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Chapter Text

Nobody would believe Hazel if he simply told them the Black Rabbit of Inle itself had finished the battle for Watership Down. As such, he kept that to himself. As far as everyone was aware, the magic stolen from Hannah and used by Silverweed had sucked Woundwort and the Darkhaven army to parts unknown. It was easier that way.

Although the sun warmed his fur, the scars of what transpired still presented themselves: ramparts, risers, trenches and other battle preparations were strewn across the down. With time, he supposed, all scars would heal.

“Holding up okay Hazel?” The sweet voice of his mate, Primrose, softly carried across his brown ears as she hopped beside him

“It’s over Primrose,” Hazel spoke. “And yet it isn’t. So much will have to be undone before we go back to normal.”

“My love. That can wait.” She smiled, nuzzling against his shoulder. “For now, the -Rah should rest.”

“Is that an order?”

“Far be it for me to order the -Rah himself,” Primrose chuckled. “But as the -Rah’s mate, yes. I am sending you to the burrows to rest.”

With a soft smile Hazel turned to the great oak tree, and hopped down the entrance to the burrows. His cream coloured mate took one last look across the green grassy down before joining him.

~

Spartina watched Bigwig twitch as he laid down, clearly trying to push the pain across his body out of mind.

“That Woundwort really does have a nasty left slash,” the large buck mumbled.

“Well, I’m just glad he didn’t end you,” Spartina spoke as she gently nudged his neck. “I really do thank Frith you’re alive Bigwig.”

Bigwig tilted his head upwards, although wincing slightly. “Well as you said, I have the look of a great warrior and am able to hold my own in a scrum. You yourself Spartina m’dear are a great warrior who could have held her own. I imagine if it were you and I, we woulda made quick work out of Woundwort.”

“Now two against one wouldn’t be too fair would it, even against a rabbit as evil as Woundwort,” Spartina muttered as she sat down, close to Bigwig. “Perhaps we should scrum one day ourselves?”

Bigwig slowly stood up on all fours, grunting. “I couldn’t do that Spartina, I love you too much. I should stop resting.”

Soft voices carried faintly from a burrow over. “Did I just say that aloud?!”

“No Hazel-rah, this time it was Bigwig if my ears are correct.”

“I mean I just sat down,” Spartina sighed. “And now you decide to get up… wait what.”

“I should go and patrol for survivors,” Bigwig stuttered. “Don’t want all four of my legs to stiffen up eh!”

“Are you sure about that? You should rest. Just like Hazel and Primrose are in the burrow beside. And maybe explain to me what that was you just said?” Spartina’s eyes narrowed, as her scarred ears pivoted and aimed themselves at Bigwig. It was as if they joined the rest of her body in an interrogative pose at the buck.

Bigwig nodded quietly, and exited out of the burrow, leaving her question unanswered.

“Nice haunches,” Spartina muttered as she watched him leave. She decided to take her own advice, even if he wouldn’t. Laying her head down and resting.

~

“Bigwig Likes Spartina, Bigwig likes Spartina, Bigwig likes…” A cacophony of unified chants echoed across the common room of Watership Down. Bigwig attempted to navigate his way through, the gaggle of hopping kits encircling him with their hopping chants making it particularly difficult

“Oi you lot sod off!” Bigwig spoke, as he carefully tried to push through the mass of young ones. He could have just as easily used his larger size to bowl them over. However, at least half of them were from Primrose’s litter and Bigwig didn’t fancy upsetting the Rah’s mate.

“So what’s it like to be in love,” Pipkin asked, his eyes wide, nose twitching as he looked up at bigwig.

“Oyyy not you too Pipkin!” Bigwig clenched his teeth, his lip curling slightly. “I expected more for the captain of the Junior Owsla! You’re a yearling now. Act like it!!”

Pipkin’s eyes immediately darted to the floor. All four of his legs tucked into his body as he crouched, like one would do if an elil was attacking. He shuffled slowly away from Bigwig with a hushed apology.

Bigwig stopped and looked towards Pipkin. “I… Oh Frith it!”

With a large vaulting jump, Bigwig leapt over the gaggle of kits, who had not stopped their chanting. As he headed up the tunnel to the downs, he faintly heard a new chant.

“Bigwig’s mad at Pipkin, Bigwig’s mad at Pipkin!”

