All Along the Watchtower 10/?

[Goldberry]

Dedication: To everyone who has given me support for this fic. I love you all.







The cottage was alive with fauna. In fact, Heero was certain it was part of the forest itself. The wood that must have made up its walls were completely overgrown with ivy, even the door itself was painted green to blend into everything else. It was so completely camouflaged that if he had not been looking for it, his eyes would have slid right past it. It was in front of this unassuming cottage that the man, Trowa, paused in and out of shadow. Relena was cradled in his arms, unconscious, blood on her gown, unaware of what was happening around her. His fist tightened unconsciously. What were they waiting for? She needed help, and if this was were the healing monk lived?

Behind him, Wufei came stomping through the underbrush, his noise level contrasting sharply with the delicate step of the woman behind him. Heero ignored him, his eyes on Trowa, and in turn, on Relena. He would not let her down. Not like he had failed her father?

<i>The blood. Blood on sand. It wasn?t his but?Peter?s?The cries?The terrible cries. Cries of the dying?all around him?</i>

The door to the cottage opened.

The dark-haired boy, Harry stepped out and waved at them, motioning them forward. Trowa went in directly and Heero followed, only a step behind. Inside, the setting was simple, almost utilitarian in its bareness. There was a small fire burning, it?s smoke so pale it was almost white and therefore hard to see as it drifted out the chimney. There were a couple of wooden stools and a long table covered with drying plants and vegetables, which filled the air with a calming aroma. It seemed the proper atmosphere for a healer.

?Harry tells me you brought me a lady.?

Heero swung towards the sound of the voice, his cobalt eyes narrowing at the man who stood in the corner. It was not often his eyes missed anything, and to overlook this man?He was dressed in a black robe, his hair amazingly long and pulled back into a braid. His eyes were an odd violet color, his face, that of a young man?s. All in all, he did not radiate the steady aura of a monk. In fact, he had the lithe moves of a soldier.

The monk glanced at him briefly before settling his unusual gaze on Trowa and the burden he carried. Trowa spoke up. ?She has a knife wound.?

The monk nodded and pointed to a side room. ?Lay her in there, Trowa.? He motioned to Harry, who was looking at Relena with an anxious expression. ?Harry, get some bandages and hot water.? The boy scurried off and the man then turned to Heero and Wufei, exchanging glances with the silent Sally.

?My name is Duo and since Trowa has brought you here, I can only assume you are not enemies.? Wufei snorted but the monk ignored him. ?I?m going to do my best for the lady, and I have a feeling that her wound is the result of the actions of one of you two.? His eyes suddenly hardened. ?I do not like to see innocent blood spilt.?

?Who says she is innocent?? Wufei suddenly growled. Heero spun on his heel, cold anger taking hold of him, his body slipping into a battle stance when Duo suddenly appeared beside him, again, that darkness that Heero had sensed earlier radiating from him like a physical wave.

?Enough.? It was all he said, but it drained the tension from the room like a sieve. Heero relaxed and Wufei snorted before going silent. Sally shifted on her feet. ?Sally, watch these two. I must see to the lady.?

Duo turned and headed into the side room and Heero tensed again as the door closed behind him. Relena was being tended by a strange monk that was not a monk, and a young boy, and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. His eyes closed briefly.

Wufei knew something, he was sure of it. There was something about his kidnapping of Relena that seemed planned and he was going to find out what it was. Unfortunately, he had a sinking feeling that it involved the Sheriff in someway, as all plots eventually did, and that could mean trouble. For him, and for everyone else in Nottinghamshire.

And what about these people? Sally, Harry, Duo, and Trowa? They weren?t what they seemed to be. What kind of monk closeted himself away in a supposedly haunted forest? And what were the rest of them doing jumping from tree branch to tree branch, living and breathing the greenery around them? Heero crossed his arms over his chest, brooding silently. He did not like hidden plots. They were inevitably troublesome, and if he wanted to avoid getting himself involved, he would need to find out just exactly what these plots were. Starting with Wufei?

?You escaped,? he said, his voice flat and quiet. Sally turned her head to look at him, a thoughtful look in her eyes. Wufei glared at him.

?What??

?You escaped from jail. Must have been quite a feat.?

There was a small pause before Wufei spoke. ?No prison can hold an innocent man.? Heero smirked.

?It was a mistake to kidnap her. You could have gotten away without anyone noticing.?

?I don?t make mistakes,? the other man said sharply, but there was something in his eyes. Uncertainty. He wanted to know where Heero was going with this. ?She is worth something to the Sheriff.?

Heero shrugged and looked away. ?Doesn?t matter. The Sheriff will have you hanged when he finds you.?

?He wouldn?t dare,? Wufei muttered. Heero looked at him coldly, but surprisingly, Sally spoke up, her voice strong.

?Really? I thought that?s what happened when you escaped from jail and knifed a lady.?

?Don?t speak of what you don?t know, woman. He will not come after me. He---? Wufei snapped his mouth shut, his expression simmering, and Sally nodded once, unfazed.

