Sorry for the long update but school is still crazier than all hell and I got my Xbox live back up so. . .yeah. Anyway, thanks for the reviews and somebody even put me on their alerts page thing. Cool. Reviews. No douchbaggery.

Disclaimer- Still don't own Bastard!! If I did I would make sure people wouldn't have to wait like 8 months for new volumes of the English translations.

Bastard!! Alternate Reality Chapter 7

It had only taken them a day to reach Meta-Rikana. When the city came into view after they came out of the forest it was clear that the battle still raged on with parts of the city on fire and the massive attacking army kicking up clouds of dust. James felt a familiar force nearby and recognized it as Arshes but it was much stronger than it used to be. He also felt Gara who was at a big disadvantage in terms of magical strength. "Gara's in trouble! We need to hurry! Raven! Flight of the mountain wind!" James cast his best flight spell and used a lesser spell to levitate the four young women.

"Ahhh! What are you doing!?" one of the Holy Swords asked in alarm.

"The fastest way to get to the city is over the enemy! Now stop your bellyaching, I'm a busy man!" With that James took off towards the city with the girls being dragged through the air behind him. Flying over the army James was shocked to see some pretty nasty creatures in their ranks; Trolls, Lizardmen, and other tough enemies.

'Whoops. Guess they did need me pretty bad.'

In a matter of minutes they were coming in for a landing in the palace courtyard where James set the girls down and flew off to help Gara. From the air he could see Arshes facing off against Gara on the narrow bridge that led to the main entrance to the city.

'Arshes...'

She looked angry as she shouted something at Gara before launching one of her trademark lightning based attacks, Iron Lightning Anthem, sending dozens of orbs of energy arcing towards the Ninja Master. He deflected them with ease. James looked on with interest. His eyes were glued to the half dark elf woman who had been by his side for more than a century. She was the same as he remembered her. Before when he had visited her in her dreams was different. He couldn't feel her physical presence or pick up her familiar scent. Even from high up in the air his sensitive nose could smell her fragrance, a sweetness that couldn't be compared to anything else.

"Highest of mysteries! Imperial sword eagle claw strike!" chanted Arshes, causing her blade, which he quickly recognized as the Thunder God Sword, to glow with a fearsome golden light.

James recognized the attack as one of her most powerful moves that he had helped to teach her. Gara charged forward, weapon held high as did the Thunder Empress. 'Uh-oh. Gara should move or-' Arshes' blade broke through the ninja's guard and cut deeply into Gara's stomach, disemboweling him. 'That'll happen...he should really get that looked at.'

Arshes raised her blade to finish her ex-compatriot off. James shot through the sky shooting a weak energy blast in her direction. She just managed to avoid it as it destroyed much of the bridge, effectively cutting off the attacking force from their target.

"What!?" Arshes looked for the interloper before locking eyes with James who came to stand next to a very pissed off Gara.

"Arshes," he said her name but it held much more meaning than that.

"James. . .I," she stopped abruptly, looking down at her hand for some reason.

"Asshole! You almost killed me!" Gara screamed at James, giving him the finger while trying to push some of his intestines back in. Not taking his eyes off of the half-elf woman in front of him, James channeled some of his power into his palm and transferred it to Gara, causing them both to glow with a bright golden aura. Gara only looked on in shock as his intestines sucked themselves back in and the mortal wound was almost fully healed in a matter of seconds.

"That ought to stop some of your bitchin," said James who smirked at his comrades flabbergasted expression.

James and Arshes gazed back at one another for what seemed like hours. She stood resolute before him but he could see the inner turmoil behind her eyes. James finally broke the silence. "You don't have to fight anymore. Sean and Kai are rescuing Tiber as we speak."

She still looked uncertain. Had she changed her mind since he had appeared in her dreams? There was something wrong, something had changed. Using a combination of vampire speed and illusion magic he was behind her in a split second. She jumped as she felt his muscular arms wrap around her from behind. It was such a simple gesture, a hug, but between the two of them, whose relationship was so deep it was almost unfathomable to others it represented his undying love for her.

"Are you still thinking about fighting me?" His voice was quiet and held a hint of sadness.

"I. . .I have to. It doesn't matter if Tiber is rescued, he's still in danger as long as you are alive. I-I have to kill you!" Arshes tried to break free from his grasp but he only tightened his hold and spun her around to face him. Her mouth said she wanted to kill him but her eyes said differently.

"Why say such things? I swear on my life that I will protect you and our son. Can't things go back to the way they were?" James spoke honestly and searched her crimson eyes for a favorable answer.

Her resolve had been dealt a critical blow. She shifted uneasily in his arms. Over the course of a century he had laid his life on the line to keep her from harm more times than even his sharp memory could recall. He remembered the time they stumbled upon a cave filled with dragons, battled the giant Kraken, repulsed the Demon Gods and other battles that he knew she could never forget.

