Antler to Antler

FADE IN:

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

Wind RUSTLES through the grass, a bright green clearing, a

DOE grazing, all is calm--

POUND! Hoofs HIT the dirt, dig up soil, TWO BUCKS locked

antler to antler, the doe careens back in shock as the bucks

BUTT each other aside.

One of the deer looks up at her and grins, giving the other

buck upper hand knocking him away, sending the first

sprawling to the ground.

The second buck turns to look at the doe.

BUCK

Well sweetheart, looks like you're

mine.

But before she can answer, STAG, an impressive buck, strong

horns, full of muscles and himself, walks past. The second

buck backs away with a bow as Stag glaces down at the doe.

Silence as Stag takes her in.

Finally, Stag gives a HUFF, and turns his head, continuing

on his way.

At the edge of the clearing, standing in the treeline,

BRACKEN, medium sized, evenly muscled, strong antlers,

observes with curiosity. His gaze passes over the various

bucks fighting, and settles on the more peaceful does,

grazing in the grass. He watches them thoughtfully.

HOOFBEATS. Bracken turns to notice STAG approaching him.

STAG

Well hello. New to the Rut I see.

Bracken stands tall as he addresses him.

BRACKEN

I'm just... Taking it all in.

Stag looks Bracken up and down and snorts.

STAG

Taking it in? A strong buck like you

should already out there, duking it

out for a doe!

Stag hooks antlers with Bracken and tugs. Bracken digs his

hooves into the earth, standing his ground.

BRACKEN

Oh no, that won't be necessary.

Stag yanks harder--

STAG

Go on! Fight!

--And Bracken is thrown into the clearing, colliding with

another BUCK, butting heads.

Bracken pulls away and looks at the infuriated buck before

him, nostrils FLARING, his hooves digging through the

ground, ready to fight.

Bracken looks from Stag to the buck. He notices a doe

standing off to the side, watching them anxiously. He c***s

his head in interest.

BRACKEN

Hello, I'm Bracken.

DOE

Lilac.

The Buck before Bracken GROWLS.

BUCK

Hey! If you want her, you have to

beat me!

BRACKEN

Wait. I haven't decided if I-

The Buck charges.

Bracken pulls out of the way, just in time to avoid contact.

But the buck swings back and they connect, antler to antler.

Stag nods to himself, and takes a step back to watch.

Bracken uses his own antlers to push back against the Buck.

The Buck twists his head to the side throwing Bracken off

balance, but Bracken regains himself and butts back.

Bracken drives his antlers at the opponent again and again,

until finally, the other buck stumbles back, and turns to

flee.

Stag blinks from the sidelines, impressed.

2.

Bracken straightens himself up regaining his breath. He

turns back to Lilac and nods politely.

And then a SECOND BUCK charges from the side, throwing

Bracken into BLACK!

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - NIGHT

Bracken rubs his antlers against a tree, trying to work out

a soreness in them. Stag steps up with a grin.

STAG

You're going to have to be prepared

to fight more than one buck for any

single doe you know.

BRACKEN

Yeah? And what about you? I haven't

seen you doing any of the fighting

today.

Stag CHUCKLES.

STAG

You think any of these babes here are

my type? No. Only a doe of true

beauty is worth my time.

Bracken shifts awkwardly.

BRACKEN

And you're confident you won't loose

her?

Stag's eyes darken.

STAG

No buck would dare challenge me, I

can assure you. Anybody who did would

live to regret it.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

A new day Sun rises above the clearing.

Bracken faces off against another Buck, looking one another

in the eye.

They charge, antlers locking, driving each other back, hoofs

turning dirt.

3.

Bracken fights hard, chasing the Buck away, only to be

charged by another a moment later. This time he's ready. He

fights back, but it drives him down.

The second Buck walks away from the Rut with a doe.

Bracken picks himself up, ready for another fight.

