too realistic with the Fox God, so it becomes a story of the creation of a new music to replace an old one."
"A story of rebirth," Mika said, nodding. "We are honored that you believe we can do this."
"Yes," Sita said. "Our experience is relatively new with being idols."
"With your voice," Dio said to Sita, "and Mika and Yuki to back you up, though we'll need to give them their own time in the spotlight, it cannot fail. It is a compelling story."
"We will do what you need us to do, to ensure the success of the group," Sita said. "We say this as your idols, band members, and as priestesses of the true Fox God."
Dio and Kiki sat up straighter at this pronouncement. There was something almost noble in Sita that moment as she spoke. A glowing confidence in the rightness of their venture.
"We will need to produce an official recording and merchandises, before the first concert," Dio said, getting back to business. "It is one way we pay the bills. We will meet with the recording studio tomorrow. You have not had any experience in a sound studio, as I understand it."
"No Maestro," Sita said. "In our previous group they recorded us on stage, both video and sound and created recordings from that."
"Yes," Dio said. "That is how it is normally done in the early stages. But for this, we want high quality recordings of all of your songs from the beginning. Later, we will work on dramatic music videos in keeping with the story we are telling."
Their first concert in front of a real audience was exhausting, and exhilarating. They had barely a week to recover before they had another concert in the same venue. Then they moved to another city. The recording of their music sold well, to those who attended their concert. They got better, and found their groove. They worked on new songs while on the road.
Time flew fast. A year of touring and they were ready for a break.
"It's been a year. You are all tired," Dio said, joining them, the backing band, and support staff, for a private dinner one evening in Kyoto. "There is an opportunity for a live television appearance next week in Tokyo. You will have a month after that to rest and then we will make decisions about future plans."
Sita, Mika, and Yuki nodded. A break from performing for a month to recharge would be very welcome. Time to see family, and check in with the Elders.
Master Xio met with the Elders in the early morning.
"Our wayward idol priestesses, Sita, Mika, and Yuki will be returning to us for several weeks starting next weekend," she said. "It is time to reassess their time away. Elder Yusif, you have been following them. What are your thoughts?"
"I tried to listen to their music with that first idol group and it was sugary sweet pop, that you don't remember afterward," Yusif said. "Something my grandchildren would listen to."
"We did not send them way to become famous idols," Xio said. "That was just a learning phase."
"The new group is very different. they are still singing songs with the same kinds of words, but the music is very different. It sounds like noise, to my old ears," Yusif said. "But it grabs your attention and has a lot of energy."
"How are they maintaining their training in the forms?" Xio asked.
"Unknown," Yusif said. "We have heard they are using the Fox clan dojos in the cities but there have been no reports other than that."
"We will meet with them and get answers to these questions," Xio said.
"Yes, Master Xio," Yusif said.
Hsu stared in amazement at her sister and the others, sitting in her home eating dinner. "You have a meeting with the temple Elders tomorrow," she said. "What will you say to them? They cannot have expected you to become famous."
"We aren't famous," Yuki said. "We have a following but there are others much more famous than we are."
"You are the first metal idol group," Hsu said. "You are doing something very different. You are amazing on stage and you have an amazing band."
"It is certainly different," Sita said. "But that is what it takes to get ahead. Too many pop idol groups are the same as the last one."
"Boring," Yuki said. "We are not boring."
"What will they say about the Fox God your music is for? That isn't our Fox God," Hsu said.
"No, it isn't really the Fox God," Sita said. "Just a dramatic story."
"Instead of those fake stories about boyfriends and competition between different idol groups, we have a more interesting story to explain our music, and our costumes," Yuki said. "It's show business."
"Aren't you concerned it is sacrilege to do that?" Hsu said. "What does the Fox God think of this?"
"If he doesn't like what we are doing, he hasn't said anything," Sita said. "I have had no visions of his displeasure."
"I think Brother Coyote finds it all amusing," Yuki said.
"I do not think that is much better," Hsu said, sighing. "Brother Coyote is chaos."
"Brother Coyote is important," Mika said. "But the Fox God is not shy about expressing disapproval. If he did not want us doing this he would have told us in some way."
Sita, Mika, and Yuki met with Master Xio and Elder Yusif for lunch the next day.
"It has been two years since your trials," Master Xio said. "What is your next step?"
"We will be going on tour again at the end of the month," Sita said. "We are building awareness of the Fox God, through our music."
"But it isn't the true Fox God," Master Xio said. "Does this music, this noise do honor to the clan and Fox God."
"It spreads awareness, and gives us a better understanding of the world," Sita said. "The Fox God has not asked us for more than we are doing."
"Have you had any contact with the Serpent Clan or any of the other Thirteen," Xio asked.
