Chapter 108

Another one. Another one.

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, musical/singing moments and bad flirts.

Error/Moxxie speaking/speaking/singing

Voices/Text/Flashback/Singing

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Maria tries her best.

What parent wouldn't try their best to help their children? Of course, in hell many families can be prick, abusive or have no care for their child. In Wrath families can be rough, many are judgmental, and tough to the nail in different ways. Are there parents who are picky, abusive or don't care for their children here?

Yes.

Yet, you can't deny Wrathian are damn protective of their children's. At least ones that actually care. Do whatever they can to help. If both sides drop the tough exterior to talk, or give a clue on the issue. Still, many have different ways to help.

When Maria got full down from Moxxie, after they stop crying along with putting Bombproof in a separate stable. Everything that happened in the last 72 hours along with dating Striker. She had to get a bottle of whiskey and shot glasses. Just one for each of them.

It was a lot to say the least. Along with holding back to not go after everyone. Then she got to keep her head calm down to think rationally.

This was a mess. That was putting it down very nicely. None the less her first priority was Moxxie.

Moxxie who the past four days either stayed on the couch or been outside with Bombproof. We're on occasion texting but from what they only could tell and told. It was only with Millie. Once on a different phone but only saw once. Unless she passed out. Only he would get out of bed if Maria asked them to help them outside. Which they followed along like a zombie. At least was cooperating with that and the pair getting Bombproof use to Crucible. Then with Bolt. In and out of disguise which shock the hellhorse.

It was amusing to watch. At least we can stand each other. So, the first few good steps.

Now Maria doesn't like Moxxie being like a slump of potato sack. But was giving them a certain amount of space. Until she steps in to get them to do anything. To not be trapped in their mind. Destroying themselves in a situation that got out of hand. Won't eat. Or they did get them eat just shove it down with barely a crunch. Then when it's time to sleep she been held them on the couch. Didn't try to leave her either but wouldn't sleep.

"Mox, you need to rest your eyes." Maria mumbled as she sat on the end of the couch. Moxxie head was on her lap wrapped in blanket. Brush his hair that needed a wash. Haven't worn any covering as their marks freely shown.

The little Imp said nothing. Glasses off with their eyes half lidded. Either looking at the blanket, the table, walls or even the floor. It was hard to figure out. It could also be staring at nothing.

"Sorry."

A repeat of sorry. Now what could it be? Well, hard to tell what the sorry was focused on.

Sorry, not telling her about the relationship with Striker? Okay, that one did hurt slightly. At the same time, she can't fault them for that. Moxxie wanted to make sure this relationship would actually work. They are adults. It was their business. A relationship not use to at all and never had. Heck, we're planning on telling her after Striker comes back from his 'trip'.  It didn't mean if she sees Striker again there wouldn't be a talk.

She hopes to see that adoptive nephew of hers again. Hugs. Then punch. Slap. Probably a scream fest. Hug again. A long sit down. On a lot of things. Plus, with finding out Medea told Striker about some secrets about Moxxie that they wanted to tell them. Another talk to put a list. A lot of talking that needs to not be looked over. That's what she hopes but it will happen.  She did have to think about the reality of the situation too and that scared her a bit. The situation Striker is in. Striker is in lot of trouble illegally. How Medea with their 'connection' is going to pull it off. She doesn't know.

Another subject that crossed her mind was Doc as well.

How does someone like him have that kind of connection? Sure, he well old and a decent medic? Was he part of the Wrath 'guards' before? It wouldn't be unheard of. The group was a secret bunch. Of course, she can't just drive to the Doctor office to asked now. Since what Moxxie said was true that Medea was transfer but will be back after who knows what. Along with not answering her calls. It irritated her a bit. She wanted to talk to him along with Striker. Yet, that out the window unless he 'sweet enough' to call back.

Another sorry could be with the gun. That gave her a terrified feeling even after being told about the gas. She demanded how they even got a blessed pistol and if they had any other holy weapon. The pistol Moxxie found on accident in Pride. Just walking in a different part of the city. It was hidden in a trash dump and wrapped in a tarp. Just took it and kept it stash. The dagger they had longer during the first purge they went to see. Hid it in their inventory storage. While the pistol Doc Medea was going to hold on.

Times like these she hates her child cheat storage box.

