Chapter 2

Hi everyone!

Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention profanity, suicidal moments, sexual moments mentioned, violence, smoking, drugs, cringe, yandere, possible musical/singing moments and bad flirts.

I don't own any of the characters besides the names that will be used and mentioned.

Error/Moxxie speaking/thoughts

Unknown speaking/Flashbacks

Codes

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

"Moxxie."

Moxxie look at the open door. Maria head sticking out as she smiles at them.

"Ready to go grab some clothes?"

Moxxie stare at her. Glance down at the bed. A small frown behind their scarf. Not because of the question. Well, part of it. Their mind still going back to the last two months.

Right on the spot after getting those shots along with a delicious chocolate bar. Got adopted. It didn't click till they saw the papers when riding back in the truck. Maria adopted them.

It was a feeling they weren't sure how to feel. Along with obvious questions if one can just get adopted fast like that. Eh. What they know plus a new world. It still felt so very odd. Why does she still want to deal with them? She didn't have to worry about them. Heck, I could have just dropped them off at an orphanage before or after that Doctor visit.

Yet, she didn't?

Then was shown an extra bedroom. Look like any other normal bedroom. She told him this was her old bedroom. It was his room now.

Why was she doing this to them?

"I know this is all scary. I'm a bit scared too. Hey were going to do this together Moxxie." Maria crouched down as she looked at them. A grin on her face. A thumbs up. "So, best of luck for the both of us."

Moxxie just stared at her. Didn't realize how they also gave her a tiny thumbs up.

Why did they do that?

"Moxxie?"

Jump off the bed. Not using the stack of boxes to go down. Goes over to her.

"Great. Let's go eat some food first."

An unhappy stomp.

"No, stomping feral child you're eating. The food not the appliances." Sometimes I had to always remind the child. Cover her mouth to not snicker at the unhappy glare.

Moxxie was actually a good child. A strange good child. Well as one can be at his age. But he was. Smug little runt who has been making the last month been very interesting. There were ups and downs. Of course. This was new for her too.

Now getting Moxxie to eat was very challenging. She didn't know how many times she had to stop the child from eating the plate, utensils, and cups. Just the food and liquids in them. He didn't seem he wanted to eat. He rarely asked for food. It was like a boring choir he was told to do. She swears she thought she saw him couple of times just swallow the food without chewing.

Unless it's chocolate and just a switch of a button.

She kept chocolate on standby but had to hide it. The child was very good at finding them. Places she doesn't understand how he could reach. Can be smug about it. Like it was a challenge for them.

Ways to get into her heart.

If anyone asked if she regrets adopting. Her answer a no. Then tell them to buzz off.

Moxxie, legally, hers now. Yet, Doctor Medea did give her warning of a small chance if they find family from the blood work. It made her wonder if she did this too fast. At least wait to make sure. Medea did say it would take a very long time. Along with just depends if the family even did blood work as well.

Even with new technology slowly coming over. When it not stolen or destroyed. Moxxie just seems to not exist well. At least paper terms. Besides the adoption papers along with legal papers Medea was working on for Maria. To just have on for backup.

Chances were probably was born somewhere that didn't have paperwork. Or was destroyed to not be connected. It could be many things that are very common. Why should there always be paperwork for every low life Imp? At the end just got to be responsible. Unless your family bit and have some kind of 'power' above your kind. So, you keep it. Then there is the thing about family trees that some families do. Or hope the building having your documents doesn't get burned down. So, make copies if you want to spend the money. It was actually quite normal here in Wrath and the others ring if one doesn't go to a clinic if they are pregnant. Usually, in Wraith, someone here with experience delivering babies unless it is a full emergency, then goes to a doctor. Many families in Wrath have made home deliveries as it was so normal. Still a lot has changed down in Hell of the different rings. The bad, the good, the bad again. Well, you get it.

Yet, if this family did abandon Moxxie. That's a whole different ball game you don't want Maria to get into. For now, Moxxie is her well family. Didn't want them to feel forced to call her anything else. Well, if they speak.

Medea thinks they could just be selective mute. May one day speak but it just depends on Moxxie choice. A choice she will not push. If they don't want to talk that is fine. Began to pick up little quirks of theirs to get some kind of answer. Or least their emotional state.

