Ascension

Gregor the Giant

It was a typical early morning for the Society of Rabbits. One by one, each member emerged from the burrow cautiously, and then proceeded to the field nearby for the Morning Graze. The Elder Rabbits took turns keeping an eye out for any Predators while the rest of the society grazed on sweet grass, dandelions, and red clovers. Because of her unusually large size, Bonnie was often advised to graze closer to the edge of the field where there were more bushes to shield her from a bird's-eye view. 

A few of the other younger rabbits approached Bonnie as she was munching on a patch of blackberries she'd found. "Whatcha got there, Bon-nie?" they asked in unison.

"Blackberries," she responded between mouthfuls. The rabbits were never given much time to graze, so Bonnie always made sure to eat as much and as quickly as she could.

"Well," one of the rabbits started, "I wouldn't eat too many, Bonnie. You're already more than twice as big as the rest of us."

The rabbits hopped away briskly, laughing among themselves. Bonnie sighed, looking longingly at the blackberries. They're probably right, she thought to herself. She looked at her belly and then at the other rabbits in the field who were chasing each other gleefully. She couldn't understand why the other rabbits hated her so much. Is it because of my size or because of my mother? Perhaps it's both? Bonnie looked at the blackberries once more before opting to nibble on some twigs instead to curb her raging appetite. 

Just as the sun began to fully illuminate the field--signaling the end of the Morning Graze--one of the Elder Rabbits began calling out frantically.

"Someone is approaching! Someone is approaching!"

The rabbits instinctively scurried to the bushes beside Bonnie, the Elder Rabbits lining up protectively in front. They crouched down, flattening their bodies to the earth as much as possible. The creature approaching them was saying something.

"Hello? Hello! Please! Do not be afraid!" it called out in a deep, bellowing voice. "Anyone?" The Society of Rabbits watched the creature intently, their noses quivering with fear. As the creature got closer, one of the Elder Rabbits' ears perked up.

"My, I think that's a rabbit!" she said excitedly to the rest of the society. They waited for the creature to come into a closer view before coming to the conclusion that it was, indeed, another rabbit. 

"Hello!" he called again, "Are you rabbits, too?" he asked from afar. The Elder Rabbits quickly consulted with each other.

"What should we do?"

"Maybe he is injured?"

"Perhaps he's seeking refuge, like Frances was?"

"Maybe he's looking for Frances?"

"I come in peace!" the mysterious rabbit called out. "Please, can we just talk?"

The Elder Rabbits quickly came to a consensus. "Stop where you are!" Mrs. Margaret called out. The mysterious rabbit came to a sudden halt. "State your name and purpose!" she demanded.

"My name is Gregor the Giant," he began confidently, "I seek to recruit other rabbits to join me in the Land of the Protected! If you're interested, I'd be happy to explain further," the mysterious rabbit said.

The Society of Rabbits murmured for a moment before one of the Elder Rabbits called out, "You may approach!"

Gregor hopped forward carefully so as not to spook the Society of Rabbits. He was unlike any rabbit they had ever seen before. He was very large--even more so than Bonnie--and as he approached, his magnificent white fur reflected the morning sunlight, surrounding him in an angelic glow. Once he reached the other rabbits, smaller details came into view. His enormous ears that towered above him were the color of delicate pink seashells; the sun shining through them illuminated a map of red veins. And his eyes! His eyes were blue as the sky above them!