"James. . .I," she couldn't finish her sentence before James pressed his lips to hers, a gentle kiss that savored the taste he had missed for fifteen years. They stayed like that for several seconds before she pushed him back, anger returning. "What about Sean and Kai? And I've heard you've involved yourself with the princess of this kingdom! Is that why you protect them?" She exploded, letting out all the questions that had been building up inside of her.

James simply gazed back at her now, she had slipped out of his hold and now glared back at him. "I told you about my kind. The more mates we have the more complete we become. You knew this and accepted it!"

"I won't let you control me the way you do others! I am Arshes Nei, not a harem girl!" she screamed at him while a large griffon flew down and landed next to her. Getting into the saddle she declared, "I'll be back with a new army! I won't let you interfere with our plans anymore!" She flew off into the distance, leaving James and a very stunned Gara behind.

James sighed deeply. He knew her words were hollow. If she had wished him dead she would have used a spell when she was in his arms, too close to erect a powerful barrier. He sensed the touch of evil magic upon her though and that worried him far more than her empty threats. Looking out at the retreating army he had just remembered that there was an audience when cheers and applause went up all along the city walls. Turning his head towards the noise he saw many soldiers and townspeople had gathered to watch the spectacle.

'Geez. This is embarrassing.'

James turned to Gara who was breathing heavily. Blood still stained his clothes and he had broken out in a cold sweat. "I healed your injuries but you've lost too much blood. We need to get you to a bed," he said to his old friend. Gara grumbled a bit as James walked him to the medical wing where all the casualties of the battle were being treated by Geo and Yoko along with anyone else with skills in healing.

James helped him ease down onto the small cot that barely accommodated the large man. "You were beaten by a girl! Pretty sad, man," taunted James, relishing the fact that Gara was almost powerless to exact any retribution on him for the moment.

Gara gave James a glare but soon grinned despite the pain. "You're an ass, you know that?"

"Oh, I've heard it plenty. You just focus on getting better," James turned to leave but stopped when Gara grabbed his wrist.

"Don't think lightly of Nei. Her powers are profoundly greater than they were fifteen years ago. And it isn't just her sword skills but her magic skills as well. Let your guard down-think that we're old friends, even if she is the mother of your child-and you're dead," Gara said gravely.

James nodded his understanding and turned to Yoko, "Take care of him for me, will you? He's more than earned it."

Yoko nodded and went back to tending the wounded. It had seemed that she had gotten over the whole kidnapping business rather quickly. James walked out of the ward down the hall. Soldiers and healers ran back and forth, either bringing in more wounded or carrying out bodies of the dead. A part of him wanted to help out but another fight was close at hand and he needed every ounce of power he had left. He turned a corner and continued walking to his quarters.

During the long walk his mind drifted back to Arshes. Their powers, at least while he was in his normal state, seemed to be perfectly matched, and equally devastating. He also knew that there were just too many sparks between the two of them. What love could create, love could also destroy. Worry weighed down his mind as he thought about her. Abigail and Kall had done something to both her and Tiber, preventing their defection. That's what his intuition told him and it was almost always dead on. He checked his bond with Sean and Kai, stretching out with his empathic abilities. It was weakened because of the distance between them and he had only fed from them once but there were no strong negative emotions coming from either of them. A good thing he supposed. At least they hadn't been captured again.

James came to the door to his room and walked in. He carelessly tossed his shirt and shoes to the floor and plopped down on his bed, letting the comfortable mattress suitable for a king help him relax. Closing his eyes, unable to fall asleep, he replayed his encounter with his Arshes over and over. Remembering the sad look in her eyes, the unsteady tone of her voice, and knowing that he was to blame for all of this. If he hadn't left, alone, fifteen years ago, the Lords of Chaos would never have formed and this new war could have been avoided. It was his fault. He had been a prince first and a mercenary second. Placing his own problems and inner turmoil above the people who needed him was. . . Several words came to mind. Shameful, stupid, dishonorable, weak. Right now he felt like all of those things. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he fought for Meta-Rikana, to atone for his mistake. Yes, it was his mistake and he would fix it.

Rolling over on his side, James fought back the self-hate and remembered the good times when he, Arshes, Gara, Kall, and Abigail had been friends. He remembered finding Arshes alone and abandoned in the ruins of her village. He remembered finding Kall in the same circumstances. Then came Abigail, a dark magician who had much to teach. And lastly Gara, the foolish ninja who had attempted to kill a near immortal. At least for the moment, James lost himself in the memories of happier times.


Sheila stood with High Priest Geo in the chambers of the Grand Dame, the kingdom's most experienced alchemist and soothsayer. The old woman was short and had a hunched back, and looked much like the witches one would see in a children's story book. The thought caused a small smile to grace her features. James had been a bad influence on her.

Geo spoke up, "Grand Dame, honored crone, we humbly visit you today to seek your counsel as seer to the ruling family. The princess wishes to know the outcome of the inevitable battle between James and the Thunder Empress," he stated with a slight bow of respect.

The old woman cackled before replying, "So rowdy! Little Geo has grown up to be quite respectable. And just as it was fifteen years ago, you turn to the witchly wisdom eh?" Geo laughed a little nervously. "But seeing as it's a request from both the High Priest and the Princess, I can't quite say no, now can I?"

