Author's note. Part two of the little epic that is Moo Mesa, lol.
Written by me and Mrs Bumblebee.
Enjoy and please review.
Cody flinched from the loud slam of the door but sniffled and pulled himself further up onto the bed and curled up onto it, not wanting to sit on his very sore bottom.
He grabbed a pillow and buried his face against it, as he started to shake with renewed sobs. He just felt so miserable right now and couldn't see any way out of this nightmare. The young Calf also dreaded the Masked Bull's return; he had no idea what was going to happen to him.
Meanwhile, Masked Bull went to take care of his horse, so far he'd only taken it to its post. After removing its saddle and other parts, he started to rub it down while it drunk from a trough. He wondered where his men where, they better not have messed up and led anyone to this place. No one was going to come and destroy this place, no one.
Sore Saddle and BootHill were close to the hide out but they were having a bit of...difficulty trying to figure out which cave was the hide out.
"No it's that's the one."
"No it's that one you idiot."
"No, that one."
"Oh, this is useless," Boot Hill complained. "Why is it so hard to find?"
"Because it's a secret hideout," Saddle Sore snapped, whacking his companion over with head with his tail. "It wouldn't be a secret hideout if just any Moo Montana could stumble across it."
"Oh yeah, didn't think of that," Boot Hill muttered before glancing behind them. "Think anyone's following us, I don't see anything."
Saddle Sore looked.
"There ain't any dust clouds so that means no one's noticed we're done yet. Lets hurry and find the boss before they do find out."
"Right," Boot Hill said, urging the horses on wards. Why couldn't those law cows mind their own business, they were always trying to toss him and Saddle Sore in jail. It was only thanks for the Mayor and Sheriff Terribul that they managed to get out again.
"Hey, I think this is the right one," Saddle Sore declared as they finally arrived at what looked like the right cave. "Let's get going, I don't wanna push our luck."
They headed inside and to their relief, found Masked Bull brushing his horse.
"Took you long enough," growled Masked Bull as he watched them approach. "Any sign of that Marshal?"
Sore Saddle grinned and shook his head.
"No sir, Boss we gave them the slip before they found out anything," He laughed.
"Good, let's keep it that way," Masked Bull said with a growl. "If I know that Marshall, he and his boys will be crawling all over the Mesa so we're gonna bunker down for a few days until the heat is off."
"Ok Boss," Saddle Sore and Boot Hill replied together and encouraged the horse pulling the wagon to walk closer to the cabin so they could unload it.
Masked Bull continued with his horse, surely he could leave those two for a few minutes? It didn't take him very long, and once he'd set down some water and feed for his horse, he went to see how they were doing. They were currently tending their horses, here in the West, it was vital you knew how to do this.
He decided to start unpacking some of the supplies himself to save on time. As he grabbed a heavy barrel, Saddle Sore called out.
"Hi Boss, what ya done with that little brat?"
"He's locked up inside the cabin, can't have him calling out for help out here." Masked Bull replied.
As Saddle Sore nodded, Boot Hill asked.
"But what are we going to do with him? Or are ya gonna just keep him locked up?"
"For now," grunted Masked Bull as he heaved the barrel up onto the ground.
"Oh...OK Boss," Boot Hill said before he turned to continue helping Saddle Sore.
Masked Bull rolled his eyes, they accepted anything he said. Although it did raise a fine point, what was he going to do with that calf? He wasn't staying here indefinitely; eventually he'd go back to town to resume his role as Sheriff. Maybe he could wear the calf down so he was so scared he'd never say a word.
Well, there'd be plenty of time for that, for now he just wanted this wagon unloaded.
"We're going to set a watch later," he said two his two minions. "I don't want to chance the Marshall stumbling across us by accident."
"Who gets first watch?" Saddle Sore asked, grinning and glancing at Boot Hill but unfortunate for him.
"Well since you asked you'll be the first." Masked Bull laughed evilly.