~

“Hello Miss warrior rabbit. Earth to Miss warrior rabbit.”

A soft voice stirred Spartina to consciousness. “Back so soon Bigwig?!”

Spartina stretched out and looked out as she opened her eyes. Bigwig was nowhere to be seen in the burrow, nor at the entrance. “Must have dreamt it.”

“Nooope. Look downward.” The soft voice again.

Now more awake, Spartina recognized the voice before even looking downwards at the mouse. “Hannah? What brings you here.”

“Well far be it for me to meddle in the affairs of rabbits…” Hannah’s soft squeaking voice was always a delight to any rabbits ears. Spartina sat down, allowing her ears to pivot and fully take in the mouses’ voice. “Ohh. You know. I never realized we have similar chewed up ears! Anyways sorry. Far be it for me to meddle in the relationships of rabbits but. You may want to talk to your mate.”

“I don’t have a Mate?” Spartina’s head titled.

“Bigwig?” Hannah’s head followed the same tilting motion. “If he’s not then why were all the kits chantin'… Oh this is why I don’t meddle in the affairs of rabbits! Regardless, Bigwig’s a close friend of yours. He just gave a right proper lashin' to Pipkin, verbally. I think he really hurt the poor kids feelings.”

“That’s common for Bigwig,” Spartina chuckled. “He’s a bit too brash for his own good sometimes. But that’s what makes him who he is. And why I… I’ll talk with him regardless!”

“Hannah is that you?!” Hazel’s voice suddenly carried from the burrow over.

“Aye tis Hannah!”

Hazel called out once more. “Can you come over when you’re done with Spartina?”

“Duty calls I guess!” Hannah waved to Spartina, before scampering out of her burrow and pivoting to Hazel and Primrose’s burrow.

“Doing alright Hannah?” Primrose’s nose gently touched the top of the mouse’s head as she entered into the burrow. “Especially with the whole. Magic thing? No physical effects or anything.”

“Right as rain I suppose! No effects since Silverweed borrowed it.” Hanna softly preened her ears and head. “What can I help you two with?”

“Just me actually,” Hazel spoke in a half-yawn. “I’m under bed rest for a bit. But I still want to have a meeting tomorrow after Frithrise. With all the animals who helped us. Do you think you can scurry around and tell the down about it? Get Pipkin to tell the non-rabbits as usual.”

“I can do that aye! Though Pipkin might be a bit of a challenge. Primrose you may be wantin' to talk to your litter when you get a chance. They kinda-”

“What did they do this time,” Primrose sighed. “You would think having survived two wars would make them a bit more… mature.”

“They still are Kits,” Hazel offered. “They’ve got both of our candor and brazenness. The same candor that allowed you to escape from Efrafa, and me to come up with the crazy plan to do so.”

“Oh yes,” Hanna chuckled. “The world needs more Primroses and Hazels hoppin’ around. This was more them bothering big old sodding Bigwig, causing him to snap at Pipkin. I’ve got Spartina talkin’ to him about it wheneva he comes back. But you may wanna talk to your litter too y’know.” 

“So don’t cuff them right around the ears, but rather give them a stern talking to,” Primrose spoke as she got up. “Hazel you promise to stay here and rest?” 

“I promise Primrose.” 

Hannah shrugged. “Cuff em around the ears or stern talkin’ to don’t matter much to me. I am just a small mouse givin’ suggestions to rabbits. I s’pose I best be off too!” 

“Well then, may as well help you!” Primrose spoke. Her neck craned downwards towards the floor, chin resting on the ground. “Hop on. I’m sure I can go faster than a mouse?”

Hanna stared at Primrose for a few moments before looking at Hazel. “Is she…”

“My mate is stubborn. You best not tarry. She means it,” Hazel laughed.

“Right then!” Hannah nodded. “First times for everything!”

Chapter Text

The sight of Hannah, riding on the neck of Primrose was probably the wildest sight Hawkbit had seen. Even with everything that he had seen  And yet it was one he had seen none the less. The small mouse shouted as she passed by.

“Meeting of all creatures tomorrow when th' sun sets! In th' Honeycomb!” Hannah yelled from her jockeying position on Primrose as the two passed by.