Moxxie was her little helper in the crops. Like pulling out weeds. Well showing him the weeds that need to be pulled. How to dig up the crops that were ready. He was a good listener and seems to understand. Didn't want to kill the vermin's that luckily sneak in. She expected that now for his age. Till a rat bit him.

"Damn vermin!" Maria runs over seeing the snarling rat bit Moxxie. Look at her child's face hoping they aren't trying to be stubborn about the pain.

No.

In fact, Moxxie look irritated. Glare at the rat. Grab it with their free hand to rip them off their hand.

Maria, along with the rat, eyes were wide as the little impling threw the rat.

Very, very, very far.

Moxxie head tilt. A bit confused. Look back at Maria gapped look until she snaps out of it. Then goes to their side. Talk about getting their hands disinfected but their mind was elsewhere. How the codes were right about their magic and strength being weak for a while.

Maria doesn't think that rats survive. Almost didn't want to believe what she saw. She will blame the heat. At least there has been no rat problem for an awhile. At least the small ones. Really about to double fence the whole area. Or get that donkey. Could also go back to old target practice at the window.

Besides treating the rat wound. Along with the medicine for Moxxie. That is not an issue. Since it was a lack of touch. Which was a whole other subject that she still trying to find a way to work around with.

The trimming for example.

Now trimming was very, very challenging. She had to show him an example since her feet were different. Then we went to a goat farm. Don't judge! Moxxie did not like it. Well, he didn't like the idea of anyone touching his hooves. Maria can understand that since she knew many who didn't like it either very young. Yet, they had to do it. She didn't know how many times the little one kicked the trimmers away to trim his hooves. It was always a far, far kick. Sometimes the tools didn't seem to survive. Would have held him down at this point but didn't want the kid to be too scared of her. Plus, she needs to buy trimmers since the last pair got destroyed.

For now, the hooves Won. But not forever.

Just like clothes shopping couldn't avoid forever. Sure, she is a gal who doesn't mind wearing the same shirt and pants a few times. Until time to really get them clean. Undergarments that a subject all together.

But it was another challenge for Moxxie.

Now Maria has tried to get Moxxie to wear something different. A few times actually with what she can find at home. Yes, the stuff would be big. Since there was a lack of kid's clothes. But they always stayed in that red sweater, baggy shorts, that was under it, and the scarf. She didn't mind but it was getting very dirty. She wanted to get it cleaned up. He was very possessive over that scarf. Even when he gets like a bath ready, he somehow gets them back. It was only pure luck one day to get it and clean at least the scarf up.

The look on their face.

It was like someone did something nice for them. Just a cleanup of all things. She almost panicked as she saw their eyes get watery. Didn't cry from a rat bite them but their scarf getting clean up.

"Thank you." A tiny quite child-like voice. Held the scarf closely to their face, and rub against the material.

That was the first time she heard him spoke. That was one of the best days she always kept in her mind. Another was when they touched her tail. Even for a second but backs away.

Then it was time to  go clothes shopping. Which they are going to do. After they finished eating their breakfast.

Clothes shopping was interesting.

"What you think Mox?" Maria holding out clothes for him.

Moxxie just clutched his outfit he was already wearing.

"How about this?"

Head shake.

"Want to try on this one?"

Hiss.

"This! This one is even red! We got blue too!"

Toss it to her face.

"Tell me what you want you punk!" Maria was on the floor now and pleading with a four-year-old. This is her new life now. Pleading to a four-year-old. Okay she gets if they are picky. Or purposely wanted to make her suffer on this shopping trip.

Error rolled his eyes. Their tail pat Maria head. It's not like he can't make his own clothes right now. Well, he could but be suspicious how he got the material. He really miss their coats too. Will, make that again another time. Look around for her sake since might as well get something on hand.

Eventually I found a loose long sleeve shirt, one shirt, long pants, and saw some gloves he really liked. Now he wasn't sure of shoes since his feet were hooves. Saw some wrappings for now till he figured out something. Maybe he can find something for his tail another time too. Walk over to Maria and used his tail to tap her head.

Maria had no comment and was just glad he liked something. She let loose a small smile.

