Watership Down meets Farthing Wood (1994)
#1 of Old Stuff
A Watership Down, Farthing Wood fanfic written all the way back in 1994. Found on some old backups of floppy disks, written in Word Perfect 5.1 for DOS Started out writing back then so it was all new to me, think this is one of the earliest works I have.
Author's Note : Very early story of two things mixed into one fanfic, as such this is one of my first early works and the style of writing really shows. Finding some old stories as of the moment so thought I put it up just so that they're up and available.
Chapter 1 - A new Day
The sun start to rise and bring in a brand new day to White Deer Park. Already Owl was heading back to his tree. Holly had returned earlier on, tidy from staying up yesterday keeping an eye out for the new rabbit kittens that have just been born. He knew at first that she did understand the Oath of Mutual Protection but she was getting used to it now. Owl arrived at the tree and settled down for sleep.
Rabbit who was up and was heading towards Fox and Vixen's Earth. He hadn't seen them for days and wanted to thank them for getting Holly to keep an eye on the warrens new litter as they went out for the first time. Holly had also done practise attacks yesterday and now the young rabbits knew what to do. He had become rah now, by popular demand from the rest of the warren who had heard about how he travelled so far a field and managed survive a rouge blue fox, a big black cat, Even the deer were scared of it at the time, and then came the Rats. But he had survived it all and a fe other White Deer Park rabbits wanted to join his family and taught him new things.
You see, by the time they left Farthing Wood, There was only two rabbits left and frankly didn't keep up with the warren thing and forgot all about it. But after being tuaght again by quickfeet. He could give a hare a good run for his money, They decided to let him become Chief Rabbit.
He arrived at Fox and Vixen Earth, sniffed at the hole and found that they were in and called them. Fox came out first, followed by Vixen.
"Good morning, Rabbitrah," greeted Fox with his tail wagging.
Rabbit then looked at Vixen who said hello, "I thought I pop down to see you and say thanks for the help that you provided yesterday."
Fox sat down, "That's all part of the service," he paused, "when do you need my services?"
"At midday if that's okay with you," replied Rabbitrah.
"Fine," Fox said, "How did it go yesterday by the way"
"Well, it started off okay apart from a few rabbits not knowing what to do and getting cuaght by Holly, but after teaching them what to do and explaining that they only have one chance to do it for real, most of them are quick learners, " he puased and ate some grass, "Eventually, they know what to do when their is an aerial attack and gave the Owsla a chance to practice gettomg the other underground as quickly as possible".
"Anything else been going on since we last met you?" asked Vixen.
"Not really," replied Rabbitrah, "oh, hang on. Yes, we have a guest at the moment who has come from outside the park. He asked to join us for a few days as he has travelled far. His name's Blueberry. Says he comes from a place called Watership Down. It normally goes and explores longs distances and found this place. Said it would take him five days to get back."
"Oh, I wonder what direction that would be?" questioned Fox.
"As far as I know, it is the opposite way that we came from Farthing Wood and he told me that he travelled opposite to where the other Rabbits travelled from thier Old warren". Rabbitrah shifted about and lay down again. "He has really settled down. You know, he made friends as soon as he arrived." He got up. "Anyway, I've got to get back now, I'll see you later". Rabbitrah turned and left.
Fox and Vixen watch him go.
Meanwhile, several miles away, Bigwig was laying stretch out on the grass when Hazel came up to him.
"Has Blueberry come back yet?" asked Hazel.
"Not that I know of," replied Bigwig, "but you know he disappears for some days before he turns up out of the blue."
"I know, but he's been away for longer than I've known him to," he paused, "Bigwig, do you mind taking a few of your officers and go and look for him." Asked Hazel.
"Alright, when do you want me to go?" asked Bigwig.
"As soon as possible" replied Hazel.
Hazel then turned and moved so that he was alone and started to think. He knew that Blueberry was adventurous and that it was true that he disappear for days at a time, but it has been a week now and he hasn't been that long before." Hazel nibbled on some grass, unaware the Fiver was watching him.
Bigwig had three other rabbits with him. Blackberry, Chestnut and Silver. They roughly knew what direction Blueberry had taken and they were to set off at nightfall.
Meanwhile back at White Deer Park, Fox was heading towards the Warren when he bumped in Adder. Fox called out to him, but Adder just carried on his way. "well," Fox thought, "probably got something urgent to do. I'll catch him later."
Soon, Fox had arrived at the warren. He was met by the Owsla Captain. He sniffed while still in the hole and knew that it was alright to come out.
"Hello, Fox, " said the rabbit, "I'll go and let the Chief know that you have arrived."
He turned and went back down into the warren again. Fox sat there waiting and soon, up came Rabbitrah and the others. The little ones, however, hestitated as some instinct told them not to come out while Fox, was there and it took some time to reassure them that they would be alright with this fox. Blueberry, however didn't know what to trust. He had heard the stories spoken all evening and through the night, but seeing him made him shiver. He stayed inside the tunnel to the warren. Rabbitrah came up to him.
"Don't worry," he said, "That's the fox we have to telling you about all last night. He won't harm you. I've let him know just now who you are and he won't hurt a rabbit in this warren".
