the next dark age: book two insanity

chapter 11 the calm before the storm

Trisha was in the front of the group, with the others following her lead, and she told them "I'm going to check on Angel and Lance. You guys go check on the facility holding Dawn." She then sniffed the air and made a face of disgust "what is that smell?" The smell in particular smelled a little pleasant, and was almost sweet.

Adam had a look of confusion "Yeah it smells familiar. It's probably coming from the liquid coating a lot of the building. I don't know what it is though."

Trisha left the group as the rest walked towards the old building, and discovered that in the basement was none other than Michael, who was punched in the face by Stephanie.

"I do suppose I deserve that." Michael said, chuckling slightly afterwards, "I do have a lot to explain."

"Yeah, you do." Stephanie stated, "so start talking."

Michael stood to his feet and said "listen, the Beast's cult is not what you think it is. The Beast's cult is not a bunch of fanatics trying to murder everyone. They are simply an organization whose aim is to unite the world under one government. Once we do that, we could eliminate the hunger and poverty that has plagued this world since the last World War."

"Oh yeah, their leader just so happens to be a murderous psycho who enjoys violently murdering everyone. Who by the way, apparently was let loose upon the world"

"I suppose you are referring to Dawn? Well I'm here to tell you that Dawn is not the leader. I'm the leader of the Beast's cult. Dawn is a part of our organization because he scares people. He could have taken on all of you guys at once back there, But he wanted to get kidnapped. Not only that, but Dawn is trustworthy. He has this weird rule about him where he never lies. You can ask anyone, including Tim, and will tell you that he does not lie. All that being said, don't worry, as soon as I establish our government we will get rid of him."

Stephanie stood still for a second, as if trying to find the words she wanted to say, until Sapphire grabbed her shoulder. Stephanie looked behind her to see that Sapphire had a look of defeat on her face. Sapphire also wore a look that told Stephanie that maybe it was best if she didn't speak.

"I would like to speak to Michael alone," Sapphire croaked. Adam looked at Stephanie, then at Lizzy, and they all gave each other. Without a sound, all but Michael and Sapphire left the room. When the group exited, they were so caught up in the moment of seeing Michael again that none of them noticed Charlie watching them from a few blocks over. Because none of them noticed Charlie, they could not have seen him give Dawn the signal to activate their plan as soon as Tim showed up.

...

Michael was about to sit down, expecting a long talk from Sapphire about the evil and horror of what Dawn was doing. Instead Sapphire gave him a warm bear hug. He awkwardly hugged her back, hoping to not ruin the moment, but feeling like he did anyways.

"This isn't you." Sapphire whispered, who thought nothing of the awkward hug "you are not some cult leader or politician. You were a gentle soul who helped people in need by forming a community built around generosity and love."

"I loved that community," Michael told her, "but we were just treating the symptoms. By uniting the world, we can solve the problem."

"But how many people will die as a result. How many people will need to be burned at the stake by Dawn before that happens."

"I don't know, but I know it won't be you. I made sure of that."

"Do you even know what Dawn is planning?"

"Kind of. I know that for some reason, Dawn cannot enter into most of the northern and southern areas of the UPNA. I'm not sure if he can enter Mexico at all. That being said, there was a great and ancient being known as the Beast, who put part of himself in a box, very similar to what The Time God did. Once Dawn finds where that part is, he will be free unto the rest of the world, and will gain great power in the process. I know he was here thought because he needed something from an old TGK base. He didn't know where that base was, but he knew that you guys would know, and hopefully take him there."

The earth started to shake for a second, followed by a loud bang from outside. Sapphire finally let go of Michael, and ran up the stairs to the outside.

Michael was shocked at the fact that the bomb went off. they weren't supposed to activate it until Tim got here, and Michael thought Tim was nowhere near here. oh well Tim could help thm in their endeavors.

"Before you go, there's something you need to know. Tim is here. you need to find him and help him evacuate people. also there is one other person besides you that I made Dawn promise he would not kill."