Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Wing and the Men of Sherwood Forest ❯ Back to the Past ( Chapter 1 )

This story is a sequel to another story of mine: Magicians of Gundam Wing, which is a sequel to my story Gundam Wing and the Quest for the Holy Grail, which is a sequel to my story Gundam Wing and the Knights of the Round Table. Like before, if you read this story without reading the other stories first, it might not make a lot of sense. But of course, that's part of the fun!

Disclaimer: This is an original work of fiction, but the characters of Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Wu-Fei Chang, Trowa Barton, Quatre Reberba Winner, Zechs Merquise and Treize Kushranada w are borrowed from Gundam Wing AC by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino and produced by Sunrise. Roku, on the other hand, is totally my creation. Other Gundam Wing characters, like Sally Po and Lucretzia Noin, who might appear or be mentioned are also borrowed from Gundam Wing by Yatate-sama and Tomino-sama.

Warnings: This is a comedy, but you'll have to watch out for implied yaoi, not-so-implied yaoi, sexual innuendo, adult situations, occasional swearing, a general lack of respect for “decent” behavior and a healthy perversion of the Robin Hood legend.

Question of the Day: “If a gay man only dates straight men, does that make him straight?”

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Chapter 1: Back to the Past

Quatre looked around. “Ok, have we got everything?”

“Is that all you're taking?” Sally asked.

“We have to be careful,” Quatre replied. “We don't want to accidentally leave a lot of anachronistic items in the past.”

“Good point.”

The five Gundam pilots and their son Roku stood among their small pile of baggage in the living room of their house on Mars as they prepared to depart into the past. Treize stood to one side with his arms folded across his chest, watching as Zechs issued last minute instructions to Noin.

“Keep a close eye on the lichen growth,” Zechs was saying. “Heero's not sure if the sprites will follow him into the past or not.”

Noin nodded. She looked wistful. “I'm going to miss you guys.”

“We'll miss you to, Noin. And you as well, Sally!” Zechs smiled at both women and everyone else nodded. Zechs thought for a minute. “Well, I think that's everything. It shouldn't be too bad, since we'll only be gone a week. You're solid on our cover story?”

“No problem. I already erased the record of you guys re-entering the dome after you left last night. Everyone will think you're on that shuttle.”

“And the pilot?”

Noin rolled her eyes. “He's getting a nice bribe for this! He better not say anything!”

Sally leaned toward the others and whispered loudly, “She promised to go out with him.”

“A noble sacrifice Noin,” Trowa said with a chuckle. “We'll bring you a nice present for your trouble.”

“Thanks.”

“Well, then, let's get this show on the road!” Duo said brightly. He rubbed his hands together. “I'm ready for a little fun!”

“Everyone pick something up and gather close,” Quatre ordered. When everyone was ready, he held out his spell book. “I need a spell to take us to the time of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.” He opened the book and read the first page. “Hmm. Interesting. All right, is everyone ready?” There were nods all around. Noin and Sally retreated to the door. “Very good. Here we go.” Quatre spoke the spell in a loud, clear voice.

“Crap!” Duo exclaimed. “I should have put on shades. It's bright.” He shielded his eyes from the sun. “Boy, these transitions don't give you any time to think, do they?”

The group stood in the middle of a clearing in a bright green forest. The midday sun shone down from overhead, filling the clearing with brilliant sunlight. The thick undergrowth did not allow them to see far in any direction.

“That is absolutely fascinating!” Treize exclaimed. “I don't know what I expected, but this is… astonishing! Was it quick like this the last time?”

“Yup,” Duo said. “When we came back, anyway. We were unconscious the first time, so we don't know.”

“I wonder where we are, exactly,” said Trowa. “We should probably do a little recon.”

“I could do some scouting from the air…” Quatre began.

“What ho, strangers!” a deep voice cried. “Stand fast and be recognized.”

Everyone turned toward the voice. A tall man regarded them from just beneath the trees at the edge of the clearing. He was slightly taller than Treize, who was the tallest member of their party, but he wasn't just tall, he was big. His shoulders were probably twice as broad as Treize's. His waist was thick, but not fat, and his arms and legs were massive and corded with thick muscles under his tight-fitting woolen breeches. He had a tall, thick staff of wood clutched in his left hand so that one end rested on the ground. He regarded them with open curiosity in his bright blue eyes.

Treize inclined his head politely. “Good day to you, sir. Might I inquire if we have the good fortune to stand within Sherwood Forest?”

The man scratched his head. “That you do, but I'm no `sir'. Call me Little John, for that's how I'm known hereabout. What brings you to these parts?”

