Chapter 28
Some of you had asked if the Vukodlak was real creature from mythology. Yes. It is. At least some. Seriously if I made these names up I'd have found shorter words for them. Anyway, thank you to everyone reading and reviewing. Such kinds words. Thank you also for trusting me.
Robin had barely gotten into the tree when he heard the giant wolf practically on them. The sight of it was enough to freeze Robin in terror, the beast was huge as he scrutinized them from about 20 yards away, making no effort to move. It was like he sensed there was a trap. Robin's eyes scanned to Alan in the tree in front of him. He was ready with his bow. Robin knew that Quinn was in the tree ahead of Alan. John, Tuck and Zane were in three different directions. They were to come charging once the wolf was slowed down enough and converge on him at the same time. This plan had worked on monsters before but it required enough arrows to hit the creature to bring it down.
With the monster pausing so near to Quinn, Robin knew he needed to just go ahead and commence the attack. The wolf was supposed to be charging and Robin would shoot first, drawing it to him. Being the best archer he could hit him with the most arrows. But once the wolf passed Quinn and Alan, they would begin launching arrows from above and being so close they'd be unlikely to miss. Between the three of them it should be enough.
Robin shot and the arrow hit the wolf. He didn't even flinch but it was so dark it was hard to tell. Robin decided to go for his eye next, but the wolf moved his head at the last possible second. The arrow still landed but not in such a sensitive spot. Robin was starting to grow nervous, if they were forced to go on the offensive, they would surely lose men. Before Robin had a chance, the wolf howled. It was piercing this close. Robin had the urge to cover his ears but he fought it. Unfortunately Alan couldn't resist. Once he covered them, the wolf leaped, making his choice for his victim.
Robin shot more arrows and Quinn had joined in too but the wolf was so big, so awesome in his size it did little to even slow him down. Leaping into the air he bit his arm, Alan's screams forced the men on the ground to move forward. However, the tree Alan chose had thick and heavy branches that were solid. While they broke a bit at the attack, it provided enough of a barrier keeping him from just outright devouring the archer and the wolf fell to the ground. Instantly Robin fired two arrows close into his side. The wolf howled but otherwise continued. Jumping up on his hind legs, he stood up, trying to reach for Alan's feet who managed to pull them back. With his paws, the wolf pushed and Robin watched in horror as he snapped that tree like a twig. He reached for another arrow, realizing with horror he was running low.
John had had enough of this. He had his ax and knew he had the strength to at least make a dent in the monster. He came rushing in and hit the wolf in the back leg with all his might. That was enough to draw the creature away from Alan, he turned towards John, his teeth snarling. Thankfully Robin was waiting and close enough, he shot his arrow into the beast's right eye.
Finally having the advantage, Zane maneuvered around to the back, he had some rope. "John, I can't do this alone, he's too big!" John pulled his axe out of the injured animal and headed to where Zane stood. Together they lasso'd the rope around its head. Robin approached from the front. Though badly injured, the wolf was still dangerous and strong, dragging John and Zane as he started forward for Robin. Quinn dropped his bow to help John and Zane hold the animal back. Robin got two arrows out, he'd have to get much closer. So would John.
On the count of five, the men struggled to keep the animal at bay. Robin was beginning to worry that they wouldn't succeed. But at the last moment, in one quick move John grabbed the wolf's ears, placed his knee in the base of his neck and yanked up with all his might. Robin got as close as he could and shot the arrows straight into the bottom of the wolf's head just above the throat. The arrows went through to the animals brain, no doubt puncturing his wind tunnel too. It went limp immediately.
John dropped its head and the men jumped back quickly, in case it still could be alive. When it remained still, Robin looked for Alan who was already being treated by Tuck. He had a big chunk out of his arm. He hoped Regina could heal it, otherwise he may lose his arm.
