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Chapter Text

Far away from any city or town within the countryside, inside a forest there was a group of rabbits resting from a long journey, a young brown rabbit with golden eyes playfully follows a butterfly as a large buck with a dark brown mane of fur on his head and around his neck and shoulders watched the kitten with his sharp green eyes “stay close Pipkin” the large buck said as two rabbits watched the tall one had orange fur, brown pelt tipped ears that reached part of his head between the eyes and at the nose, a large dark brown patch on his back, small cream patches over his eyes and mouth, and his eyes were a hazel green, the smaller on is his younger brother and runt, with light orange coloured fur, brown pelt tipped ears that reached part of his head between the eyes and at the nose, a big dark brown patch on his back, small cream patches over his eyes and mouth, and his eyes were soft light brown

The runt shivers and gasps as a vision appears in his mind, his eyes wide open as his ears lowered down as he stared into the distance, the taller rabbit noticed his brother and placed a paw over his shoulder “Fiver, what do you see?” The rabbit asked looking at his brother “high lonely hills, where the wind carries every whisper” Fiver said as a vision of a big beech hanger tree on top of a hill appeared in his mind before the vision goes away “that’s where we have to go Hazel, that’s where we’ll find our home” Fiver said looking over to his brother “is it far?” Hazel asked as a loud cry came from above in the distance

All of the rabbits looked up towards the sky to catch a glimpse of a white bird flying aimlessly about in the clouds, at first they thought that the bird was an elil but he took no interest in the bunch making them relax “I’ve never seen a bird like that one before, he’s not an elil, is he?” Pikpin asked, a light gray doe chuckled “not all birds are enemies, Pipkin, he’s just a gull” the doe said, the large buck chuckled “young bucks these days don’t know a thing about the world” the large mane buck said shaking his head “and being a captain of Owsla you must know everything, eh Bigwig” a dark gray buck said looking at Bigwig “hey you wouldn’t have gotten this far without me I know that much” Bigwig said glaring a the buck

The gray buck frowned as his ears dropped to both side of his head “we should have never left Sandleford Warren in the first place” the gray buck said moping, Fiver shivers and straightens up “darkness comes in the light of day, no future at all for those who stayed” Fiver said in a rhyme “oh by Frith he’s off again” the blonde tall buck said shaking his head “oh my nose tickles, it’s a sign from Frith, he end of the world is coming, runaway!” the gray rabbit said openly, Bigwig shakes his head before looking over to Fiver who was looking down as Hazel pulls his little brother into a comforting hug while giving the dark gray buck a stern yet warning glare. Just then loud barking was heard “Quiet” Bigwig said as they all crouched down their ears perked up as they hear the barking “dog...close, doesn’t sound like he’s got our scent yet” Bigwig said looking back at the others as the dog continues to bark

Hazel hops ahead of the group “well let’s not wait until he does” Hazel said and began running away with the others following behind “stay close to me Fiver, so that you won’t fall behind” Bigwig said looking at Fiver “I won’t” Fiver said a small blush dusting his cheeks. Then the barking began to grow louder “he’s onto us, coming fast!” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “go keep running, we’ll be right behind you” Hazel said to the others as they all head into a bush “they won’t have a chance unless we can draw off that dog” Hazel said looking at Bigwig “so we offer ourselves up as a dog’s breakfast?” Bigwig asked as Hazel looked around before spotting a log by a small cliff “not necessarily” Hazel said as the bushes rustled and the dog hops out growling “hey, come on over here!” Hazel called out standing on top of the dog “hey you!” Hazel called out as the dog runs over to him

The buck then hops inside the log as the dog stops and sniffs, Bigwig comes out from the other end of the log before crawling back in when the dog looks back up, growling before barking again. The dog runs to the other side of the log and begins barking at it as Hazel pops his head out on the other side of the log, the dog spotted him and runs back to the other side, but this time crawling inside the log where Hazel and Bigwig were “go!” Hazel said, turning around “right!” Bigwig said as they hop out of the log just as the dog crawls inside the log. Then Hazel and Bigwig began moving the log until the log rolled down the cliff and into a tree, breaking the log in half and stunning the dog. Meanwhile Fiver and the others came to a stop at a stream as they look for a way to cross it “there's no way across downstream” the gray buck said as he and the tall blonde buck returned “and it just get wider up that way” the gray doe said returning from the right side of the stream

They gasped when they heard the dog barking in the distance “well, that's the trouble with dogs isn't it they just don't know when to give up” the tall blonde Buck said looking Back at the group “what happened to Hazel and Bigwig?” Pipkin asked, just then Bigwig and Hazel came out from the bushes “what are you lot hanging about” Bigwig said looking at the group “well we didn't fancy our chances of hopping on water” the blonde tall buck said as the dog barking grew closer, the large buck looks at the stream “we'll swim, now everybody in!” Bigwig said running towards the stream “oh wonderful, follow Hazel and Fiver, see the world, drown” the gray rabbit said hopping into the water along with the blonde rabbit as they swim across “I don’t think I can Bigwig” Pipkin said shivering “well you can’t stay here lad” Bigwig said looking at the kit “he won’t make it Hazel” Fiver said looking at his brother, then the light gray doe has an idea “I might have an Idea, wait there” the doe said running off 

The barking grew louder as Fiver and Pipkin hops over to the stream, Hazel turn to where the dog was coming “you can’t fight the dog Hazel” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “I led Pipkin into this, I won't leave him” Hazel said turning towards Bigwig “if you stay, I stay” Bigwig said staring at Hazel in determination “here, there’s a way across!” The light gray doe called out as Hazel and Bigwig turns to where the doe was next to a floating log “thank Frith, I didn’t fancy a-a heroic last stand” Bigwig said as he, Hazel, Fiver, and Pipkin runs to where the doe was “I thought you said there was a way across?” Hazel said a bit confused “yes, on this wood, look it floats” the doe said looking at the bucks “and toads hop so what?” Bigwig said confused, but Fiver quickly understood what the gray doe meant “Blackberry that’s brilliant!” Fiver said looking at her “I’m missing something here?” Bigwig asked more confused 

“Get on the wood Pipkin” Fiver said, ushering the kit onto the wood, Pipkin hops onto the wood along with Fiver as the bushes rustle and the dog comes out sniffing the ground for the rabbits, a gull sees the dog and flies away. The dog growls as he looks for the rabbits just as Blackberry pushes the wood with Fiver and Pipkin on to the other side of the stream, the doe looks to see the dog running and swims in the stream “go!” Bigwig said, pushing Hazel into the water before jumping in just as the dog reached the spot they were on. The dog watches as the rabbits swim across the stream, but the wood Fiver and Pipkin were on turns around “we’ll never make it” Fiver said as they float back to where the dog is “Fiver, what do we do?” Pipkin asked looking to him as the dog snarls and growls at them, on the other side, the gray buck and the blonde buck made it to the other side and the gray buck turn to see the wood with Pipkin and Fiver floating towards the dog “Bigwig, behind you!!” The gray buck called out making the lion mane buck turn around and gasp before swimming to Fiver and Pipkin as they try to swim away from the dog “I don’t know if your vision was true about Sandleford being destroyed but I’m glad I came with you, I had a chance to see some of the great big world” Pipkin said

“I’m glad too” Fiver said as the dog jumps into the water and swims towards them “I’m sorry it has to end like this” Fiver said, but then Bigwig breaks through the surface in front of them “nothing’s ending while I’m around” Bigwig said pressing his front paws onto the wood and swim to the other side of the stream “that’s it Bigwig, not much further” Hazel said as the dog got out of the water growling at the rabbits one more time before walking away just as Fiver, Pipkin, and Bigwig reached the other side, they all got on dry land “nice one Bigwig, good swimmer” the blonde buck said before Bigwig shakes the water off him, Fiver hops over to Bigwig “thank you Bigwig, that was very brave” Fiver said looking up at him “nothing at all” Bigwig sad a blush dusting across his cheeks “a clever trick Blackberry, worthy of El-ahrairah” Hazel said looking at her “yes I think so worked rather well didn’t it” Blackberry said with a proud smile

Hazel looked around, searching for any more elil “right let’s get moving” Hazel said as he and Blackberry hopped back to where the others were “we’re half-dead Hazel, give us a minute will you” the gray buck said panting “we’ll have time to rest when we get where we’re going” Hazel said turning to the others “you heard Hazel, hop to it you layabouts” Bigwig said, and everyone began running to where the high hills are. After a long hop, they came to a stop at a hedge “this look like a safe place to rest” Hazel said looking around “it’s so peaceful here” Fiver said looking at the hedge “enjoy it while it last, the next disaster can’t be far off” the gray buck said as Pipkin hops around, exploring the hedge “you should rest Pipkin we have a long way to go yet” Hazel said as Pipkin looks at a ladybug “I will, I just want to look around a little” Pipkin said with a smile “don’t go too far” Hazel said as a frog hops over to Pipkin “I won’t” Pipkin said watching the frog hop away

Pipkin began following the frog as Bigwig let out a small laugh “the boundless energy of youth ey” Bigwig said watching Pipkin follows the frog before glancing over to Fiver who was resting as Hazel groomed his little brothers fur ‘ when we find this new home, I’ll tell him how I feel’ Bigwig thought with a smile. Meanwhile, Pipkin continues to follow the frog to a fence the kitten stops when he hears singing and looks up to see a gull “hello” Pipkin said startling the gull “you crazy, why you sneak up on Kehaar for?!” Kehaar said looking down at Pipkin “I’m sorry, you’re a gull aren’t you?” Pipkin asked looking up at Kehaar “ya, gull from big water” Kehaar said with a nod “what’s a big water?” Pipkin asked, confused “sea, water forever, full of fish, you know where big water gone?” Kehaar asked looking at Pipkin “no, are you lost?” Pipkin asked with a tilt of his head “lost, hungry, want fish” Kehaar said sad “I wish I could help, I saw you flying it must be wonderful to fly, then we could find our home in the high hills” Pipkin said looking down “you lost too huh, like me, like Hannah” Kehaar said smiling “Hannah is another gull then” Pipkin said looking up at the gull “nah, mouse, she say if you got no home make home where you are, she nice but confusing” Kehaar said

“Pipkin, where are you?” the gray buck called out making Pipkin turn “who that?” Kehaar asked confused “Hawkbit, I’m Pipkin, I suppose I should get back now, it was nice meeting you Kehaar” Pipkin said smiling up at the gull “hmph, be nicer if you had fish” Kehaar said as Pipkin hops back to where the group is, the gull let out a sigh “everybody lost, nobody got a home” Kehaar said letting out another sigh before flying off in the sky. Later the group of rabbit continued hopping down the grassy ground, the sky turning cloudy and dark, Hawkbit got himself stuck in some thistles and pulled them off “that’s it, I’ve had enough” Hawkbit said tired “me too, I’m hungry, and I’m tired and I’m sore” the tall blonde buck said tired as well “we can’t stop here, it’s too open” Hazel said looking back at the two “we can’t do this, we can’t do that, we’ve been following this vision of Fiver’s forever” Hawkbit said with a tired sigh “and it’s not like it’s getting any clearer is it, do you see any high hills, I don’t” the blonde buck said looking around “and look at this place, it’s the end of the world” Hawkbit said looking at the area they were in “we’re going back” Hawkbit said turning around but Bigwig stood in front of him “nobody’s going back get moving” Bigwig said looking at the gray buck

