Sigh. I slumped down on the bench I was sitting on. I had come here to try to become a Warden, a protector of the Fossil Park and the dig sites around it. Also, to prove that Hunter, my cousin, wasn't the only successful kid in the family. Ever since he had stopped the BB's and Dinaurians an saved the world and everything, all anyone ever said was "You should be more like your cousin" or "Hunter wouldn't have done this/that". He was all anyone ever talked about. I don't have anything against my cousin or anything, but all the "Hunter this" and "Hunter that", was maddening, especially since I had gotten him into Fossil Fighting. On top of that, I couldn't even hold my own in a battle. Even in my Warden Test, only Shred, (my Alxas) had managed to survive a battle. I only made it through thanks to Roland, with his Tricera (How'd he even get that?) He was humble and all, but it was obvious to both of us that I was a terrible Fighter- which was really depressing because my little sister, Sky, had made it to the semifinals of the Calestio Cup, while I couldn't even last 3 battles.
Now I knew for sure Stryker would give me the boot. Sure enough, Vicky (the FPA receptionist) was heading my way. "Ughhhhh. I'm doomed". I thought despondently. "Blaze, Cpt. Stryker would like to see you". I nodded, and walked, getting sadder with every step. When I arrived at the office, Stryker was there. However, he had a kind grin on his face. Odd. Finally, he spoke.
"Hello Blaze. I am happy you passed your Warden Test" he said, completely nonchalant.
"Uhh… Thanks, but Roland was really the only reason I made it through" I replied. If he was going to get rid of me, he might as well do it quick.
"I understand your concern in your somewhat poor battling performance. But you don't have to worry. I had especially chosen a difficult match for you. Your opponents weren't civilians. They were certified Class C Wardens." He paused, so I could take this in. I did, but with some difficulty. "Why they focused their attacks primarily on you is beyond me. I only wanted to see just how well you two worked as a team. Also, you definitely helped Roland believe in himself. He is now a real threat with that Tricera of his. Plus, Paradise Beach doesn't have too many good fossils, which hampered your choice in vivosaurs. Actually, you were the only trainee without a "starter vivosaur", so to speak. You may have wondered where Roland's Tricera came from". I nodded. "Plus, starters are a necessity for having a strong battling foundation. You apparently lack this. Which was the final factor in the decision I had to make.
"Umm….. What decision exactly?"
" The decision to entrust this vivosaur in your care." He then reached out his hand and snapped, at which a small red vivosaur ran up. It was the vivosaur from the day before! I remembered it exactly: Nate accidently released a vivosaur in Professor Little's lab, which ran wild and got into some trouble. Long story short, we got him back without being banned from the Warden HQ.
"Hi, little guy!" I said, patting him on the head. He jumped up excitedly. So cute. Despite having chomped on my pal Nate's rear end, I really liked this little guy.
"His name is Nibbles, a Fire vivosaur. You may rename him if you choose."
Hm…. Nibbles doesn't really fit the Fire thing. What about… Spark? Yep, I definitely liked Spark. "How about Spark?" I asked.
"Perfect" Stryker said. "Now, he is your vivosaur.Treat him with care."
"I will sir! Thank you sir!" I yell as I rush out of the room, Spark in tow. I was so excited! Finally, a strong vivosaur! Shred responded, offended, but he was glad to have a new addition to the team. We ran out to the central plaza and skidded to a halt. I tried to communicate telepathically, like I did with my other vivos, but it didn't work. Strange. I asked Shred if he could try to talk to Spark. He responded in the negative.
Nothing. I can't reach him. But it looks like he understands you, so try talking to him normally. He can't reply, of course, but it's worth a shot.
"You make a point. I'll try that." I reply. "Okay buddy, time to get to know each other. I'm Blaze. This- I gestured to Shred's Dino Medal- Is Shred, an Alxas." Spark growled to confirm it. "So…. What to do now? Want to go test your skills against some rogue vivos in Paradise Beach? Spark growled happily. "Okay, since you don't have a Dino Medal, you can ride with me in the back. Sound good?" He growled, and ran off to the garage. I quickly followed suit.