Before he had a chance to utter new orders, a shadow appeared just beyond Tuck and Alan. Robin didn't have time to act but Zane did. Pulling his sword he rushed their new approaching enemy, the dark elf! Robin shouted for him to hold. Tuck lifted Alan who was trying to keep silent but the pain was too much. But they had to move, if Kristolf took a few steps closer they'd be sitting ducks. And no doubt that sword was poisoned!
Robin took out an arrow and shot it, landing on Kristolf's sword arm. He didn't flinch that much, when Robin got closer he saw he was wearing some kind of armor. The men created a perimeter around the dark elf, he held his sword with a smile. Robin shouted, "Be careful, men, that blade is poisoned."
Kristolf smiled wider, towards Robin. "How many arrows you got left, Hood?"
Robin reached for another one but found he was out. He had given some of his away to Quinn and lost count of how many he used. With Alan down, Quinn was the last archer left but he had dropped his bow when he went after the wolf. They were forced to fight their enemy blade to blade.
Taking out his own sword, the men approached carefully. Kristolf couldn't hit all of them but Robin didn't want anyone to be poisoned. So that's why he acted first. He attacked as fast as he could, and Kristolf swung. Robin deflected to his right just in time for John to swing his axe, cutting Kristolf's left hand off that held the sword. The elf didn't yell in pain, instead he lunged for Robin. Taking his right hand, he grabbed Robin at his ribs and dragged him to him. Eye to eye, he said, "It's not over." He squeezed and Robin felt some pain. By instinct Robin took his sword and stabbed the elf forcing him to release his hold.
Stepping back, Robin and the others watched as Kristolf fell, his eyes wide at realizing he was dying. Looking up to the sky, he started to shout. Robin didn't understand one word of it, it was the elf's native language. Eventually Kristolf's strength gave out and he collapsed, dead.
John, Quinn and Zane immediately jumped with joy. It was over. They began shouting for Roland and the queen. Robin also knew that Snow would hear, they had left her with Johnson to guard. Regina might be upset that they didn't tie her down too but at this point he didn't care. Snow was actually angry she couldn't join in so that may be enough to satisfy the queen.
Turning around, Robin called out to Alan who held up his hand. He was in severe pain. John ran over to help, they needed to stop him from going into shock. Tuck reminded John what to do and stood, coming over to speak to Robin.
Robin smiled at the friar, he couldn't believe it was done. "Well, it's over."
Tuck had a strange look on his face. "Is it?"
Robin was about to ask what until he finally felt it. Severe pain. Casting his eyes down, the side that Kristolf had grabbed was bleeding. The adrenaline from the fight kept Robin from feeling it initially. Both men jerked their heads over to Kristolf's dead body, at his right hand. His fingers were covered in blood. You could see the sharp fingernails he had used to scratch. Tuck got a closer look, and Robin could swear he swore. Turning to Robin, he whispered, "He must have dipped his hand in it, Robin, he scratched you with blood of the-" Tuck stopped. He couldn't finish.
Robin stood rigid at the news. The pain was great but not too awful yet. Should they clean it? Should they have Regina look at it? Just then Regina and Roland appeared, Regina put his son down and he came running to him. No, no, he can't come closer. Robin tried to shout for them to wait but he suddenly found it difficult to speak.
Kneeling down took a great deal of energy. The pain was different than anything he felt before. Like someone was gnawing at his side. When Roland reached him, Robin kept the boy at arm's length. He started to tell his son to go with Tuck but he still couldn't get the words out. Tuck leaned down to try to take the boy but Roland was not cooperating.
The outlaw fell then, the pain was overtaking him. Blinking, he saw Regina's face. Her beautiful face. The way she was gazing at him Robin wanted to cry. She was going to blame herself for this. She started to reach for him but he finally got his voice back. "Be careful, Regina, I'm so sorry."
"What? What's wrong?"
He gestured to his wound. In doing so it began hurting even more, Robin couldn't believe this was happening. He started to speak but everything went black.
They had moved him back to camp with great care. Tuck held a crying Roland who didn't understand what was going on. He knew his father had gotten hurt in the past before and this was just a scratch wasn't it?
