Chapter 102

Chapter 102

A/N: Much-much talky-talky in this chapter. Maybe too much. At least it's on a proper subject. I hope you enjoy!

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Good job. Shiori told Neleh, who was cracking her neck to release the tension.

Thank you, though Im glad Im finally free from all that. Neleh replied with a small sigh of contentment.

She had just given a speech that was relayed to the other elven cities. In her speech, she had highlighted that although the threat was not over; the people of her empire had done a great job and should be proud. She had highlighted how they had helped the other races deal with the threat and how they had in effect saved the world. It had been uplifting and pandered exactly to the feelings of her people, while also making sure to point out that they should not rest on their laurels just yet. The people also needed to see their empress up and walking to avoid any rumors.

Shed also gone through several consecutive days of hard work. Just because there was a war going on didnt mean that her duties as an empress were done. They had trained a group of able administrators just for a purpose like this, but there were some things she had to do herself and those things had piled up while she was busy fighting the war.

No rest for the wicked. Shiori said with a small sympathetic smile, as she knew what Neleh was talking about. The others have gathered in the meeting room.

Good. We need to start planning for the inevitable. Neleh said and lead the way towards the meeting room in question.

There were two planning meetings Neleh needed to have in preparation for the arrival of the Enemy. The other meeting would gather the most powerful people of this world and would be where they would plan the specifics of their battle. The members of that group only needed to know what would most likely happen and their plan to counter things. That meeting was still in the future. This meeting was much more important. This meeting would gather those that were actually aware of what was really happening and were aware of Nelehs previous life. This would be the meeting where the actual decisions would be made.

As she walked through the door, Neleh saw Khali and Gabriel arguing in the corner of the room. The two had been at each others throats since she woke up, to the surprise of absolutely no one. At first Gabriel had an upper hand but Khali managed to bring things back to parity over time. The demon was much more experienced at teasing and wordplay after all. The current argument was most likely due to the fact that the demon felt a bit ganged-up on in the current company, and not without reason. There were fourteen celestials in the room, while Khali only had Shazhar as reinforcements. Shazhar wasnt aware of Nelehs old identity, but the latter had allowed her to be present as a favor to Khali.

If the two of you are quite finished, get seated so we can begin. Neleh announced her arrival with a slight tone of disapproval. She understood the two had been making jabs at each other for centuries and often took part herself, but now was not the time.

The two didnt look all that happy, but they went along. Somehow Neleh got the feeling that this was not one of their normal arguments. You shouldve all figured it out by now, but we are here to make a plan for the arrival of the Enemy. Khali, you can explain to Shazhar anything she doesnt understand and Ill do the same for Shiori. Gabriel, you take care of your people.

Understood. I think it would make things easier if you told us what exactly to expect. Youre the only one who actually has experience fighting against him. Gabriel prompted.

That works for me, though keep in mind that my experience might not be entirely representative of what will happen this time. For one, I was fighting alone last time. For another, last time I used my power as a Destroyer to circumvent some of the problems well face this time. Neleh counseled the others against relying too much on her memories.

One of the celestials interrupted Neleh at this point. Sorry to jump in, but Im not entirely sure why you wont simply do what you did last time to fight the Enemy off. Gabriel explained your reincarnation and that you dont have the same level of power that you used to have, but you retained your power as a Destroyer did you not?

A good question and something we should address before we proceed. Yes I retained that power, however using that power doesnt come without a price. That power uses the life-force of others as fuel, and my own life-force will not work. Destroying someone like the Enemy would require so much power that it would lead to the destruction of several worlds. I was borderline berserk the last time so I didnt mind the price then, but Im rather fond of this world and would rather it wasnt destroyed. The deities of this world are allowing me to use their power as an alternate fuel for that power, but it wont be enough unless the Enemy is severely weakened beforehand. Also, something tells me the gods arent exactly jumping at the chance to throw their power at me at the moment. Neleh raised her eyebrow at Gabriel a bit, who at least managed to look a little guilty.

The other celestials looked slightly ill as they heard of the destruction of worlds the previous time the Enemy attacked, but they kept their mouths shut as they knew more wouldve have been lost if Neleh had not acted. They werent too quick to condone her actions either, as there was a difference between losing worlds to the Enemy and condoning their loss at the hands of Neleh.

