4th Water

Episode 4.5 - The Hidden Wall

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. I am in no way connected with any of the companies mentioned above.

This is supposed to be a fanfic fourth series, continuing on from my Virtual 3rd series, rather than continuing from the official series 3. It 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 one. 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. By the time I started 4th Water, I had an idea of what happens in some of the official third series, hence some of it (but not all) has been planned to try and avoid sounding too similar.

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:

Back to the dull and boring (ie without Efrafans!) plots this week. Of course, a million people will now tell me 'it's not dull and boring', but I believe anything without the Efrafans is. Yep, I have a one-track mind. =:D

Oh, and this is one of those episodes that does hover around things that would probably never happen in real life. On saying that, the official series writers often take liberties, so I'm going to as well! I did do some proper research into some behavioural aspects of rabbits surrounding...um... this though, so I'll blame Defra if some of it sounds wrong!


A small clearing, at the foot of the Down

"Owsla, move out!", shouted Bigwig

At that Hawkbit, Dandelion and Pipkin jumped over a log, landing back in the grass with a squelch, before rolling across the ground in a desperate attempt to make it appear skillful. It had been cold and damp the night before, leaving the early morning grass covered in dew. The light of Frith shimmered through the droplets, causing the grass to sparkle majestically. They would probably have remained there for longer, like precious jewels trapped in the mists of time, were it not for the Owsla bucks disturbing the scene.

"Well then. What did you think, Bigwig?", asked Dandelion, as the 3 of them stood up

"Where's Strawberry?", started the captain

"If I find him nibbling at those lettuces again, I'll rip his ears off.", he continued

"I'm right here Bigwig!", shouted Strawberry, jumping at Bigwig from behind, and using his weight to sent the Owsla captain flying to the ground.

"You didn't expect that one did ya! We've been practising.", shouted Hawkbit

Bigwig groaned, as he climbed to his feet, flicking his head backwards to clear the fur of his mane from his face.

"Well done lads. I'm impressed. You've certainly improved an awful lot since the last time.", he spoke

"We could take on any rabbit!", grinned Dandelion

Bigwig was about to reply, but was interrupted by the sound of movement in the grass. Instinctively, he readied himself for attack.

"Oh, it's just you.", he sighed, as Honeysuckle emerged from the cover

"Morning Bigwig.", she spoke cheerfully

"And where are you off to?", asked Bigwig

"I'm just off to Nuthanger.", she replied

"Well, you watch yourself now, and if you see anything out of the ordinary, let me know immediately.", finished Bigwig

"Hey, how come you let her go off on her own, whilst every other rabbit has to go in a group?", asked Hawkbit

"I mean, shouldn't she have some nice strong bucks like us come along to make sure she's safe?", continued Dandelion

Honeysuckle sighed then carried on. As she did so, she pushed Strawberry to the ground, cuffed Hawkbit and stood on Dandelion's paw. Only Pipkin was ignored.

"Oooow!", cried Dandelion, hopping about madly on one foot

"That was mean!", whined Strawberry

"I don't believe this.", sighed Bigwig, shaking his head

"I think she made me step on a thorn.", whinged Hawkbit, lifting up his right paw meekly

"I bet it didn't hurt as much as what she did to me. She caught me off guard!", replied Dandelion

"We....", started Strawberry, before being interrupted by Bigwig

"You lot are pathetic!", he shouted, silencing the three bucks

"You think you could defend the warren from danger. You couldn't defend a rock from a blade of grass!", he continued, his voice causing the fur of the bucks to quiver

"It's a good job Gooseberry and Pimpernel are real officers, otherwise we'd all be done for! Now get back to the warren!", he finished, storming off. Pipkin followed quietly, whilst the others didn't move from where they were stood.

