Chapter 57
The games are 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
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"What?"
"Yeah." Moxxie on the phone with Maria. Still, in the barn with Bombproof. Not much longer as the animals needed to sleep. He was just calling her at first to tell her they were in Wrath now. Small exchange. Then slipped out Striker here on the ranch.
"I see." A deep sigh on the other line." Excuse me I need to see I can luckily portal in front of him and slap his face!"
"Madre no."
"No, Mox after he made you wait for so long on the phone. Worry not just your ass of but mine as well. That boy can get slap or two for worrying us sick!"
"Madre. I." Rub their own face. "I'm unhappy believe me. At least I know he alive."
Another deep sigh on the other line. "I get what you mean Mox. I just after Susie...When you get time. Give him my number. I need to have a long talk since the chances to be face to face possible slim."
"All right."
Talk for a while till he hangs up to let her sleep. Goes back in the house where everyone asleep. Just stays up on the couch to think. So, when it was close to the morning time for everyone to wake up. He goes to the kitchen and starts drinking some coffee. Hear some moving and glance too see who awake. "Joe. Lin"
"Moxxie." Lin yawns. While Joe grunted and stretched.
Move a bit to let the coffee pot do the work.
Awkward silence between the pair. Actually, scratch that can already feel an unapproved look towards him. So, nothing new there. Sees them take some breakfast ingredients out. "Do you want help?"
"No- "Joe grunts being elbowed by his wife.
"You can cook some eggs. Joes go check how much we have left in the fridge."
"Alright Hun." Walk off.
The pair were silent as they started to cook breakfast. No, much talking besides asking for certain ingredients.
"How long has Striker been here?"
Lin slightly taken back by the question. "I say about three months now. Strong, hardworking Imp. A good help on the ranch."
"Yeah." Very good help. Along with everyone liking him in a flash.
"I'll say he very good. Won't always be here forever but who knows anything can happen."
"Yeah."
"You think he interested to date Mil?"
Moxxie almost dropped the eggs. "Pardon?"
"If he were to date my daughter."
"I can't answer that for either of the two."
Striker dating life he not even sure about now. Millie been chilled as she just been interested with work. Found other ways to keep herself in check. Whatever that meant. But he feels a bit uncomfortable answering this question. Sure, he can maybe see it happen but also no. The two are a bit different. Yet, when does that ever stop anyone. Would make a strong Wrathian couple.
A couple who won't need you.
Shake his head out of that dark thought.
"Can't answer what?" Joe returns with some meat to be cooked.
"If Striker interested to date out daughter."
"Ah." Joe walks back over. "Those two would be quite something."
"Agreed. He was charming to Sallie. Sallie was the same as well. But was like playful flirts."
"Strong here too. Don't get workers like him a lot around this town. Or is elsewhere."
"Correct." Lin sighs happily. "Would be nice he stayed here longer if possible. Same with Millie. But who knows that might get along well and keep in touch with the other."
Moxxie didn't realize how he clutched a spoon tightly. Seriously what the heck? Why do you want to talk about this stuff around him? Or at least ask your daughter for her opinion. Before he can say anything, a few others join them in the kitchen.
"Morning Mox." Millie comes over to him and leans over his shoulder. Grin seeing the eggs. "Just the way I like them."
"Mhm."
"Hey what about my eggs!" Blitz pouts and leans over Millie shoulder.
"There will be enough."
"You cook for them?" Joe looked at Moxxie.
"Only for Millie. These two became extra package." Smack Blitz tail when he almost touched the spoon. "No."
"But Moxxie!" Blitz whines now being dramatic. While Millie giggles.
Moxxie snorted and saw Joe looking at him. Wouldn't be disapprove. But something else. Eyes narrowed ready to say something. Till Striker took over his vision as he leaned against his shoulder.
"Critter smells good."
"I will smack you hand if comes any closer to the utensil."
"Just helping you out." Smirk. "Do you need some pepper?"
The thespian Imp blinks and twitches seeing Striker grab it. He technically did need it. "I was going to get it."
"Sure, you are."
"Hey Fatty you almost done."
"How about you use your nose to figure it out."
Millie giggles and moves off him. Blitz walks over to his kid. Striker chuckles as he ruffles his head. Earn himself the usual hiss except almost got bitten this time. He snickered as he went to the table.
"Hey Mox. Was the couch, okay?"
"Yes, it was Mil-Mil."