Well the specifics depend on how and where he shows up, but I think the simplest way is the best. Well have Gabriel attack him to draw his attention. A smack on the head should be enough to attract attention, especially since he doesnt really have much reason to avoid us. Also, I want Khali and Asariel to deal with any lost-deities that come with him. Id rather Gabriel stayed to distract his attention, as Im not sure I can keep up with him should we come into a melee. Neleh replied.

What about Shiori? Khali asked. She would be able to put a decent fight against a lost-deity with the support of one or two celestials. That would allow me to fight the enemy as well.

Shiori has a special job that only she can do. She wont be available for anything else, or it would ruin her mission. That said, I would prefer there were no other targets besides myself by the time he loses his body. This time even Shiori was surprised at Nelehs answer.

She better not try to keep me away from the battle. I used to need protection, but now I want to help protect her as well. Shiori thought, preparing to argue her point. As it would happen, she would have her argument, just not about the subject she was thinking of.

So is that the end game? You and him alone, while others pull away? Gabriel asked skeptically. This plan didnt exactly make her happy.

Essentially yes. Gabriel, trust me. I wouldnt take a risk like this without having a plan. If Im right, we can end his threat for good. That possibility is worth a little risk, is it not? Neleh asked, while looking the celestial into the eyes.

Im not sure if its worth risking you. Gabriel mumbled too quietly for anyone to hear.

Im not sure Im too thrilled about that either. Khali voiced her opinion.

I know, but theres another reason beyond just my plan. The last attack I plan to use to drain his power wont be able to recognize between a friend and foe. Yet I will most likely have to use it anyway. Thats part of what makes it necessary for it to be me that he tries to take over as well. In fact, Im thinking that theres a distinct possibility that we might have to force the battle back into my mansion in the Nexus in case people have trouble retreating from battle. Ill prepare a special doorway just for that purpose, just in case. Beyond that, all of you are welcome to try and come up with alternate ideas. Neleh said simply.

Either go with my plan, or come up with a better one. Was the clear message in Nelehs words.

They spent some time hashing out details, but finally adjourned to consider everything Neleh had told them. While they were filing out, she walked to the balcony on the side of the room, the balcony overlooking the city of Nan Yanoi. I could really use some reassurance that Im doing the right thing. She tried sending a message to Elune. The goddess had been oddly absent since she had last met her to meet both Fate and Satai. Her power flowed normally so the goddess couldnt be dead or gone, but she couldnt reach her.

I miss you, you know. Neleh sent another thought towards the goddess. She never realized how comforting Elunes presence had become until she could no longer contact the goddess. Now she felt her absence quite acutely, like an open wound. She was also worried about the goddess, but realized there had to be a reason for her absence.

Suddenly she felt Khali and Gabriel approach her from behind. As she turned to face them, she recognized the worried faces of the two. It was rare to see them agree on anything, so this must be something important.

Gabriel was the one to speak. Before you reply, know that we are not asking, but telling you what is going to happen. You dont get a vote. We are worried about you, and know that you are shortening your life every time you use your powers. So, until the Enemy comes here, you are strictly banned from using any of your powers. Either myself or Khali will be with you at all times, and you will not be using even a single drop of magic. If you need something done, we will get it done for you, be it an enemy that needs to die or simple cleaning of your dress. Should there be another attack by a lost-deity, you will not take part.

Khali took the rains from Gabriel. We will follow your hare-brained plan against the Enemy, until we come up with an alternative. Even if we dont come up with an alternative, you wont personally take part in the battle until the very end, since I have a feeling we wont be able to stop you from that. However, most of the fighting will be left to us.

Gabriel continued. For the record, we have enlisted the cooperation of Shiori and your family, who will all keep an eye on you as well. Also, Asariel will be taking over your work in secret. Shell do it better than you anyway. Thats it, youre allowed to speak now.

Ok? Neleh simply agreed, knowing that she wouldnt be able to resist the two especially if they had the help of Shiori. Speaking of, she had a hard conversation ahead of her, and she was not looking forward to it at all. Shiori wouldnt be too happy about her part in the plan. In fact, she was likely to try to fight her on this. That in itself was rare considering her devotion, but she wouldnt want to go along with this. As for this plan of Khali and Gabriel, the battle would change their mind eventually.