Visions of Greed

Chapter 21: Cold As Ice Part 1

Notes: If you did not already read the new scene that was added to chapter 13, I recommend you do so before reading this chapter because there is a small reference to it that won't make sense otherwise. Aside from that, I hope you enjoy the story.

Recommended songs: Artificial-Daughtry, So Much (For) Stardust- Fall Out Boy, Dressed To Kill- Dance With The Dead, Losing Control- Red

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

The next morning, Once-ler awoke at dawn. After He got out of bed, Once-ler walked over to his bedroom window, where he looked out at the super-axe hacker prototype that was parked outside. As Once-ler continued to gaze at the machine, he took a deep breath to calm himself. For today was the day that Once-ler was going to use the super-axe hacker prototype to chop down several trees in order to clear space for the expanded factory. Later in the day, the construction crew would arrive to clean up the debris and begin work on the new section of the building.

Once-ler looked out the window for another moment as the sun continued to rise, then with a look of determination, he swallowed down any remaining hesitation and began his morning routine. Once-ler went to the kitchen and had a quick breakfast, then went to the bathroom to get himself cleaned up.

Afterwards, Once-ler returned to his bedroom to get dressed. Once-ler put on his new white shirt, gray pants, socks, and boots before he grabbed his green suit jacket. Once-ler hesitated for only a brief moment, then slipped the jacket on over his shirt, before he walked over to his vanity to put on his hat and other accessories to complete the outfit.

Once-ler then left the bedroom and descended down the long marble staircase that lead to the parlor room, where the light of the new day cast looming shadows against the elegant furniture. After Once-ler reached the parlor room, he made his way towards the back exit, before someone suddenly stepped into the light, blocking his path. Once-ler gasped in shock, for it was none other than the Lorax who stood in his way. With a huff of annoyance, Once-ler stepped back into the shadows leaving only his silhouette and icy blue eyes visible as he glared down at the forest guardian.

"What are you doing here?" Once-ler asked in annoyance.

"You know exactly why I'm here, Once-ler," the Lorax explained coldly. "I'm here to stop you."

"I already told you, you can complain all you want, but I'm never going to stop biggering my business." Once-ler sneered.

The Lorax remained where he stood and shook his head. "I just can't believe this," he sighed. "I just can't believe that you've become so cold, greedy, and heartless."

Once-ler recoiled at the Lorax's words. "That's not true," he protested.

"Don't believe me? Then just look for yourself," the Lorax replied as he gestured towards the mirror behind Once-ler.

Curious as to what the Lorax meant, Once-ler turned towards the mirror and stepped out of the shadows. Then, when Once-ler looked up at his reflection, he became filled with terror. For Once-ler discovered that he was no longer a human, but rather a machine. Instead of a beating heart, Once-ler was now powered by circuits and electricity, causing his icy blue eyes to give off an artificial glow. Meanwhile, Once-ler's skin, limbs, and clothes were all composed of cold metal, held together by nuts and bolts. Including Once-ler's green grovvulous gloves that were now shiny metallic claws.

Full of fear and disbelief, Once-ler turned back towards the forest guardian, "There now, can you finally see the truth?" the Lorax asked him. "You're cold and heartless, just like that crazy contraption of yours!" the forest guardian stated angrily.

"No...That's not true!" Once-ler protested again, his words now coming through a mechanical voice box.

"And just like that machine, you're going to destroy everything, including yourself!" the Lorax shouted. As he did so, the walls of the penthouse began to crumble and give way, until the Once-ler and the Lorax were standing among ruins. Surrounding the remains of the factory was a wasteland composed of tree stumps and a smoggy sky.