The scene changed to Dario who was driving his jeep, he was out of the hunting grounds and was heading to Salt Lake City.

???: So we're going to a city? What's that?

Dario: Basically our own habitat, a place where humans live. Like how you guys have the forest and any other environments.

He turned to Cottonwood who seemed excited.

Cottonwood: I see, so are all humans like you?

Dario: No, some are different. In short, there are some with bad intentions.

Cottonwood: Like...Buster?

Dario: Yeah, don't think animals are the only ones that can cheat. Us humans are like masters of that craft, we invented that crap.

Cottonwood: Ah, I see. Guess he did learn that.

Dario: And look where the twat got him. Karma has a way of catching up, but now there's no need to think about him. What's important is that you're with me.

Cottonwood: You're right, he does not define me. I will write my own story.

She had a look of determination, the hunter smiled for the deer.

Cottonwood: And thanks again for not killing me.

Dario: It's no problem, I can make it up to you and make your day look great.

The scene changed to then walking around Salt Lake City, it was crowded.

Dario: And this is Salt Lake City Cotton-

He noticed she was gone.

Dario: Cottonwood! Where are you?

Cottonwood: Behind you...

He turned to see the girl who had the hood of her cloak on.

Dario: Oh why do you have your cloak on?

Cottonwood: It's... it's just I'm afraid of crowds... I'm not a huge fan of a ton of people around me...

Dario: Oh, well why didn't you tell me this before?

Cottonwood didn't say anything as she hugged his waist and rested her face onto his chest.

The hunter blushed.

Cottonwood: Don't leave me stranded, please...

Dario pulls away her hood and pats her head.

Dario: I won't, just hold onto my right arm and I won't let you go.

The deer smiled as she grabbed a hold of Dario's hand, the two then walked around the city.

The two did so much stuff together.

They ate a nearby McDonalds, Cottonwood had a salad for various reasons while Dario had a soda with some nuggets.

Then they were at the town square to see a silver man street performer.

Dario tossed the man a coin onto his hat and he did a bow at the two and waved at them before going back to his original position.

The deer giggled before motioning for the hunter to give another coin, to which he obliged and tossed in another one.

The silver man then did a Moonwalk and did a "pow pow" gesture with his hands, before going back to his original position.

The scene changed to the duo who were at a nearby arcade.

Cottonwood was interested in a whack-a-mole game, Dario paid for her.

He then explained how it worked, then a mole appeared to which the hunter pointed at it for Cottonwood to hit it, she missed the first time.

Then it appeared again and the deer hit it after the second attempt. They kept

The two then played some air hockey, to which the trophy was surprisingly good at it.

Dario who was surprised too didn't mind losing, he was just happy to see Cottonwood having fun.

The scene changed to the two who were sitting at a bench as they were eating ice cream.

Dario: So how do you like your treat?

Cottonwood: Oh it's delicious, by the way what was that thing that only humans have?

Dario: Have what?

Cottonwood: That thingy where humans can't stand milk products.

Dario: Oh you mean lactose intolerance? Yeah that's a case most of the people in the world do have, basically means we can't consume dairy products like milk and even ice cream like this.

Cottonwood: So it's a human based allergy, that's rather interesting.

Dario: By the way, about your fear of crowds...

Cottonwood: Yeah, what about it?

Dario: Want me to help you overcome it?

The deer was so happy that she by accident made her antlers appear out of excitement that she couldn't contain.

Cottonwood: REALLY?!

Dario quickly covered her head with her hood.

Dario: Shhhh.

Cottonwood; What happened?

Dario: I see from your excitement you managed to accidentally reveal your antlers.

Cottonwood: Oh... my bad hehe.

She managed to conceal them and she removed her hood to reveal no trace of them whatsoever.

Dario: Phew.

Cottonwood: Sorry I just couldn't hold it, my excitement overtook me. And I wanna say...

She rested her head on his shoulders.

Cottonwood: Thanks for being around with me through this time. I had to deal with a break up and then worry for my life, only for you to do the opposite and help me with my problem, then take me out to make up for what I've been through. We had... so much fun together.

She blushed a bit as she rested more onto the hunter.

Cottonwood: Thank you... for everything...

Dario smiled and pats her head.

Dario: There's no need for it, just happy to help you out when you're down in the mood.

Cottonwood: Thank you.

Then Dario accidentally spilled some of his ice cream on his shirt.

Dario: Ah shit!

Cottonwood: Is something wrong?

Dario: No no I just stained myself by accident, look I'm gonna go and get it cleaned shortly, wait for me here.

The deer didn't like that idea.

Cottonwood: No no, don't leave me alone.

Dario: Cotton I'll be back in a minute or two, I promise.

The trophy nods and the hunter leaves to get himself cleaned. She was now all alone as she had a blank look.

Cottonwood: Don't worry Cottonwood, he'll come back.... And you won't be lost in the crowd...

Her legs shook for a bit as she watched on people walk around her minding their own business.

