"Did you know that Vaisey was still alive?" demanded Guy, charging into Isabella's cell.

"You've got a nasty temper, Guy," she said, all to calmly.

"Did you know?"

"Of course, I knew," said Isabella, turning her nose upward. "It didn't suprise me that you didn't finish the job."

Guy attempted to take a deep breath to settle himself but Isabella smirked at him, knowingly. She stood, brushed off her skirt, and took a step toward him. His fists clenched watching everyone of her moves.

"You so want to kill me, Guy," she teased.

"The outlaws will show you no mercy after what you've done. While you're waiting you might want to consider this," he said, pulling a small orange vial from the little sack attatched to his belt.

Isabella took it, looking at it suspiciously. "Poison?"

"Slow and painful if you only take a little bit. You'll want to take it all if you want it to be quick."

"This is it. You're last favor to your sister. You do want me dead. But what's stopping you from doing it yourself? You seem so good at killing defensless women."

"You're right. I have too much blood on my hands already," he said. He turned to leave, but Isabella made to escape as he opened the door to her cell. Stopping her around the middle with his arm, he cast her back into the cell.

"You'll have more blood on your conscience if you don't go to the tunnel in two hours time," she warned, running a hand through her frazzled hair. He kept his back to her. "A certain wife of yours, Casey."

Before she knew it she was pinned against the wall with curved stilleto at her throat, but she laughed at the fury on her brother's face. His hand shook as he fought within himself about whether or not he should carry out his blades movement. Isabella sensed his weakness and enjoyed the pain it caused him. She arched her neck offering it to his desicion.

"Guy," cried a voice from behind them. Casey raced down the steps into the dungeon and into Isabella's cell, drawing Guy away from her. He looked around at her and followed her touch thoughtlessly. "Come on, Guy. She's not worth it."

She glared back at Isabella, easing Guy forward up the stairs before turning to the jailer. "Lock her up and don't let her out for anything. Did you hear me? No matter what she say or tries to tell you, do not open the cell."

"Yes, my lady."

"What was that back there, Guy?" she asked, joining him again as they left the dungeon.

"She told me... Casey, I don't want you to get hurt."

"Personally, I don't favor the thought of getting hurt just as much as the next person but we need every skilled hand we have out there fighting to keep this castle. And you know I have a very skilled hand."

"Vaisey will never give up, not until every single one of us is dead, esspecially me and Robin."

"I don't think he has much of a liking for me either, " she said. They were standing outside the doors of the Great Hall, but Casey took his arm so that he turned to face her. She ran her fingers through his hair and along his jaw with a smile. "We'll be alright. I don't know why, but I can feel it."

That night Robin collect the gang on the battlementsand he explained how they were going to try and destroy the catapults that fired the Byzantine fire at them, getting rid of part of the advantage Vaisey's troops had over them. However, Robin and Archer had gotten into a fight earlier that afternoon and the latter backed out. Though, in Casey's opinion, he had won the arguement by a landslide. Before allowing Guy to drop off the battlements with the others who were going she took his hand.

"Be as careful as you can," she said.

"I will," he promised, pulling her to his lips kissing her deeply only to release her back to Much's side as he, Robin, Tuck, and Little John dropped out of sight.

"He left me in charge," said Much, in disbelief.

"You've earned it," she said.

"But they'll be back before too long they'll be back" he said.

They watched the four shadowed forms disappear into the darkness and Casey nodded, wanting to believe Much's words as much as he was trying to. Together they left the battlements and as they reached the courtyard of the castle, Casey saw Archer standing in the corner, covered in shadows. Seperating herself from Much she joined him.

"I thought you were leaving," she asked.

"I was... going to."

"We still need you."

"Well Robin seems to think he's got everything right under control," said Archer.

"Robin always thinks that he has everything under control. That's what his gang is really for, to make sure that it is controlled. But, in all seriousness, Archer, our lives have never gone according to plan."

Archer smiled. Casey guessed that Guy must take after his father the way Robin had taken after thier father because the young man before them was a perfect blend of them. In his eye was the twinkle of a Locksley and in his smile was a hint of the only gennuine Gisborne smile she had seen, Guy's. Suddenly, there was a ground shaking blast from far off in the distance making everyone in the courtyard look around.

"Tell me that was planned," said Archer.

Casey shook her head and Archer took off around the corner. "What are you doing?"

