Chapter 37: Batten Down the Hatches

[Artholus POV]

On one hand I am ecstatic that Lilith one of the eldest Fae queens has joined our side for the battle to come. On the other Jocasta the Dark queen is going to be present also. They are joining the battle to recharge the magic buffer between the Fae magical schools. The energy generated in the battle will be a conduit to accomplish this. If we are lucky Jocasta has no other motivations to join the Battle. This magic buffer is the forerunner to the existing Witches' magic. I am surprised that their Sovereigns are willing to let them be here.

The dark energy needs to be neutralized; it has created a magical imbalance that will eventually destroy or disrupt all schools of magic if not contained. The Fae queens will transform the negative energy and create a neutral energy that can be beneficial to all magical species.

[Keelin's POV]

Damn, I have an extra five charts to check. The ER was filled to capacity today. I look up to find Elijah Mikaelson standing in front of my desk. Could this day get any worse?

"How can I help you Mr. Mikaelson?"

"You are aware of the upcoming conflict. We need an Emergency Physician aware of the supernatural to coordinate medical/healer triage."

I grit my teeth not to say anything untoward; an Original could make my already difficult life more so very quickly.

"Fine, bottom line what do I get out of this?"

"I will use all of my resources to find other members of your pack, no matter how distant."

I look him in the eye. "You have a deal. I have personal time built up. Let me know when I need to start."

"Thank you Keelin."

[Ramont Nafarro's POV]

He runs a Basque cuisine restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans: it is his day to go over the books. He likes to keep an eye on what is going on in the Quarter. Many of his informants pass through the restaurant.

Isa was standing in line to pay for her meal and take out boxes for the family. A newly turned werewolf has grabs a young waiter by the neck and is choking him. Isa demands; "Let the waiter go, he didn't do anything to you!" He lets his grip on the waiters neck go and swings a punch at her. She punches him in the throat then the balls, with well-placed defensive moves. His other companions pull him out of the restaurant. The packs Alpha thanks her quietly and leaves a large tip for the young server.

"Stupid newly turned wolves." Isa mutters under her breath.

Ramont knows who Isa really is and that particular act of bravery bestows his loyalty to her also. Isa looks up at a stocky black haired man with raven black hair and green eyes, "Haven't I met you before?"

"You may have seen me in passing. I am a friend of your husbands. Ramont Nafarro at your service," he bows.

Isa smiles at him, "I'm glad to meet you." She leaves the restaurant with several take out boxes.

[Kol's POV]

It's Girls night again. I drew the low card tonight. I am on guard duty. I think I'm the lucky one Nik gets to watch the babies. The ladies are headed to a refurbished warehouse just outside the Quarter that has been upgraded into a High End Spa/Salon/Gym/Recreation Center for women and a cover for a much needed women's shelter. I vamp around to the back alley and jump up on the fire escape to the roof of the tallest building. From here I have a good vantage point of the buildings and the block surrounding the complex. I hear the girls making their way to the Gym. I thought they were going for rest and relaxation. I catch the scent of werewolves and feel the magic tingle of witches. Bonnie is with them. But this is stronger. I wonder what is going on. The girls are up to something.

[Haley Marshall-Kenner's POV]

I am shocked that Jackson agreed to let me join the females of the Mikaelson clan. I know that I will be with them during the upcoming battle helping with communications. I never expected them to invite me along, due to my past behavior.

I follow Caroline into the Gym. There is another werewolf here. She is five foot six, has brown eyes, black hair and a great tan. "Please take a seat. My name is Keelin. I am the Alfa and only survivor of the Malraux Pack. I am a trained and Certified Emergency Physician. We will be discussing self-defense techniques, medical emergency plans, and duty assignments for the upcoming confrontation for the next two hours. After that you are free to use the spa and other facilities available. Pregnant ladies take a break whenever you need one."

Mary walks in and sits down next to me. "Looks like you are keeping interesting company these days." She glances around at all the different groups represented here. I nod.

[Angela's POV]

After going over plans and group assignments for the upcoming battle, Keelin announces; "Angela, Jenna, Mary, Siobhan, Rosalie and Hayley you are assigned to the Communication group. You will be introduced to the latest communication technology. Everyone will be assigned earpieces with tracking devices. They also have minute Elven charms imbedded. I don't know how Adolphus managed this but I'm grateful. We will be able to track groups and individuals. Haley will be monitoring the wares. Jenna will be helping the witches. Angela, you and Mary will be helping with different teams. Siobhan and Rosalie you will be on protection detail for the Communication Group. If you will follow our technician she will introduce and guide you on equipment usage."

I am surprised that the Cold Ones are joining in the battle. We need all the help we can get. I reach into my pocket and pull out two of the enchanted rings for Cold Ones that Freya gave me earlier today. "Rosalie and Siobhan these rings have been enchanted so you will not sparkle in the sunlight. They have a couple of protection spells on them also."

Siobhan asks, "Will Maggie and Liam will receive rings also?"

"All of our allies needing rings of protection or any other talismans needed; will get them. You have all agreed to fight by our side. They are also gifted as a thank you for your help with the upcoming battle."

[Niklaus POV]

The ladies of the family are enjoying a night out; Caroline just called to check up on me and the babies. I know they are meeting to discuss the upcoming conflict, just as we are. The babies have been fed changed and are napping in a nursery upstairs. I have the monitor.

Caroline insists that I have practice before our baby arrives. She knows me. I am feeling more comfortable about being a father. I hate mine. He is the opposite of what a father should be. The family has assured me that I will be nothing like our sperm donor. Elijah and Isa trust me with the triplets. Damon's information was invaluable. Soon I will be holding my own baby. Caroline wants to wait until the upcoming battle is over before finding out the sex of our baby.