She hated being alone when in places like these, she was afraid something would happen to her if she got lost in the shuffle.

Cottonwood:............

But then she hears a new voice.

???: Hey!

She looked up and saw two guys who had smirks on their faces.

Guy 1: What's a cute girl like you doing her all alone?

Guy 2: For someone so cute she sure is busty... *licks lips*

The deer felt uncomfortable.

Cottonwood: I...

Guy 2: Look bro, she's very shy. Don't worry, we can help you.

Cottonwood: Y-you can?

Guy 1: Yeah, just follow us. We'll take you somewhere.

Cottonwood: Umm I don't know if I should trust you...?

Guy 2: When someone offers you help, you accept it. There's nothing wrong with that...right?

The two had devious smirks, while the deer was rather scared and confused.

Cottonwood: Well... I suppose your right...

She got up and saw the two looking at each other.

Guy 1: Follow us and-

???: Hey!

They turned around to see Dario who was pissed and ran towards them.

Guy 2: Shit, grab the girl man!

The guy grabbed the deer's wrist and tried to pull her.

Cottonwood; Let go of me!

Guy 1: Come on you bitch come with u-

He was met with a punch to the face by Dario, it knocked the creep to the ground.

The other one tried to throw back but the hunter ducked and tripped the guy to the ground.

Cottonwood hugged Dario's arm for protection.

Dario: Get lost!

The two got up and scurried off. Most people saw the fight that ended in a short scuffle.

Dario: Come on, let's go...

Dario took Cottonwood and they left.

Dario: Who were those two losers?

Cottonwood: I.. I don't know..

Dario: What were they asking you...?

Cottonwood: That they could take me somewhere safe...

Dario sighed in relief.

Dario: Thank god I arrived in time...

The deer was confused at the statement.

Cottonwood: What do you mean by that?

Dario: No worries, say did Buster ever defend you like this?

Cottonwood: No, very rarely he did but mostly no.

He then hugged Cottonwood tightly making the deer blush more.

Dario: Listen Cotton, for your own good I'm going to tell you the same thing as before. Not all of us humans are to be trusted, not all of us have the greatest of intentions... those... hooligans were going to do something out of moral and I came just in time to save you.

He then looked at her.

Dario: I swear to this day that I will help you overcome your fear and I'll never EVER leave you alone.

The deer girl smiled.

Cottonwood: You promise?

Dario: I cross my heart and may the man in the sky take me if I do lie to you. Amen.

Cottonwood: Amen?

Dario: I'll explain later hehe.

He hugged her tightly, she hugged back and smiled. She finally felt safe.

Dario: Aaaaaaaaaaaand that's how it ended...

The scene changed back to the house, Dario, Cottonwood and the rest of the girls were sitting.

Dario: That's how I met Cottonwood-

Cottonwood: And how he protected me.

Banny sniffed.

Banny: Oh wow, so touching...

Peekon: I am so sorry about how your boyfriend treated you.

Cottonwood: No no it's alright. It's the past now.

Sprinter: I can't believe you were almost dragged by some two randos and was about to-

Hurricane covered her mouth.

Hurricane: Ignore her, what matters is that your safe and that you didn't choose to follow those losers.

Maple: I don't wanna imagine what they were gonna do to you girl. I really don't wanna.

Dario: And I'm so glad you guys are welcoming of Cottonwood here.

Hurricane: I mean why wouldn't we? Girl had it rough.

Sprinter: True, she's a part of the team.

Banny: And we can be best friends forever!

Peekon: What she said, but mostly on mine and Dario's behalf I would like to welcome you.

Dario: No need on my behalf Peekon.

Peekon: But I like it that way Dary-

Maple: Yeah, and don't worry Cotton we'll help you get over your fear of crowds. The house is crowded with the six of us already and once you get to know us better the more you'll get used to being with more than one person. You have our support.

The deer smiled as tears formed around her eyes in joy.

Cottonwood: Thank you all!

She turned and hugged Dario, the latter motioned for them to join in and so did they.

Sprinter: Never knew someone can be this emotional.

Peekon: You literally had an ex problem too.

Sprinter: Yeah but I dumped his ass before getting killed.

Maple: Shhh, don't ruin the moment you two...

The two nod, then the hug was broken.

Dario: Alright, tomorrow I'm taking you all to a nearby restaurant so we can all have fun.

Banny: Is meat involved?

Dario: Yes Ban Ban.

Cottonwood: What about salads since, y'know-

Maple: Yeah, there also there for us herbivores.

Hurricane: Well Dary, you lead the way and we follow.

Dario: Mhm, we'll be heading tomorrow so all of us let's watch a movie to kill time?

Sprinter: Horror?

Peekon: Romantic comedy?

Sprinter: Bleh!

Dario: Regular comedy.

All: Ok fair enough.

Cottonwood knew she was going to like it here.

End

OK guys this was chapter 25.

Peace out!