DISCLAIMER: Neither Buffy the Vampire Slayer nor The New Adventures of Robin Hood are mine. They belong to their creators.
SUMMARY: In the Buffy timeline, this takes place just a few days after the season 3 finale. The ascension was stopped and Faith turned back to the side of good just in time to help. I am in total denial about Angel leaving the show, so he's not. For Robin Hood, it takes place sometime after the Bombs Away episode.
DISTRIBUTION: Anyone who wants it, go ahead, just let me know where it's going.
RATING: PG-13?
SPOILERS: Anything up to the end of season three is fair game, excluding the stuff about Faith and Angel, and the poison arrow. There is some reference to Primeval and the power that Buffy draws on, but nothing other than that.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: For those unfamiliar with the Robin Hood series that ran on TNT for three seasons, two with Matthew Porretta as Robin Hood, I have background. The story was your basic Robin Hood legend, with him, Friar Tuck and Little John battling for the poor's good, but Maid Marion was portrayed as a warrior Marion who fought beside the three. They didn't just fight Prince John though. They would fight some of the supernatural, and witches, dragons, ghosts and magic was accepted. Olwyn was a magician that led Robin to begin helping those in need.
AUTHOR'S NOTES 2: For those unfamiliar with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I suggest you start watching! Hehe. Anyway, the basic plot is that there is a girl called Buffy, and she is the Chosen One, the one girl in all the world with the strength and power to stop the vampires. She lives in Sunnydale CA, which also is the Hellmouth, a center of power for evil. Her mentor is called her Watcher, and his name is Giles (he's the only one of her friends that is really mentioned). Angel is a vampire cursed with his soul and the two are in love. However, whenever Angel experiences one moment of happiness (as he did when Buffy and Angel slept together on her 17th birthday) his curse is broken and he becomes the soulless demon that he is. The Master is vampire that Buffy died at the hands of, but with CPR survived; Acathla is a demon that could bring hell to earth, opened by the blood of Angel's demon side, and closed when Buffy sent the recently re-cursed Angel to hell. The Ascension was the Mayor becoming a giant 60ft snake defeated when Buffy blew up the school at her graduation. This is just the basic plot of the Buffyverse, if you have any questions, email me and I'll answer them.

The sparking gold light faded in an instant, and Buffy reached blindly for Angel's firm grip as she surveyed their new surroundings. They no longer were on the streets of Sunnydale on patrol. They seemed to be in a clearing of sorts, filled with grey mist and a huge winged dragon.

"Angel!" Buffy managed to get out. "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

"Do not be frightened, my friend, here will not harm you. Please, enter," said a voice that was both in the air and in their heads.

Angel led the way, keeping Buffy close behind him. They followed what seemed to be a path into an opening in the rock, and stepped into a rather welcoming room. The furniture was handmade and various herbs and such items were hanging over a cluttered workbench. Sitting at a table was an old man, who rose easily as they entered. He was thin, with white hair, but he had kind eyes that gave a hint of the knowledge hidden underneath.

"Angel. Buffy. It is a pleasure. I do apologize for taking you away like that, but the need was an urgent one."

"Who are you and why did you bring us here?" Demanded Buffy, rising to her full Slayer height of 5'4".

The man nodded sagely. "I understand now why you are called the most powerful slayer in history. It is an extreme honor. I am Olwyn."

"SO?"

"Buffy." Angel placed a gentle hand on her arm. He was beginning to get an understanding look on his face, if a still confused one. "Olwyn was said to be a minor wizard during Merlin's time at the round table. Later, he was said to have guided Robin Hood at times."

"You're joking." She paused. "You're serious."

"Angel is indeed correct. Trouble is brewing in England. The world, in fact is in great peril. This is why I have called you two here. The Slayer and the soulful Angelus."

"Why us though?" asked Angel.

"Your experiences, my boy. You two have faced demons no one else has, or even know about. That knowledge is invaluable to this fight."

"Yea, but why not choose this time's slayer?"

"I'm afraid, in this instance she would not be of any use. She is rather new and has not been slaying for long. Also, she, like most others of your type, is a loner, and does not work well with others. You, my dear, are the exception. You have a core of friends who support and know who you are, unlike any other Slayer in history. This gives you your strength. Anyway, at the moment she is occupied in the Holy Lands."

"So what do we do? What kind of evil are we facing here?"

"That I cannot tell you; for that I do not know. What must be done though, is for you earn Robin's trust. . . "

"Um, wizard-dude? Slight problem. Angel's slight allergy to the sun? How can he . . . " She stopped as Olwyn began muttering a few words, head bowed, as his hands gestured about.