Sheila stepping forward, wringing her hands, a habit of hers when she was worried. "Please Grand Dame! The fate of this entire kingdom, the entire world is resting in one man's hands!"

The Grand Dame waved them over to her crystal ball which was set up in the middle of her dark room. "You speak the truth Princess." The old woman muttered a short chant, causing the crystal ball to faintly glow with a purple light.

"As we've already told you Grand Dame, the vampire James has already drunk the blood of two of the Thunder Empress's Sorcerer Generals and the Princess. The powered gained from that still might not be enough unless he is able to awaken his vampire powers. He is after all still very young among his kind," said Geo, looking over the Dame's shoulder into the glowing orb.

The Grand Dame waved her hands over the crystal ball, saying, "Long ago I met another of his kind, a Daywalker as they call themselves. He told me that when a Daywalker is overwhelmed with intense emotion, usually anger or hate, they can transform into a being of almost unimaginable power. Very few ever reach this form, and those who do are venerated as saints," explained the old woman. She took a deep breath before continuing, "I fear that unless he is able to use his true power there is no hope of victory against the remaining Lords of Chaos. He refuses to use his full power in fear of killing his former comrades, especially the Thunder Empress."

Sheila was enraptured by the old woman, "Surely there are other ways for him to become stronger?"

The Dame nodded and cackled again, "Daywalkers gain more power from taking life-mates. Mates are bound to each other for life and draw upon the other's strength, making both stronger. It is very common for a man to have several life-mates in their culture. Such unions would grant great power, especially if both people are skilled in magic. I hear you have expressed interest in him Princess."

Sheila blushed like a tomato, "I-uh. . .that's. . ." She continued to stammer until Geo came in for the save.

"Grand Dame, please! Can you show us the outcome of the next battle?"

"Fine, fine! Hold on, let's see what we've got here," the Grand Dam peered deeply into the ball as an image slowly began to come into focus. Geo and Sheila both gathered around and could see a human figure taking shape. After a few more seconds the picture was clear and all three looked on in horror.

"James! His heart ripped out!" the Dame yelled, not believing her own eyes. He lay sprawled out on his back in a pool of blood, a gory cavern where his heart should have been. All that was there now were broken, splintered ribs and damaged organs. His eyes were rolled back in his head while blood still gurgled out of his gaping mouth.

Sheila put a hand to her mouth, as much to keep herself from crying out in despair as to keep her dinner from coming back up at the grisly sight. An overwhelming desire to see James came over her. To tell him about his impending doom and to. . . She stopped herself from finishing the thought, a small blush returning to her cheeks before she shook it off and dashed out of the room, leaving a surprised Geo and Dame behind.


Sean hid in the shadows as a patrol of orc soldiers passed by. The black body suit she wore, similar to that of one of Gara's ninja, helped her to blend in to the darkness. She held her breath to conceal her position, letting it out only after the orcs were out of earshot. She dashed through the shadows towards Empress Nei's tent. Kai and she had managed to kill some assassins that had been sent after them and take their gear, using it to infiltrate the main camp of the Lords of Chaos in the Kingdom of Judas. The plan was to rescue Tiber who usually slept in his mother's tent, and meet up with Kai who was keeping the escape route clear.

The infiltration had been easier than Sean had originally thought as Gara and her former mistress's troops were absent. Meaning there were about thirty-thousand less bad guys for them to fight if anything went wrong. She stealthily moved alongside the side of one of the dormitories for the thousands of beast men and peered around the corner.

'It's a damn convention out there!' Dozens of soldiers milled about. Sneaking by wasn't an option. Sean pulled back into the darkness and thought for a moment before drawing a dagger from her belt.

She put an ear to the canvas of the tent wall and listened closely. All she heard was the loud snores of sleeping demi-humans. Stabbing the blade into the canvas and cutting down, she stepped inside the darkened living quarters. Luckily none of the monsters had woken. She knew what would be done to her if she were captured. Most likely they would have some "fun" with her before she was forced to endure a slow, painful death. The thought her body being violated by such creatures sent a chill up her spine. Shaking the thought away, she continued through the tent to the opposite wall, all the while keeping one eye on the open tent flap and another on the floor to ensure she wouldn't trip over anything.

Coming to the wall she cut it like she had the other and looked through the hole. Darkness and shadows, just what she liked. She slipped through the hole and proceeded towards her objective. After about a half hour of more sneaking, she finally came to the edge of the Thunder Empress's tent. It was away from the rest of the army, probably to get away from the smell of the orcs and other monsters. Sean saw that there were several human guards stationed around the large shelter.

An idea came to her as she snuck up to the supply tent not far away. She stripped off her top leaving her bare chest exposed to the crisp night air. Then she pulled out a spider talisman and placed it on the ground. Sticking her head around the corner, she whistled just loud enough to catch the guard's attention. "Hey there boys! Looking for a little fun?" she asked seductively, making sure that they saw her bare shoulders and even a flash or two of her breasts. The ensuing foot race by the guards almost caused her to burst out laughing. As they rounded the corner the spider talisman activated. A few moments after the giant tarantula materialized the soldiers had been devoured, leaving a bloody mess. Sean pulled her top back after she dismissed the monster and quickly moved towards the darkened tent.

