Meanwhile, Itchy on the other hand, went for a walk to the beach. The more he walked, the more weight he lost. Despite that everyone made fun of him for being overweight, Itchy dismissed them as he is too focused on walking, and while he is walking.
Later, when he was about to get a drink of water, His Conscience came to talk to him.
"Itchy," said the voice. " What are you doing out here?"
Itchy was startled, "ah! who's there?"
"down here, Itchy," the said voice in his reflection.
Itchy looked down and sees his reflection. "who are you?"
"I am your conscience," the voice said. "and why are you so fat?"
"I had an eating contest with Charlie," Itchy admitted. "I tried to stop myself, but Charlie talked me into it."
"I see," said the conscience. "but you never should of let yourself go."
"What could you possibly mean?" asked Itchy. "It's not my fault."
"I know," said the conscience. "But here's the real solution."
"What solution?"asked Itchy. "What exactly could you possibly have in mind?"
"Go to Benjamin the Badger," said the conscience. "Anabelle wanted me to tell you to train with Benjamin until Charlie humbles himself."
"Are you sure about this?" asked Itchy.
"Yes, Itchy," said the Conscience. "You are Benjamin's Pupil right?" ever since Anne Marie adopted you since 1939?"
"yeah," said Itchy. "until I choked on a Chicken Drumstick In 1996."
"Never mind," said the conscience. "Just go see Benjamin Already."
Later, he met his good old friend Benjamin the Badger. Benjamin helped trained Itchy how to use self defense since Charlie has been absent. It's been awhile, since Benjamin has been a good mentor. He taught Anne-Marie to talk to any animals since She was an Orphan, Back In 1937.
Benjamin hated Gamblers. He especially hated the Casino because he knew it is a waste of time and energy.
"Itchiford, hey, It's been a while," said Benjamin.
"Hi, Benjamin," said Itchy. "Long time no see."
"Yeah, man," said Benjamin. "So how's it going?"
"Not much," said Itchy. "I got a bellyache from Charlie's crazy eating contest schemes."
"Sorry to hear that, dude," said Benjamin. "But you know, eating contest is a waste of time and Energy."
"You mean the more you are eating and you'll end up getting bellyaches?" Asked Itchy.
"Of course," said Benjamin. "What do you even Expect I meant?"
"Well, the thing about it is," said Itchy. "I hate weight gain. I need help learning self-control because I have self-control problems."
"You need help?" Asked Benjamin.
"Yes," said Itchy. "Tell me what I should do and what I should do to avoid, please."
"Alright then," said Benjamin. "There are the seven deadly sins you must avoid."
"Yes, what is it?" Asked Itchy.
"They were Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Pride, Sloth, and Wrath. All you have to do is to just pinch yourself when you fall into temptation," Suggested Benjamin. "You know, ground yourself, control yourself. Abstain yourself from impulse in other words. You also need to learn seven virtues."
"What seven virtues is there?" Asked Itchy.
"They were Chastity, Diligence, Generosity, Humility, Kindness, Patience, and Temperance," said Benjamin.
"Sounds Challenging," said Itchy.
"Not when you are Sober and Vigilant enough to exercise them everyday," said Benjamin. "But you are a disgrace for failing the virtues."
"I know," admitted Itchy. "I was a proud and greedy jerk obsessed with money. And I was an Envious jerk long ago. Since 1939, I was greedy and selfish, incredibly envious towards the orphaned Girl."
"Yeah, and not only you hated her, you especially hated yourself, too," scolded Benjamin. "Look at you! You're a disgrace!"
Itchy lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry, Benjamin, I don't know any better before. I can't help but to be cynical. And yes, I am a disgrace for being envious towards the girl whom Carface kidnapped and whom Charlie rescued."
"Uh huh." Said Benjamin. "But She's an Old Lady now. She is not as young as she used to be."
"You mean... Anne Marie was an Old Woman now?"
"Yep, ever since you choked on a drumstick." Said Benjamin.
"Yeah," said Itchy. "I may be dead, but I was sent here with many missions to help Charlie on a mission to help those in need."
"That's silly," said Benjamin. "Guardian angels do not live on earth, they are invisible that you can hardly see in your sight."
"I know that," said Itchy. "That is why Annabelle sent me here to... Um... Help my friend Benjamin the Badger."
"Benjamin?" Asked Benjamin. "You mean me, Right?"
"Yeah," said Itchy. "Not only I am a Sausage hound or Weiner dog, I am also a Badger Hound. Because I learn that Dachshund means Badger Hound in German."
