Chapter 58

Here we go.

Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention, 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

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Dinner wasn't quiet.

Neither was cooking dinner, it was a bit hectic since everyone was doing something different. Along with talking about living arrangements.

"Moxxie not sleeping on the couch!" Millie slams her foot down and glared at her folks

"He doesn't need to sleep in the same room with you." Joe eyes narrow looking at Moxxie.

Moxxie not bothering looking at him while he cuts some vegetables.

"We live in the same apartment!"

"Separate rooms."

"Oh my gosh Pa I'm not a tot and not some virgin damsel in distress!"

"He is not staying in your room. Or Sallies."

"Don't you treat me like a teenage brat either!"

"I was going to sleep in the barn."

All the look Moxxie directions.

"What? No, Moxxie you're not sleeping in the barn!"

Moxxie shrugged. "No, one will have to worry about being quiet or not in the morning. I don't mind. I can hang out with Bombproof."

"There see no problem or complaints!"

He was telling the truth for his reason. Along with other little things. The no sleep issue. Didn't want to stay in the house either unless necessary. Plus, maybe avoiding someone else at the moment.

Dinner time arrived.

Talk and chattering around the dinner table. It was all them along with Millie and Sallie other siblings joining them. Everyone just enjoying a good time. Eating their food, exchanging stories of fights and kills, about the pain games, and loud jokes around.

Moxxie barely touched his food as he poked around it. Barely anyone acknowledged him. He was very fine with that. Would prefer all that thank you very much. But nope can still feel a pair of eyes glancing over him. He just ignored it.

He knows it was Striker. But don't care right now at the moment. Why should he? Not like he waited over the damn phone for some kind of call. Grip the fork slightly as he hears him talk and chatter with everyone around. He always knew how to talk to everyone around. Even with that smug tone of his.

Did find it a little weird how nice he was being around. Not crazy nice. Just usually a bit of a bite to his talk. Sure, the smugness was still there. Yet, not right either.

Then again many years passed so there are bound to be some changes.

He didn't feel hungry anymore and just wanted to leave. But push through.

Finally, it was over and helped clean up a bit. Then was with Millie as she handed him a blanket.

"You really don't have to do this Mox." Millie looked at him.

"It's fine Mil-Mil. Less complaining from your folks."

"It's not fair. I really do wish they give you a chance."

"I'll be fine." Push his glasses off. "Besides it'll be like camping almost again. Just less rats."

The two chuckled a bit.

"I'm going to go set up and rest. Night Mil-Mil."

"Alright Mox." Millie watches him walk towards the stairs and sighs. She wishes at least Blitz would say something. Like offer Moxxie to stay with him. But he been very distracted today. Or if her folks asked Striker to stay elsewhere tonight. Even if he was a helping hand. She glances at the room Striker stays in that was closed.

Moxxie watches Bombproof eat a carcass in his stall across from his. The small imp laying against the hay bales. His backpack close to him. Kept the blanket folded and placed it on a stool. "You really have gotten big."

Loud neigh and then burp. Fire is coming out of his muzzle.

Let out a small snort. "Excuse your lordship."

Hooves clamp the ground as smoke rises. A happy neigh and went back to eating.

The weapon assassin let Bombproof continue eating and looked up at the barn. A typical stable and mixed as a barn. The other animals in the other barn either eat outside or do their own thing. Glance around and see a ladder leading to a loft. Stands up and goes to the ladder. It takes a few minutes to see what up. Probably nothing much material and hay.

Now Moxxie not a heavy Imp.

So, why did the ladder break when he came back down after he stopped looking around. He is not sure! Well besides possibly being old. Plus, not like the impact will hurt him besides a full daze.

Instead, he gets caught.

Blink. Well, he not screaming so that good. He looks up.

"You alright Critter?"

"Put me down."

Striker sighs and let's go. "Okay now just relax- "

"Relax? You're telling me to relax? Are you that stupid?!"

"Hey, hey no need to yell."

"I'm not yelling! My voice just rose up!"

"The category still called yelling!"

Moxxie throw his arms in the air. "Fuck this. I'm not dealing with this."

"Okay now wait a second. I had a reason not to call." Striker growled and approached him. His tail rattles frustrated.

"Oh? Including now! Working on this ranc- "

"I was protecting you dammit!"

Moxxie stared at him with a look of confusion and shock. Then my eyes narrowed. "What you mean protecting me?"

"Sit your ass down and I will explain."

Moxxie snarled and fist tightened up. He stomps over and goes to sit on the hay bale. Doesn't care how his behavior may look childish. But he wants some answer from his so-called friend. Arms crossed and looked at Striker. "Stage all yours Rattles."

"How thoughtful." Leans against the stall Bombproof in. "After our 'Prom' week I went back to work as guard. Some point I was place elsewhere to guard. Not at a bar but for fricken blue blood. Like bringing them from place to place. I hate it but it was a decent pay. Didn't last long. This last guard escort we had to detour around in the South Mountain deserts."

The South Mountain deserts in Wrath are dangerous. Yes, Wrath itself is dangerous in general but there are certain areas where the danger level rises. But these mountains were closer to the lava mountains.

