Five Ways Alejandro Didn't Find Out About Zorro

**It didn't happen this way. **

Alejandro had his mouth open to say, "Felipe, would you tell Diego and Victoria that dinner is ready," when he realized that Felipe wasn't standing beside the table but crouching under it. When he rose he was holding a fat chipmunk by the tail.

Alejandro winced. "The cat got in again?"

Felipe nodded and pointed at Diego's chair. "A present for Diego. Well, at least she killed it this time. You take care of that, and I'll go fetch Diego and our guest."

When he got outside, however, Alejandro saw no sign of them in the courtyard. He was turning back into the house when he heard a low voice from the other side of the wall. Diego: "I was wondering if, perhaps, you had given any thought to that matter we discussed yesterday."

Victoria laughed. "What matter was that? I was very busy yesterday. Was it important?" Alejandro reversed course and headed for the side gate.

Diego's voice--and it must be Diego, though it was scarcely recognizable--brought Alejandro up short just as he stepped out into the outer garden "Victoria, please. Please. I know what I have done is unforgivable. But do not play with me." He had never heard his son beg. He frowned.

"Oh, now, really, Diego. Unforgivable? I'll agree with 'barely comprehensible,' and certainly 'upsetting.' But do you really think I'm shallow enough or stupid enough to call this 'unforgivable.' That is melodramatic, even for you."

"Melodramatic?"

"Which, actually...explains quite a bit, now that I think on it." Her voice was playful. She was teasing, almost...flirting? With Diego?

"Obviously not shallow or unintelligent, but...perhaps..._unkind_ enough to taunt me cruelly?"

Another laugh. "I might. And I'm tempted....But every time I look at you...every time I think...Oh, Diego."

It was only a thickly blossomed rose arbor separating him from the young people now. He couldn't see, but he could hear. The rustle of clothing, the sigh of breath, the longing groan. Alejandro had been young himself, once. At the sound of their soft lovemaking he froze with rage.

Victoria--it was unthinkable, it was absurd, but it was happening--Victoria was trifling with Diego. There was no possible purpose, no conceivable reason, and yet Victoria--innocent, honorable Victoria--was seducing his son.

And Diego didn't stand a chance. Not Diego, who was polite and charming but rarely paused to look at a pretty face or form. He knew nothing of women at all! He had never courted anyone, didn't 'travel to Monterrey' on business to spend a few days enjoying feminine...companionship. Diego was--had been for years--completely besotted with Victoria, and now she was taking ruthless advantage of it.

But why? What could she hope to gain? Surely, anything she desired--anything! Diego would freely give her. And everyone knew that Victoria was in love with Zorro. She never looked at another man. Certainly, any number of men had tried to gain her affections. So why, now, was she seducing poor Diego? How could she betray this decent man who had been her friend for years?

Alejandro's rage was washed away by his astonishment. _Everyone knew that Victoria was in love with Zorro. She never looked at another man._ Never. And yet, here she was, in Diego's arms, kissing him.

_Please. I know what I have done is unforgivable. But do not play with me._

Zorro. He was Zorro. _My son_. _He is Zorro, and she has just found out. _Dear God. Dear God....he had to get them married! Alejandro clapped his hand over his mouth to keep from crying out. His son was in love. With a woman who would have him. And yes, they were mere minutes from committing a carnal sin, right here, now, in the garden. But--

_My son is Zorro_.

How would he ever get them married?

Don Alejandro slipped to his knees, laughing silently.

**It didn't happen this way**.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The pounding at the door was rough and rude. In the middle of the night, it was terrifying. Worse that it was the front door. Some disaster at the ranch would have brought the vaqueros to the side door.

The pounding had roused Maria and Miguel, even Felipe--although often in the evening he was up late with Diego. The three servants clustered behind Alejandro like chicks behind a hen.

It was Sergeant Mendoza at the door, with four lancers behind him. When the door flew open he stared openly at Alejandro, gaping, silent.

"Well? What is it? Surely you wanted something to make such a noise in the middle of the night!"

"Don Alejandro...." Mendoza whispered.

"Yes? Mother of God, Mendoza, what _is_ it?"

"We have captured Zorro. The alcalde laid a clever trap...." He dropped his eyes. "Not so clever. But. There was a weak spot in the roof....I am sorry. We have him."

"Well, I can see why you're sorry. You have every reason to be ashamed of yourself, Mendoza--the man has saved your life more than once! But why are you telling me in the middle of the night."

"Don Alejandro...we _have_ him. We have unmasked him. We saw him fight--_I_ saw him fight. There is no question that he is Zorro."

"What are you--"

"Please, Don Alejandro. We know it is Diego."

He laughed. He couldn't help it. "Diego? Diego is Zorro? Diego is--" In bed asleep? With all this commotion? In the library reading? Then why didn't he come to the door? The laughter died in his throat to be replaced with a vehement curse. Alejandro spun on his heel and stormed away.

"Don Alejandro? Where are you going? I have orders--"

"I am going to change clothes, Sergeant. I cannot go to the pueblo in my nightshirt."

**It didn't happen this way, either**

Except for a couple of lost roof tiles, the stables seemed to have come through the tremor unscathed. The house was sporting a small crack above the back door, but that was the only structural damage Alejandro saw. In the kitchen, Maria bent over a sticky mess of broken glass that must have once been bottles of wine and pots of...jam? No, she wasn't hurt.

He walked slowly from room to room, absently retrieving books from the floor and wincing at the occasional broken ornament. There was surprisingly little damage, really, considering how terrifying and dramatic the quake had seemed at the time. The winter after he'd returned from Madrid, Diago had taken leather chords and strapped all the larger pieces of furniture to the walls. At the time it had seemed absurdly fastidious, but Alejandro had to admit that this was an improvement on righting bookcases and bureaus. Or, God forbid, lifting the furniture off of Maria or Felipe or Anna. Or Diago. If anyone were to be injured in an earthquake, it would be Diago. The boy could turn an ankle walking across a flat meadow--

After so many rooms with only minor disorder, finding the crack down the back of the fireplace was a small shock. The cleavage rent the firebox from top to bottom with a gap large enough to insert a finger. Putting down the armful of books he'd gathered, Alejandro crouched on the hearth and reached out--

His relief was quickly followed by amusement. The long, strait crack wasn't structural damage, it was the entrance to the old bolt-hole, an escape tunnel build back in the colony's early days. Alejandro hadn't thought about it in years.

A gentle push opened the panel the rest of the way, revealing the dim cavity behind, and he ducked through.

This side didn't appear damaged, either. The walls around the opening were clearly old, but not cracked or off center. The catch that normally held the door shut had shifted, but wasn't broken, and the hinge was silent as Alejandro swung the panel back and forth.

He straightened up, then, and studied the alcove in the dim light that filtered through the ventilation slits. It seemed both brighter and cleaner then he'd remembered. But then, it had been decades....

He descended slowly down the stairs, examining the foundation as he went. There were no cracks, but in two or three small places the rock and mortar were slightly different, as though repairs had been made.

So involved he was in the walls and ceiling that he was standing in the cozy little room before he noticed it. There was an oak desk, with papers neatly piled on one corner; a coat rack, with a hat and clothing hanging; and a couple of chairs. A narrow table crowded with tiny bottles and slim beakers marked the place as Diego's. The boy had filled half his bedroom with soil samples and the winter kitchen with...actually, Alejandro wasn't even sure what kind of experiments were currently running in the winter kitchen. But this place was clearly Diego's. He must have heeded his father's warning about not filling any more of the house with his hobbies. A creative solution, bringing the overflow down here--

A soft stamp and wicker grabbed Alejandro's attention and drew him further into the dim cavern. Behind a low partition was a tidy horse stall. A Horse stall? Diego wasn't just keeping his science experiments down here, he had brought a entire horse in, under the house.

It was, Alejandro noticed, a magnificent horse: a stallion, tall, surely sixteen hands at least, and dark. Not one of the de le Vega stock. No, he had only seen horseflesh of this quality a handful of times in his life. Right now, in the pueblo, only Toronado--

The little glass bottles clinked together as he backed into the narrow table. Alejandro flinched away and steadied himself on a chair. There was no mistaking that horse, those legs, that flank: Toronado. Diego had hidden Toronado here, below the house.

He was astonished. Toronado here could only mean that Diego was in league with the Fox. Diego--quiet, bookish, clumsy Diego, who was more concerned with his clothing then politics and more concerned with natural philosophy than his clothing. How could he possibly be working with Zorro?

Oh, but it made a terrible sense. Zorro knew too much, moved too fast. He was everywhere. He planned for every eventuality. He outmaneuvered the government at every turn. How could one man do so much alone? And so Diego--and how many other young men?--contributed to the illusion. And who would ever suspect Diego, seeming so innocent, so useless...and all the while he was imbedded in this great conspiracy.

Toronado was restless, shifting in his stall. Alajandro couldn't tear his eyes away. Diego an accomplice of Zorro. Impossible, but it must be true. The only other explanation was that Diego was Zorro himself, and that was absurd. Diego was hopeless with a sword and even worse on a horse. Smart enough to be the fox, yes, but the rest of it? Never.

Alejandro looked around the room again. The bottles were labeled in Diego's elegant hand. On the desk sat a book Diego had been reading. No one else's tastes or habits were in evidence. There were only two chairs, not enough for a hideout that hosted a conspiracy.

Still.

It couldn't be Diego. Diego didn't even carry a sword. He didn't respect violence. His involvement in politics extended only as far as that newspaper.

Alejandro sank into one of the stairs and lowered his head into his hands. The indifference to the daily dramas in the pueblo had been a lie, obviously. How large a lie? Large enough to hide Zorro himself?

No. Not Diego.

A soft gasp from the entrance brought Alejandro's attention back to the dim, cool room around him. Diego's younger shadow was standing at the foot of the stairs, staring at him, frozen in horror. Alejandro stared back. "You know about this," he said, after a moment. "Of course you know about this. Diego doesn't go to the privy without you three steps behind him...." An exaggeration, but not much of one. "Felipe, what's going on here?"

Felipe shuddered and drew a hand across his eyes: he didn't want to talk about it.

"But that is the answer, isn't it. Diego can't be Zorro. He would never involve you in something so dangerous. Never."