Blueberry, slowly and hestantily step outside. Fox looked at him and said hello. Blueberry replied back to him with some effect.
Fox then took no notice of him for the time being and went with Rabbitrah as he told Fox what to do for the lessons that he wanted to teach the young rabbits. This took all day and after many setbacks in which some rabbits ran into Fox, they soon knew what to do, that is, apart from one young rabbit who thought he was above this fox and refused to go down. Rabbitrah gave a signal to fox, as he had warned him of this young rabbit before. Fox knew what he had to do. He suddenly ran right at the young rabbit and cuaght it with any problems.
Blueberry was watching with horrified eyes, dreading the worst. Fox got the young rabbit's throat in his mouth and close slowly but with some pressure and mumbled to the young rabbit.
"You see, you are no match for my kind of people. That is the way of things. I'll let you go now but remember, the next fox you meet apart from the Farthing Wood one will think nothing but kill you." Fox let go. The young rabbit ran off scared and ran down one of the rabbits holes if his life depended on it. They went through the lesson again and they had no problems.
Rabbitrah came over to Fox, "Thank you, I almost given up trying to get that young rabbit to come to his senses and got with the actual dangers of life."
"No problem, happy to be of surface," Fox replied, "why don't you introduce me to your quest, Blueberry is it, as I noticed he looked terrible when he saw me attack the young rabbit."
"Of course, follow me." Fox followed Rabbitrah to Blueberry. "Blueberry, "Rabbitrah spoke to him, "this is the fox you heard all about last night from all the stories".
Blueberry looked at Fox, then at Rabbitrah who made his goodbyes for now and thanked Fox yet again for his help.
"Well," Blueberry spoke, "they speak highly of you, I must say".
"I am sure they have said many things that didn't happen, though," replied Fox, "did they go through the river incident, I wonder?"
"They did, and they feel must destress that they nearly killed you that day, but I heard that if it didn't happen, you wouldn't have met your mate."
"I know, but they should realise that I have forgiven them about that years ago. I'll have another word when I get the chance."
Blueberry thought for a moment and now feeling quite safe now, settled down.
"Do you mind if I ask, why do you live like this, I mean, not hunt these rabbits and other creatures around here?" asked Blueberry.
"I wouldn't now, but at the start of the journey, it was very hard for me to keep the oath, but I made sure that nobody knew of it," Fox stopped, looking at Blueberry.
"I won't let on," he replied. Fox continued.
"But over time as we faced one danger after another, I and the rest of us, started to change and it became second nature to us and the relationship became very profitable. Especailly with all the problems we had to deal with here, " Fox paused then continued. "Only two years, we had to deal with a huge promblem with Rats. But we managed to do it."
"I heard all about early on this morning. I wouldn't mind seeing all the animals in this park fighting against an enemy like that"
"Hopefully, I hope we never will," He looked up again, the sun was starting to go down, "I am sorry but I have got to go now. I promised Vixen that I would be back around this time, you know, got to go and get something to eat and all."
"Will I see you again before I leave in a couple of days time?" asked Blueberry.
"Yes you will see me again!" called back Fox as he made his way back home.
Blueberry sat there for a bit, wondering what would his friends back home think of all of this, then he went back down underground for the night.
Bigwig was about to start off, when Hazel came up to him.
"I thought this might be of some use to you," said Hazel, "Kehaar has come back and said he has seen a huge park some way, east and he saw Blueberry there staying with another warren by the looks of it. I still want you to go to him and find out what's happening, and it would be good if you see what this warren is like."
"I understand, Hazelrah," replied Bigwig. Then they headed off East in the cloak of darkness. Hazel went back to the warren.
Meanwhile, some way off from Watership Down, was a hige mass of rats, with one huge rat in the middle. His name was Bully and he was sitting next to a huge rabbit who many had feared at one time, but he had started off another warren in his vision. It was none other than General Woundwort. He had several rabbits who sat next to him.
Bully spoke up to his comrades.
"My friends. It has been a hard two years since we tried to take over the park that we tried so hard to take control," the crowd hiss at the thought of the failure to take over the park, "but our time has now come. It wasn't by chance that I bumped into General Woudwort and made a deal with him. We shall take over the park and live there with no other creature to bother us."
The rats cheered at this news. Bully continued.
"But first we have to help our friend, " he looked at the General, "and help him take over the Warren at Watership Down, then we will conquerer White Deer Park!"
The rats cheered at this, The General whispered something into Bully's ear.
"We start off tomorrow morning at first daylight." command Bully to his workers.
The greatest challenge to the inhabitants to Watership Down and White Deer Park was about to begin. And neither of them knew what danger they would face.
Chapter 2 - The First Strike
The next day, Bully gave the orders for his army of rats to get ready, while General Woundwort got his rabbits ready. They both had sorted out the plan of attack to their senior officers and they went off and sorted out their flanks. Bully was quite please with himself. He had managed to get Woundwort to strike a deal, after Woundwort tried to kill him but found that Bully was no push over. Then after finding out that they both have been humilliate him and Woundwort. Both wanted to exact revenge and now, with the power of the rats and the cunning of the General and himself it would soon come true. They started off a few hours before sunrise and made their way across country towards Watership Down.
