Scene 5: You wanna stay?

I had to admit, this really was a fun job. "Here you are sir, your controller is fixed, cleaned and ready to be gamed with!"

It took the kid about 2 hours to finish the job. I was so happy he decided to stay here and fix it. Otherwise he said it would be days before he could come back.

"Awe for real dude?!"

I jumped right over the couch and ran over to Rhett.

"Woah man this looks good as new, thank you!"

I was just about to go test it out when an idea stuck me.

"Ya know kid...how would you feel about a wager?"

I felt a tad uneasy when he said that but I caught a glimpse of Safaia who winked at me which helped put my mind at ease again.

"I suppose I could hear you out Zuka."

"Well this controller needs testing, and you need to be paid right? So how about we compete in a game of your choosing. If I win, I only pay you half the amount I owe you. If you win...ummm...well you can pick your prize dude."

Well his proposal did sound fun and to be honest, what did I have to lose.

"Hmmm...how about we test the controller out by playing some Crash Bandicoot racing?"

"MUWAHAHAHA!!! YOU FOOL!!! Racing games are my specialty!"

Yet for once I did not seem worried by Zuka's outburst. In fact I was feeling more confident than ever!

~RACING MONTAGE~

"How...how could I be so utterly defeated..."

"Awe don't be so hard on yourself Zuka. One should take defeat gracefully and prepare for the next battle, armed with new knowledge of ones foes."

After giving Zuka my words of wisdom I walked over to the victor.

"So Rhett, did ya like the game or what?"

I almost didn't have the words to express myself properly.

"It was so much fun and I'm very grateful for this new experience!"

"Wait don't tell me...this was your first time gaming?! I lost to a total newbie! Say it ain't so!!"

"My apologies Zuka, I meant this was my first time playing with someone else. You see I often have to test out the items I repair before I return them. I never get to play with any of the clients though."

'PHEW'

Just as Zuka finished his over-exaggerated sigh of replied, I figured it was time to test out my theory bout Rhett.

"So Rhett, you have an idea of whatcha want for your prize? If not you can always decide later and come back to let us know."

"Oh yea now that's an idea! That way we can have an epic rematch or two or three!"

"Thank you Safaia, I believe I'll take you up on that offer."

That was a huge relief because it allowed me to take the time to compose myself and think of a good answer.

This was not something I wanted to waste.

The group started to head upstairs to the Big Room just as Crypt was heading down the other flight, towards the kitchen.

"Great...another one..." I saw yet another annoying mini Zuka come up into the Big Room following Saf.

As I came up the last step, I saw him. "A beast-men", I said under my breath.

"Rhett...you okay there bud?" It was a typical reaction to seeing a beast-men. They were quit rare and very intimidating. A special breed of warrior types with mystical like abilities.

Once I took a breath to compose myself, I went to shake his hand. "Ah my apologies sir, my name is Rhett."

Crypt just stared at my hand for what felt like ages.

This kid was...different than I thought. The way he looked at me, I saw no fear, instead I saw amazement. I decided to shake his small hand.

"Hi...don't touch the Fanta in the fridge."

I went to head back up stairs when I paused, "Oh...and welcome to the squad...Rhett."

As Crypt walked off, I was the stunned one this time! He never accepts someone that fast...not even me!

"I don't believe this...one day...one day and Crypt already knows your name and accepts you into the squad, just like that! JUST LIKE THAT!!"

"Welp...I guess I better get your nickname ready kid. If anyone has a problem with that you can accept my challenge now!"

"Huh...wait a sec...squad...welcome...name...?"

~GIGGLING~

"So there ya have it Rhett, ya wanna join the V-Gaming Squad?"

I was still in a state of shock with no idea what I should say.

"You know what...why not!"