Work Text:
Everything was in chaos.
Nottingham castle was attacked by the soldiers of the Baron. They all knew it was a ploy caused by Prince John to get on the throne. Well, all except Richard but that doesn't matter at the moment. What matters is how they are going to get out of here.
The three of them, Tuck, Robin and Little John were surrounded by soldiers. Richard was outside fighting the baron head on. Maryan and Scarlet were on the eastern side, keeping the soldiers alive, sometimes with the help of a little magic. Prince John was who knows where.
Robin frowned as he looked at the enemies with a cold stare. They were armed heavily and weren't going to go down easily. He prepared his bow, the soft wood bringing a sense of familiarity in his hands. Next to him was little John who readied his cub, and to his other side Tuck.
He took a deep breath before aiming and firing his first arrow. It hit the first soldiers’ belt, loosening his armor. Thus, the battle began. Little John and Tuck followed Robin into battle, the soldiers doing the same. The ginger took down two men with one of his special arrows while Little John downed 3 with one hit. Tuck was using tickle powder and pepper to slow the guards’ movements and make it easier for his two companions to take them down.
It was going pretty well. So far only a few scratches and blue spots. They weren't many guards left, only 5 remained. Little John smirked and decided to meet the three of them head on with his cup. But suddenly, a shadow appeared behind the guards. Robin was barely able to shout a warning to his companion before the glimmer of a sword greeted their eyes.
''Aww and I was so close.'' The prince pouted, smirking while looking at the three boys. Robin sent him an angry glare before looking at little John. The prince only managed to make a tiny scratch. Tuck shot an ugly glare at the prince and got out another one of his bombs.
''This is another one of your ploys, isn't it?'' Robin snarled, aiming his bow once again. The prince laughed before readying his sword, the enemy guards behind him doing the same.
''Who me? How dare you throw such accusations to me Robin? This sounds more like something you and your Rat friends would do.'' he teased and by the mention of his friends the grip on Robins bow tightened. Tuck made a small clicking sound to which the two friends shared a glance to their companion. The small boy made a notion to cover their eyes. They nodded and focused back on the action.
''Well, my Prince, you seem forget one thing.'' He snarked, lowering his bow and letting go of his arrow. The prince looked at him with skepticism before motioning him to elaborate. But instead of Robin, Tuck finished the sentence.
‘'The element OF SUPRISE.'' He yelled and tossed one of his makeshift bombs in the soldier’s direction. Robin and Little John quickly covered their eyes and waited for the bang. Instead of exploding, a bright blinding light erupted from the bang. The soldiers all yelled out and stumbled a few steps back. John was able to cover his eyes halfway and also suffered from the blast. This was their chance.
''ALRIGHT, GO FRIENDS'' Robin yelled and they continued their attack. Little John and Robin both took 2 soldiers at a time. Tuck was taking the last one. It was a piece of cake, or so they thought.
''Thanks Tuck, now it's way too easy defeating those bafoo-'' Little John praised when suddenly they heard a slicing sound, followed by a piercing scream. The two boys quickly turned to the source of the scream, only to be horrified.
''...that's unfortunate'' the prince muttered, his sword having struck the smaller boy’s shoulder. It wasn't just a small cut this time. This was deep. The blonde drew back his sword and watched Tuck stumble back and fall to the ground.
''TUCK'' The boys yelled and quickly approached their friend. He was heaving and small tears started forming in his eyes. Little Johns eyes were fueled with worry and anger. Robin knew that wouldn't end well.
''Little John take Tuck outside to Maryan and Scarlet. I'll handle the Prince and the Soldiers.'' Robin ordered, a slight tremor in his voice. Little John looked in disbelief, before seeing the seriousness in his friends eyes and nodding. He took Tuck in his arms and started running towards the door.
With a deep sigh, Robin turned around just in time to block the spear coming his way. 3 of the soldiers were able to recover from the flash and were ready to fight. John was also still there, his sword coated now with blood.
Tucks Blood.