They paid for the clothes and they went to check the market for any good deals. While Maria was looking at some chickens. Moxxie stayed by her side but was watching a lot of imps. To catch how they behave and act since this was really his third time coming out here in the town.

It was very busy with selling. But at the same time food seems to be getting ready to be transported out. Lots of violence, that's for sure. But in the way either try to rob someone, messed with another pricing, or about to be beaten up. He just saw this very tall imp that own a stand with potatoes and slammed their axe down on an imp's head trying to steal his stuff. He likes pig masks.

"Will take those two."

"Alright."

"Okay Mox ready to go?"

Moxxie nods his head and followed her back to the truck. Then headed straight back home. Look at Maria.

"Yeah buddy?" Sees their tail point at the radio. "Do you want to pick something else?"

A small shrug.

Maria chuckled. "Go ahead. Just turn the nob right there to pick a station."

Moxxie reach out to mess with the nob. So, far nothing, didn't care for it, or eh. Stop immediately when they hear singing. They were singing with that same accent, different language, just like UnderNovela.

Maria was a bit taken back. Not the music but how it stayed on this channel. Glance over to see Moxxie look excited. Well, excited with their eyes widen in interest. Their tails wagged a bit. Guess they like Spanish. It is not bad. Kept it on this channel till they made it home.

Maria went to work cooking one of the chickens. While Moxxie goes to try his new clothes on.

Error put his new clothes on. Satisfied how they fit and comfy. He checked his hoofs and tail to see that it was the only thing bare. Besides his face. He couldn't do too much with the hooves but he can at least add a bit of protection. Look them over and grumble when he stared at them.

Dangit.

He really will need to trim them.

Did a bit of research. While it's true he can't feel as much pain. The hooves could mess with his footwork if he doesn't take care of it. Doesn't even want to figure out how he would run with a broken hoof. An ankle was bad enough. Or no foot in general till his bones fix itself up. Then there are things like infections.

He looked back at his little tail and pulled out the wrappings.

"Aww looks great." Maria studies the outfit on them. The wrapping around the tail was a bit of a surprise. He practically covers the whole thing to not be touched. Didn't want to be touch skin wise. "Do you feel comfortable."

Moxxie nod their head yes.

"Good."

Moxxie then looked down a bit. It was like he was shy. But see a slightly annoyed look as he glared at his hoofs. He kept pointing down at them.

"What wrong?"

He points at the hooves. Then a small stump.

She blinks and then it clicks. "You want them trim?"

A small nod and grumble.

She stared and grin. "Okay after dinner."

Dinner was normal like before.

"Mox! Don't swallow the bone!"

Well as normal as it can be.

Then it was time to trim his hooves. Moxxie out of instinct tries to kick them away when they touch him or her hand touching him.

"Okay buddy you got to work with me here." Maria looks at them just sitting on the chair.

Trying to tell himself she trying to not hurt him. She had plenty of time if she wanted to, right? Plus, went far out bringing them to a goat farm. Bitten the inside of their cheek tightly.

"All right. Ready?"

Just nod quickly.

"There we go. Feel better Mox?"

Moxxie move around a bit feeling a bit of difference. Just even the tiniest amount can do a lot. He looks at her and gave her a thumbs up

Maybe tonight he can practice his stings on those rats? He is still not pleased with what those little ones did. Along with noticing bigger ones been trying to get through the fence to the crops. Along with the many glares they would send him at night time. Like the one right now.

Wait what?

Goes to look out the window and see lots of rats. Just glaring at his direction from the window.

The rats want vengeance on this new opponent.

To get revenge for sending one of their own in the lava sun. Along with not able to steal food or get into the house from a strange force. That Imp will pay! He and that other one as well that been getting rid of them for years just like her family did. Just to have those carrots and other yummy vegetables.

Weirdo rats.

One Year Later.

"I don't know Susie." Maria goes downstairs as she sits at the kitchen table. A shot of whiskey. One the setbacks she made sure to limit her drinking. At least to not get drunk around Moxxie. Sure, already can handle it. Yet, has it been that rare occasion or goes overboard to make sure the whiskey testing stage.

"Come on I want to meet the little tike. You had them for a year now."

Maria still can't believe a year has passed now. A year having Moxxie in her life. A crazy year.

"You're already going to be coming that way to deliver the barrels too. So, why not for a week." The other young woman voice over the line.

