Author's Note: I'm sorry that it's been so long since I updated. In my defense, I never felt this story got that big of a response, which does make it harder to stay motivated. Still, I hope anyone reading is still interested and enjoying this chapter.

Also, to those who reviewed the last chapter, if you have an account, you will be getting a personal reply. If you do not, I will reply here:

Jess,

Thank you. I'm glad you love it.

Here is the more. Thank you for your review.

Chipped,

I feel the same. But she kind of needs to suffer for this storyline to work. Things will get better though, at least, that's the plan.

Yeah. That should be interesting to write. I'm going to start with it a little in this chapter. True, but remember, he was only the Dark One for maybe a few years at most, so he doesn't have quite the expertise we're used to getting from him.

That's a good point.

Thank you for reviewing.

Chapter Three: Sneaks and Secrets

Breaking and entering wasn't something Jack usually did. In fact, he tended to be a stickler for the rules. But this was different. This was for the mayor. He would do anything for her. Just thinking of her made him … well, it didn't matter what it made him. He cursed his luck every day, being married to a dim little bookworm whose hair was decidedly not red. However, now was not the time to dwell on his misfortune. Now was the time to find information on the new family in Storybrooke. According to Granny's log, they had signed in under the name 'Stiltskin'. That was something he could use to track down information about them. Maybe he could … he stopped. There was a noise.

"Oi. Who's there?" Stupid question when you're the one breaking and entering. But bravado seemed like the thing to go for right now. Besides, the mayor would back him. Whoever was roaming around Granny's back office wouldn't have his pull. A little boy stepped out into the light. "Who are you?"

"Who are you?" The boy echoed.

"I asked first. Hey, what's that you're holding?" The boy was holding a book. He was clutching it tightly, actually.

There was something familiar about the book, especially the illustration on the page it was opened to. A man and woman riding nobly on horses while another man floundered on the back of the first man's horse.

He stepped forward, reaching for the book, but the boy stepped back. "Hey, easy now. I ain't gonna hurt'cha."

"I don't know that. You're a stranger."

"Right. Smart boy, stranger danger and all that. But see, I'm a close personal friend of the mayor, I am. So you can trust me."

The boy shook his head, "Why should that mean I can trust you?"

"Well because … it just does, see?"

Jack inched forward again. This time, the boy knocked something over. Next thing Jack knew, the boy was behind him. He ran out of the room and up the stairs. Jack swore.

Sixteen. I'm barely sixteen. I'm a bloody fool. The words echoed in Will's head, but they weren't enough to make him turn back. After all, what did he have to turn back to? No, Will wasn't stopping. He was going to kill the sheriff or die trying. Preferably not the latter.

He burst into the sheriff's home, brandishing his sword. And there he was, sleeping soundly. The bloody sheriff. Will gathered up his courage and swung his sword.

"I'm afraid that's not me," a voice behind him said. Will turned, startled. Okay. There was the bloody sheriff. It didn't matter. Will knew how to swing a sword. He was about to lunge, when an arrow flew past him, knocking something out of the sheriff's hand. A gun! The sheriff was going to pull a gun on him.

"Robin Hood!" the sheriff yelled.

"The very same," a smug voice behind him said. "I hate to interrupt, but it seems you were about to shoot a friend of mine."

Friend. Well, that was interesting. Will had heard of Robin Hood, of course. Everyone in Nottingham had. But he had never met the man. He certainly couldn't say he knew him enough to call him a friend.

"Always spoiling my fun, aren't you?" the sheriff snapped

"Well, that's my fun, isn't it?" Robin Hood sounded like he was smirking. "Now, if you don't mind, this boy is coming with me."

Will's eyebrow's shot up as the sheriff responded, "That is a problem because I planned to try him for attempted murder and have him executed."

"That's not happening. We'll be on our way-"

"Oi!" Will sputtered, thinking he ought to have some say in the proceedings, "I'm not goin' with you. I came here to kill the bloody sheriff, and I plan to do just that."

