Still no reviews yet. Gaaw! Anyway I see that there are a few readers. Too bad more people haven't experienced the awesomeness that is Bastard!! Anyway, here's chapter 4! I already have the next several chapters finished but I'll wait until I get some readers or reviews.

Bastard!! Alternate Reality Chapter 4

Arshes Nei walked into her tent as the sun began to slip below the horizon. Most of the day had been spent overseeing the preparation of the upcoming offensive to be launched on Meta-Rikana and it was tiring work. There was much on her mind and she needed time to think clearly. Contact with Gara and his ninja had been cutoff suddenly three days ago and there were reports of his defection coming in. No one was sure as the fortress had been demolished and no bodies had been found. Even more troubling was the news that James had returned. She felt a tug in her chest as she thought about that man. The man who had taken her in as an orphan, became her lover, and much more over a one hundred year period.

She shed her armor off, piece by piece as she walked to her bed. It was bulky and inspired fear in those who faced her. She was a mighty warrior and wizard, thanks mostly to James' tutelage. She took her helmet off, revealing an attractive angular, elfin face with maroon red eyes, dark eyebrows, and full slightly pouting lips. Her long, fluttery black hair framed her beautiful face and hung down past her shoulder blades. She possessed skin much like the color of red clay, a trademark dark elf trait and had fabulously toned body.

Flopping down on her bed she cursed herself for not being able to control her thoughts. Try as she might, that man was all that she could think of. It seemed her heart was in her throat as she thought of his return. His smiling face, gentle voice, and soothing caress dominated her mind. Arshes smiled as she momentarily lost herself in the memories.

"It was inevitable I suppose . . . that I would have to kill you," she muttered before falling asleep.

She opened her eyes to see sunlight coming in through a forest canopy. She sat up instantly alert.

"What?"

She looked around noticing a shallow stream running nearby.

"What is this place? A dream?" Suddenly it clicked for her, "This is where we first met!"

A twig snapped behind her. Instinct took over; she whirled around in the blink of an eye, ready to cast a spell and froze. There stood James, wearing the same purple cloak and ivory white armor as he wore that day only looking wiser, more mature now.

"It's been a long time Arshe," he greeted warmly.

Her heart leapt at the sound of his voice as his eyes gazed into hers and a small smile crossed his face.

Realization quickly hit her, "An illusion? So that's it. . ."

"You've hardly changed these last fifteen years Arshe," he said stepping to within arms reach of her, "It's the dark elf blood, huh?"

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked weakly, hating herself for letting her resolve crumble before him, "You and I are now enem-" she was cutoff as James quickly stepped forward and embraced her. "What are yo-" she began but was cut off again.

"Be quiet," James said gently.

Arshes trembled in the young vampire's embrace as his breath tickled her neck and found herself slowly melting into him.

"What are you doing with the Lords of Chaos? I told you to wait for me at the mansion, like we agreed if we were ever separated," his voice raising ever so slightly, disappointment just barely evident in his tone.

"I-I. . ." Arshes voice caught in her throat, "We are trying to create a world free of evil!" she countered glaring into his calm eyes.

"And yet you use demons and monsters and slay innocents by the thousands for this new world?" he asked plainly.

Arshes took deep breath, "Sacrifices will have to be made."

The next thing she knew the back of his hand connected with her cheek, shocking her into silence.

"What's happened to you?! This is not how I raised you! Everything's gone to hell while I've been gone!" James shouted.


James was seething on the inside. His adopted daughter, his woman, was thinking like some sort of monster. She slowly looked up to gaze at him, her cheek quickly turning red, but his anger melted away upon seeing tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm sorry Arshe. I shouldn't have struck you," he said quietly as he opened his arms and she came to him again. Stroking her hair softly, undoing some of the tangles, she always was bad about that. "Join me Arshe. I love you and could never kill you. I'd sooner kill myself."

