by DAN MONTY
The officers were almost on top of her when suddenly a hooded figure in a green tunic, swung down from the rooftops above and aimed with his bow and arrow. He fired two laser arrows at once, both hitting the two robot cops in their chest plates. The robots looked at each other and exploded as the arrows detonated, sending their mechanical debris flying in every direction.
Robin Hood landed on his feet by Marion, grabbing her by the hand and removing a grapple gun from his belt. He took Marion in his arms, grappling upward into his waiting green Lamborghini, which hovered just above the rooftop above them. Robin helped Marion into her seat and climbed behind the stick, pulling up and taking off.
The car flew over the city slowly as to not attract attention. Marion removed her goggles and looked at her saviour.
“I had it under control," Marion said, looking out the window.
“You had nothing! You could have been killed!” Robin yelled and he let out a sigh.
“WHAT... what were you thinking? You could be dead, Marion! You understand that?” Robin asked in a demanding tone.
“Like you care! You vanish for seven years fighting a war against these... things... and when you come back, you barely fucking look at me and insist on running around in a costume playing vigilante! You could be killed too!” Marion yelled, her patience running out.
“I do care, Marion! I care very much! Those cops have you marked now! You can’t go back to the city or you’ll be killed,” Robin said and Marion punched the dashboard.
“Oh that’s just GREAT! What the hell am I supposed to do now?” she demanded and Robin sighed.
“You will have to stay with me for a while. I don’t care what you say, Marion... It’s the only way," Robin said. Marion pouted quietly, looking out the window again and realising they were no longer flying through the city, but over tall trees.
“Wait... this is the woodlands! Why are we heading to the forest?” Marion asked and Robin said nothing. Her answers were coming, but as always, whether Marion liked it or not she would have to wait.
Robin flew through the trees towards a landing platform that had been built between two tall trees. He landed perfectly and he and Marion exited the vehicle.
Marion looked around at the impressive village of huts built high into the trees. She took off her white leather jacket, carrying it on her arms.
“You’ve been busy!” Marion said as Robin threw back his hood and removed his ski mask.
“How many of you are there?” she asked, looking around and seeing several people dressed exactly like him working on various building improvements, fences and what seemed to be defences and traps.
“Enough for now," Robin replied, taking Marion by the hand and leading her into the forest.
Robin led Marion through Sherwood Forest, leading her to a large open area with a lake surrounded by rocks, and a massive waterfall. Robin and Marion sat on the grass by the rushing water. She looked into his eyes for a long time – his tired face almost seeming somewhat alien, yet at the same time, in those eyes somewhere she saw the younger man who had chased her around the city years earlier. Who had made love to her in the moonlight. The young man that had made her laugh.
“You were gone so long," Marion said to him finally and Robin frowned.
“I know," Robin replied, his eyes slightly wet Marion could see. It made her feel bad.
“Why are you doing this? You don’t owe these people anything, Robin! Least of all your life!” Marion said.
“It’s not about what I owe them. It’s about what they deserve. Every man deserves to be free, Marion. Every heart deserves a home. The king wants to destroy the poor and the weak. It’s not right," Robin replied, tearing some grass out of the ground and tossing it away. The sun was going down and the sky was an impressive orange. Marion took Robin by the hand, running her fingers across his skin.
“When you went to war, I thought you weren’t coming back. I thought... I would never see your face again and I thought that for a long, long time. One night, I had a dream about the time I fell down that hole and you carried me out of it. I was crying because I had broken my foot. You were so brave. You just kept telling me I’d be fine. When I woke up I thought about that day a lot. I realised you would come back to me. I only hoped that you’d be different," Marion said. Robin lowered his head and nodded.
“You thought I would come back for you," Robin said and Marion nodded.
“Yes you idiot! I know it’s old fashioned but I thought we would get married... have a family! Not for one second did I imagine you’d come back to Sherwood to play hero!” Marion went on. Robin laughed.
Marion stood up, dusting grass off her white pants. His laughter reminded her of the man he once was.
“Oh that’s funny?” Marion asked and Robin shook his head.
“No, its just... You haven’t changed Marion. And I’m very glad you haven’t,” Robin replied as Marion turned to walk away. Robin stood up, calling after her.
“I came back for you too," Robin said. Marion froze, turning her head slightly in his direction.
“Is that true?” Marion asked and Robin nodded his head.
“I thought about you every day on Loxley. I thought of how I would feel when I saw you again. I was so scared that I wouldn’t, Marion. I was scared that I’d be killed or you’d meet someone else, but I fought through it. You kept me going, Marion. You kept me sane," Robin said and tears ran down Marion’s face.
Marion ran towards him, the two of them locked in embrace. Robin placed a hand under Marion’s chin, gently kissing her on the mouth. She kissed him back, her tears wetting his face.
Their lips parted and their eyes locked. Marion saw more of the man she had fallen in love with all those years ago than she had seen in along time.
“Marry me," Robin said and Marion beamed, an undeniable smile creeping across her face.
“Are you fucking with me right now?” Marion asked and Robin smiled, shaking his head.
“No," he said and Marion embraced him again.
