"Fox Hunt. -part 2"
follows part one
Tags: @howdycowpokes @cowboy-corvidae @shad-art @surprisinglyscarlett @just-a-lone-soul @quietasamouss @doethelittlecowpoke @samaelmntzrp
Collab writing!!! <3
Nawel. A boubt hunter, yet an outlaw all the same, even having a high bounty. And needing the help of Dylan of ALL folks. He needed the help if a boy with a missing leg, and looking like death.
It had been a few weeks since they last met, but they kept in fair contact. Today... Nawel got tired of waiting. He took them to the bar, had a few drinks, then.... off they went. No time to waste.
¨Before we start our little ´vacation´, we need to grab you a better ride- unless you.. Want that scraggly old horse?¨ Nawel cringed saying the last bit aloud.
Dylan gasped, giving the man a look as he held onto him. Nawel had... thrown out the crutches in short. So. “SCRAGGLY? I’ll have you know that fi- BROWNIE is a solid like, five years old and in TOP condition! He’s just..m a lil dumb sometimes.”
¨hmph, like father like son I suppose. You and the horse? The odds-” Nawel finished, quickly stepping out of the room just barely missing Dylan’s fist.
“Think yer so fuckin’ funny. Realll funny.” he growled. “Don’t insult my horse. What, you think you got somethin’ better than brownie?”
Nawel quickly whirled his head around, his long dark hair following with it. He smirked, “Fella, I’ve got the best horses in the country.¨ Nawel walked back out into the street, it was quite dark now, Nawel and Dylan must have been in the bar for a very long time, perhaps it was the booze?
Dylan looked out into the sky, seeing the stars above. The moon matching. “...Why is it.. Night? We were only there for like… an hour? Maybe?” he looked up at the other man.
Nawels shoulders shook with laughter, as Dylan scrambled to hang on to him for dear life almost. ¨Oh young man, it was the booze for sure. And I will have one of my best nurses take a look at your.. Predicament. Those crutches wont do you no good in battle, why not get something a bit better?¨ Nawel added, tossing Dylan up onto the top of Brownie, climbing onto his own horse.
Dylan huffed. “Booze… But I didn’t even drink that much! I don’t… feel drunk.” he grabbed the reins, glancing at his missing leg. “...Like what. My leg back? News flash, it’s in the belly of a hell hound. I wish I was kidding.”
Nawel gave Dylan a concerned, disgusted, look. ¨One word, Yuck.¨ Nawel stated, tossing his hair as he began to trot over towards the road.
“I AM yuck. Look at me! Half of my face is literally torn, my jaw is half broken and crooked, ‘m missing my eye, a leg, and my back is like… its just bad. Everything's just bad.” the boy grunted in a ramble.
Nawel glanced back at Dylan and scoffed. ¨Listen up short-stack, you look just fine. So what if theres a bit of uhhhhh- ‘leftover marks’, you’ll be fine”.
“Left over marks my ass.” He grumbled. “I look like a dinner torn into. Which is what the dogs almost made me.” He urged brownie to fall into step with the other horse.
“You don’t even look like a snack yet alone a DINNER.” Nawel scoffed, chucking to himself a bit as he purposefully trotted on a little faster.
“What the fuck does that mean? You insulting my rugged good looks, mister?” Dylan growled but was starting to smirk, urging Brownie more to go faster than the other. “Mister 'I look like I was born into shadows that speak of secretsssss'” Nawel shot an annoyed and skeptical glare at Dylan.
“Oh really? Mr. 'I can’t even stand not having a night-light on before I go to bed.' Jesus.” He huffed, taking off from the other, leaving behind only dust.
“Ey!" Dylan laughed, but followed the best he could.
After some time, they came across a quite little campsite. A small crackling fire rumbled in a hole in the ground, and something was cooking in a pot over it. A tea kettle whined off behind a couple of suitcases and clothing racks, as some horses neighed softly as they grazed the grass. The sky was dark, a bit cloudy. Not much moonlight, and no breeze, still as can be. A crackly radio played in the background, every now and then cutting off as static would play. The younger boy from the bar earlier was stirring something into the pot.
Upon coming , seeing the blonde little boy Dylan halted, brow furrowing. “...Didn’t he…wasn’t-” he looked back from where they came, then to the boy, then to Nawel. “He was at the bar??? We-... why- how is he even- does he follow you? Does he have a horse? That’s like, super speed? Is this-”
The little boy giggled slightly, “You sure are an interesting stranger mister” the boy laughed, as he tossed some chopped carrots into the soup.
“You do realise our meeting took forever.. Correct?” Nawel grumbled, taking off his jacket to reveal and crinkled button up rolled up to his elbows.
“What? It… what?” Dylan slowly slid off, forgetting he was missing a leg and yelped as he fell onto his side. He huffed, sitting up, and brushing his dirty shoulder off. “It did not. It was like.. An hour at most. Not even I doubt.”