“Ah let me guess. Woundwort got resurrected by a wanderer and now has powers 10 times that of ‘the magic,'” Hawkbit chuckled, his long ears perking. “What do you think this meeting’s for Strawberry?”

“Hawkbit… I do believe Hazel is giving a victory speech now that we’re finally at peace,” Strawberry’s head shook. “I find myself forever impressed at how your sarcasm knows no bounds.”

“I know it’s just we’ve been at war for so long that im not sure how to act in peace.”

“Perhaps for once,” Dandelion smiled as he playfully jumped on Hawkbit. “Now that we’re at peace its time for you to shut your mouth an just enjoy things. And when did you ever know how to act anyways.”

“Oh like that will ever happen,” Strawberry chuckled. “The day Hawkbit stops talking is likely the day he stops running.”

Hawkbit and Dandelion stopped their playful tussling to shoot a stern look towards the chestnut coloured rabbit.

“What?”

“That. Is not something one ever jokes about Mate.” Hawkbit continued to stare.

“Oh…” Strawberry pawed down towards the ground. “S-s-sorry. I guess a bit of the shining wire is still in me… terrible trauma that.”

~

Bigwigs eyes darted quickly between all the foliage and other flora. He squinted at each bush for a few seconds and then looked up to the sky as he darted cover to cover. His nose suddenly twitched. The all too familiar sent of a rabbit entered his nostrils.

I think I’ve smelt that before. Efrafan? No doesn’t have the bloody acridity to it. Bigwig thought to himself as he sharply scanned. A rustling bush drew his attention to his right. His stance immediately dropped low.

“Oi whos there! Show yourself?”

A murmuring voice babbled from behind the bush.

“Speak up or I’m finding you and it’s gonna hurt if I do!” Bigwig growled out loudly towards the noise, pausing to away the reply. “That’s it I am finding you! I am giving you ten seconds to reveal yourself!”

Bigwig counted down from ten, but jumped into the bushes on three. As the green thicket cleared his vision a large gray rabbit stared blankly forwards. The buck swayed for a few seconds before collapsing.

“Oi mate!” Bigwig called out, to no response from the larger rabbit. The rise and fall of the chest at least let Bigwig know the rabbit was still at least running. “Oi guess I should help this poor big guy out.”

While it took some effort, Bigwig eventually managed to get the larger slate gray rabbit on his back. With a grunting heave he set off back to Watership Down.

“Aye this is a soddin' heavy one. Not one of ours. Wonder how he survived…” Bigwig groaned out. “The feather tells me he’s from Darkhaven. N’ that explains the smell… Just who are you ya big lug.”

~

“Hannah’s ride went okay?” Hazel asked, stirring slightly as Primrose returned to their burrow. “And is Bigwig back yet?”

“Hannah’s ride went okay. She’s even lighter than I would have expected for a mouse. I barely noticed her outside of the tugging on my fur.” Primrose smiled. “And no. Bigwig isn’t back yet. Probably being extra thorough as he does. Will be interesting to see how he deals with us being at peace. For once.”

Hazel slowly and steadily got to his feet. Primrose let out a mutterance of displeasure as she nudged him back down with her forehead in a firm nuzzle.

“I know, I know,” Hazel huffed. “But. Don’t you think there’s a chance bigwig was attacked by Woundwort. Somehow. Maybe?”

Primrose rolled her eyes. “Hazel. Woundwort is gone. You know that.”

“Yes. I know. I know!” Hazel snapped. “But we thought Woundwort was gone before and he came back.”

Primrose’s ears flattened back for a second before she butted her forehead firmly against Hazel. “Hazel! No need to get angry at me.” Her voice softened. “I think it’s more likely that he found a-”

“SURVIVOR! I FOUND A SURVIVOR.”

The loud voice of Bigwig carried throughout all of Watership Down. Primrose and Hazel rushed out of their burrow. Primrose saw and nodded to Spartina, gesturing that she should follow. Spartina joined the duo from her burrow beside their own. As the trio joined Bigwig and many others milling about the burrow they observed a rabbit much larger than Bigwig but with a lighter colour.

“I think he’s from Darkhaven?” Bigwig panted. “Spartina?”

“By Frith th-that’s Granite!” She gasped. “He is from Darkhaven!”

Hawkbit rolled his eyes. “Ohhhhh I wonder if this big guy is the reincarnation of General Woundwort.”

