Chapter 17

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Maria was not expecting this. At least this subject.

Dammit Susie.

"Um like what?"

"I already know like the stuff I was told. He was a snake hellborn. How he didn't want me. Even try to kill Mom, along with myself inside. Tsk can't feel anything for him. But I'm confused about something. "Look down at his hands. "It was some stuff I was going to ask Ma. You know wait till I was older."

"Striker. Do you really want to discuss this now?"

"Yes. Just get it done with."

Silence in the kitchen.

"During the time of your Ma pregnancy. He tried to convince her many times to get rid of you. Even to the point it would have been too dangerous. When Susie did tell him at the beginning, she knew there wasn't going to be a relationship. It was all fun between them. How he made it clear as well, not wanting anything serious. She only asked to know what to be careful. For, like species wise. Hybrid or not she wanted to be careful."

"Why didn't she want to get rid of me? Didn't I ruin a lot for her?" Watcher her eyes went wide at the question. Along with tiredness.

"No. No, Striker your Ma never thought such a thing. It," She bit inside her cheek. "It was her father that tried to push it at the beginning. He was old-fashioned. Either if she kept you but had to marry the one who did this. Or give you up for adoption. At that time things were already tough between Susie and her father. He was always a piece of crap. She stayed with me for a few months at my home. Then I came out here to stay with her. I went back and forth a lot. While she did have you work a lot with the jewelry, we became close to the saloon gals as well. Offered a lot of help honestly. Another thing her father threw out a lot. "

Striker was taken back hearing this. He knows few things about his grandfather. Got a decent amount of money from a job being a boss?

"So, one day he called her out of know where to come over. I was with her at the time since I was getting worried, along with how far along she was coming. Along with Dr. Medea."

Striker eyes at that. "Wait. What? The old troll."

"Yeah, it surprised us too. He came into town since I told my mom how worried I was getting. The medics around here at the time weren't the best. So, he came down to help along with help from the other healers. But he made clear being here for your pregnancy. Any who he called her over while waiting in the truck. Then there were screams inside the home. Susie father was trying to force her to marry the snake. Who we haven't seen in months and hope never. Apparently offered something to the snake. Whatever it was, it could have been profitable. Both of them forcefully try to move her hand to try to write it. I grabbed a piece of wood that was lying down to slam over the snake head. I was ready to smack her father next till he pointed a gun at me. A lot of swear, cruel words were thrown at me. Along with threatening Susie she either signed it or blow my brains out. Then next thing I know the back of my head got grabbed along with thrown to the wall. Got punch in the face while I try to fight back." Maria stops a bit to reach over to take a sip of her drink.

"Your scar below your cheek. Was that when you got it?"

"Correct. After that well this a recount from you Ma. I still remember but I was also out of it. The jackass was about to throw me into a fireplace. Her old man tries to get him stop as I was going to be leverage. Basically, your Ma was in a lot of stress at that point, in pain and felt like her new life was going to be taken. She didn't want you to be surrounded by these two men. But I was ready to sign it just for it all to stop. Until, well,"

"Well, what." Striker snapped a bit.

"Medea came in the room."

"What? The old troll was with yall?" He didn't know about this.

"The night before your mom had some bad contraction. So, on the safe we brought him over. Stayed over the night. Things calm down a bit. That's when that next morning your Ma got the call. Medea offered to come with us for her sake and would stay in the truck. Either we were taking too long, or we were able to hear the commotion inside. Next, we all knew he was inside and well he just started to talk. I still recalled he kept a smile on his face, hand behind his back and his eyes still stayed shut. Susie said he kept talking then asked what was going on. Susie's father tried to talk like nothing was happening. I think he remembers him as a doctor in my area. Try to get him to see stuff on his side, being such an 'old imp' got to understand traditions." Maria rubs her chin a bit. "He laughed."

"What?"

"He just laughed. Then talk about how he does respect certain traditions but is also open-minded. Along with how he never cared for such things as a marriage contract. Susie mention how your father started to get irritated, got threatening Medea to shut his mouth and even pick up by the collar of his neck." She stops being a bit silent. "Then he did something I didn't expect a medic to do. Even for one in hell."

"What he do?"

"Pull one of those tools that was in his front pock. Talk about it like he was explaining to a child. Then slammed it down into his eye."

Striker eyes widen at that. He stabbed his eye?

"Your ma at some point slams her foot on her Pa foot. She was let go, along with able to grab the gun. He tries to talk. Tell her she will have nothing. BE a failure like a mother just like her Ma. Anything to upset her. She told him to shut up before she shot his hand off. Then the snake tried to charge at us both. I took the gun, shot him with all the bullets. The only thing that was running in my head how I wasn't going to let this fucker touch her, along with you. Tt really got out of hand."

"How so?"

"For starters Susie father either had a breakdown or hated us all that much. He set the home on fire."

"He did what?!"

