Strange Bunny
Episode 2B: Karl the Shadow Master: Orli the Hero!

Posted: October 2004
Title: Strange Bunny 2B: Karl the Shadow Master: Orli the Hero!
Author: Estella Greenleaf
Type: RPS
Characters: V/O
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Totally and completely AU
Disclaimer: All if this is false.
Author's note: This owes its existence to the anime Bastard!

*****

Orli felt like he had been trampled by a horse. He opened his eyes to find Ian and Christopher hovering over him. Slowly, memories of the assassin returned; in a frantic voice, he screamed, "Where is Lord Viggo? Is he alright?"

Ian gave his young charge a sympathetic look and sighed, "The Shadow Master has taken him."

Leaping out of his bed despite his bodily aches, the scribe exclaimed, "We must save him!"

Christopher shook his head sadly and replied, "Metaricana is at war; we do not have the warriors to spare on a fool's errand."

Orli stared at the two Priests in disbelief. They couldn't possibly mean to let the Shadow Master have his way with Lord Viggo! His hero was the Golden Knight of Metaricana; surely, the city wouldn't abandon its shining knight in his hour of need. "But…"

"I am sorry, young one," said Ian as he laid a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder.

The youth knew there was no point in pleading any longer; the Priests' minds were set. All they cared about was their city; Lord Viggo's life meant little to them. But his beloved knight meant the world to Orli; his hero was his sun and his moon. He couldn't sit by and allow his beloved knight perished. He would rescue Lord Viggo from the evil clutches of the Shadow Master or die trying.

Though Orli was honest by nature, he realized he must keep his intentions a secret. If the Priests found out, they would never let him go. He wondered if it would be too suspicious to ask them where the Shadow Master's lair was when Elfie said, "Karl's fortress is beyond the Forest of Time."

Now that he had a destination, the scribe was ready; all he needed was for his guardian and Christopher to leave so he could be on his way. There was no time to lose if he were to save the one he loved. Mustering all his 'acting' skills, Orli buried his head in his hands and began to sob.

Hugging his young charge close, Ian whispered soothingly, "The pain will pass in time, Orlando. You must stay strong and be ready to do your part in defending the city. It is what Lord Viggo would have wanted."

Orli sniffled and nodded. "I will do what Lord Viggo wanted of me. I am tired, master; I'd like to sleep for a little while and regain my strength."

Ian sighed and released the boy from his embrace. He looked into Orli's glittering amber orbs and saw the need for time to grief alone. "Very well, we will leave you to your rest."

Before Orli's guardian left, he added, "If you need anything, young one, do not hesitate to ask the guards at the door. They are at your command."

The boy nodded and went back to bed. With the guards at the door, slipping out of the city unnoticed would be no easy feat. But whatever the odds, he would not fail; Lord Viggo was depending on him.

*****

There wasn't a single part of Orli's body that didn't hurt. He was covered in nicks and bruises; his right ankle was strained; his left arm was turning a strange shade of reddish-purple. But then that was to be expected since he spent the last two days being chased by demons, falling off cliffs, nearly drowning in rapids and tumbling down tree-lined hills. It was a miracle he was still alive and free. He was lucky that demons had a better sense of self-preservation than he did. None of them followed whenever he jumped off the edges from great heights.

Now, at bottom of a ravine beyond the Forest of Time, the youth's destination was in sight. The Shadow Master's lair was a forbidding fortress of black limestone. Staring at the towering castle, Orli had serious doubts about his chances for success. He had been wrecking his brain for the past two days, he still couldn't figure out a way to smuggle his hero to safety undetected. And this time, Elfie wasn't any help at all: he kept saying that stealth was Karl's game; that open confrontation was the answer.

For the first time in his life, Orli hesitated in following his imaginary friend's suggestion. True he brought a sword with him; but he had no idea how to wield it. Given his condition, he seriously wondered if he could even lift and swing the thing. He couldn't *possibly* challenge the Shadow Master to a fight and win!

"Nothing is impossible if you believe, Orli," encouraged the youth's imaginary friend, giving him a mental nudge to move on. "I know Karl; and I know you. I'm telling you, you can do this. Trust me."

Orli let out a sigh and heaved himself onto his feet. He had come too far to be scared now. He would trust Elfie and make a stand. With his head held high, he marched as bravely as his batter body allowed towards the castle's gate.

*****

Karl absentmindedly stroke his captive's arm as he gazed into his dark crystal mirror. He had been tracking the boy's progress since he left the city. His quarry's tenacity impressed him; it reminded him of his ridiculously pig-headed former master. But he highly doubted the boy was Legolas reborn. The wizard would *never* run from lowly demon soldiers; nor would he suffer the indignation of falling into a river and rolling down a hill.