"What! Awww," Saddle Sore groaned as Boot Hill laughed.
"Boot Hill takes second watch," Masked Bull added causing Boot Hill to shut up and Saddle Sore to snicker.
"Alright, let's get lunch going," Masked Bull announced after the other two finished with their horses. "We'll finish this later."
Masked Bull called in the food and water into the cabin and set it down in the kitchen before he removed his masked, knowing it was safe to now and started rustling up from ingredients to make a good pot of chilly.
He didn't mind cooking Chilly, it was one of his favourite meals and he wasn't about to let those other two mess it up. They were okay when it came to cooking beans and mince but no one could beat his chilly. He put just the right amount of seasoning and chillies into it, thus making it the best darn chilly this side of the West.
"Oh boy, that smells good," Boot Hill said longingly as he now came over, carrying a sack of flour.
Terribull didn't say anything as he continued to cook, waiting for those two idiots to finish.
"Phew, that's the last of it, what about some grub?" Saddle Sore said as he packed away the last tins of beans.
"It's coming," Masked Bull said evenly as he stirred the cooking pot a few more times before spooning some into dishes.
As Saddle Sore eagerly accepted one, Masked Bull said.
"As soon as your done, you're going to the watch post."
"Aww" Saddle Sore whined but shut up from a glare from Masked Bull.
Boot Hill laughed at him but was shut up to a knock to the back of the head from the scorpion's tail.
"Oww...," he cried but before they could start fighting, Masked Bull snapped.
"You can fight later, eat up and shut up now."
The two obeyed, although shooting mulish looks at each other. It would soon be forgotten however, those two needed each other to survive. On their own, they could barely look after themselves far less commit any crimes so they stuck together.
As Masked Bull ate, he suddenly remembered the calf locked away in his room.
Masked Bull got up and went to his room and unlocked it and when he opened the door he was pleased to find the calf had did what he was told and stayed on the bed. Masked Bull stepped into the room and walked over to the calf.
He was lying on his front, face buried in a pillow. Masked Bull wasn't sure if he was asleep or not so bent and shook the calf's shoulder.
"Come on kid, let's get some lunch."
Cody whined and whimpered as he pulled his face from the pillow, revealing the tear stains on his cheeks but Masked Bull ignored them and picked Cody up and placed him on his hoofs and gently nudged him out of the room and into the kitchen.
Masked Bull led him into the kitchen where Saddle Sore and Boot Hill were finishing up, they never took long eating. Although he did like to think it was because his chilly was so good it was practically inhaled. Cody stood a little awkwardly in the kitchen, not meeting anyone's eye until Masked Bull lifted him up onto a chair.
Cody winced, and rubbed at his bottom, it still felt sore.
Masked Bull ignored that too, trying not to feel guilty for hurting the calf so much as he spooned him out a bowl and set it down in front of the young calf. Cody stared at it, feeling very miserable but the smell was very tempting.
"Go on, eat it?" Masked Bull nodded and Cody took up a spoon and started to eat.
He found it to be very delicious although it was a bit hotter than he was used to. Then again, he and the other kids were always given milder version of everything. It made his eyes water a bit but he managed to overcome that and keep eating.
Masked Bull noticed Cody was a bit uncomfortable with the heat to the chilly and went to the fridge and pulled a gallon of milk and poured the young calf a glass and set the nice cool milk in front of him.
"Here, this will help."
Cody stared at it for a second before taking the glass, mumbling shyly.
"Thanks."
Masked Bull just grunted as he went back to his own chilly, the heat didn't bother him. Cody soon finished his chilly with no trouble, with the help of the milk and just remained sitting in the chair, waiting for Masked Bull to finish.
Saddle Sore and Boot Hill had left in the middle of the meal, they were done and needed to get on with things. Saddle Sore had been grumbling about being given first watch while Boot Hill mocked him about it. Masked Bull had ignored them, preferring to just eat his chilly.
