Chapter 7

Another is here!

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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"Maria, Moxxie glad you're here!" Susie exclaimed as she rushed out of the barn. Goes over to hugged

"Glad to be back!" Maria hugging back.

Moxxie just sat on the seat Maria sat at to watch the pair. Look over to see Striker coming over. Jump out the truck

"Hey little critter." Striker looks them up and down. "Still small like before. No, growth spurt yet?"

Moxxie just walked past him and cuddled Bombproof. Who has gotten a bit taller? But he has ways to go before they can pass their mother height.

The older of the two gapped. He then stomps his boot. "Hey don't ignore me you rude brat!"

Bombproof neighs and nuzzle Moxxie happily. Moxxie perked up.

"Traitor!"

"Whistler?" Moxxie looks at him.

"In the barn your rudeness."

Moxxie smirk. Duck under the fence then turn around stick his tongue out at him. Then run off inside the barn.

"Why you little pipsqueak vermin- "

"Striker watch Moxxie while I bring Maria inside."

"Do it have too?"

"Yes!" Susie snickered as her son was already running back over. Bombproof follows along happily. "Those two are something else."

"I'm almost scared what those two will be when they're older. In a good way." Maria goes to the back to pull a basket of Whiskey.

"Plus, bad in a kickass way. For me?" Try to swipe one but Maria moves out of the way.

"Ha ha. The saloon here called in advance if I was coming by to ask for an order. Wonder where they got that detail of me coming by."

"My lips are seal. Along will be wrapped in that bottle." Took one of the bottles out with their tail. "It'll be on my tab!"

"Damn right I better have some souls back!"

Moxxie rushes over inside the barn. Perk up seeing the horse just relaxing inside eating hay. Grin as he hears the horse neighs excitedly to see them. Trout leaned down to rub their face against their own. Couldn't help but hug their face.

"Spoil them why don't you." Striker caught up with him and Bombproof walks over and nudge Moxxie.

They want yummy carrots.

Moxxie tail goes inside the backpack they had on. The tail pulls out a bad carrot. Bombproof was a very happy young horse.

Striker 'tsk' and watches the shorter Imp feed them both. Figures. Too nice for his age. Walks over and ruffle their head. Got a hiss and almost got bitten.

Still a vicious brat. Good.

"So, critter. How that lame school of yours."

Moxxie shrugged. "Boring but okay. You?"

"Waste of time but dealing with it." Move over to pat Whistler neck.

Striker rather be back here at home working on the farm. Even the ranch he goes to with Ma gets their horse's check. But his mom won't let him 'skip' school. Not like they even do much in their grades besides start planning how to beat someone up or gossip on stupid rumors. He likes to stick it at few of those idiots that he is smarter and tougher than them. Especially when someone tries to bully him. Will NOT feel like that again. "But they don't have to deal with little babies like you."

"Besides yourself."

"You gotten seconds to run before I put you in the chicken pen."

Moxxie really did run since he knew Striker would do it. He does not want to be peck thank you very much. The chickens can be vicious if they aren't fed. So, not taking the chances!

Besides that, 'lovely' encounter the first night here went all right. Hang out with Susie and Striker. Even if Striker won't admit they are hanging out. Neither will Moxxie admit it. Got to watch Striker show him stuff he has been teaching Bombproof and the foal was doing pretty well. Then spend time with Whistler in the barn. He actually got to go horseback riding.

"Susie maybe one of us will have to get on with them." Maria said as she pulled the keeper to bring the stirrup higher up.

It still wasn't coming up high enough. So, Moxxie hoof barely can touch it.

"Might be right." Susie hums as she rubs her chin. Look at up Moxxie and grin. "Want a partner little rider?"

Moxxie blink unsure as he looks at her. Then at Madre, even Striker a bit.

"Don't worry Susie won't let anything happen. "

"Just let her on Critter. Won't let you fall." Striker huffed a bit but watched closely just in case something happened.

Silent for a bit until they nod their head yes. Did tense up when Susie got behind them. Arms, with hands out to grab the reins. Close to them to make sure no ways to fall off on the side.

"All right let do a few circles in the fence first. Be easy Whistler."

Whistler neighs but followed along. Like they already knew beforehand but sure remind them!

This was different than riding on a Gaster Blaster head. On the Blasters usually just standing up. Will crouch sometimes to either duck an attack. May have on a few occasions sat on their heads too. Need to see about summoning one again eventually.

But this on a hellhorse was quite enjoyable. The last few years I never rode one, it was either just petting, or treats.

