Chapter IV: Gobo's death consequences

Scene 19

After that, Bambi avoided his friends for several hours; but finally he decided to inform to them, they were still waiting where he had left them.

I cannot believe that - Marena said worried - what can I do now?

Are you sure about what you saw? - Faline asked Bambi hoping that was not true.

Bambi remained nervous, trembling, he did not know if he was concerned because Gobo's death or because this feeling of family tragedy.

I, I ... - Bambi just made dumb sounds that left let out of his mouth trembling.

Don't worry - Ronno mentioned kindly - I'll explain, I trust in you.

But you were not there, Ronno - Rolla said in amazement - how do you know what happened?

I hate to be the one who explains it - Ronno said in a way of speech - but there's no other choice, so, Gobo received a mortal shot, and it was only a matter of time for him to die, I do not know whether or not he agonized, but if we hadn't encouraged him with that things of the man, he had not died.

Marena and Faline watched him with anger and contempt for those words.

How dare you talk in that way about my dead brother? - Faline mentioned crying of sadness and anger - you are miserable.

I knew you were not legit - Marena said trembling - but I did not think you was that bad.

They went away disconsolate, Faline had to tell her mother what was happened.

Why you were so insensitive, Ronno? - Rolla asked disappointed because she have heard.

I'm so sorry, but ... - Ronno was suddenly interrupted by Rolla.

Do not talk me - she said indignantly - I do not think you were well.

Rolla ran in sadness as Ronno was unable begging her to not leave him.

Bambi - Ronno said looking at him with sad eyes - was I really so severe?

Just a little - Bambi tried to revive his friend - but you said what had to be said, though no one would listen.

I knew I had not exaggerated. - Ronno said smiling again.

Bambi walked slowly out of there, and he did not know what to do.

Wait - Ronno excalimed scared - where are you going? Can you help me to walk?

Today I cannot - Bambi replied without looking at him - you are alone this time.

Ronno tried to walk on his own, but he couldn't do it wall, although the wound had clotted, the pain was immense and it propitiated him a desperate scream.

Bambi, please come back! - When this did not work, Ronno began crying for someone else - Mother, help! Mother, please!

Ronno felt a familiar presence and he waited near to see if his pleas had worked, but instead of that someone else appeared to increase his tragedy.

You still call for your mom? - Karus exclaimed from a far mocking Ronno - How pathetic you are!

Of all the acquaintances of mine - Ronno said paralyzed with grief and fear - why had to be you?

I come to fix an issue - Karus said with his usual evil laugh - this time for life.

Scene 20

Ronno sat trying to prove his courage to Karus, but once he was received with a punch and dropped him.

You were never as strong as you thought - Karus said as he looked down - you're a disgrace to the deer.

May be I am not very strong - Ronno responded bravely - but I have determination.

Ronno stand again and managed to Karus a side attack, but it hardly felt that hit on his rival, who hurt him again.

Face it - Karus mentioned seeing Ronno's suffering - a son of the Great Prince would know what to do with your problems, a son of another major deer at least could face them, but what about you? Even your mother has forgotten the name of your father.

I learn from my problems - Ronno said ignoring that phrase so heartbreaking - but you are not the most important one.

Ronno could not get up and he stand still, sleepy, dam of the beating he had received; Karus was determined to destroy him once, when a big stag came knocking Karus, forcing him to flee that area of the forest. Ronno thought he was his father and he was filled with joy; but then he realized that he was not his father, instead of that he was only the protector of the forest, the Great Prince.

You have to be strong – The Great Prince said as he examined the wounds of Ronno – I'm going to seek help.

But, sir - Ronno said worried - he will return here to kill me.

I do not think so - The Great Prince said reassuringly – He had fled away from here and I am ready to banish him for the common good.

Ronno felt safe and slept due to his physical discomfort.

I'll have to tell his mother. - The Grand Prince said while he was leaving Ronno alone.

Scene 21

Ronno finally woke up with a pain in his back, his neck and that familiar sensation in the leg. He was surprised to see a known face in this place.