"Don't be a fool, Will."

"How do you know me …? Know what? Never mind. Don't matter, all that matter's right now is—"

"He talks too much," said a voice behind Robin Hood.

"I don't. I mean, sometimes I -" before he could finish, Robin Hood had hoisted him up on his horse. And just like that, Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Will Scarlett were riding off into the sunset with Will kicking and screaming the whole way.

Aria was exhausted. She never seemed to sleep right in the corner behind Granny's. Well, of course, she didn't. It was a corner outside a bed and breakfast. But what other option did she have? Not sleep at all? No, she needed her sleep. She was so tired most of the time. Go to sleep at home? Let herself be unconscious and vulnerable when her husband came home? No. That was not an option either. She still remembered the last time … the memory was hazy, and thank G-d for that, but it was there. Jack would come home drunk and angry at her for not being who he wanted. She shuddered. Better to sleep here. Maybe she could even nip some breakfast from the kitchen before anyone came in. She was about to sneak in through the back, when she saw Jack coming out the front. That was curious. She couldn't let him see her. Not here. Not now. She scampered around to the side of the building. There were some windows, but it wasn't as though she knew how to scale a building. She was trapped. All she could do was hope-

"Hey!" she looked up. There, calling her out the window, was the boy whom she had given the book to behind the dumpster. "What are you-?"

She put her finger to her lips, urging him to be quiet. He seemed to study her for a moment and then disappeared from the window. And then he was back with, what was he lowering down? Was that a rope? It seemed so bizarre, but Aria knew she didn't have a lot of options. Without thinking, she grabbed the rope and started climbing. Next thing she knew, she was making her way through the window into what appeared to be one of the bedrooms in the bed and breakfast.

She landed with a huff. The boy was looking at her, his eyes wide, "Who were you hiding from?"

She shook her head, unsure what to say.

"That's okay. You don't have to tell me. I'm Henry, by the way."

"Well Henry, this is twice you've saved me. I owe you."

Henry beamed. "It was no big deal really. I just ran to the supply closet and got some rope. I was running from someone too."

"Oh? Who?"

"I don't know his name, but he wanted the book, and … I didn't want to give it to him."

Aria smiled in spite of herself, "I'm Aria. I know I didn't say before …"

"That's okay. You weren't sure you could trust me."

She shook her head, "It wasn't even that. It's just -"

"Henry?" a voice called from the other side of the door.

"Hide," Henry whispered. Aria didn't have to be told twice. Her life was all about hiding. She headed for the closet.

"Yeah, Dad?" Henry called through the door.

"I heard a noise. Woke your mother up too. Everything okay in there?"

"It's fine. I was just… reading … and my book fell."

"All right, well, it's pretty late, so how about you put the book away for now, huh?"

"Sure thing."

Aria waited, listening to the conversation between father and son. It made her heart ache. She'd always wanted children herself, but Jack …

"Coast is clear," Henry whispered.

Aria opened the door. "Thank you, Henry." Henry nodded.

Aria's eyes moved to the bed, "Are you tired?" Henry asked. "You can have the bed. I'll be up late reading anyway."

She stared at him. "I … I couldn't."

"Sure you can. We just have to be sure to wake up before my parents notice. But like I said, I'll be reading." Aria bit her lip. It was tempting. "I could even read to you, if you like. So long as I'm quiet."

"My mother used to read to me," she said, without meaning to.

"Then, it's settled. Get some sleep."

Finally, Aria hopped up on the bed. Henry began to read.

Robin Hood's camp was just what one would expect. Tents were pitched in a forest with a bunch of logs arranged in a circle, presumably for the sake of seating, and fixings for a fire in the middle. Not that Will could see it well, struggling on Robin Hood's horse. He was finally let off when they reached the tents and he tumbled to the ground.

"What did you do that for?" he asked Robin Hood, who had descended a little more gracefully.

"He just saved your neck—twice," said the dark-skinned lady as Robin Hood helped her down.