“Of course I’ll marry you. I’ve been waiting to marry you for a long damn time!” Marion said laughing as tears of joy filled her eyes.
Chapter ten: The more you gain
Friar Tuck stood in Sherwood Forest, watching as an arch of vine and flowers was hoisted into position in a beautiful open area in the centre of the forest. He drank from a canteen, belching loudly and laughing as he mumbled to the men doing all the work, his cheeks a jolly red in colour.
“Yes it’s perfect! It’s perfect and... It’s... I’m very drunk!” Friar Tuck said, laughing merrily.
The ceremony setup for the wedding was simple. Robin and Marion were beautifully dressed – Robin in a black tuxedo and Marion in an elegant white dress, her dark hair braided and her head crowned with a small wreath of flowers.
John Little was the best man and Friar Tuck would marry them, despite being drunk the man was surprisingly articulate. Robin and Marion stood beneath the arch facing each other in front of Tuck who spoke with a gentle voice. Robin Hood’s men and followers gathered around them to witness.
“Today, it is my great pleasure to join these two souls in Holy matrimony. Love is a gift that comes with many responsibilities. When two people fall in love, a bond is made. A bond that, if nurtured can last a lifetime. I watched as these two wonderful people fell in love... and I knew this day would come. So today, before you all and before the Lord our God, I am privileged to perform the sacred ceremony of marriage,” the friar began.
“Marion Clorinda? Do you take this man, Robin Hood of Loxley to be your lawful wedded husband? To serve and protect you, honour and obey you until death do you part?” The friar asked Marion.
“I do," Marion said, smiling as her face beamed.
“And do you, Robin Hood of Loxley, take this woman, Marion Clorinda of Sherwood to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you honour, protect and be faithful to her until death do you part?” Friar Tuck asked and Robin nodded with a smil
e.
“I do," he replied.
“Then by the power invested in me, by the good Lord himself, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," Friar Tuck said, wiping a tear from his eye as Robin took Marion in his arms and kissed her passionately. A cheer ringing out from his men which was followed by applause.
*****
Reynold Greenleaf had been one of the men who had joined Robin’s band and helped build the village in the trees. He joined Gilbert Whitehand and Will Scarlet in congratulating the newlyweds during a small dinner party that evening. Tiny fairy lights had been woven around the trees and a large bonfire crackled as three men played acoustic guitars, singing classic love songs as Robin and Marion danced.
A large table had been dressed with wonderful foods such as cooked chicken, roast lamb, baked potatoes and salads of every kind. There was plenty to eat and a great deal of wine being poured as the celebrations went on into the night.
The Ranger approached Robin as the dancing ended and Marion ran off to get some wine. The dark man with the kind eyes smiled at his friend, embracing him.
“Congratulations my friend! I never thought I would see the day," Ranger laughed and Robin smiled.
“Nor I! Yet here it is. I am glad you are here, Ranger. You are always welcome to feast with my men!” Robin said.
“You have something so special, Robin. A gift so precious. Now you have a wife, no doubt she will bare a child... your life will have more purpose than you’ve ever imagined. But be careful, for while these things make a man great, they also make him dangerous," Ranger said and Robin raised an eyebrow.
“How so?” Robin asked and Ranger slapped him playfully on the back.
“The more you gain in this life, my friend... The more you have to protect... and to lose," Ranger replied, picking up a drink from a nearby table and drinking it down before walking off to join Will Scarlet and the others. Robin nodded his head. Ranger was right. Before, Robin had nothing to lose. If he died, he would have been forgotten. Now he had every reason to make sure he stayed alive. Not only that, but he would have to ensure his wife was safe, no matter what the cost. Robin could only imagine what he could become if he lost Marion. It would drive him mad.
Robin walked over to the bonfire, staring into the flames as one of the men played a tune on a pipe and another man played a small drum. Robin sang along. It was a song he had sung many times during the war;
I think of you so very far away
I hear the sound of metal on its way
The rain it falls, the heavens call
But I will not die on this day
The men sang along in low voices as Marion watched in awe...
The drums are loud, my men stand proud
No drums are louder than my heart
It beats for you, beyond the moons
No war will ever break us apart
The men fell silent for a moment and Marion sat next to Robin. She placed an arm around him.
“I’ve never heard you sing a song," Marion said and Robin smiled. Ranger sat next to them and stoked the fire.
“It’s not a song. It’s a battle hymn. It is sung by men who are missing their loved ones at home while they fight in war,” Ranger said and Marion nodded, looking at Robin.
“You sung that song during the war?” Marion asked Robin and he nodded his head.
“Every day. My heart never stopped beating for you, Marion. Sometimes, the war drums were so loud, but I swear to you my heart beat was louder. I’m telling you this because the war drums are beating again... but they are not as loud as my heart. Whatever happens... Whatever it takes... I will protect you, Marion," Robin said as Friar Tuck burst into hysterics, sitting down next to the fire.
“You think she needs protecting, Robin? Ha! You better watch this one! She’s a bloody fighter herself! I saw her punch a man in the head once for grabbing her arse! Laid him out! Poor bugger never knew what hit him!” Tuck said and Marion smiled.
