Nikita's apartment

Michael opened Nikita's apartment door and stood back, allowing her to enter first. She turned on the lights in the kitchen and started the makings for tea.

"I'd prefer coffee."

"You really should cut back on the amount of coffee you drink. It's not good for your stomach," Nikita answered him.

His mouth moved in a slight grimace when he saw her putting herbal tea bags in cups, but he didn't argue further. It wasn't a big issue and he enjoyed her new caring attitude that had developed from their growing familiarity with each other. They had enjoyed meals together at small family owned restaurants, library visits, art and natural science museums, and tonight, a midnight showing of a classic Hollywood movie, The Adventures of Robin Hood, filmed in 1938 and starring Errol Flynn. Nikita had become engrossed in the film while sharing a bucket of popcorn with Michael.

The tea was finished. They moved to the small dinette table, Michael carrying the two cups of tea and Nikita carrying a squeeze bottle of honey, knowing that Michael preferred a bit of sweetening in his tea. After placing the honey on the table, Nikita veered back into the kitchen and returned with a bakery box of cookies, which she placed in the middle of the table. Both sat down and attended to their tea.

Nikita took a sip of the tea, made an appreciative "ummm' sound, and smiled at Michael, "I really enjoyed the film tonight. Did you?"

Privately, Michael thought of how much he had enjoyed watching Nikita enjoying the film, but he answered instead, "yes, I did. I think it is the best Robin Hood movie made."

"I couldn't help but picture Operations as Sir Guy of Gisbourne." Nikita laughed at the image of Ops in the period costume of the movie.

Michael played along, "And who would Madeline play in the movie?"

Nikita thought for a moment, "She would probably be the sheriff of Nottingham in my version. But, not a doofus like the one in the film. She would be the deadly companion of Sir Guy's." Nikita reached for a cookie and passed another one to Michael. They nibbled their cookies, enjoying the whimsical discussion and each other's company.

"Walter's part?" Michael continue on with the role casting.

"Friar Tuck? Or maybe Little John?"

Michael gave this absurd conversation his undivided attention and answered thoughtfully, "Friar Tuck, I think."

Nikita giggled, "Yes, I can see Walter in the monk's robe, but with a tie-dyed bandana tied around his head."

"Birkoff?"

Nikita thought for a moment, "I guess he would have to be Will Scarlett. He would be a great help to Robin with his tactical analysis of missions to re-install King Richard to the throne."

Michael, with a smoldering look in his eyes, asked, "And who would play Robin Hood and Maid Marian?"

Nikita's mouth curved in an impish way and she gave his look back, "Sir Michael of Locksley and Maid Nikita, of course."

Their eyes held each other as both envisioned a life where they could love freely and battle the forces of evil. Michael's eyes dropped first and he regretfully looked at his watch. "I have to leave." He had already told Nikita that he needed to be in Section in the early hours of the next day to monitor a team's infiltration into a military base in Ecuador.

"I know." Nikita hated to see him go. They had been closer in this evening than in all the years they had known each other. They rose together carrying their cups into the kitchen. Nikita escorted Michael to the door.

Before he opened the door, he turned to face her fully, cupped her face in both of his hands, and brushed a soft fleeting kiss on her lips. Her eyes had closed and when he drew back he looked in awe at the beautiful face he held cradled in his palms. One kiss wasn't enough. He placed soft kisses over her closed eyes, her nose, each of her cheeks. He didn't move in for a more intimate kiss of her mouth. He didn't think he would have the presence of mind to leave her apartment if tasted her sweetness.

"Sleep well. I'll see you tomorrow."

Nikita slowly opened her eyes, removed his hands from her face, and kissed his fingertips on each hand. Michael forced himself to open the door and leave. Nikita closed and locked the door behind him and turning around, leaned her back against the door, remembering his tender kiss and savoring the sensations she could still feel on her face.

Sigh. She turned off the kitchen lights and made her way to bed.

Yes, Michael would be a wonderful Robin Hood. She didn't tell him, but she had watched the movie and superimposed his face on top of Errol Flynn's. Nikita performed her bedtime routine in a fog, still playing with the idea of her Section friends and bosses being stars of a Robin Hood epic. As she crawled into bed, turned on her side, cuddling her pillow, she tried to remember how the movie had actually started. Oh, yeah, *yawn, a proclamation was read about King Richard being captured, then Sir Guy and a bunch of knights were pushing around a kid for stealing a deer. And as she drifted off, the story was still in her mind...

*************

Sherwood Forest

Nikita absorbed the beauty of the surrounding forest. I know this must be a dream, but this is the most vivid dream I have ever had. She could feel the cool breeze on her face. The sunlight streaming through the tree canopy above made her squint her eyes, and she could smell the unique smell that only a verdant forest could produce: wet leaves, rotting logs, fresh smog free, oxygen laden air. A commotion that suddenly appeared in front of her broke the solitude and beauty of the scene.

Nikita analyzed the players. Why, that's Ops surrounded by a bunch of operatives dressed as knights. Ops himself was dressed in a fussy, emerald green doublet with bright blue leggings and fancy tooled boots. Nikita winced. Madeline couldn't have chosen that outfit. I'll bet he is supposed to be Sir Guy. He spoke in an emotionless voice, chilling because of that.

