Chapter 3
Michael sat in thought, looking out at the morning sky over his hacienda. He wondered what he would do after Zorro would die. He smiled at the thought of getting back the land holdings in Spain and California that had been lost to Zorro many decades ago and returned to his office, where the gangsters were waiting. Michael sat in his chair and laughed a little, though the gangsters didn't understand why. "Boss", said Ratface Ramon, "what's so funny?" "I was hoping the rock monster would get him after the dynamite went off", chuckled Michael. "S-Seems a little … counterproductive to me", said Timid Terry. "Counterproductive, huh?", said a voice with a distinctive Southern drawl. The gangsters turned to find a man, tall and skinny, with a black cowboy hat and leather trenchcoat, a red bandanna around his neck, and two bandoleers with sticks of dynamite strapped to his chest. This was Dynamite Dan, the most feared of the gangsters. Manic Mike, however, was less than impressed. "Stop doing that", whimpered Timid Terry. "Yeah", said Manic Mike, "If you hadn't put that dynamite on the tracks, Zorro would be d..." BANG! Dynamite Dan shot off Manic Mike's hat with a twirl of his six-shooter! "As you were", said Manic Mike sheepishly. "Dan, how's it going?", asked Michael as he shook hands with the outrageous outlaw. "Well, you know, the bomb business is going good", said Dynamite Dan humbly, something the other gangsters couldn't believe, "The yard explosion some weeks back was good trial run". "Indeed it was", said Michael, "Well, do you have results?" "Yeah, though I must ask why trains are your main targets", said Dynamite Dan. "Are you kidding?", asked Michael incredulously, "This place is dependent on the rail economy. I mean, they don't call it the Magic Railroad for nothing. This is my way of evening the playing field. By the way, do you have it?" Dan handed his boss a remote control with a single, red button. "As always, I deliver", smiled Dynamite Dan. Michael opened the curtains, briefly blinding his underlings with the sunlight, and looked out at the rail bridge in the distance. There, he saw Skarloey pulling a goods train. With the push of a button, the bride exploded, causing Skarloey to fall into a shallow ravine and land on his side! "You see?", asked an ecstatic Michael, "That's how it's done! Dan, you don't disappoint!" "Thanks, hombre", said Dan. "So, we're blowing up train tracks now?", asked Ratface Ramon. "Well, not all of them", said Michael, "At least one of those engines is the key to our survival". "He's got a point", said Manic Mike. "Thank you", muttered Michael. "So, what's next?", asked Dynamite Dan, "Where do you want all of this?" "Put it near the fields", said Michael, "I want to surprise 'em, to show them I'm still top dog. Plus, the Apache nation didn't pay up this week, so..." He gestured for an explosion and laughed. Ratface Ramon simply snapped his fingers and five other gangsters went with him and Dynamite Dan to perform the deadly deed.
Later that afternoon, Cortez and Tornado rode out the plains, a vast, flat desert with tall grass flowing in the breeze beneath gigantic rock structures that resembled those of the famous Monument Valley of the United States of America. The clouds over the rock structures were enormous, but as the sky was still a bright blue, rain was not on schedule for that day. Just then, Helena appeared, riding El Desperado, her paint-horse. "I see you've brought El Desperado with you", said Cortez. "Well, he is the fastest horse in the whole castle after all", said Helena. Tornado's ears perked up in anger at that remark. "I think Tornado seems to dispute that", chuckled Cortez. El Desperado kicked up some dust, with Tornado doing the same. "Looks like they want to race", said Helena. "Challenge accepted", said Cortez. "No flying", smiled Helena, "Ready?" "Set", said Cortez. "Go!", called Helena, and the horses darted forward! El Desperado had the lead for a moment, but Tornado leaped off of a rock and ran ahead! El Desperado kept running, but it was no use. The two horses were now running side by side, only to stop at a cliff overlooking the plains and rock structures. The race had ended in a tie. "That's a tie", said Cortez, "They're an even match for one another". So in a sense, we've both won", smiled Helena. "Yeah, you could say that", said Cortez as he dismounted. He stood on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the picturesque vista before him. He noticed Derek the diesel pulling a freight train down the desert line.
