Safe

Hello, everyone! Things were flowing nicely with "Refuge," but I've encountered a bit of writer's block with it. However, this little one shot seemed to come out while I've been trying to figure it out. It's an alternate universe where Diego and Victoria are already married, and Luis Ramone is still the alcalde. Not sure how that all blends together, but hopefully you can still go with it! There's not much plot here, and it's semi-angsty, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

* * *

When he'd left her, the sun had just started to set. Diego leaned low over Toronado's neck, his body moving with the rhythm of the stallion's strides. His gaze flicked up to the moon and stars now high in the inky black sky above him. He'd first promised to hurry, but she'd made him swear he'd take his time and watch his back, telling him that coming back home to her in one piece was more important than him rushing. She'd put on a brave face, forcing a smile and telling him as he'd donned Zorro's disguise that they would have plenty of time when he came back, and that she knew he would be all right. She'd said the words, but Diego knew better. More correctly, he knew _her _better. She'd been scared for his safety, and for the first time tonight, Diego had been scared for his own safety. He'd usually held little fear with his exploits, had barely allowed the feeling to enter his consciousness before, but now, things were... different. His _life _was different. Victoria was finally his wife, and they were finally beginning to build the life together they'd both wanted for so long. Diego's expression grew suddenly grim at the thought. _She _was why he now held a small sliver of fear tonight, a fear that had slowly grown each time he'd put on Zorro's mask. Her beautiful face, the sound of her voice, the feel of her in his arms vividly filled his senses, and he inhaled deep, the night air seeming to hang heavy with the scent of her. He and Victoria had gained so much in such a short time. A discomforted, vague knot slowly grew in his stomach. And the more they gained together, the more they had to lose.

Diego tried to shake away his thoughts as his mind returned to the bandits he'd fought outside Jose Macias' barn. They'd proved to be more difficult to round up than he'd first expected, even after he'd quickly foiled their attempts at trying to burn the barn to the ground. The men had been claiming Jose was late on yet another tax had implemented for those not properly tending to their houses and lands. He shook his head. The Macias farm had been very well looked after, but the alcalde seemed hell bent on collecting his tax if even one single strand of straw was out of place. Diego had managed to finally get all of the men and tie them up outside the barn. The usual patrol of lancers running maneuvers on the north ridge not far from the Macias farmstead had seemed to take their time in reaching the farmstead, even after the sound of gunshots that had so easily caught his own attention. Though he'd longed to leave and return home to Victoria, he had not felt secure enough to leave the _banditos _unattended and risk the safety of Jose and his family.

He'd only ended up waiting a short time, but it had afforded him the opportunity to talk briefly with Jose and his wife, and to meet their children. He'd been briefly surprised when he'd found himself tamping down a flicker of envy as they'd tended to each other and their family. He sighed deeply. The Macias' lives were so simple, so complete with their modest home and their four small children, and he couldn't help but wish in some ways that he and Victoria were in their place. Aside from the occasional threats from the alcalde and the _banditos _he sent their way_, _there were no interruptions, no complications that drew Jose away from his family in the middle of the night. Though seeing the happiness of those he helped normally would have given Diego self-assurance in his role as Zorro, today it had only seemed to make him impatient, and had brought a single thought to his mind. His eyes flicked back to the jet black sky, making the impatience return afresh in him, the feeling hitching higher in his chest the closer he drew to the _hacienda_. He needed to get home, to Victoria. _His _Victoria.

Toronado crested the final hill towards the _hacienda_, then veered past it towards the cave entrance. Diego glanced towards their bedroom window, his expression brightening slightly at the dim light from a single candle warming the room. She was still awake and waiting for him as she'd promised. His eyes narrowed on a lone, small and slender silhouette stood before the window looking out into the night, and Diego felt a small smile come to his lips. Victoria. His relief at the sight of her suddenly halted at an unmistakable glint of steel poised at her side. His concern flickered to a low flame of fear. Victoria was standing there, waiting for him at the window - and someone had a sword on her. Or had she barricaded herself in their room because someone was in the house, and had gotten his other sword to protect herself? His shoulders tensed as he rounded the final turn into the cave entrance. Whatever the reason for the sword he'd seen beside her, there was only one thought now in Diego's mind. He needed to get inside the house - _now_.

He ducked as they entered the cave and reined in Toronado, barely letting the animal come to a stop before quickly swinging himself down from the saddle and swiftly unsheathing his saber as he ran across the room the entry passage. He turned the candelabra, giving a quick cautionary look around the library before stepping out onto the fireplace hearth and making his way down the hall to their room.

Diego could see the room's door standing open as he approached, and he paused briefly, making himself take a deep breath as he drew closer to calm his rapid heartbeat. He'd seen no traces of disturbance in the house as of yet, but he was not about to let his guard down until he could see that Victoria was out of danger. He halted at the doorway's threshold, his body tensed as his gaze stopped on Victoria standing alone at the window. His gentleman's sword, the one he'd used on the rare occasions he'd needed a weapon as Diego, hung at her side, her movements not seeming to show any indication that she'd heard him approach. Curious, Diego did a quick scan of the room before turning his gaze back to Victoria. The room and the house were quiet. No one else appeared to be lurking here, or waiting in the shadows to overtake either of them. However, Diego's sword remained drawn as he stepped cautiously through the doorway, his eyes doing another cursory sweep of the room as he moved towards her. Her small shoulders were squared and her stance rigid, as if she were poised and ready to do battle with some unforeseen force. He reached out to touch her shoulder, working to keep his voice low and quiet.

"Victoria?"

She pivoted backward at his touch, the sword in her hand rising up as she did. Diego's hand darted out, managing to catch her wrist before she could lift it any further, her startled dark eyes flew to his face, and he felt his earlier worry rise anew as they focused on his. The moonlight showed a nearly haunted look gleaming in her eyes, as if the familiar black clad man standing before her were an unknown phantom she had never before seen. She blinked once, then twice as if to bring herself back to reality, the breath that had caught in her throat a moment ago now rushing out of her. "Diego..."