Woundwort and Bully were in front.
"Your rats know what to do. I don't want them killed at all. I want to make there lives mserable," he then showed his teeth, "Then after that, I will kill them for making a fool out of me"
"Don't worry," Bully replied, "they do what I say. But remember, I've got to get revenge on that Park".
They then continued on their way without making a single sound.
Bigwig and his companions were making good progress and were quite far from Waterdship Down when daylight started to break.
"I think we should stay in that little wood there amd rest for a bit" said Bigwig
The other agreed.
Elsewhere the massive army of rats were slowly making their way towards Watership Down. Some rats were picked out by a passing Kestrel, but it didn't do anything to their size. One Kestrel in particular spotted them and was very interested in what he saw. Then he saw who was leading them. Kestrel was amazed and shocked. He had to get back right away and report on what he had seen.
It was Strawberry who spotted them coming from a way off, but didn't know who they were, just some large grey/black mass heading towards the hill. He went off to get Hazel to look at what he saw.
Hazel came with Strawberry with Fiver to have a look at what Strawberry had seen. Sure enough, they sae them alright.
"Well, there are -". Hazel stopped and looked again. "Strawberry, get everyone inside, there are Hrair of Elil".
"How do you know?" asked Strawberry.
"Look again" replied Hazel
"My, they are moving quick!"
"I know, but can you see who is leading the rats?"
Strawberry looked, blinked and then looked again, "It can't be!"
Hazel looked at him again. "It is," Hazel paused, "General Woundwort, but who is he with, though?"
Fiver looked for the first time, "It's looks like a huge rat, something I have never seen before. It's not natural," he paused, "they soon be here at the speed they are going."
"Right," Hazel said, "get everyone inside. We do they same as we did last time."
"But, we can't hold up against that mass of Elil for long!" Strawberry remarked.
"You're right. Strawberry, go and get Bigwig and get them to get help from Efrafa and see if Captain Campion can send some help. You better get off now. Don't worry, I get them all inside, but you must go now before they see you go."
Fiver then looked at Hazel, "Hazel, I have to go with Strawberry, I don't know why but I have a feeling which I cannot explain at the moment."
"Alright, I've known to trust your feelings, but set off at once!"
Strawberry and Fiver set out in the direction in which Bigwig had gone. Hazel wished he had Kehaar, but he flew away last night back to his bigwater. Anyway, he cannot think of him now. He set off and order the rabbits down below and to block the tunnels.
General Woundwort and Bully had reached the bottom of Watership Down. General Woundworts Owsla, the ones that were ready for this exhibition, 12 at most went off to control a section of Rats, which had been order by Bully to accept order from them. Bully and the General each took their own group of rats and soon they went up the down.
Soon they found a hole halfway up the Down. General Woundwort order the hole to be investigated. The rats went in, but came out soon afterwards.
"No rabbits are inside, sir" said one of the rats. "But it has been used though"
"Right, carry on up the hill!" order General Woundwort.
Soon they arrived up the top of the hill. Bully could see nothing, but he was called over the Woundwort. "They are doing just as I would exspect. Now remember, leave them alive. I'll kill them myself when the time comes to it, but first," he paused, "get me the one with thkck black hair on his head. I want Bigwig out here. I'll deal with him first."
Bully gave the sound for the attack and the rats and rabbits went and started to dig. Some rats went to find the hidden air holes and they were soon found. Then hundreds of rats poured inside. It didn't take long and soon the rats had forced out the rabbits, who had been bitten and were bleeding from the onslaught they have just endured. The General went up to Hazel.
"Where's Bigwig?" he commanded.
"I am afraid he's not here and I don't know where" Hazel replied.
"You lie," and the General Hit Hazel's face with his front paw.
One of Hazel's remaining Owsla went to defend Hazel but was attacked by rats and soon was held down by their teeth.
"Let him go!," Hazel Demanded.
"You are in no position to make demands. He turned to Bully and gave a signal. Bully made a sound and more rats went into the held down Owsla officer, named Little Bigwig as he was one of Bigwig offspring but only had a small amount of fur on top of his head. The rats tour the rabbit apart with their teeth and left the dead body.
"Now," Woundwort commanded, "Where is Bigwig?"
"You regret killing that rabbit. Bigwig will kill you!" said a young rabbit. Hazel looked scornfully at it and the young rabbit held it head in shame.
The general knew exactly who that rabbit was, or more importantly, who he belongs too. Just then an officer of him came up to him.
"Sir, we have found rabbit tracks heading off east. Sir do you want me to follow them?" asked the officer.
"Yes, but take two more with you." replied Woundwort. He stop him and added, "Take this message for Bigwig when you find him. Tell him he better come back here or I kill the lot of them as I did to his son."
"Yes, sir!"
The Officer went off and picked two more as he went.
"Right, Get these below and don't allow any to leave until me of Bully say so!" Command Woundwort.