"Where does that line lead to?", asked Cortez. "That leads to the land of the Apache nation", explained Helena, "They, along with the Lakota Sioux, Navajo, Nez Pierce, Blackfoot, and Crow, were here long before there was a railroad to speak of". Suddenly, Tornado neighed and reared up! "What is it, boy?", asked Cortez. He looked out at the line and saw something red on the tracks in the distance. At once, he hopped onto Tornado and took flight! Tornado flew over the tracks and past a cluster of dynamite! Cortez turned them around, picked up the dynamite, and tossed it aside, watching it explode as Derek kept moving. He and Tornado flew back to cliff to find Helena on El Desperado. "We have to go", said Cortez, "Now".
After getting back to the safety of the castle that night, Cortez explained the days events to Senor Super Hero in the library. "I don't like this", he said at last, "If Dynamite Dan is back, it could spell disaster". "Yeah", said Cortez, "Now I know why the Flying Scotsman was late that day". "Be that as it may, one thing is clear", said Senor Super Hero, "Michael and his gang of desperadoes are out for your blood." "I have three tests left", said Cortez with a confidence that scared Senor Super Hero, "I can do this". "It's not exactly that simple", said Senor Super Hero as he glanced at a statue of Hercules, "I have made many mistakes in my long life. Some were worse than others. I have already lost one of my best friends to Michael, and I won't lose another". "It's what Dad would've wanted", said Cortez as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Not just your father", said Senor Super Hero as he looked to a painting of a Spanish dancer. "Someone you knew?", asked Cortez. "Someone I loved", smiled Senor Super Hero sadly. "I'm sorry", said Cortez. "So am I, mi amigo", said Senor Super Hero, "Though she left me with one thing". "What's that?", asked Cortez. "A love for life and adventure in my heart", smiled Senor Super Hero. As Senor Super Hero left the room, Cortez stared at the painting and pulled the mask from his pocket. Resolve spread through him like wildfire, and he set out on a hunch to do something irresponsible and stupid.
Cortez and Tornado flew over the woods, looking for any sign of Michael's gang. He looked down and saw a group of men being led by Dynamite Dan in setting up explosives. "Come on, hombres", yelled Dynamite Dan, "This dynamite won't lay itself!" Suddenly, Cortez leaped down and punched out Dynamite Dan! Then, he kicked another gangster! But then, a big gangster punched Cortez in the stomach! Before another gangster could shoot Cortez, Tornado flew down and kicked the gangster into the branches of a nearby tree! Cortez managed to knock the gangster fighting him down and used his sword to cut a gangster's gun in half! He then knocked another thug down with the hilt of his sword! Just then, Dynamite Dan to out his six-shooter and fired! The bullet missed, only grazing the masked man's leg, but it still hurt as you can imagine. Luckily, Tornado saw the danger and kicked a pile of dynamite into Dynamite Dan's face! "Nice work", said Cortez, "Let's go". With that, Cortez and Tornado took the sky, far out of range of the gangsters bullets. "Next time, hombre", said Dynamite Dan, and he was right too. This would not be their last clash.
The next morning, after bandaging his leg, Cortez told of last night's events. Shock of all shocks, Helena didn't take it well. "That was irresponsible and stupid", she said. "I have never been prouder", said Senor Super Hero. Helena glared at him in shock at his audacity. "… Is what I would say if that wasn't irresponsible and stupid", he said. "Nice save", whispered Cortez. "Gracias", whispered Senor Super Hero, just before both were smacked upside the head by Helena. "Hey genius, what if you had died?", she asked, worry evident in her voice. "You're right", said Cortez, "I never should have gone off without completing my training". "Indeed", said Senor Super Hero sternly, "So let's do that, then. Sinbad Island has a problem in need of solving. it's a great way to pass the fifth test". "What challenge shall I face down, Senor?", asked Cortez as he stood up eagerly. "I'll explain when we get there", said Senor Super Hero, "To the train!"