Diego glanced quickly around the room again when she used his name, but finding no one, turned back again to her. He glanced down at the sword in her hand, a sudden thought coming to him. He'd never taught her how to fight, how to use such a weapon. He'd never even thought of it, had never thought beyond being there himself to protect her. A thin coil of fear unwound in his gut. What if an actual intruder had come into the house tonight with her alone like this? His father was away at a cattle auction in Santa Paula, leaving only Felipe with her in the house. They could have overtaken the young man, then disarmed Victoria as easily as he had... then done God only knew what to her. His jaw clenched briefly at the thought as he stepped closer to her, his grip tightening reflexively on her wrist. "Are you all right?"

She let out another shallow and unsteady breath, seeming to swallow back some unseen, fearful pull tugging at her. She squeezed her eyes shut and answered his question with a quick nod. She stood immobilized, continuing to stare up at him as he released her to sheath his own saber, then took the sword from her own hand, watching numbly as he propped the weapon against the side table at her hip. She swallowed hard before finally speaking again. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to...It's just I..." She shook her head before taking a deep breath. "I know it sounds childish, but..." Threatening tears gleamed in her eyes, and she looked away, biting her lip against them, clutching her arms as if to ward off an unforeseen chill. "I fell asleep in the chair waiting for you, and I had this terrible...this terrible dream... and I couldn't..." She looked up into his eyes again, finally focusing on his concerned gaze. Her hand went to his chest, her eyes briefly following the contact before moving back to his. "I just couldn't go back to sleep until I knew you were home safe."

Diego felt a sharp pang of guilt in his chest at her words. Victoria had been tossing and turning beside him nearly every night for the last week, and had seemed more distracted during the day. When he'd questioned her about it, she'd insisted that it had been matters regarding the tavern that were disturbing her sleep. Though he'd known it was more than just business matters keeping her awake, he'd wanted to believe that nothing outside these walls could interfere with their life, with them or with the exquisite beauty they'd created together in their little and treasured corner of the world. He'd wanted to believe that the alcalde and all the injustice Zorro had to fight because of him couldn't harm them, or bring new fears into their life. Diego glanced to the sword he'd taken from her. But his hopes that their marriage would erase her fears and worries, or his own, had not only been wrong, but also had the potential to have dangerous consequences.

His gaze traveled down the weapon's blade, the pull to protect her and to teach her to protect herself rising again in him full force. He'd teach Victoria how to use a sword, how to defend herself. His eyes shifted back to her fear filled gaze, and felt a flicker of fear come to life in his chest. But teaching her self defense wouldn't be enough, and he knew it. The only way to protect her and their future family was to rid them of the alcalde and his schemes once and for all. Diego stepped closer to her. Fighting all of these smaller battles as they'd come to light was gaining him little ground towards his goal of getting Luis Ramone thrown out of office for good. His eyes gleamed with determination. He didn't care if it meant going all the way to Spain and demanding to see the king himself. He'd find a way to finally bring peace to this territory - but most of all, to bring peace to the woman he loved more than life itself.

He tossed his hat on the table next to the sword and quickly shucked off his gloves, tossing them to the rug at his feet before taking her face in his hands. He gently tipped her chin up to meet his eyes, hating the desperation reflecting back at him from their dark depths. "Victoria, it's all right. Whatever you saw in your dream..." His thumbs caressed lightly over her cheeks, and her gaze leveled on his, the fear seeming to dissipate from her eyes at his touch. "The danger is over for tonight. We're both safe." His eyes, then his fingers trailed over her mouth, his voice a gentle, soothing whisper. "I'm here."

The cloud of fear that had filled her gaze rolled away at his words, but in its place was a new desperation, the likes of which he'd never seen before in her. Her fingers clutched the front of his shirt, and he dropped one hand to cover her white knuckled fist against his chest. He moved to speak more words of comfort to her, but his words were lost as Victoria suddenly reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers.

Diego's eyebrows rose momentarily in surprise, but he quickly recovered, moving one arm to encircle her waist and pull her to him, his other hand moving back up her neck to cradle her head. Their bodies connected, drawing a long sigh from Victoria as her arms closed tightly around his neck. She fitted her body against his, drawing as close as she could until Diego could feel her heartbeat thudding strong and fast against his. She slipped one hand back to his chest, clutching onto his shirt to pull him even closer, drawing a small sound from low in Diego's throat, his arm tightening low around her waist.

Victoria's other hand moved up and over the forgotten material still covering his face, and she suddenly pulled back and tore her mouth from his. "Wait..."

Diego reluctantly opened his eyes, staring down at her, his breathing uneven as she reached both hands to the nape of his neck. She tugged at the knot of the mask, her small fingers quickly loosening the knot behind his head before she tossed the swath of material away, barely pausing to watch as it fluttered beside them to the floor. She turned back, the rest of her still as her gaze moved over his face, a sudden peace slowly growing in her eyes. A faint smile touched her lips as she reached up again, carefully smoothing his tousled dark hair back from his forehead. Her fingertips continued to move in a tender, light caress over his temples and cheeks before trailing down to the corners of his mouth, her voice breaking just above a whisper. "There you are..."

A sharp tug of overwhelmed love reverberated through his chest at her actions, her words. He leaned in, cradling in her arms and pressing a loving, lingering kiss to her forehead. Victoria leaned against him, seeming to soak in his strength even as he pulled back to meet her eyes again. The small glimmer of fear had returned to her gaze, and Diego felt his breath hitch in his chest with concern. "Victoria..."

She reached up, silencing him with her fingertips against his lips before shaking her head. "Please, Diego. Just... let me be in your arms..." She leaned up on her toes, her mouth a breath away from his. "Make love to me... please..."

A low, deep seated groan moved up from Diego's throat as her lips touched his again, and he pulled her tight against him, her own arms twining around his neck as he lifted off her feet, then swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed.