“You’re afraid to go back, because YOU deserted the Owsla” Hawkbit said making Bigwig flinch back from that “you’re afraid Captain Holly will arrest you” Hawkbit said glaring at Bigwig “Hawkbit Sandleford’s gone, I feel it in my bones, there’s nothing to go back to” Fiver said looking at the gray buck “well that’s what you say, well what if it's like your promised land that doesn’t exist, what if we left for nothing?” Hawkbit asked looking at Fiver “I said move I won’t say it again” Bigwig said staring at the gray buck sternly. Hawkbit turns around and hops away with Fiver and the others following, leaving Bigwig and Hazel “what if Fiver is wrong, I understand if Fiver doesn’t want to go back, with him being the first and only buck-doe back at Sandleford, but we can’t keep them going on dreams Hazel” Bigwig said looking at the buck. Hazel looked back to where his little brother and other were going, remembering the times the other buck rabbits would harass and try to force themselves onto Fiver but he would always stop them, protecting Fiver and staying close to his little brother “dreams are all we have left Bigwig” Hazel said as faint thunder filled the air as the buck went over to the others, Bigwig followed behind “oh great, storm’s coming that’s all we need” Hawkbit said as rain began to fall

The rabbits continued on their journey, hopping over a puddle, but fiver got his foot caught in a root making him trip and fall into the puddle, he gets up as Hazel reaches him “come on Fiver, the high hills can’t be far now” Hazel said looking at little brother “what if Hawkbit is right Hazel, what if there is no safe place for us” Fiver said looking down “but you saw it Fiver, the high hills” Hazel said looking at his brother “in a dream, in my head, maybe they were right back at Sandleford, maybe I am...mad, and no one wants a mad buck-doe as a mate” Fiver said tears filling his eyes “if we stop believing, we’re lost, so don’t you ever say that again” Hazel said comforting his little brother “Hazel, come here!” Bigwig called out, Hazel and Fiver hops to where the others are “what is it what’s wrong?” Hazel asked, looking around “just for a moment, I thought I saw....” Bigwig paused as the fog lifted up revealing “the high hills” Hazel said an awe “they’re real” Hawkbit said in disbelief “It’s beautiful” Blackberry said an awe as they all looked at the high hills “you were right lad HAHA! You were right all along!” Bigwig said with a laugh “wow, it looked very far away” Pipkin said looking at how far the high hills is “but it’s there” the tall blonde buck said as Hazel sniffs the air “I smell cabbages” Hazel said sniffing the air more “and carrots, and lettuce!” Bigwig said as everyone began sniffing the air “Flayrah!” Blackberry exclaimed happily as they all run to the direction, reaching to a farm

“I could run the rest of the way to the high hills on a belly full of carrots, what are we waiting for!” Bigwig said looking at the others “no, there maybe dogs or cats down there, not to mention man” Hazel said refusing the idea “in the Owsla we have a saying, who dares wins” Bigwig said looking back at Hazel “everyone’s exhausted, we need our wits about us for a raid” Hazel said looking at the exhausted group “and we need food if we’re going to make it to the high hills” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “Bigwig’s right” Hawkbit said agreeing with the larger buck “if there’s lettuce down there I want some and I want some now!” The blonde buck said looking at them “at least wait until it’s dark” Hazel said as Bigwig looks back at the farm “alright, we’ll wait” Bigwig said looking back at Hazel “what about a story Dandelion, it’ll help pass the time” Hazel asked looking at Dandelion “oh yes please Dandelion” Pipkin said looking at the tall buck “how about Frith’s Blessings, sort of appropriated considering the running we’ve been doing” Dandelion said looking at the others “oh lovely” Blackberry said as Dandelion clears his throat 

“Long ago when Lord Frith made the world, all the animals were the same. They lived together sharing the sweet grass of the hills. Now the greatest animal in the world were the rabbits and El-Ahrairah was the father and prince of all the rabbits and soon his people covered the world, eating some much there was none left for the other animals. Now Lord Frith saw this and was worried for the other animals. He turned to the prince rabbit and said “El-Ahrairah you must control your people, there are too many!” “That is because you have made them the best in the world Lord Frith, I can't control them.' “Then I will do El-Ahrairah" Frith then summoned all the animals to his sun cave to grant them a gift making each one different from the rest. To the Fox to the Weasel he gave claws and teeth and desire to hunt and kill El-Ahrairah and his people. When El-Ahrairah heard about this, he knew Frith was angry at him and his people. He feared what Frith might do next and so when Frith came looking for him he tried to hide but Frith found him “El-Ahrairah come here and I will give you my blessing” “I can't the fox and the weasel are coming for me so I must hide”But Frith shine upon him anyway “Never again will your people cover the world El-Ahrairah, for it is filled with enemies now, and when they catch you, they will kill you, but first they must catch you, Runner, Digger and Listener, be cunning and full of tricks and your people will never be destroyed””

“And here we are, so even if Sandleford Warren is gone we are still here” Dandelion said finishing his story as night falls “well told Dandelion, we needed to hear that story” Hazel said with a smile, Bigwig looks back at the farm “right, let’s be cunning and trick man out of some lettuce!” Biwig said as they all headed down to the farm. Meanwhile on the farm, a small mouse scurried to the barn door and peeked inside “hello Hannah!” A voice said startling the mouse, she turned to see Kehaar there “give me a warning next time you drop from the sky, what do you want now?” Hannah asked looking at the gull “fish, Kehaar no good at catching fish in the little water, big water, far away” Kehaar said looking at the mouse sadly “well we’re lucky to get away with stealing the fat cat’s fish last time, after this no more you silly bird, hush up” Hanna said sneaking into the barn with Kehaar following behind her. Back with the rabbits, they sneaked into the farm without being spotted and headed to the crate filled with lettuces, carrots, turnips, and cabbages and began eating the flayrah “this must be all the flayrah in the world” Pipkin said holding up a carrot “so who’s going to miss a few carrots hey Pipkin” Bigwig said looking at the kitten, inside the barn, Hannah and Kehaar peaked behind a tractor to see a bowl of fish “rotten cat’s somewhere else, come on” Hannah said as Kehaar moves toward the cats dish and began eating the fish

But then Hannah’s eyes widened as the gull looked up to see the cat standing on top of some bags of wheat next to some flower pots hissing at the gull, Kehaar gasp as the cat pounced at the gull with a screech. Bigwig sat up to the sound of the cat “there’s a cat about” Bigwig said looking back at the others “let’s not overstay our welcome” Hazel said as they all began to leave the farm “stinking cat, get away from Kehaar!” Kehaar said, making Pipkin stop and look through the barn doors only for Hannah to run into the kitten “rabbit, run for your life, cat’s got Kehaar!” Hannah said looking back at the door “Kehaar, the gull?” Pipkin asked as Hazel and Bigwig stopped, turning to see Pipking still at the farm barn

“Pipkin, no!” Hazel said as Bigwig let out a groan “oh idiot young bucks that don’t know when the running’s good” Bigwig said as they returned back to where Pipkin was “come on cat, I show you how to fight!” Kehaar shouted as Pipkin and Hannah watched “get away from there Pipkin!” Hazel called out making the kitten turn to the older rabbit “it’s Kehaar, he’s lost just like us we’ve got to help him” Pipkin said looking at the others “against a cat!” Hawkbit said with a small scoff “won’t be easy cat!” Kehaar said, flapping his wings, the cat screeched again “promise you that!” Kehaar said as the cat hissed at the gull and raised her claw and swiped at the gull as Kehaar cried out to the cat. Meanwhile Bigwig, Hazel, and Hawkbit stood behind the sack of wheat and tipped over the stacks of flower pots making the cat look up and let out a yelp when they crashed onto her “come on Kehaar!” Hannah called out, Kehaa took one more fish and runs out of the barm with Hazel, Bigwig, and Hawkbit running out behind the gull as the cat climbs out of the pile of broken flower pots

Soon they all stopped at a stone wall of the farm, breathing heavily from the running “are you badly hurt Kehaar?” Pipkin asked looking at the gull “not too bad” Kehhar said moving his wing but winced “ow, maybe not fly so good for a while” Kehaar said folding his wing back up “you’re not gonna last long out in the open with a bad wing Kehaar” Hannah said looking at the gull “then come with us, we’re going to the high hills over there, Fiver says it’s safe there” Pipkin said pointing at the high hills “now hang on a minute” Bigwig said looking at the gull and mice “he’s a friend Hazel let him stay, please” Pipkin said as Hazel looked at them “we’re all newcomers here, we need to help each other” Hazel said looking at Bigwig “I think Kahaar should come along with us” Hazel said as the other rabbits nodded in agreement “right, let’s get going” Bigwig said and everyone began heading to the high hills

Hours went by as they tirelessly hopped through the fields until they reached the high hills, seeing how very high the hills are “be good to have a little rest no?” Kehaar asked looking at the exhausted rabbits “how far is it to the top Kehaar?” Hazel asked looking at the gull “not far if you fly, long way if you walked” Kehaar said as Hazel looked back up the hill and began to run up the high hill with Bigwig, fiver, Hawkbit, Dandelion, Pipkin, Blackberry, Kehaar, and Hannah following behind them. Finally by sunrise, they made it to the top, everyone stared at the big tree “this, is where we’ll start again” Hazel said looking at the area “yes it’s very good place” Kehaar said agreeing with Hazel “it’s called Watership Down” Hanna said looking at the rabbits “Watership Down...home” Fiver said smiling at their new home

Chapter Text

Far from the high hills, a fog was appearing in the woods that Hazel and the others came from, then suddenly a mysterious rabbit, an old rabbit with a beard, was hopping through the woods nearly out of breath. Just then an owl then appeared and the rabbit ran faster than he was before, the old rabbit then found a tree with a hole in it and ran towards it, he got in just before the owl got him, he was completely out of breath "Bigwig, Hazel, Fiver, where are you!" called out the old rabbit as it echoed, on the other side a tall rabbit, the same height as Hazel with pitch black fur a white spot on his left eye, and soft blue eyes perked up to the echo “where did that come from?” The buck asked looking around for the source of the echo

Meanwhile at Watership Down, everyone was sleeping peacefully under the big tree when Fiver woke up to the faint echo, he sits up and looks around, waking up Hazel “what is it Fiver?” Hazel asked looking at his little brother “I was dreaming, about Captain Holly, he was trying to stop us from leaving Sandleford” Fiver said before closing his eyes as a shiver runs through his body “that’s all behind us now, we’re here safe on Watership Down, and it’s a beautiful morning” Hazel said. Then the owl from earlier then screeched again and the rabbits woke up and ran as Hazel and Fiver ran too. Just outside of the down, a weasel then tried to what appears to be a spikey ball, the weasel looked like it tried to open it but failed, the weasel then growled then walked away from the ball, the ball turned out to be a hedgehog curled up “not this time you silly old weasel” the hedgehog said as he ran off before the weasel came back. Meanwhile on top of the hill, Keehar was doing a horrible screech happily, Hannah then walked up to Keehar “morning Keehar” Hannah said with a slightly tired voice “yeah!” Keehar said as the rabbits hopped to Keehar “are you off your rocker?!, screaming like that!” Bigwig yelled in anger “Keehar say hello to morning, oh boy you should hear whole flock sing, big music!” Keehar said happily “Oh, is that what you call it?” Dandelion said sarcastically

