Formality: I do not own or claim to own the Bambi series or any of its characters. Their rights belong to Disney. I do not make any money or claim to do so through this fanfiction.
Hello. This is my first story, and I'm really excited to get it out there. Please, read on and tell me what you think.
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Chapter 1: Homecoming
The sun was setting on the meadow, and already all the creatures present could feel the somber mood of events to come. Across from them stood Bambi, the Great Prince of the Forest, atop a small bolder overlooking the congregation, and directly before them, the body.
Bambi took a deep breath, choked back some tears, and began: "I suppose I always knew that this day was inevitable. My father's age was the very thing that earned him his title. When I was still growing up with my mother, she told me, referring to my father 'Of all the deer in the forest, none have lived half so long.' Considering this, one may find it surprising that he lived to see the birth of my … children." His pause was almost undetectable. No one had probably heard it, but Bambi knew that one among the crowd had. He looked to his mate Faline, who looked down, avoiding eye contact, knowing why his eyes were on her.
Bambi, about to continue, suddenly noticed a fawn standing next to Faline. It wasn't theirs — she was standing to Faline's other side, and hadn't noticed the other fawn. This one was darker than theirs, and obviously male, with a pair of budding antlers adorning his head. Bambi didn't recognize him, and concluded that he must have just joined the herd.
Not wanting to seem distracted, Bambi continued. "I recently began to wonder what I would do when this day came. I remembered something else my mother told me. 'Everything in the forest has its season. Where one thing falls, another grows, maybe not what was there before, but something new and wonderful all the same.' At the time, I thought I understood her perfectly, but only now do I fully comprehend her words. I was going to have to be prepared for the greater changes in life, specifically death. In my lifetime, I have lost several of those close to me." Everyone looked down, knowing whom he meant. "I'm sure none of you need to be reminded of my mother, but to have lost my son, who had only begun to live, scars me even today. And now, I must be prepared, not only to cope this most recent loss, but to take my father's place as Prince" At this point, Bambi noticed that the fawn had started to stare at Faline, though Faline hadn't noticed. "I hope that my mother's words have duly prepared me for my days as Prince," he said slowly, still watching the fawn with narrowed eyes as it continued to stare, seeming completely transfixed by Faline.
Suddenly, Faline noticed Bambi's gaze and looked to her side, noticing her little observer. The fawn then looked at Bambi, attempting to seem uninterested in her. Immediately, the fawn's ears stood up, and he turned around. There was a buck about Bambi's size, closely resembling the fawn, standing at the edge of the meadow. The strange young deer promptly ran, looking somewhat guilty, to the buck, who turned and left, not waiting for the fawn to reach him. However, in the moment that Bambi and this very bizarre newcomer had shared each other's gaze, Bambi had noticed something: those eyes. He knew them all too well. They were … her eyes. In that moment, he knew exactly who this buck and his fawn were.
Realizing his extended pause, Bambi decided to end his speech. "As for my father, I can only be thankful that he was allowed a more peaceful, timely passing than my mother."
Bambi stopped. He knew what had to be done next, but he couldn't bring himself to acknowledge it. Faline, seeing her mate's conflicted stated, approached him silently. "Bambi," she whispered, "you know what happens next."
"Yes," he whispered back. "Yes, I know."
"Well do it, then."
"Damn it, Faline!" Bambi nearly stopped whispering, but tried his best to maintain control, as he had been taught as a child. "You know what'll happen if we leave him out here. He'll be gone by morning."
"Yes," she answered gently, "and that's the point. You have to be able to leave him, to show them you can still be strong. It's time to move on, time to forget. Now conclude the service and let's leave." Her last sentence came out a bit too harshly, and Faline noticed a single tear rolling down her mate's cheek. "Oh Bambi." She leaned in to caress his cheek with hers. "I'm so sorry."
"No, you're right." Bambi replied, pulling away after a moment's comfort. "It's best to leave the past in the past. A prince does not look back, only ahead." With that, he returned his attention to those before him. "We will now have the viewing before we leave."
The two of them silently watched the other creatures of the forest step past the body, some taking more time than others. The last to go before them was their daughter, who took the most time of all. Being a mere child and having to deal with the death of a loved one, even one she hadn't known particularly well, wasn't proving easy for her. Eventually, however, she decided she'd seen enough and stepped briskly past, not wanting to look anymore. Finally, Bambi and Faline took their turn. Looking upon his father, Bambi thought he looked peaceful and at the same time restless somehow, as if his work had not yet been finished. Maybe he didn't see me through to the end? Bambi thought to himself, but he brushed the thought away. He taught me all I need to know, and that's all that matters.
Dusk was approaching, and it was time to go. Though he knew he couldn't avoid it, just as his father couldn't have avoided his own death, Bambi just couldn't bring himself to leave. Once his father was alone, the creatures of the night would be upon him, and as much as the idea of allowing this to happen troubled him, Bambi knew it had to be done. Yet, he still showed no sign of moving. Silently, Bambi began to cry. Faline did her best her best to comfort him as she ushered him away. "Come on, Maria," she called to their daughter, who followed without a sound.
Slowly, the other animals dispersed as well. It was getting dark, and the howls were beginning to close in.
…
Later that night, after Maria had gone to sleep, Bambi, who had finally collected himself, spoke up to Faline. "I saw him today," he said.
"Saw who?" Faline replied, somewhat confused. She obviously hadn't recognized the fawn earlier, the way he had.
"They're back," Bambi stated plainly. Faline's eyes widened, suddenly understanding. "It's Ronno. He's back."
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But evil things, in robes of sorrow,
Assailed the monarch's high estate.
(Ah, let us mourn! — for never morrow
Shall dawn upon him desolate!)
And round about his home the glory
That blushed and bloomed,
Is but a dim-remembered story
Of the old time entombed.
from "The Haunted Palace" by Edgar Allan Poe
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Well, that's it. That's the first chapter of my first story. Please review. Constructive criticism is accepted, but please, no flames.
