Chapter 2

The next morning, Cortez was up and early on the obstacle course. He swung on ropes and leaped over wooden swords! He scampered up a wall and leaped, landing on a mat in front of Senor Super Hero. "Impressive", he said, "How long have you been practicing?" "Since six in the morning", said Cortez, "Do you think I'm ready for the first test?" "Not just yet", said Senor Super Hero, "You'll still need a mask to protect yourself. Many are the people who will attack those close to you". He went to a small wooden trunk and pulled out a black, leather mask. Cortez took it and tried it on. It contrasted nicely against his white shirt and black pants. "How do I look?", he asked. "Like a kid in a Halloween costume", said Senor Super Hero, "It should serve its purpose well. Now, the first test will begin on Sodor, so it should be easy. You'll need a ride". Cortez threw on a black suit jacket over his shirt and followed Senor Super Hero as he put on a tie.

They walked onto the station platform. Waiting for them was Helena and a brown, Narrow Gauge engine named Duke, who was pulling a splendid blue coach. "Morning, Cortez", said Duke. "Good morning, Duke", said Cortez, "I didn't know you were a member of the Heroes Guild". "If you think that's surprising, wait until you see who you'll need to retrieve for the first challenge", said Duke with a wink. "Now", said Senor Super Hero, "Sodor is a little different from here. Just stay on your toes when you get there. Believe me, Sir Topham Hatt will not be happy if you die". "Don't worry, Senor", said Cortez, "With all the training I did, I should be ready for anything". "Here's hoping", said Helena. "Well, I'm off", said Cortez, "Wish me luck". "Adios", called Senor Super Hero. Helena simply waved with a smile as Duke pulled out of the station.

Duke sped through a forest. Cortez looked up as small birds flew from one branch to another. Just then, Duke went through the Magic Buffers and entered Sodor. Gone was the forest, and in its place stood a meadow filled with yellow flowers. "This place is beautiful", said Cortez in wonder. "You could say that Sodor has a magical feeling all on its own", said Duke. He passed by a lake and entered another forest. Finally, Duke arrived at a station, where the Flying Scotsman was waiting with the Old Slow Coach, a cream and brown coach that was reserved for special visitors. Cortez smiled upon seeing them. "Sir Topham Hatt sends his regards, Cortez", said the Flying Scotsman, "My brother, Gordon, is still being repaired after his accident, so I'm filling in for him". "Scotsman, please", said the Old Slow Coach, "We need to take him to his first test". "Oh, that's right, old girl", said the Flying Scotsman, "Well, come on now. We mustn't be late". "I'm coming", said Cortez, "Thank you, Duke". "Anytime, partner". With that, the Flying Scotsman sped off.

The Flying Scotsman hurtled through down the line. He made a turn and entered Henry's forest. "We're almost there", said the Old Slow Coach, "Slow down here". "I know", said the Flying Scotsman. Soon enough, he came to a complete stop at the bottom of a massive hill. Cortez stepped out in his leather mask. "She should be up that hill", said the Flying Scotsman, "Be especially careful with her". "Who?", asked Cortez. "You'll see", winked the Flying Scotsman. Taking out a grappling hook, Cortez threw it into the air and climbed up the rocky side of a cliff. He didn't dare to look down. "Eyes on the prize", he thought. When he climbed up to the top of the hill, he couldn't believe his eyes. As it turned out, "she" was Lady, a purple and gold engine built by Burnett Stone in Shining Time and the source of the gold dust for the Conductor family and the Magic Railroad. "Oh hello", said Lady, "I wasn't expecting any visitors". "Ma'am", said Cortez with that naturally charming smile of his, "What are you doing here". "I visit Sodor from time to time", said Lady, "It wouldn't make sense for one to stay in one place all the time, now would it?" "Indeed", said Cortez, "Shall we be off?" "I'm ready when you are", smiled Lady.