"You see. You've got him angry now!", shouted Dandelion to Strawberry

"Me? Me! What did I do? You and Hawkbit were the ones complaining! You two started it!", replied Strawberry

"We did not!", shouted Hawkbit

"Did too!", replied Strawberry

"GET BACK TO THE WARREN! NOOOW!!!", shouted Bigwig again

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

Later, back at Watership Down

It was late morning on the Down. Kehaar flew dreamily backwards and forwards, whilst the rest of the rabbits were crowded in a group around Hazel and Bigwig. Bigwig had a look of steely determination on his face as he spoke.

"Bobstone guess...", he started, his voice sounding low and rough.

"...is one!", he finished

Gooseberry lifted his paws hesitantly, to reveal two stones carefully concealed underneath.

"Gak! Not again!", scoffed Bigwig

"Just one word, my son! Just one word!", he continued, glaring threateningly at Hawkbit who desperately tried to hold back laughter.

"It's not like Bigwig to lose three games in a row.", remarked Hazel to Fiver. He almost wished he hadn't, as it quickly brought a miserable look to his face.

"He can't concentrate Hazel. He's too wound up about that vision.", sighed Fiver.

"No, he's just in a bad mood with the Owsla, that's all.", replied Hazel

"Only because they aren't up to scratch to defend the warren from whatever I say is coming.", replied Fiver.

Hazel was about to reply when he was interrupted

"Hazel! Hazel!", came Honeysuckle's voice

Hazel and Bigwig ran to the edge. Looking down, they could see Honeysuckle climbing the hill. She was limping on one of her front paws, with a look of sheer terror in her eyes. It was almost as though she'd seen the Black Rabbit of Inlé.

"What's wrong? What happened?", shouted Bigwig

"It's the farm Hazel. Man has done something terrible around the farm.", she replied

"What sort of thing?", asked Hazel

"I.. I... don't know. All I know is it's bad.", she replied

"And just when did Man do anything good?", snorted Hawkbit under his breath

"We'd best go and check this out.", decided Hazel

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

On the outskirts of Nuthanger farm

"There it is, Hazel!", started Honeysuckle

Hazel popped his head out from where the rabbits were all hidden in the cover of the bushes. A shiny new wire fence surrounded the vegetable patch, extending right around the farm. Despite their distance, Fiver could sense something unusual about it.

"So it's a new fence, Shouldn't be too hard to find a way through.", replied Bigwig, jumping out into the open.

"I don't know Bigwig. I can feel something evil about it. It's almost as though the Black Rabbit prowls the boundary.", spoke Fiver, shivering as he did so

"Honeysuckle?", hesitated Hazel, waiting for the doe to explain further

"Everything seems normal at first...", she started, before pausing in fear at the memory

"...but when you get close. Oh, I've never felt such pain, Hazel. Not even inside of Efrafa!", she finished

At the finishing words she hung her head in sadness. No rabbit liked to remember life inside of Efrafa under Woundwort

"It's just a fence Hazel. No fence ever stopped a rabbit before, and no fence is going to stop us now.", replied Bigwig, charging towards the fence, his eyes displaying his trademark expression of blinkered madness.

"Bigwig wait!", shouted Hazel, already knowing it was pointless to do so.

Bigwig slammed into the fence, and just as quickly leapt back screaming. It was a blood-curdling noise no-one had ever heard Bigwig make before, and sent terror throughout the group.

"Bigwig, are you alright?", shouted Hazel, running to join the Owsla captain as he wobbled on his feet.

"Wh...what in The Name of The Black Rabbit is that thing Hazel?", he panted.

"I don't know, but whatever it is, it's dangerous.", replied Hazel.

"Once again, your mystic powers of deduction never cease to amaze me.", snorted Hawkbit.

"So why don't we just dig under it?", suggested Dandelion.

"If you want to go anywhere near that thing, you go near it my son.", replied Bigwig, regaining his senses.

At that Dandelion's ears drooped. After seeing or rather hearing Bigwig, he was determined to stay away from the wire. It was clearly a feeling shared by all the rabbits in the group.

"Besides, if we do that, Man would see how we were getting through, and just fill in the holes. We'd be forever redigging them, and it would only be a matter of time before he comes up with something to stop the digging. No, We have to think of something he can't see. I'm sure there's another way.", decided Hazel. He knew that by saying so, everyone else would now be looking up to him expectantly awaiting an answer, however this was one of those times where he had none to give.