[Bonnie's POV]

If you told me a year ago that I would be sitting in a meeting with most of the supernatural factions being represented, I would have laughed in your face and asked what kind of drugs you were taking.

Thank the Goddess for Kol. I believe that I was under a dark influence of some kind, to dislike Isa at first sight. I am wearing a necklace that Kol gave me for protection. He swears it is an Elven charm. After being around the Mikaelsons and seeing a mind talking, floating magical marble ball; I believe in a lot of magic that I had no idea existed before now.

This week I have been helping Davina and Freya with the spells we will be using for the upcoming battle. I hope most of the witch covens decide to align with us. The Halloween fuckup that killed so many witches was bad, the Hollow will be worse. I helped Freya with many of the charms, rings and necklaces that will be passed out at this meeting. I will be in a group with Amara, Davina, Caroline, Leah and Tanya for the upcoming battle. Leah the shapeshifter, Caroline and Tanya a Cold One will be acting as security for the group.

We gave Amara an Elven enchanted necklace and she has been teaching us ancient magical spells that are not Expression or dark magic. They will be handy to know. I am surprised that Silas has allowed his pregnant wife to join us in this battle. If it had been Kol and I pregnant, I would have had a major argument with him; before I won. I grin. He is so protective. I can feel him nearby.

Tanya seems friendly. I walk over to her and hand her the ring spelled for protection and as Kol phrased it "anti-disco-glitter ring."

"Tanya, this ring has been spelled for you. It has magic protection and it shields you against the suns rays that makes you skin glitter." She looks as if she could cry. "Thank you so much for my ring."

"It's our way of saying thank you for having your family join us to defeat the Hollow/Mikael combination."

I walk over to Leah Clearwater and hand her a necklace with a turquoise stone. "Leah this has protection spells from our kind of witches, and it has also been blessed for your protection by Mary Dumas who is a werewolf shaman."

"Thank you for this. I didn't expect anything in return for our help."

"We all have special magic. In order to defeat the Hollow/Mikael, we need to band together and use whatever advantage we have. I am glad I have a chance to get to know you."

Leah nods at me and walks over to ask Freya some questions.

[Ramont Nafarro's POV]

Elijah asked me to find a secure meeting place for various factions to gather to discuss the upcoming battle to defeat the Hollow/Mikael combination. I suggested one of my houses, which is remotely located in the woods about a hundred miles north of New Orleans. It is a very old southern mansion. I refurbished it myself as a hobby. None of the supernaturals know that it's here. It has been my refuge in the past.

I am honored that Elijah trusts me enough to bring his children here. I prepared a nursery for them when he mentioned he was bringing them with him to this meeting. He is a genius in strategy. He is letting some of the supernatural world know that he trusts me and them by bringing the children here. Indirectly, I have Isa's approval too.

I am amused and amazed that Niklaus is on diaper duty and responsible for the babies tonight. I looked at Elijah and his response, "He has to learn some time."

[Esme's POV]

I admit I was hoping the Isabella would bring her children to the meeting. She has been distantly friendly to Rosalie and I. She is keeping a wary distance from Alice. I can understand her point of view. She has moved on with her life and Alice will not leave her alone. My adopted daughter is like a terrier with a favorite toy, she will not let go of the idea of a match with Edward. She fails to see that Isabella is happily married to Elijah, and has three children by him.

Edward is now happily mated with Tanya. If Carlisle would have let me I would never have mentioned this meeting to Alice. I know she also has a role to play in the upcoming conflict. I just wish I could spare everyone else the drama Alice is about to stir up.

I have been assigned to the group that will be providing medical aid to our allies that will need this kind of assistance. Freya, Keelin, and Sage are in this group. Keelin hands me a ring that will double as protection and prevent me from sparkling in the sunlight. I thank her profusely. She just grins at me. It is our way of thanking your family for joining us in this battle. Each individual will get rings, talismans, and/or charms depending on their needs. I whisper under my breath that "I hope Alice's gets a charm to make her forget about Edward and Bella." I hear the others laugh. Darn I didn't realize I said that loud enough for them to hear. Keelin goes over some more information that we will need to know.

[Caroline's POV]

I just talked with Nik the babies are fed and they are doing fine. Elijah hasn't said anything. So Nik knows he is doing ok with them. I supervised last week when he practiced changing diapers. He only got wet once. I think Henri was holding it in just for him. I put my phone away and head back to the meeting room.

[Seth's POV]

When Elijah walked up to me and hands me a turquoise amulet, I look up puzzled.

"Everyone that is helping us with the upcoming fight gets a magical item spelled for them. This one was blessed by a werewolf Shaman for your use. You will be with Angela Salvatore's communication group. If you go over and speak with Ramont he will go over your instructions for your group and show you the new equipment you will get to use."

"Thanks. Please give Isa a hug for me when you get home."

"I will pass that along for you." Elijah walks over to another group to discuss plans with them.

[Carlisle's POV]

Ansel, Finn and Liam have been going over our group setup and plans for the different types of supernaturals that will need medical attention during the upcoming battle during the last few days. I have also been in discussions with Keelin she will be our medical lead. The ear pieces we will have to wear look funny, I just hope they work as well as intended.

Elijah already gave us our enchanted items. I am grateful for my amulet. I can wear it under my scrubs. I would have to take a ring off to do surgery. I heard Kol describe it as an "anti-disco-glitter amulet," he has a wicked sense of humor.