Chapter Six: The New Commandante (Part 3)

The stars twinkled overhead as a uniformed man scurried across the plaza, constantly looking over his shoulder as he made his way to the bakery. After the display with the baker, Beatriz, the Commandante had received much disdain from the town. Most of the soldiers became hated figures as they became the Commandante's pawns, especially his right hand man, Martinez. Still, this soldier insisted upon seeing the baker and at least attempt to console her. Tentatively, he dared to knock on the door and held his breath as he waited for the woman to answer.

Within the house, he could hear the shuffling of feet, the light of a candle moving towards the door. At last, the wooden barrier opened and Beatriz poked her head out, her eyes widening at the sight of her visitor. "Corporal Reyes?"

"Buenas noches," he said weakly, taking his hat off before the woman.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, checking the square before motioning for him to enter. "Please don't tell me that awful man sent you-!"

"No, señorita…only Sergeant Garcia knows I'm out," he confessed, scuffing his boot as a bashful child would.

Beatriz blinked, raising an eyebrow at him. "Then…what are you doing out here now?"

Corporal Reyes looked her in the eye and swallowed, shame burning within him as he said, "I…I'm sorry about earlier today, señorita. I wish I could have helped…I wanted to, really…but Commandante Riviera is not a merciful man-"

"Yes, I know," she scowled. Her features softened as she saw him wince. "I know that wasn't your fault, Guillermo. It's just…this bakery is all I have since my parents died. The demands being made on the peons is unjust, and I imagine he'll go after the dons next. This man must be stopped."

"I know…can I tell you a secret?" he asked.

Beatriz nodded, her dark hair bobbing as she moved. She tilted her head towards him and listened.

"I sure hope El Zorro comes tonight to take back the taxes."

The baker beamed, laughter bubbling out of her mouth as she placed a kindly hand on the soldier's shoulder. "Well, we can always hope. Don't worry, Corporal. I won't tell anyone our little secret."

"Oh, good. Sergeant Garcia will make me buy him a drink if he finds out," the corporal admitted, earning a giggle from the woman. "I'd better get back before someone sees I'm missing."

"Gracias for caring," she whispered, leaning in and kissing his cheek. "Good night, Corporal."

The corporal blinked in surprise, only to plaster a goofy smile onto his face and wave at the woman before languidly crossing the plaza square. He felt like he was floating…until Sergeant Garcia yanked him back into the cuartel and gave him a good shaking.

"Baboso!" Garcia hissed. "Do you want Riviera to see you smiling like that?! He'll probably flog you!" He took a step back and got a good look at his friend, raising and eyebrow at him. "What's gotten you so happy?"

Corporal Reyes sighed, slumping against the wall of the cuartel. "She's wonderful."

"What?" Garcia asked, both eyebrows raised now. "Erm, never mind that now, come!"

"She kissed my cheek," Reyes continued, remaining where he was.

The sergeant made a frustrated sound before taking his friend's arm and tugging him away. "Baboso! If we get caught out here, the Commandante or the Capitan will-!"

"Will what, Sergeant?"

"Ay Díos mio!" gasped Sergeant Garcia, spinning around and saluting as he saw Capitan Fernandez march up to them, a curious gleam in his eyes. "Capitan, we-!"

"Shhh!" Fernandez hushed him, glancing back at the Commandante's office door. "Sergeant, if you know what's good for you, I suggest you take the indisposed Corporal and go to your cabins."

"Sí, mi Capitan!" Sergeant Garcia whispered, saluting once more before yanking Reyes off, grumbling in annoyance at how being love struck nearly got them in trouble.

Jorge Fernandez watched the soldiers leave, waiting until the doors to their rooms had shut before daring to tiptoe to the Commandante's quarters. He had been watching Reyes and Garcia just moments before, and while the good Sergeant took a moment and turned his back to the open gate doors, a man had snuck in and gone to the Commandante's office. He had refrained from sounding the alarm for two main reasons. The first reason was that Fernandez noticed that the man was unarmed when he entered, and from the way he walked in, he looked as if he was a bird forced to enter a snakes' den; the second reason was that he had a very strong feeling about the new Commandante…and it was not a good one. Simply from watching his behavior towards the people and his own men, he felt that something was not right. Arriving at the door, he pressed his ear to the wood, held his breath and listened. Every fiber in his being scolded him for acting like a bandito, spying and eavesdropping on a superior officer, but his mind flashed with the memories of his cruelty towards everyone, so he bit his tongue and waited.

