Chapter 23...

Merriest of Outlaws

"Well, last place WAS a prison camp...guess this is just logical progression," Sakuzy commented. The bear and monkey they had seen with Robin Hood earlier had tied the five to the tree, right next to the top.

"Thought they'd at least be a challenge," the monkey commented. His fur was gold colored and he wore a teal vest over a white shirt, black gloves, and loose leggings. Two blades were strapped to his sides.

"That's the fun of having stealth, Kid," the bear said, sagely. He wore green clothes similar to Robin's, complete with a tiny hat perched on between his ears. "Sorry about this. Gotta take precautions."

"To be fair, Joyex WAS talking about turning in your friend," Becca pointed out.

"Just saying it was an OPTION," Joyex snapped.

"Oh, we don't judge for wanting a little extra money, what with the prince and everything," Robin said as he popped out of the leaves. "By the way, a little introduction. You rightfully guessed that I was Robin Hood. These are my merry companions, Little John..."

"That's ME," the bear said, plucking off his hat. Clearly, the name was a comedic misnomer.

"And Zidane," Robin said, gesturing to the monkey.

"Haven't had pretty captives like YOU before," Zidane said, giving Becca and Lucy a wink. "I'm not seeing anyone and don't see any rings, so..."

"I make it a point not to date people who tie me up," Becca stated.

"You'd be surprised how often that works," Zidane shrugged.

"Uh...hi, I'm Sakuzy," Sakuzy said before motioning to the others with his head. "The guy who wanted to turn you in is Joyex-"

"CONSIDERED IT!" Joyex corrected indignantly.

"-the girls are Becca and Lucy and the other guy's Yozora."

"So, what brings you here to our neck of Sherwood Forest?" Robin Hood asked, as if they had just met on a casual stroll.

"We...kinda wound up here on accident," Sakuzy admitted. "Just trying to pass through, but now we're stuck here."

"Yeah, if the sheriff and his posse don't getcha, the taxes will," Little John said.

"Taxes are that bad around here?" Joyex asked.

"Uh, yeah? Who DOESN'T know that?" Zidane asked in return.

"We're...from really, really, REALLY far away," Lucy replied.

"Yeah, we're not that familiar with this place," Becca nodded, figuring that anything would do at this point.

"Well if that is the case...then Prince John is a particularly bad ruler of this place," Robin explained. "Enriches himself by taxing the poor of Nottingham to death. So, we...settle the score."

"We rob from the rich to feed the poor, basically," Little John shrugged.

"But 'rob' is a naughty word," Robin tisked. "We...sorta borrow a bit from those who can afford it."

"And we're DEEP in debt," Zidane snickered.

"In that case...you're the GOOD GUYS?" Yozora asked.

"In our own roguish way," Robin nodded.

"I got how I'm voting," Yozora concluded in an instant. "We're helping these guys."

"Sounds good to me, then," Sakuzy nodded. "There an application for this whole...merry band of outlaws?"

"Just a love for adventure and a good sense to avoid arrows," Robin grinned.

"Then we're in!"

POHPOHPOHPOHPOHPOH

"AAAAAAAH!" screamed the somewhat scrawny lion who wore the crown of England. Prince John, who ruled in his brother's stead while he was off on a Crusade. "ALL OF THIS AND YOU STILL HAVEN'T CAPTURED ROBIN HOOD?!"

"Weren't my fault, Sire," replied the Sheriff, who was a fat wolf clad in an outfit of red and pink. "He just gave us the slip! And the Heartless lost 'im, too. They were supposed to report back, but-"

"I think his competence speaks for itself," stated a voice. A figure strode in, concealed in a bluish purple robe. "Heartless can be effective, but only when used with a keen mind. Which clearly, your inner circle lacks."

"I am more than aware of THAT," Prince John snapped. "Wait...who are you and how did you get into my chambers?"

"I am Opal...and you needn't worry about that," Opal replied.

"Oof, I suppose YOU wish for handouts as well," Prince John growled, slumping on his throne.

"You seem upset about something," Opal remarked.

"Of course he is!" snapped a yellowish snake. This was Prince John's advisor and assistant, Sir Hiss. "His Majesty wishes to capture Robin Hood, the outlaw constantly stealing from him."

"If it pleases Your Grace, I wish to assist you," Opal said, giving a short bow. "With your Heartless and my own forces, capturing him could be a simple endeavor. Especially since I have my own targets who would, doubtless, ally with him."

"And are we supposed to believe that YOU, a stranger, could do so?" Sir Hiss asked.

"Have you done anything to aid in this blackguard's capture?" Opal asked, turning to look at Hiss.

"Well, I've tried to HELP, but no, no, no-" Hiss said, looking sheepish.

"Then remain silent," Opal stated. "It's a simple task."

Just the way she said that made Hiss duck under his coils. The Sheriff chuckled as he hoisted his girth up, "So, a little girl's gonna try capturin' Robin Hood? That'll be the day, SURE..."

"Size is deceptive, Sheriff," Opal said. "All you need is the right plan in motion and the right trap set."

"And you have such a plan in mind?" Prince John asked.

"Indeed. And it shall be a simple endeavor," Opal nodded. "This Robin Hood is someone who enjoys tormenting you. Getting under your skin. Put simply, his ego would come first and foremost. All you need to do is offer up a chance to show his superiority."

"Hmm..." Prince John put a finger to his chin before smirking. "Hiss, prepare a declaration. There is to be an archery tournament!"

Hitchhiker Entries:

Robin Hood: The foxy outlaw of Sherwood Forest, sworn to rob from the rich and give to the poor. He is very much the "lovable rogue" type and completely owns it. He heroically robbed peoples' hearts in Robin Hood (1973).

Little John: Robin Hood's bear of a companion. Big, burly, and very much the voice of reason for his best friend. He proved anything but little in Robin Hood (1973).

Zidane: A thieving, flirtatious actor of a monkey boy. An unexpected ally for Robin Hood in his heroic crusade, but a welcome friend. His monkey business began in Final Fantasy IX (2000).

Prince John: The phony king of England, ruling in his brother's absence. His passions begin and end at gold, so someone stealing it is something he takes exception to. Apparently, he has begun to employ the Heartless and allied with the Crystalli in his endeavors. His reign of terror began in Robin Hood (1973).

Sir Hiss: John's slithery sidekick. Somewhere between sycophant and voice of reason, he's part of the reason Nottingham's in this situation. He first appeared in Robin Hood (1973).

Sheriff of Nottingham:

"Affectionately" known as "Bushel Britches", he's the much detested enforcer of Prince John's reign. His life's goal is to capture Robin Hood...thus far, he's not been successful. He began taxing in Robin Hood (1973).