Chapter 9

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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After that trip things went as normally as they can be in life. Or death? Wait, wouldn't it be life for hellborns? Eh questions for another time.

Moxxie just living it, liking it and dealing with it.

Pre-K went by fast along with that summer. Sure, there was still plenty of things around that kept Moxxie, along Maria occupied. Wish it lasted longer when another school year started. Kindergarten did have its moments and it still made the time go by fast too. Now was in the summer break till it starts all over again. Yet, during their time in kindergarten there were few memorable moments.

What happens during the school year you might wonder?

Well, there is a bit of learning, not much, besides being self-taught learning. As for example many didn't want to learn to read, write, and go as far to learn the alphabet. So, was of little terrors trying to take down the teacher. Didn't last long as soon were force in their seats to learn. Or else no recess.

That stops them a lot.

Now he, along with his classmates were banned from the glue, scissors, staplers, and rubber bands. Not guilty and they kept sneaking it all in. The teachers at least won't run out of supplies.

Moxxie still scared this teacher when they couldn't be found a couple of times. Which resulted in the teacher getting heart attack with Moxxie appeared out of know where.

He did go to a few birthday parties, not by choice, and the whole classroom was invited. Wow parents are crazy. Eh the desserts were alright. Oh and of course the rats would visit. Never got to leave. Either it be the parties or still at that same school.

He was asked a few times why they hadn't had a birthday party. Just reply bad timing on the date. Aka, they do not want a Birthday party. Get embarrassed enough just doing it at home. Even Susie, Striker would join in over the phone. They swear that brat smirking over the phone singing that song at them. Had to plead with Maria not to do anything birthday party related. She gave in. It was at least just them having a party together. Still, Moxxie did, on their own account, bring cookies.

At home in general everything is good. There were moments that were a bit tough with money. Either with pricing, sales on the garden or how the alcohol wasn't ready yet to be purchased. But Maria does seem to always surprise Moxxie as she pulls them through. Even if it just cutting back a few supplies to buy. Which Moxxie can get but they didn't like moment how they got larger servings of food unlike Maria. So, when she isn't looking try to always add some back. He would get away with it a lot. Were times she saw, and placed the food back on their own plate? How they need to eat. To not worry about her.

Eventually she was able to sell Whiskey again. Everyone was so crazy and excited about it. First, come first serve. Money upfront. At that time, I asked if they could help. He was soon given a lesson in how to make it. Right now, just watching the stage.

Striker came over this time with Susie. Able to borrow a trailer, with an old truck for horses. Stay for two weeks during that summer. It was quite fun and a mess. Well as fun as Striker can be. Striker and Moxxie were being their usual selves to each other. Back talk, sass, chasing the other one day to strangle and some fun they will not admit having. Moxxie still kept the star on their table that surprised Striker. Which also resulted the questions about sewing supplies. That got some teasing but it wasn't mean. Like saying they have their own clothes maker now. Got a pillow in the face for that. Damn Rattles. They may have accidentally snuck out one night with Bombproof and blown up a wagon.

BOOM!

Striker, Moxxie and Bombproof stare at the once abandon wagon. Now scattered in to pieces all around.

"All right now time to go home." Striker tail grabbed Moxxie to get them on Bombproof. Got on next to ride the heck out of there.

Got home quickly. No, indication of the sorts. Besides Whistler loudly neighing at them coming back. Along with a nip at Bombproof. They didn't talk about it all the next day. Nope. Don't know about a wagon being blown up.

Around that time Maria finally began to teach him how to use weapons. Well, a gun and lot of safety lessons she thrown down at him. Since he showed some interest anytime she would bring out her gun to shoot a rat. Or one time some fellow got a bit too close to their property. Then he would look at the weapons at the gun shop and she would go buy some bullets or a cleaner. So, after a while she gave in. Just in case anything was to happen. The owner at least pitches in giving her a BB to gun to get them started on.

"All right Mox these will be the targets." Maria pointed to him in the field. Some items like a bucket, a piece of wood with a red target along with a few cans.

"Shouldn't he try something smaller?" Striker suggested as he stared at the BB. Him, along with Susie behind her. A box of pellets to be used.

"This is all they have on hand." Along with personal stash only a rifle, shotgun. But that's for another time. Got behind Moxxie, and kneel on one leg. Her hands wrapped around his own. Help lift the weapon up since it was long compared to him. "Now what did I say first."

"Finger off trigger."

"Correct. Now get your sights together with the target. When you see the target slide your finger back over the target. What you want to shoot?"

"Can."

"All right. "

Moxxie sight lock on one the cans. Finger went over the trigger.

DING!

The can has got a dent on the side. Did move a bit.

"That was good Mox."

"Huh not bad for a first time Critter."

"Didn't fall." Moxxie frown a little.

"But you still hit what you said you wanted to hit. Now finger off the trigger. What you supposed to do after that?"

"Keep gun head down. Safety on?"

"Correct. Want to go again?"

