3rd Water

Episode 3.8 - Journey to Frith

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:

I'm starting the run up to the series finale now. I must warn you now to leave behind all sense what's plausible and what's not, as I'm starting to play about, writing it how I want things. Everything will be explained in the coming weeks.

See if you recognise a certain character in this episode. Last time we saw her was episode 3.3, The Cage. Also, I've been attempting to use experimental Lapine again. Although officially the original language was the work of Richard Adams, I've based the wording partly upon his work, and partly upon the further work put in by Loganberry to produce a useable Lapine Lexicon. No doubt I've got it wrong, as I'm attempting to string together TWO words to form a name this time, but I'll learn. A few more months, and I may even take the bold step of trying THREE words! Nah, I'm too cowardly ;-)


Nuthanger Farm

"Great day for a raid isn't it, Lads", started Bigwig, as Hawkbit, Dandelion and Fiver tucked into the vegetables in the garden

"Now remember. Everyone stay alert. I haven't seen the cat about yet, so she could be anywhere.", spoke Hazel

"Hey there's five of us Hazel. One of us is bound to notice her, before she gets too close. Besides which Fiver hasn't seen anything.", replied Bigwig

"I keep telling you. Something isn't right with my visions. All I ever see these days is clouded and misty.", replied Fiver

"Hazel, If you're so worried, why dont you begin eating. By the time you actually start, we'll have to go again.", suggested Hawkbit

"The lettuce here just keeps getting better and better, dont you think.", remarked Dandelion

"Wait!", shouted Fiver

"What is it?", replied Hazel, spitting a mouthful of lettuce at Hawkbit in the process

"Do you hear something?", asked Fiver

Everyone fell silent

"Well, I cant hear anything!", replied Hawkbit, turning back to continue eating

"I'm sure I heard someone calling your name.", replied Fiver

"My name? Who!", replied Hazel

"I... I dont know. The voice sounds familiar, but I cant tell who it is.", replied Fiver

"Well, I may not be able to hear anything, but I can certainly see something. The cat's on our trail. Let's get moving.", whispered Bigwig, pointing at Tabatha sniffing around at the edge of the garden

Everyone dashed for the nearby bushes

"Well, we got some flayrah at least.", panted Dandelion as they ran

"Yeah, but not much.", snorted Hawkbit in reply

"Wait, where's Fiver!", shouted Hazel suddenly

They all stopped and looked back. Fiver was still sat in the middle of the garden. Tabatha had already started creeping towards him

"Fiver! Come on!", shouted Hazel

At that moment, Fiver collapsed on the ground, and started groaning

"Not now!", shouted Hazel, running up to him

"He's off on another of those dreams. If he warns us there's a cat approaching, I'll cuff him, I really will!", continued Bigwig

"Bigwig, you and Hawkbit do something to distract that cat. Dandelion, help me move him!", shouted Hazel, as Tabatha began running

"Hey! Over here!", shouted Bigwig, running off to one side

"Woo-oo!", continued Hawkbit

Tabatha changed direction to follow them, as Hazel and Dandelion began dragging Fiver towards cover

"It's working. She's heading the other way. Come on!", muttered Hazel

"You call yourself a cat!", shouted Bigwig

"I've seen scarier mice!", continued Hawkbit

"I notice you say that from a distance, Long-Ears!", purred Tabatha, before heading back in the direction of Hazel, Dandelion and Fiver

"Over here you flea-bitten pole-scratcher!", shouted Bigwig

"It doesn't seem to be working, Bigwig", Hawkbit muttered under his breath, as Tabatha continued running towards Hazel

"Get ready to run.... Very fast!", Bigwig whispered to him

"Why dont I like the sound of that!", sighed Hawkbit, as Bigwig turned and charged towards Tabatha

"Raaahhh!!", he shouted, slamming into the side of her

Tabatha flew sideways, rolled, then landed on her feet. Hawkbit watched from cover, as Bigwig ran in the opposite direction to Hazel, with her hissing violently at his heels

"Get him through the bushes. Now!", shouted Hazel, as him and Dandelion dragged Fiver, who lay motionless

The two bucks scrambled through the bushes with him, then collapsed with exhaustion.

"Where's Bigwig?", panted Hazel, as Hawkbit joined them

"I dont... know! The cat.... was chasing him last time I saw him.", Hawkbit panted back

At that moment, they heard Bigwig yelp in pain. Hazel, Hawkbit and Dandelion looked at one another in shock

"Frith no!", shouted Hawkbit

"Dandelion. Quickly! Go take a look!", shouted Hazel

Dandelion stepped forward, before ducking as he heard running. Bigwig suddenly jumped into the bushes, joining the other 4, before collapsing on the ground

"Bigwig. You're alright! Oh, Thank Frith!", shouted Hazel

"We heard you before. What happened?", asked Dandelion

"Knocked over a load of man's strange metal objects that they use to dig the garden. Caught my hind leg it did!", shouted Bigwig, indicating at a small cut on his leg

"Still, cat came off worse I think. She wont be bothering us for a while!", he continued

"How's Fiver?", he finished

"He's out completely. He's still breathing, but there's no other life in him. It's almost as if there's no-one there.", replied Hazel

"Let's get him back to Watership Down. It's safer there.", finished Bigwig

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

Meanwhile....