“I said these two should clear off our down and I meant it” Bigwig said looking over at Hazel “be fair Bigwig, his wings hurt” Hazel said looking at Bigwig “that’s not all that’ll be hurt if he doesn’t watch his beak” Hawkbit said as Hannah walks over to Bigwig “what the matter with the rabbit, everybody likes gulls and mice” Hannah said looking up at the bigger buck “not...me” Bigwig said glaring at the mouse as Hannah walks away from the lion mane buck. Then Fiver let out a gasp, as his body shivers and his eyes clenched shut “Fiver what’s wrong?” Hazel said looking at his little brother “In the velvet night a pearly gleam, a new friend found a moonlight dream” Fiver said as the vision went away “what did you see Fiver?” Hazel asked looking at his little brother “I...I think someone is coming to the down, but they’re not a threat” Fiver said looking at his brother “you think, or you don’t know” Hawkbit said looking at the buck-doe “well Fiver said about a new friend coming here, so this must be a good vision” Pipkin said smiling “hopefully it is” Hawkbit said with a small roll of his eyes

Meanwhile on a pond, a morehen was sleeping until it woke up by a strange sound, the morehen then turned around and saw the same weasel from earlier, the weasel then tried to grab the morehen, but the morehen then flew away before the weasel grabbed him, the weasel then smelled something, he then sniffed at the down's direction “Long Ears” Said the weasel as he walked to the down. Back at the down the rabbits were eating silflay when Blackberry called out to them “everyone, over here” Blackberry said grabbing all of their attention, Blackberry looked at the hole “there were rabbits here, once upon a time, long gone now” Blackberry said as Hazel came over, sniffing at the hole “no smell of disease or enemies, it smells safe” Hazel said as he back away as Blackberry went inside the hole along with Hannah. Blackberry and Hannah looked around the Warren to see if it's in shape “Is it good?” Hannah asked Blackberry “It's very big”Hannah said as she looked around “yeah, not anywhere near big enough I'm afraid” Blackberry said to Hannah. Blackberry then turned her head “it's in good shape!” Blackberry called out to the rabbits “If everyone helps out with the digging, we'll soon have a home down here” Blackberry said, Bigwig, Hawkbit and Dandelion shared a  look at each other “by everyone, I assume she doesn't mean us” Hawkbit said looking at the hole “Blackberry, in case you've forgotten, bucks don't dig” Bigwig said to Blackberry “Oh, here we go” Blackberry said as she rolled her eyes “What's so good about buck, that they don't dig?” Hannah asked as she and Blackberry continue to look around

“Be reasonable Bigwig, Blackberry is the only doe, we can’t expect her to dig the whole Warren by herself” Hazel said looking at the others “yes, so” Dandelion said looking at Hazel “so we’re all going to pitch in” Hazel said looking at Dandelion “of I don’t thinks so” Bigwig said disagreeing with that “look if we’re gonna survive up here we need new ways of thinking” Hazel said looking at the others “I’ve had my fill of new thinking, you’ve already got us living with gulls and mice” Bigwig said glaring at Hazel “so mice are no good eh, you don’t wan’t mice around fine, I’m gone” Hannah said and left “oh very nice Bigwig, very thoughtful” Fiver said very cross at Bigwig for driving Hannah away. Bigwigs eyes widened but hid it with a glare as he hopped away, with Dandelion and Hawkbit hopping away as well “we’ve got to get everyone pulling together or we’re finished” Hazel said trying to think of a way “maybe they just need time t get use to a new place” Fiver said looking at his older brother “you might try leading by example Hazel, the digging won’t do itself” Blackberry said as Pipkin hops off

Pipkin hops over to Kehaar sniffing some silflay, Kehaar watches the kitten and to the silflay, he tries to eat some of the silflay but spat it out in disgust “you’re hungry aren’t you Kehaar” Pipkin said looking at the gull “gulls always hungry” Kehaar said holding his hurt wing up “stupid wing” Kehaar said folding the wing back up before looking at Pipkin “maybe you’ll find some food for Kehaar, grubs, find stick with grubs” Kehaar said, Pipkin looks out at the field “by myself?” Pipkin asked looking out “yeah sure you big strong rabbit” Kehaar said looking at Pipkin “alright, grubs it is then” Pipkin said and began to look for grubs for Kehaar. Meanwhile Hannah was sitting on a stone, still upset about what Bigwig said to her “who needs mice? I know who needs mice, everybody needs mice” Hannah said as she put her paws in the air, she then went quiet as she heard something and hid behind a rock, she peeked behind it and then gasped as she saw the weasel

The weasel then sniffed the air, catching the scent of a rabbit “Long ears” the weasel said as he went to find the young rabbits “Rabbits!” Hannah yelled out hoping to catch up before the weasel can, Pipkin unaware of the danger found some grubs but he didn’t know how to carry them, but then he heard a mysterious voice “Bigwig, where are you?” The voice echoed, the kitten gasp as the weasel snuck up behind him “welcome back to hunting grounds Long ear” the weasel said drooling, Pipkin turned around, spotting the weasel and ducked his head. But before the weasel could attack, Bigwig appeared and head-butted the weasel, the weasel then got up and walked over to Bigwig, but was then head-butted by Hawkbit, the weasel then got up and walked over Hawkbit, but was soon head-butted again by Bigwig and sending him of the hill and sending him running

Pipkin hopped over next to Bigwig “you alright Pipkin?” Bigwig asked, looking at the kitten, Pipkin, still stunned, just nodded his head as they watched the weasel retreat. Later they went back to the down as Bigwig and Hawkbit glared at Kehaar “what do you use for a brain?” Hawkbit asked glaring at the gull “sending Pipkin off on his own like that, you nearly got him killed with your selfishness!” Bigwig said glaring at the gull “Kehaar stupid gull, Kehaar sorry” Kehaar said apologetically “the sooner you’re gone the better” Bigwig said glaring at the gull “there’s no point making him feel worse than he does” Hazel said looking at Bigwig “I told you rabbits weren’t meant to mix with gulls and mice didn’t I” Bigwig said glaring at Hazel “and who warned us about Pipkin, Hannah a mouse, without her he’d be gone” Hazel said arguing back “well I...it’s that gulls fault Pipkin was out there” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “and now we know there’s a weasel on the down, that’s what we should be worrying about” Hazel said before leaving along with Kehaar and Hawkbit “right, now it’s gotta be said, don’t go off on your own anymore, lecture over” Bigwig said looking at Pipkin before hopping off, but he stopped when he turned around and noticed the kitten shaking “oh here now, no point letting a rotten old weasel shake you up” Bigwig said

“It’s more than that Bigwig, I heard a voice in the wind calling your name” Pipkin said looking up at the bigger buck “there’s no other rabbits around here but us” Bigwig said looking at the kitten “I know but, what if it was the...Black Rabbit of Inle” Pipking said whispering the last part shocking Bigwig “if he’s looking for me, he knows where to find me” Bigwig said before hopping off leaving Pipkin alone with a smile on his face as he saw the bigger buck looking unafraid while standing guard. Meanwhile at the lake where Hazel and the others were, the old buck hops though the long grass and into the water, swimming to the other side resting at the edge for a moment before spotting Hazel and the others tracks, sniffing for their scent “Bigwig, where are you?” The buck called out getting out of the water and followed the tracks, spotting the high hills and began heading to the down. Back at the down, the others were eating some silflay while Blackberry was digging, though Bigwig’s mind was elsewhere, when Pipkin told him earlier it did scare him, but he hides it. A fly flew past him startling him as he stood up “what’s up your nose Bigwig?” Hawkbit asked looking at the bigger buck “eh, just trying to stay alert, somebody got to you know, dangerous” Bigwig said trying to hide his nervousness

“Yes, but apart from that, we’re really beginning to enjoy it here” Dandelion said smiling “once Blackberry's done digging us a nice cosy burrow, I'll enjoy it even more ” Hawkbit said to himself, though Blackberry heard him “things would go a lot faster if everybody helped, I’d enjoy that, I really would” Blackberry said looking at the others “look there’s a weasel about and the sooner we get everyone underground the better” Hazel said looking at the others “if you want to work like a doe that’s fine, we’ve got our pride” Dandelion said munching on some silflay “right now your pride is of little of very little interest to me, I think all of you had better get digging” Hazel said staring at them sternly “oh you do” Bigwig said glaring at Hazel “you heard me!” Hazel said, glaring back at Bigwig “and who’s going to make me?!” Bigwig said growling, his claws drawn out, Hazel growls back his claws drawn out as well, but then Fiver steps in between them “there’s no point fighting” Fiver said looking at Bigwig and Hazel “shows what you know” Hawkbit muttered eating more silflay “there are other ways to settle things” Fiver said looking at Bigwig “such as?” Bigwig asked looking at the buck-doe “w-well bobstones, we’ll play a game if I win you, Hawkbit, and Dandelion help with the digging” Fiver said looking at the others “and when Bigwig wins?” Dandelion asked

Fiver and Hazel shared a look before looking back at the others “IF he wins, you can all lie on the grass for the rest of your lives” Hazel said looking at Bigwig “it’s only fair to warn you, I was bobstones champion at Sandleford for 3 seasons running” Bigwig said proudly, FIver gasped “oh, I didn’t know that” Fiver said his ears lowered. Later the sun then later went down while Bigwig and Fiver were playing their game, the weasel then came up from the bushes, looking up at the down “tonight's, the night” the weasel said as he backed away, back up at the down, Bigwig who was looking out then turned around when he heard Fiver's voice “bobstone guess?” Fiver asked as Bigwig turned around to face the buck-doe, Bigwig then looked at Fiver's paws “come on, biggy, oh I know you can do it” Dandelion said cheering him “bobstone guess is, one” Bigwig asked, Fiver then smiled as he revealed two stones “Oh, Bad luck, bad luck, come on, come on, I seen you play better” Hawkbit said. Bigwig then signalled Fiver to turn around which the buck-doe does as Bigwig rearranged the stones underneath his paws “guess this one right and you win” Pipkin said as Fiver turned back around “bobstone guess?” Bigwig said, getting Fiver's attention as he smirked while holding his paw on the ground, Fiver then looked at Bigwig's paws and tilted his head a bit 

“Bobstone guess is, two” Fiver said and Bigwig hung his mouth in shock, Bigwig then revealed two stones. Fiver's group smiled in victories while Bigwig's group frowned in defeat while Keehar was laughing at them and pointing “now you boys get to dig like does!” Keehar said as he laughed harder. Bigwig then cleared his throat and Keehar stopped laughing “If you don't clip that beak, I'll kick you off the down whenever that wing works or not” Bigwig said as Hannah came in front of Bigwig “leave Keehar alone, your not a bunny rabbit your a bully rabbit” Hannah said as Bigwig looks at her “I thought you were leaving” Bigwig said sharply at Hannah, wondering why she is still here

