3rd Water

Episode 3.12 - Battle of Little Bigwig

Disclaimers:

The Watership Down series belongs to Alltime and Decode Entertainment. The original characters were the work of Richard Adams, however, many of the characters in the series were changed, and these belong to Alltime/Decode. I am just borrowing the characters for this fansite, and I mean no-one any harm by this. This is supposed to a be virtual third series, and is in no way supposed to detract from the official third series. When I originally planned out my third series, I never knew of the existance of the official third series. As it has never, and doesn't look as though it ever will be, aired in the UK, I decided to write an alternative series, continuing on from where series 2 (The Homecoming) left off. I am in no way connected with any of the companies mentioned above.

All characters are completely fictitious and any resemblance to any persons either living or dead is purely coincidental. If anyone has any problems with this episode, they are advised to contact the webmaster on [email protected].

 

Writer's notes:

Its the penultimate episode of 3rd Water now, and it's this episode which sets things up for the series finale. Lets just hope it goes well, as I still hadnt fully figured out the ending for this ep when I began writing. Still, I have a vague idea! =:)


Previously on Watership Down

"Where's Blackberry?", asked Hazel

"She's asleep with Pinecone in one of the back burrows.", replied Primrose

"Good.", replied Hazel

"Is it really fair to keep her in the dark, Hazel?", asked Primrose

"It's for her own good. We dont know yet if we'll ever find Campion. I dont want to upset her again.", answered Hazel

*************

"Well. Any luck finding out what's going on at Efrafa.", he asked, as Bigwig came bounding in

"I couldn't find anything Hazel. That place is as dead as ever.", he started

"That's something at least.", replied Hazel

"But that's only from the outside Hazel. Anything could be going on inside.", continued Bigwig

"The Darkness comes to take us all. If we survive then one will fall.", spoke Dandelion

"That vision. It has to have something to do with Efrafa. It did before.", continued Bigwig

"Why's it come up again now. Fiver doesn't usually have the same vision twice.", sighed Hazel

"The only thing I can think of is that the vision was never fulfilled the first time around. Perhaps there's still someone who has to fall.", continued Fiver

"We need to find a new spy.", shouted Bigwig suddenly, stunning everyone

*************

"Well, here come some now. Are there any you think could help?", asked Bigwig, as Moss and Vervain came out of Efrafa with 2 other officers

"Well there's Vervain. I dont think we need to think that one over much!", started Hawkbit

"Well, what about the white rabbit?", asked Hazel

"That's Corporal Moss. He's a kind rabbit...", started Primrose

"But do you think he'd help?", asked Bigwig

Primrose paused, before sighing

"I doubt it. He's too loyal to Efrafa.", she replied

*************

"Outsiders! In the bushes!", shouted Moss

"Run! Now!", shouted Bigwig, at which everyone sprung up

"Get after them!", shouted Woundwort, reappearing at the entrance to Efrafa

*************

"We're surrounded!", shouted Hazel

"As soon as I clear a path, head for the river.", shouted Bigwig

"You're not going to do something stupid are you?", replied Hazel

"Just do it!", replied Bigwig

*************

"How could you let them get past you!", Woundwort shouted at Bindweed, striking him across the face

"General. Not everything's lost. We still have this one.", interrupted Moss, as Bigwig struggled in vain, under the control of 5 officers

"Ah yes. If it isn't old Bigwig.", started Woundwort

He walked up to Bigwig and stared deep into his eyes.

"Welcome home....", he finished, with a low, sinister voice


Outside, on the Down

Hazel was stood near the edge of the Down, looking out in the direction of Efrafa, despite the fact that it wasn't visible from so far away

"He's been there been 1 whole moon now.", started Fiver, as him and Dandelion joined Hazel

"Still trying to think of a plan, are you?", asked Dandelion

"Of course I am. Hopefully by the time we all meet again later, one of us will have come up with something.", replied Hazel

"That's another thing Hazel...", started Fiver

"What?", asked Hazel

"Blackberry's asking questions about him. We told her he's just out on a scouting mission to Efrafa, but we have to tell her properly what's going on.", replied Fiver