"Fiver! Fiver, wake up!", came a familiar sounding voice. Fiver didn't know why, but he recognised the voice from somewhere.

He slowly opened his eyes. At first, all he could see was a strange mist.

"Fiver, come on!", continued the voice

Fiver's vision gradually cleared. The mist began to develop into solid objects. He blinked twice then, as he looked around, he gasped. Nothing looked the same. There was no sign of the farm, or even Watership Down. Just meadows, and rolling hills leading into the distance as far as he see. A stream of clear blue water ran past nearby. Rabbits hopped about freely, not looking the least bit worried about elil, while the sun sat low in the sky.

"Wh...who are you, and where in Frith's name am I?", asked Fiver

"It's me, Violet. And this is the Land Beyond Life.", replied the familiar sounding doe

Fiver paused in shock, before speaking

"The Land Beyond Life? B... but I was just in the garden at Nuthanger. It's not possible. I never saw the Black Rabbit.", replied Fiver

"Not everyone actually sees the Black Rabbit you know. Some just hear his call, and know its time to go.", replied Violet

"I only heard someone calling Hazel. I've not stopped running! I shouldn't be here!", shouted Fiver

Violet looked deep into Fiver's fearful eyes

"It's strange, but there's something tells me you're right.", she sighed

"We'd best go and see Lord Frith.", she finished

"We can actually talk to him here?", asked Fiver

"Oh yes, all the time.", replied Violet

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

Soon

Violet led, as Fiver followed. Despite the lack of elil, Fiver couldn't help but nervously look around him

"So what's this place like?", asked Fiver

"Oh it's wonderful. We never need to worry about Elil, or food. It's all here for us.", replied Violet

"I'm much happier here than I ever was at Sandleford.", she continued

"And what about your kitten. Where's he these days?", asked Fiver

"Oh, he's out and about. He takes care of himself here. It's not hard.", replied Violet

"How's Zyzthlay?", she then asked

Fiver looked confused by the name for a second, before it suddenly dawned on him who she was referring to

"Oh that's her real name! I remember Gooseberry mentioning it. Blackberry named her Pinecone, and adopted her like her own. She's doing really well now, apart from always falling asleep. Come to think of it, that name does make sense!", replied Fiver

"Anyway, Are you sure you know where you're going?", he asked

"All rabbits here know where they're going. We all instinctively know one another too. That's why everyone keeps looking at you. They dont know you!", replied Violet

"Over there.", she whispered, pointing to a nearby mountain

Near the base, numerous rabbits were assembled

"What's going on?", whispered Fiver

"It's a long running argument over a warren called Efrafa.", replied Violet

"Efrafa?", questioned Fiver

"Oh yes, it's this terrible warren, where the rabbits suffer at the hands of other rabbits. Gooseberry and Pimpernel found it once.", replied Violet

"Yes, we know all about it. But why's there an argument over it?", asked Fiver

"Elahrairah isn't at all pleased. He believes Frith should intervene. Frith refuses to, as it would be unfair to other rabbits. Listen to him, he's standing up to speak.", replied Violet

Fiver and Violet joined the back of the assembled crowd, as they fell silent to listen

"I dont know about you, Elahrairah, but I'm getting a bit tired of this. You've been arguing with me for many moons now, and the answer is always the same.", started Frith

"Oh great one, hear me out just one more time, for I am sure that I can yet convince you.", replied Elahrairah

"Very well, be it so.", Frith sighed as Elahrairah began

"All my people have a right to be free. They should all be able to run and live as they choose. If one of them wishes to chew cabbages in a field, then so they should. If one of them wishes to swim in the river, then so they should. If one of them wishes to try and fly, albeit unsuccessfully, then so they should.", started Elahrairah, as several of the crowd mumbled to one another in agreement

"And they can do all that. There is nothing they cannot do, as long as they use their cunning wisely.", replied Frith

"But that cunning was designed to be used against other elil. To bring some balance onto your great world.", argued Elahrairah

"Your point being?", asked Frith

"These are not elil we are talking about. They are other rabbits.", replied Elahrairah

"The principle is the same.", argued Frith

"But it isn't lord. The cunning and tricks of my people cannot be used against others who know those same tricks.", sighed Elahrairah

"Then they must learn new tricks.", replied Frith

"There is no chance for them to learn new tricks. Those rabbits of Efrafa are going against the will of nature, against you Lord Frith. In such a case, no amount of cunning or trickery can ever be enough.", continued Elahrairah, at which the assembled crowd cheered

"If that is how they choose to lead their lives, then that is up to them.", replied Frith

Elahrairah at this point jumped into his usual trickery with words

"But Lord Frith, those rabbits think they are better than you. They believe they can go against your wishes, and you are powerless to stop them.", he spoke