He challenges another Buck, easily sending him off, but then

there's another, and another, the third one overcoming him.

Buck after Buck Bracken fights. Most he overcomes, but there

is always another who manages to walk away with the doe.

But finally, CHEST HEAVING, no more bucks stand against him.

Bracken turns, "his" Doe, ELM, standing behind him. Slowly

his face falls with weariness. The doe looks at him and

turns toward the trees.

ELM

You coming?

Bracken looks at her, then the clearing, then back to her.

BRACKEN

Yeah.

As they begin to walk from the clearing, Bracken notices Elm

glancing at the buck he had just now defeated. The buck

looks deflated.

Shaking his head, Bracken turns to continue after Elm--

And stops.

From the trees, opposite the clearing, emerges the most

beautiful doe, FERN, soft fur, features perfect, but most of

all, her soft eyes filled with sincerity.

ELM

Bracken?

Bracken looks back at Elm. She follows his his gaze to Fern,

then SIGHS.

ELM

Seriously?

Bracken looks at her. Elm inspects him, frowning. Bracken

looks back at the other buck that he'd just won against.

4.

BRACKEN

Listen. See that buck over there? I

think you'd be much happier with him.

You should go.

Bracken gently nudges Elm away. Elm hesitates, but then

turns to leave. Then Bracken heads off in his own direction.

As Bracken makes his way across the clearing toward Fern. He

glances back to see Elm talking with his last opponent. The

Buck looks up at him, and Bracken nods. With that, the Buck

and Elm walk together from the clearing.

Bracken reaches Fern, and stands before her. He bows his

head.

BRACKEN

Hello. If you will allow me to

introduce myself, I'm Bracken.

Fern looks at him, up and down. Finally--

FERN

I'm Fern. Nice to meet you.

Another doe, MAPLE, steps form the trees, serious and

skeptical, and stands behind Fern. She notices Bracken.

MAPLE

Oh, hello. What's this?

Fern looks at Maple.

FERN

It looks as if bucks are already

taking an interest in me.

(to Bracken)

Don't worry, this is my sister Maple.

(glances around the

clearing)

Have you been here awhile?

BRACKEN

Just since yesterday. Want me to show

you around?

Fern opens her mouth to answer, but before she can say

anything, Stag butts in from nowhere and steps before Fern.

5.

STAG

Hello there lady. I'm Stag. The

beauty of no other doe has ever

called upon my heart like that such

as yours.

Fern looks at him, strong muscles, confident demeanor. Fern

bows her head shyly.

FERN

I'm charmed.

STAG

Allow me to show you around. I know

all about these sort of gatherings.

Bracken takes a step forward, but Stag steps in front of

him, staring him down, giving him a warning glance.

Fern looks at Bracken and shrugs apologetically, and Stag

leads her away.

Maple turns to Bracken, noticing the expression on his face.

MAPLE

You know, this Stag wouldn't be a bad

partner for Fern. He's strong and

would be sure to ward off any danger.

I think Fern deserves the best.

With that, Maple trots away leaving Stag's earlier words

ECHOING in the air.

STAG (V.O.)

No buck would dare challenge me...

Anybody who did would live to regret

it.

Meanwhile, another Buck, PINE, watches Bracken, quietly from

the sidelines, eyes filled with jealousy.

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Bracken sits by the stream staring into the water.

HOOFBEATS. Suddenly, Fern's beside him.

FERN

Sorry we got interrupted back there,

turns out Stag's quite a buck. Want

to walk with me back to the clearing?

6.

Bracken takes one last look at the water, then nods. He

stands up, and him and Fern begin to make their way back

through the forest. Silent.

A few times, they open their mouths to speak, but then stop.

Wind RUSTLES through the trees, an owl HOOTS in the

distance.

Finally--

FERN

So... This gathering's something,

isn't it?

Bracken nods in acknowledgment.

FERN

It's kind of exciting, isn't it, not

knowing who's going to end up with

who, the unexpectedness of all of it?

