Rust is the New Spice

Chapter 9: Complete Mess

Rust is the New Spice

Chapter 9

Complete mess

So far all Ronin wanted Echo to do was carry boxes from one place to another. Ronin seemed to be quite happy with his work, and he didn't attempt to harm him. However when it came to meals it just included a cup of noodles, and a small cup of oil. It wasn't near enough to fill him up really. But Ronin obviously wasn't too keen on doing more than just that. There weren't any stoves within the room, or even a fridge. Just a single box of random cups of noodles. The only thing he ended up telling Echo when he asked him if he needed cooking lessons. Echo wasn't any good with cooking really, but he knew how to make pancakes now and Echo loved those.

Of course Ronin was the cheapskate and didn't want to pay more than needed. So cheap it was, and cheap they ate.

He spoke of buyers, and sellers, people came, and people went. One even looked...kind of familiar.

Night time finally came and in walked a guy in brown. This man spoke in boisterous tones and even looked at him with a huge smile, clapping him on the back and saying thanks before putting down a few large bags of noodles.

Echo's mouth watered and he picked up one. The man laughed and handed him a set of chopsticks and turned on a radio. Ronin had disappeared for a moment before coming back and putting down a huge box of what looked like old trophies.

"So how's that shop I sold you?" Ronin asked.

"It's coming along. After the Sons of Garmadon went through and practically turned the whole area into a chop shop. We finally got it back up and running." Dareth said, stuffing a bit of noodles into his mouth.

"That's good though right?" He asked. Dareth pointed over his shoulder at Echo who sat on a wooden box.

"Yeah, but I could use a bot like that. He looks nice, and kind of like Zane. Wonder if they're related?" Dareth said, stuffing a potsticker into his mouth. Echo looked up with a smile.

"You know my big brother?"

"Hey! Hey, they are related. Good guy Zane. He's an excellent guy." Echo sat on the edge of the box with the biggest smile. His noodles were forgotten.

"I'm trying to get to him. Can you help me go home?"

"I keep telling you kid. You stole the X suit...I doubt he'll want you back." Ronin said. Having a lot of experience with stealing things from the ninja and then getting in trouble. "It's best if you stick with us." That made his heart fall down around his ankles. Would his brother really be that angry with him?

"Awww don't look so sad. You can stay with us. Hey, how about you come and work with me. I need a cook! I've reopened my karaoke bar." Dareth said with the biggest smile on his face. Obviously thinking Echo could cook just as good as Zane.

"I uh...would...um...can I call my brother?" He asked Dareth who chuckled patting the bots back and walked toward the door. The man smiled a whole lot. Echo was sure he couldn't possibly fit any more great white teeth into that maw of his.

"Oh yeah sure, once we get there. I gotta put you into work clothes though. Can't have you in just anything. A pair of brown pants, white shirt, and a gold tie would look great on you." Dareth patted the nindroid on the back. "Come on...uh...what is your name?"

"Echo...It's Echo Julien."

Echo walked out of the warehouse and stood next to Dareths car.

He turned to see Ronin whispering to Dareth. He couldn't hear anything the man told Dareth, but the look on Dareths face looked almost shocked. He looked back at Echo and then at Ronin and whispered something else again. Echo wished he could see them. But Ronin passed something to Dareth before he pocketed it and walked toward the car.

"Alright kiddo. Let's get you into that kitchen and see what you got."