She cautiously stepped in and looked around. Lying on the large bed in the lavishly decorated interior lay a small boy, blanket drawn up to his chin. Sean sat at the edge of the bed and gently nudged the sleeping child. His peaceful face brought a smile to her lips. Although she was only a few years older, the dark-elf and vampire blood in him created a slow aging process and she had more often than not, found herself taking care of him in his mother's absence. Although he had the knowledge of a fifteen year old, he still had the innocence of a child.

Tiber began to stir. Opening his eyes, he blinked a few times. "Sean?"

"Hey," Sean greeted, brushing the hair out of his face. It wasn't until now that, after seeing James, she realized how much Tiber looked like his father. He had James's piercing green and brown eyes and a round boyish face. The head full of raven hair, light brown skin, and slightly pointed ears he got from his mother. "We need to go now."

"Where are we going? Mom hasn't come back yet," Tiber rubbed the sleep from his eyes with one hand while pulled off the blanket with the other.

"I'm taking you to see her. Guess who else is going to be there? Your father," Sean said quietly.

"Really!? He is?" Tiber asked excitedly. He had been raised on stories of his father's exploits, most of which Sean believed Mistress Nei had exaggerated. Until she had witnessed him in action that is.

"Yes. He wants to see you. He couldn't come with me because. . ." Sean stopped. She couldn't say 'because he's fighting your mother.' "Let's go."

Jumping out of the bed and pulling on his shoes he looked up at her happily. She smiled at him and ruffled his hair, "You're so much like your father."

Sean guided Tiber over to the tent flap where she looked out. After seeing that the way was clear she turned to him, "Stay close to me and don't make a sound okay?"

"Why?" he asked. The boy was always full of questions.

"Because there are bad people after your father and they are trying to use you to get to him. Understand?"

Tiber nodded. She saw curiosity and fear in his eyes but he kept quiet. Taking his hand in hers she dashed out of the tent, keeping a pace that the child at her side could manage. They slipped through the shadows until they were almost to the outskirts of the camp. Tiber had surprised her with his agility and stamina. He had kept up with her and not made a sound. She looked out from over the top of some crates. The way looked clear but the area was lit up by torch light. It could take hours to find another easier route and dawn would be approaching in a couple hours. They would have to make a run for it.

"Let's go," Sean pulled Tiber with her and they ran through the small clearing. For awhile she thought that they were home free until several shouts came from behind them. Looking back she was alarmed to see several orcs calling over more beasts to join in the pursuit.

Sean pulled the child into her arms so she could run faster. She put more distance between herself and the monsters but knew that as soon as they mounted up she wouldn't stand a chance of outrunning them. And surely Abigail or Kall-Su would come to reclaim Tiber. Her power was no match for theirs and she knew it.

"Sean!" a familiar voice called to her. She looked ahead to see Kai on horseback, with another horse for Sean and Tiber. Kai rode to meet her and handed her the reigns. Lifting Tiber into the saddle, Sean squeezed in behind him.

"Let's go!" Kai shouted as they turned and rode off into the darkness, leaving the pursuing troops in the dust.

Sean smiled as she thought of how happy James and Empress Nei would be to hear of their son's rescue.

After they had made enough distance to ensure that no one could catch up to them they slowed down to let the horses catch their breath. "You did well Sean. I'm sure James will be pleased."

Sean smiled and planted a kiss on the back of Tiber's head, eliciting a fidget of embarrassment from the little boy. She laughed at this before replying to Kai, "I'm sure he will. I can't wait to see him again!" Kai only snorted at the last part.

"You know you like him Kai! You can't hide it from me!" Sean teased, laughing as her long time friend's face flushed.

Kai rode ahead, waving her hand dismissively, "Whatever. Let's hurry back to Meta-Rikana."

Looking down at the drowsy child in front of her, Sean asked, "Ready to go see your dad?'

"Yeah!"


James had finally begun to doze off when he heard a faint knock on the door. He ignored it until it returned a few seconds later, louder this time. Sighing, he got up and dragged his feet as he walked, clearly not in the mood. His internal clock told him it was really early in the morning, still several hours before sun rise. Lightning pierced the darkness and thunder reverberated throughout the palace walls as it stormed outside, creating a very foreboding atmosphere. Opening the door he was surprised to see a crying Sheila who promptly threw herself into his arms for the second time in a little more than a day.

"Sheila? What's wrong?" he asked, as she snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him close. Her only response was to sob into his chest. "Alright, come in."

He guided her over to a chair by his bedside and flopped down on it. He wasn't going to get cheated out of his well-deserved rest just because Sheila had a nightmare or something. He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She looked back with sad, fearful ones.

