Chapter 3

We got another here

Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention, stuff children/teen shouldn't do, profanity, self-harm, suicidal moments, cheating, sexual moments mentioned, violence, smoking, drugs, alcohol, guns mention, animal death, cringe, bullying, yandere, possible musical/singing moments and bad flirts.

Error/Moxxie speaking

Voices/flashback/Text

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Time.

It was something Error doesn't think too much about. Time wasn't something he never could focus too much on. Besides making sure there was always time to destroy and never be late. Then to never be able age normal like monster when he became a destroyer. Plus, could always check to make sure he picks the right age if it ever does become important. The only thing he knows is what age is good for is to figure out what is legal or not. What? He wanted to make sure one of the Charas were able to drink that one time.

Now a year's been interesting with Maria and just home in general.

So, weird to call it home.

Like Maria ways to help him adjust to this new and her home.

Error found it amusing when he learns about it. But it seems to help out in a way. It even surprised him. He thought she would stop by now or throw him in to orphanage to not deal with him. Regret adopting him.

But here he is now and still here with her.

Many months passed by and he was comfortable enough to hold her hand. When he was about to shake and there was a certain movement of his tail she would let go first when he was done. But it seems to be getting better. At least by holding hands longer by a minute. It soon even leads to being hugged. That was very, very weird to feel again. Almost missed it at times but never demanded them. Till Maria gives him random ones. Random but never surprise attack hugs. Now being held or being carried around that took longer for Error till he gives her a look, a hand point or a small whisper to be let down.

Now if there was anyone else, he would show it he didn't want to be touched, petted or hugged.

Doctor Medea was one thing. An annoying Doctor but only let him get away with checkups because of the chocolate. Till he touched his cheek tear scars that one time and Moxxie barricaded himself in the vent.

They are still trying to figure out how he even got in there.

Maria almost killed the Doctor. She only allowed him to live because well he the only cheapest Doctor around here who will not screw you over.

Eventually Moxxie gave the Doctor another chance. Still bite or hiss at him if he ever near his face. The crazy man must really want an early retirement when he jokes at him.

Besides the Doctor, well Moxxie just didn't want to be around people or the town too much. Didn't like the crowds. Does what he can to stay back at home to either help with the crops, stop revenge seeking rats and rabbits, and work on his magic. He slowly began to even be shown how to cook. Well allowed to mix and stirred ingredients but he didn't mind. Okay, times the other side has an itch to take over but push it back. Even though he really wishes Maria lets him add Chocolate to those spices. It's not that bad.

Then she notices how he would like to mess with her sewing materials and begins to teach him a little. Like basic stuff for him to learn. He played along with it but it was kind of nice to be taught. To be shown then doing it alone.

He stayed quite a long time and many mistaken for mute. Till you remember the screeching. But he has begun to speak a few words when he wants to. Still hiss and growl just for the heck of it. Will get a random churr or chirp sound.

Oh! He is also wearing glasses again! Yep, they think his eyes will get stronger eventually when he gets older. But still keep them around. He didn't like it. Not the glasses but how much they were. Didn't like money being wasted on him but can't do much about it now. He will pay Maria back for this.

He eventually slipped out and called her Madre. He was so embarrassed when he said that. It was one of the few words he remembers and understood in Undernovela. Embarrassed and even worried how she would react to being called that.

Maria just gave him this warm smile and accepted it. Also was crying inside her mind and fist pump in the air. Did have to find out was Madre means till she was told it was language in Spanish for mother. Another mystery and surprise from her little Mox.

Time is an odd a concept for Moxxie.

Even with its ups and downs. Don't think they'll always be able to be 'normal'. Still, their time here so far with Maria, and they guess Doc, wasn't bad. But still moments in their head to not feel too comfortable. That they shouldn't have said Madre. What if they messed up? Why can't they just be normal for imp? Will it ever stop? Don't know.

What they do know is they wish the time this weekend went by fast now!

Moxxie growled at Striker as they are being held in Maria tail. See the other older kid being held back by Susie.

"Let me at that brat! They kick me!"

"I did warn you name calling can be positive but also negative. You learn a negative." Susie held her boy.

The mothers were going to wait till lunchtime. Until their chasing started to get a bit out of hand. Striker grabbing a rope and trying to rope them. Along with I quote 'going to throw you down a well!'

