Pound Puppies: Lucky's Journey to Heaven

This story was inspired by John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress.
== Chapter 1: The City-By-The-Sea ==
We all know how a show called Pound Puppies had concluded with Lucky and the Hendersons moving into a big house, which is next to Shelter 17, where Lucky works. But what you didn't know this there is more to be told after that. Lucky read the scriptures and went on a journey to the Celestial City to escape the fires to come. This story tells about the journey Lucky took from his hometown to the Celestial City.
A few months after Lucky and the Hendersons into a big house next to Shelter 17, Leonard McLeish, the manager of Shelter 17, was making a few changes to Shelter 17 after winning the lottery. The changes he'd made were adding a few dog kennels, made the central building a little bigger, and hired five men and a veterinarian to work at the pound. Mr. McLeish even made the Pound Puppies do all the chores around Shelter 17.
Lucky and Cookie scrubbed the floors, wash the dishes, and take out the trash. Niblet hauled heavy bags of dog food and Squirt cleaned up after every dog at Shelter 17. Strudel, Toyoshiko, Rebound, Cupcake, and Patches do the paperwork for all the adoptions. All the Pound Puppies at Shelter 17 worked very hard each day as Mr. McLeish and Olaf Hugglesbjork do light work in the office. Ralph, Mr. McLeish's dog, also comes to Shelter 17, but he just lays down all day and never does any work.
One Saturday afternoon, after Lucky had finished the dishes, Mr. McLeish said to Lucky, "That's enough work for today. I'm going to give you the next week off." Lucky couldn't believe what he'd just heard. 'Really?' he thought, 'Why would McLeish give me a week off?' "The reason for this," Mr. McLeish said. "Is because the Hendersons next door didn't like when you worked every day, so I had decided to give you one week off of work every month. You okay with that?" Lucky nodded his head in agreement. So he headed back to the big house next door through a hole he'd dug a few months back.
The next day, after breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson got on clothes that are a little fancy, including their daughter Dot Henderson. Lucky asked Dot where she and her parents are going. Dot answered, "To church to hear a sermon from the pastor. You can read a few books if you want." As soon as Dot and her parents were gone Lucky went into Dot's room to find a good book to read. That's when Lucky found a red book on Dot's bed, but, however, the book was nothing like any other book he had read before. The cover of the book has a cross on it and two words above it, which read, "Holy Bible." Lucky picked up the book and read a few pages from it.
Later, the Hendersons had returned from Church and continued the rest of their day normally. When night fell Lucky laid down next to Dot's bed and fell asleep. As he slept Lucky dreamt that the City-By-The-Sea -that was the name of Lucky's hometown- was being destroyed by fire from Heaven. Lucky awoke with a start and looked around. Dot was still asleep, including her parents, but Lucky was thinking about his dream. "What was my dream trying to tell me?" He wondered to himself. He took a look at the book on Dot's desk and decided to read it again. When Lucky opened the book he started to read and learned about Jesus, the savior of the world.
For the rest of the week, Lucky continued to read the Bible and learned more about Jesus and His ways. Then, Lucky remembered all the bad deeds he had done in life before becoming a Pound Puppy and said in a lamentable voice, "What shall I do to be saved?" But when bedtime came Lucky went to sleep and dreamed another dream. In his new dream, Lucky saw two beings called Shining Ones coming to him and said to him, "Lucky, you must go to the Celestial City to save your soul from destruction or you cannot be saved." After saying these words the Shining Ones departed from Lucky and Lucky awoke in the morning.
Upon, waking up, Lucky felt himself weighted down as he stood up. He felt his back with his and realized what happened. A terrible burden had appeared on his back during the night. He tried to push the burden off, but it didn't budge because it was strapped to him. When Dot came into her room after breakfast she was astonished by the sight of the burden on Lucky's back. "Lucky, how did you get that on your back?" she asked. Lucky told her what happened and there was a brief silence. Then Dot laughed. "Oh, you silly dog!" She said. "You have quite an imagination. Now, go have breakfast. Your friends are waiting for you." Lucky couldn't believe what happened. Dot didn't believe him and, with his head hanging down, went downstairs to breakfast.