What they didn't realize was that the gangsters had sent a member of their own to survey them. Manic Mike, a gangster with a blue suit and long, blond hair hidden by a black fedora. "Is he in position?", asked Ratface Ramon over the radio. "Right where the boss said he'd be", said Manic Mike. "Good", said Ratface Ramon, "Give the signal". Just like that, Manic Mike fired up a flare!

Cortez had just climbed into Lady's cab when he heard a noise. Suddenly, an olive-tan diesel with a massive claw appeared from around the bend. "Vengeance is mine, you magical tin kettle! Ah ha ha ha", he cried. "Who is that?", asked Cortez. "It's Diesel 10", cried Lady in terror. "And here I thought this would be hard", smiled Cortez as he threw a switch. Lady lurched forward as Diesel 10's claw snapped at her! Before the claw can hit Cortez, he slashed a Z onto the wicked diesel's face! "Ah", cried Diesel 10, "My face". "Don't worry", said Cortez, "It's not permanent. Much". "I'll get you for this, Zorro!", roared Diesel 10. Cortez was filled with excitement at those words! He hit the claw with his sword, driving it back! Just then, Cortez looked over and saw Splatter and Dodge pulling a train of freight ahead! "Lady", said Cortez, "now would be a good time to go really, really fast". "I'll do my best", said Lady. Her wheels turned faster and faster, hoping to make it before stopping! Just then, Diesel 10's claw knocked Cortez over and he dropped his sword, only barely catching it before it fell over! He put it away and switched to his whip. He then used it to make a scar over Diesel 10's eye, temporarily forcing him back! Lady passed by Splatter and Dodge just as they crossed the intersection! Cortez looked back to see Diesel 10 furiously smash through their cargo cars! "This guy just doesn't quit", he muttered. Then, he noticed a set of points. He used his whip to switch Lady to a siding and stop. He went to the lever, and just as Diesel 10 caught up, switched them back, so that he passed by! His eyes widened, and he smashed through a set of buffers, flying through the air and into a sculpture of his face in a rocky hill! "My face", weeped Diesel 10, "Both of my handsome faces are ruined". "How on Earth could anyone think he was a threat?", asked Cortez, "He couldn't even defeat me". "You'd be surprised, young hero", said Lady.

Cortez returned with Lady to the castle and entered the hall to find Senor Super Hero. "So, how did it go?", asked Senor Super Hero. "Almost pathetically easy", said Cortez, "I have the element of charm down. One wonders what would've happened if Diesel 10 didn't attack". "Diesel 10 wasn't a part of this test", said a perplexed Senor Super Hero, "You were just supposed to take Lady back to the Flying Scotsman and back to the castle. You did manage to do that, right?" "Of course, Senor", said Cortez, "So, what's my next test? Something harder I hope". "You're not worried about this?", asked Senor Super Hero. "Minor accidents can wait", said Cortez, "Zorro is needed now. It's like my father said: 'If you want to be someone, you work hard for it'". "Well, in that case", said Senor Super Hero with a smile…

At 10:00, Cortez and Senor Super Hero arrived at the Dwarf Mines, a massive gray pit with narrow gauge rail tracks, sheds, workhouses, and the entrance to a massive diamond mine. "Zorro needs to be strong", said Senor Super Hero, "so this will be a good place to work through". "So", said Cortez, "who am I working with?" "The Seven Dwarfs", said Senor Super Hero, "There's Johnny, Dreamy, Wimpy, Buddy, Angry, Pranky, and last but least, Larry". Senor Super Hero growled at the very mention of his name. Speaking of Larry, he appeared in front of the two with his blue cap and green shirt. "Top o' the morning, Senor", said Larry in his Scottish accent, "I thought I told ye to lose the mask. It makes ye look like a rugby player". Senor Super Hero then tackled Larry and the two started fighting. Angry, who happened by, simply dropped his things and joined in, because he never needed an excuse to fight. Johnny, a dwarf with a red flannel shirt and yellow hard hat, stepped in and broke up the fight. "Larry", he said in an Irish accent, "I thought I told you to behave with the guests". Johnny tossed Larry and Angry aside turned toward Cortez. "Cortez, is it?", asked Johnny. "Yes", said Cortez. "Good", said Johnny, "Let's get to work on mining those jewels before Pranky gets any ideas". Suddenly, Johnny's pickax sprayed blue in his face! Pranky giggled with delight, only for Johnny to leap on him! "I stand corrected", said Senor Super Hero, "This isn't a test of strength, it's a test of patience".