BRACKEN

I guess that's one way you can put

it.

(Beat)

To be honest, this is my first one.

Fern nods.

FERN

I've never been to a Rut before

either, but I thought it'd be

interesting to try it out. You know

meet new deer, perhaps find a

partner.

BRACKEN

It sure is much more chaotic than

where I'm from.

Bracken and Fern slip back into silence, and the noises of

the NIGHT FOREST once again take over, Bracken and Fern just

taking in the night and one another's presence.

FERN

So what's it like, fighting like

that? What's going through your head

as you're locked in battle, antler to

antler?

Bracken pauses to think.

7.

BRACKEN

To be honest, there isn't much time

to think. You just have to dig in and

trust your instincts, and hope to

come out the top.

Fern looks thoughtful.

FERN

Interesting.

(Pause)

I've been thinking. Stag seems to be

really interested in me. Do you you

think he's going to challenge for me?

Bracken hesitates.

FERN

Yeah, maybe you're right. I'm sure

there are a lot of other nice bucks

out here. I just hope if one chooses

me, it's one that I like.

By now, they've reached the clearing. Fern spots Maple, then

turns back to Bracken.

FERN

I should go. It's been nice talking

to you. Perhaps we can see each other

again tomorrow?

Bracken dips his head.

BRACKEN

Perhaps.

And with that, Fern trots after her sister. Bracken watches

her go, longing in his eyes.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

Fern and Maple stand in the clearing, watching all the bucks

fighting. Bracken stands by a tree, sparing it in practice.

Fern's face shows fascination, but Maple is clearly

unimpressed.

MAPLE

Look at them. Filled with so much

masculinity. It's like they've lost

their minds.

8.

Fern glances at her sister. Turning back to the bucks,

discomfort rises on her face as she registers for the first

time what her sister is saying...

She shakes it off.

FERN

I thought you wanted to come here.

MAPLE

I came here for you. You said you

wanted a buck, this is the place. For

my part, I'm more than content to

remain by myself. Take this Rut

nonsense and leave me out of it.

Fern blinks a few times, thoughtful.

Bracken stops sparing and comes to stand beside them.

BRACKEN

Hi. Mind if I stand here?

FERN

No, not at all.

Fern scoots aside, and they stand together, watching the

day's proceedings.

Maple looks at Bracken curiously.

MAPLE

Done already? Don't you want to be

out there expressing your dominance

to the other bucks?

Bracken hesitates.

BRACKEN

I don't need to fight all the time do

I? I think it's nice to take some

time off to socialize once in awhile.

Maple looks at Bracken for a long moment. Finally she gives

him a light bump.

MAPLE

You're not all that bad.

They go silent as they continue to watch the other bucks'

fighting.

9.

Across the clearing, Bracken notices Stag staring in their

direction. Fern follows Bracken's gaze, and Stag gives her a

smug grin, Fern smiles back. Bracken shifts his feet

uncomfortably.

Suddenly, Pine, the buck who was watching Bracken earlier

emerges out of nowhere and butts Bracken off his feet.

Bracken stumbles a bit, but quickly regains his footing.

PINE

Back away from my doe! She's mine!

Pine butts at Bracken again. Bracken looks at Fern and Maple

desperately. The Buck hooks antlers and yanks Bracken's gaze

away, forcing him to make contact, eye to eye.

PINE

That's right! She's my doe! I

challenge you for her!

Pine drives himself into Bracken. Antlers locked, the

struggle begins.

Maple, watching from the sidelines rolls her eyes.

MAPLE

See? Bucks. Just brute force. Like

that's the only thing that matters. I

can't even.

Fern looks at Maple, worry rising in her gaze.

Pine's ferocity is more than Bracken is prepared for,

twisting his head to the side, driving him down into the

earth.

Pine knocks Bracken off his feet, unlocks antlers and slams

him with another blow to the side. Bracken tumbles across

the ground, dazed.