“I was, till I saw you rabbits needed my help, hairy head” Hannah said, making fun of Bigwig's hair as she puts her paws on her hips and looked away from Bigwig, Hawkbit then hopped over to Fiver “you cheated, didn't you?” Hawkbit asked as he jabs Fiver's stomach with his paws “those Visionary powers of yours, you didn't even have to guess” Hawkbit said as he was standing his full height over Fiver “first you don't believe I have visions, now I'm using them to cheat, make up your mind will you?" Fiver said as he snapped at Hawkbit, Bigwig then hopped towards them “Eh, enough of that” Bigwig said as he gave Hawkbit a slight stern glare “I lost, an Owsla's honor is that I accept it, whether it was fair or not” Bigwig said as he shot Fiver a disappointed look. Bigwig and Hawkbit then hopped away from Fiver as Dandelion joined them

“Well, at least we won”  Blackberry said to Hazel as he looked at the group “did we?" Hazel asked as Blackberry hopped away from Hazel. Hazel then laid down with Hannah beside him “Aw, things have been a bit rough on the first day on the down, aren't there?” Hannah asked, wondering how they were doing “we won't survive, if we keep fighting among ourselves” Hazel said as he looked at Hannah “Hannah, I don't know how I can bring us together” Hazel said looking at the mouse “that's the problem with two leader, there can only be one” Hannah said as she puts up her paws to her hips “I know” Hazel said as he sighed “I guess my job's over, I got us here safely to Watership Down, maybe it's time for Bigwig to take over” Hazel said as he looks away from Hannah, doubts he could be the leader here “no, your the leader” Hannah said, hoping to put some confidence in Hazel “your not listening” Hazel said as he looks at Hannah again “I'm listening fine” Hannah said as she puts her paw up to her ear “you lead them towards Watership Down, that makes you the leader, Fineto” Hannah said as Hazel looks like he doubts it

It later became nightfall on Watership Down and everyone was asleep, the weasel came out of the bushes but then heard a strange sound coming from the other direction, distracting him for a moment “Bigwig, answer me” the voice in the wind said, the weasel then climbed up to the down and was about to attack when suddenly, Keehar woke up and saw the weasel “WEASEL!!!!” Keehar shouted, loud enough for everyone to wake up, Bigwig then saw the weasel who was growling at them as he let out a roar at the weasel and tackled the weasel and they rolled until they came to a stop, Hazel, Hawkbit, and Dandelion surrounded the weasel and outnumbered him, the weasel knew it didn’t have a chance and retreated back into the woods “fall back to the burrow!” Bigwig said as they all stepped back to the burrow, still keeping their eyes on where the weasel retreated “one by one I get you long ears, one by one” the weasel echoed in the darkness, sending shivers down Fivers spine at the weasel's word

 But then his ears perked up and turned to the left, seeing a figure in the night, Pipkin followed his gaze “is that another weasel?” Pipkin whispered, shrinking a bit in fear “no, it’s them” Fiver said as Hazel, Hawkbit, Dandelion, and Bigwig returned to the burrow “stay here, me and Bigwig will investigate it” Hazel said looking at his little brother before hopping over to the mysterious figure ‘ is it, the Black Rabbit?’ Bigwig thought as they got closer to the figure, as they got closer, they noticed that the figure was a rabbit the same height as Hazel, with pitch black fur with a white spot over their eye, and had soft blue eyes, they looked completely exhausted when their ears perked up and looked up, spotting Bigwig and Hazel approaching him

“Hello, a-am I intruding?” The black buck said looking at Hazel and Bigwig “yeah, you are” Bigwig said staring down at the buck, slightly thankful that he wasn’t the Black Rabbit “oh, I'm sorry, I'll get going now” the buck said turning around to leave “wait” Hazel said causing the buck to stop “who are you?” Hazel asked looking at the black buck “my name is Moonstone, I came from Greystone Warren, far from the high hills” Moonstone said looking at Hazel “so why are you here then?” Bigwig said staring sternly at Moonstone

“My Warren was destroyed, I'm the only one left” Moonstone said looking down “destroyed, how?” Hazel asked concern “man came, with hundreds of dogs, they released them onto our Warren and slaughtered everyone of us, the burrows were blocked by man, if we managed to escape the dogs they would grab us and snap our necks” Moonstone said remembering the horrible carnage that happened to his home “I manage to escape them by digging my way under them and I ran a far away from there as my legs could take me” Moonstone said looking back up at Hazel “I didn't stop running until I found this place” Moonstone said, Hazel looked at the young buck, noticing how thin and tired he looked “you can stay in our Warren, we have more than enough room for you” Hazel said giving Moonstone a gentle smile “r-really, I can stay in your Warren?” Moonstone said looking at Hazel in shock and surprised, Hazel nodded with a smile “Hazel are you sure, we don’t know a thing about this young buck, he could be a spy from an enemy Warren” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “all I see is a young buck, tired,  hungry, and looking for a new home, and there's only a few of us in our big Warren, the more rabbits the better” Hazel said looking at Bigwig

The large buck looks at Hazel and to Moonstone and sighs “fine, but you’re in charge of him if he causes trouble” Bigwig said before hopping back to the tree. Hazel looks at Bigwing before looking at Moonstone “forgive Bigwig, he’s a bit on edge since we’re having a weasel problem” Hazel said looking back at Moonstone “it’s alright, I don’t blame him for being cautious, any rabbit would if they see a stranger intruding close to their home” Moonstone said looking at Hazel “yes, but now Watership Down is your home now Moonstone” Hazel said giving Moonstone a gentle smile “thank you, thank you very much” Moonstone said smiling up at the chief rabbit “you’re welcome, my name is Hazel, chief rabbit of this Warren” Hazel said looking at Moonstone “come, I’ll show you to the others” Hazel said turning around and hopped back to the warren, with Moonstone following behind

 When they reached the burrow the others were surprised by the newcomer “everyone, this is Moonstone, our newest addition to our warren” Hazel said introducing Moonstone to the others “hello everyone” Moonstone said with a kind smile, Pipkin looks at Moonstone and smiles back “hello, I’m Pipkin, you must be the new friend Fiver told us about” the kitten said smiling “Fiver?” Moonstone asked curiously “Fiver is my little brother, he has the ability to see the future through his visions” Hazel said looking at his little brother “though their explained in riddles no one could understand” Dandelion said as Blackberry approached the buck “hello, I’m Blackberry, it’s so nice to have a newcomer in the warren” Blackberry said with a kind smile as everyone introduce themselves to Moonstone while Bigwig glances over at Moonstone

By the next morning, everyone was in the warren digging, though Bigwig, Hawkbit, and Dandelion were having a hard time, Hawkbit fell on Bigwig with a gasp “watch it, clumsy” Bigwig said as he pushed Hawkbit back as Dandelion was digging some dirt Bigwig accidently threw dirt on the back of his head and he coughed “Oi, do you mind?!” Dandelion said to the bigger buck, Bigwig then tried to dig the top “we should figure out how to deal with that weasel, instead of doing doe's work, we try our best and what do we get” Bigwig said before he let out a gasped as the burrow caves in. After the cave in, everyone then rose from under the dirt “everyone all right?” Blackberry asked as she wiped the dirt off her, Hawkbit then groaned and scratched his ear to get some of the dirt out “all encounter for, have we done enough yet” Hawkbit said as he stopped scratching, Blackberry then looked around the burrow “actually, you haven't done bad at all” Blackberry said smiling. Everyone then looked around the burrow in amazement “It was a little burrow, now it's a great big one” Pipkin said in excitement

“And the roots hold up the ceiling, looks like a honeycomb” Said Fiver as he saw the roots “then that's what we'll call this chamber: the Honeycomb” Blackberry said smiling “once we get it cleared out, there'll be enough room for everyone” Hazel said looking at the others “even Keehar?” Hannah asked as Hawkbit and Bigwig stare at her “not likely” Hawkbit said with a hum. Then Moonstone appeared from the tunnel he was digging in “I finished digging the burrows” Moonstone said hopping out of the tunnel he was in “really, already?” Blackberry said a bit surprised “yes, I made about four burrows so far but I still have a long way to go” Moonstone said as Blackberry hops into the tunnel, inspecting all the burrows “how did you manage to make four burrows so quickly?” Pipkin asked looking at Moonstone “well, back at my old warren all the rabbits know how to dig, bucks and does, I was one of the fastest diggers there is” Moonstone said with a smile as Blackberry returned “they're amazing, you did a marvelous job Moonstone” Blackberry said smiling at Moonstone “Moonstone is full of surprises” Hazel said with a chuckle as Moonstone looks at the Honeycomb chamber

Then Pipkin called out to them “come look at this” Pipkin called out as he got everyone's attention, as he stood next to a small hole, Pipkin then sniffed the hole “do you think it goes somewhere?” Pipkin asked as he looked at Hazel “let's see” Hazel Replied as he went inside the hole with his ears down “hello” Hazel said as his voice echoed, Hazel then backed away from the hole “It's narrow and rocky, and from the echo it goes on forever, and I could smell fresh air coming of it” Hazel said as he describes the hole “so it must come out somewhere” Fiver said looking at his older brother “well I heard stories, me uncles says that he's been to the underworld twice, goes to the far side of the down, it true” Hannah said, Dandelion then went to see the hole “not much use to us if you can't turn round in it” Dandelion said as he looks at Hazel “It might do us a lot of good” Hazel said as he came up with an idea “I think I know how to tackle that weasel” Hazel said as he and Dandelion looks at the hole

Later, everyone then went up while Keehar was standing guard to make sure that the weasel doesn't give them another surprise attack “If we can get the weasel down that rock tunnel, we can seal it behind him” Hazel said as he explained his plan “yeah, and come up somewhere far away hopefully never to return, but how do we get him in?, ask him nicely?” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “I'll get him to chase me in, you'll be ready to rush in and seal up the rock tunnel” Hazel said looking at everyone “I think someone should point out the obvious flaw you’ll be sealed in there too Hazel” Hawkbit said looking at Hazel “I know, but if I don’t do it the weasel will get us all sooner or later, there’s no choice really” Hazel said, there was a moment of silence before Bigwig broke it “let me do it Hazel” Bigwig said looking at him “look–” but Bigwig cut him off “no listen, the Black Rabbit of Inle is coming for me, I heard him call my name” Bigwig said

“But the Black Rabbit only takes the old and the sick to the land beyond life, it’s gotta be a mistake” Dandelion said looking at the buck “I don’t believe he makes mistakes, Pipkin heard him too” Bigwig said looking at the kitten “he called, Bigwig, Bigwig” Pipking said mimicking the voice in the wind he heard before Bigwig placed a paw on his shoulder “right, they get the idea, the point is when the Black Rabbit comes to carry you off to the land beyond life you go” Bigwig said looking at Hazel “look Hazel, now we’ve had our differences but let’s face it none of us would be here without you, if Watership Down is gonna survive they need you and..and all those new ideas of yours, let me do this last thing for everyone” Bigwig said looking at Hazel