Soon enough, Cortez and the Dwarfs were hard at work down in the mines. They loaded diamonds into cargo cars while the Dwarfs whistled the theme song of a beloved British children's show. Just then, a whistle went off. "Lunch break!", called Johnny. Everyone clamored out of the mine to eat.

Cortez sat on an oil drum and ate a sandwich. Just then, a brown, Narrow Gauge tank engine with red lining backed into his shed beside Cortez. "It would seem that I'm not alone today", the engine smiled. "I'm new here", explained Cortez, "Who are you, again?" "Call me Bertram", said the engine, "though my friends refer to me as the Old Warrior for my bravery". "I'm Cortez", he said. "Antonio's son?", asked Bertram. "That's right", said Cortez. "Well", said Bertram, "the future Zorro is need of some sound advice: be prepared for anything". "Thanks", said Cortez, "Say, how did you I was a future Zorro". "I too am a member of the Heroes Guild", said Bertram, "After all, this Old Warrior still has a lot of fight left in him". "I see", said Cortez. "Oh, before I forget, you'll need a mode of transport", said Bertram, "Like, say, a horse for instance". "Why a horse?", asked Cortez, "Why not a talking motorcycle?" "Talking motorcycle?", wondered Bertram, "Zorro has always used a living thing to aid him in travel. One even rode a rhino into battle. It's just how things are done". "I think I can do better than a rhino", said Cortez. Just then, they heard something and looked up. A splendid flying stallion ran over the winds above the mine. Cortez watched it fly into the distance with awe, as I'm sure anyone would. "I know that look", said Bertram, "You're not thinking of taming one like it are you?" "Yes, Bertram, I am", said Cortez with determination. He was going to tame a flying horse.

That night, Cortez was in the library, reading up on flying horses and their habits. Joining him was Bubo, a robotic owl who had joined the castle staff after another adventure. At that moment, Senor Super Hero and Helena walked in to find Cortez looking at multiple books with flying horse in them. "What's all this?", asked Helena. "I got a little inspiration at the mines", said Cortez as he passed one of the books to her. "Enfermo habla", said Senor Super Hero, "You look almost ready to rush off toward the mountains". "That reminds me", said Cortez, and he turned toward Bubo, "So you say you had a friend who rode one before?" Bubo nodded yes in response. "Why are you talking to an owl about this?", asked Helena. "Because", explained Cortez, "I have a feeling that taming a flying horse is a great way to pass the third test". "Well", said Senor Super Hero, "every Zorro needs a Tornado. Perhaps Toby could help us". "It's too dangerous", objected Helena, "What if the horse throws him off mid-flight?" "Well", said Cortez, "it's a good thing I have that whip. Besides, I need to earn the horse's trust, not force it into being my steed". "Perhaps tomorrow", said Senor Super Hero, "After passing two tests in one day, I think you should get some rest". "I'll be but a moment", said Cortez. He handed his book back to Bubo, who placed it back on the shelf.

The next morning, Cortez and Senor Super Hero took Toby the Tram and his coach, Henrietta, up to the mountains. He soon stopped at trail crossing with a trail marker. "Is this the right place?", asked Toby. Senor Super Hero and Cortez stepped out of Henrietta and surveyed the foggy mountain plains. "This is indeed the place", said Senor Super Hero, "Thank you, Toby". "So they'll be up there?", asked Cortez. "Si, and be careful", said Senor Super Hero. Cortez put on his mask and stepped forward.