Now what happened to you? - His mother asked worried.

It was Karus - Ronno said still sleepy - he tried to kill me when I was very weakened.

Ronno looked up trying to find someone else, but there was nobody.

What's wrong? - His mother mentioned while she licked his wounds - you look very distracted.

I think I'm still bewildered because what I've seen - Ronno answered without saying that he hoped to see Bambi close - can we go home?

I suppose - His mother said, she was still distraught by the lameness of his son - unless you cannot walk, can you?

Ronno made an effort and he could walk, he only felt a sore but he was almost healthy.

Yes, look - Ronno replied ignoring his pain - so we go.

At home Ronno decided to sleep in order to recover his strength soon. No one except his mother and the Great Prince knew what had happened, at that time nearly all care the same if they listened or not to Ronno. But the Great Prince was precisely who was around to talk about.

Scene 22

In the depths of the forest Bambi was casually walking, but soon he heard his father calling him.

Bambi! – The Great Prince shouted waiting for his son.

Did you call me? - Bambi asked nervously.

That's right - The Great Prince said as he looked amazed how much Bambi had matured - tell me if you understood what happened to Gobo.

I guess - Bambi answered slowly - no one should rely on men.

That's right, but - The Great Prince paused before continuing with this philosophical question - what about trust in all the deer?

What do you mean? - Bambi asked curiously.

I know what was about to happen to Faline – The Great Prince said seriously – did you protected her?

Well, at first yes - Bambi replied feeling his father was disappointed of him - but I could not against that stag.

So, who saved her? - The Great Prince said pretending hide he know everything about it.

Ronno was, you know him - Bambi mentioned hoping his father knew of whom he was talking about - he had hurt his leg once and he was wounded again.

I understand that, but – His father said emphasizing a question - when he was injured, would you help him?

I'm afraid not. - Bambi replied bowing his head.

I know that the responsibility of caring for others is mine, not yours - The Great Prince said Bambi trying to not scolding him - but if you have the opportunity to help someone, especially a friend, you should do it, is he not your friend?

Of course he is my friend - Bambi said between pauses - I did not know why I left him in that way.

Then you should go to see him - His father suggested - maybe your visit will be somewhat cheerful.

Did something happen? - Bambi asked worrying about Ronno.

He's hurt - The Great Prince said with no more that could distress his child - that's all you need to know.

The Great Prince let his son alone as it was his custom; he went away without making a sound.

Scene 23

Ronno lay sleeping in his home; the wounds had healed almost completely, but he had depressed in the loneliness.

Wake up dear - her mother said cheerfully - someone is looking for you.

Are you talking seriously? - Ronno asked enthusiastic.

For first time in a while he was happy, the world had not forgotten him.

Yes, son - His mother said encouraging him - it's nothing more and nothing less than the Prince of the Forest.

Ronno remembered how Bambi had left him but that doesn't matter, that was not the time to argue.

What a surprise! - Ronno commented jumping for joy - I guess it's better to meet him.

Go, I wait here. - His mother said fondly.

Bambi was out with his head down feeling bad for betraying his friend.

Is that you, Bambi? - Ronno asked excitedly.

Yes - Bambi replied shyly - I apologize for not having helped you when I had to.

Quiet - Ronno answered showing that he was not at all upset - your father saved me and so he has my gratitude.

You're right - Bambi said smiling and sad at the same time - I think I can never be like my father.

Bambi almost cry in that moment, but Ronno interrupted him to comfort him.

Do not say that - Ronno said confidently - everyone makes mistakes and I think you have followed his example very well.

I appreciate you say that - Bambi felt really better - your father must be proud of you.

Bambi didn't know Ronno could not meet his father, but Ronno supposed that.

I do not know - Ronno replied sadly - I never met him.

Oh, I'm so sorry - Bambi was wishing he had not mentioned that - I had no idea.

Oh that, well, I do not know - Ronno tried to avoid that conversation topic - what are we talking about?