"I told you I would be generous, and yet you still ask for more time?"

"P-Please, señor! It is difficult because I need to watch the Pulidos, figure out their habits and schedules…once I have seen what their habits are, then I can figure out a way to get their fortune!"

Fernandez's eyes widened as he heard the name of the Pulido family. Why would their Commandante want to ruin the family or steal their good fortunes away?

"B-Besides, with Zorro running around-"

"Damn that infernal outlaw!" There was a hard pounding sound, which Fernandez assumed was a poor piece of furniture that was getting punched or kicked. "I want him out of the way – dead or alive! If he ever dares to show his face around here, I'll catch him like the fox he is and skin him, mount his head on my wall!"

"He…he has already helped the Pulidos both times they were in danger…y-you must understand why I want to wait a while before trying anything right away, Commandante Riviera…"

There was a pregnant pause, the sound of footsteps causing sweat to form upon Fernandez's brow. "…you are right, Juarez. If I am to amass that fortune, it must be done right, without too much suspicion…but don't forget, I can't be directly linked, which means-"

"Yes, I remember the specifications, Señor. I will not fail you."

"You'd best not. It's your hide on the line…and don't let anyone see you leave. Next time, I'll find you. It's too dangerous to have you come here to discuss matters with me, Juarez…now, if you'll excuse me, I have some taxes to count…"

Fernandez did not stay a moment longer by the door, anticipating that someone would leave soon. Hurrying, he hopped over the side of the semi-wall built on the veranda of the office and knelt into the shadows, holding his breath as he waited. Not a second later, the man who snuck in – "Juarez!" – poked his head out of the office, checked his surroundings, and slunk back into the darkness, leaving the cuartel as he shook in his boots. Fernandez waited another few minutes before going back and peeking through the window. Sure enough, Riviera was at the desk, counting through that day's worth of taxes he had collected. Tip-toeing back to his hiding place, Fernandez stroked his chin, his mind running wild. "It's crazy…treason, even…" he mumbled to himself. Closing his eyes, the face of sweet Yolanda Pulido crossed through his mind, causing his brows to knit together as he clenched his fist, his decision made. "…I must find this Zorro-"

"As you wish, mi Capitan."

The point of a sword was suddenly pressed against the captain's shoulder, making him stiffen immediately. His eyes opened and he found himself staring into the shadowy, masked face of Zorro. "…you seem to have a habit of appearing when there is trouble," he noted coolly, never showing any sign of fear or concern.

"It is one of my specialties," Zorro said quietly, saluting him almost mockingly. "Now then, Capitan Fernandez, what was all this you were mumbling to yourself? And why were you spying on your Commandante?" Zorro watched as the man closed his eyes again, almost as if he were arguing with himself, before he finally faced Zorro once more.

"Since his arrival, the Commandante has been making life very difficult for the people of Los Angeles, señor. No doubt you've at least see or heard about some of his handy work that he forces his men to do?"

"Of course," Zorro replied.

"I…I admit I listened in on a conversation he had with a man who snuck in here…and I do not regret it." His eyes narrowed at once, remembering the conversation. "Señor Juarez is working for Riviera…and I imagine it was he who organized the previous attacks on the Pulido family. Riviera wants the family fortune…they have plans, but they will not be executing them right away, for now anyways. Juarez says he wants to watch the family for a time and see what the customs are."

Zorro lowered his sword from the man's body but kept it aloft, his eyes shimmering in the moonlight. "Why do you share this with me? The reward on my head is great-"

"I have never been one to be bribed by money," Fernandez said sternly. "I don't believe that wearing a mask makes you a hero, Zorro…however, from what I've seen since I've arrived here, I believe that you are not the one that ought to have a price on his head." Rising to his feet, but still staying close to the shadows, the captain continued, "This is treasonous, especially with Riviera as my superior, however…I cannot let any harm befall the Pulidos." Bowing his head, he added softly, "I could never forgive myself if anything happened to her…"

"Señorita Yolanda, I presume?" Zorro winked as Fernandez gawked at him. "I know a great many things, señor. Do not look so surprised." Lowering his arm and switching the blade to his opposite hand, he spoke, "You are a good man, Capitan. I know you may disagree with my methods…but I believe we can be a great time if we work together…of course, you could just call the guard and continue on with your life while I get placed in prison. It is what any good soldier would do."

