When Hazel and the got back to the Warren, the storm was gone, and explained the situation to the others.

"We have to make the exchange by the next full moon." Bigwig explained. "Mine, Holly's Fiver's, Bluebell's and all Ex-Efrafa… for Pipkin."

There was an immediate clamor of indignation from all around.

"Give up our Freedom!?" Exclaimed Nettle. "Hraka to that!"

"Some of the Doe's just had kits!" Said Thethunthinnang, as she nuzzled the little one's. "You can't just separate Young from their mothers for one Kit!"

"Thethuthinnang!" Exclaimed Hannah the Mouse. "How can you say such a thing! It's Pipkin!"

"We know that." Said Vilthuril. "But we can't separate Hyzenthlay and her Babies, and the Warren wouldn't last a Season without Bigwig and Fiver!"

"Afraid she's right." Said Captain Broom. "Woundwort would be down on us like winter rain."

"The good of the Warren comes first." Hawkbit said adamantly.

"Give up on Pipkin?!" Asked Hannah heatedly. "You think that's good?!"

"I-I… I never said that." Hawkbit Stuttered, already regretting what he said.

"NO ONE'S GIVING UP!" Hazel bellowed, getting everyone's attention. "We won't surrender and we won't abandon Pipkin."

Hazel calmed down before speaking again. "We have a secret ally in Efrafa."

"Captain Campion." Bigwig added.

Everyone whispered amongst themselves.

"Like that's going to help get Pipkin away from Woundwort." Silver muttered to Kehear.

Meanwhile,

Pipkin sat still as Vervain set down lettuce and carrots around him.

"General Woundwort thought you might like this Flayrah, Young Master Pipkin." Said Vervain, his expression clearly showing irritation.

Pipkin then began munching on his food, stealing a few quick glances up at Vervain, which the bearded Rabbit was quick to notice.

"What are you staring at?" He asked irritably.

"Kehear says you're ugly." Said Pipkin. "You don't look bad to me."

Vervain was insulted. "You need a lesson in manners, you snarky little pup!" And he raised a claw to strike at Pipkin.

"Captain Vervain!"

Upon hearing those words, Vervain quickly changed his action to nervously patting the young buck on the head as he turned to see General Woundwort enter the chamber.

"Perhaps you'd like a lesson in obedience." Said Woundwort.

"If the General wishes to… er, give one." Vervain said, sniveling.

"Young Pipkin is our guest." Said Woundowrt as he went to sit beside the kit. "I won't tell you again."

As he laid down, he motioned for his Captain to leave, and he did just that.

"So." Said Woundwort once he and Pipkin were alone. "How's the Flayrah today?"

"Very good thank you sir." Said Pipkin.

"A soft bed, a dry chamber, food." Woundwort said sweetly. "Nothing wanting here, eh?"

"...When are you letting me go?" Asked Pipkin.

"Missing your mother and father already?" Asked Woundwort. "Not to worry, you'll see them soon."

Pipkin looked down sadly. "I don't have a mother or father Sir." He said. "A Weasel got them both."

Woundwort turned away, as unpleasant memories came back to him.

Flashback.

It was the same every night, Young Woundwort, fleeing the fiery ruins of his home with his mother, coming across the Weasel, and his mother giving her life… to the Young Woundworts horror."

Flashback Ends.

"General? What's wrong?"

Pipkin's question brought the present Woundowrt back to reality.

"I lost my parents too." He said mournfully. "I was your age."

"I'm sorry." Pipkin said sadly. "It's awful isn't it?"

Woundwort rose to his feet. "Well, I can't stay here filling my face can I?" And he hopped out of the Burrow. "If you need anything, just ask."

As the General hopped down the run, Captain Campion stood at attention.

"Captain Campion, ready to return to duty sir-"

"Yes, fine, Carry on." Said Woundwort, not paying attention as he passed.

Campion was confused, he went over to the Burrow the General was just in, guarded by Moss and Oakleaf.

"You're looking better sir." Said Moss. "Dreadful thumping those outsiders gave you."

"Risks of the game Moss." Said Campion, before seeing Pipkin. "New Prisoner?"