So, here we are now.

"All right you two enough. Let's calm down, get some food in you and can have a fun week."

"I'm not sharing my room with that baby!"

Moxxie hissed at him.

"Why you little piece of Ouch!"

"What did I say?" Susie looks down at him. Got a grumble from Striker.

Moxxie smirk a bit behind the scarf. Then blink from a small flick on the horn by Maria. Have a look as well. Small grumble to look down.

"Food time for the cranks!"

"Hey!"

Hiss!

Striker and Moxxie grumble as they are both sitting outside on the porch eating their lunch. Well Striker was eating while Moxxie just stared at the sandwich.

They were told Susie was messing with them and not sharing the room. But Striker had to be 'nice' if Moxxie wants to play in his room or if Maria needed the room for herself for a while. It was a better deal.

"You going to eat or what?" Striker asked while he swallowed his meal. "Waste of food."

Moxxie stared at him from the side and put the sandwich on his plate.

"Heck no I'm not eating yours. Don't need your Ma thinking I bullied you for it." Striker rolled his eyes and dumped the sandwich back on his plate. "Eat because there are some ground rules in my bedroom. Got it."

Error grumble and didn't want to eat. But there has not been a way to get rid of it or hide it since Striker came here. Open his mouth to put the whole thing in his mouth. Didn't see the other wide eye look.

"Are you trying to choke yourself?"

Moxxie just stared at Striker and swallowed it all without a problem.

Striker gap at the kid.

Moxxie point at the door with a bored look.

He snaps out of it. "Well, you're not dead and choking so I guess I can tell you the rules now. Don't touch my stuff unless you asked me. If my door is closed you knock, only if it's an emergency. If there is no sound, I'm either sleeping or elsewhere. So, that doesn't mean snooping in my room. If you want to see Bombproof you come to me or my Ma. Whistler likes you so no problem as long as you let her eat. Any questions?"

Moxxie yawns at him.

"I'll take that you understand that." Then eyes narrowed and he grabbed his scarf. "I'm only being nice because you're Maria kid. Got it. If you don't annoy me then maybe I might play a game or two with you. Got it."

Moxxie lean in and almost bit his face.

Striker pulls back quickly as he lets go. Sees the kid give them a look as they hold their scarf protectively. Blink a bit and let out a chuckle. He was stunned and a bit amused. Not even kids his age aren't that stubborn or crazy to do that to him. Till they learn the hard way the first time and just stops. Well, this kid is a bit younger and not around here so doesn't know. Maybe this visit won't be as bad.

Moxxie grumble to keep the scarf close. Didn't see the hand coming their way.

"You got some spunk in yo- "

Hand touches their head.

SCREECH!

Moxxie scrambled away from Striker. Go as far to go at the far end of the porch behind the chair. The pupils look big, terrified and watch the other like they're ready to attack any second.

"Ouch!" Striker rubs the side of his head. What the bloody hell was that about? He didn't hurt them but just touched their head.

Touch?

Wait, didn't his Ma say something about to not touching them? Will admit they paid half attention to it.

Footsteps from inside can be heard moving fast. The door opens up to a frantic looking Maria, Susie behind her. "Where Mox?"

Striker pointed at the far end of the corner of the porch. Moxxie now underneath the rocking chair. A little hiss as he stares at them wearily.

Maria walks over slowly as she sits down on the ground

"I just touch their head. I didn't hurt them I swear!" Striker quickly talks not wanting to get in trouble. Look at Ma to believe him. "I was just going to give them a head ruffle that's it."

Susie kneels down to touch his shoulder. "Hey, hey I believed you. Should have reminded you."

At least Susie now sees first hand, along with Striker, what Maria meant on the phone. How Moxxie screeches and now is this. Like some feral animal trying to either hide, going to attack or hisses at them. Right now, he is just hiding.

Pull out something from her pocket. She began to unwrap it. "Sshh, sshe she's okay. Striker didn't mean it. Just relax."

"What you doing?" Striker questions Maria.

"Going to give him chocolate."

"Chocolate?"

"Oddly enough. It's so far, the only thing to get them to calm down like this." Maria explained as she snapped a piece of paper from the bar.