"I see," said Benjamin. "Just do me a favor a go do the research at the Library?"
"But Dogs are not allowed in the Library," said Itchy.
"No, Itchy, I meant the Abandoned Library." Said Benjamin. "I live there."
"You live there?" Asked Itchy.
"Yes, Itchy," said Benjamin. "Ever since Carface tried to tear down my library down, I beated him up, and his thugs, because I prove myself to be tougher than him."
"Wait, what?" Itchy exclaimed. "How come?"
"Those with the love of environment may endure longer than those with the love of money," said Benjamin. "Not only you need food and water to survive physically, you also need Knowledge and Wisdom to survive spiritually, too."
"Sounds more challenging than I thought," said Itchy. "I am confused."
"Just look up in the Dictionary and see what I mean," suggested Benjamin. "And don't goof off from doing the research, lest you be stupid."
"Alright, Benjamin," said Itchy. "But what about my friend Charlie?" "Patience, Itchy," said Benjamin. "Someday he will realize that weight gain is a waste of time and energy. Especially a waste of health, too."
"Meaning?" Asked Itchy.
"He will have to wait until he gets thin again," said Benjamin. "And so do you. Why don't you do the research while you refrain from eating?"
"Why?" Asked Itchy.
"You have to wait until you get thin again," suggested Benjamin. "Do I have to?" Itchy moaned. "How long will that take?"
"That depends," said Benjamin. "It'll take days, weeks, months, years, who knows!"
"Years?!" Cried Itchy. "I'll die of Starvation!"
"Relax, man," said Benjamin. "I'll keep an Eye on you. Just stay strong, and stay determined, Okay? And stop saying the 'd' word."
"Sorry, Benjamin, I can't help myself," said Itchy. "But... starvation is painful, what if I die?"
"Worse," said Benjamin. "Too much complaining Is more painful as weight gain can cause too much pain. You must learn to hold peace while doing the research at the same time."
"What about Charlie?" Asked Itchy. "No matter how many times I have tried to warn him, he never listens to me."
"I know," said Benjamin. "Be patient with him. Even if he can be very impulsive, just let heaven take care of business. Until your friend humbled himself."
"Are you sure?" Asked Itchy.
"You'll see," said Benjamin. "You are both being tested, Even If I never met your friend before."
"So what are you anyway?" Asked Itchy.
"I am a Badger of course," said Benjamin. "But I am a teacher, a researcher, and Martial Artist."
"How old are you?" Asked Itchy.
"69 years old," said Benjamin. "I have been around for 69 years. Since November 12th, 1927."
"You mean?" Asked Itchy.
"Yep, I ate Organic herbs and never get sick. Although I have great determination to outlive other Badgers. I also wanted to help others live longer, Organic and healthier lifespan."
Benjamin was a long living Badger, farming organic herbs, because he ate Organic herbs and helps the poor living organic life since. Not only he is the toughest Badger in the world, but also the wisest Badger who eats healthy and cleans the environment, too. "It's just first you test, then you believe. And patience and vigilance were required to test."
Itchy was confused at first, but Benjamin advised him to figure it out. And so he did. Benjamin advised Itchy to stay with him instead, until Charlie humbles himself. For now, Charlie is still in pride. Doesn't know when he is Full.
"By the Way, Benjamin," said Itchy. "How do you survive starvation?"
"More prayers, water fasting, reading and meditation," said Benjamin. "I've trained since I was a Cub. More training helps you survive."
Itchy was Cynical what Benjamin said, but Benjamin was Patient.
"Just do some chores," said Benjamin. "And No distractions."
"WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I GET DISTRACTED?" asked Itchy.
"Well, you'll have to start all over again," said Benjamin. "that means more chores, more homework."
"okay," Itchy understood. "you know you remind me a Shifu from Kung fu Panda, Right?"
"Silence!" Benjamin Snarled. "never break the fourth wall."
"sorry," said Itchy.
"Anyways," said Benjamin. "Do you remember your training with the Japanese Spitz?"
"No," said Itchy.
"Well," Said Benjamin. "She is from Japan. She is coming here to meet you."
"what for?" asked Itchy.
"You'll see," said Benjamin. "anyways. there's someone I want you to meet."
"Who is it?" asked Itchy.
Benjamin summons a Californian Rabbit.
"A Rabbit?" Itchy looked shocked.
"not just a Rabbit," said the Californian Rabbit. "but Also a Californian Rabbit."
