Hey guys, so if you haven't noticed, I reposted the first chapter as the first half of the story. I didn't change anything, I just made some edits and stuff to clean it up. I also made a new note on the bottom of it that tells of a one-shot written by someone else that belongs in this universe. Go ahead and check that out.
Mari and Robin were both waiting on the side of the road, watching as the bus rolled up, and children poured out, ready for their winter break. Soon the two were happily reunited with Joey and Kole, all four excited for all the fun they could have playing. Their joy was interrupted, however, when Gizmo and Mammoth sauntered up.
"Hey Joey! How come you only hang out with girls?" Gizmo asked.
"And cows," his brother added, shoving the blonde down into the snow. Kole bristled up.
"Why don't you leave him alone!" she shouted, pointing a finger at him.
Mammoth sneered. "Why don't you let Joey stick up for himself? Oh! I forgot; he can't talk."
The boys laughed cruelly as Kole helped Joey up, still glaring at them. "You're just jealous because you don't have any friends!"
"Stay out of this, Kole," Gizmo said, pushing her down as well. She glared up as them as they laughed. Mari, on the other hand, snorted angrily, pawing at the ground and lowering her head. Before anyone knew it, she had head butted them both hard enough to knock them to the ground.
Joey pulled Kole up and they all left, without having to say a word to each other. Talking just wasn't required for the kind of friendship they had.
While they walked off to Joey's house, the two bullies got up and ran home to tell their father. The man was shoveling snow when his sons ran up to him.
"Dad! You remember that cow Joey got for Christmas last year?" Gizmo asked. "It's dangerous, dad!"
"It attacked us for no reason at all!" added Mammoth.
"Yeah, we weren't doing nothing. Were we, Mammoth?" The taller boy shook his head. "We were just minding our own business, right Mammoth? You gonna call the Sheriff, dad?"
The man frowned deeply, nodding his head. Soon, Sheriff Gordon was there in their kitchen, having coffee with Blood while the boys sat at the table with them.
"My boys don't lie," said Blood, pouring coffee into the Sheriff's mug.
"Blood, their story's not exactly how it happened," Gordon shook his head. "The bus driver witnessed the whole thing."
Blood blinked in shock, instantly turning on his sons with a scowl. "Boys, get to your room right now, I'll deal with you later."
The boys gulped and scurried off to await their punishment. Both they and their father may have been mean, but there were still rules to be followed, and lying was not tolerated.
"What's gotten into you, Blood? You've become a miserable old Scrooge; and that shows in the way you're bringing up those two boys." Gordon got up, walking towards the door. "Did you ever wonder where Will got the money to pay for that cow? Well, I'll tell you. That music box Adeline loved so much? Sold it to an antique dealer in town. Sad…lots of memories were in that box. It's still there, Blood. And you of all people should know what it's like to lose a loved one."
Gordon left, and Blood sat alone, staring down into his coffee mug thoughtfully. Meanwhile, back in the city, some nasty plans were taking place.
"This had better be good news…." Aunt Mae slapped down a bundle of money on her lawyers desk.
"I believe we've found your loophole," the man answered, taking the money to count it.
"Wonderful!" Mae threw back her head. "You finally earned your big bucks."
The lawyer held out some papers for her to look over. "The kid's all yours. You'll have him by Christmas."
Joey waited with Mari for the first few days of the break, playing in the barn, anxious for Christmas to arrive. He knew how badly she wanted to make her wish when Santa came back, and time seemed to drag almost painfully slow. Outside one afternoon, however, there was some obnoxious honking, and the squealing of tires. The young boy gulped, remembering that sound.
Sure enough, there was Aunt Mae in her bright pink car. Grandpa met her on the porch.
"What are you up to now, Mae?" he sighed.
"I've come to take Joseph!" she declared proudly, holding her bundle of papers. "And I have no time to dawdle."
Grandpa scoffed. "Over my dead body!"
"Unfortunately that won't be necessary." She thrust the papers in Grandpa's face. "This court order gives me full custody of Joseph."
"What!" Grandpa scanned the documents. "I don't believe it!"
"It's all right there," Mae pointed smugly. "The judge agreed with me that Joseph is in grave danger on this farm. I shall have custody of him until which time he can speak. And there's not much chance of that happening, is there?"
"That's ridiculous!" shouted Grandpa, throwing his hands in the air.
"It's tight as a drum! If you give me any trouble I shall call the authorities." She strutted over to where Joey had come to see what was going on, throwing her arms up in greeting. "Joseph my boy!"
