The Two Kings

Noodles or Death

It was the middle of the day, and the sun was shining brightly while the birds chirped melodically. Parker found himself in the unenviable position of carrying Tang on his back as they, along with Pigsy, wandered through the bustling farmers market. 

"Mr. Tang, not that I mind, but can't you walk on your own?" Parker groaned, shifting Tang's weight more comfortably across his shoulders. Tang waved a hand dismissively. 

"Oh, sweet Parker. You're too young to know the struggles of weak ankles. One wrong step and I may drop!" he declared dramatically, his voice quivering as if he were a character in a tragic play. 

Pigsy, eyeing a misshapen carrot, rolled his eyes and tossed it back into the bin. "He ain't got no weak ankles. He's just a freeloader," Pigsy snorted, causing a vendor to stifle a chuckle. 

"How dare you?!" Tang recoiled in mock horror, clutching his chest like a scandalized Victorian lady, but his act was cut short. Parker, exasperated and out of patience, hefted Tang off his back and set him down on the ground none too gently. 

"Rude!" Tang sputtered, glaring up at Parker with all the indignation he could muster.

"One of these days, his ego is gonna come back and bite him in the face." Parker whispered to Pigsy who then nodded. 

"Aw, what seems to be the trouble big guy? Friends giving you a hard time?" Parker's head whipped to the side, his eyes immediately drawn to the alluring woman who had called out to him. Her vibrant purple skin, dark indigo makeup, and piercing green eyes immediately captivated his attention. There was something almost otherworldly about her appearance, yet it only served to heighten her beauty.

As she waved him over with a beckoning gesture, Parker couldn't help but feel intrigued - what could this mysterious woman possibly need his help with? Leaving Pigsy and Tang behind, Parker approached the woman's vegetable stand, leaning in closer as she explained her dilemma.

"I don't wanna be a bother, but I need some help. If you'll be so kind." The woman enticed, her hand grazing Parker's bicep whilst the other went to stroke his sideburns.

"I can always lend a hand. What do you need?" Parker asked with a grin as he stood up again. 

"My sisters and I were setting up shop when we noticed that one of the crates was much too heavy. Would you be a dear and help us?"

"Of course, you and your sisters won't have to worry! Lead the way, pretty lady!" Parker announced, only to be grabbed by the collar and pulled towards a rather worried Tang.

"Parker, what are you doing? You can't just rush in there!" He whispered feverishly.

"Why not? The lady says she needs my help." He asked, pulling away.

"Well..." Tang looked beyond him, his gaze landing on the woman who blew him a kiss. He could practically feel the toxicity radiating off of her so he then turned back.

"Pigsy, there's something fishy going on. And not just that fish stand around the corner," he warned, his voice low and tinged with unease.

"Aw, it'll be fine. What's the worst that could happen?" Pigsy said with a wave.

"You want a list?" 

"You guys coming or what?!" Parker shouted from a distance, already behind the vegetable stand and following the woman. She had wrapped her arm around his, pulling him along.

"Coming!" Tang called out as he and Pigsy followed.

The woman's long strides and determined pace suggested she had a clear destination in mind, and the trio could barely keep up as she navigated the crowded stalls and winding pathways. Parker looked somewhat uncomfortable with the woman's intimate physical contact, occasionally tugging at his arm in an attempt to create more distance, but she maintained her firm grip, pulling him along as she pressed forward.