Duke took off toward the narrow gauge bridge that connected the mainland to Sinbad Island. It was an imposing landmass, with jagged mountains rising above coastal towns and docks, large bays, vast jungles, and strange reptile birds flying overhead, an exotic example of the unique and prehistoric wildlife on the island.
Soon enough, Duke arrived at a platform next to the docks, where the cranes were unloading cargo from ships. "Gracias, Duke", said Senor Super Hero. "You're welcome", said Duke, "I hope the ride to the other side of the island isn't too difficult." Just then, Salty the Dockside Diesel rolled up to the platform while pulling a rusty, orange coach that had seaweed in some places. "Avast, me hearties", he called. "Ahoy, Salty", said Senor Super Hero, "What is that you're pulling?" "A coach", said Salty with pride. "I can see it's a coach, but why does it look so broken down?", asked Senor Super Hero impatiently. "Oh that?", asked Salty sheepishly, "I'm afraid I'm on the receiving end of Neil's most foul revenge, for I was a boisterous boaster earlier in the day. One minute, a nice coach, fit for a captain. The next minute, this!" Neil, a short green tank engine with no cab roof, laughed as he pulled freight cars filled with fish. "It's not pretty, but it will have to do", said Senor Super Hero, "Vamanos, Cortez. Our next adventure awaits". With that, they hopped into the coach, and Salty pulled out of the station.
Salty pushed through a dense jungle as reptile birds flew overhead. The branches and vines were cut down to allow trains to pass through without incident, which was an important rule on Sinbad Island. The coach rattled behind Salty, producing some very loud noise, loud enough for a small hypsilophodon to take notice from the trees. Soon, Salty came out of the jungle and onto the coastal line, close to the beach. Soon enough, Salty arrived at a small coastal town that combined Arab and Nantucket architecture. Senor Super Hero and Cortez stepped out, trying their best not to fall over from dizziness. "Thank you, Salty", said Cortez, "Your kindness will take you far, I hope". "'Tis nothing, me hearties", smiled Salty. The two heroes walked off to the nearest pier as the Flying Scotsman pulled up beside Salty. "Positively dreadful", said the Flying Scotsman, "No coach of mine ever looked so hideous". "Aye", said Salty, "At least I can pull me own weight in cargo, Mr. London-to-Scotland". "Why I oughta...", started Flying Scotsman.
On the pier, Cortez and Senor Super Hero were looking for their boat. "Come on, come on", said a barge, "I don't have all day!" "Nice fella", said Cortez. "That's Bulstrode", said Senor Super Hero, "He was only recently brought back into service a few months ago after being stranded on a beach." "Don't remind me", said Bulstrode, "Let's just go".