Fernandez stood erect, looking him in the eye. "You will rend me unconscious and do what must be done, señor. I imagine you came to steal the taxes back, and I cannot let you go free while I am still awake and aware…if you were to stop me, however…" He stopped, his eyes widening as Zorro offered his hand to him, a sincere smile on his lips.

"Gracias, amigo. I will not let you down," he vowed, accepting the captain's hand and shaking it, the two of them sharing a trusting smile. His eyes dimmed as he sighed, his voice full of reluctance. "I do apologize in advance." As Fernandez began to frown in confusion, Zorro raised his fist with much speed and used the handle of his sword to smack the captain's head, catching him as he fell unconscious. "I suggest you get some ice on that in the morning," he whispered, propping the officer against the wall before running around towards the back of the private quarters.

Recalling to mind a previous escapade, Zorro grinned as he saw the chimney of the little cabin, using his whip to climb up to the roof. Scaling the top of the building, the man in black crept towards the opening, wrapping his whip around the structure snuggly before lowering himself down the flue. After a moment in the dusty darkness, he felt the ground beneath his feet, allowing him to wiggle his weapon and tug it back into his hands. Ducking his head, he entered the private quarters of the Commandante, familiarizing himself with his surroundings once more. As he began to prowl the room, the sound of heavy boots made his mind race. Lunging for the closet, he shut the door nearly all the way, only leaving it open a sliver so that he might peak out through the crack. Silently he drew his sword and waited, watching the figure of Riviera enter with a small chest in his hands. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile as he watched the commanding officer set the box down on a chest of drawers that remained to the closet's right side, the key hanging off one of the handles of the full box.

He was tempted, oh so tempted, to simply point his sword at the man and leave now, but he waited, watching mischievously as Riviera stripped himself of his jacket, sword, pistol, and boots. It was not until then that Zorro dared to step out, pressing the tip of his blade to the man's neck.

Riviera immediately tensed at the sensation of sharp steel pressed to his exposed skin. His blood froze as he realized he was trapped in his own living quarters, with no weapons within reach to help defend himself. "Who's there?" he demanded, his fists clenching tight.

"Buenas noches, Commandante. I merely wished to welcome you to Los Angeles," a man's cheerful, careless voice answered back. "Would you be so kind as to place your hands behind your back?"

"I ought to-" he growled, only to feel the tip of the blade prick into his skin, making him hiss in discomfort.

"You ought to follow my orders, señor, or you will not be able to give any more."

The infuriated leader did as he was told, feeling the tip of the sword vanish. Unfortunately, Zorro's hands were quicker than his own thoughts, and he found himself bound and gagged within moments. Forced onto his knees, he finally caught a glimpse of the outlaw as his ankles were tied together.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he grinned, bowing to the indisposed man. "I am El Zorro, and I have come to collect the people's taxes. Gracias for preparing them for me!" Sauntering over, he took the small chest into his arm and returned to Riviera, kneeling down so that they might be face to face. His eyes became hard as he glared at the man, his voice harsh as his playful nature disappeared. "Let me warn you now, Riviera – I shall always fight for the people, and no one, not even you, will put an end to me. Each time you collect unjust taxes from these good people, I will cut out interest from your own pocket. And as for the Pulido family…" He nodded as Riviera's eyes widened in shock. "Oh yes, I know you're up to something with Señor Juarez…if you so much as touch a hair on any of their heads, swindle a single peso from them…you shall find yourself in a most uncomfortable situation…and I promise you, it will be much worse than what you are currently experiencing." Riviera was not a man to be easily frightened, but there was something in Zorro's tone and dark eyes that made a chill run through his blood.

Rising once more, Zorro tipped his head and bowed, smirking as he placed a finger to his lips and hushed the angry Commandante. "Sweet dreams, Commandante. Until we meet again." Before taking his leave, he faced the nearest wall and carved a 'Z' into it, earning an angry mumble from Commandante Riviera. Exiting the room, Zorro shut the door after him and cautiously snuck through the office, peeking out of the window before opening the door and poking his head out into the darkness. As carefully as he could, he held onto the chest with one arm, the other occupied with his rapier. Slinking past the stables, his brows began to knit together as he heard a noise from behind. Spinning around, he ducked just in time as a second blade swiped at his head, missing him by inches. He pouted at he looked up to face his attacker. "Now, now, Capitan Martinez, is that any way to greet a visitor?"

