Author's Notes: The inspiration for this chapter was taken from one of Eyeshine's songs. I also made a small unintentional nod to Power Ranger In Space in this chapter.
21st Century
"Guys…this is it!" Crystal said leaning against the drums.
"Yeah I can't believe today has finally arrived," said Maurice.
"It's certainly been a long journey," Polo said stepping over to his band mates.
"Right," Crystal replied.
"Hey Adam how about you?" she said cupping her hands on his shoulders.
He sucked in a deep breath. "I think I'm ready."
"You think you're ready huh?" she said with sly smile
He nodded. "Yeah," he said peering out into the vastly empty amphitheater.
Adam took a seat at the foot of the stage looking out into the audience. In less than two hours these seats be filled with several of their adoring fans.
Was he truly ready for this?
This was their biggest venue not to mention their biggest audience yet to date.
Isn't this what all bands strive for, the chance to spread out their talents to a wider audience?
Their band was given with opportunity so there was no way he was going to let down his band or their fans so no matter what he had to give it his all.
A loud strike echoed behind him.
"Hey Adam let's get started on rehearsal," Maurice said striking one of his drums.
"Alright," he said picking up his guitar.
"Hey you ok?" Polo asked.
He nodded.
"Don't let the nerves get to you, everything will alright," Crystal said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"C'mon guys!" Polo cried striking a sharp cord on his guitar.
Adam chuckled clearly they were ready to get this rehearsal started. He stepped up to his microphone, adjusting it.
"Alright guys…1…2…3…" he cried…
"Guys that was a great rehearsal," Crystal said setting aside her guitar.
Adam nodded in agreement.
"You guys ready for the show?"
"Definitely!" Maurice called.
"We're going to start letting the audience in another thirty minutes, if that's cool?" the stage manager asked.
Adam turned glancing at his band mates. "Yeah that's cool with us."
"Awesome, well…I'll get some of my crew to help you guys finish setting up."
"Thanks Mike, we appreciate it," he said slapping hands with him.
"No, problem man, if you guys need anything don't hesitate to ask," Mike said turning away making his way back out into the venue.
"Hey we're here to help you guys' set-up," a short burly, dark-haired man said.
"Cool, if you guys could just help with setting up the stage that would great," Adam said.
"No problem," the burly man called.
He and the others trekked upstairs to the stage.
"Finally we're here," Aisha said stepping out of the passenger's side pulling her jacket over her body.
"Just in time," Tanya said glancing around the parking lot.
The vast parking lot filled in each visible direction around them.
"Hey have you heard "Afterglow" yet?"
"Yeah that album is my jam!" She heard some passers say.
She scanned the area and was really quite surprised to see all the fans and many of them sporting "Eyeshine" t-shirts they were wearing.
"Tanya let's go," Rocky said gesturing for her.
Although she couldn't see the stage while making their way over to entrance she saw a tall grassy hill filled concert goers eagerly chatting about. They came to some tall steely gates and some gate attendants that were separating them from going inside the theater.
"Here you guys go," Rocky said pulling something from his back pocket.
Tanya peered at him in curiosity as he placed a black lanyard around Aisha's neck.
"Thanks."
"Here you go Tanya."
"What's this?"
"Adam hooked us with V.I.P passes."
She picked up the laminated card attached to the black lanyard read "V.I.P. access for 'Eyeshine" concert. Tanya was quite speechless at Adam's thoughtful gesture, she was especially taken back that he had one for her as well.
"That Adam is something else," she said looking over the pass.
"You guys ready to rock out?" Rocky said peering over at both of them.
"Heck yeah!" Aisha called.
"Yeah me too!"
"Let's go!" he said.
Throngs of early to mid-twenty something's were milling about throughout the venue. Many of whom were singing tunes of what she presumed were their favorite songs. Tanya smiled; she knew all too well how great it felt seeing others mimicking and enjoying something so near and dear to your heart and the chilly air filled with the scents of freshly pop corned and ripe smells of hot dogs, sweet scents of freshly churned cotton candy.
"You guys want to head inside?" Aisha asked peering over to her and Rocky.
"Yeah, why not," she said.
They began their decent towards the stage below. The cheering and chatting, singing grew louder and crisper as they got closer to stage.
"Tickets please?" asked a young freckled-face teenaged girl.
Rocky held up his V.I.P. pass. "They have one as well."
"Awesome, you guys can head over towards the blocked off area in the middle, that's where the V.I.P.S. are."
"Thanks," Rocky said.
"No problem…enjoy the show!"
They stepped through the thick crowd of chattering people making their way over towards the center of the theater. There weren't too many people in the center of the theater so they comfortably glided inside their section.
