Chapter 56

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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"Wait? Critter?"

"Rattles? Hold up do you two know each other?"

The two snap out of it. One looks at the surprise, confused reaction. The other just glance away,

"Yes." Moxxie muttered as he presses his face into Bombproof. Can feel him nuzzled close against him. Probably the only thing holding him back from doing something stupid. Like attack and beat the living shit out of Striker. Why the heck is he here?

"Yes, we do." Striker held that charming smile at the others. Then walk over to Moxxie. Hand out to shake. "How are you Critter?"

Moxxie stare at the hand. Turn back to hug Bombproof face, A nuzzle him. Got a nuzzle back in return. ""Fine. At least someone missed me."

Striker flinched at that remark. Lower the hand down. A small sigh as he looks at Moxxie. "Crit-

"Striker you never mention your friend." Joes called out to him.

"You never mention your daughter friend." Striker shot back. Kept an eye on Moxxie. Along with the other Imp who seems ready to steal his horse. See Moxxie now just ignoring them. Held back a small smile as Bombproof nip Moxxie head. Got a playful shove. Then pulled out those bloody carrots!

Bombproof very happy to be spoiled.

"Y'know." Joe changes the subject fast, "You boys should enter the Pain Games!"

Blitz scuttles sideways over to Joe. Now a bit away from the horse. "I heard games! What games? I'm in!"

"Every harvest festival, there's a competition to be the roughest, toughest bastard in Wrath!" Lin explains to him.

Millie crosses her arms with a pout. "Yeah! I wish I could play!

"Millie, you know you get too carried away. The last competition ended in fifteen separate funerals."

"I'm aware, but I only caused nine of them! How come Sallie May still gets to compete?"

"Your sister doesn't have a neighborhood head count."

"She so does!"

Sallie May carries a sack and a small imp drags an Imp body in the background. The imp grown a lot and her hair grown out to be in a long ponytail, along with a huge bang to cover the left eye. "It doesn't count if they don't find the bodyyyyyy! Foxxie!"

"Scar."

"How you been! Is my sis still a pain in the ass roommate?" Grins at Moxxie.

"Hey!"

"She the best."

Millie seethes but calms down hearing that.

"Still, you get to root for her, your brothers, and now you can cheer on your boss!"

"Haha yeah sis you can be a cheerleader!"

"Go fall in a mud pit!"

"Why don't you! Look like you need a nice mud bath with the hog!"

"Now, no girls are getting in the mud. You can after someone catches our dinner."

"Striker, you want to go for it?"

"Sure Joe." Striker looks back at Moxxie. A look they'll talk. Just see their head turn away. A mental sign jumps over the pen and approaches the huge hog. Dagger and rope out.

"Mox seriously how do you know that hottie cowboy and this gorgeous beast?" Blitz asked him when he finally came over with Bombproof, Sallie. Look ready to worship the horse.

"Even I'm curious to know. You never mention this Rattles?"

"Heck, I never heard them say Critter here?"

"You never asked?" Not looking at Striker but stayed close to Bombproof.

Sallie, Millie, and Blitz facepalmed. Loona snorted and muttered to idiots.

"Our folks were friends. Can we drop it."

"Whatever you say Foxxie."

"Foxxie."

"Foxxie."

"I will throw these carrots all over you three. Bombproof might be nice to not give you third degree sunburn instead of eating you." Moxxie walk away from them when Striker walked out the pen with the hog over his shoulder. He glances at the three wide mouth expression.

"What happen?"

"Moxxie would sell us out to your horse."

"That sounds about right." Striker chuckles as he watches Moxxie put Bombproof in the pen that Lin showed him. Goes back to get the luggage and walks to the house. "Hey, boss man! You want to help the men skin this thing for dinner?"

"Oh, I am always down to skin the manly meat with the manly men!" Blitz fist pump

"That's what she said." Loona walking passed him.

"What "who said"? Wait, what bitch is talking shit about me?!" Blitz demanded and followed them.

Everyone heading to the house. Millie went back to the van to grab whatever was left over.

"Hey sis?"

"Yeah Sal?" Millie closed the door.

"Is it me or is Mox snappier?"