"Who are you?" asked Itchy to the Californian Rabbit.
"Glad you've asked," said the Californian Rabbit. "I'm Peter Peterhopperoo."
"I'm Itchy Itchiford," said Itchy. "It's nice to meet you, Peter Peterhopperoo."
"Nice to make your Aquaintance, Itchy," said Peter. "What brings you here?"
"Well," said Itchy. "Charlie and I had an Eating contest despite my protests that I don't want to do it. So I moved out."
"You moved out?" asked Peter.
"Yeah," said Itchy.
"how come?" asked Peter.
"I got sick of Charlie's Schemes," said Itchy. "his weight gain schemes and his silly impulsive. I can't take it anymore."
"I didn't know that," said Peter. "but I've seen Charlie Getting Fat before."
"How?" asked Itchy.
"Well," said Peter. "you see, the thing about it is, that was Carface's Schemes. trick Charlie Barkin into weight gain schemes."
"What?" asked Itchy.
"Yeah," said Peter. "I saw Carface and Killer. they schemed to divide the friendship by stealing meat from the butcher's shop and used them as trap for Charlie, yeah I know him, He's a bigger fool because he fell for Carface's Schemes."
Itchy remembered Carface's schemes of doing away with Charlie.
"That reminds me," said Itchy. "I remember when I found out Carface wanted to trick Charlie into meeting his Demise for nothing. That was back in 1939, after I busted Charlie out of the Pound, somewhere in Louisiana. Since I accidentally entered in the secret passage way of Carface's Casino. I overheard Killer's voice ordering the goons to kill Charlie. I was so anxious that I was destined to warn Charlie, but he never heard me. I don't want any thugs seeing me, so I have to lay low until the coast is clear. So... I desperately searched for Charlie at the Mardi Gras. I searched in the abandoned Mardi Gras where Charlie get drunk at. Then When I found him at the dock, about to get ran over, I called out his name. Trying to Warn him. He can't hear me. I realized I was too late. Carface ran him over for good."
"Wow... That's awful," said Peter.
"I know," said Itchy sadly. "But at least I manage to see him alive again... Except he cheated death so he can get revenge on Carface, despite my warnings not to... Then He decided to take the Girl and use her so he can run Carface out of business. I don't even like this kid, she's an ultimate pain to me."
"Why do you hate her even if she loves you?" Asked Peter.
"Like I said before," said Itchy. "All female are poison! Yeah, Not only I hate girls, I even hated kids, too. I was jealous of them. Because they are ultimate pain in the legs. No matter how I tried to warn Charlie, he never listens to me. He told me to shut up. Trying to keep the kid happy."
"Weren't you greedy before?" Asked Peter.
"Yes I was greedy before," said Itchy. "I was obsessed with money like Charlie before. Not to mention, Ever since after Anne Marie finished talking to the Horses, we searched for the Wallet so much that we have to place the bet for the Grand Chawhee to win. followed Charlie's plan to trick the Wallet family into thinking I am injured so that Charlie can steal the Wallet. But worse, the little girl named Anne Marie, maybe? she is too oblivious to know I was acting. It was a success we wear a disguise to place a bet to win lots of money. From Chawhee, to the frog, to the frog, to the turtle, to the kangaroo, etc. And we won lots of money, thanks to the girl's talents to talk to Animals. After that, I build the Nightclub for Charlie and other Gamblers to enjoy in. And speaking of helping the poor, ever since Charlie previously read Robin hood, by improvising his own version. He did promise her to help the poor, but it was only an Act to get her to sleep stay."
"Are you kidding?" Said Peter. "That's not how friendship works. You have to BE a friend to get a friend."
"Well, the truth is, Peter," said Itchy. "It's not easy being a friend. I'm a coward. And Charlie and I have been friends for a long time."
"Really?" Said Peter.
"Yep," said Itchy as he continues Narrating. "But anyways, I have to Watch the Casino Ever since Charlie and Anne Marie were gone and delivered the Pizza to the Abandoned Church, where Flo and the Puppies were, Charlie teaches the Puppies to shares, then they forget about sharing when Charlie serves the cake. Then When Anne Marie discovers the stolen wallet, she storms out at Charlie, until Charlie had a nightmare that he was in hell."
"Why is Charlie in hell?" Asked Peter.
"He forsakes his place in heaven," said Itchy. "If the deceased Dog who ascends into heaven steals their life clock, they will forsake their place in heaven, and will end up in hell instead... Unless they perform good deeds."
