3rd Water

Episode 3.9 - Escape From The Shining Wires

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:

In the words of Bigwig, 'Ha Harrr!'. Yes, I'm doing one of those irritating plot things that they did frequently in the series, and dropping out of the storyline started last week to go off on a completely different tangent. Don't worry though! Unlike the official series, it's only one episode, before we go back to the main storyline for the remaining 4 episodes of the series. There's also another secret Lapine name in here. Loganberry recommended I stick with whatever word order sounds best when Lapine naming, so I have!


Somewhere in the forest...

A large brown buck hopped timidly forward, and sniffed the air. He knew the smell. One of neither distinct safety, nor danger.

"Where are you going, Hedgenettle?", shouted another smaller buck from the entrance to the warren

"Look at this. The trees! Man's cut down a whole ring of them right around the warren.", spoke the larger rabbit

The buck continued forward through the small bare area, where the trees had been cut down, before approaching some bushes

"Don't stray too far.", the smaller buck shouted after him

"Somebody has to. Why shouldn't I?", he asked

"You know why.", replied his friend

"We cannot allow him to go ahead with the plan. Hasn't there been enough suffering already. Come on, there's nothing to be afraid of.", spoke the brown rabbit, disappearing into the bushes

There was an eery silence for a few seconds, before he suddenly popped his head into view again.

"See!", he shouted, before disappearing again

"Come back.", shouted his friend, but there was no reply

He moved forward, but stopped suddenly, as he heard another rabbit behind him

"What a marvellous day is dawned, for us all today. You must join us in the warren, for we shall give thanks with more beautiful poetry.", started the Large Grey rabbit

"Hedgen...", started the other

"What is done is done. We can not yearn for what we should not yearn for.", continued the Grey rabbit cryptically, ushering the younger buck back in the warren

"Yes, Cowslip.", sighed the young buck, looking back over his shoulder at the silent forest.

"Is it Silverweed singing again today?", he asked

"The warren looks at peace with all.", came the obscure reply from Cowslip

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

On Watership Down

Hazel was sat munching on a patch of clover, when Bigwig came to join him

"More Clover, eh? This season's been good to us.", spoke Bigwig

"Mostly!", replied Hazel

"Okay, it's not all been perfect, but it could have been worse.", replied Bigwig

"I suppose. How's Fiver?", asked Hazel

"He's fine. Doesn't seem any worse for wear after his little trip.", replied Bigwig

"Did someone mention my name?", asked Fiver, appearing from behind

"Oh, er... we were just wondering how you were feeling.", replied Hazel

"Much better thank you, now that I'm back on Watership Down.", answered Fiver

"Any more thoughts about Campion?", he asked

"I've thought of little else.", replied Hazel

"Look, I'm taking the Owsla out training again today. We can keep our ears and nose alert for any sign of him.", spoke Bigwig

At that moment, Pipkin came running across with Hawkbit, Dandelion and Strawberry

"Frith's smiling brightly upon us today, isn't he Bigwig.", started Pipkin

"He sure is.", replied Bigwig

The 3 bucks turned to go back to the warren when Bigwig suddenly continued, "Just the sort of day to train in the Owsla."

They all groaned and sighed in unison.

"Why is it, whenever there's a nice day, Bigwig always has to go and spoil it?", sighed Hawkbit

"Can't we just have a day to rest for a change?", asked Dandelion

"Hey, the elil don't rest do they...", started Bigwig

"Oh wonderful! Here he goes with the speech about the Foxes and the Weasels again.", sighed Hawkbit

"... Do you think just because you're resting, A fox wouldn't sneak up on the warren and attack the babies. If you're out alone at silflay, do you think a weasel wouldn't bother you, just because it was a nice day. If...", continued Bigwig, before being interrupted

"Hazel! Hazel!", came a worried voice from the edge of the down

"I know that voice!", shouted Strawberry, moving towards its source. Hazel and the rest followed

"It is him!", continued Strawberry, as Hickory and Marigold suddenly appeared over the top of the down

"You sounded worried. What is it?", asked Bigwig

"There's a problem. A big problem. We need your help!", replied Hickory

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

In the Honeycomb

"Earlier today, one of our sentries stumbled across a new rabbit, calling himself Hedgenettle. He escaped from The Warren of The Shining wires this morning to come and find us.", spoke Hickory

"More rabbits leaving that place! Soon there wont be anyone left with ol' Cowslip.", laughed Bigwig

