Visions of Greed

Prologue: Be Careful What You Wish For/ Chapter 1: The Nightmare Begins

Introduction: Some time ago I saw a Youtube video from the user Rebeltaxi that mentioned an episode of a show called 'Teen Titans" called "Haunted." In this episode, the main character (Robin) is haunted by hallucinations of his arch nemesis (Slade). Later on I got around to actually watching "Haunted" and found the concept of it to be so fascinating and unique.

Then sometime later I became obsessed with the Once-ler and decided to write some fan fiction about him. So I took the concept behind that initial inspiration (along with some inspiration from music and other animated shows I've seen), and my desire to write about and explore the Once-ler's corruption and duality, and I came up with this fic.

For this fic, in addition to watching the 2012 Lorax movie and listening to the DVD commentary on said movie (which I highly recommend if you liked the movie at all). I also did some research on and made references to the original Lorax book, and the 1972 Lorax TV special. You could even make an argument that this fic is somewhat similar to that scene in the special where the Once-ler is "sitting down with himself", but reversed and cranked up to 11.

Also please note that despite the fic's dark premise, I do intend to keep the content to a similar level to that of an action cartoon/anime such as "Teen Titans" or "Sailor Moon" for example, as that is to my preference. (I am adverse to blood/gore and horror myself.) Still, different things scare different people and I don't want to trigger anyone, So make sure you read the tags and are okay with them. I will add additional trigger warnings/tags if I feel they are needed. If you feel as though an additional one needs to be added feel free to let me know.

Finally an important Note: For visualization purposes, note that even though Once-ler is indeed the President of Thneed inc. in this fic, his business is just getting started. So the real Once-ler doesn't own the green suit yet. He will get it at a pivotal point in the story. Until then, unless otherwise noted, Once-ler is wearing the gray outfit he wore at the beginning of the film or sometimes his bunny pajamas.

Comments and questions regarding the story are welcome and greatly appreciated. I love hearing from readers.

Anyways, Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoy!

If you want, you can check out the playlist for this story in the link below. It features some rock/alternative songs with very relevant lyrics,  some electronic tracks, and some background music from the Teen Titans TV show soundtrack. More songs will be added along with new chapters as the fic goes on.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78tsI7xKoN31m4UkVpF3sb

(Wattpad users please click the external link below)

Chapter 1: Prologue: Be Careful What You Wish For/ Chapter 1: The Nightmare Begins

Recommended Songs:

For the Prologue: Intro (End Of Silence)- Red, Nobody Needs a Thneed-The Lorax Singers, The Good Life- Three Days Grace

For Chapter 1: Recommended Songs: Hex- Dance With The Dead, Martin Sheen or JFK- Yellowcard, Fight Inside- Red

Prologue: Be Careful What You Wish For

Once-ler returned to his cottage after another day of trying and failing to sell his thneed. After walking through the door, Once-ler set the bag of groceries he had been carrying down on the counter and took off his guitar, placing carefully it on his couch. Once-ler then used his thneed to wipe off the remaining tomato stains from his face and clothes before he tossed his failed invention aside in frustration.

Once-ler was alone. The animals that had once gathered in the cottage had left a while ago, having sense decided that they were all much happier living outside under the truffula trees. Once-ler sighed as he walked over to the counter and began taking the groceries out of the bag. Although Once-ler had been quite annoyed when he woke up one morning only to find the Lorax and a bunch of animals all crowded in his cottage, he did still enjoy their presence as long as they respected his personal space. At that moment, Once-ler almost wished for the company of a few animal acquaintances or even the Lorax himself. But Once-ler knew that even if they were here with him, none of them could understand how he felt today and why.