Sorry I havent updated recently...i've been trying to figure out a few things in this story...now this chapter is very intersting to me...and i hope you'll all read this and agree with me about it. a shout out to all those who review this story and read it!!! i'd hug you all but alas, i cannot. this was not what was supposed to happen orginally...but i read a review from Cindy4806...i dont remember if you (Cindy4806) know what im talking about but you said something that really reminded me of why i write fan fiction because i'm not BBC we're not the BBC we can write whatever we want about Robin Hood its a freedom of sorts...so this is for you as well as Gizzysgirl...Liisa...gatewatcher...everyone who reads this thank you!!!
Chapter Twenty Four: Kill Me!
"Wait a minute," said Will shaking his head at Allan's question. "This is Guy of Gisborne we are talking about remember? The same Gisborne who slaughters in cold blood. The same Gisborne who burns houses and starves villages. Why would he die for another?"
Allan cocked his head towards the child. "Because of love. It is not so strange and farfetched as you may think."
Will shrugged. "Maybe it's better if he does die for her."
"Don't say that," said John looking not at Will but Allan's face.
Allan's face was pale and his eyes were fixed on the ground. He was thinking about his father again. He kept picturing the way his father smiled at him as he refused the food offered to him. Allan had always thought that his father had this incredible stomach that didn't need food. But now Allan knew what his father had really been doing.
He was dying for you.
"Why shouldn't I?" asked Will to John. He did not see Allan's reaction to his previous words. Will was still filled with guilt for his words to Marian all those months ago. He had not forgiven himself. He would not forgive himself. "This is what we came here for remember? Robin had to save Marian from Guy. That was the plan. If Guy is killed then that makes it easier for him."
"Will," said Djaq with distress on her face.
"Don't Will me," said Will. "I'm serious."
"Will, we don't want violence," said Stephan stepping in and trying to sooth Will's mind.
Will shrugged. "If it works."
"Will!" John said angrily. "What are you saying? Do you hear what you are saying?"
Djaq shook her head. "You are not acting like yourself Will."
The man who loved her covered his hands with his eyes. "We are so close. When Robin gets Marian back then my guilt will finally leave!"
The gang stared at each other wordlessly. They did not know that Will still carried the heavy burden of guilt at this situation. Each member looked with sadness at the poor guilt-stricken man who could not be consoled.
At nights Will would sometimes relive the scene.
He would move heaven and earth to find you. Marriage is not binding if there is no love…blah-di-blah! What the hell did I know? I didn't know how sick Robin would get! I didn't know it would take so long to find her! I didn't know anything.
Djaq, still holding the baby in her arms, walked to Will and took him to the side to console him.
"This was not your doing," she said soothingly.
Will shook his head. "It was my love. I should never have told her to leave with Gisborne."
"Everything is a choice," said Djaq repeating the words that Robin so adamantly believed in.
Will looked at Djaq. "Are you suggesting that she wanted to go with Gisborne?"
Djaq looked from Will to the little bundle she held. "I'm only suggesting that it was her choice to marry him, you might have influenced her, but she did not need to listen to you. She is an independent woman Will, not easily affected by what others say or do."
Will bit his lip. "Except for Robin."
Djaq nodded. "You have me there."
Will bent down and kissed Djaq on the mouth tenderly. When they parted Will looked down at the baby that had caused such big problems.
"Someday," said Will, "do you want one of these?"
Djaq chuckled. "One of these?"
"A child."
"I know," she said. "Are you sure we'd be ready for a little one of our own?"
Will scratched the back of his neck. "I helped raise my little brother when my mother died. Besides," Will laughed, "what could possibly be so hard about taking care of someone so small and precious?"
As if to answer Will's question the baby broke out into tears. Will tried to lull her back to sleep but Clara would have none of it. Djaq shook her head and walked back to where the rest of the gang stood. Much and Allan were explaining Will's problematic guilt to Eve and Stephan while John listened.
"Poor man," said Stephan quietly.
Eve nodded and stood closer to Much.
All of their heads turned at the sound of the crying child in Djaq's arms.
"Can you take her?" asked Djaq to Eve.
Eve nodded. Djaq placed Clara carefully in Eve's welcoming arms. Eve smiled down at the wailing girl and rocked her back and forth soothingly. Within minutes the crying had stopped and Clara fell asleep.
"How did you do that?" asked Allan with astonishment.
Eve shrugged. "Experience."
