A/N I do not own BBC Robin Hood, its characters, and plots. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I will be taking a little hiatus while I write some other fics and plan this one further, but I am not abandoning this. I know a few of you (knarl) will attack me if I do. So thank you everyone. This fic has hit over 2,000 views which is awesome and thank you to my reviewers. LordMarkAnthony Thank you for your support I will try to update as soon as I can. School is just being annoying. knarl As always, you will be changing your favorite. I hope I wrote out the reunion well, but hey. She's back and that is all that matters. I hope you suffer with the knowledge that their relationship will be ruined because of the betrayal. Lady Megan Gisbourne Congats you are the winner of my best review for the last chapter. So send me a message or not and I will answer any question about what will happen in the fic, within reason of course. And i can't promise anything about killing off characters. It's kinda my thing.

Also, check out my profile for a link to Part 2's playlist if you like that stuff. Follow/favorite/review! Enjoy!

Chapter 17 Back and Better

Alex found herself disoriented and with a pain in her head. She was laying on the forest ground and could see the tree tops above her. They were different, but the welcomed difference of younger and denser and more unknown. She was back.

Alex sat up and reassessed herself. She had made the trip back safely and so did her duffel, which was a blessing because she doubted she could survive for the rest of her life without her books. She gout and dusted the dirt and leaves off of her dress, that was remarkably still clean. She looked at the picture in her hand and grinned. "I'm going to find you, Allan. Where ever you are." she told herself. She couldn't wait to see the gang again and rob the rich and help the p- 'Wait,' she thought, 'Didn't the king come back?'

The issue of essentially dying in the middle of an episode was that you had no idea how it ended. If everything worked out how Much had hoped, Robin would be in Locksely, the Sheriff would be out, and everyone would return home, except Allan who had no home. If everything ended horribly, all her friends would be dead and she would be stuck here more miserable than before. She needed to get answers covertly and then decide on her next move.

Alex decided that she should hide the duffel and wander into the closest village and see what the latest gossip was. The only issue though was her clothes. She wouldn't be able to be seen. The simplest way to get an idea of where her friends were was to go to Locksley and see who was in charge; if it was Robin, she would stay with him and then find Allan; if it was Guy, she would need to see what happened to the gang and find Allan.

Alex found a similar hiding spot in a familiar part of the forest that she could easily find. She took out the pocket knife from the bag and marked the tree with the symbol on her outlaw tag. She stuffed her phone into the bag and kept the knife in her boot instead. She also put the photo in the bag to keep it safe. If she was lucky, she wouldn't need it soon.

She ruffled her hair and began the trek towards Locksley village. As she walked, she thought of all the possible scenarios that could have happened with the King's return, except those scenarios where those close to her had died. If everyone was happy and well and in their homes, she would be truly happy for them, but she honestly had expected to go back to being an outlaw. It was her purpose here after all. If there was no work to be done, what would she do then? 'Find Allan of course,' she thought, 'but what about after that. Settle down? Hardly my style. But if that if is what I have to do to be with him…'

Alex thought through all the possible scenarios of what a domestic life would be with Allan. She couldn't imagine liking it that much, but if it was with her Rooster, she would do anything. She would run away with him to the farthest corners of the Earth (Though she thought Allan still held a firm belief in the world being flat and that America was just her lying. He didn't but thought it was cute when she argued with him and could only reason with the words "trust me" and "just because!"), or simply settle down here, in Nottingham, running a farm or a tavern, or just anything they could think of together. Together was the only thing that mattered.

Alex soon arrived at Locksley village. From what she could tell, the guards wore the Gisbourne crest. "This is not good." she mumbled to herself, hiding behind a small hut nearby the large manor. She waited there, coaching down and thinking of what to of next. Clearly, the king had not granted Robin and the gang the amnesty they deserved and allowed this treason to continue. But what king would do that?

"Oi! Just 'hard that the Sheriff's plan to capture Hood worked." a guard said to another within earshot of Alex.

'Ah,' she thought, 'Information that I actually need.' She listened intently on the conversation.

"Ya, it's the sister, ya see? She is even worse than 'im." the other guard replied.