Sinking down to her knees, more sobs wracked her body. "W-we asked. . .the Grand Dame to. . look into the future," she said shakily, "We saw your. . .death!"

James looked at her for a moment before his irritated expression softened. A little guilt came over him at being so short with her when she was just concerned for him. "Sheila," he called to her gently.

She looked back up to meet his gaze, her crying stopped for the moment.

"I don't believe in fortune telling or whatever that old woman does. Nothing is set in stone," he reached for her hand and made small circles with his thumb, soothing her.

Sheila shook her head, "B-but it's a bad omen! The Grand Dame's prophecies are almost always right on target!" she shouted, tears beginning to form again.

He shushed her gently, "I will make my own destiny and I will die at my appointed time."

She took in a deep breath before continuing. "James. . . Even though it was a long time ago, you and Arshes Nei were family, even lovers. . . For two so close to try and kill each other. . . It's wrong," Looking to him with pleading eyes she added, "Is there not some other way to resolve this? Without doing battle?"

Sighing, James brushed a few strands of her long black hair out of her face, "No. There is no other way. I think she's under a loyalty spell, kind of like what I did to Di-Amon."

"T-then will nothing deter you? Even if you might get killed?" Sheila asked, despair tingeing her voice while she pressed her cheek into his palm.

"No," his answer caused her to recoil slightly. His attention had become more and more focused on her as he noticed how her beauty was only magnified in the moon light.

"But James, you have to listen I. . .I'm so worried about you," she said quietly, a light blush spreading up her cheeks. "All the ministers believe that your actions are fraught with deception. But I can't think that of you. After all, you've saved this kingdom from so many dangers. Were you not the one who sent Master Gara to help us?" She hiccupped every now and then as she spoke.

"But. . .but for you to injured – to spill your blood for the sake of Meta-Rikana. . .that is something I can no longer bear to see," whispered Sheila as she nuzzled into his hand.

After a short pause James said, "No, not for Meta-Rikana." Sheila looked up in surprise.

A small smile crossed his lips, "I fight for you, more than any." She had a confused look on her face. "You were willing to sacrifice yourself for your people. That shows incredible bravery in one so young. Then you went with us to rescue Yoko. You were in the way about ninety-percent of the time but. . .anyway that shows a lot of integrity. The fact of the matter is that I knew you were worth protecting. And I get to have some fun while I'm at it."

Sheila was speechless, she tried to say something but nothing came. Her face was beet red and James's sensitive ears could pick up the sound of her heart beating rapidly.

"Come," he gestured to the spot next to him, "You must be exhausted." She wordlessly laid down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder, her movements showing some uncertainty. He wrapped an arm around her and turned so that they were face to face. Her breathing was uneven, frantic. "Don't be afraid. You don't have to do anything you don't want to."

She nodded, her heart slowly started to return to normal although he could still hear it faintly. He gazed into her dark viridian eyes as she did his. She smiled. Her lips were pink and glossy in the feint white light. Before he knew what he was doing his lips were gently pressed against hers. Sheila froze at first, but soon melted into him. Tentatively, James slipped his tongue into her mouth, unsure of her reaction.

"Mmph!" Sheila flinched.

Pulling away, James looked concerned. "You didn't like it?"

Sheila was panting, "You. . .surprised me."

"Want to continue?" he asked soothingly.

She nodded bashfully. James kissed her softly again, this time sucking at her lip, eliciting a gasp from the innocent princess. He was consumed with the taste of her, the smell of her. A scent like. . .roses? Cliché as it sounded, that was the smell that filled his senses. Running his fingers through her silken hair, she moaned into his mouth, causing a shiver to run up his spine. After gaining some confidence, Sheila slipped her tongue into his mouth. He smiled through the kiss at her sudden boldness, hands roaming across her body on their own accord. She pulled away slowly, lips swollen and cheeks flushed.

Momentarily out of breath, Sheila said in between gasps, "You are. . .my prince. All I desire is for you to. . .love me, desire me. So please. . .I beg of you. . .Don't go! Don't go to your death! Take me instead. . .Take me, not as a queen, but as a woman."

James held her close, feeling her small frame against his, touching her porcelain skin, and smelling her fragrance he felt his last bit of will power evaporate as he looked into her longing eyes. Slowly and with gentleness he had only shown Arshes, he planted butterfly kisses along her jaw down to her neck while fondling her well-developed breasts through her dress. She moaned in pleasure as the course fabric rubbed on her sensitive skin while James's other hand crept its way under her dress and toyed with the lips of her womanhood.

"Ah!" Sheila cried out only to be silenced by the vampire princes's lips. She made no move to resist, only clung to his shoulders and twisted his smooth brown hair in her fingers. Her entrance was wet now. Slipping two fingers in slowly, he looked at her after a small yelp escaped her lips. He cast a worried glance at her to which she gave him a reassuring smile, although it was clear she was in a little pain. He moved his fingers back and forth slowly, and as she began getting used to it, moved faster, causing her body to writhe in ecstasy. After a while she had trouble keeping her voice down as pleasure began to overwhelm her body. Her hips bucked against him involuntarily and her body shuddered. The next moment she let out a hushed scream as her world shattered.

