Reaching about the quarter point (we have about 20 chapters planned, no idea on actual since we're only up to 12) and things are about to go dark....Or so they seem. For better details on what went on between this and the last chapter, dig up Farthing wood on youtube and watch the episode 'The Fued begins' (series 2 episode 7).

Next time I'm gonna try uploading in somthing different, maybe then I wont have to drop the chapter in here all the time. Ah well, we'll see.

Enjoy!


Chapter 5-Changing Times

Bounder waited with anticipation in a dense clump of bushes, knowing that
soon his target would be passing through the area.

Bounder knew how things had changed in the favour of the blue foxes, and
with both Dreamer and Bold gone it was more likely that now one of the
newcomers could be swayed.

It was shortly after Dreamer’s death that Scarface had approached
Bounder with his instructions.

“I want you to spy on them for a while,” Scarface had told Bounder. “You
need to know when they wake up, when they disappear for the night,
where they hunt, everything. We need to know their every move.”

Bounder had nodded and turned away so he could head off and begin his
new assignment. As he had done so, Scarface had stopped him.

“Make sure you don’t screw this up,” Scarface had warned him. “Or else this
time, you will pay for your failure."

Bounder had again nodded and promised that he would do his best to
accomplish their plan. Satisfied, Scarface had moved away and let him
leave his den.

Bounder smiled as he recalled the intense feeling of pride that he had been
feeling when he heard of his task.

“I will not fail my father,” he thought determinedly. “I will prevail and victory
will be ours.”

Suddenly, the scent of a fox entered Bounder’s nose. He looked up and
saw Slash approaching his hideout. After allowing Slash to get closer to his
position, Bounder quickly stepped out and blocked his path.

''We both know the situation,'' He said before Slash could react to his
sudden appearance. ''You should know as well as anyone that father
cannot be stopped with you lot two foxes down. Just consider it carefully.''

Slash stood there silently for a few moments before recovering quickly and
baring his teeth at Bounder

“What is there to consider, blue?” snarled Slash, as he prepared to fight
Bounder if necessary. “What do you want from me? This isn’t my fight, it’s
yours.”

Bounder stood there impassively while Slash spoke, watching carefully for
any indications that he would be attacked.

“I don’t want to fight you,” said Bounder calmly. “I am just here to provide
you with an offer.”

Slash paused at the mention of an offer and got out of his fighting stance.

“An offer?” he repeated suspiciously. “What kind of an offer? And what do
you blues have to offer me?”

Bounder took a deep breath. He knew that he would have to get this right,
or else face possible failure.

“I want you to join us.” said Bounder simply.

Slash’s mouth dropped open, surprised by the unexpected offer.

“Join you?” he repeated softly, still in shock. “And become a traitor?”

“Take some time to consider it,” advised Bounder, instantly wishing he
hadn’t said it. “I understand that it won’t be an easy choice to make. And if
you join us, you can get whatever you want.”

“But if I join you, I’ll become a traitor!” Slash growled in response. “And if
there’s anyone I hate, it’s a traitor! So why should I join you and come
something lower than dirt?”

Bounder didn’t reply to Slash’s rebuke. Slash shook his head in frustration
disgust as he turned away from the blue fox. As he regained some
composure, realisation dawned of him that being with the blues could work
in his favour.

“If I join you, can I get immunity and protection from Scarface?” Slash
asked Bounder.

Bounder thought about it and nodded.

“So you’re going to join us?” asked Bounder, being careful not to let his
excitement creep into his voice.

''Be at the stream at midnight tomorrow, I'll show you there that you're
right.'' Slash replied with a determined edge to his voice.

Looking satisfied at Slash’s words, Bounder nodded and he started to run
back towards blue territory. However, his eagerness to leave meant that
he didn't see Slash's cunning grin.

=======

Dare gave Dreamer a quick goodbye nuzzle as he exited the earth,
promising not to be long. Slash had told him to meet at the stream for ten
to midnight and he was late already.

Dreamer sighed to herself before finding a place where she could sleep.
Eventually she settled with a spot towards the back of the earth which kept
the entrance in full view.

“I hope that he comes back alright.”” she thought as she gazed towards the
entrance. “Dare’s shown me nothing but kindness since I can remember,
and with Scarface around, he’s at a huge risk of being injured or killed. Both
of them would do anything to accomplish their goals, especially Dare when
I’m in danger.”

Dreamer sighed again as she wrapped her tail around herself and lowered
her head onto her paws.

“I couldn’t bear it if something happened to him.” thought Dreamer as she
closed her eyes to get some sleep.

“I wonder what could be so important as to have me meet him in such a
secluded spot at this time of night,” thought Dare as he ran to their meeting
place. “Doesn’t he realise that it’s risky to be moving about at night alone?”

As Dare reached the stream, Slash quickly ran toward him.

“There isn't much time for me to talk, so be silent and I'll be brief.'' Slash
started urgently before Dare could say anything ''I have a plan to learn
what the blues are up to, but I have to pretend to go onto their side. “

Even though it was dark, Slash could see the shocked expression on his
face.