Before she could hug him he ducked out of the way and ran over to Grandpa, clinging to him for protection.
Mae frowned, walking over to them. "You'll love living with me! I'm rich. Now run along, Joseph, and get your things."
Grandpa stuttered, trying to come up with an answer for this. "Mae- Joey and me… we're all each other's got!"
"You got thirty minutes to have him ready." Mae glared slightly.
Grandpa walked slowly inside with Joey, an arm around the boy's shoulder. Mae followed them, looking for all the world like a proud peacock.
Mari, who had come out with Joey, ran frantically back to the barn, tears falling from her eyes as she moo-ed to the other animals to communicate to them what was happening. Soon, they had a plan.
Robin grabbed a rope, pulling it out of the barn, across the snow to the front of the pink car where Argent was waiting. Carefully, he looped it around the front bumper, other animals helping him out. He took the other end of the rope, which was already tied into a lasso, and tossed it to the horse. Argent caught it, letting it loop around her neck, and she began to pull, as hard as she could. The car was dragged forward through the snow, and once it got going, it wasn't stopping, as it was on a slight slope. Argent stepped to the side, getting out of the rope as the car slid slowly forward, straight into the pond. The vehicle's weight easily broke the thin layer of ice on top and began to sink into the murky water, causing the animals to cheer in their own way.
Just then, the front door open, and they heard Mae rambling on, dragging Joey by the arm. "We'll just buy you some new clothes when we get there, and enroll you into the Academy, let's see… and a haircut- My automobile! My beautiful automobile! Oh! You had something to do with this didn't you William!" She turned on the man, furious. "Don't deny it, you senile old coot! Well, it won't change a thing! Get me a tow-truck; immediately!"
Grandpa was just as surprised, but happily so. Joey had darted back to his side, clinging to his arm. "Well, it's Christmas Eve, Mae! The station's closed. I'll just have to see if I can get someone to come out here… Tomorrow…." He began to chuckle in delight at this small stroke of luck.
Mae fumed. "Tomorrow?!"
"Well, I'm afraid that's the best I can do," Grandpa said, trying to keep a straight face. The animals had mostly drifted back but they still snorted in delight as well. The woman stomped angrily inside, while Mari scampered up to join Grandpa and Joey in some happy hugs. "At least Joey and I can spend one last Christmas together."
Mae stuck her head back out the door. "Only part of one! We will be leaving in the morning, one way or another!"
That night, Mae got to sleep in Joey's bed, hair curlers, sleep mask and all. Joey joined Grandpa and Robin in the other bed, snuggling close to them both, having good dreams his last night here. Once it became late enough, the dog perked his ears up, looking out the window. He heard the soft sound of bells, and he knew he wasn't about to miss this night. It was the one Mari had waited a whole year for. In less than a minute he was outside, trotting into the barn.
"Let the talking begin," Santa said, just as he had a year ago, throwing his magic dust into the air over all the animals. Gar flapped down, having learned how to fly in this past year (though still not too much or too high) and landed on a barrel right next to Mari.
"Go ahead," he said. "Ask him! Come on, ask him, ask him! But- politely."
Santa turned to the year-old calf with a smile on his face. "Mari, what's on your mind?"
"Uhm…. Mama said if I was really good, I could ask you for a special wish," she said shyly. "I've been really good!"
"Well, okay," Santa said, kneeling down on one knee next to her. "What's your wish?"
She leaned in close, whispering softly into his ear while he listened patiently. "Okay?" she finished.
"Oh! That's a pretty big wish! Have you really thought about this?" the man asked with a joyful smile. Mari nodded happily, not hesitating for a second.
"She's thought of nothing else, Santa," Star said, stepping up. "All year long."
"Then you're sure this is what you want?" The man put his arm over the calf's shoulders.
"Absolutely!" Mari answered, her heart full of hope. She glanced over to the reindeer at the barn door, her decision clearly made. "It's what I want."
The next morning started just as it had, a year ago. Flash the rooster crowed and shouted with his Christmas voice, waking up all the animals. Inside, Joey sat near Grandpa under the tree, trying to enjoy his last morning here, opening some presents, but with little enthusiasm. Heels clicking, Mae stepped into the room, hands on her hips.
"I've arranged for transportation, we'll be leaving shortly," she announced in a crisp voice, stepping outside to supervise the tow truck driver who was pulling her car out of the pond. Even from inside her complaining could be heard. "Be careful with my automobile, you oaf!"
