Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: A Familiar Flavor

As the group settled in after their unusual meal, the atmosphere lightened significantly. Laughter echoed through the park, momentarily pushing aside the tension that had accompanied their journey. However, Bigwig's curiosity sparked as he recalled a particularly unpleasant incident from their training days.

"Hey, Blackavar," Bigwig called out, his brow raised in playful suspicion. "Is that the same lettuce from the prank you pulled during training? You know, the one that made me throw up?"

Blackavar, caught slightly off guard, chuckled nervously. "Well, uh, it might be," he replied, scratching the back of his neck. "But I swear this is different! I wouldn't prank you again... at least not this time."

"Right," Bigwig said, his voice dripping with mock skepticism. "You wouldn't be trying to poison me, would you? Because that lettuce did not agree with me, to say the least."

The others joined in the laughter, and Blackavar raised his paws defensively. "Come on! That was just one time! You have to admit, though, it was a classic prank. I couldn't resist!"

"Classic? It nearly sent me over the edge!" Bigwig retorted, a grin spreading across his face. "Just so you know, I'm keeping a close eye on you from now on. If I see you lurking around any lettuce patches, I'll know to run in the opposite direction."

Blackavar feigned hurt, placing a paw dramatically over his heart. "I'm deeply wounded, Bigwig! You're not going to trust your old friend anymore?"

Hazel watched the playful banter unfold, a warm smile gracing his face. It was moments like these that reminded him of the strength of their bond, even amidst the chaos surrounding them.

"Just remember, Blackavar," Hazel interjected, "we're all counting on you to keep things light, but we need to be careful, too. We can't afford to take any risks with our food right now."

"Agreed," Fiver chimed in, still feeling a sense of unease lingering in his thoughts. "We need to stay alert. Even with laughter, the threat of the efrafans is always there."

Bigwig nodded, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Right. We need to prepare ourselves for whatever comes next. But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way."

Blackavar grinned, lifting the remaining lettuce triumphantly. "Well then, let's make sure this time, we're just enjoying the food! If anyone starts feeling sick again, I promise I'll take full responsibility!"

With a collective chuckle, the group returned to their meal, savoring the strange lettuce as they reminisced about past adventures. Yet, Fiver couldn't shake the feeling that another storm was brewing, one that would challenge them in ways they had yet to imagine.