* * *

Diego stared at the ceiling, watching the shadows from outside move and collide with one another before turning his attention back to his wife, who was snugly fit against his side, her arms around him and her cheek pressed against his heart. He reached up to sweep her dark curls back from her forehead, his touch drawing her gaze up to his and curving her lips into a contented smile. She moved up his chest, pressing a lingering kiss against his lips. Diego gently pulled back before meeting her eyes again. "Now," he began, tucking a tousled curl behind her ear, letting his hand trail down her neck to her shoulder, "will you tell me what you saw in this dream of yours that frightened you so?"

Her smile dimmed slightly at the question, but Diego was not about to be deterred. "Victoria, I sleep in this bed too, remember? I know this dream or some version of it has been disturbing your sleep for at least the past week, if not longer." When she averted her gaze, he moved his hand to cup her cheek and turn her gaze back to his. "Such dreams only hold power if we do not share them and let the fear they create overtake us." His index finger crooked under her chin when her eyes dropped to his chest, his voice was gentle but insistent. "Please, Victoria. Talk to me."

Victoria held his gaze for a long moment before her eyes dropped again to his chest, her fingertips tracing idly over a small scar at his shoulder as she finally found her voice. "I see myself asleep, alone... you've had to ride out as Zorro... and some noise awakes me, more like a sense that I'm being watched by someone, or something..." Her fingers stilled over his shoulder, and she paused briefly before continuing with a soft sigh. "I rise out of bed and get your sword, and I'm standing alone at the window, just as you found me, and the night is clear and the moon is full, as it is tonight. I see you go by the window in a streak of black, and I feel safe, but then the feeling of another presence watching me overtakes me again, and I try to lift the sword to search the room, but my arms and legs feel so heavy and tired..."

Diego's hand moved up her shoulder as tears tightened her voice. He trailed his knuckles soothingly over her cheek, drawing Victoria's gaze back to his and silently urging her to continue. Her eyes locked onto his, the last part of her dream springing forth from her lips. "And then you're there in front of me, and I'm relieved, but suddenly, something feels very, very wrong again, and when I undo your mask, your face..." She swallowed hard, squeezing her eyes shut against the image. "Your face is covered in blood, and then you just collapse at my feet, and I just, I can't... I can't do anything..."

The pain and fear etched in her every feature tore at his heart, and Diego reached up, taking her face in his hands. "Victoria..." When she didn't open her eyes, he tried again. "Victoria, open your eyes and look at me." She finally opened her eyes, sending a single tear running down her cheek, and Diego felt a sharp pang of guilt and understanding in his chest as he gently wiped it away with the pad of his thumb. "So that's why you looked at me as you did when I first came in."

Victoria nodded, leaning her cheek against his palm, and he pulled her closer, brushing his lips over her forehead, her cheek, and then her lips, as if to soothe away each place the worry had touched her features. He lifted her face to look into her eyes again. "Hear me now. It's over. The power of that dream, the fears of tonight, and all the nights to come..." He shook his head determinedly. "They're over. They're over, and we're here together, and we're safe."

Victoria looked at him, his words bringing a mild confusion to light in her eyes. "What are you saying, Diego?"

"I'm saying I'm done, Victoria," He quickly answered. "I'm going to find a way to stop riding out as Zorro so you and I can finally live our life together in peace."

A brief flicker of relief passed through her eyes, but was quickly followed by one of worry. "But what about the alcalde? Won't he just increase his efforts if Zorro isn't there to fight him?"

He shook his head. "Not if the alcalde isn't there to be fought." The confusion grew in her eyes before he continued. "I'll go the territorial magistrate, the king's emissary... I'll go to Spain and the King himself if I must. I'll tell him of all the alcalde's underhanded, money hungry schemes, and somehow, I'll finally get him ousted once and for all."

A sudden light of determination filled Victoria's eyes as she watched his face, and she shook her head. "No. Not _you_, Diego - _we._ You and I, we're a team now, remember? You said so yourself the day of our wedding." Diego looked up at her, watching as the earlier fear slowly disappeared, replaced by the same, familiar fire that had so captivated him many years ago. Her eyebrows rose in challenge. "You know I won't just sit idly by and not help you. _We _will go to talk to these people, to anyone who will listen, and _we _will get him thrown out." She smiled lightly. "Whatever it takes to have you here with me and safe, Diego, it doesn't matter what it takes."

A slow smile curved his lips at his wife's returned determination, but a small hesitation filled his eyes. "This won't be a fast process, Victoria, no matter what we do. I'll have to keep riding out as Zorro for now, but if we keep searching, find the evidence we need to prove the alcalde's corruption..." He swept her hair back from her shoulder, his eyes searching hers when they did not waver from his. "But you need to promise me something before we do this."

Victoria's gentle smile returned. "Anything."

Diego reached up, cradling her face in his hands. "No more secrets or keeping things from me. I want to know when something scares you, angers or frustrates you. I want us to talk about them, and not have anything standing between us." He traced a finger over the curve of her face. "That was the other promise we made the day of our wedding, remember? No more secrets."

Victoria's smile grew, and she leaned in to give him a light kiss before answering his question with a single nod. "I promise, Diego. No more secrets."

His own smile grew as his hands moved down over her shoulders and back. "Very well then. We'll take the appropriate measures, write the appropriate letters, and then we'll start compiling the appropriate evidence. With Luis Ramone's track record, it hopefully shouldn't take us too long to build a compelling argument to get him out of office." He traced a finger over the line of her jaw, bringing her lips to his for a tender kiss. "So, how do you feel about our little plan?"

She pulled back slightly, her eyes moving over his face, her answering smile warming her every feature before she settled back against his side, pressing her cheek against his heart, her smile growing at its steady rhythm against her ear. "Safe, Diego. I feel safe."

End file.

Safe by LovelyStardust29


A Wonderful Present

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. They are borrowed for my story without permission and will be returned as found.

Author's Note: After almost three months, I return to post another old fic that used to be on my website.

