No amount of pleading could make her stay. He knew it was true but couldn't stop himself from trying. "Robin, please…" he held on to her, his grip too tight. She should have flinched in pain. She didn't.

"Gisborne!" Allan tugged on his arm, trying to loosen the hold he had on Robin. "You're going to break her." Guy relaxed a little, relieved that she didn't collapse without his support. She didn't move at all, just stood there as still as a statue. "What's the matter with her?" Allan asked, waving his hand in front of her unblinking stare.

It was enough to make Guy want to sit back down and just go to sleep. He didn't have the energy to deal with this mess. He was on the run from people who hated him, with good reason, he supposed. He was desperate to get back to the strange world he had been pulled away from, yet completely unsure how to get there. Now, Robin was here in his own land, but not really there at all. His head pounded behind his eyes as he tried to work it all out.

Allan frowned, worried that Much and Little John would stumble upon them at any moment. "We can't just stand here, Gis, you need to get moving," he said.

There was no denying it, Allan was right. But Guy had no idea where to go, or how he was going to get anywhere with Robin's current state. He certainly would not leave her. He reached out for her hand, grabbing it with no resistance. An idea came into his mind; he pulled on her hand experimentally, and she took a step forward.

"You can't be serious," Allan said with a frustrated sigh. "There's no way she will make it through the forest with whatever is going on up there." He tapped his temple dramatically.

The gesture made Guy wish he had punched Allan harder than he did earlier. "I am not leaving her," he growled.

Throwing up his hands, Allan stepped back. "All right, all right. But she can't walk like that." He looked at the girl thoughtfully for a moment. "She's small enough. We can just carry her."

It wasn't the worst idea, though Guy wasn't sure he had the strength. Then again, he definitely wasn't comfortable with Allan toting her around. He told himself that Robin wouldn't be comfortable with a stranger carrying her, either. Guy gritted his teeth and scooped Robin up with his good arm, trying to ignore the pain as he did so. He had to do it; there was no other way. Allan was right, she was small enough. Guy held her close, soaking in the warmth she provided. Her hair smelled like flowers, reassuring him that she was really there, even if her mind was somewhere else.

Allan shrugged, seeming to accept Guy's decision to carry the girl. "All right then, let's get moving. We need to put some distance between us and the camp." He looked around, deciding which direction to go. Making up his mind, he set off, expecting Guy to follow behind. Guy knew he didn't really have much of a choice. He followed Allan, fighting to keep his breathing even so the other man didn't realize how much he was struggling.

"So, a girl, huh?" Allan said lightly after they had walked in silence for a while. Guy could tell the questions had been eating him alive.

Guy sighed, wishing there was a way to avoid this conversation. "It's rather complicated," he said, trying to buy time.

"Well, it's not as if we don't have time," Allan said, raising his eyebrows expectantly.

Unsure where to start, Guy thought for a moment. "You were there, in the Holy Land," he said slowly.

Nodding, Allan looked at him carefully. "Oh, yes, I was there."

Guy tightened his grip on Robin before continuing. "And you remember what happened…" he hesitated, suddenly wondering if his memories were even real, considering everything that had happened since.

"You mean when you died?" Allan said bluntly. "It's not a sight I could forget, is it?"

That was it, then. It was all real. Guy was quiet again, lost in his own thoughts. "I don't get it, Gis," Allan continued. "You were dead. We all saw it, the blood, the swords. Yet here you are, alive as if none of that had ever happened."

"It happened," Guy said. "I bear the scars to prove it." The scars that still pained him, a bitter reminder of everything that had taken place.

Allan shook his head. "Then how are you here, alive? Even Djaq said there was no way to survive your wounds." There was something that almost sounded like hurt in his voice, as if the memories of Guy's death were hard to deal with.

He couldn't help but glance down at the woman in his arms. "It was her. She's the only reason I am alive. Somehow, she brought me back, took care of me, even though I was a stranger."

"Why was she in the Holy Land?" Allan asked, still struggling to put the pieces together.

"She wasn't." Noticing the sharp glance from Allan, Guy continued. "I can not explain it, but when I awoke, I was not in the Holy Land. I wasn't anywhere near the Holy Land, or England, or anywhere in between."