''Well which one of you fucks wants to go down first.'' The ginger smirked, his hands tremoring slightly. John looked at him before returning the smirk. They already knew how this was going to end.
The next thing he knew, Robin was shoved into the throne room. He managed to land a few hits on the soldiers, but eventually they overpowered him. John ordered for them to drag him into the throne room for whatever reason.
''I can't believe all it took for me to defeat you was for that small twerp to get hurt.'' The prince laughed. Robin growled in response, trying to resist the enemies grip on him. He only ended up getting shoved to the ground.
''Ohoho, think you can intimidate me you wild animal? You couldn't even protect your friend, how embarrassing must that be?'' John mocked and the soldiers laughed in response. Robin kept quiet.
''The big one might've been a challenge, but the small one was lucky he even survived so long.'' One of the guards spoke and everyone agreeing with laughter.
''Well, you know what they say, only the strong ones manage to survive. If the small twerp dies it's his own fault. Really, he should be glad we are taking him out of his miser-'' before the other guard could finish his sentence, the end of his spear hit his head and he stumbled back. He looked up to see Robin holding his spear.
''I've had enough of you.'' he simply said, and quickly twirled the spear around, turning towards the other two soldiers and landing a blow on them both. He returned into a battle stance and shoved the spear backwards, hitting the person behind him in the stomach and landing them on the ground. The ginger quickly lunged forward, dealing more heavy blows before two of the before 3 soldiers were down. As a last warning, he shot the spear next to the solider on the floor, hindering him from getting up.
Prince John watched the events unfold as if time was running slow. He noticed Robins eyes were turning darker with every comment, but he hasn't ever seen him snap like that. Hell, he didn't even know he could wield a spear. Sure, one or two of the hunters he hired had the odd complain of not being informed the ginger can wield other weapons, but never thought much of it. He was frozen in place, a few meters away from the action as he could only watch Robin retrieve his bow and arrow.
Suddenly, his trance was broken and the prince started running towards the exit. Robin turned his head in his direction, his dark eyes glaring at him. Just when he reached the door, a sharp pain erupted in his shoulder.
''FUCK'' he screamed and fell to the floor, leaning on the big doors of the room. An arrow has found its place in his shoulder blade. This was new.
Yes, Robin occasionally shot at him, but only with a special, non-threatening arrow. Him shooting John with the intent to hurt him was new. And John didn't like that. He turned to look at the ginger, who was slowly approaching him. He stared in fear, backing up against the door. There was no escape. Robin was about to reach him and then he'd be dead, done for, no longer alive. All because he mocked his friend. John pressed his eyes shut, readying himself for a blow.
A blow which never came.
Robin walked past him, out of the door. But John swears he could've heard him whisper something. He never opened his mouth, but it was clear to John.
''This was for Tuck''
Finally, the battle was over.
Robin eventually joined Richards forces outside and they were able to win this fight. The King sent out instructions to everyone. Robin hurried to see Tuck and Little John. Tuck wasn't doing well, the bandages on his shoulder tinted in red and the fellow clearly suffering from blood loss. But Little John promised him he wasn't in a critical condition anymore. Robin sighed in relief and let his adrenalin wear off.
Just now does he realize how bad all those cuts sting. Richard eventually comes to see them in the makeshift infirmary.
''Tuck what happened to your shoulder?'' He exclaimed worriedly. Robin was too tired to tell Richard the truth. He doesn't think he'd believe them anyway. Richard loves his brother and he wouldn't just believe three boys living in the woods if they'd tell them john's evil.
Robin was too tired.
Little John wasn't.
''Oh, I can tell you what happened. Your excuse of a brother happened!'' He snarled. Richard was taken aback by the response. Maryan and Scarlet were shocked as well and turned to Robin, who just gave them a tired glance.
''I don't think I understand Little John.'' Richard tried to reason. But little John was done with all the lies and tricks. They've been through enough, it's time their King knows the truth.
''Since you left prince John has been nothing but a tyrant and cruel person. He's been putting the Villagers and us through hell. Heck he's tried to kill you and take the throne MULTIPLE TIMES already, where, by the way, WE were the ones to stop him. I'd not even be surprised if he's also responsible for this attack!''
