4th Water

Episode 4.2 - The Afterlife

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:

Okay, I finally have Efrafa and Kehaar back in the storyline this week. I fear if I'd left them out for another episode, I might have been lynched. =;)

Oh and for the first time in a long time, I can see a trail to tom... I mean, I'm not starting with a recap of 'Previously on Watership Down'. Isn't that nice of me.


Morning, on the top of the Down

The first of the morning songbirds were just starting to fill the air with their sweet music, as Fiver cheerfully finished morning silflay, and looked out across the Down. Frith had only just appeared above the horizon, covering the land in the light of a fresh new day. He hopped across to where Hazel stood with Fiver, Bigwig, Hannah, Hawkbit, Dandelion and Blackberry.

"So when do we leave?", asked Fiver

"Just as soon as Campion arrives.", replied Hazel

"And have you thought of a plan as to just how we're actually going to get into Efrafa, to get Kehaar out?", asked Hawkbit

"Without General Woundwort there, we don't know if that will be a problem anymore. That's what we're going to find out when we get there.", replied Hazel

"Oh, well that's just marvellous.", sighed Hawkbit, rolling his eyes as only he knows how

Bigwig was about to react, probably by cuffing Hawkbit round the ears again, but was interrupted as Campion came lolloping out from the entrance to the warren. Only 2 moons had passed since the events on the Waterfall. Despite that, Campion had made an amazingly rapid recovery, and had quickly regained the air of confidence which emanated from his every bound. Arriving with the others, he greeted Blackberry with a customary affectionate nuzzle, before beginning to speak.

"What's the plan of action?", asked Campion

"Hazel and the rest will stay back from Efrafa. Me and you will scout further, as we know our way around better than anyone.", spoke Bigwig

"Fine then, can we go now. Kehaar's been in there long enough, don't you think.", shouted Hannah, popping up from Bigwig's long fur

"Yes, we'll go now. Although Frith knows what we're going to find.", spoke Hazel. Before he'd even finished, Bigwig had already started to move swifly across the soft grass of the Down.

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

Deep in Efrafa

A large grey buck slid across the floor, knocking several of his comrades out of the way.

"Get him, Mudwort. Finish him off!", chanted several of the other rabbits

A brown buck, staggered past. The painful battlescars down his right flank all too plain to see. As he prepared to strike, the other buck, his body displaying similar wounds mustered all his strength, jumping up to pin Mudwort to the floor.

"Order! Order!", squeaked Vervain's voice, from atop of Woundwort's famous platform

"They don't appear to be listening, mate.", sniggered Moss

"As Chief Rabbit, you all take your orders from me!", shouted Vervain

Several of the assembled Owsla officers glowered at Vervain, sending a chill through his bones. Without saying another word, Vervain slowly sank back into the shadows out of sight.

"This isn't right, I tell you Moss. The General clearly stated that in his absence, the highest ranking Owsla captain automatically takes control.", squeaked Vervain

"But the General isn't here to enforce that is he. Let's face it, no-one's going to listen to you, mate, are they?", replied Moss

Vervain paused, before replying

"This is all your fault!", he shouted, with his usual exasperated tone of voice

Moss rolled his eyes without replying, before walking off

"Hey come back here! I want to shout at you some more! Come back!", squeaked Vervain, stamping his foot, but Moss continued to ignore him. Vervain sighed, as he stood alone

"Is there any other rabbit who wants to argue with me?", shouted Mudwort, as Vervain peered over just in time to see the other buck crawl away. Mudwort looked up at Vervain

"Wait for me!", he whimpered, running to catch up with Moss

"Seen the Black Rabbit again, eh mate?", sniggered Moss

"What, don't be so insolent. I just thought I'd accompany you, and make sure you weren't plotting anything.", replied Vervain, causing Moss to sigh

At that moment, a shrill gull's cry pierced the air. Vervain shivered

"That Gull is really starting to get on my nerves.", he spoke

"Well why don't you let him go then. It's not as if he's of any use to you anymore.", replied Moss

"Me? ME!", squeaked Vervain, with an incredulous stare

"Well, mate, I somehow doubt anyone else is going to if you ask.", pointed out Moss, indicating to where the bucks were fighting again

Vervain crept tentatively towards the large stone covering the entrance to Kehaar's cell. A small gap around the edge bore scratch marks where the gull had been worrying the stone with his beak. As he neared it, the beak once again appeared at the gap. Vervain jumped backwards, letting out a noise somewhere between a yelp and a scream.

