The Patron Quadrilogy: The Legend Begins

Chapter 14

Sunday, October 15th, 10:15 a.m. 2018
Brimstone Pub
Brendan walked down the stairs into the pub's bar, stretching after a long night on the roof. May had passed out on the way to the pub after they returned the Lab's truck. So, deciding not to disturb her, Brendan had slept on the roof of the Pub, which he accessed through the fire escape, with a little bit of parkour being necessary as well.
"Morning Brendan," Wally greeted him. "How's she doing?"
"Hey, Wally. As for May.... well, she's still unconscious," Brendan replied. "She really does need to learn how to conserve her energy. She almost exceeded her limit."
"Hopefully, she'll wake up either by tonight, or tomorrow."
"She'll be fine, Brendan. Don't worry. Remember, she did survive fighting Kyogre. She's resilient."
"I know," he said. "Anyways, why are you standing behind the bar? The Pub's closed on Saturdays and Sundays."
"Ha. I was actually going to head to the local nerd store- RollPlay and Comics. You want to come along?"
"Sure," Brendan replied. "I haven't been there in ages. Giri and Damian can watch the place while we're gone."
Sunday, October 15th, 10:20 a.m. 2018
Outside Brimstone Pub
Brendan and Wally were walking on Main Street.
"It's been quite a while since we both walked anywhere, right?" Wally asked.
"Yeah, feels like forever," Brendan agreed. "We just never had the time. Between the Pub and training, we've all been too busy or tired to really hang out."
"Yeah. Sometimes I wish that there were more hours in the day. Then we all could just hang out like we used to."
"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" Brendan laughed. "It sucks that time seems to keep flying by faster as you grow up."
"Yeah...." Wally sighed.
"But, enough about that," Brendan said. "How's Zinnia been? I haven't seen her in forever."
"She's been fine, but life has been preventing us from going out again. Whenever the Pub's closed, she's working at the Devon Corporation location here in Littleroot." Two years ago, the Devon Corporation had expanded their business, and now owned several locations in Hoenn. Littleroot was the first town they expanded to. "And sometimes she's on the other side of Hoenn."
"I'm surprised that she's still working for them, considering how much she hates the Devon Corporation."
"She told me she wants to get enough dirt on them so that she can bring them down. There's been some nasty rumors that the Corporation's new president has committed numerous crimes. From tax evasion to shakedowns."
"We'll deal with the Devon Corporation in due time, should Zinnia actually prove the rumors true."
"Yeah. But I'm worried about her. If the Devon Corporation finds out what she's doing..."
"She'll be fine," Brendan reassured him. "I know she can handle herself. Don't forget, you and me fought with her before, and she's even managed to hold her own against April. Pretty impressive, for someone who isn't a Patron or a Lieutenant. Speaking of, didn't she say she wanted to become a Lieutenant?"
"I recall you dismissing the idea," Wally reminded him. "You said she enjoyed traveling too much."
"I did, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that it would be a shame if someone with her skill didn't become a Lieutenant. And it would be useful having a Lieutenant who is almost always out in the field."
"True, but I do hope that one day she'll finally settle down here in Littleroot."
"You intend to propose to her, don't you?"
"Not yet, no. We haven't seen each other in so long. But if I could have time with her, then I would propose in a few months."
"Tell you what," Brendan said. "Find out when she has off next. And then you can have that day off. The Pub could use some renovations, anyways. Probably a new sign and some new light fixtures. The ones we have don't fit the style of the pub."
"I've gotten a few complaints about the lights kinda standing out. They're too fancy and modern for the Pub's look. So, yeah, let's do it."
"So it's settled. While the Pub gets renovated, you can have some time with your girlfriend. And if she wants to become a Lieutenant for Team Brimstone, tell her she's in."
"You'd really do all this for me?"
"Yeah, it's the least I can do for one of my childhood friends. And, not to mention, you're my most trusted Lieutenant, Wally. The rest of the Team looks up to you as well. You deserve a break, mate, and some time with Zinnia."
"Thanks, Brendan," he replied. "But speaking of girlfriends, what are you going to do about Harley, since he's going after May?"
"Well, first, Steven, April, and I all agree that we need to summon an emergency meeting. So, once they've contacted the Patrons of Reshiram, Zekrom, Dialga, and Palkia, I'll contact the Red and Green. Then they contact the rest, and the meeting will be held. Hopefully, by tomorrow, we'll be ordered to head to the Tree of Beginning."
"And what then?"