"That's exactly the problem.", replied Hickory

"According to him, the numbers there are dangerously low. There's hardly any rabbits there now and most of them want to leave anyway. The top poet Silverweed is suspected to have stopped running, not having been seen in 2 days, and he was their main way of hiding from the truth. Cowslip knows that the Shining Wires will close in on him unless he does something.", continued Marigold

"What's he going to do. He wont exactly be able to stop them leaving, if we help.", replied Hazel

"Hedgenettle tells us that a rabbit arrived recently from a warren at the far edge of the wood. Naturally Cowslip's lot extended their usual hospitality. It was only 2 days before the Shining Wires got him. Now Cowslip wants to attract more rabbits from there to fill up his warren.", continued Marigold

"Surely no rabbit would stop at that place. As soon as they find out about the Shining Wires, they'd be off.", replied Bigwig

"By the sounds of things though, the warren they're going for is in a bad state. All the rabbits there are starving, with the elil moving ever closer. The treats offered at Cowslip's might be enough to persuade them to take up the life of fear.", finished Hickory

"So where is this Hedgenettle fellow", asked Hazel

"He's back at Redstone. Cowslip's lot aren't noted for being particularly fit. We didn't think he could manage the journey here.", replied Marigold

"We were hoping you'd join with us to stop Cowslip, and free the remaining rabbits from The Warren of the Shining Wires. We could use your cunning!", continued Hickory

"Of course. We'll do anything we can to free rabbits from that place.", replied Hazel

"Oh, we're not going to have to go back there again, are we.", sighed Bigwig

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

At Redstone Warren

"And you're certain there's enough space here for all these new rabbits?", asked Hazel

"We have lots of room. When we first came here, our diggers were eager to get back to the ways of Elahrairah. I think they got a little carried away!", replied Marigold

"So it's agreed. We wait until Cowslip takes out his party to go to this new warren.", started Bigwig

"How many did you say there would be?", he asked Hedgenettle

"Not many. Most of them are too afraid of the outside world to stray far from the warren.", he replied

"We'll split in 2. As soon as Cowslip leaves, you lot from Redstone go in and get anyone who'll come out. We'll go after Cowslip, and head him off before he gets back. Those rabbits he's fooled into joining him will probably be happy to come to Redstone instead.", finished Bigwig, moving about stones on the floor to help the others visualise his plans

"Hickory! Where are you!!!", came a voice from nearby

"What is it?", asked Hickory, as another rabbit came running into view, panting

"Hedgenettle was wrong. Cowslip's left ahead of schedule. We never noticed he'd gone until no-one came up to collect afternoon Flayrah. He could be anywhere by now.", panted the other rabbit

"By Frith!", replied Bigwig

"There's more though. I dont know why, but man never laid down any new flayrah at all today. Man came past where they've cut down that ring of trees, but never left flayrah. What's there is from yesterday.", continued the sentry

"Odd!", replied Bigwig

"Okay, Hickory. You take your lot to The Warren of The Shining Wires... and remember, stay away from the bushes!", started Hazel

"We'll see if we can head off Cowslip before he gets back. When it's all over, we'll bring all the rabbits back to Redstone.", continued Bigwig

"Oh, and whilst you're at Cowslips, pick up as much Flayrah as you can carry. You want to give a good impression of your warren!", finished Hazel, as he quickly moved away with Bigwig, Fiver and the rest of the Watership Owsla.

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

On the outskirts of Cowslip's Warren

"Everyone, stay alert now, and tread carefully.", whispered Hickory, as him, Marigold and 3 other Redstone rabbits slowly moved towards Cowslip's Warren, trying to remain out of sight

"I'll go in first.", continued Marigold

She darted for the entrance, as the rest followed shortly behind her

"I never thought we'd find ourselves back here.", she sighed, before entering the warren

As they looked around, 2 bucks and a doe were sat at the back of the warren, gazing at the ceiling with glazed eyes. Spotting the Redstone rabbits, the doe ran across, with the other two following,

"Greetings neighbours, one and all. It's so nice of you to call.", she started

"Never mind all that! It's me, Marigold!", she shouted

"Marigold. Do we know a Marigold?", asked the first of the Cowslip rabbits

"No, Never heard of her.", replied the second

"La La La!", sang the third, in some strange self-induced trance

"Snap out of it, Marnang! Cowslip isn't here, so you dont have to keep up the act. We're going to help you escape this place.", explained Hickory

"Leave the warren?", started Marnang, the doe, as the other two began muttering to each other in the background

"Nobody can leave the Shining Wires behind. Cowslip says so.", she continued

"Cowslip lied. You dont have to be slaves to the wires. Look at us! We left, and we've never been happier.", replied Hickory

"Who'll feed us though?", asked the doe

"We feed ourselves.", replied Hickory

Marnang turned back and began muttering with the other two

"Who are you again?", she eventually asked. Hickory and Marigold both sighed in unison

"Look, just come out into the open. See the world. If you still want to stay, then so be it.", he finished

Meanwhile...

