Blue Strawberry

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

My mind was racing with questions and confusion as the grassy blue hatch shut behind us. We now wander down a maze of dimly lit passageways, with Hogsborne leading me through the labyrinth.

“Is this where you live?” I ask as he seems to know his way through the darkness of turns and crossroads

“Blimey, don’t they teach you anything at school these days, do pigs and for that matter frogs live in warrens?” Mutters Hog

“Well, no, of course not.” I reply, now realising how silly my last question was

“At least you are learning something.” Responds Hog as he turn left at the next dark junction

“So why are we here then?” I question with my rain socked pyjamas still clinging coldly to me

“Obviously, to get help from the rabbits” Explains Hog

“Your right, they teach you nothing at school.” I chuckle

“To be more precise, we are here to see Bunny…..” States Hog as he is interrupted

“Hello, Hog, It’s nice to see you again, have you been working out those muscles again, you are so strong and powerful.” Softly says a lightly tanned brown rabbit as she crept out of one of the burrows and had started to rub herself up against Hog’s leg

“Hello, Bunny, no just digging up the occasional cabbage from my garden patch.” Responds Hog

“Oh, that’s a shame. I thought you’d made a special effort, knowing you were coming to see me.” Relaxingly replies Bunny while flattering her eyelashes at the embarrassed Hog

“Oh excuse me for not introducing my new Friend, Elliott.” Announces Hog as I stand patiently behind him

“So you are the one, who ate the blue strawberry.” Questions Bunny as she survey me provocatively from toe to head

“Yes, very pleased to meet you, Bunny.” I respond as I offer my hand ahead of me

“Very soft hands you have Elliott.” Replies Bunny as she nestles her nose up against my out stretched hand.

“Enough of the flirting Bunny, we need to get to the harbour.” Interrupts Hog

“Shame, the harbours, this way follow me.” Orders Bunny dismissively

“So what exactly are we doing, Hog?” I ask as we both follow bunny’s long thin tail through the dark corridors

“Walking through the warren of course, what else did you think we are doing?” Explains Hog as he frowns at me

“I mean, when we get through the warren and get to the harbour, what is the overall purpose of our journey?”  I ask

“Alright, steady on you’ve only just eaten the Blue Strawberry.” Replies Hog agitated

“I’m Sorry, but it wasn’t long ago that I was lying in bed and couldn’t move my legs.” I point out

“Wow, sorry to hear about your legs, but I guessing that is why Tattershall choose you then.” Responds Hog as Bunny takes a left at the next crossroads

“Why would Tattershall have chosen me?” I ponder trying to keep up with Bunny’s quickening pace

“Because you were in the middle of a storm in your life.” Enlightens Hog as his trotters quicken to keep up with Bunny’s tail

“A storm” I respond not understanding

“You’ve got it, you’re here to put out the storm in your life and ours.” Announces Hog

“Put out a storm, how is that possible.” I inquire

“You’ll find out soon enough, Elliott” remarks Hog as Bunny comes to a stop

“He we are the harbour.” Announces Bunny “Shame you couldn’t stay and keep my burrow warm Hog.”

“Sorry, Bunny, not this time.” Hog replies cautiously

“Maybe, next time then, Hog.” Purrs Bunny as she flicks her eyelashes

“Thanks for your help, Bunny.” Shyly replies Hog

“Good luck Elliott, weather the storm.” Shouts Bunny as we crawl out of the hole and on to the harbour promenade

“Thanks, Bunny.” I shout back just before the trap door closes

“Now we wait for the Ark to arrive.” States hog as he sits on the promenade seat and looks out to sea and the horizon beyond

“The Ark” I probe as I sit next to him on the bench

“The only remaining ship left on the sea, the winds couldn’t break the trusty old ship. She’ll take us where we need to go; we just have to wait for her.” Clarifies Hog

“Bunny, seems nice, she defiantly likes you Hog.” I remark

“She is always offering me a bed in her burrow, there is just one thing I didn’t get to tell you before she appeared.” Explains Hog as it starts to rain

“What’s that?” I wonder trying to cower in vain from the rain

“Did you notice her tail?” questions Hog

“Yes, it was long and thin.” I respond

“Think, Elliott, what tails do rabbits have?” asks Hog

“Short fluffy ones” I presume

“See they do teach you things at school.” Chuckles Hog

“So she has a different tail.” I wonder as the rain starts to get stronger

“Elliott, Her name is not just Bunny, it is Bunnyrat.” Informs Hog as he puts his coat hood up “That half rat on her father’s side I believe”

“Oh, I can see why you don’t fancy a trip to her burrow now.” I laugh as I look out to the empty dark blue sea being hammered by the rain

“I’m not interested in any rat, thank you.” Sulks the half pig