"Ever heard of the 40 bandits of Thrym?"

"Your Ma told us the story."

"Well, that story was true and so were they. Kill the nobles and stole the riches, killed two other escort guards, and I survive."

"How?"

"I killed one of them. They did not like that." Striker chuckled darkly. "Knock me out and was in their own little prison. Beat me up, torture and oh the list can go on with the shit they put me through. Should have died. Next, thing I know I was fighting one of them. Just a fist fight. I would have lost that fight if I didn't bite the fucker neck. You know what they did after that?"

Moxxie tilt their head.

"They made me part of their group."

"What?"

"Because I survive and bullshit. I didn't like it but at that point was ready to do anything to not get beat or stay in that shitty prison. So, I healed, watched and followed what these bandits did. Bombproof was with them too and was so happy to see that horse of mine. I'll admit I did enjoy some of the moments. Like learning new skills or advancing it. That doesn't mean I like them, especially their leader. That man would been a definition of a smooth snake talker. He was good at what he could do. Could say I might have admired him too. That was bite me in the ass later."

Moxxie so far felt sick and a bit angry at their own self.  Striker was getting hurt and here he was complaining, living his life. Still look at him for any trace of lie or doubt. But, no. Striker was telling him like he promised.

"Then all of them turn their back on me. Or I did. We were about to go on another raid. It was nothing special mind you. A few farmers with some food. I was given the orders to shoot them." Striker was silent for a bit and sighed. "I have nothing against killing someone. But I didn't want to be with these folks. Can tell they had it rough. So, the leader shoots them and next thing I know. I got shot in the shoulder from an angelic bullet. That was the worst thing I ever felt even after all the torture they put me through. Called me weak hearted and pathetic. That really, really pissed me off. Then the bastered showed me a picture. A picture that was mine and they took."

Moxxie didn't like this feeling. "Picture?"

"It was you and I of our non prom day." Striker hissed and tail wagged furiously. "I won't repeat all the things he said. Only that they were going to come after you. A little toy for my failure not following an order."

The smaller imp began to feel sick.

"I knew he would. He always made sure what he said happened. The only reason I was able to get away from there was when Bombproof trampled in the rescue.  Didn't kill the prick but two others. We got away and I was able to lay low. Found by some questionable folks but gladly took that bullet out of me. I hated that I couldn't do anything. The thought that bastered and all them actually coming after you, Maria or anyone else. After I finally was able to move, I went back to them."

"What?"

"I killed them. Each and every one of them. It took a long while. They scattered at that point. Our dear Lord of Wrath wasn't pleased about a situation that involved them. Had their own guards chase after them too." Striker twirled a piece of hay in his fingers. "Killed 27 of them including the leader. Along with making sure you were in no way connected to me."

"Why?"

"Even though the 40 bandits were gone. They did have their own enemies as well. A few I met. A few who had connections that would cause trouble. I stayed hidden as long as I needed to. Took a few jobs to stay low from everyone. No one really connected me to the bandits. "

"Why you telling me then?"

Look up at him and smirk. "I trust you Critter."

Moxxie fist clenched up tightly. "Why didn't you trust me enough to call before. I could have helped."

Striker winces. One of the things he admired about Moxxie was that he was strong. Wouldn't show weakness. To hear just the tiny little crack made him really angry at himself. He can't excuse his job as hire assassin later on. But he does regret not calling after that whole messy situation. Regret how it was planned but will not say sorry since he was thinking of Moxxie life. "At that point I didn't think you want to talk to me."

Moxxie snorted.

"That was bad on my part." Walk over to him and sit down by the hay bale. "You clearly missed me."

"Oh, shut up."

"Naw you like listening to me voice."

Moxxie stared coldly and turned around. Arms cross and back towards him. "No, I don't."

Striker chuckles to himself. He knows he shouldn't mess with him since he clearly was angry. Or at least mixed emotions. But he couldn't help it. He missed this. "Didn't you say I have a good singing voice?"

"Go, choke on a cactus." Moxxie grumble and hears Striker laugh by his side. Small twitch and trying to not smile.

"Seriously?"

"Actually, you deserve something else."

"What- "

SMACK!

Striker almost fell down as he clutched his cheek. Little critter definitely can land a punch when he wants too. Hiss and tail rattle dangerously. Till he looked at Moxxie. Jeez he really was missed. Along with very angry at himself. Snarl and rub his face. "I deserve that but that was a little much."

"Would you rather I stomp on your stomach."

"How long have you been planning to beat my ass for not calling?"

"I say after year three." Moxxie snorted but then looked at the ground. Then it clicks what he did. He punched Striker even after he told him what happened. Fuck! What the heck is wrong with them! Their friend was literally tortured and here they are hitting him! Not even a playful one they did when they were younger. Sure, he was holding back some of his strength. But what if he didn't because of his emotions? What if he made it worse? "I shouldn't hav- "

"I swear if you apologize for hitting me. I'm going to hit you back." Striker sits back up by him. "I don't need pity. I could have called but I didn't. Like I said I didn't regret it. You missed my ass."

"Shut up."

"Nope. You like my voice."