She panted, sweat forming on her brow. James slowly withdrew his wet fingers, even though her womanhood seemed to try and swallow them back up. Straightening out her dress because she lacked the energy at the moment to do it herself, he sighed. He could have gone all night since he hadn't gotten any for over fifteen years! He lay down beside her, looking at her tired form. She reached out to him, hands trembling slightly. He took her and pulled her close, nuzzling against her cheek.

"From today on, you are my woman. No one else's," said James with finality.

She smiled and nodded, a truly happy smile gracing her features before she promptly fell asleep, exhausted. James stayed awake a while longer, listening to the storm outside as Sheila snuggled closer in her sleep. He knew the battle with Arshes would be coming soon, and he also knew that she had become much more powerful in his absence. Perhaps if Sean and Kai returned with Tiber in time the battle could be avoided. The thought of his son stopping the fight appealed to his optimistic side but centuries of life had taught him that things almost never work out the way you want them to. Looking down at Sheila's peaceful expression, he smiled. She would be his life-mate. He would share his life force to give her extended life and if she so wished it, make her a vampire like himself. Perhaps Sean and Kai as well since he was already bonded with them from the times he drank their blood. If Arshes could be convinced to rejoin him then she would as well.

He had been lying there for awhile, so long in fact that the sun had begun to rise, when he felt a familiar tingling sensation. The elementals were chaotic and being compelled by something beyond their control.

"Shit!" James leapt from the bed, Sheila in his grasp and used his considerable power to teleport all the inhabitants of the palace and castle to a safe distance. A split second after everyone was out, the castle erupted into a brilliant flash of white light as the very air exploded. A Mega-death spell, his own spell was used against him and he had a good idea who it was.

"That was a close one!" James brushed dust off of his clothes that he had made sure to grab on the way out. He looked out at the flatlands around the city and was not-so-surprised to see that the orc army had advanced through the storm and now surrounded the city for probably the sixth time this month.

Sheila fell to her knees and whimpered, "The castle! Is that it? Have we lost?" Yoko ran over to them along with a group of knights. She looked at James, eyes filled with fear.

'Arshes caught me off guard. . .kind of had my hands full. But for her to use Mega-death, I guess the title of Thunder Empress isn't a fluke.' James spotted Arshes in the distance, riding atop her griffon. She was approaching rapidly. He moved to engage her but was promptly stopped by Sheila.

She threw her arms around him and cried, "No! You mustn't James! If you go you'll be killed!" She sobbed once again into his chest.

Running his fingers through her ebony hair, James said gently, "Even if I don't go fight, the fight will come to me anyway. I have to do this." James turned to Yoko and the knights, "Take care of her for me." Yoko merely nodded her understanding and helped to pry the princess off of James.

Arshes swooped down on her griffon, sending a medium strength lightning spell at the group. "Everyone! Take cover!" ordered James as he repelled the attack with a barrier.

"James! As promised, I've come to take your life for good!" Arshes shouted at him as she came down for another pass.

He detected that false anger in her once more, "Neither of us wants this battle Arshes! It doesn't have to end like this!" His pleading fell on deaf ears as she readied herself for another attack. There truly was no other option other than to fight then. He focused his energy on warping the gravity and electromagnetic fields around him while chanting, "Raven! Flight of the mountain wind!" James levitated for a moment before taking to the air.

"Oh no you don't!" Arshes hovered in the air while her griffon flapped its wings steadily, "Elliot! Collen! Allen! Savage and all the gods of war! I call your mystic symbol's fire – let love and hate collide!"

James was dumbfounded as he heard the High Ancient magic. He had never heard of this one before. "What is this!?" He shouted mostly to himself as a ball of dark ball of energy started to form between Arshes and himself.

She glared at him, "Think you're so smart!? Well there are spells of the High Ancients that even you don't know! Def Leppard's black liquid lightning sphere! The ball fully materialized and began draining all magical energy in the immediate area. "That lightning ball is a bottomless portal to another dimension – and it absorbs all magical energy! Your luck's run out!"

James was shocked to feel his spell weakening and within a few seconds it was totally negated, sending him plummeting to the ground. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" James hit the ground after several seconds of freefall with a loud thud that cracked the hard, rocky, ground. He caught his breath before trying to get up. Groaning as he got up, joints audibly popping. "Ow. I feel like an old man." He looked back up to the Thunder Empress, trying to come up with a plan of attack. Coming from the sky, attacking with the Lightning Sword, negating his magic, he knew that she had the advantage.

"Without your magic you're no match for the Lightning Sword!" declared the dark-elf as she charged down at him, sword raised. "Raging Demon Slaying Strike!" She slashed the air, creating a visible sonic boom, destroying a long swath of earth.

James just managed to evade the attack. Her slash was on par with some of Gara's most powerful abilities, making her a dangerous opponent in close quarters. He smirked, eliciting a confused look from her. "It seems you've underestimated me. Efreet! Come to me!" James summoned the Fire Sword which materialized in his hands. He had stashed it in another dimension so he wouldn't have to haul it around by hand. The magnificent blade, an equal to the Lightning Sword, glowed brightly.