Will shook his head at the lady. "I could've handled meself."

Robin took a jug of water and handed it to Will. "No, you couldn't've. I'm sure you know your way around a sword, but that's no match for a gun. Besides, I see no reason you need to become a murderer, Will."

"Yeah, about that. How'd you know my name?" Robin didn't say anything, "Well, you don't know everything about me. You don't know that the Sheriff had my parent's hanged, do ya? Said they stole somethin', but it was jus' to feed me, and the sheriff just offed 'em, just like that."

"I know," Robin said.

"Then why didn't you let me kill 'im?"

"I just told you, I don't want you to become a murderer."

"What's it to you?"

Robin was quiet.

"All right, I'm going to go forage for some food," the lady said, gathering up a basket. "Perhaps while I'm gone you can… I don't know, open up? Face your demons? Tell the boy the truth?"

"Who you callin' boy?" Okay. So he was a boy, but that didn't mean this lady got to call him that.

She rolled her eyes at him, and sashayed over to Robin Hood, "Or, you could shut down, shut him out, and he'll surely run off and get himself killed. It's really your choice, you know." She planted a kiss on Robin's cheek and headed out.

"She always boss you around like that?"

Robin laughed, "Speaks her mind. I happen to like that. And she's right; I should tell you that … that I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't save your mother from her fate. I was off doing, well, what I do. I didn't hear the sheriff had her until it was too late."

"What, did you know her or … ?"

"She was my sister, Will."

Will let out a breath. He hadn't been expecting that. "I, uh, I had a sister too."

Robin Hood nodded, "I know. Penelope, yes? Lovely name."

Penelope. Thinking of her, hearing her name, made Will's heart clench. His sister had been a wonder and a pain. Bossy sometimes, stubborn even more of the time. She'd thought she was in charge of him, not because she was four years his senior, but because she knew she was smarter, faster, better. And she wasn't wrong. Still, he loved her fiercely. They used to spend hours together playing. And there had been that one day on the ice …

Did Robin Hood truly understand his pain? Had he really lost a sister the day Will had lost a mother?

"So, if you're my uncle, how come I've never met'cha before?" In spite of his doubts, Will settled down to sit on one of the logs.

"You know, I'm sure, that your mother ran off to marry your father. She was supposed to marry the sheriff, though he wasn't sheriff yet back then." Robin Hood settled to sit next to Will, "I helped her escape, but it was hard to keep in contact after that. I did my best to find out what happened to her. When I heard … I knew you'd go after the sheriff. You've got your mother's spirit."

"Penelope was the one with the spirit. I'm just … oi, wait a minute? If she was your sister, why didn't you let me kill him or, avenge her death yourself?"

"Because there's a difference between a thief and a murderer, Will. I may steal, but I'm honorable. So was your mother, and so can you be. And an honorable man doesn't murder another."

"He deserves it!"

Robin nodded, "Even so."

"I could have done 'im. I'm handy with a sword." Will stood and feinted as though he had his sword with him.

"Yes, I imagine you get that from your mother as well. Swords were always her weapon of choice." Robin Hood stood now, but he didn't approach Will, instead reaching down for something, "Me, I prefer the bow." He held his bow with such affection, it made Will start, "I've used this bow to injure the sheriff before, and I will again. But it's not killing him that I want. It's undermining him. It's making him pay."

"Stealin' from him, you mean?"

"Why kill a man once when you can wound him eternally?" Will said nothing, "Will, I'd be willing to take you on. Train you. Make you a proper thief. Next time you come up against the sheriff, you can truly wound him and still maintain your honor and your mother's good name."

"I don't have much choice, do I?"

"Well, I won't let you kill him, and I'll keep looking out for you, but I'd prefer if you chose this."

Robin held out his hand and finally, Will shook it. Soon, the lady reemerged.

"Perfect timing. Will here just agreed to join our ranks, Will, this is my wife, Marian."

"He says wife, though he hasn't married me properly yet," she said, smiling, "Welcome to the family, Will."