"Yeah, I saw it too." Look back out at the house. "Wish he told us about 'Rattles?"

"Well, we never did ask he had other friends."

"I guess." Millie grumbled and walked with her sister to their home. "I wonder what the deal between them though."

"I don't know but hey they can figure it out later. Till those two solve whatever going on."

"Yeah."

"Oh yeah gotta asked. Who is watching yall apartment? Don't you still have those rat jerks? Along with the normal idiots over there."

"Maria girlfriend."

"Poor bastereds."

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 couch."

All the look Moxxie directions.

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

Moxxie shrugged. "I don't mind."

"There see no problem or complaints!"

He was telling the truth for his reason. Along with other little things. The no sleep issue. Plus, maybe avoiding someone else at the moment. Could also sneak into the barn if he must.

Dinner time arrived.

Talk, chattering and jokes all around the dinner table. It was all them along with Millie, 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 it doesn't matter right now. Why should he? Not like he waited over the damn phone for some kind of call. Grip the fork slightly as he hears him 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. Goes to helped clean up a bit. Then it 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. Besides I don't mind. I'm going to go set up, go outside for a bit and then 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 was close to him since he didn't want anyone to look inside. The blanket they left back on the couch. "You really have gotten big."

Loud neigh as he let out a 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 as he 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 to go over to the ladder. It takes a few minutes to see what is 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 by a pair of strong arms. Well, he is not screaming so that is the point. He looks up.

"You alright Critter?"

"Put me down."

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

"Relax?" Arms crossed as he looked at him.

"Just...Just let me explain Critter."

Just stare at him wearily. "What to explain? Life just moving forward. Right?"

"No, I come on I had a good reason. I had a reason not to call." Striker growled and approached him. His tail rattles frustrated.

"Oh? Including now! Working on this ranch." Motion everything around.

"I didn't think you want to talk to me anymore."

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

"Sit your ass down I will explain as much I can."

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, Deadwood Mountain."

The Deadwood Mountain in Wrath is 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. A folklore?"

"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. You know what they did after that?"

Moxxie tilt their head.

"They made me part of their group."

"What?"

"Because I survive. 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 some shit happens." Striker voice turn very cold. His eyes look a bit lost, "I'm not going to go into too many details on that. I was given these orders. I didn't like the aftermath result from it since I mislead. Next thing I know. I got shot in the shoulder from an angelic bullet."

Moxxie pupil widen.

"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. 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. I didn't want you to worry if they learn I knew you."

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. 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.

"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.

Let out a low sigh as he leans against the wall. "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 on tail. Didn't wrap up but didn't move either. "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." Hand out to shake.

Moxxie thinks long and hard really. He shouldn't. But he still processed everything from the past few hours. There is a lot Striker not saying but he knew that look when they were talking about it. But dammit he missed this fool. "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."

Roll his eyes as he shook their own hand. "I'm not 'sweet'."

"Sure. You're also 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 had a look of challenge in their eyes.

"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 each other. There was still some tension between the pair. 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 a roomy couch. Maybe I'll just do a sleepover with Bombprood."

Bombproof let out a loud neigh.

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

"Good."

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

"I won't be."

"Sure, you won't." Rolled his eyes as he 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?

"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 then go to 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. Even just for the few hours he must have noticed something. At least the parts still him that haven't been beaten out. Goes inside the house to head to the kitchen. Stop to see a familiar imp sitting at the table. About to eat the rest of the pie.

"Blitz just the Imp I needed to chat with." Smile at the other imp.

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

"No, kiss but we did make up." Sitting down in the chair.

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

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

"Right to your horse?"

"Not happening. Bombproof would go to Critter."

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

"You're lost." Bit into his own slice of pie.

"So, whatcha need?"

"I like to hear from the boss man himself about IMP." Bit into their own piece of pie.

"Oh? Tired of the farm life and want to work for me?

"Naw never will be tired of it. Just a bit of change. You know what I'm saying."

"Darn tootin I do! So, let me tell you about IMP we- "

Striker listens as he chews the pie.

Oh, this will be very easy.

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Done.

Yes, easy.

Any questions?

Until next time.

Bye, bye!