?I see,? she said, ?You had an agreement with him. Your freedom for the lady?s kidnapping.? Heero jerked. ?I knew the Sheriff was low, but this is truly evil.? Her jaw clenched. ?I think I misjudged you, sir. I thought you a man of principle. Clearly, I was mistaken.? With that last biting remark, she crossed to the other side of the room, a troubled expression on her face. Wufei watched her go, looked somewhat troubled himself. Heero could merely stare at him, as cold as ice.

The Sheriff wanted Relena kidnapped? For what reason?

He restrained himself from snorting.

Did he really have to ask himself that? It was clear that he was interested in her, though he was old enough to be her father. She was cousin to the king, that alone made her a prize, the fact that she was beautiful wasn?t harmful either. So why the charade? Why bring Wufei into this at all?

Unless?

The kidnapping of a highborn, virtuous lady by a common criminal who proceeded to drag her into the depths of a dark wood was a tale grand enough for any bard to write a song about. Just the mere hint of a rumor would destroy her reputation, and his word that nothing had happened would not be heeded. A lone woman, chaperoned by a group of young males? The mobs would hang them all if they breathed a word. No, the Sheriff had thought this out clearly. He had baited Wufei to carry out his dirty work so that he could come in and rescue the very lady he had had kidnapped. No doubt he would have the unsuspecting Wufei hanged from the nearest tree, even as he ?lowered? himself to marry the now ruined Relena who would, of course, be grateful anyone would marry her.

Too bad the Sheriff didn?t know Relena.

Even disgraced, she would not marry against her will, and her brother loved her too dearly to force her. Especially to William. No, she would rather die an old maid. That is, if someone else didn?t offer to marry her?

?Do you really think the Sheriff will let you go free?? he asked, quietly, his eyes fixed on the door that shielded him from Relena. Wufei jerked around to look at him. Oddly, there was no fire in his eyes. He didn?t answer and Heero let it go. His point had been made.

Trowa exited the side room and Heero straightened as the strange man turned to him. ?She is resting now. Duo has cleaned and bandaged the wound. All she needs now is sleep.? He then faced Wufei and threw something at him. It glittered in a graceful arc before the other man caught it between two fingers delicately. It was the dagger Wufei had thrown at Relena.

Ignoring this byplay, Heero stepped forward, preparing to enter the chamber, when Trowa?s hand shot out, barring his way. Heero merely turned his head, emotionless gaze fixing on Trowa?s green eyes. There was a tense moment as no one spoke before Trowa dropped his arm and Heero continued in, as if nothing had happened.

Duo was standing from where he had been kneeling beside Relena as Heero came in, and the monk glanced at him curiously. Next to him, Harry was watching Heero with large blue-purple eyes as if he wasn?t quite sure just what to think. Heero broke the ice.

?She?s going to be alright??

Duo nodded, throwing his braid over his shoulder carelessly. ?She?s going to be fine with a little rest. She lost a lot of blood.? Heero stepped towards Relena?s beside, a little uncertain, which was a feeling that didn?t sit well with him. His childhood friend lay like a fragile doll, covered with a thick blanket, her sun-gold hair spread over the pillow like a fan. There were dark circles under her eyes and her skin was pale, but her breathing was full and deep, assuring them that she was sleeping peacefully. He let out a breath he hadn?t known he was holding and lifted a hand towards her cheek, drawn to make sure she was alive. Alive and safe. Proof that he hadn?t lost her?

His fingertips brushed warm, smooth skin and his heart calmed, clearing the anxious bands around his chest. Now serene, he dropped his arm and looked to Duo and Harry.

?Thank you,? he said, simply, and they both nodded, smiling slightly. Duo clapped him on the shoulder as he made his way out and Harry simply gave him a quiet, gentle look before closing the door after the both of them. Heero watched the silent door for a moment before pulling up a worn, wooden stool next to Relena?s bed, preparing himself for a long wait.

He wanted to be there when she woke up?

* * * *

She felt very heavy and very tired. Especially her right arm. She couldn?t move it at all. Becoming more anxious about her physical state, she tried to open her eyes, finding it similar to lifting mountains, but she managed it. It was very dim where she was, candle flame the only source of light. She was on a bed in a room she didn?t recognize and her heart began to beat rapidly as she fought to remember why she was here. What had happened?

A soft movement against her arm caused her to look to her right and her eyes widened as she took in the sleeping form of Heero Yuy. He was bent over the edge of her bed, his head cushioned on her right arm, his right hand covering her own small fist in his. She smiled slightly, realizing that that was the reason she couldn?t feel anything in that arm. He seemed to be deeply asleep, though not with the child like qualities some gained when they dreamed. No, he was still the man he was awake, just more at peace as his mind was allowed to rest.

Breathing out tiredly, she shifted under her blanket and bit back a groan as her thigh throbbed with pain. She squeezed her eyes shut against it, remembering very suddenly the scene in the forest and the man that had dropped from the sky. She had caught a dagger in her thigh thrown by a man she hadn?t thought capable of it. She had been kidnapped, dragged through a forest, wounded, and now was possibly facing the total ruin of her entire life.

All because of Wufei Chang.

She should have done more than just kick him.

?You?re awake.?