"Hey V.I.P.S," called a tall blonde-haired man with a stark voice. "Just letting you know that in less than ten minutes we are going to open this area up to the other concert goers."
"You guys ready?!" called a voice behind the shrouded curtains.
Tanya immediately turned her attention to the dark stage. Four silhouetted figures stood still behind dark thin stage curtains.
"YEAH!" echoing all around her from the eager audience.
"They're ready!" called a female voice.
Suddenly the thin curtains dropped to the ground. A thunderous roar of yells, screaming and singing erupted all around her and suddenly a halo of bright lights glowing on each member of the band. With beats of drums, bass, and guitar riffs filling the theater.
A slender muscular figure with dark spiky hair stepped to the front center of the stage spewing out various riffs on his guitar.
Tanya felt a pang of butterflies hit her stomach the moment she realized it was him. There was Adam was a couple of feet before her, looking dashingly handsome and charming as ever, with his dark spiky hair, fitted blue jeans and black "Eyeshine" t-shirt.
"Alright everyone," Adam said setting his guitar aside peering out into the crowd of eager concert goers.
"How are you guys doing this evening?"
"GOOD!"
"That's good to hear, well we all here are very happy that you guys could come tonight for our first-ever showcase."
A roar of applause echoed throughout the theater.
"Let's get this show started! We're going to start this off by playing some tunes from our latest album "Sansvox"," he said picking up the guitar, counting down 3, 2, and 1 strumming a high tune on the guitar...
2 ½ hours and twenty songs later
"Guys this is it, last song for the night," Adam called out to the audience.
"Awwwwwwww!" roared throughout the audience.
"This last song is dedicated to all of you out there who are lost and going through tough times, we hope our song will inspire you to never give up hope no matter how difficult the trials and tribulations you face are."
Adam briefly glanced at Maurice sitting at the drums and started strumming a riff and singing into his microphone filling the theater.
"You don't know, but you feel you lack, you go on
And you feel this fact, you lose hope
But you've been through this, you guess this
Is just another lapse, you don't know
But you feel you lack, you go on
And you feel this fact, you lose hope
But you've been through this, you guess this
Is just another lapseOhh... Ohh..."
"You move on
And you don't look back, it's not right
Someone's fortune's slack, you feel broke
Like shattered glass, but don't ask
'Cause it might not last
21st century overload
Go and seek comfort, but don't you know
You'll be alright if you would wait through the night
21st century overload
Go and seek comfort, but don't you know
You'll be alright if you would break through, breakthrough
I know you feel like just giving it up this time
I know you feel like just giving it up this time
Honey, don't give up; honey, don't give up; honey, don't give up
Let it out tonight
It's gonna be alright if you fight (Fight)
Let it out tonight
It's gonna be alright if you fight
21st century overload
Go and seek comfort, but don't you know
You'll be alright if you would wait through the night
21st century overload
Go and seek comfort, but don't you know
You'll be alright if you would break through, break through
21st century overload, don't you know
21st century overload
21st century overload, don't you know
21st century overload
You don't have to go, baby, don't
You don't have to go in overload
You don't have to go, baby, don't
Don't have to, you don't have to move on
And you don't look back, it's not right
Someone's fortune's slack, you feel broke
Like shattered glass, but don't ask
'Cause it might not last..." Adam sung the concluding last note and swinging his guitar from side to side.
He was smiling as he was peering into the cheering audience before him.
Tanya couldn't believe her ears as she glanced around the amphitheater watching the cheering audience.
The thunderous roar of applaud erupted all around her.
"Encore…Encore…Encore!" some people around here shouted.
"Encore…Encore!" more and more people yelled.
She turned seeing that Aisha and Rocky were shouting it too. Tanya joined in the vigorous chanting.
"Guys, that's it for tonight, we will be signing autographs back at the valley entrance, see you there!" he said as the dark stage curtain dropping behind them.
The audience began dispersing in all directions, chattering, and singing with many of them lining up against the concrete wall near the entrance to the theater-stage.
"Great show!" Mike said.
"Thanks," Adam said locking his guitar inside its case.
"You guys totally rocked!"
"Rocky!" Adam said stepping over to his friend.
"It was totally awesome," Aisha said.
"Wow, thanks guys so happy that you guys we're able to make it," Adam said embracing both of his best friends.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world," Aisha said smiling.
"Thanks for coming out to our show," Maurice said.
"Thanks for the support guys, nice shirts by the way!" Crystal said.
"Thanks so much," Polo added as he placed his guitar back in its case.
"No, problem you guys are amazingly awesome!" Aisha said embracing Crystal.
"Just a way to show our support," Rocky said pointing at his shirt. "By the way man thanks for the passes."