Everyone was quiet. No one dared to make a sound. Richard looked like he saw a ghost. This wasn't exactly new information to him. He got numerous complaints about John, but he brushed them aside.
''...those- those are some heavy accusations Little John-'' Richard tried to begin but he was cut off.
''Accusations? ACCUSATIONS?! Those aren't some theories we are telling you. These are facts. Everyone can tell you how much of a monster He's been. Me, Robin and now Tuck have the SCARS to prove it! This isn't some gossip we heard somewhere, this is real Richard.'' He finished, anger visible in his eyes.
At this point, Little John was towering over Richard. The King has never seen the boy so angry before he has to take a few seconds to realize. He turned towards Robin who was walking towards the two.
''Robin is all of this true?'' And the gingers tired and exhausted eyes could tell him everything.
''It sadly is my King. We tried to tell you sooner but you wouldn't listen.'' The ginger admitted.
Everyone stayed quiet while Richard sorted his thoughts. Little John has since taken a few steps back, seeming to calm down a little. Just when Richard was about to say something, a loud Thud echoed through the castle.
''HELP, I WAS SHOT.'' Prince John shouted through the castle grounds. Richards eyes widened and he rushed to his little brother’s aid. The soldiers still standing followed the Kings path as well as Matilda. Little John looked at Robin in confusion, only to see his face in shock as if he just remembered something.
''How did this happen your Majesty.'' Mathilda asked while inspecting the wound, not daring to look at her nephews signature arrow.
''This rotten Thief Robin shot me in the back! I knew he wasn't to be trusted, he was probably the one causing the attack!'' He exclaimed in pain. Everyone was shocked. They knew Robin never aimed to cause harm. But the Arrow in Johns back says otherwise. Everyone’s eyes fell on Robin who had a stern look on his face.
''I did not work together with the baron, nor did I cause this fight.'' He exclaimed. Scarlet and Maryan knew this, Robin would never intentionally bring them all into danger. Richard however was not as convinced.
''But you don't deny having shot my brother?'' He demanded, the look on his eyes stern. Robin felt his adrenalin spike up again, not being able to answer. The Kings aura suddenly felt different. This wasn't the carefree Richard they knew. This was serious.
''I'm taking your silence as a confirmation that you have intentionally aimed and shot an arrow at my brother.'' He spoke, his eyes sparking with anger. Maryan was horrified by the direction this is going. She took a look at her cousin, only to see the devils grin on his face. The princess turned away, disgusted at how cruel one human can be.
''Robin, you leave me no choice but to arrest you for inflicting injury on prince John with intent to harm.'' Everyone gasped, Robin stared at Richard with disbelief.
''Finally, you get what you deserve Robin Hood. It was about time you'd be stopped from your evil acts.'' The prince exclaimed proudly. This was going better than he could have ever hoped for.
''That's it'' little John hissed, grabbing his cub and lunging towards John. His eyes were filled with fury. John has crossed the line too many times. Richard and Robin both reacted in time. The King jumped in front of his brother, parrying the hit of the taller boy’s cub. Robin ran after Little John and dragged him away from the Royal Brothers before he could land a second hit. Immediately, they were surrounded by guards readying their weapons. Richard had his sword out, protecting his brother at all cost.
''Little John, Robin Hood. I hereby arrest you for intended injury and attempted murder. Surrender now!'' The King demanded, voice dripping in Authority. The two boys were surrounded and Little john had his eyes set on the prince, who was looking at him with a slightly crooked smile.
''YOU ARE MAKING A MISTAKE RICHARD!'' Robin shouted, trying to make Richard listen to him, but it was no use.
Just when all hope seemed lost, Tuck came running towards them, throwing a smoke bomb on the ground and grabbing his two friends. Maryan helped a bit with the smoke, expanding it with her magic so that no one could see a thing. Everyone was disoriented and tried getting out of the sudden smoke.
