The great wars of nature reserves. Chapter Sixteen: Reunited and bad news.


Rebel has already arrived at the Stone Circle. Rebel is Scarlet's dubious and kind brother. He is also the most loyal red fox in the fox family and a very good friend to all the animals that live well in White Deer Park. He has even lost his left eye, in connection with the captivity of Caesar and his gray fox clan. But thanks to his brother-in-law, Plucky, Rebel is very cheerful and happy. But at the same time he is very cautious and used to be sometimes suspicious, like Covin for example.

But otherwise he is a bit of a restless and free-spirited red fox and used to be mostly alone, sometimes. But he very much likes to hang out with Plucky and his family and friends. And right now he is with the great white stag's grandson, Laird. He told him all about the Silver Foxes' new evil plans and old Fox needs Laird's backup. Laird understood what the red fox meant and of course wanted to help. And Laird thought, of course.

Laird: ”Mhm! Very interesting..!”

Rebel also told him about Trey, who had already visited Silver - the supreme leader of the silver fox clan, then was attacked and fell into the river. But when he mentioned that Trey is alive, Laird answered honestly.

Laird: "Your story sounds incredible. But I still trust your honesty and understanding, Rebel. Because I have also seen him on several occasions. And given the rumor of his death, I naturally thought I was imagining things a little."

Rebel: "We thought so too. But the spy who has given all the information to the silver foxes has seen and met him. And we believe that he is out hunting for the great cat, who wanted your herd, Laird."

Laird: "Yes, I understand that. If he is alive, he may be in their territory, searching for Silver's bodyguard. He may be the oldest and strongest of all of us stags in all of White Deer Park. But he is sometimes short-tempered and impulsive and wanted the park to be just for all of us stags. And that is an absolutely stupid idea of him."

Rebel: "Yeah, that's right! I've heard so much about him and I can probably also understand how all the animal inhabitants felt about the crazy stag."

Laird: "But of course I'll help both old Fox and all you animal friends to stop Silver's most evil plan."

Rebel: "Very good...!"

Laird: "I'm certainly too gullible to the evil animals who wanted to live here in the nature reserve. But this time they've gone too far and must put an end to all their nonsense. I'll take both Jeff and Butch, then we'll leave for the mountains immediately."

Rebel: "Right!"

Laird: "You're coming with us too, Rebel?"

Rebel: "Maybe later, Laird."

Laird: "Why not now?"

Rebel: "Because I must return to the fox family in farthing land and inform them. If you understand what I mean it, Laird."

Laird understands what Rebel meant and smiles at him, proud of some fox, who is truly loyal to all the animals in the entire nature reserve.

Laird: "Okey, see you there later, Rebel!"

Rebel nodded to Laird in agreement, then ran off back to farthing land, while Laird also left the stone circle site and returned to his herd. But Rebel had barely made it halfway, when he saw who was coming running up to him and greeting him so kindly. It was old Fox's grandson, Plucky, and Rebel could hardly believe his one eye. But at the same time he was still happy to see his brother-in-law again.

Rebel: "Plucky!? You're fully recovered!"

Plucky: "Yes, as you can see, I'm perfectly healthy and as fit as ever."

But before Plucky could ask Rebel how they feels right in farthing land, the peregrine falcon, Perry, suddenly came up and landed on the tree branch. And guess how happy he was too when he saw that Plucky had returned home.

Perry: "Thank goodness you're here, Plucky! We thought all hope was lost, of course!"

Plucky: "Calm down, Perry, and tell me what happened here?"

Perry: "The beast has murdered thirteen silver foxes and the white stoat inside our farthing land! Weasel has even been seriously injured by the monster cat's attack! And now he's set his sights on the mountains!"

Plucky: "The mountains, inside the silver fox's territory? That sounds very strange to me!"

Rebel: "I think so too! You, Perry?! Can you explain to us why the Beast killed the silver foxes here in farthing land, anyway?"

Meanwhile, inside the silver fox clan's territory and at the home of Pearl and her two cubs, the three of them were sleeping during the morning. But one of them had apparently woken up, and it was Rogue, Pearl's daughter and Reaver's sister. She yawned a little and felt a little hungry in her stomach. Her instinct tells her to go out and look for something edible. Actually, she is too little to leave her mother like this. But her hunger is limited.

