AN: Well, this is officially the longest chapter I have written. We're checking in with all the characters! We're also winding down in this story. As I mentioned in the story description, there will be two endings to this story, primarily because I can't choose just one! I'll post both of them in the same day, they'll be different chapters and might take a little while as the semester is coming to a close. Thank you again for the reviews!


The outlaws minus Much were lead together to the dungeons, resisting along the way and chained to the walls with their hands over their heads. Little John struggled free briefly with a roar before he was knocked over the head into semi-unconsciousness. The guards closed the cells and posted twice the normal contingent of guards outside.

"Settle down you lot. Think of how you want to spend your final day. It's the gallows for you all tomorrow," One of the guards called in. Other guards chimed in with 'finally-s' or 'about time-s' taunting the outlaws.

Shame had settled in the pit of Will's stomach. He had been bested by a lock and because of that, they had failed to get Robin out and they would be dead this time tomorrow. He avoided Djaq's glances, casting his eyes down and hanging his head. The jeers quieted and the outlaws stood in silence. Will raised his head as Allan started speaking.

"Looks like we're stuck this time lads," he inhaled deeply before continuing. "I don't know if I can say it enough, but I am sorry for what I've done. I'm weak and cowardly. I don't know what I did to deserve you as friends. If this is the end," his voice wavered and he cleared his throat, "If this is the end, I'm glad to go with you by my side." A tear rolled down his cheek and he quickly brushed it off against his shoulder.

"No." Little John's low voice. "You. Are not weak. You, I am proud to know. All of you." The quiet man did not elaborate but Allan knew he was forgiven in John's eyes.

"Thank you," Allan quietly whispered. Silence returned to the cells.

Will nodded, not trusting himself to speak, but it helped to know the others did not blame him for failing them all. He turned to Djaq and they shared a sad smile that spoke volumes between them. They had not known each other long, but each knew how important they were to the other. He only wished he could hold her and they could find comfort in their embrace.


There was a beat of silence as Robin and Much locked eyes. Robin's brows knitted together, knowing his friends were caught was worse pain than anything else he'd experienced before. There was a physical tightness in his chest. He closed his eyes, as if he could erase the fact his best friend was captured if he didn't look at him. "Much... Why, why didn't you run?"

Robin's words jarred Much from the floor and he immediately went to examine some of Robin's worst wounds, crouching beside him. "What kind of friends would we be if we left you to die?"

"Alive," Robin reopened his eyes and turned toward Much. The brilliant green seemed dulled and the monotone utterance caused a chill to run down Much's spine.

"Master... Robin, you can't give up. Please. We can get out of this. We'll think of a plan, but not if you give up!" He rarely used Robin's given name when asking him for something, but it seemed appropriate now. He needed a way to convince his friend to hope, not his master.

Robin pulled away, into himself as much as possible. "Much, you never deserved any of this. I'm sorry."

"We could never have just left you in here, how many times must I say that?"

"No, I mean, all of this. I never should have dragged you off to the Holy Lands, never should have brought you along into this outlaw life, you could've been so happy!" He could see Much wanted to interrupt, but he kept going, "I know you would've followed me anywhere, you are so loyal, and I've exploited that. You've never deserved any of this." He looked away, unable to meet the other man's eyes.

Much grabbed Robin's shoulders and gently turned him back to face him, "You are like a brother to me. This is not your fault. I chose those things too. We all chose this. We're fighting for England, that's what you always say! We all know the risks but it's worth it. You are worth it. Besides, we can still get out of this, I'm sure there is some way. We have to keep fighting." He pulled him in for a hug and was comforted as Robin leaned closer rather than pulling away. After a moment he released him.

Robin sat back, breathed deeply, composing himself. He opened his eyes, "Thank you." Much could see the wheels beginning to turn once again in Robin's mind, and knew he was trying to figure a way out. "So before tomorrow-"

The door opened and he was cut off. Much stood quickly, angling himself in front of Robin. "Leave him alone," he said, hoping he sounded brave. The two guards exchanged a glance and laughed.

"You should worry about yourself," one said ominously, the pair advanced toward Much. He stood a head taller and was solidly built. Much gulped, but held his ground and raised his fists for a fight. Robin struggled to get his muscles to obey so he could stand.

"The door, run, please" Robin hissed to Much, drawing his attention momentarily. A guard took the opening and slammed his fist into Much's side, knocking the wind from him. Robin steadied him and pushed him toward the door, hoping he could be fast. Robin kicked at the guard, giving Much the chance to run. Much dodged a blow from the other guard,, slipping past him to the open door. Robin's relief that his friend was out was quickly dampened as he heard Much cry out in pain. "Much! MUCH!" The guard he had kicked shoved him back to the ground and they exited the cell. Robin could hear a scuffle outside the door, but couldn't see. He heard the familiar voice of the sheriff before the door was closed.

Robin staggered to his feet straining against the chains. "Vaisey! Leave him alone! Do you hear me Vaisey!" The door reopened and the sheriff stood grinning at Robin. Gisborne stood at his shoulder, the two of them filling the door frame. "ARRRAAHHHHHHH! Where is he?!" He raged at the men. His heart was beating wildly and his vision was spotty. He dropped to his knees.

"I told you we would win Hood," the sheriff gleefully reminded his prisoner. "This is your end. All of you tomorrow midday. You know, I think we'll let you watch the others first." An eerie calm fell over Robin at Vaisey's last sentence. He looked up into Vaisey's eyes.