"You are going to be canceled for killing the King's deer."

The little boy struggling in the hold of the knights shouted, "We're starving here. How can you be such a monster!" Wait around, kid, you ain't seen nothing yet from this guy, Nikita thought. The boy continued, "When King Richard is freed, he'll kick your butt." Way to go kid.

Ops motioned to the knights and one of them raised a mace to strike the child. Nikita made a motion forward to stop the knight herself when suddenly the mace flew out of his hand. What on earth? She looked around and then she saw...

Michael, holding the bow from which he had just fired an arrow.

Oh my god, he looks so hot! She couldn't remember ever feeling so lightheaded and woozy just from looking at Michael, but the way he was dressed! He was obviously the Robin Hood character, but instead of wearing green with a brown woodsman cap and hunting boots, he was all in black (of course, it's his signature color). Black boots, black leggings hugging those perfect muscular thighs (her gaze lingered there a few moments), a black tunic that had a high neck and long sleeves, black gloves, and he was wearing no hat. His hair was wavier than usual and moving in the breeze. His eyes were blazing with passion as he confronted Operations. Next to him, stood... Birkoff! He was dressed in the traditional merry man outfit and he looked adorable. He watched Michael with a look that screamed loyalty and commitment. Birkoff was definitely on Michael's side.

Operations was still speaking in his emotionless voice, "You will also be canceled if you try to interfere in the boy's punishment."

Michael let a moment go by then finally spoke, "I don't think so."

And he drew out another arrow, loaded his bow, and aimed it at Operation's heart. Oooo, this is great. I knew Michael would make a great action hero. Come on, Ops, push him a little bit and eat some arrow!

But, Ops backed down with a tilt of his eyebrow and a wave to his men to withdraw. They backed up to the horses, mounted, and rode away. Got to admit, Nikita thought, he looked cool riding the horse surrounded by his knights.

Looking back to Michael, she watched as he knelt down to the little boy. The boy was pleading to be allowed to follow Michael and help him in his fight to put King Richard back on the throne. But, instead of Michael's usual stoic expression, Nikita watched one of pain mixed with tenderness cross his face. He cares. He feels so deeply! I knew it! Michael turned the boy around and sent him with Birkoff. Birkoff picked the child up and together they all walked into the deep cover of the forest trees and brush and disappeared from Nikita's sight.

Wow. That was so neat. Nikita wanted to follow and watch Michael further, but something was changing in the scene around her. The forest had dissolved and now she was standing in a great stone hall, a banquet laid out on long tables in front of her. Prince John, from the movie, was speaking to the crowd, "We've got lots of food, you're all fun people, and we have some beautiful babes, let's party!"

************

Nottingham Castle

Nikita looked down at herself and this time noticed that she was going to be part of the action. She was dressed in a long tight velvet gown in a blue that matched her eyes. A low neckline revealed the tops of her beautiful breasts that had been pushed up and together by the gown. Lace edged the opening around the neckline and the ones at her wrists. She patted her hair and noticed that it was upswept with some kind of jeweled chain woven in amongst the curls. Unless I miss my guess, I am going to be the Maid Marian character. Which means, I get to be the love of Robin's or in my case, Michael's life. She could feel the curl of excitement that began in her chest and spread, sending shivers radiating out.

Prince John spoke to her, "Nikita, Sir Guy of Gisbourne would make a fine catch for you! Rich, powerful... Say the word and I can arrange this."

Nikita, with a grimace looking over at Operations further down the table, "I'd rather eat dirt."

"A match between the two of you would be good for my plans. He has got a lot of friends in high places, if you know what I mean."

Nikita played along, "Maybe he has some redeeming qualities..." Yeah, right.

"Give him a chance, my dear. You might find that he grows on you." Like fungus, Nikita thought.

Looking down at Operations again, Nikita finally noticed the person next to him. Holy cow, it was Madeline. Dressed in a gorgeous gown of dark gray, tailored to fit her figure perfectly, she looked cool and confident, as always. Prince John noticed her perusal of Madeline.

"I see you have noticed his lovely companion, Madeline. Funny, I can't remember when the two of them were ever not together."

Joined at the hip, even here, thought Nikita. Prince John and Nikita listened to Operations tell of his encounter with Michael in the forest. Of course, it was slanted to Operation's favor. He had fought valiantly against overwhelming odds to be forced to withdraw.

Nikita decided to have some fun. "Say, Sir Guy, I would have loved to have been there. How many men did you say this outlaw had with him?" Nikita knew it had been just Birkoff and the boy.

Operations' eyes narrowed at her tone. Madeline gave Nikita a measuring look. Nikita shivered at the thought that, in this scenario, she was on the opposite side from Madeline. Got to steer clear of her dungeon of horrors, that's for sure.

The Prince interrupted, "Sir Guy, Madeline, bring this Michael in and cancel him. He's stirring up too much trouble for me."

Suddenly, the large double entrance doors to the hall burst open, and Michael strolled in, the body of a dead deer draped across his shoulders. He threw the deer onto the table in front of Prince John.

Prince John, motioning to the guards to stand still, "You've got some set of balls there, young man. I admire that."