BLEARY VISION, Bracken struggles to get up...

And his hoofs crumple under him.

Bracken watches as Pine steps up to the two sisters. Bracken

tries to shout, but CHOKES on his breath.

Helpless, Bracken can only watch. Pine looks at the two

does--

And turns to Maple.

10.

PINE

Come on. We're out of here.

Maple is taken off guard.

MAPLE

Me?

PINE

Yes you. I won the fight. Unless

someone else wants to challenge me,

I've won you.

Maple opens her mouth to protest, but already a crowd is

gathering, watching her expectantly.

Maple closes her mouth and looks at Fern desperately, but

Fern is silent.

PINE

Come on!

With that, Pine nudges Maple away with his antlers. No deer

protests. Slowly, reluctantly, she follows Pine from the

clearing. Fern watches her sister go, speechless.

Bracken again struggles to get up, but he's still too dazed.

He slumps into the grass in defeat.

Looking back up, he notices Stag watching Fern intently.

Stag steps up to Fern and gently, but with command, nudges

her attention away from the forest. He rests an antler on

her head, but she pulls away, just slightly.

Stag looks at Bracken and shakes his head. He's already won.

BRACKEN

Fern!

But his voice is hoarse, no one hears. Looking at Stag,

exertion overtakes him, causing him to shake. Crumpling, all

goes BLACK.

EXT. DEEP FOREST - DAY/FLASHBACK

A young Bracken, and his FATHER walk through the forest.

Bracken is skipping around, butting trees. Father walks

through the trees elegantly.

11.

FATHER

Keep practicing young one. Only by

overcoming your competition can you

walk away with your doe.

Bracken butts a tree with a loud HUFF.

BRACKEN

I'm gonna be the strongest buck ever!

Father chuckles.

FATHER

Son, it's not about being the

strongest, it's finding a doe who you

love and being able to stand strong

for her. All else doesn't matter.

Bracken roles his eyes.

BRACKEN

Well, I'll find a doe I love and be

the strongest buck.

Father affectionately nudges Bracken with his antlers.

FATHER

I'm sure you'll do fine.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Back to the present, Bracken faces off against a tree,

digging his hooves in the dirt.

He charges, butting at the tree a few times, but then he

stops, energy draining out of him. He SIGHS.

Bracken finds himself by the creek and sits down, looking

down at his reflection.

MAPLE (V.O.)

Brute force... Like that's the only

thing that matters.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

Bracken watches at the edge of the clearing as the day TIME-

LAPSES away. Bucks continue to fight, walking away with

their does. He looks at the spot where Elm and the other

buck had left the other day, their presences GHOSTING into

existence. Bracken shakes his head and they are gone.

12.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - NIGHT

Finally, just as the Sun is going down, Fern steps up to

Bracken.

FERN

Hey. Do you mind if we talk?

Bracken nods and stands up. He follows her into the forest.

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Bracken and Fern make their way through the forest

navigating around trees and their roots. SLIVERS OF

MOONLIGHT pierce the canopy. All is silent.

Finally, Bracken breaks the silence--

BRACKEN

You're thinking about your sister,

aren't you?

Fern stops and looks down at the ground.

FERN

I wanted to talk to you. I didn't

think Stag would understand.

Bracken nods.

BRACKEN

It's a pity... To walk away with a

deer she didn't love.

Fern SIGHS, holding on for a moment. Then--

FERN

I came here thinking it would be

exciting, to get to meet an

interesting partner, hang out. But

now I realize it doesn't always work

that way. We come here, we get

chosen, bucks fight for us, and we

walk away with them whether we like

it or not. Nothing more than a prize

to be won.

BRACKEN

It does seem ridiculous that we have

to let a competition choose who we

love.

13.

Bracken and Fern look at each other before Fern turns back

to continue into the forest.

FERN

At least you get to fight. All I can

do is stand watching from the

sidelines.