"What kind of good deeds?" Asked Peter.
"Helping the poor, rescuing the poor, saving the poor," Said Itchy.
"I see," said Peter.
"Anyways," said Itchy. "Charlie plans to take Anne Marie back to the Casino after Anne Marie return the Wallet to the Wallet Family. Yeah, He tricked her into leaving with him."
"Why would he do that?" Asked Peter.
"For his greedy reason," said Itchy. "She's fell for his tricks because She's too innocent to know Charlie was actually Acting. But until Carface and Killer shot Charlie with the Ray Gun so Carface can steal back the Girl, Charlie survived. He took Anne Marie and hid in the abandoned Warehouse. And while they befriend King Gator (With Anne Marie developing the cold from the underground cave or something like that), I was ambushed by Carface and his thugs. Since Charlie was sidetracked. Then I fled safely before I went to confront Charlie. I was injured... We got into an argument. I told him we should leave Louisiana, lose the girl into Orphanage, and call it even. But He ignored me. I knew he grew attached to her, but Charlie protested, that he didn't care about her, told her things now and then, even claims pretending to be her best friend, but it rather Baloney. When I told him that I thought was his best friend, hoping he would agree, he agreed I was his best friend. It was a scheme, using the girl to get the money, and planning to dump her into an Orphanage when he is through with her... I didn't mean for it to go too far, about I meekly agree, then I realized she was standing behind him, she overheard everything."
"I'm confused," said Peter.
"It's true," said Itchy. "Charlie did Betray Anne Marie. Heaven knows how much of a Double crosser Charlie is... Because Carface is worse. Charlie is ashamed for betraying her. Desperately searching for her. Then Carface kidnapped her to lure Charlie into a trap so he can kill him again. I felt guilty, too. But Flo instructs me to take the girl's doll to 402 Maple Street to Alert the Wallet Couple. But... I Alert the other dogs living in the Apartment for help, While Charlie Struggles to put up a Fight."
"Wait," said Peter. "You planned the rescue party to rescue Charlie?"
"Yes," said Itchy. "But we got here too late. Charlie died two times, saving Anne Marie's life. Me and the other dogs saw Killer, who knew Carface was eaten by King Gator earlier, Pushing Anne Marie to the Shore. Later... She was adopted eventually, and so was I. Since I was injured... I cried myself to sleep. I knew I missed Charlie so much. But the good news is, he managed to earn his place in heaven, he proved himself to be a good dog. He trust Anne Marie to take care of me While He's gone."
"Gosh, Itch,' said Peter. "I didn't know you were adopted, too."
"Yeah," said Itchy. "But at least I found a better home for doing good deeds, deep down inside... Until 57 years later... I choked on the drumstick and went to heaven. I met Charlie once again."
"Sounds strange," said Peter. "Is this a joke? All Dogs go to heaven? Unbelievable."
"I know," said Itchy. "But this is the fanfiction. Unlike people, Dogs are innocents. But any animals can go to heaven, too, right?"
"How can any animals go to heaven?" Asked Peter. " This has to be a joke, right? I mean, talking animals are puppets, they never talked."
"I know," said Itchy. "It is hard to believe. But I am talking about how the soul ascends to heaven and how the flesh descends to Dirt.
Anyways, I am not as greedy as I used to be. I'm rather a meek Pup, instead."
"Oh, I might as well see about that," said Peter. "But anyways, would you like to come over to my Apartment?"
"That would be great, Peter," said Itchy.
"How about you, Benjamin?" Asked Peter.
"Well," said Benjamin. "You two can be roommates, as long as you stay sober, be vigilant, and of course, clean up after yourselves. And also... Beware of Mountain Lions, Black Bears and Coyotes."
Itchy and Peter were afraid of mountain lions, Black bears and Coyotes, but they knew they needed to be cautious.
"We promise," said Itchy and Peter.
"Good," said Benjamin. Now it is all time to sleep. We've got training tomorrow.
Eventually, Itchy and Peter shared the beds with each other.
"You know, Itch," said Peter. "I'm glad that I met you."
"Me, too, Peter," said Itchy. "I wish I could have you as a friend."
"Sure," said Peter. "Let's be friends anyway."
Itchy nodded in agreement. "Let's shall."
Then they eventually became friends as they lay down.
"Good night, Peter," said Itchy.
"Good Night, Itchy," said Peter. And they went to sleep.
END OF CHAPTER