Much raised a suspicious brow at his love. "You've had one before?"
Eve turned red in the face and shook her head. "No."
"Then we're…I'm going to need a little more explanation," said Much crossly.
She gave Much a cross look. "I used to rock my little sisters to sleep when my mother was too tired to sooth them."
"That makes sense," said Much. "Sorry I assumed otherwise."
Eve shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I was a bit vague wasn't I?"
"You had us all pretty confused," said Allan.
"Speaking of confused," said Will back to his old self, "why did you get so defensive when I was ranting about killing Gisborne?"
Allan turned red and scratched the back of his neck. "Uh, you know, I've worked with Gisborne and I would hate to see anything bad happen to him?"
No one believed that.
Only John understood Allan's odd defensive outburst.
"Leave him be," said John sympathetically.
But Allan shook his head. It was time to speak.
"No John," said Allan, "it's time I told them anyway. See, Will, the reason why I knew about Gisborne dying for his daughter is because…well…my father died for me."
The gang was immediately silenced by Allan's words.
"He died when I was little you see," explained Allan. "He grew very sick and no one seemed to care, no one seemed worried about him, except for me. We did not have much food, I would try to force him to eat a morsel of bread, but he never took it." Allan looked at John. "He would always tell me to finish the food that we had. I was a growing boy; my life was more precious than his."
John shook his head and gazed sadly at his friend. "I would do the same for my son."
Tears began to trail down his cheeks. Everyone, besides Allan, seemed surprised to see the giant Little John cry. But it was a beautiful and melancholy sight too.
"What a sad lot we are," muttered Much.
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While the sad lot of merry men lingered outside without knowing what to do next, there was a raging battle inside the manor. Everyone, even the sheriff and Edward, were tired and sweaty. There did not seem to be an end in sight.
Guy and Robin fought side by side against the sheriff while Marian fought against Edward.
"I think now is a good time to ask," said Robin parrying a blow.
"Ask me what?" asked Guy staring with anger at Vasey's blade.
"You know that she was my fiancé."
Guy nodded to the sheriff. "Vasey was good enough to tell me of that Hood, as an attempt to break into my house and murder my wife and child."
Vasey laughed. "I am nothing if not evil."
"Why didn't you kill her?" asked Robin.
"What?"
"When you found out that she was betrothed to me, you probably figured out that she was by my side while she was living in the castle," said Robin. "Didn't that make you angry?"
Guy took a deep breath and tried to hit the sheriff's shoulder but to no avail. "Why are you asking me this now?"
"If we're going to die," said Robin, "then this is one of the things I have always wanted to know. When she was in the castle we lived, I lived, in fear that you would discover her secret and murder her." He paused and gave Guy a quick glance before turning back to the sheriff. "But I guess I know why you didn't kill her, or want to kill her."
"Tell me then," said the sheriff butting into the conversation. "I was trying to get him to do just that."
"Simple," said Robin swinging his sword at the sheriff face. "Because you love her Gisborne, you have always loved her. And now, she loves you too." Sadness and bitter resentment crept into the hero's eyes.
"If you think that," said Guy, "why are you helping me? Why are you here fighting by my side? Why not kill me Hood and get her back?"
"Simple," said Robin again, "because I love her Gisborne. I love her! And if you are going to make her happy, then I'm sure as hell not going to stand by and let you die!"
Everyone seemed to stop their fight and stare with confusion at the young man's confession.
"What?" Guy asked.
"Are you mad?" asked Vasey.
"Can we keep fighting?" asked Edward holding his sword with a bored look on his face.
"Robin I—" Marian began to speak but the sheriff interrupted her.
"No, really, are you mad? This is Guy of Gisborne remember, the devil's spawn? You should not be helping him fight me! You should be helping me fight him! I'm not trying to steal the girl you love. I'm not trying to steal your life!"
"Listen to me Vasey," said Robin darkly, "Guy may be married to the love of my life. Guy may have a child by that same girl, but it is you who is trying to steal my life."
"I don't follow."
"If Gisborne dies, then Marian will never be happy again, because if she died, I know I would never be happy again. If you kill Gisborne, then you steal away my love. If you murder Gisborne, then you, in fact, are stealing away my life."
There was a certain silence that swept through the previously loud room.
Suddenly Vasey heard her voice again.