With a growl of fury, Martinez lunged at Zorro only to have his blade blocked. His frustration only grew with each passing second as time went on – no man had ever bested him in battle, and no man had ever held him off for more than a few minutes. Instead of panicking and sweating, pleading for quarter, Zorro merely laughed and pressed on, as if it were a dance in which he excelled. Never had he met a man who fought so viciously and never seemed to tire – it were almost as if he were possessed, the way he continued to advance, grinning and chuckling upon seeing how Martinez fought to keep up and defend himself.

Zorro lunged forth once more, hearing some of the men awaken and shout. He knew within moments, the lancers would be sticking their heads out the windows and doors and run to their superior's aid. "I'm afraid that I must leave you now, señor, but this has been a delightful time." With a twirl of his wrist, he watched as Martinez's sword flew out of his hand and onto the floor, taking a few seconds to cut his signature 'Z' into the man's fine jacket. "Hasta luego!" he saluted him, whistling sharply before running for the gate. Ignoring the raving cries of the captain, he made a break for the open gates and waited just a second before his trusty steed, Tornado, appeared before him, rearing elegantly before allowing his master to hop onto his back. "Let's go, Tornado – to the San Gabriel Mission!"

With a wild whinny, the black stallion threw his head back and pawed the ground, racing out of the sleepy pueblo. With the cuartel far behind them, Tornado galloped as fast as he could to take his master to his desired destination. It would be some time before the soldiers could find them, and by the time they figures out where they had gone, it would be too late. Zorro leaned against the horse's neck, enjoying the feel of the air rushing past his face. It was a rewarding night, but it was far from over. Urging the magnificent creature to move faster, he anxiously watched the horizon, giving a breath of relief as he saw the bell tower of the church mission. Within minutes, he was at the outer gate, slipping off of Tornado and waving the horse away, the box of taxes pressed close to his chest.

"I'll be back, amigo," he promised, sneaking into the gated gardens and running for the door. Cautiously, he opened the door and peered into the hall, waiting a spell before shutting the door after him and hurrying towards Padre Felipe's room. He could hear the old priest talking to one of the Indians as he approached, the old man sounding exhausted but hopeful. Hiding behind the door, he held his breath, watching the Indian bow to the priest and leave, walking right past him and never knowing. As the unsuspecting holy man placed his hand on the door to shut it, Zorro covered it with his own and stepped out, placing one finger to his lips in a sign of silence.

"Zorro?" gasped the priest, gawking in surprise. "It has been some time, señor! What are you-?"

"Can I trust you to do something for the people, Padre?" he asked, holding the chest out to him.

Padre Felipe stared at the locked chest, with its brass key dangling lazily on one of the handles. "Is that what I think it is?"

Zorro nodded. "This chest contains the people's taxes, your own included. Commandante Riviera did quite a job today…however, I am hoping that you will help me. I cannot go around giving the people their money back, especially now. Will you keep it safe and give the peons back their money for me, Padre?"

The priest's dark eyes lit up as he listened, his hands moving to land upon Zorro's shoulders. "May God bless you, my son. Your methods may be unorthodox, but you help the people more than most of these commandantes do. Of course I will help you!"

"Gracias, Padre," Zorro smiled, nodding humbly. Handing the chest over, he bowed to the old man. "Please excuse me, Padre. I'm afraid I have to make another house call. I leave this in your capable hands. Adios!" With a salute, he checked the hall once more and ran out the way he came, leaving the old man with the heavy little chest.

Padre Felipe made a sign of the Cross in the air after the outlaw left, raising his eyes to Heaven. "Bless this man, Father, for now and all the days of his life. What would we do without your masked helper?"

~Z~

"Hermanita, get away from the window! You know it's not decent if anyone were to see you in your nightdress and robe."

Lolita lingered by the open bay windows, ignoring Consuela's call. She rested against the iron-gate balcony and gazed out into the night, admiring how the stars above winked at her. "It's so quiet out here…so beautiful," Lolita sighed, leaving the warm nighttime breeze for the cool interior of her own room. The curtains fluttered behind her as she reentered the room, smiling as she watched her friend prepare the bed. "You know I can do that on my own."

"Yes, but I am your servant and should do it nevertheless," Consuela answered, setting the pillows upright for her. "You have always been good to me, Lolita, ever since you were a child. You never wanted to trouble me."