"A guest sir." Moss replied. "Pipkin, from the Outsiders warren."

Campion looked closely as Moss whispered. "The General's playing a fancy game of Bob Stones, He'll release the lad if Thlayli and all the deserters return to us."

"Really?" Asked Campion. "Have they agreed to that?"

"Not from what I've heard." Said Moss. "I hope they do though, I don't wanna be the one to kill Pipkin, I sort of like the young fella."

Campion gasped, but quickly put on a straight face. "Well… If it comes to that, I can take the burden off you."

"Uh, thank you sir." Said Moss, unsure of himself as Campion strode off.

"Would he really do it?" Asked Oakleaf. "I mean, kill that young one?"

"Nah, He's one of the alright one's." Said Moss. "Though the not so alright one's… Cold as snow they are."

Meanwhile,

Back on the Down, The Rabbits considered their plans to rescue Pipkin.

"What if we capture Vervain, Orchis or Sainfoin, and trade one of them for Pipkin." Suggested Acorn.

"Woundwort wouldn't go for it." Said Bigwig. "No… We need something clever and tricky."

From a far corner, Hannah and Kehear stood apart from the group.

"What's with them thinking their little Rabbit wars is only their business?" She complained to Kehear. "I've got Idea's too!"

"Huh, damn isolationist." Kehear grumbled.

"Come on Kehear." Said Hannah as she climbed onto the gulls' back. "It's time we fixed things for Pipkin."

And with a flap of his wings, Kehear took off, flying around the area until they came across a mole looking for worms.

"Ey Drumlin!" Said Hannah as Kehear landed. "Pipkins in trouble!"

"Pipkin?" Asked the Mole. "Oh deer, oh me, oh my, We can't have that now can we?"

Later that night,

As night fell, Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig and Hyzenthlay were still brainstorming ideas, but nothing was working.

"So." Said Bigwig. "You, Fiver and Hyzenthlay are above Efrafa's tunnel… right here, Me, Holly, Silver, Blackavar, Buckthorn and Speedwell come out with Pipkin, and you three, along with Violet, Dewdrop and Strawberry, bury it with Rocks."

"It's the sort of thing Woundowrt would expect." Said Hazel. "We'd lose half the warren if we tried it."

"So what else can we do?!" Asked Bigwig as he swiped away the battle plans in frustration. "All you've done is tell us what we can't do!"

"Don't you think I'm aware of that!?" Hazel snapped. "I wish I could think of something but I can't!"

"We're all tired." Said Fiver. "Let's try and get some sleep while we can."

"We've only got till the moon is round Fiver!" Said Hyzenthlay. "We need a plan now!"

A squawk suddenly filled the air, the Rabbits looked up as with a flutter of leather, A Bat appeared and perched above them in the tree.

"I am Darkling." Said the Bat. "Hannah the mouse has told me of Pipkins danger, I come to help."

"Uh, thank you." Said Hazel in surprise.

"Uh, not to be impolite chum." Said Bigwig doubtfully. "But how's one bat supposed to help us?"

"Oh Ho Ho Ho." Darkling laughed. "Not just one of me!"

And before the Rabbits knew it, all through the night, the sky was filled with Bats.

Meanwhile,

Back in Efrafa, Pipkin was giving out orders for fun to the Owsla.

"Hop on one foot and bleep like a sheep!" He told Vervain.

The Bearded Rabbit sighed as he did so. "Baa."

Campion, Moss and Groundsel shared amused looks, while Orchis sat in a corner, laughing to himself, and Sainfoin joined in.

Woundowrt hopped up next to him. "It seems you have a flair for command, young Pipkin." He said.

"Really?" Asked Pipkin. "Doesn't seem so hard to me."

Vervain scuttled next to Campion. "I can't keep this up much longer, Being all "Chummy" and "Nice" to that little Badger spawn!"

"Never mind Vervain." Campion chuckled. "You're not much of an actor anyway."

"I for one find the lad to be a delightful little thing." Orchis said, once he was done laughing. "A pity he's on the "Other Side" elsewise he'd make an excellent operative to mold."

