Note: This fanfic is based on the TV series. If l failed to get it in the wrong Watership Down category, l apologize. This is my first fanfiction. And also, the main character, Hope, will become Campion's mate in this version. I'm sorry if you don't like that.

CHAPTER 1 - lntroduction to Efrafa

It was another miserable day in Efrafa. It was raining depressingly and Moss was relentlessly cheerful as he ushered the slaves to work.

This included me. Yes, me, Rising Hope - or just Hope for short - a slave in Efrafa. Maybe it was because l was pretty stubborn and headstrong, or perhaps it was just because l had been born a runt doe.

My father, Thistle, had recently fell to a fox on patrol. My mother, the slave, who had secretly mated with him had died soon after my birth. I had been lucky another doe had cared for me, l was the only one to live out of my litter.

I hated being a slave, but even more l hated Vervain. The sly, deceitful rabbit. I was a terribly difficult rabbit to get along with for most officers - impossible even.

Personally, l didn't care much what Woundwort did to me, as long as he had a hard time doing it.

I was rebellious to all officers except Corperal Moss and Captain Campion. At least they was kind.

When Moss was in charge of me and my group of slaves, l was as helpful and easy to handle as possible. Why? I wanted to him to continue being nice to me.

Moss was always understanding and even friendly to me now. He was also good to the slaves.

He now considered me as a valuable and loyal slave. But to the other officers l was just a pain in the butt.

I was a pale brown doe, about the same age as Moss and Campion. I had emerald green eyes and a strong look about me that made it clear l hated to be bossed around.

My mother had called me Rising Hope before she died, because that was what l had given her.

And why was l good as gold around Campion? Well, stupid reason, I know, but l love him. I really do, but basically he hasn't really even noticed me as he isn't in charge of the slaves - the Hind quarter mark instead. So l keep my feelings to myself, not knowing if he feels the same.

I shook my head irritabily. I was being idiotic. Even if Campion loved me back, we could never, ever mate.

I was no law in Efrafa you could mate, but l doubt Woundwort would be exceedingly pleased about kittens playing or suckling. Not that an officer, let alone Captain of Owsla could have a spare miniute to start a family ir care for it.

"Come on everyone, " Moss said cheerfully. "It's a lovely day to be working for Efrafa."

I nearly choked as l was digging the boulder out.

"Moss, have you been eating fermented carrots again?" I muttered beside him as the rain poured down around us.

Moss could hear me, l knew, but he just grinned at me. He was used to my dry and sarcastic sense of humour, and didn't look one bit offended.

That's what l liked about Moss, his sense of humor equalled mine. Joking with Moss made Efrafa a bit more bearable each day.

Okay, that's chapter one! I hope you enjoyed it. I will upload three chapters today to catch your interest. I hope you like it. Do you think my changing Campion's mate and love interest is wrong? If so, please tell me why amd l will consider changing it. But please note, this was began two years ago, and l got up to chapter 43, so it will probably be a bit late to change it. The chapters will get longer, but the chapter length basically depends on the story section. This is my girst fanfic so l apologize for any errors or bad story writing methods. All reviews are welcome, but if you dislike my storyline, please say so in a not-too-harsh way. I'm not very confident so typing up this is major for me. This fanfic will be completed as l don't like to quit things. Anyway, l hope you liked it. It will basically follow the storyline in the TV series, with Hope taking up most of Blackberry's role as Campion's mate but in Efrafa, so l will be adding in stuff that might happened in Efrafa if Hope was there. Please review!

From Bunyip.

P.S. The posting times will be twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. I have a lot of enthusiasm for this story, and l promise l won't delay chapters unless l get a very bad case of writer's block later on, l didn't have time to upload on the exact day! I will do my best not to be late. And if someone could become a beta reader of this l will deeply appreciate it. Feel free to PM me.