When he was done, Olwyn gave the two of them a knowing smile. "Not any longer. Angel, you are still a vampire. However, my spell has corrected your gypsy curse, as well as make you able to do things your brethren would usually not be able to do; while your abilities remain intact." Angel and Buffy were both silent in awe and shock. His smile still present, he gave them both small bundles, which they looked at in confusion. "Clothing," he said simply. "You might want to change into it."

A little while later, Buffy emerged from behind the screen that had been set up. Angel had changed before her, discarding his dark pants and shirt for a pair of dark buckskin pants and a black leather tunic that accentuated his strong arms and torso. Buffy had replaced her simple sundress with a tight green tunic with a low neckline and lacing up the front, with what seemed to be capped sleeves. Black leggings encased her legs, covering what the short green skirt did not, and she'd kept her black knee boots, as well as the two cherished pieces of jewelry Angel had given her.

Olwyn seemed to nod his approval. "Two horses wait outside with everything you need."

Although it seemed to be a dismissal, Buffy did not turn to go. "How do we find Robin Hood?"

"He'll turn up. Have faith of that." With a wave of his hand, they were suddenly outside in the filtered sunlight coming through the trees of the forest they seemed to be in. They were outside. In the sun.

There was heavy silence as Angel turned his head up to the brightness, his eyes closed, savoring the warmth. From her place beside him, Buffy looked up at him, enjoying the way the sunlight played against his features, finding that his pleasure made her just as happy. Then he looked down at her, a gentle smile upon his face.

It seemed eons before he spoke. His hand came up to gently caress her cheek, and she leaned into his touch, her eyes never breaking contact with his. "You were wrong. You're beautiful in the sunlight."

Buffy gave a delayed reaction of an excited squeal and flew into his embrace, holding him tight as she buried her head against his neck. "Angel, I can't believe this!"

After a long cherished moment was held between them, Angel pulled back and covered her lips in a gentle kiss. Reluctantly, they drew apart before it could become more passionate, but then, no more than their entwined hands would allow.

The horses were tethered nearby, dark brown steeds that were magnificently matched. Both were saddled, with weapons attached to the saddles, as well as full saddlebags. Drawing closer, they inspected everything. Each had one change of clothes and a bedroll, as well as a large pouch of coins and some food.

The weapons were crudely elegant, the workmanship comparable to some of the more expensive weapons Giles had in his weapons locker. The swords Angel and Buffy both eyed warily though. Angel found a small set of daggers, while Buffy found a collapsible crossbow and bolts to go with it. Laughing, they both pulled out the stakes that had been included as well.

"Can you ride?" Angel asked anxiously as they prepared to go.

"Well, I can sit on a horse. I've done that much at the zoo."

"It's easy enough. Just remember to keep your heels down, to sit straight and to let the horse know who's in control. Pull the reins right to go right, left to go left. Pull back to stop. Ready?" he asked. She nodded and his hands slipped around her waist to lift her up. Once she was in place, he mounted his own horse.

"Angel? How do we know where to go? It's not like we have a map of the area."

"We don't. We'll find our own way. Just have faith like Olwyn said."

****

"Robin." Marion's voice was laughing as they rambled through the village square.

"What?" He asked, his voice indignant.

"You were flirting."

"I was not."

"Well," Marion conceded," she was flirting with you and you were enjoying it," Marion finished, speaking of the petite redhead that had been selling a range of baked goods.

"Robin!" Little John's voice bellowed across the square as the hulking figure rushed toward them, a worried frown on his face.

"John? What is it?"

"Robin, Tuck...dead body...all...come on!"

Marion took charge of the situation. "Little John, take a few breaths and slow down. Then try again."

There was a pause as John tried to catch his breath. "He found a dead body. It's awful, Robin." The three friends then hurried off to Tuck. They found him and about half a dozen bystanders milling around a stiff form of a peasant man, his waxen skin a mottled blue.

"Tuck?"

"Robin, thank God. Come here. I have no evidence of what killed this man other than this." Tuck gestured to two puckered puncture wounds at the man's neck.

"My God," murmured Marion, crossing herself. "What could have done this?"

"It resembles a snake bite, but none I have ever heard of."

Buffy's gaze moved from the body to the four now taking control of the situation. The one who'd found it was kneeling, garbed in a piecemeal outfit of rough fabrics fashioned as a heavy robe. He was round, with thinning hair and a kind face. The other was a huge mountain of a man who towered over all around him with twinkling eyes and long blonde hair. A staff was held in his hand.