He rode out with a horse. "Get everyone ready, the fighting starts now, but first I think our friends and family will need saving."

Within the hour, Vaisey's army penetrated Nottingham and flooded onto the streets. Rows of archers took thier aims, lead by each of the gang, wipping out as many as they could before reaching the gates of the castle in which they sucseeded in holding them off, shuting them on the outside of the courtyard. Rachelle and Robin readied another arrow attack on Vaisey and his personal gaurd when he pulled out his prisoner, Kate, a bearer of bad news.

"Oh, and you were expecting reinforcements," said Vaisey. "They're not coming."

Robin rounded the barricade. "You're lying."

"She'll tell you herself won't you," he said, turning to Kate disconcernedly.

"Without thier king to lead them they will not fight," she said.

Casey felt someone touch her elbow, which still held a target on the sheriff. Moments later she heard, Guy's voice in her ear. "Much's going to drop in and lift Kate to the tower. Fire as soon as they are out of your line of vision, the others will follow."

She nodded very smally, glancing to the archer's around her, both of which understood immediatly what to do and passed it down the line as Vaisey allowed Much and Little John to get in place on the tower. Little John jerked out of sight for a splitsecond, Much must have dropped over the side above Kate.

"Kate, above you," alerted Robin.

Much grabbed the blond village girl around the waist and was lifted out of sight again in less than half a minutes time and Casey fired the first shot, striking the man closest to Vaisey. She pulled another arrow into her bow as the rest of the men around her fired, but before she could take her second shot the sheriff and the remaining men charged off in the opposite direction. She turned and Guy offered his arm to her.

She grinned at him, even though she knew the fight was far from over. Vaisey was regrouping and would strike again, soon. For the first time Casey realized that she would be able to fight without bieng hidden behind a mask. Watching the soldiers approach the castle she felt her pulse beat faster and faster. She had her sword in front of her, standing between Guy and the Nottingham locksmith oldest son who was barely twelve years of age.

She had heard the arguement he had gotten into with his mother. He begged to fight in his murdered father's place, still his mother told him that he couldn't. Casey listened, guiltily, as her own name was brought into the fued. Finally, the boy told his mother that if she did not approve he would fight without it. It was not until he nearly reached the door when his mother called him back and gave her his blessing. Rachelle was sure that he had little experience but his passion would burn hot enough to help him at least until he was faced with the reality of taking a life.

They fought in the courtyard to keep the courtyard and were very nearly defeated when they suddenly retreated again. Some stayed behind to collect those who had fallen while any others returned to the Great Hall. Women and children took advantage of the temporary ceasefire to emerge from the chamber's where they hid to seek news of thier loved ones.

"Have you seen Casey?" Guy asked Robin.

"No, she was fighting next to you the last time I saw her," he said. "Why?"

"I've looked every where I can think of," he said, a tinge of panic in his voice. "I can't find her."

"Can't find who," said Tuck. He and Archer joined them at the table.

"Casey," choursed Robin and Guy.

"When was the last time either of you saw her?" said Robin.

"Just before they retreated, beating the snot out of two of those soldiers. They were no match for her," said Tuck.

"There's a ton of people here, Guy, you might have just missed her," added Archer. "Plus, Casey is a big girl. She can take of herself for a bit, don't you think?"

"Yeah," he said, though he did not sound very convinced.

"Robin!" called Little John from the door. "They're coming!"

Robin and Tuck raced off leaving Guy to notice that the door to the tunnel was closing by what seemed like its own accord. He started towards it not noticing that Archer watched.

"We really should get the others," he said, following after Guy, who had ignored the comment. He noticed a barred square in the wall. He tugged at it but slipped backward with a grunt, only to be shushed by Guy. "What does this lead to?"

"The cellar and then back into the castle," he whispered.

"It could be a way out," he suggested.

"It's blocked remember," said Guy. At that moment, deeper into the tunnel there was a huge blast.

"Not anymore," he said. Guy nodded for him to go.

As soon as he was gone he drew his sword. "Isabella?"

"I'm right here, Guy," she said, emerging from the shadows. "The tunnel should be clear now. We can both go right now. Be gone from this wretched place. Then again..."

She stepped closer still pulling out the poison vial, still full. "You could have taken this and been gone ages ago. Why didn't you?"

He thought of how Casey had so unintentionally stopped him from taking his life on several occassions. His grip on his sword tightened thinking that she could be dead somewhere in the castle killed by men that, by extention, Isabella was responsible for.