"Are you well enough to walk back to the Down.", he asked, turning to Bigwig

Bigwig took a few clumsy steps. His left foreleg certainly looked unstable, despite his attempts to hide it.

"Maybe I could use just a little rest.", he replied.

"Help him out of the open at least. We can stay here for a while.", finished Hazel.

Several of the bucks steadied Bigwig as he headed for the cover of the bushes.

"Perhaps a story would help pass the time.", suggested Dandelion, much preferring to tell stories than to dig under dangerous fencing.

"That's a wonderful idea Dandelion.", replied Hazel, for deep down he knew the tales had a habit of inspiring him with new ideas. Dandelion paused for a minute, quickly debating ideas with his muse, before speaking again.

"How about El-ahrairah and The Owl Guard of Darzin.", he suggested. The others nodded in agreement while they gathered around him.

Dandelion grinned proudly as the rest of the rabbits settled. For him, storytelling was a huge acting affair, involving him jumping around, and changing his voice as he went along, in order to match the style of each and every character. It was an art he made no secret of showing he loved.

"Long ago, El-ahrairah found himself in a great pickle.", started Dandelion

"Many weeks had passed, without any hint of flayrah. Not a leaf of lettuce, or even a smell of turnip. Although his people did not need such food, they were becoming increasingly restless about it. Some were even suggesting El-ahrairah was doing this to them deliberately. Of course, nobody ever said so to his face, but El-ahrairah could sense their feelings."

"He realised he would have to do something about it, before it was too late. Hence, he decided to travel with Rabscuttle to the gardens of King Darzin. They were full of succulent lettuces and carrots, however it was not a place he visited frequently for he knew the King's guards were all around."

"They approached the wall surrounding the garden cautiously. Everything seemed quiet, but there was a distinct feeling of being watched. Sure enough, as he moved close, a loud voice rang out from above."

" 'El-ahrairah!', It boomed. El-ahrairah glanced upwards to see an Owl perched on the branches of a tree. This was no ordinary Owl though. It had almost twice the wingspan, and looked about three times the weight. How the branch could support it was almost a mystery. Instinct was telling him to bolt for cover, however for some reason he stayed on the spot."

" 'What do you want? If you were any normal Owl, you wouldn't be talking to me, so I assume you want something.', he replied. 'I know you. I also know why you're here. I won't kill you yet, but if you set just one paw in the King's garden, that'll be the end for you', continued the Owl."

"El-ahrairah paused briefly before replying. 'Oh you misunderstand me. My friend and I just came to admire this here rock.', replied El-ahrairah, pointing to a rock near the wall. 'We must be going now though', he finished, turning and walking away. Rabscuttle followed."

"He looked back over his shoulder to see the Owl lift from the branch, and circle around once before returning to the branch. 'That's very interesting', muttered El-ahrairah to Rabscuttle. 'I don't see how. It isn't long enough for us to dig a tunnel without being noticed, and we couldn't climb over the wall, grab some flayrah and get out again fast enough.', replied Rabscuttle. El-ahrairah just smiled, signalling to his friend that he had an idea."

"The next night the same thing happened. They went, looked at the rock and returned, much to the confusion of the Owl. On the third night, only El-ahrairah appeared. 'Where's the other one?', asked the Owl. 'He's found another rock, great and wonderous Owl.', replied El-ahrairah. 'I disagree with him, hence I have come alone to sing to this most excellent rock.', he continued. 'Sing?', replied the Owl in amazement. 'Are you completely mad?' "

"El-ahrairah ignored the insults of the Owl, and began. 'Oh rock of wonder. Oh rock of the night. You are the one, with the greatest might.'. He repeated it 3 times, before turning and leaving. As the Owl circled round, keeping it's eye on El-ahrairah, Rabscuttle emerged and dug a quick scrape under the rock, before settling under it out of sight for the night. The Owl returned to the branch, trying to figure out the strange behaviour of El-ahrairah."

