Note from Author: Ok, so this is a very short chapter and it does jump around a bit time wise. The reason why I am releasing it is because if I didn't split up my idea, the real Chapter IV would be very long and would jump around even more time wise.

There also won't be a preview of Chapter V yet because I'm still trying to fine tune it.

It was another hot summer morning. The muggy air chocked all the living creatures in the forest. The birds remained quiet, sitting in their shaded nests. Most of the larger animals, including other deer, stayed within the forest hoping that the trees' long branched would shield them from the sun's heat or they would retreat to the river to lay in the cool water.

A few days had passed since the incident with Silvanus yet fear and paranoia had overtaken Serenity; she refused to leave the den. She spent the last few days laying at her sleeping spot, looking out onto the world from the safety of the cave. Watching the sun crawl across the sky, she would lay there with a thousand thoughts running through her head. She was not sure as to rather or not Silvanus had gotten over her and had moved onto to Maia. Each time she thought of it, the visions from their unwanted reunion flooded her head forcing her to yell and cry.

Each morning, Castor would continue his daily routine of patrolling their territory and this morning was just like another other. As the sun rose, he rolled his neck and stretched his long hind leg behind him just as he usually did. He shook, knocking off bits of dried grass off of his dark coat. He carefully stepped around Kumiko, gently nuzzling the fawn with his nose, sleeping at Serenity's side, and stood at the cave entrance. He blinked a few times allowing his eyes to adjust to the brightness, then he would step out into the sun.

Serenity quietly stood up, calling out to him as he began to walk away, "You will be close, right?"

Castor stopped at the sound of her soft- yet distressed - voiced. He turned and nodded, "Of course."

"And if I need you, you'll come running?" She pulled her ears back with her eyes wide and glassy from the tears. She carefully walked over towards him but stopped when she reached the entrance.

Castor sighed as he stepped close to his mate. Looking at her deep blue eyes, he said, "You know I will. And he's not coming after you."

Serenity looked away with sorrow on her face, "I know. It's just...The way he looked at me..."

Visions came to her. Deep within her mind, Silvanus' cold, gray eyes returned. Staring at her with no life in them, only a lusty hunger. His gaze, while just a memory, cut through her sending shivers down her spine. She shook the memory away before turning around to lay back down.

Castor stood there watching as she returned to Kumiko's side and placed her head on the fawn's back. She did not return his gaze but instead stared off into space, deep in thought. He knew that she was afraid of what Silvanus may do; he was never a kind stag, not even to Serenity, which filled Castor with rage even to this day. Just the thought of Silvanus raising his voice or lowering his antlers to her made him stomp the ground and now they had a fawn. Kumiko was young and weak. She was also the most important thing in Castor and Serenity's lives, making her the perfect, easy target for revenge.

I've been able to protect her this far...he thought as he wondered out into the humid forest. I just hope I can continue to shield her from the past and protect Kumiko from ever having to deal with it.

The noon sun was high in the sky. Even in the heat, the forest still showed signs of life. Off in the far distance, Kumiko could hear the familiar sounds of fawns playing in the creek. She let out a heavy sigh as she leaned against the cave's entrance, looking out into the forest, and wishing she could join them. It had been a few days since she was escorted to the meadow to play. She was growing anxious. She longed to run and she longed to see Constant again.

"Can we go to the meadow today, Mama?" Kumiko asked in an innocent voice as she turned her head back towards Serenity.

Serenity sighed as well when she saw the sadness in her daughter's eyes, "No today, sweetie."

"But why...?" whined Kumiko.

"It is too hot today."

She stood up and stomped her hoof, "You said that yesterday and the day before that and the day before that...All my friends get to go to the meadow and get to play in the creek. Why not me?"

"Maybe tomorrow, ok?"

"You said that yesterday too...And the day before that...And the day before that..." She returned to leaning against the cave where she sniffled, "And I miss Constant."

Serenity bit her lower lip, "I'm afraid that you may not be able to see him for awhile..."

Instantly, Kumiko spun around, "Why?!"

Serenity continued to look away. Is it right for me to keep her from her friend? She questioned herself. Yes...It's the best for her, even if she doesn't understand and it hurts her. Silence and tension flew between them. Serenity watched as Kumiko's heart broke right in front of her eyes. Tears came to her eyes and her lip trembled as she collapsed to the ground. She buried her head in her front legs where she continued to sob.

Serenity stood up and walked over Kumiko. She lowered her head and nuzzled Kumiko's tear-soaked cheer. Kumiko pushed her mother away. She glanced up at her only for a second, but Serenity could see the pain in her eyes. Quickly, she dashed out of the cave. Kumiko did not run far; she stopped by a large oak tree where she continued to cry alone.

Feeling that giving her space was the best idea, Serenity stayed in the cave. "I'm sorry, Kumiko..." she whispered. "If only I could make you understand....Constant is his fawn now and I can't risk your safety."

Kumiko spent the rest of the day under the oak tree. Sweat trickled down her face, damping her light tan coat. She watched as the sun moved across the sky and the shadows travel slowly across the ground. The sky's bright blue faded as it was engulfed by color. The sun exploded into shades of orange and yellow as it crawled below the horizon. The clouds dotted the sky in pinks and purples, almost as if they were paint strokes on the deep blue canvas.

Castor had returned home and tried to get her to come into the cave but she refused. He stood at the entrance watching her, "Has she been out there all day?"

Serenity stood beside him, "Yes..."

"I wish I could convince her to come inside. It's dark and will be getting cool again." He sighed heavily. "I don't think we're doing the right thing."

"Silvanus is dangerous!" She shot a look of rage at him. "We both know that! With Kumiko being my daughter, there is no telling what he may do." She looked back out at Kumiko. "I know she is upset about not being able to play with Constant, but we have no choice now that Silvanus is Maia's possible mate."

"I guess..." carefully, we walked over to Kumiko. She did not look up at him when he stood behind he. He lowered his head and nuzzled her, "Come on, honey, it's going to get cold. Please come inside."

Sadly, Kumiko got to her feet. She did not say a word as she turned to the cave. With her head low, she walked inside the cave not looking at either Serenity or Castor. She laid down at the far end of the small cave facing the wall. There she tucked her legs beneath her small body and laid her head on the cold, stone flood. Her parents looked at each other with concern and confusion in their eyes.

"Should we say something to her?" Castor asked.

"I don't even know what to say," depressingly Serenity returned to her bed with Castor following her. There they laid, silently, without Kumiko by them.