The Shadow Master's musing was interrupted when his second-in-command, Sean, requested his attention. "A boy is at the keep's front gate, my lord. What are your orders?"

"Bring him to me," said Karl quietly with an amused smile. It was time to meet his quarry face to face; it was time to see if his master had indeed returned.

*****

Orli's fears mutated into fury when he saw *his* dearest knight chained at the Shadow Master's feet, wearing nothing but a tiny loincloth that barely covered his 'assets'. The demons in this room had absolutely no right to be treated to this sublime view! Even he, who had spent his entire life serving Lord Viggo, had only been given the great honor of seeing the knight naked for the first time recently! Eyes blazing, he fumbled to draw his sword and demanded, "Let Lord Viggo go!"

Karl laughed. The boy truly had no magic or skills in combat. He wasn't the wizard who decimated Seiti with the spell 'Venom', and therefore, wasn't Legolas reborn. Now that the youth's 'identity' was determined, the only thing left to do was decide what to do with the exquisite fiery mortal.

If Karl were honest, he had to admit he found the boy very desirable. It had been 26 years since he abstained from pleasure and dedicated himself to avenging his master. Maybe it was time to start 'living like a demon' again. He knew it would be an interesting challenge to turn the stubborn, devoted boy into his willing slave. As he loved the thrill of a good 'fight', he decided he would claim this young mortal as his.

Taking his katana off his belt, Karl approached his visitor. "Your dedication to your liege impresses me, boy. I will reward you with a chance to win his freedom. I will let you attack me three times; if you can land a blow, both you and your Lord Viggo are free to go."

"If I don't?" asked Orli, trying to keep the shakiness from his voice. Despite Elfie's promises to help in any way he could, the scribe knew his chances of winning were slim. He wanted to know the consequences before committing to this duel.

"You join him as my slave," whispered the Shadow Master as his burning amber eyes locked with Orli's.

"Don't do it, Orlando! Leave me! Run away!" yelled Viggo as he twisted against the chains that held him down. After minutes of staring agape at the scribe, he had finally recovered enough to react. He still couldn't believe Orlando was here. He thought the boy would be heavily guarded, kept safe within the city walls. Metaricana couldn't risk any harm coming to Orlando when Legolas was locked within the boy's mortal form.

"No, Lord Viggo. You are always taking care of everyone else; it is time someone takes care of you," replied Orli as he cast a small smile at his hero. Stepping closer to the Shadow Master, he said evenly, "I accept your terms."

Karl grinned as he tossed his short sword to his opponent. "Use this. I don't fancy you falling and hurting yourself trying to swing that long sword of yours around." When Orlando looked at him suspiciously, he added, "Just protecting what will soon be mine, little one."

Orli growled as he dropped his heavy two-handed sword and reached for the smaller weapon. He would have ignored the Shadow Master if Elfie hadn't insisted that he took the offer. Though he would never admit it, the short sword was much better suited to his size and weight. His opponent had just given him a fighting chance for Lord Viggo's freedom.

"I'm not going to lose to the likes of you!" yelled Orli as he lunged at his opponent with his sword outstretched.

Karl laughed as he shifted, effortlessly moving out of the way of the boy's charge. "One down, two more to go."

Without pause, Orli struck again with a reverse backhand swing. Nimbly, the Shadow Master ducked. After dodging the blow, Karl moved to come up to stand behind his quarry. Breathing softly into his soon-to-be slave's ear, he said huskily, "That's two, boy. One more and we take our little duel to the bedroom."

Orli knew he was too slow to follow his imaginary friend's advice properly. He just wasn't good enough, when it mattered the most. One more miss and he would lose this duel. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lord Viggo struggling, trying to come to his aid. The sight sparked a surge of fierce determination that energized his every cell. His beloved knight's fate rested in his hands. Even if he weren't hero material, he would do everything in his power to protect the one he loved.

Eyes fixed on the knight's, Orli made his 'surprise move'. Changing his grip, he stabbed himself, forcing the blade through his own belly, intent on maiming the demon taunting him from behind. He gasped in pain as he pulled the bloodied sword out from his wound. For a moment, he closed his eyes and prayed with all his heart that his strategy had worked. Taking a deep breath, he turned to face his opponent. His eyes immediately honed in on the blood seeping through the
Shadow Master's black shirt. He had landed a blow!

"I won. You have to let Lord Viggo go," whispered Orli, grimacing as he clutched his side to staunch the blood flow.

