Author Note: Well, I got a few reviews and followers so I guess I'll write the next chapter :) Ciao 3


Monochrome Tears - Chapter 2

Holyland / Acre ~ Third Person POV:

Marian knelt beside the man who had saved her life, he groaned in pain as his eyes rolled back in agony and frustration caused by the blade that was embedded in his flesh. Marian stroked his hair in comfort, whilst whispering words of reassurance as she frantically looked around for a member of the gang to come to their rescue; sorely Djaq. She looked back down at him and then at the King.

''Much!''

Marian's head spun fast towards a narrow opening between two rows of eroded limestone buildings. Robin came charging down towards Marian and her saviour. His bow in his hand was thrown to the side and he flung off the arrows that were once secured to him. ''What happened!?'' He demanded as he looked around for the villain who had stabbed his best friend.

''Master...'', the words came out frail and tiresome. Much moved slightly and then winced, his breathing increasing dramatically. ''Shh shh shh'' Marian tried to calm him before going to explain to Robin of Gisborne's evil strategies but Much persisted.

Robin looked at Marian, his eyes were sad. ''I...I came around the corner...an...and I saw Marian...with Gisborne...he was going to kill her...and I thought of you, Master, you wouldn't live without her...I...I knew it, I couldn't see her death, it would ruin you...and obviously Marian, because I love her as well of course...s...so...so I pushed her...and he stabbed me instead...'' Much explained, he smiled, proud of himself for his courageous act.

''And ran like a coward'', Marian finished his sentence and brought it to a indefinite close. ''Where's Djaq?''
''The rest of the gang are on their way, I think. Much, Much listen, we haven't got much time!'' Robin turned Much's face, forcing him to look at him.

''We have forever Master'' Much smiled again.
''Much you do not have to be strong anymore my friend...''
Much chuckled, ''I've never been strong Master, you see, your strong. Me? I'm just Much, I did it for you... and Marian''.

There was an up rage of shouting as 3 men and a woman came pacing into the clearing. Djaq and Will dropped beside the King of England and Allan was on the opposite side of Much to Marian and Robin. John just stood nuetral between the injured. ''What happened?'' He ordered them to explain as Djaq saw to the King.

''Much was stabbed by Gisborne''. Marian told him.
His eyes grew fierce with vengance, ''And the King?''
''Shot by the Sheriff'', she added.

Much's eyes grew frantic, ''The King! Where's the King?'' He asked, his voice tainted with torment. Marian hushed him as Robin said, ''You saved him Much, you saved him by saving Marian. You both saved him''. Robin lean't over and kissed Marian's cheek. But Much's face shrivalled up, ''I hope your not going to kiss me like that'' He stated and adverted his eyes in another direction.

Marian blushed red as Robin chuckled, ''Not unless you want me to, my friend'' He patted Much on the shoulder. He winced in pain again.
''Can we get this thing out of me?'' He moved uncomfortably on the sand.
Robin looked to Djaq for guidance and a tear fell from her cheek, she shook her head slightly at Robin as he dropped his head.
Much took the hint and he frowned. ''Why? Will I die when it comes out? But Marian and Robin aren't married yet? I'll miss their wedding. I ca't go to their wedding with a sword stuck in my hips?'' He looked confused and Robin had to smile at his friends confusion.

''Much, my wedding should be the least of your worries''. He prompted. ''But if it makes you happy, we'll share your memory at the wedding, I'm sure Will can do something creative? Won't you will?'' He raised his eyebrows at the Outlaw and Will smiled. ''No doubt about it'' He said with pride.

Much settled down in his position, satisfied with his wishes. ''Master, promise me one more thing?'' He asked like a child wanting sweets.
''Yes Much?'' Robin replied.
''Make sure you defeat the Sheriff and Gisborne? Return and restore England?''
Robin smiled again, ''For you my friend''.
Much smiled again, Robin bent down and placed his arms around his dear friend and embraced him. During that moment, Much decided it was the right moment. His hands slipped down to his torso and he clasped the bloody blade. He took a deep breath and pulled the sword from him, he gasped.

Robin looked down at Much's side, free from the sword and he quickly looked back at Much. 'Shhh it's over now'' He comforted him, tears brimming in Robin's eyes. Much let a few tears slide as his breathing decreased quickly. He looked at Marian. ''Look after him Marian, he won't have me to cook anymore''. Marian burst into tears for a second time and bent down, she kissed Much's cheek. ''I will'', She said firmly and backed slightly for Robin to say goodbye.

''Much, my dear, dear friend, rest now'', he said, voice shaking as he smiled one last time as Much's eyes drifted to a close and his chest stopped rising as his breathing was cut.

''Much..Much...'' Robin's head fell onto his friends chest and he cried. Marian patted her fiancé's back and she stood up and backed away from him.