Hikari slipped past the woman at the service counter and into the elevator. She rode it up to the captain's office. Most people at the HQ knew her, but she never got over her habit of slipping around.
When she got to Stryker's office no one was there yet, besides the captain. He smiled in greeting. "Hello Hikari. You're early." He chuckled. "I'm not surprised. So, are you excited? You're old enough to be a warden, you've wanted that since I took you in."
Hikari smiled. "Yeah… I hope the other candidates don't mind that you already know me. People already have accused me of being favored…" She sighed, not meeting Stryker's eyes.
The Captain shook his head. "See, that's why from here on out- well, either it depends purely on your skills, or it is not me who is in charge of judging how well you all do. It's up to the Fossil Park Asia leader. You already know Ren, right?"
Hilari nodded. "I met him… two or three years ago? I mean… You mainly keep me away from everyone in power here. You wanted me to be able to have a normal life?"
"Yes. Though here you are, following in my footsteps anyway!" Stryker smiled, holding back laughter. "I'm proud of you kid. It's good on you for trying to help the world." He patted her head. "I think I'll wait for the other recruits to show up before I introduce myself." He smiled and headed down the elevator, most likely to Ren's room to tell the branch leader to prepare the practice bone buggies.
A girl with blonde hair in pigtails came in. She smiled. "Hiya!" She looked around. "Wow! I'm the second one here? The captain isn't even here yet!" She offered a hand to Hikari. "I'm Penny! I'm from America, but happy to help wherever! Nice to meet you!"
Hikari nodded. "'M Hikari…" She mumbled.
"Kari? Neat name!"
"N-no uh…" Hikari shook her head. "Hikari. But I mean… Call me whatever. I don't mind." Her voice was calmer, steady. Not as quiet.
"Alright. Can I call you Kari?" At the docile girl's nod Penny grinned. "Alright Kari! Happy to work with you!"
More kids started coming in. A large kid with a green hoodie, a redhead with what looked like racing gear, a harsh boy with purple hair, a bookish kid with dark blue hair and glasses, an older boy with a cowboy hat and an australian accent, and finally a dopey boy with pink hair. They all had their own weird mannerisms, but that's normal, people aren't all the same after all.
The elevator chimed, and everyone turned to see Stryker come through. Hikari chuckled to herself at their reactions of awe and wonder. That was how most people reacted to him. He was a hero, or whatever.
"Welcome everyone. As you know I am Stryker, the Captain and leader of the Wardens. Everyone here is excited to have you join us. You all did very well on your preliminary test, but now you have to prove you can learn what is truly necessary to be a Warden. That being, using bone buggies, excavating fossils, and being able to fight to protect civilians." Stryker nodded.
"First up, bone buggies. You will find a man down by the garage. His name is Liu Ren, and he is in charge of teaching you how to work a bone buggy if you don't already know how, and testing your skills in one. Do take time to get acquainted with each other first though, he can only take one of you at a time anyways." He smiled. "And do take care. We're glad to have you. You're dismissed whenever you want to leave."
The purple haired boy, Leon, was the first to go, practically shoving past Hikari to get to the elevator. She flinched away, pulling her arms to her chest defensively. He glanced back as the elevator shut, shrugging.
"Geez, what's his problem?" The pink haired boy, Nate, looked rather offended at how Leon just stormed out. "You good there- Uh, Hikari right?"
Hikari looked over to Nate when he said her name. "H-hm? I'm… Yeah I'm okay. Yes. Hikari." She shrugged. "Leon just… surprised me is all." She slowly relaxed. She glanced over at Stryker, knowing that he would be worried. He met her eyes, and she nodded. "I'm fine," she looked back at Nate, "I'm pretty jumpy is all."
Dahlia, the redhead in racing gear, shook her head. "Ok that's enough waiting I have to get to a bone buggy! It's time to ride! I have a need for speed and you guys can't stop me!" She ran out, grinning. "See ya slowpokes!"
Hikari watched, mainly observing as the remaining candidates talked among themselves. Slowly they all left, leaving Hikari alone with Stryker once more.
"So, what do you think? I always forget how wild new recruits often are. What do you think of them?"
Hikari smiled weakly. "It's… a lot. I mean… they're all cool! Just… They have a big presence when I'm used to being small. I think… I mean I think they all have their own pains and problems but they seem like nice people… though that Leon kid is very harsh…" She shrugged.
Stryker nodded. "Well, you should head out soon. I'm sure Ren will be done with testing everyone soon. You don't want to make us all wait do you?"
"N-No! S-sorry. I'll go."
Stryker chuckled. "Don't worry about it. I'm just messing with you, Hikari. Loosen up. Enjoy yourself, okay?"
Hikari nodded. "A-alright." She smiled. "S-see you later, I guess." She headed into the elevator, going down to the first floor.