And the kick-off of the fundraiser begins!


Chapter 51: The Opening Number

As the entire audience settles into their seats, they were completely looking forward of what's to come for the evening and hope that they'll leave with an exhilirating feeling and not long afterwards, the lights started dimming slowly as the show begins with Eddie playing some background music all over and soon, in comes Buster Moon rising from the middle of the stage in a stage elevator, causing the entire crowd to cheer in eruption with mic in hand and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are welcoming you tonight to our first ever fundraiser here at the Moon Theater to raise money for the families of the victims that have lost their loved ones, the ones closest and dearest to them to a senseless act of tragic violence. We've got a heck of a show tonight from everyone here at the theater and some new additions as well! I hope you're all ready to make a difference tonight and for everyone watching at home, please donate whatever you have to the fundraiser. We'd really appreciate it!"

As Buster began his monologue, Johnny was more than ready to take the stage, cracking his knuckles and ready to let his fingers do the playing as took a few deep breaths to bring in his first song of the fundraiser and said to himself, "All right, Johnny...just be ready for your moment."

"...for our first act of the night, taking on a whole new meaning of showing solidarity! Please welcome to the stage...Johnny!" Buster exclaimed.

As soon as Johnny's name was called, he went to the stage with Eddie bringing out the piano to the center of the stage and afterwards, Johnny sat down on the stool as Eddie ran back to the other side of the stage to prep up the sounds for additional music to play as the rest of the acts began their song selections. Johnny then strikes one piano key deeper and then begins playing his selection with a soft piano intro as he began singing.

Just stop your crying, it'll be all right

Just take my hand, hold it tight

I will protect you from all around you

I will be here, don't you cry

For one so small, you seem so strong

My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm

This bond between us can't be broken

I will be here, don't you cry

Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, now and forevermore

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

Cause you'll be in my heart

Always...

After striking a few soft piano keys, it then elevates itself into an up-tempo piano ballad as Eddie pulls in some strings and drum beats while Johnny's playing the piano more as the entire audience is getting into it and keeps going.

Why can't they understand how we feel

they just can't trust what they can't explain

I know we're different, but deep inside us

We're not that different at all

So...you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, now and forevermore

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You will be here in my heart

Always...

You'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, now and forevermore...

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You will be here in my heart

Always...

Every single one of the audience definitely felt the emotions that came out of this song as the projector shows a collage of pictures of the young girls that were attacked and killed in a brutal way, including their families that were affected by this tragedy, but they felt a sense of unity when they stood together as Johnny kept singing the final parts of the song.

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

He then slows down on the piano and ends it on a tender crescendo, leaving one piano key tone sustained and the blue spotlight silently dimmed, leaving a somber silhouette of Johnny on the center and everyone in the audience just stood up cheering and applauding as the lights were brought back on as he stood up. Buster comes back in and exclaims, "Johnny, ladies and gentlemen!"

Johnny took several bows as he walked backstage and Rosita was the first one to say, "That was amazing, Johnny!"

"Ja, that was like totally wunderbar!" Gunter agreed, laughing.

Johnny chuckles softly and said, "Thanks, Rosita. Thanks, Gunter."

"Bro, you slayed it! More than slayed it, you demolished it! In a good way, of course." Morrison exclaimed.

Johnny chuckled and answered, "Thanks, Morrison. That song is very important to me."

"For real?" asked Ash.

"Very much so." Johnny answered.

"Next up on the stage, he's one of the new acts in our theater. One little fact is that no one has ever heard him sing before, except when there's no one around. Well tonight, all of that's gonna change! Please give a warm round of applause for...Brutus!" Buster exclaimed.

The minute Brutus heard his name call out, he could tell that this was it. Definitely no turning back. He took a deep breath and with a little persuasion and encouragement from everyone, he mustered up the courage to just walk to the stage and perform his heart out. Eddie began playing the instrumental version of Brutus' song selection that he rehearsed and he just lets it all go as he sings.

Everyone in the audience became captivated by his voice and even Mike couldn't believe what he was hearing...like nothing he's ever heard before. The fact that this came out of a young kid surprised him even more and all he could do is just listen to the whole thing and be totally immersed with the performance. Several verses in and after laying his heart on his sleeve with his vocals, he just blew everyone away with his song and ending it with a vocalizing part, which became the cherry on top.

The audience adored every bit of it and just couldn't believe that all of this came out of one shy albino tiger and for a while, Brutus felt like he was comfortable in his element and just bowed to everyone who was watching and Buster came out and said, "I think we're on the cusp of a beautiful talent...and he's 16!"

"16?!" Mike exclaimed.

"We're both the same age." Morrison stated.

"Impressive, I'll give him that." Mike responded.


Awesome performance from Johnny! BTW, this is You'll Be in My Heart from Phil Collins Stay tuned for more!