Come Out And Play
Two years after saying good bye to Anna Maria Verdugo, she comes to Los Angeles with her father for some business. What would happen if she found the note she wrote for Zorro two years ago in Don Diego's possession?
It had been two years since Zorro was needed. For once, peace inhabited the fair Los Angeles. But terror would soon demand the Fox to resurface when bodies are found dressed in his signature attire with a beckoning note saying "Come out and play..."
Author's Notes: This is a two part story, meaning, I had two different Zorro ideas that I decided to mush into one idea! So, it's time to put on your thinking caps and pay attention to the riddles unfold...
Warning: This is a Walt Disney Zorro but it is a bit darker with a little bit of Zorro whumping…
Chapter 1: Memories
The lancer rolled the drum. The saddened crowd of Los Angeles looked up as two lancers prodded their prisoner up the gallows steps.
Monastario beamed a smile. It was perfect. He had finally caught the masked bandit, El Zorro. He had slipped his grasp too often. But now, Zorro was his. He was going to enjoy watching the outlaw swing by his neck.
All the dons, caballeros, peons and vaqueros were there waiting in anticipation. Monastario had a perfect plan: he waited to unmask the outlaw just before he was hung, so all of Los Angeles could gaze upon him one last time. There was no need for a trial; the dog's crimes were outstanding. No, all that was needed was a hanging.
Zorro was placed on the trap door. Garcia could not bear to watch the man who fought injustice die. If the elusive fox was not an outlaw and he did not have to chase him, the sergeant thought that maybe they could have been friends. Garcia looked over at the elder De la Vega who was standing next to the deaf-mute, Bernardo. Where was Don Diego? Bernardo was hardly ever gone from his master's side. The rotund sergeant noticed that Bernardo looked wildly anxious. He wondered what was going through the Little One's thoughts.
Garcia turned back to the gallows as Monastario halted the drum roll. "Now. Unmask the outlaw, so we can see him before he hangs."
The lancer hesitated to put the noose around the guilty man's neck. He had spent several years chasing this man; the lancer secretly had much respect for this powerful man, even now, the man in black illuminated a prowess. Now, he had the difficult task of unmasking him. It was almost an impossible order to obey. He gulped before untying the knot behind the man's head and slipping it off.
The whole crowd gasped in shock at the sight before them. Even Monastario was surprised.
Alejandro's heart stopped right in his throat. Bernardo looked over at the elder Don who was staring up at his son standing on the gallows.
Diego could not look at his father. He felt so terrified. Not for himself, but for what would happen to his father after he died. He stole a glance at his father and was brought to grief at seeing his father's eyes red with tears. He glanced at Bernardo who looked frantic. Diego could tell his faithful servant was trying to find some way to help his master escape. Diego knew Bernardo blamed himself for them not succeeding in escaping Monastario.
His heart in his chest beat loudly. His body pumped hot and cold. He looked one last time at his father, then inhaled suddenly when the drum roll stopped and the floor underneath him vanished.
"No!" Diego jumped awake. He was drenched in sweat; his heart racing. He could not catch his breath; they were too short and rapid. He grasped his throat feeling for a rope. His body trembled from the sensation of being hung.
Bernardo was suddenly at the bedside of his master. He grabbed Diego's hand and let him squeeze the horror away. Bernardo then breathed in deeply and exhaled; coaxing Diego to do the same. Bernardo could tell it was difficult for Diego to calm down. It must have been a real bad dream this time.
After several minutes, the pressure from Bernardo's fingers lessened and Diego finally let go. His breathing was slower, but the trembling was still there. Diego nodded a thank you. He tried to flash a grin, but only a slight twitch from the corner of his lips surfaced, "I'm okay," was all he could say.
It had been two years since Zorro was seen; two years of peace for the people of Los Angeles, California. The pueblo of Los Angeles had been ruled justly by a new commandant. His name was Capitan Antonio Ivaro Manuel Morales. When he was assigned to the city, robbers, thieves and outlaws were dealt with justly. The streets were cleaned with any fears or concerns, the soldiers were disciplined into shape, the taxes were collected fairly, and as time went by Zorro slowly disappeared.
Many had wondered what happened to the Fox. Did he die? Did he set aside his mask for good? Would he ever return? The people of Los Angeles had asked these questions, but as time went by and El Zorro's absence grew longer, the questions ceased. They made their own conclusions as to what happened to their hero and they lived in peace...
...But not everyone lived in peace. There was one who struggled with a new life. One who was tormented each night with nightmares and desired every morning to pick up a sword. This one was Zorro, or should I say Don Diego de la Vega.