Bracken suddenly brightens up.

BRACKEN

Maybe it doesn't have to be this way.

FERN

Bracken? What are you talking about?

BRACKEN

We could leave here tonight, just you

and me. Leave this whole Rut business

behind us.

FERN

Bracken? Are you crazy?

BRACKEN

It's much better than you ending up

with Stag.

Fern stops. She looks at Bracken seriously.

FERN

Stag is a fine buck Bracken. I'd be

lucky to have one strong like him

protecting me.

BRACKEN

But do you love him?

Fern stops.

FERN

(stuttering)

Love him? I barely know you!

BRACKEN

But you can feel the spark, can't

you. It just needs a chance to grow.

Fern looks away, silent for a moment. Then--

14.

FERN

What does it matter what I feel?

Rules are rules, and this is the way

it is.

(Beat)

If you can't fight for me, then maybe

I deserve a buck who can.

With grief in her eyes, Fern TRAMPLES off into the forest

leaving Bracken behind, staring blankly in her wake.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Bracken stares at a tree truck. Shifting his hoof through

the dirt, he charges. He collides with the trunk, RAMMING it

again and again. Wood SPLINTERS, sweat rolls down his face.

Finally, the trunk gives way, and the tree falls, CRASHING

into the forest floor. Bracken stares at the empty trunk,

BREATHING HEAVILY.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

Bracken marches into the clearing, tall and proud. Eyes turn

toward him. Fern watches from the distance.

BRACKEN

I am Bracken, and I declare Fern as

my doe.

SILENCE.

Then CHUCKLING. Bracken turns to see Stag marching up to

him. Stag shakes his head.

STAG

I see. Decided to claim my doe for

yourself.

(Eyes darkening)

Back down now. Or prepare to be

pulverized.

Bracken stares Stag straight in the eyes.

BRACKEN

Like I said, I declare Fern as my

doe.

Stag glares back. Something rekindles in his gaze, long

confined.

15.

STAG

A real buck, I see. Okay. I accept

your challenge.

Stag CHARGES! He's across the clearing in seconds, antlers

locked with Bracken's.

Bracken and Stag stand head to head, eyes alight with fury.

STAG

Fern is mine.

BRACKEN

Never!

They drive each other back, twisting heads from side to

side, throwing each other into the dirt, only to have them

recover with renewed effort, neither willing to back down.

Fern watches from the sidelines, guilt filling her

expression.

MAPLE (V.O.)

Look at them. Filled with so much

masculinity. It's like they've lost

their minds.

Fern turns her head, struggling to watch.

Bracken, filled with such aggression, rams Stag full force,

causing him to stumble. Stag looks down at his hooves,

shocked. Before he can recover, Bracken drives at him again,

and Stag is thrown off his feet.

Bracken stands over Stag, nostrils FLARING, his EYES FILLED

WITH FURY. Fern CRIES out and has to look away.

FERN (V.O.)

If you can't fight for me, then maybe

I deserve a buck who will.

The voice ECHOS across the clearing.

ECHO.

ECHO.

ECHO.

All the way to Bracken, still standing over Stag.

16.

STAG

Do it. Show everyone you've won. Show

everyone you've won your doe.

Bracken goes still.

FERN (V.O.)

Nothing more than a prize to be won.

ECHO. ECHO. ECHO.

The fury drains from Bracken's face, his expression softens.

He pulls his attention away from Stag, and finding Fern in

the crowd, meeting her gaze. She bows her head.

Instantly, STAG'S ON HIS FEET. He rams Bracken, driving him

into the ground, throwing up dirt. Bracken CRIES OUT.

The dust clears. Bracken looks around dazed, his pelt all

shredded. Stag stands over him, Fern watches in horror.

STAG

You shouldn't have hesitated. Now get

up. Finish what you started.

Weakly, Bracken positions his hooves under him, raises

himself up slowly, stiffly, his joints CRACKLE...

