Episode 3: The Journey Begins
After having a successful meeting. Fox was now nominated leader to the Farthing Wood animals, his bravery and good instincts would pursue the animals on their journey to the nature reserve 'White Deer Park'. Others were also appointed various roles too. Badger was nominated quartermaster in case something ought to happen to Fox, the birds Owl and Kestrel would be scouts flying ahead of the group ,and of-course Toad will be their guide since he'd already journeyed from the destination, that will change all their lives forever. More importantly, Loveday was convinced to become guardian and mentor. Apart from her secret powers, she'll use her human nature to help them overcome any obstacles.
Right now. She and Fox were having a conversation outside Badgers sett, before they headed to the Great Beech. Fox had some revelations to confess.
"Are you saying that I wasn't the first human to be engaging with animals?" asked Loveday
"No. I know clearly well" Fox replies "I recall when I was cub playing with my siblings, I somehow got lost. Then I saw food laid out as if it was meant for me, as I got closer a large box fell on top of me. I then realised I'd walked straight into a human trap."
"No! you didn't" Loveday gaped
"Yes, and my only source of light was through a peephole. I looked into it and saw a large man holding a gun and dog coming for me, I was absolutely finished until that woman came to my rescue. She wore a ring like yours, only it was Ruby."
"Did she perform stuff like mine?" said Loveday surprised
"I remember seeing her fending off the man and dog with it. She shot these energy lights that punched them down with brutal force, the lights looked similar to yours only more powerful. Thanks to her she scared them away and released me from my prison, I was picked up by her and she nuzzled me comfortably. It did help me feel calmer afterwards. She brought me back to my worried parents, who for some strange reason, already knew her and they talked to each other. Like we're doing now.
"Did she have a name?"
"From what my father told me. I believe it was Mary"
"Mary? Wait! my grandma's name was Mary"
"Was it? But that's not all Loveday"
"Sorry?"
"Her full name was Mary Maples"
Lovedays breathing stopped "Impossible" she murmurs. "I know my grandma used to be a naturalist here, but surly she never used a sacred crystal like mine, how could she own two powerful rings?" she thought loudly "I don't even know where that ruby ring is myself"
"Are you alright? Fox asks
"You-You were saved by my grandma with another sacred crystal! I really don't believe it" gasps Loveday
"You must've known your grandma was up to something, she did save me after all. Did you know she had her own ring?" Fox said
"I didn't Fox. Helping her nurture the forest was one thing we did together normally, but she didn't tell me anything about owning a sacred ring or being able to talk to animals or the Dimension"
"The Dimension?" Fox said suspiciously
Loveday should've said that "Uh oh"
"Loveday is there something your hiding from me?" Fox said narrow eyed
"Alright. I'll confess" Loveday told Fox about what she encountered in the hidden realm. Where she learned that Kell rescued her and he brought down secrets about her ring she wasn't ready to understand, until now.
"Blimey" Fox swore "I have heard stories from my mother about the legendary fox named Kell, he was said to be the first Fox to ever make peace with many creatures throughout the land he roamed. Now I don't know what to think"
Loveday concluded they were in the same boat "you're not the only one who's confused here, but I do need to know if there's more that my grandma's hidden from me?. Maybe my reason being here is? that we're being tested spiritually for something important" Loveday wondered, scratching her blond scalp.
"No offence to you Loveday, but I don't really believe in spiritual material" Fox said pacing around her
"That's alright I understand, there are things without a clear meaning until we discover them ourselves" said Loveday
"There you go again with your words of wisdom. Next thing you know, you're going against Owl in competition hahaha" Fox chuckled, whilst loveday giggled.
"You really are a fantastic fox in your own way, hehe" joked Loveday
"Thanks, you're rather foxy yourself for a human" Fox complimented
Loveday beamed "Nobody's ever said anything as nice as you have before. Though how are we gonna figure this whole mystery out.
Fox took a moment to think "For now. I think its best that we keep it to ourselves till something strange occurs. I never thought I'd say this to you Loveday, but I seriously don't know how I'm going to cope with this leading job"
"You just need to give it time to settle in yourself. I know I'll be facing the difficulties with my own role" Loveday advised. While she thought about how far this adventure may affect her physically and mentally. Maybe building a friendship with the animals will help fulfil her unanswered questions about life itself.
"Okay, if you say so. Right now, you should be with Badger and your register at the Great Beech where everyone is waiting" Fox remembered
"Before I get there. I just wanted to say I'm glad you found me in the first place Fox, this is one adventure I wouldn't miss for anything" Loveday smiled
"The pleasures all mine" said Fox turning serious again "Now off you go"
"Aye Fox. See you there" called Loveday pulling on her bag and rushing towards the meeting spot.
The whole forest had an eerie atmosphere that night. Especially with the unmoving bulldozers parked silently, with leftover logs and tree trunks still scattered everywhere. As Loveday passed by a part of the construction site. She saw in the distance a spooky looking church and graveyard beyond the woods boarder. "This place is now getting haunted" she thought. Just then dark flapping shapes were everywhere making poor Loveday shudder. Only they were just bats out hunting in the moonlight for moths, Loveday then hurried along.
