The Apprentice
Psyphon sulked as he walked down the sidewalk of a familiar neighborhood. He pondered long and hard about his decisions in life after being released from Plumber prison. No matter how hard he tried, he never was able to become a successful leader. He was better suited working in assistance to someone else. With Vilgax incarcerated for good, he had only one other choice. He sighed as he arrived on a doorstep. He lifted his hand and knocked on the door.
The door opened. Psyphon grinned nervously as he observed Bill Gacks' green shirt, red overalls, blond beard, bald head, and dark beady eyes.
He collapsed to his knees while clasping his hands. He looked up at the taller man.
"Mr. Bill Gacks, it is I, Psyphon. I know I haven't been worthy as an assistant, but I wish to learn how to be a proper plumber. Please, make me your apprentice again!" he begged.
Bill Gacks raised an eyebrow. He looked confused before he adopted a surprised expression. "Oh, yeah. You're that guy. I remember you. Well, you were a pretty lousy plumber. However, I'm the type of guy who believes in second chances." He shrugged. "I'll give you a second chance to prove yourself. But you've gotta put some effort into this."
Psyphon bowed on his hands and knees. He lowered his head. "Oh thank you, Master! I mean, Sir."
"Okay, then. Get up, because we've got a call to go fix a flooding problem," said Bill.
He and Psyphon entered his truck and went to the house in question. An old woman with brown skin and gray hair arrived at the front door. She let them in and showed them to the basement.
"It's been flooded for hours," she said.
"Not to worry, Ma'am. We'll fix it up in a jiffy," said Bill Gacks. "Come on, apprentice. Here's your chance to really prove yourself."
Psyphon eagerly hurried behind his 'master' down the stairs to the flooded basement. He stepped through the foot-deep water in his rubber galoshes. He followed Bill Gacks until he paused at a clogged drain. Bill removed the drain cover. He pulled out a plumber's snake. He began to insert it into the drain.
"Come on," he said. He struggled with the snake. The clog would not budge. "This here is one tough blockage. I'm going to get something more heavy duty." He departed.
Psyphon stared into the drain. He observed the clog. "Perhaps I could remove this and prove to my master that I have learned." He reached down with his arm and long claws and dug around until he winced. "Ew," he muttered. "There's got to be an easier way. Ah, I know!"
He used his eye beams to blast the clog. It was incinerated. The water began to drain quickly.
"I did it? I did it!" he cheered until Bill Gacks walked behind him. He turned to face him. "Master, I mean, Sir! I cleared the blockage."
"Well, I'll be. Apprentice, you might have some hidden potential after all," said Bill Gacks. He chuckled and slapped Psyphon on the back and nearly knocked him down. "I've got an extra tool belt in the truck. I think you've earned the right to wear it for clearing your first big clog."
The departed from the house after receiving payment. Bill Gacks opened the back of the truck and rummaged until he lifted the belt. He presented it to Psyphon. Psyphon put it on.
"Wear it with pride," Bill Gacks said until he saluted.
Psyphon grinned. He might have finally found his true calling.
The End
