Summer couldn't believe the day was actually here.
If three years ago, someone told her that school years would go by in the blink of an eye, she wouldn't have believed them. Though now that it was graduation day, she felt as if it was just yesterday that she was new to the school.
That morning she was given a paper that told what ranger base she would be sent to. Summer was excited to find that she would be headed to Pueltown. However, upon finding that only Ben would be headed there with her, Summer was also sad. Alexis and Casey would be sent to different bases in the Fiore region.
The four friends promised each other that they would all become the top of their jobs, so that they would all be together at the Ranger Union.
Summer was getting ready for graduation, pulling her hair into a bun before leaving to find Alexis. She found her on her bed, going over her valedictorian speech one last time.
"Lexi, calm down. You'll do just fine." Her red-headed friend smiled to her. "I know... It's just, you know how I am. I don't do very well under pressure."
Summer laughed. "Trust me, I'm well aware. Remember that time we were doing a review game in class? It was the last question, and whether out team would win or not was riding on you."
"Yeah, I remember that. I also remember that I puked, and had to be taken to the nurse's office." Alexis sighed. "You really think I'll be okay?" Summer gave her a genuine smile. "I've read your speech. I don't think anyone in the grade could've written a better one."
The soon-to-be mechanic smiled. "Thanks, Sum. Okay, I think I should get ready now." She said, hopping off the bed and heading towards the bathroom.
An hour later, all the students and visitors were seated and waiting for the ceremony to start. There were also a few first and second years here and there. Among the visitors were Ben's mother, Alexis' parents, and Casey's older sister. Lunick and Solona had also come to see Summer graduate.
Principal Lamont took the stage, clearing his throat to grab the audience's attention. "Welcome to this years graduation, everyone. I think I speak for all the school'd faculty when I say we are so sad to see the student's we've gotten to know and love so much leave us, yet at the same same time we are excited to see what they will accomplish as rangers, operators and mechanics.
"I'd like to ask Miss Alexis Rin, this year's valedictorian to take the stage." The audience clapped loudly as the young girl walked nervously on stage. She took a deep breath before beginning her speech. "Fellow graduates, I'm sure like me you're sad to be leaving the place you've called home for three long but fun years. However, instead of feeling sad about it, I implore you to look towards the future. There are so many wonderful people who came from this school, who've changed this world for the better."
Alexis' voice grew more confident as she continued to speak. "Kate, Keith, Rythmi, Issac, Barlow, Crawford, Spenser, and Elita, just to name a few. I personally think that everyone graduating out of this school today has the potential to be like one of these great leaders, and I can't wait to see how we as a class can change the world. Thank you."
The crowd roared as she walked off the stage. Summer smiled proudly at her friend as she sat back down. "Thank you for that, Alexis. Now if I may, I'd like to welcome this year's class rep to up, Miss Summer Minami." Summer's eyes widened in surprise, before feeling herself being push upward by Ben and Casey. She walked onto the stage as if in a trance. When she was up, Summer looked to the audience and saw Lunick and Solona smiling proudly at her.
She also saw something that unnerved her. The boy dressed in all black. The one she couldn't see any features of. The one she had seen every year at graduation. The one that was staring directly at her. Summer began to feel sick. The only time he had ever stared at her was when he caught her stating at him.
"Miss Minami?" Summer snapped back into reality as Principal Lamont called her name. She looked at the looks of her concerned friends before smiling nervously. "Here is your certificate Miss Minami, congratulations." Summer took the paper, and nodded to him before slowly leaving the stage. She saw the boy stand up and leave.
"You okay, Sum? You look sick." Ben asked concerned when the girl sat back down. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
The rest of the ceremony passed by quickly, and before anyone knew it it was time for the graduates to ship out. "Arceus, Lexi, I'm going to miss you so much..." Summer hugged her friend, letting a few tears slip. "I know, Sum. But don't forget our promise. Okay?" The brunette nodded before turning to Casey. "You. You don't be too much of an idiot, okay?"
The blonde rolled his eyes. "Long as you don't, Dummy." She laughed before turning to Ben who was saying his goodbyes to Alexis and his mom. The ranger walked over to Summer. "You ready to go?" She nodded and the two headed to Vientown.
As soon as they entered the small town, Ben was attacked by a large bird. "Tori!" He cried happily, hugging the staravia. "Tori?" His friend questioned. "Yeah! I came up with it last time I was here. Like it?" Summer laughed. "Sure, Ben. It's great."
"Hey! I have an idea! Tori, think you can fly Summer and I to Pueltown? It's our new base." The bird squawked in approval, and allowed the two rangers to climb on. "Hold on tight, Sum." The girl nodded, as the bird took off into the sky. They both grinned as they headed to their new home.
Disclaimer: I don't own pokemon, nor do I own any of its characters.
A/N: Okay, I decided to send Summer and Ben to the same base to build their relationship a bit more for what happens later on. Like I previously stated, I won't be writing about Casey or Alexis since their not at the same base. Sorry if you liked them, they'll be back soon. Like I said before, they'll have 2-4 chapters of just regular ranger stuff before heading to Oblivia. Okay I'm done "talking" now. Bye.