Chapter 4

Another!

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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The next few days weren't bad.

Fine, Madra was right. They may have had a decent time.

Moxxie mostly stayed at the cabin unless they all went together into town. Either to see the town better. Some shopping. Or just to walk around.

They had visited Susie who worked at this jewelry store. She was so happy to meet them. Along with a few of the customers. A lot of gals cooked, teased Striker. He would get snappy at them. Try to ignore them as he grumbles under his chin. A few remember Maria who would come by a lot and greeted her. Then almost lost it how adorable her child was. The attempt hugs resorted into Moxxie hiding under tables. Even hissed at the ladies. Striker even yelled at them to not touch the Critter.

"Aww Striker being protective!"

"First, with his ma now his new friend."

"I'm not the baby friend!"

There was one day Maria, Susie did take the boys to one of the bigger farms. It was to watch them do a bit of a show with animals, sell animals, and even some competition. Also saw a fight or two. Maria even got into one when she heard some bad mouth prick her child, along with Striker.

Striker had to hold Moxxie scarf while the pair watch Maria throw the imp in a pig pen. Then slam their face in the feeding pen to call the animals to eat the dirt.

Good times.

Moxxie like being around Whistler.

Would go visit or sneak out when the others asleep to go see the horse. Just for the heck of it. The hellhorse was actually very old. Old but still very strong with a big personality. Moxxie watches her easily jump in the air when any birds are in the air and eat it up like it was nothing. It was the same for any unlucky Imps who tried to steal Bombproof at night. Watch it happen in a pile of hay. It happens at least once a week now and it's a good meal for them to eat on. Bombproof enjoyed it too. But very much appreciate the soak blood carrots Moxxie gives them.

Susie was an interesting woman he'll admit that.

There are some similarities with Marie but you can see a lot of differences. Both hard working, protective, and strong in many ways. Now there were times when she said questionable stuff. Well questionable for Moxxie since he didn't understand it half the time. Did not it was the same for Striker or just didn't hear it. She was defiantly a flirt. Only knows since some of the stuff she said. Along with how she would use her eyes like Lust would have done. But in a joking and teasing manner. He had a small suspicion about what her night job was every time she came back at night. So, one night not sleeping was hanging in the living room. Susie was so shocked the first time to see him in the kitchen when she came back very late.

"Can't sleep little one?" Susie asked with a tired look and wrapped her shawl around herself to hide a bit of the clothing she wore.

Moxxie nods a bit to play along.

"I feel yeah. I think I have some milk. Want to shar- "Stop as she they were closer now when she looks down.

Moxxie frown a little and pointed at her neck. A dark bruising, he sees on her red skin.

She blinked and chuckled. Kneel down and grin at him. "It's alright. I got worse than this and I defiantly smack the jerk for leaving that."

Moxxie stared at her till he opened his mouth. "Punch them hard?"

"Aww knew you would talk to me eventually." Susie giggles and stands up. She fixes him a glass of milk and goes back down to hand him milk. "Yes, very hard and knock their teeth out. Don't eat the cup."

Moxxie nodded in approval and took a huge gulp of the milk. "Ice for neck?"

" You are one strange kid. But such a sweetie." She smiles at him. "Don't worry about my neck I'll take care of it."

"Striker worry?"

She stared at him for a while with a tired look. "He can be. So, no telling him about this. Okay?"

Moxxie grumble but nodded. Only because she asked. Then he was told to go to bed. Susie was up with Striker and was wearing a shirt with a collar to hide her marks. So, each night when Moxxie sees Susie they would greet the other.

Moxxie won't say it out loud but Striker was alright.

A jerk at times but all right.

A jerk or a brat who shouldn't look so smug. Almost tried to take his glasses but got a tail smack to the face. Not guilty at all and purposely used Whisper as a barrier against the older kid. Striker either tries to talk down at him or gets annoyed not getting a reaction. Well sometimes a reaction that will stun the Imp snake. Okay maybe Moxxie enjoying it too much. Especially when Striker tail would rattle out of frustration or anger. Which earned him a nickname.

"Rattle."

Striker was too stunned to hear the shorter one finally talks to him. Till it clicks what he heard "Huh?"

"Rattle. You Rattle." Moxxie pointed at Striker.

Then it clicked and snickered. He must be talking about his tail. "No, little dude calls me by my real name. Striker."

"Baby Rattles?"

"Now you done it!"

Moxxie snickered and ran away from the angry kid. Kept yelling out 'Baby Rattles' to his face. They kept running and chasing till Striker had to stop to take a break.

Maria and Susie laughed when they here Moxxie say it the first time around them.

"Don't encourage him!" Striker growled and arms crossed.

"It's adorable Striker." Susie cooed at her son's grouchy look.

"It's not!"

"Rattle."

"Critter!"

"Rattle!"