Finally, he finished and looked up to see Cody watching him nervously. Masked Bull snorted at him which made the young calf flinch from the sudden noise.
"Don't be so jumpy," Masked Bull said to break the silence. "I won't hurt you unless you disobey again."
"Okay," Cody said softly, twisting his shirt in his hands. "W-what's going to happen to me?"
"For now you're just staying here and if you behave I won't have to spank or lock you up, understood?" Masked Bull stated.
Cody winced at the reminder; he sure didn't want to be spanked again. So he nodded, even though he was very miserable. He didn't want to stay here, who knew what would happen to him. In a slightly hopeful voice, he asked.
"What if I swore not to say anything, would you let me go?"
Masked Bull shook his head.
"Nope." As he got up and started cleaning up the kitchen and stored away the left over chilly for later.
"Oh," Cody said softly, very disappointed. He stared at the worn table, trying to stop tears coming to his eyes but it was hard.
Masked Bull finished up the kitchen and turned to find Cody whimpering and struggling to hold back the tears in his eyes that wanted to fall.
"Come on kid, it's not that bad," he said, coming over and looking down at the sniffling calf. "You'll get fed and stuff."
"I-I want to go home," Cody gasped out, swiping at his watery eyes.
Even though Masked Bull was a villain, he had a heart and didn't really like seeing others crying especially young ones. The next thing Masked Bull did shocked Cody like anything in his life as the large bull picked Cody up and held him to his chest, comforting him.
Cody couldn't help it, he started to cry in earnest as he cuddled into Masked Bull's shoulder. Masked Bull held him close, rubbing his back as Cody cried.
Masked Bull let Cody cry on him, feeling his tears wetting his shoulder but didn't mind. The thought of letting Cody go home crossed his mind but he knew that if he did the little calf might not keep his promise and blow their cover.
So instead he just offered what comfort he could, he owed the little calf that much. After a while, Cody started to calm down and merely clung to Masked Bull's shoulder, gulping in air as he hiccupped slightly. Masked Bull patted his back before saying gently.
"Feel any better?"
Cody whimpered and sniffled as he slightly nodded his head but buried his face into Masked Bull's shoulder again to keep himself from crying again.
"Hmm," Masked Bull mumbled before saying.
"Do you need a nap kid or do you want to help clear this place up?"
Cody shook his head.
"I don't want to take a nap." He whined.
Masked Bull chuckled and said.
"Alright then, no nap. But you can help me; I've seen you doing chores in the saloon enough times."
Cody pouted slightly but mumbled.
"Okay."
Masked Bull set Cody down and started telling him what he can do.
"You can sweep the floor, dust everything, and wipe the windows. I'll do everything else." Masked Bull said.
Cody nodded with a slight sigh; it was typical that even as a prisoner he still had boring chores to do. But he really didn't want a nap and he didn't fancy being locked up either. So he looked around and spied a brush so quickly rushed over to grab it. He then began sweeping the very dusty floors.
Soon Cody noticed that it was starting to get very dusty in there so he went and opened the door to let the wind suck the dust out through the door way. He continued to sweep until the entire floor was swept. He then found an old rag and started dusting the furniture and shelves.
Masked Bull was cleaning up the kitchen and the bowls they had all used for lunch. He watched Cody out of the corner of his eye and found he was approving of what he saw. The little calf was a hard worker even if he pouted at being told to work. But at least he was sensible about cleaning; opening the door to get rid of the build up of dust was an indication of that.
Once all the dusting was finished Cody ran to the kitchen to get another rag and wet it before he went to every window in the cabin and started wiping them clean.
His aunt Miss Lily had taught him well when it came to tidying places up and he always tried to do a good job. This place certainly needed a good clean, he had to keep running back to wet his rag again as it got so dirty. He hummed as he did this, smiling as he saw how clean he was making everything.
Soon everything was spotless and Cody smiled proudly to himself as he looked over his work.