The woman who had come was attractive in a red tunic much like her own, but without the leggings. A thick gold necklace lay upon pale skin, and her auburn sweep of hair was tousled curls. A coiled whip was tied to her waist, visible under the cloak tied around her throat.

The fourth was a man in a green outfit similar to Angel's. He was well built, and tall, with a powerful presence. Long, thick mahogany hair fell past broad shoulders. Warm brown eyes were studying his surroundings and locked with hers for a moment before Tuck called to him.

Friar Tuck. Little John. Maid Marion. Robin Hood. It was really true. Buffy's eyes widened and she looked across the group to where Angel stood. He gave her a nod and they each turned to leave.

They didn't get far before there was a shout, followed by the sound of pounding hooves. Angel signaled to her, mouthing the word "Twenty." Buffy looked to the four legends. They had each stood, hands on weapons, with the exception of Tuck, and had moved to the entrance of the wide side alley.

"All hail in the name of Conakur!" Shouted the leader, a man dressed in gruesome armor, his face covered by both gashes and healed wounds, or his helmet. His troops had dismounted, and weapons drawn, they began to stalk peasants that had drawn back in fear.

"Who is this Conakur?" asked Robin, calling out as he stepped to challenge the group.

The leader glowered at him. "He is the prince of all that is evil. He will rule this world and all in it, you worthless fool."

Robin pulled his sword. "We might have a slight problem with that."

In response, the leader motioned with a hand, and the twenty troops rushed the four.

While trading blows with three, Marion called out. "I don't like these odds, Robin!"

"Just keep fighting! And watch your back!"

Angel turned to Buffy. "I think this is our cue."

"What was your first clue?" she asked as she brought up her crossbow and locked a bolt in place. "You'd better go help Tuck. I'm going to make these odds a little more even."

Angel nodded, then ran to assist the friar as movement caught Buffy'seye. One of the troopers was sneaking up on Marion, blade raised. Without thinking about it, the crossbow came up and the bolt flew, thudding through the guy's back. Marion turned, surprised, looking for her savior. She caught a glimpse of moving green, but no more.

****

Tuck had fallen under the advance of two soldiers. Silently, he crossed himself, knowing it was the end. Closing his eyes, he waited for the final blow. It never came. Peeking out from one eye, he looked up in shock to find a tall gentleman he had never met, trading expert blows with his attackers. After a few minutes of fighting, he finished them and turned to Tuck.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, God bless. Thank . . . you. Who . . . "

"Angel! He's getting away!" yelled a woman's voice.

The man turned quickly, his eyes following the leader's retreat. Tuck watched the man's movements intently. Instead of moving to follow though, the man turned to see another stranger surrounded by 4 of the remaining 7 still on their feet. Tuck thought he heard the man give a guttural growl as he rushed across the square.

****

Robin straightened as he finished off his last opponent. Sheathing his sword, he was drawn to the small, and only remaining battle taking place.

"Who are they?" asked Marion, as she came up beside him.

He shook his head, not answering. He watched as the woman finished off her last attacker. Her partner was struggling with his, and she seemed to survey the area. Then, suddenly, she did a series of flips that each began with a handstand. As she stood, her foot stomped and a crossbow came off the ground into her hands. Aiming she paused.

"Angel! DUCK!" She yelled as she pulled the release.

Robin noticed that her companion did not hesitate in his reaction. He fell to the ground, just as her bolt hit its target. As he rose, she approached him. He said something to her and then seemed to inspect a wound on her arm.

"She's beautiful." Robin turned his head to acknowledge Little John.

"He's not bad either," commented Marion.

Shaking his head, Robin studied the pair. The man was tall, around his height, if not taller, with defined muscles. Dark hair was short and spiky, unusual for the favored preference of longer hair. He had fought well, with speed and agility, the sword held easily as if the small battle was an everyday occurrence.

The girl, he remembered, had fought much the same way, with no caution, just a deliberate, almost casual way. Her aim had been deadly. She was a small figure, about the size of Marion, and slender, but in peak physical shape. Blonde hair framed an attractive face.

****

"Good shot, by the way," said Angel, as he straightened after he'd insisted on inspecting a small cut on her hand.

"Oh, yeah. Thanks." She squirmed uncomfortably. "We're being watched."

Angel seemed startled for a minute, then gave a slight nod. "They're headed toward us. Remember, Buffy..."

"I know, Angel. We don't tell them the truth about us. We're traveling from Ireland. And you're my husband," she said, repeating the story they had decided upon on their ride into the village. She giggled and grinned up at him. "I could enjoy this. But, Angel... I have to take care of that body. It's going to rise eventually."

