"So the next song we're going to perform means a lot to me," Thunderstorm announced, his baritone voice echoing through the stadium, quieting the cheers of the crowd.

"I know I've said this a lot of times before, but I'm gonna say it again. I may be the current lead singer of the band, but I will never replace him. I will never replace Blaze."

"Blaze," Thunderstorm repeated. "Remember the name. He was the one who made this band a reality for all of us. Unfortunately, he died a few years ago due to... circumstances."

"This song reminds me of him," Thunderstorm said as the introductory melody started playing in the background. "I was just a fan like you, before they discovered me. I could never be more grateful, but I am just a legacy."

"A legacy to the leader of the band."

An only child alone and wild, a cabinet maker's son

His hands were meant for different work

And his heart was known to none

He left his home and went his lone and solitary way

And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay

As Thunderstorm sang, his mind flashed back to the times when he was still a fan of SixE. He attended every one of their concert, getting the VIP tickets whenever possible.

His favorite member was of course, Blaze. He was, back then, the lead singer of SixE. Thunderstorm idolized every part of him, going as far as initiating Blaze's clothing style to his.

A quiet man of music denied a simpler fate

He tried to be a soldier once, but his music wouldn't wait

He earned his love through discipline, a thundering velvet hand

His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand

He loved the way Blaze's voice cuts through his very soul, the words digging deep inside his head. He memorized every sound, every beat, and every movement.

It became his life.

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old

But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man

I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band

That's why he was devastated when Blaze died. Committed suicide, according to the news. They said he jumped off the golden gate bridge and died. His body was never found.

He thought his life was over. The leader of the band that helped him get through the darkest parts of his life was gone. Dead. Never to come back.

My brother's lives were different for they heard another call

One went to Chicago and the other to St Paul

And I'm in Colorado when I'm not in some hotel

Living out this life I've chose and come to know so well

When the band came back together and was asking for a new lead singer two years after Blaze's death, he was of mixed emotions. On one hand, he was happy that they're moving on from a devastating loss, but on the other, he felt like they were replacing him.

But when Quake (the lead guitarist) came to ask him if he was willing, he immediately said yes. Not for the purpose of being in the place of his idol. Nor for the purpose of ever replacing him.

No, he joined because he wanted everyone to know who Blaze was and continue his legacy of inspiring people.

He wanted to share what the leader of the band had done to him.

I thank you for the music and your stories of the road

I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go

I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough

And papa, I don't think I said I love you near enough

Thunderstorm was very thankful of Blaze. From the way he soothed him with his songs to the opportunity to sing in front of the public, he was thankful of it all.

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old

But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man

I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band

But he was just that: a legacy.

I am a living legacy to the leader of the band

As the crowd cheered to Thunderstorm's song, somewhere within the stage, Aidan faltered in his strumming. However, before anyone could notice it, he forced himself to continue playing as Thunderstorm's words echoed in his head.

He didn't know he had left such an impact to the people. He was so focused in his own suffering that he didn't notice how his supposed death would affect people.

Blaze (as Aidan) sneaked a look at Cyclone, who was singing along with Thunderstorm. He had heard stories on what happened after his "death", but seeing them with his own eyes made him feel hurt and guilty.

He badly wanted to reveal himself to them, but they all look so happy and content that he hesitated. They were doing so well and he didn't want to destroy everything.

Soon, he told himself. He will reveal himself soon. They deserve to know.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Song: Leader of the Band by Dan 

Uhh, something happened nearly a month ago and it reminded me of my Band AU where Blaze did the same thing to his bandmates.

If you're confused, Blaze faked his own death and went back to the band as Aidan when he got himself together.

Cyclone was the rapper of the band, Ice was on the turntable (that's why he didn't have an appearance), Gem was the lead guitarist, Thorn was the drummer, Solar was the bassist, and Thunderstorm obviously is the lead singer. Aidan is a rhythm guitarist.

I ain't making a book about this AU, but I adored the idea so much that I've written so much details about it.

Hope you like the story (and the plot twist as well uwu).

Lovelots,

Glace, the Queen of Angst