"Yes," Sita said. "We briefly met with their Lady Shadow last year. She taught us a new form."
"Have you had any further contact with them?" Master Xio asked.
"No," Sita said.
"Are you keeping up your forms training?" Yusif said. "And the other training?"
"Yes," Mika said. "As well as we are able to."
"Good," Yusif said. "Will you be able to spend time here for a refresher in the pods?"
"Yes," Sita said. "We have taken a month long break to visit here and to visit with family."
"Excellent," Yusif said. "Spend the rest of the day in contemplation and we will meet in the training room first thing in the morning."
"We have arrange for several days in the training pods to refresh your forms training," Yusif said, meeting them in the training room the next morning.
"Will we make use of this training soon?" Sita asked. "It has been two years since initial training in all of these forms and the priestess trials."
"We have been informed that you will begin touring to other places. You may encounter occasions where this training is useful," Yusif said. "You will be roving agents of the Fox God, and he shall have you undertake important tasks."
"Is this directly from the Fox God, this tasking?" Mika said.
"Yes," Yusif said. "We cannot explain more. The Fox God will guide you."
The three priestesses nodded, and quickly changed into the training suits for the pods. It had been a while but they still felt familiar.
"See you on the other side," Yuki said to the others, before climbing into her pod.
Yusif watched as all three got into their training pods and the pods took over. She would remain on guard until they returned. The shadow stranger had reluctantly agreed to this additional training.
They came to awareness standing in the small square in the pod Temple grounds, a familiar figure waiting for them.
"Ka'nsah!" Yuki said happily. "It has been a long time."
"You are here for a refresher and some additional training," Ka'nsah said. "Let us begin with reviewing the forms."
"You don't seem happy to see us," Yuki said, as their training avatars appeared.
"You ascribe emotions to me that I do not have," Ka'nsah said.
"I'm tired," Yuki said. "Has it only been one day?"
"Less than one day on the outside," Sita said. "But you burn more energy during a concert than a day of training."
"No," Mika said. "The forms require much more energy than all of the running and jumping on stage. It's just different."
"And you do a lot less," Yuki said. "While we're running around, you are mostly standing in one place singing."
"It is not about energy expenditure," Ka'nsah said, interrupting them. "You need to work harder on your chi forms when you are not here."
"Will you teach us how to teach the upper level forms to others?" Sita asked. "One of our bandmates has reached as far as she can with our training knowledge. We want to take her further."
"You have it within you to teach everything you know," Ka'nsah said. "But not everyone can handle the forms to their utmost."
"We believe she can," Sita said, nodding. "We will reevaluate our training methods.
They climbed out of the pods the first day after a month of virtual training, excited. Cleaning up, they joined Elder Yusif for a late dinner.
"You appear happy," Yusif said.
"We didn't forget the forms," Sita said, picking up her bowl. "We do need to spend more time on the more esoteric forms, and the forms of the Thirteen, but in general we still know them."
"Tomorrow will be something new," Yuki said. "Things to help us with our tasks for the Fox God, according to Ka'nsah."
"That is excellent news," Yusif said.
"We are preparing for something," Mika said. "But no one will clearly say what. Just 'the Fox God wills it'."
"What do you recall of the reasons for our clan to come to this planet?" Yusif said.
"Nothing," Mika said.
"That the Elders would explain, someday," Yuki said, correcting her. "It is clear we are hiding from something."
"Too many things," Sita said. "My visions do not tell me this. The Fox God does not want me to know."
"It's really a simple thing," Yusif said. "In times past, we were given a responsibility by the Council of the Thirteen. And we failed to keep the promise we made. The Elders at the time felt it better to leave than to face the wrath of the Thirteen, much to our shame."
"So, the Thirteen are looking for us," Sita said.
"No, they are not," a voice said. "The Fox Clan was given an impossible task by the Council. Failure was expected. If the Fox Clan Elders had returned to the Council, nothing would have happened. They would have been rewarded for their perseverance and loyalty to the Thirteen. But they ran instead. And now owe the Thirteen a debt."
"Who is that?" Sita asked, raising her voice.
"You know me by several names," the voice said. Walking into the lit area, the stranger appeared before them.
"You claim the Thirteen aren't looking for us, but have not given proof," Yusif said.
"Lady Shadow?" Sita said, quickly standing, followed by Yuki and Mika. "Why are not the Thirteen looking for us like Elder Yusif claims?"
"You have met?" Yusif said, surprised.
"Lady Shadow is of the Council of the Serpent Clan," Mika said. "We have met."
"It was through her that we were able to repair the training pods for your training," Yusif said. "Is this some plot by the Thirteen?"