"Any sign of him yet?", asked Hazel, sniffing at a tree

"I've picked up his tracks over here.", replied Bigwig, stamping the ground with his hind leg

"Not exactly good at covering their tracks are they?", laughed Hawkbit

"They've never had to before now.", replied Bigwig

"If they went out this way, I suspect they'll be stupid enough to come back on exactly the same track. I say we wait here.", he continued

"You're the Owsla Captain. I'll trust your judgement on that.", replied Hazel

"I wonder how Hickory's lot are getting on.", started Dandelion, before Fiver suddenly gasped in fear

"What is it?", asked Hazel

"Ohhhhh....ohhhhhh!", groaned Fiver

"The fear will end as it began, with nothing there, zorn by man!", he continued, falling to the ground

"What do you mean Fiver?", asked Hazel, catching him as he fell

Fiver paused before speaking, "Something bad's going to happen to Cowslip's Warren."

"How can anything worse happen to that place, Lad?", asked Bigwig

"I dont know. I just dont know.", finished Fiver

Back at Cowslip's Warren

"Look around.", started Hickory, as the rabbits all ran into the open

"There's a whole world beyond those bushes.", he continued

"But nobody can ever pass the Shining Wires.", shivered Marnang

"You can, if you believe you can. Just look at Cowslip. He's already passed them to go and find more rabbits, and expects to pass them again on the way back. It's fear keeping you here, not the wires.", replied Hickory

"We'd rather have time to think about it. Cowslip wont be back for a while.", replied Marnang

At that moment there was a large explosion from the far side of the warren. All the rabbits crouched down, as flames leapt into the sky nearby

"It looks like you've just ran out of time!", shouted Hickory

"What's going on?", asked Marnang, as more flames leapt into the sky from a second explosion

"Looks like man's destroying the warren.", replied Hickory

"But man created it! Why would he destroy it?", asked Marnang

"Who knows why man does anything. Now come on.", finished Marigold, as all the rabbits turned to run

"Stay away from the bushes. Follow me closely.", choked Hickory, amid clouds of thick smoke

The 3 new rabbits turned to look back. Suddenly the reason for the ring of fallen trees became clear. The flames burned brightly on the immediate trees surrounding the warren, but were kept from spreading any further. Large parts of the warren lay collapsed.

"Dont look back. It's too late to look back now.", spoke Hickory

"Come with us to Redstone. You're free!", continued Marigold

"Marigold, you go back with the others. I'll stay here, in case Hazel returns here.", finished Hickory

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

Early evening

"My Bobstone guess is.... 1", hesitated Pipkin

Hawkbit snorted, then lifted his paws to reveal one stone

"Looks like you've lost again Hawkbit! That means you havent won any games yet whilst me and Pipkin have both won... well hrair!", laughed Dandelion

"Pah! This is a stupid game anyway!", snorted Hawkbit, kicking the stone away

"How much longer do we have to wait?", he asked Bigwig

"I dont know. We'll wait until Frith disappears from the sky. If he hasn't come by then, we'll go forward ourselves.", replied Bigwig

"Shh!", shouted Hazel

"What is it?", whispered Bigwig

"I hear something coming through the trees. Fast!", replied Hazel

"Is it elil?", asked Hawkbit

"Keaaaaggh!!", came a nasty cry, before Kehaar suddenly came crashing to the ground

"Finally, there you at! I look everywhere, but no see you!", he shouted

"Are we glad to see you!", replied Bigwig

"Primrose tell me you go to Redstowne. Why you not wait for me?", asked Kehaar

"You were out with Hannah, when Hickory arrived. We didn't know when you'd be back.", replied Hazel

"So what you do out here this late?", asked Kehaar

"We're waiting to stop Cowslip... only he doesn't seem to be coming. Do you think you could fly ahead and see if you can find him?", asked Bigwig

"Is no problem for Kehaar! Should have asked him earlier, he tell you all you need to know.", replied Kehaar, taking off

Soon...