"On the next night, El-ahrairah once again returned. 'I have come to sing to this rock again.', he spoke, at which the confused Owl simply rolled his eyes. 'Oh rock of wonder. Oh rock of the night. You are the one, with the greatest might.', he repeated 4 times. As he did so, Rabscuttle began to dig down under the rock, being careful not to cause it to collapse, or to make any visible signs. The Owl would have heard the faint scuffling, however that was the reason for El-ahrairah's singing. To drown out the other noises. As soon as El-ahrairah stopped, so did Rabscuttle."

" 'Why do you keep singing to this rock El-ahrairah?', asked the Owl. 'Because this rock is magical great Owl. If I sing to it enough, legend tells it will deliver me with fresh flayrah. I need never even enter your King's Garden.', replied El-ahrairah, at which the Owl laughed."

"This same event was repeated the following night. On the sixth night, Rabscuttle reached the garden. Without emerging from the soil, Rabscuttle pulled some of the vegetables underground by their roots. After quickly nibbling on some himself to stave off his own hunger, he moved as much as possible to the rock end of the tunnel before the singing finished. The Owl remained totally unawares, transfixed by El-ahrairah and his song."

"On the seventh and final night, he brought along 2 other rabbits. 'Why are there 3 of you tonight?', asked The Owl. 'I haven't had any luck getting carrots from this rock yet. I thought it might be a little more responsive if a few of us sang to it.', replied El-ahrairah. With that, the 3 of them began to chant. 'Oh rock of wonder. Oh rock of the night. You are the one, with the greatest might.'. As they did so, Rabscuttle continued to move flayrah to the rock end of the tunnel."

" 'It doesn't look like that stone's going to be giving you any flayrah El-ahrairah. Whoever told you that silly story was lieing.', laughed The Owl as the singing once more finished. His laughing was cut short though when a lone carrot was suddenly pushed up through a small gap around the edge of the rock. 'It worked. The rock has decided to reward us. Oh thank you rock.', shouted El-ahrairah. The Owl looked on in shock as more and more carrots appeared from the rock. 'B...But this is impossible.', he stammered."

" 'Not impossible, just very rare. Prince Rainbow once told me there are only 3 of these rocks in the world. Rocks which can provide unlimited food for those who sing to them.', replied El-ahrairah. 'I'm surprised the King didn't know about this one.', he continued. 'No, El-ahrairah, he most certainly did not.', replied the Owl. El-ahrairah smiled to himself before continuing. 'Perhaps you should go and fetch the King. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear you found this.', suggested El-ahrairah. 'You mean you'd let me take all the credit for this miracle finding?', asked the Owl. 'Why of course. Without your help, I'd never have found it.', replied El-ahrairah. The Owl lifted off the branch excitedly, creating a shower of leaves with his wings. 'Hold on. How do I know you won't raid the garden while I'm gone?', asked the Owl. El-ahrairah smiled before replying. 'Oh great Owl, we don't need to raid the garden now that the rock has provided for us. Even if we did, I think the King would agree this rock could easily replace everything.'. The Owl pondered over this logic for a short while, before agreeing with El-ahrairah's reasoning and disappearing into the night."

"As soon as he did so, El-ahrairah began to dig at the small hole under the rock to widen it. Soon Rabscuttle popped out, this time with much larger cabbages. They were the juciest and freshest cabbages any rabbit could ever imagine. 'Are we going in to the garden then?', asked Rabscuttle. El-ahrairah looked at all they had assembled before replying. 'No, not this time. I'm sure that Owl will have a bad enough time already when he fetches the King here.', replied El-ahrairah. 'You're going soft, you are.', replied Rabscuttle. El-ahrairah smiled. At that, they picked up all the flayrah they could carry, and headed for home. El-ahrairah's people would not go hungry for some days to come.", finished Dandelion

He panted to catch his breath, before sitting down again.