Felipe gave him a hard, inscrutable look and then turned and sank down into steps. His eyes were on the floor between his feet, neatly avoiding continuing the conversation.

"I just don't understand. Why didn't he tell me? Did he think I would condemn him? For working with Zorro? I would have helped him!"

Felipe looked up and traced the figure "don't understand," in the air between them. In the years Diego had been gone, Alejandro had used that particular sign himself almost daily. I don't understand.

"No, by God, I don't understand--" Alejandro closed his teeth sharply. There was absolutely no point in yelling at the boy, even if there were a point in blaming him. But Felipe would follow any plan of Diego's, keep any secret, take any terrible risk...anything Diego asked, no matter how mad, and Alejandro couldn't expect anything else.

Felipe was saying something. The only words Alejandro recognized were "protect you." The absurdity of that nearly made him laugh aloud. The idea of Diego protecting anyone was nearly funny. Nearly. Alejandro felt like his heart was in his throat.

Felipe stood up and gently took his hand, tugging him in the direction of the steps. Alejandro allowed himself be led. They found Diego in the summer kitchen with Maria, sweeping up the last remains of broken pottery and discussing involved plans for expanding the herb garden. Felipe, coiled with tension, paused in the doorway, one hand locked around Alejandro's wrist.

Standing in the sunlight, listening to Diego talk about parsley and comfrey and garlic, the dim cave behind the fireplace seemed almost a dream. Then, suddenly, the last of the mess was cleared away and Diego was speaking reassuringly to Maria and sending her to right the back bedrooms.

"Father? Felipe? Is something wrong? The house--"

Felipe let go of Alejandro's arm and signed, "He found it."

Frowning at Felipe's distress, Diego asked gently, "Found what?"

Felipe glanced miserably at Alejandro and answered, "Found you."

Diego showed no sign of alarm, just that same gentle, slightly bland concern. Unable to bear it any longer, Alejandro said, "I found the passage behind the fireplace."

Diego blinked once, still apparently unconcerned. "Was it damaged in the quake?"

"No, but it was opened," he answered shortly. "I've been down to the...stable."

At this Diego's shoulders slumped slightly. "I see."

Felipe's hands flashed far too fast for Alejandro to follow, but whatever he said surprised Diego. "Father--you think I'm helping Zorro?"

"I'm not sure what to think."

"No...No, I'm sure it was quite a shock." He winced slightly. "And now may not be the best time to talk about it. We haven't finished inspecting the house for damage. And we should send someone to the pueblo to make sure they came through it as well as we have."

He was just so impossibly calm, almost casual about it. As though he weren't a young man whose enormous folly had just come to the attention to his father. As though he had not been caught in the crime of abetting a wanted criminal. As though nothing worth noting was happening at all. Alejandro's stomach twisted again. "No," he whispered. "It cannot be true. You cannot be Zorro."

Diego looked both scandalized and amused. He was going to deny it, make some excuse, spin some story. It would be just like every other lie he'd being telling for years. It was too much. "Diego, don't you dare."

His amusement and charm evaporating, Diego murmured, "Not here," and gently took his father's arm. Alejandro managed to keep his temper as he was led back through the library and through the hidden door.

Once again in the cave, surrounded with the detritus of Diego's hobbies, Alejandro spun on his son. "Why? Merciful God, why, Diego?"

"That's what you want to know? _Why_? You know perfectly well 'why,' Father." The man who answered seemed both taller and more serious then the son Alejandro knew. Thought he knew. "Luis Ramone was a tyrant and a sadist. He had two dozen lancers and the full authority of the Spanish Crown behind him, and he had no scruples about bankrupting, torturing, or murdering anyone who got in his way."

Alejandro shook his head weakly. "Diego, you don't believe in violence."

That got him a brief nod. "No. I believe in justice, representation, and civil society. But I am not so attached to them that I would see you and Victoria martyred to their cause."

Alejandro swallowed hard. That had been Zorro's first act, hadn't it? The very same week Diego had returned from Spain, Zorro had broken the two most vocal community leaders out of the fort's little jail. "It was...it was personal."

Diego sighed heavily. "It was pure desperation. We had to defend ourselves against him, but anyone who tried--the reprisals were only going to get worse. The men in the plaza were talking about rebellion. Most of the soldiers weren't local boys, they would have fired on the rebels, if it came to that. And the government...." he sighed again. "It was the only option left, for any of us."

Alejandro closed his eyes, "Those soldiers regularly fire on Zorro."

"A musket is a very effective weapon against a crowd of civilians or an oncoming army..." a soft laugh, "or a grazing deer. Less so against one man on a good mount. The accuracy--"

"Are you listening to what you are saying?" Alejandro wasn't sure what he was hearing himself. Wasn't this Diego, who never carried a sword? Who rode only the most docile horses? "You are taking on an entire garrison alone. This can't go on. I can't let this go on--"

"Do you think to stop me?"

"You can't keep pretending to be Zorro!"

That drew a surprised laugh. "I am Zorro. There is no one else."

And, oh, that was right, wasn't it? This was his son--this confident man in this well furnished cave--Zorro, the outlaw, the myth, the defender of the downtrodden. The fragile, distracted dilatant that Alejandro had shared his home with for the last five years, that wasn't a real person at all. Alejandro nodded to himself. "Diego is the pretense, of course. How blind I've been. I don't know you...I don't know my son at all."

Diego dropped his eyes. "I'm sorry for that," he said softly. "I never intended to deceive you."

"An _accident_ then?" Diego opened his mouth to protest, and Alejandro waived him down. "No, don't say anything. Don't say anything. You've been fighting a war all alone and I've been no help to you."

The silence that followed that was almost unbearably raw. After a long moment Diego sighed and sat down on the edge of the desk. "Father...."

"I'm not even sure how to apologize to you. Or what to apologize for."

"For? Father, you've been...beyond patient. The lengths I've gone to distract everyone--I've been an endless trial to you, I know." He smiled slightly, that soft, self-depreciating smile that Diego showed so often. "You have nothing to apologize for."

Was it the sustained astonishment that made him feel so tired? Or was it the growing weight of his shame? "While you've been fighting for--for justice and the rights of man, I've been--Diego, I've been...very critical."

Diego met his eyes levelly. "You were exactly what I needed you to be. A voice for the caballeros, a leader to keep them from doing anything rash...and at the same time the voice of reason, reminding the Alcalde not to go too far. You've been perfect."

"Perfect? How many times have I nearly gotten you killed, goading de Soto into a rage, knowing that I could rely on Zorro if things got out of hand?"

Diego nodded seriously. "And couldn't you? For the most part, Zorro has been very effective. I've heard you say so, and I think...I think I've done well."

"Done well?" Alejandro gasped. "Done well doesn't begin to describe--Diego, I hate to think where we'd be by now if it weren't for Zorro! You've been--you've been our salvation."

For a moment, perhaps a second or two, Diego's eyes softened and a smile nearly surfaced from beneath his serious mien. Then the moment was gone and Diego was nodding reasonably. "Very well, then, Father."

"No, Diego, I-I cannot be so reasonable about this. You refuse to allow someone else to be martyred to the cause of justice, but you expect me to just sit here and agree to let you--to let you be-- No. It isn't so simple."

"I'm hardly martyring myself. There is some risk, but not an unreasonable amount. Joining the army or bullfighting or sailing to Europe--any number of things would be more dangerous still."

"De Soto will hang you if he takes you. And praise God we aren't still under Ramone! That man would have had you whipped and branded first."

Diego was still meeting his eyes, still unbearably reasonable, still more confident than Alejandro had ever seen his son. "Yes. De Soto will hang me if he takes me. But he cannot take me, and his soldiers--the ones that actually want to capture me--are convinced that it is impossible. They barely try, and count themselves lucky that I _don't_ enjoy bloodshed."

Unable to bear that calm, resolute gaze any longer, Alejandro closed his eyes. His son. Dear God, his son. Every day this strength of purpose had lived beside him in his very household. How could he not have seen it?

How could he bear it, if next week or next month, Zorro made a mistake and Diego was lost to him forever?

"Father? Are you feeling ill? Felipe, get some water. Quickly. Father--"

"No, I'm all right," he muttered. "I'm fine. Really."

Felipe pushed a shallow terra cotta cup into Alejandro's hands and guided it to his lips. The water was cool, but slightly musty. He gulped it anyway.

"It's a bit much to take in. I'm sorry, Father. I shouldn't have pressed you."

A bit much to take in? Alejandro nearly laughed. "You weren't up late last night reading, were you? You were riding around the territory in a mask--"

Felipe nudged him to drink again and signed something mysterious to Diego.

"Yes, perhaps so. A small dose."

"What's he doing?" Alejandro asked.

"Getting you cactus tea. A small dose, for the shock. It will leave your wits intact, unlike brandy."

Diego did not drink. Even wine, he avoided. Because Zorro needed his wits intact. Dear God. Alejandro closed his eyes again. The world spun around him.

"I'm so sorry, Father," Diego whispered. "Please believe me, that I did not enjoy lying to you, disappointing you. If--If I had been caught, you could swear before God that you had no knowledge." He glanced at the boy bent over the worktable, heating water over a small brazier. "If I could have hidden it from Felipe, I would have. Zorro is my own folly. I don't want anyone else--"

Felipe set a jar down hard enough to make the table rattle and turned around to glare briefly at Diego. Something passed between them, and the boy turned back to his work.

Alejandro took a deep breath and wondered how many shocks he was prepared to absorb today. "Was he so careless because he feels safe here? Or is it always so obvious?"

Diego sighed. "I'm sorry. You deserved--"

Felipe stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. He apologized, slowly, so that Alejandro could follow. Then, more slowly still, "Don't be angry. I was protecting him. I was useful to him. You understand." The fluid hands conveyed a terror and desperation that Alejandro did understand perfectly. He had done it for Diego.

Alejandro breathed in, wishing the world would stop spinning. "And now?" he gasped. "How do I thank you? There is no one else, is there? All this time, Diego has only had you...." The cool, dim cave suddenly seemed stifling and dark. Alejandro gasped, but there hardly seemed to be any air.

"Father? Are you all right?"

He was fine. It was just a shock. Surely, the world would spin for anyone.....

Zorro.

Diego.