Diego was truly happy that the people were living in peace. It was all that he had hoped for, but he never thought that that day would come. He did not plan ahead with his facade. Once Zorro was no longer needed, Diego was stuck with the problem of continuing to be the poet. His life had become agony. He could not sleep at night. Usually lack of sleep did not bother him, but now he was plagued with terrible dreams. These dreams consisted of his identity unmasked, being captured or worse – being hung with his last look of his father watching. Some nights, Diego would feel the floors vibrate and the walls of his room shake from the pound of soldiers upon his door, only to wake up and find his room quiet and still.
Several times Bernardo would have to wake Diego up from a horrific dream. Diego would find himself drenched in sweat. He would then punch his pillow and go to the window to cool off.
Going to sleep was terrifying for Diego. Instead, he would stay up reading or go down to the secret chambers and needlessly practice with his sword. Other times he would ride Tornado in the middle of the night and imagine he was being chased by Sergeant Garcia and his bungling lancers.
At home, he was safe and could be more himself with his father and Bernardo who knew his secret identity. It brought him and his father closer together. They would read in the sala, play a game of chess, challenge each other to a playful duel, or work the family trade. It broke up the monotony. Then, pretenses were put on once more when he socialized with his friends or when he went to town where he would go to the tavern and meet with the Sergeant for a drink.
Bernardo had expressed, in his own way, his concerns about his master to Alejandro. Alejandro tried several different things: he would have talks with Diego, he would suggest seeing Doctor Avilla for some sleeping remedies to try a couple of times.
"I appreciate your concern, but it is not falling asleep that I am struggling with, Father. It is when I am asleep."
Alejandro saw a small ounce of terror in his son's eyes right before it was masked with a sparkle and a flashy grin. He wished he could do something. It broke his heart to see his son putting on a brave front, hiding his terror. "Have you tried thinking of happy memories from your past? What about your mother?"
Diego could sense that his father was really worried. Diego pressed a smile on his face and put on a charade as he reassured, "That is a great idea father. I will try that tonight. Do not worry about me."
Alejandro put a loving hand on his son's cheek, "I have a right too, My Son. It is the job of parents and ever since your mother died, I have the role of both our worries."
Diego could not help but smile lovingly at his father.
After dinner, Diego shut his bedroom door and took off his jacket and cravat and tossed them on the bed. He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and went to his desk. He sat. Maybe his father's idea was not such a bad one after all. What could he loose? He opened the top left drawer and searched for a happy memory – for peace.
Diego found a stack of papers: he had not organized his desk in quite some time. This might prove something. He started looking through the stack. There were some stories he had started writing and some poems he scratched down to pass the time. There were a couple good ones. Some spurred his mind to fantastical fiction. He then found some old notes he had left for Bernardo, he tried remembering why he wrote them. He then found some notes his father had left for him. He laughed at the subtle harsh tones in his father's word choice and the anger in his handwriting. This was obviously before his father knew his son was the outlaw El Zorro. Then, there were a few odds and ends: a feather from his time searching for the Eagle, and a couple faux jewels used to bring out a man who masqueraded as the Fox stealing the crown jewels and killing an Indian. There were also a couple notes from a few senoritas who expressed an interest and a few other notes from other senoritas imparting their views of how he could improve. He stacked the papers neatly then opened the drawer to return them to their proper place. He stopped when he saw an opened envelope all alone in the back of the drawer. He pulled it out. Maybe it was another note he left for Bernardo.
He pulled out the letter inside and unfolded it...his heart skipped upon recognizing the feminine handwriting:
Dear Senor,
Words cannot express my feelings of gratitude toward you. Your bravery has saved my father's and my life many times and I do not know how to properly thank you.
I must confess that I have feelings for you, Senor Zorro. Feelings with which I do not understand! You have bewitched me. You cause me to think of nothing else all day except you. The look on your face when we first met, the idea of holding hands or sitting down to eat together...you are the last thought in my mind before I go to sleep. I apologize if this is too forward.
I hope and pray that we will meet again someday soon. I have faith we will meet again because you have something of mine. You have my heart.
Forever Yours,
Anna Maria Verdugo
He could still smell the faint whiff of lavender. He had not thought of this note for a very long time. A smile crept onto his face as he pictured her. He could still see Anna Maria handing the note to him from inside the carriage asking him to give it to Zorro. This was one of the many times he was glad he was the Fox: Diego's curiosity of the letter's contents would have driven him mad.
Diego sat back in his chair and thought of the first time he met her in Monterey. He laughed at remembering how rude she was to him. She had every right to, however. He practically accused her father of stealing the money he had brought from Los Angeles. They both had spirited tempers that could start a fire; she was so beautiful when she was angry. Most importantly, he remembered the kiss. That kiss that took his heart. Of course, it was Zorro's kiss and not Diego's, but he could still imagine it.
