Chapter Three: The Training

Maqsedeth trains Samson for his quest into The Petrifying Woods; meanwhile he notices some similarities to an old friend of his and a mysterious stranger appears

Once Samson made it back to his home, he removed all the weapons he carried and went out to the backyard of their mansion to the stable that housed his winged unicorn, Rainbow. He groomed her and fed her just as Maqsedeth came outside to meet them. “So, what did the Queen say?” he asked him.

Samson sighed, “She said she’s willing to give me a few days to train for my quest. She wants me to dispose of Demise but the only way to do that is to fight him using karate, I think,” he replied. “She said if I use magic, he can come back. So much for my full powers being here.”

Maqsedeth grinned, “It’s alright, son,” he said, “You can still use your magic to destroy the corresponding pendant to the Termination Sword. But, right now, let’s go back inside. I need to talk to you about something really important.”

Samson nodded, confused, “Okay,” he said as he followed Maqsedeth back inside, leaving Rainbow in their backyard.

Maqsedeth brought him into the kitchen and made him sit down. He sighed, “Son, I know it’s none of my business, but what’s going on between you and Her Majesty the Queen?” he asked, quietly.

Samson looked at him, puzzled, “Father, what do you mean?” he asked in bewilderment.

Maqsedeth sat in silence for a while, studying Samson and waiting for him to answer. Samson sighed, “Nothing’s going on, Father,” he replied, finally. “She’s the Queen, okay?”

“Yeah,” Maqsedeth said, mildly amused at Samson’s response, “And I’m your father. My instincts tell me that there is indeed something going on between you and her. Your face was flushed when you came back, your shirt is sweaty but I know you haven’t been working out, and…is that perfume I smell?”

Samson squirmed in his seat. Maqsedeth’s questions made him uncomfortable, “Um, no that’s the detergent I used to wash my shirt in,” he lied.

Maqsedeth sighed, “How close were you sitting to Her Majesty the Queen for your detergent to suddenly smell so…feminine?” he asked.

“Father, I’m telling you there’s nothing going on between us,” Samson insisted, embarrassed.

“And I’d be a fool to believe that, son,” Maqsedeth stated, firmly, “So I’m gonna ask you again: What’s going on between you and the Queen?”

Samson sighed and lowered his gaze, “We, um, may have kissed once or twice,” he replied, quietly, “but, honestly, there’s nothing going on between us.”

Maqsedeth sighed and crossed his arms, “How close were y’all sitting today?” he asked.

Samson blushed but he didn’t respond. He sighed, “I promised her I wouldn’t tell,” he replied, quietly.

Maqsedeth raised his eyebrows and smirked, “Oh, keeping secrets now, are we?” he asked. “That’s okay. I can already guess how close y’all were sitting today.”

Samson’s face became redder. “Father please, just drop it,” he pleaded.

Maqsedeth sighed, “Alright,” he said as he stood, “Come on, let’s get you trained for combat. Let me change clothes.”

Samson sighed and followed Maqsedeth upstairs. He went into his room and was about to change clothes when he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find his father there with a black garment in his hands. He gave it to him, “Here put these on,” he said. “You’ll be able to move more freely. It’s much lighter than cotton.”

Samson took it gingerly, “What is it?” he asked.

“It’s what we’re wearing,” Maqsedeth replied. “Now, get dressed and meet me downstairs.”

Samson closed his bedroom door and went inside the dressing room in his closet. He got dressed in the garments his father gave him and discovered two belts. One was black and the other one was red. He departed the dressing room and went to see his father, “Hey, um, what are these?” he asked him.

Maqsedeth sighed and helped him tie the red belt around his head, “This is a sweat band. Use this to absorb your sweat and to keep your hair out of your eyes,” he said. “You’re gonna need this for what we’ll be doing.”

He tied the black belt around his waist, loosely, to keep from cutting off his circulation, “And this is to show rank, of course,” he said. “These were mine. You and I are about the same size. I was a black belt back before planet Eros became the Forbidden Planet. My Sensei was Lord Eros but he doesn’t teach classes anymore.”

Samson gasped, “Wait a minute, Father, you know karate?” he asked.

Maqsedeth smiled, “Follow me,” he said, “I’ll show you where you’ll be training.”

Maqsedeth lead him downstairs into the kitchen. He lifted up the cluster of cabinets in the back and they entered into the room with the grand piano and harp. He discovered Samson’s guitar on the stool and raised an eyebrow, “What was going on in here?” he asked him.

Samson chuckled, “Oh, um, let me just put that up,” he said as he went to where his guitar was laying.

He put it and his karaoke machine back in his room and returned to his father. “Yeah, but you still haven’t answered my question,” Maqsedeth said as he led Samson to a door at the far end of the room.

Samson sighed, “I was working on a song before the queen’s messenger came by,” he replied. “It’s not finished yet.”