When he had finished, Lucky walked out the door and went to Shelter 17, but had a hard time because of his burden. Lucky arrived and saw his friends by the front gate. The other Pound Puppies were shocked to see Lucky with a great burden on his back coming toward them. "Lucky, what happened?" They asked. "Why do you have that terrible thing on your back?" Lucky answered, "My friends, I don't know how I'm going to tell you this, but I might as will tell you. Dot has this book that I've never read before and, when I had read it, I'd realized that the city is about to be destroyed by fire from the sky and everyone who lives here will perish. Then I'd dreamed that two beings called Shining Ones appeared to me, telling me to flee our home or we couldn't be saved."
When his friends had heard this, they were confused and didn't believe a single word of it. Cookie came up to Lucky and said, "You need to stop reading that book, Lucky. It's just messing with your brain and your just exaggerating because of it." But Lucky knew better and was not discouraged. Every day Lucky continued to read the book after finishing all the tasks Mr. McLeish gives him. The other Pound Puppies tried to stop Lucky from reading it, but Lucky could not stop because he always had an urge to read. He also finds it hard to get his friends to believe its words because they would not listen to him and were only interested in doing other things.
== Chapter 2: Evangelist and The Journey Begins ==
A few days later, Mr. McLeish is having a meeting in his office with other dog shelter owners. Even his mother, Agatha McLeish, was there, including the Hendersons, Mayor Jerry, the police chief and his dog Sarge and Pepper, a police puppy in training. While the meeting was taking place the Pound Puppies are outside sweeping up some dust and garbage. Lucky had a hard time lifting trash bags into the trash cans because of the heavy weight of the burden he has. But he had manage to do it and was tired from all the lifting. "That was so tiring." Lucky said to himself.
Suddenly, silence fell around Lucky as he heard something. He looked up at the sky and see fire coming down. It came crashing down, which destroyed buildings, and one of them had hit the ground a few feet away from Lucky. Lucky closed his eyes as he braced himself to be hit by the flames. But then it became quiet. Lucky opened his eyes and saw that everything wasn't destroyed. It was all a vision of things to come. Lucky looked up at the sky again looking quite confused. "What do you want me to do?" Lucky wondered.
Just then, Lucky saw a well dressed man coming toward him. Lucky was even more confused as his head was filled with questions. Who is he? Why is he here? When the man got close he got down on one knee and looked at Lucky with a friendly look. "My friend," he said, "why are you sitting here?" Lucky felt nervous and wasn't sure if he could trust him. "Don't worry, my friend." Said the man with a chuckle. "I already know about you and your fellow Pound Puppies." "Really?" Lucky asked. "Yes," the man answered. "I do. My name is Evangelist. Now tell me what the problem is." As Lucky explained his problem to him Squirt and the other Pound Puppies had noticed Lucky speaking with Evangelist, but they didn't know what was going on between them. Squirt turned to Niblet and said, "Go get Dot. This looks serious." Niblet then went into Shelter 17's main building to get Dot.
After Lucky had explained his problem, Evangelist had a look of understanding on his face. "Well, I believe I can help." He said. Evangelist pulled out a scroll and gave it to Lucky. Then Lucky unrolled the scroll and read it, which says, "Run from the wrath to come." "Run? Run where?" Asked Lucky, looking up at Evangelist. Evangelist pointed to the woods outside the city and answered, "Over there." Lucky looked in the direction Evangelist is pointing, but all he could see is woods. "Do you see the gate? If you could look hard enough, you can see a light." Evangelist said. Lucky squinted his eyes and saw what might be a light in the far distance. "I think I do." He said. Evangelist then said, "Then keep that light infront of you and run right toward it. By the time you get there, knock and you'll be told what to do."
With that, Lucky, with no hesitation, began to run toward the woods just as Niblet came out with Dot. The other Pound Puppies called out for Lucky to return, but Lucky didn't stop running. He ran with all his might as he ran passed surprised people and pets. He even ran passed Dolly, Agent Ping, and Dash Whippet, the leader of all the Pound Puppies. They were heading to Shelter 17 when they saw Lucky ran past them. The three couldn't believe why Lucky would run away from his job, so they'd ran after Lucky to take him back by force.