Campion frowned at Orchis, before he hopped forward to address the General. "Sir, permission to guard, we'll want them alert for any incursions by… the Enemy."

Pipkin glanced at Campion worriedly.

"Carry on, Captain Campion." Said Woundwort, as the brown buck departed, Woundowrt smiled at Pipkin. "Perhaps you'll be a Captain of Owsla someday, Just like Campion, Vervain and Orchis."

"I'd rather be like Thlayli." Said Pipkin. "I'd follow him anywhere, to the end of the world evan."

"Ha! And every Rabbit in Efrafa would follow the General." Boasted Vervain. "Evan into the lair of the Black Rabbit of Inle!"

"But they'd do it out of fear." Said Pipkin. "It's not the same."

"So what?" Vervain scoffed. "Don't you know the saying-?"

"Vervain, leave us." Said Woundwort.

"But… Sir." Vervain replied. "I was only-"

"Get out!" Woundwort ordered. "That goes for the rest of you!"

Vervain scurried out of the chamber, followed by Moss, Orchis and Sainfoin.

"Uh, General." Said Sainfoin. "I for one like this kit."

"OUT!" The General barked, and the Sergeant quickly followed after his cohorts.

Woundwort looked down at an unfazed Pipkin. "Why aren't you afraid?"

"Oh but I am Sir." Said Pipkin. "I'm afraid you'll find out where our Warren is, I'm afraid you'll hurt my friends."

"Hm, You hide it very well." Woundowrt commented.

"Bigw-Thlayli said I should use my fear to make me stronger." Said Pipkin, looking up at Woundwort. "That's why you're so strong, isn't it? You'r scared all the time, aren't you?"

"We all do, I'll admit." Said Woundowrt. "Fear is an aspect of all Rabbit life, It makes us who we are."

Flashback,

Young Woundwort sat in his cage, the one the Professor put him in, The Black Cat yowled as it tried to claw at him in the cage, just than, the Professor returned and the Cat quickly scurried away, as the Professor pulled up the cage lid and put some lettuce down for Woundowrt to eat, the young Rabbits eyes narrowed and he turned to the wire that held him back.

He soon began to bite on it.

Flashback ends.

"And so I escaped." Finished Woundwort. "My fear of man gave me the power to do anything I dreamed of, Man has the power to shape the world, here, I am the power, I rule…"

"And everyones afraid of you?" Asked Pipkin. "Is that what you really want?"

Woundwort almost angrily lashed out. "You!..." He stopped himself, trying to calm down. "Go back to your Chambers, Pipkin."

And he hopped away.

Meanwhile,

Campion went over the Broken Bridge and hopped into the woods beyond, While Vervain, Moss, Orchis and Sainfoin watched from afar.

"I thought he said he was patrolling the guard." Said Vervain.

The four Rabbits quietly followed him and stopped at an area with a lone tree.

"He came this way." Said Orchis, sniffing the air, he then noticed a particular Tree with a white stone at its base. "What's this?"

"Campion has certainly been acting strange since his little business With the Outsiders." Said Vervain.

"After the thrashing they gave him." Put in Moss. "It's small wonder."

"It's more than that." Vervain decided. "He seemed awfully chummy with them when we confronted them."

"I thought that was just part of the act." Said Sainfoin.

"Yes, convincing Ill admit." Said Vervain. "Let's see if we can pick up his trail further on."

And they hurried after Campion.

Meanwhile,

Everyone found themselves crowded as Moles, Mice, Bats, Squirrels, Voles, Muskrats, Hedgehog's and other creatures surrounded the Burrow.

"We're glad you want to help Pipkin." Said Rosemary as she, Violet and Hawkbit greeted them. "But let us get organized and we'll sort things out.

It was even more Chaotic on the inside.

"Uh, Would all the water voles gather in… that corner…" Dandelion began.

"We've already got field mice in that corner!" Said Silver as he tried to get the Squirrels attention.

"Over here!" Said Buckthorn as he and Strawberry tried to climb over some Moles.

"Excuse me!" Said Blackberry as he and Dewdrop ducked under some swooping Bluebird. "Could you settle down?!"