"I know you there ugly Vervain. I know all, ya.", squawked Kehaar. Vervain rejoined Moss, before speaking

"On second thoughts, I think we should leave him there. Yes! We wouldn't be able to move that rock without the Owsla anyway.", he spoke, his voice starting off as a tiny squeak

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

On the outskirts of Efrafa

Bigwig emerged from the bushes near Efrafa first. He looked around cautiously, sniffing the morning air and listening to the wind rustling though the leaves, before beginning to speak.

"Move quietly. Who knows where the Efrafans are hiding.", he whispered. He began to move forward, before stopping suddenly. He sniffed again

"Man.", he finally spoke

"Oh wonderful. What next. I'll just lie down in the grass now and die shall I?", snorted Hawkbit

Bigwig crept forward, the soft grass under his paws not making a sound, and sniffed a nearby bush. Much to everyone's surprise, he suddenly jumped back.

"What is it Bigwig?", asked Hazel

"A Shining Wire.", he replied, the words still causing him to flinch

"What!", shouted Hazel

"Everyone move away from the bushes. Who knows how many of these things there may be about.", he continued

Campion moved forward to sniff the area

"It's okay Hazel, there aren't any more. This one's been here a long time now. Woundwort had the Owsla comb the surrounding area after we found this, and no more were found. I'd almost forgotten about it to be honest. Just avoid this one, and we'll be fine.", he spoke

Following his advice, they all soon passed safely. Little was said by anyone, until eventually Bigwig spoke

"It's awfully quiet, isn't it lads.", he started, blatently stating the obvious

"Hmmm... there should be sentries posted out this close to the warren.", continued Campion

"Can't say I'm complaining!", muttered Hawkbit

"But who's to say this isn't a trap, my son. There could be a whole army of Efrafan Owsla scattered about here, just waiting to pounce.", snarled Bigwig

It dawned on Hazel for a brief moment that Bigwig was probably hoping for such an ambush, as an excuse to act heroicly as usual. He shook his head, and diverted his mind back to the task at hand.

"Right, Bigwig and Campion, you go down first and see what's there. Nothing fancy, just quietly scout nearby for what information you can find.", he spoke, although deep down, he didn't expect Bigwig would pay much attention. From past experience, he knew that if the Owsla captain had the idea of doing something crazy embedded in his mind, nothing could dissuade him.

"We'll be back soon then.", replied Bigwig, almost sounding eager to leave

Hazel watched as the two bucks moved quietly in the direction of Efrafa.

"Frith watch over over them.", whispered Blackberry, as they disappeared from sight

Soon...

Bigwig and Campion both paused to look out across the valley of Efrafa. It was deserted. The normally macabre scene of the slave squads toiling on the land, the purpose of which never being revealed, had now given way to silence and dereliction.

"Still no sign of any patrols.", spoke Campion

"Without Woundwort, the Owsla must have disbanded. Come on, let's go in.", replied Bigwig

"You know what Hazel said.", replied Campion

"Oh, you don't know Hazel.", started Bigwig

"When Hazel says 'Nothing Fancy' he doesn't really mean it. He just wants to appear a cautious leader in front of the others. Come on!", he continued, heading for the warren entrance

Campion shook his head, before following.

"Why do I have the sudden feeling Bigwig's doing something stupid again?", shuddered Hazel suddenly, from where the others were waiting

Bigwig entered first, while Campion stopped outside. The Efrafan Owsla were once again fighting amongst themselves. Bigwig, although he wouldn't admit it, was secretly disappointed by the fact that none of them paid any attention to him.

"The elil picked off 3 more of the officers today, mate.", came Moss' voice, as he walked out on Woundwort's main platform with Vervain

"The Owsla are becoming weak Moss. They'd never lose under Woundwort.", replied Vervain

"It's the fear of Woundwort who kept away the elil. He's one of the few rabbits who could take on a fox and likely win, and they all knew that. News spreads fast. Now that they know he's gone, they're starting to target the warren.", explained Moss

"The Owsla can tackle Elil if they're told to. All they need is some discipline, Moss.", replied Vervain

"Don't tell me you're going to teach them discipline, Mate.", sniggered Moss

Vervain was about to reply, when he set his eyes upon Bigwig.