Grandpa sighed, looking down at his grandson. "I'm afraid time's running out, Joey…"
The small boy had been doing his very best to keep it together and be happy all morning but now he could only shake his head in protest and let tears slip down his cheeks. All he could remember was living with Grandpa, on the farm. All his friends were here, all the animals, Kole, and especially Mari. What would he ever do in the city, away from all of them? Mae was mean and horrible, and she didn't even call him by the right name.
The dog barked frantically, jumping up to get at a small yellow box with red ribbon sitting on a tree branch. He took it in his mouth, carrying it to Grandpa and dropping it on his lap. The man squinted at the tag. "It's for you, Joey."
He handed it to the boy who wiped away his tears and took off the ribbon; but when he lifted the lid, there was nothing in there but some dust. Confused, he lifted it over his head and shook it a little, trying to see if there was anything hidden in there. Nothing. The sparkling dust fell over his head, and he looked to his grandfather with confusion. Was this some kind of trick?
"There's nothing in here…" he puzzled to himself. Then, his green eyes got very, very wide and he jumped to his feet. "Grandpa! I- I talked!"
"Joey!" Grandpa threw his arms up in his joy. "You're talking! You're talking…"
He hugged the boy tightly, his joy immeasurable. The dog stood still a few feet away, muttering to himself with surprise. "I heard that.."
Grandpa pulled back, tears streaming freely down his face. "If that don't beat all…"
Joey, his face absolutely glowing with his own excitement at the best Christmas gift he'd ever received, clambered up onto his lap. "Grandpa? Why are you crying?"
The man hugged him tightly around his neck. "Well, these are happy tears, Joey. This is the best thing I've ever heard…"
Heels clicked excitedly into the room, Mae looking smugger than ever. "Make your goodbyes and we'll be on our way!"
Grandpa stood up with a frown, holding Joey close to his side. "Joey is not going anywhere with you, Mae."
The woman laughed out loud. "Oh yes he is!"
Grandpa smiled slyly, putting an arm over his grandson's shoulders. "You want to tell her, Joey?"
"I love my Grandpa!" the boy exclaimed happily, putting his arms around the man's middle.
"W-what did you say?"
"He said," Grandpa scowled at her, "he's not going. Ha! Isn't it great, Mae?"
Mae's mouth opened and closed like a fish, yet she made a sound quite like nothing else.
"Come on, Robin! Let's go surprise Mari!" Joey shouted happily, running outside with the dog, making a beeline for the barn. "Mari! I can talk!"
They got to the cow's stall, where she greeted them- with a very happy moo. Joey frowned.
"Mari? Say something…" he leaned in to whisper to her. "It's Christmas, I know you can talk…"
When she only let out another moo, this time a little bit sad, he gasped loudly, looking at all the other animals.
"What's wrong with her? Is she sick?"
"Mari's just fine, Joey…" Star said. "You see, she gave her Christmas voice to you. She'll never talk again…"
To many of the animals, this was news. Though, the calf nodded to confirm it, still seeming happy about her choice.
"But what about your dream to fly?" Joey asked. "That was gonna be your wish."
"No, Joey, to hear you talk," said Star. "That was her wish."
"Oh, Mari…" Joey closed his eyes, hugging her tighter than he had ever hugged her in her life.
At the house, Grandpa found the neighbors on the porch.
"Blood? What are you doing here?" Grandpa wasn't angry, he was too happy to be angry. He was only surprised.
The former-pastor had his hands behind his back, both him and his boys dressed up with hats and ties.
"William, I think we owe you and your boy an apology." He nudged his sons. "Go ahead."
Gizmo dipped his head. "We're, uh, sorry…"
"Yeah, real sorry," added Mammoth.
Blood nodded. "I know we haven't been too neighborly to you lately, but, well, when I heard you sold your Adeline's music box… I was ashamed. I…kind of thought you might like to have this back…"
He took his hands out from behind his back, handing Grandpa the same wrapped up music box he'd sold a year ago. Joey had come out in the midst of this and watched curiously.
"Why- thank you, Blood. You know this means more to me than you'll ever know…" he opened it up, letting the soft notes fill the air around them.
Mae, who was still sticking around a bit while her car was more thoroughly cleaned, sulked out of the door. Blood seemed to perk up a bit. "Take those hats off, boys, there's a lady present."
Mae looked very flattered, cooing and putting her hand up to her chest. Blood cleared his throat.
"Hello, the name is Blood- these are my boys, Gizmo and Mammoth. You're not leaving, are you?"
"Well," the woman answered casually. "Actually, William was just insisting that I stay for Christmas dinner."
"Dinner?" Grandpa asked incredulously.