Will eyed Marian, sizing her up, "You know she was just listening to us, waiting to come back, right?"

"He's not as dumb as he looks," Marian said.

Robin shook his head. "No. I think he has potential."

"I thought we'd decided that the best thing to do was leave?" Rumpelstiltskin murmured, imploring his son.

"We did. I know, but-"

"This is a dangerous place, Bae. You know it. I know it. If my curse-"

"That's the last thing I want. Magic … you know I want nothing to do with it but … that woman, Jamie, and this place, and Henry and … and we can't just leave."

He knew it made no sense. But somehow, their world was here, and even more unbelievably, he couldn't leave it behind.

Rumpelstiltskin shook his head, "If we stay, it will all go terribly wrong." He didn't wait for his son to answer, but just went out.

Neal put his head in his hands. He knew it wasn't right either, but something more than Jamie was telling him to stay just a little longer. And Jamie was reason enough. He knew Emma felt it too. And Henry, the kid had come alive in a way that said he would need to be pried out of here with a crowbar.

Emma's arms slid down Neal's chest and he took her hands in his, "What's wrong?" she asked.

Neal shook his head, "This place. It's … I don't know."

"I know what you mean. It's odd, and …" She didn't seem sure how to finish the sentence.

"Do you think we're doing the right thing, staying here?"

"I'd hardly say we're staying. It's just a little vacation. We'll be out of here in a week and this town will forget all about us."

Neal sighed. "I hope you're right."

He got up and headed for the door. "Where are you going?" Emma asked.

"I'm going to do a little sightseeing."

"Well, give me a minute to get dressed, I'll come with."

Neal shook his head, "Henry was up late reading that book of his; he's still conked out. My dad's gone off, so …"

"So someone had to stay with Henry. All right, well, bring me back a bear claw or something."

Neal nodded, saluting Emma, and heading for the door.

This town is dangerous. It will consume you. If you don't get out, something will get to you. Something will get to your family. They're all against you.

"I beg your pardon?" an indignant British voice said.

Rumpelstiltskin looked up, the whispers dissipating as he came face to face with a tall woman with red hair.

"Did I harm you?" It would seem impossible, given his limp, but she seemed fairly convinced that he was in the wrong.

"Nearly blew just past me!" she shrieked, "Who taught you manners?"

She's powerful. She's dangerous. "My apologies. And who do I have the pleasure of nearly barreling over?"

She blinked. Twice. Then she smiled, "You must be one of that family of newcomers. I'm the mayor, Selena Mills."

Mills? A miller's daughter perhaps? "Jack." He thought it best not to give his last name. Not yet. She's dangerous.

"Well, it's nice to meet you. Perhaps you would join me for a cup of tea? There's a tearoom, just down there."

Keep your enemies close. It wasn't a voice he wanted to listen to. Not after all this time. But was it wrong? "I would be happy to, Madam Mayor."

"Kid?" Emma asked, knocking on the door. Henry had been strangely quiet all day. He wasn't usually one to sleep in. She started to turn the door handle and was surprised to find it locked.

"I'm up, Mom," she heard him say after a minute.

"Is everything okay in there?"

"Yeah. Fine."

"Well, your father went out for a bit. I thought we could hang out."

There was a pause. Then, "I'm good."

"Henry, are you sure everything's-"

There were some scuffling noises and then Henry came to the door. It didn't escape Emma's notice that he didn't open it the whole way, "Sorry. I was up late reading."

"What is with you and that book?"

Henry shook his head, "I'll tell you …. But not yet."

"Henry-" Emma started, skeptically.

"It's fine, I promise. I was actually thinking it might be fun to explore the town."

"Your father had the same thought. Why don't we see if we can catch up with him?"

Henry glanced behind him. "Um, okay."

"Pretty, isn't she?" a voice said from behind Neal, startling him. He cursed under his breath. The truth was, he hadn't even meant to come here. He had just been wandering around, trying to figure out how this town existed, and somehow he found himself making his way to the local school, watching Jamie P. Jones through her office window.