Michael smirked slightly, but then his attention was captured by Nikita. He moved to stand in front of her place at the table.

"I don't believe we're met. I would have remembered such a beautiful woman."

Nikita leaned forward, displaying her charms for Michael to see, in the tight bodice of her gown. "My name is Nikita."

"Lovely name, lovely lady. I am Michael." Without taking his eyes from Nikita, he declined the Prince's invitation to dinner and said, "I won't sit down with a tyrant who overworks, oppresses, and overtaxes the people of this land."

Nikita remembered her line from the movie, "You speak treason!"

Michael, still holding his eyes with his, "Fluently, along with French. I hope we can find a private opportunity for me to demonstrate."

Nikita's eyes widened and she almost swooned, although she wasn't quite sure what that would entail. She decided instead to push up the heat a bit. She ran her fingertip along her lips to pull his attention there and whispered, "Anytime."

The sexual tension was so palpable between the two of them that it took Prince John's clearing of his throat to draw them back to the situation at hand.

Michael spoke absently while obviously undressing Nikita with his eyes, "King Richard is the rightful heir to the throne. If you want to live, don't get in my way to re-instate him."

Prince John, "Are you serious?"

Michael, looking at Prince John with ice in his eyes, "Always."

One of Prince John's men then threw a spear at Michael and, as he stepped to the side of its path, he caught it in midair. Michael drew his sword and fought off the castle guard as they attempted to stop him from leaving. As he made his way through them to the doors, he expertly slashed and drove the guards backwards. Nikita had serious hot flashes of arousal watching him. Love those tights and what they do for his thighs, she thought. At the door, he paused and look back at Nikita with an intense look filled with the promise of the passion of their next encounter. And Nikita thought to herself, please, please, don't let me wake up until we finish the promise of that look!

************

Sherwood Forest

(Note: if you are following the movie, we skip ahead a bit. Robin recruits his band of followers: Little John in the famous log footbridge scene, Friar Tuck, and Robin holds his meeting with the peasants, encouraging them to band together to revolt against the oppression. Prince John steps up the pressure and Robin's men answer with black arrows to strike down the Prince's men. But, this is Nikita's dream and we know where her thoughts are leading her. Straight into Michael's arms.)

Birkoff alerted Michael to a possible scenario for a mission, "Sir Guy is trying to muscle a shipment of tax money through our forest. Preliminary surveys tell us that he will be heavily armed. He also plans to bring Lady Nikita through with him to further discourage an ambush."

Michael smiles slightly, "He thinks to discourage me? He is trying to entice me to attack."

Birkoff thinks, then, "So, we don't attack?"

Michael answered, "Run the sims for the best location for a surgical strike to separate Nikita and the money from the group, then assemble the team. Have them see Friar Walter for weapons."

Birkoff, with reams of paper already scattered around himself looked hassled. There must be a better way to do this than with pen and parchment.

***

Riding side-saddle is more difficult than it looks, Nikita thought sourly. She was dressed in a silk gown of pale peach that gave her skin a lovely glow, but it also made her rear-end slip around on the side-saddle that ladies were supposed to use on horseback. She always felt like she was falling off to the side of the horse. Even so, she knew that Michael and his men were around her in the woods and she waited for the strike. Operations and Madeline, riding at the head of the caravan, likewise appeared alert and especially observant of the foliage around them.

With no cry or sound to alert them to the beginning of the raid, the merry men dropped out of the trees above them and dragged the soldiers to the ground. Nikita was the only one left on horseback, in a matter of moments. Without shedding a drop of blood, armed only with the element of surprise, Michael's men had captured the tax shipment.

Michael had previously given orders that Nikita and the gold were to be brought back to camp. He didn't allow himself the personal luxury of approaching Nikita. Plenty of time for that later. He instead supervised the roundup of the prisoners. When he saw Operations and Madeline standing with the others, he boldly walked up to them.

Operations spoke in a deadly whisper, "You are going to regret messing with me. Before I have you canceled, Madeline will extract every bit of resistance intelligence from your brain in the most excruciating manner possible."

Michael looked unimpressed with this threat. "Sir Guy and Madeline will be our guests at dinner. Give them some different clothing to wear for the meal, please. Some of our own native costumes, I think." And Madeline and Ops were led away.

****

At the meal, everyone sat or stood around a roaring campfire in the center of the compound. Michael sat next to Nikita apart from the others and out of sight of Ops and Madeline. They had not spoken to each other. Instead Michael had indicated with a nod of his head which direction she should go along with a warm hand placed firmly on her lower back. Nikita could feel her arousal begin to grow. At this rate, she thought, I won't last until we can be alone. She knew, remembering the film, that he should be telling her about his faithful followers and how they are struggling against Prince John's oppression and injustice, but instead, here and now in her dream, she and Michael spoke volumes with their eyes about the coming night. She knew, instinctually, what kind of man Michael was. She doesn't need to be convinced. She came to this fireside already deeply in love with this man.