This is my what-if story. I base this story loosely on Episode 52 of Disney Zorro. Definitely AU. And seems to contradict what happened in "A Penny for Your Clue". Oh, well. This story is one of my earliest efforts, so I suppose I still didn't know what I was doing. I've made very minimum changes, because I no longer remember where I was going with it. This Anna Maria-centric story is as new to me as it is to someone who had not read it before.

* * *

>
A Wonderful Present

On the day Zorro would come to get his amnesty, I waited anxiously for the Hour of Angelus to arrive. It had been Ricardo's idea. He went to the governor to ask for the amnesty for Zorro. Leave it to Ricardo to come up with mischief! I did not know what Ricardo hoped to gain by getting an amnesty for Zorro. Maybe he was eliminating rivals for my affection. Perhaps Ricardo thought that by taking the mask off Zorro, he would look so ordinary that I would not want him anymore.

I must admit that I never thought about who Zorro might be, at least not before Ricardo suggested the amnesty. I just loved Zorro. I had said that I would love him, no matter who he turned out to be, but now I was not so sure. How would I feel if he really looked different from my expectations? I was sure he was a caballero; his manners were those of one. Would that be enough to love him, to become his wife? Did I really love the man, or had I been enamored with the legend?

I had asked Diego to come to the church with me. He refused, saying that he had some business to attend to. Feeling manipulative, I insisted that he spared some time to come. I believed I could face this ordeal better, knowing that I had Diego by my side.

I looked up to Diego like the brother I never had. We had had our disagreements when we first met, but those were in the past. He did come through for me when my father was kidnapped. I did not heed his advice and it almost cost the lives of my father and my own.

I reluctantly agreed when Ricardo offered to take me to the church. As we neared the church, my heart was beating rapidly. For the first time, I wondered if Zorro would come. Diego had asked that same question when I spoke with him earlier. I had said without thinking that Zorro would absolutely be there. When I told Diego that he did not know Zorro, I thought I saw a flicker of disappointment crossed his handsome face. I wondered what that meant. Did Diego know something I did not?

At the appointed time, Zorro came in on his white stallion. He received the amnesty decree from the governor, read it then started to tear off his mask. I heard the crowd gasped. I turned my face away, afraid to look. I feared that without his mask, certain majestic quality around him was lost. He seemed to be above everything before, and this amnesty, this piece of paper, had brought him down to my level. Was I being selfish to drag him down?

The next thing I knew, I felt a kiss on my hand. How familiar this gesture was. It was like I just received a kiss on my hand not too long ago. But by whom? Ricardo? I dismissed the thought. Ricardo had a sweet tongue, which I learned to tolerate, but he would not kiss my hand. Diego? He did kiss my hand before he went about his business.

"Senorita, will you not look at me?" His gentle voice brought me back to the present.

"I am sorry, Senor. I must have a few things on my mind," I replied as politely as I could.

He just swept me off my feet and carried me in his strong arms. I was at a lost of the word to protest. He put me on his great white stallion then got up after me. All the while I still did not have a chance to look at his face. I was not sure that I wanted to see his face anymore. This was bliss, to be on a horse alone with Zorro. I knew he would take me to a solitude place, away from the crowd.

I never tried to find out who Zorro really was. I believed I could always identify him by his actions, his manners. The thought that he might be a completely different person without the mask never crossed my mind. So I was caught unprepared when I finally looked at his face. His hazel eyes glistened in the dim light of the evening. I knew then. It was him.

I did not like the look on my face. My disappointment must have shown through all too clearly. I was hurt. I thought he was a good friend. How could he play with my feelings like this?

Suddenly a shadow fell across my face. He had lowered his face and looked steadily into my eyes. Then he just kissed me. Sweets, longing, passionate kiss. I melted into his arms. All my doubts, all my resistances were gone. I loved the man, with or without the mask. Had I been more observant, I would see that as himself, he did not attempt to hide his intense feelings for me. What a fool I had been! He was around me most of the time but I never noticed until now that he always cared for me, always looked out for my best interest.

"Senorita, now that you see who I am, I won't hold you against any promise you had made before." He was referring to our possible marriage.

"You shame me, Senor!" I cried out indignantly. "How could you ever think that I would go back on my word?"

I could see he was taken back. I regretted my outburst, but I had no intention to apologize. He deserved it for daring to doubt my sincerity. He should know me well by now. Ever since he came to Monterey, I had spoken my mind with him on more than a few occasions.

"Senorita, I did not mean to offend you," he stated. "This has been a very difficult decision for me to make."

I was puzzled. What decision? To give up riding as Zorro, or to ask my hand in marriage?

"I do not think I understand what you mean," I said slowly at last. "Did you accept the amnesty because you thought it would please me?"

I was startled when he just threw back his head and laughed heartily.

"Well, how should I answer your question? I would love to please you, Senorita, but I did not accept the amnesty."

His answer threw me off. I did see him accept and read the amnesty. What game did he think he was playing?

"Why, Senorita, you must be deeper in thoughts than you admitted at the church not to notice the spectacle I created there," he said teasingly.

I did not see any humor in what he said. My cheek flushed with anger. I was about to scream what nonsense he was saying, then checked myself. I still had my pride. I refused to look like a fool by screaming everything on my mind.

"If the Senor will care to explain what happened at the church, I would be most obliged," I said evenly, keeping my eyes glued to his face.

He returned my gaze. I did not know what to expect, but it sure was not another kiss. This one was brief, but it was still everything that made my world. Then he put me aside, replaced his mask and sighed heavily.

"Senorita, how I love you ever since I first set eyes on you! Now it appears that you will never forgive me for what I am about to say. If the choice was wholly my own, I would not hesitate to lay this mask aside and ask you to marry me. But that choice was no longer in my hand. My father reminded me, rightly, that Zorro has become a friend of the people, someone they can depend on. Being Zorro is a responsibility, not a choice anymore. When I started this masquerade against injustice, I thought it would end soon, when the just officials had been appointed to offices. But so far, there had been only corrupted officials. I was caught in my own dilemma. I could not have you and Zorro at the same time."