Soon enough, he came upon a herd of white, winged horses. Each one was beautiful, with long manes of hair, dazzling black eyes, and huge wings folded to the sides of their bodies. They grazed peacefully in the mountain plains, unaware of Cortez, but ready to take flight at the first opportunity. Just then, a brilliant, black stallion landed in the field and neighed loudly. Cortez slowly approached the horse, only for it to back away slowly. "It's OK", said Cortez, "It's OK". The horse, curious at the sight of this masked man, approached for a closer look. Cortez gently stroked the horse's mane before getting on. The horse then unfolded his wings and took to the air! Cortez used his whip as reins as the horse flew hundreds of feet into the air before diving down! The horse was steered closer to the ground, dodging rock outcroppings! The horse neighed in delight, and Cortez howled with joy and adrenaline! He steered the horse over Toby as he traveled down the mountain. The horse slowed down and landed on a station platform, allowing Cortez to dismount and meet Senor Super Hero. "That was intense", said an excited Cortez. "Hmm, you don't say", said Senor Super Hero at the sight of the horse eating some garden weeds. "Let's go up again", smiled Cortez like a kid who had just gotten off of a roller coaster.

Later that night, the horse was lead into the stables, where he happily ate sugar cubes as Cortez brushed his fur. Helena entered at that moment. "That's a handsome horse", she said. Cortez smiled at this. "I'm calling him Tornado, after the horse of the first Zorro", he said. Tornado neighed with delight. "Anyway, I wouldn't let this victory go to your head if I were you", said Helena, "After all, you still have four tests left". "Yeah", said Cortez, "Still, it beats working on a farm. You know, I was thinking that maybe we could ride out to the plains north of here." "I've got nothing planned for tomorrow", smiled Helena, who had secretly wanted an excuse to ditch the meetings with the gangsters, "Good night". She left the stables, leaving Cortez in a trance. Tornado snapped him out of it by slapping his back with his left wing, in gesture to congratulate Cortez. Cortez laughed and pet his steed behind the ears.

Meanwhile, the ghoulish gangsters entered the office to find Michael chain-smoking next to an open window, letting in the cool, autumn air. "Boys, what happened?", he asked in a voice that suggested sadness but conveyed rage. "Well boss", said Ratface Ramon, "He didn't fall off the horse and Diesel 10 failed". "I can see that", said a very annoyed Michael, "This kid is too much trouble to be contained by normal means". He got out from behind his desk, flicked away his cigar, and paced back and forth before smiling. "Terry, my key", he said. "B-but boss", said Timid Terry, "you said not unless you needed..." "Now, Terry!", cried Michael. Timid Terry, trembling all the while, reached into his pocket and pulled out a copper key. Michael snatched it up and opened his safe, pulling out a small, leather bag. "Yes", said Michael, "This should be enough" "Enough for what?", asked a confused Ratface Ramon, "What is it?" "Oh, this?", said Michael sarcastically, "This is Mr. Conductor's magic gold dust, stolen from Shining Time Station". "Which one?", asked Ratface Ramon, "Ringo, George, or Alec?" "I don't think it matters", said Michael. He poured the dust on a rock he had found outside that looked cool to him and handed it to Timid Terry. "Here", said Michael, "Take this down to the station and put in the hold of a cargo car. With any luck, it will travel to where Helena said they'd be for test five". "What then?", asked Timid Terry. "The rock is enchanted", said Michael, "Once it's in range, Cortez will be in for a shock". "And what happens if this plan fails?", asked one of the gangsters. "I still have Dan's number", said Michael with a grin. The gangsters stepped back in horror. "Uh, boss...", said Ratface Ramon. "Yes, Ramon?", asked Michael. "The boys and I think that Dynamite is a little, shall we say, unsubtle for this job", explained a very nervous Ratface Ramon, silently hoping he wasn't going to be tossed out the window next. "I see", said Michael with a grin, "This is about that explosion in the yard, isn't it?" "Well, yes", said Ratface Ramon. "Hey", laughed Michael, "it's not my fault they didn't pay like they were supposed to. Dan is a reliable man, unsubtle though he may be. Outside of you, Ramon, he is just as good with a sword as I am." "Will it be worth it, though?", asked one gangster. "We'll just have to wait and see", smiled Michael.