Elsewhere Badger was also making his way over to the great beech. Owl rushed over to him "Better hurry Badger!. If your late they'll never get to start" Her voice hooted. This prompted Badger to hurry on his feet.
In an enclosed area surrounded by bushes was a leaning Log, that had once been known as the Great Beech tree before it fell to its end. All the animals had gathered themselves around it. Eagerly waiting to leave their dying world to the great unknown beyond the forest borders. They were so excited that even Mrs Field-mouse was singing a cheery song.
"We're going away. We're leaving today. We're going away. We're leaving today and heading for-" Sang Mrs Field-mouse. Jumping with excitement as some of the creatures clapped to her rhythm.
"W-White Deer Park!" finished Field-mouse with a gleeful smile. They all laughed happily afterwards.
Well, almost everyone was excited. Pheasant hated having to brave the new world they were going to, because when you're a game bird the worlds your enemy. "It's a nightmare" he groaned.
"Yes dear" said the pheasant hen, daring herself to not disagree with her mate as always.
"How would they like it, if they were hunted all the time. They'd not be singing and dancing then." Pheasant says, gesturing his wing towards the excited crowd.
"No dear" agreed his wife again
"I'll be a sitting target" Pheasant said, looking rather hysterical
His wife tries her best to keep him calm. "I'll do my best to look after you"
"You! What good are you!" Pheasant shouts, right into her depressed face.
Meanwhile. Both Badger and Loveday were extremely busy with the organisation of making sure everybody was ready to leave. Badger summed with his fingers, while Loveday monitored the animals all around.
"Let's see here. Squirrels check!, Weasel check!, Shrews check! And Hares check!. That should be it. Oops and Adder! check!. Wait a second Moles missing." Loveday looks around to see if she'd missed him, but he was not there yet. "Oh, confound it! We can't go without him. Um Badger?"
"23, 24, 25" Badger counted, taking no notice of Loveday.
"Badger?" Loveday asks again.
"26, 27, 28"
"BADGER!" Loveday yells
"Hmm. Sorry Loveday did you say something?. Oh, don't worry I haven't forgotten you either. 29, 30"
"Badger! Moles missing" Loveday says looking worried
"Mole? Did you say. Oh dear, what's become of him this time? He can get easily distracted you know" Badger said, glancing around for Mole.
Fox clambers onto the log, above everyone else. "Are we all here Badger?" he asks looking down.
Badger signs deeply " 'fraid not Fox. Loveday said Mole is missing"
"Aye. He can't be far" Loveday reasons, looking to Fox "I'm sure he'll be here any minuet"
Adder on the other hand, had ideas of her own "Let's do ourselves a favour. And give him the slip! Moles slow, stupid and tasteless. If Adder had the nerves to turn around, she'd probably regret saying those offensive words. Mole had arrived unseen, to hear Adder bully him to tears and tunnel himself away.
"He's better company then you any-day Adder" Badger said, supporting his little friend no matter how struggle-some Mole may be. "We cannot leave without Mole"
"Sorry Badger there's no time to waste. We're going now!" Fox exclaims serious. Adder laughed herself to hearing this.
"Oh, for goodness sake" Loveday says under her breath. Then she quickly had a bright idea "Fox! You and the rest go on ahead and give us a few more minuets'. Mole, Badger and I will catch up with you" she says grabbing onto Badgers arm and disappearing into the bushes suddenly.
"Only 10 minuets more!" Fox yells to Loveday, who was already gone with Badger to find Mole.
"Alright Everyone! We're moving off" Fox then announces.
"Hooray! Hooray!" They all cheered excitedly; the hour to they're big adventure had finally struck.
"I hope Loveday will catch up to us?" Fox said to himself "Toad! Take the lead and remember were all relying on you" he commanded to Toad
"Right-o Matey!" Toad replied, jumping into his guide position.
Before they made a start. "Water!" the baby newt cried dryly. The Newts were so dehydrated, they struggled to move or worst of all breathe.
Owl took pity on the Newts "It seems some of us can scarcely put one foot in front of the other. The newts won't last the night" she says seriously
"Only you can find water in the dark, Owl" Fox proposed, knowing they all had to find a drink somewhere.
Owl considered "True. I shall fly ahead, rely on me" she said flying away.
"Good luck Owl" wished Rabbit
"Luck is something were all going to need" Fox murmurs. He leaps off the log and starts exiting out of the Great Beech. "Now remember everyone. Stick together!" he instructs.
"Yes Fox" the animals responded. They all immediately follow after him, forming into a straight line behind.
"Gee! Gee! Kestrel shrieked happily, taking off herself'
Pheasant was enjoying a lazy snooze instead of listening to Fox.
"Wake up dear" his wife whispers.
"Don't Shot!" Pheasant screams, now fully awake.
"Time to go dear" the pheasant hen explains, as they too took off. After them.
Every creature was now at full speed ahead. There was walking, hoping, flapping, scurrying, running, pacing, slithering and crawling. Fox checked behind him as they all bided farewell to Farthing wood. Thankfully no one else was left behind. "I hope they've found Mole now" Fox thought, desperately wishing Badger and Loveday would hurry up.