"It's not like that," he said, eyeing the woman who had caught him staring. She was British, like many people in this town seemed to be. Her hair, which was covered by a knit cap, was as dark as her skin. She was pretty, but not familiar, as Jamie had been. He didn't need to know anything else about her, really.

"It's none of my business," she said, her demeanor changing slightly. "I'm just here to clean away the refuse."

Neal raised an eyebrow at her and she pointed behind him. He realized he was standing in front of the dumpster. "Oh. Sorry." She nodded at him and headed back toward her truck. "Hey wait," Neal said, jogging to catch up, "What do you know about her?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "It's really not like it sounds. I just think I might know her from somewhere. I was wondering where she came from?"

"From here, I think."

"But, I mean, she's British, so she must -"

"Everybody's from here that lives here, as far as I know."

"So you're going to tell me you're not from England either?"

She stopped for a minute, squinting, "I … this is the only place I ever remember living."

Neal shook his head. "That can't be true."

"Well, I don't know what to tell you. And I've got rounds, so if you don't mind-"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get out of your way." He watched her truck drive away, and then he was watching the office again. Jamie looked his way and their eyes met. She offered him a smile. He waved and then headed away. This town … there had to be answers somewhere.

"Well, we hit up the diner, got our bear claws … but Dad wasn't there. So, where to next?"

Henry shrugged. "Let's just walk around. See where we end up?"

Emma nodded. She hadn't liked Neal wandering off this morning as much as she let him believe. He'd been acting weird since they'd gotten to this town. But she trusted him. He'd earned it, after all. If she couldn't trust Neal, who could she trust?

"Check it out. An old movie theatre," Henry said, running ahead of her, "You think it's like the one you and dad used to go to as kids?"

Emma smirked. "Probably more expensive. People like to pay extra for nostalgia."

She headed in after her son, who was already checking out the place. "They have old posters! And a phone booth! Do you think it works?"

"It's probably just a relic."

"Let me try. It probably takes quarters or something." Henry held out his hand expectantly.

Emma sighed and started fishing through her pockets. "And who exactly do you plan on calling?"

"Your cell. Duh. Make sure it's on."

Shaking her head, and smiling despite herself, Emma took out her cell phone and checked that it was on and charged. Henry went into the phone booth and closed the doors. A few seconds later, Emma's phone started to ring.

"Got it working?"

"Got what working?"

"Neal," Emma said, surprised. She hadn't checked caller I.D. "Hey, where are you? Henry and I were -"

"I was checking out the local public school."

An alarm went off in Emma's head, "Isn't that where that Jamie woman said she worked? At the school?"

There was a pause. "Yeah. She works there. She's principal, I think."

"And why are you there?"

"I was thinking about Henry, I guess. Wondering if we should have put him in regular school."

Well, that was out of left field. "You're the one who wanted him to go to the year-round place."

"It wasn't just me. You said that kids in public schools slip through the cracks and that you wanted to make sure we saw him more than the teachers did. We both-"

"That's right. We both. Don't put it off ten years later like it was all me. We both made the decision. And why are you even thinking about that right now?"

"I … I don't know, okay. Look, where are you guys?"

"We're at an old movie theater. Henry's trying to, oh, that's my other line. I'll call you back." Emma switched lines. Whatever was going on with Neal, she could deal with it later, "Hello."

"It works. Isn't that awesome? I was confused with the dial at first, but I figured it out."

"You're a smart one."

Emma heard a click. Then Henry opened up the booth.

"This town is awesome. Can we never leave?"

"You're gonna have to get back to school eventually, kid."

"I could go to school here. We can't just leave!"

Emma blinked. Henry was a passionate kid, but this seemed like it was going a little too far, even for him. Why was he so attached to this town? She felt like she should say something to dissuade him, but she wasn't sure what. Before she could think of anything, Henry started to run towards a closed-door off to the side.

"Henry-"

"There's music coming from there. Listen!"

