~Z~

Chapter 4 Make The Most Out Of The Unexpected

Diego had been living with his family in the future for a little over three months. He had enjoyed the break from having to fight constantly and constantly having to outsmart De Soto almost daily. He greatly missed everyone in his own time, but he knew that he would eventually return to them. For the moment he was enjoying what he had come to know as a strange but enjoyable vacation.

He had been almost surprised to discover that sword fights were not a part of typical life during this time. James and Zorra did however have a fairly nice collection of swords in their home that were kept on display. Apparently, James was proud of his heritage and the stories that had been passed down through the generations. What had surprised Diego was the fact that neither of them knew anything about using a sword.

He had begun to train James and Zorra to fence as well as each of his moves. He didn't hold back with them as he had before when he taught a few techniques to De Soto. Diego had grown quite close to Zorra over the months that he had been staying with them. She had become quite good at sparring with him. She had also taken an interest in riding Toronado as well as learning to care for him.

Zorra was definitely quite a good student and very dedicated to her lessons with him. Unlike during his time, sword fights were more of a hobby in the future. James had managed to find information about a fencing competition and had enrolled her as a participant.

This particular morning before the heat of the day had the chance to set in, Diego was fencing with Zorra. She was very close to wearing him out. No one in his time had come that close to beating him before. He was fully focused on sparring, but in one swift move she had managed to knock his sword from his hand. Diego began to laugh and conceded. It was definitely not something he was used to doing. With Zorra it was different. He didn't have to come out as the winner of the match. He was in fact proud to end their match at that point, knowing that he had taught her all that he could.

"I wish that my mother could have been here to have seen this," Zorra said with tears in her eyes. James and Zorra had barely spoken about her mother. Her mother had passed away when she was younger. He had been saddened to learn that her mother's life had been taken in an accident with the metal carriages. "I'm sure that she did indeed see you from a great vantage point in the heavens," he reassured her.

"My mother used to sing to me and tell me stories when I was little," Zorra reminisced as she wiped away a tear. "She always called me her little strong and mighty warrior princess," she added as she turned her face away from him. Diego knew that she was trying to keep him from seeing her cry. Zorra was always trying to appear to be tough.

James had arrived home for lunch after working in a local factory since before the sun had a chance to rise. "Grandpa Diego, Zorra, there's a package and some lunch waiting on the table," James called out to them. Diego and Zorra made their way into the house. A long package had been placed on the table. "Zorra, you have a package from your cousin from Los Angeles," James said while curiously eyeing the box.

Zorra carefully opened the package and pulled out a sword along with an envelope. Diego looked closely at the sword she had received. It was his sword! It was the one he was wearing and had somehow brought with him. It was the sword he had received years ago from his teacher. A speechless Zorra handed him a letter.

Dear cousin Zorra,

While exploring the cave as we have continued to restore the hacienda here in the Los Angeles area we have come across a parchment with instructions to make sure this sword reaches the descendant of Zorro who will be named Zorra. Also, there was a note on the parchment which mentioned it is a necessity to find pure Mercury. We have discovered many oddities throughout the cave, and are learning to not question our discoveries as heavily as we once had.

Your cousin B. de la Vega

Well this was certainly an interesting development. Apparently he had indeed gone back to his time and hidden a note for her to receive his sword. He had also left himself a clue. He must need to find Mercury to be able to get back home. "You left your sword for me," Zorra said in astonishment. Diego scratched his head and asked, "Where might I be able to obtain Mercury?" "They don't sell items made with Mercury any longer," James answered him. Diego felt slightly disappointed, but he knew that he must have been able to find it somewhere.

"If only we could find an antique thermometer..." Zorra sighed. "I suppose we could take a look around a few antique shops," James offered, his attempt at a possible solution. So it was agreed by all that they would take a trip to town to look for anything that contained Mercury after James returned from work that evening.