Memories of a Fallen King
By Kaehimi
Disclaimer: I don't own Dark Cloud!
"The Deal"
A long time has passed
Since the war began.
We are nearly defeated.
To regroup, I took rest at a safe place.
Then a black-robed man
Approaches from behind the trees.
"You want the power to win this day?
I can give it to you."
Seda and what was left of his troops stumbled towards a nearby forest. "Go on, rest." Seda said in as much of a "commander" voice as possible, but his spirit was broken. They had no chance of winning the war, and even if a miracle did occur, their chances would still be slim. His men marched ahead of him, and Seda just watched them set up their tents.
"King Seda?" A Healer approached him timidly.
"Yes?" Seda dismounted.
"Would you like me to treat that wound now?"
"I suppose." Leaning against a tree, he opened his saddle bag to take out some clean, white cloth, which he handed to the Healer.
The Healer gently cleaned the wound, put some herbs on it, and then bound it. She sighed as he gritted his teeth with the pain. "Don't worry, King Seda. Everything will come out fine." She tried in vain to comfort him.
"Sure, of course." Seda sneered in a sarcastic voice.
The Healer sighed again as she finished winding the cloth around his head. She bowed and then retreated.
'Who am I kidding?' Seda thought. "We have already lost, and I know it. Even the horses know it!" Seda was yelling now. He drew his sword and hacked at the tree in front of him in frustration. "Damn West!" Seda swore as he chopped off a branch, and another, and another...
Finally, Seda collapsed against a particularly large tree beside his startled horse. He panted as he looked at his hands, stained with blood. "What have I become?" He asked himself as he looked up towards the forest canopy. He slowly drifted off to a light sleep and restless sleep.
Whether it was real or a dream, Seda couldn't tell. He was in the same forest, and a figure was approaching him. A dark person clothed in a black cloak was making his way towards Seda. Everything in his path withered and died, turned the once vibrant trees and plants into a forest of death. The evil wizard stopped in front of Seda and said in a raspy voice, "You want the power to win not only this battle, but this war? I can give it to you!"
Seda stared at the man in shock. 'Should I trust this man?' He asked himself. 'I have nothing to lose, do I?' Seda nodded. "Give it to me."
The black figure threw back his hood to reveal the face of a terrifying monster. He laughed a cruel laugh and then, taking a small dagger from nowhere, sliced a deep cut in his arm. Doing the same to a horrified Seda, he put his arm above Seda's and let thirteen drops drip, mixing with Seda's blood. He cackled again and then vanished, leaving Seda convulsing in pain.