Dawn emerged onto the forest, setting light to the first day of spring. The warm, golden rays of the sun set light to the flowers in the meadows, the bright pink, blue, and yellow blossoms bobbing slight in the breeze....and something else. The only things visible were light cream ears, with gray ones at the front. At the edge of the meadow, where the flowers dwindled into grass, leaves, and trees, it turned out to be Thumper and his daughters. Since his mate had died last year, his daughters had spent much more time with him, even though they should've had their own mates by now. But, they intended to stay by their father as long as possible, much to his annoyance. But, he loved his daughters, and thought them to be special.

Deeper in the forest, the current prince of the forest, Bambi was walking through the trees, observing the new buds on the trees and bushes. Soon, his mate Faline followed, smiling at all the new growth after the long, harsh winter. Following them was Geno and Gurri, their children who had grown into fine young adults. Geno was prancing happily, two shoots on top of his head showing that his antlers had started growing. His sister walked happily, relishing in the feel of warm sunlight on her back for the first time in months. From the trees appeared other animals. Friend Owl alighted on a tree branch that swayed precariously, and Friend Owl tried to regain his balance, ending up with his feathers ruffled and a crazy look on his face. Gurri gave a small giggle while Bambi gave her a playful glare. "Hello Friend Owl. Happy spring," Faline said to him, smiling sweetly.

"Oh, why hello Faline," he replied. Soon, others began to emerge into the beautiful daylight, celebrating the new day. Thumper hopped through the bushes, rustling them as his long line of daughters followed him. He entered the clearing where Bambi and his family were discussing the new season with glee. "Well heya Bambi!" Thumper called, hopping forward. "Thumper!" Bambi exclaimed happily, smiling as he saw his friend after the long winter. "That's me," Thumper responded, giving his foot a few thumps on the ground. "I hope the winter treated you well," Faline commented to Thumper as Friend Owl took off, muttering something about winter. "Pfft, it was as good for me as it was for you," Thumper snorted. "C'mon Bambi. The animals are expecting you to give The Signal," Faline informed. "Oh, yes. Come along Geno, Gurri."

The Signal was a ritual amongst the animals in the forest. They sat below a large hill, where the Great Prince of the Forest stood and let the rays of sun shine behind him, giving him a heavenly appearance. Afterwards, the animals began their mighty feast after the long winter. Bambi hadn't done it last year, due to Faline giving birth, so his father had, but this time, it was his moment to shine. He held his head high, making himself look regal and proud. But, on the inside, his stomach twisted in knots, and he gulped, unsure how he would be received. Faline gave him an encouraging nuzzle, then fell back to explain the situation to Geno and Gurri. "Ya nervous buddy?" Thumper asked, hopping alongside him. "Ah gee, is it that obvious?" he asked. Thumper shook his head slowly. "No, no, you seem perfectly fine," he said, though deep down he didn't want to admit, it was kind of obvious.

"Wait for a second," Thumper said, holding out his paw. He sniffed the air loudly. "You smell that?" he asked. Bambi sniffed the air as well, then made a face. "Heya fellas," a voice said, and none other than Flower appeared from a flower patch, his mate Bluebelle in tow. "Flower!" Bambi exclaimed, happiness in his voice. "How've ya been?" he asked, coming up to him. "Well golly, it's been a while since I last saw you and Thumper," he said, looking them over. "You too. My Flower, you both look wonderful after such a hard winter," Bambi said. Flower blushed. "Aw, gosh Bambi, t-thanks," he said, covering his face with his tail like he sometimes did when he was bashful. "We're just about to go do The Signal. Ole' Bambi's gonna do it," Thumper said, thumping his leg against Bambi's own. The buck just rolled his eyes. "C'mon fellas, or we'll be late," he said, then headed through the forest, Thumper following behind with Flower and Bluebelle in a strait line, like soldiers as they marched, keeping their heads high.