The next day, Senor Super Hero and Cortez arrived at the spot for the third test. Butch the tow truck moved a heavy freight car in between the tracks. "There you go, Senor", he said in his Brooklyn accent, "One truck on the tracks". "Gracias, Butch", said Senor Super Hero, "You can take the rest of the day off". "You don't have to twist my hook", said Butch as he drove off. Cortez looked at the truck as it rested on the tracks. "So", he said, "this is the strength test, right?" "But of course", said Senor Super Hero with a smile. Suddenly, they heard a whistle. "That must be Edward", said Cortez. "Strange", said Senor Super Hero, "He's early". Using his whip, Cortez went around a tree and used it as a counterweight to pull the truck of the way. Then, he saw a bundle of red sticks! "It's a bomb!", cried Cortez. "I'll get it", said Senor Super Hero. "There's no time", said Cortez. He grabbed the bomb and pushed the truck down the hill. As soon as he was a distance away, he tossed the bomb away, watching it explode! Suddenly, just as Edward passed by, a large group of boulders came crashing out of one of the cargo trucks, sliding after Cortez! He jumped out of the truck he was in just as it smashed into a tree! He rolled over into a clearing, just as the rocks connected to each other to create a massive rock monster! Before he could take out his sword, the rock monster picked up Cortez and tossed him further into the woods!

Not to be outmatched, Cortez drew his sword and slashed at the beast, only scratching its rocky skin! Cortez dodged a punch from the rock monster, which shattered a tree! Just then, Senor Super Hero leaped in and kicked the monster! He punched the rock monster, denting its stone chest! But then, the rock monster punched Senor Super Hero out the way! Cortez then hit it in the gaps between rocks! The rock monster was then pushed aside by Senor Super Hero! The beast looked at both, its primitive mind wondering who to attack first. Taking the advantage, Cortez and Senor Super Hero both attacked, slicing at its weak points and punching it aside! Senor Super Hero was able to grab a rock and smash open the creature's chest, revealing a glowing gold rock! With one swing of his sword, Cortez sliced the rock in half! The rock monster screamed in pain before falling apart at the seams! "Well", said Cortez as he wiped away sweat, "that was fun". "What's this?", asked Senor Super Hero. He knelt down and picked up some shimmering dust on the ground. "I knew it", he said. "What", asked Cortez. "I'll explain on the way to the tracks", said Senor Super Hero. They headed east, looking for a train line.

"That must be, but it can't", said Senor Super Hero, "He has returned". "Who?", asked Cortez. "Michael Moncada", said Senor Super Hero, his expression deadly serious, "An enemy I fear you are not ready to deal with". "Why?", wondered Cortez. "The Moncada family has been at war with Zorro since, well, since Zorro was created", explained Senor Super Hero. "But I thought the Moncada family was gone, brought to justice the Spanish High Court", said Cortez. "No, just their fortune", said Senor Super Hero, "Michael has gone on to lead gang of people with fashion stuck in the 20's. He seems to have gone back to the family roots of trying to destroy Zorro. That's why these occurrences are happening during the tests". "Well, let's get him first", said Cortez. "And give him the opportunity to kill you?", asked Senor Super Hero, "Not a chance. There are only three tests left, and I have a feeling he isn't going anywhere". Cortez wanted to protest, but he knew Senor Super Hero was right. Just then, they heard a familiar whistle. It was Thomas, who had stopped at a nearby signal. "Hey, Thomas", said Cortez, "Haven't seen you in a while". "Same here", said Thomas cheerfully. "Thomas", said Senor Super Hero, "Cortez and I are in bit of a hurry. Could you give us a lift to the next station". "Hop in", said Thomas, "There's plenty of room in my cab". They climbed in and Thomas took off as soon as it was safe to do so. Cortez looked out the horizon, wondering where and when the malicious Michael Moncada would strike next.