Chapter 7: *title drop here*

The sun was torture on their skin. A broiling pot of flesh and follicles across their face and forearms. Inside his hoodie, it was as if an oven was cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Leon blocked some of the light with his hand, the rays of heat visible on the horizon. "How do people live here," his lollipop bobbing up and down as he spoke.

Rosa approached him from behind, "You're telling me." He turned back to see her hair drooping down, the leaves stuck in her afro were drying up from the heat. "I'm wilting here." She pulled on the rope in her hand, Brock trudging beside her.

The man had a loose knot tied around his neck and a makeshift harness attached to his torso. Behind him (being pulled by a sleigh) was the giant sack of emeralds and gemstones Leon mined over the past seven days. He was dripping even more sweat than both of them. "Brock, give me your shirt," Rosa ordered.

"What?!"

"I'm sweating enough to quench the village's thirst for three days. Give me your shirt."

"No!" He put his hands over his chest, "Wipe your sweat with your own shirt."

Rosa snapped his cheeks in her fist, a chilling smile across her face. Her eyes softly shut behind her glasses, "Until your boss gets here, you're still under my control. You don't want to get embarrassed in front of Leon."

Brock's face was distraught as he thought about his choices. His eyes pleading as he whimpered, "But it's embarrassing to be the only one without a shirt."

Rosa lifted his chin higher, her face aggressive as she looked down at him. "Strip." Brock's eyes started to water as he slowly took off his shirt. His bird chest visible to the scorching sun. She politely thanked him as she wiped the sweat off her forehead and from her scalp. She quickly dapped under her arms before tossing the cloth back in his face. "See was that so hard?"

Brock was barely audible, "No ma'am."

Rosa let her eyes inspect his frame, "Good. Now put it back on."

"W-What?" Brock looked up to her, his eyes pleading for her to be joking. Leon's face was hidden but even he was startled by her request.

"We're not animals. Put your clothes back on."

"B-But, your sweat's all over it."

Rosa's voice got lower, "I said… put… it… on." Brock whined meekly as he put the shirt back on. The cold sweat chilling his overheating body. Rosa's sadistic smile came back, she softly rubbed his head. "How does it feel, Brocky?"

Brock was practically on the verge of tears, "…Moist."

"Good boy."

Leon made a mental note not to disrespect Rosa. It was like she turned him into her pet. He tried to turn away but their interaction was like a train wreck. He couldn't look away.

The gruff sound of a man clearing his throat broke the awkward scene. They turned to the entrance of the bazaar. Bo walked out with a woman wrapped in pink and purple garbs by his side. The woman's bright eye could be seen between the cracks of her unique burqa. "Good news. Our new ally Tara has granted us the pleasure of using her buildings for shelter."

The mysterious woman waved their way, her single eye squinting as she possibly smiled at them. Bo continued to speak, "She has also told her workers to direct Bull and his men to our building upon their arrival." He turned back to Tara, taking her hands in his larger grip. "We cannot thank you enough for your help." He brought her hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss upon her knuckles. She affectionately waved him off as she retreated inside the large market.

Bo turned back to his companions; Rosa was giving him a smug look as Tara walked away. The Chieftain was confused, "What?"

Inside the market were several eccentric stores. Ranging from souvenir shops to the native cooking from Tara's culture. The Ardacians found shelter inside a store called, 'Gene's Lamporium'. The store advertising several genie themed items and novelties. They currently sat against the wall with a large assortment of multi-colored magic lamps sitting on several shelves. Using the spare gems they gathered while mining, they bought some snacks and drinks to pass the time. Leon decided to pop a fresh new sucker between his lips, the strange flavors in the market had caught his eye.

While Rosa, Bo, and Leon sat at the table; Brock was forced to sit against the wall. The leash of his rope collar dangling at his side. A few judging stares were shot in their direction, but a far more intimidating snarl from Rosa silenced their judgment.

They sat there for a while. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes into hours. They sat there until a new staff of workers showed up for the next shift. Leon was the first to speak up, "Where is he?"

"Patience young one, he will come with time."

"You said that an hour ago!" Leon was standing up in his seat, voicing his discourse openly in the public building. A few eyes drifted in their direction, but their conversation continued unhindered.

"We must not rush this, Leon. If we do, we risk losing this deal. We can't risk Nita's safety because of our impatience."

