Two figures walked among the shadows on the stage when the lights flickered on and the two figures revealed themselves with a microphone in hand.
Joci: Hello everyone, hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.
Kuro: Yea, we've been preparing the inevitable…
Crys: No!! *Crystal ran out on stage, scuffing her feet as she rushed over* You started without me! I was finishing gathering all the information you need for school!
Joci: I know Crys, I was with you the last hour.
Kuro: The dreadful day has come once again.
Joci: Hey, I don't start till the 9th, after that, then things can turn hectic. *Sighs softly* There goes all my free time.
Crys: But not to worry Joci, we have your schedule, your list of books, and a guess at the list of supplies you'll need all ready, you have all week and next to gather supplies.
Joci: I suppose. I'd still like to go to campus and find my class rooms, and gather my books with what money I have now. Did you know that a sociology USED book is $117, lowest price?
Kuro: That is expected, but luckily you can get it for free from your cousin.
Crys: Yea, she said she'd give it to ya.
Joci: I know, and I can't thank her enough, but I'm gonna give her something for it, after all, she's going to Jamaca I think with her bf at the end of the month I think, she can spend it there.
Crys: Oh, that's so nice of you.
Kuro: I hate to be the barer of bad news, but I think you should know you're boring your audience. *Motions to the half snoozing crowd as others are texting in their seat*
Joci: Then we should finish this so that our readers and viewers may continue their day.
Kuro: Right. As you know, Joci holds no claim to the cast of Yugioh or Disney's fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast
Crys: We greatly appreciate your support by leaving reviews behind for us to read, they're greatly appreciated.
Joci: I'd also like to thank those of you who've added this story to their favorite list and alert story list. I'm glad you want to be notified by my next update.
Kuro: Now I think we'd like to give you the pleasure of the newest chapter.
Crys: We hope you like it!
Joci: Yes, now please enjoy 'The Darkness and the Light'
The three bow and the lights fade to darkness as the three walk off the stage with the microphones, only Crys forgot hers was on.
Crys: I hope they like my new idea, getting a brief portion of the previous chapter before the new one.
Last Chapter
After about an hour of playing in the snow, Yami led Yugi inside to warm up, well, carried him in actually. "Yami, I'm fine, I just slipped is all." Yugi insisted as Yami walked into the living room, putting him down in his chair.
"I'm just taking precautions." Said Yami. "You've only just healed your ankle, Yugi, and too much strain can injure it again." He gathered Yugi's jacket, mittens and gloves and hung them by the fire to dry off with his own scarf and cloak.
"All right, I'll submit." Said Yugi as Yami walked back over to him. "So, what shall we do now?"
"Well… I was wondering if maybe you'd like to do something special tonight." Said Yami as he glanced to the fire as Yugi fiddled with his bangs again.
"Like what?" Asked Yugi.
"Well, dinner, and maybe a dance... in the ballroom." Suggested Yami.
"It sounds nice." Smiled Yugi as he flushed. "I-I'd like that."
"Really?" Yugi nodded, "Then I'll take you to your room to get ready." Said Yami as he held out his arm for Yugi who stood and accepted it. They climbed the stairs and Yami took Yugi to his room. "So, I'll meet you at the stairs by 7?"
"I'll be ready by then." Said Yugi as he walked into his room and closed the door behind him with a small wave to Yami.
Yami nearly jumped in the air, but Yugi would have heard him, so he walked down to his room in the west wing to get ready.
Chapter 14
*Yugi's room*
Yugi leaned against the door, holding his chest tightly as he listened to Yami walk away. 'Ra, what's happening to me? This feeling I have for Yami…'
"Oh Yugi! You're here early. What's wrong?" Asked Tea as she hobbled over.
"Oh! Nothing's wrong-" Yugi blushed, "but Yami's invited me to dinner-"
"You always have dinner together." Stated Tea. "Oh… Unless it's more than dinner."
"H-he also asked me to dance with him, tonight, in the ballroom." Said Yugi and Tea gasped.
"No one's been in the ballroom ever since we were cursed." Said Tea. "Oh Yugi, this is wonderful!" She smiled as she spun on one of her four legs. "Come on Yugi, you must get washed up for tonight." She smiled and ushered him into the bathroom.
"T-Tea." Said Yugi as the door shut behind him.
"Hello! I'm Mana, and I'll be helping you get ready tonight." Mana was a brown coat hanger and she ushered him to the tub as she stripped him of his cloths.
*Yami's Room*
"Jou, Seto, we need to get things ready, and fast." Said Yami as he walked into his bedroom.
"Like what Yami?" Asked Seto.
"Prepare a special dinner tonight, one of Yugi's favorites." Said Yami.
"We always have Tristan prepare one of Yugi's favorites." Said Jou.
"W-well have the ballroom ready, and music." Said Yami.
Jou and Seto stared at Yami, jaws dropped in shock. "Snap out of it!" He yelled.