Sharp pain came with every breath and a darkness hovered at the edges of his vision. Alejandro panted, despite the pain, but there simple didn't seem to be any air. Diego was looking very anxious, now. "Felipe," he said sharply. "Quickly. Help me get him down."

He didn't need any help, but he couldn't fight their strong hands. He was lifted, settled. And then he was looking up at Diego from a very strange angle. "Father. Try to relax. You will be just fine."

Diego.

The world flooded with blackness. He could hear his son calling him, but he couldn't remember how to answer.

**Nope**

There was nothing extraordinary about Zorro interrupting a whipping. True, public whippings were much less common under de Soto then they had been under Ramone. And some were perfectly lawful: theft, public drunkenness, and so forth. Still. Every few months Zorro appeared and demanded an accounting for a sentence that was too harsh or based on too little evidence.

De Soto might have remembered that, when he ordered the whippings for Pedro and Jose, but he was in a temper. And once ordering the punishment, he couldn't rescind it without looking weak, so all that was left was to hope Zorro wouldn't decide to appear.

Alejandro was sure he would. Zorro had a particular dislike of whippings and he took a special interest in the affairs of Jose Macias.

De Soto didn't administer his own punishments, so it was one of the lancers Zorro disarmed and tossed in the dust. Don Alejandro retreated to the porch of the tavern, pulling Felipe with him, to watch the excitement. The crowd cheered--except for a few who had been looking forward to the whipping. De Soto fumed. Zorro tossed a handful of coins in the dirt at his feet: "Surely a payment of fine is adequate punishment for a minor offense."

Jose's wife threw a bunch of flowers at Zorro. She must have had high hopes for the rescue, to bring them. Alejandro laughed. Zorro neatly snatched one of the flowers out of the air and tossed it toward the tavern where it landed at Victoria's feet.

There was more cheering. De Soto ordered the lancers to fire, but there in the midst of the crowd, they couldn't get a shot. And then Toronado pranced and tossed his head and turned at a gallop toward the gate....and one of the lancers made a lucky shot.

Toronado bucked and squealed as he lost his rider, but it was already too late. Zorro flew from the saddle. By the time he hit the ground the plaza had gone silent, so the sound of his neck breaking was clearly audible. Cold with horror, Alejandro leaped forward and seized Victoria. She wailed and pushed against him, but Alejandro turned her bodily away.

"No. No, there's nothing you can do--" His arms were full of Victoria when Felipe dashed past him, sprinted across the open ground, and threw himself on Zorro's motionless body. He bent forward, the very image of wretched grief. Alejandro could only stare: like every boy in the pueblo, Felipe idolized Zorro. But...but he was weeping as though it were Diego lying dead on the ground, instead of the pueblo's hero.

_No. _

The numbness took him from head to toe. Gasping, he teetered backward. Suddenly, it was Victoria keeping him upright as much as it was him keeping her back from the tragedy.

In the stillness of the plaza, Sergeant Mendoza stepped forward, almost tentatively. As he approached the body, Felipe leapt to his feet and shoved him away. He was shouting. Desperate. Incoherent. Heartbroken.

Alejandro slid to his knees. _Diego. No._ But his own tears were coming now. _Diego. My boy. _

**Also, nope:**

Alejandro was working a pebble out of Dulcinea's hoof when Diego rode up on a huge, black stallion. "Impressive," he said. "Where did you get him?"

"I've had him for a while." Diego watched his father's face as he dismounted and unbridled the stallion. "He's a...secret I no longer need to keep." He whistled softly, and the horse bowed, dropping its head between its forelegs. He whistled again, and the horse came up, tossed its mane, and took three neat steps backward.

It was the most splendid horse Alejandro had ever seen. It even put Emilio to shame. And, of course, there was only one horse in the territory that was so perfectly trained. Alejandro tried to swallow. His mouth was suddenly so dry that it took two tries to say, "You've had him for a while, then."

"Since the week I came back from Madrid." Affectionately, he caressed the velvet nose. "Eight years, now. Dios. He's not a colt anymore. I thought it was time to put him out to stud." He was watching Alejandro out of the corner of his eye.

"And, of course...there's no danger...now that the warrants for Zorro's arrest have been withdrawn."

Diego gave a small, wry smile. "I can't say that didn't effect my decision." He began to unsaddle the great, black horse.

"Nor the fact that Ignacio de Soto boarded a ship in San Pedro last night...." Alejandro muttered.

"Should I have rubbed his nose in it? What would that have accomplished?" Toronado nudged at him, pushing at his shoulder. Diego produced a carrot from his pocket.

Alejandro took a step closer, mindful of the fact that Toronado's reputation for fierceness was well-earned. It wouldn't do to spook or irritate him. "It would have incensed him....perhaps into something we would all later regret. On the other hand, you might have found it very satisfying. De Soto has made no secret of his low opinion of you." He swallowed. "Of Diego."

That drew a chuckle. "Oh, believe me: he had a low opinion of Zorro as well."

Alejandro closed his eyes. He had a lump in his throat. "Well, Zorro...he was always a bit of a show-off, wasn't he?" The lump was growing. He tried to swallow it. "But my son, Diego, he...he never demanded any credit for himself, or cared for his own comfort, his own pride...his own safety." The lump was nearly choking him now.

"And maybe...too little regard for the needs of...family?"

Alejandro shook his head, although it was a moment before he could speak. "You've saved my life. I'm not sure I can count the times, Diego. Oh--dear God. When Zorro was tossed into Perdito Canyon...It was the day he was leading Mendoza away from me--the day you were--"

Diego turned to him quickly. He shook his head ruefully. "Oh, no. You can't take the blame for that. Zorro was showing off. Honestly, Father. I alone was to blame."

"And you...fell...from your horse." His eyes strayed to the stallion. "Toronado...."

"I'm sorry, Father." He spread his hands sadly.

Diego had been bedridden for over a week. Although Zorro had, apparently, not. He had staged a spectacular rise from the dead....Still, the doctor had said the concussion had nearly killed him. Alejandro had been confused and impatient at the time. Diego? Falling from a _horse_? When he was such an excellent rider?

But he had believed it, just as he had believed-- "How many of the times you were 'sick' were you concealing Zorro's injuries? And how many times were you just concealing Zorro?"

"It doesn't matter--"

"Palomarez. You were flushed and swaying on your feet. If I hadn't known better I would have thought you were drunk. What did he _do _to you? Diego? Did you lose that much blood?"

"Poison," Diego admitted. "But it...wasn't serious."

Alejandro let his breath out slowly. "I can think of at least two occasions where Zorro was shot."

"Not so badly, really. Father, none of that matters now."

"Did you even see the doctor? For any of it?" Alejandro laughed rawly. "How ironic. Now--_now_ when it's safe--I want to lock you in your room. Who would have thought it would fill me with so much fear to find out you weren't a coward?"

Diego actually blushed a little at that.

"And now what?" Alejandro glanced at Toronado. "Do we dye his markings and find Zorro another horse? Or is all this... simply over?"

"Now," Diego said wistfully, "_Now_, I ride into the pueblo and...wait until someone is curious enough to challenge me, I suppose. This afternoon, I think. It will be good to get it over with." He ran a hand down Toronado's shining neck. "By himself, he won't be proof enough for most people."

Don Alejandro nodded. If he was going to reveal himself, this seemed a reasonable way to do it. "I think more than one person will want to test you, though. And Sergeant Mendoza....you may have to buy him a full meal or even two before he'll forgive you. Or get over his embarrassment enough to thank you. I think, if you want all that out of the way in time to court Victoria this evening, we should leave now."

"You make an excellent point. I'll fetch Felipe. He's been waiting years for this."

**How it happened**

It would be absurd to chide _Victoria_ for being intemperate when he himself had been arrested for striking the garrison commandant in the jaw. She had kept her temper well enough to avoid public brawling, at least.

Still, she was wrong. "We can't win this in an open fight, Victoria. Our farmers aren't soldiers. And there are so many who cannot defend themselves at all--the women and children, the monks, the Indians at the mission. The fact that you are right...doesn't mean that the best course isn't to endure as best we can and seek a peaceful solution."

From the other cell, she eyed him sadly. "Do you really and truly think the women and children are safe now? I have counted a dozen people turned out of their houses....two dozen more imprisoned for--for _nothing_. Yes, you're right, we may be killed if we fight back. But we surely will be, if we don't."

Alejandro got up and paced restlessly, his arms folded and his shoulders hunched against the chilly air coming in the open window. "Try to think strategically. He cannot continue in this manner: the people are the wealth of the pueblo. If no one is working the land, caring for the cattle, tanning the hides...there will be no taxes to collect, and he can't have that. He's trying to frighten us, but--"

"Yes, and he thinks if he can keep us frightened _enough_, we will put up with anything." It was a bit startling: she had never interrupted him before. But over the last few months, the polite, earnest young women he'd watched grow up had become both angry and daring. It was a bit unsettling. "He'll leave us destitute, hungry, our children turned out in the streets, and we'll allow it because he's _frightened_ us! Well, I've seen what happens when you 'endure.' One day you wake up and everything you love is _gone_. He sees you as a threat, Don Alejandro. Shall I wait until after he's run you off or killed you before I fight him?"

"Victoria! I'm the last person in the district who needs protecting!"

She walked to the bars and peered at him earnestly. "Everyone needs protecting. And if we don't stand up for each other...." She frowned and glanced over her shoulder.

"What is it?"

"I think I heard something...."

Irritated, Alejandro growled, "Oh, what is he up to _now?_ At least let us get some sleep...." Then he heard a muffled thump. It didn't sound like guards.

The heavy wooden door swung open and Diego--dressed all in black and wearing a mask--stepped into the little jail. "Good evening," he said politely.

Completely shocked, Alejandro could only demand to know who he was supposed to_ be_. He couldn't imagine what mad, impossible plot had led to this.

Victoria was more suspicious than shocked. "_What_ are you?" she asked.

Diego smiled. "A creature of the night, like a fox." He bowed slightly and presented himself. "The Fox."

Alejandro felt his breath catch. It was brilliant. What possible action could the alcalde take against a masked bandit who insisted on releasing prisoners and causing havoc? Dear God, it was magnificent! Ramone would be incensed, and helpless to do anything about it but decry the rise of crime...and since bringing order was his own job....Alejandro nearly laughed aloud. He wished he'd thought of it himself.