If you really need to know your father - Bambi said trying not to bother - I think I can help.

Did you mean that…? - Ronno asked with interest.

Sure, it is said that the Great Prince knows almost everything and well - Bambi paused trying to remind Ronno that he was the son of that stag - I have the possibility to ask, but, did not you had asked before your mother?

Yes, but she prefers to evade the question, - Ronno replied absently - I think it's afflictive for her to try to remember.

I think after all we are forced to go to ask my father. - Bambi said without wanting to sound arrogant.

Scene 24

The Great Prince had returned to the hill after watching the fights that males organized in order to get a mate, when a voice interrupted him.

Sir, I need to talk to you. - Bambi mentioned agitated.

Ah, of course – His father said without paying too much attention - Have you talked to your friend?

Yes - Bambi said emotionally - in fact, he is waiting below, if it's not bothering you.

Of course not - The Great Prince replied trying to realize Bambi's intentions - I guess you came to ask something.

Sure, uh - Bambi hesitated to ask his question - have you ever met Ronno's father?

Excuse me? - His father said surprised.

Yes, he does not know who is his father and I thought maybe you would know. – Bambi said explaining his idea.

Well, I do not know what to say. - The Great Prince mentioned confused.

Bambi became disillusioned and began to go off where Ronno.

One moment - The Great Prince finally decided to say something - if I could remember correctly, his father was once a deer a little elder, but not much more than others, he was very quiet, I still thinking he enjoyed his life.

Do you know how he was called? - Bambi asked with great curiosity.

Not really, but I suppose that Netla or one more of my children... - The Great Prince knew he had said something wrong so he kept quiet.

Children? - Bambi shuddered - do you mean that I am not the only one you have?

I was waiting until you were ready to know the truth - His father said with seriousness and sadness - I hope you do not consider me because that a bad father.

How do you expect me to forgive you for that? - Bambi cried remembering how his father had left him in the care of someone else, now the hidden reasons were obvious - I'm not special to you and neither was my mother.

You are - His father stopped pressing his sadness, he must not look weak in front of his son - whom I have loved the most is your mother and you are unique to me, like her.

If that's true - Bambi said drying her tears - then why do you have other children? And who is Netla?

Besides protecting the forest I have the duty to make healthy and strong deer to populate the forest - The Great Prince said regaining his typical mood - but all of them should remain under the care of their mothers only, and they have not to interfere in my life; you're the exception. And by the way, Netla is an old doe but she remembers some things that I ignored, I must warn you that his youngest daughter is your half sister. I hope not upset you more.

But I just hope that I'm really special to you and no just one else from your sickly offspring. - Bambi mentioned without showing much respect to his father as before.

Of course you're more valuable, you are the Prince of the Forest – His father said forgiving every offense - and someday my responsibilities will be yours.

Bambi was confused but still he had to meet with Ronno who was already impatient.

Well, did you get anything? - Ronno asked emotionally.

Yes, I'll tell you when we arrive. - Bambi answered without hesitation.

Bambi and Ronno walked up to an area where they could talk more; there was no sign of Faline, Marena or Rolla, making them more impatient.

Scene 25

Ronno looked happy to hear the explanation of Bambi, while he felt sad about what his father had done, so he still would not tell to Ronno.

Interesting, where we will find such Netla? - Ronno questioned.

I do not know, but she must be easy to recognize, certainly she lives far away. - Bambi tried to cheer him up.

And I thought you lived far! - Ronno said sarcastically.

Speaking of distance, do you know where might be Faline? - Bambi asked admiringly.

I have not heard from anyone now, and it seems I will not sympathize with Faline since the Gobo incident. - Ronno said sadly.

True - Bambi said something different than what was expected - for then we should look up to find Netla, that place is near to Rolla.

Well, but I'm worry because Karus could remain hiding there. - Ronno said scared.

You're right, but if we are together there is no much he can do. - Bambi replied empowering his friend.

At that time they both went looking for Netla, while Bambi still wondering if he should say something about his half siblings.