From the farthest corner from the mess, Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig, Holly and Hyzenthlay stared at the Chaos with Hannah and Kehear.

"How in frith's name did you find all these creatures Hannah?" Asked Fiver.

"More importantly." Said Hyzenthlay in disbelief. "How did Pipkin make so many friends like this?!"

"I told a few Pipkin was in trouble, word spread and they've all come to help." Said Hannah.

"Right popular young chap he is." Said Bigwig.

"Little Bunny likes everybody." Said Kehear.

"Well, I guess we know our plan then." Said Hazel. "Let's get on with it, I'll go contact Campion."

"Remember." Said Holly. "On stone at the message tree means, meet me right away, two means wait till after dark."

"Got it, good luck." And Hazel left the Honeycomb, leaving Bigwig to get everyone's attention. "Right, Special digging teams front and center! That includes Moles, Voles, Water Voles and Muskrats, on the double!"

The assigned animals obey in earnest.

Meanwhile,

Hazel made his way through the caverns, out the secret entrance and towards the message tree as he investigated the stone.

"He wants to meet right away." He said.

He hurried off to find Campion. "Campion? Hello?"

"Hazel!" Said a voice from the bushes. "Over here!"

Hazel turned and Campion jumped out. "Hello Hazel, you're here about Pipkin?"

"Is he alright?" Asked Hazel.

"He's fine." Said Campion. "But if you think you're gonna get him out before tonight, forget it."

"Don't underestimate us." Said Hazel.

"There won't be a lot I can do to help." Said Campion. "Vervain and Orchis were following me earlier."

"I wouldn't worry about them." Said Hazel. "And there may be a way to help, come on I'll show you."

And they hopped off towards another part of the forest, where they reached a beach tree, some distance away from a stone wall. "This is where we're supposed to meet for the exchange."

"You're not actually going to let Bigwig and the others go through with it, are you?" Asked Campion.

"Not in the way Woundwort expects." Said Hazel. "See that gap in the stones? Woundworts got to come through there, then straight to the beach tree."

"I think I can arrange that."

"And make sure he goes no further than the tree, It's vital."

The two Rabbits returned to their original position.

"Anything else?" Asked Campion.

"Just tell Pipkin to be ready." Said Hazel.

Campion seemed to look away in sadness, Hazel noticed this. "What's wrong?"

"I saw my reflection in a pond today." Said Campion. "It wasn't me anymore, I was looking at a traitor."

"You've chosen a dangerous trail, Campion." Said Hazel. "Sometimes you have to travel alone, It's hard."

"And lonely." Campion said.

Just then they heard Vervain's voice. "Campion! Where are you?!"

Hazel quickly took his que to leave, just as Vervain, Orchis, Moss and Sainfoin emerged from the bushes.

"Where were you?!" Asked Vervain. "I thought you were inspecting the guards."

"I… needed some fresh air." Said Campion, sniffing the ground.
"Were you talking to someone Sir?" Asked Sainfoin.

"No." Said Campion.

"What have you got there Sir?" Asked Moss.

"Outsider tracks, half a moon old." Said Campion.

Orchis sniffed. "Doesn't smell half a moon old to me."

"Must be something wrong with your nose than Orchis." Said Campion.

And he hopped off, followed by Orchis, Moss and Sainfoin. "Come along, Vervain!"

Vervain reluctantly followed last, as Hazle watched them go.

Meanwhile,

Back at Efrafa, Pipkin watched as Woundwort wrestled with one of the Owslafa, Igg and Ook tacked the General, but he quickly shoved them off, then came Bartsia and Chervil, trying to attack him from below, WOundwort intercepted this and whacked them to one side, sending them laying in a heap together.

"So next time then." The General said, as he walked over to Pipkin. "My routine exercise, such as it is."

"You're a very good fighter sir." Said Pipkin.

"I doubt Thlayli could take on three to five opponents at once." Said Woundwort confidently.

"Maybe, but we usually think our way out of situations, so I wouldn't know." Pipkin replied.

"Lucky for you and him then." Woundwort said, sarcastically.

Meanwhile,

Hazel returned to the Willow tree and found Bigwig and the others, waiting.