"We'll find a way . . . to work this out," he added as the four legendary figures came into hearing distance. "We'll find shelter before tonight."

"Excuse us," said a warm timbre. "You two fought extremely well. We want to thank you for helping us."

"Don't worry about it. We enjoyed it. Helping those who need it is always time well spent." Angel clasped Robin's extended forearm in a shake. "I'm Angel. This is Buffy, my wife."

"Angel, Buffy. These friends of mine are Little John, Friar Tuck, and Marion Fitzwalter. I am Robin of Locksley. Commonly called Robin Hood. You are strangers to these parts, correct?"

Buffy spoke. "Yeah. We've been traveling, taking care of local mishaps and problems. Lending a hand before heading home to settle down."

"Ireland, I suppose," said Tuck. Buffy turned sharply to the rotund friar, her eyes wide. "Your wedding bands," he elaborated. "Claddaghs. Commonly used rings used by those when a priest was unavailable."

Buffy smiled gently at the friar and gave a nod. All the while, her mind was racing. So in Angel's mind, they really were. Glancing up at him, she noticed he avoided her gaze.

"Robin, maybe we should do something about that body," suggested Little John, glancing backward toward the alley.

Robin nodded. "Perhaps we should find out if he has family around here. Tuck, Marion, ask around. Little John, find a shovel. We're digging the grave."

"Robin?" asked Buffy, before he could walk away. Already she looked up to him.

"Ah yes. It was nice to meet both of you. Thank you for your help."

Angel shook his head. "You're still going to need it."

Robin gave him a confused look, but then a smile lit his features. "Come on then."

As they followed the two men, Buffy spoke just loud enough for him to here. "And here I'd thought you had left Cryptic Guy mode in the past." She paused. "Or is that the future?"

****

Marion handed the skein of water to Buffy, who was sitting beside her. "Well, this is interesting."

Buffy gave a small laugh, for a moment, remembering another time, in another graveyard. Little John, Robin and Angel were at the moment, shoulder deep in a six-foot long ditch. Tuck was off preparing the body.

Robin pulled himself out and headed to them, taking the bag that Marion handed him. "Maybe you two should get in there and dig."

Marion shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Buffy?"

"Nope. I was raised an old-fashioned girl. I believe the men dig the graves and the women have the babies."

Marion laughed quietly as Robin retreated. Inclining her head to Angel, she turned to Buffy. "So how long have you two been married?"

A small smile played at her lips. "Just over a year. It's been hard, but I love him more everyday. What about you and Robin?"

"Me and...? Oh, we're not... I mean..."

"You love him though, right?"

"Of course." Marion's voice was so quiet, Buffy wasn't even sure she heard her right.

"And he loves you. It's obvious. So why haven't you done anything about it?"

Marion shook her head. "It's hard. He has the responsibility of being Robin Hood. We can't put ourselves ahead of the common goal."

Buffy nodded. "It's hard, but some things are worth it." At Marion's curious look, Buffy decided to elaborate slightly. "When Angel and I met, it seemed like everything possible was trying to keep us apart. It took so much to overcome that and all the problems that followed. Love is strange. You don't really have a choice in the matter of who you love."

Marion nodded slowly. "Don't I know it."

****

"Angel, why didn't you tell me?" she asked, later that night. They had gone along to a local inn with Robin and the others after burying the body. They had eaten a simple dinner with them before heading to their private room. Buffy had enjoyed the company, especially Marion's. The two had connected easily, laughing the entire time the men had dug the grave. They had found from the owner of a bar that the man had stopped in the night before, and had left a little after dusk.

"Tell you what?" Angel answered, looking out the window to the falling dusk.

"About our rings."

"Buffy, I didn't think you'd . . . it was the only kind of vows I'd ever be able to take to you. Then we . . . and then I was going to tell you, but . . ."

Buffy silenced him by placing her fingers to his lips. "You didn't think I would want to? Angel . . ."

"You had just turned 17. I didn't want you to make such a big commitment."

"But you were willing to make it. Why not let me?" Her hand moved to cup his cheek. "I told you once that when I looked into the future, all I saw was you. My feelings haven't changed."

"Buffy, maybe it isn't such a good idea to do something that we might never have again."

"All the more reason, don't you think?" She asked quietly, taking his hand and leading him to the bed. "I want to be with you always, Angel. It might be selfish of me, but I don't care. If circumstances change when we go home, I want the memories. I love you, Angel."