"They can choose to do as they wish.", replied Frith

"Bu...", started Elahrairah

"I have made it clear before, and I will make it clear again. I will not interfere in the will of the world. What is meant to be, will be.", finished Frith

"My Lord, if I c...", started Elahrairah

"Silence!", shouted Frith

"Something is not quite right.", he continued, before pausing

Everyone started muttering suspiciously

"There is someone in this world who does not belong here.", he continued

"Dig, now. Get underground!", whispered Violet

"What? Why? I thought we were going to speak with Frith to get me back home.", replied Fiver

"I just have a bad feeling. We need to get to cover, now!", replied Violet

"Well, it'll take some time to dig....", started Fiver

"Not here it wont!", replied Violet, carving through the landscape as easily as if it were sand

"What do you mean someone not from this world?", asked Elahrairah

"One of your people has found their way here, without the help of the Black Rabbit.", replied Frith

"Is that a problem? Either way, they're going to end up here.", replied Elahrairah

"If the Black Rabbit did not bring them here, there's always a chance they could return to the other world. No rabbit can ever return to tell others what they have seen here.", replied Frith

"I'll call the Great Owsla. There's not many places a rabbit can hide round here, so it shouldn't take long to find them.", replied Elahrairah

"Take the Black Rabbit along with you. Make sure there's no chance of the stranger crossing back.", finished Frith, as Elahrairah moved off like lightning

"Perhaps you're better off finding a way back yourself, and if you don't want to be stuck here, I suggest you think quickly.", suggested Violet

"How can I find a way back? I dont even know how I got here.", replied Fiver

"Well, have you ever had any contact with Frith before?", asked Violet

"All the time. It's him who sends the visions.", replied Fiver

"Visions?", questioned Violet

"Cryptic messages about the future usually.", explained Fiver

"Messages? So much for Frith not interfering.", sighed Violet

"So perhaps thats why I'm here. Perhaps I'm looking for a message.", replied Fiver

"If you were dragged here, rather than just given a vision, it must be something important. What have you discovered whilst you've been here?", asked Violet

"That's just it. Other than the fact Elahrairah believes Frith should intervene to free Efrafa, I've learned nothing.", replied Fiver

"Over here, sir. There's a burrow, with unidentified tracks!", came a voice from above ground

"It must be something to do with Efrafa. Let's get digging again.", suggested Fiver

"Why? We could never outrun The Prince's Owsla for long.", replied Violet

"Just long enough to find Captain Campion. Perhaps he knows something.", continued Fiver

"Unless he's part of the Prince's Owsla too.", he sighed

"Who?", asked Violet, with a confused look on her face

"Campion. Owsla captain from that Efrafan warren. Died saving our warren last season. I thought you said everyone knows everyone else here.", replied Fiver

"We do. There's definately no Campion here.", replied Violet

"If he's not here then, where is he?", asked Fiver

"Fiver. I know you're there! Come out!", came a low voice from above ground. Fiver closed his eyes

"Fiver! Fiver! Come out! There's nothing to be afraid of. Fiver! Fiver! Wake up, Fiver!", continued the voice

Fiver slowly opened his eyes

"He's coming round.", muttered Hazel to Bigwig

"Are you okay, lad?", spoke Bigwig to Fiver

"What? Wh...where's Violet?", replied Fiver

"Violet?", questioned Hazel

"The Prince's Owsla is coming. I shouldn't be here. They're going to find me!", shouted Fiver

"Fiver, you're at home, in Watership Down. No-one's coming to find you.", replied Hazel

Fiver's vision cleared, to reveal the familiar sight of the Honeycomb, with Hazel, Bigwig and Primrose all crowded round him.

"Hazel? Oh thank Frith.", sighed Fiver

"You've had some strange visions, but never anything like this before.", continued Bigwig

"Last time a vision took you that badly was when Vervain found the entrance to the tunnel. When Campion gave his life for us.", continued Primrose

"That's it. That's what the message is all about.", replied Fiver

"What is it? What message?", asked Hazel

"Campion's still running.", continued Fiver

"Impossible!", shouted Bigwig

"I saw it Hazel. The Land Beyond Life. Campion wasn't there. He's not dead.", finished Fiver, jumping up

"Okay, okay. Rest now Fiver. You've had a stressful day.", replied Hazel

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

Late Evening

Hazel was sat on the Down, looking out across the countryside, and thinking

"Beautiful evening, isn't it.", spoke Bigwig, joining him

"It is indeed.", replied Hazel

"You're thinking again, aren't you.", sighed Bigwig

"I cant help thinking about what Fiver said. What if Campion is still out there somewhere?", replied Hazel

"You saw what happened down in the cavern as well as I did. It cant possibly be true.", argued Bigwig

"Fiver's never been wrong about things like this before.", sighed Hazel

"If he's not dead, then where is he?", asked Bigwig

"I dont know, but if he's out there, we're going to find him, Bigwig. I promise, we're going to bring him back home.", finished Hazel

THE END


And so the series finale build up begins. The 4 episodes after the next are where its all going to start happening. In fact, there may yet be some changes to the episode order later on, as I finalise everything.

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

 

Back To Home