"Mhmm try to keep us all inside. It was a bit scary. Doc is trying to get us to all leave. Susie didn't immediately go to her father's desk. He tried to stop her. I threw the weapon at him to his head. She was taking this box that she knew she had. Money, along with important documents. I had to drag her out to get out of the place with Medea close on hand. I was about to run in to pull that bastered out. But the fire spread too far. I was pulled back by both of them. Help did arrive but at that point it was all gone. Burnt to the ground." Maria looked at Striker across the table. "Then two weeks later you were born. Try to nip your Ma when she cradles you. She looks so proud, happy and was going to make sure you had the life you deserved."

The spiral eye imp head was still down for a very long time.

"I wish they were alive."

"Striker. It wouldn't- "

"So, I can murder them myself." Striker tail rattles a bit.

Maria frowns a little at this hostility. "Striker it was best you never met the two of them."

"Maybe so. It doesn't matter they're not my family." He then looks up at the ceiling. "That marriage contracts. What did he expect from that?"

"Well, I really don't know what was going through his head. Not like your father was 'rich'. But enough to make a living. Wasn't one to settle down? So, for him to agree with that idea id beyond me."

"What are your thoughts on contracts like those?"

"Honestly, I don't like them. Back then here in Wrath it was mostly to keep family business together or merge. It either worked or it didn't work. Many in the rings done it. Still, many do like the nobles. I will say this if someone tried to shove some kind of contract in that face for my hand, or even Moxxie. I would tell you to run. I never take that choice away from Moxxie when it involved finding someone." Her head tilted a bit. Then frown. "Striker why are you bringing this up? Is some girl from school trying to put you in one? Or a customer where you Ma worked at?

"No." Shook his head with a chuckle. "Like I ever marry any of these girls out here. Don't worry Auntie, I'm not ready to settle down. I don't even know if a thing like that would exist for me."

Maria looks at him in worry. Still, weary of why they talked about a contract like this but she pushed it back for now. The talk then was about the property, the bank and what was left. Some of the places the two will go together.

Moxxie return back two hours later.

All ready carried out some of the groceries inside the place.

"Critter." Striker got up from the chair to walk over. "Any issue."

"No, the feed in the back."

"I'll go get it." Walk past him to put it up.

Moxxie goes to sit things down on the counter. Glance at his Madre being silent at the table. Notice a few papers on the table. "Were things okay Madre?"

Maria snapped out of it as she looks at Moxxie. Gave him a smile. "Able to talk a few things out. I'm going to be out with Striker a lot this week to get things settled out. Do you- "

"I don't mind staying to clean up, and cook." Look out the door. Then back to Maria. "I don't mind transferring money to help."

"Moxxie- "

"It's not like I put much a dent. We used it before too." Moxxie pointed out.

Right when Moxxie, well Error, jumped. Everything that was on them in their inventory transferred as well. At that time, it was a lot of gold. Like lots. They really don't know why something that was particularly useless was had. Not like he was allowed to go shopping. Probably only got it as the time since it was shiny. A small distraction to not focus on the void.

It wasn't till two years later they actually went back to look at their inventory. Sure, I have been putting stuff in it before but didn't think about checking over the years. If anything, though there was nothing. Until one day just was searching around for a notebook they put in inventory, since they didn't have enough room in their bag that day, Moxxie just pulled out a piece of gold.

Just remember talking to Maria about it, along with this big number that went over their head. Just knows if he had a job now could retire. Along with triple retire. Which is not on their list of things to do at the moment.

Maria stared at him as she smiled a bit. "I'm going to see first about the money issue. Susie always talk about how she left a lot on the side. If something comes up will make a plan. All right."

"Okay."

Striker soon returns back, along with holding the rest of the groceries. The two were talking for the day. Maria, Striker will head out tomorrow with the truck. Right now, just quiet in the house.

The next few days Maria, Striker have been busing. Besides the usual do their own things like Striker duties he was doing again like Susie was here. Just extra. Then Maria was dealing with Susie will that she left and Striker goes with her to take care of that situation. Moxxie stayed at the house to cook, clean like he offered. Just to keep himself distracted along with for them to not worry about. Along with been a time period not being back for a few days worrying Maria. Moxxie snap at him for that, even if he too was worried too. Just gotten their usual smirk with a hair ruffle.

Prick ass Rattles.

But the days he was here. He been sleeping on the couch with Moxxie. Using their lap as a pillow. Moxxie just lets him be with it. Were times tempted to draw over their face? To get the exhaustion that had been covering his face. A head pat if they hear an uncomfortable sound from Striker or unhappy tail rattle.

Bombproof neighs and nudge his face. Right now, Moxxie cleaning up the barn. Along with giving the fiery horse attention.

"Me too. I miss her too. Both them." Moxxie pat her snout and nuzzle her. "I'll try to visit a lot besides the phone calls. So, try to take care of Rattles."

Bombproof neighs and stomp his hooves.

"Yeah, yeah, he stubborn and pain in the ass. But you no better drama King."

Nip his horn.

"Just for that no blood cubes for you."

Bombproof kicked the bucket and Moxxie cursed out the smug horse. Whistler would be proud.

Then the day arrived.