Meanwhile Robin Tuck and little John reached the gate, the taller boy having picked up the smaller one on their walk outside. They were headed to their hideout when suddenly.
''...guys my wound reopened'' Tuck exclaimed. The trio stopped and turned their head to the small boy who was coated in blood once again.
''...shit we need a medic fast, let's head to the village-" Robin tried to say but Little John interrupted.
''Are you crazy? That's the first place they'll look for us!'' He hissed.
''We don't have much of a choice, do we?'' Robin sighed exhausted. Just a little bit more, and then this day would be over.
''We asked all the Villagers, no one has seen them. Not a single trace.'' The Sherrif informed the King.
Richard was baffled. He was sure they saw them head this way. How can none of the Villagers have even seen a trace of them. He sighed before making a decision.
''We will stop searching now and put up Wanted Posters Tomorrow. It's been a long, hard day and I want everyone to rest.'' He ordered, and no one objected.
Once back in the castle and having handled the rest of the affairs regarding the battle, Richard sat down in his Throne, laying his head into his arms. To his surprise, Maryan walked in and tapped his shoulder.
''Richard, may I speak to you?'' She asked.
''Maryan no need for formality you know you can always speak to me.'' He said, trying to sound a little more cheerful.
''...what do you think? About this entire situation?' She asked him. It caught him off-guard again. Has he learnt nothing from his father’s teaching.
''...I don't know what to think. I'm acting on my need to protect my kingdom...and my brother.'' He admitted.
''But I don't understand how Robin could just disappear into thin air! How is it possible that no one saw them anywhere? I know they love me so they wouldn't lie to their King...or do they not think I’m fit for this?'' He asked frustrated. Maryan looked at him with a Neutral emotion.
''They do adore their King, Richard. But nothing will stop them from helping their Hero.'' She spoke, before bidding Richard a good night and leaving to her chambers.
They had a shitton of luck. And it really was a shitton. They were lucky they even made it to the Village. They were lucky a medic was even around. They were lucky Tucks wounds were even treatable. They were LUCKY that the entire Village lied about their whereabouts. All their good deeds for the Villagers of Sherwood have eventually paid off.
When finally arriving back at their hideout, not a word has been spoken. It's been quiet. None of them know what to say.
Eventually, Robin started speaking.
''I shouldn't have shot that arrow'' he admitted, furrowing his brows in disappointment. Who was he disappointed in? Himself of course.
''If I hadn't shot the Prince, Richard might've believed us. God why was I so stupid.'' The ginger mourned, burying his face back into his hands. Little John and Tuck shared a glance.
''Don't say that. If I hadn't let my anger get the better of me Richard wouldn't have been so mad at the end.'' He sighed, leaning back in his chair. Tuck watched them both and decided to going the chain.
''Well, if John would've gotten a hit on me, you two wouldn't even be charged with anything.'' He stated and suddenly both heads were pointing at him in shock.
''Nonono you getting hit wasn't your fault.'' Robin explained in panic.
''Yeah, that prince John was the one playing dirty in the first place!'' Little John exclaimed.
Tuck just sat there, legs and arms crossed.
''Neither was it your fault. We all made mistakes and let's be honest, John had that arrow coming for him. And it was about damn time someone told Richard the truth.'' He concluded. His friends looked at him dumbfounded. He really needed to consider getting them into therapy.
''So, what. We're outlaws again, not like we didn't survive before. We'll manage like we always do." Tuck huffed and turned away from his friends.
''Wow I never saw you get sappy before'' the taller one exclaimed, followed by a yelp as the ginger punched him in the arm.
''Well, I'd say we go to sleep now. It's been a long day hasn't it.'' Robin yawned, the adrenalin having finally completely worn off now. But just as he was about to reach his 'bed', Little John picked him and Tuck up.
''Nope, today is group cuddling time.'' He declared and took them back to his own bed. Tuck and Robin stopped resisting whenever their companion does something like that.
Soon, they were all comfortable lying in bed. Just before they went to sleep though, three last sentences were whispered.
''Love you guys''
''You too man''
''Same idiots''