What do you say to that brother? That's how much he loves her. You know what this means don't you? You cannot win Vasey. Gisborne loves her, Robin loves her, if you murder the girl, then they will never stop fighting you. They will make you suffer because the revenge will drive them mad. If you kill Gisborne, then Robin will murder you. There is no way you can will my brother…
The sheriff shook his head. "I will win," he said aloud.
He suddenly slashed Robin's stomach with his sword and Robin fell to the ground.
"ROBIN!" Marian screamed.
Blood started to flow from his chest. Robin tried to get back up and continue onwards but the pain was too great and he collapsed again. The sheriff was standing directly over him with his blade ready to strike downwards at his enemy.
Suddenly time seemed to move slower than usual for one Guy of Gisborne. He watched the sheriff raise his blade slowly above his head like a crazed man filled with his own personal demons and evils. Guy saw Edward standing by Marian smiling at the fallen man. And then Guy saw Marian.
Marian was pale white and tears rolled down her pretty cheeks. She did not seem to feel her own cuts and wounds anymore, but only had eyes for Robin. If Robin died in this very minute then off of his problems would be over. He would kill the sheriff and Edward and then he and Marian would go back to their lives.
But Marian would never recover. She would smile again, Guy was sure. But she would never forgive herself and she would never truly move on. Guy could see the nightmares that would haunt her for the rest of her days. And Guy knew that he would not be able to help his love. The only man who could help her, would be dead. And if Robin died, then Marian would too.
And without her, my world might as well turn to ash.
With that decision made time moved at its regular pace and Guy saw the blade being its journey to Robin's chest. Suddenly his own sword was above Robin's chest blocking the nearly fatal blow.
Robin looked up through the pain and realized he was not dead. He saw Guy standing over him protectively.
"You will not kill Robin," said Guy.
Vasey rolled his eyes. "You're not going to let me kill anyone are you Gisborne?" Then the sheriff got an idea. The sheriff got a very nasty and evil idea. "Where's the itty bitty baby Gizzy?"
Guy's heart skipped a beat. "What?"
"Last time I checked," said the sheriff moving his sword between Robin and Guy, "the baby was with Hood. Obviously he doesn't have it anymore."
"Maybe you should learn to use your eyes more," said Robin breathing heavily.
"Hood," said Vasey, "what did you do with the child?"
Robin smiled and closed his eyes. "I haven't a clue."
"You will not be able to protect her for long," said Vasey. "Your little band of ruffians will be caught and the baby will die along with anyone trying to protect her."
Robin remained silent with his eyes closed. He felt his strength slowly draining and leaving his body. He fought to remain alive.
"I can make him talk," said Vasey. He turned to Edward and snapped his fingers. Edward understood and suddenly grabbed Marian by the neck and started chocking her. Robin opened his eyes at the sound of her muffled cries. Guy gasped.
"Marian!" both men screamed loudly.
For her part, Marian was trying to kick and punch the man who held her but to no avail.
"Tell us now!" said the sheriff. "Marian is going to die Hood! Just tell us where the baby is so we can continue torturing Guy. It'll be fun."
"Kill me!" Guy said suddenly.
"What?" Vasey asked.
"Finally!" Edward said still chocking Marian.
"Gisborne!" screamed Robin angrily. "What are you doing?"
Guy looked at Edward and dropped his sword. He walked towards his enemy. "What I should have done all along Robin. If I am going to die, then I might as well do so protecting the woman I love, the child I love."
Vasey nodded to Edward. "You heard Gizzy, kill him. Its what you always wanted."
So much blood on your conscious Vasey? The voice taunted.
"Shut up!" Vasey yelled.
"I didn't say anything," said Edward nervously.
"Kill him," said Vasey.
Edward smiled. "With pleasure."
He let go of Marian's neck and took up his sword. He began walking towards Guy slowly. Edward was going to enjoy every minute of this. He reached Guy and was about to plummet his sword into Guy's stomach when Guy coughed.
"What?" asked Edward impatiently.
"I'm going to make a request," said Guy looking at Marian.
Edward gave Vasey a confused glance but the sheriff shrugged in response.
"What do you want?" asked Edward. "And why should I listen to you?"
Guy smiled like his old villainous self. Though his smile shone of trickery his heart and eyes shone with love. "If I let you kill me, then I want you to do me a favor."
"Again," said Edward rolling his eyes, "why should I do what you say?"
"We both know," said Guy, "that you have dreamed about this moment for many years. This is all you have ever wanted in this world. I am about to let you do the job without even hurting one hair on your head. I deserve something for that don't I?"