Allan was looking at him as if he had lost his senses. "So, where were you? China?"

The conversation was exhausting. They had been walking for what seemed like hours and all Guy wanted to do was take a break. "I think we have put enough distance behind us. I need a drink." They were coming up on a stream and the cool water was calling Guy's name. Allan shrugged, plopping down next to the stream while Guy lowered Robin down gently to the ground. There was no evidence that she was aware of anything that was going on.

He took a long drink from the stream; the water reviving him a bit. It gave him an idea. He scooped some water into his hands and brought it over to Robin. Before he could second guess himself, he splashed the water into her face.

"Gisborne! What are you doing?" Allan shouted, rushing over. Robin blinked the water out of her eyes slowly, the most reaction they had gotten out of her since she went blank. Guy thought his experiment was a success, so he went and scooped up more water. "Are you insane?" Allan cried, slapping the water out of his hands.

Guy turned on Allan angrily. "Do you have a better idea?"

Sitting back thoughtfully, Allan considered his question. "I guess it did seem to get a response out of her," he said. "Maybe the cold could shock her out of her stupor." There was a little smirk on his face that Guy didn't like the looks of.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, suspicious. Allan had a knack for getting up to no good, and Guy didn't want Robin to be party to that.

Before Guy could move to stop him, Allan picked Robin up and carried her to the edge of the stream's bank. The next moment, there was a resounding splash as he tossed her into the water. Guy stood there stunned for a moment, staring at the water where Robin had gone under. Then he shoved Allan out of the way and jumped in after her, ignoring the splash as Allan tumbled into the stream himself.

The water was so cold it took his breath away, but it was thankfully shallow, coming just up to his waist. He saw Robin's head pop out of the water and let out a sigh of relief as he splashed towards her, ignoring the sting of the cold on his wounds and the soreness in his shoulder. "Robin!" He called out to her.

She turned at the sound of his voice, her eyes still distant but a bit more focused than before. Reaching out, Guy grabbed her and pulled her towards him. She was shivering, whether from the cold or shock, he wasn't sure. "Don't worry, you're safe," he murmured as he carried her back to shore.

Allan was dragging himself out of the water, watching Guy anxiously. "Is she all right?" He asked, knowing there would be hell to pay if she wasn't.

His question was ignored. Guy could feel Robin's body shaking, and they had no blankets or dry clothing to change in to. "We have to build a fire," he said.

There was no argument from Allan, even though he didn't think a fire was the best idea. He preferred they lie low and not draw any attention to themselves. One look at Guy told him it was best to just do as he said. Allan had a fire going in no time.

Guy sat down next to the fire with Robin on his lap, rubbing her arms in an attempt to stop her shivering. Her skin felt like ice. Guy desperately wished for a blanket or a cloak, anything that he could use to dry her off. He wasn't sure how long they sat by the fire, but eventually, Robin stopped shaking so violently. The tight grip around his heart seemed to loosen a bit.

Across the fire, Allan had dozed off, leaning against a tree. Guy was fighting sleep himself, knowing someone needed to keep an eye out, scared that if he fell asleep, he would wake up and Robin would not be there. The stress of the day was winning out, though, and he felt his eyes drifting closed. He stretched out on his side, curled protectively around Robin.

He was about to drift off when he heard a soft voice whispering. "It's okay. I'm all right." That was all the reassurance he needed to fall asleep.

A rustle of leaves and a distinct feeling of emptiness pulled Guy awake. He had no idea how long he had been sleeping, though the fire had almost burned out and the sky was a bit lighter than it had been. It only took a moment for him to realize that Robin wasn't next to him. The realization chilled him more than the plunge in the stream.

Instantly on his feet, he looked around frantically. Allan was also up and armed, looking as confused as Guy felt. The search was short-lived; Robin hadn't strayed far. She also hadn't strayed on her own. A stranger stood in the clearing, holding Robin in his arms. He stared at Guy across the dying fire, watching, waiting to see what his next move would be.

