Okay, so sorry for taking so long on this one. I've been having a hard time figuring things out here and work's been running me ragged. But anyway, this is gonna be my first entry with more than one chapter. Not quite sure how many I'll get on here, but hopefully it'll turn out alright.
Also, I'm not intending to rewrite the whole episode, especially since Striker works for I.M.P., this is a different interpretation with a different antagonist filling his role.
Striker's Little Girl
Vol 10: The Harvest Moon Festival
Ch. 1: Meet The Viper
It was 8 AM and Striker was already wide awake. Of course, it wasn't really a big surprise considering he was usually an early riser anyway. After checking on Maria while she slept, he walked downstairs to the kitchen and just started brewing his coffee when his phone started buzzing. He didn't even need to guess who was calling and reluctantly answered.
"What do ya want, Blitz?"
"Hey, Strikes! Hope I didn't call you too early!" Blitz spoke. "Just wanted to let you know, me and the crew'll be on our way over for the Harvest Moon Festival. You two gonna be there?"
Striker chuckled slightly, "I think Maria will be mighty disappointed if I don't take her. I take it you're gonna go to Mildred's family's place?"
"You better believe it. I already broke the news to M n' M and they're 100% on board!"
"Understatement of the century." Striker muttered lowly, before adding out loud, "Hang on, where are you callin' from?"
"SIR! GET OUT OF OUR PANTRY RIGHT NOW!" Well, you know what they say: ask a dumb question, you'll get a dumb answer.
As soon as he'd finished his cup of coffee, he headed back upstairs and entered Maria's room, kneeling beside her bed on one knee.
"Maria. Wake up, baby doll." he said softly, gently shaking her by the shoulder.
She yawned as she turned over and rubbed her eyes. "Hi, daddy."
"Hi, sweetheart. Do ya know what today is?"
"No, what?"
"Well, you and me are gonna meet Blitz and company at Joe and Lin's place cause today's the Harvest Moon Festival."
Maria beamed as she shot up in bed. "Really?! Great! I can't wait to see everyone!"
"I figured you'd be excited, baby girl." Striker ruffled her hair. "Now, go get yourself ready. I'm gonna fix up some cinnamon rolls this morning."
This excited Maria even further as she practically leapt out of bed and began rummaging through her dresser. Striker couldn't help but chuckle in amusement at his daughter's enthusiasm; it always warmed his heart to see her so happy. He sure wished Serenity could be here to witness it alongside him.
Several moments later, Striker had already poured his second cup of coffee as he and Maria were now eating two cinnamon rolls each. Of course, there was still a pan full of at least a couple more and Maria had tried to sneak one more onto her plate. Striker put that to a halt, insinuating that they should save them for later while also reminding her of the tummy ache she got the last time she tried that.
"Hey daddy, are you gonna be in the games again?" Maria asked.
"Not this time, baby girl. Actually, me and Bombproof are gonna enter the Inferno Derby."
Of course, this only added onto Maria's excitement. The Inferno Derby, for those who don't know, is an equestrian competition held every year in Wrath which consisted of not only racing but also trailing, barrel racing, mounted shooting, and roping, among other things. The best thing, at least to her, is that her dad and Bombproof were the unbeaten champions.
"I can't wait to see you win again!"
"Well sweetheart, the sooner we finish eating, the sooner we can get signed in."
About an hour later, the two were riding Bombproof to the corral area where the event was taking place. Striker had already tied Bombproof's reins to the hitching post and was currently in line to sign up for the Inferno Derby while Maria had climbed up on the fence of one corral to watch some of the Hellhorses wandering around with their riders.
"Maria?" A familiar voice called. "Is that you?"
She turned around to see...
"Auntie Mima!"
Maria hoped right off the fence and ran towards Jemima, who opened her arms and scooped her up into a hug, twirling her in the air.
"Gee, it's good to see you again!" she smiled at her niece. "You've grown so big!"
Maria giggled, "Are you gonna see daddy and Bombproof win?"
"I sure hope so. Apparently, there's some talk going around about someone called "The Viper" who'll be competing this year."
"Who's the Viper?"
"Maria, who are you talking-?" Striker had just come walking towards them, stopping in his tracks briefly on seeing his sister. "Jemima! I didn't think I'd see you here."
Jemima smirked, rolling her eyes. "Do you honestly think I'd miss out on this? Though, to be fair, Blitz was very persuasive on being here when he brought me along. I think the only reason he wanted to see this was to see if he could try to nab one of these horses."