"Did you talk to Campion?" Asked Hyzenthlay.

"Yes, we're all set." Said Hazel. "And you lot?"

"When I shout loud enough, I can organize raindrops." Said Bigwig, as he turned back to the cave. "Diggers, Move out! On the Double!"

"And the ensemble of diggers ambled out of the cave.

"We've got enough Diggers to burrow towards the heart of the Earth!" Said Bluebell.

"Right, let's go." Said Hazel as he led the way, Bigwig, Fiver, Holly, Bluebell, Hyznethlay, Blackavar and the other Does and diggers left the cave and headed for the beach tree, prepared to enact their plan.

Meanwhile,

Woundwort and Pipkin stood together on the twisted tree, overlooking all of Efarfa.

"I created this Warren Pipkin." Said Woundwort. "No one remembers the original Warren, or what it was called, It was nothing but a few weak, frightened Rabbits, the Elil were everywhere, attacking, killing."

"Must have been dreadful." Said Pipkin.

"It was." Woundwort said. "So I took command, made a coup against the chief Rabbit and a fool named Fiorin, and made their Rabbits into a proper fighting force, and together we traveled the land, bringing order to other Warrens, Hm, Hm, Hm, Hm, those were the days… I gave other Rabbits discipline, order, and when I came upon this land, safety, I could do the same for your Warren too you know, if you tell me where to find it."

Pipkin looked down. "I can't do that Sir."

Just then, Campion, Vervain, Orchis, Moss and Sainfoin arrived.

"Perimeter secure General." Said Campion.

"And the full moon is tonight." Added Vervain. "I suggest we begin the exchange tonight."

"Exchange?" Asked Pipkin, turning to Woundowrt. "What does he mean?"

"Thlayli, Holly, Fiver, Bluebell and all the other deserters are going to surrender to me in exchange for your Freedom." Said Woundowrt.

Pipkin was horrified. "You can't! I won't let you!"

And he jumped off the branch and tried to run, Vervain lunged at him, But Pipkin veered left and caused the bearded Rabbit to tumble into the branches headfirst, much to the General's disappointment.

Moss then tried to grab Pipkin, But the young rabbit avoided him, Orchis and Sainfoin came at him from different directions and jumped him at the same time, only to crash into each other as Pipkin slipped past them, straight into the arms of Campion who quickly took hold of him.

"It's alright lad, It's alright!" He said quietly.

"You can end the war between our Warrens Pipkin." Said Woundowrt as he came over. "Only you can save the lives of your friends, where. Is. your. Warren."

"You don't have to keep fighting anymore, General." Pipkin sobbed. "You're not in a cage anymore."

"Captain Campion." Said Woundwort. "Take him underground."

Campion took Pipkin to the Burrow entrance and whispered to him. "Pipkin, I'm a friend, Hazel's gonna get you out."

As they went below ground, Vervain and Orchis sidled up to the General.

"If Thlayli and the others don't show up." Said Orchis. "Instead of simply killing him, Perhaps we could… Mark the young pup, raise him in the ways of Efrafa, and perhaps he'll make for a promising asset to Efrafan society, wouldn't you say General?"

"That… would be…" The General said slowly. "Like killing a part of myself."

"Sir?" Asked Vervain.

"No, we stick to the plan." Said Woundowrt. "And I'll deal with Pipkin if they don't show."

Meanwhile,

Elsewhere, The Rabbits were beginning their plan, they set about digging holes everywhere, under the supervision of Hazel, Fiver and Bigwig, While Holly, Bluebell and Blackavar stayed with the Does, watching out for Efrafan patrols.

Later that night.

The forces of Efrafa stood ready as Woundwort emerged from the entrance, Followed by Campion, Pipkin was guarded by Moss, Sainfoin and Vervain, while Orchis hopped forward.

"The Convoy is ready to move out General." He said. "We await your command."

Woundwort looked up at the moon, it was full at last.

"Move out." He said to Orchis, as he hopped ahead. "Tight formation."

The Efrafans followed their General's command.

Kehear spied his approach and alerted the others. "Almost time!"