Several days passed and Hazel found out that they had no freedom. They had to go out when they were told too and go in when they were ordered to. Hazel began to realise how bad it was for the rabbit to live under General Woundworts rule.
Bigwig and his companions had reach their destination as they found rabbit droppings near the fence. Bigwig went and sniffed them. The scent was faint but they were Blueberry's.
"Look's like he been through here. We'd better get going." The others followed him in White Deer Park.
Blueberry was being shown the way to Fox and Vixen's Den by Plucky. Fox had been nusy with Badger recently, who had turned very ill. But invited Blueberry over to his earth. Blueberry accepted the offer and was now heading to meet him.
It was Chestnut who spotted Bluebell and he couldn't believe his eyes. He got Bigwig and Blackberry to take a look.
"The stupid -" Bigwig was losing his temper, but Blackberry interrupted him.
"I don't think he is in any danger."
"What makes you say that" Bigwig asked, still in an angry voice.
"Well, look! They are talking to each other. I recommend we follow and find out what is going on,"
"Alright" Bigwig conceded.
Blueberry arrieved at Fox and Vixen's den and Plucky made his goodbyes and asked Blueberry to say hello to his father for him and went off back to his mate to help with the cubs.
Fox came out of the den.
"Hello again, Blueberry. I hope your stay with the rabbits has been good?"
"Fine, they are excellent hosts. They have a lot of stories and kept me awake a lot."
"Good -" Fox paused and then whispered to Blueberry, "It seems we have guests to the right of you."
Blueberry looked right and saw Bigwig, Blackberry and Chestnut and ran towards them.
"Bigwig! Blackberry! Chestnut! How did you find me?"
"Never mind that," Bigwig said, "What are you talking to Elil for?
"They are my friends." Blueberry replied.
After argueing with Bigwig for a bit, Blueberry went back to Fox.
"I have got to go back to Rabbitrah warren and let my friends rest. I remember the way. At the moment they don't trust you, but that's understandable. I am sorry I had to cut the visit short." Said Blueberry
"Don't worry about it. You go now, and I see you again." Fox replied.
Blueberry went off with Bigwig and the rest back to the warren. Rabbitrah invited them with open arms and the three new rabbits were kept up last night by them asking question and hearing stories.
"I can't believe it." said Bigwig.
"What, that a group of animals got together and came over many obstacles." said Blackberry.
"What I don't understand is this Oath thing?" asked Chestnut. Bigwig agreed.
"Don't you," replied Blackberry, "I think I do. It explains what I saw happened today. I mean, have you ever seen a elil talking with it prey and helping it on it's hour of need."
"But I just don't feel right with it all!" Bigwig remarked.
"Bigwig," Blueberry replied, "I felt exactly like you in the beginning but after learning a lot from the rabbits and what they have achieved. I feel different now. You get used to it."
"I doubt it." mumbled Bigwig.
Several more days passed and there was bad news going through the park. Bigwig, Chestnut and Blackberry finally realised how much the animals loved and cared for each other. It happened last night. Fox was with Hare and Rabbitrah as they had been called by Badger. After a while, they knew the worse of their fears were to come true and shortly before sunrise, Badger died.
The moarning that followed that day was great. Many will miss him as a friend, some who had helped them when he gave advice. But many missed him in different ways. Fox, however missed him more than anybody else would. He knew him since birth and always played with him when he was a cub.
There was a gathering of animals later that day to say goodbye to their friend, and his sett was closed off so he would rest in peace.
Later on that evening, Fox, Vixen and his new rabbit friends were sitting just outside the park looking out.
"Just a while back, We were travelling together." said Fox faintly.
"I know, but at least he had some years of peace here. He would have gotten it at Farthing Wood." Vixen replied nudging her nuzzle against his.
Fox agreed. Even with all the problems and dangers they have faced on the journey and here at the park, he did have some peaceful time. Fox felt happier for this. He noticed something off in the distance.
It was Strawberry and Fiver who were racing from something. Strawberry saw Bigwig, but then saw the Fox and stopped.
"Fiver, there's a fox next to Bigwig."
"I know, but he won't harm us. I got a feeling that those foxes won't harm us." Fiver went on.
"I hope you're right," thought Strawberry and went after him.
"Bigwig! Bigwig!" cried out Strawberry. They soon rached him.
"What's going on?" asked Bigwig.
"The General, the General", panted Strawberry.
"Calm down!" Bigwig said. Blueberry got his breath back and explained what happened.
"So they will be here any minute." Strawberry said.
Fox who had been listening had a plan.
"Look, me and Vixen will hide. When they come. I will catch one of them and we will find out what they want."
Fox and Vixen moved out of sight. And soon Woundwort officers cuaght with the rabbits.
"You are wanted back as prisoners from orders of General Woundwort -".
He didn't have time to say anymore as Fox jumped out from behind the tree and cuaght him. The other two rabbits raced off.
"Now, what do you want?" demanded Bigwig.
The officer, clearly frightened replied without hesitation.
"The General Woundwort order me to find you as he and his new comrade, Bully," Fox startled at this piece of information. Could it be the same thing he thought, "and taken over Watership Down. He killed an Owsla officer that looks like you and said that if you do not come back, he will kill all of them."