Maqsedeth led him through the door and they entered into another room. Maqsedeth turned on the lights and Samson found himself standing inside a gym. His eyes grew wide with excitement, “Oh my gosh!” he exclaimed. “An indoor basketball court? Wow! I’ve always wanted one!”

Maqsedeth chuckled, “It’s more than just a basketball court, son,” he said. “You can play any sport in here, from basketball to tennis. You can even do what we’re about to do today, which is karate. Karate is also a sport. Now, I need you to be focused.”

Samson took a deep breath and tried to contain his enthusiasm as Maqsedeth set up exercise mats on the gym floor. “We’ll start meditation today,” he said as he sat crossed legged on the mat, “Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, I’ll walk you through some of the basics of karate.”

“Tomorrow morning?” Samson asked as he sat crossed legged on the mat, facing Maqsedeth. “I thought we were training today.”

Maqsedeth took a deep breath, “This is part of the training,” he replied. “Today we’ll start with meditation because it is important to clear your mind of any distractions. Relax mind, body, and spirit. Be in tune with your body and your spirit. Now, focus. Breathe in and breathe out.”

Samson closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. He exhaled, “This isn’t working,” he muttered.

“That’s because you’re still distracted,” Maqsedeth replied. “You must let go of the stress, Samson. Imagine yourself in the one place you’d rather be.”

Samson closed his eyes and took another deep breath. He imagined he was on the beach with Queen Martha and they were playing in the waves. They watched the sunset together and then they kissed. He exhaled and instantly felt like the weight of the world was lifted from his shoulders. He inhaled deeply as he imagined himself playing tag with Molly and Butch. Their laughter echoed through his mind as he tagged Molly, letting Butch get away. He exhaled.

“Now, I want you to channel your energy into a shield and keep it up until I tell you to stop,” Maqsedeth said. “This doesn’t take much effort. Just imagine you’re surrounded by a shield. All attacks will just dissipate.”

Samson imagined a shield surrounding his body as he inhaled deeply. He imagined he was playing his guitar for Rainbow. He exhaled.

“Okay, Samson, you’re doing an excellent job with keeping your shield up,” Maqsedeth said. “Now, I want you to stay calm and relaxed as you focus on keeping your shield activated with your eyes open.”

Samson slowly opened his eyes and noticed he was surrounded by a pale blue barrier. Maqsedeth was no longer cross legged in front of him. He was somewhere to his right. Samson managed to keep the pale blue barrier up until he heard something bounce off it from his right. “Hey, what was that for?” he demanded. The pale blue barrier disappeared.

“What happened?” Maqsedeth asked. “You were doing great.”

“You threw a fricking basketball at me!” Samson exclaimed.

“Don’t worry. It bounced off,” Maqsedeth replied. “I was just testing the durability of your shield. Now, let’s try this again. Recreate the shield, Samson and this time keep it activated until I tell you to stop.”

Samson narrowed his eyes, “Are you gonna throw anymore basketballs at me?” he asked.

“Yes, but don’t let that alarm you,” Maqsedeth replied. “It’s just a durability test.”

Samson sighed and relaxed. He inhaled deeply and imagined a shield surrounding his body. He imagined he was swimming in the Rainbow Falls with Jason and Ken. He exhaled and instantly felt relieved. He opened his eyes to see the pale blue barrier surrounding him again. He inhaled deeply as a basketball bounced off it to his left. He continued inhaling and exhaling as Maqsedeth chucked more basketballs at the barrier from all sides.

The pale blue barrier flickered before disappearing. Samson’s stomach growled. “I’m famished,” he said.

Maqsedeth chuckled, “That explains why your shield is so weak,” he said. “It is imperative that you eat before our training tomorrow because you’ll be doing some of what we just did coupled with a few basic karate moves. Let’s get dinner and I’ll show you a few stretches to loosen up your muscles and joints.”

He helped Samson up and together they went into the kitchen. Samson fried some fish while Maqsedeth boiled some vegetables and rice. They fixed their plates and took their seats at the table. “The purpose of meditation is get you used to your body’s energy or else you’ll lose control of your powers,” Maqsedeth said as he ate a spoonful of rice. “It happens to every Erosian once they get their full powers. If you don’t have control of your powers, you’ll be inefficient. You might even lose them, so meditation is crucial to your training. Once you have control over your powers and you know your own strength, you won’t need to meditate as much.”

Samson took a bite out of his fish, “Oh, so that’s why you started me on meditation,” he said. “You want me to get used to my body’s energy. But what does this have to do with karate? I thought I wasn’t gonna be using my magic on this quest.”

“You can’t fight Demise using magic,” Maqsedeth replied. “That is why I want you to get used to your body’s energy. Your magic can sneak up on you and activate at inappropriate times. You must learn to control it so that does not happen. We don’t want any accidents during your battle with Demise. One wrong move or thought and he can come back even after you’ve defeated him.”

