Metagalaxy: Eclipse

By Russell Scott

Metagalaxy Eclipse is a continuation of Metagalaxy the Beginnings where SamSon is forced to rebuild his life and reputation as he takes it upon himself to help all. SamSon finds out that everything and anything is still possible in this Metagalaxy, even second chances. SamSon and his allies inspire others to step up and become moral as they seek out evil to confront it and destroy it. Only to find out that evil in the Metagalaxy is still indeed strong, smart, and attempting to take over.

Love, honor, and loyalty are still the keys to help this Metagalaxy survive. And if SamSon can convince others that he is still their defender, he will make sure it does. But his own mission to help all might lose SamSon and his friends the things they cherish most.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 6, 2009
• ISBN: 9781465319104

Russell Scott

Russell Scott signed up for his first wood carving class in 1999 through community education and loved it from the start.  His first teacher assigned six carving projects in the eight week class using hand tools only and a wide selection of woods (basswood, catalpa, red cedar, butternut, aspen and pine). The final class project was a Santa Claus figure.  Russ thought his first Santa carving was a masterpiece.             Since that time he has taken many carvings classes from a wide range of instructors (locally and nationally), studied books, videos and carving magazines.  He has carved and consulted with other woodcarvers through the years from whom he learned many techniques and methods for carving, painting and finishing. He has developed his own style of carving and specializes in carving human figures, especially Santa Claus.             Each carving is done entirely by hand, carved free form from a model that Russ has developed using computer software and drawings. After carving each character, it is painted to enhance the image.  He carves mostly in basswood and cottonwood bark. His carvings have received awards at carving shows, county and state fairs, and national carving contests. He is a member of several professional carving organizations.  He also teaches woodcarving classes and has written several instructional wood carving books and created videos which can be viewed on YouTube. 

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Copyright © 2009 by Russell Scott.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

Changes

Back and Forth

Second Ring War

Planetary Assault

Loyalty

Till the End of the Night

Broken Key

Divide and Conquer

Maharani Insanity

Deceiving Devotion

Bout at the Emperors Stadium

Lord of the Red Knight

Turn Around

Adoration Asunder

METAGALAXY

Eclipse…

Metagalaxy Eclipse is a continuation of Metagalaxy the Beginnings where SamSon is forced to rebuild his life and reputation as he takes it upon himself to help all. SamSon finds out that everything and anything is still possible in this Metagalaxy, even second chances. SamSon and his allies inspire others to step up and become moral as they seek out evil to confront it and destroy it. Only to find out that evil in the Metagalaxy is still indeed strong, smart, and attempting to take over.

Love, honor, and loyalty are still the keys to help this Metagalaxy survive. And if SamSon can convince others that he is still their defender, he will make sure it does. But his own mission to help all might lose SamSon and his friends the things they cherish most.

