Nothing But Requiem

Chapter Four: [Music Never Leaves Me] #2

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Leila's house was located on a small hill overlooking both the sea and Vinea, a short distance from the favela. The sturdy-looking log house was nestled above a small private beach and looked like an aristocrat's summer getaway. It was filled with various musical instruments from all over the world.

Ario sat down on the couch and stretched out her legs, exhausted from all the running. Seere plopped down next to her. He leaned his head on Ario's shoulder in a daze, looking like he was about to pass out. In front of the couch was a splendidly carved wooden table; on it were neatly arranged scores of famous composers from around the continent. Leila came back holding a cup of herbal tea she had just finished brewing and placed it delicately in front of Ario.

"Thanks again, Leila. I don't know how we can ever repay your hospitality."

"It's really no big deal. I figure you two must be used to this kind of treatment." It seemed as though Leila was certain that Ario and Seere came from nobility. She wasn't wrong, per say, and Ario didn't dare to deny it and have to come up with another story. "Maybe Seere would rather have something like this?" Leila said as she placed a slice of rum raisin pound cake in front of Seere.

"Wow! Thank you, Miss Leila!" Seere's tired eyes regained their spark as he leapt up. Leila set a plate with a slice of cake on it in front of Ario as well.

"It looks delicious," said Ario. "Did you make it yourself?"

"Yeah. I don't know if it's any good though..." Leila answered shyly.

Ario stared at her.

"What? Don't look at me like that." Leila started to blush.

"I'm just impressed is all. On top of being so popular, you can cook, too." 

Ario thought back to the trip to Leila's house. Along the way, Leila was adored by the favela residents everywhere. Not only was she greeted by every person they encountered, people tossed her flowers, offered her fish, and rejoiced at the mere sight of her. Leila talked to each one of them as if she had known them for years, introducing Ario and Seere as 'friends from far away.' As soon as people heard that Ario and Seere were friends of Leila's, they greeted them too as if they were family.

"Huh? Is that it? People just treat me that way because it's my hometown," Leila waffled embarrassedly and retreated into her teacup.

"Didyou become a DJ because you wanted to be popular?" Seere asked inbetween bites of pound cake, which he had already consumed almost entirely.

"It's not like that," Leila laughed at the childish nature of the question. "I became a DJ..." Leila paused and gazed off in reminiscence, "because it's the only time I feel like I can be my true self. Even though my mother and father wanted me to go to the opera academy in the royal city and become a court musician."

"What do they think about what you're doing now?" Ario asked as she looked around, taking in the spacious interior. This house was way too big for Leila to be living here alone.

"My parents...died in an epidemic last year."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry—"

"No, it's all right."

"...I think it's great that you were able to pursue what you wanted to."

"Thank you, Ario. I hated the way they thought that music can only be enjoyed by the wealthy. I think it's better to enjoy music with everyone, don't you? There is no distinction of status on the dance floor. To be one with the audience in the same space... It's what makes being a DJ so wonderful!"

"You looked like so magical when you were performing!" Seere grinned." Like an oracle or something. It was so cool!" To the demon who had zero interest in humans, apparently DJs were his one exception to this point.

"An oracle, huh? I don't know if I would go that far..." said Leila. Ario watched as she thoughtlessly fingered the dagger on her hip. A shadow was cast on her face.

"That dagger... It's a magical armament, isn't it?"

"Huh?" Leila looked up at Ario in surprise. "For being so young, you sure know a lot about weapons. Do you want to see it?" Leila unsheathed the dagger. The blade was engraved with an elegant pattern. It was definitely imbued with magic.

"That dagger has seen a lot of blood," Seere noted at the blade's worn appearance.

What is the truth about these kids? thought Leila. A look of concern spread across her face as she put the dagger away.

"When it comes to weapons and artifacts you have to know everything," said Ario.

"Why is that?" asked Leila.

"It's just part of being cultured," Ario responded quickly, anticipating Leila's question and taking it in stride.

"Artifacts like this are the reason I'm never going to be able to leave this city," Leila said in a scornful tone.

"Why do you say that?" Seere said, staring deeply into Leila's eyes. Leila felt as if he was reading the inside of her soul. She was suddenly overcome with the sensation that she couldn't lie to him even if she wanted to.

"Well..."

Leila told Ario and Seere about her situation. About a cruel man named Don Nicolas. About being used as a shield for her family and the people of the favela. About being manipulated to heed Don Nicolas's every command. "All I want is to be able to get out of Vinea to make music and be free," Leila said. Her tone was wistful but it was apparent that this was the end of her story.

"We can't let him get away with this," Ario muttered softly.

"Now it's my turn to ask a question. Why are you and Seere traveling alone?"

"To see the one I love," Ario replied instantly and succinctly. Ario wouldn't say who this person was, but her eyes told of the strength of her resolve.

That doesn't really answer my question... What's the real reason they're here? Leila continued to ponder silently but decided it best not to push the matter any further.

The room fell silent.

"Hey, Leila... Sing something." Seere cut in as if the silence was unbearable. There was something in his carefree smile that tended to make people feel guilty for refusing him.

"If you insist." Leila smiled bitterly and carried a keyboard out to the veranda. "I'll sing something special for you." Putting the keyboard in the center of the veranda, Leila beckoned to Ario and Seere.