Bigwig went and tore the rabbits throat out.
"Oh, Zorn! What are we going to do now?" asked Blackberry,
"I know what I am going to do, " said Bigwig. "I am going to kill him!"
Chapter 3 - The Assembly of War
Bigwig turned and started to move.
"Where are you going?" Blackberry asked.
"I am going back to kill Woundwort." replied Bigwig.
"Wait a minute," Fox said, blocking his way.
"I move out of my way," Bigwig said.
Fox took no notice to him and turned to Strawberry.
"You said the other was Bully. Was he a rabbit?" he asked.
"No, but he was the biggest rat I have ever seen."
"Did he have a tail?" Fox pressed him.
"Erm, I don't - I mean I didn't notice if he did ot not." Strawberry replied puzzled.
Fox turned to Bigwig.
"It would be hopeless barging in like that. I know Bully. You wouldn't have a chance. His rats would tear you to bits before you even got up that hill of yours. No, we have to do this another way, but I will help you. Anyway, would your son like the way you just throw away your life like that?"
Bigwig stood there and slowly he replied, "No, he wouldn't".
"Then, go back to the warren and let me sort out things. You will be called upon shortly."
The other rabbits took Bigwig, who was now in a state of shock back to the warren. Fox turned to Vixen.
"We better get busy. I want a General Assembly right next to the pond. All inhabitants of the park are to attend. The Oath must be obeyed. Make that clear to the hunting anumals. Find Plucky, Ranger and anyone else you can find to pass the word. It will be held at midnight tonight. So there is not much time."
"Right." Vixen replied. Fox and Vixen then seperated to spread the news.
Hazel and the others had not been out since yesterday and some of the rabbits were now starting to get restless, especially Blossum, a doe who was only one year old. Suddenly one of the General Owsla came in.
"You are all to go outside to silflay. There will be no talking and when order to go back inside. You will do so without question. These are the request of the new Chief Rabbit".
Hazel was privately annoyed with this, but he kept his cool and hoped that help would come soon. They went out single file and found that the rats had made a thick wall and was watching them through their bared teeth. Some of the rabbits were taken aback with the sight, but Hazel decided to ignore them. He did notice that Blossum was getting more and more restless. Suddenly, she made a run for it. The rats were actually taken aback but she was brought down and killed. Straight after that, they were led back inside.
"We can't take much more of this Hazel!" Pipkin said.
"I know, but what can we do? We cannot beat them. Not with those numbers. We have got to take it for the moment, Pipkin. And hope that Starwberry and Fiver find Bigwig."
"Okay, but help me to get the others to understand." Pipkin said.
"I will do that." Hazel replied.
The news of a General Assembly travelled swiftly through the park. There hadn't been one since the invasion of rats a while back. Kestrel and Owl where told to flew over there and find out what the situation was and told to try and get back while the assembly was in progress.
The rabbits were getting excited as the time grew nearer. Blackberyy went over to Rabbirah.
"They seemed guite excited with this?" he asked.
"Well, yes. Some of them have not been to a Assembly, but this is where we get many ideas on how to sort out problems. Don't worry, we will find a solution to all of this."
"I hope so, as I don't know how long we can keep Bigwig here. If nothing is done then he will head off towards Watership Down."
Soon it was time for the General Assembly. Nothing alive had seen such a thing. If a human came along and saw it, they would be amazed and shocked to see such an advent, but there was no chance of that since it was dark. The rabbits from Watership Down could see foxes sitting next to mice. Rabbits and birds sitting next to stoats and weasels. Even the family of Otters from the strean had come. They were all toalking to each other, wondering why such an assembly was called for. Owl and Kestrel had come from Fox and Vixen's earth and landed on a branch.
The rabbits from Watership Down were shown to where they were to sit down. Suddenly the whole place fell silent. Fox and his followers had arrived. Now the other animals told themselves. Now we would find out what this is all about. The other foxes sat down but Fox stayed standing.
"My friends, guests from Watership Down and all other creatures of White Deer Park. I have called this Assembly as we are all in very grave danger." The other animals were now listening.
"Bully, who we fought before has come back. He has taken over these rabbit's warren and is planning to attack this park." The animals were now definately listening.
"But he has now found himself an ally. Another Rabbhit called General Woundwort, " he turned to Bigwig, "Could you please tell them all you know about him, please?"
Bigwig stepped forwarded and explained everything he knew about the General. All the other rabbits in White Deer Park didn't like what they heard and became restless. Some young ones went close to their mothers. Shortly Bigwig had finished. Then Fox explained to anybody who didn't remember about Bully and his army of rats. He finished of with.
"So, after hearing about the two of them. We have decided that dealing with one of them is bad enough, but when they are working together is much, much worse. But before we decide on what to do. I left Owl's and Kestrel's report last but it is not last from my thoughts at the moment."
Owl and Kestrel explained on what they saw. Blackberry and the rest had to calm down Bigwig again after hearing the rats killed another rabbit, even though they were angry on this news. But the news of the sign that they will attack the park, made many animals jumpy.