"It's all good," Adam said.
"Hey everyone."
"Tanya!"
"In the flesh," she said meekly stepping behind the curtains.
"Wow, so good to see you!" he said embracing tightly in his arms.
"Good seeing you too," she replied wrapping her arms around him.
"You look good girl," He said pulling away from her taking in her alluring appearance. She was looking really stunning with her fitted jeans that were hugging her curves, her long dark hair encircling her lovely face.
"You aren't looking to bad yourself," she said chuckled brushing her hand over his spiky hair.
Adam chuckled clutching his grip around her waist.
"Hey Adam you mind introducing us," Crystal said with laughter.
"Oh right," he said turning them.
"Tanya this is Crystal, our bass player," he said gesturing to her.
"Polo our lead guitar player."
"Over in this corner is Maurice drummer extraordinaire."
"Crystal, Maurice, Polo…Tanya," he said handing out greetings.
"Nice to meet you all," Tanya said shaking all their hands.
"Guys, I'm going to start loading the equipment up so we can get to the autograph session," Maurice said taking apart his drums.
"Do you guys need any help?" Rocky asked.
Crystal and Polo followed taking their instruments and placing inside their cases.
He saw Aisha glance back him and Tanya and guessing she must have sense something she offered her help to them as well.
"Hey, aren't you going to help them?" Tanya asked chuckling.
"Oh yeah," he said nodding peering at her.
He pulled her closer to him her scent filling his senses. Adam didn't want to let her go; he was indulging too much in her presence.
"Adam, I think we really should help them."
"Hey Adam? How you about guys go and set-up the table," Maurice said holding up a small black attaché'
"Okay…are you sure?" he asked peering at his friend.
"Yeah, the sooner we get it set-up the sooner we can start right?" he said with a wink.
Adam nodded. "Cool," he said going back over to the others.
"Well, would you mind helping me with this?" he asking holding up the attaché'.
"Not all," she said with a bright smile...
"So did you enjoy our show?"
Tanya nodded. "I did."
He smiled.
"Adam I had no idea you-"
"Sing!"
"Well…yeah," she laughed.
"It's alright…you wouldn't be the first to have told me so."
"I'm just used to seeing you doing martial arts, so seeing you up there singing and playing like that…it was amazing to watch. I enjoyed every minute of you guys' show."
Adam smiled as he slid some of their albums across the white table.
"Guess you're not the only singer of the group huh?"
Tanya laughed. "No, guess not."
"I think that's everything," he said taking a step back from the table.
The set-up was finish, they had placed an array of their concert-material, albums, and t-shirts, and other Eyeshine memorabilia across the table.
"Adam great performance!" shouted someone.
"I love you!" shouted another waving an album in the air.
"You're so awesome!" yelled another.
He turned waving at patrons lined against the wall.
"Thanks guys for the love and support!"
Tanya chuckled. "Looks like you guys have some pretty awesome fans."
Adam agreed their band did have some of the most amazing and dedicated fans and he really enjoyed interacting with them so he was totally psyched being able to hold this autograph session for them. Applaud erupted, it was Crystal and Maurice and Polo making their way over to him and Tanya followed by Rocky and Aisha.
The other three waved at the eager patrons, who were clapping, shouting, chattering at them.
"I don't think we should make them wait any longer," Crystal said laughing.
"Yeah, definitely," Maurice said making his way over to the table.
"I think we're going to get this thing started. Catch up you in a bit," he whispered in her ear.
"Okay," Tanya said stepping aside.
"Alright guys, I think they are ready to start. We'll be sending three of you at a time, so please start lining up here," Mike the stage manager said directing the waiting crowd over to the black rope-chained stanchion...
"Guys that was a kick-ass show!" Crystal said.
"Definitely!" Maurice added high-fiving her.
"I think the turnout was better than we expected," Polo said.
"Yeah, more people than I had anticipated," Adam added.
"Man, I don't know about you guys but I'm beat," Crystal said yawning.
"You tired already," Adam said laughing.
"Hell yeah. We've been practicing every day for a month straight damn I can only do some much," she continued.
"Right," Polo quipped.
"Yeah, I think we're going to call it a night too. Got some production things to work," said Aisha.
"I got a class to teach tomorrow morning."
"I think we're going to head out," Maurice said.
Adam peered over at Tanya.
"Did you all ride together?" she asked.
Adam shook his head. "They did, but I drove."
"I'm not too sure what you have to do…but if you like how about we go grab a coffee or something?"
"Yeah, that would be great!"
"Hey guys I'll check you later," Adam said hugging his band mates.
"Definitely, we'll catch up soon. Nice meeting you Tanya," Crystal said throwing up hand as she strode over to their vehicle.