"You're tail-tagged, Hawkbit!", shouted Pipkin, springing upon Hawkbit suddenly from the cover of a bush

Hawkbit turned to tag back, but stumbled on a rock, and fell to the floor. Pipkin scurried away

"Enjoying yourself there, Hawkbit!", laughed Fiver

"Tail-tag isn't a grown up game anyway. I just wanted to keep Pipkin happy.", snorted Hawkbit

"Hmmm... you're not much good at adult games. You're not much good at the younger games. I think some rabbits just aren't meant for playing games, Hawkbit.", whispered Dandelion

Hawkbit just groaned

"Kehaar!!", screeched Kehaar, flying into view, before crashing down to the ground again

"Well, what did you see?", asked Bigwig

"Is not that way. I fly, fly ahead. No rabbits that way. So I fly back. Is already past you. Gone different way back he has!", replied Kehaar

"The crafty old fool!", shouted Hawkbit

"Sometimes this Shining Wires lot are smarter than we give them credit for. Kehaar, go back to the Down, and tell Primrose and the others we'll be a bit late. ", continued Hazel

"Everyone else, lets get going. We might still be able to head them off before they get back to the warren.", shouted Bigwig, already on his feet.

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

Late Evening, on the outskirts of Cowslip's Warren

"Who's there?", shouted Hickory, as he heard movement nearby

"It's just me!", replied Marigold

"So they still haven't come back to Redstone yet.", continued Hickory

"No I wond...", started Marigold

"Shhh...", interrupted Hickory

"I can hear voices.", he continued

"How much further is this warren?", came a voice

"How much further is a question no one would want to answer.", came Cowslip's familiar voice

"I dont like moving about out of cover. Why did you say we have to?", continued the strange voice

"The moon. It's turned everything a beautiful silvery colour, wouldn't you agree.", replied Cowslip

Hickory and Marigold crouched down, as running was heard from nearby

"Hold it there, Cowslip!", shouted Bigwig

"To what do we owe this marvellous visit from such noble neighbours. Come with us back to the warren. I think a celebration is in order, to give tha...", started Cowslip

"You're not taking those rabbits into that death trap of yours.", continued Hazel, catching up with them

"Death Trap? What's going on here?", spoke a skinny-looking new rabbit

"Oh, so he didn't tell you. Well now's your chance. Go ahead Cowslip.", replied Bigwig

"The Flayrah here. It's quite good. There's plenty of room for everyone. When the evening dawn...", started Cowslip

"This whole place is full of snares, and he knows it!", shouted Bigwig

"What? Is this true?", asked the new rabbit

"What is true, if all is false. Let us return to the warren.", replied Cowslip

"There is no warren to return to.", spoke Hickory, appearing from the shadows

"What do you mean?", replied Bigwig

Cowslip ignored what was said, and pushed his way forward. Hazel and the rest followed cautiously

"Man destroyed it, just as he created it.", continued Marigold, as they looked upon the smouldering wreck of the warren

"I knew it! I told you something was coming!", shouted Fiver

Cowslip continued to walk towards the warren, seemingly unphased by what little remained of it

"Come along.", he spoke

"You have to be kidding. That's not a warren!", replied one of the new rabbits

"Come back with us to Redstone. It's a wonderful place, and in it we're free. Not like this place was.", suggested Hickory

The new warren rabbits, as well as the 2 remaining of Cowslip's group turned to leave

"Nobody can ever leave here!", shouted Cowslip after them

"It's over Cowslip! There's nothing left!", shouted Hazel

"The Shining Wires are never over! Never! I tell you! Never!!!!! Aha Ha HAaaaa HAaaaaaaaaa!", screeched Cowslip, breaking into an insane laugh

"Come back with us!", shouted Hazel

"You have to be kidding!", whispered Bigwig

Cowslip didn't reply. He took one last look at the warren, before diving into the bushes, and disappearing into the night.

"Do you think we should go after him?", asked Hazel

"Why bother! He's clearly gone mad! There's no talking to him.", replied Hawkbit

"Come on then. Let's get everyone back to Redstone. There's a new life of freedom awaiting everyone there.", finished Hazel

With that, they turned and headed for the warren, as the shimmering moonlight broke through the smoky sky

THE END


I dont think that came out too bad. I loved having Cowslip in, even if thinking of his dialogue was incredibly difficult! It was nice to have a break from the main storyline, as that's going to dominate the rest of the series from next week onwards.

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

 

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