"I have decided," Fox shouted, "that there should be a small consignment of animals to decided on what to do. This will save time and that is not what we have now. The animals who have been chosen please follow me to the Hollow. The others, please go home. You will be told on what has been decided."
None of the anaimals left the clearing next to the pond. Fox led the small consignment of animals to decided on how to protect the park.
It was some time before that came to a decision.
"So, we have decided then?" said Fox.
"Yes!" they all replied.
"Right, time to go and tell everyone about the plan then." said Fox and got up.
They all followed him as they made their way back to the pond.
"Do you think it will work?" Bluebell wondered alound.
"It will work, I think." replied Fiver. "So it is amazing how quickly a plan came about, though."
"I know what you mean," Blackberry replied. "Some of the animals are more hasty than we are, but I hope you are right Fiver or I don't know what we will do. What do you think Bigwig?" Bigwig didn't answer. "Bigwig, Bigwig! Are you alright?"
Bigwig was thinking of something else at the time. "What?"
"Haven't you been listening? I said what do you think of the plan?"
"Oh that! I think it might work. It has too!".
"Shh, we've arrieved!" warned Chestnut.
The other animals took notice when they saw the small group of animals come back into view, All of them heard their breath.
Fox spoke "We have a plan. This will involve all available animals who can fight rats and rabbits. Anybody who has young to tend too do not have to be involved, but I do ask for the help of your males. Any animal who can fight, you are welcome to join in. But here is what we are going to do..."
"All is ready sir. We have just got more officers from our warren to keep an eye on our hostages." reported one of Woundwort officers.
"Everything ready?" asked Bully.
The rabbit looked at him "Yes, sir!" he replied.
"Good, we set off before Ni=Frith" said Woundwort.
"Yes, sir!" and went off after being dismissed.
"Any word come back from the officers you sent?" Bully asked.
"No, something must of happened. But it's too late now. I'll go to him instead. It will be better if he didn't know that I was coming, if he is there?" replied Woundwort.
Soon at N-Frith they started on their way.
"They are coming! They are coming!" Kestrel Called.
"Ranger!, Plucky!" Fox called. "Make sure everyone is ready!" They both ran off in seperate ways.
"Well," he turned to Bigwig. "It has begun. Let's hope we can pull this off."
Bluebell had gone off with Chestnut to Efrafa to get help from there to go to Watership Down to try an rescue attempt. The other rabbits that were there knew what command to give to let them know that they were on the right side, but they still prayed to Lord Frith that they get through today. Bigwig just sat there waiting. Waiting for Woundwort.
Chapter 4 - The Great Battle
There were two line of animals. One mostly of rats were getting closer and closer. The other stood their ground. But there were many different kinds of animals. Foxes, Rabbits, Weasels, Stoats, Otters, Badgers and Hares.
Before that, however. The General had noticed that they were waiting for them. How did they know. Then he remembered the officers he had sent. They had failed in their mission.
"It seems that they are waiting Bully?" he said.
"No need to bother. Nobody can defeat a army of rats!" he boasted.
"They did before" replied Woundwort.
But whatever new plan he had, he didn't implement them. The rats go into a trance and just keep going once the order had gone to attack. It was like a stampede.
Fox then looked up and called out to Kestrel. "I think it is time for you birds to attack!" he shouted.
"We're on our way!" called Kestrel.
The birds flew right at the rats and started to pick them off one by one. But it wasn't making any progress. Fox then looked at the others.
"I suggest we get to it," he said and then they do went and attacked.
They were immediately in the think of things. Bigwig had to deal with several rats at once. He shook his head and kicked back to kick some of them away. At the time, no one could help each other as they were busy fighting themselves. Fox had already killed ten or so rats but they still jumped on biting and scratching. He saw one jump at his head, but he ducked and the rat flew over his head. Some of the Woundwort rabbits were fighting the other Rabbits. The other aniamsl couldn't get at them as they were besiege by rats. Every now and again the birds came down and scoop up more rats and killed them. This went on for some time. Already there were deaths of foxes, rabbits and an otter who had been overcome by the mass of rats. It was not looking good.
At Watership Down, Hazel was starting to wonder when help would come. It has been over a week now since Fiver and Strawberry had gone for help. He hoped word had got to Captain Campion or Campionrah. He wondered what was happening to his firends and where were they at this time. "I hope they are not in trouble." he thought.
Blackberry found that he was in trouble. The rats just kept coming at him and dragging him down. He shook them of but straight away they jumped right back at him. He could feel the pain as the teeth dug in, then he felt no weight. Plucky had killed some of the rats, which made the others back off.
"You okay?" he asked
"Yes, thanks. I thought it was all over." replied Blackberry.
"No, not over yet. Not by a long shot", said Plucky as he killed two more rats.
Fiver who was watching from afield, on order from Bigwig. He didn't think the Fiver would be able to survive this, but then again neither did he, but he thought he had much better chance. Fiver could see that things were not going well, but then he had an idea.
"Erm, Owl!" he called.
"Yes," replied Owl who had just come back from his airstrike, "What do you want"
"I have been watching the battle and something tells me that if you destroy the rats leader they won't know what to do."