"Ya, but the Sir ain't pleased he didn't do it 'imself. He's been angry ever since the Knighton girl left 'im at the alter."

"Ya I would be too. I would hardly burn her 'ouse down though."

"Still can't believe he did it. Also arrested her father and put her in house arrest. Well castle arrest." The two guards chuckled at the lame joke. Alex slowly crept away form the guards, but she clumsily fell over a bucket of water. The guards and turned and saw the retreating girl, in a shirt and quite revealing dress, They also saw the unmistakable tag of Hood's men, along with a silver pendant on another necklace. They knew it was Hunter, the pretty outlaw who was once arrested as a witch, but that was false according to rumor.

"'Ey! Stop right there!" a guard shouted. The two guards shouted at her and Alex acted fast. She quickly grabbed a staff that was placed against the wall of the hut and raised it to fight against the guards. They dew their swords and the fight begun.

She quick;y whacked one on the back of the knee, sending him to ground a disabling him for a while. Simultaneously, she hit the other one the gut. She kicked him back with her boot and hit the one on the ground on the head. She kicked him as he fell to the ground again, making him dizzy and sleepy. She grabbed the sword out of his hand and now the fight was hers. The other guard charged at her and she parried with bother her stolen sword and staff. She was then picked in the gut, making her step back. She swung her sword horizontally, making the guard block it, but distracting him as she hit on the head with the staff. He fell to the ground, sleeping like the dead, and the wood snapped; Alex tossed it to the side as the other guard got up.

"Ya know, I haven't lost my touch. Nine months back home, and I am still beating you guys with ease." she smirked. "Tell your master that Alex Hunter is back and better than ever." The guard yelled at attacked her. She swiftly stepped aside and then hit him on the head with the hilt of her sword, knocking him to the ground unconscious.

"That was easy." she chuckled. She held onto the sword and walked back into the safety of the forest, ready to plan her next move. 'Okay,' she thought, breathing heavy from the exertion of the energy. She wasn't entirely in the condition she was in before she left. 'Robin and the gang are in business still. Marian did not marry and her father is in jail and she is in the castle. Robin is also arrested by the Sheriff's sister. I guess I need to go to Nottingham.'

Alex walked quickly to the center of the shire, Nottingham town. On the way she reached to grab a cloak when she felt another hand on the wire. She looked past the laundry and saw the unmistakable get up of the Nightwatchman.

"Alex?" came the strained voice of Marian.

"In the flesh. It's actually scarred now. Because you were an idiot. I think we got wounded in the same place, except mine was though and through. We should compare." Alex smirked.

"It is you." Marian smiled and hugged her. "Come with me." She dragged Alex into a secluded area as she changed quickly into the dress. "What happened to you?"

"Ya know, went back home, the future as you know. Healed up, hung out, traveled a bit, and came back after I majorly messed something up. You?"

"King was a fake, got out of marriage, the gang and Robin did their thing, and now Robin is" she stopped and started sobbing.

"What?" Alex said, placing her hand on Marian's shoulder in comfort.

"Dead. The Sheriff's sister killed him."

Alex stood fully up and gripped the sword. "Nope, this is Robin. God couldn't kill him. Especially not this sister." Alex then looked worried. What if Allan was dead?

"Allan is fine, as far as I know. Missing you." Maran replied, sensing the woman's worry.

"Of course he is fine. So is Robin. He'll be here soon. I'm going to look for the gang in the forest and when Robin returns to you, don't tell him I'm back. It's a surprise."

"I don't believe you, but I trust you. You took a arrow for me."

"And a arrest and torture. Also my wound is bigger than yours." Alex replied. "Everything will be fine." And with that, she left and headed back to the forest, focused on finding her friends. She put on the stolen cloak with the hood back, just like before. She knew Robin couldn't be dead. She didn't come back to bloody 1193 for her good friend to be dead.

She was right and in a matter of minutes, Robin reunited with Marian. They kissed and talked and talked of them, all while Marian cursed Alex and her oddness and faith in her friends. Also Alex, to her knowledge, did not actually die, so her wound was worse.

Allan was tied to a post inside the dungeon, his shirt removed and sweating form the pain of the torture he was receiving.