Changes

My life has changed since King. There is no more balance and I recheck every thought. There is nothing anymore I believe in and there is nothing I can do to change the fact that King is now a part of me. I wish there was something I could do; there is not. King has scarred my name and destroyed everything I hold dear. There is no more control. I hate myself. I hate everything that I have become. I used to have it good; no longer. I used to be in love; no longer. Others used to love me; no longer. I wonder if there is anything more out there for me. I wonder if there is anything more. What can I do? I have no respect; people hate me.

~~~~~~~~

Reconstruction has begun. The Dome was left in ruins and many people were hurt and killed. As the funerals go on, recovery does too. Stephanie and Fire-Fox are on Sensor recouping in a children’s hospital for orphans. It was a proposal by Julie to inspire the lost and abandoned young with two famous members of the Metagalaxy. Our dear superman Hiro is being laid to rest on the planet Sensor. At the funeral are his peers of the Federation of Warriors; Long Star, Diamond-Eye, Back-Lash, Satellite, and, of course, his wife Melora. Blade and Link are quickly recovering in a Hurdle healing sanctuary.

Crystal is in charge of public relations and the rebuilding of The Dome. Though many are moving to rebuild the headquarters of freedom, Crystal has sent a team to Sensor. The team is to help aid the people of Sensor to rebuild the royal palace and the capital city of Schneider surrounding it. And her intent is to rebuild public relations. Crystal also has people hunting down the escaped Man-E-Arms. And the person who caused all the harm, the death, and destruction, SamSon, he is on Berzerkous. SamSon is in custody of the king there, who is also his life long friend.

As mentioned, people are changing; some to heal, some to reconstruct. Security is left a sham, and a man in cloak of a construction employee works his way to the main street of The Dome. He has a plan to destroy the city, which he hates, the capital city of Berzerkous, Illumine. The item he seeks is in the house he walks upon. It is inside past the door he goes through. The house is in shambles and burnt, but reconstruction of SamSon’s house is planned soon.

The man is known as Destroyer; it is a name given to him by his buccaneers. He is a man changed by insanity and driven to steal with the lack of wanting to work persistently or hard. He is drawn to the power that he seeks, and claims it is the heart of an archangel. It is not, as it is a stalagmite from the planet Dragon.

He has read about this rock that is said to give increased strength, stamina, and adrenalin. It is the rock that saved five heroes and a queen from the planet of anti-magic. He heard about this rock in a tavern or two as people were discussing ways to gain strength and wealth, by using the rock for its power. Stories that got twisted and fabricated to make him believe it came from an archangel. He has dreamt about this rock, and twisted its very story to fit his own mind. He fathomed up where it would be. And it is. Security is at its lowest as others are all in good faith to help, as people do after a disaster. Destroyer walked right inside The Dome and inside the destroyed house of SamSon. Destroyer found and now owns the stone of power.

The rock is deformed and melted from when Fire-Fox jammed it inside the accelerator of the cruiser to gain controls. It is smaller and smoother. The stone is glossy with the color red, and is faded to a pink hue on the bottom. It has to be the heart of an archangel. I feel its power. It grows inside me. I will destroy Illumine and be the new ruler of Berzerk.

~~~~~~~~

People have every right to hate me. They put their trust in me. I have destroyed that. I do not know what I have done. I take full responsibility. I just do not believe I had it in me. I guess that is what happens when you bottle it all in. I am starting to doubt my existence. I wonder if I could do anything to offset the damage and death that I caused. Looking at it that way is not right. But that is all I got. Nothing, my life is nothing. How can one action destroy everything good I have done? It is so easy to destroy. So hard to gather a few pieces of what took a lifetime to build. I wonder if there is anything more. What can I do? I have no respect for myself, I hate me.

~~~~~~~~

Gathering all his pirate followers and all his weapons, Destroyer sets forth to the capital Illumine. He is equipped with a photon ray firearm, a photon pistol, and a photon beam scope. He has a helmet to give him an animal impression, chain-mail armor, and gloves that are more like gauntlets. They are of strong textiles that act more like a shield, but flexible. He puts on his flying pack that will aid to his speed and distance to rage more havoc from the air. And of course, he is equipped with the Heart Stone from the planet Dragon. He feeds off its power as it feeds off of him. His blood drips on the stone as he grips it forcefully for power.

Attack, my pirates, attack. The assault begins with Destroyer’s command as a few dozen bandits take to the air and fire random shots into the capital. Some head straight for loot from local stores and others obey Destroyer’s command to demolish the city. The shots are damaging but none is more destructive than his flail. His shots with the charged up weapons, feeding off the Heart Stone, atomize chunks of buildings.

A counterattack is forthwith from the largest habitable planet in the Metagalaxy. The army snipes out brigand after buccaneer, as Destroyer takes out building after structure. With his newfound power, he is reinforced with energy. But soon the stone betrays him. As it gives him strength and his armor intensity, it feeds off of him. With the cruiser melting it down, and being used in addition with a Neon Ring, it is much rawer than it once was. The stone gives momentary injections of strength only to draw it all back with additional energy from its holder. It is like fire in my blood. I will not stop, though, until Berzerkous is mine.

Destroyer stops his flight in mid-air to cope with the growing pain in his hand. He struggles desperately not to drop the stone, which he knows he needs. But he cannot hold any longer. He throws the stone as his vigor is sucked away. He watches the stone fall into a park for the wild ecology of hills, trees, and rocks. As all his power is faded, his memory is burning the location for he can retrieve it later. But he will not have that chance in his lifetime.

A shot is fired from the royal sniper and rips apart a few ribs and flesh from the quick attacker. Destroyer is hit and his life is quickly fading. Berzerk will be mine. He signals a motion and the flying pack ignites, launching him through the sky like lightning. It heads him toward the hinterland mountain range in the distance of the capital.