"Why?"

"Don't know. Even Doc still figuring out." Even if their times talking about to see how long it'll be last. But even with that idea of his he wouldn't do it. For the mental sake of the child's mind. Still, if there is no chocolate around who knows.

Moxxie hisses. Sounds like a little vicious little baby animal at the moment. Trying to be threatening. But those teeth have brought down some damage before. Swipe the first piece as they start to munch on it.

"Let them finish that one. Then another one."

"Can I give them a piece?"

Maria looks at Striker in surprise. Even Susie blinks down at their kid.

He sees the looks and let out a huffed to look away. "Not because I care about the baby. But to get used to me. You know, like with the other animals. I will give you food. Not enemy."

"Aww my little boy worried." Susie cooed at her twitching boy.

"I'm not some worry wart!"

"So, a challenge for you then?" Maria hummed at him.

"Challenge." Blink with interest now.

Got them.

"Correct. Since you like challenges. Think of this as one. Don't touch him unless he lets you. If he does touch you well congratulations unless you purposely annoy him to get bitten. Then that's on you. Right now, your challenge to see they'll accept the chocolate from you."

"What you say Striker?"

"Gimmie."

Striker on his knees holding the chocolate bar he swiped Maria right by him. While Susie is close by.

"All right you little baby got something for you."

Moxxie hissed staring at Striker. Then he saw the chocolate bar. Look at wearily. Then back to him.

"Come on it's the same one you just ate a piece from. See look." Snap off a small piece and eat it. "Mmmm see no poison."

Twenty minutes till finally Moxxie swiped the full chocolate bar from Striker.

"Hey! You're not supposed to have it all!" Striker was pleased they finally took it. That didn't mean he wanted them to have the whole thing. "Dangit you're almost as bad as Bombproof."

"Well, at least he not growling." Susie looks down at Maria.

"Indeed." Maria sighs. Expected this to happen. Moxxie was use to her so accepting chocolate was easy. Striker or even Susie longer. At least no biting so far.

Moxxie snapped the chocolate bar on the ground in half. Their tail picks up half of it to throw it Striker.

Striker caught it but was very confused. Sees Moxxie look at them but was chewing on their own bar. "What is this for me?"

Roll their eyes at them.

"Hey! I'll go over there and shove the rest of that down your throat!

Just curled up underneath the chair closer to eat the chocolate and ignore them. Only gave half to stay quiet. Wrong on their part.

"Well, well Striker got to say that's a first they ever shared." Maria ruffles the grumbling hybrid child hair.

"Yippie for me." Grumble as he took a bite of the chocolate. Still, things the little imp baby. A weak baby. Who caught him off guard so many times? But hey, he got them to accept the chocolate a point there.

The women chuckles.

"All right just give Moxxie a few minutes. We can go inside- "

"I'll stay." Swallow a piece. "Got to make sure no one's stupid enough to steal them."

"Aww is my son being a knight." Susie snickered at the son's horrid look.

"I'm not protecting some whinny ass blueblood brat!" Striker yelled at her and arms crossed. "Just the little dude small and acting like an animal. Can't let anyone just swipe in to take them."

"Oh? So, those that include in town as well if someone picks on my child?" Maria raised an eyebrow at them.

"Duh. May be shin kicking little baby," Striker glared at the shorter one, who just yawns at their direction. He grumbles to turn away. "They all right even their little off looking. Can beat someone up if they get to close."

Maria laughs a bit. "You can if they are doing it to provoke, hurt him, or you. If it's accident no."

"When you mean by accident- "

"Striker."

"Fine Ma." Striker rolled his eyes and got a little help from a horn tug. "Ouch!"

"What I say about rolling your eyes."

"Don't do it if they can see you."

"Correct." Pat his horn and smile a bit.

The two mothers soon went inside. Maria did stay close to the window to watch the pair. Striker seems to be talking away at them. She rolls her eyes in amusement as she can hear him. "Your boy already doing the bragging talk how he ropes up a boar?"

"Oh, is he now. I wonder what version." Susie walks over to sit down by her. Both at the table to get a good eye of the pair. Along with hearing him.

"Mhmm. Got to say a bit surprised Striker did that."

"Same. But I think since you child was behaving like a well, -"

"Baby animal."