Victoria was unconvinced. "The Fox," She repeated skeptically.

Diego gave her a careless half-smile. "Perhaps you'd like to leave?"

Scarcely able to keep from laughing Alejandro asked, "How do we know you don't work for the alcalde? Perhaps he wants to shoot us?"

Diego, bless him, didn't see the question as funny at all. Unlocking the cells he promised, "He'll have to shoot me first. If it's freedom you want, follow me."

At the time it had only seemed a little odd that Diego made no appearance during the long journey home afoot. It was only when, back at the house, Diego feigned astonishment at seeing them that Alejandro realized the boy actually _believed_ he hadn't been recognized. Well, to be fair, he seemed to have fooled Victoria. But Alejandro had changed Diego's diapers, set him on the back of his first horse, taught him to swim and rope and hold a sword. How could Diego actually believe he'd fooled his own father?

He barely managed to keep his face straight while Diego looked sincerely unimpressed and voiced doubts about their masked rescuer. He was very convincing. If it had been anyone but his own son, Alejandro might have doubted his memory then, questioned what he'd seen.

The performance was brilliant. The irony? Delicious. He made it to his own room before collapsing into a chair and laughing with helpless delight.

End

End file.

Five Ways Alejandro Didn't Find Out About Zorro by Therrae


Priceless Moments (drabble)

**This drabble came to me when I was rocking a little boy I babysit to sleep. I do own any rights to any of the Zorro characters, all rights belong to the writers and creators of Zorro. This drabble is for entertainment purposes only.**

**Priceless Moments (Drabble)**

Victoria rocked her small son slowly in the same rocking chair his father was rocked to sleep in when he was a small boy.

"Someday you will grow big and strong like your Papa, and he will teach you how to sword fight." Victoria whispered into the sleeping child's ear and kissed him lightly on the forehead.

The baby snuggled closer to his Mama and gripped her finger tighter. Victoria smiled and laid her head back against the chair. She drifted off to sleep and dreamed of her tall, strong, and proud son all grown up, protecting the innocent people of Los Angeles without a cape and mask.

Diego quietly entered the bedroom and watched his beautiful wife and small son rest peacefully.

End file.

Priceless Moments (drabble) by jpaez


1. Chapter 1

**Revelations**

__Disclaimer: This story was written solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights held by Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.__

Chapter 1

It was a nightmare. Victoria had never felt so miserable. Why hadn't she listened to Diego? It was all her fault. Victoria sat at the table in the kitchen her knees under her chin and contemplated the events as she had done the nights before.

It had started the day when the deputy governor from Monterey had arrived with his soldiers. He had demanded that the alcalde arrested Zorro within the next days.

As a reaction the alcalde had threatened to imprison some peasants with the intention to use them as bait for Zorro. When Victoria had wanted to step forward to protest against his actions, Diego had tried to restrain her with a warning look and his upheld arm. She had continued to move forward and Diego had grabbed her by the arm whispering to her that she should not interfere this time. But she had told him that he had no right to tell her what to do and had protested out loud. It had been the first time she had seen him angry at her when he let go of her arm. She should better think of the consequences of her actions before acting, he had said. At least she was doing something at all, she had answered. She knew she had hurt him the moment she mouthed the words. But it had already been too late then. The alcalde was only too happy to imprison her instead of the peasants. He knew she was a much better bait.

As expected Zorro had come in the night to free her. The lancers hadn't been a problem. Just when they were racing across the plaza, one of the deputy's soldiers had seen them. Zorro had mounted Toronado and ridden out of the pueblo. But she had seen him falter on Toronado when the soldier had shot at him. He had barely clung to his horse when Toronado had taken him away.

The alcalde was gleeful when he declared Zorro either dead or severely injured in his speech later in the tavern. He especially thanked her for being the bait.

She hadn't been able to stand it anymore then. She had ridden to the de la Vega hacienda to talk to her friends. She wanted to apologize to Diego. He had been right when he had tried to restrain her and if she had listened, Zorro would have been safe then.

She had met Diego in the library surprised to see her. When she had tried to talk with him, he had been very curt to her. He had said he was in no mood of talking, because he had a headache. He had indeed looked very pale when he retreated to his room leaving her standing in the library.

Alejandro had tried to comfort her later, but he couldn't take the guilt from her. Zorro's death or injury was her fault and now even Diego was cross with her.

The next day Alejandro had told her that Diego had left for the northern estates of the hacienda with Felipe. That had been weeks ago. Even Alejandro had been surprised that the two of them had been gone so long, but with Diego he never knew what to expect.

The alcalde had been right about Zorro. He never appeared again while the deputy was in town and no threats to peasants were able to lure him out of his den. He had the lancers search for Zorro's body but they didn't find him. Nobody knew what had happened to him, but probably nothing good.

She wished everything would be like before the deputy came. Somehow she didn't know whom she missed more, Zorro or Diego. Never before had she realized how much her friend meant to her. She missed his quiet presence in her tavern and his support he was always willing to give. He was more part of her day to day life than Zorro and she couldn't bear to lose his friendship any more than she could lose Zorro's love. She longed to see Zorro and have him hold her. But what would she do if she had lost them both?

She dropped her head on the table and began to cry.

	2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"Shh, querida, don't cry. Tell me what is wrong."

She felt a strong arm around her shoulder and when she looked up, she saw him sitting next to her.

"Zorro, I didn't hear you come. I thought I had lost you and that you were dead or injured. Thank God, you are alive."

She flung herself into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. When she touched his left shoulder, she felt him wince with pain. Underneath his soft black silk shirt she felt some bandages at his shoulder.

"So it is true, you have been injured. Is it bad?"

"It is better now," he said without answering her question. "I have missed you."

They had been long apart and their kisses became soon very passionate. She opened his shirt to touch his skin and his strong muscles. When she started to kiss his chest he started to groan. He pulled her blouse out of her skirt and began to touch her breast with one hand while the other was caressing her back. He was lifting her skirt to trace his hand along her naked thigh when they heard loud banging at the tavern door. Guiltily they moved apart.

"Senorita Escalante, are you still open?" they heard someone ask. When the men outside did not get an answer, they went away. They looked at each other, the passion gone for the moment. They registered their state of undress and realized what they were about to do.

"Victoria, I must go. We cannot go any further. I have only so much control. I don't like these interruptions whenever we are together, but for once we should be grateful."

"Zorro, I don't want you to go. The thought that I had lost you was horrible and I want to hold you in my arms."

"Victoria, there is nothing more that I want, but we both know that it is not right. I love you too much for that."

He began to button up his shirt again while she was rearranging her blouse. He was still very careful with his left shoulder and was suppressing his pain when he was using his left arm. But he didn't comment on her questioning look.

After a short but passionate kiss he left through the back door still too weak to swing himself to the balcony as he used to. Worried, but happy to have him back, she looked after him. When she heard no commotion from outside, she finally relaxed a bit. He had left without been seen by the lancers.

	3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The next day Diego walked into her tavern joined by his father and Felipe. He wore his favorite blue suit she was so familiar with. With his right arm he leaned on the bar and looked at her.

"Oh Diego, you're back," she beamed. "Are you here for lunch? What can I bring you? Your favorite carne asada?"

Diego was surprised about her heartily welcome. "It is good to be missed," he said smiling happily.

"Diego, are you still angry at me?" she asked anxiously, "because I didn't listen to you the other day? You were right and I must apologize to you."

"It is forgotten, Victoria. I'm sorry I was so rude to you when you came to talk to me that day, but I had this terrible headache."

"Friends again, Diego?"

"Always, Victoria." He left the bar to join his family at the table opposite the bar, but was greeted by several friends who were all glad to see him again last not least Sergeant Mendoza.

When she was about to serve his meal, someone shoved her from behind and part of the dish spread over the front of his jacket and his white shirt. Immediately she took a cloth and tried to remove it.

When she touched his left shoulder, she felt him winch under her touch and then she felt the bandage at the exact same spot she had felt it last night at Zorro's shoulder.

He grasped her hand that was touching his tender shoulder. When she looked at him, he didn't turn away, but looked her straight in the eyes.

For a moment the world seemed to stand still for the two of them. The look they exchanged said it all.

There was surprise and shock on her side, while he didn't deny the love in his eyes. She knew now and he silently awaited her reaction. She was shocked to find her love so suddenly.

Her hand started to burn when his soft touch reminded her how she had touched his hot skin at the same spot the night before and the hot passion they had shared. From the way he pinned her hand to his chest and his look at her, she knew he trailed the same thoughts and she started to blush.

With a smile he released her hand and rose from the table.

"I think we'd better go to the kitchen to get out the stains," he said in a calm voice and went through the curtain.

Victoria followed him on his heels. The moment they were alone, he turned around and faced her expectantly.

	4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Diego," she didn't know where to start. "I'm so sorry. It is my fault you were injured and if I had listened to you, nothing would have happened. How can you still love me after all I have said to you."

"Victoria, I only let you see what I wanted you. Forgive me that I lied to you?"

"Always Diego. I love you. I realized it when you were away. It was so terrible when I thought I lost you. I didn't know who I missed more Zorro or you, but now I know, it was only you but in both parts."

The next moment he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Then she knew he had been holding back last night. His kiss left her gasp for air and she trembled with his passion. There was no mistake about Diego being Zorro.

"We have to get married soon", he said grinning, well aware of the effect he had on her. "But I should return to the main room now, before anyone gets suspicious or we get carried away."

He turned around to leave, but she held him back.

"Wait, let me try to get out the stains of your clothes a little or the people will really be suspicious what we have been doing here."

Patiently he sat down while she took a wet cloth to rub on the stains. It gave her the chance to talk to him.

"Have you really been to the northern estates during the last weeks?"

"No, I have been hiding in an abandoned farmhouse close to the hacienda. Felipe has been nursing me. It has been very lonesome." He caressed her cheek while she was bending over him and they locked their eyes for a moment.

"It must have been very bad, you have been gone such a long time," she said.

"I was lucky that it was a clear shot and the wound didn't get infected. But it takes time to heal and Zorro will not ride for some time."

"Please be careful, I can't stand to lose you."