"Listen," he begged as the jailor entered the room, "listen, we can sort this out."

The jailor punched him harshly in the gut. Allan winced in pain as he circled him like a predator. "How about a little bet, eh? You a bettin' man? How about a little wager?" He said, trying anything to get out of this. His response was a harsh slap on his face. Allan tried to yell or scream and simply suffered through the sting. To yell meant loosing and Allan A Dale did not loose. He had a promise to keep after all.

The jailor came closer to him and rest on Allan's bound shoulder. "That's no by the way." he curtly said. he left the room leaving the grieving man in a physical pain almost equal to his emotional. He soon passed out from it.

He was drifting in and out of consciousness and was dreaming of Alex. Was she alive? Dead? Safe at home? Or miserable somewhere else? Somewhen else? Was she thinking of him? Had she moved on? Did she still love him like her? These thought plagued his weak mind. But he made a promise to wait for her so he thought about all the moments of good, like the first night they spent together, under the stars. Or how he got his name. If he was told an hour before meeting her that he would fall deeply in love with a girl from a world so superior than his and he would love her so much he would do anything for her, he would have laughed.

If she came back, he was going to do right before her. Instead of drunken night at taverns like he had always done, he was going to court her. Get her flowers, the jewelry he could afford, and there would only be innocent kisses between them. Oh well, he would try. Alex, after all, was a modern girl. Maybe one day, when all this outlaw business was done with they could settle down and marry. He could make an honest living, have a kid or two and be perfectly happy together. Or go on as many adventures as Alex wanted. He just wanted to make her happy and be honest with her. He wanted her to have everything she deserved, which was everything, and he would do anything to provide for her. If she was alive and back here of course?

His thoughts were interrupted when cold water was tossed on him. It was a sudden thing, but Allan's only reaction was to slowly turn his head away. He wanted some dignity.

"Been having fun?" Gisbourne laughed at him. Allan's head remained hung. Guy set down his bucket and folded his arms. "Hood was here, did you know? Didn't try and rescue you." Allan weakly looked up. Gisbourne smiled at what he got to say next. "Two of men men at Locksley were attacked by none other than Alex Hunter. Young pretty women, wearing a scandalous and sinful short dress and had an outlaw tag. She also beat my guards easily, despite her… apparel"

Allan's head shot up and he guard at Guy. He smiled back. "So, I was thinking… one chance to live and see your lover again."

"I'm not helpin' you kill Robin. I'm not helpin' you kill anyone." Allan firmly replied.

"Yeah, I respect you for that. So let's look at this another way, shall we?" He stopped closer to Allan. "An exchange… as we go along. A little information, a little money, a conversation."

Allan paused, thinking it over. If Alex was back, he would need money… "What sort of conversation?"

"Oh, a harmless one. If I need extra guards on a building, you let me know. If I need to reroute a convoy- that sort of conversation. I am not robbed… Robin is not killed. You would be doing us both a service." He looked down at Allan's face and laid a hand on his shoulder. "You and I, we're the ones that make our supposed betters look good. And they take us for granted. But what happens when they move on? Then it's our turn. You want to help the poor, help yourself first." He held up ap use in front of Allan's face. "Also, how else do you suppose you are going to make Hunter love you. She's a high class, educated woman from what I can tell. Why would she stick with a low life like you? She'll be back where she came from within the year. With this, you can make provision for you futures. You will never be named; you will never be implicated. This is just between you and me. You be my eyes and my ears. And when this is all over…" he held up the purse once again, "you will have money and position and can marry that girl. Then you two can help the poor to your heart's content."

Gisbourne raised his brows and then turned away. Allan was left tied to the post and thought about what to do. He knew what he had to do. He needed money to have Alex. This was all going to be for her.

He was released, after agreeing to the deal. He walked out into the dark forest, the heavy pouch of guilt on his belt. He was going to head back to the camp. Alex was probably back there if she was back here. He couldn't believe it. As he walked through the thick trees, he heard rustling nearby. He slowly unsheathed his sword, ready for a fight despite the healing wound and present pain.