Bulstrode was soon sailing out into the bay, while Senor Super Hero sat on deck, breathing in the sea air. "So, what am I fighting today?", asked Cortez. "I'm glad you asked", said Senor Super Hero, "There is a massive, ship-sinking sea monster terrorizing this part of the island" "Wait, what!?", asked a now terrified Bulstrode. Just then, a massive beast burst out of the sea! It had gray skin, large ear fins, and a dog-like face. The creature roared and tried to bite Cortez, but he was able to slash the beast across the face with his sword! But then, the sea monster wrapped its snake-like body around Bulstrode, rocking him against the waves! "Get it off me", cried Bulstrode, "Get it off me!" "Hang on", said Cortez. He sliced one of the beast's flippers! The creature roared in pain as Cortez dove into the water! The beast, hissing its hate, swam after him! Under the surface, the sea monster rushed at Cortez, who swam out of the way and stabbed it in the neck! Cortez could feel that his lungs were ready to burst, so he stabbed the sea monster one more time before swimming to the surface! "Do you see anything?", asked Bulstrode. "Not yet", said Senor Super Hero. Just then, the sea monster burst through the water and roared! Then, it fell dead in the water, and Cortez surfaced. He swam through the monster's blood and climbed back on deck. Senor Super Hero was about to hug him, but he recoiled at the stench of blood. "You should probably get cleaned up", he said. "Yeah, definitely", said Cortez, "But first"…
Later, the sea monster's skeleton was put on display in the castle trophy room. Helena like at the specimen, silently wondering how it could fit in the castle. "I have to wonder about some of these tests", said Helena. "Yeah, the creature went down to easy for my tastes", said Cortez. "You're not worried about this, like, at all?", asked Helena. "I think Michael is starting to back down", said Cortez, "Especially after Tornado and I absolutely spanked his goons". "I wouldn't be so sure", said Helena. "Come on, Helena", said Cortez with a smile, "What could possibly go wrong?" "Well, when you put it that way", said Helena before she kissed Cortez on the cheek. Cortez smiled as she walked off. He was still blushing when Senor Super Hero entered the trophy room. "Boy, she sure is something", said Senor Super Hero. "Yes, she is", said Cortez, "Well, time for me to turn in. I have to be at the construction site tomorrow". "Why?", asked Senor Super Hero. "Zorro was a man of the people", said Cortez, "If I am to be the same, I must get to know them first". "I see", said Senor Super Hero with a smile. It had been years since Zorro had taken on the old-school aesthetic used by the very first men to take the title.
Back at the office, Michael took a glass of whiskey. "He came back, didn't he?", he said. "Without a doubt", said Dynamite Dan, who had replaced his hat with a bag of ice. "We've tried to find him, but he's staying off the radar", said Ratface Ramon as he examined his sword blade. "So it would seem", said Michael. "Wait a minute", said Timid Terry. "What, Terry?", asked Michael, "Can' you see that I'm about to chew out the boys for their failure?" "I-I-I just noticed that Helena isn't here", said Timid Terry. "Huh", said Michael, "Thank you, Terry". "For what?", asked Timid Terry. "For opening my eyes", said Michael as he opened the safe. He then pulled out a single, silver bullet. "I thought you said...", began Ratface Ramon. "Exactly", said Michael, "Falling in love with the very force that can destroy us isn't exactly the circumstances I had in mind for using this, but I guess a curse is a curse". The gangsters were in awe at their boss and the lengths he was willing to go to destroy his enemies.
Early the next morning, Cortez and the Seven Dwarfs took Bertram to the construction site. They sat in three blue, open-air coaches named Ada, Jane, and Mabel. "So what's the deal with this festival?", asked Cortez. "The Festival of Magic is a transition celebration from summer to autumn", explained Johnny, "Every year, different mortals and magic users gather to celebrate life and other things. Think the Renaissance fair combined with a high school homecoming". "Not to mention", added Bertram, "a train visits the different kingdoms and takes passengers and their luggage to the Festival of Magic at the end of the week. I heard Thomas is going to pull this year's train". "Excellent", said Cortez with pride, "Who pulled the one from last year?" "I think it might have been Edward", said Bertram. "Nice fella", said Larry. Soon enough, they arrived and began to start setting up tents and digging pits. Then, Thomas and Derek arrived, carrying with them Thumper, a red machine that was soon hard at work, clearing away rocks and debris. "What is he?", asked Buddy upon seeing Thumper. "Something that we should fear and respect", said Larry as he slowly led his brother away. If Thumper was offended, he didn't show it.
While Cortez and the others were setting up the foundation for the stages, Thomas pushed some trucks filled with excess rubble into a siding. Then, he sped of to push some flatbeds to the platform, unaware that there was a crack in the track! "Thomas, look out!", cried Bertram. Thomas derailed on the spot! Luckily, only his front end had come off, and Derek managed to bring the breakdown crane to Thomas. Duke stopped to observe Cortez tying the chain to his running board. "You should be more careful, Thomas", said Duke, "You don't want to end up like Smudger". "What happened to him?", asked Cortez as Thomas was being lifted. "Smudger", began Duke, "was a show-off. He rode roughly and more often than not, he tended to come off the rails. I warned him to be careful, but he wouldn't listen. He would often say to me: 'Listen Dukie, who worries about a couple of spills?' Then he'd laugh. One day, the manager came to see him. He didn't laugh then". "What happened?", asked Thomas. "They took off his wheels and turned him into a generator", said Duke, "They kept him behind our sheds until just recently. Smudger was lucky that Junior had a use for him on Sinbad Island. But always remember, Thomas, life doesn't always give second chances". Cortez thought about this point before returning to work.