"Bigwig!", he started

"It's the outsiders! Take him!", shouted Vervain

Several of the officers stopped squabbling. They looked up at Vervain, then across at Bigwig, before promptly returning to their arguing.

"Get them I tell you!", repeated Vervain, his words sounding weak and hollow. The Owsla completely disregarded him.

"I'm Chief Rabbit, don't you realise!", squeaked Vervain

As he was about to continue his ranting, Campion finally entered the gathering place. Vervain suddenly stopped, his eyes widening with a combination of disbelief and fear

"C... C... Campion!", he eventually managed to gasp

"I... It can't be. You're dead!", he squeaked, his voice by now almost disappearing

"Sorry to disappoint you again Vervain.", replied Campion

"By Frith, it's great to see you again, sir.", shouted Moss, preparing to jump down

"You fool! Don't you remember! He... He's a traitor to Woundwort! He's a traitor to Efrafa!", squeaked Vervain, flitting his gaze back and forth between Moss and Campion. No doubt, Vervain was secretly jealous of the way Moss instinctively referred to Campion as 'Sir', whilst only referring to him as 'Mate'.

He paused, frantically trying to think of something else to say

"G... get them! Arrest them!", he finally managed, instilling no response from the Efrafan Owsla once again

"Doesn't seem as though they listen much to you, does it Vervain.", replied Campion

Vervain was about to reply, when screams were heard from outside

"Elil! Elil!", screeched two rabbits, one doe and one buck, running in amongst the Owsla officers

Several rabbits, including Bigwig and Campion, looked out of the entrance. Although they couldn't actually see the enemy, movement could be seen in the bushes, and the unmistakle smell of a weasel filled the air.

Panic spread like wildfire through the Owsla. The tough, burly officers who'd spent most of the day fighting with each other, started running about frantically.

"Odd. This isn't the Efrafan Owsla I remember.", Bigwig muttered to Campion

"Woundwort was the only thing that kept them in check. There wasn't the need to fear elil to the same degree, as he alone could fight off most attacks.", replied Campion

"Attack the elil. Now! You are my Owsla officers!", shouted Vervain, his voice clearly having no impact

"Why won't they listen to me, Moss. What have I ever done wrong?", sighed Vervain

Moss resisted the urge to burst into laughter at the question, before replying

"There are only two reasons they'd follow someone, mate. Either because they respect you, or because they fear you. Neither of them applies in your case, does it!?", he replied

"Aren't you going to do something Vervain?", asked one of the Owsla bucks, stopping to look at him. Vervain looked absolutely gobsmacked, as another spoke

"As chief, Woundwort would have fought against it, and protected the warren. You've been keen enough to keep telling us you're Chief Rabbit. You get rid of it.", came the voice

"Me? Take on elil?", squeaked Vervain, trying desperately to grapple with such an outrageous suggestion

At that moment the weasel emerged from the bushes, and began to descend into the desolate void that was the Efrafan valley. Vervain, catching a glimpse of him, let out a high-pitched squeal, before running out the back of the platform.

"Remind me how he became an Efrafan captain will you Campion... Campion?", started Bigwig, looking round to realise his companion had vanished. Running up to the entrance, he saw Campion disappear into the bushes with the Weasel following.

"What is he doing?", asked Mudwort, as several of the other Owsla officers appeared at the entrance

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out.", replied Bigwig, following, perhaps secretly disappointed that Campion was in on the action, rather than himself.

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

Nearby, with Hazel and the others

"They're taking a long time, aren't they?", sighed Hawkbit

"You don't suppose they've been caught by the Efrafans do you?", Hazel asked Fiver

"I don't think so.", replied Fiver

"I hope Bigwig hasn't gone against what I said, and done something stupid.", sighed Hazel

He wandered a few steps away from everyone else and looked out across the fields, desperately trying to hide the fear in his eyes from the others. What had happened to them? Was this now going to turn into a 3-way rescue mission? Wa...