"It is enough now." Taking the cloth from her hands he stopped her attempts with his clothes and took hold of her hands. He placed kisses on both of them, before he put one hand behind her neck and pulled her head down to kiss her lips. "I love you and I always have."

Then he heard Alejandro calling. "Diego, is everything alright? Your lunch is getting cold."

"He is right, Diego. You should be going."

"This was much better than lunch," he smiled. "Will you come to dinner to the hacienda tonight?"

"I will but only if you go now, so I can go on working. Otherwise I will lose all my customers if they don't get served."

"Always at your service, senorita," he said in his Zorro like manner.

Alejandro was wondering what was going on. From the look Diego and Victoria had exchanged before they vanished into he kitchen something had happened. Why had Victoria suddenly turned red when she had tried to clean his shirt? There had been nothing unusual about it and Diego hadn't said anything to forward that reaction. He couldn't interpret the look he had witnessed. It was as if they had shared a very intimate moment with that look what was quite impossible. There was nothing between Victoria and his son. They were just friends and they hadn't even parted on best terms when Diego had left a few weeks before. And from the greeting they had exchanged earlier they hadn't met in the meantime. So why this look?

He was satisfied when Diego informed him later that Victoria was coming for Dinner. That would give him the opportunity to investigate further in this matter.

He tried to get some information from Diego on their ride back to the hacienda, but Diego was otherwise occupied with his thoughts and gave only one word answers when asked.

	5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

At dinner they found out that the invitation wasn't such a good idea after all. They could hardly conceal the passion in their looks and Alejandro's questions didn't help either. Alejandro wanted to find out what was going on and Diego tried to deflect his questions while he couldn't keep his eyes from Victoria. Diego and Victoria finally resolved to a silent dinner, keeping to themselves, no longer looking at each other.

This puzzled Alejandro even more. First they shared that look on the tavern and now they hardly talked to each other? Did they have a fight or why were they so silent? Diego's answers weren't helpful either. "No, they didn't have a fight. No, he wasn't cross with Victoria." He got even more suspicious, when Diego shifted the conversation to the the bull prices at San Pedro, something that normally bored him to death and even Victoria showed an interest.

Since his questions were of no use, he decided to let the matter lie and stick to observing them.

Diego felt relieved when his father stopped questioning him and the topic turned to more general themes. But he knew him well enough to know that he wasn't off the hook. He needed to talk with Victoria, but not when his father was present.

After dinner they were finally alone in the garden hidden from scrutinizing eyes. As soon as they had reached the secluded spot, Victoria was in his arms and they kissed passionately. Breathless they drew apart, the fire burning inside them.

"We're definitely in need of a chaperone," Diego said smiling.

"What shall we do?" Victoria asked while she slowly trailed with her hand along his cheek. "I don't think I can handle another dinner like tonight."

"Neither can I. Have you seen my father, when I started to talk about bulls?"

Victoria laughed. "Yes, Alejandro wasn't convinced of your sudden interest. Why did you chose this topic at all?"

"I thought of the most boring topic to cool me down."

"Obviously it hasn't worked," Victoria observed, feeling his hot skin under her fingers.

"Marry me soon please," he kissed her again.

"I just can't wait, just tell me how we can do this without making it obvious who you are."

"I will think about it as soon as you have left and I can think straight again. Suggestions are welcome."

"I can think of only one thing.." She responded quite passionately to his kisses.

"If you go on like this, I'll carry you straight to my room and make love to you until you wish to stay the night."

"Who says I won't like it?" she teased him.

"You're sure?" he whispered in her ear.

"I have never been more sure of anything," she answered passionately.

Suddenly he swept her in his arms and carried her to his rooms only wincing at little on the strain it put on his shoulder. Fortunately she didn't weigh much.

Silently he locked the door behind them and lowered her on the bed. She didn't let go of him and pulled him down with her. Quickly they stripped their clothes and continued where they had stopped the night before. Soon they lay side by side still entangled with their passion sated.

"I'd like you to stay the night," he whispered softly in her ear, "but we will soon be missed."

"Maybe Diego can visit me tomorrow at siesta time, nobody will find that suspicious."

"I can definitely think of several errands that require my presence tomorrow. One will be a talk to Padre Benitez to arrange out wedding date."

They had started to dress again, when they heard Alejandro calling for them in the garden. After a short look in the mirror if they were presentable again, Diego opened his bedroom window and helped her outside, before he followed her outside. They rounded the house and through the library window they climbed in again. Properly seated across each other Diego pretended to read when Alejandro came looking for them.

"You are here?" Alejandro was surprised. "I have been looking for you in the garden, but couldn't find you."

"It's still very warm outside," Victoria extensively used her fan to emphasize her statement, "and Diego wanted to read something." She sounded bored and Diego suppressed a smile at her acting talent, quickly hiding his face behind his book.

"How did you get here? I have been in my study the whole time and I haven't seen you pass by."

Diego and Victoria had been gone for quite some time and he hadn't been able to find them. If it had been some other couple, this would not have boded well for their reputation. But his Diego and Victoria? No, quite impossible. They were just friends and knew each other for years. Diego was too proper to act anything different than the true gentlemen Alejandro had raised him. Inwardly Alejandro shook his head, but some doubt remained. All of this was very odd.

Victoria interrupted his thoughts with her wish to return home. There it was again! The concealed look Diego and Victoria shared when Diego guided her to the door. No, his imagination must be playing tricks on him. Victoria was in love with Zorro and Diego was like a brother to her. He must be getting old, seeing things that weren't there, Alejandro chided himself.

	6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The next day Diego visited Victoria during siesta time. Behind closed doors they went up to her room and let their passion run free. After all these years of waiting they couldn't get enough of each other. They knew that they should have waited until they were married, but after the first time there was no more stopping and only the end of siesta made them let go of each other.

After siesta Diego quietly slipped out of the tavern and went over to the mission. Padre Benitez knew him quite well and after some talk about ornithology that were an interest of both, he patiently waited for Diego to state his request.

The padre scolded him of course for his lack of control but was also sympathetic to their case.

He was willing to perform the ceremony on short notice and recommended a date in a week. Diego gladly agreed, now he was one step closer to a future with Victoria. Nonetheless there were enough problems to work out.

One of them was his father who had become suspicious of his relation to Victoria. He had to be careful whenever he met Victoria in his presence.

The other one was the alcalde who was less suspicious but much more dangerous if he found out. But that wouldn't stop them with going on with his life. They had waited long enough and now that Victoria knew his secret, there was no reason to stay apart.

Alejandro was surprised that Diego was spending so much time at the pueblo now. Diego had told him that he had to catch up with his work as the editor of The Guardian but Diego had been absent before and afterwards he didn't make so much fuss about the paper.

Victoria didn't come over for dinner any more. The last invitation she declined for being too busy, when she had never declined one before. What was going on? Did she have a fight with Diego or not?

The next week Diego and Victoria spent the siestas together which were always too short for their liking. They would have preferred to stay overnight but they would be too easily discovered since the lancers were always having a lookout for Zorro and Diego couldn't roam the roofs at night.

	7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

On the day of their wedding Diego and Victoria made a secret trip to the abandoned Windmill where they once had spent the night on the return trip from Santa Paula. Diego had used the last week to make the windmill more comfortable and surprised Victoria with a bed of roses and a cosy fire. Victoria had prepared the meal consisting of Diego's favorite dishes that she put on the table Diego had organized.

"Are you happy, Senora de la Vega?" he asked her.

"More than anything else," she replied.

"It is not the wedding with the big party you may have wished for."

"I don't need a big party, I just want to be with the man I love. That is all I ever dreamed of. There will be more occasions for a party."

The two days they stayed at the windmill were all they could afford without being missed in Los Angeles.

When Alejandro went to the tavern to have lunch, Victoria was absent from her usual place behind the bar.

"You'll have to be content with my cooking today, Don Alejandro," Alina, Victoria's helper informed him. "Victoria went for two days to Santa Barbara on some business, she won't be back before tomorrow evening."

Victoria was gone and Diego went to the northern estates at the same time, Alejandro was wondering. Was it a coincidence? What was it with the northern estates that Diego went there again, when he had just returned from the north after spending there so many weeks?

After his return from the north Diego was in such a good mood that Alejandro couldn't fail to notice it.

"Diego, would you like to share with me why you are so happy today?"

"It's nothing special father, it's only a book that arrived with the post today that I have been waiting for. It contains some notes from Rossini's opera "The barber of Seville." If you are interested, I'll show them to you."

"You are in a good mood because of some notes?"

"Yes, father, what else did you expect?"

"I just thought it might have something to do with Victoria. Did you meet her on your trip north?"

"How could I? I went to the northern territories and that is not on the way to Santa Barbara."

"Oh well, if you say so. Somehow I cannot believe you, but come to me if you have something to tell." Alejandro was unconvinced and somehow annoyed by his son. He was sure that his son hadn't told him everything and that the book was simply an excuse.

	8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Two days later Zorro appeared again in town and his appearance was met with great acclaim. After the rumors of his supposed death the people were relieved to see him again. He quickly knocked over the lancers and locked them in the cuartel before he disarmed the alcalde. At the point of Zorro's sword the alcalde had no choice but to rescind the new taxes immediately. As usual Zorro went over to Victoria to talk to her.

"Senorita, you look as beautiful as ever." When he took her hand to kiss it, she retreated her hand and faced him.

"Zorro, there is something I have to tell you."

Startled he looked at her.

"I can no longer wait for you. I'm sorry."

Don Alejandro stared at her.

"Why now, Victoria?" Zorro asked in a surprised voice.

"There is someone else now. I thought you were dead and he was there when you weren't..," she said apologetically.

"Who is it?" Zorro asked inquiringly.

"Don Diego."

There was an audible gasp to hear from Don Alejandro and the people around her turned towards the couple.

"There is no way to make you change your mind again, Victoria?" Zorro asked her hopefully.

"It is already too late for that." The audience looked shocked at her confession, but Zorro didn't show any emotion.

"I understand. Then I can only wish you luck and I hope you'll be happy." With a short salute he turned to his horse and galloped out of the pueblo.