~~~~~~~~

Tired I am. There is so much I cannot think about without bringing up the evil that is buried inside me. I grow angry and tired about the slightest things. Every breath feels like it wants out. I am aware of every action and moment, it makes the days long. It brings more time of people hating me, and I hating myself. I must destroy the people that brought this out in me. I will not go on this way. I am King. Stop, I must not! SamSon throws magic at the reflecting glass he looks upon across the room. The magic quickly reflects back and bashes into the original target. SamSon grabs his head with the serious headache brought upon him. Control, I must keep control. But why should I, what do I have left? I am—

Uncle SamSon? A young sweet innocent voice rings in his ears as it passes by the open door. Are you talking to me?

SamSon lets go of his forehead and looks at the teen royal child. No, Kelly. I was just thinking out loud. Kelly, there is so much of your mother I see within you. You are growing up to be a beautiful woman just like her. Your parents and I are proud of you. I am sure you will serve them and the people of Berzerk well someday. But your father’s judgment to let you stay here with him now on this farm makes me question.

The chubby faced, fluffy haired brunette smiles, I asked him to.

SamSon looks down in shame, Do you not know of the evil I have caused?

Kelly nods, It is hard to believe, especially with all the stories my parents tell about you. But yes, Uncle SamSon, I know. I still believe in you. So does my father.

SamSon’s eyes grow angry as he looks at her. He thinks of her parents and he does not consider her presence. He talks at her but not to her. Apparently Sandy does not. Luckily, Tom A. Hawk is a good man. But he is stupid to trust his soul, and his child’s, with my rage. SamSon grabs his head and glances in the mirror and then back at her. Kelly, I am sorry. It gains control of me at times. Where is your father?

She answers, Dad went to the communications room. He said there was a little infraction in security.

SamSon gets irate. So he doesn’t trust me.

Kelly looks around the halls, which she stands in. No, he said there was an invasion of pirates in the capital. Everything is fine now.

Knowing in the past he would have been called upon, SamSon sees more than what is there. I wonder why I was not informed.

She responds, Uncle, everything is fine now.

Tom A. Hawk enters the view from the doorway, Yes, SamSon, everything is fine now. He looks back at his daughter, Kelly, go play outside. He looks all serious.

She sees the look and quickly nods, Yes, sir. She heads down the hallway.

Tom waits until Kelly is out of sight then he looks at his friend. SamSon, I see you are still angry. All those emotions you are holding back. You have to let them loose.

SamSon gets defensive. Look, Tom, look what happened when I did. People died.

Tom points at SamSon as he talks to him. You are not here just to blame yourself, SamSon. You are not here to hide from the Metagalaxy. You are here to rebuild yourself, and to become halfway normal again. You must truly face who you are. All sides of you.

Still defensive, SamSon responds, How can I, Tom? It hurts me. It hurts me to know I destroyed everything I fought for.

Tom quickly replies, SamSon, you are the foundation. You will not be broken. Let time do its work.

I am an embarrassment to all my, SamSon stops and looks down, former friends. SamSon’s face looks even sadder. There is no way I can ever be loved again.