He paused, presumably to collect his thoughts. I was left to ponder on what he just said. Why could I not marry him? I did not care he remained Zorro; I had no plan to make his secret a public knowledge. But I pushed that thought to the back of my mind. Right now he still owed me an explanation to whatever happened, that he received the amnesty but did not actually accept it.

"I chose, rather, was forced to remain Zorro," he continued. "I know, in my conscience, that I cannot let a lot of people down. I remembered the hopeful look on your face when we had that little talk at your hacienda, so I thought I would have to go to the church for you. A few hours before the time, I crept into the governor's office and substituted the amnesty decree with the fake one. Looked like the governor never opened the parchment again, otherwise he would notice it was a different one. After I received the parchment and opened it, I removed my mask. But no one saw my real face. I had the white bandage around my face." He paused and showed me the bandage. Despite myself, I had to smile at his ingenuity.

"Then I showed the parchment around," he resumed his narrative. "It was blank. The governor's face went pale. I knew I was guilty, but I could not say anything. There was no amnesty, so I was still an outlaw. After that I came to you."

I could not believed I missed all of that! It was like I was not even there at all. Still, he let me know his identity, while the others were fooled. I shook my head. He was really unpredictable.

"I never thought you would have it in you to pull a practical joke as superbly as you just did!" I exclaimed in mock surprise.

"You give me too much credit, Senorita," he said, grinning amiably. I blushed. He looked so adorable with that grin! "I would not dream of competing with our resident expert in pulling a practical joke anytime soon. In fact, I believe right now he is probably taking the heat for all my doings, especially since he started this amnesty thing in the first place."

It certainly served Ricardo right. He had no business interfering with Zorro in the first place. He was almost hung by the Commandante for impersonating Zorro. The other time he challenged Zorro to a duel, and was, no doubt, beaten. But Ricardo never learned his lesson.

"Oh poor Ricardo!" I pretended to moan. "Senor Zorro, you are so cruel."

"Senorita, your words break my heart," he replied mockingly, playing along.

I laughed aloud. It certainly felt good. But there was one thing left on my mind.

"If I understand correctly, you will not marry me." I stated as calmly as I could. "You never tell me why except that you cannot have both Zorro and me at the same time."

He was caught off guard by my sudden change of subject, but quickly regained his composure.

"The knowledge of my identity was enough of a risk I am willing to place on you. I cannot ask you to marry me. The life of Zorro is not ordinary. I cannot come home just because I want to see my wife. You will be home alone most of the time. But the most important thing is that you will be a perfect hostage for the bandidos who seek retribution against Zorro."

"But I want to marry Diego, not Zorro," I protested stubbornly.

"Then you would have to sacrifice your reputation for being married to boring Diego," he said like that was the most important thing.

"Diego, you are anything but boring!" I blurted out. Could the man not have more ego?

He did not respond. Under the dim light, I could not tell what he thought of my statement.

"Please, I want to understand what will happen to us," I pleaded, my hands trembling.

He sighed. "It is not that simple, Anna Maria. Everyone knows you are in love with Zorro. If you suddenly forget Zorro and marry Diego, people will talk. They might even have suspicions."

"So what? Let them talk. I don't care, as long as you are with me!" I shouted in irritation. Why would anyone else have to deny our chance together?

"But I do care," he said passionately. "If people connect Diego with Zorro, you will not be safe. I can never allow any harm to come to you. I conceal my identity, not because I am afraid for myself, but I fear for the safety of all my loved ones, including my father and you."

He looked genuinely concerned. I had no doubt that what he said was the truth, but my heart still refused to understand.

* * *

>
The light had gone out off the sky. But I still sat there, absorbed in thoughts.

"It is late," Zorro observed. "We should be getting back."

"If you think so," I reluctantly agreed. "Will I at least see you again?"

"I do not see why not." Grinning, he added, "In fact, you can come to visit me in Los Angeles."

I reflected on his reply. At least we could still be friends. And, as selfish as it might sound, there might still be a chance that he would change his mind about not marrying me.

I was consoled by the fact that I still had my wonderful memory. That's the one thing no one could take away from me. I silently thanked God for bringing us together. Zorro and I had shared many precious moments since the time we first met. I would cherish forever the time we spent in each other's company. I had no idea what the future would hold for us, but for now, I was wrapped in the arms of the man I loved, savoring the blessed moment we had together.

* * *

>
Author's End Note: For the record, I neither like nor dislike Anna Maria. Also, the ending is quite rush. It is not even a real ending in a sense that there is no real resolution. But I will leave it at that.

Again, there are too many adverbs. And probably many confusing tense usages. All I can say is I am sorry if those things (and/or other mistakes I'm not aware of) were distracting. I'll try to keep them out of future stories.

Thank you for reading my story, in any case. I hope it has been enjoyable, at least a little.

End file.

A Wonderful Present by Scroll Keeper


The Wind

Disclaimer - I don't own the rights, ZPI does.

This is another drabble for Emmarae's challenge.

* * *

**The Wind**

If the wind hadn't blown the door open, then he wouldn't have been in a position where he was kneeling close to her, rubbing her arms.

He wouldn't be in a position where he could gaze into her expressive brown eyes that showed her innocent trust of him.

He wouldn't be in a position where he could give into his longing and kiss those sweet lips of hers, to take what was his.

And he would not be in the position of saying his sacred marriage vows in the Mission Chapel.

He blamed it all on the wind.

End file.

The Wind by CrazyJan57


Tornado's Thoughts: The Day Garcia Caught Me

_Here's the second Tornado POV one shot, inspired by **IcyWaters** - many thanks, my friend!_

**Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z*Z**

The Day Garcia Caught Me

It was a hot day. I was watching how my master and his friend were slashing away at the brush to hide crates filled with something boring. At least it didn't smell edible to me. The smell rather made my nostrils itch and I snorted at the thought of it. My companions were quite busy but at my snorting the shorter one, Bernardo he was called, looked up and decided to check the distance.