Meanwhile Loveday and Badger rushed as hard as they could through the bushes. Badger started to get angry. "Oh, where is he? Where is he?" He kept growling "I'll give him late. He's always late. Be late for his own funeral that Mole!"
"Maybe my ring can help" suggested Loveday, taking no notice to Badgers muttering. "Ring where is Mole? Take us to him quickly" her minds voice said. The ring beamed and the glowing organisms made what looked like a path for them to follow. "Badger quick. Follow the trail!" Loveday points out. They both ran along it until they were at a patch of grass. The lights trail then disappears.
"This can't be right. Where's Mole?" Loveday said confused
"Well your ring could've picked a better time to let us down" Badger grumbles disappointed.
"Mole! Mole! Loveday calls "Mole please come out!"
"Mole where ar-" Badger then spots a snake of mounded earth, moving beneath him. There was only one creature who could do that.
"Oh!" Badger growls, while his head shook.
"Aha!" Loveday spotted it too.
"Allow me!" Badger says taking a big step, he stomps right onto whoever it was.
The creature bumps right against his foot. "Eek!" it said with a fright.
"Is that you Moley?" Badger asks, looking relieved
Indeed, it was Mole "Go Away!" he squeaked from underground.
"Mole, everyone's waiting for you. We have to go now!" Loveday calls down to Mole.
"Don't stop Loveday. I'm not going. They could plead and plead with me, but I've made up my mind. I'm not going. Mole cried
"Why ever not Mole?" Badger asks loudly
"What's wrong?" Loveday asks concerned
Inside his tunnel. Mole replied looking really hurt and depressed "Because…because it wouldn't be fair on the rest of you" he said bursting into tears
"Nonsense Mole! We couldn't leave without you" Badger talks to him from above.
"I'd only hold you up, because I'm so little and…and" Mole stuttered, looking above himself as if he really was facing both his friends.
"And what, Mole?" Loveday asked
"S-S-Slow!" Mole answered her
"Slow?" Badger mimicked
"And T-Tasteless!" Mole hesitantly said
"Ah. Adder" Badger remembered
"Let me talk to him" Loveday says sitting next to the molehill. She realized what Mole was going through.
"Mole. You know better than to take offence to Adders words. We can't help the way people judge others individually. I know it really hurts but you've got to have some self-belief in yourself." Loveday reasons
"H-How do you know" Mole cries, listening to her.
"I used to get tormented by words all the time at my old school. My own classmates called me offensive stuff just for their own amusement, because I preferred to be different. I got so depressed, that I started crying everywhere uncontrollably. Until I learnt that the only way to avoid being offended easily. Was to positively accept the beauty you possess deep inside, without giving yourself consequences.
"Really?" Mole asks sniffing.
Badger listened "I never thought, humans could live to harass their own companions.
"I know" agreed Loveday "The point is Mole, you're not useless. You have great skills and I'm sure they'll come a time during this adventure; we may need your help most of all.
"You should listen to Lovedays advice, Mole" Badger explained "We all took the Oath of Mutual Protection and that means…it means I'll look after you Moley.
Mole finally surfaces himself out through the grass, feeling calmer. "All the way?" he asks timidly.
"Nobody shall be left behind all the way, especially you" Loveday says leaning down. She gently picks Mole up and gives him a motherly embracing hug. Mole hugged Loveday back tightly and rubs his tears away on her shoulder. "Feeling better?" Loveday whispers.
"Mmm-Hmm" Mole nods smiling. it felt so comforting being cradled in Lovedays arms and Mole never experienced anything like it before.
Loveday kindly hands Mole over to Badgers paws.
"It wouldn't be the same without you, Mole" Badger whispers smoothly. If Badger said he'd look after his little friend, then he would. "Honest?" Mole asks sitting in Badgers paw. Badger brings Mole over to sit on his shoulder "Honest Moley, you're coming with me. Leave you behind indeed" Badger exclaims.
Mole was overfilled with happiness to know his best friend Badger was by his side "Oh Badger" he says clinging onto his fur passionately.
"There see Mole, you're lucky Badgers allowing you to ride on him" Loveday said brushing Moles head. Moles cheeks turn red by Lovedays stroking fingers.
Loveday looked at her wrist "Wow! Look at the time" she says checking her compass watch. "Fox will be leaving the woods at this rate. Come on" she says running onwards.
"Hang on Moley!" Badger instructs, running after her.
They both hurried away, running fast through the thick bushes and trees. "Ow! Oh! I say Badger. Ouch!" Mole complained, barely holding onto Badgers fur, he was having such a rough journey.
On the outskirts of Farthing Wood. Fox and the animals were waiting impatiently for them to arrive.
"Come on Loveday, where are you both? Fox said under his breath. Time was running out and he was growing worried. "Get ready to move everyone. We can't wait any longer" he forcefully declares.
"Mum, is Loveday coming?" asked a baby rabbit
"Yes. She's the only human who can protect us from the human world herself" Rabbit responds. Before her long ears picked up something "Don't panic. I can hear something".