"Right! I'll work on the ballroom and the dinner, it shall be spectacular." Said Seto.
"And I'll ready, the music and candle lighting." Said Jou as they hurried out of the room.
"Mahado." Said Yami as he walked into his bathroom and a black coat hanger bowed to him.
"Yes Yami?" He asked.
"We need to get to work." Said Yami and Mahado bowed again as he grabbed a brush and a sponge to wash Yami.
Later that night, Yami stood in his room as Mahado fixed his collar and tie. "I'm not sure I can do this."
"But you must." Insisted Jou, "You asked Yugi tonight, so you can't let him down, the boy will be upset."
"I don't want to upset him." Said Yami as Mahado deemed him good. Yami stood there in a formal black suit with a deep red vest and a white shirt beneath it. He wore a solid black tie and a golden head piece he wore when he was human that had the sennen eye on it. He opened a box and what appeared to be a golden pyramid hanging on a piece of rope upside down. He pulled it out and dusted it a bit, making it shine in the light.
"Your puzzle, you haven't worn that since that night." Said Jou.
"I'm not going to wear it… I'm going to give it to Yugi." He smiled as he walked out of his room and Jou followed after him with a smile on his face as he hurried down the stairs to get himself ready.
Yami didn't have to wait long on the stairs where they split off to the separate wings. The door to the east wing was opened by a suit of armor, one of his guards in the later years and Yami stood their stunned as the beauty that was Yugi stood at the top of the stairs.
*Earlier with Yugi*
"Tea, I'm not wearing a dress!" Shrieked Yugi.
"Oh fine, it didn't hurt to try." She smiled and pulled out a white suit. "I think you'll find this to your liking."
"Oh, this is perfect!" said Mana as she helped Yugi dress up into his suit. It was a white suit and Tea had put him in a vest that matched his amethyst colored eyes with matching tie.
"Oh, you look so stunning Yugi, I'll be surprised if Yami doesn't drool at the sight of you." Smiled Tea.
"Now, how about a little bit of blush and-"
"No! I'm good, I think I'm all set." Said Yugi as he made his way out his bedroom door and down the hall. He paused at the door and he fidgeted with his hair a bit. 'But what if Yami doesn't like me… what will happen to me then?' He was about to push the door open when it opened for him. He stepped out and saw a suit of armor bowed to him and he bowed back slightly before making his way to the railing of the stair case.
Yugi flushed when Yami's red eyes met his own gaze and he smiled to him. Yugi took a quick breath before he descended the stairs to meet with Yami. At the last step, he walked up to Yami who still looked like a deer in the head light. "Uh, Yami. I think you got a little something there, coming down your face." Said Yugi.
Yami snapped out of it and quickly wiped his mouth, "Oh, Abiou! You look, absolutely amazing…"
Yugi flushed as he looked to the ground, "Thank you, Yami. You look wonderful tonight as well." He smiled to him.
"Y-Yugi… I have something; I want to give to you." Said Yami and he pulled out his puzzle from behind his back, holding it up in front of Yugi.
Yugi gasped and stared at it in shock, "Y-you want to give this, to me?" He asked. He couldn't help it as his eyes wandered to the golden treasure.
"Yes, I do." Said Yami as he lifted the necklace up and placed it around his neck, letting it rest softly against his chest.
Yugi touched it affectionately, "Oh Yami, it's so beautiful, but I can't take it, it's yours-"
"No, I'm giving it to you, Yugi. You are now the owner of the Millennium Puzzle." He said.
"Thank you." Yugi blushed again as he looked up to Yami and got lost in his eyes.
Tail as old as time…
A bell rang and Seto walked out of the dining room, "Pardon me for the interruption, but dinner, is served." He said as the doors to the dining room opened up down the stairs. Yami extended his arm to Yugi and he placed his own arm on top of his and they both descended the stair case.
True as it can be…
Barely even friends,
Then somebody bends,
Unexpectedly…
Yami escorted Yugi to his seat before taking his own. The table was set up with the finest silverware and china, candles sat in a chandler on the table and soon the food was served by Serenity with the help of Mahado and Mana. As they ate, music was played by another coat rack, one that went by the name of Noah, with a violin.
Yugi couldn't take it anymore, he hurried out of his seat and over to Yami, "Come on Yami, I want to dance." Said Yugi.
"You don't want to finish supper first?" He asked as he too stood from his chair.
"No, now please, will you dance with me?" He asked as his eyes shined bright under the candle light.
"All right then, to the ball room then." He said and escorted Yugi out of the dining room and across the hall to the ball room. Yugi gasped stunned by the beauty of the room as Yami led him inside. It was made out of the best marble around, and the floor glistened under the many candles that lit the room. A grand piano sat to the side of the room, and both Jou and Seto watched alongside Serenity and Mokuba as the two stepped into the room.