By the time Lucky had almost reached the path, Dash Whippet, Dolly, and Agent Ping had caught up with him and stopped him. "Agent Lucky, why are you running away?" Dash Whippet asked. Lucky replied, "To the Wicket Gate, so I can travel to the Celestial City. I do not wish to return home with you, but if any of you would like to come with me, I would be happy to." Dash Whippet shook his head and sighed. "I can't go with you to some place I can't see." He said. Dolly said, "It's just a waste of time, Lucky. Just come back with us." Lucky refused and Agent Ping hang her head as she thought for a bit. Dash Whippet and Dolly were just about to leave when Agent Ping said to them, "If what Lucky said was true, I shall go with Lucky to this heavenly kingdom he speaks of." Dash Whippet and Dolly couldn't believe what they'd just heard and they left them in a not so nice matter. Then Lucky and Agent Ping set off on their way toward the Celestial City.
== Chapter 3: The Swamp of Despond, Mr. Worldly Wiseman, and Mount Sinai ==
As Lucky and Agent Ping walked along, they heard the sounds of birds chirping in the trees. "You know," Agent Ping said, "I have never heard of this Celestial City before. Please, my friend, tell me what it's like." "Well," replied Lucky, "the Celestial City is a heavenly kingdom of fine glory. Its King is the savior of the world, whom the prophets had foretold of His coming, His salvation, and raising from the dead." When Agent Ping heard this her excitement grew as her eagerness to see the King also grew.
"Then lets get going!" She said as she walked a little faster. "I wish I could, but this burden is slowing me down." Lucky said as he tried to walk faster. So, Lucky and Agent Ping walked at a good pace. Just then the two dogs heard the sound of a demon roaring in the distance and they became fearful. They ran away so fast that they didn't pay attention to the path. Then Lucky and Agent Ping saw a swamp ahead and tried to stop to avoid falling to it. But the two dogs eventually ended up in the swamp. What Lucky and Agent Ping didn't know that the swamp they'd fallen into is the Swamp of Despond, a place where the fears and doubts of man fill it up to overflowing.
When the two dogs struggled to keep their heads out of muck, Agent Ping turned to Lucky and said, "Do you call this glory?" Then, Agent Ping climbed out of the swamp and ran home, leaving Lucky to struggle by himself. He struggled through the swamp for an hour, until a man named Help came by. He saw the poor dog in the swamp and said, "How in the world did you get stuck in there?" "I don't know," Lucky said, "I think I got careless and didn't see where I was going." "Lost sight of the path huh?" Help threw a rope to Lucky and pulled him out of the swamp and onto firm ground. Help then showed Lucky some stepping stones, which help pilgrims get across the Swamp of Despond.
But Lucky could clearly see that they're covered by the muck of the swamp. "Why isn't it more clearly marked?" Asked Lucky. "Sin." Help replied. "Of course, that's the hazard of this place. Whenever the fears and doubts of man comes out of the pipes on the opposite side it fills the swamp to overflowing, but it drains when there's a change in the weather." Then Help added, "Now, you just stay on the path and never lose sight of it." Lucky agreed, parted from Help, and continued on his way.
Lucky walked on for a mile or two, but it wasn't long before he met a man dressed in a white tuxedo named Mr. Worldly Wiseman, who dwells in the town of Carnal Policy. When Mr. Worldly Wiseman saw Lucky he said, "My goodness! Why would a Pound Puppy from the City-By-The-Sea be doing out here?" "Sir," Lucky said, "I'm going to find the Wicket Gate, but what is the City-By-The-Sea?" Mr. Worldly Wiseman explained that it's the name of the city Lucky is from, which was given by the citizens of other cities. "Now, kind dog," he added. "Could you tell me why are going to this Wicket Gate?"
"Well," said Lucky. "It's because a man named Evangelist told me that if I follow this path to the Wicket Gate, I'll find a way to get this burden off my back." Mr. Worldly Wiseman took one look at the burden on Lucky's back and shook his head. "Dear me." Mr. Worldly Wiseman said with a scoff. "Evangelist doesn't know what he's talking about because the path your on is full of dangers, including the wrath of Apollyon. I think there's a much better way to get rid of that burden." He pointed to a path turned to the right. Mr. Worldly Wiseman said, "Down this path and over a hill, lies the village of Morality, where Mr. Legality lives. He's best known for removing burdens. If you go right to Morality, go straight to Mr. Legality's house and he'll help you remove that burden of yours."
So, Lucky, taking Mr. Worldly Wiseman's advice, took the path to Morality. His eagerness to be rid of his burden grew as he went to Morality, but realized that Mr. Worldly Wiseman had failed to mention danger as he came to Mount Sinai, a mountain that spews fire and has ended a pilgrim's journey. Lucky tried to climb the mountain, but the fires stopped him from moving forward. Thunder clapped and Lucky dodged the fires and wondered if he had come to end. Just then Lucky was stopped by Evangelist as he appeared infront of him.