"Yes, I am on the Clan Council, but no, this isn't a plot by the Thirteen. This sector is the sole responsibility of the Serpent Clan. The rest of the Thirteen have no say in what we do."
"Why are you helping us?" Yusif said. "What purpose does this training serve for your clan."
"You are repaying your debts," Lady Shadow said. "Some day, in the future, we will have need of your clan, and your priestesses. Until then, proceed as you have been. Follow the wishes of your Fox God."
"And tomorrow's training?" Sita asked.
"You will find it useful for the tasks given you by the Fox God," Lady Shadow said.
"How can you know the wishes of the Fox God?" Yusif asked her. "He does not speak to others outside of our clan."
"That is not quite true," Lady Shadow said. "It is possible to communicate with him, though it can be difficult."
"So, will we see you again?" Sita asked.
"You may," Lady Shadow said. "Or others of my Clan." After saying this, she silently disappeared into the darkness.
"So, we are part of some plan by the Serpent Clan," Sita said, sitting down with a sigh. Yuki and Mika quickly followed, returning to their meal.
"I was not aware of this," Yusif said. "I will have to inform the Elders."
"We shall continue with the training tomorrow," Sita said. "For whatever reason the Serpent Clan is doing this, we are still following the wishes of the Fox God. If he does not want us to work with them he will tell us."
Yusif bowed down to her in agreement. "You are full fledged priestesses of the Fox God," she said. "You must listen in your hearts to what the Fox God wants from you. We can only provide guidance."
"From my visions, it appears as if the Serpent Clan's need for us is far in the future," Sita said. "All signs are vague."
"So continue as you have," Yusif said. "We will be here when you need us."
"Yes, Elder Yusif," Sita said.
"What do you have for us today?" Sita said, when they returned to the training pods the next day.
"The Lady Shadow has asked that you be given training in her own tradecraft," Ka'nsah said.
"She knows unique forms," Mika said. "But that is not what you mean, is it?"
"You are correct," Ka'nsah said. "The Lady Shadow is the Serpent Clan Spymaster. She has an unique ability to discern and discover all knowledge. It is considered impossible to keep secrets from her."
"So we get to learn how to be super spies?" Yuki said, excited.
"It is a lifetime endeavor," Ka'nsah said. "It would be impossible to become this 'super spy' in the time we have been given. But what we will do is teach you techniques for gathering and understanding information. For investigating and preparing. A skill with a multitude of uses."
"Okay," Yuki said. "Show us."
"How did this session go?" Yusif asked when they'd returned from the training pods.
"I'm not sure," Sita said. "This was really Yuki's thing."
"We learned how to be agents," Yuki said.
"Agents?" Yusif said, puzzled.
"Detectives?" Mika said. "Investigators? Using Serpent Clan techniques."
"Is this going to be useful?" Yusif said. "In your work for the Fox God?"
"We believe so," Sita said. "We have two more sessions. There is still more to learn."
"We are setting dates for an international tour," Maesto Dio said, when they met again after the break. "Dates in North America, and Britain."
"How many?" Mika asked.
"Four in each country over two months, and ending with two concerts in Mexico. After we will evaluate the response and determine where else to expand to."
"That doesn't seem to be a lot for a world tour," Yuki said.
"We are starting slow," Kiki said. "There are small audiences for idol music in a number of other countries but your sound is different enough that we believe we can attract a different kind of audience."
"You mean, an audience familiar with metal who might be interested in Fox Metal?" Sita said.
"Yes," Kiki said. "If you were an ordinary idol group we would already know where to book dates for a world tour. But 'Fox Metal' is different. Idol pop themes set to heavy metal music will find a different audience."
"Concerts in Mexico?" Yuki said. "Would one of those be in Cancun?"
"Yes," Dio said. "We received a special request for a concert."
"So, we'll finally meet real aliens?" Yuki said. "The fabled Council of the Serpent Clan?"
"Real, official aliens," Mika said, grinning.
"We've already met several of them," Sita said.
"This is different," Yuki said, poking her.
"It is possible," Dio said. "But there is no guarantee that they will be there."
"Will we be able to do some new songs?" Yuki said. "Just for this occasion?"
"We are working on new material," Dio said. "For this tour. And the theme should be more intense."
"Will we get to write our own music?" Mika asked.
"Do you know how to write music?" Dio asked pensively. "Idol music?"
"Not yet," Mika said. "Wouldn't it be more authentic for us to sing our own music?"
"The writing team is very practiced at turning out appropriate music," Dio said. "They are very familiar with idol music and heavy metal."
"That's a no, isn't it," Yuki said, sighing. "What would convince you?"
"You will need to learn a lot more about music," Dio said. "Right now you are just idols. Yes, it is a more energetic form of idol music, very metal oriented, but you need to become more."