"You drank quite the bit of alcohol to say the least… anyway. Joey, serve him some soup? Dylan, your pack and area are off behind the horses, 'm headed to bed. If you need anything, ask Joey. Remember our deal.” Nawel stated, as he slowly trudged off behind the main wagon grumbling about needing a shave soon.
Dylan watched, blinking. He didn’t have that much rum… did he? Yes Dylan. Yes you did. He clicked his tongue once, slowly standing with Brownie's help. “Pack? What pack? Did he-... how the FUCK did he get my STUFF?” he was baffled, limping/ hopping his way to the campfire and sitting himself down, hissing as he rubbed his hip. He was getting feeling back into everything, so that was some form of a plus. He watched the little boy, stomach grumbling. “...You stick around the guy?”
"Mhmmmm.” Joey nodded. “Here you go mister, heres some soup. I am quite the good cook, so if I hear you complain about anything i’ll tell the boss.” Joey stated, crossing his arms and pretedning to be angry.
Dylan smirked. “Kid, I would… probably eat anything. Look at me.” he chuckled, gesturing to his under weight figure, taking the bowl. Hot. he took a sip, humming. “Ooo. not bad. Very good. You do a fine job.” he glanced around, to the radio, then to the boy. “What made you get into this line?”
Joey sat for a moment in silence, glancing up at the stars. “I was taken from my parents a long time ago, I can’t remember when. Mister here found me in some house, an old man had me staying there for some time.. I... don’t like to talk about it… but anyway, he never found a place for me to go- so I stuck around” Joey stated, kicking his feet into the dirt.
The man hummed, nodding, relaxing slightly. “...sorry to hear. But at least you got him. He seems…. Interesting.” he half joked, chuckling to himself. “‘M sure he’s thankful to have ya around.”
“I hope so- I do all of his housework- you should SMELL the rank from his socks- EUGH. Making me do laundry and clean and cook..”
Dylan let out a bark of laughter, his crooked smile on his face. “I do not envy you at ALL.” he took another drink of the soup, burning his tongue but ignoring it.... A few more minutes passed..
“Welp it’s time for bed, sir. ” Joey said, pouring a bit of water onto the fire only to dim it down. He took out a handkerchief and hung it on top of a little stick over the top of the fire to warm. He slowly walked over to another part of the camp, lighting a lamp.
“You sleep well. I don’t really sleep. hard time.” Dylan hummed as he set down his bowl, looking up at the stars. He hoped Huron wasn’t mad at him that he went out; again. Or Theodore… eek… or Shad... mag... Fuck... He sighed. Gee how did he get into this mess…
A rooster cok-a-doodle-doo’d out of nowhere. Nawel stepped out of his camp area, ruffled shirt and hair, walking briskly over to the fire pit, throwing together wood and kindling.
Dylan had passed out around three, laying next to the makeshift fire place, laying up in a curled ball as much as he could. At the sound of footsteps he flinched and looked up, blearly eyed. He yawned, confused of where he was for a moment then saw Nawel and the memory flashed back. Right. “So you didn’t kill me. And eat me.” He snickered as he sat up, wincing as he rubbed his hip
Nawel scoffed “There isn’t anything to even eat. not even in your brain.” he said, as the fire roared to life.
“Ohhh don’t I know it.” He laughed slightly, looking up at the man. “...Sleep alright?”
Nawel ran a hand through his messy hair, sighing a bit. “So-so, nightmares. I'm sure you’d understand, no?”
“Unfortunately…” Dylan muttered under his breath, reaching for his crutches but hey- not there. Oh yeah. He looked up at the man. “...GEE I wish I had stuff to help me. LIKE MY CRUTCHES. Those were made by my brother ya know.”
“Oh I am well aware. Let’s just say you won’t be long without them.” Nawel stated, crouching down to start a pot of coffee.
Dylans brow furrowed. “...Have… you been freakin’ stalking me? And my family?” he growled, now feeling defensive again. How much did this man know…
Nawel shot a side eye, “How do you think I found you? By ‘wishing on a magic star?’” He squeaked in the ugliest high-pitched voice ever heard, throwing his hands up mocking Dylan.
Dylan flinched at the sudden movement, like he was gonna get hit. Then he watched the other with confusion, but a small smile found his face. “Suppose not… Kinda weird. All of this actually. Look, our deal still stands. BUT. you leave my family OUT of this. They… have enough to deal with, don’t need no bounty hunter on em.”
Nawel nodded in agreement, as Joey came skipping up to the fire pit with a chicken in his arms.
Dylan looked over at the kid. “Mornin.” he glanced at the chicken with a cocked eye then to Nawel again. “When do we leave…?”
Nawel stretched his arms, looming over Dylan, who sat on the floor. “When I want to, my mission afterall.” Nawel stated lazily, grabbing a log and comfortably sitting on it.
The boy glared at the other. “yeah and it’s MY time. ‘M being held hostage. If you don’t want a fuckin’ jaguar on your ass or a trigger happy girl on ya, then I would wrap this up quickly.”