It didn't look like a scratch to Regina as the poison was sinking in. The area itself was as black as the night's sky. Robin was out cold now and she didn't know if he would regain consciousness. She had asked the others how coherent Sade lasted, they said a few hours. Regina hoped since this was just a scratch it would take longer.
In the camp, Snow jumped up to meet them. Regina blinked, she had forgotten all about the princess. John felt like he should explain, "Sorry, your Majesty, we left her here with Johnson. We couldn't spare one men to guard them. But she promised-"
"I don't care about her!" Regina shouted, surprised at how true it was. They made a makeshift bed for Robin. Johnson took one look at Robin and knew what had happened. Though he was gagged, he began to laugh. "Someone stick another rag in his mouth!"
Snow got closer. "What has happened?"
Regina didn't answer her, keeping her eyes on Robin. The outlaw was waking up so she moved his hair out of his face. Tuck decided to answer Snow. "Robin was poisoned with that…Nach…" He couldn't say it.
"Nachzehrer." Regina tried to keep her voice evenly but it didn't work. Even having several minutes to absorb this tragic turn, she still couldn't believe it. Robin was poisoned!
His eyes suddenly opened up. So far he still looked normal though obviously in deep pain. "Regina, you need to get Roland away, I don't want him to see me like this!"
Regina glanced at his son, who was several feet away and still with Tuck. He had stopped crying. Whatever Tuck had told him had calmed him down. He was watching them though. She turned back to Robin. "I don't want you worrying about anything, we are going to heal you."
He almost laughed but the pain turned it into coughing. "How? If you could heal this, Sade would still be alive." Tears went to his eyes though whether from pain or despair Regina didn't know. "I'm so sorry, someone is going to have to kill me."
"No!" Regina shouted quickly though the rest of his men agreed. "I'm sure we can stop this. You were just poisoned! It can be fixed!"
John kneeled down. Regina looked at him and was shocked to see the large man already crying. "You think he can be healed? What do you need from us?"
She leaned back a bit, astonished at the faith John was putting in her. Her eyes roamed from him to another one, she didn't know his name but he was carrying a bow. Behind them was Alan though badly injured was directing all his attention to his leader. The last of Robin's men allowed Alan to lean on him.
Robin began wheezing and Regina took his hand, squeezing it. He squeezed back. Their eyes locked and her heart skipped. Even in pain and poisoned, those deep blue eyes could have such an effect on her. Why did she ever run away?
"Regina, will this help?" Snow handed her something. Looking down, it was Kingsfoil, a herb that grew wildly in the forest. At the queen's surprised look, Snow explained. "Whenever I find any, I pick it up. I know it can be used as a medicine for poisons."
Regina took it from her. She was sure it couldn't cure it but it may slow it down. "We can try, John, boil some water for me and stick this in it. It should dissolve very quickly. Then dip a rag in and bring it back." John didn't waste any time and got right to work.
Back to holding Robin's hand, Regina checked his temperature, he was growing warmer. She began unbuttoning his shirt and she asked someone help her remove it. They also took off his boots and removed his belt might as well make him more comfortable. Regina's eyes immediately found his tattoo and she began stroking it.
Trying to lighten the situation if only for a few minutes, Robin asked, "You like tattoos, your Majesty?"
She smiled. "Not normally, but I'm beginning to." John came back, with a soaked rag. Taking it, she used it on his wound, and Robin sucked in breath as it stung. "Does that help at all?"
He closed his eyes, "A little."
Happy to have something to do, John nodded and got to work gathering more items he could use to dip it in. He asked Snow for more of the plant. With his back turned, Robin shook and a pained expression appeared. Regina narrowed her eyes at him. "Liar! It still hurts just as badly as it did."
"It doesn't hurt worse," he answered honestly now. Glancing back at John, then to Regina, "Besides, John is always happier when he's got his mind occupied."
Regina shook her head at him, even now with a future as dark as the magic used on him, Robin wanted to help others feel good. At that thought, she suddenly realized.