Hazel wanted to argue but could only nod his head “Hawkbit, Pipkin overthere, the rest of you are in the tall grass behind the tree” Bigwig said looking at everyone before looking at Kehaar “Kehaar-” Bigwig began but was cut off when the gull hugs him “For you, I do anything mister Bigwig, hero bunny, most brave rabbit” Keehar said as Bigwig pushed off him “when you see the weasel go after me, sound the alarm” Bigwig said, Keehar then screeched “like so?” Keehar asked. Hannah then walked up to Hazel “come inside, I want to show you something” Hannah said as she and Hazel went inside the burrow, while Bigwig just stared. Hazel and Hannah later went back to the hole “you watch” Hannah said as she went inside the hole, Hazel then poked his head in the hole, Hannah then came from another yet small hole, Hannah then walked to Hazel as he was surprised “good trick, eh” Hannah said with a laugh. Later Bigwig was then finishing off his plans for the weasel

“Well that's all then, no questions?” Bigwig asked as everyone shook their heads “Um, we decided that I say a few words” Hawkbit said as he began “It's been an honor to know you and-” Hawkbit said, but was soon cut off by Bigwig “look, you're a good bunch and you'll all get along without me, now let's get at it” Bigwig said before looking over to Fiver “but there is something I must say, now or never” Bigwig said hopping over to FIver, taking a deep breath “Fiver, there’s something I’ve been...wanting to tell you, for a long time” Bigwig said looking at the buck-doe, Fiver looked up at the bigger buck “t-tell me what Bigwig?” Fiver asked as a blush dust across Bigwig’s cheeks “Fiver...I-I–” But Bigwig was interrupted “it’s okay Bigwig, you don’t have to” Hannah said as she and Hazel came up to Bigwig “Hannah’s going to lead the weasel into the rock tunnel” Hazel said looking at the bigger buck “I beg your pardon” Bigwig said looking at the two “there’s a tiny escape hole just the right size for Hannah it leads back to the burrow” Hazel said explaining it all

“And you said mice were no good” Hannah said with a laugh “yeah all well and good but I am not letting a mouse do a rabbits job” Bigwig said not agreeing with it at all “now be sensible Bigwig” Fiver said but Bigwig shakes his head “the Black Rabbits coming for me!” Bigwig said looking at them “it doesn’t mean to say you have to run out and meet him!” Hazel said trying to reason with Bigwig “I’m going and that is that” Bigwig said hopping away “grab him” Hazel said as Hawkbit, Dandelion, Moonstone, and Pipkin surrounds Bigwig “you wouldn’t dare” Bigwig said as they all pounced on him “you just said Hazel was leader, best we follow his commands don’t you think” Hawkbit said as they all hold Bigwig down “alri-alright alright!” Bigwig said finally giving in

Darkness then came along and no one was in sight, Hannah then came out of the burrow and saw the weasel coming up “smelly breath!” Hannah said as she ran inside and thus getting the weasel's attention, the weasel then smirked and followed Hannah into the burrow. Hannah then hid behind a rock while the weasel then sniffed for the rabbit's “no long ear?” The weasel said looking around, just as the weasel was about to leave Hannah then rose up from the rock and the weasel saw her and chased after Hannah as she ran, Hannah then went inside the hole “Mouse mouth for now, long ear later” the weasel said as he followed Hannah inside the hole. Outside of the warren, the others were hiding in the grass so the weasel won't find them, Keehar then later gave the signal and everyone then rose from the grass and then went inside the warren, the weasel then couldn't see Hannah and started to turn back, Hannah then saw this and put her paws in her mouth to make her louder “smelly breath, smelly breath!” Hannah said as the weasel heard her and snarled in anger and chased after her again

Hannah then ducked into the small hole so the weasel wouldn't catch her, Hannah then turned around to see if the weasel was still there, the weasel then smirked as he cornered Hannah but then heard a strange noise and turned around as everything went dark. The rabbits then moved the rocks so the weasel wouldn't come out.

Hannah then emerged from the hole in the wall “Oh, pretty scary, eh?” Hannah said with a smile “Oh, you wonderful Hannah!” Hazel said, smiling down at the mouse “Yeah, I suppose..that Gulls and Mice aren't completely useless after all” Bigwig said finally, Hannah then gasped “praise indeed, that's the best we're gonna get from you eh, Bigwig?” Hannah asked, smirking, Bigwig just stared at Hannah in embarrassment. Later, everyone soon got out of the warren to celebrate their victory over the weasel “easy as acorns falling off an oak” Hazel said, but just then a voice then appeared again “Bigwig, where are you?” the voice asked in the wind. Everyone then looked at the direction where the voice was coming from

“It's the black rabbit of Inle” Hawkbit whispered, Bigwig then rose from where he was lying “I’ll uh..I’ll have to go now, be good Pipkin” Bigwig said and began hopping to the voice, Hazel and Fiver shared a look before hopping to where Bigwig was going “no get back, you look at the face of the Black Rabbit he’ll take you too” Bigwig said coming to a stop in front of them “we’re not letting you face him alone” Hazel said looking at the bigger buck “Bigwig!” the voice called out as the gray buck slowly came out of the forest, covered in scratches and completely exhausted, shocking all three of them “by Frith it’s Captain Holly!” Hazel said as Holly collapsed to the ground, Hazel, Bigwig, and Fiver went over to the older buck “I’ve been searching...for days” Holly said very exhausted, he looks over to Fiver “y..you were right, we should all have left when we had the chance” Holly said looking at the buck-doe “did anyone else get out?” Fiver asked looking at the Owsla captain “Pimpernel, he’s safe...left him in another warren, Sandlefords gone, destroyed...we’re all that’s left” Holly said looking at the three 

“It’s alright Holly you’re safe now, you’re with us” Bigwig said looking at Holly “I saw it all in my head Hazel, I felt the fear..but part of me hoped I was wrong” Fiver said looking at his older brother before looking down “I know” Hazel said looking at his little brother “Sandlefords gone and we’re all alone, what do we do Hazel?” Fiver asked looking at his older brother “what our ancestors did before us, we go on Fiver” Hazel said as he and Bigwig helped Holly up to his feet and head to the warren

Chapter Text

By the next morning, Holly was sleeping in one of the burrows, muttering and panting as he began to have a nightmare. He was in the woods running, the owls screeching behind him as he runs for cover, his body aching and tired as he reaches for the tree, he mutters, pants and shakes as the nightmare continues when fiver hops over to the old buck “it’s alright Holly wake up, you’re safe at Watership Down” Fiver said trying to wake up the old buck. Holly woke up with a gasp, looking around before noticing the buck-doe “oh Fiver, it’s you, we’ve got to go back up for Pimpernel” Holly said trying to get up “when you’re better” Fiver said as the old Owsla lays back down

Fiver hops out of the Warren where the others were with Blackberry and Moonstone digging “morning all” Fiver said hopping over to Hawkbit and Pipkin “lovely day isn’t it Fiver” Pipkin said as Hawkbit grumbles in respond “Hawkbits not much of a morning rabbit, are you dear boy” Dandelion said as fiver hops off to where Hazel and Bigwig were “I still can’t believe Sandleford Warren is gone, Holly was lucky enough to escape” Hazel said looking at the morning view “yeah we have you and Fiver to thank for making us leave” Bigwig said looking at the morning view as well “yes his vision saved us all” Hazel said with a small nod “but it doesn’t mean he’s right about everything” Bigwig said looking at the chief rabbit “I never said I was” Fiver said appearing between the two startling Bigwig “oh! Uh, how's Holly?” Bigwig asked his ears lowered in embarrassment

“Better, he wants to go back for Pimpernel” Fiver said looking at the bigger buck “you see Hazel, that's an Owsla Captain for you, more concerned for his troops than himself!” Bigwig said proudly “why worry about Pimpernel, Holly said he’s safe in a fine big Warren?” Hazel asked confused “yeah I’m sure it’s better than this forsaken place” Bigwig said as Fiver looked as the hills “you’re wrong Bigwig, this is the only safe place” Fiver said looking at the bigger buck “tell you what, let’s find Pimpernel and have a look at this mysterious Warren, we might like it” Bigwig said looking at the two “uh not trying to get out of digging burrows are you?” Hazel said looking at Bigwig suspiciously “perish the thought I was only thinking of Pimpernel” Bigwig said with a smile “well that’s good, because Blackberry told me about needing you for her next burrow lessons soon” Hazel said with a smile as Bigwig stiffened at that “oh...how lovely” Bigwig said already dreading it “well I’m sure Bigwig can handle it, right Bigwig?” Fiver asked looking up at Bigwig, the bigger buck blushed at the sight “right, of course I can handle burrow lessons” Bigwig said puffing his chest out, Hazel let out a faint chuckle with a roll of his eyes

“Now, the trick is to get a grip on it, front legs push back, back legs kick” Blackberry said digging “well, sounds complicated” Hawkbit said looking at the small mound of dirt “so who wants first go?” Blackberry asked looking at the three bucks “he does!” Pipkin, Hawkbit, and Dandelion all said pointing at one another “Hawkbit it is” Blackberry said much to Hawkbits dislike “remember, front legs push back, back leg kick” Blackberry said as Hawkbit hops over to the hole “maybe imagine yourself swimming in a pond, that might help” Moonstone said as Hawkbit begins digging, then Hazel hopped over to the group, only for some dirt to land onto his face “keep up the good work Hawkbit” Hazel said wiping the dirt off his cheek “we’re going out to find Pimpernel and bring him back” Hazel said looking at Blackberry “a straight idea” Dandelion said looking at the chief rabbit “oh just like a buck, anything to get out of real work” Blackberry said as Hawkbit climbs out of the practice hole

“I’ll just tidy up a bit and I’ll be right with you” Hawkbit said getting out of the hole and wiping the dirt off his chest “me too” Pipkin said hopping over “uh it’s just me and Fiver this time, though since Bigwig can’t join us, perhaps you could join us Moonstone” Hazel said looking at the black and white buck “of course Hazel” Moonstone said with a nod as the chief rabbit looked back at the others “sorry everyone” Hazel said looking back at the others “your sorry” Hawkbit said with a small humph “I know bucks don’t normally dig, but this is a new place with new ideas Blackberry needs your help” Hazel said looking at the others “I hate new ideas” Hawkbit said very displeased. Later, Hazel, Fiver, and Moonstone run down the hill “hold on, I’m coming too!” Holly called out reaching the three “I’d rather you stay behind Holly you’re still weak” Hazel said as the Owsla captain let out a laugh “I’ve rested enough as is” Holly said looking at chief rabbit “are you sure you’re up to this?” Hazel asked looking at the older buck “yes, I think so, who’s in charge here anyway?” Holly asked looking at the three “well, if we’re going to go lets go” Hazel said and the four began the journey, going pass a horse eating silflay