Ops and Madeline were heavily guarded as they sat in their clothing of rags. Even in defeat, they appeared formidable and the merry men kept many weapons up and trained on their backs at all times. Nikita didn't pay them any mind. Michael hand-fed her bits of food from his plate. She didn't even notice what the food was. All she could taste from his hand was the wonderful flavor of his skin and her tongue learned the texture of his fingertips. Michael still didn't speak, but she could sense his growing arousal in the tension of his hands and the fine tremor that shook them when her tongue curled around his fingers to receive the food. Finally, he had had enough.

************

Deeper into Sherwood Forest

Michael stood and extended his hand to Nikita. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her to her feet. "Come walk with me?" His voice was husky and low.

Nikita could only nod, her voice deserted her in her growing sexual excitement. Together they left the warmth and glow of the campfire.

Michael led her deeper and deeper into the woods. Soon, she heard water rushing, as if a stream or river was close by. The sound grew louder and Nikita and Michael emerged from the dense forest into a clearing. There indeed was a stream. A dam built by industrious beavers had caused a pool to be formed and the water sound was being produced by the stream spilling over the beaver dam to flow downstream. The grass was lush and thick. A full moon lit the clearing with a magical glow.

Michael stopped and pulled Nikita around to face him. His hands fell away and he looked solemnly into her eyes.

"Will you lay with me here?"

Nikita's head grew light with his words. This time she spoke, her voice as husky and hushed as his. "Yes, Michael, I will."

With that he reached out a hand to unpin her hair. Her fine blond hair fell around her shoulders and he fixed his gaze on it as he combed his fingers through the silkiness. "Beautiful," he murmured.

He smoothed his hands down to her shoulders and down her arms. He savored the feeling of the silk. He put his hands on the top button to her front fastened gown and paused. Looking into her eyes, he whispered, "May I kiss your beautiful breasts?"

"Yes, Michael, please."

He slowly unbuttoned her dress to the waist, lingering over each button and caressing the skin being revealed with his fingertips. Michael concentrated on his task, drawing out every sensation to its limit. She was drowning in the sensuality of the moment. Finally he reached her waist and he parted her gown and pulled it down so that it imprisoned her arms by the elbows at her side. He didn't make a move to kiss the treasure he had revealed.

Rather, he spent long moments examining her breasts. Nikita found it difficult to draw a deep breath. With his fingertips, Michael traced around her nipples and they peaked even further, drawing into such tight buds that she felt their contraction deep in the secret parts of her body.

"Michael, please," she whispered this plea out between deep breaths.

Michael bent his head to her breasts and his tongue touched her nipple. He licked around the outer circle while his hand came up to cradle her breast in his palm. Nikita shivered and arched her back to deepen the sensation. Michael's hands gripped her elbows and he obligingly sucked strongly and rolled Nikita's nipple around the roof of his mouth with his tongue.

Nikita moaned and tried to move her arms up to touch Michael. Michael repeated the sensation on the other breast.

"Please, please, let me touch you," Nikita begged of Michael.

Michael spoke, his mouth still at her breast, looking up into her eyes, "No, sweet lady, I am so close myself, I dare not let you touch me. Later, you can touch any part of me you want."

"Or taste," Nikita managed a small smile. Michael shuddered at her words and his grip tightened at her elbows.

Michael straightened up and drew deep breaths into his lungs. "I see that this first time will not last as long as I wanted."

"Please, Michael, I need to feel you inside of me. Help me, please, help me." Nikita squirmed in his grasp.

Michael released her arms and stripped her dress completely off, allowing it to fall to the ground. A few more quick movements and her undergarment, shoes, and stockings fell to the grass. Nikita sank to her knees in the pile of silk and waited for Michael to undress himself.

Michael's boots came off first. With growing urgency he unbuttoned his tunic all the way, but left it on as he untied the drawstring at his waist. Nikita stopped his hands from pushing his leggings down.

"No, let me." She slowly pushed the leggings down, using her palms to glide the pants down to his ankles. His arousal sprang free and Nikita bit her lips in anticipation. Her eyes traveled up to meet his. Michael's face was alive with passion and love and he held her gaze as he kicked free of his leggings. He tore off his tunic. Naked, he fell to his knees in front of Nikita.

Michael gently pushed Nikita down to her back on top of the crushed silk. He followed her down and laid on top of her. Poised to enter her body, he captured her chin in his hand and locked eyes with her in a mental intimacy that was more intimate than the physical one to come.

"May I join with you, my love?"

"Oh yes, Michael." Nikita pulled his head down to hers and kissed him deeply as he completed their union.

*************

Nottingham Castle / Fairgrounds

Nikita walked along the packed earth road lost in a haze of remembrance of the night before. In front of her were Ops and Madeline, still in their peasant rags. They had all been escorted to the outermost border of the lands surrounding the castle and then released by Michael's men to make their own way back to the castle.

After a night of incredible ecstacy, Michael and Nikita had fallen into a deep sleep in their lover's glen by the pool. Nikita had awoken just before dawn with a strange feeling. Something light and soft was falling onto her exposed chest. Opening her eyes, she saw Michael, with a tender expression in his eyes, dropping wildflowers on top of her breasts.

