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

Chapter 24 Escape

"We warned you that they were terrorists, we demonstrated proof of their abilities, yet you called for their release as if we're not here to protect the best interest of this great nation and the global community. And in striving to be transparent and for the people, against our better judgment, we released the four forty-four to demonstrate a spirit of cooperation and understanding. However, within moments of their release, The Wave launched the single greatest attack on American soil this nation has ever seen. From Maine to North Carolina the Eastern Seaboard was completely decimated by the earthquake and tsunami they caused. Only sparing New York to save their own wretched souls. A natural disaster orchestrated by their manipulation? What reign of terror will be next? Millions of Americans lost not only their lives last night, but those that survived, their security in the American Dream. How can we afford to lose anymore? Make no mistake this was an act of war. We must respond in kind now! I'm asking for a special session of Congress to be called in order to enact a Declaration of War against this group and those that support them. We must stand together on this issue, this isn't a partisan problem, but a national and global one. Again, The Wave is the threat that must be stopped by any means necessary. Be vigilant America, our way of life depends on it. God bless you and God bless the United States of America." Douglas looked directly into the camera for several moments before leaving the podium.

As he left the press room, the first set of eyes that met him were of Emily Farraday.

"You know there is no precedence for this?" Douglas glared at her.

"Have you forgotten about the Civil War?" Emily said with a smirk that she couldn't help.

"I doubt the American people and the rest of the world will see it that way after the stunt the Argueta girl pulled." Douglas shot back.

"You overestimate their attention. The only thing they will remember is what fits most easily into the paradigm The Sephiren has established. We determine the truth, and we will annihilate any doubt that The Wave has sprouted," Emily responded confidently.

"You may have convinced The Counsel to vote yes on the earthquake I caused this time, but this is not the way of The Sephiren. We've always been able to have a firm hand in the fate of humanity by disabling it of its greatest asset; the highest self. But your game with your family has made that asset accessible. You are pushing mankind to make a choice, one in which its never even been aware of; bound by the security of what he's known or freedom in the abyss of the unknown. For your sake, I hope they choose wisely." Douglas spat as he turned abruptly and walked away from Farraday. His threat sinking into the pit of her stomach.

* * *

The light that tore through the fabric of deception over mankind had gone out. And a gaping black hole was left in its stead. The newfound hope for the possibility of what could be was a distant memory in the wake of the destruction the earthquake and tsunami caused. The world needed healing but so did Asante. She hadn't opened her eyes since she collapsed three days earlier and her life seemed to be slipping away from her as her pulse had become fainter over the last twelve hours. All the surviving members of The Wave had made it to Manhattan and had set up a make-shift headquarters in one of the last buildings that remained standing, The New York City Public Library.

Aissa, Michael, Nyrraw, Chelo, Obadias, Marie, J.StaRR, Brad, and Massah had encircled her nearly lifeless body when they arrived and did everything within their power to bring her back. From prayer and meditation to creating a bridge for her consciousness to travel back from the formless to form. But they couldn't reach her. Their hope began to fade into their broken hearts by the early morning of the fourth day. The legislation for the Declaration of War against them passed unanimously the night before. The Sephiren would soon come for them. They were out of time.