"Critter!"

"Alright you two, you can kill each other with words after lunch."

Besides that, there were fun moments. Moments just being a kid and having fun. Well as much as you can be a kid. It was still a decent change for Error.

Moxxie and Striker may bark,  snap at each other. But have fun like when they do chase around and get Bombproof to join in. The fiery foal enjoys it a lot. Or when they explore a bit further out to do like a short version of follow the leader. Then they would play in Striker room with the toys he had. There weren't a lot but they made do with it. Moxxie wasn't going to complain about it. Small talk now and then. Or a hissy fight. But you don't need to do it too much or just fine with the silence.

"Rats?"

Moxxie nods to Striker.

"Huh the buggers still being an issue. Do you do anything about it?"

Moxxie thinks a bit and nods a little. Tell him what he does at least when others aare around "Catch, throw, or trap."

Striker snorted. "Guess that useful. Your little fingers can't use a knife or gun yet."

Moxxie throws a pencil at him and he dodges it.

Striker smirks and tugs the scarf. "Don't worry little critter you'll get a bit bigger to hold steak knife."

"So, when are you going to stop using a butter knife?"

"Smart Ass." Striker grunted but still had a grin.

Moxxie stick his tongue out at him.

A smug smartass brat but at least Striker not pretending to like him. Moxxie likes realness than the fake. They can stand each other. That's good enough for both of them.

Then it was the day to go home.

Maria and Susie hugged each other tightly. They talk to each other for a bit.

Whistler neighs and nuzzle Moxxie sensing they were heading off. Bombproof let out an unhappy neigh and rub their head against Moxxie chest.

"Oh my gosh your drama queen you're going to see them again." Striker rolled his eyes at his foal.

Moxxie snickered and patted their flaming mane. Then look at Striker.

He snorted and reached out to ruffle their heads. But stop a second. He glances and see Moxxie not moving away. Took the chance and not ruffle too hard. Just a pat. Small tense but hey no screaming. How the heck is their hair this fluffy? "Try and take care of Maria you little Critter. Don't need those rats taking up her time."

Moxxie snorted and grinned slightly. "Sure, Rattles."

"Wipe that grin off you Critter!" Move his hand quickly before he gets bitten. Striker grin seeing a smaller one on their face with a challenged look.

Susie able to get a quick hug from Moxxie and smile down at him. "You be good and don't bite everything that moves."

Moxxie grumble but nodded a little.

Maria ruffle Striker head. "See you later Striker. You're doing well taking care of your Ma, Whisper and Bombproof here."

Striker had a pleased smile at that.

Soon they both got in the truck and headed out on the dirt road.

"So, what you think Striker?" Susie waves goodbye to them.

"The Little Critter not too bad like these other idiots." Striker will admit and that's all he is going to tell his Ma.

"Aww my Striker made a friend."

"He a baby!"

"So, is Bombproof."

Striker had no comment and hissed like grumble as his Ma laughed.

When they went inside, they each got surprising gifts in their rooms.

Susie was surprised at the lovely onyx shade bandana scarf. Wait? Didn't she see this at one of the stores? Made a comment like it a lot. She picked it up. Did Maria have this? Sees no tag or indication of anything. Did Maria, Moxxie got this without her knowing. She shrugged slightly and wrapped it around her neck. It felt really nice. She'll have to call her and give them a thank you.

Striker tilts his head noticing the small box on his bed. That wasn't there before. Walks over to it and picks it up. Open it up. His eyes widen.

It was a knife he had been looking at the stores a lot lately. The handle was gray while the blade had a red metal sheen with black designs added to the metal. He really wanted it. But the price was a lot and aggravated him. He knows his Ma didn't buy it. She usually likes to give him gifts up front. Maria?

Wait?

He remembers showing Moxxie the knife stands when they went to town. How he was going to get one of those one day. For protection and such if anyone were to come into the house. Can't use the gun yet since they are precious with bullets and should only be used if necessary. He knows how to hold it but a bit out of practice till they can buy practice shells. But he always likes knives and blades.

Did Moxxie steal it?

No, way would that baby have the guts to do that. Sure, he is a vicious kid when he wants to be. But stealing?

Then he noticed a piece of paper in the box and pulled it out. He may not like to read a lot unless it is important. Plus, to show others he is not dumb. So, that one summer Maria taught him with his Ma help.

Better Butter knife.

"Critter." Striker will not admit he smile a bit.

Back on the road with Maria and Moxxie.

"You had fun Mox?"

Moxxie nods his head yes.

"Good. So, you and Striker friends?"

Moxxie hissed at that.

Maria laughed.

They did leave somewhat late as they drove back home. It was early morning when they arrived at the house.

"Well, everything standing. Mox you wait right here so I can check around." Maria tells him as she gets out of the truck and look around.