"Because he found something worth living for," said Vaisey, appearing from behind her. Guy poised his sword in his direction. "I don't think so, Gizzy. You don't want me to do anything awful to that something worth living for that I mentioned a moment ago."

One of the soldiers pulled Casey into the light. Her arms were bound behind her back and she had a blade held to her throat. She emitted the smallest of shouts for him but was pulled back against her captor. Vaisey smiled at his own cunning.

"Let her go," Guy demanded.

"I think I'll be giving the orders now. You see I set up this little trap so that I would be sure that I would kill you myself, I think I've earned that much. And once I've done that, depending on how I feel, I may not have to kill your little dove."

"Why don't we make a deal?" said Guy, quickly.

"What kind of deal?" said Isabella, before Vaisey could answer.

"You let Casey go, unharmed. And I-"

"No! Guy, don't!" cried Casey, trying to break from the soldier who held her. Another soldier came to assist in restraining her. He pressed the flat of the dagger on her skin, silencing her.

"You stay to meet your death, without a fight, as long as you are assured the safety of one person?" said Isabella, incredoriously.

"You don't know anything about your brother, do you?" said Vaisey. "He'll do anything to protect his lepers."

"Do you take the offer or not?" said Guy.

"She doesn't leave until you're dead. We don't want her bringing any of your new freinds to ruin this wonderful moment. Weapon on the floor before we give her back," said Vaisey. The soldiers shoved Casey towards Guy. She stumbled and fell into his arms.

He lifted her up and around so smoothly that no one but each other knew that he had cut her bindings with the dagger held up his sleeve. He knew that Vaisey had no intention on holding up his side of the bargain and niether did Guy. Casey stood behind him, slidding her fingers around the hilt of Guy's second sword, ready to draw, the second the time was right.

"Step foward, Gisborne," said Vaisey. "Meet your fate."

He took the step allowing Casey to draw the swort easily from its scabbard and attacking. The suprise gave Guy enough time to pick up his own sword and charge forward. A handful of soldiers appeared from the darkness outnumbering them but they did not stop. Casey was seperated from Guy as the soldiers moved her away from him. He was almost one on one with Vaisey, wipping out all between them easily. Isabella saw her oppritunity with both of them so occupied.

"Gisborne," warned Robin, joining him in the tunnel with Archer, diverting Isabella. "Not today."

Archer relieved Casey of some of her burden and then only eight remained. Archer, Casey, Robin, and Guy stood face to face with two soldiers, Isabella, and Vaisey.

"How fitting that it comes down to the important few," said Vaisey. "This one's new. I don't believe we've met."

"Archer."

"He's my mother's foolish mistake," spat Isabella. "Look at us, the whole sorry family."

"You ready?" asked Robin.

"Ready. Siblings in arms," said Archer, smiling to Casey on his other side.

All at once they bore down on the other four. It was Isabella who attacked Rachelle, She ran wildly toward her so furiously that it was almost easy for Casey to deflect her. She recovered quickly and blocked Casey's own attack.

"I wonder what Guy will do once I've killed you. The second love of his life stolen from him by his wayward sister," said Isabella. "I hope that he begs me to kill him. Oh, how I'd love to hear him beg even if it is for death."

"Don't hold your breath," said Casey.

Behind them, Robin stood over Vaisey sword raised, ready to make that fatal strike. Isabella pushed away her own opponent and turned to attack him from behind. Casey called out to warn her brother, securing the balance Isabella had made her lose. It was Guy who looked around and reacted.

"Robin," he said, pushing him out of the way as Isabella lunged. She grazed Robin's neck but Vaisey had moved, driving his sword into Guy's chest. He arched as Isabella ran him through from the back. He gasped as both attackers withdrew thier weapons and he crumpled sideways. Casey screamed and tried to run forward, tears flooding into her eyes, but Archer caught her around the middle, holding her back.

"Guy!" she cried.

"This ends here!" said Robin.

"Oh yes it does," said Isabella. She hissed, indicating the mark she had left on Robin's neck.

"It's just a scratch," he said in confusion. "It's nothing!"

"But, who knows, this blade could be rusty... or worse."

"What have done?" reeched Guy, trying to push himself up.

"I used your poison on the blade," she told him, before adressing Robin again. "A few drops are flowing through your bloodstream. You should be dead by sundown."