For a long time, Karl stared at the blood staining his shirt. The wound was only a shallow gash; even as he stood, it was beginning to heal. Still, he could not believe the boy had drawn blood, something none had managed for hundreds of years. He had underestimated the exquisite beauty. What the youth lacked in skill and power, he made up for with his strength in spirit.
This time, the Shadow Master knew he had truly lost. "Sean, free the mortal from his restraints."

"But…"

"Do it! I may be a demon, but I always keep my promises," said Karl firmly, eyes never leaving the beautiful boy he now admired as well as desired.

"Thank you." Now that his goal was accomplished, exhaustion caught up with Orli. He would have fallen if his beloved knight hadn't flown to his side and encircled him in a protective embrace.

"Lord Viggo, I'm so glad you're okay," the boy whispered weakly as he sagged against the older man.

Part of Viggo was furious. Orlando had to know he housed Metaricana's hope for survival. How could the boy risk his life so selfishly, out of a misguided obsession? Yet, the other part of the knight was touched. Orlando didn't even know how to fight, but the scribe had braved all the odds and came for him all the same. Tried as he might to deny it, no one had made him feel as loved as Orlando did. Unable to find the heart to chastise his unlikely savior, Viggo said, "Promise me you'll never do anything like this again."

"I can't. I won't run or hide when you need me, Lord Viggo. I love you too much for that," whispered the youth against his hero's shoulder before fatigue plunged him into oblivion.

*****

Karl wasn't overly surprised to hear the boy's declaration of love; after all, undying devotion and love tended to go hand in hand. He did wonder though if the knight felt the same. His ex-captive didn't seem the type who would appreciate a sweet naïve pigheaded boy. Maybe there was still a chance to steal the dark-haired beauty's affections, if he behaved more 'courteously' from now on. Meeting one who could touch his heart was exceptionally rare; he loathed giving up so soon. When the older mortal lifted the unconscious youth and made way towards the door, the demon called out, "Wait."

"Are you going back on your word, Shadow Master?" asked the blond knight, glaring at his former captor.

"No, but the little one is exhausted and wounded. He needs a healer's care and a place to rest, both of which I am willing to provided," offered Karl with what he hoped to be a sincere smile.

Viggo knew the Shadow Master was right; Orlando was in no shape to travel. But could he trust the demon to not harm them if they stayed? When his unconscious charge moaned softly in his slumber, he knew the boy's wounds needed treatment soon. He would accept the Shadow Master's offer and take their chances.

*****

Viggo's senses remained on alert as he stretched out beside the injured scribe inside one of Karl's guest bedchamber. Thus far, the Shadow Master appeared every bit the gracious host; but the knight had grown to resent the way the demon regarded Orlando. It was clear that Karl desired the beautiful boy.

Viggo didn't know why this knowledge galled him; it wasn't as if he loved the young man. He was bound to Orlando by his word, not his heart. He should be happy if the scribe chose another to 'obsess over'; it would mean he would be free to pursue his Princess. Maybe it was because Karl was a demon; maybe he was just worried that if Orlando fell for the Shadow Master, Legolas might switch sides the next time the wizard was released. That had to be it: this bad feeling gnarling in his heart wasn't jealousy at all.

The knight wrapped his arms protectively around the boy's slumbering form. It was his duty to protect Metaricana's only hope. There were no disingenuous reasons for his gesture; he wasn't taking pleasure in how warm and pliant Orlando's lithe form felt against him… Willing himself to stop thinking 'inappropriate' thoughts towards the unconscious beauty, he closed his eyes and tried to catch some much needed rest.

*****

The knight sighed in bliss as a warm, shapely rump gyrated against his groin. In his half conscious state, he rubbed his half-mast organ against the inviting warmth, reveling of delicious friction that sent fire shooting down his veins.

"Oh yes, Lord Viggo… please…"

The soft whimper jolted the knight back into the world of the waking. He was appalled to find his arousal wedged between the firm cheeks of Orlando's buttock, ready to breach the boy's relaxed entrance. Pulling away, Viggo sat up. "I'm glad you're finally awake, Orlando. Do you need anything, food, water or…"

"I need you," whined Orli with a pout as he rolled onto his back to look at his hero.

"I…" Viggo wasn't sure what to do. The boy was wounded; they shouldn't be engaging in strenuous physical activities. But he could see that they both *needed* to finish off what they started; could it really hurt if they found relief in a mutually pleasurable way? "I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't hurt me, Lord Viggo. Please," pleaded the boy, regarding the knight with puppy eyes that could melt the firmest of resolve.