That evening was filled with sweet memories. He unknowingly had fallen asleep thinking of Senorita Verdugo and for the first time in a long while, he slept peacefully through the night.
zzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The next morning, Diego was awakened by a clank. His eyes opened slightly, then closed again from the bright sun. He moaned softly then blinked them open to see Bernardo cleaning the fireplace. He then watched as Bernardo went and closed the curtains to the windows.
"Bernardo, what are you doing?" Diego sat up.
Bernardo turned and smiled. He joined the younger by the bed. He smiled as he placed his hands next to his head and rocked side to side.
"I was sleeping peacefully, eh?" Diego laughed as Bernardo nodded. "Well, thank you, my friend. I do feel better. But what time is it?"
Bernardo held up his fingers to the correct time.
"11 o'clock! I was supposed to join my father to make ready the cattle for sale."
Bernardo traced a beard and mustache on his face then pointed to his eyes then Diego's. He then put up his hands.
"My father saw me and wanted me to sleep? Well, it seems we have a free afternoon. What shall we do today?"
Bernardo mimed eating food then pointed to Diego.
"I am a bit hungry. What say we head to the tavern for a late breakfast and see if our good friend the Sergeant is in the mood for a bite to eat?"
Bernardo laughed then flicked his hands as to say Sergeant Garcia in the mood to eat? Always!
Diego burst into laughter, then stood to change.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz
They rode into the pueblo and toward the cuartel. The strong wooden gates were open and the Spanish flag was flying. Diego had a vision of the gallows within the cuartel and he shook away the mental image. He and Bernardo both dismounted and watched as the fat Sergeant proudly carried out some military drills to the grumbling lancers.
"Straighten up, Sanchez. You're out of step Corporal Reyes...Contreras, shape up," Garcia glanced at the open gates of the cuartel and saw the handsome face of his friend standing at the entrance. "Don Diego!" Garcia turned back to his lancers, "At ease. Finish your chores," he turned and did not see the glares and gestures he received.
Diego had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing.
Garcia, none the wiser, joined the caballero at the entrance, "Buenas tardes, Don Diego and to you Little One. What brings you here?"
"We came to invite you to lunch, Sergeant," he patted his friend on the back, "that is if you can tear yourself away. You seem hard at work," Diego glanced behind his friend at the soldiers who had slowly dispersed.
The good sergeant grew a big, infectious smile and he gave a throaty giggle, "Gracias, Don Diego. Gracias. I think I can take my break to join you for a little bit to eat and drink."
"Then shall we?" Diego gestured toward the Inn.
They crossed the pueblo full of vendors selling their spices, materials, and trinkets. Diego opened the door of the sergeant and ushered him inside. They found a table and Bernardo happily went to the bar. Diego ordered himself some tea with his lunch and a bottle of wine for the sergeant.
"So how is the life of a soldier?"
"Oh, trying as usual, Don Diego. But I am accustomed to hardship. Commandante Morales has us exercising maneuvers every afternoon."
"That is good, Sergeant. I've never seen the lancers in better shape," Diego stopped short as the sergeant looked down at his rotund belly. Diego glanced at Bernardo who snuck a grin then went onto eating. "I mean, I've never seen the men more ready to defend the pueblo."
"Si. The Commandante is very knowledgeable in strategic – strategies," Garcia looked around and moved in closer, "To tell you the truth, he is my favorite Commandante I've ever had to serve."
"That's good to hear, Sergeant. He does seem to govern the pueblo fairly."
"Regulations are strict, but he is fair. He treats us soldiers with respect. I've never seen a group of soldiers more willing to obey the Commandante's orders. I must confess, I am happy that peace has finally found its way into our Los Angeles."
"Aren't we all."
Garcia took his mug with both hands and gulped a swig down before speaking in a hushed tone, "But can I let you in on a little secret, Don Diego?" Garcia looked about and leaned in closer, "I miss Zorro."
Diego did not have to act surprised. He reposed himself in an instant, "No. That outlaw?"
"He was a rascal and got me into trouble more times than I can count, but I did enjoy chasing him and the danger of it all,"
"You are very brave."
"A soldier pledges to be brave in the face of danger," he tsked, "I never did get that reward money."
Diego held in his laughter. Many memories came to mind when the sergeant would coil from the Fox, "Cheer up Sergeant."
"The only problem now, is that peace is dull," he took a bite of his food.
"Well, you have the Autumn Festival coming up. The pueblo is always promised a lively time."