When he noticed that she was awake, he brushed the flowers aside and slowly made tender love to her there in the hushed silence of the approaching dawn. When they had finished and were finally back on earth, he stood silently and helped Nikita to her feet. They swam silently in the pool as the mist was rising from its surface and for days after Nikita woke from her dream, she could still remember the silky feeling of the cool water against her skin and Michael's warm slippery skin sliding against hers as they washed each other's body and enjoyed a few last minute caresses.

Finally, they could delay their departure no longer and they exited the water with their hands held. After dressing himself, Michael helped Nikita into her clothes. Then, brushing a soft kiss onto her lips, he led her back to the camp.

Back at the castle, Ops had to endure a dressing down from Prince John. Nikita could have charged admission for this back at Section. Together, Prince John and Ops then put their heads together to plan a way to outwit and trap Michael. Knowing that Michael was the finest archer in England (among other things, Nikita thought smugly), they planned an archery contest at Nottingham to lure Michael in. Nikita would be expected to give out the prize for first place, a golden arrow. Privately, Ops couldn't confirm with hard facts his suspicions, but he strongly felt that Nikita had already been compromised, so to speak, with Michael, and that she would be the ideal bait for their plan.

*****

"Michael, you are out of your ever-loving mind!." Friar Walter spoke harshly because of his worry for Michael.

Birkoff chimed in, "Listen to him, Michael. Intell suggests a high probability that this is a trap created especially for you. So, avoid it! Don't go!"

Michael stood patiently as his friends vented their frustration at his decision to enter the archery contest.

Walter again, "Aren't you listening to us? I have never known you to think with your groin instead of your brain, but, dammit man, you are really going off the deep end here!"

Michael finally spoke, "Are you all through now?" They shrugged and nodded. He continued, "Then let's be on our way to the contest." Birkoff and Walter knew it was useless to argue further.

*****

The archery tournament opened with a fanfare and a parade. On the observation platform with Prince John, Ops, and Madeline, Nikita searched the crowd anxiously for Michael, knowing that he was going to be here and in disguise.

Madeline leaned over to speak to Nikita, "I can't wait to get your Michael in my custody. He will prove to be quite a challenge to break."

Nikita played the innocent, "My Michael? I can't imagine where you got such a ridiculous idea. I am an innocent maiden who has never been with a man before." And if you believe that, I have some swamp land I'd like to tell you about.

Madeline narrowed her eyes, "Must you carry out this farcical charade? Woman to woman, I know what you were doing last night with that outlaw."

Nikita looked away and pretended disinterest in the conversation, "Why don't you take up a nice hobby, like needlepoint, instead of whatever it is you do for Sir Guy."

"It is so much more enjoyable to dissect a man's soul with torture. Sir Guy so appreciates my efforts."

"You're really twisted, you know that?"

"Thank you." Nikita blinked. Typical Madeline response.

Trumpets blared and the crowd noise abated. The contest had started.

Nikita had spotted Michael almost immediately amongst the competitors. He was dressed as an old man, a rather good disguise actually, but Nikita would have recognized him in any disguise. The way he walked? The tilt of his head? More than likely, it was because her heart recognized her true love, regardless of his appearance. Yes, the romantic in Nikita liked that explanation the most.

The archery contest proceeded and archers were eliminated at a fast rate until their numbers had dwindled down to only a few. Michael was up again. His opponent had made a perfect bulls-eye on the target. With seemingly little effort, Michael notched an arrow into his bow and sent it flying towards the target. And it did exactly what Robin Hood's arrow had done in the film. Michael's arrow neatly split the shaft of the other arrow already imbedded in the bulls-eye. Almost immediately, he was surrounded by soldiers under orders to arrest the winner of the contest. Prince John and Ops had predicted that Michael would be the winner and, in this, they had been entirely correct.

Michael was dragged to stand in front of the platform. He removed his disguise, it was pointless to pretend any further, and he stood tall and proud facing Prince John.

"Michael, you are charged with the crimes of outlawry, theft, murder, contempt of the crown.... let's see, what else?... oh yes, poaching in the royal forests and let's not forget another biggie, high treason!

Michael calmly made a request. "I'd like another charge added to the list."

"What? Uh, okay... what is it?"

"I want to be charged with loving one's country, protecting peasants from injustice, and being loyal to my King." Nikita sighed. My hero. He had delivered that line beautifully.

"Take him away to the dungeon. He'll be executed tomorrow in a public hanging in the town square!" And with that, Michael was led away by the soldiers. Nikita watched helplessly, unable to interfere in the story line. Wait a minute! Don't I have something to do here? Yes! It was Maid Marian who talked with Robin's men about his escape from the gallows. She left the observation platform to see if she could find out where Michael's men could be contacted and advised of his capture.

*************

The Saracen's Head Tavern / The Gallows

Nikita learned that Michael's men would be waiting for him at the Saracen's Head Tavern (actual name from movie). Under the cover of darkness, she stole to the tavern and entered the crude wood building wearing a concealing cloak.

Nikita saw Walter and Birkoff sitting alone at a table, tankers of ale in front of them. Walter was dressed in the monk's robe that Nikita had imagined him in and wait, was that a tie-dyed bandana around his head? This is too delicious, she though. Both men appeared worried and watched the door waiting for Michael's return.

Nikita strode up to their table, threw back the hood of her cloak, and spoke, "Evening, boys. We need to talk."