Viggo smiled at the youth and said huskily, "Spread your legs for me then, Orlando."

Orli wasted no time in complying. Lord Viggo wanted to take him face to face tonight! Not only would he know the heavenly feeling of the knight's glorious cock claiming him, he would be able to see his hero's divine features in the throes of passion too. This was worth every bit of pain he had endured on his quest! "I'm yours, my lord. Please take me."

Viggo chuckled at his young lover's eagerness as he knelt between the boy's honeyed thighs. For a moment, he debated what position would be least strenuous for the wounded scribe before capturing the shapely legs and hooking them over his shoulders. He dragged Orlando forward to lie on his lap until the tip of his manhood was positioned once more at the youth's inviting entrance. Slicking his shaft with spittle, he pushed inside the tight passage with a slow languid stroke.

Orli cried out as his hero filled him; it felt even better than he remembered. Lord Viggo was holding his waist, making it impossible for him to arch up or push back against the man's invading shaft. Though he wanted to move to maximize their mutual pleasure, he didn't protest. He knew the knight didn't want him exerting himself and reopening his wound. And as impossible as it sounded, the knowledge that Lord Viggo cared for him meant more than the sublime sensations of being claimed by his hero. It gave him hope that he was one step closer to having the only thing in the world he desired more than the knight's body: Lord Viggo's love.

Viggo gasped as Orlando's passage rippled around his rock-hard flesh. Keeping the pace nice and slow, he moved one hand to caress the boy's leaking shaft, stroking it in time with his thrusts. The duel sensory onslaught soon proved too much for the dark-haired beauty; with a cry, he erupted in the knight's hand.

The clenching of the youth's heated tunnel made Viggo groan in pleasure. He pounded into his lover's trembling body as hard as he dared given Orlando's condition, desperate to find his own release. It was not long before he reached passion's peak, emptying himself inside his lover's welcoming heat.

As before, the intensity of his orgasm drove Orlando into the land of dreams. The knight smiled fondly at the exquisite beauty and laid a gentle kiss on the delectable rosy lips. Settling onto the bed once more, Viggo wrapped his arms around the unconscious boy and soon fell into a peaceful slumber.

*****

With the stealthy grace of a panther on a prowl, Legolas left the bed he shared with his lover. He removed the bandages that dressed his sword wound and watched it heal with a grin. It was good to be a demon wizard with close to limitless regenerative capacity.

Legolas stretched as bruises and cuts faded to leave behind perfect unblemished luminescent skin. He considered waking Lord Viggo to give the man a *real* romp in the hay to reward the knight for being so gentle with Orli. But unluckily, he had business to take care of. Wild hot sex with his dreamy man would have to wait; he *needed* to talk to his apprentice.

It wouldn't do at all for Karl to have a crush on Orli. Legolas practically raised the younger half demon after finding him abandoned by his human mother. In some ways, he was like his apprentice's father. Getting it on with Karl was a disgusting thought, even for a demon… He was certain his former protégé would agree too, once they cleared up this whole misunderstanding. It was time for a much delayed one on one coversation.

*****

"Who are you?" demanded the Shadow Master as he drew his katana at the figure on his balcony.

Stepping into the dark-haired demon's chambers, Legolas teased, "Still asking the same question, I see."

Karl was certain he had never met the intruder before, but there was something very familiar about his visitor. Perhaps it was the stranger's presence; it reminded him vaguely of his former master's, though it seemed a lot less demonic. It could also be the intruder's good looks. The stranger bore great resemblance to the dark-haired beauty who had captured Karl's fancy. With his flowing golden tresses and icy blue eyes, his visitor seemed an unearthly, ethereal version of Orlando.

But one thing was for sure; the creature's aura was too strong to be human. He needed to be on his guard, ready to call upon his full powers if the need arose. Eyes narrowing to gauge the intruder's abilities, Karl retorted, "That is because you have yet to give me an answer."

"I guess it is time to give you a satisfactory answer then," the demon wizard smirked as he walked to stand in front of his apprentice's blade. "Attack me. And I don't mean with that silly sword of yours."

Karl was taken back by the stranger's words. Had the intruder just asked to be sent to the Shadow Realm, where eternal torment awaited? Other than himself and his former master, none knew how to escape his domain. Could this golden beauty be the one he sought in Metaricana two nights ago? Could this stranger truly be his lost master? His visitor was right; there was only one way to know for sure.

Closing his eyes, the Shadow Master chanted, "Shadows from the deep, hear my summons and come forth from the abyss. Release your hunger, plunge my enemy into darkness."

