It was evening of the following day. Stan and his companions had arrived at a big hill. A sign at the foot of the hill read "South Down."

"So let me get this straight," Stan said to Butters. "You're saying you want us to climb up this place, however far it is, and find shelter on the top?"

Butters nodded. "This is the place fer us. I can feel it."

"But the top must be very high. I can't even see it from here. It'll be open and cold."

"Not in the ground, an' the soil's so light we'll be able to scratch some shelter easily when we find the right place."

"How do you know what it's gonna be like on top of the hill?" Red asked Butters. "We haven't climbed it yet!"

Butters said, "Even though I've never been here before, I feel like I've seen this place somehow. I dunno how to explain it."

"Well, come on," said Stan. "Let's go check it out." He had learned to trust Butters' intuitions by now.

They hopped up the hill. It was three hundred feet high, but because they were walking on four legs, it was easier for them then it would have been for humans.

The top of the hill was flat and wide- it was the sort of hill that is called a "down." "This is great," said Kyle. "We can see for miles up here! That means if any elil show up, we'll be able to spot 'em coming."

There weren't very many trees on top of the down, but there was one small clump of elders. "I think we should head over there, fellas," said Butters. "Just a sorta feelin' I have."

They went to the clump of trees and found five rabbit holes in the center. "Do you think there are other rabbits here?" Tweak asked.

Wendy peered at the ground. "I don't see any footprints or droppings. I think these holes are deserted."

"Wow, Butters!" said Stan. "You found the perfect place for us! Nothing can get near us without us knowing, and there's even pre-dug holes!"

Everyone cheered.

"All right," said Stan. "We'll take turns keeping watch. Kyle and I can take the first one. The rest of you, get some sleep."

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Stan and Kyle sat at the edge of the down, watching the sun set. Stan's heart was filled with new hope for the future.

"There's fourteen of us here," he said. "It's a good start for a new warren."

"We might wanna dig some more holes though," said Kyle.

"Cookie Monster!" a voice said behind them. They turned to see Ike toddling toward them.

"Can't sleep, huh?" Kyle said fondly. "Did you wanna be with your big brother?"

"Wing awound da wosie," Ike burbled as he sat down next to Kyle. Kyle put an arm around him.

"Hate to interrupt a fond brotherly moment, but there's a rabbit coming up the hill," said Stan.

"Could it be Cartman?" Kyle asked. "Maybe he changed his mind about staying in that creepy warren."

"It's too dark to see who it is. Doesn't look like Cartman though, too skinny."

As the figure got closer, they realized it was Mackey. "Hey, Mr. Mackey!" Stan called.

"Stan? Kyle? Oh, I'm so glad to see you! I've been having a terrible time, m'kay?"

Once Mackey reached the top, he collapsed. But after a few minutes he was able to sit up and tell Stan and Kyle of his misfortunes.

"So, everyone died back at home?" Stan said when Mackey had finished. "Including our parents?"

"As far as I know. I'm sorry."

Devastated, Stan was at a complete loss for words. All he could do was stand and stare.

"We shoulda listened to you," Mackey said.

Stan pulled himself together. "At least you're here. You'll be a big help to us. We can use your experience."

Ike was crying. Apparently, he understood that his parents were dead.

Kyle gave his brother a hug as tears welled up in his own eyes. "At least you and me are still together."