Walter shoved back his chair, stood, and then hissed, "What are you doing here? Where is Michael? What's happened to him?" Birkoff just sat there with his mouth hanging open, looking at Nikita in horror.

"Walter, Walter, calm down. Michael's fine, so far. He's been captured, put in the dungeon. Prince John ordered his execution by hanging to be held tomorrow. I need you two to plan a rescue attempt and save him."

Walter, still the spokesman for the two of them, questioned her, "Why should we believe you? This could be a trap set to capture all of us."

Nikita, with the soft light of her love for Michael in her eyes, answered in a low impassioned tone, "You will believe me, because you somehow know that I have always loved Michael in this lifetime and in any others before and after. I could never hurt him or allow him to be hurt, if it was in my power to stop it." She made deep eye contact with Walter and hoped that he would believe the sincerity of her words and voice.

Walter scratched his head through the bandana and looked puzzled, "I don't know why I believe you, but I do. What time is the hanging supposed to take place?"

"Just after dawn."

"We have got a lot of work to do, Birkoff! Cripes, man, close your mouth and grab your paper and pen. We have a rescue to plan!" Nikita smiled and, pulling her cloak hood back up to cover her bright hair, she exited the tavern knowing that she had left Michael's fate in very capable hands.

*****

The next morning, bright and early, Michael was brought by wagon to the gallows, erected of coarse lumber in the center of the town square. His hands were tied behind his back, and he declined a black hood for his head from the hangman. He appeared confident and unworried about his fate. Nikita, watching from a vantage point to the side of the crowd, wasn't especially worried either. She had already spotted Walter and Birkoff in the throngs of townspeople. With her sharp, well-trained eyes, she had already noted that Walter appeared to be concealing something in his robes. Birkoff had stationed himself near the stables, three horses saddled and he held the reins in his hands. Nikita mentally sat back and prepared to watch the show.

When the hangman made to place the noose over Michael's head, that's when Walter acted. Whipping out what appeared to be a modified cross-bow from his robes, Walter aimed and fired three short arrows in quick succession, less than a second between each shot. Way to go, Walter! He had constructed a rapid-fire, multiple arrow, cross-bow that was roughly the size of a large handgun. The first shot nicked the hangman's hand and caused him to drop the noose. The second shot centered itself in the hangman's forehead and he dropped backwards like a tree toppling over. The third short arrow took down the guard that had stationed himself at the top of the gallow steps. Michael's way was now clear to egress off of the gallow platform.

Meanwhile, Birkoff had led the horses as close to the gallow platform as the crowd would allow. Walter came running up and mounted one of them. Birkoff tied the reins off on one of the horses and mounted the last one himself. Michael came running up, hands still bound behind him and vaulted himself into the saddle! Walter leaned over and cut the ropes that were binding Michael's hands. Michael then gathered his horse's reins and led the way as the crowd parted to avoid being trampled by the horses. The three men galloped towards the main city gate.

Nikita felt like whooping in triumph for her guys. It was a magnificent rescue! She allowed herself one small fist raised in the air. But wait, the show wasn't over!

At the gate, after allowing his merry men to pass through first, Michael dismounted from his horse, removed a sword that had been tied to the saddle and then slapped the horse's rear end to send it through the gate alone. Michael slashed his way through a few soldiers guarding the gate and, that finished, reached for the rope holding up a large metal bar grate that could be lowered over the entrance. He cut the portcullis rope, which started closing the grating over the entrance. Still holding the rope, the weight of the closing portcullis swung him up and into the air, carrying him to the top of the gate.

As he stood on top of the gate, he looked back towards Nikita, and with a jaunty air, he kissed his fingertips and pointed the kiss towards Nikita. Nikita pressed her hand over her heart and opened the palm towards him. My heart is yours. Michael nodded in understanding.

Michael had to leave. He turned and, using the same rope that had carried him to the top, he threw it over the other side and climbed down to his waiting horse and his merry men. Mounting his horse and giving a signal, they all galloped to the safety of the forest.

***********

Nottingham Castle - Nikita's chamber

Nikita was now in her Nottingham Castle bedroom, remembering with a smile on her face, the magnificent scene that had been played out in the town square. After seeing Michael as the action hero, Nikita knew that no other actor or person could measure up to the sight of Michael bringing down the gate and then, atop the wall, sending her a kiss with sophisticated panache.

A strange sound drew her from her thoughts. Something outside scraping along the castle wall. Before she could rise from her bed, Michael entered through her chamber window.

"Are you crazy? What on earth did you use to climb up the wall with?" Nikita couldn't help but be upset with him.

"Ivy vines." Michael didn't waste any words.

"A first year trainee would know that those kind of vines shouldn't be used to support your weight. Only in the movies does something like that happen."

Michael's face held a tender smile and his head had cocked quizzically at her words.