She sneaked out of the stone cave and then went out into the cold winter landscape. She had noticed how it had been storming for two days, she thinks winter is so fun winter. She walked low from her mother's stone cave and explored a little further out. And after a while she had come to the hill. There she sat at the top and looked around in the forest world. But Rogue couldn't find any voles or wood mice in the mountain part of the forest and she feels a little disappointed and sad.

Until she realized that she had been gone too long and her mother was now very worried. Rogue stood up on all fours and was about to walk. But, unfortunately for Rogue, she happened to slip. And she slid down the long hill, until she slid up the small bump like ski jump and landed on the snowfield, knocking her unconscious. She was now lying there completely still and was temporarily knocked out. It was truly miserable that this would happen for poor Rogue.

But what she didn't know was that a dark shadow figure appeared and covered her fainted body. Back in farthing land, Perry had told Plucky and Rebel that they would find out about the incident a little later, just outside Old Fox's den. And they did. Everyone honored and cheered for Plucky's homecoming. And Plucky's family was of course happy to see him home again. And Scarlet humbly nuzzled Plucky's left cheek, after their three adolescent cubs had finished greeting their father welcome home.

Scarlet: ”I miss you so much, Plucky.”

Plucky smiled, understanding his wonderful partner so well. Plucky’s best friend, Dash, was just as happy to see him. Even his mother, Whisper, his sister, Windy, and his grandmother, Vixen, were also happy to see him. And everyone is saying that Plucky is really as healthy and strong as before. When Plucky heard what had happened, he was naturally surprised and could hardly believe his ears. But at the same time, he realized the seriousness of the situation.

Plucky: "This story could lead to even worse than just the worst war with the silver foxes. If my son, little Bold, is out following the Beast to the mountain, along with Silvia, things could get very bad for them. But if I know them right, they'll probably have warned my grandfather and Laird in time."

Owl: "We don't know that, though, Plucky. All we know is that they probably ran after him, after half of us here witnessed the unpleasant macabre he's done."

Covin: "Exactly! And poor Ranger has also lost his brother, after a cold-blooded murder that Blaze has ever experienced, Plucky."

Spike: "Much worse than what you, me, and Mossy have been through lately."

Plucky: "True, Spike. But I have no choice. I have to go to the silver foxes territory and warn them too. In case my son and Silvia haven't made it there in time."

Rebel: "You may be completely healthy and recovered, but you're a little fresh from surgery by the warden, Plucky."

Scarlet: "Rebel has the point, Plucky. You can't go there alone."

Plucky: "No, and I know that, Scarlet. That's why I'm bringing six animals with me, seven at the most. Both grandfather and Laird need more backup, of course. So, who wants to come with me?"

Hurkel: "I'm up for it. Beside, I'd to see their Beast. If it's there, of course."

Hasty: "But shouldn't you be taking care of Shadow and the weasels?"

Hurkel: "It's no problem. Shadow's doing fine, and she promised to help both Measly and his sadly family. Besides, we need an animal to lend an extra paw, in case the situation arises."

Chipper: "That sounds reasonable."

Roamer: "Yeah, but only us foxes are smarter than the badgers, Chipper."

Owl: "Uh-hum! Not really all of them!"

Rusty: "Ha! Got you, bro! Owls are also just as clever as us foxes."

Faith: "Yeah, but only when she thinks first and acts later, of course."

Chipper: "Are owls really smarter than foxes?"

Violet: "That depends on how we look at it, Chipper."

Sapphire: "Owls may be too much, but they're not completely stupid."

Grace: "Especially not her, who has been with the animal group and walked the long treks here to White Deer Park a long time ago."

Roamer: "You mean she flew here, sister."

Grace: "Same thing."

Rosa: "Do you really believe what our mothers say, or not?"

Diamond: "Well, if our mothers say it, then it's true."

Valiant: "Extremely logical!"