You mean from Stephanie. Tom watches SamSon get all fidgety. SamSon looks down even farther, then to the side, up, and then back down while moving his hand over his hair. Tom A. Hawk smiles, Say her name, SamSon. Get her beautiful image in your mind.

SamSon gets all wrathful, I don’t want to talk about, he stops, it.

Tom raises his voice, How can you ever leave this room without hearing Stephanie’s name? Stephanie is a part of this Metagalaxy. And you will forever be known as a part of Stephanie.

SamSon gets up and charges Tom. Stop saying that name. It is the cause.

Tom is smiling seeing how upset he is getting SamSon. Tom knows rough therapy has begun. He knows that SamSon must face his anger. You are the cause. You attacked people. You destroyed buildings. You put Blade, Link, Allie, Fire-Fox, Stephanie, and many others in a healing sanctuary. You, SamSon, have put hundreds of innocent people in the ground. Hiro and Stephanie’s betrothed Malcome are dead because of you.

SamSon swings at Tom but misses as Tom steps back. Tom quickly grabs SamSon and twists him around. Tom has SamSon in a headlock forcing him still. SamSon expresses, Stop saying her name. That was not me. That was King.

Tom points out while yelling, You are King!

SamSon snaps back while struggling to break free, I know I am King. I do not need to be reminded.

Holding tight, Tom says, Yes you do, SamSon. Every time anyone sees you, they will see King. You said you wanted to ride this thing out. You said you’d take responsibility. Well do it man, come on. Face what you have done. Remember all you hurt; your friends, your true love, and your reputation. Let it out SamSon, do not bottle it all in again. It will just build up and explode again if you do.

SamSon’s struggle gets fiercer as he tries to free himself from Tom’s headlock. SamSon’s voice is powerful and irritated. You do not want to get me angry, Tom. You want to push me over the edge. His voice gets wrathful, Do you want to see what King can do? SamSon leans back and forces Tom against the wall. SamSon leans forward and is able to grab Tom. He breaks the stronghold, and tosses Tom in front of him. SamSon grabs Tom and slams him against the wall. His fist is ready to strike, but SamSon is hesitant. Do you want King to destroy Berzerk as he did Hurdle and Sensor? Do you want to die? Do you want to watch your family and planet be annihilated?

Tom rests easy in the grip of anger as he stares SamSon in the eyes. You saved my life and planet many times, SamSon. They are yours to take, but my daughter and wife are not.

SamSon orders, I am King, and I will take anything I please. The fury is brought out by Tom’s words. The words make it indigestible for SamSon, a person with so much power to be told what he cannot have. SamSon hits Tom and shakes him. He punches his stomach and lands a solid hit to Tom’s jaw. Tom remains weak in his grip and spits out blood and teeth. SamSon stops and looks straight into Tom’s eyes. With all his might and anger, SamSon leans back and swings a power punch at Tom.

~~~~~~~~

From the shot that was fired from the royal sniper, Destroyer’s life is quickly fading. There is a promise on his lips, Berzerk will be mine. His flying pack ignites, bringing him toward the hinterland mountain range like lightning. Seen in the far reaches of the capitol is a mountain peak, which he heads toward. There is a disarrangement of mountains. It is a place where few have traveled, even in this heavily populated world, but is now seen by Destroyer’s dying eyes.

As life fades out but trying to survive, it comes back with a blink of where he lands. He comes crashing to the ground and rolls down the sloped mountainside. Soon Destroyer comes to a smashing halt. He lands on a level surface on the ridge, where it looks like a war once has taken place. The mountainside is torn apart and the ground is stained with blood. There is a demon appearing in front of its home. But is Destroyer dead or still dying, as a demon stands over him ready to take his soul. Destroyer utters again, Berzerk will be mine.

The demon stands there watching over him then it speaks. The demon has a metal grate over its head but is able to see and speak the same. I am Demon Guard. The mighty demon leans down and puts its monstrous claw around Destroyer’s head. Two of its razor sharp claws pierce his spine as Demon Guard speaks again. You will make a good demon knight. Your lust for our enemy makes you powerful. Demon Guard speaks at Destroyer but meditates his own thoughts. Power this demon.

As death has taken place, Demon Guard has brought a new existence. With the words that were spoken and the piercing of the spinal column, Destroyer stood and looked at his new master. A glazed-over look in the eyes of the dead body instantly turned away and stepped back toward the direction he came from. The pack ignited and the new demon, Demon Destroyer is going back to finish his war. His tore up ribs and flesh are no longer draining his life, for he has none. The newly powered demon heads back to the location that he burned in his mind. Demon Destroyer speaks, The Heart Stone will power this demon. And Berzerk will be mine. He heads away from the far reached mountain range that, somewhere within it, resides the Demon’s Den.

