Chapter 96

Chapter 96

A/N: Finally I managed to get the chapter into at least presentable form. Also yes, that's a watchmen reference there I've mangled, for those with keen eyes. I hope it's not too bad.

-----------

Neleh found herself standing in the same calming space shed visited a couple of times before. She knew her real body was currently sleeping back in Nexus, and that only her mind was currently here. She also knew it wasnt a dream because of her earlier experiences with the place. She had some good as well as some bad memories of this place. Currently the space was showing a scene of a moonlit park, while she was sitting inside a white and ornamental gazeebo, but she knew the scene could be anything Elune wanted it to be. This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Welcome back. The goddess said with a smile that hid some complex emotions Neleh couldnt quite discern.

Id say it is good to be back, but that still remains to be seen. It is good to see you again though. Neleh replied with a soft smile of her own, while looking at the goddess.

Im assuming you know why I brought you here? Elune asked.

Well two possibilities come to mind, though Im not sure if you managed both on such a short notice. The safe guess would be that it is easier for Satai to come here to meet me. She replied.

That is indeed correct. He is not happy about what has been happening to you either, so he is taking an unusual interest in this. He also feels grateful that you managed to save some of the dragons that were about to die after the battle with the lost-deity. Just be aware that hes rather grumpy about so many dragons dying. Elune advised, before giving some sort of silent signal with closed eyes.

Neleh sensed another powerful presence before she saw shimmers coalescing into a humanoid form. This was the first time she got a good look at Satai, and the most obvious words that came to her mind were impressive and refined. He had chosen to take a form that looked like a saurian. He was impressively built with black scales and was dressed in what looked like the dark clothes of a nobleman, but carried himself and moved like a warrior. Neleh was slightly surprised that he had not taken the form of a dragon, but that wouldve most likely been unwieldy in the circumstances.

Neleh. The saurian form god said gruffly, showing an impressive row of sharp teeth.

Satai. Neleh replied calmly.

You wanted to speak to me, so speak. I have an idea what you want to discuss, but I want to hear it in your own words. He prompted giving a small hand gesture for emphasis.

Neleh considered her words carefully. I think we can all agree that so far Ive done my job to fight off those that would invade this world. Both of the deities nodded in response. However, as thanks, some of the gods of this world are seeking to do me harm. This I cannot abide by. I think I have been fairly tolerant of the actions of the deities of this world, but Im running out of good will. Soon Im going to reach a point where I might decide that this world is no longer worth saving.

What exactly are you saying? Satai asked with a fairly non-committal voice.

Well, as it happens, I have a good reason to believe that the Enemy is coming to this world in person. As things currently stand, Khali and I are the only ones that can stand in the way of that, but Im not sure if I care enough to do so any longer. I am also perfectly capable of taking those dear to me off this world and avoiding the Enemy. Neleh bluntly made her threat and leverage clear.

I doubt you are the type of person to leave all these people to their deaths. Satai replied calmly.

You obviously dont know me as well as you think. I dont mind helping people when I am able to and it doesnt inconvenience me too much, but I am not a self-sacrificing hero. I have left plenty of people to their deaths and caused the deaths of many more. I can do so again, given enough reason. Neleh countered.

There is one person you care about that you cant take along with you. Satai said in a bland voice, as if reading from a script, and pointed at Elune who blushed a little.

Funny you should mention that. Most of the people that I care about already have faith in Elune. So while the other gods would be rather boned if this world was lost, she would have enough faith to keep her status. She wouldnt be the most powerful of goddesses, but that is something that could be fixed, and would also allow her to wander between worlds. There are other wandering deities. If I really wanted to, I could convert entire worlds to become her servants. Neleh once again countered.

Your help in putting things back on the correct track. What just happened already goes a long way, but there are a few other things that need to happen. Elune said blushing even harder.

Ok, your reaction is getting me even more curious. What exactly does he need? Her frustration was being replaced by curiosity as she watched the blushing goddess.

There are a few policies and order that you need to give, but more important than that, he needs a repeat favor from before. Elune voice was failing her.

Repeat of what exactly? She asked, getting a hunch where this was going.

A repeat of what happened with Khali. With me again. The goddess was now red all over, embarrassed beyond belief, hoping that she didnt need to specify further.

Neleh considered teasing the goddess a bit, but finally decided against it. Alright, Im fine with that. However, I would like to know the reason for it.

Im sorry. I was specifically instructed not to say. In fact, I dont even know myself. Elune replied apologetically.

Neleh considered that for a while, trying to figure what Fate might be up to, but couldnt really come with an answer. Alright, Im willing. I do need that answer first though. I simply do not trust Fate to keep his word otherwise. He has too big of a bone to pick with me.

Elune sighed in relief. He knew youd say that. Elune closed her eyes again. Suddenly she opened them and the aura around her had completely changed. Even the color of her eyes was different; though it would be more fair to say that her eyes had turned entirely pitch black. Neleh knew this was no longer the goddess in front of her. ASK YOUR QUESTION THEN. The voice was definitely not Elunes, and seemed to be coming from a deep abyss.

Is it resentment? Neleh asked, knowing that Fate would know what she was really asking.

AMONG A FEW OTHERS, LIKE ANGER AND JEALOUSY, BUT RESENTMENT IS THE CORE. NOW DO YOUR PART. The presence disappeared, leaving Elune looking a little confused.

What was that about resentment? The goddess asked finally after getting hear bearings back.

Neleh considered for a moment if she should answer, but finally decided that there wasnt a real reason not to. For a long time Ive been trying to figure out the real nature of the Enemy and the force that drives him. I have a theory, but I needed confirmation because that will have a huge effect on how we might fight him. I just got that confirmation.

And the driving force behind the Enemy is resentment? Elune asked still confused as Nelehs explanation had not been enough.

Neleh gave a small smile in reply. Among other things like anger and jealousy. I think the Enemy was the first of what we call lost-deities. Its likely that he used to be a god that embodied negative emotions, resentment chief among them. Then something happened to his world, thus creating a god without a home or followers. Before him, there were no lost-deities. He most likely became the first, by traveling to worlds filled with negative emotions that he drew his power from. Resentment is something that is found on every world. Eventually his reach covered multiple worlds and he became what is now known as the Enemy.

Every time he comes back he becomes stronger, as the resentment of the worlds he has taken over or destroyed supply him with even more power. Eventually he grew strong enough to pull others to him. Other gods that had lost their power and were also filled with resentment due to their loss. They conquer other worlds to empower their master which makes them stronger and allows them to vent their resentment. Neleh explained her theory.

But he keeps coming back no matter how often he is defeated. Youve defeated lost-deities and they arent coming back, are they? So how is he coming back? Elune asked.

He keeps coming back, because those that can defeat him are also those that hold the greatest resentment against him. A powerful individual like that with a strong well of negative feelings is the best possible source of power for him. Even as he is defeated, it only makes him stronger. There is also another reason, but Ill keep that to myself for now. I need to think of a plan first. Neleh said, already starting to make plans.

Thats all good and fine, but you still need to fulfill your half of the bargain you made with Fate. Elune whispered in a slightly husky voice, while drawing closer.