Edward shrugged. "Sure."
"Let her go," said Guy, "after you kill me, I want you to release her and leave this place forever. Do whatever you want with my body, dump it in the water, leave it on the floor, I don't care. But do not harm Marian."
"How would you know?" asked Edward. "Let's say I kill her when you die, how would you know?"
Edward's words brought a shiver to the sheriff. He knew things that Edward could not dare to imagine. The sheriff was being haunted by the ghost of his sister. He understood the truth of Guy's words.
"He would know," muttered Vasey.
"What?" Edward asked loudly, "I can't hear you."
"He would know alright?!" the sheriff yelled.
Robin looked up and saw the sheriff's hand shaking. "Demons from the beyond are haunting you?"
Vasey shook his head but shivered as he did so. He looked at Edward saddened. "Trust me Edward, the dead know what we do to the living."
Edward turned to Guy. "I swear to you I will not harm Marian."
"And the second part," urged Guy.
"And I swear that the sheriff and I will leave this place forever and never come back again."
Guy nodded and closed his eyes. His extended his arms and smiled brightly. Guy saw Clara through his mind's eye. She was a little older and planting flowers outside with Marian. She looked up and saw her father looking at her with love. Clara returned Guy's look with a smile.
Come plant flowers with us daddy.
Guy shook his head. I cannot.
Do you need to leave daddy? Clara asked with concern on her face.
I'm afraid so. And I do not think I will ever be able to come back home.
Clara stood up and ran to Guy. He bent down on his knees and hugged his little girl.
I want to go with you, she said.
Guy brushed away a tear. One day, I will meet you here, my darling little girl.
I love you.
Guy smiled. I love you too, my brightly shining Clara.
"I will love you forever," Guy whispered aloud.
Robin raised his head and looked at the man at peace with death. If he had any strength he would have pushed Guy away so that Edward could not harm him. But he was powerless.
Marian looked on at her brave husband. She wanted to save him. But how?
And then Marian got an idea.
A really good idea.
But she was not sure what it would do to Guy if she succeeded in her plan. Marian did not think. It was now or never. She would not let Clara's father die while she had breath left in her.
"Wait!" she yelled.
Edward, miraculously waited and let his blade fall to his side.
"What? Do you have a request too?"
Marian stepped closer to Edward and looked at Guy's quiet stance. "You don't gain anything by dying Guy."
Guy, still with his eyes shut, shook his head. "No. I am gaining everything. I am dying for you and for our child. Marian this is something I must do."
Marian shook her head. "No Guy. Its not something you need to do. You should kill me."
Guy opened his eyes widely at Marian's words.
Robin raised his eyebrow.
Vasey rolled his eyes. "Does everyone want to die?"
"Why?" asked Guy curiously. "Marian I love you. I love Clara, I am protecting you both."
Marian took a deep breath and looked at Guy. "Because she is not your child."
Edward nearly dropped his sword, Vasey's mouth hung wide open, and Robin did not breathe.
"What?" asked Guy with disbelief. "She's not mine?" A tear threatened to trail down his cheek revealing his true feelings.
Marian shook her head. "You are not her father."
Guy closed his eyes. "This is impossible."
"Its perfectly possible Guy," said Marian.
"Fine," said her husband trying not to tremble, "then why did you tell me that she was mine?"
Marian bit her lip and shrugged. "We were married, I figured it was only best if my daughter had a father figure in her life."
"You lie," said Guy hugging himself.
"I'm telling the truth," insisted Marian. "I'm saying something I should have said long ago."
"Fine," said Guy crossly, "then tell me Marian, tell all of us, if I'm not the father of Clara then who is?"
Marian shook her head. "It would only hurt you."
"Nothing you say will hurt me," said Guy.
Marian slowly turned to look at Robin. She saw the way he lay there, helplessly, probably close to death. The love of her life was about to be lost forever. This was the only way.
"Robin Hood," said Marian.
"Robin Hood what?" asked Guy already knowing the answer.
"Robin is Clara's father," said Marian.
Did anyone see that coming??? if youre confused or hate me then dont worry write down your screams and concerns...death notes even...ill try to answer as best i can!! so whats going to happen next??? robin going to die?? guy??? marian??? you'll have to see what happens...if you ask nicely i might be persuaded to give you a little spoiler...love you all! have a good weekend