She blinked her eyes open to find Heero awake and sitting up, watching her. There was a curious expression on his face. Could it be?worry? She smiled at him. ?Yes, I?m awake, Heero.?

?How do you feel??

She frowned briefly. ?I?m alright, I think. My leg hurts a bit, but it?s not bad.? She shifted her head to look at him better. ?Where are we??

Heero crossed his arms over his chest. ?We are in the home of a wandering monk. He?s the one who took care of you.? A serious expression settled over his features and her brows furrowed as she watched him.

?What? What is it, Heero??

A muscle moved in his jaw. ?I?m not sure yet.? He leaned forward slightly. ?Rest now, Relena. You need your sleep. I?ll explain everything when you?re better.?

She blinked, wondering at his change of subject, but forgot about it as a yawn overtook her. She smiled sheepishly at him but he simply nodded once as she closed her eyes, snuggling deeper into her pillow. She heard the creak of his stool as he settled back into it, intent on staying by her side. She gave a mental smile and let sleep drift over her, unafraid with Heero by her side.

* * * *

He closed the door to Relena?s room quietly, not wanting to wake her. She had fallen asleep an hour ago but he had been strangely reluctant to leave her side. He had finally managed to make himself get up, casting one last glance at her slumbering form before heading back out into the main room.

Which turned out to be in a state of disarray.

?He was hiding in the bushes outside, watching this place.? Harry was saying, in a tone of voice that immediately caught Heero?s attention. There was something about that boy??I thought he might be one of the Sheriff?s but he was carrying this.? He hefted up a harp case that Heero recognized at once. He turned his head to find the minstrel, Quatre, bound and gagged on the floor, looking quite humiliated. Harry was standing over him, a smug look on his youthful face. Trowa leaned over and took the harp from him, his green eyes meeting Quatre?s.

?A musician, then.? The woodsman said, and Quatre struggled to talk around his gag. Heero steeped forward, resisting the urge to rub his temples.

?He is a ministel,? he said, drawing all eyes to him instantly. ?but none of the Sheriff?s. In face, I?m sure he has a price on his head by now. He?s an outlaw.?

Quatre was watching him with wide sea-green eyes but Heero ignored him, waiting to see his hunch play out. There was a moment of utter silence before Sally laughed and stepped forward to haul Quatre off the floor, a quick flick of a hidden knife cutting his bonds away.

Quatre sighed in relief. ?Thank you.? Sally grinned.

?So, minstrel dear, what did you do to draw the eye of our gracious Sheriff??

Everyone except Heero leaned in to hear his answer and Quatre turned a brilliant shade of red, unable to utter a word. In his diplomatic way, Heero answered for him.

?He slept with the Sheriff?s daughter.?

Everyone blinked, blinked again, and then burst out laughing. Even Wufei wore a sarcastic grin on his face. Quatre was now as red as a beet and Sally slapped him on the back good naturedly.

?Well, you?re in good company,? she said, ?and I greet you on behalf of all the outlaws of Sherwood.? She bowed elegantly and made a dramatic gesture with her hand. ?Welcome home.?

* * * *

Guy of Gisbourne slipped silently away from the hard-to-see cottage and back into the forest, thanking whatever deity watched over him that he had been watching that fool minstrel when the Lady Darlian was kidnapped. He fairly rubbed his hands in glee. He had followed Dorothy?s rapist who had in turn led him to Wufei Chang, the man the Sheriff intended to hang, and to the troublesome band of outlaws that had been plaguing Nottingham for some time. Everything the Sheriff wanted was tied neatly together in a nice little package.

And Guy intended to give it to him, hand wrapped?



TBC?



* * * *

[blackrose]

He's not sure yet, huh? Well, here's a clue Yuy..."YOU LOVE HER." Geh, big dummy. What is it with men? -__-

Great chapter, another wonderful installment. ^__^

Love,
Rose<--who's trying to be patient. Really...BUT I HATE THE BLASTED SHERIFF! >_<

[Tsukiyo]

OOO!!! such a horrid, twisted little man!! He makes me so mad!!
But, all his failed plans are bringing Heero and Relena closer together...
This story is so fantastic, Goldberry! More and more loverly characters are showing up!! EEE!!! I'm so excited for the next chapter!!!

[Ami Yuy]

What else can I say?? Yay! New chapter!!...but...but...there's not another one!

Duo's the monk. ^_^

Anyway, loving it! *prepares to hurt the evil sheriff*

~Ami~

[Darkwing]

WOW! Nice work, Goldberry! But what am I saying? Nice? It isn't nice it's wonderful!

I must say that when I guessed Duo to be in the monk's toes, I wasn't very happy. But now, reading this chapter, I must change my opinion. He is a great character and he is very fascinating. So misterious!
Go on, I'm waiting!
Bye bye O_~

[Angeldreams]

I hope you don't get tired of hearing this but...

This is greatness! Everytime I see a new chapter, I can't help but break into a grin of anxious anticipation. Please, give us more...

Angeldreams

[Hitomi Lei]

I really needed this chappy today!!! I came home from the hospital yesterday and was really bored today between pain pills.

I don't know though, who's going to be Robin Hood? Trowa or Heero?