“Oh,” Samson said, “so, you’re teaching me how to control my powers. But how can they sneak up on me?” He began to levitate and Maqsedeth pushed him back into his seat.

“It can happen at any time, son,” he replied. “It depends on things such as your mood, your diet, how much you exercise, how much sleep you get, and your state of mind. So, that’s why it’s imperative that you stay calm. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Samson noticed Maqsedeth had his hands on his head, “What’s wrong, Father?” he asked him. His anxiety caused one of the table’s legs to catch fire.

“I told you not to worry about a thing,” Maqsedeth said. “Just relax. Breathe in and breathe out.”

Samson inhaled deeply and relaxed his mind. He exhaled and instantly felt relieved. He stopped levitating and settled back into his seat. Maqsedeth put out the fire on the table’s leg and returned to his seat.

They finished their dinner and returned to the gym. Maqsedeth led him in a series of stretches to help loosen his muscles and joints and afterwards he had him do some more meditating.

“This time I want you to stand as you meditate,” Maqsedeth said. “Imagine yourself in the one place you want to be and channel your energy into a shield.”

Samson closed his eyes and placed his palms together. He inhaled, imagining himself riding Rainbow around their backyard and through the village. He exhaled, imagining a shield surrounding his body. He continued inhaling and exhaling as he opened his eyes. He noticed the barrier was no longer a pale blue but a deep blue.

“Now, I want you to thrust your hands in front of you to allow your body to release some that excess energy,” Maqsedeth said. “If you don’t release that excess energy, it will release itself when you’re not expecting it.”

Samson thrust his hands in front of him and shot an uncontrolled column of fire towards Maqsedeth. He backed up so it wouldn’t hit him, “Do it again,” he said.

Samson thrust his hands in front of him and a bolt of lightning shot from his fingertips towards Maqsedeth. “Alright, now keep your shield up until I tell you to stop,” he said as he picked up a basketball.

Samson inhaled deeply and exhaled as Maqsedeth chucked the basketball at the barrier Samson had formed. After connecting with his shield, the ball dissipated into thin air. Samson managed to stay calm as he turned to Maqsedeth, “Was that ball supposed to do that?” he asked him.

Maqsedeth grinned, “That means your shield works,” he said as he put the other basketballs back in their rack. He shot a fire ball at him, but after connecting with his shield, it dissipated also. “You did good, son,” Maqsedeth said. “Now, it’s time for bed. We have a big day tomorrow. You can deactivate your shield now.”

Samson closed his eyes and imagined the shield disappearing. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer surrounded by a deep blue barrier. He followed Maqsedeth upstairs and they went into their bedrooms. Samson got dressed for bed and massaged his muscles. Wow, I never expected my training to take so much out of me, he thought. I’m so sore. He brushed his teeth and went out to their backyard to check on Rainbow. He fed her, gave her some water, and kept her company for a while before finally heading back upstairs to go to bed. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

The next morning, Maqsedeth woke Samson before sunrise. They showered and got dressed in the same garments they wore the night before and Maqsedeth cooked them a hearty breakfast. The table was filled with grits, eggs, bacon and sausage, with a fruit bowl in the center. “Eat up,” he said as he fixed his plate, “I need you strong for your training today. But first, how did you sleep last night? Don’t lie to me.”

Samson smiled, “Don’t worry, Father,” he said as he grabbed a banana and peeled it, “I slept great.”

“Good because you’re gonna need to be well-rested for what we’re doing today,” Maqsedeth said. “Today I’m showing you how to maintain control over your powers, activating them when you want them to be, and I’m gonna walk you through the basics of karate.”

Maqsedeth fixed his own plate and they took their seats at the table. “If you don’t eat enough or get enough sleep, you’ll be too tired to protect and defend yourself. Your body will reject anything you try to do and you’ll pass out,” he said as he took a bite out of his eggs. “I don’t want you passing out while you’re channeling your energy because you could end up losing control of it and become powerless. So a hearty meal and good sleep are also crucial to your training. They’re just as important as meditation.”

Once they finished breakfast, Maqsedeth lifted up the cluster of cabinets in the back of their kitchen and led Samson through the room with the grand piano and harp, into the gym.

“Levitation and accidentally setting items on fire are both side effects of anxiety,” Maqsedeth said as he sat cross legged on an exercise mat. “You must learn to maintain control over your powers despite your mental and emotional state. By that I mean, you must take back control over your powers even when you’re not calm. It will be very difficult because your powers will fight you back but you must let them know that you’re in control. Mind over matter.”

“Wait a minute, so you’re telling me that my powers will try to break free?” Samson asked, tense. His foot set his exercise mat on fire.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m telling you,” Maqsedeth said as he put the fire out and got Samson another mat. “You have to regain control when that happens or else you’ll lose your powers. We’ll start with meditation then later on, I’ll show you how to maintain that control over your powers so that you can activate when you want them to be. Once you learn mind over matter, you’ll be ready for the Petrifying Woods.”

