The night had started to wind down at the circus. It had been another successful show, and the performers were taking a good reprieve before they did the same thing tomorrow. The clowns of course were celebrating in their usual manner, slippers filled with champagne, possibly trying to hit the ringmaster for another raise. The animals were no different (other than the champagne and raise part), and were preparing themselves for their next day of work. But one animal wasn't showing any sort of tiredness. He bolted through, trotting down the circus path with a giggle. It was a small elephant calf. One with rather large ears.

"Jumbo! Slow down!" Came a voice from behind the calf.

Stepping into view was an adult elephant. From his features he was an Asian/African hybrid. But what was most noticeable about him were his extremely large ears. Everyone in the circus knew him. Everyone in the world even. For he was the star of the circus. The world's only flying elephant. Yes, the one and only Dumbo. By now though, he was no longer the small calf that had once been the laughing stock of the circus. Now he was an adult. His larger size had not impeded his flight abilities. How such a large creature was able to sustain himself in the air was still a mystery, but somehow those ears had remained in use throughout his years.

The small calf, one by the name of "Little" Jumbo, came to a halt and turned towards Dumbo. "Sorry Daddy, I'm just excited from the show!"

Dumbo chuckled patting his son's head with his trunk. "I know what you mean Sport, but I don't want you to be too excited to rest," The father cautioned, "You know your mother and grandmother will worry if you don't get your rest."

Little Jumbo looked ahead, breathing out a sigh, "Okay Daddy, I'll slow down."

Dumbo smiled, "Good boy, now come on, let's head back."

The father and son calf continued to walk, the latter slowing down so as his father could keep an eye on him, and not to get himself too excited. As they walked, Dumbo couldn't help but think about his life up to this point. Ever since he had discovered his talent, things had gone well for him and his mother. They were no longer the scorn of the other elephants, he was no longer teased for his abnormality, and he was famous world round. Timothy Mouse had been his manager throughout it all, and quite honestly was now the richest rodent in the world. They had remained lifelong friends for they had been through it all together.

Time passed and of course Dumbo grew, as did their little circus family. He never thought life would get any better, at least until he met her. She had been a new arrival at the circus, a shy thing, she eventually settled into the local elephant group and that's how she and Dumbo met. They started off as friends, apparently being a fan of his from all she had heard. In time, that friendship started to grow, and eventually became something else. It soon became apparent, she and Dumbo had fallen in love. Then Dumbo found himself in the same position his mother had been in years ago: waiting for his own blessed bundle of joy. Dumbo remembered the day his son arrived. He had practically floated in the air the moment he saw the child of he and his beloved mate. Dumbo could think of no better name than "Little Jumbo". Dumbo had long learned "Jumbo" was his birth name. Dumbo had been a cruel moniker that eventually stuck, so Dumbo wanted some form of his original name to live on.

Mrs. Jumbo of course was pleased to be a grandmother and doted and spoiled Jumbo endlessly. In fact her grandson could be considered her little buddy, and Jumbo in turn loved his paternal grandmother. Mrs. Dumbo of course loved her son with all her heart, but she set more boundaries in comparison to her mother in law. Not overly strict, but wanted her child to grow up with some standards.

"Daddy?" Little Jumbo's voice piped up.

"Hmm?" Dumbo looked down at his child.

"I'm thirsty. Can I get a drink of water?" Little Jumbo asked.

Dumbo considered it for a moment, but couldn't deny the pleading look in his son's face.

"All right buddy, but not too much okay?" Dumbo cautioned.

Little Jumbo nodded and happily trotted along prompting Dumbo to chuckle. The water barrel wasn't far, but before Little Jumbo could get a drink, Dumbo pulled him back with his trunk.

"Woah there buddy! Not yet!" Dumbo said with alarm.

"Are you alright Daddy?" Little Jumbo asked with concern.

Dumbo pat his son's head, "No everything is alright buddy, I just want to test it first."

"Test it?" Little Jumbo said with confusion.

Dumbo carefully tread towards the water barrel. He stared at the liquid hard. It looked normal enough, but still one couldn't be too sure. Taking his trunk, Dumbo put the tip in and then put it in his mouth. He taste the water, making certain there wasn't a stray flavor.

"All right Sport, everything's all good." Dumbo said, granting his son permission to speak.

Little Jumbo looked at his father oddly, "You're silly Daddy." He said as he went for a drink.

There was of course a good reason for Dumbo's caution. He recalled the very night he and Timothy went to visit his mother, the night before he discovered he could fly. He remembered that fateful night well, at least before his mind became a blank. By now, he knew what exactly had been in that water he and Timothy drank, and he didn't relish the thought of his young son accidentally getting drunk like he did. Sure it had led to a good outcome, but still he didn't forget the hangover.

Little Jumbo took his drink and swallowed, "All done!" Little Jumbo excitedly announced.

Dumbo smiled warmly. Taking his trunk, he pulled his son in for a hug. Looking down at his child, he said, "I love you son, don't ever forget that."

Little Jumbo returned the hug, "I love you too Daddy."

Within that bonding moment, they actually felt the love for one another. Though Dumbo wasn't sure what the future held for his son, he knew they would be there for one another. For they were bonded as family, and that was what was important.

A/N: A while back I found a picture on the internet depicting an adult Dumbo with a son of his own. Sadly though the picture was deleted, so that prompted me to write this. I like the idea of Dumbo being a father to be honest.