I kinda ship Summer with Aiden more than I do with Ben lol. Whoops.
"What the hell is going on here?" Ben growls, storming towards the both of us. The rabid look in his eyes rivals that of even my father. A cold shiver runs down my spine just from the thought of him.
On instinct, I move in front of Aiden, feeling comforted by his presence. Yet, before I can say anything, he is speaking up. "Listen, kid. We don't have time for your little games and bickering. My partner and I have an important mission to get to and we don't need you interfering. So if you could run along and get out of our hair, that'd be great." Before Aiden can tug me along, Ben reaches out and latches onto my arm.
"Your partner? Summer has been with me longer than you've even known her." Ben yanks me out of Aiden's grasp. "Let's go, Summer. We have to complete this mission."
I have no time to object before Aiden pulls me out of Ben's grasp. "You just barely graduated ranger school. You think because you skipped ranks and got promoted to Top Ranger right out of school that that makes you an expert? I have seven years of experience under my belt. You're a Top Ranger? Well I'm a Special Agent. My Top Ranger ranking is light years above yours. They made a special category of Top Rangers jut so they could promote me to a higher standing. Now go find your babysitter."
Ben growls, his eyes going rabid as if he were contemplating attacking Aiden. "Listen here, you piece of-"
"Both of you stop!" I shout angrily. "I'm not a piece of meat that you two animals can fight over! This is my brother. He tried to kill me and everyone I loved. I don't care what your stupid ranks are. Nothing is going to stop me from ending him. So you two figure it out and let me know when you're done comparing dick sizes." I spit in disgust over their petty bickering.
"Hey, Summer! Erma wants to talk to you." Kate calls from down the hall.
I nod my head and turn towards her. Before I walk away, I glance between the two boys who I've grown to love in different ways. "You know where I'll be." Neither of them utter a word as I stalk down the hallway towards Kate.
We make eye contact for only a split second, yet I'm able to see the fear and uncertainty she feels towards me spiraling around in her irises. I brush past her, a tired sigh slipping past my lips. Everything will be okay once I stop Felix. Everything will be okay.
"So how is this going to play out? Are they going to arrest me when I finish this mission?" Another sigh falls past my lips as I rub the space between my eyes. A splitting headache has over come me.
Erma purses her lips, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. "You know Aiden would never allow that. We wouldn't either. Summer, you are one of our best rangers. Without even being an official ranger, you risked your life to save all of us in the school and unions all around the world. Honestly, you and Aiden deserve an award."
"I don't need an award. I need to capture Felix. He and my father tried to destroy my life." I say desperately. Erma sighs and nods her head.
"I understand. Here is your updated styler. If you need anything, Summer, anything at all, you contact either me or Professor Hastings and we will make it happen. The best of luck to you, my dear." I take the styler and give her a forced smile. Without another word, I head towards the aviation wing where the flying type Pokemon are held.
Combusken stands by the door, waiting patiently for me. I smile sadly at her and kneel down to her level. "Hey, buddy." She is definitely not going to like what I have to tell her. "Listen, I know that you have been by my side this entire time and have helped me through it all. I also know it was you who led Ben to me, and I just want you to know how thankful I am to have you as my best friend. But you can't come with me. I can't put you in danger. You'll have to stay here and help Kate and Keith be on the lookout for Team Explosion."
"Busken!" She protests.
"Please, Combusken. I need you to do this for me. I'm really stressed out and I need to know you'll be safe. Please?" I beg, gently petting her head. She sighs and lowers her head, nodding in defeat. "Go find Kate. I'll find you when this is over."
She sulks away down the hall. I step into the room to find both Ben and Aiden inside. "Well, did you two figure everything out?"
They look between one another before both of them scoff. "The kid wouldn't let up so he is coming with us. It's the only compromise that we can come up with. We'll both help you stop your brother. After that is taken care of, then we will worry about our personal problems." Aiden says, arms crossed.
I nod slowly, surprised Ben has nothing to say. Walking over to a Salamence's stall, I slowly reach out and stroke its neck, befriending it easily. "Alright they guys. Let's go."