The two were always hiding from the others of their own species if they wore a uniform. This time, Bernardo wouldn't have to go and check the area if he had a fine nose like me. I had smelled the other horses and their riders already. Another reason for my nose to itch. As I snorted again, Bernardo came rushing back to where his friend was. For some reason the smaller man was unable to utter sounds, whereas his companion had no trouble doing so.

I loved the voice of my master and I loved the way he played games with me, like hide and seek. He'd tell me to hide and then he'd hide himself. At his whistle, I was supposed to find him. Easy task. My ears were excellent and when I got close enough I could even smell him. He smelled good. He didn't make my nostrils itch. Training my attention back to my master and his friend, I saw the smaller man talking in his usual hand signals.

My black clad friend, he was as black as my coat, another reason we worked so well together, if you ask me, well, he went to look for himself what Bernardo had signed to him. Then he came to me.

"Lead them away from here, Tornado," he said, patting me on my back. Tornado. That's what he called me. I loved the sound of it. Nodding my head, I went to approach the big soldier. He had climbed off his horse and was obviously looking for something. Probably for whatever it was my master was trying to hide.

I was almost on top of the soldier when he noticed me. He made to call out but changed his mind. Picking some half-dried grass off the ground, he offered it to me.

"Take the nice grass, horsey," he said, walking up to me. Did he really think I'd want to eat that? No. In my cave, I got tasty apples and aromatic hay as well as crunchy oats. Grass was nice, too, but not if it had almost the same color as the rocks around it. I kept backing up, always in mind not to take the direction in which my master was standing.

This game was funny but also boring. The big soldier was persistent and kept coming closer with the smelly grass. It must have disrupted my sense of smell because all of a sudden, I felt a rope closing around my hind hoof and I was trapped. I didn't even smell the other soldier. Ah well, no struggling now. It would only serve to draw out my master. And I was sure he'd come and get me, wherever I'd be. It would be a nice change for once.

***zzz***

Oh, this humiliation. Here I was in the cuartel, having to endure the soldiers painting me with cold, white color. And that ridiculous straw hat they put on me was definitely much better for eating than anything else. The big soldier, Garcia, I think they call him, seemed quite pleased with the handiwork of the other soldier. I wasn't, but nobody bothered to ask me.

I looked around the cuartel, seeing if it was possible to get away on my own accord. No dice. The short soldier, Reyes, crossed my line of vision when he stomped off with the offending paint bucket. He didn't look happy. But why should he fare better than myself? Just then, I heard Garcia behind me call out.

"Bring me a bucket of water before you go up to your quarters, Corporal!"

The soldier didn't move. He only pouted and crossed his arms defiantly, then went to sneak up the stairs anyways.

"Bring me a bucket of water!"

Snorting softly, I took pity on the big soldier. Using my lips, I pulled the knot free that tied me to the beam. Then I walked over to where I had seen a bucket of water. I picked it up between my teeth and walked over to Garcia, dropping the bucket next to him before I returned to my spot. On the top veranda, I made out Reyes watching the scene with a silly grin on his face.

"Gracias," the big soldier called.

De nada, I snorted softly.

"If my back didn't itch so much I could sit here a hundred years and never move," Garcia sighed out loud. Hmm, his back was itching, was it? That could be remedied. I walked back to the soldier and started shoving at his back using my head.

"Oh, that feels good, Corporal."

Corporal? Do I have a mustache? I will show him, confusing me with the short soldier. I doubled my shoving efforts slowly.

"My, what soft hands you have," Garcia drawled. Oh no, this man was even more confused than I had thought. Soft hands indeed. Running out of patience, I pushed harder and faster at the soldier's back.

"Not so hard, Corporal. It was so much nicer when you did it easier..." Garcia trailed off. I had enough. He had called me Corporal once too many. By now, he was starting to realize that something was off. Garcia turned and got a fright, seeing it was me behind him and not that silly corporal. Losing his balance, the big man fell off the chair into the footbath and rolled all around. I had seen enough. Had I been able to, I would have laughed. Since I couldn't, I decided to take pity on him, picking up the hat Garcia had lost in his tumble and dropping it into his hands.

"Gracias," Garcia started and then looked sheepishly, realizing he had just thanked a horse. Well, my friend, I'm no ordinary horse.

At that moment, I saw my master enter the cuartel. He did look different. Usually he was dressed all in black. Now, however, he was wearing a rusty brown suit. He still smelled the same, though. I snorted slightly but he ignored me.

"What are you doing, Sergeant?" I heard my master call out to the big soldier, who was still sitting on the ground.

"Don't ask, Don Diego. I thought... then I turned around and... anyway, _he_ started it." Garcia sounded somewhat flustered, pointing at me.

My master laughed heartily. "And I believe he finished it, too." With that, he gave the soldier a hand to help him up. I took the moment to approach my friend again, but he merely took a step back and pointed away from him. Alright, another game. Pretend not to know him. Fine, I'll play.

"Gracias," the sergeant thanked my master, who now took in my appearance. Oh, how silly I must have looked.

"I noticed the peculiar markings on your new horse, Sergeant," my master remarked. "I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it."

Did I look that bad? Oh dear.

"I don't think he quite likes it, either," Garcia replied. Damn right you are. Now that the paint has dried, it's starting to itch and pull on my coat when I move.

Then the big man's voice became somewhat secretive. "This is Zorro's horse," he told my master.

Zorro. That's what they call my master. At least when he's in the black outfit. It made me wonder. Did Garcia not know he was talking to Zorro? It didn't look like it. Usually when they call his name they start chasing us. Not this time.

"Zorro's horse?" My master sounded astounded. "But... how in the world...?" Oh dear, is everyone confused today? My master knew it was me. Why did he act so... weird?

"Never mind how," Garcia replied. I walked off. I had about enough of this charade. I had enough of the paint and the straw hat. Finding a quiet place, I started to doze a bit.