"Your words not mine. He probably viewed it like that." Susie smiles a bit while watching outside. "This is kind a nice to see."

"Still trouble with the other kids?"

"When is there not. Either being called names or remind him where his mother works at." Susie sighs a bit. "All ready beat up three kids. Threaten a few how he 'poisonous. One bite and loose an arm."

Striker wasn't poisonous but is unaffected to certain poisons. When he older might keep an eye open if he can be poisonous. All because of his prick ass father.

Middle finger to that deceased demon.

"Jeez."

"You telling me. But it is good to show some of them some fear. As for the ones who got beat up. Well, they do start it first." Susie looks back out the window. Eyes soften to see her boy lay down on the floor to be at the eye height with Moxxie. Moxxie just stared at their son like they were confused if amused as well.

"Do you work this week?"

"Got to repair a few of the gals and some customer's jewelry. Night shift I don't have to worry about for two days. Plus, I would skip."

"Need help?"

"Unless you're buying. I might give you a discount." Susie teased her friend's eye roll.

"You better." Then look back at her. "Are you sure you're good? Can still move back you know."

"Everything fine Marie. There is enough money plus the amount I hide here and there. I got enough money bags walking around when they eye me." Susie smiled back at her. "Besides I would only do that if the situation was dire."

"I know. I know. Just with Striker."

"I get it believe me. The gals and the owners like my boy. He not the first to have a child around and know the procedures."

"Also speaking of money bags. I thought you weren't going to tell Striker about your old man past about nobles." Watch her friend groan.

"Believe me I didn't want too either. That boy is too smart and can be stubborn till he gets what he wants. Plus, the last two months didn't make it better when some nobles rode in to town. Striker saw firsthand how their behavior was like. Not the best impression mind you." Susie rubs her face.

"Since when do nobles ever give as spectacular first impressions?" Maria rolled her eyes. "Besides you. Were always the best."

"Stop it. Stop it going to make me gag." Susie leans back dramatically against her chair. "Come on let not bring up that lousy jerk."

"Fine with that."

An hour passed.

"So, are you normal again?"

Moxxie gave the kid are your serious look. Turn back away to do a full body shuddered. Finally, their mind got out that headspace. The two just sitting on the porch, after Moxxie got out from under the chair.

"I'll take that a yes." Striker stared at them for a long while. "Do you always screech when someone touches you?"

Tense up. Held themselves up a bit.

"Or is just someone new or somebody you don't know."

Gave a small nod. Might as well give them some kind of answer. They don't know better. Plus, I felt embarrassed that an older kid made them react like that.

"Can I touch you now since we know each other?"

Gave them a glare and scoot away.

"Are you for real?" Striker growled at him.

Moxxie huffed to look away.

"Grr you're going to be such a pain to watch over." Striker huffed as their tail moves around. Then points at Moxxie direction. "But someone got do it you little Critter."

Turn back to look at them with confusion.

What a weird boy.

"Also, um thanks." Rub the back of their head. "For the chocolate."

Right. They shared.

A small shrugged as they looked back out into the area.

"Boys," Susie walked out her smile at the pair. "Want to go into town to get some treats?"

"Sure."

"Mox, do you want the covering on?" Maria asked them.

Moxxie nods.

"All right let's go put them on."

"Covering?" Striker blink in confusion.

Striker watches how Maria put makeup on Moxxie cheek. He did find it a bit weird. Not make-up since he knows his Ma wears it. But someone their age. Until Susie had to pull him away to talk about the marks. She had to explain how many demons around would be mean to Striker. It would be the same with Moxxie so best to hide them.

Along with a warning tone in her voice to not bully or pick on them about it. Yes, she heard the crybaby comment.

Striker grumbled but said find. Did 'complain' they look fine without it. Just going to sweat off just like his Ma makeup. Which ear a horn pull.

Maria doesn't like doing it either. Heck, prefer no make-up on Moxxie face to hide them. It was Moxxie who did it first. Started like a couple of months ago. Just found some of her rouge and blush. Try to put it on their cheek. It made her mad. Not at Moxxie but if someone was talking or bullying Moxxie behind her back the times she brought Moxxie to town.

It was not the case. Along with the rare times they did talk. Just said normal.

