Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 19 - A Song

 – I cried on that day, I cried like I never did. It rained like hell, it rained like I bled. You said you knew that, said you knew the pain. You said you screwed up, said you killed your friend, but was it all just the same?

She finished the verse on a higher-pitched note, her eyes closed as she held onto the microphone with both of her hands, and Sphinx could just sense all of the feelings she put into every single words she sang. After a drum roll, guitars strummed louder and there began the chorus. She took a deep breath, putting all of her energy and heart into it as her voice left her mouth stronger than ever, but with still some delicacy he never heard anywhere else.

– Said you'd treat me to a drink, but the coffee turned whiskey. And the strangers around, oh well, guess they all turned to friends. I've been drinkin' and drinkin', as if tomorrow was nothin'. Just been bettin' and losin', and my heart as a stake had been simply thrown away...

She held the note longer than the previous ones, deliberately shortening the last chorus to move onto the outro. The guitars' sounds lessened, the drums got silenced, and piano took their place while her voice went back to the softness of the first verse, in tones so tender it could've been a lullaby, if it didn't talk of heartache and delusions.

– I cried on that day, I cried like I never did. It rained like hell, it rained like I bled. You said you knew that, said you knew the pain. You said you screwed up, said you killed your friend, but was it all just the same...?

The lights on stage went out, her voice quietened, and so did all the instruments. She reopened her eyes under the acclamation of clients, letting go off the mic and bowing in a smile, watching them all as she waved. But her eyes stayed on the mint-haired boy way longer than on anyone else. She hoped he had liked the song, and she rejoined him with some apprehension. However, the wide smile he showed her and the phrase he told her suddenly comforted her, her entire face turning to a deep red:

– You lied earlier, he started, when you told me you were no idol. You absolutely are my idol, Dove!

She could feel a wave of warmness hitting her, her heart beginning to race, and she giggled, pushing a blonde lock behind her ear.

– Flatterer.

– I'm serious. Are you going back on stage soon?

– No, I'm done for tonight, end of work-time.

– Can I walk you back, then?

– But you're living at the opposite?

– And?

He woke up with a smirk, putting her backpack onto his shoulder and exiting the cafe in a rush, amused. She followed him in a chuckle and caught his arm to slow him down, clenching onto him.

– Hey, wait for me! This way's the longest!

– More time with you, then.

Another blush formed on her cheeks, but this time, rather than looking away, she smiled at him. By the side of this man, she felt safe and serene.

__________

– Seriously? This is their new main artist? Basic.

– Hey, Tracer, you're not here to gossip. Get to work, already.

The short woman pouted, crossing her legs onto her gaming chair and passing a hand through her boyishly cut, deep purple hair, annoyed at the brown-haired man's remark. Him was playing the piano, delicately taping on the keys in a light melody that filled the room with its tones. Ether was the last one to enter the room, and her eyes fixed on the young woman first.

– So, is the scandal out?

– Calm down boss, I know I'm fast, just not that fast.

– She was badmouthing their singer, first.

– Shuddup, Veil!

The named Veil answered with a shrug, continuing his melody and closing his eyes. The blonde joined Tracer, leaning to look at the screen with her head tilted to the side. The hacker sighed, crossing her arms behind her head.

– I can't fake hundred of rumors in just a minute, especially if you want to make it all credible. Let me some time, quality over quantity, y'know.

– Just have it done before the end of the week. Ether Ent can not afford to be doubled by Forty-One in such a critical time.

– Maybe you should consider getting better musicians than Veil, too.

– Boss, can I kill her?

The young man's apathetic voice amused the girl, while it teared a sigh away from Ether.

– Just admit you're just a pretty face, Vee.

– And you're just a nerd, Tracer.

– If you kids would just go back to your respective activities, that would deeply help me.

He let go off the piano, reopening his cold green eyes to put them on his chief, his head cocked to the side.

– Although I hate saying that this brat is right, he began, but... She is. Maybe Ether Ent needs new faces, after all these years. I may have a solid fan base, but the enterprise can't count on me only.

– Sure thing, but real talents that aren't notorious gang members are getting rare, nowadays.

– What about the girl from the latest mission? Y'know, the one with Claw.

At Tracer's phrase, Ether's face suddenly brightened up, and seized her phone from her blazer's pocket. She didn't know why she didn't think of it earlier, but Tracer was right; Dove had the face for such a job, and she even said she was a musician. But before asking her, there was someone else she had to consult first. She called the priority contact in her cellphone's memory, holding the device to her ear.

– Greetings, Lieutenant Sadaaki. I'm listening.

– Greetings, Atlas. There is a matter I need to discuss with you, considering our newest member.

– What is it?

– This will be time for her to choose her side into Amnesia's affairs. May it be legal ones, or illegal.