"Can we work on it?" Mika said. "Learn to play instruments, write music?"
"We will have to think about it," Dio said.
"It was bound to happen, Boss," Kiki said. "They want to do more. And they are feeling creative."
"Nothing kills an idol group faster than the talent wanting to show how talented they are," Dio said, grimacing. "Fortunately, they are mature for their ages, and will understand why not."
"Will they?" Kiki asked.
"Fox God priestesses? Yes," Dio said. "They have a high sense of honor and of responsibility. My ex-wife was one, as you may remember."
"They are also used to getting their way," Kiki said. "We have not kept tight control of them like we would normal idols."
"So, what do you think we should do?" he asked. "This does not work without them. They can sell the Fox God story better than anyone else. And our owners insist on them."
"Train them," Kiki said. "Turn them into full musicians, not just idols. Either they will learn, or they will discover how hard it is."
"And what of the songwriters?" Dio asked. "They will not want to lose their jobs. And the band?"
"Simple," Kiki said. "This isn't that kind of group. Teamwork requires an actual team and they sing and the band plays and the writers write. If those three want to learn how to write songs they must do it with the songwriters. They need to know that they are not replacing anyone. They are learning so they can be better prepared. If they know how the songwriters work, they can sing the songs better, or be able to understand why a song works."
"And the musicians?" Dio asked.
"They are already friends with the band. If they learn to play instruments, they will understand the effort it takes better."
"You are just spewing words," Dio said.
"Does it sound good?" Kiki asked.
"Anyone else would be fooled," Dio said. "Those three girls? No. We just tell them the truth. We need them to sing their hearts out on stage. They can learn to write songs, and play instruments. We'll even arrange tutoring. But as long as they are a part of this group, they are who they are. No arguments."
"Tutoring? Or offer to send them to a good music school when the band is finished," Kiki said. "If they want to continue to be musicians after."
"That could be a long time from now," Dio said. "But that's a good idea. Between performing, and practicing and learning new routines, they will be too exhausted to rebel, if they ever get that tendency."
Later that evening over dinner they discussed the meeting.
"They aren't going to let us write our own songs," Sita said. "Why bother bringing up the idea?"
"Because we are not just idols," Yuki said. "They need to be reminded of that. They may not allow us to write our own songs but they may make some concession and give us some creative freedom."
"What did you do now?" Yanzy said.
"Told Maestro Dio that we wanted to write our own music and play our own instruments," Mika said.
"Why would you want to do that?" Yanzy said. "The songwriters have years of experience turning insipid flowery ideas into catchy idol songs, and the band is good at turning those into your Fox Metal."
"We don't actually," Sita said. "At least I don't. But we want to keep Dio and Kiki on their toes."
"I don't either," Mika said. "But watching the band turn those sugary sweet words into Fox Metal is amazing. The way you work together with the songwriters? That I would like to learn how to do. To have some input into the band's music looks like nirvana."
"Or, to put it another way," Yuki said. "We want to be artists like the band and songwriters also."
"But you are artists," Yanzy said. "You don't have to create something to be an artist. You have to be able to interpret, to inspire, to be an artist. The Fox Metal works because of what the three of you bring to it. We could be writing nonsense and you could sell it. But if you convince Dio that you think you are too good to work with us? That won't go well."
"So, don't play games with Dio?" Sita said.
"Don't play games with Dio," Yanzy said, nodding.
"Are you excited for the world tour?" Sita asked Yanzy, changing the subject. "We will be playing in a few different countries."
"Yes," Yanzy said. "My cousin went on tour with another band a few years ago, but the rest of the band hasn't been out of the country."
"One of our stops will be in Cancun," Yuki said.
"A concert for the Mayan aliens?" Yanzy said. "How did Dio manage that?"
"It was a request, apparently," Sita said. "It isn't clear if it is just for them or that they have just requested it as part of a cultural outreach."
"We should do a new song for them," Yanzy said. "A welcome from your Fox God."
"That's really why we wanted to write our own music for this tour," Sita said. "We wanted to do something special."
"But that didn't get us anywhere," Yuki said. "Dio said no."
"I can bring this up with the writers and the band," Yanzy said. "If we can come up with several good songs that everyone of us likes it should be easier to get Dio to agree to include it in the set list."
"Can we help with the songs?" Yuki asked.
"I can't promise anything," Yanzy said.
"We understand," Sita said.
Author's Notes:
This story is far from over. But the current storyline with our idols will end in several chapters and we'll take a break from them for a little bit and delve into space and battles and chaos! I'm currently contemplating posting the rest of the Fox Metal story separately, but haven't decided. And NaNoWriMo 2019 starts tomorrow so we'll see what the muse does for that.