NO!!! NOT AGAIN! Hero thought this with what little part of his mind he had control of. He was having another one of his "nightmares". This one was the latest of the many that have occurred over the past ten years.
Ten years ago, Hero made the choice that all heroes had to make. Only his decision had affected all of Albion. Hero had chosen ultimate power over the life of his only living relative, Theresa. He had killed her with the Sword of Aeons, in turn giving this sword power beyond imagination. He did not regret this choice, and still doesn't. But the next choice he made he will regret for eternity. After defeating Jack of Blades, instead of destroying the mask's evil forever, Hero donned the mask of Jack of Blades. This fused the immense power of Jack and Hero together, creating the ultimate overlord. Although their powers were combined, Jack gained most of the control over Hero's body, which he used at his will.
Tonight, Jack was controlling Hero's mind. So, Hero, how are our plans coming along? I haven't checked in on you in a while.
I've done everything you told me to, Jack! Leave me alone just this one night!
I don't think so Hero. Now, have you prepared the bandits to check on the Hook Coast population?
Yes! I have! I also have the balverines being trained! Just let me sleep!
Wise choice… Okay, sleep tonight. But I'll be back tomorrow. *evil laughter*
The next morning, Hero woke up to the bright sun in his room. Much too bright, he thought to himself. I'll just have to fix this. (Even though he regrets taking the mask, Hero still has a black heart.) He put on his armor and began shining his weapon. Every time he looked at it, he was reminded of his sister, how kind she always was to him. If only I had a choice, he thought. I would have never killed her. But I needed to… It was then that one of his slaves walked in.
"Master," the depressed servant said. "Someone is here to see you."
"Bring him in," Hero replied irately. He did not like having his thoughts interrupted there were only so many he could control…
"Hello, great Hero," a man now standing next to the servant said. The man wore what looked like they used to be new clothes. They were now all torn. "The people of Bowerstone North need food. Some of the children have not eaten in the past three days. Please! Give us food!" The man was now down on his knees, begging.
"I don't think I will," replied Hero still shining the Sword of Aeons, his head filled with childhood memories of his sister.
"But why? Oh, Hero? We must eat! I do not doubt that other towns are also experiencing this problem. Please, mighty Hero!"
Suddenly, Hero stood up and jabbed his sword into the beggar's chest.
"You… you will burn in Hell…" as he said this, blood was pouring out of his chest. "For what you did to your sister… and to us…"
Hero then plunged his sword deeper into the man's chest. "NO ONE speaks of my sister!" The man then fell dead on the floor. Hero's servant looked astonished.
"Master… why? He only wanted to feed his people." Upon saying this, she also received a blade in the chest and fell to the floor, screaming. A twisted smile crossed Hero's face.
"That's better."