~~~~~~~~

Seeing SamSon’s eyes change, Tom knows that his friend is no longer in control. The situation has now turned even more dangerous and King is still dwelling near. Tom kicks SamSon’s leg and uses the moment to get out of the swinging fist brought upon by rage. He rolls to the side missing another attack only to make SamSon even more furious.

SamSon reaches out only to grab air. He grabs again but Tom pushes his hand away. Tom speaks to his friend, You are going to have to control yourself, SamSon. You have to embrace who you have become and live. SamSon swings but Tom eludes back. Tom leans forward hitting SamSon in the face. Tom speaks, I will not be there all the time to baby-sit you. SamSon is about to swing again only to get another punch from Tom. The punch knocks SamSon back against the wall. Tom stands over him, You will end up killing more people if you do not control yourself. Stephanie will forever be afraid of you if you do not control yourself. Your friends and Stephanie will always be a victim if you do not tell them what you feel. Do not hold back your thoughts and emotions or they are going to destroy you and everyone else. You will lose control that way.

SamSon looks his friend in the eyes, There is no hope for me. SamSon charges Tom. Even in a defense stance and ready for another assault, SamSon’s power and speed is too great and overwhelming for Tom A. Hawk. Tom gets pushed back against the wall and immediately has SamSon’s hand around his chin, jaw, and neck. Tom is lifted off the ground and slammed against the wall again. Tom tries to kick and punch to force his way out of the stronghold, but the skirmish is futile with the might of SamSon. With Tom’s assault having no effect, SamSon speaks in disregard of Tom’s pain. Is there hope for me?

Tom tries to speak, There is always hope, my friend. I believe in you. But you have to believe in yourself.

Stricken with guilt, SamSon bends his neck down. With an undertone of sadness, SamSon articulates, I destroyed everything, Tom. There is no way I can rebuild what I destroyed in the hearts of the people. There is no way I can bring back the lives I’ve slain. My friends will always fear me.

Tom attempts to nod, You are going to have to accept that, SamSon.

SamSon’s voice is even softer as he speaks. The pain and hurt he feels is clearly shown in his face and eyes. His voice is deeply plagued with sorrow. There is no way I am going to get back together with Stephanie.

Feeling SamSon’s pain, Tom tries to ease the hurt. You know not to look that far ahead. It always leads to disappointment.

Tears fall from SamSon’s eyes as he remembers. I still love her. I still love Stephanie.

Tom’s emergency transmitter goes off and a voice is heard. The palace is under attack again. The urgency in the guard’s voice is clearly heard and his clarity is defined for the news to be shared. King Tom A. Hawk, our military is being taken apart along with the city. We need immediate help. Weapons are useless, it is indestructible. Static is heard, and then the communicator automatically turns off.

Tom tries to reactivate the transmission, but the guard is not responding. Tom tries to get loose again but cannot. SamSon, I have to go. SamSon releases him. Tom starts heading for the door, but he is stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Tom turns back toward SamSon. This is a job for you, isn’t it?

SamSon nods, All other heroes are too far and incapacitated by King. Tom, I am here now. Believe in me.

Tom agrees, SamSon, Berzerk needs you.

