Chapter 8.

After the grand feast, Annabella and Abe read a collection of Gordon Fairytale stories.

As Annabella listened to Abe's charming voice, she snuggled in his fur and fell asleep in his warm and embracing arms.

During her nap, Abe’s previous words of:

“...No care in the world” rang in her ears, repeatedly. She had a flashback of Mother coughing and coughing on the bed. She had flashbacks of poor and hungry children in her village. She had a flashback of Mister Michael telling the story of the disappearing woman. Abe's previous words would not stop ringing in her ears during the entire dream.

Annabella swallowed her pride, bulked up her chest, and regained her might. She realized she did have a care in the world. She was meant to go to Destiny Nation, see her father's face, and defeat any obstacles in her path. She jumped off the couch, and said, “I'm not done. I do have a care. I have a mother, a village, and myself to care about. We deserve justice!

Abe swallowed and replied, “So you want to continue training?... But you were having so much fun dancing in your beautiful dress, laughing, and eating a luxurious meal. I can give you more. Would you like more, or are there any other wishes you have that I don't know about? I can fulfill your happiest desires!”

“Get up!” Annabella spoke in a serious tone.

Abe replied, “Excuse me?”

“If you truly are a figure from my dreams, then I can tell you what to do. I am in control of myself, my dreams, and my life.”

“What?”

“No more wishing and hoping. No more begging you to do something that I can do on my own. The darkness has set. The moon has risen. I am going to Destiny Nation right now!”

“Beautiful Annabella,” Abe fell to his knees and pulled out his prayer hands. “I'm begging you to think it through one more time.”

Raging with the eyes of determination, the spirit of courage, the grace of a royal, the strength of a winner, and the raft of a warrior, Annabella puffed out her chest, swallowed her pride, and pulled in her might. She grabbed her sword and shield, whipped her cape around her shoulders, stomped her way to the front door, opened the door, and boldly walked outside. She replied, “I am strong enough to do this on my own!”

Abe’s eyes widened in surprise. A tear of fear briefly flung out his left eye as he ran after her. Together, Annabella and Abe walked through the spooky Mongrol Forest. Aggressively attacked by the claws of mongrols, fearful screams of passbyers, and ghostly whispers telling her to run back and go away, Annabella used her combative skills, quick thinking, swordsmanship, and distraction abilities to slash through every monstrous being that cane her way. Her stamina, endurance, and strength was fierce, but her motivation was limitless.

Abe fought alongside Annabella with his large mongrol claws, impeccable fists, widened eyes, heightened senses, and husky monstrous body. After hours of fighting and deep breathing, Annabella and Abe had finally made their way to the exit of the Mongrol Forest. Annabella continued walking out of the forest and entered onto the territory of Destiny Nation. Not too far away in distance, rested a grand and flamboyant blue castle with captivating exterior finishings. Annabella continued in that direction, but noticed that she no longer heard Abe’s voice or his footsteps by her side. She turned around, and saw Abe crying past his raw beard, clawed up fur, and muscled physique. Annabella ran towards the exit of the Mongrol Forest. An invisible wall had trapped Abe inside. Panicking, Annabella banged on the wall. 

“I can't go any further,” Abe said. 

“Why?” Annabella replied as tears fell down her face.

“I am a true mongrol for life. The Mongrol Forest is my habit and my home.”

“If you really are from my dream, then I command you to come out!”

“That's not how it works,” Abe said as he continued to cry. 

Annabella replied, “I can go back and be with you.”

“That's not how it works either.” Abe sat on the ground in a cradled position, as streams of salt water fell down his eyes.

“Why can't I go back in the forest?,” Annabella said after attempting to walk through the invisible wall again. She continued to panic and bang on the invisible wall. “Will I see you again?”

“You have goals to accomplish, big dreams to fulfill, and an even bigger life to fulfill… You really are powerful… I LOVE YOU ANNABELLA!” 

“ABE!” Annabella shouted with a mix of emotions: fear, love, and sadness.

“Go get all of the things on your wishlist!” Abe spoke as dust fumed from the ground, the Mongrol Forest became pitch blank, and his figure disappeared. 

Annabella stood alone and stiffly, as her beaten shield rested on her left hip, her sharp golden sword dangled in her right hand, and the wind blew up her winter cape.