"Is this true?" asked Robin. Guy nodded, through teeth gritted in pain.

"Oh, this is too good to me true," chuckled Vaisey. "You've killed Robin Hood."

They started away. Robin started back toward them, when he stopped, looking at Casey still struggling with Archer to get to Guy. "This isn't over."

"Of course not. We'll be back to finish off the rest of your army. Wait for me? I don't want to miss the big moment," he said and they were gone. Archer released Casey. She fell at Guy's side as Robin lifted him to a halfway sitting position.

He held his chest, breathing quickly, summoning the power to speak from deep within him. "Get the people out. Take them into the cellars. The sheriff will takes him men the easy way right on through to the Great Hall."

"Once they've gone we can get everyone out back the way they came," said Archer.

"Get news to Tuck," said Robin. Archer nodded and started to get up when Guy grabbed him back.

"Brother," he said with the shadow of a smile arising. Archer gave another curt nod and left. He took another deep, shaky breath. "So this is the end?"

"For the both of us, my friend," said Robin.

"I'm sorry." The corner of his lips twitched into a smile as he took Casey's cheek in his hand, which she covered with one of her own while the other held his shoulder. He wipped a single tear from beneath her eye and she shook her head.

"At least you have someone waiting for you on the otherside..." he paused to look over at Robin. "Marian. She was always yours, Locksley."

"Guy, please, you can't..." Her voice faltered and fell.

"Take as much time as you need, Casey. I'll be there. I'll wait for you," he said.

"No, Don't leave me, I told you, you would be alright. I promised," she muttered.

"I am alright," he whispered, brushing more tears from her soft skin. "Thanks to you, Casey. I die proud. I'm free."

HIs final breath caught in his mouth, his head drooped in his hand, but Robin had to slide his eyelids over his sightless blue eyes. The hand he had at Casey's face started to fall, but she grasped it tightly before releasing it to drop at his side. She pressed her own hand to her mouth, shaking slightly as she forced her silent sobs back down her throat. She cupped his face in her hand, leaning very closley to him, placing a featherlight kiss on his lifeless lips.

"I love you," she breathed in the most sincire whisper he would never hear.

Robin remained silent for a minute and then spoke very tenderly. "Casey, come on. We need to get everyone out of here safely. We need to make sure he doesn't die in vain."

In the Great Hall, Tuck was finishing up his Byzantine fire when they surfaced from the tunnel. Casey walked blindly in a different direction, meeting Much across the room. Robin leaned on one of the barrels, looking up at the friar.

"Isabella?" he asked.

"She's with Vaisey. They'll be back," Robin explained, breathlessly.

"This is almost finished. Archer's getting everyone in the cellar. Gisborne?"

Robin shook his head, looking over to Rachelle. She had broken down against Much's shoulder, he patted her back gently, leading her with the rest of the crowd towards the cellar. As they lead everyone out of the tunnel Robin called to his brother and sister, brining them with him for his last action. He pulled a burning arrow into his bow, when pain shot through him and he started to double over.

"Can you do this?" asked Archer as he and Rachelle helped him steady.

"Of course I can. I'm Robin Hood," he said, but he nearly lost his balance again.

Rachelle and Archer exchanged a look and she lit her own arrow behind her older brother's back, firing it at the very same moment as he did. They both shot inside and met thier targets, the tops of Tuck's Byzantine fire.

The castle multiplied the explosion several times over making the entire building cave, The weary army on the hill outside Locksley cheered as they watched the dust arise in its place and thier heros emerge from Nottingham. Robin walked right past the celebration when Tuck told those who did not know about his fate. They followed after him and Robin said his goodbyes to his gang, his best friend, and then finally turned to Rachelle.

"My little sister, my precious sister, keep them all in line won't you? And don't forget that you can smile because yours is particularly contagious," he said. The smallest of sad smiles flashed across her face but it was enough to make Robin smile. "See?"

He wrapped her tightly in his arms hugging her for the first time since he had left for the Crusades. She squeazed him like they were that age again and when he held her in front of him, he kissed her forehead and walked off.

She followed him distantly. He dropped against a tree, very obviously lacking the strength to move forward. A pleased grin spread across his face and she read the word 'Marian' off his lip as he offered his hand to nothingness. Then it fell and he had rejoined his wife. She felt something press against her lips so lightly and so quickly that it made her start. It felt like a kiss. She traced her lips with her fingers. She felt nothing. A breeze, nothing more.