"Wait for us!" shouted a gruff voice, rustling in the woods
"Aye, we're coming" says a high voice also
"Wait for us!" the gruff voice repeated.
Then Badger and Loveday approached the crowd, rushing out of the greenery panting hard. The animals were so glad, they cheered "Hooray! Hooray!" for them.
"Good old Badger" Rabbit hurrahed
"We would've been sorry to leave without you" said Fox proudly
"Not half as sorry as us, eh Mole" said Badger, turning to Mole who was ashamed for the hold up. "If it weren't for Lovedays persuasions, Mole wouldn't have the sense to return to us" Badger finished.
"Aye, it was nothing" Loveday said back humbly "At least we're all finally together now"
"You don't have to tell me twice" Fox said looking pleased with her "Well done Loveday". Loveday smiled back.
"Well uh…better get a move on eh" Badger prompted as they all left.
All at once the Farthing Wood crowd, plus Loveday. Ambled themselves away from the forest, down to a location full of unfinished buildings, still being constructed. As they all walked pass the place, some of the forest creatures began to feel nervous.
"I don't want to panic but is this going to be a v-very long journey Toad?" Rabbit asks
"Oh har, matey. Going to be a terrible long it is" Toad answered as Adder came forward.
"Don't believe a word he says" Adder meanly says
Toad stood his ground "I've done this journey, so I know. Don't worry Rabbit I'll get ya there"
"Says who? Says you" Adder hissed
Toad was angry at her "I don't know why you bothered coming?" he said jumping away.
"Just came along for the ride" Adder responds
Rabbit pointed towards the struggling newts "Don't panic, those newts are on their last legs" she said to Adder
"Lucky they've got any" Adder complains, sliding away.
Rabbit bounced over to the newts. The baby newt was so weak he collapsed exhaustedly.
"What's wrong?" Rabbit asked them.
"Our baby's dying" Mrs Newt tearfully explained
"If we don't find water soon will all die" Mr Newt said also. His words started to spread panic amongst the other animals.
"I can face it. Tell me are we going to die Fox? Field-mouse asked nervously to Fox.
Weasel popped out "Probably hahaha. Wanna take bets on it" she teases
"Perhaps we should go back?" suggests Hare "Do you think we should?" said his wife beside him.
Fox had had enough of this. "No one's going back!, there's nothing to go back for" he firmly reasons.
Loveday heard the whole conversation and came over. "Please, will you all just calm yourselves down. We've only just begun the journey and your already overreacting" she went over to the poor Newts "Until we do find any water, you Newts are gonna travel in my bowl. Just jump in and I'll carry you"
The newts were really flattered by Lovedays offer and jumped in the bowl that she held out for them. "Thank you Loveday" they said kindly.
At that moment Owl wheeled over "Only fools waste time discussing thirst, when there's water a few minutes away" she said leading them in a direction.
"In the nick of time Owl. Well done!" Fox praised, feeling relived.
"Oh, thank goodness" signed Loveday
The animals followed Owl excitedly.
"Water! Whoopee!" "I'm really thirsty" said both the squirrels.
"Don't panic, Owls found water" Rabbit says to her family and Hares.
"I'm as dry as a rabbits warren" Badger states as Mole jumped excitedly on his head.
Loveday quickly followed them, clinging onto the bowl with the Newts inside "Owl said its not far. Think you can make it?" she asks the newts.
"Needs must dear. Just keep going" Mrs Newt said trusting her
"Be careful Loveday" Fox said running beside Loveday. He was worried in-case Loveday dropped the Newts while she ran.
"Aye trust me" Loveday said back "I know how to handle things delicately"
After they all passed the bulldozers and portable offices. They followed Owl to an area of new houses looking all spiffy and luxurious. Owl flew over a high hedgerow where they peered their heads right into a garden.
"Look at all that water" Badger said surprised.
"That's a swimming pool" Loveday said
"What's a swimming pool?" Fox asked
"It's a type of pond for us humans to swim in" Loveday described
"Can humans swim?" Toad asks
"Most do. We swim either for sport or relaxation" Loveday replied
"Har, now there's something we don't hear everyday" Toad laughed
The animals kept urging to go towards to the pool, after living for days without water they really needed to quench their thirsty dry throats.
"Water at last"
"Oh, I can't wait"
"Please can I have a drink"
Then a reminder struck Loveday "Fox I've just remembered something important"
"What is it?" Fox said
Loveday explained "Swimming pools contain a substance called chlorine. It means if you drink the pools water it will make you really sick"
This made the animals really upset "What?"
"And how do you know its poisoned?" Hare argued
"Yes, I really need a drink. You see I've not been very well lately" Mr Rabbit complained
"Loveday I think you should go examine the water for us first, before we jump to conclusions" Fox insisted
"Very well" Loveday crept silently across the grass, wearily edged the pool and sipped some water from it in her flasks cup. It tasted nothing like chlorine, it was totally hygienic. "By the taste of it, they never did put stuff in" Loveday thought.
She hurried back to the hedge.