"Have a good night everyone," Polo said catching up to Crystal.
"Alright, man. You know you going have to tell me what's the deal with you and Tanya," Maurice said.
Adam chuckled. "For sure man," he said slapping his hand.
"Nice meeting you Tanya," he called throwing up a hand at her.
"Nice meeting you all. Have a good night," Tanya called.
"Aisha, Rocky…once again thanks so much for coming out to our show, you don't know how much that meant," Adam said making his way over to them.
"No problem, man it was an awesome show, we totally enjoyed it," Rocky said joyfully.
"Adam it was totally worth it, you guys totally rocked."
"Thanks guys!"
"We're going hit the road, have a good night guys," Aisha said throwing her hands up.
"Have a good night, thanks so much for everything today," Tanya said embracing the two of them.
"Anytime," Rocky said embracing Tanya.
"Good night," Aisha said winking.
"Later," Rocky called smiling.
Adam stood by Tanya side watching their friends till they disappeared around the bend of the empty parking lot…
Adam leaned back against the wooden bench pulling his jacket closer to his body. The crisp night air was breezing about bringing a slight chill with it.
"It's such a beautiful night," Tanya said.
He nodded glancing up into the night skies.
The midnight skies were dotted with several stars; many were gleaming brightly against the skies. Silence surrounded them expect for the occasional passing cars. He and Tanya decided to skip the coffee and instead hang out at the small park for a while outside her and Katherine's three story stone-walled apartment complex.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, she smiled leaning in closer to him.
"I'm so glad that you were able to come out to the concert."
"Of course I wasn't going to pass up a chance to see you."
He smiled moving closer to her.
"How does it feel being back in Angel Grove?"
"Well, I've only been back for less than a week but so far it's been really good."
"I got the chance to see my parents and some other relatives, and catch up with some all you guys, so it's been a great week."
"Aren't you going to work with Aisha?"
Tanya nodded. "I start this Monday."
"That's awesome!"
"I know right, I'm absolutely excited about working with Aisha!"
"I'm excited that you're back in town," Adam said turning towards her.
She turned her body completely towards him peering intensely at him.
"It's great being back," Tanya whispered stoking her hand against his face.
This sent chills down Adam's core he reached over embracing her hand in his own taking in all her warmth. She peered at him with worrisome glare, as if there something heavy on her mind.
"Something on your mind?"
She nodded.
"What is it?"
"Since when were you in a band? What happened to you teaching martial arts?"
Adam chuckled. "I've been playing for a few years now; I stopped teaching martial arts a couple of years ago to help my parents run their business. My mom bought me a guitar and I self-taught myself how to play and I started penning some lyrics and one day I thought hey why not start a band so I got together with my buddy Maurice and we auditioned for other members and found Polo and Crystal and that's the gist of how everything came together."
"Wow, that must've hard for you to stop teaching martial arts?"
"Yeah, it was Rocky didn't take it too well especially since we started the Flying Star Academy together but I had to help out my parents they wanted me to help them run their office in L.A. full-time and I just didn't have the time to run back and forth between L.A. and Angel Grove so something had to give unfortunately martial arts had too."
"I'm sorry to hear that…I know how much you enjoyed martial arts but you seem to have found another passion in music."
"It's all good…it's been great being able to share this side of myself with the world. Not saying you can't do that with martial arts but doing music has allowed me to connect with others in a more intimate way."
She nodded. "I totally understand what you mean. Music is such a great way to connect with others…it's such an indescribable feelings when someone comes up to you telling you how much your song, music has touched them or made them feel or how it has helped through something they were going through."
"Yeah, that is a really great feeling," he said wrapping his arms around her.
Tanya sucked in a deep breath. "I missed you so much," she said in a small voice.
Adam moved in closer to Tanya and whispering that he had missed her too. She seemed just as taken back as he was about his confession. He moved in slowly pressing his lips against hers. They breathlessly pulled apart from one another. Adam couldn't believe that even after all these years how much their kisses took his breath away. He wanted more, now that he had gotten a taste of her once again even after all these long years. But, he stopped himself knowing that once he got started he wouldn't be able to stop himself. As he was pondering these thoughts he felt her leaning her head against his shoulders, he smiled leaning against hers...
"You have any plans tomorrow?"
"No," Tanya answered shaking her head.
"Would you like to hang out then?"
"Sure I would like that."
"Awesome, I can get your around noon if that's cool?"
"Okay," she replied with a smile.
He pulled her in embracing her tightly within his arms. There stood there for several moments wrapped in each other's' embrace. She pulled away from him saying good night. He stood there watching her disappear behind apartment #335.
Adam sighed as he started making his way back to the parking lot hopping in his car.