Backed by the Light

Isaiah (firm):

You wanted my attention.

You got it.

⸻

You took his fear and called it truth,

Turned survival into proof,

Marco crossed that line tonight—

But don’t pretend this was his fight.

You whisper deals, you sharpen doubt,

You wait till hope is bleeding out,

If betrayal’s how you win your wars,

Then victory’s a hollow roar.

Villain (amused):

He chose certainty over dreams.

Isaiah:

You sold him lies dressed up as means.

⸻

Villain:

I gave him purpose.

Isaiah:

You gave him chains.

Villain:

Order returns when hope complains.

Isaiah:

Order that fears the truth decays.

⸻

Villain:

Your allies fall, your circle thins.

Isaiah:

You mistake losses for the end.

Villain:

Power bends men every time.

Isaiah:

Not when the people draw the line.

Both:

Say his name, let the night hear clear—

Betrayal doesn’t end us here.

⸻

I won’t become what I oppose,

Won’t trade my soul for quiet roads,

You took a friend—won’t take my aim,

I carry truth, not blame.

If Marco fell, I’ll face that pain,

But I won’t bow to fear again,

You want a city numb and small—

I want it standing tall.

Villain (cold):

Then you’ll stand alone.

Isaiah:

Watch me prove you wrong.

⸻

(Helicopter thrum fades into a calm room.)

⸻

President:

I’ve read the reports, seen the scars,

Heard how close the night still are,

Betrayals cut, but listen clear—

You didn’t lose us here.

This nation won’t kneel to shadowed deals,

We stand for what is real,

You held the line when it hurt to stand—

You have my word.

You have this land.

Isaiah (steady):

I won’t ask for favors or a crown.

I’ll ask you to stand your ground.

⸻

President:

We stand with courage, law, and light.

Isaiah:

Then let’s bring day to every night.

⸻

Isaiah:

I’m backed by truth, not bought by fear.

President:

Backed by a nation standing here.

Isaiah:

You can raise your symbols in the sky—

President:

We answer with resolve, not lies.

All:

From city streets to open plains,

We don’t trade souls to ease the pain,

If darkness asks who we belong—

We answer loud.

We answer strong.

⸻

Villain (distant):

So you’ve chosen sides.

Isaiah (unflinching):

No—

I chose people.

President:

And the United States stands with you.

(A steady hum rises—lights across the city hold.)