SamSon starts running down the hall and toward the parking lot. He gets in a cruiser and it takes flight toward the royal capitol city of Illumine. Forthwith, SamSon is there to find buildings on fire and falling apart. There are people running everywhere. They flee to find safety and shelter, but there is none as the invader is flying and destroying everything at random. Entire streets are on fire. It looks like a war zone filled with rows of exploded parked cruisers. Billows of smoke are scattered throughout the city.

SamSon lands the cruiser, jumps out, and ushers in a group of running people. He yells out, Go. The cruiser takes flight leaving SamSon and bringing a small group of people to safety. The invader sees the fleeing ship and fires his super powered weapons. SamSon sees the photon projectile and rushes toward the flying cruiser. SamSon jumps and lifts up his arm. He is barely able to block the projectile with his golden bracelet. With any less decent from the downward flying bullet or less of a jump from SamSon, his hand would have been blown apart. SamSon lands to see the cruiser speed off to safety. He turns around to find a powered ray headed toward him. He is once again swift enough to block with the Golden Bracelets, but just barely.

Demon Destroyer flies over SamSon and continues firing random shots into the city. SamSon watches as Demon Destroyer circles back around and fires a shot toward a building. SamSon picks up a hand-sized chunk of a building, spins around to gain momentum for the stone, and he heaves it toward a nearby projectile. The stone collides with the projectile and disintegrates along with it. SamSon has saved that building for the time being.

Demon Destroyer sees the target still standing and flies toward the hero. SamSon stands ready to swing and defend, but Demon Destroyer zips by him. Passing by, the demon pirate shoves SamSon to the ground. SamSon stands to see the demon flying off and firing more shots into the city. Almost in a growl SamSon speaks, I declare war. SamSon raises his right arm and makes a fist. The Neon Green Ring begins to glow and discharges its power. A beam from the ring hinders a projectile heading for a group of people. Then the beam from the ring intercepts a destructive bullet heading for a building. Again and again, the neon rays block Demon Destroyer’s emissions. SamSon falls to his knees and blood falls from his nose as the ring absorbs his stamina. Demon Destroyer does not feel the once draining effects from the Heart Stone as his new life as a demon shields him and the fact he has no life for the stone to take.

Demon Destroyer stops and looks at the palace, again ignoring the faint SamSon. The demon sees the palace still standing but it is smoking and punctured from the previous hits. With all the power from the Heart Stone, the demon and his weapons begin to glow. The power build up is seen like a beacon and the watching members of the city and palace know it is the end for them. Demon Destroyer aims all his weapons toward the palace.

SamSon sees the beacon and the result to follow, knowing all in the palace will die. He hopes that Sandy has made it out already. SamSon yells out, SamSon Power! With a brief renewed strength, SamSon stands and fires another ray from the Neon Ring. The green beam smacks into Demon Destroyer and he goes flailing across the sky. SamSon falls to his knees again, but keeps his sights high. He momentarily sees a shiny glistening object fall from Demon Destroyer’s previous position. He asks himself, What is that? He waits a second to think. It is the demon’s amazing power.

SamSon forces himself up and rushes down the street. After a turn and another road down through the city, SamSon sees Demon Destroyer. The demon is flying in circles looking for the object, too. SamSon picks up the pace and begins to run down the streets to reach the location where the object fell. He looks up to see Demon Destroyer circle right above him and stop. The demon charges down as he sees the Heart Stone. SamSon quickly follows his sights and direction; he, too, sees the Heart Stone. The stalagmite from Dragon. What is it doing here? SamSon rushes even faster to seize the Heart Stone.

Demon Destroyer reaches the stone and picks it up. There is a moment of relief and rage as the immense power fills his veins once again. Demon Destroyer turns around to face SamSon, but SamSon is already there. SamSon, with the look of pure wrath and malice, stares at the demon thief. As the demon sees his eyes, SamSon grabs Demon Destroyer’s hand holding the Heart Stone and pulls it close. Demon Destroyer is yanked harshly toward SamSon as his knee thrusts up. SamSon’s knee jabs into Demon Destroyer’s ripped apart ribs, and SamSon’s other hand quickly chops down on the demons neck.