It was time for Maria and Moxxie to go back home. They have been there close to a month now. But everything seems to settle down now. Striker owns everything from the property and all that belongs to his Ma. Maria was given money too and Susie left her. For all the years of helping. Maria wouldn't accept it and gave it to Striker. He just gave it back to her to give to Moxxie. A lot of back and forth till it was split in half. Moxxie was a bit surprised he was left some money too. He didn't want to take it. Felt wrong. Striker wouldn't take it back since his Ma wanted him to have it. Just put in into something he wants.

"You sure you don't want to stay with us. It won't bother us at all. There room for Bombproof" Maria looked at Striker as he was helping her bring stuff to the truck.

"I'm fine. I need to take off some stuff here. I've been missing too much working at the stables and may be getting another job soon." Striker tells her.

During the stay here Striker did mention he dropped out of high school. It was something he asked his Ma not to tell Maria. Not that he would be judged about it. Just didn't want to deal with questions. Still, he wasn't lazy. The past year or two has helped out around the stables doing a lot of odd jobs.

Striker always knew how to pick-up things easily. Mistake here and there is it was something knew. But then I would take someone off by surprise.

"In what?"

"Just some farmhand work in other parts of Wrath." He shrugged and glanced at her.

"Striker."

"What?"

"Just know my home open. Please, don't do anything that would be extra stupid."

Striker glances over and smirks a little. "Don't worry Aunty I'm going to take a step back. I got stuff to take care of. Bu like you said anything can happen."

"Well one of your two now admit." Maria said but eyes stayed on him. She hopes he really did think it over. But she was keeping his guard up. "Go get Moxxie for me."

"Sure, sure I'll go get the Little Critter." Each the barn to see Moxxie by Bombproof as he pets his horse. "Hey Critter your mom waiting for you."

"Huh." Moxxie glance at him.

"You mom." Striker rolled his eyes and walked over to him. "A little slow today. Can't let your classmates see that."

"Like they actually pay attention to that."

"Well, you might be surprise if they really like to hunt."

"Kind of focus on the rats." They both chuckled a bit about that. Moxxie been telling him about the rats at school.

"May never knows." Ruffle his hair and get the usual smack.

"Yeah, yeah." Look at Bombproof and pet them. "Try to be good for him."

Bombproof neighs.

"I'll remember that." Striker snorted and the two walked out together. "I'm going to calling less for a while but if you need to chat- "

"I get it...Same with you too." Moxxie glance up at Striker. "Just call okay don't need those thought in my head. Even just to talk about stupid things. Like those weird fans of yours throwing themselves at you for some reason. Or you bragging about some skill you learn- "

"My, my so you think about me." Striker snickered and got a tail shove.

"Nope. Never mind. My mind will now be on block mode about you."

"Haha!"

Moxxie rolled his eyes but inside please to get that laugh out him. Still the Striker he knows. He is not stupid. There will be some change from this. He just hopes nothing is too severe.

"Thanks Critter." Glance to see them close to the truck and pulled him in a hug. His tail wrapped around Moxxie. Just for a little bit and he'll let go.

Moxxie was stunned and fidgeted as it began to pick up. But force it down and hug back as quickly he can. Just do this for Striker. The phobia began to pick up along with his shortness of breath. Come on, be normal a bit longer.

Striker let go when he felt him shake. Doesn't need him to pass out and screeched his head off.

The smaller imp calmed down slightly and looked at him. "No, problem Rattles. Call, okay?"

"Yeah."

Striker watches them leave the truck. He thought he saw Moxxie head turn to look at him. He waves back anyway just in case. Once they were finally gone and couldn't see the dust, he took a deep breath. Turns around to walk back inside the house. Soon after I went out the back with a bag. Goes to saddle Bombproof off and they rode off.

It was a long ride but the path was a bit blocked and covered. One of the rare areas with a few trees that covered the place. But it is hard to go through unless you tread lightly. Striker got off Bombproof to help lead him around till he found his destination. Look like a cave covered up so well. Striker pat Bombproof and let him roam around. "Will be our last stop here for a while. So, get some food."

Bombproof neighs and began to look around.

The taller one watches and holds his bag close. Turn around to go into the cave and move the material around. It was to block out sounds. Then next was a gate. Inside the gate was chained up scared and beaten-up avian demon. They were terrified and screamed behind the gag.

The demon that Striker hunted down took his Ma away from him.

That he came to visit as much he could to torture them.

Striker smirked cruelly like a predator. But he goes to sit in front of him. Pulls a dagger out.

"Congratulations today is the day it'll finally be over. I would like to continue this forever but even Ma would be disappointed I wasted so much time with a piece of filth like you. I got better things to take care of than you." He shakes his head at the demon like he was a disappointed parent. The rage and anger still place in his eyes. Ready to kill. "She is right since you cried the first thirsty minutes when I crushed your feet and hands. So, pathetic. But don't worry."

The demon screamed louder and tried to crawl away. Like they just knew their time was up.

"Now let me show you how to really use a blade you Blue Blood trash."

The demon screams block off as Striker slams the cage door.

No, one can hear them. Besides Bombproof.

Never mind Bombproof to occupied eating some rats.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Done!

Yes, some new changes you got to see. A bit further into Striker family side along with the  dead father. Do you like it? Do you not?

Any questions?

Until next time.

Bye, bye!