"Of course! Thanks Fiver, I'll pass that on to Fox right away!" Owl then flew off.
Bigwig who was starting to look worse for wear, saw Woundwort. His anger doubled and he made his way through the rats towards him. Woundwort had just killed on of the Farthing Wood Warren rabbits and as he looked up, saw Bigwig heading for him.
"I wondered when I meet you again," said Woundwort. "I would have thought you teach your son better manners."
"Why you-" replied Bigwig.
"Oh, I didn't kill him. I got the rats to kill him. But with you, I'll do it myself. You won't win this time, Bigwig." Woundwort growled.
"Just come and try!" Bigwig shouted back.
Woundwort jump right at Bigwig, but Bigwig already in a mid attack/defence posture was ready for it. He jumped aside and hit Woundwort with his paw. Bigwig manage to scratch Woundwort's face. Woundwort turned around and then they faced each other again.
Owl had reached Fox, who had just disposed of one of Woundworts rabbits. "Fox, one of the rabbits. Fiver, I think he's called. said if you get rid of Bully then the rats will panic and won't know what to do." he said. "Is that useful."
"Of course," said fox. "Tell Fiver thanks!".
He looked around while he had some time before the rats notice that nobody was attacking him. He saw Bigwig who had just fallen with Woundwort over him. He looked in another direction and found what he was looking for. "This time, it won't be your tail that you lose!" thought Fox and started to battle his way towards him.
Bigwig who stumbled over some dead rat bodies found Woundwort right on top of him. Bigwig who was on his back dug in his back legs scratching at Woundwort underside while using his front legs to keep Woundwort teeth away from his neck. He knew he couldn't keep this up.
"Just like your son," the General said. "You soon be joining him!"
Bigwig found knew energy from somewhere and push Woundwort right over his head. Woundwort was surprised. Bigwig then charged at Woundwort and they tangled up again.
One of the otters who was named, Quickstream found hs mate lying dead in the field. He look at the body and rage built inside him. It looked as though she got a few rats before they finished her off. He started to fight with such ferousity that no rat of other animals saw in their lives. Everytime rats jumped on him, he flew them off him and with such quickness turned around and killed them. Even Weasel who just had a quick glance was amazed.
Fox was slowly making his way towards Bully, who had seen him. He called for his rats to protect him and they went and charged at Fox. He was held fast and he killed many but they still came. "How many are there?" he mind cried out. Just then Vixen and Ranger were at his side. They made progress slowly downwards Bully who was starting to get angry now.
"Stand out of my way!" he shouted. "I'll deal with this customer! Why don't you gight me yourslef Fox or do you need help."
"No, I can fight you. Just you and me." growled Fox.
Bully went and jumped on Fox. Fox was pulled down. Bully was the size of a small cat and was the nearly the same size as Fox. Fox twist and turned on the floor and managed to turn the tables. He then quickly got Bully's throat inside his mouth. He closed tightly around but not though.
"What are you waiting for," he gasped. "Are you so chicken that you won't go through with it." Bully coughed. "You don't have it in you." He called his bluff.
"You're right," Fox mumbled, "But for the safety of others, I will do it!".
Fox then killed Bully. The rats heard his death cry and started to panic. Who would ruled them. At this time the battle turned to the other animals favour. The foxes then left the still body of Bully and started to help their friends finish off their enemies.
Woundwort had overcome Bigwig again and had push him to the ground. He jumped right at him. Woundwort had his opposition in his grasp. It would soon be over. Suddenly, he felt someone grap him and tossed him high into the air. He landed arkwardly and felt a sharp pain in his one of his back legs and fromt legs. There were broken. He tried to get up. He couldn't. His mobility had been reduced. Bigwig was on him like a shot . Woundwort tried to defend himself but couldn't. Bigwig ended General Woundwort's life and stepped back and looked at the gaping hole in Woundwort neck. He then turned around and saw Fox was looking at him.
"So, it was you who help me?" he asked.
"I saw you early on, fighting him. I would have helped sooner, but I had to deal with a rat problem." said Fox.
"I am glad that you did." said Bigwig sullenly.
"What's wrong?" Fox asked softly.
"I wish Little Bigwig was still alive." he said.
"I know how you feel," said Fox.
Soon all of the rats were killed or were hunted down as they ran away. Only a few managed to escape. All of General Woundwort's rabbits were killed. They had done it. Fox looked at all the dead bodies and thought "Well we have done it, but at what cost?"
Later, after all the animals had gone back home. Most of the Elil had taken most of the dead back home to eat. Fox and their little gathering had gone back to the hollow.
"What about Watership Down?" said Blackberry.
"Well, if all goes according to plan and if Campionrah is clever as you say he is. We should see the other officers coming here soon. After we deal with them. We go back to Watership Down with you."
"Let's hope his officers are stupid then." said Bigwig.
Blueberry and Chestnut had arrived at Efrafa at sunset and ran up to one of the rabbits there.
"We have come to see your Chief Rabbit on important and urgent business" said Blueberry.
"I see if he can see you. Wait here!" said one of the rabbits and went off.