"Want to go a bit faster outside the fence?" Susie looks down at Moxxie. She smiles at their wide eye expression. It was almost like seeing her son's reaction the first time he ridden.

Shook their head yes.

"All right. Open the gate."

"Got it!"

Striker got the gate open up.

Whistler zooms out fast in their golden flames. Joy, excitement to ride out in the open. Along with making sure the little one had a good ride just like the ones before.

Moxxie was loving this a lot. Even forgot at some point there was another person behind them. Even if there are the smallest tugs when they move the reins. When the arms made sure when spinning around fast, weren't falling even if their own tail was holding certain parts of the saddle

"Having a blast?" Susie yelled as she laughed, her hair flying in the wind.

"Yes!"

That when they were reminded another person was with them. He still can't believe he of all demons slowly began to get comfortable about things like this. Just with another. Even out here in Wrath we have got to be alert. That will never change for them. It didn't mean they can let down smaller layers for a certain amount of time. To bring it back up

Then Moxxie started to get fidget. How their mind began to whisper in their mind. Being trapped. Whistler even stops. Turn their head to let out a neigh.

"Why you- "Susie stops to look down at Moxxie. How they were fidgeting. Even seem to try to back away from her. Eyes sadden at a sight. Then let out a hum. "Let start heading back. Sounds good Moxxie?"

Moxxie gave her a small nod yes. Felt the direction as they start to head back. Mentally screaming inside their head for messing this up. He doesn't want be trapped. How they aren't trapped. To just stop thinking these horrid thoughts.

"How it goes?"

"Terrific! A blast. Right Mox?"

Snap out of it. Soon sees their back at Susie property. Gallop over back to the fence area. Susie gets off Whistler when they start to slow down. Sees her look back up at him with a smile. Stare but gave a nod yes.

It was a blast for sure.

Calm down after that. Got Whistler clean up after a good ride. Fed. Now everyone is back inside to rest. Maria, Susie in the kitchen cooking dinner. While the other two go hangout in Striker room.

"So, Critter," Look at them as they are just sitting on the floor. Some paper they brought. Sees them look up to stare at them. Shows the dagger. "Care to explain how you swipe this?"

"Swipe what?"

"Okay stop trying to play the adorable deny card. I'm not mad just curious." Hard to swipe or steal anything from that store. Unless a gun, a fight, a hell tornado. You know what their options are.

"Did nothing."

"You're the only one I pointed this dagger out to anyone!"

Moxxie kept denying to Striker that he 'stole' the dagger he got him. Seeing the snake get so irritated is very amusing. Especially when he points out he is being smug behind the scarf. No, proof to show he actually done it. Plus, not like the others will believe him.

"This is your handwriting!"

"Nope."

"I'm seeing you write right now!"

"Not mine."

"Smart ass brat."

"Whiner."

"CRITTER!"

"RATTLES!"

"Kids stop fighting or no ice cream at festival!"

They went quiet.

Striker turns around. I felt something light hit them on the back of the head. Look down to see it was a paper ball and open it up. Twitch at what it said.

"Baby Rattles."

Moxxie duck down from a pillow that hit the wall. Wow Striker left a small crack.

"STRIKER YOU BETTER NOT BE THROWING A PILLOW AT THE WALL AGAIN!"

"IT WAS ONE TIME AND THERE WAS A BRICK IN IT! THIS ONE DIDN'T HAVE ONE!"

"THERE BETTER NOT BE!"

Yep, he will be watching his eyes on pillows for a while.

"Rattles?"

"What?" Sat on the ground with them now. They daggered out as they were cutting wood pieces off a block. Look very intent at it. Focus.

"You going to be in game?"

"Game?"

"Pain Game."

Striker blinked and laughed. "I'm too young to be in it. They don't let you do it till you're sixteen last time I check. Why worry I'll get hurt?"

"Not worry."

"Wow. My little heart got hu- "

"Striker strong and can beat others if he wants too just. Little right now," Moxxie said in a casually like he was stating a fact.

Striker stared for a long time and pushed their heads down. "Yeah, yeah, I am strong. But take a lot more than strength- "

"Like your ego."

"Seriously how do you know that word? Do you even know what I mean?"

"I read so yes."

"Hey! I do read too you mart ass."

"Pouty face."

"TROLL!"

"SWAMP RAT!"

"WHAT DID I JUST SAY YOU TWO?"

"Sorry Ma!"

"Sorry Susie."