"Well told Dandelion!", shouted Bigwig, the first to break the silence which had descended upon the enthralled audience whilst Dandelion had told his story.

At that point, everyone else broke in with similar applause for their storyteller.

"And, it has given me an idea for how we can solve this problem.", spoke Hazel, glancing back towards the fence, which had almost become a distant memory to the other rabbits now.

"HaHaa! I thought it might.", replied Bigwig, triumphantly

"I don't see how. For a start we have no rock, and I thought you said we weren't staying near that thing long enough to dig under anyway.", replied Hawkbit

"Who said anything about going under. We use a rock as a stepping stone to jump over.", suggested Hazel

"You're mad you are!", shouted Hawkbit

"It makes perfect sense, lad.", replied Bigwig

"Um I don't like to be a prickly nest...", started Hawkbit, at which everyone rolled their eyes

"But I think I should point out the obvious.", he continued, before pointing towards the garden

"There's a rock on the inside, I'll give you that, but there's no rock on the outside. How do we get in?", he finished

Bigwig sighed at that. Although he hated to say it, Hawkbit was right on this occasion. Sensing his correct analysis of the situation, Hawkbit quietly smiled to himself.

"So we make our own rocks then. All we need are two rabbits on this side who we can climb on before jumping over.", suggested Hazel

"Brilliant Hazel, and I know just the two.", replied Bigwig

Even before his name was mentioned, Hawkbit's smiling face changed to one of knowing disappointment.

"Hawkbit, Strawberry. Pile as close to the fence as you can without touching it.", shouted Bigwig

"Oh fine, risk our lives. Very thoughtful of you as always Bigwig.", snorted Hawkbit

"Hey, we have to take a bigger risk jumping over this thing. You're getting the easy part!", replied Bigwig

"Oh, aren't we the lucky ones.", sighed Hawkbit

"If you don't want to Hawkbit, we're not going to force you.", interrupted Hazel

"You might not, but I wil...", replied Bigwig, before Hazel interrupted

"We're not going to force them Bigwig.", he repeated

"No, It's okay. We'll do it. Just so long as you remember to bring us back some carrot.", grumbled Hawkbit

Hawkbit and Strawberry took up their places close to the fence. Despite not touching any of the wires, they could still sense the presence of it near their fur.

"You stay back. I'll go first, to make sure it's all safe. No point everyone risking injury.", spoke Bigwig, pushing Hazel back gently with his paw.

Hazel sighed.

"Any chance I can change your mind?", he started, already knowing the answer.

"No!", replied Bigwig, breaking into a run. If Bigwig still felt any pain from his earlier experience, he was certainly hiding it well. With a powerful leap, he jumped on the two bucks, causing Hawkbit to wince. Without pausing, he leapfrogged over the fence, before landing with a thud on the other side, sending a small cloud of dust into the air.

After taking a few seconds to regain his sense of direction, Bigwig pulled out a carrot, before running towards the rock to attempt a return journey. With the rock being firmer, and slightly higher off the ground, this proved even easier than getting in.

He landed back on the outside of the fence, close to the two bucks, before speaking.

"Anyone else for flayrah?", he asked, dangling the carrot provocatively in front of the Watership rabbits.

"Just you try and stop us!", grinned Gooseberry, already starting to run.

"Give 'us a minute will ya!", replied Hawkbit, to no avail as he felt the weight of another rabbit going over him.

As the trail of rabbits continued, only Hazel held back in quiet contemplation. The plan had worked. From now on, getting into the garden was going to be an even greater risk, however he knew deep down that as they tried out their new idea under the watchful eye of Frith, they were also being watched by their friend El-ahrairah. He would silently protect them, and ensure they could never be destroyed.

THE END


Yes, I did edit the ending on this, as everyone seemed to think it needed a little more. Hopefully it's now sorted! =:) I said some of it was a bit far-fetched, but hey... it's not as rediculous as a rabbit living several months underground with nothing to eat but moss. ("Who mentioned my name, mate?"). Ah well, we all have to use a bit of imagination from time to time.

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

 

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