Tendrils of dark smoke materialized around Karl's sword, entwining the blade like serpents. When the Shadow Master opened his eyes, the wisps of darkness shot towards his opponent, engulfing him in a cocoon of smoke. When the shadows vanished, the stranger was gone.

Karl held his breath and waited. With all his heart, he hoped for the golden beauty's return. Legolas was *everything* to him, his savior, his mentor, his best friend. If only he had gone with his master to that final battle 26 years ago. His master's death was his fault. He should never have stayed behind, trying to set up the perfect seduction for a cold, unobtainable demon who didn't even want him. He should have been by Legolas' side.

The Shadow Master's musing was cut short when a lilting voice chanted, "Spirits of the air and earth, obey your blood oath to me and gather. Lend me your strength and shatter all in my path!"

An explosion of light blinded Karl, the force of the blast knocking him off his feet. When the glow subsided, the demon blinked and rubbed his sightless eyes. As vision returned to reveal the stranger standing over him with a grin, Karl knew: his master had returned!

Karl grasped the wizard's outstretched hand and was immediately pulled up into a bear hug. While he was overjoyed to have Legolas back, he couldn't help but noticed the entire top portion of his chamber had been blown away. It was a good thing there were no rooms above his... "I'm glad you're back, master, but did you have to trash my tower?"

Grinning unrepentantly, the wizard answered, "You should have expected that, Karl. You know how I love a grand entrance. Besides, I want to give you extra incentive to come back to Metaricana with me."

Karl frowned. He couldn't understand why his 'reincarnated' master wanted to save Metaricana.
Legolas was never very fond of humans before. "Why?"

"To make a long story short, 26 years ago, my spirit got sealed inside a mortal babe. I hated it at first; but after a while, I grew quite fond of the soul I'm sharing a body with. He's part of me now and whatever he likes I like."

"I never thought of you as the type who lets someone else decide what you want for you."

Legolas chuckled and said, "I'm not; but 'my better half' is irresistible; even you fell for his charms."

Karl's brow furrowed in confusion before a sudden realization hit him. "Orlando!"

"Yes. And every time after Lord Viggo makes love to him, I take over, and vice versa." Legolas *loved* the shocked and disgusted look on his apprentice's face. It would seem some of his 'evil' quirks were too deeply ingrained to be changed.

"I almost brought *you* into bed!" Karl gagged as he made the announcement. Though his master wasn't a fearsome ugly demon anymore, he still couldn't believe he was 'attracted' to any part of Legolas in a sexual context. That was just totally wrong!

"Eew!" the younger demon shuddered. All thoughts of persuading his master to join the new Demon Army vanished; he was too traumatized by what almost happened with the wizard's 'better half' to think rationally.

Legolas laughed at his poor apprentice's plight for a long while before announcing, "I'm going back to Metaricana with Lord Viggo at first light tomorrow. I'll see you if I see you, Karl." Without waiting for his apprentice's reply, he marched out of the Shadow Master's room.

*****

Viggo opened his groggy eyes to find Legolas seated on the edge of the bed, watching him sleep. If his mind were functioning properly, he would have realized the key to the wizard's transformation was a good shagging. But as he was still exhausted from the events of the past few days, all he did was blink in confusion.

Loving the adorable expression on his mortal lover's face, the wizard chirped, "Morning, love! Ready to go?"

"Legolas…"

"Yes, that's me, love," Legolas smiled as he went to fetch the clothes that Karl had generously donated to the knight.

Viggo was still trying wrap his brain around the fact that the wizard was back when the Shadow Master crashed into the room. "Alright, master, you win. I'm coming with you."

"Wonderful. Now, if you will please leave so my manly Lord Viggo can get dressed, that will be perfect," replied the wizard with a quirked brow.

Karl let out an exasperated sigh, wondering if this was the worst decision he had made in his entire immortal life. But after what happened 26 years ago, he would never leave his master's side again. He didn't care much for Abigail's quest for world domination anyway. He would be happy as long as life wasn't boring. And since life was never boring with Legolas, everything should be all right. "I'll prepare the horses."

The knight continued to watch the scene in confusion, unable to understand what had just occurred. As Legolas moved to the bed and began dressing him, he decided to save all his questions for later, when he was more alert. For whatever reason, he would soon have two of the most powerful demons in the world as his traveling companions. Heaving a gusty sigh, he couldn't help but think he missed the sweet and simple Orlando.

*****

So it was that Karl the Shadow Master joined Legolas the legendary demon wizard and became Metaricana's ally. But would their combined strength be enough to stop Abigail's ambition? That was another story for another time.

*****

THE END

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