Both gave each other a look that this 'fight' was just on hold. They do want those treats at the festival.

The next day was the festival!

Everything was soon finished, being set up with food stands, random merchandise that was probably not legal, knick knacks to be sold, game stands, music, bets being made on the participants of the pain game and even a few writing wills. That one is new. You think something like that would have been brought up by now as there were deaths here and there.

When Moxxie saw the number of cars, wagons and horses in the area. Start too fidgeted at the number of demons. The crowds. His tail stays wrapped up with Madre as they move. Eyes looked around for any exits and such. Then at the Imps of any weapons, following them or possibly selling them something. Along with those annoying rats.

"Is he always like that at event?" Striker asked Maria when he sees how fidgeted Moxxie was being. Kept shaking or looking around like a guard dog. Would have found it hilarious and joke. But he saw him like this when they came over last time. Even just being around them or going into town. He had never seen someone so alert and nervous. The old miner at the bar usually like this but he was also a paranoid mess.

"Usually yes. Will either stay back to watch the moon or be home to see it." Maria tells him. Look back at Moxxie at their tail try to curl with their own. Eyes softened at her child. Pick him up with her tail to bring them closer. Chuckle at the pout he was giving her and nuzzle his head. "Relax Moxxie and have some fun."

"Fun?"

"Yes, fun."

"Moon?"

"The moon comes out after the game." Maria pulls out some souls. "Here if you want to play something."

"Still likes space?" Susie asked her as she handed Striker money too. Maria put Moxxie down. The pair keeps an eye on them as Striker takes Moxxie scarf. Wants to coo how Striker, on their own, is interacting with Moxxie. To just have some fun. Was bringing them over to one the stalls and began to play.

"Yes." Maria sighs and smiles a bit. The two-woman looking at each other. "He just keeps surprising me on stuff that catches his interest. I did tell you about the sewing right."

"That is just adorable and I want to hear that." Susie grins a bit. "Do you still think something in the past happen to get to like this?

Their boys in the background. Striker yelling at the worker. Moxxie just face palming at the interaction. The worker just looking at their nails.

"Maybe." Maria eyes darken at that thought. "Still want to know how they arrive like that."

Yes, Maria mind has gone to that dark route. If someone abandons them. But another part had moments if Moxxie original parents just died. Then some unwanted accident happens. Just too many possibilities.

"Hey don't go on killing protective mom." Susie jokes but has a familiar look. "Look at least he is getting better. He happy in own deadpan face way. You did well. Plus, you're happy. Happier than you have been in a while."

"Hey I've been happy!"

"Yes, you have been but I'm just happy you have someone at that house now." Nudge her. "Moxxie helps you out a lot too. Sure, I lost a lot of sleep to figure out the kid. Along with possible dentist visit in the future with the chocolate. But hey you are doing something right."

"I hope so." Maria chuckles

"Beat it brat before I- "

Moxxie threw a rock at the worker. They were knocked out on the ground. Moxxie and Striker stared at the body. Then quickly take the prize they defiantly won. Striker grins to give Moxxie a shoulder bump.

"Kill any parents yet?"

"I was so close tearing this bitch head off at the parking lot."

"Do tell!"

"That was a scam!" Striker snarled and stared at the ball. It was already deflating. "This is junk! Should have taken the money box!"

"You wanted it."

"You didn't complain either. Here get rid of it. Let's go see if they still knock out. We can go to the next one afterwards."

Moxxie didn't make a comment and threw the small rubber ball at the other side of the festival. Barely paid attention, or care, where the ball landed.

BAM

"JERRY NO!"

"WHO THREW THAT?"

"HE WAS TOO YOUNG TO DIE!"

"Check his wallet."

"HE WAS A SHINING ST-5 soul money? You cheap ass prick! I'll kill you!"

"Already dead idiot."

"I'll double kill him!"

"No, they're just knocked out. Probably have a head concussion."

They played a few games and walked around just enjoying a good time. Moxxie was still a bit nervous but wasn't as bad as before. Soon they got some food and treats. Then headed off to the stands to watch the Pain Games that'll start soon. Maria made sure their seats were at the end of the bleachers so they could leave any moment.

"You think there will be any funerals Ma?" Striker asked her as he was eating his popcorn.

"Depends how many."

"How many were there last year?"

"Three surprisingly. But the third technically died after the fight was over. So, I guess it doesn't count." Susie taking a sip of her drink. "Want to make a bet Maria?"

"I'll pass."

"Can I bet?" Striker asked his Ma.