Plucky hears his cousins and his three cubs talking about it and smiles a little with laughter. But Owl, on the other hand, probably thinks that their compliments about her were too much for her. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. Old Vixen noticed what was wrong with her and said in a calm and friendly voice.

Vixen: "Even if you think their opinion of you was a bit exaggerated, they are still the young foxes. And they respect you too, Owl."

Owl opened her eyes again and looked at old Vixen and her honest face. She took another sigh of relief and said.

Owl: "Well, Hollow is still with old Fox, so we flying birds can continue to guard the entire farthing land's area."

Plucky: "Not really all of them, Owl. Perry has to come with us too, and found your mate and tell him what happened here."

Perry: "That's right. I'll come with you, Plucky."

Plucky: "Good! Very good! Are there any more ground-bound animals who would like to come with me and Hurkel to the mountains?"

Mossy: "Oh yes, take me. Because I wanted to keep Hurkel company."

Spike: "Actually, I didn't want to come. But if both Hurkel and Mossy go, I'll come too."

Bolt: "Dash and the other vixens will keep an eye on the little ones, while I go with Plucky and keep them company."

Dash: "Just take care of yourself, Bolt. And come home unharmed."

Bolt: "You can count on me, Dash. You can be calm down."

Ranger: "Take me too, Plucky! I would very much like to get my revenge on that bloody rasco cat."

Plucky: "I shouldn't say "yes", but I'm doing anyway. You're the only one who can make some blue and gray foxes understand you so well."

Russet: "If Ranger goes there, I want to go too. I have to make my grandpa realize what a mistake he's made."

Whisper: "And I'll go with my son and help find little Bold and Silvia."

Plucky: "Well, then things are settled. Rebel and Covin will take charge, along with my grandma. Is that clear?"

Rebel: "Yes, Plucky!"

Covin: "We'll do our best."

Most animals are a little worried. Charmer was the one who calmly walked up to her dearest mate and asked him a serious question to Ranger.

Charmer: "Why did you want to go with them to the mountains? My father really put you in charge of this, didn't he?"

Ranger: "Dear Charmer, I'm aware of that. But sometimes I have to get my revenge on my family. I spared Adder twice. But I won't spare this monster cat this time. And you and my four cubs have to try to understand me!"

Charmer: "Yes, I know, Ranger. We managed to make peace between our family last time. But of course I wanted peace to return again."

Ranger: "Exactly! So you don't have to worry, Charmer. I'll be fine."

Charmer: "I know you and the rest of you do! But take care of yourself and be careful."

After a while, both Plucky and seven animals in the group set off towards the mountains, while Perry flies off into the air and towards the mountains. All the animals stood still and watched as they hurried off to the silver foxes' territory. Scarlet was of course worried, but Windy, Charmer and old Vixen convinced her that they would come back, but they probably never know.

In the meantime, little Bold and Silvia have entered the Silver Foxes' territory. But they had to sit down and breathe a sigh of relief from all the running. But near the two adolescent foxes, a whole black carrion crow sits up in the trees. It was Robber, an old good friend of Big Bold. And he saw a little dark red fox that reminded him of something.

Robber: "No, but... isn't he like... could it be true..?"

His thoughts about Little Bold's appearance made him remember his old friend, who has a similar scar on his left cheek and has been good friends, until his friend died some time later. But he can also hear their conversation and became quite curious.

Silvia: "But, little Bold? How are we supposed to stop the Beast, really? He's pretty much impossible to stop."

Little Bold: "We have to be able to do something, Silvia. He's both a threat and a safety risk for all of us animals in the entire nature reserve!"

Silvia: "Yeah, sure, that's obvious."

Little Bold: "Yes! That's why we simply have to destroy him somehow, Silvia."

Silvia: "But how is that going to work, anyway? There's nothing to destroy him. Nothing!"

Robber: "Oh yes, there is a solution, for those of you who have the problem!"

The crow shouted and left the tree branch and landed on the snowy ground and right in front of little Bold and Silvia. They were a little stunned to see a black carrion crow come down and greet them so politely.

Little Bold: "Who are you?"

Robber: "I'm Robber - the black carrion crow. And you little red fox are the grandson of the big Bold, right?"