Samson and Maqsedeth sat cross legged on their mats. Samson closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He imagined he was playing his guitar for the Queen, singing to her the melody inside his heart. Her laughter echoed through his mind and they kissed. He exhaled. He continued inhaling and exhaling, feeling his mind and body relax.

“Okay, I want you to focus on activating a shield of fire around yourself while levitating at the same time,” Maqsedeth said, “Don’t worry about how you will do this or your powers will break free from your control. Concentrate and stay focused.”

Samson inhaled deeply and imagined he was floating a few inches above the floor. He felt himself lift from the ground and as he exhaled he imagined he was surrounded by a shield of fire. He opened his eyes and continued inhaling and exhaling, feeling light as a feather. He noticed the shield of fire was also blue, but unlike with the blue barrier, he felt like he was inside a furnace.

“Okay, you’re doing good Samson,” Maqsedeth said. He shot a fire ball at the barrier of fire, but after connecting with the shield, it dissolved. “Now, before you stop levitating, I want you to deactivate your shield of fire,” Maqsedeth instructed.

Samson closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, imagining the shield of fire disappearing. He felt his body temperature cool down and as he exhaled he imagined himself slowly lowering to the floor. He opened his eyes.

“Alright, stand up Samson,” Maqsedeth said. “And I want you to try to maintain control over your powers as we proceed with your karate training. Remember: mind over matter.”

Samson stood and faced Maqsedeth, “What do you mean maintain control over my powers as we proceed with my karate training?” he asked.

“When you start feeling like you’re losing control just take a deep breath and take back control. Depending on your state of mind and emotional state, it can be as easy as meditation or much harder than that,” Maqsedeth said.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Samson sighed.

“Just follow my instructions, okay?” Maqsedeth said. “Samson, I need you to focus. Remember: mind over matter.”

“Alright,” Samson relented, “I’m ready.”

“We’ll begin with a few simple stretches to loosen up our muscles and joints,” Maqsedeth said.

After they finished stretching, Maqsedeth put up their exercise mats and led Samson over to where a punching bag hanged. “Alright, Samson, I want you to practice striking this punching bag with your hands and feet,” Maqsedeth said. “Be mindful of your form. Channel all of your energy into that one strike.”

Samson struck the punching bag and flinched, “Ow,” he said, rubbing his fingers.

“I said be mindful of your form,” Maqsedeth said, “Strike the punching bag again, this time from your shoulders with your knuckles, channeling all of your energy into that one strike.”

Samson sighed, “I don’t know, Father,” he said. “Won’t that make it hurt worse?”

“It won’t hurt as much if you use your knuckles,” Maqsedeth sighed. 

Samson punched the punching bag, following Maqsedeth’s advice, and found that Maqsedeth was right about it not hurting as much as before. “Now, do it again until I tell you to stop,” Maqsedeth said.

Samson struck the punching bag a few times, while Maqsedeth watched. “Alright, that’s enough,” he said. “Now, I want you to kick the punching bag with the balls of your feet. Try to keep your striking leg straight, planting your other foot to keep your balance. Continue to be mindful of your form, channeling all of your energy into that one strike.”

Samson kicked the punching bag, following Maqsedeth’s advice, while managing to keep his balance. Maqsedeth supervised him for several minutes to make sure he was using proper form. “Alright, now I’m gonna show you a few basic defense moves,” Maqsedeth said. “You can stop kicking the punching bag now, Samson.”

Maqsedeth led Samson into the middle of the gym floor where he set up exercise mats for the both of them. “Now, I want you to try attacking me,” Maqsedeth said. “Don’t worry, son, I’ll go easy on you.”

Samson punched Maqsedeth, but he blocked his attack with his forearms. Samson threw more punches but Maqsedeth blocked them all before they reached him. Samson kicked Maqsedeth, but before Samson could react, Maqsedeth grabbed Samson’s ankle and flipped him onto the floor. “What the hell? What ever happened to ‘I’ll go easy on you’?” Samson asked.

Maqsedeth helped Samson up, “I was going easy on you,” he replied. “That was just the beginning. Now, Demise won’t be so lenient on you, so it is imperative that you stay focused during your fight. Now, this time, I want you to try to block my attacks.”

Maqsedeth punched Samson, and Samson’s instincts took over. He quickly blocked Maqsedeth’s attack before it hit him. Maqsedeth threw multiple punches at him, but Samson blocked them with ease. Maqsedeth kicked Samson but he quickly ducked, sweeping his foot under the leg Maqsedeth was standing on and he fell onto the mat.

Samson gasped, realizing what he had done and his hands ignited into flames. “Samson, relax,” Maqsedeth said. “Just breathe.”

Samson took a deep breath and relaxed. The flames in his fingers died down. “Sorry, I was scared,” Samson said.

