Chapter 6

Reo's heart raced as he followed Lexz through the corridors, anticipation building within him. The doors opened, and a grand spectacle unfolded before him. He was struck by the sight of a massive gymnasium, the hardwood floors glowing with a rainbow of colors, the thumping beat of music reverberating from the walls, and six different courts teeming with action-packed pick-up games. Reo was awestruck, unable to take his eyes off the breathtaking scene before him. "By the gods, Lexz, this is truly a sight to behold! I've never seen anything like it!" Reo exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. Lexz, on the other hand, was less impressed. "Don't let it go to your head, kid. This is just a gymnasium," he grunted, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"Listen up, kid. We're here on a mission to find Rylai, and trust me, you won't miss him. He's a behemoth of a man with purple scales and a face that could turn your stomach." Lexz scanned the courts, trying to spot their target. "Come on, Lexz. Can't we have a little more tact? It's not like we're winning any beauty contests ourselves," Reo joked. "Ha! You talk the most smack, kid, and you don't even realize it," Lexz retorted, playfully smacking the back of Reo's head.

Suddenly, a loud eruption of cheers echoed through the gymnasium, drawing Reo's attention. He followed the noise and caught sight of a massive figure with purple scales, reminding him of a creature from a video game he used to play. Rylai, as he was called, jumped up and snatched the ball from the air, his powerful legs propelling him into a monstrous slam dunk. The gymnasium erupted with cheers as the spectators chanted, "RYLAI THE GREAT!"

Reo couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the incredible skill and power on display. "Wow, he's incredible," Reo whispered, almost reverently.

Despite his intimidating appearance, Rylai's movements were as fluid as a master dancer, and as fast as a predator on the hunt. Reo was mesmerized by the way Rylai weaved through his opponents, his purple scales glistening under the bright lights of the gymnasium. Rylai charged towards the basket with a fierce determination, pointing to the heavens as if he was calling upon some divine power to assist him. His teammate saw the signal and passed him the ball, and Rylai leaped into the air like a great beast, with two defenders hot on his heels.

But Rylai was no ordinary creature - he was a force to be reckoned with. He snatched the ball out of the air, ignoring the flailing arms of his opponents as he slammed the ball home with a thunderous dunk. The defenders were sent crashing to the ground, dazed and defeated, while Rylai roared in triumph, pounding his chest with pride. "ONLY TWO? YOU'LL NEED TO DO BETTER THAN THAT!" he bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the gymnasium like a mighty roar. Reo couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through his veins as he watched Rylai dominate the court with his otherworldly strength and skill.

The game ended in a flash, Rylai's sheer strength and lightning-fast moves dominated the court, leaving his opponents in awe. "Still tearing these trash cans apart, huh?" Lexz teased as he walked up to Rylai with a grin on his face. "Oh my, if it isn't the sore loser himself," Rylai replied, his deep voice echoing through the gym. "You know that last play was a foul." The two aliens shared a laugh and bumped fists. "How long has it been, my friend? Come here and give me a hug, you old grump," Rylai said with a warmth in his tone that belied his monstrous appearance and fierce competitiveness. Reo watched in amazement as the two towering beings embraced like old friends, completely at ease in each other's company. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at the bond they shared.

"Who's this strange looking kid, you got here?" Rylai asked as he walked up to Reo, towering over him with his massive size. "Ugh...hey, I'm Reo, just a friend of Lexz..." Reo replied nervously, feeling small and intimidated in front of the mighty alien.

The towering giant picked up Reo with ease by holding onto both of Reo's arms and lifted him up into the air. "Put me down you crazy animal!" Reo yelled struggling to get out of Rylai's grip, feeling like a rag doll in the hands of the massive Stoneer.

"Put the kid down, Rylai, he isn't food, you pig." Lexz said shaking his head but trying not to burst out laughing at the sight of his friend's playful antics.

"Aww, he's so cute though, tiny baby hungry?" Rylai joked, as he gently put Reo back to the ground, grinning widely at the young human's reaction.