He heard some sniffles as she tried to speak, "I want to. B-but you don't understand. A-Abigail. . .he has something very important to me. I cannot leave it."

James absentmindedly wiped her tears away and planted a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth. "Don't do anything to put yourself in danger. Kall-Su and Abigail are stronger than you. Be safe Arshe. I love you," he said, pulling away.



She gave him a pleading look, "James! I-I love you too!" she called back as he faded out of her dream.

When next he opened his eyes he was still on the road to his destination, a small cabin in the Eternal Forest and an old friend.

"Something special, huh? What could that be?" James wondered out loud.

He could still taste her, a sweet taste that reminded him of cinnamon or something. Now that he knew Arshes wasn't really against him what was to become of Sheila? He was attracted to her and she to him but what was he supposed to do? Take her as a mate? He rubbed his temples, deep in thought as he strolled down the worn dirt road.

"I thought I'd be a little wiser than this at three hundred." Some noise up ahead snapped him out of his day dreaming.

"Someone help me please!" he heard a young woman scream.

Acting on instinct, James raced to the source of the noise further up the road. In a matter of seconds he had rounded the top of a large hill and saw an attractive young woman, not more than eighteen or so, fleeing from what looked to be a giant tarantula of some sort. Pulling Efreet from its sheath, James leapt into the air and brought the tip of the blade down through the center of the creature's head in a brutal stabbing motion. The beast collapsed into a bloody mess at James's feet and began to disintegrate.

"Hmm?"

James picked up a piece of paper from the muck and recognized it as a magic charm. The incantation written on it was similar to some he had seen before.

"High Ancient Magic. Powerful stuff," he muttered under his breath.

"Thank you so much for saving me!" the young woman said joyfully as she brushed herself off.

She was dressed lavishly in an elegant dress and had shoulder length black hair with exotic green eyes, probably a lord's daughter James figured.

He smiled, "It was no problem. You shouldn't be out here alone."

"My home is just over this hill," she said pointing towards the way James was heading.

"Hm. Well since I'm heading that way as well, why don't I escort you?" he asked her while placing his weapon back in its scabbard.

"Thank you so much! I'll feel a lot better with a hardened warrior like you around," she complimented.

The two began walking together in silence, James instinctively watching the tree line for more enemies and the girl twiddling her fingers nervously.

"My name's Sean Ari," the young woman introduced herself awkwardly.

"I'm James," the vampire replied, tearing his eyes away from the shadows to give her a friendly smile.

"Do you mind if I ask what you're traveling this way for?" Sean asked timidly.

"I have a friend who's holding on to something for me. And yourself? It can't be safe out here with the armies of monsters on the march," replied James.

"My father's a skilled warrior so we don't have to worry," she answered, but James could sense the slight tremor in her voice. She was lying, he knew that much but decided not to push the issue but made sure to keep his senses alert.

They came to the front of her 'house' which James thought could better be described as a fortress. It was built in the traditional style of the western kingdoms with a large estate and manor enclosed in a stone wall with towers.

"It'll be dark soon. Please stay the night as a token of my gratitude," offered Sean.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was tired and had a craving for regular food.

"Sure, that sounds good," answered James, much to Sean's pleasure.

She took his hand and led him into the mansion. "Be welcome in our home," she said as a servant opened the door for them, "Unfortunately my father is away visiting another estate."

Sean showed him to the rather large dining hall and sat him down before she took a seat opposite his. It didn't take long for some servants to bring mountains of food. He dug in after she took the first bite for two reasons. Firstly, it was proper etiquette, and secondly, to make sure the food wasn't poisoned. He still didn't know what to make of this girl. Taking a bite of the pork, he remembered why he loved Western cooking. In no time he had downed four plates and drank half a jug of wine yet remained clear headed thanks to his vampire blood.

"Wow! That was great!" he complimented the cooks who came to take up the dishes.

"You certainly have a healthy appetite!" she commented with a look of awe on her face.

