Chapter 8.

Awakened by the black birds chirping in the sky, John began to think about the Copeland Nation, and how he would save his land and people from the Cruel Nation military, especially his mother. John was concerned that being an old, purple, deer-looking monster might hinder him from being able to truly save his family and the people of Regal Nation. He really missed his mother, and hoped that she is okay.

Soon, Mikayla woke up. “Sir, you have not told me your name,” she says as she smiles at John. With his arm wrapped around her, he smiles back as they catch each other’s eyes. 

“John,” he replied. 

“John,” Mikayla said. “The prince of our nation is named John. You are so lucky to have a name like that. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but you seem a lot different than all of the other animals here… and of course, your animal friends - butterfly, giraffe, and coyote seem a lot different than the other animals, but I still love them."

John took a deep breath. “Well, I had to leave my home a few days ago. There were intruders that invaded my home."

"What home?" Mikayla asked.

"The Copeland Castle, my home."

"John Copeland?"

"Yes, unfortunately."

"He disappeared months ago. Why are you in the middle of nowhere? Why do you look like a monster?"

"The Cruel Nation invaded my home, so I had to run away and find refuge. An evil witch transformed me, because I wouldn't kiss her. I refuse to kiss something so hideous."

"That is terrible! There has to be a way for you transform back into yourself. There has to be a way for the Regal Nation to defeat the Cruel Nation.

"I just wish to be normal again. I need to save my family and friends. I just want this all to be over with," John proclaimed.

"What do you mean? Has something else bad happened.?" Mikayla asked with curiosity. Butterfly, giraffe, and coyote walk over.

"The Cruel Nation," John said. 

"The Cruel Nation," butterfly, giraffe, and coyote said in shock.

"What are you doing with those evil men, John," giraffe said and leaned her head over John’s right shoulder to comfort him.

"Nothing," John said."I can't do anything!"

"What!" Butterfly shouted.

"You have to try something," coyote told John.

John said, "they have invaded our land. They have a grip over our land. Our men are out numbered... I was alone. All I could do was run away."

"Their right," Mikayla said. "There has to be something you could try.

"Everytime I try to do anything, something bad happens. I couldn't get my father to answer any questions, before he died. I checked his office, and found nothing. I couldn't save my mother. My town was invaded. I ran away, and the evil witch turned me into an ugly, purple, deer-looking monster." John cried. "What battles do you think I can fight looking like this?... What battles do you think I can fight, when I couldn't even win a practice battle and complete my training?... What battles do you think I can fight, when the only folks with sympathy are talking animals. I didn't ask for this!"

"John you cannot give up," Mikayla said. "You must fight for Regal Nation. That is our home. Homes have already been invaded and buildings have already been torn down. They towns people need you, John. We need you."

"GET UP!," the coyote pushed John. "You not a quitter. One loss doesn't mean failure, and neither does three losses."

"Mustacke wants someone they can push around, to feel like strong guys, but that's not strength!" The butterfly shouted!

"I just wanted to make my mother, father, and the townspeople proud of me," John said. "I want them to know I wear my sword and shield with dignity."

"Real strength is bravery, courage, and determination," giraffe said.

"Real strength is doing the right thing, even when you are scared," the coyote said.

"Real strength is persevering, and trying again, again, and again... because, you know that victory will always win," the butterfly said.

"TRY AGAIN!" The animals shouted in unison.

"I guess you all are right." John said. He picked up his might, stuck out his bold chest, waved goodbye to Mikayla and the animals, and confidently walked on the dirt trail leading the way to Johnston Town.