"Not bad," Masked Bull said behind him and Cody turned to see the older Bull watching him.
"Thanks," Cody said with a grin as he folded up the rag he'd been using.
Masked Bull took his rag for him and put in the laundry to be washed before he stepped back out into the living room to find Cody sitting and relaxing in a chair near the table. He chuckled and shook his head at the sight but the calf had done a good job. Besides, he didn't want him crying again so he comment on the fact. He did however say.
"I'm going to check on the boys, you stay here, alright?"
Cody nodded and got himself comfortable in the chair and waited for Masked Bull to come back.
Masked Bull found Boot Hill snoring outside, lying on a half full sack. He rolled his eyes at he sight before going over to the ladder which lead the watch post. He cupped one hand on his mouth and called out.
"Saddle Sore?"
"Yeah boss?" came the reply.
"Any sign of anything?" Masked Bull yelled up.
"Nope, no hide or hair of them Marshells Boss." Saddle Sore called back down.
"Good, hopefully it'll stay that way." Masked Bull grunted, noticing the sun was starting to set.
"Alright, you can come on down now, get Boot Hill to take over. We're going to close up for the night."
"Okey Dokey Boss," Saddle Sore called down before he started climbing down.
Masked Bull was pleased that there was no sign of the Marshall; hopefully it would stay that way. Although it occurred to him he'd probably need to set a few false trials to make doubly sure the Marshall didn't come wandering this way. Maybe if he left the young calf's kerchief near the river stop where another gang often used, that would confuse Moo and his men. Saddle Sore and Masked Bull headed back inside the cabin once BootHill was woken up and now up in the lookout stand. They found Cody still sitting in the chair where Masked Bull had left him.
Masked Bull smiled, pleased that Cody hadn't gotten up to any mischief while he'd been away. He really didn't want to have to punish him again and hopefully that one incident would be the only incident.
But Saddle Sore had to ruin the good mood.
"Hey Boss, what's the brat doing out? Ain't he suppose to be locked up or something?" The idiot asked.
Cody immediately looked upset causing Masked Bull to glare at Saddle Sore.
"He was helping me clean up, I don't need to lock him up as long as he continues to behave."
"But what if he tries to escape and tattle on us?" questioned the scorpion.
"You idiot, as long as we're watching him he can't escape and I don't think he wants to face the consequences again," Masked Bull snarled.
Cody shifted and winced a little as Saddle Sore nodded.
"Huh, I suppose no kid wants to get another hiding," he mused, knowing that was what Masked Bull would have done.
"No," Masked Bull said shortly but before he could say anything else, Saddle Sore suddenly asked.
"So where we putting him for the night?"
Masked Bull glanced over at Cody before he looked back down at Saddle Sore.
"He'll be staying in my room where I can keep an eye on him, knowing you two lame brains would let him escape right under you noses." Masked Bull replied.
"Hey, I wouldn't," Saddle Sore protested as Cody giggled. "Boot Hill would but I wouldn't."
"It doesn't matter," grumbled Masked Bull. "He's staying with me and that's that."
"Ok Boss ok." Saddle Sore replied quickly, trying to calm him back down so he didn't hit him or anything.
Masked Bull gave him another glare before turning back to Cody.
"You gonna behave for me tonight?"
"Uh huh," Cody said with a nod, twisting his shirt in his hands as he started to fidget.
"Good." Masked Bull said as he walked back into the kitchen to start heating up the left over chilly for tonight.
Cody watched him go, frowning slightly. He was sure there was only one bed in that room, where was he going to sleep? Would he just go in a corner or would he be sharing with the large bull. The thought made him feel strange; he'd never shared with anyone before.
While Masked Bull cooked Saddle Sore went to a chair and sat down in it, deciding he deserved a nap while he waited. Cody watched him for a bit before he glanced back at Masked Bull and slipped off his chair and walked into the kitchen.
"Um," Cody said nervously. "Is there anything you want me to do?"