"Well it's been a while since my last hot meal. And I was taught to always eat every meal like it's your last because you never know," James said after he finished off his last cup of wine.

"By the way Sir James, have you heard of the warrior-wizard fighting for Meta-Rikana?"

Now James knew for sure she was up to something, the fleeting glint in her eye screamed deception.

"No, I'm afraid not. I'm just passing through," he replied. He soon excused himself and let a servant show him to his room for the night.

James absentmindedly stripped down to his undershorts while looking around the room. He didn't detect any traps in the room or the rest of the house for that matter. The idea that he was just being overly cautious ran through his head for a moment before he quickly dismissed it.

"Better to be cautious than dead," he muttered as a slipped under the sheets after blowing out the candle.

Moonlight spilled in through the windows, casting the room in an iridescent white glow. Before long, there was a knock on the door, interrupting his thoughts.

Sean poked her head in the door and slowly stepped in.

"Lord James? Are you still awake?" she asked in a quiet voice.

James raised an eyebrow at her, he knew something was up for sure now. Sometimes it just pays to be overly cautious. She was wearing a skimpy night dress that was sleeveless and cut high up on the thighs.

"Yeah," he replied, shifting somewhat uncomfortably, not liking where this was going.

In one deft move she undid the sash around her waist, letting the silky garment to fall to the floor. James quietly gasped as the naked young woman gracefully made her way to the foot of his bed and crawled seductively over to him.

He stayed quiet and still, taking the time before she sprung her trap to mentally chant some incantations, using different spells for different scenarios that he imagined in the few seconds it took for her to reach him. Their faces were only inches apart but he could see the deceit behind her eyes.

"W-we have a tradition. . .It says that if an unmarried daughter has been rescued. . .she must bring her savior home. . .and reward him with a gift of her virginity," she said with a mighty blush creeping up her face.

After two hundred years James had gotten pretty good at reading people and he could tell that she was actually nervous, and he heard a touch of fear in her voice as well. The fear one feels when face to face with an enemy.

"Is that so?" replied James in a low voice.

Her response was to gently place a kiss at the corner of his mouth. He placed a hand on her bare shoulder and gently pushed her back a bit. She gave him a questioning look.

"You don't have to do this," he said simply.

Sean smiled back at him while stroking his arm, "You saved me and earned this, and I think. . .this will be most enjoyable with you."

He sighed, "That's not what I'm talking about. You don't have to do this."

Her eyes went wide as she finally understood his meaning. In the blink of an eye she did what he had been waiting for. Slapping a charm card on his chest, Sean quickly escaped beyond his reach as a giant tarantula began to emerge from the seemingly ordinary piece of paper.

James remained calm as the countermeasures were already in place. Sean laughed heartily while slipping some underwear on.

"You fell right into my trap James! That spider never lets go of its prey! And my talisman negates magical resistances! You have no chance of escape!" she gloated.

"I figured you were an assassin," James stated with complete calm.

"I am one of Empress Nei's Three Sorcerer Generals, most powerful of all those who use both magic and sword! Invincible or not, the man who defeated Ninja Master Gara didn't stand the chance against the enticements of a virgin, isn't that right James?" she continued to gaze back at his steady eyes with a small smile.

"Really? I thought I was doing alright for myself," answered James.

"Tell me this," he began, "You couldn't have learned Talismanic Magic on your own, who taught you?"

She paced around the bed a few times, like a wolf circling its prey, "Well since it will be the death of you I suppose you should know. Empress Nei taught me personally."

James was shocked to say the least. Arshes had mastered a style that he was never able to, in truth he didn't have the patience for the hours of endless study that such a style required.

"Last question. She couldn't have ordered you to do this, why are you really here?" he asked her, finally curious about her motives, besides him being the greatest threat to their goal of world domination or whatever the hell they were after.

Her face darkened considerably, "I want to kill you to finally give Empress Nei the peace she deserves." James cocked an eyebrow at her.

