Hey guys. I'm finally back with an update for this story. I'm really sorry that it has been so long. But I had technical difficulties with my computer. The spacebar on my keyboard was broken so I didn't feel like typing with an on screen keyboard. I hope that's understandable. But I got a new keyboard for Christmas. I hope you had a good Christmas, I sure had.
Chapter 9 – Bambi's Departure
The evening was clear. The Great Prince of the forest stood near his den, watching as his son sad goodbye to his friends, the rabbit family, the skunk and the doe Feline.
"We'll come visit you," the skunk told his son encouragingly. "If it's not too far".
Mena's home was in the other end of the forest, way too far for a couple of little rabbits and a skunk to visit him, not to mention dangerous, the Great Prince thought sadly. It would without a doubt be hard for Bambi to get used to his new surroundings. But he would manage, soon he would find that he was much better off with Mena than with him. He would see.
"Bambi!" he cleared his throat to tell Bambi it was time to go. He knew from experience that the sooner Bambi left off to a new life the better. He had coped surprisingly well with his mother's death and had adapted well to living with him, he would be able to do it again with Mena, and who better to raise Bambi than a doe whom had known his mother? He was confident that Bambi would do well once he got used to his new life.
"I will never forget any of you," he heard his son say to his friends before he went to follow him.
He saw Bambi cast a sad glance up at him before he bowed his head again and kept it hanging down in his sadness.
"A Prince must make sacrifices," he said. "He must ignore his feelings and do what is best for others, do you understand?"
He glanced back at his son, wanting and hoping that he would understand and forgive him when he realized that this was the best way.
Bambi gave a slight nod.
He looked ahead and saw Friend Owl and Mena standing under a tree. He glanced back at his son.
"I'll visit you soon," he promised. "Be good for Mena".
He saw Bambi nod.
"And never forget, you are a Prince," he couldn't help but add.
When he had said that his son lifted his head to look straight ahead and the Great Prince watched as his son made his way over to the waiting doe with dignity. He was proud of him.
He watched as Mena lowered her head and smiled welcomingly at Bambi. Then she looked at him and gave him a reassuring smile that she would take good care of his boy.
He watched as Mena turned around and Bambi followed.
He couldn't help but feel hurt because Bambi hadn't even said goodbye to him. Perhaps he was too angry to do so or perhaps he knew that it was easier this way, but the stag wasn't sure it would be any easier for him.
Suddenly Bambi turned around and ran back to him. The Great Prince was actually shocked. Had Bambi gotten cold feet?
He was about to say something when he felt his son's head rub against his chest affectionately. Then Bambi turned around and ran back to Mena just as quickly as he had come. And now with an even heavier heart the Great Prince of the forest watched the departing forms of Mena and Bambi grow smaller and smaller until they disappeared into the horizon.
I'm sorry this was so short but it was very difficult to write, I hope you liked it somewhat anyway. ANd please review and tell me what you think :D