Moxxie waits in the truck and senses his magic still up doing the job. But something felt slightly off. He just couldn't place it at the top of his head. It wasn't magic. Great it was going to annoy him.

Hands began to emerge out of the ground in desperation. Till a familiar imp got themselves out the ground. Dirty, cut up, disheveled, and look like they lost a few fingers.

"FREEDOM!"

Right the helpers. Well, a helper from what it looks like.

Moxxie watches the Imp running in circles till Maria comes back. Then she knocks the Imp out when they grabbed her and screaming about rat rituals.

Two hours later.

"Well, it's either two things. He either telling the truth. Or have been dope on the drugs to long from the stash we found in his bag." Dr. Medea tells Maria as they put the strapped Imp in the back of the ambulance. After chasing the strapped imp again when they woke up.

"What about his buddies?" Maria rubs her head. I already can feel a headache emerging.

"As the Imp said sacrifice or eaten. Or they could be possible out there in the desert either dead or just left to not work."

"You're lucky you're getting paid since everything still in the crops!"

"THEY WILL EAT US ALL!"

"Yeah, yeah you can have your buddies' payment but only half." Maria rolled her eyes and looked at Dr.Medea.

"Don't worry he will be taken care of him." Hand out and money was slammed on his hand. "Oh yes this payment of his will do well."

"Sure." Glance and see Moxxie sitting by the hole that the imp dug from. "Excuse me I got a hole to cover up."

"Of course. Have a bad day, Maria. Bye Moxxie!"

Moxxie hissed at him while throwing a rock down the hole.

"See you both later!"

Maria watches him leave, with the nurses as they drive the carriage back to town. The imp was still yelling for a while. She walks over to Moxxie and picks him up with her tail. She walks back up inside their home. "Well, that's enough crazy for today. You go play in your room while I go cover that up."

Moxxie was placed on the floor and looked up at her. "Help?"

"Naw I got this."

"Help."

"Mox."

"Help."

"Okay, okay check the traps and then go play."

Moxxie runs off to check the traps.

Maria sighs with a little smile and goes to find the shovel.

Moxxie finds the traps and lots of angry rats hissing. But it was very over flooded. Guess they didn't have time to pull it out. Or just forgot when you're buried underground. Lays the traps down and goes around the corner seeing Maria messing with the hole as she drops something. "Madre lots of rats in traps."

"Alright I'll go get rid of them. Can you pull some carrots and lettuce out."

"Yes, Madre."

"Thanks, Mox!" Geez this hole deeper than she thought. Then let out a smirk. So, the rats want to play it this way huh. "Oh, Mox can you check to see how much smoke bombs, dry ice and blood dry feed we have."

They got enough.

"Goggles and gloves on." Maria has her gloves and goggles on. Same with Mox.

"Madre where you get ice?" Look at the chest, they usually store it in the back.

"Some acquaintances ripped me off one day when I asked for ice. So, I got this instead." Tap the chest. "Very much worth it."

"Smoke bombs."

"I done a lot of hobbies in my teenage years." Pat his head. "It was either this or know how to make whiskey from the family. So, I did both!"

Moxxie snorted in amusement and watched her pull out the clamps.

"Now I rarely do this but since it far away from the garden it'll be good."

Plus, unaware the magic Moxxie done so the crops will be fine.

"Science time."

Drop the dry ice in the hole and picks up Moxxie as they go on top of her truck. You can hear a lot screeching below as the smoke comes up.

"Alright they should be coming out to escape." Maria lit the smoke bombs." When I throw these throw the seeds."

Moxxie nods and watches closely.

On cue as rats began to escape the hole to not die. Smoke bombs raining down along seeds getting stuck to their body. How dare they kill them with that wretched ice.

CAW!

Oh no!

Vultures swooping down to get free meals in the smoke bomb fog. Vulture after vulture raining down terror on the rats. Or tossing them in the air. Maria and Moxxie watching the show at them sit on top of the truck.

"That another way to get rid of rats."

After that was done, they took care of disposing of any left overs. Along with the trap ones. Once that was done Maria began to cook them a small dinner. Moxxie in his room. He began to think about when they can ask to get sewing material.

He wanted to make a lot of stuff for her after taking him. He is going to do whatever he can for what Maria has done for him. Whether it be small or big. Helping with the crops. Cook what he can cook till he gets older. Take care of those rodents. Maybe steal a donkey or two for the farm. Help with extra money on the side so she is taken care of. Error will admit he is possessive and can be greedy about what he claims as his. Maria became one of those rare few and will do everything he can to protect her.

"So, Mox next year I'm thinking of putting you in daycare. Won't that be fun." Maria smiled at the wide eye horrified imp.

Now how to convince her that he doesn't want to go to school next year.

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Done!

Got any questions?

Until, next time.

Bye, Bye