"I love you." Angel pulled her into his arms gently, and leaned down to kiss her.

Their lips met cautiously at first, but as their passion grew, the kiss became more urgent. Angel's arms tightened about her waist, and she stretched to wrap her arms around his neck, one threading through the short hair at the nape of his neck, the other beginning its travels along his back.

Angel broke the kiss, leaving her panting for her breath as he focused his attention on the bare skin left visible from her tunic. A grin coming to her lips at his sudden outburst of passion, Buffy held him that much more closely, murmuring her love for him as his fingers began to deftly unlace the bodice of her tunic, leaving her skin bare to the chill in the air.

Taking the hint, she began undressing him, her fingers clumsy as her motions became more hurried and her nervous system began to be affected by what Angel was doing to her body. Pulling out of his embrace to better help her get his top off, she suddenly found herself being pushed backward.

Glaring up at him from her place on the bed, the top half of her body bared to his hungry view, she propped herself up by her elbows. "You just going to stand there and stare or get a little more up close and personal?"

"Definitely the latter," he growled, pouncing on top of her.

She accepted his weight gladly, sighing at the feeling of his large body pressing hers into the straw mattress. Wrapping her limbs around him, she arched up, enjoying the expressions that crossed his face with her movements. "So what are you waiting for then?"

Angel said nothing, instead beginning to lick a trail from her neck, all the way to her navel before repeating the actions. Buffy's womb tightened in anticipation, heat rushing to her center as she closed her eyes and gave way for the bliss that was soon to come.

****

Buffy stirred in Angel's arms where she had dozed. For a moment she relished being in his arms and being able to really enjoy it, without worry of if his demon would return to terrorize her. She contemplated waking him up or going back to sleep when she realized the sun had set. "Oh damn."

"Buffy?" Angel opened his eyes sleepily, looking down at the Slayer lying in his embrace.

"The sun set. He's going to be rising soon. I have to go take care of him." Buffy began to disentangle herself from his arms to dress.

As she moved for the door, he rose and reached for his pants. "I'll go with you."

"Uh-uh. The two of us both leaving the room would look odd. You stay here. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

Angel crossed the room and enveloped her in his arms, placing an urgent yet gentle kiss on her lips. "Be careful, Buffy. This is a different time."

"And I'm still the Slayer."

"Take your sword with you, too. And if you're not back in less than an hour, I'm coming after you."

Nodding, Buffy slipped from the room, and strode quietly down the long dark hall. Stealthily, she made her way past the dozing men at the counter, taking a sigh of relief as she stepped out into the cool night air. Leaning her head back, she stared up at the sky, relishing the starlit sky, unhindered by the unnatural lights of the city.

****

Robin had just finished checking their horses, and had been headed out of the nearby stable as a small figure exited the inn and stood quietly in the night air for a moment. His curiosity peaked as the figure moved quickly past him with the grace and stealth of a hunter looking for its prey, as he caught a glimpse of familiar blonde hair and lightly tanned skin beneath the hood of the cloak drawn tight around the small body.

Before he could lose sight of Buffy, Robin began to follow her, amazed at her ability to move so quickly and so quietly. He caught up to her as she came to a stop at the small village graveyard, standing tightly at the foot of the just covered grave. He hung back, wondering what on earth she was doing in the middle of a graveyard at night, when she spoke out loud.

"Who ever is back there, you'd better show yourself. I want to know who played stupid and followed me."

Caught, Robin stepped forward, a questioning look on his face. "Buffy? What are you doing out here?"

Buffy seemed to relax, but just slightly. "Robin. Why were you following me? You shouldn't be out here."

"Neither should you," he pointed out, stepping closer to her. "I saw you step outside and decided to make sure you were all right. You are all right, aren't you? Nothing happened between you and Angel?"

At the thought of just what had happened minutes ago in Angel's bed, Buffy blushed. "No, nothing was wrong. I just needed to step outside and take a quick walk. You can go on back to the inn. I'll follow shortly."

Robin began to shake his head, but stopped as a muffled crunch and a barely audible shifting came to his ears. Buffy seemed to have heard it too, because she stilled, even more tense than she'd been before. "Robin, go on back to the inn now."

"Buffy? What is it? Do you know what that sound wa. . . " Robin broke off as the man they had just recently buried rose from the grave, dirt hanging from hair that framed a horribly disfigured face. The creature gave a growl and lunged toward Buffy, who was turned slightly away from him. Acting on instinct, Robin shoved Buffy away, and was consequently slammed to the ground by supernatural speed and force.