And then he looks at Fern.

FERN (V.O.)

All I can do is stand on the

sidelines.

(Echo, Echo)

Nothing more than a prize to be won.

ECHO, ECHO, ECHO.

All the energy drains from Bracken, he slumps back down to

the ground.

STAG

I said, get up!

Instead, Bracken just lays there, breathing slow, shallow

breaths.

BRACKEN (V.O.)

It does seem ridiculous that we have

to let a competition choose who we

love.

ECHO, ECHO, ECHO.

17.

STAG

Now!

Stag rams his antlers into Bracken, throwing him tumbling

across the clearing.

Stag steps up to him once more.

STAG

Are you a real buck or not? Fight!

YOUNG BRACKEN (V.O.)

I'm gonna be the strongest buck ever.

ECHO. ECHO. ECHO

FATHER (V.O.)

Son, it's not about being the

strongest, it's finding a doe who you

love and being able to stand strong

for her.

ECHO. ECHO. ECHO.

And again--

FERN (V.O.)

If you can't fight for me...

(echo, echo)

then maybe I deserve a buck who will.

ECHO. ECHO. ECHO.

Bracken looks at Stag, standing over him, strong and tall.

Finally, Bracken looks away, all goes silent in the

clearing.

Stag SNORTS in disgust. Turning to Fern he gestures her

over.

STAG

Come on babe, It's over. You're mine.

Fern hesitates.

FERN (V.O.)

All I can do is stand on the

sidelines.

(Echo, Echo)

Nothing more than a prize to be won.

A hoof HITS the ground. ECHO, ECHO.

18.

Stag's eyes light up.

Bracken gathers another hoof under him (ECHO, ECHO), new

life fills his body...

BRACKEN

Fern is not just a prize to be won.

Bracken prepares another hoof, his body shaking but

determined.

And then Fern steps up to Stag's side, weary but sure.

SILENCE.

Bracken falls back to the ground, lowering his head. Stag is

instantly triggered.

STAG

No, I saw you. You're better than

this. Now prove it!

Bracken just looks away briefly, then looks at Fern.

BRACKEN

No, Fern's chosen you to protect her.

Instantly Stag EXPLODES IN A FRENZY OF FURY, ramming Bracken

again and again.

STAG

You will fight me like a real buck,

and I will win this fight like the

buck I am!

Bracken CRIES out as he is sent rolling once more. Fern

CRIES out in horror.

Stag steps up to Bracken.

STAG

You're pathetic. You will never be a

strong buck.

Bracken struggles to look up.

BRACKEN

Maybe I don't want to be.

Stags eyes ignite with pure rage, he's about to ram Bracken

again when Fern leaps in the way.

Stag halts. Fern looks him straight in the eyes.

19.

FERN

Enough.

Stag taken aback, watches as Fern turns to Bracken and helps

him to his feet. Bracken staggers a little on uneven legs,

and she helps support his weight.

Then Fern looks at Stag.

FERN

I choose Bracken.

The clearing goes still.

Finally--

STAG

Wha-? You can't do that.

Fern just ignores him and turns to Bracken, still uneasy on

his feet.

FERN

Come on Bracken, let's go.

Strengthened by her presence, Fern leads Bracken limping

across the clearing. The other deer watch them go in utter

befuddlement.

Stag puts a hoof forward, but Fern turns to face him,

shielding Bracken with her own body.

FERN

It's over Stag.

And Stag steps back into his place.

As Fern and Bracken reach the treeline, Stag regains one

last breath--

STAG

You're a disgrace of a buck Bracken!

A weakling and a cheat!

Bracken looks at Fern gratefully, then glances back at Stag.

BRACKEN

I didn't come here to earn your

respect.

With a HUFF, Stag turns his back on them, shaking his head.

20.

And with that, Fern and Bracken enter the treeline,

disappearing into the forest beyond.

FADE OUT