"Honestly, doesn't surprise me. I can't tell you how many times he's tried to bribe me to give him Bombproof."
The siblings chuckled as they embraced each other and it wasn't long after that two more familiar faces walked right up to them.
"Striker! Maria! What a coincidence runnin' into you two here!" Millie smiled.
"Mildred? Moxxie? I thought we were supposed to be meet you at your folks' place."
"Well, we would have already been at the house if somebody hadn't stopped the van on seeing the flyer then literally zipped all the way out here!" Moxxie groaned, clearly annoyed.
Striker didn't bother adding onto that. At this point, this kind of thing was pretty much expected of Blitz.
Instead, he said, "I do appreciate seeing you here, regardless. Almost forgot to thank you two for keeping Mima outta trouble."
"Oh, it's no problem at all." Moxxie now smiled. "She's actually been a pretty big help around the apartment."
Yep, it turns out Jemima was now roommates with Moxxie and Millie. She was rather surprised that they allowed her to stay with them, providing her with an air mattress to sleep in the living room. She didn't mind so much, especially since she was willing to help out with whatever chores needed to be done despite Moxxie insisting it wasn't necessary since she was the guest. It was only temporary though, at least till her own apartment was ready; she hoped that it'd be right next door to theirs.
"Auntie Mima was just about to tell me about The Viper." Maria piped up. "You heard of her?"
"The Viper? Never heard of her." Millie shrugged, as did Moxxie.
"Hey look, it's the Viper!"
The five imps went back to the corral, pushing through the crowd of cheering people. They saw a female imp on top of a slim-looking deep red stallion which had a brightly flaming yellow mane and tail that matched his eyes. As they raced around the arena, the imp suddenly twisted her body across the back of the animal's neck then hit the ground with her feet while gripping the horn of the saddle before she got back on. The crowd went wild and Moxxie's eyes suddenly went wide.
The Hellhorse then stopped and reared up, neighing loudly as his rider now stood right up on the saddle and waved at the crowd. She sat back down at the same time her stallion came down then both ran back to through the open gate.
It was at that moment Blitz joined the group. "Hey guys, what'd I miss?"
"Ya missed quite a show, bossman." Striker had seen trick riders before so it wasn't anything new, but even he was pretty impressed.
"More like a show-off." Jemima muttered darkly.
"What was that, pink?" Loona asked her also coming up.
Jemima blushed, sweating bullets. "Uhh, nothing, nothing! Just admiring the horse is all!"
"Well, I'm glad to hear ya say that, miss. Firecracker's quite a catch."
Sure enough, the imp and her horse came trotting right up to them and Blitz's face lit up like a Christmas tree. On seeing her, Maria almost thought she was looking at a Sallie May clone; she certainly looked like her, save for her hair tied up in a high ponytail and not in her face, slim black horns that slightly curved like a gazelle's, deep orange skin, and the cowgirl attire.
"Well, lookie here." she said jumping down. "You must be the famous Striker. Pleasure to finally meet you in the flesh."
Striker smirked slightly as he shook her hand. "So, you're the big, bad Viper we've been hearing about?"
"The one and only. But, if you prefer, my actual name is-"
"Victoria!" Moxxie suddenly ran up to her. "It's really you!"
Both Millie and Jemima looked stunned as he hugged the lady apparently named Victoria.
"Moxxie the foxxy! It's been so long! I'm surprised to see you of all imps here! Heard you're married now, who's the lucky lady?"
Millie strode forward, her eyes narrowed. "That'd be me, missy."
"Oh right! Millie, this is Victoria, she's a childhood friend of mine." Moxxie placed his hands on his wife's shoulders. "Victoria, this is my wife, Millie."
"Pleased to meet you." Victoria smiled. "Hang on, you don't mean "Rough n' Tough Millie", do ya?"
"You heard of me?" Millie blinked in surprise.
"Sure do! Your stunts in the Pain Games have been a favorite story of mine. I respect a lady who can tear the head and limbs off those sore losers." Victoria tipped her brown hat. "Oh! And congrats on keeping Mox alive and happy."
Millie chuckled, flattered, no longer feeling hostile. "Thanks, it's too bad I ain't allowed to play anymore."
"I feel ya, sister." Victoria noticed Blitz still staring googly-eyed at her horse, Firecracker. "Is he alright?"
"He's like that with horses." Striker clarified. Moxxie mouthed a "thank you" to which he returned a nod.