Moxxie nods yes. As he does it again and again. Striker even joined in. It was something the pair started to do together each day. Like a competition with the adults watching. It passed the time along with other activities like horseback riding, exploring a bit, handling rats and just being just kids.

Moxxie rarely recalled if they ever used a gun back when they were doing their duties as the destroyer. Besides the time he one time took one from Mafia Sans. Not sure why they did. Curiosity? That was quite an experience. Besides that, nothing much but be careful not to be shot. Those who lived in Mafiatale knew how to shoot and got him a couple of times. Especially, right in the head.

As of now they can see themselves use a gun if necessary. At least it'll help them out so they won't use their magic. Unless you have too. Who knows, maybe they can fire bullets out with magic. Or the bones. Bone bullets. So, I will look into the different types along with other firearms. Maria did make sure he wasn't allowed to use the real gun till he was older. At least my own one. She was very strict on it but will still show him the parts like in her guns. Along with cleaning up. He wasn't going to push it. But for now, fine with the BB gun.

Then around that time, Susie, Striker had to return back. Talk about seeing each other again soon, along with phone calls. Striker groans not wanting to go back. Mostly because it was school about to start up. He didn't want to go. At the end had to go back.

It was bit sad to see them go.

Now Dr. Medea was a confusing imp for Moxxie to understand sometimes.

The Imp was old from what he was told. Has a lot of stories he could tell but rather waits to do it in a book. Unless you're lucky to hear something from him. He just knew how to change the subject like it was nothing. He was the Doctor but one of the well-respected members in town. Well as respected as one can be in Wrath. He the one who get the less death threats to put it likely.

Can say he the second demon Moxxie tolerates over all these years. Probably the first doctor for Moxxie that help them out. Like actually doing a lot. It was weird. Then again really didn't have healer around them as Error. Always had to be themselves to do any kind of self-healing.

Somehow, he was Moxxie babysitter one night. Madre had a ticket for some taste testing thing at a bar her friends invited her to. Somehow it led to him watching him that night. Right now, it was Moxxie just watching Medea wearily at the couch. Just watching him read in the chair. Glance around at the little home. It was actually close to their town med bay. Still, they had a Wrathian feel of a home with their own style to it. Stop noticing an instrument leaning on the wall against the record player. It looks like a banjo.

"See something you like?"

"You play?" Point at the case.

"Oh yes way back."

"Like what?"

"I have played the tambourine, bagpipes, the violin, and recently the banjo. I had lots of free time." Dr. Medea chuckles and twirls the hair around his chin. "You ever wanted to play an instrument."

Moxxie open and closed his mouth. He thinks about it for a bit. Head down a bit. "I be bad."

"How do you know that?"

Head lower down to stare at their hands. There was an old memory. Actually, he wanted to learn how to play before. It was a violin. But the voices kept yelling how these hands are for destruction. Not to make something beautiful, creative and to not think of stupid ideas. Just like how those voices would yell at them creating such things as the puppets, or the clothes they would sew up. Really hate thinking about that past. Even if there is some truth to it.

Just a disgusting destroyer.

"Moxxie."

Glance back at them.

"If you were taught. What kind of instrument would you like to try out?"

Stare a long time till he whispered. "I like strings."

"Strings." Medea smiled, got word from the old ladies that make clothes for a little new student. May have snuck their head in once to see who. The only reason didn't deserve to not be scowled at for today. "Wait right here."

Moxxie shrugs and was just thinking.

Then Medea came back with a case. He places it down on the couch by Moxxie. "Here open it up."

Moxxie open the case and stared at an old violin. Yet, it is still in good condition.

"Give it shot."

"I don't know how."

"Of course, silly little old me."

"You're a troll."

"Aww how sweet."

Weirdo Doc.

Weirdo Doc the last next three hours was showing Moxxie how to read notes, hold a violin right and the position of his fingers along with the bow. Not going to lie Moxxie did get a bit frustrated. What? Never done this! Only thing musical they do is listen to Spanish songs and other stuff on the radio.

"Want to stop- "

Moxxie hissed and tried to get the note again.

"Never mind." The Doctor chuckles and watches him go at it. "Wonderful! Now the next note to try."

Maria wasn't expecting this sight as she came back to pick up Moxxie. Their little one holding a violin as Dr. Medea goes back over to help him out when he lets her inside. Cheer for him as he got the next note down. Yet, the happy expressions in their eyes were worth seeing. Maria really needs to bring a camera along.

When it was time to go. Moxxie look a little distraught as he hands the violin back. Medea took it as he puts it in the case. Then hands it to Moxxie.

"I think I still have a few of those lessons book you could use." Dr. Medea smiles down at the wide eye shock imp.

"But. Yours." Try to give it back but Medea just pushes it back.

"Come now I don't mind you borrowing it as you learn." Medea looked to see Maria surprised look as well. "If you want when I'm free. I pop in to make sure the little one having no issues."

"I think we can work that out." Maria looks down at Moxxie. How they held the box tightly.

"Splendid! We get too see each other a lot now Mox."