She did. And he was right. She did hear music. Curiously, Emma pushed the door open and she and Henry found themselves in a theater that did not have a big screen, but a big stage. Up on the stage was Mary Margaret belting out "Like a Prayer" by Madonna. Emma settled into one of the seats in the back and Henry followed suit. After Mary Margaret sang the last line, Emma started clapping. Henry whooped a little. Mary Margaret looked at them like a deer in headlights and started to skitter off the stage.

"You were amazing," Henry said, heading over to her.

"I … I didn't realize anybody was here."

"Neither did we," Emma said. "How come there's a stage in a movie theater?"

"Well, when they first built it, it was supposed to be an actual theater for the high school, but the drama program couldn't make the payments, so the theater people took over and built off the work that had already been done, leaving this room as it was. Sometimes they rent it out for parties and karaoke. When I was in high school, I used to come …" she blushed.

"You've got some pipes on you."

Mary Margaret shook her head, "I never had what it took to really make it. I mean, I never even made it out of Storybrooke."

"Then how do you know you don't have what it takes?"

Mary Margaret's eyes glazed over a little. Then she said, "I just know. It was a fantasy. A flighty fantasy from the brain of a naïve and flighty girl."

Emma shook her head, "I'm sure that's not true."

"Yeah, we liked it."

Mary Margaret started for a second, as if noticing Henry for the first time, "You have a son."

Emma smiled and pulled Henry close affectionately. "Yup," she said, ruffling his hair.

"Sorry, I just … you seem so young and I … never mind."

"I was young … We were young. But that's not a problem for me."

"Or for me. I didn't mean it was. I just, I'm in my late twenties already and I still can't imagine having a child. All that responsibility … it makes me want to run."

Emma gave Mary Margaret a sympathetic smile, "Nobody said you had to be a mom. To each their own."

"I suppose. I'm just … well, as you can guess, I'm kind of immature. I can never seem to get my feet under me."

"Admitting that seems mature to me. And maybe you've just had some bad luck."

"Oh no, I'm very lucky. I have the best sister in the world."

"Right, the mayor. Hey, how'd that job thing work out?" The look on Mary Margaret's face made Emma regret asking. "Well, I'm sure she can help you out-"

"She's tried!" Mary Margaret said, tears coming to her eyes as she collapsed in one of the seats, "I'm just flighty and unreliable and-"

"Whoa, hey, slow down. Look, I don't know you, okay? I don't know your deal or what you've been through. But from what I can tell, you're a good person who wants to try. Sometimes, that's enough. Sometimes it's not. But if there's anything I know for sure, it's that while life may take a crazy, and sometimes even cruel road, you usually end up in a pretty good place."

Mary Margaret swatted at her eyes, "Thank you. And I'm sorry, for breaking down like that. It's just so hard to hope sometimes."

"You're talking to someone who thought hope was like Santa Claus. But you'd be surprised what you can find when you're not even looking."

With a grateful nod, Mary Margaret began to steady herself. "Thanks."

"No problem. I gotta go find my husband, but I'll see you around, okay?"

Mary Margaret nodded again, "I hope so."

"Me too."

Aria hadn't been at home. Scathe should've been worried about her, but he wasn't. Not really. She wasn't dumb enough to get in any trouble, or at least in any trouble that would get him in any trouble. And he had a mission. The Stilskins. He was doing his best to dig up information, and he had some ideas on just who to ask. As he made his way through town, something made him pause.

There, through a shop window, he saw the mayor. She was sitting up straight, looking lovely as ever, and she was glowing. But she wasn't with that fool husband of hers. No, she was with a stranger, presumably one of the aforementioned Stilskins. He was a good-enough-looking man, for an old guy with a cane. But Jack felt himself seethe watching those two clicking over tea. He wanted to storm in, but he knew he had no right.

Clenching his teeth, he walked on wondering when Aria would be home. He was angry, and he needed a release.

"Man was watching you today," May said by way of greeting as she entered the principal's office.