“What are you so scared of?” Maqsedeth asked as he stood. “You did good, son! Now, let’s get lunch and afterwards we’ll do some more practice and meditation.”

Maqsedeth put his arm across Samson’s back and they went into the kitchen. Maqsedeth boiled some chicken, and cooked some rice and vegetables. Samson took an apple from the fruit bowl and ate it while Maqsedeth fixed their plates.

“I don’t want you being scared, son,” Maqsedeth said as he sat at the table. “When you go into the Petrifying Woods, I want you feeling confident and empowered because Devouress feeds off fear. Don’t give her anything to feast on.”

Samson looked at Maqsedeth for a while as he passed him his plate. “What?” Maqsedeth asked him.

Samson dropped his gaze and picked at his vegetables, “Nothing, it’s just…that’s the same thing the Queen said,” he replied. “Before I left the palace, she said that’s why I needed to train.”

Maqsedeth smirked, “Oh, okay,” he said. “Of course she’d say that. She’s sweet on you, and she wants to see you again, alive and well.”

Samson blushed, “Father, please,” he said, softly, “She’s the Queen, okay?”

Maqsedeth bit into his chicken, “Okay, but I hope you know I already know what’s going on between y’all two,” he said. “I’m not stupid.”

Samson and Maqsedeth ate in silence as Samson let that sink in. After lunch, they returned to the gym and Maqsedeth set up exercise mats on the floor for the both of them. Samson sat cross legged on his mat, facing Maqsedeth. “Okay, now I want you to take a deep breath and calm your mind,” Maqsedeth said. “Don’t let attacking me alarm you. I’m your instructor, so if I tell you to do something, just do it.”

Samson sighed, “I know, I know, it’s just…you’re still my father and I don’t want to hurt you,” he replied.

“Your compassion is moving, son,” Maqsedeth said, “but you should be more worried about me hurting you, not the other way around.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Samson asked.

Maqsedeth winked at him, “You’ll see soon,” he replied. “Right now, I need you to be calm and relaxed. As long as you’re relaxed, you’ll be able to control your powers better. But, the problem is, you won’t always be relaxed so the goal is to achieve mind over matter. You need to learn to maintain control over your powers so you can use them in any state of mind without them breaking free.”

Samson closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He imagined he was hanging out at the Sunshine Palace with the Princes of the Golden Twinkle Kingdom. He whispered a joke to Prince Smith and they shared a laugh behind Prince Rueban’s back. He exhaled and took another deep breath.

He continued inhaling and exhaling until Maqsedeth stopped him, “Alright, stand up, Samson,” he said. “Thrust your hands out in front of you to allow your body to release some of that excess energy. If you don’t, it will try to break free from your control when you least expect it to.”

Samson thrusted his hands out before him and a lightning bolt shot from his fingertips. “Do it again,” Maqsedeth said.

Samson obeyed and a block of ice slammed into the other wall of the gym. “How often do I have to do this?” he asked.

“Until your powers have completely settled into your body,” Maqsedeth replied. “Every Erosian gets their full powers, but not all of them get to keep them because they break free from their control. Now, let’s proceed with your karate training. I’m gonna show you some more trick attack moves and defense moves. Pay attention because some of these may be used by Demise. Let’s begin.”

Maqsedeth threw a series of punches at Samson which Samson blocked with ease. He did a jump kick towards Samson but he dodged him. Maqsedeth threw more punches at Samson but he continued to block them. He did a roundhouse kick but Samson ducked and grabbed his standing leg, flipping him onto the floor.

Maqsedeth stood, “Not too shabby,” he said. “Now, I want you to try attacking me doing the same thing I just showed you.”

“I’ll try,” Samson said.

He threw a bunch of punches at Maqsedeth but he blocked them all with ease. Samson did a jump kick towards Maqsedeth but, before he could react, Maqsedeth grabbed his leg and flipped him onto the floor. Samson stood and sighed exasperatedly, and his hands burst into flames. He put out the flames and threw more punches at Maqsedeth but he blocked them all. He did a roundhouse kick but Maqsedeth grabbed his leg and attempted to flip Samson onto the floor but he threw his other leg around Maqsedeth’s neck and used his body weight to bring him onto the floor instead. He stood, “Now, we’re even,” he joked.

Maqsedeth chuckled, “Good work, son,” he said. “You’re getting better at this. And nice job with keeping your powers under control.”

Samson smiled, “Thanks,” he said. “I don’t know where it came from…”

His fighting style reminds me so much of someone else I know, Maqsedeth thought. I ignored all the signs up ‘til now. Could it be him?

“Come with me, Samson,” he said. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

He led Samson from the gym, into their parlor, and they sat on the couch. Maqsedeth sighed, “You remember when you said that you thought I was a good guy?” he asked.