It broke her heart. Try to get Doc Medea to somehow intervene. Until he had to have a sit down with her as well.

"Look Moxxie may be young but he sharp. Too sharp at times. He notices looks he gets. Now I heard how many seem to forget. But find it odd he always covers his face with their scarf. Or would hide his head down to not see his eyes." Dr. Medea talked to Maria after she explained what happened a few days ago.

"There nothing wrong with my son." Maria snapped as she growled at him.

"Maria, I understand you want to protect him. I do as well. So, why not lessen the problem until he is older? We can get some make up just for covering. In a way it can also help with his touching issues." Seeing her put her face in my hands. Can hear small breaths. "Maria."

"I just want him to not feel so ashamed of them. I like them. It makes him unique, brings out his freckles. His eyes." Maria took a few breaths as she smiled a bit. "For peak sake they could be scars! We were supposed to be all for that. Battle scars. Shows were tough."

"I agreed with you." Dr. Medea smiles but sighs. He starts to write a few things. "It just many no matter the ring will be judgmental. Even you know those here in Wrath are going to make it hard. Even in our town and city. Look here are some options. Can at least check along with making sure no skin sensation issues. Waterproof as well from sweat. There even one that can last a few days."

"Fine only because for Moxxie and if he wants to wear them," Maria snatches it up.

After that Moxxie got less looks because of their marks. It doesn't mean there have been times when Maria went protective Mama Mode. It being comments on their eyes, how small they were or just doesn't want to talk.

It was something both mothers understood together with their children.

Time for a truck drive.

They drove into town with Maria truck. Striker stare at Moxxie lack of blue marks. It was very weird. Then growled at the shorter one just rolled their eyes at them. All, all back to normal. Hey guess. Bought the boys some treats at the parlor. So, they were in the parlor and buying some treats. Moxxie got a chocolate Popsicle.

Then some idiot teen in the group started to snicker. Two of their friends tried to tell them to stop. To not be that jerk. Didn't listen but soon rushed over to snatch Popsicle.

"Ha! Got to be fast in this place or your stuff will be taken!" He laughed and was ready to run out with the stolen treat. See that! That's how you do it! The teen's eyes went wide and let out a piercing scream. "FUCK! FUCK! GET IT OFF ME!"

Striker, Susie, the teen's buddies, and anyone inside gapped. They see Moxxie, this little small imp. Was biting the other imp tail. Snarl at them and shook their tail.

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE! GET IT OFF ME!"

The two other teens jump. Ready to rush over to help. Then suddenly both of them tripped and rolled into a pair of chairs.

Striker whistles as he pulled his foot back. Goes back to watching the madness. His tail wagged a bit.

Moxxie lets go when the tail was close to the area he wants to be. Then he bit their wrist hard.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Moxxie grabbed their popsicle back with his tail. Let go and hiss at the crying, cursing out imp.

"You sure he an imp?" Susie asked while her son was just watching. Even cheered for Moxxie to go for the neck next.

"He is. He just really like chocolate." Maria taking a bite of her snack as she walks over. Pick up her boy with her tail as he held his treat possessively. "Come along you chocolate maniac."

"HEY YOU BITCH YOUR BRA- "The punk got smack in the face with Susie tail and fell back on the ground.

"That bitches to you. Come along Striker."

"Coming Ma." Follows and then turn back quickly to kick the fallen imp on the stomach.

"OUCH!"

Striker smirks and then goes back to catch up to them.

"That was entertaining." Susie snickered and watch Moxxie eat his treat happily

Striker glance at Moxxie as he enjoys his treat. The little imp keeps surprising him. Sure, would have been in bigger trouble if he didn't trip those other imps. Got to say though it takes guts to do that. Then he blinks when he looks closed. "Um he eating the stick."

"Moxxie no! We went over this!"

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Done!

Today's lessons. Don't take the chocolate, don't touch them and just be patient.

Right, early on Moxxie started to wear covering to hide the tear marks. They would prefer magic but even they know that would be useless. So, going this route. May not think like any other normal demon and all that but not that foolish. I want to take care of one issue even just for a few years. But does find it weirdly sweet how Maria minds their marks. Later on, certain others.

So, what you all think?

Any questions?

Until next time.

Bye, bye!