"I know!", started Hazel

"Oh, Why couldn't he have listened to me when I told him to leave?", he sighed

"Brave, but crazy he is.", replied Dandelion

"Who knows what they're doing to him. Or what information they're trying to get out of him.", started Fiver

"Hey, It's Bigwig. He'd die before telling them anything.", pointed out Dandelion

"I know. That's what I'm afraid of. Remember the Darkness is coming for one of us.", replied Fiver miserably

"I doubt it has anything to do with him, as I cant see how Bigwig could be connected to the other vision.", said Dandelion

"The evil overshadows the world so bleak, The Flower of Spring grows ever weak.", repeated Fiver to himself

"Who says there has to be a connection! The visions are vague. They could mean anything.", he continued

"Bigwig's going to be fine!!", snapped Hazel, before looking back out into the distance

"In fact, knowing him, he probably already has a plan to escape.", he finished

Deep within Efrafa

"Yoohoo! Mr nice Efrafan officer. Where are you?", chanted Bigwig, from inside his prison cell

"What is it this time?", sighed a burly guard, rolling back the stone covering the entrance

"What the...", he started, setting his eyes upon an empty cell

"He's gone!", he shouted

"Gone! Gone where?", shouted another officer, joining him

The two officers ran into the cell, and looked around frantically. Before managing to set their eyes upon him, a battered and bruised Bigwig suddenly jumped down from a ledge above the doorway, knocking the two officers to the ground

"That would never have happened in my Owsla.", he sighed, running out of the entrance

"Runner! Runner!!", shouted the first officer

"Stop him!", shouted the other

Bigwig charged down through the tunnels, knocking an officer out of the way in the process, before finally entering the gathering place

"You wont get away that easily!", shouted Vervain, blocking the exit

"Raaaarrrgghh!", replied Bigwig, charging at him

Without hesitation, Vervain dived out of the way, and buried his head in his paws. Bigwig stopped a moment to stare at the pathetic Owsla Captain, before continuing to run

"Dont let him get away!", shouted Vervain, lifting his head again after a few seconds, just as several Efrafan guards came running out of the tunnels and into the gathering place

"I managed to wound him, so he should be easier to catch. It's a good job at least one of us does their job properl...", continued Vervain, before being interrupted

"Captain Vervain!!", shouted General Woundwort, as he came in with Moss, and 3 other Efrafans, who were dragging Bigwig behind them

"Y...yes General!", squeaked Vervain

"This is the second time he's escaped under your watch.", boomed Woundwort

"B...but Gener..", stuttered Vervain

"Silence! No doubt it's some pathetic excuse about him deliberately trying to make you look bad.", interrupted Woundwort

"That's exactly it, sir!", replied Vervain

"I dont want to hear it Vervain!", shouted the General

"And as for you....", he continued, turning to face Bigwig

"When are you going to realise you cant get out of here by running. This whole place is covered. There is nowhere to run!", he finished

"Can't blame me for trying!", replied Bigwig cheerfully

Woundwort didn't take kindly to his attitude. He raised his paw to strike Bigwig, before changing his mind at the last minute.

"Get him back underground.", he finished

"Same time again tomorrow, eh Vervain?", he whispered to Vervain as he was led past

"D... d... did you hear that Ge...", squeaked the Efrafan captain

"Go away Vervain!", interrupted Woundwort

*************

Late afternoon, in the Honeycomb

Kehaar came tumbling down the run to where all the Watershippers were assembled

"Well, what did you see Kehaar. Any signs of weaknesses in security in Efrafa?", asked Hazel

"No. Is tight as...er... something tight yah!", replied Kehaar

"Okay then everybody.", started Hazel

"We need to find a way to distract the Efrafans long enough for Bigwig to make a run for it.", he continued

"You said exactly the same thing yesterday Hazel. I'd have thought it was fairly obvious! Woundwort has that place locked down. We could never get all the way back to the down, without the tunnel.", replied Hawkbit

"I was thinking about that. We only really need to get as far as the river. Frith has managed to carry us to safety before, and he'll do it again.", pointed out Hazel

"Is no good Hayzel. Woundwort get smart. Has patrols all along river now!", screeched Kehaar