Blueberry and Chestnut waited and soon saw Campion coming towards them.
"Hello there. What are you doing here." he said.
"Campionrah. Watership Down has been taken over by some of Woundwort officers. We need your help!" Chestnut said.
"What is this you say! You'd better tell me the full story." said Campion.
Blueberry and Chestnut went through all that they knew and that their was a battle going on outside White Deer Park right now. They also told of their new friends and told them of their plan to rescue Hazel and the others.
"Well, we'd better go and trick them, hadn't we. We set off after you've had a rest."
Later that day. Campion and some of his Owsla went with Blueberry and Chestnut to Watership Down.
Chapter 5 - Good Times Ahead
Several days passed and then Campion stopped.
"This is not going to work." Campion said.
"Why not. If we follow the plan it should." replied Chestnut.
"Oh, and how would you explain to the rabbits when we arrive up their that we were in a battle and not one single mark is on us."
"Oh, I see." Chestnut said.
"We will have to give each other a few marks that makes us look like we've been fighting."
Campion looked at his officer who then went and claw at Bluebells and Chestnut body then they did the same to Campion before turning onto themselves.
"Now we look the part." Campion said. "We should be there tomorrow. Then we will see if we can trick them"
The next day they got to the bottom of the hill and started to go up. "Here we go," whispered Bluebell.
One of the Woundworts rabbits came down.
"What do you want?" he demanded.
Campion looked at him. "I have been ordered by General Woundwort to get reinforcements. We are your replacements to look after the prisoners."
The other rabbit looked suspicious. "I haven't seen you before? What proof do you have of this?"
Campion replied "I am from Efrafa. We found out from one of his officers that he was back and we offered him his help. We were at the place called White Deer Park. But shortly, the fight was going well. He wants fresh officers there to help defeat the animals there. He want you and all rats to go at once."
The other rabbit looked confused.
Campion thought he might as well try this. "I have given an order. Do you know who I am? I am Captain Campion and if you don't do what you have been ordered to. Then I will tell the General of your disrespect of his orders!".
The other rabbit looked at him. "Yes sir!" and ran off up the hill.
Campion thought. "Well, not as clever then. Mustn't have been an officer for long."
Soon all of the remaining rabbits from Woundwort and rats left Watership Down under the care of Captain Campion. After they have gone. He then went down into the warren.
"Hazel!" he called.
"Yes!" Hazel called back.
"You can come out now," Campion said. "We have got rid of your captures.
Hazel and the rest came out.
"Blueberry!" Hazel gasped as he saw the state that they where all in.
"Oh!," Blueberry looked at himself. "We had to do it to ourselves to fool them."
After explaining everything to Hazel what had happened since he left and Hazel explaining what had happened. Hazel was interested in what Blueberry had to say about friendly foxes and how all the different animals got together to fight the rats and Woundwart.
Suddenly, Kestrel came down from the sky. Blueberry let Hazel and the others that it was safe.
"What news?" Blueberry asked.
"It is over," the bird replied. "Bully and Woundwort have been defeated. Though we did have many casualties. I see that the plan worked then?"
"Yes," Blueberry replied. "Thanks to additions by Campionrah here. Tell Fox that they are on their way."
"I go right now" said Kestrel and flew off.
"Right," said Hazel. "Let's go through this again from the beginning."
Blueberry started again and told Hazel everything.
Kestrel was back in no time and on the way, spotted the group of animals on their way. He landed on a branch outside Fox's Den.
Fox look up. "Well?" he asked.
"They are on their way" reported the bird.
"Could you and Owl keep an discreet eye on the situation and let me know when they will get here."
"Of course. I'll Owl know, though I doubt Holly would like it. He's been away from his duties long enough. Partly blames it on you though."
Fox laughed. "I thought as much. Well tell her I am sorry for pulling him away from his parental duties once again. But it won't be for long."
"Understood." Kestrel flew away
Fox turned to Vixen. "All we have to do is wait."
When they did come and before they knew they had fell into a trap it was all over. Later Fox was outside Rabbitrah's warren.
"Well, it is finally over. You be going back to your warren soon, Bigwig?" asked Fox.
"We be setting off tonight. I'll be glad to get home." he replied.
"I tell you what. I'll come with you. I wouldn't mind seeing the downs and also as protection from other foxes. You still have the smell of blood."
Bigwig and the others agreed.
So Fox, Vixen and the rabbits left White Deer Park and headed for Watership Down.
Fox and Vixen had been on Watership Down for a few days now and the journey was eventless. Bigwig had spent quite a lot of time with Fox and enjoyed the stories of his adventures. Hazel had also been with Fox asking questions and finding all about him and the rest of his friends. Soon all of the rabbits got used to having them around.
"Erm, Fox," Hazel came up to him. "The others were wondering. Would you come and tell us the story of how you travelled from Farthing Wood to White Deer Park. I knoe I've heard it but the others are very interested. Especailly Blackberry."
"Okay." Fox replied. He then followed Hazel and sat down in front of a group of rabbits.
"Well," he began. "It all started one hot summer when we had a drought problem. . . . . . . . "