"Dumb men, always trying to save the girl," he thought he heard Buffy mutter, but by then, he was too involved in trying to keep the sharp fangs of the creature away from his straining neck. And then his attacker seemed to dissipate in a cloud of dust that fell on top of him and making him sputter and cough. Looking up at Buffy he gaped at the image she gave. Strong and powerful and just slightly upset. In her hand was a foot of sharpened wood.

"Damn, I really wanted to wail on him." Buffy paused and looked down at Robin, who hadn't moved. "Come on. We better go back to the inn or Angel will start to worry." She offered him an extended hand, which he took, and she pulled him to his feet.

Grasping it, Robin let her help him to his feet, amazed at the strength in her grip. "For some reason, I think you know what really just happened."

Buffy spared him a sideways glance as she headed back to the inn, Robin hurrying to stay beside her. "Oh, you're a quick one." She paused then shook her head. "Sorry. But I didn't get to release my tension on that guy back there. Yeah, Robin. I know what just happened."

"So. Are you going to explain? I gave you my trust, and this isn't exactly holding that trust up."

"I'll tell you, but not here. Tell you what. Get the others and bring them to my room. Angel and I will do our best to explain."

****

"Angel, you'd better get dressed," Buffy said as she slipped into their room. He turned from the small window, his lean framed clothed only with the buckskin pants. "Robin followed me to the grave and got attacked."

Angel had his shirt on in moments. "Is he all right?"

"He's fine, but he's asking questions. I told him to bring the others here." At that moment, there was a sharp rap at the wooden door, and Angel moved to answer it. Opening the door, he revealed a sleepy eyed Little John with Tuck, Marion and a suspicious Robin. Silently, he stepped aside, opening the door as far as it would go as the group stepped in.

Everyone was silent as they found places to sit or lean. Angel moved across the room to stand beside Buffy at her place by the window. Little John shut the door and leaned against it, giving a great yawn. Tuck headed for the only chair in the room and sat down heavily. Marion perched at the foot of the hastily made bed, leaning an elbow on the end frame and leaning her head against her hand. Robin stood in the center of the dimly lit room, arms crossed against his chest.

Marion was the first to speak. "All right. What was so important that Robin had to drag us from bed?"

All eyes fell on Robin. He nodded toward Buffy. "I found her at the grave tonight. While we were talking, the body climbed from the grave, as alive as you or me." Robin missed the looks that Buffy and Angel exchanged. "His face was horribly disfigured and then he attacked me, and tried to bite my neck."

Buffy made a noise of disagreement, bringing everyone's gaze to her. "First off, he tried to attack me, not you. You just decided to play hero. Secondly, that guy was definitely dead."

"What do you mean? He was moving."

Buffy shook her head. "He definitely didn't have a heartbeat."

"How do you know all this?" asked Little John.

Buffy faltered. Angel laid a reassuring hand against the small of her back, supporting her. She knew if she needed him, he'd be there. "I've. . . We've had experience with things like them before."

Angel spoke then, realizing that the criticism in each of their eyes was actually getting to her. Buffy was out of her world and unsure of herself. She respected these peacekeepers, even after knowing them for just a day, and didn't want their distrust. "Buffy and I fight demons."

"And that man we buried was a demon?" asked Tuck.

"Yes. Well, he was a vampire. A bloodsucking demon that sets up shop in the body of his victim. When you see one, it isn't the person you're seeing but the thing that killed it."

"I know I'm going to regret this, but how?" asked Marion.

"Well... a vampire has to suck your blood, and then you have to suck theirs. Basically they'll just kill you."

Robin was looking less suspicious, and the other three seemed to believe them even though they hadn't seen it. Buffy realized that this was a more open-minded time that believed more in the supernatural. Robin spoke. "All right, I can accept that. But all that doesn't explain the strength I felt in your grip when you helped me up."

Buffy blushed faintly. "Angel and I don't do this as an extracurricular activity. Call it fate if you want, but this is what we spend our lives doing. So we have some accelerated abilities to even the score against the undead."

"So why are you here?" asked Tuck.

"To help," answered Buffy. "We didn't come knowing this, but you do need it. You know the land and the people. We know how to fight. And if this Conakur is the threat my instincts are telling me he is, you're going to need it."

"He's right, Robin," said Marion. "They know what we're up against."

Robin conceded the point. "All right then. What is that we're up against with this Conakur?"

Everyone seemed to look to Buffy for the answer. She shrugged. "Don't look at me. I'm more into the physical."

Angel spoke, a small grin at Buffy's antics allowed to cross his features. "I've seen the name before, but I can't tell you what exactly he is known for."