"That is true. I can almost taste the fudge and fresh strawberries and biscuits."
"You cannot still be hungry, Sergeant?" Diego questioned playfully then gave a hardy laugh when the soldier gave a sheepish expression.
They finished their lunch in idle chit chat. When the sergeant downed his last bit of wine, he looked at his watch. "If you will excuse me, Don Diego. The stage coach is due anytime and I am in charge of expectation."
"Or course, Sergeant."
"Gracias for lunch, Diego," Garcia stood, collected his hat and adjusted the chin strap under his thick chin before waving at Bernardo and exiting.
Diego finished his lunch, paid, and leisurely left the tavern with Bernardo right behind him. Diego put on his hat before stepping out into the sun and watched as the stage coach came barreling around the corner and stopped in front of the cuartel. "Shall we go see who will be visiting our fair city?"
Bernardo nodded with a big smile and followed Diego across the plaza.
"All passengers have your identification papers ready," Garcia exclaimed routinely.
The stage coach door opened and Garcia was stopped in his tracks to see a familiar face step out of the coach. "Senor Verdugo! What a pleasant surprise!" He stopped and gasped when the beautiful daughter of Don Gregorio Verdugo was helped out of the coach. "And Senorita Verdugo!"
"Buen tardes, Sergeant. It is good to see you again," her voice was so soft and her smile so radiant.
Don Diego walked around to join the sergeant and was rendered motionless and speechless when he heard the sergeant identify the passengers.
"Don Diego?!" Anna Maria caught a glimpse of him out the corner of her eye. Her smile grew bigger as she rushed up to him and took his hands. "I was not expecting to see you so soon!"
"So soon?" Diego could barely speak.
The elder Verdugo frowned, "Did your father not receive my letter?"
"Not to my knowledge."
Gregorio shook his head with a laugh, "I was sure I sent it in time. We have been traveling on business which brought us to your fair city."
"It will give us some time to reacquaint ourselves. I haven't seen you in over two years!" Anna Maria grinned up at Diego.
"Well, it will be wonderful to have you here for a while. Please, my father would never forgive me if I did not extend an invitation for dinner this evening. Once you are settled. Where are you staying?"
"We are staying at the Inn."
Diego nodded, "Well, I will let you get settled. May we expect you at seven?"
"Wonderful. It will be good to see Alejandro again," Senor Verdugo grinned fondly.
Garcia cleared his throat and tried to politely remind them of his duty, "I will have to inspect your luggage, regulations. Please?"
"Of course, Sergeant. It is your duty," Gregorio stated and went with Garcia to help down the luggage.
Anna Maria turned back to Diego, "I have missed you. It is good to see you again."
"Si," he still could not form full sentences while looking at her.
Anna Maria giggled, then chimed, "Oh Diego, we have much to catch up. I will look forward to this evening. Besides the De La Vega Hacienda is known as one of the finest. It will be nice to finally see it. Till tonight," she gave his hands an affectionate squeeze before joining her father.
Bernardo had to pull on Diego's sleeve and direct him to their horses.
Diego finally turned and let his friend gently nudge him across the pueblo, "I would have never thought she would come to Los Angeles."
Bernardo smiled slyly.
"Just last night I was thinking about her and then here she is," in a daze he untied his horse.
Bernardo held up both index fingers then crossed them with a coy grin.
"Fate? I don't know," he looked back at the stage coach with a grin, "She is different somehow," Diego mounted his horse followed by Bernardo.
Bernardo put a hand over his heart and sighed dramatically.
Diego shook his head, "All right. All right," he laughed and spurred his horse in the direction of home.
As the inspection was finishing up, two lancers came racing up to the cuartel.
"Slow down there! Ho!" Garcia called as the soldiers pulled on their reigns. "Babosos! Do not run over the passengers!"
"Sergeant Garcia, you better come quick! It's—it's-" the lancer was out of breath.
"What is going on?" Commandante Morales, a man in his later thirties with a thin mustache and finely combed beard, dressed in a pristine uniform, exited the cuartel. He nodded and smiled at the beautiful senorita then turned back to lancers. "What is this about, running over passengers?"
"I do not know, Capitan," Garcia saluted then continued, "Private Sanchez and Private Hernandez came rushing up!"
"What is the problem, soldiers?" Capitan Morales turned to the anxious officers.
Private Sanchez was wide eyed, terror and disbelief blanketed his face, "It's Zorro!"
Anna Maria's heart skipped a beat and became very alert.
Capitan Morales stepped forward, "Zorro, the outlaw? Did you see him?!"
"Si, Capitan. He – he is dead!"