Soon, everyone sat down to eat breakfast. It was the same as last night's dinner but a little quicker. Along with feeding the animals. Today will be very fun and busy. The town wasn't too far away so you could still walk, drive or ride there.
Then, it was time for the festival.
First, they made sure Blitz and Striker were signed up for the games. Millie tries to sneak her name into it. But few of the workers remember her and what happened last time. So, Millie pouted for a while. Then, it left as she, Blitz was playing one of the booth games. Began to get a little competitive with the other. Loona either watching, texting or looking at a few of the stands selling trinkets. Sallie joined their group either playing in the game booths or watching her sister go against her boss.
Striker notices one of the shooting games. Goes to nudge Moxxie. "Remember how I beat you last time?"
"Remember how I beat you when I was 7."
"My finger was broken."
"Excuses, excuses." The two of them walking together towards it.
"One game for the two of us."
"Alright." Hands them both the weapons and move to the side. "You are time 30 seconds. You can start now."
Both, Moxxie, Striker went at it. Shooting one target at a time with different color bullets. Either the target was big, medium, small or much hidden. The two of them were actually having fun with this. Not shooting this time to kill but fun.
"Times up and a tie!"
"What!"
"Well Critter seem you gotten better."
Moxxie grumble and put the gun down. Same with Striker. "Those guns are rigged."
"What you expect their cheap. Would have beat you with mine."
"Or I could have."
"Sure Critter."
"I did with a pistol Rattles."
The pair back with the others. Sometimes they were all together or separated. All and all they were having a fun time. Games, some screams of pain, a fight here and there already breaking out from bets, and they swear they saw some Rats steal some money. Got some food to eat as well. Blitz, Striker didn't go overboard not wanting to throw up.
"Better cheer your ass for me Mox." Blitz biting a scorpion on a stick.
"I don't cheer."
"Well, at least my Loonie will cheer for me."
"No."
"I'll cheer for you boss."
"Thanks Mill!"
"Are you going to cheer me on?" Striker nudge Moxxie eating some chicken off the steak.
"Nope."
"If I remember correctly, you said you'll only cheer in this game. If you know someone in the game."
"Did you take everything I said literally at four?"
"I was lucky enough to even hear you speak at me. Besides hisses or finger biting."
"Because you kept picking on me."
"You would kick me in the shin."
"You're still using them so you're fine."
It's been a fun lunch time.
Then it was time! Time for the Pain Games!
Moxxie, Millie, Sallie, Loona and the others go to the stands. Getting good seats and looking out who would be competing. It was a decent number of players as usual. On the stage they recognize a familiar prince in an open tent.
"Five bucks he going to call Blitz out."
"Add ten with a nickname."
"I'll add another five if he does it under in a minute."
"Wow you such good employees." Sallie snickered as she listened to them make bets.
"Nope."
"We suck."
"So, terrible."
On stage a familiar Imp appeared holding a microphone.
"I thought he was working for those old farts?"
Wally smiles at the crowd. "Welcome, I say-a, welcome-a... all to Wrath-a Ring's-a annual-a Harvest-a Moon-Festival! To kick things up, we have the great prince Stolas-a, here to usher in this here Pain Games!
Stolas takes the microphone from Wally Wackford. The prince let out a chuckle. "How kind, Wackford. Greetings, tiny/ Wrath Ring Imps! I hereby welcome you all to another year of celebrating the spoils of your labor that continue to feed the citizens of Hell!"
A crowd of Imps glare at him and boos are heard. Some even look ready to a gun or two out. No, mob this year as the pitchforks were confiscated.
Tough crowd.
"I'm happy to kick off the start of these games that will challenge the toughest Imps to show their skill in dominance. Good luck to you all! Especially that sexy little one there. Yoo-hoo! Blitzy." Stolas waves at the crowd.
"Ugh. Fuck me." Blitz, standing with Striker, as he glared at Stolas.
BAM
The games begin.
Everyone cheered and yelled as they watched the contestant's race down the trail. Blitz and Striker ahead of everyone as they reach the first obstacle.
Striker climbs up a wooden ramp structure while Blitz leaps down ahead of him. A few others were able to get over the wooden ramp. Or were getting chewed up and beaten-up monstrous sharks that were added in the puddle of mud this year.
They should be lucky it was a shark this year.
Then it was the next course.