A deep voice boomed from the sword, "Warrior of the Lightning Sword, injure my master no more or face the wrath of Efreet, Demon God of the Sword of Flames!" Arshes back peddled nervously, obviously not expecting to face an enchanted weapon of equal strength as her own. Efreet's voice echoed around James, "My master, oh great lord James. Use me to destroy your enemies! To obey and protect its master is the duty of the blade. If the Sword of the Lightning God is your enemy, then let me, Efreet, do battle as the Sword of Flames!"

James slashed the air, getting the feel for the blade once again since it had been awhile since last he held it. "Arshes! Let's end this!"

She charged forward, "This time I won't miss! Raging Demon Slaying Strike!" She brought her brightly shining sword against his with a loud clang and a shower of sparks.

Using his superior strength, James parried the attack and cut upwards into her mount, causing the beast to fall to the ground in a gory mess. Arshes quickly leapt away, horrified to see her pet burst into flames, an effect of the Fire Sword.

Both weapons began to spew forth their respective elements, James engulfed in flames and Arshes crackling with electricity. In unison, the two fighters launched themselves at each other, trading blows at super human speed, moving so fast that most of the spectators on both sides could barely keep up with their movements. James didn't know how long they went on like that but he could tell that Arshes was tiring, despite receiving energy from her sword. Her continuous use of magically powered strikes was more than her body could take, especially after not quite recovering her strength from the fight with Gara. James drew on the energy stored in the crystals in his bracelet, keeping him strong while she was weak.

After breaking one last deadlock, Arshes took a stance that he was all too familiar with. 'She's going all out.'

"Highest of mysteries! Imperial Eagle Claw Strike! Die!" She brought her sword down with a monstrous strength, initially catching him off guard.

He quickly shifted his footing for better leverage, pushing back with all his strength. The thought of transforming flashed through his mind before he dismissed it. There was no telling if he would be able to control himself or how long he could sustain the form. The ground began to crater from the tremendous forces the two warriors were exerting against each other.

Her face was just inches away from his. Looking into her eyes, he saw many different emotions and he began to trace the contours of her face with his gaze. His resolve began to weaken and she pushed harder, sensing an opportunity.

James and Arshes were startled from their battle when Efreet spoke up once more, "Cunning and reckless, cold-hearted and kind, my all powerful master. James! The only one on this Earth to defeat me!" Efreet changed into his demon form as did Nue of the Lightning Sword. Efreet grappled with his foe, "You may not know it yet but. . .this world needs you! By my pride as the Demon God of Flame I cannot lose to Nue!" A black portal opened up behind the pair of giants, James recognized it as another dimension, similar to where he had stored him before. "Farewell master!" Efreet wrestled his nemesis into the darkness before the portal closed behind them. Arshes Def Leppard spell was sucked into the void as well, unable to resist the gravitational pull on magic energy.

James was speechless as he looked towards the spot where his Sword had disappeared. Rather than let the Lightning Sword cause harm to his master, Efreet had locked the two of them in an infinite void to fight for eternity. A heavy sadness fell over him. He had liked Efreet, a loyal servant who had given everything for him.

"This is the last time you'll turn your back on me!"

James quickly turned around, cursing his sentimental episode only to have Arshes stab her outstretched fingers into his forehead, a martial arts attack similar to the style Kai had used. James fell to the ground. His ears were wringing and his sight began to get fuzzy on the edges before he quickly began to regenerate. Arshes was straddling him, wiping her bloody hand on her under tunic. He was vaguely aware that it had started raining again, the perfect setting for an anticlimactic battle.

His body was healed in no time and his body glowed with magical energy as life was restored to him.

"What the hell! This light it's. . .it's impossible!"

James's head snapped up, his sight turning red as his own blood ran into his eyes. He grabbed her wrists and held them painfully tight. "Nei!" he roared, his patience finally run out. "I won't forgive you this time! A whore like you, you're not my daughter!" he raged. She had killed him and she would not get off easily! "Those who betray me die!" his fierce voice echoed across the distance, causing Arshes to recoil at the venom in his voice. His anger was bringing out more power and the last bit of his self control was beginning to erode.

Arshes shrugged after a moment, "What a joke. I've never thought of you as my parent! Not even once!"

His body was shaking as he reached for the strength inside of him. "Then this will be easy! Raven! Flight of the Mountain Wind!" James took to the air, as did Arshes who used the same spell. He was too furious to see the flash of sorrow in her eyes.

Both fighters were engulfed in silver magical auras, crackling with excess energy and glowing with a bright, radiating light. In unison, they began chanting, "Prince of the realm of magic, mighty Tonimoore, fulfill the pact of ancient days! Raging billows, thunder riot!" Twin lightning storms collided in mid-air, exploding as both attacks, equal in power, canceled each other out.