"Which I don't mind. It just. I don't know would it feel too soon?" Swirl the cup.

"It's not like their meeting a boyfriend or girlfriend. Plus, you probably have mention us before."

"I guess I did mention a name here and there." She snickered at the huff on the other side of the line. "All right. All right. Will come visit yall."

"Yes! Will all have such a great time."

"Just remember what I said."

"I will."

Now how the heck to tell Moxxie their going on a small road trip?

Next, Morning.

"Moxxie remember how I said you'll be coming with me to make a delivery?" Maria watches the child turn to look at her. A piece of toast in their mouth. A pair of glasses on them. Got a small nod yes. "Well, we're going to be staying out a bit longer. In fact, were going to be visiting a good friend of mine to let us stay a week."

Moxxie just stared at her. Eyes widen a bit. Then a little huff like growl with the bread still in place.

"Hey, hey don't be like that. It'll be fun. Plus, you'll like them." She sweat dropped at the look. Should have seen that coming. But the decision was made and won't be changed.

Moxxie wonder if they can get out of this by letting a rat bite them again.

It failed.

"Mox where are you?" Maria is looking for her little troublemaker. She just finished taking a shower and changed into light clothes.

Moxxie blinks and turns his head as he hears Maria inside the house. Huh must have finished cleaning up. Wait for her to pass the window showing the crops. Then she walks backwards and sees him. He waves. She waves back.

HISS

Moxxie looked at the rats that got caught in a trap. After Moxxie showed her one of the holes they been digging through to get over the crops. He thought it was time, awhile back, to show her one of the spots. Roll his eyes at the trap rats in the bucket. Hears footsteps and turns as Maria crouches down by him.

"Another bunch. Well, a bucket load too." Grab the handle of the bucket trap and lift it up with the hissing rodents. "I'll take care of this. You go inside and clean up. The help should be here and make sure they won't mess up."

Moxxie grumble slightly.

"Go on." Maria used her tail to push them

Moxxie went inside and just cleaned up.

He is not that happy about this trip but he can't stay alone at the house till he is older. Which they got a while. Well, they could just say Maria won't let that happen. Not fair in their opinion. Plus, the rat bite planned fail. So, they are already on their not happy list.

Yet, they do like the thought of seeing Wrath a bit better. At least to not be around crowds. Just nature in general. While it was definitely rough in nature. Moxxie oddly likes it. Really like the night sky even if there are no stars. Hope they're able to open a portal one day to see stars.

He finished cleaning up and chopping on a carrot as he watched Maria out the window showing the three imps around. He thinks two of them will quit the second day or probably get hurt. Or possibly missing. Unless they are used to this kind of rodent problem.

"Should they be this big?"

"I think that one has rabies?"

"They all have rabies!"

"You'll all be fine. Oh, and I find out you burn the crops or my home you'll wish the rats did give you rabies." Maria was done talking with them and watched them leave. Double check to make sure everything is fine before she goes to bed early. Sees Moxxie still at the door window on a carrot. "Okay Mox I'm going to go to sleep early. You can stay up but not too late unless you want to nap on the drive."

Moxxie nods at her as he takes another bite of the carrot. He should make a chocolate dip for this next time. Watch her go to her room. Lean against the counter. A light tap on the wood as their magic surrounds the place. Just a small protection that has been here for a while now. Can't let any rodents inside. Even helpers got to be on the lookout if they tried to pull a stupid move.

A few hours later, in the very early morning time, they were on the road.

The drive was long but Moxxie barely notice just staring out the window and watching the road. Now and then looks at Maria when she yawns. Or taking a gulp of her coffee whiskey. What? It helps her wake up for a drive like this and it is just a shot. She'll probably need extra by the end of this week if nothing happens. Besides just casual drinking.

After one drop delivery along with another two hours. They finally arrived after passing through a new part of town and going another way to get to the road. We soon pulled up to a small house. Well, a cabin really. He could see a little stable with a fence at the back of the house. On the front porch they could see an imp woman with wavy dark long hair with her horns curled down against the hair. They were leaning against the rail. A big smile on her face.

Moxxie tail tap Maria arm and pointed at the woman.