"You are a coward Vaisey. Why else would you tie me up for weeks? You are afraid. And weak," he said with a level of calm that matched his expression. He held forward his hands. "I'll prove it. You wouldn't dare release me and face me like a man." Vaisey's smile faltered for a moment before he decided he did not care.

"Blah di blah di blah. Your opinion of me does not matter, you are a dead man, and I have no desire to fight you… myself. Gisborne, would you like to prove him wrong?" He held out the keys to Gisborne who grabbed them eagerly. "I'll tell you what, Hood, if you beat him, I'll let you pick one to live, hmm?" Gisborne gave his sword to Vaisey who stepped back by the door. Gisborne released Robin's arms and took a fighting stance. Robin stood, rubbing feeling back to his hands and mirrored Gisborne's position. "Well? What are you waiting for?! Get him!"

Gisborne confidently stepped forward, forcing Robin back a step. Gisborne swung and Robin dodged, landing his own blow on Gisborne's side. Gisborne barely seemed to register the contact. Straightening up Gisborne chuckled. Robin threw another punch which Gisborne swatted away, returning a crushing blow to Robin's ribcage. He backed away to a corner to catch his breath. The adrenaline was rapidly wearing off for Robin and he felt his body starting to flag. No. I can save one of them. I have to win. He let his mind go blank and let his muscle memory and instincts take over. Gisborne stepped to him and swung. Robin grabbed his arm and pushed him to the center, tripping him. Gisborne fell into the post, cutting his forehead. Robin advanced on the fallen man and delivered a kick to his back, eliciting a grunt him. Gisborne pulled himself up, rounding on Robin. They traded a few more blows some of Robin's connected solidly and he managed to avoid most of Gisborne's swings. It looked as though Robin might have a chance until Gisborne grabbed him by his throat. He lifted the smaller man off the ground and held him against the wall. Robin struggled, gasping for air and trying to prise Gisborne's fingers from his throat.

"Arrogant bastard," Gisborne panted, "You've failed. You always thought you were so superior to everyone else. YOU'RE NOT!" He pressed harder as he bellowed the last statement. Robin was turning red but he managed to spit in Gisborne's face. With a shout he threw Robin to the ground. He gasped for air, coughing and sputtering bringing a hand to his neck. Gisborne gave a parting kick to his ribs as he passed toward the exit. "See you tomorrow scum."

He joined the sheriff in the doorway and they closed it over. "Now Gisborne, we need to discuss your lady-friend. Convince me not to kill her too."

Robin lay on the floor of the cell, his heart aching and his body exhausted. Now Marian was in danger too. Useless. He berated himself again as he had for days. He had no plan, and even if he did, he couldn't share it with anyone. Hope had left his cell and the spark of his spirit dimmed to the lowest it had ever been.


A commotion outside the outlaws' cell indicated Much's arrival. There was a wild look in his eye the others had not seen before. He was bleeding from a few cuts on his face and four guards struggled to chain him. They succeeded and rapidly withdrew cursing as they went. Much continued to pull, thrashing about trying to free himself. He eventually wore himself down and stood, favoring one leg and drawing shaky breaths.

The others dared not to say anything, they could see him barely holding himself together. He'd held it together for Robin, he'd tried to ignore how badly injured the other man had been, but now, away from Robin he felt his control slipping as his mind raced. He gave another sharp yank on his arms before a deep sob wracked his body. "We should never have left him. Never."

"Much…" Djaq started quietly. "He understands…"

"But you don't! Not even in the Holy Lands did he ever…" look so defeated... face such a threat, Much couldn't find an end to his sentence as words finally failed him. He prayed that would not be his last conversation with Robin. He couldn't get the sound of Robin screaming his name out of his head. Again silence fell on the group, broken only by Much's uneven breathing.


Marian paced her room. She knew that today was the rescue date. She longed to walk about, to warn the gang that they were expected and help if possible but the guards were more alert than normal. It gave her a bad feeling and she just could not be still. She heard a commotion from the hall and she rushed to her door. "What is happening?" She called to the guard, pulling on her door which did not budge. "Uurrrghhh!" she vocalized her frustration. The noise subsided outside and she resumed her uneasy pacing.

Hours passed. Finally, her door opened.

"We got them," Guy stalked into the room. At his words Marian struggled to stay standing as her knees buckled. "Your loyalty has long been in question. But, you played an important role, learning their timeline for us. I can use that to protect you from the sheriff."

"What will happen to them?" She started to ask.

"Why do you care?!" Guy yelled as he cut her off. "I'm trying to save your life! They are to hang and I do not want to see you with them." He gathered himself and closed the distance between them. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "You know how much I care for you. Do not make me regret it. This time tomorrow the outlaws will all be dead."

Marian hoped her conflicted emotion were hidden sufficiently, she knew she must measure her next words carefully if she had any chance to reach her friends and stop this. "Sir Guy, I was merely curious if there'd be a trial, so the people could see justice. I know well of your affections and I am grateful for your efforts."

"They will see justice swinging in the wind, make no mistake these men are guilty. I will vouch for you to the sheriff but you must stay here. It is not safe yet for you to walk about. I am sorry we had to miss the festival this year but there will be other opportunities for us to spend time with one another. I will call on you tomorrow." He stepped even closer, gently stroking her face and she resisted the urge to flinch away. She could feel his hot breath by her ear. Her heart felt as though it had sunk into her stomach as he kissed her cheek. She was grateful he pulled away and left the room without requiring her to say more. She released a shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She had to stop this.