Rosa knocked back another drink, pulling the knots out of her hair as it rose to its true height. "Actually, Bo, I have to side with Leon. We've been waiting for hours now. How do we know he's still coming?" She turned to their captive, "Ey Brock, where's your boss?"

"How am I supposed to know?" he coldly responded. He quietly muttered, "Crazy Brit," between his teeth.

She swiftly clamped her fingers around his neck, "Speak up honey, I think I misheard you."

"I-I-I said I don't know ma'am." He tried to calm himself down as she slowly squeezed his throat. She reframed from cutting off his oxygen, but she made her point clear. Her free hand reached between her breasts, pulling out Brock's cell phone. His eyes lit up at the device, "I thought you trashed it."

"I kept it safe." She placed the device in his hands, "Now call him."

Brock tried a few buttons on the front, but the screen remained black. "It's dead."

Rosa blew a frustrated breath, reaching between her breasts again to retrieve her cellular device. "Use mine."

Brock looked at the home screen, an image of Rosa and Bea posing beside a small robot he met a few days ago. He went to the phone app, remembering another key detail. "Umm… I don't know the number by hard."

Rosa huffed before standing up. She got directly in front of Brock, the smaller male staring up into her soft eyes. Her smile was so comforting to look at, he felt her soft hands caressing his cheek. They ran across his face, slowly moving towards the side of his head, then pulling on his ear with a dangerous amount of force. It felt like she was trying to rip it off.

She slowly leaned down to his ear, "Remember it."

Bo and Leon sat on the side, watching Brock frantically input numbers searching for the right string of digits. With each failed call, the group grew anxious. Leon was certain that Brock wasn't going to find the right number. He chose to pass the time by watching the patrons patrolling the parlor. They all refocused on him when he uttered the words, "Boss? It's me."

Rosa signaled for him to put the call on speaker. They all listened as the sound of loud music spewed from the device. A gruff voice yelling over the background noise, "Do you have any idea how little that narrows it down? You're gonna have to be more specific."

"It's Brock, sir."

"Brock?!" Deep laughter could be heard from the other side. "Hey, Bibi! Get this, Twinkle Toes is on the phone." There was a brief pause, the sound of people and party music bursting through the phone unhindered. "Bibi? Ah, she's busy. How are ya, you sad excuse for a henchman?"

"Sir?"

"You sound like a freshly neutered dog." Brock whimpered from the insult.

Leon snatched the phone from his hands, "Where are you?!"

"Huh? Who's this?"

"My name is Leon! I'm the brother of the girl you stole!" A few bystanders gasped at the conversation they were hearing.

"Leo? Girl? Oh! You! I forgot about you. How've you been kid?" Bull's voice was nonchalant and carefree.

Leon's blood was boiling, "Where's Nita?"

"Nita? You mean Panda Bear? She's playing with the customers. I'm sure she's somewhere around here… Nita!?" A high-pitched voice was barely audible in the background, followed by another deeper voice. "Oh sorry, looks like Nita's busy right now. Would you like me to give her a message?"

Leon's rage was flowing freely until Bo grabbed the phone. He cleared his throat before speaking, "Hello Bull."

Bull's demeanor changed, "And the men finally get to speak."

"Why do you delay Nita's return?" Bull remained quiet, "Perhaps it's the payment you require. I can assure you we have gained more than the necessary-"

"Payment is not a problem." All the bystanders waited on bated breath as Bull let the tension grow. "And there is no delay."

"Then when will you arrive?"

There was an eerie silence in the air, "I won't."

All the listeners recoiled from his statement. Leon leaned forward, "What?"

"I've grown fond of the kid. And most of the diner loves her as well. I can see why you want her back. Honestly, it's unfair that you kept such an amazing child hidden from the world. So, I think she's gonna stay here for a while."

Bo took over, "That wasn't the deal."

"The deal's changed. Now we keep the kid and you keep that waste of space called Brock." All eyes turned to Brock as he too grew enraged.

Leon spoke up, "You promised to return her. Brock already told us, it's me you wanted not her!"

"Hitler promised not to invade Czechoslovakia, welcome to the real-world kid. Besides, I would have returned her if she wanted to go back."

"What?"

"You should see how much fun she's having."

All the listeners fell silent. Bo's face was frozen as he tried to understand what he heard, Rosa was feeling a new rage boil inside her. Leon's face was riddled with despair, "I-I don't understand."