"Yes, that is Susie." Maria answered him. Glance back down and see the unsureness in his eyes. "Hey it will not be bad. Just a week and it'll be fun."

Moxxie let out a silent sigh and nods. Only doing this for her.

Maria comes out of the truck and walks up to Susie as she comes down. "Wow looks at you. Sunshine up to greet me."

"You should be bowing to me to greet you." Susie chuckles and walks up to hug her friend.

Moxxie watches them and notices how Susie is only slightly taller than Maria. Sees a few white marks on her red skin different. But that was quite casual in imps. Either it being scars, burns or even tattoo. The Doc mention birthmark to some but usually black but rare occurrence if white. Then genetics another story. It can look interesting. Normal. Glance at the mirror to see his blue tear marks. Along with the white freckles. Move the scarf up a bit. Regret not putting the make-up on.

"Mox come out and say hi. You can look around a bit after."

Moxxie snap out of it and got out the car. He goes to Maria side and look up at Susie.

"Oh my gosh he so small and weak! Their adorable!" Susie cooed as her tail wagged.

At this point that was probably one of the best compliments he had ever gotten in his whole life. The list isn't long not counting Maria, Dr. Medea.

"Watch it I don't mind shaving your head." Maria jokes but slight warning in her tone.

"I still would look good." Susie laughed but didn't push it. "Well, Moxxie I hope you have a great time here."

Moxxie stared at her and looked at Maria. Then pointed at the truck with the stuff in the back.

"I can do it you can look around but not too far."

Moxxie tilt their head and began to walk around on their own.

"Independent little one." Susie chuckles and goes to help her friend.

"You have no idea." Maria sighed and grinned. "Don't worry by the end of the week you might be lucky if their tail touch you."

"Challenge accepted."

"You're on and paying for the drinks then."

"I'm already being a great hostess for you!"

"So, hostess where the other one." Hand her a crate filled with some vegetables. She gets the other one while her tail gets the two bags.

"Around back."

Moxxie no longer here the pair as he looks around the cabin. He would of mind exploring further out in the area. However, can later so Maria will not have a heart attack.

He looks around at the rural area that still reminds him of that old west feeling. Yet, it has an added extra country charm like the town they passed. Now Maria home is country too just like a market area in the town. However, in a way it was somewhat calmer until violence was involved.

Spots a few trees, with no leaves, here and there. Along with some twisted up cactuses. Plants and weeds around the ground area. Then see dirtied road paths like the one they took to get here. You can see the Canyon Mountains now too far away in the distance. Look out at the open field until he keeps looking until he reaches the back of the cabin.

Sees a small chicken coop with four chickens out and eating. A mouse went inside and they attacked the snack. Maybe he will bring those mice back here for them to snack in next time. Then I see an average size barn and stable that looks like it needs a new coating of paint. Still standing. Then he sees the fence connected to the barn. Well, who is inside the fence?

First, he sees the hell horse. No, wait for a baby. What did they call it again? Coal? Foal he believes. A dark gray coat with black stripes. Short flaming mane and tail. The lower body reminded Error of lava. Fangs for mouths. A pair of glowing orange eyes with another on top. A small neigh as their hoofs stomps the ground.

Then, he sees the imp. Well looks like an imp. A kid definitely older than him. He was kneeling down with his horse and smiling. He wore a pair of work clothes and gloves. His face was young with a serpentine-like face. Pale red skin, bright yellow eyes with green rings. Ivory white hair with a pair of horns that pointed upward. A tail with four stripes and eight black spines lined up on them and one on his tail fork. A red bandana wrapped around his neck.

Walk over quietly and watch the pair interact.

"Alright Bombproof you got this." The kid grinned, seeing sharp teeth that were normal for imps, at the foal earning him another neigh. Behind his back was an apple in his left hand. "Which one has the apple?"

Bombproof sniffed and tried to get behind the imp. However, he was shoved lightly back.

"Nope! Can't have the easy way out. Got to use that nose your lazy head."

Sneeze at the face.

"GAH! Your dirt bags!" Rub his face and both of the treats immediately eaten fast. "Hope you choke on the apple core!"

Bombproof burp out fire.

"You're so lucky your Whistler foal or else I would sell you!"

Another neigh like to laugh. Then a louder one in the barn shed.