At the gangsters' lair, Michael was eating an omelet when Manic Mike burst in. "Boss, Helena left this", he said as he held up a piece of paper. "What does it say?", asked Ratface Ramon. "It's a little long, so bear with me", said Manic Mike, "'Michael, I quit, so kiss your dreams good-bye'. Oh, that wasn't long at all". "Well, the content worries me", said Michael. "Yeah", said Ratface Ramon, "If I didn't know better, I'd say she's skipping out on us". "T-That's not good all", said Timid Terry. "Well then", said Michael, "we need to go". "Great", said one gangster, "I'll go pack our things now". "But", began Michael, who was met by the groans of his henchmen, "we need to destroy Zorro, and fast!" "But how?", asked Ratface Ramon. Michael paced back and forth thinking about how to answer his most loyal goon's question. He stopped in front of a map of the Magic Railroad. "I've got it!", he said ecstatically, "Dan, lay the dynamite on the sides of the tracks leading to Shining Time". "Don't you want it on the tracks, hombre?", asked Dynamite Dan. "No", said Michael, "I want our great escape to be the show of a lifetime! We can blow up the bridge as soon as we get away." "Why make a show out of it?", asked Ratface Ramon. "At the Festival of Magic", said Michael, "Lady will be carrying a train full of gold for charity. If we can steal that, we'll be set for life." "I could steal some dynamite from the mines around here", said Dynamite Dan. "Good", said Michael, "When I give the word, take some of my boys to my trap in the old mine". "You can count on us, hombre", said Dynamite Dan. "Just make sure he passes his next test", said Michael, "I wan t him there for my plan to work". "Right away, boss", said Ratface Ramon.
On a mountain far from the gangsters, Cortez strapped himself onto his snowboard and adjusted his goggles. "So let me get this straight", he said, "I need to snowboard down this mountain against another racer in order to complete this test, correct?" "Si", said Senor Super Hero as he also adjusted his goggles. "OK", said Cortez, "So, who will I be racing against?" "The Abominable Snowman, of course", said Senor Super Hero. Just then, a Yeti surfing on a flat rock slab sped past them! Cortez took off after him! The Yeti slid past several rocks like an expert, but Cortez used the rocks as ramps to leap over the Yeti! He then struggled to regain his balance, but always kept ahead of the Yeti!
Ratface Ramon peaked at the race from behind a bush. He took out a remote given to him by Dynamite Dan and pushed a button. Part of the mountain exploded, causing an avalanche!
Cortez and the Yeti both saw the avalanche and sped up to outrun it! Cortez then whistled loudly, hoping Tornado could hear over the fast approaching ice and snow! Suddenly, he noticed a snow drift that looked like a ski lift. He raced toward it, untying himself from the snowboard, and leaped into the air! Tornado flew underneath him and was able to catch Cortez! Then, the Yeti also made the leap, only to fall into the snowy crevasse! Cortez had Tornado dive after the poor creature! He was able to grab the Yeti and fly out before the crevasse was filled with snow!
They landed at a nearby mountain station, where Toby was waiting. He set the Yeti down before getting off Tornado. Just then, the Yeti woke up and ran back into the forest, as Yetis are prone to do. Senor Super Hero walked over and slapped Cortez on the back. "That was awesome!", he said. "You're darn right it was", said Cortez, "But what about that explosion?" "I don't know", said Senor Super Hero, "But I have a bad feeling about this".