Bigwig, Holly, Fiver, Bluebell, Hyzenthlay, Blackavar, Thethuthinnang, Vilthuril, Nettle and the six other Efrafan Does stood waiting by the tree and watched as General Woundwort and his Rabbits arrived.

"Not taking any chances, is he?" Noted Bigwig.

Holly noticed something else. "He's off the path!"

And he was, Woundwort was hopping forward away from the dirt path.

"If he falls into the trap, We're done for!" Said Hyzenthlay in alarm.

"General!" Campion called. "Over here!"

Woundwort joined Campion on the path, much to the relief of the Watership Rabbits, Woundwort stopped, Campion, Vervain, Moss and Sainfoin stood closest to him with Pipkin, the young buck looked hesitantly to Woundwort.

"Go on, Go on, Go on." He said softly.

Pipkin reluctantly rushed off to his friends.

"Cross the field and find Hazel." Said Hyzenthlay. "He'll get you home."

"I can't leave you!" Pipkin cried.

"We'll be alright." Said Bigwig. "Just go!"

Pipkin disappeared into the grass.

"Surrender Thlayli-rah!" Woundwort called. "You can't escape now!"

"That's what the Fox said to El-ahrairah!" Said Bigwig as he looked to the sky.

In an instant, A Swarm of birds and Bats descended upon Woundwort and his army, Led by Kehear, they overwhelmed the Efrafan's giving the Rabbit's time to make a quick retreat.

"IT'S A SWARM!" Cried Sainfoin, as he and a few other Rabbits fled behind the stone wall. "THE BIRD HAS AN ARMY!"

"Hold your formations!" Roared Woundwort as he swiped at a pair of birds. "After them!"

The Efrafan's quickly made to chase after the Rabbits, but as they did, Moss suddenly fell into a pit, followed by Groundsel, and then Vervain, Campion saw this, and while no one was looking, he also fell into a pit.

Orchis saw the pit he was charging towards and skidded to a stop, only to be bumped into the Bartsia and Wolfsbane and knocked in.

Chervil and Avens tumbled into their hole, and Marjoram and Moneywort quickly scrambled to avoid this, whilst Oakleaf and a senior Rabbit called Thunder tried to jump over a pit, but the latter was unsuccessful.

Woundwort watched in bafflement as his entire army tumbled down into the pits, He looked ahead and snarled, resuming his charge alone.

He didn't see the group of Moles, led by Drumlin, digging away at the roots of the tree, It slowly started to topple over with a groan, leaning sideways towards Woundwort, who saw it and tried to run, but too late, it crashed on top of him and trapped him in the branches.

As he lay, dazed and bruised, he wearily looked up to see Thlayli standing over him with Holly, Fiver, Hyzenthlay and Bluebell.

"Wars over General." Said Thlayli. "And you lose."

He raised a claw to end the tyrant, as he struggled to get free of the branches.

"DON'T BIGWIG!" Pipkin cried, as he suddenly appeared and got between them.

"Get out of the way, Pipkin." Said Bigwig, but the young buck just shook his head "No."

"Do as you're told!" Hyznethlay snapped.

Bluebell looked over and saw the Efrafan's climbing out of the hole's. "It's too late, run!"

And the Watership Down Rabbits beat a hasty retreat! Pipkin stopped to look at Woundwort one last time. "War is not the way General."

"It's the only way I know!" Woundwort said as he watched Pipkin flee with his friends. "It's the only way I know…"

Later, the Rabbits all reconvened and parted ways with their new allies.

"Good flying brothers!" Kehear called out to the Bluebirds and Bats. "I thank you!"

Bigwig confronted Pipkin. "I had Woundwort dead to rights! Why'd you stop me!"

"Woundwort would have killed us given half a chance." Said Hazel.

"I know." Said Pipkin. "But we're not like him are we?"

"No, I suppose not." Said Fiver.

No one else could disagree with Pipkin and together, they all set off for home.

To Be Continued.

This was a pretty good chapter to write, I hope you all had fun with it.

Next time, we'll be doing the Redstone Restoration arc, but for now, I want to focus more on my other stories before than.

Stay Tuned for Now. :)