Masked Bull glanced down at him and said.
"Go draw up some water from the well, it's just outside. We don't need much so don't strain yourself, just enough for tea and a wash."
Cody nodded and walked over to get a bucket and stepped outside to the well where Masked Bull said it was. But the instant Cody stepped outside the thought of escaping crossed his mind. He glanced over his shoulder to look into the window behind him and saw Masked Bull was watching from it was he stood at the stove.
He bit his lip that obviously wasn't going to work. The second he tried anything, he'd end up with a harsh spanking and get locked up somewhere. Not only that, Masked Bull would be really disappointed in him and somehow he didn't want that. It also occurred to him this might be a test of some sort.
So with a heavy sigh, he went over to the well and grabbed a rope so he would wench the bucket down.
Masked Bull continued to watch Cody, never taking his eyes off him for a second. The young calf pulled up the water and poured it into the bucket he had carried out there and was now going back inside and Masked Bull smirked.
"Good boy." He praised silently.
He figured the calf might have had a brief moment of rebellion but as long as it was only an involuntary moment, he didn't mind. He would still need to watch Cody carefully but hopefully he could eventually trust him, he didn't want to keep him locked up all the time.
Cody stepped back inside and put the water up onto the counter so Masked Bull could use it. He stood nearby, waiting to be told what else he could do.
Masked Bull looked down at him and said.
"You can go amuse yourself for a bit if you want, just don't wander further than the stables. Don't forget, Boot Hill's on watch so he'll see you if you try to run. And you know what'll happen if you try anything like that."
Cody gulped and nodded before he ran out the door and ran outside. He smiled as he looked around, taking in a deep breath and started walking around some. He then hear a loud whine and snort nearby and walked to investigate it and found the Masked Bull's and his goons horse.
Cody smiled and stepped closer. Saddle Sore and BootHill's horse were the first to notice Cody and whined for attention from him which Cody gladly gave them by patting their sides and stroking their necks.
"You're not bad horses are you?" Cody questioned as he patted their heads and was rewarded with a snort from one of them while another started snuffling his side.
The little calf giggled in delight, he always loved horses and ponies. He was looking forward to when he'd be big enough for his own horse and became a Marshall like Moo.
Suddenly something came up behind Cody and knocked his hat off.
"Huh?"
He turned around to see what it was and found Masked Bull's large horse standing over him.
"Oh," he said in surprise, Masked Bull's horse was the biggest out of all three horses. He wasn't sure if it was friendly or not, it was regarding him rather imperiously.
"Hey boy," he tried carefully with a smile.
The horse snorted down at young Cody but it leaned down and gave him a thorough sniff over before it lightly butted its nose against Cody's chest with a soft snort.
"You're okay, aren't you?" Cody said softly with a smile. He gave the horse's nose a good rub, earning another nudge from the horse that seemed to enjoy it.
"What's it like being the Masked Bull's horse?" Cody now asked. "Do you enjoy going on adventures with him? Do you like Moo's horse or are you both rivals?"
The Horse whined and pawed the ground with his front hoof, which made Cody giggle.
"So I guess that's and yes huh?" Cody stated.
The horse pawed the ground again in agreement and Cody giggled again. He gave the horse another pat as he noticed how dark it was getting outside. He sighed; it wouldn't be a very smart idea to wander the mesa even if he could find a way to slip past Boot Hill.
The horses sensed Cody's distress and they all crowded around him and started nuzzling and giving him horse like hugs, trying to comfort their new friend.
He leaned into their touch, at least they were nice and not likely to hurt him. While he respected Masked Bull, he didn't trust the other two at all. He knew he'd have to be careful around them, in case they decided to do something mean to him.
Masked Bull's horse then gave Cody a soft nudge towards the cabin, knowing it wasn't safe for a young cafe to be out in the dark alone. Cody smiled up at him and have them all a last pat before he headed back.