"Well?" the animals asked.
"Its alright. Whoever owns this pool forgot to clean it with chlorine" Loveday "You can all go drink it now"
The animals got over-excited, even their tongues hung lose. "Can we now?" Mr Rabbit said
"Alright but…" before Fox finished, Badger rushed on forward with the others "Don't make a noise".
"We're saved! We're saved!" Mole cheered happily
"Mole shut up!" Badger hushed "If those humans hear us we're done for"
While Loveday picked back up her bowl with the newts, the animals ran over to the other side of the pool with stairs leading down into the water. Toad however jumped onto a pink lilo and dived off it into the pool, making a loud splash!
"How can a creature as small as Toad manage to be so noisy" Fox complained, as both he and Loveday headed straight for the pool.
"Well he hasn't been swimming for ages, might as well let him enjoy himself" Loveday said bringing the Newts over to the pools edge.
"Just be sure we don't get caught" Fox asserted her
"Getting caught is the last thing on my mind" Loveday thought. The rabbits, Hares and squirrels drank first on the lower steps in the pool. Weasel and the pheasants drank next.
"Okay Newts, here you go" Loveday says dunking them into the water. As she watched from above the water, the newts sprang back to full health and life with satisfaction.
"I better refill my flask, but first I'll have a long drink too" Loveday murmurs to herself. She went over to the steps and joined Fox and Badger to satisfy her thirst.
Adder was on the pools edge "This is going to be interesting" she said laughing
Toad who was swimming back and forth, feeling a home. Popped his head up "Come on Adder, get your feet wet" he prompted
"Chance would be a fine thing" Adder responds
Weasel saw her opportunity to have some fun "Got a bit of a problem Adder, hahaha. I could get you a drink, no trouble. How much is it worth eh"
"You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" Adder threatened
"Fair enough" agreed Weasel, grapping onto Adder tail with her mouth. "I've been wanting to do this for ages" she teased.
Poor Adder felt stupid, by agreeing to Weasels deal "Swindler, sharper, sneak-oh! Mmmmm" she said being dunked by Weasel clinging to her tail. Adder soon forgot all her troubles as she bathed halfway in the water.
"I'm too small to reach the water" Mole said. All the small animals, the Field-mice, Voles, shrews and Hedgehogs couldn't possibly be able to reach the water either.
"Don't worry. You can all reach the water if you use us as a bridge or have Loveday lift you down to it" Fox said solutional. "cling on tight" he said as Mole climbed down Badgers back.
"We don't want any accidents" Badger whispered, while the mice and shrews slid down them.
"All aboard" said Loveday. The voles and Hedgehogs boarded her hands and were lifted down like an elevator. Finally quenching their thirsts.
"I hope the others are keeping out of trouble" Fox murmurs as the little creatures surrounded his face onto the lowest step.
"Don't worry Fox, they'll be alright" Badger calmed him
"I'll keep watch on them for you" offered Loveday climbing back up the stairs
"Thanks" Fox replied coolly
Before Loveday could do her bit, she had to refill her water flask before she forgot. What she didn't know was, the rabbits and hares were all curiously sitting on the lilo.
"Haha, you oughta take up swimming mateys. Its lovely" Toad said
The rabbits didn't feel like trying Toads passion. "Oh, no fear Toad. I had a cold recently" Mr Rabbit excused
"I'm frightened of water too" Rabbit said
"I didn't say I was frightened. I'd said I had a cold" Mr Rabbit argued
"Go on! Enjoy yourselves. Just dive in nothing to it mateys" Toad persuaded
"Dive in!" the Rabbits shrieked
"Yes, look I'll show ya" Toad went under, then without warning shoot up out of the water like a rocket. He landed right on the lilo making it swing like a seesaw. The rabbits were so scared of falling off, that they squeaked at the top of their lungs.
"What the?" Fox noticed
"Oh no!" Badger heard too
"What going on? Loveday asked. She turned to see the rabbits and hares playing seesaw on the lilo, while making a racket. Toad jumped back in the pool.
"Shut up the lot of you!" Fox yelled to them. Worst was still to come.
Loveday saw lights being turned on in the house. They'd been heard from by the owners. "Fox! We've got company" Loveday shouts, pointing towards the house. Everyones jaws dropped, including Weasel who'd forgotten about Adder and accidently dropped her into the pool.
The riders on the lilo were also tilting into the pool.
"Get off the lilo! Now!" Loveday yells. She started to panic because she didn't want to be found and taken away, back to her life of unhappiness. Fox himself had to take immediate action.
"Toad, Newts, Adder get out of the pool now! Badger get everyone through the fence. Follow Owl!" Fox ordered as the lights in the house got brighter. "Come on! Come on!" Fox shouted to them. Toad and the Newts exited the pool, but Adder couldn't get herself out.
"Excuse me sir" Adder called
"Oh, don't worry Adder I'll think of something to get you out" Fox responds
Loveday beckoned the other animals over to the fence with Badger. "Go, go, go" Loveday said.
"Move along there. Follow the others, that's it. Fast as ya can" Badger said also.