Samson nodded, recalling their conversation about Demise a couple of days ago, “Yeah, I do,” he said. “Father, what’s wrong?”

Maqsedeth looked at him, “There are so many things that I haven’t told you,” he said. “Like, how the planet Eros became the Forbidden Planet, what happened to The Living Circle, and my past…”

“Father, it’s okay,” Samson said, “you don’t have to worry about it. I understand. You were trying to protect me.”

“But, Samson, you don’t understand fully,” he replied. “There was a man, a man who tried to end it all and you…kinda look like him.”

“What?” Samson demanded. “Father, what do you mean?”

“I mean, exactly the same: hair, face, eyes, everything,” he said, “including…fighting style.”

Samson was shocked to silence. “We were good friends. We used to train together, me and him,” Maqsedeth continued. “We would always try to outdo each other’s strength. It was a fun fitness test and he’d always win, somehow. I wanted to think it was just a coincidence that you looked just like him, but after tonight…I don’t know.”

“Father, what was this man’s name?” Samson asked.

“His name was Asus,” Maqsedeth sighed. “He died a long time ago. There was a battle on planet Eros that eventually included planet Xerox. That’s when he was shot by a man who looked like him.”

“A twin?” Samson asked.

“Probably,” Maqsedeth sighed, “but, anyway that’s all I can tell you for now. I promised I wouldn’t reveal too much information since it’s too early for you.”

“Father, who made you promise?” Samson asked.

“A dark man with golden blonde braids and deep blue eyes. He looked oddly familiar, like I’ve seen him before,” Maqsedeth replied. “He wouldn’t tell me his name but he said he knew you and told me not to reveal too much information about my past to you. He said he was looking out for you. But anyway, let’s get dinner.”

He and Samson departed the parlor and went into the kitchen. They ate the rest of the boiled chicken, rice, and vegetables from their lunch. Samson grabbed a bunch of grapes from the fruit bowl and sighed, “So, how does that man know me?” he asked.

“I can’t…tell you that,” Maqsedeth replied. “He said, when the time is right he will be the one to tell you. He made me promise not to tell you.”

“Why?” Samson demanded.

Maqsedeth sighed, “I’ve said enough,” he snapped. He took a deep breath to calm himself, “So, did the queen say you can bring an ally on your quest?” he asked changing the subject.

Samson sighed exasperated and wouldn’t meet his eyes, “No, I must go alone,” he said dryly.

They ate in awkward silence for a while, the tension growing between them until it was almost unbearable. Maqsedeth sighed, “Samson, I know you’re mad at me for not telling you, but you have to understand: it’s for your own good,” he said, breaking the silence. “Some secrets are worth dying for but this secret can cause the end of The Living Circle.”

Samson looked at him like he had two heads, “The end of The Living Circle?” he asked.

Maqsedeth nodded somberly, “That’s why I can’t tell you before it’s time. Even mentioning the name of the man who made me promise could trigger something,” he replied. “That’s probably why he wouldn’t tell me his name. He knew that you’d ask and that if I told you, it could cause the total destruction of The Living Circle.”

“How?” Samson demanded.

“I’ve said too much,” Maqsedeth sighed.

“Still trying to protect me?” Samson asked.

“Yes, Samson,” Maqsedeth replied. “You already look like the man who tried to end it all. Even if the planet Eros was restored to the way it was before the loss of The Living Circle, it wouldn’t be safe for you. The people there would try to kill you.”

“This man, Asus must’ve been a crook,” Samson said in disgust. “And you said he was your friend? No wonder your powers are tainted with close ties to the dark side.”

“Don’t worry, Samson,” Maqsedeth said. “I’ve left that life behind me. Now, it’s time for bed.”

They cleaned up the kitchen and departed into their bedrooms to get ready for bed. Samson got dressed in his pajamas and went out to their backyard to check on Rainbow. He fed her, gave her some water and groomed her. Once he was done grooming her, he kept her company for a while, riding her around their backyard. He was deep in thought about his conversation with Maqsedeth during dinner. He couldn’t believe that his father had associated with Demise, Asus, and the like. It was almost like he didn’t know him anymore. He was proud of who his father was, but now he wasn’t sure how he felt about him.

So, I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that you survived. Well, look at who your father is, King Silus’s words from the past summer rang in his ears. Maybe he knew something about Maqsedeth that Samson didn’t know. My father was friends with crooks, Samson thought, frustrated. How can I be any better? Who am I?

“It’s not time for you to know that yet,” said a voice from behind him. It sounded very similar to his own. Samson turned, startled to find a figure in dark clothes standing before him and Rainbow. He had his head and face covered so that the only thing Samson could see were his eyes.

“Who are you?” Samson asked. “Were you reading my mind? Are you here to rob me?”

“One question at a time, please?” the man said. “I can’t tell you the answer to your first question. No, I’m not here to rob you, otherwise I would’ve done it by now. And, yes, I was reading your mind. You should never think so highly of others. Everyone has had a dark past, even you, Samson.”