"Won't you join us?" the woman ignored Grandpa William. He rolled his eyes while Joey stared on in utter shock.
"Well, that's mighty nice of you, Ma'am."
"And will…Mrs. Blood be joining us?" Mae asked smoothly.
"There is no Mrs. Blood, Ma'am." Blood replied with a smile, seeming to be a bit distracted.
"Really?" Mae looked more pleased than she had the entire time anyone present had ever known her. She reached out, ruffling the hair of one of the boys. "Oh, what adorable boys!"
Both boys flinched away from this crazy woman. Just what was going on here? Joey could only bite back a smile. As usual, Aunt Mae got what she wanted; and the Blood boys got what they deserved.
Many Christmases came and went after that, but the place never changed much. Kole and I got married, and lived there together over the years. And Mari; she became a grand old lady.
"Are you coming, Joey?" a soft voice asked from behind me as a put a blanket over Mari- our last surviving animal at the farm.
"I'll be there in a minute, Kole," I said over my shoulder. "You know I've always liked to visit the animals on Christmas Eve."
She rolled her eyes, smiling kindly as she left to go back inside. "Honestly, Joey, you act as if the animals can talk to you."
I chuckled, looking back at Mari with a wink. "How does she know they can't? I wish you could tell her, old gal… If I could see Santa, you know what I'd wish."
I stepped over to an old crate, pulling off the lid. Inside were some dried up branches and worn rope. I carried them back to my cow and set them up on top of her head. She smiled brightly at me, though I could see she was getting old.
Late in the night, while I was asleep in bed with my wife, I heard something outside. Something that sounded like our cow. I sat up with confusion, waking up Kole as well. "Mari? I'm worried about her… Go back to sleep, love. I'm going to see if anything's wrong."
Outside I trekked through the snow back to the barn, and saw Mari's blanket laying abandoned in the snow. I picked it up, starting to really feel worried for her. What was she thinking, wandering out in the middle of the night like this? It wasn't like her at all. With a twist in my stomach I remembered how sometimes old animals wandered off alone to die and I began to run, following the hoof-prints in the snow.
"Mari! Mari, where are you!"
Far, far ahead, over a hill I saw a brownish form, fallen over in the snow; Mari, with the antlers still tied to her head. My heart was breaking, knowing that there was nothing I could do anymore to help her. I took a few slow steps forward when I heard something, and I looked up into the sky to see something I'd never seen before.
The shape of a sleigh, pulled by reindeer, made its way across the moon, and circled down, until right in front of Mari, on the other side of a small pond from me, was Santa himself, sleigh and all.
He stepped out, making his way over to the old cow, causing her to look up. "There you are, Mari… I've been looking all over for you! I never forgot what you did for Joey all those years ago… And you never expected anything in return?"
He stroked her muzzle softly and she slowly got up, too tired to go on much longer. He stood with her, smiling brightly and taking in her makeshift antlers.
"Hm…. Something's missing here…" he reached into his coat, pulling out a wonderful, shiny red ribbon. He tied it in a bow around her neck, as he had the night she was born. "Oh, Mari…. You look as pretty as a present! Do you remember your dream Mari?"
She beamed happily up at him and then looked longingly over at the reindeer who pulled his sleigh. She nodded happily at him.
"I know someone who has a wish for you." To my surprise they both looked over at me, still standing in awe on the opposite side of the frozen pond. Mari smiled happily at me and I relaxed, smiling back. I watched Santa take off his hat, reaching inside and producing some of the magic dust he always had. I grinned with absolute delight as he threw it over Mari, granting her second wish. Carefully, she stepped over to the side of the pond, looking nervously down at her reflection.
The look on her face was the happiest I'd seen her in a very long time. Then, I heard her whisper. "Oh… I've got my voice back!"
She stood happily in her new form, that of a beautiful young reindeer. She still looked like herself, but her new antlers were much better than a couple of branches.
"Merry Christmas, Mari!" I shouted to her, as Santa hooked her up to the front of the line, ready to fly and lead the other reindeer.
"Merry Christmas, Joey!" she answered back, absolutely giddy.
"Are you ready to fly, Mari?" Santa asked from his seat in the sleigh.
"Oh, yes!" she answered.
"Then lead the way!"
The sleigh took off, faster than anything and I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest at the sight. Mari, finally getting what she'd always wanted, and then some. She shouted down to me as they circled up into the night sky.
"Look, Joey! I'm flying!"
"Merry Christmas, Mari…" I said again softly. "Merry Christmas."
Well the second half is shorter than the first, pathetically so, but whatever. I wanted to break it up so I did. There you go. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!