Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 38

Chapter 38: A Promise Kept

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting warm rays over Watership Down, Fiver stood outside the burrow, taking deep breaths of the crisp morning air. The earlier vision still lingered in his mind, heavy with its foreboding presence. He could feel the weight of his friends' expectations on him; they had faced so much together, and he didn't want to let them down.

Hazel approached, a reassuring look in his eyes. "You know, Fiver, you've been doing a great job," he said gently. "Your visions are important to us. We need you, especially now with this new threat."

Fiver nodded, a flicker of determination igniting within him. "I know, Hazel. I promise I'll do my best to hold it together. I won't let the visions make me sick again."

Hazel smiled, and the warmth of his encouragement bolstered Fiver's spirits. He could feel the camaraderie of his friends surrounding him, reminding him that he was not alone in this struggle.

"I made it through the last vision without getting sick," Fiver continued, "and I'll do it again. I have to be strong for everyone." He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the resolve he needed to summon. The promise he made to himself felt like an anchor, grounding him as uncertainty swirled around them.

With a deep breath, Fiver concentrated, trying to push away the anxiety that threatened to rise. He had to believe in his strength and the strength of his friends. Just then, a flicker of movement caught his eye. It was Periwinkle, Bigwig's daughter, playing in the grass nearby. She was laughing and chasing butterflies, carefree and innocent.

"See?" Fiver said, turning to Hazel. "We have to protect that joy. We can't let the beast take that away."

"Exactly," Hazel replied, his tone resolute. "We'll stand together."

Just then, a shadow passed overhead, and Fiver instinctively looked up. The shape of a hawk glided gracefully through the sky, a reminder of Kehaar's visit. "Let's focus on training today," Fiver suggested. "We need to prepare for whatever lies ahead."

As the rabbits gathered for their morning meeting, Fiver shared his vision again, outlining the importance of staying united against the impending threat. They discussed strategies, training exercises, and how to keep morale high.

Fiver felt a sense of purpose growing within him. If he could keep his promise to stay strong and not let fear take hold, he could help lead his friends through whatever challenges awaited them.

As the day progressed, Fiver joined Bigwig and Hazel in the training sessions. They practiced their movements, honed their skills, and built their endurance. Each time Fiver felt a wave of unease wash over him, he reminded himself of his promise and focused on the laughter of his friends.

Later, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow across the landscape, Fiver sat with Hazel and Bigwig under a large tree. "You know," Fiver said, a smile breaking across his face, "I think I'm really going to make it through this."

Bigwig chuckled, "You're doing great, Fiver. Just remember that we're all here for you. Together, we can face anything."

With the last light of the day fading, Fiver felt a sense of hope rising within him. He had faced his fears and kept his promise, standing strong alongside his friends. As they looked out over the peaceful hills, he knew that whatever darkness lay ahead, they would confront it as one.

And that was a promise he intended to keep.