"Well, once that's happened, there's something serious to discuss. We'll have to discuss whether or not to investigate Harley, and, if need be, whether or not we go to war."
"Do you think that it'll go that far? Surely Red and Green could handle him."
"They might, but he's going to have allies. Extremist factions have been cropping up amongst the Patrons. Most of them would agree with Harley killing Patrons. That's something they've been wanting for a long time."
"So, this could turn into an all out war amongst Patrons?" Wally asked. "What would happen then?"
"Well, then killing would be inevitable. If the Patrons finally descend into total war, Arceus help us. Teams would be completely wiped out. Legends might even awaken and fight each other. Ultimately, it would result in the deaths of tens of millions of people, and perhaps even more than that would die."
"Well, that storm's been brewing for ages now," Wally remarked. "And you're saying it could let loose in the near future?"
"Yeah," Brendan said, looking to the sky. "And when it does, nothing will ever be the same again for the Patron Order. And, if the worst does happen, the Order might completely collapse, and Patrons would go extinct. There'd be none of us left. And none of our Lieutenants would survive, either."
"That's a pretty grim outlook, Brendan," Wally said.
"But, it's realistic. There is a very real possibility that Brimstone will be wiped out. I'll give my life to defend Team Brimstone."
They walked on in silence for a few minutes.
"Hey, I know it probably isn't the best time to ask," Wally said, breaking the silence. "But who did you name your successor, in the event of-"
"In the event of my death?" Brendan finished. "Well, I've been thinking about that. I would've chosen you, but I know that you never really saw yourself as a leader. Rather, you see yourself as the trusted advisor. Giri and Damian are out; they butt heads way too much if the mood takes them. Nathan and Marilyn are also out, because they're inseparable."
"So, does that mean that you chose her?"
"Yes," Brendan said, looking at him. "Claire will be the next Patron of Groudon after me. But, don't worry. I don't plan on dying anytime soon."
"Do you think she'd be able to adjust to such a position?"
"Well, hopefully it doesn't happen anytime soon," Brendan said. "But, she should receive the required training in the meantime. She's got the intelligence to do the job, and she'll have you guys to help her. Anyways, let's get to the store, and see what's in stock. I wouldn't mind getting some more dice, and perhaps even some more comics and manga."
"What's that manga Claire loves reading, again?"
"Black Butler, I believe."
"Got it. How much are you planning on spending?"
"I have three hundred pokédollars."
"Alright then."
Sunday, October 15th, 12:05 p.m., 2018
Just exiting RollPlay and Comics
Wally and Brendan finished paying the cashier, and quickly sat on a bench outside. Brendan bought some new dice, three new comics, and some mangas. He bought three new Black Butler mangas for Claire, and he also got her some dice, as she'd expressed an interest in playing some Legends and Tales (basically, DND) earlier in the week. He'd also gotten her various books about the game. Wally had gotten some new manga and comics, but he also got some new figurines for their game.
"Alright, let's head back. I imagine that-" the sound of his phone ringing interupted Brendan. "That's probably Steven. Mind taking-"
"I'll take the bags to Brimstone, don't worry. You go and talk to Red and Green. Who knows? Blue and Yellow might even be there as well."
"Alright. Thanks, Wally. After that, call Zinnia, got it?"
"I will, don't worry. And thanks for the time off, Brendan. But I'll be at the meeting, as I'm your second in command."
"Don't mention it. And thank you, my friend. Now I have to answer this," he answered his phone. "Yeah, yeah I'm heading for Mt. Silver now." He listened for a few seconds. "Right. Good. So word is spreading through the Kalos, Unova, and Sinnoh regions. And I presume April has started spreading the word throughout the rest of Hoenn? Alright. Once I notify Red and Green, the Patrons in Kanto, Johto, and the Orange Islands will know of the meeting. It shouldn't take long for word to spread. By tomorrow evening, we should be able to hold the meeting at the Tree. I presume that our second-in-commands will be required to attend? And are we to bring one other guest? Alright. I'll bring Claire and Wally. May will probably go solo, as she hasn't been recognized by the Patron Order yet. And Ash is a VIP, isn't he? Being an Aura Guardian and all. Alright. I'll go get them. And then I'll head for Mt. Silver. And, luck permitting, we'll be able to hold the meeting at eight or nine p.m. Thanks for letting me know, Stone. And yeah, it kinda hurt saying thanks. Knew you'd ask." Then he hung up.
"Alright, time to go get Claire, Wally, and May. We'll need to go to Mt. Silver. Heh, it'll be Claire's first time there. May's too. Alright, time to head back."