"Oh well that's just made things a whole lot easier. Thanks a lot Kehaar!", snorted Hawkbit

"It's not Kehaar's fault, Hawkbit.", replied Hazel

"I know, and I'm sorry. It's just that I'm all out of ideas.", sighed Hawkbit

"Out of ideas about what?", shouted Blackberry, entering the Honeycomb

"er...", replied Hawkbit

"Is somebody going to tell me what's going on? All this secret plotting, and no sign of Bigwig all day, or didn't you think I'd noticed!", shouted Blackberry

"Are you going to tell her?", asked Dandelion

Hazel paused

"Well?", pressed Blackberry

He sighed, before beginning to speak

"It's Campion. Fiver thinks he might still be alive.", started Hazel

Blackberry paused in shock before angrilly replying, "And nobody was going to tell me!"

"We dont know anything for certain Blackberry. We didn't want to get your hopes up for nothing.", replied Hazel

"We have looked, and found no trace.", pointed out Dandelion

"Which is where Bigwig comes in. We were searching in Efrafa, when Woundwort managed to capture him.", continued Fiver

"Who knows what they're doing to him now.", finished Hazel

Blackberry bravely held back the tears

"We have to get him out of there. Now!", she shouted

"er... we did kno...", started Hawkbit

"So what have we come up with so far.", interrupted Blackberry

"Not much. Everything we can think of is something the Efrafans are likely to anticipate. We cant just run for it, as we'd never get far enough, and we cant fight...", continued Hazel

"Then we have to do something that will slow them without fail.", interrupted Blackberry

"I'll work this out and be back before silflay.", she finished, disappearing into her burrow

All the other Watership rabbits looked at one another in confusion

"Do you think she's okay?", started Primrose

"I dont know. I really dont know!", replied Hazel

*************

Early Evening, in Efrafa

Woundwort was stood on his platform, as Bigwig was led in by two large officers, accompanied by Vervain and Moss

"Are we ready to talk now Bigwig?", started Woundwort

"This place could really do with some redecorating, General.", replied Bigwig

"Where is your warren Bigwig!", shouted Woundwort

"Get a bit more light in here, and this could be a real nice place.", continued Bigwig

"You know I really miss having you in the Owsla. If there's one thing we could always do with more of it's loyalty to one's chief.", started Woundwort

"You are loyal to your chief, aren't you Bigwig?", he asked, but Bigwig didn't reply

"And you would give your life to protect him, and the rabbits in your warren...", he continued

"So let's make things easier for you. Tell me where the warren is, and I'll let those in it live.", he finished

"I would hardly call the way you treat the rabbits here as living.", replied Bigwig

Woundwort jumped down from the ledge and grabbed Bigwig by the throat. Vervain backed off

"Tell me where it is!", he shouted

Bigwig sighed...

"Alright.", he choked

Woundwort let go of him

"In the Garden of Frith. A lovely place, where...", started Bigwig, before Woundwort struck him across the face

Bigwig winced at the deep gash on his face, before turning back to meet the General's stare

"Get him back to his cell now, before I kill him!", shouted Woundwort

Soon...

Bigwig sighed as the stone was rolled back in front of the entrance. As the cell fell into darkness again, he heard a familiar voice

"Pssst. Bigwig!", came the voice

"Who said that?", replied Bigwig, swinging round to try and pinpoint the noise but seeing nothing

"Down here you old fool!", continued the voice

Bigwig looked down

"Hannah. What are you doing in here?", he shouted

"Shhh. Keep your voice down. Kehaar dropped me off outside Efrafa. I've got news from Hazel.", she continued

"Dont tell me he's going to do something stupid. Woundwort has this place covered.", replied Bigwig

"Hey, why should you always get to do the stupid things? It's Hazel's turn.", laughed Hannah

"Well then, what's the plan?", asked Bigwig

"They should be bringing Dandelion in soon.", started Hannah

"How did they catch him!", replied Bigwig

"No, they didn't. At least, not how they think.", replied Hannah

Bigwig looked back with a confused expression

"Look, when they do, just be ready to run like the wind.", she finished

*************

Early Evening, in the woods near Efrafa

"Do I really have to do this Hazel?", asked Dandelion

"You're the only one of us they dont know well enough to recognise.", replied Hazel