"Sorry." A whispered now.

Maria looks down to see their eyes closed but not rest. To not bothered her. To be quiet. Gaze sadden but didn't stop petting their head. "Getting a wash even if I have to hose you down."

Nothing but slow breathing.

She leans her head back to let her own eyes close. Not really going to sleep. Just letting her mind wander.

ZZZZ!

Maria grabs the phone that was inside her pocket. Right now, they were outside taking care of the crops. Swipe her forehead to see Moxxie brushing Bombproof. Smile a bit as the horse nuzzles the Imp. Wipe her forehead as she answers with a quiet tone. Even if the pair are far away from the other.

"Hey honeysuckle."

"Hey lobster. How is everything on your side?"

"If you count, they stop saying sorry. Either for my sake or hope it got in their head this mess got out of hand."  Maria sighs as she leans against the pitchfork. "No, sleeping but pretend."

Now Maria has talk to Ivy about this when she can. Besides the situation was Stolas.

"Maybe you both can come over here?"

"As of right now I wouldn't think it would be possible. It would be just one of us. Mox really doesn't want to leave Bombproof." Maria watch Moxxie still brushing. "I also don't think Mox not thrilled of the idea to return to Pride anytime soon but knows they will have too."

Even Moxxie told her they'll have to go back. Just don't know when. But soon. Things to take care of.

Ivy frowned a bit, sitting back. "If he doesn't sleep for another day, I'll send some tea. I almost have those golden flowers the way he described them to me anyways. Hopefully the nostalgia might help cheer him up a bit... How are you holding up?"

"I'm, hanging in there. Almost hope to see damn rat soon." A little chuckle as she yawns.

Ivy giggled. "Never thought I'd hear you say that!"

"Same. How is everything on your side?"

"Same old, same old." Ivy groaned.

"How sad." Place the pitchfork against the fence. "Hold a second. Mox I'm getting a drink! Want some lemonade?"

"Sure." Mox in the middle of Bombproof and Crucible getting snippy at the other.

"All right." Goes up the stairs into the kitchen. "At least the animals help out."

"What about Bombproof?"

"He's familiar with the place since he came here many times. Gets snippy with Crucible. All right with Bolt.  Yet, even he can tell many things are wrong. Along with searching."

"Damn. Hopefully whatever this... Mess is. Gets cleared up soon. For both of their sakes."

"Same, if."

If Striker doesn't get killed.

Ivy sighed again. She is trying to stay as positive as she can be. Yet, with this situation. Either Striker will need a damn lawyer to get out this alive. Which many would laugh at. Make it painless. Or prison life. To assassinate a Goetia is basically death if you get caught or sold out.

Sinners may know about nobles. Well, it they rat ass to care who the Goetias are. Like yes, learn the system. It'll give you less of a headache. But even Goetias can look down at sinners, even sinner overlords. Even their own section of the pentagram makes it very clear how they think about them along with their attitude in general.

Yet, this situation to her feels odd. Like when she watches the news on and just happens to know about Stolas in this hospital. Then that wife of his 'crying' on live tv about her separated husband being kidnapped in the cafe. To find the one who did it and ripped their head off.

Even though it was just so painfully obvious it was her, like... Did she not realize that she had already made the circuits on news channels with her hatred of him?

Then that brother of hers took over. Being professional but at the same time using his words very well. Gah you can just taste the smugness coming off him.

She shuddered mentally at the reminder. "I might just send the tea anyways." Hopefully it helped Moxxie.

"Thanks." Pull out some lemons. "Hey, um were you able to go check?"

"I was. There was nothing. Striker really wanted to keep this shit away from Moxxie. Honestly, it's kind of admirable. If, you know. None of this had happened."

Let out a sigh of relief. "Good. That's good."

Maria asked Ivy a huge favor to go to Striker apartment. Now knew a possible issue Ivy might now be able to get in. One was Moxxie magic. Yet, Ivy surprised her when she said she had a copy of the key. Swipe the original from Striker and take a picture to make a cheap one. Her reason.

"Just in case of emergencies."

Didn't push it. Felt slightly guilty to do this behind Moxxie back but pushed it back. For the sake and safety if anyone found out where Striker lived. Besides Stolas.