“Circumstances at home have compelled us to take shelter elsewhere for awhile. We thought we might find shelter among the denizens of Sherwood.”

Little John grinned. “We always welcome in Sherwood good men who find themselves between masters. How are you called, sir?”

“I am Treize Kushranada, a gentleman by birth, though lacking a gentleman's resources at the moment.” He smiled. “These are my companions and good friends, all gentlemen of exceptional honor and courage.” Treize introduced everyone.

Little John came forward and offered them his hand. “Welcome to Sherwood. I'll take you to our camp, which lies just a little way yonder.” He pointed off into the trees. “You'll find it a bit rough, but we've the freedom of the green wood and meat aplenty. And we do not completely lack for amenities, for we have one of the finest bards in the kingdom to soothe our hearts with song and our very own friar to see that our souls are kept in order.” He led the way into the woods.

Roku immediately shifted into tiger form.

Quatre sighed. “It's probably better to get it out of the way up front.”

“True,” Trowa nodded.

Little John looked over his shoulder. “What's that you say?” And then his eyes fell on Roku and opened wide in alarm. He whirled around and whipped his staff forward, holding it horizontally in front of himself with his hands spaced comfortably apart. “In heaven's name, whence came that beast?!” he cried.

“Don't be afraid, Little John,” Quatre said quickly. He stepped between Roku and the big man. “This is my son, Roku; the little boy you saw earlier.”

Little John looked around quickly and then back at Roku. “In truth, the lad is gone, but what manner of magic is this?”

“Roku can shape-change, but you have nothing to fear from him. Show him, Roku.”

Obediently, Roku shifted back to his human form. He smiled shyly at Little John and waved. Then he shifted back to his tiger form and sat down with his tail neatly wrapped around his paws.

Little John's eyes went completely round. “I swear that's the most astonishing thing I've ever seen in my whole life!” he declared. “But say you he's not an evil wizard come to enslave us all?”

“Roku would never harm a soul,” Quatre assured him.

“I would never hurt people, Mr. Little John,” Roku echoed.

“He speaks too?” Little John squeaked, which sounded funny coming from a man with such a deep voice. He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Well, then… Umm…” He eyed Roku uncertainly. “You can call me Little John, youngster, no `Mr.'. I'm a plain man and need no titles.”

“Yes, Little John,” Roku replied.

Little John stared for another moment and then resumed walking, muttering to himself. “This will take a bit of explaining, though Friar Tuck may have a concern or two.”

The camp of the Merry Men was indeed merry. Several men were engaged in a rousing game of dice. Others were watching a young man strumming a lyre and singing. A few more were engaged in animated conversation as they fletched arrows, while others tended fires where deer and boar roasted. A couple fellows were sleeping.

“Ho, Little John!” someone shouted. “What have you there?”

Little John stopped and thumped his staff on the ground. “These here are good gentlemen currently between homes, like good Master Robin,” he said loudly, drawing everyone's attention. “I've offered them our hospitality.”

“Welcome!” came a chorus of cries. Men rose and came forward to shake hands and make introductions. The young singer tucked his instrument under his arm and came forward, but he came to a dead stop and stared when his eyes fell on Zechs.

“Lo!” the young singer exclaimed. “Look here where comes Adonis himself, walking among men in his unearthly beauty!”

“Put it back in your trousers, Alan!” someone shouted. “Like as not he'll be happy to plow your field, but let the man eat a meal first!”

This statement was greeted with loud guffaws and Alan turned bright red. He stepped forward and offered Zechs his hand. “Noble sir, I am Alan `a Dale, trained bard of His Majesty's realm. Let me welcome you among these loutish brutes, whose graceless charm serves but to offset your limitless beauty.”

Zechs took Alan's hand and smiled. “You praise me beyond common reason, Master Bard, but I accept it nonetheless.” He bowed his head slightly. “It is impolite to reject well-meant adulation.”

“If he keeps that up,” Duo whispered to Wu-Fei, “that bard will be on his knees in a minute demonstrating just how much he likes Zechs.”

Wu-Fei chuckled. “You know what nobles are like. They don't need much of an excuse to start speaking in flowery prose.”

“Hey, what's that?!” a man exclaimed. He pointed past Quatre to where Roku hovered behind his legs.

Little John cleared his throat. “Well, that there is a young wizard who is son to Master Quatre here.” Little John clapped a big hand on Quatre's shoulder, causing him to stagger a bit. “He's safe as houses, so I'm told, so you just show him your best side and offer him a bite to eat.”