As the thoughts ran through his mind, he suddenly set eyes upon Campion running along in the distance, parallel to them. As he wondered why the captain wasn't heading in his direction, a weasel suddenly came into view, followed shortly afterwards by Bigwig, then about 3 Efrafan officers. Hazel sighed

"I think Bigwig's gone and done something stupid again!", he spoke, turning back to face the others

Bigwig, having seen them, broke off from the line of others to rejoin Hazel

"What in Frith's name is going on?", asked Hazel

"A weasel attacked Efrafa. Campion's leading it off somewhere.", panted Bigwig

"Leading it where though?", asked Dandelion

"I don't know! That's what we're trying to find out.", replied Bigwig, as Campion and the Weasel disppeared from view

"What was the last thing I said to you?", sighed Hazel

"er... Something about silflay rules.", replied Bigwig hesitantly

Hazel started to stare impatiently at Bigwig, when suddenly they heard a yelp coming from the direction Campion had disappeared to

"Campion!", screeched Blackberry, beginning to run

She had only moved a few steps, her paws pounding the grass, when Campion suddenly reappeared in the open

"What just happened?", asked Hazel, catching up with him

"See for yourself.", replied Campion, before being knocked to the ground by an over-affectionate Blackberry

Hazel and Bigwig pushed their way through the bushes, to be greeted by the sight of the weasel, struggling in a snare. The Owsla officers were all assembled, keeping a safe distance as he thrashed about.

"er... I'd thought of doing that too, but didn't want to tell anyone.", coughed Bigwig

"Let's get back to Efrafa.", finished Campion, not looking in the slightest bit exhausted from running

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

Soon, back in Efrafa

The Watership rabbits soon arrived back at Efrafa. By now Frith was directly overhead, beating down through a clear blue sky. Little did they anticipate the sheer efficiency with which news travelled. Upon entering the warren, they were greeted by raucous cheering, disturbing the young leaves on trees for miles around.

"Campion, Campion, Campion!", chanted the Owsla, much to Campion's surprise.

Upon hearing the commotion, Vervain quickly reappeared on Woundwort's platform where Moss was still standing.

"What's going on Moss? What's the meaning of this?", he asked

"Looks like somebody's made them happy, mate.", replied Moss

"All hail Campion-rah.", shouted Mudwort

Campion was genuinely surprised at this. That paled in comparison to the surprised expression on Vervain's face however.

"What!", shouted Vervain

"All those in favour of instating Campion as Chief Rabbit?", shouted Mudwort, with which the rest of the Owsla cheered in agreement

"Seems he's earned their respect. Perhaps you could learn a lesson from him, mate.", whispered Moss to Vervain

"Say you'll lead us Campion. We need someone brave, someone fearless. A rabbit who can rebuild the warren.", continued Mudwort

"Not a weak, snivelling copy of Woundwort, who doesn't know his place.", he muttered, glancing over his shoulder at Vervain

Campion paused, trying to think of a reply. The idea of living on Watership Down with Blackberry was still fresh in his mind, and now this responsibility presented itself. He looked at Blackberry, hoping for some sort of guidance.

"Whatever you do, I'll be there.", she whispered to him, bringing a gleam to Campion's eye. He turned back to face the Owsla, but before he could reply, they broke in with cheering again

"Campion-rah, Campion-rah, Campion-rah!", came the chants, with Moss now joining in

"This isn't right! He's a traitor to Efrafa! W... Woundwort gave his orders. I am Chief Rabbit!", screeched Vervain, jumping about on the spot, and trying desperately to make his voice heard

"I don't think anyone's listening to you.", spoke Moss, stopping his chanting to speak

"Face it Vervain. The War's over!", shouted Hazel

"It'll never be over, I tell you. One day, I'll have my revenge!", squeaked Vervain, breaking into manic laughter, as he retreated back into the shadows.

"Come on. Let's go and find Kehaar.", shouted Hannah

Campion and Blackberry faded into the group of Owsla officers, as the rest passed. He listened to them chant, before looking around at the walls of Efrafa. Previously, they had always felt like a prison; cold and restrictive. For the first time in as long as he could remember, that had changed. They now glowed with an insulating warmth and a feeling of protection. Silently he knew that with devotion, they should continue to do so forever more.

THE END


2 episodes down, and I've finally tied up most of the loose ends from the last series. Next week I can finally begin on something totally different. Whether that's a good thing or not remains to be seen.

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

 

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