Geno ran as fast as he could. He had heard the gunshot. He knew it meant only one thing: Man was back. And they had their deadly sticks, which somehow shot a stone into forest creatures. Geno dodged some branches and bushes, continuing to run. He had to ensure everyone was all right... Another gunshot filled the air. But... Geno felt a pain in his back leg and fell over with a grunt.
Looking over, he saw he had been shot. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself up and kept going. His father's lessons rang in his mind. Sure, back as a young fawn, he did not understand the lessons. But now, they were becoming clear. These weren't just random lectures. They were the key in saving his life, or that of another.
"Don't lay down if you get shot, get up as soon as possible. A Prince does not fall."
Geno was able to ignore the burning pain for now. But for how long... Suddenly, he heard a familiar groan. Stopping, he turned, going toward it. Had someone else been shot? If they had, he had to help them, and quickly. He leaped over a fallen log and soon found the source: None other than Boso. But he was attempting to rise. A bullet hole was visible on his side, and bleeding fast. A small puddle of blood was near him. Geno moved in.
"Boso. Come on, you need to get up."
Boso turned to glare at him. "What brings the cowardly Prince of the Forest here, huh? I don't need your orders. I can manage just fine..."
Geno tighten his jaw. He was getting sick of Boso's stubbornness and bitterness. What had he done to deserve it? Nothing. He shook his head and glared back.
"I'm not the one who's struggling. Look, I got one too, in my back leg. If I can stand, so can you. So get up."
Boso growled at that comment and struggled some more. Yeah, he was right. If this coward could stand, and so could he! A rustle was heard and Geno turned to face it, preparing to fight to the death. It was a hunter, a younger one than what the Prince had seen. It raised its stick and a bang later, and Geno felt a pain in his chest. He grunted and staggered a step.
"Geno, are you out of your mind?! Go, save yourself! I'm done for anyhow..."
Boso's words caused Geno to tense. Despite everything Boso had done, Geno would never wish death upon his former best friend. No... only a coward would. And he was no coward, not anymore...
"A Prince does not flee."
Boso starred at the Prince in confusion. "What..?"
"A Prince does not abandon others, a Prince helps those in need."
Boso couldn't help but snort a bit. "What are you going on about? Your petty little speeches isn't gonna change anything."
"Boso, you were right before. I was a coward, weak... I can't be a Prince that way. And that's what I am, a Prince... And its about time I started to act like one, and stop being a scared little fawn. From this moment on, I am a true Prince of the Forest. A Prince... does not abandon his friends."
Boso looked shocked. Geno... still considered him a friend? Even after all the pain and humiliation he had caused for the Prince? Why was it he had started to hate his ex-best friend anyhow? Boso closed his eyes, trying to remember. Back when they were fawns... A wolf-dog had attacked, his mother Rolla was running, and led the creature toward everyone by mistake... Geno became the target and he fled. But... What did cause Boso to become like this?
He had scolded Faline... 'cause she failed to inform himself and Lana of their mother becoming hurt from the attack? Was that it? Suddenly, Boso felt guilt entering him. He was upset for that ridiculous reason all these years? That was why he and Geno stopped being friends, and instead became enemies? All because his mother was foolish enough to get attacked and fled toward everyone? Boso opened his eyes, Geno still in front of him defensively, refusing to budge. The Hunter was reloading his stick, getting ready for another shot.
"Get up Boso! Get up! You must get up!"
Geno's tone of voice sounded different... Almost, like his father Bambi... Full of authority and power. Boso grunted and began to put more effort into getting up. This time, he set himself a goal: He had to get up, not for himself, but for Geno... His body managed to work up enough strength to get himself half way up. But, he heard the stick getting ready. Geno tensed himself, standing with pride and lifted his head up, preparing for the worse. The Hunter aimed, getting ready to pull the trigger...
"GENO!!!"
And a gunshot was heard, along with a yell. Boso shut his eyes, not wanting to see what had just happened. But he slowly opened his eyes. Geno was not dead, he was looking on in shock. Standing there, over the now lifeless body of the Hunter, was none other than Bambi himself. The stag looked over at his son and Boso, before approaching them.
"Both of you, come."
Without another word, Bambi began to lead the two injured stags away. It wouldn't be long before more of man would find the dead one. Finding the secret safe area his own father before him had shown, Bambi allowed the younger stags to go first before following. Finally, Geno allowed himself to lay down, panting heavily from exhaustion. Boso managed to limp over.
"Geno... Thank you... And, I'm so sorry. For everything. I... I just want things to be back to the way it used to be, before this stupid feud even began."
Geno smiled a bit. "Same here my friend, that's... all I've truly wanted. For us to be friends again."
Boso laid down next to the Prince. "Then let's call it a truce for real."
Geno nodded. "Then its settled."
Bambi watched the two stags, feeling proud that they finally settled their differences. Perhaps Faline, Gurri, Rolla and Lana would follow. He had watched this feud for years, and was powerless to do anything. Not even he, the Great Prince, could end a feud. But perhaps, his son and Boso... Could put an end to it. And the two families could finally be friends, once more...
Subject: Re: Obligatory Autismal Art/Photo Archive 
Sat Jan 04, 2014 3:25 am