"Blitz come on!" Millie yelled at her boss being hog tied by Striker.
"No, he doesn't." Loona snicked seeing her da-, no weirdo boss scowled face.
"Is he always that smug." Millie asked Moxxie as they see Striker have a smug look. A few female Imps being swoon close by.
"That's just natural of him." Moxxie snorted.
"I bet you like to be tied up by him." Sallie nudge Moxxie with a smirk. Then snickered at the pout Millie sent her. Loona just looks disgusted. She lives with Blitz and he at least tries to not talk about sex in front of her. Epic fail by the way.
"I guess if for some reason I ever try to hurt any of you." Didn't get the hint at all.
Sallie looked at her sister. "Seriously, have you tried at all!"
"Look at him!"
Moxxie blinked in confusion.
"Fair enough."
Next, the game was the tug war.
Striker, Blitz and some other imps teamed up together in the match. They won while the other team fell in the puddle of sharks.
Seriously how deep is that puddle to not see the big creatures?
The last and final game wrestling match was in the mud. That really excited the crowd and a prince watching from the balcony with binoculars. Especially, when it was Blitz and Striker. They were going at it like they really were fighting and rolling in the mud.
The ringed-eyed imp glance at Moxxie and smirk. Then wink.
He must have got some mud or dust in his eye.
The games were now done! Moxxie got to admit. This one of the few ones he may have actually liked. Won't admit it out loud since he did know who was in it. Still angry at Striker. But it was nice to see him get beaten by Blitz from a few of the games. They couldn't go see Blitz and Striker immediately after the game since they would announce the winners soon.
Right about now!
"I say, I say, for the first year ever, we have a tie for winner of the Harvest Moon Pain Games!" Wally tells the crowd of Imps.
Stolas then takes the microphone from Wally. "The winners are Striker, and my darling Blitzy!"
"Just say my name RIGHT! Fuckin' dick!" Blitz yells in frustration as he follows Striker on the stage. The crowd cheering crazily for them.
"Huh guess they won't do another between them."
"That's a first." Millie looked at Moxxie just watching the three of them. A deep look in his face. "You alright Mox?"
"Yeah." Moxxie answered but not looking at her. Just looking at the three together on the stage.
All of them strong and powerful in their own ways. So, different from the other. Sure, it can be similar in some ways. Like flirting for one. Can grab anyone's attention in a snap. Whether it be positive or negative. So, proud and not ashamed.
Would be so ashamed of you if they ever learned who you are. The secrets you hide. So, pathetic-
Clutch his leg to stop thinking about those thoughts. Dammit he didn't need those right now. Just let him watch this. Wait why Striker being handed a guitar?
"I'd like to take this opportunity to sing a I wrote just now, about me winning'."
"Dammit you show off!"
"Sweet victory, I smell the smell"
Striker smirked up at Moxxie direction. Then back to the crowd.
"From up in stakin' heaven to the rugged rocks of hell"
Striker walks forward to the crowd. Twitch when he hears a girl squeal and try to touch him. He kicks them in the face sending her back to a group of Imps. The group then mauled her into the happy fangirl.
"Well that never change."
"That's normal!"
"Sweet victory, with everything I do"
"We don't like some stranger touching us. For, him he doesn't mind only to a certain limit or if someone did like what that one girl done." Moxxie shrugged it was Wrath after all. "It was actually worse in the past."
"You or him."
"No, comment."
"With every talent, I'm so much more talented than you"
Blitzo arrives with a slice of cheese on a stick and sits next to Moxxie and Millie in the bleachers. He eats the cheese. His mouth was full after he took a bite." Isn't this guy great?"
"Every time I try, I crush it and succeed"
"I will not be saying because I do not want that to be used against me."
Blitz snickered and nudged him. "Well get used to it buddy. It's gonna be nice workin' with him."
"What?" Loona and Millie stared at Blitz in shock. Moxxie eyes slightly widen.
Striker was going to work with them?
"Every first attempt of every single deed"
"Yeah! We talked about its last night. Could say this was a bit of a preview course to see what he can do. If he wanted to join IMP." Blitz grinned at them.
"Do we even have enough for another hire?"
"We're fine."
"Me (me), I'm totally the best (talkin' 'bout me)"
Moxxie didn't know how to feel about this. Well, one maybe slightly upset they talked about this behind their back. Sure, Blitz is the boss. Sure, they were thinking about extra help since the business has been doing well.