Evangelist asked, "What are you doing here? Are you the same dog I'd met in the City-By-The-Sea?" "I am." Lucky replied. "Then why are you here?" Lucky explained and Evangelist shook his head in disappointment. "My friend," He said. "God says in His word that my just one shall live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." Thunder clapped as Evangelist spoke. "You had rejected the counsel of God for the advice of Mr. Worldly Wiseman and walked off the way of peace. Mr. Legality can't free you of your burden because he's a cheat. Mr. Worldly Wiseman wanted you be bound to the law and be offended by what Christ did at the cross and not make it into the heavenly kingdom."
Lucky, with tears in his eyes, hung his head in shame as he heard this and called himself a fool for listening to Mr. Worldly Wiseman's advice. "Is it over for me? What can I do?" Lucky asked as he looked up at Evangelist. "Don't worry, my friend," Evangelist said. "Your sins are forgiven. Now you better go back to the path and I'm warning you that no help will come if you step off the path again." So Lucky turned around and head back to the path to find the Wicket Gate. Lucky wondered how long will it be to find the gate because the book, which he'd brought along says, "For narrow is the gate and few are they who find it."
== Chapter 4: The Wicket Gate, the House of the Interpreter, and Calvary ==
After getting back to the path, Lucky continued on his way to the Wicket Gate. He began to remember his friends back home as he walked on and wondered if they'll make the journey to the Celestial City. Well Lucky didn't had much time to think about it because he had arrived at the Wicket Gate, which is firmly closed. Just then Lucky felt the wind of an arrow swish pass him and buried itself in the ground. Looking around, Lucky saw a dark castle on the opposite ridge and some dark figures on the battlements shooting arrows at him.
Lucky didn't dally and rushed to the gate. Two more arrows narrowly missed him. Lucky knocked on the gate with all his might. "Who's there?" A voice asked from inside. Lucky replied, "A poor burdened dog! I've come from the City-By-The-Sea and I'm on my way to the Celestial City!" Just then the gate quickly opened and a hand pulled him in. The gatekeeper, who's name was Goodwill, quickly closed the gate and said to Lucky, "You okay there?" Lucky said, "I am, but who were they shooting arrows at me?" "On a nearby ridge," said Goodwill, "lies a castle, which belongs to Beelzebub, the prince of the devils. He and his army were trying to kill you before you could reach safety. But you are fortunate to be alive." Lucky smiled gently.
"Oh, I thank you, sir." He said. "But why did you come alone?" Asked Goodwill. "Were there others with you?" Lucky sighed and answered, "Only one and her name was Agent Ping, but she'd turned back when we fell into the Swamp of Despond. I would've been stuck there if Help hadn't come to my rescue and I had nearly turned aside because of Mr. Worldly Wiseman. But I don't know what would've happened if Evangelist hadn't met me again. Another reason is that I can't seemed to get this awful burden off my back no matter how hard I tried. Please, good sir, could you get this burden off me?" "Oh, I'm afraid I can't," replied Goodwill. "Your gonna have to keep that burden on your back a bit longer, but that burden will fall off when you reach the Place of Deliverance. Now let me show you the way."
Goodwill showed Lucky the path and told him that he'll come to the House of the Interpreter, where he'll show Lucky many things. So, Lucky parted from Goodwill and went on his way. Lucky walked for a bit, until he came to a big house and knocked on the door. The door opened and the Interpreter let Lucky in and asked, "Why did you come here, young dog?" Lucky said, "Sir, I'm here to seek your help and to learn things that I do not know." "Well then," said the Interpreter. "I will be glad to show you a thing or two." The Interpreter led Lucky to a parlor, which is covered with dust because it was never swept. The Interpreter called for a maid to sweep it up, but the dust began to fly and Lucky coughed.
Then, the Interpreter told the maid, "Bring some water and sprinkle the room, so the dust can be swept away." So the maid grabbed a watering can and sprinkled it. The dust cleared up and the maid swept the dust with pleasure. "This room," The Interpreter said to Lucky. "Is the soul of a man clogged with the dust of sin. But see how easily, by God's grace, it can be cleansed." After that the Interpreter led Lucky outside to a gateway like the one Lucky went through, but this gateway was guarded by two fierce men. Nearby there sat a man at a table with a book and inkhorn wishing to write down the name of anyone who wished to past through. Although there stood a great company of people beside the man none of them dared to step forward and fight the fierce men.