"That helps," murmured Marion.

"All right. So we need to find out what exactly this guy does and what he is up to. Tuck?"

Tuck was silent for a moment after Robin's inquiry. "If this Conakur is a demon as you two seem to think he is, I have a friend who was in the ministry with me in my early days who might be of some help. He was always immersed in studies of the occult. He lives somewhere in London."

"So we go see him." Little John's answer was short and logical.

"We can't leave the area unprotected, Little John. If he's going to be causing problems for the villagers. . . "Robin trailed off.

Buffy and Angel held an entire conversation with their eyes in seconds. It was Buffy who answered. "You're right, Robin, but if we're going to find out about him, we're going to have to act fast." Buffy was suddenly in what Xander called 'Slayer mode.' "Angel, from what you can remember, was he bad?" Angel nodded in response. "All right then. Tuck, do you know where this friend of yours is in London?"

"I'm sorry. No."

"Then you and Little John stay here. Marion, Robin, Angel and I will go to London and try to find this friend of yours."

"But..."

"We need fighters to go, Little John. But we also need at least one really strong fighter to stay behind."

Little John blushed.

"All right then. We'll need to go to the compound first though. We'll meet in the stables at dawn." Robin waited for everyone's agreement and then opened the door to leave.

Once everyone was gone, Buffy turned to Angel and slipped into his embrace. They'd made it to the bed when Angel spoke. "Buffy, it's going to be a hard ride tomorrow. We'll need our rest."

"That's why I thank god that we have those certain accelerated abilities, like going without sleep for days at a time." She grinned up at him, and Angel groaned, crushing his lips to hers.

****

"Do we have everything?" asked Buffy. The group was standing in the center of Robin's forest compound, beside the four horses.

"Yes. Ready?" asked Robin.

Everyone nodded their response. Buffy turned to Little John and Tuck, handing them each a stake. "Remember what I told you about vampires. Be careful."

Tuck gave her a gentle smile. "We will, Buffy. Safe journey."

Buffy turned to find Marion and Robin already mounted. Angel was waiting beside her horse. Walking to him, they kissed gently before Angel lifted her into her saddle.

****

A few days later.

Buffy shifted uncomfortably in her saddle as Angel dismounted and came to help her dismount. As his arms reached up to grab her waist, she placed her hands on his shoulders, groaning in pain as she straightened fully. "Ugh. I'll be glad when this damn trip is over."

"Still painful?"

"You think?" She threw him a look. "Just remind me of this, and I'll never make fun of Giles' car again."

Angel chuckled. "I highly doubt that, Buffy."

"I know, but right now, I'm in pain. Can you blame me?"

Angel chuckled and shook his head, placing an arm around her waist as he led her to where Marion and Robin were already setting up for the night. Helping her to sit he headed back to the horses, getting their sleeping bundles.

Robin rested one arm casually on his bent knee, staring into the fire. "We're only half a day's ride. We'll get into London tomorrow afternoon."

"Then we find this Thomas guy."

****

"I think this is the place," said Angel. He and the others stopped in the narrow dirt street, drawing their cloaks tighter around them as they received curious stares. The house in front of them was small, but well kept, making it look out of place near the shabby buildings around them.

Robin nodded and knocked on the door. Soon, a young girl who looked to be 16 or so, opened it, dressed in a piecemeal outfit of various clean clothes. "May I help you?"

"We're looking for a Father Thomas."

The girl's expression immediately got wary, and she seemed to study each of them. "I'm sorry, but . . ."

"Mira? Who is at the door?" A tall gentleman in dark breeches and a white cotton shirt came to the doorway. His hair was dark and the lines on his face, belied his age by years. When he saw the four travelers, he stopped, placing a hand on the young brunette's shoulder. "Can we help you with something?"

"Father Thomas?" asked Marion. "We're friends of Friar Tuck. We need your help."

At the mention of Tuck's name, Thomas stepped aside, motioning them in. "Come in, quickly." Leading them to a small room, he motioned for them to sit. "Mira, drinks for the travelers. So, you are friends of Tuck's? How is he doing? And my manners, I apologize. Yes, I am Father Thomas, and Mira is my young ward."

"I am Robin Hood. This is Marion. And friends of ours, Angel and Buffy."

Buffy was busy surveying the area. The room was lined with crude shelves that were filled with leather bound books, that had to be first editions. The table they were sitting at was clean, but a pile of herbs and a mortar and pestle were placed at one end. And in the shadows of the corners, she could make out the outline of wooden quarterstaffs and a crossbow. Her gaze turned back to Mira.