But he just got reconnected with Striker. Is he ready to see him that much again? While last night's talk did help. He still does want to punch him. Scream. Just take some kind of frustration out.
"Me, me, super cool me, handsome guy"
But he went back to see his friend. A friend and the others immediately got along well.
Blitz finished the rest of his snack and grinned at the group "It'll be great! Now, don't worry I won't be easy and all that crap being your buddy, Mox. Even with that fine horsie! Will, do another test in the human world. Then boomed go from there! If it turns out well, we will have a sexy cowboy on the team!"
Moxxie rolled his eyes but he nodded.
"Did you hear somethin'?"
The scarf wearing imp stand up. "I'm going to start heading back to the barn. I'll see you back here or over there."
"Alright Mox."
"Want me to come?"
"No, hang out with your folks Mil-Mil. Your sister misses so much it sick."
Sallie flips him off with a cheesy grin.
Moxxie jumps off the bleachers and begins to walk back. Able to hear the last verse from Striker song.
"It was just the wind"
The crowd cheers loudly for Striker.
"Thank you. You're too kind." Striker smirked at the crowd enjoying it for a bit. Then he glances back and eyes widen. Where Moxxie?
Able to get away in time off the stage to track down the smaller imp. He runs off to him. "Critter!"
"Oh, hey Rattles good game." Moxxie glance at him as he still walks.
"That it? A good game."
"Well, you did tie with my boss."
"Fair, enough. Your boss is a full surprise." He was actually pleased about that. The other Imp is actually a fighter like him. Stronger than he looks. Did he feel like he may have been holding back? Well, it was the same with him too. Can't show too much after all. "Why you leave early?"
"Just wanted away from the festival a bit. Tired of kicking fans faces?"
"I would be horrible star on stage."
"True you be paying a lot of facial surgeries."
"Not from my pockets. I was just done too. Go back later to watch the moon. Going to feed Bombproof first and then relax before heading back out."
"Gotcha." Look straight across as they walk. "Are you going to join IMP?"
"Boss told you?"
"Yep."
"I'm thinking about it. So, far my answer seventy percent yes." Striker looked down at him. "Is that a problem?"
"Your choice not mine." The ponytail imp shrugged.
Striker frowns slightly. "You're still peeved from last night."
"I don't want to be Striker it's just." He didn't know how to explain it. Tug his scarf. "Just a lot happening at once. I'm glad to see you're not dead. But I still want to kick your ass."
"Understandable, it was shitty of me to not call."
"Don't agree with me." Moxxie grumble and got a light chuckle.
"It's going to be awkward but hey this can help us out. If I do join. We can be closer."
"Could make a stable for Bombproof. Seems a bit unfair."
"He can manage."
"I meant for the poor idiot who becomes a meal."
"That too." Striker snickered but inside was very pleased. May not be happy with Moxxie attitude but can't blame his little critter. He is making it all up. "One step at a time partner."
"I guess."
The pair made it back on the ranch. The two of them did their own business in their separate ways. Moxxie stayed in the barn when Striker let Bombproof out to go eat. Just thinking as he lays on a hay bale. Still, trying to take in everything.
"Moxxie?"
Moxxie sits up and sees Joe. "Oh, um hey Joe. Everyone else back."
"Be back soon." He grunted as he went to feed the other animals.
"You want help."
"No. Don't need you to slow me down." Joe sighs and rubs his face. "Look I'm trying to not insult- "
"Failed that."
"-But you aren't exactly the strongest physically."
Are you serious? "Hey I'm stronger than I look.'
"Of course, you are. Guess you just didn't mind letting my daughter fight for you mostly."
"Fight for me? What the heck are you talking about?"
Joe arms crossed. "You don't know how many phone calls I would get from other parents when my pumpkin spice was beating up some teens. I didn't mind since it was an ex or two of hers. But these teens were from your high school."
"So, what? Rivals are normal against schools"
"Oh, yes, every rival she would hear talk bad about you. Or look at you wrong. Or when you wouldn't fight back."
"It's called walking it off, not wasting my time what they think about me."
"That's not how it's supposed to work down here."
"It doesn't have to work for everyone."
"Everyone that's not you."
Moxxie stared at Joe. "You still hate me for letting Millie stay with me. Is that what this is about?"
"Now hold on- "
"Just admit it. "
"I don't need to take this kind of talk from you!"