"I know, I just mean are you sure this will work?", he continued, talking quietly, so Blackberry wouldn't hear

"It's not the best plan she's ever come up with, but it's the best we have. I really think it could work.", replied Hazel

"Shh... There she is.", whispered Hawkbit, pointing at a fox sniffing the air cautiously

"Now remember Dandelion. It's important she doesn't lose your scent.", whispered Hazel

"If this all works, I'll meet you at the river. Be Careful.", he finished, pulling back silently with the rest of the Watership rabbits

Dandelion crept past the fox silently. The others watched from the distance as she picked up on his scent

"Now all he has to do is lead her to Efrafa.", whispered Blackberry

"Dont you think there's been enough suffering already though, without bringing elil down on them.", whispered Fiver

"Hey, from what Bigwig told me, the Efrafans can tackle a fox easily. It'll just distract them for a bit, that's all.", replied Hazel

Nighttime, in Efrafa

"Why wont he tell me anything, Moss!", shouted Woundwort

"You know the loyalty of these Owsla officers, sir. It's in their spirit to always follow their chief.", replied Moss

"I know that, but you were supposed to have broken his spirit by now!", continued Woundwort

"He's surprisingly resiliant. He's been beaten and starved, but nothing seems to get to him.", replied Moss

"He would have made a good Efrafan captain.", sighed Woundwort

"General! General!", came Vervain's voice from outside

"Unlike some!", continued Woundwort, before Vervain came in. He was followed by another Efrafan guard and Dandelion

"Another prisoner sir. We found this one lost in the woods. Apparently he comes from a warren at the other side of the river.", continued Vervain

Woundwort paused to think

"Put him in the cell. I'll decide what to do with him later.", he finally replied

The Efrafan guard led Dandelion away

"Why do you keep bringing me back all these Hlessi Vervain. I thought I told you to find the outsiders warren.", shouted Woundwort

"er... he might have s... seen something, General.", stuttered Vervain

"Even if he had, do you really think he'd tell us?", asked Woundwort

"I dont know. He's in pretty bad health, so I expect he'd be quite co-operative with a little persuasion.", replied Vervain

"He seemed healthy enough to me.", started Woundwort

"He has a huge problem with fleas though, sir. Kept stopping to scratch all the way back.", replied Vervain

Meanwhile

The two guards outside the cell began to slowly roll back the stone as the third guard arrived with Dandelion

"Okay, Bigwig. Get ready!", whispered Hannah, clinging to the back of his neck

"Another prisoner. Shouldn't cause as much trouble as Bigwig.", they were heard muttering outside

"Elil! Elil!", came a cry from nearby suddenly

Distracted for a moment, the officer loosened his grip on Dandelion

"Now!", shouted Bigwig, knocking down all 3 off the officers in one go, before running as fast as his legs would carry him with Dandelion

"When we get out. Turn right, not left.", shouted Dandelion

"What's going on?", shouted Woundwort, appearing just outside Efrafa, where several rabbits were running about in panic

"There's a fox sir. A fox attacking the warren!", replied Moss

"Rally the Hindmark. Attack it as a group!", shouted Woundwort, as Dandelion and Bigwig ran past

"Runner! Runner!!", came the 3 guards shortly afterwards

"Get after them.", shouted Woundwort

"What? Do I go after them, or rally the Hindmark?", replied Moss

"Vervain you go after them with your mark. Moss, take the Hindmark and concentrate on getting that fox out of the warren!", shouted Woundwort

"Are they on out trail yet?", shouted Bigwig

"I cant see them.", replied Hannah, looking behind them

"What about the patrols. Are there any in this direction?", continued Bigwig

"The distraction will have cleared the immediate patrols. We're likely to still meet them at the river though.", replied Dandelion, as the two of them ran through the forest

Down By the River

"Should be the end of our watch soon.", started one of the officers, looking up at the stars

"Shh...", whispered another

"I hear something. Someone approaching.", he continued, indicating in the direction of the woodland Bigwig and Dandelion were approaching from

"er... hello there. Do you think you could help, I'm a little lost!", shouted a voice from nearby

All the Efrafan officers stationed along the river looked around, and soon set their eyes upon Hazel stood at the other side of the river

"Oh never mind then.", he continued, turning to leave

"It's one of the outsiders! Get him!", they shouted, as Hazel disappeared from view

As the Efrafans reached the other side of the bridge, one of the officers looked back to see Bigwig and Dandelion heading towards the water.