Suddenly, a courageous armored man walked up and said, "Write down my name, sir." With that done, the man rushed at the gate and fought the fierce man. In no time he'd defeated the fierce men and walked through the gate no problem. "I think I know the meaning of this." Said Lucky, triumphantly. The Interpreter was glad to hear this and he led Lucky back into the house. He showed Lucky a dark room and in the middle of the room sat a man in an iron cage. "Who's this man?" Lucky asked. "Talk with him and see." Said the Interpreter. So Lucky walked up to the man and asked him.
"I was once a flourishing professor," said the man. "I thought I was on my way to the Celestial City, but I'd failed to keep watch of the pleasures of the world. Now I've been locked up in this cage, which proves to be an empty bubble. A man of despair who can't get out." No further explanations were given. No one said who put him there and Lucky was confused at this. As the Interpreter led Lucky out he whispered in his ear, "Keep in mind what you have seen." Then Lucky left the Interpreter's house and continued along the path. It wasn't long before Lucky realized that the path was lined on either side with a wall and the wall is named Salvation.
Just then, Lucky came to a hill with an open tomb at its base and at the top was a wayward cross. What he had realized that he had arrived at a hill called Calvary, the place where the Son of God was crucified for the sins of the world. Lucky walked up the hill and stood in the shadow of the cross. He imitated the way he had seen Dot prayed as he confessed his sins. Just then the straps break and the burden fell off of Lucky's back. It rolled down the hill and into the mouth of the tomb, where it was never seen again. Lucky felt his back with his paws and was relieved.
Suddenly, three Shining Ones appeared and came to him. The first one said, "Your soul is swept clean of sin because the King has made you one of His own." The second one gave Lucky a vest and a new collar. After putting them on the third Shining One gave Lucky a scroll and said, "Study the words in your certificate as they'll give you strength for the journey and only surrender it at the gates of the Celestial City." With that Lucky continued on his way, free as a bird and light a foot. He sang a little tune to himself as he walked.
== Chapter 5: The Hill of Difficulty and the Palace Beautiful ==
Lucky continued walking, until he saw two men jumped over the wall. There names are Formalist and Hypocrisy. Lucky said to them, "Gentlemen, where did you come from and where are you going?" "We're from the land of Vainglory," they said. "and we are going to the Celestial City to get praised." "But why did you jump over the wall instead of coming from the Wicket Gate?" Asked Lucky. Hypocrisy answered, "It's a bit far from where we live." "So, were taking a shortcut like our countrymen have been doing," said Formalist. Lucky was dismayed. "But it's breaking the rules of the journey," he said, "The both of you will been seen as thieves and robbers!" So Lucky went on with Formalist and Hypocrisy following behind.
After some time, Lucky came to where the path splits into three. The first path went to the left, the second path went straight up a huge hill called the Hill of Difficulty, and the third path went to the right. Which path will Lucky choose? Lucky decided to go straight, but Formalist and Hypocrisy had decided to take what they think would be the easy way. Formalist went left on the path called Danger, which led him into a dark wood, where he'd lost his way forever. Hypocrisy went right on the path called Destruction, which led him to a rocky place full of holes, where he fell and never rose back up. Lucky stopped at a spring and he took a few slurps.
Then, Lucky continued on up the hill. He went from walking to climbing because the hill is really steep. As he climbed, Lucky wondered if he had chosen wisely. Just as he was about to give up, Lucky came to a pleasant arbor, which was put there by the Lord so that pilgrims can rest and renew there strength. Lucky sat down on some soft grass and took some time to read his certificate. Then Lucky felt tired and he fell asleep.
When Lucky woke up, he'd noticed that it was dusk and the sun is nearly gone. Lucky quickly got up and walked on up the hill. But when he tried to pull out his certificate it wasn't in his vest. It was gone. 'Oh no! I must've dropped it somewhere!' Lucky thought. How could he enter the Celestial City without it? So, Lucky walked back to retrace his steps and that's when he saw his certificate lying just where he was sleeping. Lucky picked up his certificate and went back up the hill. Just as Lucky was near the top of the hill he heard the sound of running feet. Lucky looked ahead and saw two men fearfully running for their lives. The first one was called Timorous and the other was called Mistrust.
