Realism Fan Fiction / Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Dirge of Crisis ❯ Poison Sleeping in Your Veins ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

“But seriously,” he continued, “What are we going to do about Dallas? No offense, Emma, but we can’t let you out of our sights. Do you want us to come with you? It’s your call.” “Of course! I want you both to come with me. You are my bodyguards, right?” Emma exclaimed. She then gave Madison a glint of tranquil compassion that had pooled as an oasis in those emerald eyes; unexpectedly, her hand had found its way into his. Likewise, he mirrored the notion and grasped Emma’s hand tightly, “Come on, Jessie, let’s go.” Jessie became astonished by what he had just witnessed between the two, his eyes widened from the shock and his curiosity seeped through, “Uh…. Guys? What’s going on here? H-Hey, wait!”

Chapter 2: Poison Sleeping in Your Veins
Meanwhile, in Dallas’ office….
“What should I do, Leigh? My poll numbers are plummeting exponentially and my recent approval ratings mirror the lost faith of the people. I know this to be a serious issue that I shall face in the future, and I will defend my fresh batch of principles in the State of the State Address tonight. But, will they accept my enforcement? Never again shall Texas suffer in the hands of my err…. God willing I can uphold my promises.” Dallas said, trembling from the paranoia he himself orchestrated, it was a fear brought on upon the soon night’s proceedings that he dreaded for the coming days: the State of the State Address. Leigh, a stern faced politician nearing fifty, seemed apathetic to Dallas’ anxiety for the nearing night ahead and spoke not a word. Dallas’ hazel eyes became wild with distress, “Please, Leigh! I- I can’t do this on my own….” Leigh stood up from his chair, “Hmm… Your speech is superb, especially the new policy on increasing the police presence. I suspect there will be no complaints against this new policy.” Dallas nodded affirmatively. “I understand your opinion, Leigh. However, there will be much controversy regarding…” Leigh sighed and shook his head, “No, there absolutely will not. Have you seen the latest results of a recent crime survey in the state of Texas?” Dallas perked up at the unfamiliar information with perplexity, “No, I have not. Due to recent world events, I refuse to read the blasphemy that is just strewn across the Daily Times or plays like a genuine, horrific melodrama on the T.V. You know that, Leigh.” “The results are astounding.” Leigh continued on, “Why, the crime rate has doubled in the past 5 years. Surely the citizens of Texas would kindly appreciate a safer haven to live?” “Yes. There will be no defying…..” Dallas answered, but was unexpectedly silenced by the onset of a violent and malice coughing spell which sent him doubled over in a fetal position on the floor. “Leigh…. I…” he coughed once more and became startled by a horrific metallic warmth filling his mouth. Blood. “Does it hurt?” Leigh asked coldly and nullified the pleading face of terror that transformed Dallas’ chiseled and strong features. “Y-yes, but why? I only wanted to…. You told me that I wouldn’t feel a thing.” Dallas whimpered, writhing in agony from the damage tolled on his body. Leigh’s eyes narrowed, “I did not say such. I specifically said that you will feel nothing of remorse, only the rapture you crave from the bloodlust you so needed to sate.” “You….promised….” Dallas gasped. “LOOK AT ME! AM I NOT WORTHY OF MY DESIRED WILL?! I am nothing… I deserve none of this…” “It will be over soon, my friend.” Leigh’s voice was serene as he walked to the door. “You will be worthy of us all soon. No one will raise a violent hand. What you say is law.” Dallas looked up with a bleary eyed stare, “Thank you, Leigh. I think I can go on now…” Leigh smiled as he opened up the door, “That’s a good boy, Dallas. If you ever need me, I’ll be there. I’ll fix everything that threatens you.” Dallas smiled dimly through the pain and nodded in agreement. He was contented to have such supportive and charismatic friends; friends that would risk their lives, and much more, their political careers for his supremacy to continue on strong.

Chapter II-2: Dirge of the Crisis
Dallas felt his consciousness slip away, as in many times before when the fever boiled to the point of his life’s blood thickening into searing molten lava in his veins. It will pass. He thought to himself weakly. Soon, I will become…. The light of reality faded into a harsh ecstasy of a fever dream, a dream that Dallas’ psyche had conjured up after years of yearning for the power all political influences wish. It was what seemed a past recollection, a vivid remembrance seen through feral eyes that gave a more sinister, destructive dirge of the crisis facing humanity……

He could see himself standing upon a stage high above the hungry glares of his people, clothed in a black executioner’s robe that pooled around his feet on the ground. Screams of dismay filled the air, and panic had ensued for what seemed to be hours. In his left hand, he held a blood-spattered sword. In his right, the crimson pooled his palm and cascaded down his arms like the webbing constructed by spiders. It was a reoccurring dream for his mind, but this time, it had become clearer, more defined…. He slung the bloody and matted object on the ground with disgust and revulsion; something horrid had caught a glimpse of his eye. It was a slain individual, more specifically, him who lay deceased on the stage below the executioner. “I AM NOT DEAD!” he yelled into the abyss of his fever dream, “Who is this that is slain below me?” No one in the crowd spoke their testimony. “TELL ME NOW!” Dallas yelled, accentuating a grave punishment rising in his voice. The crowd stared at each other questionably as if to ask in telepathy, “Is it Okay if we allow him knowledge?” Finally, the crowd had separated into a perfect half when an individual, a quite young individual to add, made his way to Dallas’ stage. In his tiny hand, he grasped a broken hand mirror; its image distorted and vague, all knowing to who that seen their reflection in its light. “Would you like to see the truth, sir?” the little boy with the distorted mirror asked with a wise sense of foreboding in his words. Dallas looked down to the child, “What is the meaning of this?” “Look into the mirror. You shall see what is true to reality. Things aren’t always what they appear. You taught us that. You gave us life. You loved us with all your heart.” The little boy’s wisdom preened within his words that he said. “Very well.” Dallas said and took the mirror for a peer into its silver crested soul. He looked into its eyes and saw the face of Leigh staring back at him.The child tugged hard on his robe and asked, “Do you see now? Do you see the truth?”