T.O.R.N.: There's Only Right Now

Chapter 19 J StaRR

J.StaRR could hear and feel the music coming from the ballroom at the Filmore from backstage. Her opening act, Sylvan Esso, was the perfect set up for her performance and their fans. However, she and the members of The Misfitz couldn't give anything much attention, considering what they had seen Asante do less than twenty-four hours ago. Normally, they were focused on their set and the intention they wanted to bring forth during the show for their fans. Usually, J.StaRR would focus their energy, by opening in prayer, then they would collectively meditate on their intention. Today their excitement couldn't be contained.

"We will literally be unstoppable with what she's capable of," Mystro said nearly skipping from one side of the dressing room to the other.

"And when she opened her arms as if to say bring it, to the incoming missile, I thought for sure, she's lost it and it was all over," Kaz added.

"Not me," Chase Money continued, "I knew she had to be The Aurora. She's Aissa's older sister and look how dope she is."

J.StaRR was just as enthused as her band members, but ever since they touched down in San Francisco she's had the feeling they were being followed. Her stomach had been in knots from her first step into the venue. She kept her eyes out for anything outside of the norm. They had played the Filmore at least a half-dozen times. So she was very familiar with the procedure, sound check, and layout of the place. Nothing had caught her attention, but something was wrong, she could feel it. It was about twenty-five minutes until their set, so she'd better focus The Misfitz or there would be no show.

"So what do we want to put forth tonight in lieu of out newfound inspiration? Power, faith, truth? What do you guys think, and fast, we've been caught up and the show is about to start."

"What about hope?" Kaz asked enthusiastically.

They all looked at each other in agreement, nodding in affirmation. They closed their eyes and began to meditate on hope; for the show, for the fans, and for the world. There was a reason to celebrate tonight and they were set on jamming as hard as they could to commemorate the new hope planted in their hearts.

* * *

Sitting across the table from her father at The Blue Moon Diner felt surreal. Michael wanted some one-on-one time with Asante before they joined the others. However, the last twenty minutes were filled with very few actual words. Michael was mostly quiet as he stared into her soul.

Finally, she asked, "What do you see?"

He smiled deeply, looked down into his lap for a moment, then as if speaking to her heart said, "I see the hope of Stella, not just as it relates to humanity, but as a beautiful, accomplished woman, capable of our greatest gift, love. It runs through you fervently, it's why you are The Aurora. No matter what the answer to a problem seems to be, remember that love is the greatest power that The Now offers."

"I wish it were that simple to me. People are dying literally and figuratively every day, and I'm not clear on how something as esoteric as love is going to save them from the very real tangible threat of The Sephiren on their lives?" Asante was almost hyperventilating at the thought of it.

"You will," Michael responded simply.

Almost as if on cue Aissa, Obadias, Chelo, Marie, and Nyrraw walked into the diner.

When Michael looked up, he was stuck, after a few moments of watching the group approach the table, he uttered "Stella," as he took in Aissa's countenance.

Aissa, not expecting to feel such a rush of emotion was overwhelmed at the sight of her father. He rose and caught her in his arms, just as her legs gave out under the weight of the moment. She collapsed into the love of her father's embrace. After a few moments of burying her head in his chest, she lifted her eyes to meet his gaze.