Little Bold: "B-but.. but how... how can you think I'm the grandson of my grandfather?"

When Robber told them who he was and how he also knew Plucky that time, little Bold and Silvia began to understand the connection and were so happy to meet him anyway. But then they started talking seriously about the situation that little Bold's family and friends have found themselves in and obviously need Robber's help to solve the big problem.

Silvia: "Do you really think you know how to destroy the great cat, Robber?"

Little Bold: "And what is the most appropriate way to destroy him?"

Robber: "Well, there is one: the explosive."

Silvia: "The explosive?"

Robber: "Yes! There's a military warehouse with explosives nearby. At least half a miles from here on the other side of the mountains and behind the few forests."

Little Bold: "Is that true?!"

Robber: "Mhm. Humans used to store the explosives there. Because they're top secret and extremely sensitive, they say. They're probably more powerful than lightning. And nobody, including animals, can survive the fire explosion."

Silvia: "But then... then there's a solution to how we can stop the Beast, anyway! And end our and everyone's worries. Or what do you say, little Bold?"

Little Bold: "It's worth a try. But we have to lure him there somehow."

They all three sat in the snowfield, thinking for a short while. But then little Bold suddenly thought of an important thing and turned to Robber and asked.

Little Bold: "By the way, do you know where the Beast might be right now, Robber?"

Robber: "Ah.. let me see... Uhm! Well, I saw this golden brown big cat a while ago. His body was a little bloody and he had an animal with him and was carrying it in his mouth."

Silvia: "What kind of animal was it?"

Robber: "I think it might be a little gray vixen, with a little light ruff on her head, ears and a little triangle marking between her eyes."

Little Bold: "What! Did he kill this little gray vixen?"

Robber: "Oh no, it's still alive. But she probably sleeping and I heard a little bit of what he said, after he found and caught her."

Little Bold: "What did he say?"

Robber: "That he intends to demonstrate to all the silver fox clan how he can devour Pearl and Tyran's daughter. That is, he intends to eat her entire body in front of their supreme leader."

Then both little Bold and Silvia realized that the Beast is a complete maniac and that now it's really a crisis. But soon they hurried and ran away to the Silver Fox Clan, together with Robber, to save the poor little gray vixen, before it's too late. But one who heard everything and who stood behind the trees, without being discovered, was the mysterious stag.

Mysterious Stag: "Very interesting...!"

The mysterious stag roared a little quietly with anger, but then it just disappeared. Meanwhile, though actually a little earlier, old Fox and his three red foxes had already entered the silver fox clan's territory. And they had quite a few opinions about what old Fox had planned.

Friendly: "Is that really such a good idea, Dad?"

Pace: "Challenging someone who is invincible is insane, Grandfather!"

Fox: "Unfortunately, it's going to be necessary, boys! If I have to get Silver to agree to our demands, I'll just have to fight him."

Swift: "Well, if you've succeeded once with Scarface, you can probably do it again, Fox. But don't say I didn't warn you!"

Friendly: "The best thing for all of us is for Mom to not find out about my Dad's thoughts. But she'll understand a little later after this, I hope."

Pace: "We'll just have to hope for the best, right, Daddy?"

Friendly: "Definitely, my son. Quite right."

Shortly after their short walk in the mountain area, the four of them were stopped by three silver foxes, two gray and one blue. They growled menacingly at the four red foxes, because they had encroached on their territory. But neither Old Fox nor the three red foxes wanted to move away. But when one of the silver foxes asked what they wanted and what they were doing within their territory, old Fox stepped forward and answered.

Fox: "I am the famous Fox from Farthing Wood! And together I have my son, Friendly, my grandson, Pace, and our friend, Swift! We are here to negotiate with Silver - supreme leader of the silver fox clan!"

One of the three silver foxes discussed briefly with each other, until one silver fox set off to their godfather, while the other two had to guide the four red foxes further into the silver fox kingdom. And what happened next for the four red foxes? And can both little Bold and Silvia do something? Will Plucky make it to the silver fox clan in time? And above all, who is this mysterious stag? Well, you'll all find out in the next exciting chapter.

TO BE CONTINUED