He could smell chilly cooking and grinned, he hoped he could have some more. He'd quite enjoyed it although he'd been very grateful for that glass of milk he'd had with the meal. As tasty as that chilly was, it was really hot and he'd almost had steam coming out of his ears.
Cody opened the door to fins Saddle Sore sitting at the table and Masked Bull working on getting the bowls ready. Cody closed the door and stepped inside.
"Um, can I help?" Cody asked.
"Hmm," Masked Bull said, slightly distracted. "Just get yourself some milk, kid."
Cody nodded and walked into the kitchen to get a glass and then went to the fridge to find the milk for his supper.
He loved milk so much; it was his favourite drink in the world. Even better than that sweet, slightly fizzy drink JR sometimes made although it was a close second. Once he'd poured himself a nice big glass, he carefully took it to the table and sat down on a seat. He saw Saddle Sore sit down with a groan, tucking his tail out of the way as he did so.
Cody made sure to make eye contact with him. He still didn't trust him or the old vulture BootHill. Masked Bull started placing bowls of chilly down which Saddle Sore quickly grabbed his and started scoffing it down.
"I'm going to get Boot Hill," Masked Bull suddenly announced. "I doubt that Marshall is still outside now."
He gave Cody a pat on the head as he walked past and outside. Cody started to eat his chilly, his eyes watering a little but he quickly drunk some milk to help with the heat.
Masked Bull headed over to the lookout stand and called up.
"Boot Hill, anything?" He called.
"No boss," BootHill called back down.
"Alright, come on down and get some chilly," Masked Bull called up and received an expression of relief and delight.
"Thanks boss," he said as he glanced over the darkening desert one last time before climbing down.
Masked Bull and Boot Hill headed back inside to fins Saddle Sore finished with his bowl and Cody still working on his, eating his with more table manners then Saddle Sore.
"Huh," Boot Hill said at the sight of Cody but was too tired to say anything else. He plonked himself down and started woofing down delicious hot chilli.
Cody glanced up at him but ignored him and glanced up at Masked Bull as he finally came over to sit and start eating.
Saddle Sore was the first finished, he sat back groaning before swigging some sarsaparilla down. Masked Bull actually ate quite slowly, like he wanted to be able to listen for any signs of trouble. Cody was the second finished, his portion had been smaller as he was a calf.
Masked Bull glanced down at him.
"Finished?" He asked, being sure if he wasn't still hungry or not.
"Yeah, it was great," Cody said with a smile as he gulped down the last of his milk.
"Good," Masked Bull said gruffly, ignoring the sounds of Boot Hill bolting down his own dinner.
Cody remained sitting in his chair, watching Masked Bull eat his share of the supper. Soon he started to become a bit tired and gave a small yawn.
"I think it's time for your bed," the Masked Bull said without looking up.
"I'm not tired," Cody started to protest but then yawned widely again.
Masked Bull chuckled.
"I think you are," he said, still chuckling.
Cody moaned his protest and rubbed at his eyes to try and rub away the sleepiness from his eyes but he still felt so sleepy.
Shaking his head at the young calf's stubbornness, Masked Bull got up and moved over to Cody. Before Cody could protest, Masked Bull took hold of him and lifted him up, laying him against his shoulder as he headed out of the room and towards his bedroom.
Cody felt too sleepy to try and fight and just let Masked Bull carry him away.
Masked Bull felt how limp Cody was and knew he done the right thing in taking him off to bed. It was still early for him but for a young calf that'd been kidnapped and had cried, it had been an exhausting day. Once he reached his room, he pulled back the blankets on his bed and laid Cody down. He then carefully removed his waistcoat and unbelted the calf's pants before tucking him in.
Cody moaned as Masked Bull helped him get comfortable in the bed, struggling to keep his eyes open the whole time.
"Thank you," He moaned before he slipped off into dream land.
Author's note. Cody starts to get on with his captor but can the peace last? Find out next time, until then.