After a while of traveling they came to a stop to rest as Hazel looked around the forest “doesn’t look quite as bad during the day” Hazel said as Holly hops over to him “the warrens on the far side of the woods, wait till you see it, a fellow called Cowslip seems to be in charge” Holly said standing up “you’ve never seen a healthiest sneaker bunch, they’re living the easy life I’ll tell you that” Holly said looking at the young chief rabbit “so there’s not much hope with them joining us I suppose” Hazel said looking at the Owsla captain as the four hops across the forest, staying hidden from any elil that might come while Moonstone looked around “something about Cowslip bothers you doesn’t it Holly?” Fiver asked looking at the older rabbit “I never said that” Holly said looking at the young buck-doe “with Fiver you don’t have to” Hazel said looking at the older rabbit “well since you asked, yes, Cowslip seemed a bit off, they all did” Holly said looking at the two rabbits “as if they were, lost?” Fiver asked

“Something like that, how do you know?” Holly asked looking at the buck-doe “well from what Pipkin told me, he gets feelings and visions that are often right” Moonstone said approaching the three “and who might you be young buck, I don’t suppose I recognize you?” Holly asked looking at the black rabbit “my name is Moonstone, I’m from Greystone Warren” Moonstone said introducing himself to the older rabbit “Moonstones warren was destroyed by man, he was the only one that made it out alive” Hazel said explaining Moonstones past to the captain “I see” Holly said looking back at Moonstone with a sympathetic look “Is something wrong Fiver?” Hazel asked looking back at his little brother “I don’t know, maybe” Fiver said looking at his older brother “right we’re not here to play bobstones” Holly said hopping to the direction of the warren as Hazel followed along. Fiver was about to follow when he stopped when he noticed Moonstone giving him a glance “is there something on your mind Moonstone?” Fiver asked curiously with a tilt of his head

“Well, I don’t mean to pry o-or be rude, but I can’t help but notice something about you Fiver, Pipkin says you see visions, but I can feel there's more to you Fiver” Moonstone said looking at Fiver, the buck-doe looks at Moonstone with a mix of worry and trust “well I suppose you should know, since you are new to this warren and so you won’t be confused in the future” Fiver said before taking a deep breath “you are right about me Moonstone, because...I-I am...a buck-doe” Fiver said a blush dusting his face as he lifted his paw to reveal his heart shaped pad. Moonstone stared at it before smiling “this is incredible, I never thought I would ever meet another buck-doe” Moonstone said happily “another buck-doe?” Fiver asked confused, Moonstone lifted his paw to reveal his heart shaped pad, Fiver gasped “you’re a buck-doe too” Fiver asked looking up at the other buck-doe in surprise “yes, and for the longest time I thought I was the only buck-doe in the world” Moonstone said smiling “I thought I was as well” Fiver said smiling “this means that there are more buck-does out there, that they’re not all gone” Fiver said smiling “Fiver, Moonstone, come along now!” Hazel called out and the two buck-does catch up with Hazel and Holly

Soon the four reached the Warren where a large cream rabbit with curled whiskers and a a large ginger rabbit eating a pile of carrots out in the open as Moonstone, Hazel, Holly, and Fiver watched “not scared of being seen are they” Moonstone said as the two rabbit eating out in the open “look at the size of the burrows you could get a horse in there” Hazel said surprised at how big the burrows are “the big ones Cowslip, the other one’s called Strawberry, they said they take care of Pimpernel” Holly said, then Fiver closed his eyes as a shiver run down his spine “don’t think I like this place” Fiver said having a bad feeling “shows what you know, these rabbits have got a life here, and we’re not turning back now” Holly said slightly glaring at the buck-doe, then raindrops begin to fall as one lands on Hazel's nose “I’m for spending the night in a warm dry burrow” Hazel said as they all hopped over to the burrow. Cowslip and Strawberry looked up as the four approach them

“Welcome, welcome, greetings all, it's so nice of you to call” Cowslip and Strawberry sang in unison and danced around the other rabbits “what’s wrong with them?” Hazel whispered to the older rabbit “it’s a thing they do when they meet” Holly whispered back as Cowslip and Strawberry stops in front of them “we’ve come for Pimpernel” Holly said looking at the two “come inside, out of the rain, soft and sweet though it may be” Cowslip said in a rhyme as everyone hopped inside the warren as Hazel pushes Fiver inside “it’s alright Fiver I think they’re harmless” Hazel said as Fiver looks at the warren with growing fear as his older brother push him inside. Moonstone looked around the large warren “quite the place” Moonstone said an awe as they hopped deeper into the warren “we like it, somewhere to rest ones weary head of the evening” Cowslip said as Hazel and Fiver stayed at the entrance, watching the falling rain “there’s a winter in this place, a cold that never ends, can you smell it Hazel” Fiver said looking at his older brother as Hazel sniffed the air “ah it smells fine to me” Hazel said looking at his little brother “you’re tired FIver, things will look better in the morning” Hazel said as they hopped to catch up with the others “I don’t know Hazel, dawn feels a long way away” Fiver said not feeling at ease at all

Soon they reached the center of the warren where all the other rabbits were all gathered as Hazel pushed Fiver inside “look at them Hazel, their eyes” Fiver said looking at the other rabbits “ they’re so far away” Fiver said his ears lowered in fear “I see healthy well groomed rabbits what is wrong with you?” Hazel said looking down at his little brother as Fiver backed away up the burrow wall, looking around in fear “it’s really something isn’t it” Holly said looking around “theres certainly room for us if we wanted to move in” Moonstone said as Hazel sniffs the air “they smell outrageously healthy” Hazel said as Moonstone smells the air as well “yeah, better than us anyway, they must eat like El-ahrairah” Moonstone said looking at the rabbits “oh we do, you’ll see” Strawberry said hopping in between the two “would you care to see the rest of the warren?” Strawberry asked with a bow “well yes I’d be uh...delighted” Hazel said as Strawberry hops away, Hazel and Moonstone gave eachother a confusing look as Hazel follows Strawberry, stopping to looks at his little brother one more time before hopping into a tunnel

Moonstone glances at where Hazel left as Cowslip went up to the black buck-doe “so uh, where’s Pimpernel then?” Moonstone asked looking at the cream colored rabbit “the roots you see, they intertwine like Ivy, to hold the ceiling high” Cowslip looking up at the ceiling, Moonstone looks up at the ceiling, feeling a mix of weariness and confusion as Cowslip changed the subject “y-yeah, they do” Moonstone said. Cowslip then turned his attention to Fiver who caught his gaze, the deep sinister grin, and searching, hungry look the larger buck was giving to the buck-doe had made Fiver very uncomfortable and caused him to dig his paws into the ground to better hide his heart shaped pads, his heart hammering in his chest with growing fear as he wishes for is older brother to be here. Meanwhile Strawberry was showing Hazel around the warren, coming to a stop at a stone wall “it looks man built” Hazel said looking at the wall “it is, our builders found it pleasing, so they made it part of our warren, and look at this” Strawberry said hopping over to a wall with stones on it, Hazel looked at it “what happened there, another man thing?” Hazel asked looking at the stones, then Strawberrys shadow looms over it startling the chief rabbit as Strawberry laugh “no, it’s a shape, we made it don’t you see, look at it” Strawberry said as Hazel looked at the shape “it’s El-Ahrairah, you must have heard some of those funny old stories” Strawberry said

“Well yes, they’re part of our lives” Hazel said looking at the shape “you still believe, that must be nice, I wish I-” Strawberry stopped, smacking Hazels paw away form the shape “mustn’t touch, beauty is fragile” Strawberry said as Hazel rubbed his sore paw “why did you make it then?” Hazel asked confused “because we have time to think and make lovely things” Strawberry said with a smile “no worries about food or enemies, just time...all the time in the world” Strawberry said his ears lowered in sadness as he hops deeper into the burrow as Hazel follow, he stops to look at the shape once more before following the ginger rabbit. Then Hazel spotted a tunnel that was dark and smaller than the ones he seen “whats in this burrow?” Hazel asked as Strawberry stops and looks at the burrow “oh that burrow is where Silverweed is staying” Strawberry said pointing to a tunnel “Silverweed?” Hazel asked looking at the ginger rabbit “our buck-doe and poet” Strawberry said, Hazels eyes widened in shock “you have a buck-doe?” Hazel said in surprise “yes, its truly a miracle we were gifted with such a rabbit, though unfortunately Silverweed has fallen ill these pass few days” Strawberry said his ears lowered “he’s ill?”  Hazel asked looking back at the burrow tunnel “yes, Cowslip visits him a lot, to see if he is getting better” Strawberry said looking at the tunnel “hopefully he will get better soon” Strawberry said hopping off, Hazel stood there for a moment before following the ginger buck, however if Hazel stayed a little longer he would’ve hear the faint sobs from the burrow

Meanwhile back at Watership Down warren, things were looking a bit glum as the rain pours, on the ground it appears two burrows or something, one of which is Hawkbit, Bigwig, and Dandelion were in as they were soaking wet “'What the rush?' you said, 'We had all the time in the world' you said” Hawkbit said as he scowled at Dandelion on having a wet burrow, and copying what he said earlier “all right, all right, so we should have been digging, we didn't live with it” Dandelion said as he can feel Bigwig silent glare burning from behind him. Blackberry then came out in one of them “how are you two getting on?” Blackberry asked looking out “Oh, come join us, there's plenty of rain for everyone” Hawkbit said sarcastically, Blackberry then giggled in humour “Oh, I'm sorry, but you were the ones who instated that bucks don't dig” Blackberry said as she then laughed again. The water on top of the burrow then fell on Hawkbit's head and Dandelion then coughed “I'm not gonna live like this, we're having a rethink” Dandelion said as he held up the roof to make sure not to get anymore rain, Bigwig looks out to where Hazel, Moonstone, Holly, and Fiver left off to ‘I hope Fiver’s alright in this storm’ Bigwig thought

Back in Cowslips warren, Holly and Moonstone were eating some flayrah “listen to that rain, and not a drop in here” Holly said looking around the warren “wonder how they’re enjoying thing back at Watership Down” Moonstone said looking around as Cowslip hop up to them “can I fetch you anything else good friends, cabbage, beetroot, murgeto?” Cowslip asked with a smile “never thought I’d say this, but no thanks, I’m stuffed!” Holly said with a short laugh “good idea keeping all of this flayrah on hand, but uh..how’d you get it all down here, and where did it all come from?” Moonstone asked a bit confused “tomorrow, you’ll see, tomorrow” Cowslip said as he hops away, Fiver stares at him before hopping over to where Moonstone and Holly are “let’s get out now” Fiver whispered to them “now, in the rain, with flaayrah coming out of our ears not likely” Holly said, Fiver looked up at the ceiling “but the ceiling is made of bones, their hearts are as hard as stones” Fiver said 