When Lucky stopped them, he asked, "Sirs, what's the matter? Why are you running?" "The further we go, the more danger we meet," said Timorous. Mistrust said, "Up ahead, there are two lions! We don't know if they're close, but we can hear them. Oh, and if we hadn't ran, they could've torn us to pieces." Then Timorous and Mistrust ran past Lucky and ran down the hill. Lucky looked ahead of him and was worried. "If I went forward," Lucky said to himself. "I would be insight of those lions and they'll sure tear me to pieces. What shall I do?" Lucky decide to read his certificate and he unrolled it. What he'd read was this, "Desire now a better country, that is the heavenly one."
With these words to strengthen him, Lucky continued his way up the hill. As he near the top, Lucky could see the outline of a palace, the Palace Beautiful. Lucky was relief to see the Palace Beautiful and thought, 'Maybe they'll let me stay there for a time till I can continue the journey.' As Lucky walked toward the palace, he heard growling in the dark and he'd realized that he's where Timorous and Mistrust had fled. Just then Lucky saw two lions on either side of the path and Lucky stood still as fear builds up inside him. That's when the porter, who's name was Watchful, came up five feet behind the lions and saw the poor dog and said to him, "Is your faith so small? You have nothing to fear. These lions are bound with chains and they are put here to test those who have strong faith."
So, Lucky took courage and managed to get past the lions without a scratch. Lucky sighed with relief and said to the porter, "Thank you for the directions, sir." "No problem," Watchful said, as he lead Lucky up to the door. "But why did you come so late? The sun has set." Lucky answered, "I'd lost my certificate and I had to go back for it." "I see," said Watchful. "Come." Watchful let Lucky into the Palace Beautiful. "I'll summon the four ladies who live here. If they like what you say, they'll let you stay here." Watchful rang the bell and four beautiful ladies appeared at the sound of it. There names are Prudence, Charity, Piety, and Discretion. When the ladies looked at Lucky they each questioned him about who he had encountered with on the way and Lucky told them.
After hearing what Lucky had told them, they have tears in there eyes and they gave each other a nod. Discretion walked up to Lucky and said, "We have to be careful whom we admit for this house was built by the Lord of the Hill for the refreshment of pilgrims like yourself and so, with the Lord's blessing, you are welcome." Then Watchful, Prudence, Charity, Piety, and Discretion led Lucky to the dinning room, where he ate dinner at a table with the ladies and the porter. After the meal they talked about the Lord as a great warrior who conquered death at the cross. After a bit of talking Piety turned to Lucky and asked, "Why did you become a pilgrim?" Lucky answered, "To escape the fires to come and to see the one who died for the sins of the world." "Where's your owner and friends" Asked Charity. "Why didn't they come along with you?" Lucky then began to think about his family and friends when he'd heard this.
First, Lucky remembered his puppyhood days with his father, Slick. Next, he remembered his fellow Pound Puppies at Shelter 17 and then the Henderson family, who had adopted him. "I tried to convince them to come with me," Lucky said to the ladies. "But they couldn't hear me. They thought I was going crazy, but I knew better because the book, which I've read, is true. So, I'd decided to go on this journey on my own. Sometimes I prayed for their safety." Then Prudence placed her hand on Lucky's shoulder. "It looks like," she said, "you've tried everything you could to let them come with you on this journey." Lucky smiled. Discretion stood up and said to Lucky, "Well, my friend, it's time for you to get some rest. Watchful will show you to your room." So Lucky was led by Watchful to a bed chamber called Peace, where Lucky fell peacefully asleep.
== Chapter 6: The Fight with Apollyon and the Valley of the Shadow of Death ==
The next morning, after breakfast, the four ladies of the Palace Beautiful led Lucky to the rooftop balcony because they told him that he can't depart, until they show him the rarities of the place. "Look to the south," they said. Lucky looked to the south and sees some mountains in the far distance. "From those mountains," said Piety, "you'll get your first glimpse of the Celestial City." After that Prudence, Charity, Piety, and Discretion led Lucky to the armory, a big room in the palace. They showed him Moses' rod, a jawbone Samson used to beat the Philistines, and the jars, lamps and trumpets Gideon used to scare the Midianite army. The ladies then presented Lucky some armor and a sword for him to use because they told him that he'll encounter the wilds of the Devil.