"God damn you are strong Rylai." Reo exclaimed, amazed by Rylai's incredible strength and power.

"It runs in my blood, I am a Stoneer, we are heavy, strong, and surprisingly quick. Don't let my good looks fool you." Rylai winked, flexing his muscles and striking a heroic pose, as both Reo and Lexz both busted out laughing at Rylai's playful remarks.

"Say Rylai, you got a team yet for the national try-outs?" Lexz asked with a hint of curiosity. Rylai let out a chuckle, "Not yet, but I've had some offers. Of course, with my size and talent, it's hard to resist." He flashed a confident grin.

"Well, who even offered you a spot on their team?" Lexz's voice laced with anger, clearly not impressed by whoever had offered Rylai a spot.

"Calm down, Lexz. No one important," Rylai said, still grinning. "Although Grindel Shanker seemed desperate for my services."

"Grindel?" Lexz's voice dripped with disgust. "You were actually considering joining that moron?"

"Who the hell is Grindel?" Reo asked, confused by the sudden shift in mood.

"Grindel Shanker, he's a Martian human, and he's good, but if you ask me, I think he's an ass face and I would love to slam the ball on his shit eating grin," Lexz replied, clenching his fist.

Rylai couldn't help but laugh, knowing full well how much Lexz despised Grindel. "Wow, a Martian, huh? Can't wait to meet another human," Reo said with a hint of excitement.

"Wait, this kid isn't from Mars, Lexz?" Rylai's curiosity was piqued.

"Nah, he's from some planet called Earth apparently," Lexz replied.

"Earth? Never heard of it. To think there were other humans out there that were not from Mars. I guess he does look a little different. His skin tone isn't as red as a Martians, is it?" Rylai chuckled, finding the whole situation amusing.

"Tell you what, if you can score 3 baskets on me, I'll join your team." Rylai chuckled, "3 baskets on you? That's easy work." Lexz replied grinning, " no not you, idiot, the kid." Rylai replied pointing at Reo.

Rylai's deep voice reverberated throughout the court as he issued his challenge to Reo. The young boy's heart pounded in his chest with excitement at the prospect of facing off against such a formidable opponent. Lexz, ever the jester, clarified that the challenge was directed at Reo, and the crowd of alien spectators erupted in laughter.

Undeterred, Reo replied with a fierce determination in his eyes, declaring that he was up for the challenge.

"I like what Lexz said, this gonna be easy work," Reo boasted with unwavering confidence.

Rylai chuckled again, his rock-like skin cracking and flaking as he stretched his limbs. But with each movement, his skin smoothed out to reveal a glistening shine, a testament to the strength and power that lay within his muscles. "Oh, you're a talker, just like Lexz," Rylai teased. "I guess you've been hanging around him too much. I can't blame you for that."

With a deep breath, Reo tied his shoes tight and strode confidently onto the court. The crowds of aliens swarmed around the two players, eager to witness the epic showdown. Lexz slunk back into the crowd, his usual bravado momentarily subdued by the tension in the air.

Rylai picked up a ball and tossed it to Reo. "You can have first ball, kid," he said, his voice oozing with confidence. The air crackled with energy as the two players faced each other down, a palpable aura of determination emanating from them both.

Reo took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the hoop. This was it. His chance to prove himself against the best. With a sudden burst of speed, he darted towards the basket, weaving and dodging around Rylai's massive frame. And then, with a swift flick of his wrist, he sent the ball hurtling towards the hoop.

The crowd held its breath as the ball arced through the air, spinning with the force of Reo's throw. And then, with a satisfying swish, the ball passed cleanly through the hoop, sinking into the net with a soft thud.

A cheer erupted from the crowd as Reo pumped his fist in the air, his heart racing with excitement. One down, two to go. He glanced over at Rylai, who was eyeing him with a newfound respect. This was going to be an epic battle, and Reo was ready to give it his all.