"But your positive there nothing? Check everywhere? Under the floor? Vents? A shower heads?" Chopped a lemon in half.

"Yep. Had to use my plants for some of the checking, but I couldn't find anything." Ivy hummed, leaning on her counter.

Striker was apparently a tidy person.

"Okay." Starts the process with the lemons. "I know Mox will check that apartment. I know they are going to check for any clues. Just something to give a hint if they didn't see the signs earlier."

"Well, he's not going to find anything. It really does look like this was Striker's one and done kind of deal. Kill Stolas and use the money to help him and Moxxie. I'd be willing to bet the call was a surprise for him."

"Surprise indeed. Yet, he still catches everyone off guard." She closed her eyes a bit. "I wish Susie was here."

"I don't blame you."

Took a small breath as her mind thinks back on calmer, yet still crazy moments with her dear friend. "Yeah."

"I wish I could hug you and Mox right now."

"Right back at you. Maybe when Mox goes back you can meet him at the elevator." I finished making the lemonade.

"Maybe. Hopefully this *mess* gets cleared up soon." Ivy sighed, holding a lily.

"Same."

Picks up the pitcher while her tail grabs cups. "I'll try to see when they do go back. Along with a plan to see who I can trust here now to watch the place-"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Maria stops to look at the front door. Goes to put the stuff down beside her phone. Then walks up to the door. Glance all around and then stare.

What the hell?!

"Maria? You good?"

"Um very confused who I'm seeing?"

"Well, who is it?"

"Four rat size imps in sombreros?"

"Hello!"

"Hello dear Madam!"

"Howdy!"

"Hi! You're pretty! Are you Outlaw lover mom?"

"...Ivy?"

Ivy pulled her phone away from her ear, blinking as she looked at the rotten lily. Was this one of the ones she cross bred with cannabis? ".... I don't think this is one of my cannabis lilies... I could've sworn you just said four rat sized Imps in sombreros were at your door."

"I did and one wearing a poncho asked if I'm Outlaw lover mom?"

Ivy twitched a bit. "The fuck do they want from my girl?"

"I'm about to find out. Hey! Who sent you four?" Stare down at them.

"Outlaw!"

"Along with a Dr. Medea."

"What?"

Ivy frowned, able to hear this.

"Hold up. Hold up. I'm confused."

"Oh? We're sorry Mame for the confusion and surprise arrival."

"Did take us a few days to get here."

"Mhmm! "

"Um why?"

"Outlaw!"

"Who?" Then her eyes slowly went wide. Wait? Only knows one personal 'Outlaw' because the last few days.

"He's galloping over the dusty planes
Even the cacti know his name
If you don't want to die don't cross his path
The best assassin in the ring of Wrath

He's Striker! He's Striker!
Sure shootin', darn tootin', his name is Striker"

"You four know Striker?!'

"That we do!"

"Of course, we called him by other names we just now learn it, Striker."

"Striker the best!"

Maria hid a minor twitch. Keep it together. Not letting them see Moxxie till she gets a few things figure out.

On cue Bombproof jump over a few fences. In front of the house. Moxxie holding on their neck and just hanging on.

"It's Outlaw horse!"

"Moxxie, are you okay?!'

"Ye-Who the barbershop quartet?" Moxxie look at the small imps with confusion.

Maria snorted quietly.

"Your Outlaw lover!"

On cue Moxxie drop on the ground in a depressed slump.

"Oh, dear."

Maria growled at them angrily, making them panic.

Bombproof nudge Moxxie head.

"We apologize about that."

"Indeed."

"Sorry."

"Really sorry."

She leaned back, clearly not pleased. "Well? Why are you four here anyways?"

"Well, you see the Doctor we met who taking care of Striker said we couldn't come with them."

"We were going to make sure Outlaw wasn't alone in the jail cell."

"We made so many ballads and made sure we got the name right this time!"

Ivy tried not to laugh on the other end of the phone.

"So, the Doc got quick word from Striker before he transferred and his words 'Keep those lovely musicians away from me and make them be helpful elsewhere!' So, the Doctor suggest we came to lend in arms to held out with Outlaw horse and lover!"

Maria thought fast, and her devious smirk made even Moxxie wary. "So, you all were sent to help us, is that right?"

"Of course!"

"Yes!"

"Anyway, we can help Mame!"