"Never mind. It wasn't impor....." Her words trailed off as she finally focused her gaze on his face. His green-gray eyes were totally absorbed in admiring her appearance. Nikita was wearing what passed for a nightgown in this place. Yards and yards of white cotton batiste with lace dripping from the sleeves, hem, and neckline. Nikita had further enhanced the romantic appearance of the gown by pulling it down to bare her shoulders and tying the bow in front to hold the gown in its place. She hadn't bothered with stockings or shoes and her bare toes peeked out from underneath the bottom of her gown. It was an entirely romantic gown, seemingly created for a man's pleasure. Michael's enjoyment of the sight was further enhanced by Nikita's nipples peaking and showing her arousal even through the lace of the neckline.

He smiled again and whispered in his most sensuous voice, "My lady, you are so incredibly lovely."

Nikita almost shyly smiled back. "Is that what you climbed up the castle wall to tell me?"

Michael removed his gloves, dropping them to the floor, and stepped forward to stand in front of Nikita. With his warm hands, he cupped her shoulders.

"I came to thank you for helping my men accomplish my escape." He said this in an absent minded way as his hands started moving around her shoulders, his fingers tracing and charting every curve visible above her gown's neckline. His eyes followed his hand's movements as he lifted her silky blond hair and rubbed its softness between his fingers, as he traced the delicate shell of her ear, as he ran a fingertip along her jaw line to her lips.

Nikita shivered and her eyes grew smoky with passion.

"Any...," Nikita needed to clear her voice to continue. "Anything else?"

Michael lifted his eyes to lock with hers and he whispered, "Yes, sweet lady. I couldn't let another moment go by without telling you that, from the first moment I beheld your face, I loved you. In some strange way, I loved you before we met and I know that I will love you in death and beyond." Nikita was stunned to hear the words from Michael's lips that she had wanted so badly to hear in the life outside this dream.

Michael waited with a patient loving expression on his face as she absorbed his words. Nikita had gone silent and still as she had contemplated his declaration of love. When her eyes had returned to his and he saw that they were filled with wonder and a returning love for him, he slowly slid his arms around her and sealed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss.

Michael spoke again, "I am worried, my love, for your safety. I have nothing to offer you but a life of hardship and danger in the forest, but I would prefer to have you by my side where I can protect you. Friar Walter will marry us. Will you come with me now?"

Nikita knew, from the story line, that she was destined to stay in the castle and gather information about John's treachery and help Michael in this way. She shook her head, with sadness and regret, and relayed her reasons for needing to staying in the castle. He was clearly uncomfortable with leaving her. She felt so cherished by his wanting to protect her against all odds. Michael didn't waste their last few minutes trying to change her mind. He somehow knew of her stubbornness and realized it would be pointless. After a few more sizzling kisses, he had to leave.

After Michael had descended to the ground safely, Nikita sat back on her bed and thought. Amazing. My dream Michael expressed his love and protective attitude openly. The real Michael found saying words of love or commitment very difficult. But, hadn't the real Michael, in his own way, been demonstrating his love and caring for her from the very beginning? He had been protecting her, sheltering her, and yes, loving her, to the best of his ability and within Section's dictates. Something to think about...

************

Nottingham Castle / Sherwood Forest

The treacherous Bishop of the Black Canons spoke privately with Prince John, "Strangers at the Kent Road Tavern have disguised themselves in clerical robes and I regret to inform you that I believe that this is King Richard and his men who have secretly returned to England."

Prince John was flustered. "I can't give up my chance at the throne. I have planned my coronation as king to be held in just a few days! Send an assassin to take care of this little problem for me."

Nikita heard all of this as she flattened her body against the wall outside of their chamber. Don't these people have any concept of security? Speaking like that with the door open? Idiots.

Nikita wrote a letter to Michael informing him of the plot to kill King Richard and gave it into the safekeeping of one of Michael's men who had been left behind specifically for this purpose. Unfortunately, her letter was intercepted by Ops and his spies, the merry man was injured, but escaped, and she was brought before Prince John and Ops to answer charges of high treason.

Ops taunted her, "You're very charming Lady Nikita, but not very clever."

"I'm not clever?? I figured out Prince John's plot to kill his brother, King Richard!"

Prince John smirked, "What plot? You have no proof."

Nikita paused. Really, she didn't have any proof. She had sent a letter to a known outlaw. She had just accused a Prince of plotting to kill the King. No physical evidence to back up her claims. They really did have her butt nailed to the wall. Darn.

"For your punishment for the crime of high treason, you will be put to death." Prince John delivered this sentence with a huge smile on his face. Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to place a round-house kick right on his arrogant face. Then she remembered the line that would buy her a few more days.

"You know, of course, Prince John, that only a king can pass a death sentence on a royal ward."

"That's true, my dear. Looks like you get a few more days of life spent in our spacious and luxurious dungeon, complete with Madeline seeing to your every... 'comfort.'" Prince John and Ops shared a chuckle over this dilemma for Nikita.

And as Nikita was drug away by the soldiers, she wondered if Madeline had been offended or upset in any way with Nikita's 'you're so twisted' remark. Hope not.

*****

Meanwhile, Michael and his men had waylaid a band of strangers dressed as monks traveling through Sherwood Forest. Identifying themselves as friends of Richard, they were invited to one of Michael's forest banquets. On the way to the feast, Michael explained why he was an outlaw and living in the woods.