The men talked curiously among themselves at this, but one fellow tending the fire cut a thick steak of venison off one of the roasts and tossed it to Roku. Roku caught it neatly out of the air and plopped down on his belly to gnaw at the meat.

“What do you say, young man?” Quatre said pointedly.

Roku looked up. “Thank you, mister.”

The man stared with round eyes. “You're right welcome, little master,” he replied. He exchanged startled looks with his companions.

“A talking cat?” exclaimed a new voice. A plump friar whose hair was shaved off the top his head, leaving him a fringe all around just above his ears, made his way around the fire and approached the newcomers. “What sorcery is this?”

“Friar Tuck!” John exclaimed. “These good gentlemen…” he began, but Tuck waved him silent.

“I heard that part,” Tuck said. “I would like to know more about this magical beast.” He leaned over to stare at Roku but Quatre stepped in front of him with a stern look.

“This magical beast is my son and I'll thank you to keep that in mind when you talk about him.”

Tuck straightened up to look at Quatre and his round face took on a paternal, if somewhat creepy, air. “Why, dear lad, I had no wish to offend.” He looked Quatre up and down and licked his lips. “How are you called, sweet youth?”

“My name is Quatre.”

“That sounds French.”

“It's not.”

“Indeed.” Tuck rubbed his hands together. “Well, I'm sure the creature is as harmless as you say. Come sit and eat with us.” He held his hand out toward the fires, where the roasts were being moved to makeshift tables.

Little John leaned over and whispered into Quatre's ear, “Don't listen if Tuck invites you to sit beside him.” He gave Quatre a knowing look. “He tends to put his hands where he shouldn't.”

“Thanks for the warning,” Quatre replied with a shudder.

“The old geezer better keep his hands to himself,” Trowa said with a frown. “I might not interfere if Quatre decides he would look good as a fat goose.”

“That begs a question,” Duo said absently. “If Quatre turns him into a goose and we eat him, is that cannibalism?”

“Duo!” Wu-Fei exclaimed. He looked a little green. “Can we just eat without such speculative discussions?” He eyed the roasts of venison and boar nervously. “It does look relatively fresh, after all.”

“And it smells great!” Duo added. “And look!” He pointed. “They even have bread.”

“Aye,” Little John said. “The villagers in and around Sherwood are kind enough to share a little bread with us, especially if we happen to leave a brace of rabbits on the porch. They're good people.” Little John's face became serious. “That's why I've a mind to turn somewhat fully to a life of crime,” he said quietly. “I think there is too much wealth in the hands of too few and they could surely spare a little for the less fortunate. The church's charity, sadly, seems mostly to fatten the bellies of the priests.”

“Steal from the rich and give to the poor?” Heero remarked.

“That's the idea!” Little John said excitedly. “And our good master, the fair Robin of Locksley, swears this will make us heroes of the people and beloved by all.”

“Oh no doubt.”

“Where is your master?” Treize asked.

Little John grinned. “Master Robin has gone off to Nottingham to see his lovely lady, the incomparable Maid Marian. He'll return before dark. Let's eat.”

The tables were just rough planks balanced on stumps and large stones. The men sat cross-legged on the ground around the tables, cutting off chunks of meat with their knives, in-between using the blade tips to pick their teeth, and ripping off hunks of bread with their bare and not particularly clean hands. Wu-Fei would probably have starved had not Duo retrieved him an untouched loaf to eat and a small slice of venison.

“The food's not bad, Fei,” Duo assured him as he shoved a large chuck of roast boar into his mouth. “I think they killed this recently.”

“How nice!” Wu-Fei said with feigned enthusiasm.

Alan `a Dale was seated across from Zechs, staring at that gentleman with such intensity that not a morsel of food passed his lips. Zechs pretended not to notice, but Treize watched with faint amusement. He leaned over and whispered in Zechs' ear, “I have half a mind to be jealous. He'll be trying to seduce you by sunset.”

Zechs smiled and whispered back. “His devotion is in vain. Only one person here gets to enjoy my favors.” He let his lips brush against Treize's ear as he spoke. Treize drew in a soft breath.

Watching them, Trowa shook his head. “They'll be wandering off later for a little private time, I expect,” he said to Quatre.

“Undoubtedly,” Quatre agreed.

At that moment, a man dressed entirely in clothes died a bright, flaming red, with a bright red hat with a long fluffy plume on it, swept into the clearing. “Anon!” he cried, “you have begun the meal without me?! I stand aghast!” He struck a dramatic pose.

A raucous chorus of insulting remarks greeted him.

Little John raised his voice. “This here is Will Scarlett,” he said to the newcomers. “We aren't sure if he took the name from the clothes or the clothes from the name, but in either case, you'll have no trouble remembering which man he is.” He laughed loudly.