"Well, I don't need to either from someone to move on. It's done. It's over. She is happy where she at. She loves her job."
"I am happy she in happy. But I don't want it to be with someone like you!"
"Someone like me? I guess if I was Blitz you wouldn't mind. Especially, with his attitude. Oh, he can be so bloodthirsty if would put many Wrath Imps to shame. Heck, you were thrilled with the idea for Millie and Striker to be paired up. Like some matchmaking couple!"
"Why your boss hired you I will never know."
"Guess like that will be a question to never be answered. Just like many other- "
"Just like whoever your folks were to leave you!" Joe snapped. Then his eyes widened at what he just said.
Moxxie stared at him with a blank look.
"Moxxi- "
Walk past by the stunned imp. "My Madre at least wanted me."
"Moxxie wait!"
He didn't listen to Joe as he stormed out of the barn. Didn't care where he was going but to get far away. Just needed to be alone. He needed time away even just a few minutes! Didn't even listen to his name called out when the others came back to get ready.
"Mox-"
"Millie I-"Moxxie bit the inside of his cheek to not lash out at her. "I need to be alone right now."
"What happen?"
"Just." Take a deep breath. "Later. Just I'll see you at the festival with your family."
"Mox." Millie stayed in her spot with a worried look. She watches her friend walk off. What the actual hell happened? Smile drops slightly and glances back around. Eyes narrowed at a certain Imp who was getting scolded by his wife.
Moxxie away as he moves a bit faster. He didn't want to be stopped again or else he really would snap. Can't do that to them
Striker watches out the window. Confused by everything what was going on. Eyes narrowed as he watches Joe leaving the barn when Moxxie did. Probably one of the few times he seen the imp look ashamed. His little Critter looked really pissed but hurt. Why was he hurt? Clutch a case tightly till he took a deep breath.
He'll talk with him later. He looks like he needed some time away. He can do that. He needs to focus. He got to be ready for what's about to happen. A sinister smile form and tail rattle.
Maybe this will help IMP take care of one problem when that damn blue blood is gone.
When Moxxie was soon far away he went into space.
He actually did scream and may have destroyed an asteroid or two. Nothing crazy just needed to punch something. He took a small breath as he moved his mask up a bit. Joe really pushed the button on that damn parent card. But he wasn't lying either. Moxxie, Error he really did stop caring who his folks. He can't do anything about it. Really didn't want to know either. For all he knows they can be dead. Maria is his mother and that's all he needs.
Yet, why did it hurt now? Even just a tiny prick.
Rubs his forehead and takes a deep breath.
His phone did get a few text messages from Millie, Blitz, Sallie and Loona they are at the festival. Just replied okay and was fine where he was at. Can use the no crowd excuse since he had enough of them for one day. Then got a text from Stolas.
Puppet! The Harvest Moon is about to be shown in a few seconds! Do watch if you can find it! Ta-Ta!
Alright.
Moxxie stayed in the spot a bit longer till he moved. Open another portal of the area when the red moon will be at. Goes through as he lowered his mask down. Look at the red moon glowing brightly. Got to make to not be fully scene. Turn their head slightly.
No.
Stolas on stage again like before. His grimoire lifted with magic in the air as it flips pages. He smiles big and watches the Imps all around him Spots Blitz with his scowling daughter. He wanted to wave at him. But he got a job to do after all.
"My dear commoners of the Ring of Wrath!"
Millie standing with her folks and siblings. Co-workers close by. Try to look around for her friend.
"I, Stolas of the Ars Goetia- "
A building with a window facing the direction where the stage was at. The window opened but no one noticed a barrel of rifle that was aimed at the prince. Striker taking a deep breath and getting ready.
"-hereby curse this year's harvest- "
Stolas ignoring his phone buzzing crazily in his pocket.
"-with the glow of the true Harvest Moon!"
The clouds swirl as Stolas create a portal. The portal reveals a glowing orange full moon in the sky. The crowd oohs in wonder.
Striker chuckles darkly as he gets ready to take the shot.
Blitz yawns but did take a picture of the moon.
Loona barely paying attention as her ears flicked.
"Um what's that?" A random imp pointed at the portal with smoke coming out.
"STOLAS CLOSE IT!"
"SCREECH!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Done!
Before, you ask. No, it's not rats!
Who expected to see what will happen next?
So, what you all think?
Any questions?
Until next time.
Bye, bye!