“I can definately take care of myself. I married you because I love you, Robin... but I want to join you as well. There’s nothing for me in the city now. I can fight. I don’t need saving. I’m as much a part of this as you are now. You said it yourself, if I go back there they’ll kill me. Like it or not, we’re all in this together now,” Marion said, throwing down a glass of wine, the men around her cheering.
“Bloody hell! She can drink too!” John Little said and the men laughed, even Robin cracking a smile.
“This isn’t going to be like getting into a brawl at the bar, Marion. This could lead to war. The sheriff is more powerful than ever and he and his army of machines will hunt us. Are you ready for that?” Robin asked and Marion smiled.
“I’m ready for anything,” Marion replied and the men around her cheered. Robin shook his head kissing his new bride on the mouth. For better or worse, they were married and for better or worse, she was one of them. Robin just hoped she wouldn’t have to do too much. After all, if he lost her he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself.
Leading Marion to their cabin in the trees, Robin carried her over the threshold, laying her on the bed. The light of the moon shone in from a large open window and they made love, long and passionate.
Chapter eleven: dawn of the machines
Marion and Robin awoke the next morning to the sound of wild panic. They sat up in their bed getting dressed as quickly as they could, both of them dressing in green tunics with hoods. Ranger bolted into the room sweating profusely.
“The perimeter has been breached! They are coming!” Ranger said and Robin rushed to Ranger’s side.
“Get all the men you can that we don’t need and take them to the bunker. Grab as many weapons as you can carry and bring them back here!” Robin instructed, Ranger bowing and leaving the room. Robin looked at Marion, who was already charging up a blast rifle.
“You can use that thing?” he asked and Marion gave him a look that asked him if he was kidding.
“I worked in a bar, Robin... not a convent. Of course I can use it!” Marion insisted. Robin packed his quiver full of emerald arrows, each of them serving different purposes. He kissed his new bride, pulling on his ski mask and hood before leading Marion out onto the platform balcony of the tree house.
Trees were being pulled apart and knocked down in the distance as massive metal tanks loudly rolled towards them, the distant sound of metal feet marching on earth adding to the suspense. Robin looked through his binoculars and saw hundreds of walking robot soldiers, cannons mounted on their shoulders and leading them, a massive man in metal armour wearing a leather mask.
“My God! It’s an army,” Robin said, Marion snatching his binoculars to have a look.
“Who is that giant guy leading them?” Marion asked and Robin sighed.
“If Will spoke true, that’s the Sherriff of Nottingham," he replied.
“It can’t be! He’s massive,” Marion said and Robin nodded.
Suddenly, a powerful blast rang out through the forest – blowing right through the middle of the treetops. Men went flying as one of the central huts in the trees exploded, rocking the village and causing the ground to shake. Robin and Marion fell over the balcony, Robin grabbing onto the railing and grabbing Marion’s hand before she could fall.
“Hold on!” Robin exclaimed, Marion climbing onto him as he fired a rope from his grapple gun, swinging them to the ground to safety as another explosion destroyed their hut.
Robin and Marion were safe on the ground, their weapons drawn; Marion holding her blast rifle and Robin aiming his bow and arrow.
The robotic army marched towards them, silhouetted by the rising morning sun. Trees around them fell and were decimated to kindling as they stormed towards the towering trees and the burning tree structures.
Robin aimed an arrow, firing it straight towards the oncoming metal men; a single shot catching one of the soldiers straight in the chest plate. The soldier stopped, his internal processors trying to compute the strange
object protruding from his chest. Then... it detonated, causing a massive explosion that not only took out the soldier, but three others like him. Robin took another arrow from his quiver, his fingers moving fast as he loaded another into his bow. He fired again, ripping through another two soldiers, the explosion an impressive sight.
Marion fired from her rifle, great streams of laser energy blasting from the muzzle as she roared in the glory of the battle – a Valkyrie yelling a battle cry. The mounted cannons on the walking soldiers of metal fired, blasting through trees as Robin and Marion danced out of the way, taking cover behind great steel drums as blaster shots fired through the air around them.
Robin loaded and fired over and over, his shots causing devastating explosions but still the soldiers came; their great metal legs stomping in the mud, firing from their shoulder cannons and causing devastation to the newly built village in the trees.
The sheriff grinned as he swatted arrows aside with a giant arm, breaking into a jog towards the barrels where Robin and Marion took cover.
“Marion? We might be in trouble!” Robin exclaimed as the giant man charged towards his hiding place.
Marion ducked behind the barrel and looked at Robin, who was beginning to look a little worried.
“There’s too many! My gun is jammed!” Marion yelled, banging at her gun and tossing it aside.
“Run Marion! Now!!” Robin yelled, leaping out of hiding as the massive sheriff swung with a mighty paw. Marion ran, doing as Robin had asked leaving Robin to take the full force of the blow to his chin. Robin flew backward, smashing into a tree as the sheriff stood over him leering.
“Oh how I’ve waited for this!” The sheriff barked, seizing Robin by the chest and lifting him up so he was face to face with the tiny man.