Guy fought down the instinct to charge at the stranger. The man had Robin; it wasn't worth the risk. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" He tried to make his voice sound as menacingly as possible, a trick that usually worked on peasants and noblemen alike. This stranger didn't bat an eye, though, didn't look intimidated at all. He was a large man, able to hold Robin as if she was a child. He was dressed in the robes worn by a man of god. Guy had his doubts that this particular man was as pious as his clothing suggested.

"Wait a second, I know you," Allan blurted, inspecting the friar carefully. "Yeah, that's it. I've seen you lurking around Nottingham square. It weren't that long ago, either. In fact, it was the day that Robin…" He trailed off, glancing quickly at Guy. "Never mind that. What are you doing here? What business do you have with the girl?"

The man was largely ignoring Allan, focusing instead on Guy and his reaction. "You're right," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "I was in the square the day of Robin of Locksley's unfortunate accident." He glanced between Guy and Allan, sure that he was safe from harm as long as he had the girl. "Why don't you follow me? All of your questions will be answered." With that, he turned, not waiting for a response.

It almost felt like Guy was still asleep. Odd nighttime encounters in the forest were more suited for dreams, though a lot of things seemed that way lately. Allan and Guy glanced at each other, unsure of what to do. Finally, Allan shrugged. "I guess we have little of a choice, do we? He has your lady." Guy didn't bother correcting him that she wasn't his lady. It wasn't worth the energy. Defeated, the two men followed the stranger into the forest, unsure what they could possibly be getting themselves into.

The strange group walked in silence for a while, as if each one was afraid to be the first one to speak. Finally, glancing behind him as if to make sure they were still following him, the friar spoke. "You desire to return to the place from which you have come, Guy of Gisborne?"

The question caught Guy off guard, making him stumble a bit. "What do you know about that place?" He asked, speeding up his pace so that he was walking next to the friar. Allan joined him, interested in the answer to Guy's question.

"I know that the girl is not from this land," Tuck said, looking down at the girl in his arms. "You've been to her world, have you not?"

Guy was hesitant to answer. Yet this strange friar seemed to know more about it than anyone. Maybe he knew how to get back to Robin. "Yes, I was there, with her." There was no mistaking the gentleness of his tone when he spoke of her. His words gave Tuck more information than Guy intended. There was silence for another moment before Guy couldn't take it anymore. "Do you know how to get there?" He asked, holding his breath, not wanting to get his hopes up but knowing he was far past that point.

"That is not a question I can answer right now," Tuck said. "There are too many unknowns. But I believe I can help you."

It wasn't exactly the answer Guy wanted to hear, but it was better than nothing. He didn't know who this stranger was or why he had sought him out. Perhaps he wanted something in return. Whatever it was, Guy was willing to do it if it meant getting back to Robin. The thought of staying in Sherwood without her, after everything that he'd been through, it seemed a fate worse than death.

That thought stopped him in his tracks. A fate worse than death. Could this be his punishment, the payment for his crimes? Given hope and a glimpse of happiness, only to have it ripped away and replaced with the empty existence he was sure to face? It made him sick; he turned away, lightheaded and nauseated, doubled over in pain.

"Christ, Gis, what the hell?" Allan crouched on the ground next to him, a half worried, half disgusted look on his face as Guy dry heaved again. There was nothing in his stomach to come up, but that didn't stop it from trying to turn itself inside out.

The wave passed, leaving him weak and unsteady. Tuck watched quietly as Allan helped Guy stand, observing their every move unnervingly. "Come, we are almost there," he said. "Then you can rest."

At that point, Guy didn't care where "there" was, as long as he could lie down for a moment. Every step was a struggle, even with Allan's support. Suddenly they stopped in front of a large copse of bushes, dense enough that you couldn't see through. The friar moved aside a few branches, revealing a tunnel that led inside. He motioned for Allan and Guy to go in first before following after them.

Inside was more spacious than Guy had expected. The copse was positioned near a rocky cliff face, so it was protected on that side. Tuck had a makeshift lean-to set up against the cliff which provided a shield from wind and rain. The rest of the area was surprisingly open, with enough space for the three men to walk around comfortably. There was also a small area for a fire, where the friar obviously cooked his meals. Under the lean-to was a pile of blankets and clothing.