“How do you know my name?” Samson demanded.

The man’s cheeks turned up and Samson could only guess that the man was smiling underneath the mask that covered his face, “I watched you grow up,” he said. “I never once alerted you to my presence.”

“Why now?”

“You need to let this go,” the man said. “Your questions will be answered soon but not now because it’s not the time yet. You’ll see me again, soon.”

The man flew away and disappeared into the night. Maqsedeth met Samson and Rainbow just as he dismounted her. “Samson, who was that?” he asked.

Samson shrugged, “He wouldn’t tell me, but I found it odd that his voice sounded so much like mine,” he replied. “It felt weird hearing it from his mouth, like I was speaking to myself.”

Maqsedeth gasped, “It was…probably that man,” he said. “The one who made me promise not to reveal too much information to you. But, why show himself to you now?”

Samson shrugged, “He said that I shouldn’t think so highly of others. Everyone has had a dark past, even…me,” he replied. “He said he watched me grow up…what did he mean?”

“Samson, just drop it,” Maqsedeth ordered, charming him.

Samson immediately stopped asking questions and followed Maqsedeth into the house, wondering what happened. Did he just place a spell on me? Samson thought as he went into his room to go to sleep. He lied in his bed wondering about the events that occurred that night. He wondered who that man was and why he sounded so much like him. He also wondered why his father put a spell on him. Why not just tell me what I want to know? Samson thought.

He brought his hands to his face and they burst into flames. He watched the fire dance around his fingers before finally putting it out. He knew his anxiety was causing it so he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his mind. He exhaled and immediately felt better. He turned over and went to sleep.

The next morning, Maqsedeth woke him up before sunrise. They showered and got dressed in the same type of garments they wore the night before. Maqsedeth cooked them a hearty breakfast. The table was filled with pancakes, eggs, sausage, and biscuits and jam. “How’d you sleep last night?” Maqsedeth asked him as he fixed his plate. “I need you to be strong for your training today. We’re going to continue to work on mind over matter. I think you’re getting better at it but I just want to be sure. Once you master mind over matter, you’ll be ready for the Petrifying Woods. Today is your last day to train. You will need to leave as soon as we’re done today, but don’t feel rushed, since your mind needs to be clear when you go into the Petrifying Woods later today.”

Samson sighed, “Thanks,” he said as he grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, “I slept okay. I just can’t stop thinking about last night.”

Maqsedeth passed him his plate, “Don’t dwell on it, son,” he said as he took his seat at the table. “Some things are better left unsaid.”

“No, it’s just…why did you charm me?” Samson asked him.

“You were being impossible…I did what I had to do,” Maqsedeth replied.

Samson sighed and picked at his eggs. He wouldn’t meet Maqsedeth’s eyes, “Alright, if you say so,” he mumbled.

After breakfast, Samson went up to the parlor and placed a phone call to the Sunshine Palace. The phone rang a couple of times before someone finally answered the phone, “Hello?” they said.

“Prince Smith, thank goodness it’s you,” Samson said with a sigh of relief. “Listen, we need to talk. I don’t know who else to turn to.”

“I’m on my way,” Prince Smith said and then he hung up the phone.

Samson turned around to discover Maqsedeth standing in front of the door into the parlor. “Dude, can you not do that?” he asked, catching his breath.

Maqsedeth chuckled, “You do know you need to train, right?” he asked him.

Samson sighed, “Yes, I know, but I just really need to talk to someone,” he said. “Please, just give me a few minutes.”

Maqsedeth sighed and nodded, “Alright,” he said as the doorbell rang.

Samson departed the parlor to go answer it. He found Prince Smith standing on his front porch. He had dark brown hair, a golden tan, olive-green eyes and he was dressed in all golden apparel: tunic, pants, and boots with a sword, The Light Sword, strapped to his hip. “Hey, you okay?” he asked, his brows furrowed. “You sounded like you were upset about something. Is there something bothering you?”

Samson led Prince Smith outside to his backyard and they sat on the grass. He explained to him everything that occurred to him the night before. “I just feel like he’s hiding something from me, you know?” he said. “I’ve never known my father to be the secretive type. I just don’t know what to do anymore. We had a very transparent relationship before last night, or so I thought…”

Prince Smith sighed and put his hand on Samson’s shoulder, “Don’t worry about a thing, okay?” he said. “Your old man is just looking out for you. Besides, you have your whole life to find out those secrets your father’s been hiding, so stop stressing. Live freely and laugh often. Don’t waste your time dwelling on the past. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. So don’t waste it, embrace it.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but how can I tell him anything when he won’t tell me anything?” Samson asked.

“He has told you everything he can,” Prince Smith replied. “Enjoy your ignorance while you still can. It won’t last very long because there will come a day when you will know the secrets your father has kept from you...” He almost said ‘and they’ll break your heart’ but he didn’t want to agitate Samson any more than he already was.