"You've gotten a lot better Nei," complimented James, although his anger had eased somewhat, he still called her Nei. Arshes was the name he gave her when he found her and was only to be used by him. She frowned slightly at hearing him call her that.

"Brain, brain dead!" James readied one of his strongest fire spells and went on the attack, "Obey the contract of blood, from the land of Abaddon come forth! Gehenna's fire explode in flame, and in its sum incinerate all!"

"So you think you'll one up the Thunder Empress with your favorite fire spell? Hmph!" she sneered, "If I'd ever been your child, I'd have outgrown you when I was a toddler!" She taunted him before chanting the exact same spell as him.

His anger returned at her remarks. For over a hundred years he had done everything in his power to make sure she was happy and she says things like this? He ground his teeth, fangs beginning to protrude. If both spells collided there was a chance that both of them could be burned to a crisp but there was no turning back now. "Evil blaze of burning exodus!" they shouted together, both charging towards the other, the intense heat giving them the appearance of comets as they raced through the air.

They crashed together, the ultra high heat caused by the spells creating a barrier of super charged air around both of them. She was so close he could see the sweat glistening on her forehead. There was determination in her eyes and she was gritting her teeth in exertion but all he could see was the Arshes of his memories. Images of her smiling, smiling, and crying. He remembered the cute way her long elven ears drooped when she was sad. He loved the childish way she would call out for him when she worried. He remembered the sexy way her crimson eyes would pierce through the darkness as they lay together. It was too much for him to bear. Feeling his anger dissipating, his power slipped further and further away. He loved her and always would.

He was lost in his thoughts even as she broke through his spell. "Die!" she bellowed as she collided with him.

He felt himself engulfed in the flames, felt his armor being disintegrated and could tell that he was falling. 'What happened to us? Where did we go wrong?' He soon crashed into the ground, destroying a section of the castle wall, covering him with tons of debris. He could tell that some of his bones were broken so he remained still until he had regenerated. His ears were ringing and the tingly feeling of his skin told him that he was healing already. 'I don't know if I can do this.' He caught his breath before using a force field to throw off all of the stone on top of him.

"You can't kill me Arshes! No matter what you do I'll keep coming!" he yelled at her, brushing the dust out of his hair. He turned to Gara and his ninja who had gathered on a ridge not far away, "And quit all that sissy sobbing! You think a scratch like this is enough to stop real man?!"

Arshes came down in front of him saying, "James, it's time I put you out of your misery, before your seemingly indestructible body bores us all to death. Sorry you won't be around to enjoy our utopia!"

Squaring his shoulders and gazing back at her calmly, he replied, "Forget it. You can't kill me."

She visibly tensed and glared at him. "Hmph! We'll see about that! I command elemental forces beyond your wildest dreams!" she drew back her hand, preparing to cast.

"Wait, Arshes! I love you!" His voice was gentle, all anger extinguished.

She froze at his words, eyes searching his. For the first time since he had visited her in her dream she looked at him, not as an enemy, but as someone she cherished. She was so many things to him. A daughter, a friend, and a lover. This battle was clearly destroying both of them on the inside.

"It's not too late. We can stop this now. . .please." James's voice was solemn.

She gauged his sincere eyes before asking, "Do you know why I fight?"

"For Tiber?"

She nodded, face serious and a little wistful at the name of her child, "I fight to create a Sorcerer's Kingdom. When magic rules all there will be no discrimination, no poverty, no war. It'll be a paradise. The current kingdoms must fall so that a new one can rise in its place."

His face was unreadable as he replied, "Do you really believe that such a world is possible. Everyone, human or not, holds the capacity for both good and evil. You know this."

"I do. I was just a little half-breed girl, shunned by elves and humans alike! You never even comprehend the kind of pain I endured just to live!" shouted an emotional Nei, "Slandered and despised, I was never accepted for who I was. . . I know hate James, and those wounds have never healed!"

He felt his heart ache for her. In truth he had never pressed her about her childhood, it clearly pained her to think about it so he let the matter be and was content to spend his years with her. To have her really show him her true feelings on the matter was eye-opening. Thoughts of her as an innocent child being bullied and mistreated brought back some of his anger although it was directed at her people. He noticed how her eyes were becoming moist and how she refused to cry, willing the tears not to fall.

"When the various factions of wood elves at last went to war I was their first casualty! The dark elves, who had grudgingly granted me their asylum abandoned me! I couldn't understand. . .For days I wandered the burned forests looking for my tribe. But they were long gone. I was alone. They finally had their excuse. . .to get rid of me," she finished.

"You never told me. . ."

Lightning crackled around her. "I learned my lesson, starving in the cold. . .Half-elves will only find joy when the world is at peace! I'll have my peace, my joy. . .Or kill you all trying!" Her hand glowed brightly as she charged forward and chopped down.

In a flash, James caught her wrist and pulled her close, his face only inches from her own. "But Arshes. . .Have you forgotten? You grabbed my robe as I was passing by. . .and for the next hundred years. . .wasn't I the peace you were looking for?"

After I get some reviews I'll post the next chapter. Peace out.