"Get back. It's a trick!", he shouted

"Down to the caverns. We can cross the river there.", shouted Bigwig

As the Efrafans tried to return back across the bridge, Kehaar attacked, seemingly from nowhere

"He wont hold them back for long.", shouted Bigwig, jumping past the rushes which covered the entrance to the cavern

"Come on!", shouted Hazel, from the other side of the river

"Please tell me this wasn’t all your crazy idea!", continued Bigwig, as him, Hannah and Dandelion joined Hazel

"You can blame it on Blackberry later, if we manage to get back to the warren.", replied Hazel, as the 3 of them disappeared into the forest

"It’s probably not the best time to tell you this, but she knows about Campion", he continued, as they ran

"You mean you told her! I thought we agreed not to!", sighed Bigwig

"I didn’t have much choice. So did you find anything out about him!", asked Hazel

"There’s no sign of him having been in Efrafa for months. I dont know about you, but I have a feeling Fiver could be wrong this time.", replied Bigwig

Hazel sighed

"I guess it’s up to me to tell Blackberry then.", he continued

"I think we’ve lost them!", shouted Dandelion suddenly, looking back over his shoulder

They all slowed to listen, and heard nothing but silence.

"You mean we made it. Woundwort’s losing his touch these days.", replied Hannah

"I wonder where Kehaar is.", spoke Hazel

"No doubt we’ll find him back at the warren.", finished Bigwig

Back at the Entrance to the Caverns

Woundwort arrived, as Moss and several other Efrafans were assembled

"Well. Where is he? Where’s Bigwig?", he asked

"He got away with Hazel.", replied Moss

"And where’s Vervain?", asked Woundwort

"He’s set off with the scout party to track them.", replied Moss

"Excellent. Everything is going as planned.", finished Woundwort

"You no get away with this!", squawked Kehaar, pinned down by 6 other Efrafan guards

"How? Without you to tell them what’s going on, they have no idea.", replied Woundwort

"Vervain no good rabbit. He mess up plenty, you see!", replied Kehaar

"Get this one back to Efrafa. We dont want him saying too much to our friends, do we!", finished Woundwort

"There’s a lot to be planned!", he finished

The Efrafans began to move away, clumsily dragging Kehaar, unaware of the two weak and tired eyes watching them from just inside the caverns

*************

Soon, back at the down

As Hazel, Bigwig, Hannah and Dandelion neared the top of the down, Blackberry ran out to greet them. Despite his best efforts to look normal, Hazel’s eyes told her all she needed to know. She quickly ran back into the down, with a tear in her eye, as the rest of the Watership rabbits emerged

"Good to see you again!", shouted Pimpernel to Bigwig

"Hey, you didn’t think you could get rid of me that easily, did you?", replied Bigwig

"Primrose, go after Blackberry. See if you can calm her down!", spoke Hazel

"Where's Kehaar? I want to thank him for all his help.", he continued

"He isn't back yet.", replied Fiver

"Odd.", replied Hazel

"Hey. Nobody ever understands that gull. Always swanning off to the Big Water without telling us.", pointed out Hawkbit

"But at night?", asked Hazel

"No doubt he'll be back in the morning. If not, you can worry about him then.", continued Hawkbit

"I suppose...", sighed Hazel

"Now let's get inside, before the elil come looking. I dont know about you, but I'm certainly happy to be back.", finished Bigwig

He bounded into the warren, as everyone else followed

"That's right. Enjoy it while you can outsiders, because it wont last much longer.", mumbled Vervain, watching from the bushes at the foot of the down, before bursting into an evil laugh

TO BE CONTINUED


Next weeks the one - The Series finale. Everything's set up and ready now for the final series showdown, where lives will be changed forever.

Thoughts and Opinions always welcome =:) - Guestbook / email

 

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