DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fanfiction produced for entertainment purposes only. Yu-Gi-Oh! and all related characters are the creations of Kazuki Takahashi. The song 'Wind Beneath My Wings' was written by Jeff Silbar & Larry Henley.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: During the song, "Words" are being sung and (Words) are being spoken mind-to-mind. Ryou and Yugi's musical talents are a gift from me for the duration of this story ;D
Chapter 4: Yugi's Performance
By Shadow's Mirror
The audience fell silent as a second boy stepped onto the stage and slowly crossed to the microphone. Everyone waited to hear the promised song, curious as to whether this small boy could sing as well as his friend. Most of the audience were also surprised at his appearance, and not quite sure what to make of it.
He was very small, little over four feet tall. His black hair stuck up in long spikes around his head, each spike tipped in dark red, and blonde lightning bolt bangs framed his face. His large eyes were a beautiful violet shade and gave him a look of innocence that was in startling contrast to his outfit.
He was wearing leather. Black leather. With silver buckles. A lot of silver buckles. His black leather top had a row of buckles down the front and was topped with a black leather buckled neck belt. His black leather pants were held up with not one, but three, buckled belts and were tucked neatly into black ankle boots with small buckles on the sides. If it hadn't been for his size and the innocence in his face, he would have looked dangerous. As it was, he looked seriously adorable. More than one female in the audience sighed at the sight of him.
As he crossed the stage, his walk was slightly hesitant. When he reached the microphone, he unclipped it from the stand and clutched it tightly in both hands. He was obviously nervous. But then he looked into the crowd, apparently at two empty seats in the front row, and he suddenly became calm. Looking up, he smiled a startlingly sweet smile and began to speak.
"Hi everyone! I'm Yugi Moto. As Ryou said earlier, tonight we're here to sing two songs. One from each of us. You've heard Ryou's, now you're about to hear mine. I hope you like it. It's called 'Wind Beneath My Wings'. Yami, this is my gift to you."
In the audience, Yami smiled slightly and leaned forward, his eyes locked on his light. Now he understood all of Yugi and Ryou's secrecy for the past few weeks and he felt as though a great weight had lifted off his heart. He'd been so worried that Yugi was in some kind of trouble, and all this time Yugi had merely been planning this wonderful surprise for him!
Although he was intent on his light, in a distant corner of his mind he noted that the tenseness he'd sensed radiating from Bakura all week had finally ceased. The other spirit might not have shown his concern about Ryou keeping secrets from him, but Yami had sensed it all the same. Now, both the spirits' minds were eased at last.
Bakura glanced at Yami and smirked as he recognised the look in the Pharaoh's eyes. At that moment, nothing existed for Yami except his light. The building could come tumbling down around his ears and, unless Yugi was hurt by it, he probably wouldn't notice a thing! Bakura was strongly tempted to test that idea. Fortunately for everyone, Ryou chose that moment to begin playing again. Within moments, Bakura's eyes were locked on his light, their expression the same as that in Yami's eyes. Though he'd be the last to admit it.
Ryou played the opening chords of the song and Yugi took a deep breath, suddenly nervous again. He remembered something Joey had told him a few days earlier. A trick to get rid of stage fright. Joey had said to look at the audience and imagine them in their underwear. Unfortunately, the only members of the audience that Yugi could make himself notice at that point were Yami and Bakura… A crimson stain coloured Yugi's cheeks and his hands tightened around the microphone as he made a mental note to never listen to Joey again. That hadn't really helped. He swallowed as he realised that Ryou was almost finished with the introduction. It was time. If he was going to do this, it had to be now! Closing his eyes, Yugi took a deep breath and raised the microphone, calling on all his courage to do what needed to be done.
The audience had just settled into their seats, enjoying the lovely music, when the voice of an angel rose over the notes. Stares and startled gasps were the reactions of most of the audience. Bakura even managed to tear his gaze away from Ryou long enough to blink in surprise at Yugi's sweet voice. Like Ryou, Yugi had never performed in public before, or in the hearing of either of the yamis.
Yami Yugi's eyes widened in shock as he heard his light sing for the first time. The boy's clear voice was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard. But Yugi had another surprise in store for his yami. The same surprise that Ryou had sprung on Bakura earlier. Yami gasped as the mind-link between himself and his light suddenly opened completely for the first time in weeks. A flood of emotion filled his mind and then Yugi's soft voice was speaking just to him, even as he sang to the entire auditorium.
(I don't tell you often enough how much your presence means to me.)
"To never have sunlight on your face."
(I love having you with me. Even if no one else knows you're there.)
"You've been content to let me shine."
(Without you, I'd never have had the courage to do half of what I've done.)
"You always walked a step behind."
(You're always there for me, whenever I need you.)
"I was the one with all the glory,"
(Everyone thinks I've done so much, that I have such skill,)
"While you were the one with all the strength."
(But really, it was you the whole time.)
"Only a face without a name."
(I wish I could tell the whole world about you,)
"I never once heard you complain."
(But I like having you as my secret. I think you like it too.)
"Did you ever know that you're my hero,"
(You mean so much to me.)
"And everything I would like to be?"
(Strength. Will. Courage. Heart. You have them all.)
"I could fly higher than an eagle,"
(But now I'm not afraid to be myself,)
"'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings."
(Because now that you're with me, my soul is complete.)
Yugi finally ran out of words, too overcome with emotion to keep the mental link so open without risking breaking down in front of the whole audience. He could feel Yami's emotions surging through the link as well and their minds brushed lightly in understanding and agreement before they both eased the link back to a more comfortable level. Although the link was now little more than a light whisper at the back of their minds, Yugi continued to sing. His emotions filled his pure young voice with a powerful intensity that had the audience sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation until the song ended with a light ripple of notes, courtesy of Ryou.
As the last notes hovered in the air, Yugi took a shuddering breath, fearful for a moment that he was about to faint. He hadn't expected the experience to be so draining, both physically and emotionally. He opened his eyes and was momentarily blinded by the glare of the lights. A loud roaring sound filled his ears and he wavered slightly on his feet. Then an arm slipped around his waist, a slightly built form pressed against his side and Ryou's voice whispered in his ear. "It's all right, Yugi. It's almost over. Now smile and wave, they're giving you a standing ovation."
Yugi blinked and, as his eyes adjusted to the light, he realised Ryou was right. The roaring sound was actually the thunder of applause as the audience showed their appreciation for his performance. Suddenly very embarrassed, Yugi somehow managed to smile and wave, although he could feel heat flooding his face and knew that he was blushing furiously. Still feeling more than a little faint, he was very glad to have Ryou by his side. Especially when he looked down at the front row, right into two proud crimson eyes, and knew that it had all been worth it.
Glancing at Ryou, Yugi smiled. "We did it!" His voice was a little husky from the singing.
Ryou smiled back. "Yes, we certainly did." He glanced down to the front row and then looked back at Yugi. "I think they enjoyed it."
Yugi nearly laughed. Ryou's calm comment somehow put everything in perspective. He nodded. "Yes, I think they did too."