Adder was getting impatient with Fox "Psst! Still here foxy. Submerged but not sunk" she complained loudly
"Oh, shut up!" Fox growled; he grabbed a bamboo cane which stood up a delphinium plant.
Suddenly at the back door was cat-flap. A great fat ginger cat appeared "CHOW!" it roared licking its dripping tongue, at the sight of the mice and other tiny creatures it called food.
"Oh no!" Badger said
"Fox! Hurry! Danger!" Loveday shouted
"Run for it you two" Fox said holding the cane over to Adder.
"Ahhhhh!" the cat alerted its owners. It tried getting outside the door, but he was too fat to fit himself through.
"Go on! Now!" Fox yelled back to the hesitant girl and Badger. They both ran away to the fence. Once they were safely inside the bushes they watched as Fox was struggling to rescue Adder.
"What's taking them so long?" Loveday said looking worried
Back at the pool. "What am I supposed to do with this eat it?" Adder said examining the cane.
"Hang on to it. You silly, slithery-" Fox bickered crossly
Adder took offence "Say you're sorry"
"Alright! If you insist" Fox apologised. Thankfully Adder violently snapped her jaws onto the cane and Fox with all his might, flung her into the air. Landing right on front of the cat. Adder made her escape.
"Oh, I didn't know we had eels in our pool" the cat said confused.
Loveday felt a powerful urge flowing in her veins, she forced herself back towards the front door where the cat was.
"Loveday! Go back!" Fox called to her.
"Take this, you Fatso!" Loveday screamed. Pointing her ring without any care, balls of light shot out at the cat-flap. Causing the door to slam right onto the cats face.
"Come on Loveday!" Fox said pushing her away. They ran back into the fence, joining the others.
"Yay!" they all cheered "Good old Fox and Loveday" Mole praised
"Fox saved our lives and Loveday defeated that cat" Mr Rabbit said amazed.
"Who's the real hero or heroine then? Hmm" Weasel said confused
"Loveday that was the stupidest but bravest thing you've ever done. Don't disobey me like that. You nearly lost control of your ring back there!" Fox scolded
"I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me there?" Loveday apologised
Badger stepped in "I think there's a lesson for everyone here. At lease we're all safe and everyone's had some water"
Fox looked calmer "Sorry Loveday, I didn't mean to be angry. I was just scared for you" Fox apologised back
"Aye as I am, I'll take better care to not lose control of myself. I'll keep practising using this" Loveday said looking down at the pink crystal.
"So anyways, onwards we go" Fox declares as they all left.
"You know one thing?" Loveday asks walking swiftly up front.
"What?" Fox answered
"Whom-ever owns that property isn't going to like the mess we made in the garden" Loveday giggled, everyone else laughed.
Well almost, Owl perching on the fence thought to herself. "So, Fox's cunning mixed with Lovedays creativity saved the day. Still as Confucius say 'Lets see what tomorrow brings" she says flying away.
The hours of night-time had passed by quickly. Dawn was now breaking to its fullest. Loveday was feeling sore and exhausted "I hope we'll take a break soon; my feet are killing me now" she thought. The other animals pace had slackened too. After traveling all night, they slowed their steps and Toad couldn't lead on anymore.
Fox called up towards Kestrel, who had already scouted ahead beyond the community of houses "Kestrel! Can you find us a safe place to rest?"
"There's a large gorse thicket. It's on the armyland straight in front of us, but first" Kestrel replied. Coming up to a broken gate, Fox saw the thicket behind a wired fence, but a road was cutting their route to it. "I see what you mean" Fox then understood.
Loveday caught up to the gate and yawned. That's when she saw the road, it looked a lot bigger then how she naturally saw it when she was normal sized.
"Fox?" she said tiredly
"I know Loveday. I know" Fox said calmly as Badger came up himself with Mole sleeping on him. "Loveday does this place look familiar?" Fox asked
When Loveday tried to think her head felt painful "My heads too tired to recognise it Fox, but I know this road is dangerous. It's the truck road, they always drive here unnoticed by anyone"
"Don't worry, you relax a minuet and leave the rest to me" Fox whispered
"Aye" says Loveday sitting down beside him.
"Badger, we have a slight problem" Fox explained
"Oh no, do we really have to?" Badger sighed, looking at the truck road.
"Looks horribly like it. That gorse thicket is the only safe resting place anywhere near" Fox said
"He's right Badger. We'll have to risk it am afraid" Loveday said also
"But we've been traveling all night. We're worn out" Badger argued as Owl landed on the gates beam.
"Everything comes to he who waits, including death on the road" Owl coaxed grimly.
"Owls right! The cars will be here any minuet" Fox agreed "They'll kill anything trying to cross"
"Fairly, cars can kill humans as much as they kill animals worse without regret" Loveday let out "Fox we can't lose any time, If I remember correctly this road becomes busy in about um…half an hour I think" although Loveday was tired she still had plenty of spirit in her.
"You stay here with me Loveday. Badger go back down the line and hurry everyone up" Fox ordered
"On my way Fox" Badger answered, turning back
"Kestrel! Keep watch for us" Fox demanded
"You haven't got long there's something coming!" Kestrel called back as she keenly observed above the road.