"When I saw the once-content and harmless citizens of England becoming the mutilated and oppressed victims of Prince John's injustice, I could not continue to live in the comfort and security of my lands and title. King Richard should be here, defending his own people instead of deserting them to fight in foreign lands. Until he returns, if I have to be an outlaw to hold England for Richard, then so be it."

The meal was interrupted when a wounded merry man was carried in. Michael recognized him as the man he had left to bring messages from Nikita. The injured man told them of the plot to assassinate the king and Michael realized that Richard must be found.

He ordered his men, "Find King Richard and bring him here to safety. Don't rest, day or night, any of you, until he is found."

With that, one of the monks removed his cowl, revealing that he was King Richard, who had returned to England, incognito, with his men. Michael responded.

"Sire!" and they all knelt in awe before their acknowledged and long-missing sovereign. They were told to rise

Since they had already known of the coronation ceremonies to be held the next day, King Richard and Michael, along with Friar Walter and Birkoff, planned a mission to disrupt the installation of Prince John as king and to save Lady Nikita who had risked her life to warn them. Walter was sent to the abbey to 'convince' the Bishop of the Black Canons to smuggle King Richard, Michael and all their combined forces disguised in black as monks into the castle and the coronation. (Monks just seem to be plentiful in this part of the world, I guess) When Prince John would announce King Richard's death, the King would pop out of his disguise and surprise the stuffing out of John.

************

The Final Showdown and the Happy Ending at Nottingham Castle

The plan was performed flawlessly. Up to the point where Ops decided that he needed to personally cancel Michael and engaged him in a fierce and vicious broadsword fight. They struggled throughout the castle, fought down curving staircases, cast their gigantic shadows on stone walls...

Michael taunted Ops, "Having a problem there, old man?"

Ops responded, "The day a young punk like you can outfight me with a sword is the day... *urp."

"You die." Michael delivered the death thrust through Ops heart.

When Michael held his sword towards the dungeon guard who had witnessed the final scenes of the swordfight,he tossed the keys to Michael with, "Hey man, your babe is in the cell over there. Later." And he ran for the stairs.

Michael opened the door to Nikita's cell and she ran into his arms.

*****

King Richard banished Prince John and the other traitors for life. The King restored justice and brought peace to England once again. He had some parting words with Michael: (note: this is the actual dialogue from the film, except for the names. I love this scene too much to tamper with it and I think Michael would play it magnificently.)

King Richard: "And what about you Michael?"

Michael: "My sword is yours, Sire, now and always."

King Richard: "Is there nothing England's King can grant the outlaw who showed him his duty to his country?"

Michael: "Yes, your majesty. A pardon for the men of Sherwood."

King Richard: "Granted with all my heart. (Cheers) But is there nothing for yourself?"

Michael looks at his Nikita: "There's but one thing else, Sire."

The King looking at Nikita: "And do you too wish....?"

Nikita: "More than anything else in the world, Sire."

As a reward for his bravery, Michael was commanded to accept the King's order to have his title and his estates restored. Michael was renamed Baron of Locksley, after which he received the King's consent to his marriage.

King Richard: "Kneel, Michael. (Michael kneels) Arise Baron of Locksley, Earl of Sherwood and Nottingham, and Lord of all the lands and manors appertaining thereto. (Michael rises) My first command to you, my Lord Earl, is to take in marriage the hand of the Lady Nikita. (His men cheer and gather around) What say you to that, Baron of Locksley?"

Michael (after ducking out of the circle and running to the door with Nikita) grinned and responded, "May I obey all of your commands with equal pleasure, Sire."

Michael carried Nikita out the massive doors of the Great Hall of Nottingham Castle and the doors shut behind them.

************

Back to the real world

Nikita walked into Section the next day with a spring in her step. She had woken up this morning with a smile on her face. It isn't often that you can live a fairy tale, or in her case, a classic adventure movie, with yourself as the star and your special man to play the male lead.

Michael had noticed her the moment she stepped into the central command area. He came out of his office as she strolled up to him.

Michael noticed the twinkle in her eyes right away. "Good morning," he said.

"Yes, it is a good morning," Nikita smiled, "I had a wonderful night."

Michael sensed that there was more to this story than the obvious meaning, that she had rested well and awoken refreshed. She was looking at him in a strange way.

Nikita was visualizing Michael in his Robin Hood outfit and wondering if she and Michael could have the chance, someday in the future, to relive her dream. Wonder if she could get that outfit somewhere. Maybe have it specially made? Nikita had never imagined that she could get into fantasy sex, wearing costumes and such, but the right scenario might just make the difference. Just to see Michael in those leggings again. Oh, yes.

"Good." He answered slowly, searching her expression for clues. He probably thinks I'm acting loonier than usual, she thought.

"There's a new classic movie starting this Friday. Interested in going with me?" Nikita issued the invitation.

"Yes, I'd like to go with you, if I can. What's the movie?"

Nikita smiled impishly, with a look of anticipation in her eye.

"Tarzan."

The End (Continued in The Recovery)

Tina's note: If you are following the film, you will notice that I took a LOT of liberties with it. I apologize to anyone that this may offend. I love this film. If you want to fall in love with Errol Flynn, this movie will get you started on your way.

Send suggestions and comments to ranma.
OR
If you would like to send a comment to Tina click HERE.