Demon Destroyer falls to the ground and rolls over to the side next to a building. He slowly gets up as SamSon’s attack was damaging, even to the undead. The demon looks down at his hand and then at SamSon’s. Demon Destroyer sees the Heart Stone in SamSon’s hand. The demon speaks out, Berzerk will be mine. Demon Destroyer gains flight and stops as he looks at the palace. With his weapons quickly losing power as the stone is no longer with him, Demon Destroyer charges them up ready to fire. In addition to the fading power, he calls for his strength, Power this Demon. The body of Demon Destroyer lights up and his weapons burn even brighter. He releases all his power toward the palace.

SamSon tosses the Heart Stone to his right hand and grips it tight. He immediately points his Neon Green Ring and fires his own mass ray of power. The power of the Neon Ring charged with SamSon’s own vigor multiplied by the Heart Stone, speeds faster than the demons speedy beam. A shield of green essence covers the palace and every single object more than a million acres away. A fraction of the planet glows neon green. The demons powered ray dissolves in the green light. Demon Destroyer holds the bombardment for seconds before having to stop. All the efforts of the demon and the left over charge from the Heart Stone meant nothing as it all withers away in the green light.

The palace still stands, the surrounding objects still exist, and SamSon’s power still holds strong. The demon sees his failure, and the fate that will come quickly if action is not taken. Demon Destroyer is weak from firing every ounce of energy toward the palace; he retreats back to the Demon’s Den in the mountains. SamSon releases the shield around the palace and surroundings. He stands strong for a moment and makes sure the demon is not coming back. SamSon looks at the palace, and then he falls to his knees and drops the Heart Stone.

All the people from nearby houses and apartments walk outside to see the man they were told recently to fear. They all stop and admire the person that saved them and their kingdom. Even though the image of King is fresh in their minds from news reports, they only see the man that saved them. They only see SamSon. A voice chimes out, Thank you, SamSon.

Then another voice speaks out, Thank you, SamSon.

A cruiser lands on the street and Tom A. Hawk gets out. He hears the people’s gratitude. He speaks out, It is now safe for SamSon has returned. Yes, my people, SamSon has again saved us. He has again saved my kingdom and my wife inside the palace. The power of SamSon will once again be with us all. He walks over to SamSon and helps him up. With a pat on the back, Tom says to his friend, Thank you, SamSon. Look, my friend. The people still need you and believe in you. You are once again a hero. One person, one city, one planet at a time and you will have what you lost; the respect and trust.

SamSon looks at all the faces admiring him, and then he looks down, I will always be known as King.

The trouble for you, SamSon, is not the evil you see. It is the evil within you known as King. You will always be known to have King inside you, as others have tempers as well. It will shade you, but it will not define you. That is, unless you let it.

SamSon says as he bends down and grabs the Heart Stone, Thanks, Tom.

~~~~~~~~

King Tom A. Hawk makes a speech in front of thousands at the royal palace. As hundreds of thousands of people watch him, so do the cameras that broadcast his speech for all around the Metagalaxy to hear. Thank SamSon once again, dear people. He has saved Berzerkous from the Demons of Berzerk. It is easy to disregard a lifetime of work for one misdeed, especially a major misdeed that caused lives. But SamSon has begun to rebuild my trust and faith in him. He has again proven to be a pillar of strength and hope for Berzerkous. So, as your king, I ask you people of Berzerkous to have faith in my hero. I can exonerate SamSon in my heart, but I can only ask you to do the same. For we owe him our lives. And for anyone that does business with Berzerkous, I ask you to do the same. The greatest hero that ever lived is the one we know as SamSon. Thank you, good people. And thank you, SamSon.

~~~~~~~~

"Can I reconcile? I do not know. I will try. I have once again saved lives, the first since I became King. I do not know if things will ever be the same.