"Oh, not this again." Moxxie groans and didn't even need to see his expression.

"Yes, it again. Going to make it up so much. Going to hear me 24/7."

"I hope you trip tomorrow in the game."

"My, my Moxxie so scandalous. I'll be in that mud and everyone will be watching me."

"You'll live." Shrug and stared down. "You don't have to do that you know?"

"I can't control the crowd reaction. Can be a thirsty bun-"

"Not that. I meant 24/7."

Small silence at first.

"Jeez you're idiot."

"Never said I wasn't."

"Talk for another time. I will make this up. I do want to meet up again after you all leave." His tail wrapped around Moxxie. "I do miss you brat."

"Oh, hush up snake."

"Is that all you got?"

"Nope, I just giving you a break to let your voice relax. To make some grand speech if you or Blitz win tomorrow."

"Your boss that good?"

"I won't say anything. Can't let you know all my coworkers' talents. Gotta makes it fair for the game."

"Fair and Pain? Ha! You haven't been paying too much attention to those games." He still needs to have a chat with that boss. Blitz was an interesting fellow. Goofy yet the two of them have a few similar tastes in humor. "Back to the other question. I do want us to talk again."

"You have a cell phone?"

"Use a lot of burners but can get one." It'll be worth it. Sees he looked still unsure from the twitch in his eyes. His little Critter deeply thought about this. "Give me another chance Mox."

"Sounds like it should be the other way around."

"Then it can be a good new start over for the both of us. Come on Mox."

Moxxie thinks long and hard really. He shouldn't. But I'm still processing everything from the past few hours. "Still got my number?"

"I lost it on a paper you Ma gave me."

"I'll give it to you again."

"Thanks, Mox you're so sweet."

"Get out of my room."

"This is Bombproof room."

"I thought I was the sassy one?"

"You're the annoying sassy one Critter."

"I'm not that sassy." Moxxie glared and his glasses slid down.

"Sure, you're not and I'm not arrogant."

"No, comment." Jump off the hay bale when Striker tail almost smacks him.

"Still a good dodger Critter." Striker hissed and eyes glowed slightly. But a very pleasant smile on his face.

"Gotta with the job I have." Moxxie stared at him and his own little smirk could be shown.

"Reasonable."

The two of them talked for a long time. It was nice. Well nice as one would think if you walked in on the pair. Either insulting the other, back talk, or look ready to smack the other. Yet, we were so relaxed and content with the other. There was still some tension between the pair. But was hesitant to fix it. Then it was time for Striker to hit the bed. Got to wake up early and refresh for the games.

"You can stay with me if you want? Got enough room. Easily, hide you from Joe."

"I'm fine Striker."

"You sure? I'll make sure Joe eats his mustache he complains about you."

"That sounds unpleasant. But I'm fine. I got Bombproof."

Bombproof let out a loud neigh.

"Yes, yes a sleepover I guess."

Striker snorted at the pair. "You two are a mess."

"Good."

"Get some rest. I'll come get you in the morning if you're still sleeping."

"I won't be."

"Sure, you won't." Rolled his eyes and stood up. Glance at Moxxie and stop see a glint under the scarf and collar of his shirt. Was he actually still wearing the charm he gave him? Could it be something else? The first idea still stuck in his head and his tail wagged slowly in excitement.

"Rattle?"

"Night Critter." Ruffle his head and smirk when he earns a familiar hiss. Then easily dodge the swipe this time.

"Buzz off Rattles."

"Already on my way to do that." Striker soon heads out of the barn.

Moxxie waits till he is fully sure he is gone and lets out a tired breath. Goes over to Bombproof and nuzzle their face. "I truly am sorry I should have helped you both. Some, companion I am huh."

Bombproof let out a neigh and nuzzle their small face.

"Okay, okay that's enough. Finished your dinner and you'll get a snack."

One loud excited neigh.

Striker heard it as he didn't walk all the way back. May have eavesdropped. So, what? Chew the strand of hay and walk off. He really can't screw this up. Can't screw anything up at this festival. He knows he can do it but has to watch out. While he tricks everyone else here. Moxxie still knows him compared to the others. At least the parts still him. Goes inside the house and head to the kitchen. Stop and see a familiar imp sitting at the table. About to eat the rest of the pie.

Idea flash. No, the opportunity to be closer to Moxxie again.

"Blitz just the Imp I needed to chat with."

"Hiya Striker. You and Moxxie kiss, made up whatever shit between you?" Chewing a slice of pie.

"No, kiss but we did make up."

"Splendid don't like it when he that moody quite." Leans back and his tail hands him an extra fork.

Striker nods and takes it. "There was something else I wanted to talk to you about."

"Right to your horse?"

"Not happening and Bombproof would go to Critter."

"Dammit. I would have to do a lot of sucking up!"

"Your lost." Bit into his own slice of pie.

"So, what?"

"I like to hear from the boss man himself about IMP."

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Done!

Now you all know of a few things that were happening with Striker. A lot of tough choices and sacrifices. But would have done it again and would possible be a worse bloodshed.

What did you all think?

Any questions?

Until next time.

Bye, bye!