"I see what you mean. Can't say I blame him. Like I said, Firecracker has that effect on most folks."
"Are you gonna be in the Inferno Derby too?" Maria asked. "You know, my daddy and his horse are the champions."
Victoria crouched to her level. "I certainly am, little miss. What's your name?"
"Maria, ma'am."
"Glad to know you too, darlin'. I'm sure you hear it a lot, but you look exactly like your daddy." Maria giggled and blushed. Victoria rose back up, smiling at Striker. "And you're certainly lucky to have her. Now, who's that one behind you?"
Jemima snapped out of her thoughts when she was addressed. The whole time her brother, niece, and companions were chatting with this lady, she had a very uncomfortable feeling about her. Sure, she was a great rider, but there was something about her that sent a burning feeling inside.
"Much appreciated. Maria's my pride and joy." Striker smiled pulling his daughter into a hug then pointed to his sister. "Anyway, this is Jemima, my baby sister."
"Ahh, I definitely see the resemblance." Victoria offered Jemima a handshake. "Nice to meet you as well, Jemima."
"Thank you." Jemima nodded, then squeezed her hand harshly. "Now, leave."
"Jemima, where are your manners?" Moxxie put himself between them as Victoria tried to shake the pain out her hand. "No, it's fine, Moxxie. Probably worried I might beat her brother or something."
"Well, you're definitely half-right." Jemima snarled darkly.
Striker gave his sister a "watch your mouth" look, which made her shudder, then turned back to Victoria giving her a smirk. "Anyway, like my daughter said, me and Bombproof are the best in the seven rings, so you best watch yourself out there."
"Oh, trust me, I'm looking forward to it." Victoria smirked right back before mounting Firecracker again. "See you at the Derby."
Moxxie waved as she left while Jemima still glared daggers in her direction. She did not like this bitch one bit.
Not long afterwards, everyone arrived at Rough n' Tumbleweed Ranch. Striker and Maria, as usual, rode Bombproof the whole way while the rest of them took the van. Naturally, Millie was the first to run up to her parents' embrace before the others followed suit. Moxxie walked towards them a bit slowly, not that they'd welcome him with open arms anyway.
He felt a familiar small hand on his side. "They'll come around eventually."
Moxxie gave Maria a grateful smile before she went to join her dad. As much as he didn't like still being his in-laws' least favorite person, the fact that Striker, Maria, and Jemima accepted him plus having reunited with Victoria made him feel a little better. To his surprise, however, Joe actually looked in his direction and made a curt nod. Well, that was a good start, better than being outright ignored.
Jemima, meanwhile, had already shaken hands with the two elder imps right after the male shook hands with Striker and patted his back while his wife gave Maria a hug. After their encounter with "The Viper", or whoever she wanted to call herself, these two actually seemed like decent company.
"So Striker, hear yer gonna be in the Inferno Derby this year, is that right?"
"You're damn right I am, Joe. Bombproof and I gotta protect our title as reigning champs, y'know."
"Well then, ya might wanna keep yer eyes peeled cause word's comin' 'round there'll be a little competition this year."
Jemima suddenly had a bad feeling where he was going with this. "Pardon me, but you wouldn't happen to be referring to the Viper, would you?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. You know her?"
"We met earlier at the corral." Moxxie yelped when Striker pulled him closer. "Just so happens she's Moxxie's childhood friend."
Lin and Joe looked absolutely shocked at this news. The Viper, friends with the sensitive thespian type their daughter married?! How could that be?!
"Well damn, boy, how come you never told us this?" Joe asked Moxxie in surprise.
Moxxie smiled sheepishly, "We sorta just found out ourselves. But yeah, I've known Victor- I mean, the Viper since I was five."
"Well howdy! What a coincidence running into y'all again! You bragging about me, Moxxie?! Hope I didn't miss much."
Jemima groaned, "Are you fucking kidding me?"
Sure enough, Victoria came riding in on Firecracker right up to the group. Once again, Blitz squealed with excitement and stared at the horse, frozen with ecstasy, as if the rest of the world seemed to shut down around him.
"Victoria!" Moxxie exclaimed as he ran up and hugged her again. "What brings you here?"
"Me and Firecracker were just taking a little evening stroll around Wrath, couldn't help but overhear your little conversation." She looked up at Lin and Joe. "I'm sorry, am I intruding?"
"Not at all, dear." Lin smiled. "It's a privilege to finally meet you, Ms. Viper."