"She cries herself to sleep at night because of you. Because of you she is forced to raise her child alone and her-"

"Wait, what!?" James interrupted; if it weren't for the giant spider growing out of his back he would be shaking the girl in front of him vigorously. "What child!?" he half asked half shouted.

Her expression was one of shock, then anger, "You mean you don't know?" "

How the hell was I supposed to know!?" he snapped back.

"You'll pay for breaking Empress Nei's heart! Spider, eat him!" Sean commanded the monstrosity behind James.

Just before the spider turned its fearsome jaws on him, James teleported to the other side of the room, replacing himself with a husk. The spider gorged itself on the fake him and dissolved itself.

Sean had no idea what he had done and laughed triumphantly, "Yes! The Undying Warrior dead by my hand! Such joy this will bring Empress Nei!" He watched as her hair slowly turned blond as some sort of disguise spell wore off.

"If you believe that then you are a fool," upon hearing James's voice the young woman froze.

She turned around slowly to see James sitting on a sofa in the corner.

"You know that was a very underhanded trick you pulled. How many people have you killed with that?" his voice bordering on deadly serious.

"James, but. . . you're over there," she said dumbfounded.

"When you live as long as I do you learn a few tricks. Anyway you seem awfully cold-blooded for such a cute girl," he said off handedly.

She blushed despite her dire circumstances, "How did you know it was a trap?"

"I knew from the very beginning. I saw it in your eyes. Now come sit, I want to talk to you," he patted a spot next to him.

Sean hesitated for a few moments before obeying; she was trembling visibly as she sat down within arm's reach of the vampire. There was no denying that he was the superior magic user.

"Tell me about this child," James said, leaning forward.

She twiddled her thumbs nervously, "You. . .have a son named Tiber, he is fourteen but ages like an elf child. So he looks around five or so."

James had a blank look on his face. So that's what Gara was talking about, and the special thing Arshes was talking about was my son. That means that Abigail is using my child as leverage against her. A slow rage built up inside of him but he quickly put it in check so he wouldn't frighten Sean anymore than she already was.

"What is he like?" James asked, surprising Sean by breaking the silence so abruptly.

"Well," Sean started, thinking a little bit, "He has your eyes and hair and the Empress's skin color. He is very smart for his age and has learned a little fire magic. The Empress says he reminds her of you," she finished, trailing off.

James closed his eyes, picturing his son, "I'm sure he's a beautiful child." Sean merely nodded quietly.

"Why didn't you kill me?" asked the would-be assassin quietly after several moments of silence.

"I don't sense any evil in you," James answered casually, "Even though you're with the Lords of Chaos your heart isn't black. And you were only trying to help Arshes, albeit you were doing it in the wrong way. Besides, I've never liked the thought of killing girls. Especially cute ones."

Her blush seemed to spread down to her shoulders, "Cute? Me? The assassin sent to kill you? Don't you know I am your foe?"

"Too cute for words," James said off-handedly, as if that was a normal comment to make.

She turned away saying, "As one of the three Sorcerer Generals I was feared even by my own allies. For someone to speak such kind words to me. . .To say that I'm cute. . ." she returned her gaze to the vampire, "No man has. . . it's the first time."

She hid her face as she blushed an even darker shade of red, if that was possible. She slowly laid her head on his shoulder. Her movements were hesitant, uncertain, and rigid.

"Hmm?" James looked down at her and felt her apprehension.

They were both silent for a long time. 'I doubt Arshes or Sheila would appreciate this but. . .' James mentally trailed off.

"Well I have a busy day tomorrow," he began, "Who else is going to kill thousands of monsters and single-handedly save the world from annihilation. Are you staying or going?" he asked.

Her only reply was to place her hands tentatively around his arm. He chuckled a little and said, "Well, since your spider made a mess on the bed I guess the couch will have to do."

James stretched out on the couch as Sean hesitantly curled up by his side, head resting on his shoulder.