"No, trouble at all!"

Her smirk grew ever so wider.

*One hour later*

"Put your back into it! This feed ain't going to move itself!"

"Didn't you already have helpers?"

"They're on vacation."

"Oh."

Maria nodded with a slight giggle. "Besides it'll keep them out of our way."

Mox shrugged slightly. It was a bit off of the situation. These four just popping and whatever the run down is. At the moment not to focus on it. Plus, an odd feeling Doc may have twisted a few words to the four when he talked to Striker. That was way too nice.

Yet, these four didn't care.

They were apparently happy to do anything.

The animals haven't killed them yet. So, a bonus they guess. Bombproof only snort out fire at them once for a 'Choo-Choo' comment. Whatever that's about.

Meh, whatever.

"Madre."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry."  On what? They are really not sure. It is like their head telling them to keep apologizing.  Just about anything like it they just done something. A reminder when they even pointed out they we're Striker, well Outlaw, lover.

Maria hugged him carefully. "You don't have to be sorry about nothing."

The mother and child got privacy on the back porch. The two older members kept the two other two way. Out of respect as it wasn't their business.

Moxxie closed their eyes as he kept their faces pressed against their body.

They wish they could sleep so badly.

But every time he tried; all he could see was Striker.

Or Stolas refusing to help.

Blitzo yelling.

Millie eyes asking them why?

Or if the four of them all dead in the cave.

It was just one thing after another. Something's new. Something old. Or forgotten. Hates it. But these new ones frighten them so badly.

He burrowed into his Madre's body a bit more, just exhausted.

Maria hums as she continues to rub their heads. Her tail wrapped around them in a protective hold.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Remember me

Though I have to say goodbye

Remember me

Don't let it make you cry

For even if I'm far away"

Moxxie can recall a few times he heard Maria sing. Like to play along when they play the violin. Though her voice was pretty.

"I hold you in my heart

I sing a secret song to you

Each night we are apart"

The four stopped to turn to see Maria singing to her child. Would have joined in but decided against it. It was sweet with a lack of violence.

"Remember me

Though I have to travel far

Remember me"

This felt different. A nice difference. But why?

"Each time you hear a sad guitar

Know that I'm with you

The only way that I can be

Until you're in my arms again

Remember me"

Why does it sound familiar too? Was it from a show? Maybe? A radio?

"Recuérdame

Si sola crees estar

Recuérdame

Y mi cantar te irá a abrazar

Aun en la distancia

Nunca vayas a olvidar

Que yo contigo siempre voy

Recuérdame"

Warm. It was a nice warmth. Just like Madre.

"Recuérdame

Si sola crees estar

Recuérdame

Y mi cantar te irá a abrazar

Aun en la distancia

Nunca vayas a olvidar

Que yo contigo siempre voy

Recuérdame"

Eyes stare down at the ground. Heavy. It didn't feel bad.

"For I will soon be gone

Remember me

And let the love we have live on

Know that I'm with you the only way that I can be

Until you're in my arms again

Remember me"

Maria let out a soft breath. Almost wanted to cry or chuckle. Jeez it's been years since the last time she heard that song. "Hey Mox got to admit my Spanish gotten better. The song is actually nice playing with a guitar. Maybe later we can- "

Moxxie not saying a word. Or make a movement they weren't listening to at all. Their small bodies just slump against them. Not like a depressing slump.

Resting.

She stared with a startled look. Soon, a faint smile.

They were actually sleeping.

For how long? She doesn't know. Didn't want to jinx it. Didn't even want to move as it was getting dark.

Felt a tap on her tail.

Glance down to see the four brought over a blanket. One the extras in the stable. Bombproof and Crucible not going back to the stable. But staying close brings in warmth. Both sitting close to their feet and resting. She smiled a bit and took it, carefully covering Moxxie.

Guess their camping outside tonight.

Nobody disturbed them as they slept out even. Even the four little imps are able to sleep with animals. Not the first for anyone to sleep outside. All of them are resting.

A rat head sneaks out the ground.

CHOMP!

Bombproof swallowed the rest of the snack as he went back to sleep.

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Done!

What did you all think?

Our Mariachi band is back again!

Point to Maria! Go Madre Go!

Don't own song

Until next time.

Bye, bye!