He felt a sharp point of a sword lightly on his back, between his shoulder blades. "Ya know, I am one of Hood's men. Donate to the poor or else. Also, do you know where Hood is?" said a familiar voice.

"I think I have found a damsel in distress, Songbird" he replied with a giant smile. The sword was removed and he turned around and saw Alex. She was alive! And healthy looking. She had a brown cloak on and a light blue dress with lace. "Well, the only real distressin' thing about you is the dress you got on. I think it's worse than when I first saw you?"

"Oh really, how polite. I got shot, came back, and all I get it that. Ya know, I am guessing you are Allan A Dale, because you are acting like a Rooster right now, or commonly called a cock."

The two grinned at each other and the fact they remembered the first words the actual said to each other. The stood still, their eyes brimming with tears when Allan stepped forward and kissed Alex like he wanted to for the few months she was gone. She kissed back, dropping her sword and wrapping her arms around his neck. He in turn wrapped his arms around her waist and the two kissed for what felt like forever, When they finally had to come up for air they chuckled.

"I missed you." Alex simple smirked.

"So did I." Allan replied.

"Ya but I shot and in the hospital. So I win."

"I always win." Allan replied.

"Only cause I let you."

"Liar." he retorted.

"Thief." she responded.

"Songbird"

"Rooster."

"I love you."

"I love you too." The two laughed as they held each other close, vowing to never let go again. Alex sniffed and finally noticed the ball eye Allan possessed after his run in with Guy. "What happened?" she asked.

"Tavern brawl." he simply replied, hiding the pouch from her sight. She didn't notice the purposeful movement of his cloak and just focused on his eyes.

"What did you do this time?" she asked, studying his injury and absent mindingly playing with his short hair.

"Oi! What makes you think it was my fault?" Allan asked her, mockingly hurt.

"Because I know you." she smirked back.

"Well I am sure you will hear all about my plan from Much." Allan simply said.

"I intend to. Now, where is everyone? I looked at all the normal places we camp and couldn't find any of you."

"Will built a secret, permanent base. You'll love it. It was my idea." Allan smiled proudly, hiding his guilt of the deal he had just made for her sake.

"No! It was my idea! You can't take credit for my ideas." Alex softly yelled at him.

"Well you were in the future, flyin' in carriages and sendin' letters across the world in a poof. I was just speakin' for both of us, but I took all the credit."

"Ya know, I could easily go back to my 'flyin' carriages and letters sendin' across the world in a poof'. That is, if you don't want me?" Alex raised her eyebrows.

"I want nothin' else other than you and you happy." he said with a great intensity that caught Alex off guard for a minute. She kissed him again, a much short kiss.

"Well before we head back, I have to get my duffel. I brought presents for everyone."

"You lead the way." Alex grabbed his hand and they walked us into the first together where Alex had dropped off her bag of essentials. They walked side by side for awhile taking comfort in each other being present, a luxury they had not had in a very long time. They reach the familiar area and Alex slowly looked at every tree for her mark.

"It should be somewhere around here." Alex said, holding Allan's hand and grinning up at him.

"I think ya are tryin' to get me all 'lone so you can take advantage of me, Songbird." Allan, wittily replied staring at his precious love before him.

"Oh I am waiting for marriage. Actually after marriage as is never. I'm becoming a nun, didn't I tell you?" Alex smirked back.

"No, though I have a few objections to that."

"And those are?"

"You were accused of a witch. The Church really ain't into that fact." Allan smirked. Alex shoved him aside in response and moved to the next tree.

"Aha!" she shouted as she recognized her mark on the tree. She bent down and puled her duffel out. "I'm ready."

The two walked to the camp, Alex carrying the duffel and Allan's hand lightly holding hers as she struggled with the bag's weight. She refused his help, which he was thankful for because she would surely notice him falter with his wounds from the torture and his plan to provide for her would be ruined.

Soon the sight of the hidden base was seen with the glowing fire of the hearth. "Impressive." Alex said as the two walked into together as Robin spoke. "We are the spirit of England, and that is Robin Hood. And that lads… that is the country's only hope." The two quietly entered behind Robin as John toasted saying, "We are Robin Hood." Allan sighed at the thought he was betraying his noble friends, but it was for a good reason. It was for Alex.

