Courage

''This is part of the At Err series, set around the same time as Endangered Species and introduces my own character, who shall appear more frequently when At Err becomes a recurring series - fair warning: this story is going to deal with sensitive subject matter so please be aware of that before continung.. thank you.''

The scene began in a dark room with a young rabbit, roughly 15 or so by human years, sitting in a corner and trying to keep quiet as the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the hall - stopping as the door to the room burst open and an older rabbit entered the room, brandishing a belt.

The young rabbit lowered his head in silence, as if accepting his fate as the older rabbit came over and struck him hard with the belt - the pain caused the younger rabbit to yelp as he curled up, yet he never fought back as the other rabbit whipped him repeatedly with the belt until streaks of blood began to form in his fur.

Then as soon as it began it ended as the older rabbit tossed the belt to one side and spat at the young rabbit, giving him a kick for good measure before turning to leave the room.

"You're pathetic.. I can't believe I'm stuck looking after a runt like you..".

The young rabbit kept curled up as the door slammed shut and he finally uncurled, tears rolling down his cheeks as he tried to block out the lingering pain that moved up and down his body.

One of the boy's long ears tried to perk up, revealing a burn on the edge caused by a cigarette several nights earlier and his left eye was still swollen from a punch he had been unable to dodge.

All over his body were bruises, scars and small burns yet he simply stood up shakily and went over to a small mirror, taking a towel that was already covered in stains of blood - wiping at his wounds the best he could, as he did frequently.