***zzz***

Around evening, I noticed a commotion in the cuartel. Earlier, someone had taken pity on me and washed that paint off. I enjoyed feeling normal again. Now, however, I felt alarmed. They were dragging someone into the jail cells. Someone who didn't move on his own accord. And that someone smelled like my master. I snorted, agitated. He wouldn't be sleeping at this time of day and yet I saw, when they dropped him on the cot in the cell, he didn't move. I didn't like it one bit.

The sergeant sat guard in front of the cell. I was happy seeing that life returned to my master not long after. He got up and he was furious. I had never heard him yell at someone the way he did now at Garcia. The soldier must have said something to calm him because my master sounded a bit less furious thereafter.

When it got dark, I heard he sergeant, who was still sitting in front of my master's cell, starting to snore. Oh joy. I tried to focus on something else so I could maybe rest a bit when I heard a hissing sound.

Lifting my head, I noticed my master signaling to me. I freed myself from the rope again and walked over to the cell. My friend was pointing at something at Garcia's side. The cell keys. Of course. Gently picking the key ring up with my mouth, I dropped them carefully into my master's hands.

Watching my friend as he unlocked the cell to withdraw the soldier's saber, I felt the rush of adventure flooding my veins. I knew it wouldn't take long until I could run to my heart's content. I wasn't disappointed.

Having fashioned a similar outfit Zorro usually wore, my master woke up the sergeant and got him to open the gate of the cuartel. Then all hell broke loose when he jumped onto my back and I raced towards freedom.

Just as I was going through the gates, I felt the familiar weight of my master missing. Unable to stop in time, I was in the plaza as the gates closed again. I could only think of one thing to do. I trotted up to my usual waiting spot at the rear cuartel wall. From inside there came the sounds of clashing swords. There was a lot of shouting and running and shooting and finally my master appeared over the wall.

The chase was on. As soon as I felt my master on my back, I raced off into the night, carrying my friend to safety.

End file.

Tornado's Thoughts: The Day Garcia Caught Me by miXiZ


Saves Nine

**... SAVES NINE**

Disclaimer - I don't own the rights, Zorro Production Inc does - I just like to play with the characters.

Sequel to "A Stitch in Time"

This is for KatieZFan, who wanted more :)

* * *

>
"Mama," six-year-old Alfonso said as his mother escorted his younger brother and himself down the hallway to their room, "Can you tell us a story before siesta?"

"Say please." Victoria replied automatically.

"Please mama." Alfonso said dutifully.

"Please mama." Four year Edmund repeated after his older brother.

"Oh all right," she replied with a smile, as the three of them entered the large room the boys shared, "But just one story and then you need your rest." she added as she helped them to settle into their beds.

"Now, what story would you like?" she asked as she sat down on the edge of Edmund's bed, mindful of her swollen belly, "The one about the pirates or the prince or the poor orphan boy running away to the circus?"

Alfonso shook his head, "The one where papa split his trousers."

"Yes, yes, that one," Edmund piped up, as he squirmed in bed.

"But I've told you that story many times," she said, "Aren't you tired of hearing it?"

"Oh no, I love that story. Please mama." Alfonso pleaded as he sat up.

"Please mama. It's funny." Edmund added like a little echo, as he too sat up.

Victoria shook her head with a small smile, what could she do when both her sons were looking so eager at her. A look that was similar to their father's whenever he wanted something, "Oh all right but just once more and then you must go to sleep. Now lay down and I'll begin." She waited until the boys were lying under the covers once more, "Well, it happened before you were born, when your father, grandfather and uncle Felipe came into the tavern for lunch..."

Alfonso and Edmund listened as their mother told them their favourite story of their father and the time he ripped his trousers at the tavern. They giggled and squirmed in delight as she described how their papa had been afraid someone would notice a large split in his clothing, and so he had sat near the exit with his back to the wall, and of how his ears had turned a lovely shade of red. She described how their Uncle Felipe had to rush back to the hacienda to get another pair of trousers and of how their grandfather had stayed to help.

As Victoria finished the story, a familiar voice spoke behind them, "And what is the meaning of this story?"

She turned her head and saw her husband casually leaning against the doorframe, his face stern but his blue eyes seem to sparkle with amusement. She wondered how long he had been there, listening in.

"I know, papa, I know," Alfonso sat up again, "Always make sure your trousers fit." he added proudly.

Diego crossed his arms, "And what else?"

Not wanting to be outdone by his elder brother, Edmund piped up, "Don't bend over."

Victoria struggled to stifle a giggle that threaten to erupt, "Especially in public." she quipped as she joined in with the teasing.

However, the boys had no such ability to control their emotions and giggled aloud.

Diego threw his wife a look that said 'not you too' before he turned his attention to his overexcited young sons, "That's enough, you two. It's time for your rest, now lay back and settle down." he ordered calmly, his voice brooked no argument.

Even at their young age, both Alfonso and Edmund knew better than to go against their father, "Si, papa." they said together and settled back under the covers.

Diego helped Victoria to her feet and together they left the boys room, smiling when they heard some giggles coming from inside and he debated on whether he should go back to stop them but decided not too. He knew they would eventually settle down and fall asleep; they were mostly good children, only occasionally getting into mischief; mischief that he himself had gotten into at their age.

Not unlike a certain raven hair woman, who also had a habit of getting into trouble, "What on earth made you tell them that story again?" he asked.

Victoria grinned, "They asked for it and I just couldn't deny them," she replied, "Besides it's a funny story about you splitting your trousers." she added, as she gave a long sideways glance over his rear end.

Diego stared at his wife, "Did you just do what I think you did." he asked incredulously, as he stopped outside their rooms.

She giggled, "I was just checking to make sure your trousers were still in one piece." she replied, as she walked passed him and entered their room.

He grinned as he followed her inside, "Oh really? And were they?"

"Si, they were." she replied, "I must say that your tailor does a very good job with your clothing." she added with a gleam in her eyes.

He chuckled, "I will pass on your compliments the next time I see him," he replied, as he placed his arms around her waist, drawing her to him, "I'm never going to live that little incident down, am I? Even though it happened seven or so years ago." he commented.