"Ya know, I think the best hope for this country is maybe democracy. Or tolerance. Or a type of equal rights movement." said Alex smirking as everyone turned and saw her and Allan.

"Alex!" Djaq screamed and hugged her friend in one giant bound.

"Djaq! I see you are now dressing like a girl! And your hair is longer!" Alex replied smiling as she looked at her Saracen friend.

"I see your home still believes in revealing clothing." Djaq replied as she too, examined her friend. She looked as if she was never near death like when she last saw her. She turned to Allan, expecting a bright and happy face, but only saw the bruise and a solemn look."What happened to you?"

"Oh… tricked one punter too many." he replied, lying easily.

"Oh I could have told you." Much replied as he stood in his kitchen. "Nice to see you again Alex." he smiled towards the young woman. Robin hugged her as well, saying how relieved he ways that she was back. Little John and Will also went up and hugged her.

"Thanks." she smirked as Much happily handed her and Allan a cup. Will noticed Djaq was staring suspiciously at Allan, but he thought nothing of it. Everyone was here and alive. There should be no drama tonight. Alex was back and fine.

"We are Robin Hood." Much proudly said.

"Um?" Alex said as Allan responded with a "Wot?"

"Just say it." Much said exasperated. Alex just smiled back and Allan looked nervously at her. Djaq saw all of this and knew something was up.

The entire gang reunited raised their cups and shouted the phrase. Allan said it aimlessly and as he realized that his raised arm exposed his purse of coins, he lowered his arm and covered it once again. He switched the cup in his hands and took a sip, hoping that this deal would work.

Alex took a sip of the substance she did not recognize and set her cup down. "I come baring gifts." she said, pulling the duffel inside the camp.

"Gifts!" Much said, "Oh I like gifts."

Alex laughed and sat on the ground and unzipped the bag. "I know. Okay Will, here is your gift." She took the Swiss knife out of her boot and tossed it to Will, who was fascinated by all the doo-dads that it had. "Djaq," Djaq caught a book on herbology and medicine. "Little John," He received a nice rosary (Alex knew who superstitious, or as he said, religious, he was). "It was blessed by the Pope." Little John smiled at the girl and placed it in his pocket.

"What about me?!" Much asked, eager like a child on Christmas.

"Of course." Alex handed him three packs of instant ramen. "This is the easiest and best meal you will ever cook." she explained. "Robin," She tossed an arrow she bought when she had went to the archery gym with Flynn, thinking Robin would like it. She of course could only afford the one. Arrows were surprisingly expensive. He admired it and set it in his quiver. "And finally, Allan." She handed him a deck of cards and a book titled 101 Ways to Win at Cards… ALWAYS.

"What's also in the bag?" Will inquired.

"Books. Tons and tons of books. If I am coming back here indefinitely, I am not leaving my reading material behind." she replied, eyebrows raised in her cocky manner.

"Well, it looks like our gang is whole again. Indefinitely." Robin said. He watched as the two jokers of the group leaned against each other, unaware that they were doing so. He was glad that somebody could be near and protect their love if he couldn't. The gang all played with their gifts and Will helped Alex put some things in her bunk they made for her (Will insisted that they do) that was next to Allan's (an appropriate distance that little John insisted). Allan, meanwhile, looked at Alex and her beaming smile that she had not worn for a very long time as Djaq tended to his black eye. The gang ate and laughed and Robin looked at them proudly.

"So Robin, I need to talk to you. I ran into a certain Lady when I heard you were captured." Alex said. She pulled Robin to the other side of the camp as everyone else got ready to eat.

"And how did you hear about that?" he asked her, smiling that she was back.

"I'm resourceful." she replied, furrowing her brows in mock hurt. "So you and Marian are together? Secretly of course."

"Correct, and you and Allan?"

"Not really sure where we stand. At least we are done with hiding it. Everything is out in the open now."

"How was your recovery? You seem better than ever." Robin asked.

"Well I was healed up in one surgery. I was extremely lucky. I came back a few hour after coming here, so no one suspected about my actual whereabouts. I then spent the last nine months studying, working, traveling, and trying to get back here."