"Why don't I go help Badger?" Loveday offered
"You look like you'd pass out if you did" Fox reasoned "I want you to save your energy for helping us get across"
"Aye, I see now" Loveday said "I wish we were in White Deer park now"
"We'll get there, thanks to you and your ring we've already made better timing" Fox said
"I'm flattered" Loveday responds "Your also quite a charismatic hero yourself"
"Don't push yourself" Fox snickered while they waited.
Meanwhile Badger tried his hardest to hurry the exhausted animals. They were panting and pushing themselves painfully on their dragging feet. Even Mrs Vole refused to walk another step and had to be pushed by her Vole son.
"Now then, I know your all tired but…" Badger paused
"Your all very tired I know" Weasel mimicked, making a face similar to badgers expression.
"Please do hurry up! Its actually rather important" Badger scolded as Mole assisted him.
Weasel mimicked again "It's actually rather important"
"Uh Badger?" Mole said
"What is it Mole? come on Hedgehogs not far now" answered Badger
"Please can I get down?"
"What on earth for Moley"
"Its just" Mole just wouldn't say it.
"Spit it out Moley" Badger demanded "Wonderful work Voles just a few more yards and your there."
Mole finally spoke up "It's just, I feel so guilty riding along like this. Everybody else is so tired and I'm not helping at all" he moaned.
Badger appreciated Moles sympathy for the others but knew it was best for a slow-paced creature like Mole to stay safe on his head. He never even felt Moles weight on him.
"Your more help where you are. Then you would be on the ground Moley" Badger comforted
"I could keep up, now that you've all slowed down" Mole suggested., he just wouldn't give himself a break.
"I'll swap places with Mole anytime" offered Adder, slithering pass them.
"What would you hold with? Your teeth! Hahaha" Weasel joked
Adder whipped her face against Weasels looking outranged "I'd be pleased to steal a ride on you Weasel" she said flicking her forked tongue.
"Stop bickering you two! Everyone's waiting for you" Badger said
Adder calmed her temper "I'll see you later!" she hissed
"Not if I see you first" Weasel spoke back
The Farthing animals gathered themselves on the roads edge. Fox had formed a plan and told Loveday his strategy to get everyone across. Loveday agreed to help him lead the first group of animals to their destination.
Fox started his plan "Owl you can take the pheasants. Fly with over to the other side"
Pheasant had dozed off again, but his wife woke him gently "Wakey wakey dear, just a little bit further"
"Then everyone can be aiming for you" Fox continued to Owl
"An unfortunate turn of phrase Fox" said Pheasant
"We have no time for talking Pheasant" Loveday exclaimed as she kept checking the road.
"Listen all of you, no one moves until I say so. Badger!" Fox said
"Hm who me?" Badger says coming out of a daze
"You and Loveday go first, and guide the rabbits, hares, squirrels and Weasel"
"You can count on us Fox" Loveday answers
"Great. All clear Kestrel!" Fox calls
"Some of the faster animals should go now, the rest wait!" Kestrel responded
"First go are you ready!" Fox asks
"Don't panic" Rabbit says nervously
"Hang on Mole" Badger instructs
"Were ready" Loveday responds "and everyone whatever you do. Don't stop"
The first group listened to Lovedays warning, got on their feet and waited for Fox's command.
"GO! Badger! Go! Loveday go, go, go" Fox shouted. Loveday ran across first leading the first group in front while Badger ran in the rear. They all shouted encouraging words to keep themselves calm as they crossed.
Lovedays heart was pounding hard, she was running faster than she'd ever done before and was feeling scared at the same time. "I think we're going to make it" she thought hopefully, but she carried on leading towards the thicket.
Meanwhile Fox formed the next group. "Now second group. Lead by Adder will be field-mice, voles, newts and Toad" Fox declared
Adder was shocked to hear this "Let them look after their own skins" she complained
Toad himself didn't feel strong enough to cross yet "Please me old mate…I doubt if I can make it" he said panting
Fox kindly granted his green friends wish "Alright Toad. Get your breath first, you can cross with me"
"Watch out rabbits were right behind you, follow Loveday" Badger said panting
Owl was on the wired fence gesturing the group to go through the fence fast. "Go through, go through" she repeated
Loveday was almost across until she heard something. The rumbling noise was approaching her and the animals from the right, it was a truck!"
"Everyone! Jump!" Loveday shouted as she leaped herself through the fence and landed safely in the thicket. After she pulls herself up the hares, squirrels and rabbits all jumped right on top of her, ending up in a big pile.
"Is this what you meant?" Hare asked her.
Loveday struggled herself out from underneath the animal pile "Maybe not" she answered, feeling embarrassed.
"Thanks anyway. I thought we we're goner's for a minuet if you hadn't told us to jump" Hares wife thanked her
"Yes, you saved us" the squirrels said
"Your welcome, but what about the others? I'm going back to check; you stay here where its safe" Loveday instructed as she left to help.