"Well, what an interesting turn of events," the alcalde sneered. "Senorita Escalante is finally splitting up with our hero. Did I hear it right, you dropped him for Don Diego? Who would have thought that? Maybe we have seen the last of Zorro, after he lost his love to the studious caballero."

"That is none of your business, alcalde. If you excuse me, I have a tavern to attend." Victoria turned round and headed to her tavern trying to ignore the stares of the people.

Without looking at anybody she went straight to the kitchen and dropped on the bench. Relieved she exhaled and leaned against the wall her eyes closed.

Her break was short lived, because moments later Don Alejandro entered the kitchen.

"Victoria, I have to talk to you. I cannot believe what you just said to Zorro. Are you and Diego really...?" He didn't finish his sentence leaving the question hanging in the air.

"Don Alejandro, I don't want to talk about it right now. Diego can confirm that it is true what I said today."

"Then I shall best talk to my son, but I think you should better come to the hacienda as well. I want to talk to you both and we'd better do it at the hacienda." Shocked and angry at Diego he left for his hacienda to question his suddenly not so proper son.

	9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"Diego, I have to talk to you."

Angrily Alejandro strode into the library where his son was reading.

"Father is something wrong?"

Diego faced his father innocently, putting his book aside.

"Something wrong? That's quite an understatement. I just had to witness a conversation between Victoria and Zorro and it was the most embarrassing talk I ever heard. And half of the pueblo was present when Victoria told Zorro what I never wanted to hear."

"What did she say?" Diego asked with a blank face.

"She split up with Zorro and she told him that you were the reason. What I want to know from you if this is true? You and Victoria?" He didn't finish the sentence again, the topic was too embarrassing for him.

"If you must know, father, it is true. Of course Victoria and I will marry as soon as possible. Will next week be right for you?"

"You're talking about this as if this was an invitation for a dinner and not for your wedding. How can you take this so easily? I still can't believe it. Victoria was distressed, because she thought that Zorro was dead and you had nothing better to do than to take advantage of her. Victoria probably broke Zorro's heart today after all these years he has been true to her. How could you do this to them? I thought I had raised you better."

"Father, it is not as you think. You don't know everything."

"He's right, Don Alejandro," added Victoria. In his rage Alejandro hadn't noticed Victoria enter the library who had followed Alejandro from the pueblo.

Without comment Diego opened his arms and Victoria went straight into his embrace ignoring Alejandro's angry look. Seeing them so close only enhanced Alejandro's rage.

"I don't want to see the two of you together until you are properly wed." Alejandro growled.

"Then there won't be a problem," Diego grinned mischievously turning his attention to the woman in his arms. "I'm sorry I had to put you through this, Victoria. You were marvelous today."

"It was my idea and it served our purpose well to get officially married soon."

"If only the padre will be so easily persuaded as the alcalde. I'm not looking forward to talk to him again."

Alejandro looked at them uncomprehendingly. "What are you talking about? Shouldn't you show at least a little remorse for what you have done? Victoria, I really thought better of you. All those years Zorro courted you and you promised to wait for him and now it seems as if it was nothing to you!"

"Father, I think you should really sit down. There are some things I need to tell you."

Diego pointed to Alejandro's favorite chair and motioned him to sit while he and Victoria sat down together on the sofa, never letting her go.

Alejandro slowly lowered himself to the edge of the seat ready to jump up instantly.

"The problem with the padre, father, is that we are already married since last week. You really did raise me well. And Victoria didn't break Zorro's heart today, because I am Zorro."

Alejandro opened his mouth to say something, but he was too stunned to utter a word.

"The conversation today in the pueblo was just a ruse to make everyone believe that Zorro and I are two different persons when of course we are not."

The moment Diego said it, he shed his Diego attitude like an old skin that had become too small for him letting his father see through the invisible mask he had been wearing the last years. Alejandro only continued to stare at his son who had so thoroughly changed in front of his eyes. Only the tight grip on the armrests prevented him from sliding down at the carpet.

Now that Diego had stopped acting, there was the man he knew as Zorro sitting in front of him. His whole bearing was much more self confident and commanding than the son he knew. Even his voice had changed and was much lower now.

"You are Zorro!" It wasn't a question but a statement that came from Alejandro's lips. "For how long have you known, Victoria?"

"Only since she spilled the food over my jacket, the day I returned form the north." Diego answered. Then he began to explain most of the events from the last days except for the private parts. Alejandro saw his former suspicions confirmed guessing some of the details Diego so conveniently left out.

Diego had to explain a lot more that night until it was time to retire. He took his wife up in his arms and carried her to his room leaving his bewildered father behind who was still trying to grasp all the news he learned today.

End file.

Revelations by katie1999


Tornado's Thoughts: Saving The Fox

_Inspired by my beta **IcyWaters,** I wrote this one shot from Tornado's POV - it will be one of three Tornado one shots. Enjoy!_

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

Saving the Fox

We were chasing along the landscape, on the heels of another rider. His horse was no match for me. Stretching my legs, I made up ground easily, bringing my rider next to the other man. In an instant, I felt lighter as my master leaped off my back, landing behind the other rider on his horse.

Slowing my pace a bit I stayed behind, ready for when my master, whose clothes were as black as my coat, would need me again. My master was a good man. He risked his life to help others. They called him El Zorro, the fox. I don't know much about foxes, I'm only a horse. But if those animals are anything like my master, they certainly were clever, sly, agile and always had an escape route ready.

Leisurely galloping behind the other horse, I saw Zorro fighting with its rider. He slid off the side of the steed, hanging in mid air next to the horse's body, which was in full flight. The other rider was trying to push Zorro off the horse, using anything to help him accomplish that.

Angrily, I snorted. I loved my master and I'd do anything to ensure he wasn't hurt. Seeing him in such a vulnerable position, being assaulted by the other rider, wasn't to my liking. I decided to up my speed to catch up with them again.

Just as I got close enough, I saw both riders falling off the other horse, rolling down a ravine at high speed. I dug my hind hooves into the sandy ground and turned around, carefully peering over the edge of the ravine.

What I saw was not to my liking. The men had rolled down all the way to the bottom. My master had come to a stop with his head hitting a rock and he wasn't moving. I flared my nostrils in concern and slowly made my way over the edge. The other man had been lucky. He was picking himself up slowly but he seemed unharmed.

Realizing his opponent was out for the count, the villain grabbed a large club and set to make his way towards Zorro, who still wasn't moving. I recognised the man's intentions and fury ran through my body. Not caring anymore about the steepness of the hillside, I let out a shrill whinny and burst towards the man who was raising his club.

He noticed me, realizing I charged straight at him, and used the club to defend himself from my prowling hooves. Rising onto my hind legs, I used my front ones to drive the man off my master. I snorted and whinnied as loud as I could. On the one hand, I tried to scare the man; on the other hand, I tried to rouse my master.

Finally, as I had backed the villain into a corner, from the edge of my vision I noticed the black silhouette stirring. Zorro got to his feet, wobbling a bit and holding his head. He took in the situation and, drawing his sword, he called for me to back down and took charge of the prisoner I made.

Once the man was secured onto his own horse, I walked up to my Zorro, nuzzling at his chest. He smiled at me, rubbing his gloved hand gently over my nose. It was his way of thanking me. To me, he seemed like he was in pain, but he tried not to show it. I knew it from the way he looked at me. His pain showed in his eyes.

Mounting me slower than usual, I promised him with a snort to look out for him. He felt my concern and patted my neck, trying to reassure me.

"Go, boy," he gently urged me and soon we were on our way to bring yet another scoundrel to justice.

***zzz***

We were flying over the grassy rolls of the rough land around us, heading towards home. Zorro had delivered the man to the cuartel, via the wall and the roof, and had returned the stolen payroll to the waiting soldiers. They appreciated their money so much that none even bothered chasing after us. Usually we would lead them on a wild goose chase until it was time to lose them in order to return home.

So this time our home coming was rather uneventful. Passing through the vines into the cave, I was looking forward to a drink of water and some hay. Zorro dismounted and saw to it that I was well cared for. Then he came up to me again, laying his arms around my neck, resting his head on my shoulder.

"Gracias, mi amigo," he rasped. "I'm sure I would feel a lot worse right now if you hadn't kept the messenger off me. I'm not even sure I'd be alive otherwise." Not changing his position, he lifted his right hand and gripped my mane. "Thanks to you, I only have to deal with a headache and some bruises. I think I need to rest a bit, to reduce the soreness I feel..."

Zorro leaned even more into me and I nibbled playfully on his back. Usually he didn't allow this too long but this time he didn't protest. I only noticed something was off when his right hand slid out if my mane the same time his knees gave in and he fell to the ground with a thump.

I nudged him with my head, but his eyes stayed closed and he made no sound. I snorted, concerned. So I started to nibble on the crook of his neck, still no reaction. Lifting my head I whinnied, softly first, then louder, hoping to alert his human friend, Bernardo.

When there was no sound from the passageway, I started stomping my hooves on the stone floor. Just as I was about to become frantic, I heard footsteps rushing our way and Bernardo appeared in the cave. He looked at me, then at the still form at my hooves and sprang to life.

After a few attempts, Bernardo managed to rouse Zorro. He helped his friend stand up and grabbed his arm tightly for support. Smiling at me, he then made to help his groggy friend out of the cave towards his room.

I watched the pair disappear, glad to see my master walking on his own two feet. That impact with the boulder must have been quite hard and I was sure Zorro would need a day's rest to recover. And that meant a day's rest for me, too. Happily, I started munching on my hay, but as much as I would enjoy the rest, I knew I would enjoy my next outing with the fox even more.

End file.

Tornado's Thoughts: Saving The Fox by miXiZ


Unburdening the Soul

This story takes place right after the episode "The Discovery".

**Unburdening the Soul by Linda Bindner**

Alejandro explained perfectly. "When Gilberto was going to shoot you, he said 'I'm not only going to kill Diego, but I'm going to kill...' Then he didn't finish. Do you know what he was going to say, Diego?" He expectantly stared at his son.

Diego froze. It appeared the time for confession was upon him, whether he was ready for it or not. He glanced around, looking for any one eavesdropping. The crowded, bustling plaza hardly seemed the place for a disclosure of this magnitude, but he guessed his father already knew the truth, or at least suspected it. How could he witness that sword fight with Emissary Risendo and not wonder about his other son's activities? It may have even prompted his question.