Robin stared at her puzzled, "Nine months?"

"Ya, speaking of nine months. There isn't some tavern girl that is going to show up at our door- or well wood step with a mini Allan?"

Robin stared at her confused, thinking and quickly snapped out of it. "No, no of course not. Allan only went to taverns to gamble because he was grieving for you. We had no idea if you were alive or not. But Alex, it's only been four months at the most. Winter had started and ended while you were gone."

"What?" Alex leaned back against the stone of the hideout. "Time travel is so bloody confusing."

"Of course not as confusing as you and Allan's relationship." Robin replied with a smirk.

"Marian and you definitely top us. You are the most famous couple." Alex then looked at the ground and ruffled her hair. "Speaking of fame, ya know when I broke my rb and i sat out on a few missions and stuff, so I wrote down a lot of stories about the gang. My friend who does archeology in modern Nottingham, he um found them and is publishing a book on them and they were like the biggest find in this century next to King Richard the Third."

"Does he know you wrote them?" Robin asked.

"No, I don't think so. When I found about they were discovered, I ran off here and now my adventure has begun again." Alex smiled. "So please don't tell Allan any of that and the whole nine months thing."

"Will do. I am just glad you are back and well." Robin said. "Also, the arrow is very nice. What is it made of?"

"No idea, but it was like a tenner so value it." she smirked.

"I will. Now have fun with everyone." Robin order her.

"Always the bossy one, Locksley." she said smirking. She got up and sat next to Allan, who was eating on his bunk with a worried expression. Once he saw Alex had sat next to him, he grinned. He knew that this was going to be worth it in the end.

"Ey. I like the gift." he told her.

"I had to get something you like when I was home." she replied, smiling at him.

"I meant the journal." he responded.

"Oh," Alex faintly blushed, "I hoped so. I feared you wouldn't be into it, but it's the thought that counts, right? I loved the necklace."

"I hoped so. I feared ya wouldn't be into it, but it's the thought that counts, right?" Allan mocked her.

"Not funny. I'm nervous. This is basically our first date." Alex said laughing a true laugh, she even snorted and blushed. Allan smiled, pleased that he could still make he laugh. Alex was glad. She hadn't laughed for a very long time.

"Not bein' funny, but this is a 'retty lame first date." Allan said.

"I have a idea." Alex grabbed something out of her bag and stood up. She grabbed Allan's hand with a smirk and they left the camp and went into the forest.

"I forgot how annoying those two were." Much commented to Will and Djaq as he saw th two lovebirds leave.

Outside, in the forest Alex put some headphones into her phone and looked through the music options. She hit the playlist that she had made when she was gone and put one bud in her ear. "Here." she said, placing the other in Allan's ear. She played it on a soft volume.

"I don't understand 'ow your world works." he said in a chuckle as he listened to the melody.

"Good. I prefer being an enigma." Alex smirked, causing Allan to chuckle. She placed her hands around his neck and he instinctively put his on her hips. "So, in this courting ritual, dancing, you just sway wide to side and possibly kiss. It's very romantic. Many movies have used this. The earbuds increase the sweetness by ten points."

"Did you make a list of romantic things to do?" Allan asked, raising a brow. The two began to sway to the music.

"No, Lily was dumped by he boyfriend the hour I came back. I had to watch a lot of films with her. And I was in the hospital, so I was stuck."

"How is it?" Allan said, nervous suddenly. "The wound."

Alex looked at the ground. "I have two pretty nasty scars. Forget bikinis."

"You are beautiful with or without them." Allan said. Alex looked up at him with her brows furrowed.

"Look who is the stupidly romantic one now?" she smirked. The two laughed an continued swaying, slowly decreasing the room inbetween them. The kissed and when they separated, Alex leaned her head on Allan's shoulder.

"I'm glad I'm back." she sighed.

"I'm glad you are back. I love you, Songbird."

"I love you too, Rooster." Alex sighed, thinking that this was beginning of everything. Allan thought that this was the start of their lives together. He was doing this for her and their future. They were wrong of course. Good plans never work after all.