"I WAS JOKING!"

Moxxie eyes widen taken in the bigger horse coming out the barn. Can see the similarities. Just a darker coat. The mane was fire too just a yellow hue seems like the dominate trait along with yellow eyes. That was staring at them.

He has a feeling this is Whistler.

Whistler wasn't going to their foal or the snake imp child of her mistress. Instead, going to the little imp over the fence that was hidden that the other two didn't notice. Lean their head down and sniffed the new imp. Lots of death, chocolate, rats, and carrots. Along with an interesting smell. Move close the nuzzle the fluffy white hair.

Moxxie try to not to giggle and moved his scarf further up.

Now when its animals that give him physical contact it was a bit different. He was even taken back to not have some kind of attack. Not minding it as long as they don't attack first. What Whistler was doing was something the other horses, donkeys and even sheep did at the barns Maria brought him too. It was nice. Maria also muttered about a camera next time.

Pulled out a bag from his small backpack he was carrying. It was carrots he brought soaked in blood. The animals like it. Took one out and gave it to Whistler. The horse greedily ate it and let out a happy neigh. Nuzzle the little imp.

"Whistler rarely likes anyone little dude."

Moxxie turn and saw the Imp at the fence watching him now. Bombproof by his side and their heads stick out under the fence. Trying to get to the bag of carrots.

"Who are you?"

Moxxie muttered quietly.

"Speak louder. Already small enough I can't hear you." The imp smirk at the kid. He was a bit taken back by the blue tear marks. "Did you paint those on so nobody won't see the baby cry?"

Moxxie stared.

The imp yips as a carrot were thrown at his face. So, he fell off the fence. Now Bombproof jumping on him like a puppy to get the treat.

Whistler lightly nip Moxxie head for doing that. Bombproof was already spoiled enough today.

Moxxie pet the nose. Snicker, seeing the Imp finally got off the ground and twitched in his direction.

"You did that on purpose!"

Duh.

"Striker, I see you meet Moxxie!"

They turn to see Susie and Maria coming their way.

Wait? Striker? Moxxie tries to think about the name but then mentally groans. Maria did mention a son.

"Wait? This is Maria kid!"

"No, hello? I feel the love now." Maria rolled her eyes.

"Hi, Maria." Striker heads down slightly embarrassed but then twitches. He turns and see Moxxie staring at him. He can just feel a smirk behind that scarf of theirs.

"Aww Whistler likes you." Susie cooed petting her horse as the nuzzle Moxxie until the nuzzle their own foal.

"The age must be getting to her." Maria chuckled and got a loud neigh from Whistler. "You are old! Just like admit it!"

"Speak for yourself."

"You're two years older than her Ma."

"Striker don't betray me like this!"

Striker snorted with a teasing smile. Sees Maria come up to him and ruffle his head. "Ah come on! You're almost worse than mom!"

"Good I'm doing my job well." Maria snickered and looked at him. "Jeez you are growing up fast. You'll probably be taller than your mom."

"Don't his ego already big enough for his child mind."

"You're just jealous Ma." Striker sticks his tongue out at his mom but then grinned big at the compliment.

"Well good thing you're a good son." Susie then smirked. "After all you agreed to let Moxxie spend the night in your room."

"WHAT? WHEN?"/WHAT?

"When you weren't paying attention and you kept saying yes." Susie smiled at her son's mouth gapping expression.

Striker , Moxxie looked at Susie. Then back to the other. Then back to the adults that trick them both. Moxxie did not want to share a room! He rather the couch!

"Baby tear face not going in my bed-OUCH! YOU KICK ME!"

Moxxie hissed at Striker as he got over the fence. He is not a baby!

"I think they're going to get along just fine." Susie giggles watching her boy chase Moxxie in the pen. Bombproof following along thinking it is a game.

"So, when should we tell them you're messing with their heads?" Maria said with an amused tone watching the pair run around. There was a room with an extra bed available that she was staying in. Moxxie was going to stay with her. Until Susie did this to mess with the kids.

"How about at lunch time."

"Sounds good."

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

Done!

Here our Striker again! Along with Susie and Whistler!

Got to see a bit of extra stuff about Maria, Moxxie time together.

RATS!

Until next time.

Bye, bye!