"Oh please, call me Victoria. And the honor's all mine."
Jemima snarled, irked that she had the audacity to show her face her, and turned her attention towards Blitz, who still stood frozen, which concerned her. "Is he usually like this around horses?"
"You have no idea." Maria responded. "But should we maybe splash water on him or something?"
"Don't worry, baby doll, he'll come around." Striker patted her shoulder. "You know how he is."
"Well anyway, Victoria, since you're here, how about you stay for dinner?" Moxxie quickly noticed Joe and Lin's surprised expressions. "That is, if you all don't mind."
"Oh, I don't wanna be a bother."
"I think it's a great idea!" Millie chirped. "I'm sure Moxxie and the rest would love to hear how you came to be the Viper!" Moxxie nodded eagerly at that.
Victoria shrugged. "Ya know what, fuck it. I'll stay."
"Well then, come on in, y'all! Yer gonna love what's cookin' tonight!" With that, everyone headed inside; Striker wound up dragging the still-frozen Blitz along.
As it turned out, Victoria had quite a plethora of stories regarding her adventures around the seven rings. Unsurprisingly, Moxxie was especially impressed and kept bombarding her with questions, which she was more than glad to answer. Striker wasn't too fazed, he too had his fair share of scrapes, especially way before he even met Serenity, so he had an understanding of what she'd been through. Plus, though he wouldn't say it out loud, he liked seeing Moxxie happy and actually being part of the conversation. His talk with Lin and Joe the last time they came over must've come through to them.
However, there was one person who was not impressed: Jemima. She just couldn't believe these guys allowed this woman to just waltz right into their home and stay for dinner. As if that wasn't bad enough, just hearing her voice made her sick.
"I still can't believe you're buddies with him." Sallie May spoke up. "I never would've believed it."
"Is that a problem?" Victoria raised an eyebrow.
"Nah, just surprised is all."
"Us too. I, for one, thought the boy was jokin' about you two bein' friends till ya showed up." Joe chuckled. "He's certainly lucky to even survive the Pain Games without gettin' killed."
Striker didn't miss Moxxie trying to shrink down in his chair. "I don't think he needs any reminding, Joe."
"Yeah, I'd rather not talk about it."
"Aww c'mon, it was awesome seeing him out there!" Blitz spoke. "Sure, he got his ass handed to him the whole time, but hey, taking on a Hellshark three times is ballsy!"
"Yer not helpin', Blitz." Striker snarled, teeth gritting and tail rattling.
"In all seriousness, I think it's probably for the best you're not entering this time." Lin said casually; at least she was trying to be civil.
Moxxie blushed. "Yeah, I'm fine with that."
"Wish I could play." Maria mumbled.
"Sweetie, I told you before, this is grown-up stuff. You're still too young to be putting yourself in these things." Striker chided gently.
"I know, I know, but do I have to wait till I'm 18? It's too far away!"
Jemima jumped in this time. "Honey, your daddy and me just don't want you to get hurt. Besides, that's plenty of time for you to be ready for when you do get your chance."
"Hmm, and here I was beginning to think you forgot how to talk."
"I was only talking to my niece. You don't need to be concerned about me. Not that you would care."
"Okay, seriously, what is your problem, Jemima?" Millie asked, standing up from her seat. "We're all just talking and you're just sitting there brooding."
"I am not!" Jemima protested when multiple frowns were shot in her direction. "I just don't see what's so damn great about someone showing off her so-called skills like some schoolgirl with fancy ribbons, that's all."
"Well, you don't have to be so rude about it."
"Look, I'm sorry, but it's not even just that. You guys can like what she does all you want, I don't trust her!"
Moxxie's glare deepened. "You don't trust Victoria, huh? Well, you certainly trust me, don't you?"
"Well... yes."
"Then that should be enough!"
"STOP IT!" The glares that aimed at Jemima suddenly turned to shock towards Maria when she screamed. "We're supposed to be having a good time! Please, just stop fighting!"
Striker and Jemima looked worried on seeing her tear up.
"I think it's time for us to go." Striker scooped up Maria, who buried her face in his shoulder. "Thanks very much for the hospitality. Sorry for all the trouble. And don't worry, they'll be better tomorrow." He firmly grabbed Jemima's hand and glared at her. "I'll make sure of that."
With that, the three were out the door. There was a hard silence for a while until Blitz spoke up, "Well, that was... interesting. Hey, so what was that about wrestling rattlesnakes?"