“I’ve had enough of your twaddle for one night” Holly said turning around away from the buck-doe runt “friends attend, we have an entertainment, the sweet rhymes of Aster for your ears” Cowslip called out “Cowslip’s got an odd way with words isn’t he” Moonstone said as Holly nodded an agreement. Later everyone has gathered around the center where Cowslip was as Hazel and Strawberry hopped in “you’re in for a treat Hazel” Strawberry said with a smile, Aster, a tall, slim buck with a dark ginger red fur and piercing icy blue eyes hops up to the center “Frith lies in the evening sky, the clouds are red about them” Aster said as everyone listened, Hazel noticed Fiver lying down by himself, he hops over to his little brother, noticing how much Fiver is trembling “Aster...he smell like autumn, like dead leaves” Fiver said as Aster let out a gasp “I am here, Lord Frith, running through the long grass” Aster said staring into Fiver’s eyes “it’s all wrong” Fiver said shaking his head “to the heart, of light, the silence, for I am ready my friend for I am ready to give you my breath, my life, the shining circle of the sun, the sun of the rubbin” Aster said almost as if he was in a trance 

“LET ME OUT, NOW!!” Fiver shouted and ran past Hazel “Fiver, stop!” Hazel called out as fiver run pass the other rabbits, bumping into Strawberry, Hazel came to a stop at Strawberry “I’m sorry, my brother sometime takes things funny” Hazel said and follows after Fiver, he hops out of the Warren and spotted his little brother huddled under a tree, his ears pinned down “Fiver, what’s the matter, what happened?” Hazel asked looking at his little brother “there’s sadness and evil in that place, don’t you feel it Hazel” Fiver said looking up at his older brother “are you coming back inside?” Hazel asked looking at his little brother “no, it’s safer out here” Fiver said shaking his head, Hazel let out a small sigh “alright that’s up to you” Hazel said before returning to the Warren ‘ he won’t stay out long in this weather’ Hazel thought looking back at his brother once more before hopping back inside 

By the next morning, Fiver was still outside under the tree asleep when a snap of a twig woke him up, follow by a snarl, he looks to see a fox approaching hte warren, he turns around to see a man pointing his gun at the fox and fires, waking up Moonstone, Holly, and Hazel “theres a fox up above, and a man” Holly said sniffing the scent of man and a fox as Cowslip approach the burrow they were sleeping in “not to worry friends, the man just killed the fox for us, he’s gone now, we’re quite safe” Cowslip said before hopping away “Fiver’s still outside!” Hazel said running out to check on his brother, he found his little brother still on the same spot “Fiver, I can’t believe you stayed up here all night, are you alright?” Hazel asked as his little brother stretches “someone had to stand watch” Fiver said shaking the remaining rain water off him “for what?” Hazel asked confused “I don’t know, but it’s here all around us, please let’s go home” Fiver said looking at his older brother pleadingly, Hazel was about to answer when Holly called out to him “Hazel, we’re off to get flayrah” Holly called out

“Look Fiver we haven’t found Pimpernel yet, we can’t leave” Hazel said turning around and hopping to where the others were “you won’t find him, he’s gone” Fiver said but Hazel didn’t hear him. Later, Cowslip, Holly, Moonstone, Hazel, and Strawberry were all eating some flayrah “what’s it like where you live?” Strawberry asked looking at the others “oh not bad, not like this place though” Moonstone said looking up at the ginger rabbit “then you’re lucky” Strawberry said with a slight sad smile “where’s all this come from Cowslip?” Hazel asked looking at the cream rabbit “man leaves it for us” Cowslip said holding a beetroot “really, why would man–” But Cowslip cut Hazel off “after you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll forget all about the hard times, life is easy here” Cowslip said, Hazel felt something off when he heard that “I don’t think we’re staying here that long once we find Pimpernel–” but Hazel was cut off again “long short, one never knows” Cowslip said hopping away

Later, Hazel returned to whee Fiver was placing the carrot down next to his little brother “they’ve got piles of it, have some” Hazel said looking at his little brother “No it’s all wrong the food, this place, those rabbits, everything!” Fiver said shaking his head “Fiver, are you trying to make me angry?” Hazel said trying not to get angry about his little brothers attitude “I’m the one that should be angry brother, everything is all wrong, this place, those rabbits, there’s something about them that’s sad and lost, l-like trees in November, please Hazel I’m begging you, let’s leave now before it’s too late” Fiver said looking at his older brother pleadingly as Moonstone approaches without the two noticing “Fiver we can’t leave without Pimpernel, Fiver they’re isn’t anything wrong with this place and everyone seem happy here, and theirs even a buck-doe here named Silverweed, you’re not alone Fiver” Hazel said looking at his little brother “once we find Pimpernel we’ll leave, I promise” Hazel said gently pressing his forehead against the buck-doe “alright, I trust you” Fiver said trying to calm his racing heart as Hazel hops over to where Holly and Cowslip were. Moonstone looks back at Fiver who curls back up under the tree and noticed some clover and gathered some before hopping over to Fiver and place the clovers next to the buck-doe “here, at least have some clover Fiver” Moonstone said looking at the buck-doe runt, Fiver looks at the pile of clover and began eating

“You’re not wrong you know, about this place being all wrong, I’m also starting to suspect that their is something sinister here” Moonstone said looking back at the burrow “I’ll go look around, see what Cowslip is really hiding” Moonstone said turning around and hopped into the warren “be careful” Fiver said watching the black rabbit leave. Moonstone looks around the warren, looking for anything that might look suspicious until he notice a burrow he hasn’t seen before, he sniffs the burrow and picked up Cowslips scent along with another scent, he looks around to see if he was followed and when he was sure he wasn’t he quietly went inside

Soon, Moonstone peeked around the corner to see Cowslip lounging with a pile of food by him while staring at a thin, silver furred, young looking buck who was speaking. Once he saw the buck turn one of paws face up Moonstone got a good look at the pads They were heart shaped ‘that must be Silverweed’ Moonstone thought staying hidden from sight “Frith lies in the evening sky, The clouds are red about him, I am here Lord Frith, I am running through the long grass, Oh take me with you, dropping behind the woods, Far away, to the heart of light, the silence, for I am ready to give you my breath, my life, The shining circle of the sun, the sun and the rubbin” Silverweed said in a beautiful voice that was laced with exhaustion as Cowslip clapped “Wonderful Silverweed truly wonderful, recite more of your poetry for me” Cowslip said with glee, the young buck-doe sighed tiredly and his ears drooped to show the length of his exhaustion “Cowslip, I'm truly tired, that is the tenth poem I recited for you today, may I please take a break and eat?” Silverweed asked, The jovial expression Cowslip had quickly changed to a predatorily one, the same look he gave Fiver earlier, and he stalked towards Silverweed

“Now now Silverweed, you know that you are to recite to me thirteen poems a day, as the poet of the warren, the words from your beautiful voice are mine to hear alone” Cowslip said in a lustful tone and cornered Silverweed and pressed his paw hard into Silverweed's chest, making his fur scrape into the sharp rock “P-please Cowslip, I’m sorry I promise to recite more poetry for you but I must eat a little first, just a quick meal Please?” Silverweed asked in a begging tone and looked into the eyes of his Chief Rabbit, for a while Cowslip merely stared at Silverweed before letting go “very well Silverweed, you may eat, but don't keep me waiting” Cowslip said and lewdly licked Silverweed's ear and though he fringed from the unwanted touch, tears filling his eyes, Silverweed didn't say anything as Cowslip turns to leave, Moonstone using a dark part of the tunnel to camouflage himself as the cream buck hops away. When the bigger buck was gone, Silverweed looks at the pile of flayrah and began to eat, trying to stop his body from trembling more

Moonstone looks around before slowly entering the burrow, startling Silverweed “it’s okay, I’m a friend, I’m not going to hurt you” Moonstone said giving Silverweed a friendly smile as he showed the silver buck-doe his heart shaped paw pads as a way he doesn’t bring any harm, Silverweed looks at the black rabbit with curiousity and caution “my name’s Moonstone, from Watership Down Warren, you must be Silverweed” Moonstone said still smiling “you’re not from here?” Silverweed asked trying to stop his trembling “yes, but we knew something was wrong about this place and we’re leaving, would you like to join our Warren” Moonstone asked, Silverweed looked at Moonstone to see if he was lying but he wasn’t “yes, yes!” Silverweed said smiling “alright, now stay close to me and don’t make a sound until we’re outside” Moonstone said and hoped out of the burrow with Silverweed staying close to him

Meanwhile back outside, Fiver waited under the tree for Moonstone, feeling more and more anxious with each passing second ‘please hurry Moonstone’ Fiver thought trying to calm his racing heart. Then a shadow looms over him and he turns around to see Cowslip standing behind him “hello there little one” Cowslip said with a smile that sends shivers down Fivers spine “C-Cowslip” Fiver said as the bigger buck approached the smaller buck-doe as Fiver  tries to back away only to back away into the tree “now now, don’t be afraid little one, there is no need to be afraid around me” Cowslip said leaning down close to Fiver “p-please...stay back” Fiver said his voice a whisper as the bigger buck leans in more “it’s alright little buck-doe, I will treat you well, very well” Cowslip said licking Fivers ear, that was it “NO!!” Fiver shouted managing to push pass the bigger buck and runs, nearly bumping into Hazel “Fiver!” Hazel called out as his little brother runs into a bush

“I can't believe Fiver just went off like that, It isn't like him” Hazel said in a worried tone “could it be that something must have spooked the lad” Holly said looking at where Fiver ran off to “you’re right about that Holly” a voice said making the two turn to see Moonstone hopping over to them “Moonstone, where have you been?” Hazel asked looking at the buck-doe “I was exploring the Warren when I made a shocking discovery” Moonstone said turning his head as Silverweed hops over to them “you must be Silverweed” Holly said looking at the young rabbit “Cowslip said you we’re sick for days, you must be feeling well today” Holly said looking at the white buck “yes, but I wasn’t sick, I’ve been well all along” Silverweed said looking at the two “Hazel, Fiver was right about this place being all wrong, Silverweed was being held prisoner in Cowslips burrow, forcing him to recite poems and hurting him if he refuses” Moonstone said shocking both Hazel and Holly “and I fear Fiver is in danger the longer we stay here” Silverweed said looking at them

But then there was a loud creak and a scream that sounded just like Fiver, everyone gasped and followed the direction of the scream and carefully leaped into a bush of thorny vines. Hazel gasped at the awful sight that he saw when they got into the opening that would forever be in his memories, it was Fiver on the ground with a wire snare wrapped around his neck tight “Hazel...H-help me” Fiver pleaded looking at his older brother, the Buck-Doe wiggled around helplessly as he struggled to get free but the snare just continued to get tighter and tighter around his neck, cutting off his air more “help...help me!” Fiver cried out, so scared and fearing for his life right now, his eyes filled with tears 

“Fiver you have to stop struggling, it's only making it worse!” Silverweed shouted and hopped up to Fiver's side to try and calm him down while the others worked on how to help. Hazel looked the trap that Fiver was caught in and saw the wire, he bit down on it and tried to bite threw it but it was no use “I can't bite through, Holly, run to the warren, bring back everyone you can find” Hazel ordered, the old grey buck nodded as he was commanded and hopped off as fast as he could. Silverweed looked up at Hazel, his eyes filled with sadness “they won't come, Hazel” he said, his words too soft for Hazel to hear him, Fiver started to panic again and started to struggle again “Hazel, p-please help me!” Fiver shouted before coughing in pain as the loop tightened even more, making him gasp for air