"I'm not taking your money Striker unless you do all the house work."

"Hey Moxxie want to do a bet?"

"Striker!"

"What?"

"He not legal to bet. Same with you. Wait till he ten."

"Dangit! You two bet when you were younger."

"Correct we did but never talk about it in front of our folks."

"So, much money we spend afterwards."

"Worth it."

"Madre." They tapped her shoulder. "When it starts?"

"In a bit when the ones who start the race get on there." Maria points at a stage area. That look quite decked out, just seems out of place in this setting. Was that a small tent on stage? It was closed up with guards' side by side.

In a few minutes a tall imp with a great mustache appeared holding a microphone.

"HOWDY EVERYONE FROM WRATH! WHO IS READY FOR ANNUAL HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL?"

Everyone around began to cheer, clap, and scream.

"THEN LET GET READY TO START IT UP! PRESTING THE KING HIMSELF TO START UP THE PAIN GAMES! THE MAGNIFICIANT KING PAIMON HIMSELF!"

Silence all around besides the sounds of trumpet and drums beating like from inside the tent. The flaps open up a tall avian demon with black feathers that comes out from the tent. He resembled a horned owl. Fancy clothing that was the colors of maroon, with gold trimming. A long clock glistening. On top the demon heads a crown with symbols. Their eyes look like they are part of a white mask with red designs. Red eyes with white pupils stare out at everyone.

"Yes, it is I the Great King Paimon who is here again at this cute, bloodshed games you simple, poor Wrath imps gladly enjoy! I hereby welcome you all, who are able to get here, for another year to celebrate the spoils of your labor, servitude to feed all the citizens of Hell! How good for you all!" Paimon smiled out to everyone.

A crowd of imps glared at him.

"Look at that I see you already got the angry mob ready. Now, now don't worry, the Red Moon is going to be right here! So, put the adorable torches and pitchforks away. Unless there for the games. Then go ahead! Now let's see which of your meat sacks is going to be the toughest imp in the dominating skills of a fighter! Break a leg!"

Cheers around just wanting the games to start now. Along with don't want to hear them talk again.

Moxxie look at Maria, and noticed how they were pulled very close to her side. Blink then turn to see how Susie held Striker arm. Glance to see how Striker was glaring at the owl as well. Look back at Maria and whispered "Madre who the butler?"

"Huh?" Maria snaps out of it to look down at Moxxie. "Butler?"

"The fancy one." Didn't see how Susie covered her mouth to not laugh. Or Striker just stares at them with a wide eye expression.

"That is Paimon. He a noble, a high rank one in the Ars Goetias." Maria quietly explained.

"Goetia?"

"There a bunch blueblood pricks that don't care about us." Striker cuts as he hisses a bit as his tail rattles. "Can't even do their job right down here either."

"Striker." Susie hissed back with a small warning.

Striker grumbles. "It's true."

"I'll explain later Mox just watch the games." Maria whispered to them.

Didn't ask any more questions after that. Just focus when the games begin.

Moxxie really didn't care too much about the games as he watches everyone go through obstacle courses, tug a war, lots of fighting matches, or try to tackle down a hell bull. Huh guess back then there were a lot extra parts happening in the game. Sure, he snorted and snickered slightly on some stuff that happened. But all and all bored. Sees enough violence and really didn't know any of the imps.

"You having fun critter?" Striker asked him while he was standing up and was cheering out like everyone else. But Moxxie just looked so bored.

"No." Moxxie shrugged and nuzzle close to Madre side. As she yells at some imp to break another arm off. While still keeping him by her side.

"How can you not like this?"

"Don't know nobody."

"You're so weird."

Moxxie stick his tongue out at Striker.

Striker sticks his tongue back out.

But besides this Moxxie will admit he did enjoy himself. But he wants to see the moon right now! Then go home to test it. He barely listens to the butler who always opens the sky to show the moon. Right now, space time.

The sky soon opens as the real harvest moon shines a bright red raining down to 'curse' the Wrath harvest filed every year. The space that surrounded the moon were different colors he couldn't tell left from right since they combined so well. It was either magenta, or purple then to pink and possible see the black mix in. Then to have those white or yellow stars twinkling all around the moon.

Moxxie eyes widen in awed as he watches all this. He wanted to see it so badly up close like he did in Outertale. But this time closer to touch if it possible.

He is going to find out tonight. Nobody is going to stop him.

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Done!

We had an interaction with Susie, Whistler and Striker.

The butler arrived next with a dish of pie.

Until next time.

Bye, bye!