"Ugh… how do I have to say this for you mountain men to understand? Brock, turn on face cam." The abandoned minion didn't budge so Rosa did it for him. On the screen was a large male with jet black hair. His golden nose ring shining from dim lights within his room. A sickening smile across his lips as he looked into the camera, "We're Keeping Her."

The screen turned black, silence falling over the crowd. A low growl rose from the hooded boy. His teeth snapping the lollipop into tiny chunks. He threw a razor blade into the phone. A guttural screech flowing from his stomach as his frustration erupted like a volcano. More blades were dispersed from his sleeves. Several of the lamps around the emporium being the main target. A few unlucky customers were caught up in the attack, their skin punctured and pierced by the sharp discs.

His outburst ended as soon as it began. The boy huffing and heaving for air beside the overturned table. Bo peaked his head, followed by Rosa and a slightly restrained Brock. The trio observing the boy silently. The groans of nearby customers spurred a decision. It would be best to show the boy's sweet side, it could help them avoid any further problems with the patrons.

Brock decided to step up, he hadn't done much since arriving. The least he could do was help calm the enraged child. He took his time, slowing approaching the boy from the front. The hushed warnings of Rosa and Bo falling on deaf ears. She reached for her rope but saw that Brock had the line balled up in his hands.

Bo tapped her shoulder, pointing her attention at the boy in the middle. There was a dark overcast over his face. His hood hiding his facial expressions. To bystanders, he seemed to be tired but for Rosa and Bo, they could sense his deadly aura.

Brock released the extra rope, using his freed hands to scratch the back of his head. He wasn't one to give speeches, but he'd heard a few from Bull. "Listen, kid… I get it." Rosa tried to call him back, but he pushed forward. "I'm sure your sister is okay. Bull's a monster but he's not heartless." A few bystanders behind Leon could feel the change in the atmosphere. They tried to give Brock a warning, but he kept talking.

"If it makes you feel any better," he rested his hand on Leon's head. He had a sincere smile across his face. Like an older brother trying to sympathize with the youngest child. "I hate him too."

"haha," a soft chuckle came from the boy. Brock's skin shivered from the sound, his hands retracting to his body. Leon kept laughing softly, the unsettling sound a drastic contrast to his prior demeanor. With an unsteady breath, Brock decided to join him. A low snickering starting up from the older man.

The two stood there for a few seconds, softly laughing together. As Leon got louder, Brock matched his intensity. The boy's head rising as he continued to laugh wildly. Brock smiled down at the boy, "See, that's the spirit." He reached for a friendly shoulder bump.

The boy moved like water, his body shifting effortlessly to the side. He grabbed Brock's left arm, using his knee and elbow to snap his elbow in the opposite direction. The bystanders gasped in horror. Bo and Rosa groaned at the sight. However, Brock's mind was too slow to register the action. When he finally felt the pain, he released a blood-curdling screech. At least he would have, if not for Leon stuffing Brock's mouth with his broken arm.

Brock's muffled screams were silenced by a swift flipping kick to the jaw. The sound of his teeth chomping down on his appendages was followed by a projectile of blood flying from his mouth. Leon quickly landed and ripped Brock's leash down, his knee colliding with Brock's nose. The bones shattering into several tiny pieces. Brock stumbled backward, crumbling against the turned-over table. He whined pathetically while Leon calmly walked towards him. His soft chuckles like torture in Brock's ears.

"It was you." Brock let his hand fall out his mouth, the boy slowly approaching him. "None of this would have happened if it wasn't for you." His footsteps echoed through the room, "If you didn't suck at your job; if you never came to our village, my sister would be safe." More blades appeared in his hands, he swiftly sent them into Brock's arms. The pain was overwhelming, but his throat couldn't produce any sounds. His mouth just oozed blood. "Because of you, she's being held hostage miles away from home. She's alone, she's scared, she's in pain."

More blades flew into his thighs. Brock was immobile, his body unresponsive. The only sign of life coming from his horrified face; a contorted mess of fear and regret. A body stepped in his path, Bo standing tall in the face of the boy's ferocity. "My boy, quell your rage." Leon stopped moving. His hands resting inside his hoodie pockets. For a moment Bo thought the boy had calmed down, but he felt an intense heat radiating off his body. He could pull out his bow, self-defense was strongly advised when dealing with the boy. But he knew that would only fuel Leon's frustration.