“Fiver, you need to remain calm, you're in a snare, Hold on” Hazel explained to Fiver, pressing his forehead to his little brother, hoping that talking to his little brother will help keep him calm till they figured out what to do. Hazel looked back down at the snare and saw Moonstone trying to bit the wire “Moonstone, that's no good” Hazel said Moonstone let the wire go and let Hazel continue to look the snare over “The pegs stuck in the ground” Hazel said as Moonstone looks at the peg “Hazel, like a carrot” Moonstone said, Hazel’s eyes widened in realization as he looked at the peg “Yes, dig, we’ve got to dig out the peg, hang on Fiver!” Hazel shouted as he and Moonstone got to work on digging up the dirt from around the peg, Silverweed was very worried for Fiver as he tried to keep him from struggling again “it's going to be alright Fiver, they getting you out” The silver buck-doe whispered softly to Fiver. Fiver whimpered and cried, tears falling down his cheeks as he prayed to the Great Lord Frith to not let him die like this and to not let the Black Rabbit take him as his vision began to blur

Holly ran to the burrow where he saw Cowslip, Strawberry, and a group of other rabbits hopping back inside, carrying a couple carrots in their mouths “Fiver's caught in a shining wire, we need help, quick this way!” Holly quickly informed and then shot back towards the thicket but then realized he wasn't being followed. The group just continued to hop inside like they didn't hear him or just didn't care “didn't you hear me, Fiver's caught!” Holly shouted louder, running back to them, Cowslip put his carrot down “there is no Fiver, there never was and now he's gone” he said, bobbing his head up and down like in a trance, Holly couldn't believe what he was hearing “You're mad, all of you!” He shouted back in disgust at how these rabbits were acting now and ran back to help his friends, as Strawberry watched dropping his carrot. Back in the thicket of thorn vines Hazel and Moonstone had just finished digging up the dirt but the peg was still stuck into the ground, too deep for them to keep digging with the short amount of time they had left. Hazel tries to use his teeth to chew threw the more narrow part of it, but it wasn’t working “the peg gets narrower at the bottom, I can’t get my teeth on it” Hazel said, Silverweed hops over to them “here, I’m smaller” Silverweed said and began biting down onto the peg as Holly hopped back into the bush “that’s got it” Silverweed said, the Chief rabbit then picked up the freed peg and dropped it back on the ground, the wire around Fiver's neck finally loose

“You're free Fiver, we dug you loose!” Hazel informed his little brother in triumph, but then Hazel glanced around, expecting others but found no one but his friend “Where is everyone Holly?” Hazel asked confused “They wouldn't come” Holly said shocking Hazel “what?” Hazel said as Silverweed turned to Fiver, who was very still and gently shook him “Fiver?...he isn’t breathing” Silverweed said and hung his head in sadness, the others were shocked by this “we're too late” Holly said and hung his head sadly as well “no, not Fiver” Moonstone said with a sad frown, his ears hanging low in sadness “no, no, this isn't right” Hazel said, shaking his head as he knelt down to Fiver, gently nudging his little brother's shoulder “Fiver come now, you're just playing with us, I-I know you are w-wake up now” Hazel said with a sad smile and tried to hold back his tears. But when he didn't get a reply Hazel started to let his tears fall “no...my little brother” Hazel said, his ears lowered “Oh Frith, my heart has joined the thousand...my brother has stopped...s-stopped...” Hazel couldn't finish his prayer as he sobbed and hugged his little brother's lifeless body close, tears falling down his cheeks a few landing onto Fiver's tear streaked face, it was then that Moonstone noticed the sparkling wires near them

“They're everywhere, shining wires all around us, Cowslip knows about this, they all do!” Moonstone said looking back at the others “the man will come soon” a new voice said making them turn to see Strawberry there “he’ll take Fiver away” Strawberry said his ears hung low in sadness “WHY DIDN'T YOU AND COWSLIP COME?! YOU COULD'VE HELPED!!” Holly shouted at Strawberry “the man feeds us, protects us from the fox the badger, there's only one thing to fear...just one” Strawberry said in shame as Moonstone’s eyes widened “that’s why they dance, and make shapes, and the poetry, to forget their fears, to hide from the truth...oh Frith” Moonstone said as he cried for Fiver. Hazel gently placed his little brother back down, his eyes red and tearfilled, glared hatefully at Strawberry and stomped over to him “you knew about the shining wires and you didn’t warn us!” Hazel said his voice filled with hate and grief 

“The wire got Pimpernel...He's stopped running, hasn't he?" Holly asked sadly, Strawberry only nodded sadly “when a rabbit is gone...we never speak his name again” Strawberry said sadly “why didn’t you warn us?!” Haze shouted, drowning out the faint gasp and coughing from behind them “when a rabbit is gone, we live one day longer” Strawberry said hanging his head down in shame, Holly then growled and slam the young buck down to the ground, glaring hatefully at Strawberry “well now you’ve lived your last day!” Holly said, raising his paw, Strawberry gasped and closed his eyes, readying himself for the pain, until…

“Holly, please...don’t dirty your claws on a victim of Cowslips lies” a weak voice said making everyone turn to see Fiver, alive and out of the snare slowly standing up “Fiver!” Hazel, Holly, Silverweed, and Moonstone exclaimed happily as they rushed over to him, Hazel pulled him into a big hug “oh thank Lord Frith you’re alright brother, I was so scared that you were taken by the Black Rabbit of Inle” Hazel said as new tears of happiness filled his eyes “I thought I was too, but I suppose it wasn’t my time to go with him” Fiver said leaning into his brothers chest “now on your feet lads, we have a score to settle!” Holly said

Back at warren, Cowslip was outside with the other rabbits when he heard a roar and looked up to see Holly, Hazel, Moonstone, Silverweed, Fiver, and Strawberry running over to them coming to a stop as Hazel, Holly, and Moonstone glares at him “go away, unless you want to fight, Hm Hm, Hm, Hm!” Cowslip said glaring at the rabbits “you don’t know how” Holly said hopping closer to Cowslip “you’ve forgotten all the tricks and cunning El-Ahrairah gave us” Holly said with a glare, Cowslip charges at him but the older buck knocks him to the ground with a head-butt as the other rabbits hurried inside the warren “leave this place, you need the freedom of the hills, you can relearn the stories of El-Ahrairah” Hazel said as Cowslip backs away “El-Ahrairah is a lie, the man takes care of us, we don’t want to leave, we don’t want your freedom” Cowslip said backing away “the snares will get you if you don’t leave, you don’t have to surrender to the shining wire!” Hazel said trying to reason the cream buck as Cowslip backs away into the warren “it won’t get me, maybe others, but never me!” Cowslip said with a laugh that send chills down their spines “run, we have to get away from here!” Hazel said as they turned and ran “stay in the open, stay away from cover that’s where the wires are!” Moonstone said as they all ran away from the Warren as Strawberry watches them leave, glancing back to the warren and back to where the others ran “you don’t have to surrender to the shinning wire” Hazels voice echoed in his head as Strawberry made up his mind

When they were far from the warren and the shinning wires they rested “I...I’m alright Hazel, I just need to catch my breath” Fiver said with a small cough “take your time Fiver, we’ll move on when you’re stronger” Hazel said looking at his little brother, Silverweed looks around the forest “I’ve always dreamed of escaping that horrible place, I’m so happy that the day has come” Silverweed said looking back at Moonstone “thank you, for rescuing me” Silverweed said with a smile. Just then Strawberry runs up to them “t-take me with you” Strawberry said catching his breath “you lied to us, why should we do anything for you?” Holly said glaring at the ginger buck “we have to work hard to survive, we don’t live an easy life in the hills” Hazel said staring at Strawberry sternly “there is no life in the Warren of the shining wires” Strawberry said looking back at where the warren was before looking back at the others “please!” Strawberry begged. Hazel looked at him and nodded his head, he looks at the others as they all nodded their heads as well “you can come with us” Hazel said looking back at the ginger buck “come on then, let’s go home” Moonstone said and they all began their journey back to Watership Down

By sundown, they made it back to the high hills as Kehaar flies in the air “Kehaar all better now!” Kehaar said flying in the air “good for you Kehaar, now you can get your own worms” Hazel said as the gull tries to catch a fly “sick of worms, want fish, someday go to big water, eat like a gull!” Kehaar said as the others run up the hill “me beat you home yes!” Kehaar said flying to the tree “hm, home” Strawberry said smiling as dandelion, Hawkbit, Pipkin, and Bigwig hops over to the edge of the hill “well we hope you had a jolly nice time galevanting around the country” Dandelion said sarcastically “because WE haven’t!” Pipkin said with a glare “we’re soaked and the burrow collapsed and Blackberry won’t give us a moments rest!” Hawkbit said clearly crossed, Bigwig let out a small sigh as a small smile graced his lips, happy to see Fiver return home, safe and sound, Hazel let out a laugh “home sweet home” Hazel said with a smile as they all run up the hill. At night, everyone was sleeping peacefully in their burrows after a long day, however in Hazel’s burrow, he began twitching and shaking his head “no, no no no, Fiver, no, no!” Hazel said breathing quickening as a nightmare plays 

“No!” Hazel said waking up with a gasp, looks around to see that he was in his burrow, back at Watership Down, he began to calm down with a small sigh ‘it’s just a dream, it’s just a dream, Fiver is still alive, he’s not...not’ Hazel stopped mid thought as he laid back down and try to go back to sleep “Hazel” A whisper said making the chief rabbit lift his head up and turn to see Fiver standing by the entrance “d-did I woke you up?” Fiver asked looking at his older brother “no no, I was having trouble sleeping anyway, so what  brings you here Fiver?” Hazel asked. Fiver looked away, his cheeks a bit red from embarrassment “did you have a nightmare brother?” Hazel asked, Fiver nodded as the chief rabbit patted a spot next to him, the runt hopped over and settled next to his older brother “would you like to tell me about it?” Hazel asked looking at his little brother “I was back at the Warren of the Shining Wires, I was caught in a snare” Fiver said, Hazels eyes widened as Fiver continues

“I could feel the shining wire tightening around my throat as I called out to you, to anyone, the snare tightens more and more, I could taste blood bubbling out of my mouth as the Black Rabbit stood in front of me, staring down at me, watching me slowly die as I hear Cowslip’s laugh echoing in my ears” Fiver said his ears lowered as tears filled his eyes, Hazel pulled him close “it’s alright Fiver it was just a dream, that never happened, we got you out of that snare, and we are NEVER taking you back to that death Warren ever again, I promise” Hazel said gently pressing his head against his little brothers, Fiver looks at his older brother and smiled “I know” Fiver said feeling better “I thought I’ve grown out of coming to you whenever I had a nightmare, and yet here I am” Fiver said with a small chuckle “well I don’t mind it one bit Fiver, you’re still my little brother after all” Hazel said with a small laugh “now gets some rest Fiver, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow” Hazel said laying his head back down, Fiver lays his head down and closed his eyes, slowly falling back to sleep, Hazel looks at his little brother before drifting off to sleep, feeling more at ease with his brother next to him