Chapter Text
The sun had climbed higher, burning off much of the morning mist, but the forest still smelled damp and wild. Copper’s nose twitched as he padded along a faint trail, following a scent that made his tail wag. His muscles rippled under his sleek fur—he was strong, alert, and brimming with energy. He was two, a young adult still full of puppy enthusiasm, and every rustle of leaves felt like a challenge.
He caught a familiar scent and froze mid-step.
It was Bambi’s scent. Copper’s tail snapped upright, ears pricked, eyes shining. Could it really be him? The thought made his chest ache with excitement. He bounded forward, eager to reunite with the awkward but courageous fawn who had stolen his heart.
But as he pushed through the brush, the figure made him pause.
It wasn’t Bambi.
The deer before him was slightly smaller, leaner, with a darker coat and large, nervous eyes that darted everywhere. The antlers were tiny buds, but what caught Copper’s attention most was the sheer panic radiating off him. He wondered why he'd mixed up the smells.
“Oh—oh no! Don’t… don’t eat me!” the deer squeaked, dropping to his knees and curling his knobby hooves over his face.
Copper tilted his head, ears flicking. “Whoa, easy there,” he said, lowering his body slightly to seem less threatening. “I’m not gonna hurt you.” The deer peeked out from under his hooves. “You… you… you’re a predator!” he stammered, voice shaking. “You’re going to—gobble me up! That's what all slobbery beasts like you do!”
Copper shook his head, tail wagging. “Nope. Not today. I’m not on hunting duty. You’re safe. Just calm down. You'll be alright.”
The deer froze, hooves still covering his face, and whimpered. “I… I can’t… I can’t fight. I… I… I’m not brave like the others! Don’t eat me! Please! I really don't taste good! I swear! I swear!”
Copper sat back on his haunches, letting out a soft chuckle.
“You can cower all you like—just stay out of trouble, and I’ll leave you alone. Just don't make any sudden movements, or—” Copper lifted an ear, listening intently. After a moment his ear flopped down and he scratched his neck folds, shaking off the tension. "Yep! You're all good. I ain't gonna eat you, little fella."
The deer’s head peeked out again. “Y-you’re serious?”
“Completely,” Copper said, nose twitching at the faint scent of fear. “I’m not gonna hurt you. But maybe learn to hide better next time. Most huntin' dogs aren't so forgiving. But most haven't befriended foxes... so there's that.” Copper looked off to the side in thought.
The deer flinched again, but relief flooded his eyes. “Oh… thank you… thank you…” He stumbled backward, still quivering, clearly not used to being spared by a predator. This was surely a blessing.
Copper gave a small wag, then sniffed the ground again. “Mhm!" he murmured, tail swishing. “But… while I don't want to alarm you... you're still not safe with Chief around. So you'd better run along now." Copper nudged Ronno's flank with his nose, pushing him towards the safety of the forest. "Hurry up! Before I gotta chase ya!"
The deer honked, disappearing awkwardly through the underbrush, still cowering with every leap. Copper watched him go, shaking his head and chuckling. Some animals are just… complicated, he thought. Then he turned, nose to the ground, ready to resume his patrol—ever vigilant for the deer he met last, wherever he might be.