"I understand your anger. I agree with your resentment, but this is not the way. Hukm would not be pleased with your actions." Leon was unresponsive, "What will you do when you are brought to the gates of O'lim and he asks you about the blood on your hands today?" A painful grunt escaped Brock's body. He peeked over his shoulder to observe the broken man's figure. He was surprised to see four new blades lodged within his chest. He had his eyes on Leon the whole time, 'When did he throw those?'

His head snapped back to Leon's position, only to find floating dust. In his peripheral, he saw a light green figure beneath him. As his head tilted down, Leon's head lifted up. Bo saw his mouth first, a terrifying, open-mouthed smile that was enhanced by the broken sucker chunks on his tongue. His head lifted high enough for Bo to see his eyes. The usual term was green with envy, but Leon's eyes were a spiraling forest of madness. With an insane smirk, he whispered a phrase to Bo. "I'll smile."

Bo acted fast, his hands reaching out to clamp onto Leon's body. The boy easily ducked the grapple, retaliating with a sweeping kick aimed at Bo's ankles. Bo reacted by jumping in the air. In a spur of the moment decision, he spread his body out wide; preparing to drop on the boy with a heavy cross-body splash.

Any normal person would have blocked the coming attack. But Leon wasn't normal, from his seated position he shifted so his hands were holding him upside down. From this acrobatic position (without much torque to propel his movements) he unleashed a monstrous heel kick to his airborne opponent.

Bo's body slid to the side; crashing into the nearest wall. The shelf buckled under his impact, a few golden lamps dropping on his head and dazing him. Leon popped up to his feet, his eyes screaming death as he looked at Brock. Bo rose from the pile of trinkets. "Don't!"

Brock began to plead for his life, "Please, I'm sorry." Leon was unresponsive, "Please, I'll do anything."

Leon cocked his head, "Anything?" Brock nodded the best he could. Leon's arms crossed his chest with four razors in each hand. His toothy grin laced with a hint of red from his suckers. It was as if he was gaining genuine enjoyment in seeing Brock grovel. "Then Perish."

A straight green fist connected with Leon's jaw. The lights in his eyes dying quickly. His body slowly falling to the floor. Brock's eyes wandered in the direction of the fist. Rosa stood with a worried look on her face. She looked down at Leon's unconscious body, wincing softly. "Bloody hell, that boy is dangerous."

A few of the bystanders got up from their hiding places. Some ran to inspect the scene while the others ran out of the emporium. Bo arose from his pile of lamps. "Thank you, Rosa." They both inspected the boy, his soft breaths could be heard over the commotion.

From the main counter, a strange purple being yelled some gibberish their way. Bo begrudgingly approached the store owner, leaving Rosa alone with a broken Brock and an unconscious Leon. She fixed his hood on his head and removed the chipped lollipop from his mouth. "I hope you understand, love." She patted the hair under his hood as Bo returned.

"We will not be allowed to stay here any longer." Rosa assumed as much. She didn't expect to stay much longer either way.

Brock's adrenaline subsided, the ungodly pain setting in. He looked up to his savior, "th-ank… you."

Rosa crouched down to his level, "Don't thank me. I only saved you cause we need you alive." She ripped a few blades from Brock's chest, lifting him by his collar. "Now get up, your job's not done yet."

She threw his body back against the table, the man groaning as his blood started to pool on the floor. His mind was going blank, but Bull held his eyes open with his thumb. "You may not rest yet. Not until you tell us…" he pushed him against the wall. Bo's face was stoic, his chest puffed up to increase his size. "Where is Bull?"

A/N: GAH! Why am I like this?! I'm so sorry! I said, "A new chapter every Friday" and look at me now. This chapter isn't dropping until 4:00AM EST Sunday morning! AGGGGHHHH! Okay... let me calm down. I'm sorry if I kept people waiting. I got sidetracked with Thanksgiving celebrations and some school stuff (Finals). Look I don't have much to say so I hope this chapter was acceptable. (AGH! This Chapter is only like 3,300 Words! That's so short!) I should be done with Finals next week so hopefully, I can do better about uploads.

Okay umm... responses to reviews/comments:

Queenbookerly: Add more chicken flavor packets.
Amrven017: Yep, yep. Happy endings for all.
Pheonix: Hey thanks for the advice! Super cool.

Okay, time to sleep. Next Chapter title... *Checks notes* I HAVEN'T THOUGHT UP A TITLE!?

Huh... thanks again for reading another one of...

Sammy's Sloppy Scripts