"Rumple!" Jumping up, she headed to her bag. Pulling out one half of the original traveling stones, she may have a way to heal Robin after all!
"What are you doing?" Questioned one of the merry men, the one that Alan was leaning on. "You're not going to summon the dark one?"
Regina wanted nothing more than to snap back, but restrained herself. If Rumple were to help, he didn't need resentment at his presence from the merry men. Looking around at the group, she realized that was probably an impossible task. "If there is a cure for this, Rumplestiltskin would know. I have no choice. Believe me I don't want to call him at all." She remembered their earlier pact.
"Then don't!" Robin shouted. "Regina, he's not going to help! He hates me. And would prefer to watch you kill me."
Robin had forgotten about Roland. The boy immediately began to cry at that, and ran over to his Papa. He hugged his son, trying to get him to calm down as Tuck followed the boy. The older man was growing tired, and his own worry and fears were plaguing him too. Regina knew she had no choice. She activated the stone.
The men shouted angrily at her but setting the stone down, she walked back to them, she had five minutes to get people on board with this idea. "He will help, I know he will." She knew it because she knew of the deal.
The others were not convinced, everyone asking questions and Regina standing firm. Robin listened, Roland had calmed down enough and as long as he could stand near his father, he seemed pacified for now. Taking his gaze away from the boy he thought back to their visit to the dark castle. Regina had talked to the imp privately. "What did you promise him? You made a deal with him to come back, didn't you?"
"Don't worry about it," Regina said, not wishing to get into it now.
The flash of the stone ignited, bathing the camp in light. When it went out, there stood Rumple, along with Belle! Tuck took Roland away then, clearly he shouldn't hear whatever the dark one had to say.
Rumple was just as surprised Belle was there. She must have ran into the circle at the last second. "I told you not to come-"
"Please, Rumple, you forget I love to read and have studied your library. I know traveling stones! And I wasn't going to let you travel to her when-" She stopped at seeing Robin. "What happened?"
Regina ignored the bookworm for now. She filled Rumple in on what had happened and Robin being poisoned. Robin studied the dark one. Whether he could help or not, Robin expected the imp to giggle and skip while taunting them over the current predicament. However he didn't do that at all.
Instead, Rumple approached Robin, his eyes going to his wound. Holding his hand over the wound, light emitted and hit Robin. The pain changed from that of gnawing to more aching but still just as excruciating. It only lasted a few seconds but to Robin it felt longer. Rumple stepped back.
"I'm sorry, dearie, there is nothing that can be done. There is no cure for Nachzehrer infection. He's cursed to turn into one." He stepped back then and gestured to the other men. "I advise you take your weapons and kill him as quickly as possible!"
The men were furious and almost charged him except nobody was that stupid. Belle approached Rumple, probably more upset at his tactlessness than his diagnosis. Regina also stepped towards the dark one. "There must be something!"
Rumple shook his head. He was trying to act as nonchalant as possible but Regina knew him well enough to know, it bothered him he couldn't do anything about this. Not because he cared one bit about the outlaw's life, but he was the dark one and that meant he was master of all dark magic, having this out of his control was eating at him.
Snow White walked over, she was incapable of losing hope. "There must be something. I can't believe that with all these people here caring for Robin, that we are forced to watch him die!"
Rumple rolled his eyes. "Not watch him die. We'll have to kill him. If we let the magic go forward, he will turn into a monster."
Before anyone could argue, Robin let out a scream. They all turned, Regina running to him. His face was contorted and he shook violently. Not knowing what else to do, she reached for his arms like she did when he was attacking Johnson. But it was no use. The seizure was like the many Sade went through. Eventually it stopped and Robin's eyes flew open. Everyone gasped at the sight. His bright beautiful eyes had what looked like a white haze over them. If people were doubting the truth of the situation before, they couldn't do so any longer, he was becoming a Nachzehrer.
"Please Regina, he's right. Don't waste time. Kill me now when it's easier-"
"Will you just shut up, Robin!" Regina shouted. "Stop being so noble! I am not-" she was going to say she wouldn't let them kill him, but his eyes were reminding her that Rumple was right.