"What man?"

"Shaggy guy. Not from around here."

"Oh him. Never mind him. He's harmless."

May nodded, "I'll take your word for it, then. Like to get some drinks at The Rabbit Hole?"

Jamie shook her head, gathering up her folders, "I've got paperwork and it's a school night."

"Right. Well, I'll be heading home then, I guess. Until the night shift at any rate." Jamie nodded. "Night Ms. Jones."

She waved as the girl left. They weren't friends. Not really. But Jamie knew that May wanted to avoid going home to her sad life for as long as she could. It was no crime really. Still, people had to live with the beds they'd made for themselves.

Once they were gone, Mary Margaret headed into the back room and got out the stage props she needed to make up her bed for the night. Being caught singing had been mortifying, but at least they hadn't worked out where she slept.

Oh, Selena was always offering her a bed. She was good like that. But for some reason, Mary Margaret always found herself refusing. And she couldn't move back home. She would never live down the shame of it, assuming Granny would even have her. No, this did just fine for now; a curled up space on an old couch with a prop pillow and blanket. She closed her eyes and tried to pretend she was somewhere else, or someone else. Maybe that Emma woman. She seemed strong and acted like she had a good life. She seemed happy. For a minute, she had even made Mary Margaret believe that she could be happy too.

When Emma got home with Henry, she didn't seem to want to talk. And Henry went straight for his room. So it was just the two of them and awkward silence for a while. But then, Mr. Stilskin came home with some interesting news. He had had tea with the mayor, and she had invited the whole family over for a home-cooked meal tomorrow. Wasn't that nice of her? But there was a look in his eye that Neal didn't like. A mischievous, planning look. Was this a good thing? He didn't know.

"You're still here," Henry whispered.

Aria nodded, "I'm sorry. I don't know why I stayed, I just-"

"No, it's okay. You can stay as long as you want."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Here. Why don't we read some more?"

"Fine, but at least let me take the floor tonight."

"Not a chance."

"Really likes doin' this doesn't he?" Will said, pulling his horse this way and that. Robin put his hand on Will's horse to steady it.

Robin scrunched up his eyes and asked, "What, forcing women to-?"

"First my mother, and then your wife-"

"Still not married," Marian interjected.

"You had to give her a chance to bring that up, didn't you?"

"I jus' mean, for a man who ain't ever actually been married, he goes through this a lot."

"Well, we're not sure he's actually trying to marry this girl," Robin said, stopping them for a second before pointing to the left, "but either way, she needs aid."

"That she does. Maybe she'll be my Marian, I can sweep her off 'er feet." Will said half-jokingly as they rode on.

"If you're like us, she'll be smitten the second she sets eyes on you."

"I most certainly was not!"

Robin laughed, "Come on. We have a woman to save from the sheriff."

When they arrived at the cabin where the woman was being kept, the crept in quietly, trying to get a good look at the place.

"You'd make a fine wife, M'lady." The sheriff said, reaching out to touch the woman's dust-stained cheek. She flinched back from him.

"You can't force me to marry you."

"Maybe. But I can force something else." He lunged for her, and Robin took his aim just as the girl lifted her leg and kicked the sheriff right in his most sensitive spot. Meanwhile, Robin's arrow had whizzed past the sheriff's head. A warning shot.

"Hey, Sheriff," Will said, before popping up from behind and gaily punching the sheriff in the face.

Robin laughed.

"You all right?" Marian asked the woman.

She nodded. "He's a bastard."

"That he is. But my horse seats two. Can I interest you in an escape?"

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

Then the four of them were on horses, riding away from the sheriff, just like old times.

"I suppose you would be the legendary Robin Hood? And you're Maid Marian then?"

"What, you haven't heard of me?" Will asked cheekily.

"Of course I have. You're the one who whines that nobody's heard of you."

"See Will, she knows you," Robin said.

"Will, is it?"

"That's me. And who do we have the pleasure of rescuing today?"

"My name's Belle."