Okay. I am so so sorry it took so incredibly long to post this second chapter. I had a busy and extended Christmas/New Years break, and I have hardly been on at all. To avoid confusion, this story is from a new pov.

Also, I am not sure what ages to use, but I am guessing that since it was the 13 year anniversary of the death of Jupiter in ER, and Heather was grown up by then, probably being around 22 human years (though we know she was only 13-15 in rabbit years), a rabbit year much be appr. 2 human years??? Also, Jacks was 6 months old in GE, and then a year later, he was probably around 4-6 human years. So, there is a little inconsistency here that I can't figure out, but I did my best. Any ideas?

Please give feedback, critique, tips! Thanks!

8 years later:

"Felton."

I groaned, covering my head with the thick blankets.

"Felton!"

My eyes came open and I cautiously drew the blanket from my head as Mother pulled the curtains open. Sunlight blinded me, and I dove back to the safety of my warm cave. I felt Mama's hand on my shoulder as she pulled the blankets away from my face. I covered my eyes, wanting to go back to sleep.

"Felton, honey, it's time to get up! The king will be speaking in the city square soon. You need to get dressed now," Mama patted my shoulder. I sighed as I heard footsteps running towards my room. My little sister, Rissa, bobbed into the doorway, looked at me, and shyly retreated round the corner.

"Ma, I'm ready to go." I heard from outside my door.

"Let me come see you, dear. And Felton, it really is time to get up," Mama left the room to commend Rissa's dress.

The city square was packed. The crowd cheered as Ambassador Garten came to the stage. Rissa grabbed my right hand, and Mama threw herself around Father, laughing.

"I can't see!" Rissa complained, and I scooped her up, setting her on my shoulders.

Garten raised his hands for silence, and the crowd quickly quieted.

"My friends! Brave rabbits who have fought for freedom! I have come on the King's behalf to ask a request of you. Many of you remember the days of war - days when our strength was tested. Those were hard days, but we got through them together. We now have peace. We know that peace may not last forever, but we will be ready if the time comes again for us to fight. Now, we can prepare. We must make ready for our enemies, for, though we have peace now, we must always be ready to keep that peace. We must do all we can to preserve the lives of those we love."

Where was the king? Why was Garten Longtreader speaking? I didn't have much time to ponder these thoughts as Garten continued.

"There are many ways to prepare, and some of us must take up arms. That is my request - that we prepare soldiers for battle. The brilliant minds that won the previous battles are ready to pass their knowledge and skill to others as well. You can be one of those, if you have courage enough! All who wish to aid their country in preserving its freedom - all who will become soldiers for our Cause - all who share our hope of a Mended Wood - join the captains gathered at the base of the stage. Join our fight! Join our Cause! Preserve our liberty!"

I swung Rissa to the ground, and glanced at Father and Mama. Mama had tears in her eyes, but Father was scowling.

"I want to join them. I want to join the fight, Father."

"You do not know war, Felton."

"I'll learn. I'm going to become a soldier," I declared, coming to a sudden resolve.

Father looked at me, his eyes angry, "You do not have my permission."

"I don't want your permission then. I'm going anyways."

Rissa looked up at me, slipping her tiny hand into mine. Father's face looked cold.

"Go then. Do not come back."

I bit my lip.

"Go."

Why had I argued with him?

"Father, no! I'm sorry!" "Felton, go," Father glared at me, and Mama stepped behind him, fear in her eyes.

"Eric, please. He is only a child," Mama nearly whispered, her face white.

"Ansley, he was my child. If he does not wish to be, do not involve yourself."

Mama's head lowered. I glanced around. My stomach twisted.

"Father, I'm sorry," I said quietly.

"I expect you will be sorry in the future. Perhaps the military will teach you, the way it taught me. Now go."

"Yessir," I ducked my head, hoping Father wouldn't see my tears, and hurried to join the other bucks.

As I joined them, a Lieutenant took my name.

"Felton Pacer, you are in Unit 14."