Yami led them to the center of the room and Yugi took hold of Yami's left hand with his right before he guided Yami's other hand to his waste before placing his own on his shoulder.
Just a little change,
Small to say the least,
Both a little scared,
Neither one prepared,
Beauty and the Beast…
Yami gulped nervously as Yugi started to lead the dance. After getting the steps into motion swiftly without falter, Yami stepped up with a tighter grip on Yugi and lead him around the room.
Ever just the same,
Ever as surprised,
Ever as before,
Ever just as sure,
As the sun will rise…
Yami lost himself as he danced around the room with Yugi. Yugi felt just the same as they danced to the music. As they danced, Seto, Jou and Serenity could vaguely see the form of their pharaoh as he was as a human, dancing with Yugi.
Tale as old as time,
Tune as old as song,
Bittersweet and strange,
Finding you can change,
Learning you were wrong…
Yugi sighed breathlessly as he leaned against Yami, closing his eyes and the small distance between them as they continued to dance. Yami tensed momentarily then relaxed as Yugi's small body rested against him. He couldn't help but pull the boy closer to him before Yugi pulled back and allowed Yami to spin him out and twirling him back in to a tight embrace as they continued to dance.
Certain as the sun,
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time,
Song as old as rhyme,
Beauty and the Beast…
As they continued to dance, they didn't notice that it had gotten late. Jou commanded the candles to dim slowly so that they were just a small glimmer in the dimly lit room. The moon shined brightly through the glass windows into the ballroom as they danced in the moonlight, slowing down to a slow dance.
Tale as old as time…
Song as old as rhyme…
Beauty and… the Beast…
"Go along Mokuba, off to bed with you." Said Seto and he lightly pushed Mokuba to the edge of the cart.
"Okay, okay." He sighed and slid down the carts edge and he hopped out of the ballroom door, taking one last glance at Yami and Yugi as Yami escorted Yugi outside. Once outside, Yami escorted Yugi to the railing of the balcony they both sat down on it.
It was a bright, starry night, and once Yugi sat down, he put a hand on the puzzle Yami had given him as Yami edged closer to him, "So, did you enjoy tonight, Abiou?"
"Oh yes, I don't think I ever had the time of my life as I had tonight." He smiled as Yami took his hand into his claws.
"Do you wish to stay with me, forever?" He asked. Yugi's smile turned into a frown slightly as he looked away. "Is it something I said… asked?" Asked Yami after a pause.
"It's nothing you said Yami, really." Smiled Yugi. "I'd love to stay with you, you're the only person who understands me and doesn't see me as a prize… I just wish…" Yugi sighed.
"You wish for what, Yugi?" Asked Yami.
"I just wish I could see my grandpa again, for one last time." Said Yugi as he looked down to his lap. He could feel the tears as they slowly flowed down his cheek and onto the puzzle.
Yami cupped Yugi's cheek softly and turned his face upward. Yami looked into his eyes seeing the sadness in them that he had seen the first night he met Yugi. "There is a way, to see your grandpa one more time." Said Yami as he wiped away the tears.
"Really?" Asked Yugi as hope and life seemed to return to them once again as Yami stood and pulled Yugi after him to his bed room chamber. Yami walked Yugi over to the small table where he kept the enchanted rose and mirror.
Yami lifted the mirror from the table and held it out to Yugi, "This is an enchanted mirror. It will show you anything you ask of it." Yugi gently took the mirror and held it up to his face, looking to Yami, "Go on, ask the mirror Yugi."
Yugi looked to the mirror, "I'd like to see my grandpa, please." He said and the mirror glowed bright neon green as the magic flowed through the mirror and showed the image of his grandfather to him. "Oh no, this can't be." Cried Yugi.
End Chapter 14
From back stage, a scream was heard and soon the lights turned on ahead of time to see Joci and Kuro pull a partially fainted Crys with them to their spot.
Kuro: Well, I say that's brought up a lot of suspense for our viewers and readers.
Joci: I'm quite sorry everyone. I've talked it over with another author, Emerald Sakura 711, and even though she didn't actually 'read' the portion to say, she suggested I leave a cliffy this time, sorry.
Crys: I can't believe you would actually do that! *Crying from the floor*
Joci: I take her advice and she takes mine, most of the time…
Kuro: Well, let's not ponder on that.
Joci: Yes, lets continue, shall we?
Kuro: Yes. We'd like to thank you all for reading this newest installment of 'The Darkness and The Light'. We ask that you please review and leave your comments on this chapter.
Joci: *looks down to Crys who's crying in her sleeve* Well, cause Crys is emotionally distraut at the moment, I'll finish up then. Thank you all so much again for reading, I hope my cliffy as you at your full attention. I'll hope to hear from you all again by the next update.
Kuro: All right you, lets get you to bed. *Gently stands Crys up before picking her up in his arms as Joci bows to the crowd and waves them off as they leave the stage for another time to come.*