“And when is that?” Samson asked.

“Soon, but for right now, you have to trust him,” Prince Smith replied.

Samson sighed, “Alright, thanks,” he said.

They stood and said their goodbyes before Prince Smith went back to the Golden Twinkle Kingdom. Samson went back into the house to find Maqsedeth waiting for him in the Foyer. He led him through the kitchen and into the gym. He set up exercise mats for the both of them on the gym floor and sighed, “Samson, I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said. “I just wanted to protect you but I couldn’t help noticing how much you reminded me of him. I couldn’t help noticing how much you reminded me of Asus.”

Samson nodded, “I know, Father,” he said dryly as he sat cross legged on his mat. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He imagined he was playing basketball with Dan and Ken in the gym. Ken dribbled the ball up the court and shot it towards the basket then Samson jumped up, caught the ball in midair and dunked it. He exhaled and instantly felt like the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders. He continued inhaling and exhaling before Maqsedeth stopped him.

“Alright, stand up, Samson,” he said. “Now, I want you to thrust your hands out in front of you to release some of that excess energy.”

Samson thrusted his hands before him but nothing happened. Samson did it again but still nothing. He looked at his father, puzzled, “Um, is that supposed to happen?” he asked. “What does that mean?”

Maqsedeth smiled, “It means your powers have stopped opposing you,” he said. “They have settled. Now, let’s proceed with your karate training. I’ve already showed you the jump kick and most of the basics of karate. Now, I want to show you a few advanced moves: the flying kicks and judo throws. Don’t worry if you don’t get them the first time. It takes practice to master these moves. Let’s get started.”

He threw a series of punches at Samson, but he blocked them with ease. Maqsedeth hooked his arm under Samson’s arm and attempted to throw him to the ground. Samson wrapped his legs around Maqsedeth’s waist as he threw him over his shoulder onto the ground, bringing him tumbling to the floor with him. They both stood, “That could come back to haunt you, Samson,” Maqsedeth taunted.

Maqsedeth did a flying jump kick towards Samson but he grabbed his foot before it touched him and flipped Maqsedeth onto the floor. Maqsedeth stood and threw some more punches at Samson, but he continued to block them. Maqsedeth grabbed Samson on his arm with both hands and threw him over his shoulders onto the ground. “I warned you,” Maqsedeth joked.

Samson chuckled, “Show off,” he muttered as he stood.

“Now, it’s your turn,” Maqsedeth said.

Samson threw a series of punches at Maqsedeth but he blocked them. Samson gripped Maqsedeth on his arm with both hands and threw him over his shoulders onto the ground. Maqsedeth stood and Samson threw some more punches at him, which he blocked with ease. Samson did a flying jump kick towards Maqsedeth but he ducked and swept his foot under Samson’s leg, bringing him to the floor. Samson stood and threw more punches at Maqsedeth but he blocked them all. Samson hooked his arm under Maqsedeth’s arm and threw him over his shoulders onto the floor.

Maqsedeth stood, “Not too shabby,” he said. “Let’s get lunch and afterwards you can pack for your quest into the Petrifying Woods. I believe you’re ready.”

They went into the kitchen and Maqsedeth made hot turkey and cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for the both of them. Maqsedeth took a mango from the fruit bowl, peeled it and cut it in half. They took their seats at the table and Maqsedeth passed one mango half to Samson. “I want you to be extra careful on your quest to the Petrifying Woods,” Maqsedeth said. “Don’t let Devouress make you fear because she will. That’s how she survives. She’s called Devouress because she devours anyone who allow themselves to fear.”

Samson wrinkled his nose, “I just started eating,” he said nearly choking on his tomato soup.

Maqsedeth snorted, “Sorry,” he said. “We’ll discuss this afterwards.”

Once they had finished eating, Maqsedeth followed Samson into the Foyer and handed him a satchel packed with a sandwich and a canteen of water for his journey. “So, what you said earlier about Devouress, um, you were just kidding, right?” Samson said as he slung the satchel over his shoulder. When Samson saw how grim Maqsedeth’s expression was, he gulped, “You mean she actually eats people?” he asked.

Maqsedeth nodded solemnly and Samson sighed, “Thank you for ruining my day,” he said as he departed their house.

“Wait, Samson,” Maqsedeth called after him. “I almost forgot to tell you: be on the lookout for Consumption as well!”

Samson stopped walking and faced him, “Why?” he asked.

“Don’t let him fool you,” Maqsedeth replied. “He chooses to take the form of those dearest to you. That’s how he kills most of his victims. Just keep your eyes open. Keep them wide open.”

“Okay, thanks,” Samson said as he left his father’s presence. “Bye, Father. Thanks for everything.”

Author's Note

The Petrifying Woods is also available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu.com