The Patron Quadrilogy: The Legend Begins

Chapter 25

Monday, October 16th, 1:36 p.m., 2018
Tree of Beginning
Brendan had calmed down, and led the others away from the other Patrons scattered in and around the Tree of Beginning.
"Sorry about that whole... incident, guys," he began.
"Save it," Red assured him. "Bogdan was asking for trouble. But, you didn't just want to try to apologize to us, did you?"
"Yeah, there is another thing. You guys heard what they said, right? Bogdan and his hoard are planning something. Why else would they try to instigate us? I'm convinced that they're going to do something tonight."
"Well, Bogdan's actions certainly warrant that we exercise caution and keep an eye on them throughout the entire meeting," Red agreed. "And, they've indeed caused trouble within the Order in the past. But do you really think they'd be brazen enough to actually start something here, on ground that is sacred to the Legendaries?"
"I can't say for certain, but I'd say that we should be ready just in case."
"Perhaps I could shed some light on what he's planning?" A young voice spoke from behind them. Everyone in the group either turned around or looked up to see a young boy who couldn't have been more than thirteen years old. He was wearing a filthy, tattered shirt, and had ragged sweatpants on. He was a fairly dirty kid, and Brendan recognized him as the kid who he was walking off with Bogdan and his supporters.
"What are you doing here, kid?" Brendan growled.
"Uh, um.... I wanted to tell you that Bogdan is planning something," the boy said. "My name is Jack Matsu. I was a street urchin before Bogdan took me in."
"So you're here to rat out the man who took you in?" Brendan asked, suspicious.
"Yes. Because ever since then I wish I would've been left on the street. All he and his Team do is bully me, make me do all of the hard work, and they punish me for even the slightest mistake. I doubt that they even trust me, I had to slip away while they were still busy setting up for tonight's plan."
"Aren't you afraid of being caught?" May asked, concerned.
"Pfft, what else can they possibly do to me?" Jack retorted, before sighing. "Sorry. I didn't mean it. I know the risks of what I'm doing, but I can't sit idly by anymore. And, fortunately for me, they're extremely dumb."
"And what is it that they're planning?" Red asked the boy, opening his bag and handing the kid some chocolate.
"Well, first I want to say that I only know about this because I was eavesdropping. I've been trying to figure out a way to finally be free of Bogdan, his Lieutenants, and the Patrons that agree with him. So, while I was cleaning the factory they converted into a base, I was listening in on them. Apparently Bogdan was talking with his lackeys about a job that they were given. They're going to attempt to gather as much support as they can tonight, and then then they'll attack the people who don't join them. They'll try to kill you, Brendan. And they want to kidnap you, May. I don't know who gave them the job, but those were the orders he gave."
"Oh, don't worry, Jack," Brendan said, clenching his fists. "Most of us can already guess who's behind it." April, Steven, May, and a few others nodded solemnly.
"Who?" Jack asked, at the exact same time as Gail, who was concerned.
"Harley, the Patron of Darkrai," Brendan said, looking at Gail. "He hates May for no discernible reason, and he wants to kill her."
"But we don't have any definitive proof that he's behind it... yet," Steven pointed out. "But, I agree. I don't know of any other Patron strong enough to make a wretch like Bogdan and his Team bold enough to openly instigate a fight here. Something like that hasn't happened since the Patron Order was founded."
"In any case," Red interjected. "If there's going to be an attack, then we'll need to know exactly what we're up against. Jack, do you know how many people Bogdan has, and where they are?"
"Well, from the sound of it, I believe he's pulling all of his resources here. All of his Lieutenants will be here, and from what I gather he'll have them bring their forces as well. As for where his Lieutenants will be stationed, I'm unsure. But, logically, they'll likely be positioned at, or near, the entrance. But he's likely already sent some of them into the Tree, and once the meeting ends, they'll spring."
"And what about the other Patrons in his little Faction?" Red pressed, trying to get as much information as possible.
"I'd imagine they'll likely have the exact same strategy, but they might position their groups farther out. They might try to hide in the ruins between here and that town that was built around Cameran Palace. I think it's called Rota."
"So, they'll have all the Patrons that side with them outnumbered," May said.  "That's not good."
"Well, if it helps, quite a few of the forces that Bogdan's Lieutenants control hate them. They'll likely turn on Bogdan and the others, if it becomes obvious that they'll lose the fight. They know that normal people like them can't take on a Patron, no matter how many there are."
"They're a distraction," Brendan guessed. "They're job is to keep the Patrons and their Lieutenants busy while Bogdan, his Patron buddies, and their Lieutenants strike them down while they're preoccupied."
"Honestly, they've got a decent strategy and advantage," Green said. "Even though we can take those normal forces without hassle, if they begin teaming up on us while we're fighting them, then we stand no chance."
"A plan this well made couldn't be from Bogdan or his group," Blue complained. Simple as that. That idiot would rather charge without a strategy."
"Maybe it's a plan that their contact gave them," Yellow suggested.
"Well, whatever the case, we need to spread the word. Everyone head off and spread the word to other Patrons," Red told them, gesturing for Brendan to mark the grass they were standing on. "Meet up here after you're done, but stay away from Bogdan and his allies. Brendan, May, Claire, and Wally, stay here. Try to send word to Cameran Palace, and tell them what's going to happen."
"Do they know about Patrons or the Order?" Brendan asked.
"Of course," Red replied. "They were where the Aura Guardians, and later the Patron Order were formed. Not to mention, they protect this Tree as well. Ask for assistance and tell them to move in once you give the signal. Use Skar to deliver the message. She's the fastest Flying-type in existence, and she's our best chance of getting that message to the Palace. With any luck, they'll send guards to break up Bogdan's forces around the Tree and we'll be able to get out of this alive."
"Got it," he said, quickly grabbing some paper and a pencil from his backpack, and began writing the letter.
"The rest of you," Red continued. "Spread the word."
"If I can add to that quickly," Brendan said, looking up. "May, don't go alone. Jack said that they were also trying to kidnap you. So go with a group."
He looked at the boy and girl who were standing with the group. The boy had wild, spiky brown hair and prismatic, sapphire blue eyes. Blue barrettes were in his hair. He had three faint clawmarks on his cheek and was dressed in a blue short-sleeved hoodie, with black pants and black white-laced shoes. A feather shaped amulet hung around his neck. The girl had black hair in a ponytail, and red eyes. She was wearing a black croptop with a white collar, and a short skirt with ripped jean shorts on underneath. A cherry blossom hair clip encrusted with rubies was visible on the left side of her head, pushing her leftmost bang away from her eye. They both appeared to be fifteen years old.
"Oh, I should introduce you both," Brendan said, clearing his throat. "Everyone, this is Owen Kai and Raina Zephyr. The Patrons of Ho-Oh and Lugia, respectively."
Once everyone had been introduced, Brendan continued.
"Owen, Raina, can you both watch over May? And April, can you join them for some added security?"
"Of course," April nodded, going over to stand with the trio.
"Alright. Then let's get to work. We have roughly thirty minutes before the meeting starts."
Monday, October 16th, 2:00 p.m., 2018
Tree of Beginning
As everyone went to spread the word of Bogdan's plan, Brendan quickly read over the letter Red wanted him to write:

Your Highness, Lady Ilene,

My name is Brendan Birch, the Patron of Groudon.
I hope this letter finds you swiftly and in good health, for much is at stake on this night.
Tonight an emergency meeting has been called by the Patron Order, so we have congregated at the Tree of Beginning.
However, while there is supposed to be no conflict at the Tree, I have received information from a boy who risked his personal well-being for the sake of everyone at the Tree.
His name is Jack Matsu, and he a Lieutenant of Bogdan Elliott, the Patron of
He has disclosed to us that Bogdan and his supporters intend to ambush and murder the Patrons that are attending this meeting. He ordered his Lieutenants to muster the thugs that answer to them for this attack. We will be outnumbered, and despite our abilities, I fear we won't be able to fend off the entire assault alone.
I questioned Jack Matsu about why he'd betray his Patron, and he went on to explain that Mr. Elliott is rather abusive towards him, and the rest of the Team follows his example. Jack is a brave boy, and from what we've heard from him, the amount of detail to this attack makes us feel that the threat is extremely genuine.
Which brings me to the point of this letter, a humble and desperate plea for assistance. We can handle Bogdan, his Lieutenants, and any other treacherous Patrons that would prefer to side with him. But we need assistance. His forces could be surrounding the Tree as we speak, if they haven't already.
Should you be willing to grant your assistance, then I have a single request. Please order your forces to wait until they see a gout of fire shoot from the tree into the sky.
My reason for this request is because this Meeting is vital, for there are dark forces that threaten us all. This Meeting was called by my friends and I to discuss a course of action. Which makes it all the worse that a cruel man should hope to use this as a trap.
Regardless of the answer of the Order, my Team, my Patron allies, and I, will fight.

Thank you for your consideration,
Brendan Birch, the Patron of Groudon.

Satisfied with the note, Brendan carefully folded it and quickly made his way to a secluded area, and he brought out Skar.
"Here, girl," Brendan said, handing the Armor Bird the note. "Take this to that City that's nearby. There's going to be a Palace there. This note must be delivered there and as quickly as possible, alright? Fly fast, and don't stop for anything." The Armor Bird nodded, her eyes reflecting a bit of concern.
"Don't worry, Skar, we'll be alright. Just focus on getting that letter to the Palace in the city nearby, alright? And don't lose that note. After that, lay low, and wait for me to fire a fireball into the sky before returning." Skar nodded, determined to complete her task. Brendan rubber her beak one last time before she launched into the air, carrying the note in her talons. Brendan knew she'd complete the task he'd given her. As he watched her fly off, he heard the other approaching.
"Now.... Time for the meeting."
To be continued....
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