Will Scarlett swept his hat off his head and offered them a courtly bow. “Gentlemen!” he cried, “we are well met.” Then he plopped his hat back on his head and shouldered his way between two other diners. “Move aside, I say! Let a better man at his meat.” He produced a sharp knife and hacked off a steak for himself. “Pass that loaf there.” He pointed with his knife, nearly severing the fingertip of his seatmate.

“He is certainly flamboyant,” Quatre remarked.

The meal was just about finished when night fell and the bones of dinner were being tossed into the fire to keep them from attracting wolves and flies, although Roku had hoarded a few so he could crack them open for the marrow. Wu-Fei watched this process looking greener by the minute.

“Are we sure Roku is human?” Wu-Fei swallowed uncomfortably.

“What's that?” Duo asked. He was seated a short distance away diligently cracking open a thick bone with a rock so he could stick a finger into the broken end and get at the marrow. He sucked it off his finger eagerly. “Tasty!”

Wu-Fei clapped a hand over his mouth. “Excuse me!” he exclaimed in a muffled voice and dashed away.

Duo watched him go. “You'd think he'd have gotten over that weak stomach by now.”

“Bone marrow is good for you,” Roku said.

“Damn right it is,” Duo agreed. He dug out a little more.

Off in the trees, there was a crashing sound, followed by a muffled oath. Little John turned toward the noise. “That'll be Master Robin returning,” he said. He grinned a little sheepishly. “Master Robin is still learning the ways of a woodsman. He manages well enough by daylight, but he seems to lose his way about in the dark.”

A handsome young man stumbled into the clearing. Wavy brown hair tumbled down around his face and curled along his shoulders. He had big brown eyes and when he smiled, dimples formed in his cheeks. He was slight of build and his hands looked a little too soft to wield the slender sword hanging from his waist. He stopped in surprise when he saw the newcomers.

“Little John! Have we new members in our merry band?” he exclaimed.

“Master Robin, these gentlemen have just come to make their home in Sherwood Forest, as have we all. It seemed only natural to make them part of our number.”

“Indeed it is!” Robin cried. He bubbled with cheerful enthusiasm. “Welcome to Sherwood Forest and to my band of Merry Men. We are lawless men, but not criminals. You will find a good life among us, I warrant. How are you called?”

Trowa took the lead and introduced everyone, since Treize and Zechs seemed more preoccupied with each other, although they did stop flirting with each other long enough to greet Robin appropriately.

“And how was the fair Maid Marian?” Little John asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

Robin blushed. “Ever more beauteous, Little John, and my forced exile from courtly life has cost me dearly! How shall I make her my wife when I live like a pauper in the hedgerows?”

“We'll find a way, Master Robin, have no doubt,” Little John reassured him. “In the meantime, I've a mind to stake out the high road tomorrow and see if we might not acquire a little cash. Baron Lendeman means to collect taxes from his tenants next week, and I know most can't pay.”

Robin nodded. “Very well, John, that sounds like a fine plan.” He lowered his voice. “But look you, my archery lessons haven't progressed too well. Do you think Alan would mind…?”

“I'm certain he will not. There's a good tree we can put him behind in the spot where I plan to wait.”

“Good.” Robin looked around. “But where is Alan? Now that I have once again had to leave my lovely lady behind, I would like to hear sad songs of love to soothe my heart.”

Little John sighed. “Alan is over yonder, Master Robin, having become completely besotted with one of our new men.” He pointed to where Alan sat staring wistfully at Zechs, who sat beside Treize leaning against a tree with Treize's arm around him.

Robin's brows shot up in surprise. “Well there's a fine turn of events, I daresay. The panderer of songs of love lost in love himself.” He marched over to Alan. “On your feet, Bard! My heart cries out to hear you sing of lovers parted and then reunited.”

Alan jumped up. “Master Robin!” he exclaimed in surprise. He reached for his lyre, but with a mournful look on his face. “How can I sing of love when I have none?” He glanced over at Zechs again.

“A handsome and willing lad like you has love aplenty,” Robin declared. “Sing for me, I beg you. I suffer and need words to call to mind my lady's sweet face.”

Alan began to sing and everyone fell still to listen.

Roku stopped cracking bones and watched Alan. “His voice is pretty,” Roku said to Duo.

“It sure is,” Duo agreed. “It reminds me of Damodin.”

“Do you suppose anyone remembers the song Damodin made up about us?”

Duo rubbed Roku's ear. “We remember, Roku.” He smiled and Roku smiled back.