Diego took one last glance across the plaza at Felipe and Victoria, still conversing about the sudden announcement of his plans to adopt Felipe and make him a permanent member of the family. The announcement, while a surprise, had been on Diego's mind almost as much as revealing his identity. But he had to tell the truth, while DeSoto was busy with the padre and his own stomach was full of this burning need to explain his actions. The glance gave him the strength to whisper, "Not here. In the alley, perhaps."

Diego led his willing father between the tavern and the house next door, and the sudden quiet pounded on his ears. He walked almost to the back end, surrounded on one side by open land and the other by the active town going about its business of living. Living was the point, really, and Diego felt another surge of courage wash over him. In the span of only a breath or a heartbeat, he was suddenly tired of all the deception. And there was only one way to end it.

"Father, this may come as a bit of a shock to you," began Diego, aware only of the pounding of his heart against his ribs and his father's increased expectancy. "But things aren't always what they appear."

"What do you mean, Son?" asked Alejandro, barely containing his excitement. He leaned forward. The wind blew his silver hair across his shoulders in agitation.

Such details became more noticeable the more Diego spoke. "Do you know how I never seem to be around when trouble starts brewing anywhere?" He kept his voice low, almost indiscernable in the breeze that scoured the pueblo. He peeked around back, and when he saw no one obviously listening, he felt oddly satisfied. He was going to finally tell his most hidden secret, and the idea gave him a shiver of anticipation. He was ready.

Alejandro nodded. "You're always too busy or sick or out of town. You're never available." It had been his greatest disappointment to ascertain his son's weakness, as he saw it.

Diego nodded as well. "There's a good explanation for that," he said.

"I'm glad to hear it," Alejandro murmured, truly appearing delighted that his worst concerns were empty.

The smile from his father again gave Diego the courage to continue. He took a deep breath, smelling the dust and grass of California, letting it tickle his nose in contented reminders of childhood and of why he was standing there, gloriously alive. He muttered the two words that he'd hidden for so long to keep those he loved safe and alive. "I'm Zorro."

Surprise or astonishment didn't seem to be in Alejandro's reaction category. He smiled and nodded, as if he'd expected such an unprecedented acknowledgment from his son. "I'm glad you finally told me," was what he said.

Diego stared in surprise. "You knew?" he asked, confounded, amazed yet delighted to have his craziest suspicions confirmed.

"I suspected," imparted Alejandro, looking suddenly too wise for his years. "I couldn't watch that fight between you and Gilberto and not wonder why I had never seen such a fierce display of sword play from you. With your left hand, no doubt! You were so good, it was almost as if you were a different person. But I recognized that style. It wasn't hard to figure out who you reminded me of."

Diego warily eyed his parent. "Do you understand what kind of danger this information puts you in?"

Again Alejandro nodded. "I do, and do you understand that I would do so no matter the danger?"

That concession surprised Diego again. "Are you saying that the risks mean nothing to you?"

"I'm saying that the risks are minimal if it means finally knowing the real son I have," Alejandro said, while glancing up the alley, away from the land, towards the town and any danger of being overheard.

"The risks have never been minimal," protested Diego, his bent right arm beginning to ache from the increased pressure of wind.

"They are when compared to my disatisfaction over the past few years," Alejandro argued. "I've said many things in my ignorance, and I ask for your forgiveness if they hurt."

Diego looked away from that piercing gaze, suddenly finding the dirt of the alley a fascinating subject of study. "They did hurt," he admitted, feeling the sting of those comments even now. "But know that the bluffing was part of the disguise, and you had to be fooled, even if it cost me my dignity."

"And it must have cost that dignity dearly," Alejandro said, one hand raising to help support his son's injured arm, then falling once more by his side. "Again, I can only apologize for my lack of insight. I'm sorry I didn't recognize the truth sooner."

Raised brows met that apology. "You weren't meant to. Don't apologize for doing exactly what I wanted you to do."

"But I should apologize for the derogatory comments." Alejandro sighed in consternation. "They were given for the son I thought I had. Even though I was proud of you, and I loved you, the comments must have been biting." Now it was Alejandro's turn to examine the dirt.

"It's all forgiven," Diego insisted, thinking exalted thoughts of his father; he knew what such an admittance cost his proud parent.

A feminine laugh made them look around, and they both caught sight of a blowing skirt as it passed the alleyway, heading towards the tavern porch. The sight made Alejandro start, and he suddenly asked an ardent question, "Does Victoria know?"

Diego looked down again, hanging his head, suddenly feeling shame. "No," he whispered.

This time Alejandro did look surprised. "You mean you've never told her?"

"The risk is as high for her as it is for you. Higher, perhaps," Diego explained, hoping his father would understand.

But Alejandro was shaking his head. "You have to tell her. Today."

Diego felt his heart turn to ice at the suggestion. "I'm afraid," he admitted, relieved at the reluctant admission of hidden fears, fears he'd carried alone for a long time.

"Afraid? Of Victoria?" Alejandro spluttered in indignant awe.

Diego could only nod in mute misery. When he could speak, he confessed in a whisper, "I'm afraid she'll be angry. I've kept the secret from her for years. Lied for years."

Again Alejandro was shaking his head, making his hair dance in the wind. "I know Victoria Escalante, and she might react with surprise, even astonishment at hearing the news, but never anger."

"Maybe I know her better than you do," predicted Diego, intent now on his worries.

"It's all in your head!" Alejandro slapped his son on the right arm without thinking, reacting with the enthusiasm he'd had for years. "There's no way she won't grab you up the minute you tell her."

As much as the slap hurt, the gesture brought an amount of encouragement with it. But still Diego wanted to be cautious. "I'm not so sure," he forced himself to say.

Alejandro looked at the son he'd almost lost, and smiled, happy that Diego was alive. He shook his head again. "I'm in awe," he admitted, his voice low and for Diego's ears only. "Here's my studious son, telling me that he's a legend in secret, having hidden his true skills for years, and admitting that he's frightened of the woman he loves... I'm overwhelmed by the courage this kind of admission must take." And he sounded awed, overwhelmed, ecstatic at Diego's unburdening; to think of the son he had!

Diego wasn't nearly so overwhelmed. "This is why I never told you," he said.

Alejandro brushed the reasoning aside. "Why? It's easier to believe the bad?"

"I've been living with the bad for so long that the good seems nightmarish itself," Diego imparted.

Alejandro's face became soft on the heals of that affirmation. "I never knew you were such a worrier," he said, comprehending. "You might be afraid, but you have to tell her."

"I know," Diego said in some reluctance, but acknowledging his father's correctness in a quiet voice.

Alejandro suddenly clapped his hands together, coming to a fast decision, as was his standard behavior. "There's no time like the present. I won't get those grandchildren I want if we stand here, gabbing all day." With that, and without a look at Diego for permission, he started back up the alley, intent on entering the tavern and being there to lend support.

Diego shook his head at the impetuous action, yet realizing his parent couldn't help himself. Feeling drained from the divulgence, even if his father had known the truth, he took another deep breath of California dust and internally braced himself to tell Victoria of his deepest secret, then slowly followed his father up the alley.

The tavern was busy, full of smiling patrons and excited talking. Apparently the news of their deliverance from the evil Emissary had already traveled around the pueblo; everyone knew. It was not the scene Diego had always invisioned for his confession, and he wondered if he should put off his plan, waiting for a more conducive atmosphere.

"Stop stalling," suggested Alejandro, knowing his son well enough to understand how hard this must be for him.

Diego protested, starting to say, "Don't you think..." But his voice was swallowed up by the eruption of laughter from several caballeros gathered around one of the tables.

Diego looked first to them, but it wasn't long before old habit made him look for Victoria, conscious of the task ahead of him, but conscious of her presence at the same time. He was always aware of her, he admitted to himself. He could hardly help it. She burned into him with a force not easily reckoned with, not easily pushed aside. He could hardly help feeling her presence in a room, even a busy one like the tavern. His emotions for her made themselves known as fiercely as the Alcalde's inexplicable wrath, or as intensely as the sun's beating warmth. Even now, with his heart pounding like thunder against his ribs, he couldn't help but love her.

There she was, behind the bar, prepared to put a stop to the loudness of the caballeros, until she saw Don Alejandro walk up to his friends, trusting him to be a calming influence, to keep them under control for her. Hesitating, she retained her watchful position, but didn't interfere in their conversation.

Watching himself, Diego felt his love like it was a physical force, but he refused to get swept away in too much emotion. At his father's insistence, he had a job to do.

"Victoria," he said by way of greeting, allowing his true self and all it's encumbering emotions to show for the first time. For all purposes, there was no going back now.

She smiled until she comprehended the emotion blazing in his eyes, and she faltered, yet nodded her head in greeting herself. "Diego. Again, I'm sorry to hear of your family's problems."

Diego leaned on the green countertop. "Thank you, though it's all right. Or it's going to be." His voice had a determined edge to it.

Victoria didn't quite know how to respond to this new Diego. He seemed so much more sure of himself, so confident. She supposed that's what was to be expected from his reputed battle with the man who went from Emissary to brother in the span of a heartbeat. Winning such a battle, especially at sword fighting, must give much confidence.

Diego looked at her... Expectantly? Shyly? Helplessly? Victoria couldn't unravel all the emotions she saw in his eyes just then. "Can you do me a favor, please, Victoria?" he asked, his blue eyes now intent.

Victoria nodded. "It's the least I can do for old friends on a day like today."

He smiled gratefully at her. "I have something important to tell you, and I don't want to be interrupted. I wonder if you can close the tavern early today, and give us the privacy I need?"

The request surprised Victoria, and even though it meant missing dinner and the evening revilries, some of her busiest times, she agreed, haunted by the expression she saw in his eyes. Her best friend's family so rarely asked anything of her that she couldn't refuse this unusual request. But what was going on? "Just give me a minute to clear everybody out."

While Victoria went around from table to table with news of her closing, Diego took a seat on a bench that faced the door, old habits dying hard. He was simply glad that the Alcalde wasn't present. Diego didn't need his suspicions as well, piled on top of the concerns that naturally stemmed from this disclosure. He had enough to deal with already.