“You... join the blues?” whispered Dare. “But I was under the impression
that you despised traitors. Joining them will just make you one!”

Slash sighed impatiently and shook his head.

“I know that I hate traitors,” he whispered back. “But I have an opportunity
to learn their plans and every move, so joining them is the only option.”

Dare considered Slash’s argument before nodding.

“I guess it will be useful to know what their plans are,” Dare conceded. “But
I just don’t like the idea of you being with them.”

“Trust me, I don’t like it either,” replied Slash. Dare could tell that he was
unhappy about the decision. “That aside, one of them will be here any
minute and I have to show I'm with them, so follow my lead."

Bounder arrived on his side of the stream and he heard the sound of
voices carrying through the night. Not wanting to be seen by anyone,
Bounder quickly found a patch of bushes for cover. As soon as he was
settled Bounder looked out of the bushes and could see arguing from
across the stream. This, he realised, must be the newcomer showing where
his loyalities lay.

“How could you do such a thing Slash?” exclaimed Dare angrily.

“I told you Dare, I didn’t have a choice,” Slash growled back. “If I don’t join
them, Scarface will just kill me along with everyone else. Haven’t you
realised that Scarface is going to win, and that we are going to die?”

Bounder watched as Dare regarded Slash coldly.

“This is good,” thought Bounder, smiling widely as he continued to watch
the two argue. “This means that he really does want to join us.”

“Please Dare,” pleaded Slash desperately. “You have to understand what
the current situation means.”

“You’re nothing but a traitor Slash,” replied Dare coldly. “You’re a low and
cowardly traitor who doesn’t deserve to be with his own kind.”

Bounder watched as Slash’s tail lowered in dejection and he started to walk
away. Still smiling widely, Bounder watched as Slash paused in mid stride
and look towards Dare a final time. After a moment of hesitation, Slash
looked away from Dare and continued to make his way to the rendezvous
point.

However, due the darkness Bounder hadn’t seen Slash wink and mouth the
words ‘good work’ at Dare during the moment of hesitation before Slash
had turned away.

“Yes, I accomplished my mission,” Bounder thought happily, now convinced
that Slash was on his side. “I’ve succeeded in getting a red onto our side.”

Bounder got up from his position and trotted to the location where Slash
had promised to meet him. After a few minutes of waiting at the meeting
point Bounder saw Slash appear out of the darkness and cross the stream.

''Right, let's just go.'' said Slash, and he waited for Bounder to lead the
way.

Bounder noted that he seemed distant and almost sad. However, he simply
nodded and without further words Slash followed Bounder back toward
Scarface's lair.

=======

Slash followed Bounder closely, looking around the unfamiliar territory that
surrounded him in the darkness. For the first time in ages, Slash felt a bit on
the edge, knowing that an attack could occur from any moment and he
would be unable to defend himself.

After a while of walking, Slash could make out the shape of a rocky outcrop
through the gloom. Bounder stopped and beckoned Slash to get closer.

“That’s where father lives,” he whispered. “Just follow me closely and you’ll
be fine.”

Slash nodded and the two continued to make their way towards the
outcrop. As they got closer, Slash could see the silhouettes of blue foxes
standing in the trees and on the rocks. He continued to look around, warily
eyeing the foxes for any signs of that they might attack. As he walked by,
more than a few of the foxes growled the sight of him.

“Good to be welcomed with open arms.” Slash remarked jokingly with a
touch of sarcasm. Despite his joking manner, the presence of the hostile
blue foxes was actually making him slightly nervous.

Bounder smiled and laughed softly at Slash’s remark.

“Even though you may say you’re going to work for us, you’re still a red
fox,” he replied coolly. “So they’re not going to trust you or even like you.
And it’s also a measure to stop you from trying to kill Scarface and get
away with it, or from running away.”

Slash conceded his point and remained silent as they approached the
entrance to Scarface’s den. Bounder stopped outside the entrance and
indicted for Slash to enter. After a quick glance at the blues gathered
behind him he entered the den, with Bounder following him inside.

After taking a moment to get his bearings, Slash instantly saw Scarface
standing at the other side of the earth. Slash slowly approached him and he
lowered his head respectfully at the other fox.

“So, you’re the one who’s going to help us.” said Scarface as he looked
Slash up and down.

Even though it wasn’t a question, Slash nodded his head.

“You’ve made the right choice by choosing to join us,” Scarface continued.
“Even though you’re red, you’re one of the finest foxes I’ve seen in a long
time. You’re definitely the one who will help us win this battle once and for
all.”

“Thank you your kind words,” said Slash, pretending to be flattered by
Scarface’s compliments. “I promise that I will do my best to assist you in the
war.” Slash suddenly remembered something that he had been pondering
for a while. “I have to ask though, how will I be assisting you in this fight?”

Slash held his breath as he waited for the answer. Scarface clearly
considered whether he should answer the question before shrugging.

“Your mission,” replied Scarface with an evil smile. “Is to spy on the Farthing
Wood animals for us.”

*******
Slash ©  Slash-fox
Dare © Me
All other characters, setting and universe © Colin Dann