Other rabbits and a few of the creatures, mostly voles and bats hanging from the ceiling, voiced a cacophony of shock and disagreements at the buck’s statement.

“Hmph. Tough crowd tonight!” Hawkbit sassed out as he looked to the ceiling.

“Aye! Spartina. I hate to break it to you.” Bigwig frowned. “He was running when I found him but… I think he’s stopped running.”

Hazel shook his head. “Blackberry would know best! Hawkbit! Be useful for once and help Bigwig bring him down to the infirmary. There’s always hope!”

“Yes sir!” Hawkbit snapped a paw to his forehead in mock salute. “Let’s go Biggy!”

Hawkbit started to shuffle underneath Granite. Suddenly he found himself unceremoniously hip-checked out of the way by Spartina, who took his place. “Oi! What the Frith?”

“If you’re not going to take it seriously! Get the Frith out of the way!” Spartina seethed. “This is a Frithing rabbits life!”

“I…” Hawkbit went to speak before shrugging. He watched as Bigwig and Spartina departed the common room, Granite draped over them side by side. “I didn’t wanna carry him anyways. Besides you two lovebirds have fun.”

“Hawwwwkbiiit,” Primrose spoke. “I have some experience cuffing my kids around the ears and I’m not above punishing bucks who act like children.”

“Save it for the bedroom with Hazel,” Hawkbit chortled, hopping away.

~

Blackberry looked out at the four occupied beds out of the six in the burrow. Two bats, an usual sight seeing them not up on the ground, a mole, and one rabbit. She sighed, glad that it had finally become manageable. It was just a fortnight ago that there were more injured rabbits and other creatures here than space for them. War was hard. Herbs were getting low and she was getting tired of being the only rabbit in the burrow with experience in healing.

Her attention was drawn to the sounds of footsteps from the tunnel entrance outside. Campion hurriedly hopped in, dropping a large pile of leaves he had been carrying in his mouth. “Will this be enough herbs for all the sick?”

“By Frith and the stars above! More than enough my love.” Blackberry looked at the large pile, gently nuzzling her mate. “How did you get so many?!”

His head and muzzle raised, with his chest pushing outwards. “Well you see. I went to the outskirts of weasel territory to get them.”

The adoration on Blackberry’s face was soon replaced by that of worry. “I’m grateful but… please don’t be so reckless. Still, weasels will be the last of our problems. Especially if Woundwort manages to come back… again. I heard commotion in the Honeycomb. Did you know what that was?”

“Sadly I came through the back tunnels. I have no idea what’s going on in the main area. If anything. It’s probably your worried head my love.” A paw was placed on Blackberry’s shoulder as Campion spoke low. “Don’t worry Blackberry. I can feel that it is as if Woundwort’s spirt has been consumed by the Blackrabbit of Inle himself. I feel freer than the day you came to Darkhaven and had my own mark lift from my soul.”

“Oh Campion…” Blackberry’s eyes drooped as she nestled her muzzle into his neck. “Perhaps I do need a break. But I am the only one here who knows anything. I thank Frith everyday that he brought you back to me.”

A loud clearing of ones throat. Their two rabbits quckly looked to infirmary entrance.

“Ahem. Pardon the interruption you two!” The stern voice of Bigwig filled the infirmary. “But there is work to be done! I believe we just found a survivor.”

“A survivor?” Campion asked, craning his neck towards Bigwig and Spartina as he separated from Blackberry. “Wait that’s -”

“By F-F-Frith above!” Blackberry stammered. “Is. Is that. Is that Granite?”

“Aye that it is Blackberry m’dear,” Bigwig grunted as he and Spartina placed Granite down on the nearest bed of large leaves. “He was alive when I found him. But he collapsed and stopped responding soon after.”

“Please, please! Blackberry. Please tell me he hasn’t been consumed by the Blackrabbit of Inle!” Spartina begged as she moved towards Blackberry. Her paw went to the does' chest before she hesitated and backed off, giving Blackberry space. “Please!”

Blackberry looked over the large slate grey rabbit. Her paws pushed and prodded at a couple key points along his chest, hock and forepaws. She laid an ear on his chest and her eyes narrowed. “Nobody move please and hold your breath if you can.”

The room went eerily silent for a few seconds before she spoke again.