It took fifteen minutes for Victoria to clear the tavern while he waited, dread building in his stomach to form a knot of nervousness long before she was done. But everyone seemed to be in a good mood because of the Emissary's death, and she had little trouble with her many patrons, though she interrupted more than one conversation when she herded her happy customers through the door. When they had all left except Diego and herself, she shut the double doors on the sunlight streaming into the plaza, and even locked them against further intrusions. She must have been enflamed with curiosity by then.

Satisfied that her tavern was clear of the usual patrons, Victoria slid onto the bench across from him. "I'm all yours now, Diego. What did you want to tell me?"

Instead of talking right away, Diego reluctantly joined her on the long bench she was sitting on. He looked at the kitchen curtain still waving, and said, "This must be costing you a lot of money in lost business. We'll repay you, naturally."

"It's the least I can do," she said, all the while knowing that he was somehow gathering his courage together, toughening up, so to speak, so that he could say what he wanted to say. But this Diego was so different from the one she knew; she hardly knew how to react.

"I'm stalling," he finally said with a tiny smile, his shirt glaring white against the darker backdrop of the tavern and the bloodstain on his sleeve. "That's what my father would say."

She had seen Don Alejandro leaving the tavern, a knowing expression on his face. He'd claimed he wanted to look for Felipe anyway, and didn't mind in the least that he was being asked to vacate his favorite spot, but his aspect declared that he knew something else. As she stared at the son, she wondered what Alejandro knew that she didn't.

"So then, just spit it out," Victoria suggested. "That's what I always do."

Diego played with a water mark on the table, but his smile widened and grew. "I know." Suddenly, he stopped his play and turned to face her. "Victoria, what I'm about to say will probably come as a shock to you, and I don't get any enjoyment for your pains. But you, of all people, should know."

This was serious. Nervously, Victoria laughed through her nose. "What is it, Diego?"

Looking ashamed, contrite, yet hopeful of the future, Diego hung his head and whispered, "I'm Zorro."

The avowal sounded loud in the empty room, despite his whispers. "You're what?" asked a confounded Victoria.

Diego sighed, but his eyes never wavered from her face, fiery in his profoundness. He took her hands. "I'm Zorro," he repeated, still whispering.

Victoria's eyes went wide. "That's what I thought you said." She never would have guessed this in a million years, even if she didn't understand the new disguise he was wearing that day. She thought his new personality had been because of the Emissary's revelations. She took short gasps of air, incredulous.

"Please," Diego went on, "don't be angry that I didn't tell you before now. There were always reasons that held me back. The danger in knowing was... paramount. I didn't want anything to happen to you."

"Didn't want anything to happen?" she replied, too shocked to say more, or to feel more.

Again came the enigmatic smile. "The moment my brother died, I understood that life is more important than any amount of safety. I almost died myself today, and that made me wonder about you; where would you be? What would become of you? I couldn't keep such a secret any longer from the woman I love more than anything. I wanted you to know, needed you to know, and almost confessed everything in the plaza today."

"Is that what that was about?" asked Victoria, her eyes still glazed. "So you don't plan to adopt Felipe?"

"Oh, yes, I plan to adopt him, all right. Felipe is very important to me. But you're more important, perhaps the most important. I was frightened in the plaza, but I've had time to think since, and I'm not afraid any longer. It was your right to know."

Victoria sat, unmoving on the bench, stunned. Eventually, she remonstrated, "But you're nothing like Zorro."

Diego tried to be patient, but it was difficult. In reality he wanted to put his arms around her, comfort her. He needed her to need him. "Of course I'm not. If I'm too similar, the Alcalde might grow suspicious of my activities." Her dazedness was starting to concern him. His brows drew down and his eyes narrowed in apprehension at her unresponsiveness. "Victoria, are you all right? You're not angry, are you?"

She responded automatically. "Angry? No, I'm fine. Just fine." She laughed again, but the sound was closer to the hysterics she felt than anything normal. "It's you we should be worried about. Only a nasty scrape could bleed so much."

Diego looked at the bloodstain on his sleeve. True, the stain was getting bigger, and spreading by the minute, but... She was worried about his wound, at a time like this? "It's fine, a scrape, like you said. Nothing to be concerned about."

"I'll get my medical kit to wrap it," Victoria stated, and moved numbly off the bench.

Diego watched her go, and it was as if she was taking the future with her. "Victoria, I..." But she was already gone, a wraith that sent her kitchen curtains waving again.

She was back in a moment, denying his concerns that she needed time alone to think. If she planned to react with fury, then he wanted her to cry on his shoulders, not cry to an empty room. He didn't want to leave her to go through such pain by herself anymore. Instead, she arrived almost perfunctorily, carrying her medical kit wrapped up in a towel. More towels for bandages were in her other hand.

Again he tried to protest, "It's nothing, Victoria, nothing..."

"It's not nothing," she argued, the first spirit she had shown since the conversation began, as she rolled his shirt sleeve up high. She looked numb still, but coherent enough to go about her task with sure hands. But she stopped when she had untied the previous bandage and looked more closely at the wound. "This is a bullet hole," she said rather unnecessarily.

Diego played hesitantly with his sleeve. "Yes. I was shot while rescuing Toronado. But it's a light wound," he said, not wanting her to worry on his account. "I can barely feel it." That was a lie, of course; the wound itched and burned like a thousand hot worms were crawling through it, but he would rather bleed than admit that to her.

She silently went about the job of cleaning off the old blood and rebinding it. "I won't tell your father if you don't wish me to."

"He'd just worry," Diego said, agreeing with her promise to remain silent.

Victoria tied the bandage around his arm, making sure that no more blood seeped through the rags, but she hesitated at the last tie, slowing in her self-appointed task until she came to a complete stop, a pensive look on her face.

Time stood still. This was it, the moment for acceptance or rejection. The knowledge made Diego's heart slam against his ribs again. He looked at her beautiful face, and couldn't stop himself from whispering, "Victoria, I..."

He didn't get any further. Suddenly, Victoria threw herself against his chest, and it no longer mattered to Diego that his wounded right arm ached.

"I'm sorry, Diego," Victoria began, her voice small and not sounding like her own. "You did almost the same thing for me not long ago, and I suddenly remembered that night..."

He tightened his hold on her. "Sh! I know this must be shocking to you..."

She shook her head against his chest. "When I think of all you've done for me, for the pueblo, and then I think of some of the things I've said..."

Diego didn't want to hear it. "Don't worry about it," he calmed. "It's all part of our past, now. Just hold me. Make me feel like everything will be all right."

He was talking about the aftereffects of his fight with his brother, but she misunderstood. She thought he referred to his admission. "It will be all right, now. I'm sorry I acted so numb before."

"You were just surprised. That's perfectly understandable." His hand drifted down her hair again and again in a soothing caress. He shook his head in amazement. "God, I love you, Victoria. I was so scared I would never be able to do this again."

"You can do it whenever you like," she invited. "Thank you for finally telling me. That must have been very frightening."

"I've never been so scared in all my life," he admitted, closing his eyes and feeling her sweet presence in his arms. "I was so certain you would be angry..."

Victoria snorted a laugh. "Angry? How could I be angry?"

"Well, you're temper is rather famous," Diego said wryly. He knew what an understatement he was making.

"I'm not angry," she insisted once more. "Only the injustice we have to suffer makes me angry, not you. If not for that, I could marry you and wake up to you every day. There would be no need for Zorro."

He tightened his grip. "If not for you, there would be no Zorro. You're the reason why I couldn't give him up after all these years. Seeing you, loving you, even a bit at a time, made him well worth any amount of suffering."

She laughed into his chest. The sound was normal now, round and healthy after all that numbness. "And now? What do you want to do now?"

Diego answered immediately. "Right now, I just want to be held and loved." He dropped a kiss on her hair. "Soon I want to start courting you so that eventually we can be together without raising eyebrows, without any danger. I can use my brother's death as an excuse if anybody gets curious. Life is too short to share you with anybody, even with Zorro."

She leaned back then, a contemplative look on her face again. "You sound as if that doesn't cause you any pain, but I know that any death in your family would..."

Diego scooted closer to her on the bench. "I know he was my brother, and his death does affect me somewhat, but yours would affect me much more. I shudder to think of the day; my life would be so empty then." And he did shiver, a movement that traveled all the way through him. His love coursed from his toes to the top of his head, then, settling in his chest to make his heart hurt with the feeling of it. He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand then, unable to stop himself. "You're so beautiful, Victoria. I love you so much." Approaching tears were in his voice, and he couldn't stop from gathering her in his arms again.

Victoria embraced him hard, then lifted her head, desire evident on her face, and he didn't resist the invitation as he leaned down to kiss her, refusing to mask the full amount of his emotions for the first time that he could remember.

They parted. Panting, gulping for breath, he leaned his head against her forehead, doing his best to contain his emotions for her, but losing the fight even as he tried. He couldn't stop himself when he kissed her again, his emotions as hot and fiery as his skin, wanting nothing more than to touch his lips to places on her that were indecent and sacred.

Victoria felt surprised by his apparently heightened lack of control, but she reveled in it, deepening his kiss before he had the chance, running her hands over his back, his chest, anything she could touch, whether or not clothes were in the way. She ran her fingers through his hair, down his hot cheeks, around his neck, her heart pounding as loudly as his. This was what she had wanted, what she had waited for, and she grabbed it with both fists the second it presented itself.

Victoria moaned, a noise that sounded ragged in the silence of the empty tavern. The sound brought Diego reluctantly to his senses, and he wished it hadn't. The sensations that her lips caused in him were pleasant, furious, deep, and their rapid climb made sense laborious. But his honor was equally as strong as his desire.

Kissing his ear minutes later, she proclaimed in a whisper, "I don't think I can stand much more secrecy; you better court me quickly. I want to show my feelings for you before the whole town. I want everyone to know that I love you, only you." She kissed him again, passion so clear in her endearment.

He held her close, promising that he would never put himself through something like this day again. He felt even more drained from this heartstopping disclosure, from the divulgence of his secret with his father, from the intense battle with Gilberto, from his struggle against the rocks in Diablo Canyon. When he awoke to start the day, he'd never have thought he might go through so much in a twelve hour period, or that he would win so incredibly.

But he had his Victoria, and he would never let her go.

End file.

Unburdening the Soul by lbindner