After The Battle (Watership Down Fanfiction)

Chapter Two

"Right, well now that's over, let's get to training. First I'm going to see your fighting skills. Birch, Thistle, you spar together over there.", Bigwig gestured to a space near one of the trees, "Daffodil, Dew, Over there", Bigwig's voice faded into the background as Thorn thought frantically, What will I do if someone dosen't like me? What if I'm not good enough? What if- "Thorn and Bullrush.", Bigwig's voice interrupted her thoughts. Thorn felt like a great gust of wind had hit her. She wobbled on her feet a little, righting herself quickly. Bullrush was the one who had been sceptical about her appearance. Bullrush looked at her with an expression of 'What is wrong with you?'. Thorn hated it when rabbits cast that look at her. It made her feel like nobody in the world would ever like her. It made her feel like an outsider. "Right, you two go other there.", Bigwig gestured to the far side of the clearing, by the biggest tree. She walked over with Bullrush beside her, avoiding her gaze. She hung her head low and stayed closer to the ground than usual. When they reached the tree, Bullrush turned around to face her. "Ready?", He asked impatiently. She nodded, not wanting to talk. Before she had time to think, Bullrush lunged at her. She panicked, freezing up. He's bigger and heavier than me. I can't beat him with strength. She felt Bullrush crash down on her, and she winced in pain. But maybe I can beat him with intelligence. She shoved him off and ran to the side. This time when He lunged, Thorn darted to the side, leaving Bullrush flying in midair. He crashed to the ground where she should have been. Dust was thrown up as he landed, she could tell Bullrush had put all his power into the pounce. She then ran around him in circles to confuse him. Bullrush looked dazed for a moment before leaping again. Nothing. Again, he leapt to catch her, only to land in the dirt. Thorn snatched the opportunity and pounced onto Bullrush, holding one paw on the back of his neck and one on his back. She could feel his frustration as he grumbled and went limp in defeat. Bigwig strode over two them, looking impressed. "Well done, Thorn! Good try, Bullrush.", He boomed. With a nod of approval, he trotted away. As Thorn let Bullrush go, she wore a proud grin. I did it. I really did it. And my chief rabbit, my father, was impressed. She thought in pride.