Upon seeing the armor and sword, Lucky wondered how the armor will fit him because he's a dog. The ladies pondered on this and then Piety said, "Fear not, my sisters. I have the solution." Piety laid her hands on Lucky and prayed to God to make Lucky walk like a human. Just then a light surrounded Lucky and he was turned into an upright-walking dog. Lucky was pleased by this and gently smiled. 'Thank you, Lord,' he thought. Then the ladies fitted the breastplate and helmet on Lucky and gave him the sword and shield. After that Lucky departed from the Palace Beautiful and continued on the path down the hill.
After getting to the bottom, Lucky found himself in a barren rocky valley called the Valley of Humiliation. Lucky walked a few paces, until he sat down to rest for a bit. Just then a shadow came over Lucky and he turned to see a huge towering demon coming toward him. Lucky got up and stood his ground because he knew that the demon's name is Apollyon. The demon has wings like a dragon and scales like a fish. His claws are sharp and could easily cut human flesh. Apollyon's teeth are pointy and has a forked tongue.
When he stopped infront of Lucky, Apollyon growled at the dog. "Where are you from?" He asked, with a growl in his voice. "And where are you going?" "I've come from the City-By-The-Sea," Lucky replied. "And I'm going to the Celestial City." Apollyon growled and said, "I knew this because I'm the prince of that city. Why are you running away from your prince?" Lucky answered, "Because your wages are too great and the price of this was death." "Grr! What you'd said is true!" Apollyon shouted. But then the growling soften when he spoke again. "How about giving the slip? Turn back and work for me and your wages will be doubled." Lucky knew that this isn't the way to save his life, so he said to Apollyon, "I would not do that because I have given myself to the King of Kings and to tell you the truth, I like His service better than yours. How can I possibly go back now?" Apollyon then grew into a rage when he heard this. "Well then," he said. "Prepare yourself to die!"
Without more ado, Apollyon threw a flaming dart at Lucky, but Lucky blocked it with his shield and blocked other darts Apollyon threw at him. Lucky used to fight as Apollyon used his claws to fight too. Now the fight went on for about two hours and it seemed that Apollyon won't give up. Just then Lucky was wounded in the head and Apollyon knocked the weak dog down to the ground. Apollyon laughed at this and shouted, "I am sure of you!" Then Lucky stretched out his paw and grabbed his sword. "Don't be sure, my enemy," he said. "When I fall I shall arise!" With that Lucky swung his sword at Apollyon and wounded him on his side. The demon shrieked and drew back. Apollyon then spread his wings and retreated.
When Lucky saw this, he smiled and slowly sat up. But, due to his wound, Lucky grew very weak and fell down again. He couldn't gather enough strength to get up and his vision blurred. 'If I'm too weak,' Lucky thought. 'How am I going to continue the journey?' Just then Lucky felt a slight breeze and he could see a woman coming toward him with a small tree branch in her hands. Lucky wanted to get up and run, but he was too weak to move. When the woman came up to Lucky she softly smiled at him. "Take courage, faithful dog." She said, softly. "I am Helping Hand. The Lord has sent me with leaves from the Tree of Life to heal you." Then Helping Hand applied one of the leaves on Lucky's head and he was healed.
After Helping Hand had went away, Lucky got up and left his armor where he'd fought Apollyon, but he kept the sword with him. As he continues on his way, Lucky saw a dark valley ahead. The path leading into the valley is exceedingly narrow, there is no water, no one lived there, and there is silence like the silence of the grave. This is because this is the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Then just before Lucky could enter two people jumped out from behind the trees. "Go back! Go back!" They shouted.
Surprised, Lucky said to them, "Why? Is something wrong?" "It's that horrible place," the first person said. "There are fierce creatures, traps, and the howling of lost souls." The second person said, "If someone enters here, they'll never find there way out and the reason for that is because this is the Valley of the Shadow of Death." "But," said Lucky. "There's no other way to the Celestial City." "It's not the way were going!" They said. Then the two people ran away waving their arms in terror. Lucky knew that he couldn't go back, so he went forward as he held fast to his sword.
Upon entering, Lucky stayed on the path because there was very deep ditch to his right and a marsh to his left. He kept his balance and tried not to fall head first. Just then Lucky saw the light of a fire burning and he thought it was the light of day, but it wasn't.
TBC
Category:Story
Category:Children's Books
Category:Books
Category:Novels