"And in return, you have become the big sister I never had," she grinned, embracing the Indian woman lovingly. "I'm so blessed to have you, Consuela…especially now that we've moved to Los Angeles. Things here are different from Spain. Everything has a sense of…rugged wildness, I suppose."

"Like that Zorro character?" Consuela smirked, patting Lolita's head affectionately.

"Stop teasing me about him!" Lolita scowled, a smile breaking through onto her lips.

"Or perhaps that happy-go-lucky caballero, Don Diego, who can't stop smiling every time you look at him?" Consuela persisted, causing the two females to start giggling.

"Oh please, Consuela. Diego is a friend whose company is most pleasant, and while I'm certain he prefers to spend time with me as opposed to dear Carlotta – not that I'm special or anything, mind you – I'm sure he'd be happier with a different girl." Lolita sighed, walking over to the mirror at her vanity and taking a seat, staring at her reflection. "I don't think either of those men would be interested in me, Consuela. I'm much too hardheaded, outspoken, and plain."

"Ay caramba!" Consuela snapped, fuming at the girl. "Don't start again-!"

"But it's true!" Lolita insisted. "You know how I am-"

"Sí, it's true that you dare to speak your mind and fight back," Consuela frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "But saying that you are plain is just a wicked taunt Carlotta has ingrained in your mind to make herself feel better, and you have heard it so often that you are starting to believe it!"

"Maybe…either way, hermana, it's obvious I won't be seeing el Zorro any time soon-"

"Don't be so certain, Señorita."

The two women gasped and spun around, their eyes growing wide at the sight of Zorro standing at the balcony, his hands clasped behind his back as he grinned mischievously at them. "Madre mia," Consuela exclaimed, placing her hand over her heart as the shock wore off. Seeing how Lolita and Zorro continued to stare at one another, Consuela rolled her eyes and smirked yet again that evening. "I shall be…rearranging the flowers in the vase out in the hall, Lolita. Call me if you need me." Curtsying to Zorro, she turned on her heel and left the two alone, leaving the door cracked open so that she might peek in and check on her mistress should anything happen.

"Forgive me, Señorita, I did not mean to intrude," Zorro apologized, bowing lowly to her before entering the room. "However, I have a matter which could not wait…and I'm glad I came. I overheard what you were saying as I was climbing the wall."

"Oh…" she blushed, averting her gaze from him. "Did you?"

"I did…and I must protest, Señorita Lolita. A man would have to be mad not to fall for your beauty, fiery spirit, and gentle heart," he said, bring his hand forth to offer her a beautiful red rose.

"Oh!" she gasped, her blush becoming more profane as she accepted the flower as well as kiss on her hand. Her heart was racing as she had listened to his flattery, and now she found herself alone in his company, with his attention solely on her. "S-Señor, you are…much too generous with your flattery," she insisted.

"And you are much too humble," he said in return, his gaze softening as he closed the space between them. "Pay no heed to your stepsister, Señorita…you are a rare flower here in Los Angeles, and I swear to you on my life's blood, I shall let no harm befall you."

"You sound as if you know something terrible may happen to me," she suggested, her eyebrows knitting together as she looked at him questioningly.

"I have heard from a trustworthy friend that Commandante Riviera and Señor Juarez are plotting something against you and your family to gain your fortunes and wealth," he informed her, his voice stern and his eyes darkening. "Please, Lolita, warn your father and be on alert…but do not fear. I will never be too far away."

Lolita nodded, absorbing the information and committing it to memory. "I'll tell Papá first thing in the morning…gracias, Señor Zorro." Timidly, she raised her hand and placed her palm to his cheek. She was startled to see him stiffen a bit, before staring into her eyes and placing his gloved hand over hers. "Take care, Señor…and know that my window is always open to you, should you need refuge." His smile made her shiver in delight, her blood racing madly as he pulled her hand to his mouth so that he might kiss the soft skin of her palm before covering her hand with both of his.

"That means the world to me, Lolita…I promise, I shall not fail you. Buenas noches." Tipping his hat to her, he spun about and ran from the room, leaping off of the balcony.

Lolita followed, watching in awe as he nimbly landed on Tornado's back. He rode off a few feet before waving to her as Tornado reared back and took off into the dark night. Pressing the flower to her bosom, her eyes followed them until they vanished in the light of the full moon. Leaning against the frame of the window, Lolita felt that her blush would not go away, causing her to smile as she remembered his words. "Buenas noches, Zorro. Vaya con Díos."