With the experience of a person sizing up another, she studied the young girl. She was physically fit, with long dark hair pulled into a long braid. As she moved around the room, giving them each a mug of water, she moved with an easy grace and agility.

Buffy's gaze now turned to Father Thomas, who she found was studying her with the same intent, she'd previously had on Mira.

"Who are you?"

It was a challenge, and Buffy recognized it as one. With a glance at Angel, who gave a slight nod, she answered with a question of her own. "You're a Watcher, aren't you?"

There was a clatter as Mira dropped the wooden tray she'd been holding.

Thomas tilted his head to the side, obviously trying to decide how to respond. "I am. Mira is a preparatory Slayer. And you my dear, are the Slayer. Am I right?"

Buffy nodded, ignoring the confused looks of Robin and Marion. "I am."

"I'd heard that the present one was in the Holy Lands. Has she moved on then?"

Buffy gave a look to Angel who spoke for her. "Buffy wouldn't be the Slayer if she hadn't."

"Yes, of course. My dear. Who is your Watcher?"

"Um, he's not..."

"I'm acting as her Watcher for now. Her first Watcher was killed." Which was true, of course, as Merrick her first Watcher had been killed by Lothos a week before the gym incident.

"Would one of you like to explain?"

Father Thomas, the only official Watcher, spoke. "Robin, Marion, I'm sorry for our rudeness, it is just very rare to come across an official Slayer."

"What is this slayer?" asked Marion.

Father Thomas smiled. "The Slayer is the one girl in all the world chosen to protect us from evil, the one person with the strength and skill to stop the vampires and hunt them where they gather. Your friend Buffy here seems to be this generation's."

Buffy blushed. "Yes well, as to why we came. . ."

"Yes, my dear, why have you come here?"

"A warlord called Conakur."

Father Thomas stilled, then moved thoughtfully toward the shelf of books. "The name seems quite familiar, but I can not come up with the background off hand. Is this a pressing problem?"

Robin nodded. "Unfortunately, he has begun to threaten the villages near Sherwood and Nottingham. He was beginning to make his presence known with mounted warriors."

Father Thomas returned to the table, books piled in his arms, which Mira quickly eased him of. "Well, time for what I was trained for. Research." He leveled a gaze on Buffy then though, making no move to open the books. "First though, I would like to know how it is that the Slayer is working with others, even those with the remarkable abilities of Robin Hood and Lady Marion." He turned to Angel. "And why it is that acting as Watcher, you both allow this and the closeness you two share."

Buffy looked wide-eyed at Angel, unsure how to take this. She'd figured since Father Thomas hadn't said anything that he wasn't that interested. She'd found him rather like Giles, and had hoped that the past, er, well future, wouldn't be filled with just the imbecilic members of the Council that she'd grown to know and loathe. She and Angel exchanged looks - a billion things being communicated in just once glance.

With renewed strength and purpose, and Angel's hand in hers, Buffy once again faced the waiting Watcher. "Angel is not my Watcher, and the Slayer is still alive in the Holy Lands." Buffy continued before anything could be said. "Yes, I am the Slayer, but the one from 1999, a good 800 years into the future."

Angel took up the tale. "We were walking one night and suddenly found ourselves in your time, summoned here by a friend of yours, Robin."

"Who?" asked Robin, before thinking about what Angel had just said about 'summoning'. "Olwyn?"

Angel nodded and continued on with his explanation. "He told us that you would need our help. That is why we are working with them, sir."

Father Thomas found his voice. "So the Slayer is allowed more than her Watcher to rely on then in the future?"

"Not exactly," said Buffy, " But the Council puts up with me, only because I've survived 3 years on the Hellmouth. Though they recently fired my Watcher for caring for me like a daughter."

The priest gave something that sounded suspiciously like a choked back laugh, and a smile appeared on his face. "It sounds as if the Council has not changed in the future years. Though it does my heart good to know that there will be one that breaks with tradition. I'm rather of an outcast from the Council for my outlandish ideas that the Slayer should not work alone; which is why I was given Mira to train as she is one of the last in the succession line to become the Slayer. It is a pleasure to meet you, and you as well Angel."

Angel nodded. "You realize, of course, that nothing we do here can be put into the Diaries. It could drastically effect the future."

"Of course, of course. So, research then?"

Buffy and Angel both nodded, reaching for one of the old tomes, and immersing themselves in the pages. Robin and Marion exchanged silent glances, not having said anything during the exchange, and then simultaneously reached for their own books.

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