"Are we there yet Badger!" Mole shouted as they got over in time. The truck roared pass causing a hailstorm of loose gravel right at the waiting animals. Instead of taking cover with the little creatures Adder kept complaining.
"Fox you've really upset me. Saddling me with this bunch of stupid-" she didn't see the rock coming to hit her on the head.
"Second group get ready" Fox said "Kestrel!"
"Go now! but be quick!" Kestrel said from above
"Adder Go!" Fox yelled. All the little creatures scurried themselves across with Adder lacking behind.
"After that. There's a lot of traffic coming!" Kestrel informed
Loveday was watching against the fence waiting for them. "C'mon C'mon" she gestured. Luckily most of the second group made it over apart from Adder. Loveday saw her struggling to keep up.
"This is going to ruin my scales" Adder complained to herself reaching the halfway point.
"Go on! You can do it!" Toad called to her
"These clippings scratch" Adder said again.
"Faster Adder faster!" Fox whispered; Adder was slowing herself down.
"Adder stop complaining and hurry!" Loveday shouts out to her "there's a truck coming!"
"That's easy for you to say" Adder replied, until the snake finally saw the set of wheels running to her. She was frozen stiff and in trance. The truck came closer and closer until Badger came to her rescue. He grabs Adders long neck and hauled her over to safety, as the truck rushes by.
"I'd be much obliged" Adder swallows "If you didn't squeeze so Badger" or in other words Adder was thanking him.
"Nice one Badger" Loveday complimented "you saved her just in time"
"Likewise, Loveday. Only one more group left" said Badger as he and Loveday got down on the ground.
"She's made it, she's made it" Loveday heard Toad yell "Can we go now Fox?" He asks
"Now Fox! But quickly" Kestrel calls. This was their finale chance.
"Run everyone! As fast as you can!" Fox shouts as he sprang himself across the road, with the shrews and hedgehogs following. Toad struggled to jump all the way; his pace was hardly getting him any closer to the other side.
"Come on! Come on!" Badger gestures with Loveday beside him. Fox and the rest made it. Toad was halfway across, but he stopped. "Look!" Mole pointed to the next truck driving up.
"I'm coming mateys, toadies coming" Toad panted, not moving an inch forward. "I'm coming matey" he saw the truck and was in trace like Adder was earlier.
"Not again. Toad! Don't look at it! Come here to us!" Loveday screamed
"I know just how he feels" Adder hissed remembering her near death experience.
Toad fainted and curled up instinctively "I'm a goner" he said
"Toad! No!" Lovedays voice was getting sore from all the yelling she had to do.
Mysteriously the truck that was approaching came to a full stop and the driver jumped out.
"Look out Toad!" Fox yelled. He, Loveday, Badger and Owl stared in horror at the scene.
"Goodbye mateys" Toad whispered
"What on earth we got 'ere" the driver says looking at the paralyzed toad. The man was about to pick him up when Owl attacked him from above.
"Get ready toad, I'm coming" Fox said running to him. "Come again matey?" Toad answered in a daze.
While Owl distracted the driver, Fox brought his bushy tail at Toad "Grab hold of my tail quick!" he breathed. Toad awoke himself and grabbed him "Oh right you are matey" he says.
When Fox and Toad made back they all hurried away back into the safety of the Gorse Thicket. Everybody was even more exhausted from their challenge. Loveday had a mixture of feelings she angry at toads actions but was relieved that Fox managed to save him.
"You saved my life there matey" Toad said showing his gratitude towards the leader.
All the farthing animals stared in amazement at Fox. They now saw why Fox was truly the rightful leader among themselves.
"Congratulations Fox your plan worked a treat" Loveday said
"Without you and Badger this would've been harder" Fox said humbly
Owl joined them again after she'd finished taking care of the truck driver "I trust the others reached their destination unmolested"
"If you mean did everybody else get across safely then yes Owl. And thank you for everything you did" Fox answered
Owl did actually enjoy herself earlier but receiving thanks made herself feel impressed "Well it is nice to be appreciated I must say" she said
Badger cleared his throat "And I'd like to say a few words"
"Oh dear. I've had enough excitement for one day" Loveday thought, she pulls out her old blankie and makes herself comfortable on the soft grass. The animals did the same as her. They all closed their heavy eyes and went off to dreamland.
Badger however continued his speech "Especially how proud I am to be amongst this valiant group, much has been achieved even in this one day and-"
"Sleep well Badger" Mole yawned, as he burrowed himself underground to sleep.
"Oh, yes of course. Sleep well everyone. Sleep well" Badger whispered to the scene of sleeping animals and girl.
"Shhh" Fox shushed to Badger.
"Sorry old friend" Badger apologised
Fox looked over towards the sleeping Loveday. She looked so peaceful and snug. Feeling grateful for Lovedays friendship he shuffled his warm body beside her "You're the closest friend I've ever had Loveday" Fox whispered "Goodnight"
"Goodnight my furry friend" Loveday says to herself
Authors Notes:
Hey everyone, I hope my story is getting better for you?
If anyone wishes to share any ideas for upcoming chapters please share them in my reviews.
Have a happy October