DD stepped out of the cornfield and regarded the creek with resentment. He hated water. He turned to the fox next to him, a large, bright specimen.
âSo, have they gone this way Fyrefox? Iâm afraid weâre a bit off schedule, so we need to hurry.â The fox, Fyrefox, looked as if he was on fire, hence the name. DD knew he was about, so when Sloth had told him to find the rabbits, he found him, for he was a renowned tracker. He had been traveling for a couple days, all the while being told by Fyrefox that they were right on course.
âYes, theyâve been here in the last few days. Traveling fast and quite erratically. Thisâll be a tough trail to follow.â They were about to advance when they heard mumbling and crashing behind them. DD grabbed Fyrefox and they disappeared into the edge of the cornfield.
Rukia was extremely grumpy. As she stepped out of the cornfield, she shook a couple of cockleburs onto the ground, wincing with pain. She had been following the trail of droppings and guy smell for a while, and was relieved that she could finally take a bath. Before she could reach the creek, however, two large foxes beset her. Giving one a tremendous kick, she was off in a flash. The fox she had kicked crashed to the ground, but the other one, very bright and fast, was on her in a second. She scratched and clawed, seemingly gaining the advantage, but long-term she was no match for Fyrefoxâs muscular frame. She wiggled free at the last second, but DD pounced and pinned her. He snickered, enjoying the look of terror on the rabbitâs face.
âWhere are you off to, small rabbit?â Rukia slashed him across the face, but could not escape.
âIâm-Iâm supposed to find a few rabbits. They left the warren where I live.â Fyrefox raised an eyebrow while DD let go and stared at the rabbit.
âOh really? Us too. You could be of use.â He and Fyrefox held a quick conversation, and DD turned to Rukia. âOkay listen. You take the lead and go where Fyrefox tells you. Try to escape, and you will die. Understand?â Rukia nodded, and they headed along the stream.
* * * * *
Sloth surveyed the warren. It was silent and still. He hovered in and out of existence, sensing the earth around him. He judged that the weakest part of the warren was about thirty degrees to the southwest, and it would be a good place for a collapse. He floated into relatively close proximity to the ceiling of the burrow, and commanded it to collapse. Nothing happened. He waited a few moments, and then tried again. Nothing again. Sloth was ancient, and completely confused that it didnât work. His arrogance had begotten him. He stood uncertainly, and then disappeared.
Secretmapper and Windshift shook paws as a collection of about six rabbits cheered behind them. Kawaii rolled his eyes. Windshift smiled and surveyed the pile of gravel that had been Kawaiiâs burrow. It had been amazing. They sensed Sloth, and rushed to the burrow with everyone who wanted to see what was going on. They had watched in silence, waiting for the worst. There was a collective gasp as the pile shuddered slightly, and everyone held his or her breath. A second, stronger tremor struck, but then there was silence. A collective cheer went up, and all was well.
* * * * *
Cowmaster led the two rabbits into the cover of some overgrown bushes, all three breathing hard and sweating. Commander crashed through the undergrowth, but stopped right in front of the bush. Nurv, Cowmaster, and Jeol waited silently. Eventually, they heard footsteps trailing away from the area. They all took a deep breath.
âOkay, I think-â Commanderâs sword smashed into the bush, slicing off the right tip of Nurvâs ear. He screamed in pain. A huge armor-clad hand swept into the group, and they all tumbled into the open. Nurv, bleeding profusely, looked up at Commander. He was breathing hard, outlined by light particles in the mist of the late evening. Paralyzed, he was jolted by Jeol, yelling,
âNurv weâve got to go!â Nurv backpedaled quickly, avoiding the wanton sword that sliced towards him. Cowmaster came in again, but Commander smacked him hard. As Cowmaster spiraled into the ground, Commander raised his sword for the final blow, but looked down too late to see two rabbits aim powerful kicks to his ankles. He fell against a tree, which gave under his gargantuan weight. Cowmaster rose dizzily to his feet, and the three ran again, wandering in the thick mist.
Commander looked about, tired and confused. He vividly remembered he had to kill them, but they had put up such a good fight. It would be a shame to eliminate them, if he could even pull it off. He could not lie to Sloth, but it was not worth the constant exertion after decades of inactivity. He shouldered his sword, and with one final glance into the mist, started back towards the front of the forest. He didnât look back.
The three adventurers sat against the trunk of a huge maple, exhausted. They had been in hiding for a while, but Commander was gone. They were all relieved. They turned to head deeper into the forest, but they heard something coming. They turned, expecting to see Commander rushing towards them, wielding his sword. But instead, a small, furry puffball came out of the fog. They stared at it, perplexed.
âHELLO!â
âWell, hi.â
âYou guys are funny! Can I come with you?â They all looked at each other. The green thing looked harmless. Nurv turned to it.
âSure you can come with us. But it may be dangerous.â Tibbers did not care. They introduced themselves, and then set off, three friends made four. The heavy mist closed around them, and as far as the ancient forest was concerned, they had never been there.