"Why don't you take a seat?" Tuck said, motioning to the fire circle, where embers still burned. Guy and Allan didn't have to be asked twice, gratefully collapsing next to the fire. Allan picked up a few pieces of wood and began building the fire up a bit.

Guy hadn't taken his eyes off the friar, waiting to see what he would do with Robin. Noticing this, Tuck smiled. "Oh, yes, here you go," he said, gently handing her over to Guy. He could have cried he was so relieved to have her back, safe in his arms. She didn't react, of course, just stared blankly as he cradled her against his chest, reassured at her warmth.

"Where is she from, then?" Allan asked suddenly, finally voicing the question that had been bugging him from the moment she appeared. He was even more annoyed that this stranger seemed to know more about the situation than he did.

Tuck and Guy looked at each other, waiting to see what the other would say. "She's from a land very far away, one that most people don't even know exists yet," Guy said finally. Tuck nodded; this wasn't new information to him, then.

The vague answer didn't satisfy Allan. "Then how did you get there, Gis? And how do you know about it?" He asked, turning to the friar indignantly.

"I learned of it in a vision," Tuck responded. "Why I was shown, I do not know. It is not my place to question God."

Guy's eyebrows shot up at this revelation. "What did you see? Tell me," he demanded, wanting to know every detail.

Their eyes locked for a moment, sending chills down Guy's back. It felt like the friar could see every bad thought and wicked deed he had ever committed. "I saw a land, unlike any place I have ever seen, filled with people, so many people. Their clothing was much like the girl here, all rushing around as if lives depended on it." Guy and Allan leaned forward, hanging on his every word. "The land was home to many inventions and contraptions, things you could never dream existed. Everything about this world was different. The people spoke differently, moved differently. Except…" he trailed off, considering his next words carefully. "There were a few people there that didn't belong. I could sense it. They were not supposed to be there." He caught Guy's gaze again, watching his reaction. "But you already knew all of that, didn't you, Guy of Gisborne?"

The words turned Guy's veins to ice, making him feel panicked. There was nowhere to hide, no way to escape. "What is he talking about, Gis?" Allan asked, though his voice sounded distant over the roaring in his ears.

Guy opened his mouth to speak but couldn't force any words out. The friar stood up and rummaged around under the lean-to, returning with a cup of water. Guy took it gratefully, gulping it down. "I think you should tell us your story," Tuck said gently, sitting down by the fire.

He wasn't sure where to start. "I should have died in the holy land," he said, trying to put the story in a way that made sense. "In fact, I was sure that I did. When I awoke, I wasn't in hell where I belonged, or at least not the hell that I imagined. It was just as you said, friar. There were people, all strange and confusing. I was in and out of consciousness for days. Robin, she was there from the beginning." He looked down at her with a small smile before continuing. "She was like a warrior and death was her enemy, fighting constantly to keep me alive. I don't know why. She fought even when I begged her to let death take me."

There was no disguising the emotion in his voice. He took a long, shuddering breath. "She told me things that were unbelievable. About her world… her time."

Allan made a strange, choking noise. "Her time? What do you mean, her time?"

"What do you think I mean? Her time, different from ours. About eight hundred years different, to be exact." Guy said, deciding to just get it out there and deal with the fall out.

Tuck seemed intrigued but not surprised by the revelation. Allan, on the other hand, looked furious. "So that's it, then?" He said angrily, standing up. "You died, in front of my very own eyes. Then somehow you were brought back to life, eight hundred years in the future. You fall in love with your magic healer and everything is all happily ever after until suddenly you're back here, alive. Is that everything?"

How Guy wished that was everything and not just a scratch on the surface. Allan seemed so upset with just that small part of the story. How would he react when he found out about Hood and Marian? Guy was about to soldier on and face the consequences when he heard a frantic whisper, calling his name.

"Guy?" A bit louder that time, instantly drawing the attention of all three men. Guy froze, staring down at the soft brown eyes blinking up at him, as clear and expressive as the first time he saw them. She was back.