Belle stepped forward, shocked at what she was seeing. "Rumple, what is happening to him?"
"He's becoming a Nachzehrer, it's a demon who sucks souls. Yes, it is terrifying." He turned to Regina, "The good news is at this development our deal is null and void."
Regina glared at Rumple at that, he was right, but it came at a much higher cost.
"What is he talking about?"
"Don't worry about it, Robin," Regina answered. "It doesn't matter."
Belle and Snow stood watching in horror as Robin flinched in pain again. Belle turned to Rumple, "Rumple! What about light magic?"
Rumple glanced at her. "Well, of course light magic is the most powerful magic out there, but nobody here wields it."
Immediately Regina jumped up, "No! Roland does!" She ran to where Tuck took the boy ignoring Robin's cries for her to stop.
"I don't want him to see me like this!"
Making it to Roland, Regina kneeled down facing the boy. "Roland, sweetie, do you remember earlier when you hugged me? Back when I had the ropes binding me?"
Robin was screaming for Regina to return which was distracting his son, at first she thought he hadn't heard. But apparently he did. "Yes."
"Do you remember how you hugged me?"
She worried he wouldn't know it was different than a regular hug, but he seemed to understand. "Yes, with love."
This made her pause but she didn't have time to dwell on that now. "Well, dear, you healed me a bit. That's how I got my magic back."
His eyes grew wide. "I did?"
"Yes, and I need you to listen to me. I need you to try it again with your papa. Hug him as hard as you can just like before, okay?"
Jumping up and down, Roland was quite eager to get to his father. But she stopped him, this was a lot to put on a small child and if it didn't work, Roland probably would blame himself. "Wait, listen, Roland. Please, I want you to know, if this doesn't work, it's okay. Just as long as you try as hard as you can, and I know you will, even if it doesn't work, I'll be so proud of you." Robin was still shouting in the distance and she had to do one more thing. "Also, right now your father looks a bit different. It may be scary, but he's still your papa."
Roland wiped his nose, and then wiped his hands on his shirt. "Will you stand there with me?"
"Yes!" She answered very quickly. She wasn't going anywhere now.
Together they headed back to Robin who looked more angry than in pain. "I told you not to…" then he saw his son. Roland's determined face getting the better of him. Roland paused though shocked at the change in his father. Robin had to turn away from the child, he couldn't bear his son looking at him like that. However, Roland remembered Regina's words and approached.
Throwing himself on top of his father, he hugged with all his might. Regina stood there over the pair. Nothing was happening and Regina cringed. Had she gotten Roland involved for nothing?
"Papa, I want to save you."
Robin smiled though Roland's face couldn't see his own. "You've saved me all my life, Roland."
"I did?" Roland looked up, his curiosity at Robin's statement allowing him to brave to look at his father. "How?"
"By being you!" Robin brushed the hair out of his son's wet face. "When your momma died, I wanted…oh, Roland I wanted to die too, but you helped me live on. Roland, if I hadn't had you…I am sure I'd have been dead a long time ago." He kissed his son on the forehead and immediately a blast of air hit them and they jerked. Robin sucked air in while closing his eyes and Roland stepped back, afraid he had hurt his father. "GINA!" he shouted and she kneeled down, taking Roland in her arms but neither of their eyes leaving Robin's form.
A beat went by, then Robin opened his eyes. They were still clouded and Regina clamped her eyes shut. It didn't work. But Robin's arm shot out and snatched hers. When her eyes met his, he leaned forward. "I remember now! EVERYTHING!"
Another cruel chapter I'm afraid. But I promise you it is not going to be a tragedy and you have trusted me this long! (Though some of have threatened too, I take that as more compliments, I've made you care for the characters so). Thank you for all comments and reviews. Every once in a while I see posts on Tumblr and that makes me smile. If you want to follow me there, I'm consistent as my name is the same: Tripp3235.