She laughed and shook her head, "No, I don't think so," she replied as she leant into his warm embrace, "Not now that your sons know about it."

He snorted, "And whose fault was that. Father and his stories about me as a child. Even now, he still tells the boys some wild stories." he replied as he gently placed his hand on her swollen belly and felt a kick to his hand, "Perhaps this one won't be so eager to know about his father's embarrassing moments."

"Oh I don't think SHE will," she replied, "I mean a daughter doesn't want to know those kinds of things about her father. It would be too embarrassing for her."

"But if she is anything like her mother, she would torment me mercilessly about it." he teased as he gently rubbed his wife's stomach, "You sound sure it's a girl."

She nodded, "She's sitting differently than the boys," she replied, "Hmm, that feels nice, Diego." she added as his other hand began a gentle massage to her lower back.

"Why don't you lie down, Victoria," he said, "I'll be able to rub your back much better than standing up like this."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. My back has been aching a little today." she replied as she removed her jacket and her outer skirts before she lowered herself down on their bed and laid down on her side.

When she felt the bed dip behind her and her husband began a gentle but firm massage to her back, she couldn't stop herself from one last tease, "Be careful not to split your trousers, Diego." she giggled.

* * *

>
The End

Hope you liked this little sequel. :)

End file.

Saves Nine by CrazyJan57


Victoria's Christmas Surprise

**I don't own the rights to Zorro or any of the characters. All rights belong to the creators of Zorro. This story is for entertainment purposes only. I hope you enjoy it. **

**Victoria's Christmas Surprise**

Victoria hung the last ornament on her small tree and took a deep breath to relax. It was Christmas Eve, and she was ready for bed. The Christmas party was a lot of fun, but she really hoped to see Zorro before the party came to a close. She figured he stayed away, so the people of Los Angeles could enjoy the party instead of having the fun and dancing interrupted by the Alcalde's crazy way of chasing after him in the middle of the night.

She was about to pick up a pile of empty ornament boxes when she heard a bump in the kitchen. Victoria made her way slowly over to the curtain separating the kitchen and dinning room. She peeked into the kitchen and jumped when she felt a gloved hand touch her shoulder lightly.

"Sorry to startle you my love." A deep and familiar voice came from the other side of the curtain. Victoria quickly pulled the curtain back and rushed into Zorro's warm and waiting arms.

"I am happy to see you. Merry Christmas." She smiled up at him and laughed with pure happiness.

"Merry Christmas Victoria. I am sorry about my absence at the Christmas party. I hope you enjoyed yourself." Zorro leant down to kiss her forehead.

"I did enjoy myself, but I was hoping to see you." She frowned, but deep down she understood why he didn't show up.

"I would have only ruined the fun. De Soto has a nasty habit of chasing after me and setting traps. I thought it would be best to wait until after all the guests returned home and the Alcalde back to his office." He smiled at her, hoping she understood.

"I understand, but the most important thing now is that you are here with me, and we can finally spend some time together on this special Holiday." She grinned slyly up at him.

"There is no one else I would rather spend Christmas with, than with you." He pulled her closer to him and lightly brushed his lips over her sweet and inviting lips.

"I have something very special for you." Zorro pulled a small box from his sash and handed it to Victoria.

"You didn't need to get me anything." She smiled at him and looked down at the small box resting in her hand.

"I know, but I wanted to give you something special to keep with you as a reminder of my love for you. Please open it Mi Amor." Zorro urged her with a loving smile.

Victoria carefully open the small box. Inside was a silver chain with a heart pendent carefully placed on a soft and folded cloth. "It's beautiful, thank you." She felt the delicate chain with her finger tips. A few tears of happiness ran down her cheeks.

"Let me help you put it on." Zorro gently took the delicate chain and stepped behind Victoria. She felt a chill of excitement when the heart-shaped pendent touched her warm skin, and the soft kiss her masked love planted on her neck before he stepped back in front of her to gaze the beautiful woman standing before him. "It looks wonderful on you." He touched the pendent, and lightly brushed the back of his finger over her skin. She shivered with excitement and a slight blush touched her cheeks.

" I will treasure it always." She reached up on tip toes and kissed him. Zorro responded with a shiver and deepened the passionate kiss. After a few moments, they stepped back from each other, they were on the verge of going farther than just a kiss.

"You have always had my heart, but now you can see and feel my love for you when we are apart." He replied with a love filled smile.

"And you will always have my heart." Victoria responded quietly. Zorro noticed the change in her tone and became concerned.

"Is something bothering you?" He looked into her brown eyes. She looked upset and bothered.

"I didn't get you anything. I helped buy the supplies for the orphanage, and donated some toys to help brighten Christmas for those children who have very little to look forward too around the holidays." Her eyes slowly filled with disappointment in herself.

"Please don't worry about it, just seeing you is enough to brighten my Christmas. You have done so much for other's, you deserve to be pampered by others." He pulled her close to him, and gently kissed her. He made sure he pulled away before the kiss lead to something more involved.

" I love you Victoria." He laughed lightly at her expression of wanting more.

" I love you too. Thank you for the beautiful necklace." She shook her head to clear her mind.

" You're very welcome." He paused to catch his breath. " I should be going. I hope to see you again soon." Zorro kissed her hand gently and climbed up and out of his usual window. " Merry Christmas Victoria." He called down and disappeared.

"Merry Christmas Zorro." Victoria said to herself as she watched him disappear out of sight.

End file.

Victoria's Christmas Surprise by jpaez


Revealed (Drabble)

His face was covered as usual by the black silk mask, but there was something suddenly so familiar in his steady gaze. His eyes were so blue, like sapphires against the black. Those beautiful eyes flashed fire as he turned from her.

"I've told you over and over again, Victoria. I won't remove the mask. You know how dangerous it would be. I've tried to explain. I won't put your life in danger, for my own desires." The hint of someone else in the voice, revealed everything.

"Diego?" He went white. She knew she was right.

End file.

Revealed (Drabble) by Paulsmum2001