“He’s alive but ever so barely. His only chance will be if we heal his wounds and leave him for a long rest. Campion could you-“ Blackberry started to speak to her mate, before realizing he already was off to the storage area.

“Which ones!” Campion called back.

“The hollyhock and milk thistle. They should both be on the second shelf!” Blackberry yelled out. “I’ll need you to stay and help me move him as I tend to all these wounds!”

“Thank frith he’s alive!” Spartina cheered. “All because of you Bigwig.”

“We should get back and let Hazel know,” Bigwig stated nochalantly before returing to a authoritative demeanour. “Blackberry I want a status report if he gets any better… or worse.”

Blackberry nodded before rolling her eyes. “I’m not one of your Owlsa you know. You can’t actually command me to do that.”

Bigwig went to open his mouth before shaking his head.

"Smart move." Spartina chuckled and gently nudged him out the door. “Let’s leave the experts to their work Bigwig.” She shot an apologetic glance back to Blackberry as she subtly motioned to  in front of her. The two does rolled their eyes in a silent shared understanding before nodding to each other.

“I could do with more experts you know spartina!” Blackberry muttered out loudly as the two departed. “Frith knows you have some experience from Darkhaven..,” she finished in a quieter tone, mostly to herself.

~

Although the commotion in the common room had died down significantly since the arrival of Bigwig carrying in Granite, many of the creatures still milled about. A few rabbits, namely Hazel, Primrose, Dandelion and Pipkin were talking to some of the bats on the ceiling. Other non rabbits relaxed in the large central space in their respective groups, moles, squirrels and other smaller creatures who had helped out in the final battle.

“No, please. Stay as long as you want.” Hazel smiled. “It’s the least I can offer after you helped us defeat Woundwort.”

“Excccceleeeent.” Darkling smiled back toothily. “Iiiif nothing elsssse we shalll sssstay till our wounded are reeeecovered.”

Hazel looked out at all the creatures in the warren’s central Honeycomb. “The same goes to anyone here. Any creature. All of your non-rabbits are welcome to stay here for as long as you need to recover. You helped us save our home so it too shall be your home.”

A cacophony of cheers and nods of appreciation came in reply.

“What a lovely -Rah you are.” Primrose gazed at Hazel. “Frith truly did bless me with you as a mate.”

“Well It’s not all me,” Hazel chuckled. “Pipkin is the one who taught be mostly to trust other creatures, regardless of biases.”

Pipkin flattened down to the floor “Well I uhh… I mean…”

“Take the compliment little one!” Dandelion looked down. “It’s not everyday one gets a compliment from a -Rah”

“Yessssss.” Darkling flittered down from the ceiling and placed a large wing over Pipkin. “You are dessserving of the honouuuur.”

“I’m uhh. I’m gonna go let the moles not here that Hazel-rah said they can stay as long as they want!” Pipkin ducked under the bat wing of Darkling and hopped quickly down another burrow.

A chorus of laughter from the remaining rabbits filled the space.

“Although he’s a yearling he still has alot of kit in him.” Primrose muttered. “I s’pose he’ll grow out of it. Eventually.”

“One does hope.” Hazel nodded in reply, watching Darkling flit back up to his colony of bats on the ceiling. His eyes caught Spartina and Bigwig as they hustled back into the room. “Spartina, Bigwig! How is Granite doing.”

“Thankfully, he has not stopped running. Although he’s not doing all together the…” Bigwig paused and looked at Spartina. “If anyone can heal him. It will be our Blackberry! The important thing is he’s alive!

“Well that’s a relief!” Hazel smiled.

“Good.” Primrose nudged against the side of Hazel. “Now once again. I think the Rah should go rest. You laid your head down for what… a few moments of Frith before going back to Rah duties?”

“And I think we should follow them Bigwig,” Spartina repeated the same nudging motion as Primrose, only on the shoulders of Bigwig. “After all, someone needs to explain to me what it was he said before going off to find Granite…”

“We’re doomed aren’t we?” Hazel chuckled towards Bigwig.

“Aye that we are,” Bigwig laughed. “But it’s best to listen to the does in situations like this.”

“For once, I agree with Bigwig. Now let's go boys!” Primrose exclaimed.

Without much more discussion, the four rabbits departed down towards their neighbouring burrows.