Moxxie groan along with a hiss at the happy old troll. Damn his curious mind wanting to try the violin!

Dr. Medea gladly likes to remind him of that. Sure, will help out when he is in the mood or teasing him if he does something wrong. Moxxie swear that imp must be on something to be this energetic. None the less he not that bad of a teach. The booklets let along with Moxxie observing. Always did prefer to study like.

That summer was the year that kept him occupied. From new, to current and reopening hobbies. Spending time with his Madre. Susie, Striker visit. The annoying, guess decent, times to spend with Medea. Oh, and exploring space! It was so much fun!

Just wish school wasn't about to start up.

Right now, the two were in town. Just to get little things for the new start of school. Moxxie not too thrilled but followed along. He was by her side as she was grabbing like a notepad or two. Then heard something from behind. Didn't care too much at first till they picked up a few words.

"I'm telling you the Pride ring looks so overpopulated. That's not counting those like in imp city. Like I swear its one new freak after another raining down."

"What you expect with those sinners. Heard they do stupid shit."

"So, have we."

"Well, that them doing stupid human shit. "

"Think there was a time some poor fool died and it's on Extermination Day."

"Then you must have really, really had a bad day or did something horrid to get that punishment."

"No, kidding."

Moxxie was pulled away before hearing anything else. That word repeating in the mind even when they left in the truck. Even as they reach home. Now he is just sitting on the couch.

"Mox? You good their kiddo?" Maria comes over to sit down by them. Over time she has picked up certain facial expressions. While this one is considered their normal neutral look. Would have this small twitch on their mouth.

"Madre." Look over at her. "What Extermination Day?"

Maria was silent.

"Madre?" Did he say something he shouldn't have?

"Mox where you hear that word?"

"At the store. Some the imps were talking about it coming back from a ring?"

Maria was silent. She knew this kind of subject would pop eventually. Either it be in school, a radio channel or just anywhere in general. It doesn't mean it's an easy subject to talk about. "Moxxie Extermination Day is an event that affects the Pride Ring. Angels, well Exorcist, come down from Heaven and kill. They kill those who live in the Pride Ring. The reason it happens because Pride is overpopulated with sinners."

"Sinners. Sinners are from Earth."

"Correct. Sinners were humans. Sinners unlike us are immortal. But at the same time not. Sinners can get hurt, crushed, burn, get shot and the list can go long. It'll be painful for them but it won't kill them. The only way a sinner can die is by a holy weapon, a sin I think or Lucifer himself."

"Why only him?" Didn't hear that name before? Something to do with Willy Wonka.

"Because Lucifer was once an angle." She frowns a bit. "It's complicated to fully explain. He fell. Then you got Lilith. Then their daughter Charlie. She could as well count to be able to kill a sinner. Holy Weapons are also illegal to have unless you hide them. You can only be someone in the high ranks to own one or if you're lucky to get a real one off the black market. Holy weapons can also harm us. Even hellborns like us shouldn't stay up there when the day arrives. Many have to reach the elevator; it is the only way to leave the Pride ring. "

Moxxie was silent and took everything in. "Have they ever come down here?"

"I really don't know. Only ever heard of them go to Pride. If they had a chance probably do it." Maria grumbled a bit.

Moxxie nods a little. Sees how tense she seems. Move closer to press against her side. "Madre did you know anyone?"

"Old acquaintances. No, one really close but it still saddens me a bit. Your grandma lost her sister from it when she went to Pride. Not sure exactly who killed her. Mess her up badly. They were very close from what Mom told me. A pain in the ass she said. But the kind you like and wanted to stick around." Maria chuckles weakly and pets his horn. "I probably have a picture of them. I'll show you later."

"Okay Madre." Moxxie nuzzle closer. "I'm sorry I asked."

"No, no. Questions like these would have been asked. Just come to me. I don't want you to get mixed signals from anyone. Okay."

"I meant family, and acquaintances."

A bit taken back. She felt misty but pulled it back. Held her child close. "You really a sweetie Moxxie. Don't let anyone tell you that weak."

Moxxie stare at her. Open and closed their mouth what to say next.

"Yes, Mox?" Watching to hear anything that catches her off guard.

"Love you Madre."

It was a small whisper but Maria picked it up. Love can be an enemy in Hell. A weakness. Something many crave. Wants to destroy. Don't fully understand. Love can be used or against your family. Or is a bond that strong but verbally not use a lot. Or shown in different ways. Even in each ring it can mean many things.

The mother picks up her child to be closer and nuzzles his face. Eyes were getting teary again. A word she only uses for her family, and those of close friendship. "I love you too my Moxxie."

She swears if anyone walks in and dares ruin this moment. She'll leave them outside as bait for the rabbits.

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Done!

What you all thing?

Maria knows Moxxie smart. It doesn't mean the subject like Purge Day is easy to talk about. Compared to the old chapter, it took a lot out.

Go to see a few interactions along with moments.

Any questions?

Until next time.

Bye, bye!