They finally arrived at the now grassy hill, still dotted with a few patches of snow that would most likely be gone by tomorrow. Bambi stopped, and let Thumper, Flower, Bluebelle, and everyone else go past. "Don't forget. Have confidence. You're their prince now Bambi, so hold your head high," Faline instructed, then gave him a short nuzzle under the chin before joining the others underneath the hill, a privilege for those of his family and friends. Bambi took a deep breath, closing his eyes before walking up the hill, his head high. His antlers began to appear over the hill, and the whole forest seemed to hold it's breath as he emerged, his head high as the sun's rays made him look like a God.

The animals cheered in delight of The Signal. Birds sang joyous songs and flew around, spreading the good news to animals who hadn't been able to make it. The deer reared back, bucks flaunting their antlers in the air. Then, the calm came as they dispersed, off to have the first meal of spring. As Bambi descended from the hill, an old friend approached him. "Mena?" he asked. "Well if it isn't Bambi. I knew you were destined for great things," the older doe responded, giving a weak smile. "How did the winter treat you?" Faline asked. "Oh, it was quite hard on these old bones, but I've made it," Mena replied. Bambi was amazed. He hadn't seen her since he was a fawn, and that had been about two years ago.

"Glad to see how you've become such a strong buck," Mena said, giving another smile. "And who is this?" she asked, leaning over to look at Geno and Gurri. Gurri backed up a bit while Geno puffed out his chest and tried to seem tall. "Mena, this is my son, Geno," he said, angling his antlers to point at the buck. "And this is Gurri, my daughter," he added. She slunk forward and gently touched her nose to Mena's. Mena gave a smile. "Very nice to meet you. I'm so happy for you Bambi," she added. "Your mother and father would be proud." This brought back memories for Bambi.

His mother had died when he was young, but his father had always been around, until right before winter last year that is. A doe was being chased by dogs, and his brave father, The Great Prince Of The Forest, have charged into the line of fire, and fought off the dogs before being shot. He shuddered at the thought, then looked to the sky. He dearly missed his father, and wished he could be here to see this. "Don't worry. Your father and mother are always here," Faline said, pressing her side to his. He gave a sigh. "I know."

      "Now isn't the time for mourning. We'll be celebrating new life!" Mena said, snapping him out of his trance. "You're right. You're absolutely right!"

As Bambi and his family joined Mena in grazing, he kept thinking back to his mother and father, and wondered if they really were watching.

.................

Now, night had fallen. The first day of spring had been a success, and every animal had their fill of food. Bambi lay in his shelter with his family, snoozing quietly until a snapped branch broke him out of sleep. His head lifted up, and he glanced around, using the moonlight to guide his eyes. But nothing appeared. He glanced around suspiciously before hearing the wind blow through the trees, giving a strange chime. He stood up and walked out into the woods. "H-Hello?" He called quietly. "There is no reason to fret my son," a voice called. He froze in place, shock in his eyes as they opened wide. Then, through the bushes came the speaker. His mother. His mouth fell open in shock. "M-Mother?" he asked. She gave a warm smile, and soon, another figure appeared beside her. "Father?" he asked. The Great Prince gave a small smile and a curt nod.

"Hello my son," he said, walking up to him. "You have grown strong," he continued. His mother followed. "But strength is not everything," she added. "Follow your heart in all decisions my son," his mother added, giving him a small nuzzle in the moonlight. He nuzzled back before pulling away. "D-Did you really watch me earlier when I gave The Signal?" he asked, his mind being brought back to Mena. "Yes. We are always here for you Bambi," his mother said. Her scent wreathed around him, filling up his senses in a good way. "We are proud of you my son," The Great Prince added. Bambi gave a sniff. "Thank you. Thank you for coming," he whispered out. "Anything for my only son," his mother said, then they began to disappear into thin air, turning into mist. "W-Wait! Don't leave me, please," he called, sadness edging his tone.

"Be strong my son," his mother called one last time, her voice becoming an echo. They lingered one last time before they were gone. Bambi sniffed sadly. "Goodbye," he choked out. Then, he woke with a sudden jolt in his nest with Faline, Geno, and Gurri. A dream. It had all been a dream, but it seemed so real. Then, a scent bathed his nose. His mother and father's scent still lingered,