"You don't have to be afraid of me," whispered James, running his fingers through her smooth hair. He felt her nod and soon after closing his eyes he was dreaming of the endless forests and grasslands of his home far away.

When he awoke, sunlight was shining brightly through the windows. He felt Sean stir and looked to see her green orbs locked with his own.

"Sleep well?" James asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes," she answered quietly, "You're a bit. . .different from the image I had of you. . ."

James smirked a bit, "Oh yeah? How's that?"

She smiled a bit as well, "You're not what I pictured a vampire to be. . .and when you sleep you look so cute and peaceful."

James almost face faulted, "Whaaaa?"

She giggled while he fumed, "Calling a guy cute isn't exactly flattering."

She laughed a little more before gripping his arm tightly; James looked at her and saw that she was dead serious now.

"I know that Empress Nei still cares for you deeply but the other Lords of Chaos are serious about killing you. It isn't safe for you to go outside. It's wrong to warn you but. . ." Sean looked away briefly before turning back, her face softening, "The next killer who awaits you. . .is Empress Nei's favorite pupil of her three Sorcerer Generals. My powers don't even come close to what you'll face. . ."

James listened as he got up and began dressing himself, "Is that so?" he asked.

In truth he wasn't too worried at the moment. He had smelled Sean's trap a mile away but he would definitely have to keep his eyes open. Retrieving Efreet and strapping it to his belt, James was startled when he felt Sean suddenly wrap her arms around his chest from behind.

"If you go you'll die! Please James! Don't!" she exclaimed, sobbing, "Just stay here! With me!" James turned around in her grasp to face her. "I don't want you to die! Not when you're my first. . ." the crying girl squeezed out.

James gently shushed her, holding her close while wiping away a few tears in an attempt to bring some comfort to her.

"I can't be beaten. Not by anyone. You don't have to worry. Just find a safe place to lay low for awhile and I'll take care of everything," James said in a soothing voice that surprised even himself.

He kissed her on the forehead and pulled away, heading for the door. Her voice was barely audible as she whispered, "I wish you were our true lord."

He looked back and saw her wiping away more tears. "So do I," he replied before closing the door.

Before long James was back on the main road to the coast. He didn't like leaving Sean alone so suddenly. Since she had failed in her mission and would probably not return to the Lords of Chaos she would be hunted by their assassins. He shook the thought from his head. 'She's a powerful sorcerer in her own right. I'm sure she can handle any would-be murderers.' She was very sweet though, once you got past the scheming enemy part. James smiled at his own ridiculous thoughts.

He resumed his journey to the coast. From the hills where he was at, it would take perhaps two more days to reach the coast on foot if nothing went wrong. And knowing his luck, he resigned himself to the fact that something was going to happen. After setting up several barriers and wards James allowed himself to drift off in thought as he walked. 'Hmm. I sense Gara and his ninja at Meta-Rikana, and the Lords of Chaos haven't moved yet. There's still time,' James was relieved to discover. With his mind somewhat at ease for the moment his thoughts drifted to his son, imagining what he looked like and how hard things must have been on Arshes.

Before long he had arrived at rather large town. He stopped on the threshold of the settlement. Something was wrong; there was no usual hustle and bustle that was common in urban centers. He quickly doubled his defenses before entering further into the town. It was then that he noticed a human form frozen in place. He scanned the area for traps while coming closer and was shocked to discover that it was in fact a human, an old woman turned into stone.

"I'm not liking this. . ." he muttered, hand reaching for Efreet. He looked around the area that was probably the town square and saw several more statues.

"Hey you! You over there!" an aggressive voice called out.

James looked to see a lone figure walking towards him, back to the sun. 'Must be the one Sean warned me about.' All James could see was raven black ware whipping about wildly in the wind and an armored silhouette.

"Things just got interesting," James said with anticipation.

That's a wrap on chapter 4. Let me know what you think. I'd end it with something witty but I just don't feel like it right now. Meh.