Nawels eyes widened, "I wouldnt mind a girl on me but you know-” he laughed, walking over to his side of the camp to tidy up.
“....Are you hitting on my sisters.” Dylan watched the man, eye narrowed. “They’re pretty but ones already got eyes on someone, and the other might kill ya. So.” he chuckled, trying to stand but falling with a yelp. FUCKKKK.
Off in the distance, Joeys ears perked as he heard hooves coming from the distance. Nawel came out of his side of the camp, swishing water around in his mouth. He spat it out on the dirt, nodding off to the two horses with riders approaching. They were carrying a very large package. Nawel could obviously tell Dylan was concerned, but he waved Dylan over to him and pointed off at the two approaching figures. “They are bringing your leg.”
Dylans brow furrowed and he watched the men warly. “...they-... what?” he looked at him, confused, glancidng down at his own missing leg then back up.
The two men finally strode up, slowing down their steeds as dust circled through the air. One of them hastly plopped down and tipped his hat to Nawel, as the man tossed a small bag of coins at the men. They brought the package over to Dylan, hopped back up on their horses and left without saying a word.
Dylan took the package, leaning on Nawel for support as he looked down at it. “...what the-” he didn’t get to finish as dust sprayed up from the others and he coughed a bit. “Fuck-” he shook his head, glaring at the direction then looked back down at the package. “What do you mean my leg? Why… how do they.... did you-?"
“You forgot i’ve been on your trail for a while now." Nawel chuckled, as he slightly opened the package. Inside was a bright metal leg, engraved with spirit animals, wind, gunslingers, and vines.
"Should fit you perfectly, works kind of like a pair of overalls. You have a strap that will hold on your waist and one that will sling over your shoulder to hold the leg steady.. But it should work fine. I ordered it a longgg time ago. Besides, now you aren't just a… lump.” He said with exaggeration, gesturing to all of Dylan.
Dylan was not focused on the others words AT ALL. His eye was on the literal metal LEG! WITH OH MY GOODNESS IS THAT A FOX ON IT??? OH MY GOD. his eye was a literal star of awe as he slowly eased to pick it up, letting the box drop. He leaned heavily on the other as he inspected the leg. The strap was a firm leather engraved with some animals and a rose in the center. Holy shit. He stared for a moment then immediately flopped onto the ground, ignoring the pain in his hip as he began to try and strap it around his waist and up around his body to try and get it over one of his shoulders. Minor struggling.
Nawel burst out laughing,as he watched Dylan turn into a wild fucking animal struggling to put the leg on. “If you loose that leg so help me god-” Nawel stated, crossing his arms and smiling.
Dylan put it on eaglery and stared at it like a little kid on christmas day. It looked… SO FUCKING COOL!!!! GAHHHHHH! His smile was wide as he slowly stood. Oh my god. IT… ASHJASHOASJSAJISDHD he looked up at Nawle and didn’t hesitate in literally tackle hugging him.
Nawel slowly hugged Dylan back, crying a bit on the inside to see Dylan’s pure joy.
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKYOUTHANKYOU OH MY GOD I AM SO SORRY FOR BEING STUBBORN THIS IS-” he hugged tighter, tail wagging madly behind him. “IT'S- IT LOOKS SO COOL AND IT-” he didn’t even have words, just held on. Nawel tried to breathe in deeper to catch his breath, but the air was squeezed out of him.
"'m very glad you like it, ready to finally kick some ass with a cool looking leg? Although I will warn you.. It will get cold in the winter. It’s pure metal ya know.” Nawel chuckled patting Dylan on the back.
“I don’t CARE!!! THIS IS COOL! HAHAHAAAAA!” he stood, jumping around. Oh my god he could ju- oop he tripped- it’s ok, back up he was, starting to run around a bit. It was a little extra weight and he wasn’t as fast as he used to be, but he could MOVE! He giggled madly. “I COULD TAKE ON SATAN! YOU HEAR THAT GOAT!? COME AND GET MEEEEE!” ok Dylan let’s not test fate. He laughed as he looked at Nawel, “let’sgoletsgoletsGOOOOO!”
Nawel bursts out laughing, hard. So much so that he wheezes a bit.
Dylan jumped over to Joey, throwing a arm around the kid, actually lifting him up and spinning. “AHAHAAAAAA YOU READY LIL BUDDY?” Dylan got comfortable real fast.
Nawel kept laughing, as Joey tightly hugged Dylan back. He set the boy down after a minute, crooked smile wide as he looked at his metal leg. It moved nicely, focusing on the movements. It shone in the light, the engravings almost glowing. “Hell on WHEELS!” he howled, running back to Nawel and tugging his arm.
“Ok ok cowboy you ready to put that leg to some use?” Nawel beamed.
“You goddamit right! Let’s go kick rich ass!!!”
(Down below are just some notes/talk we did over docs xD)
her: toss toss Me: toss toss. Hair flip. Majestic man. Her: more than Dill Me: he's got what we call 🌟Autism🌟
Her: You look like a fucking slot machine eating chips STOP. Me: I hunger
