Chapter Eleven: Zorro to the Rescue (Part 3)

"Y-You can't be serious!" Juarez stammered, panic overtaking him. He wasn't sure how Riviera would react if he found out that both Catalina and Lolita had been killed, but he knew it wouldn't be good. "Let's hurry, we can get them out of town before morning-!"

"Silence!" snapped Martinez, making Juarez jump back in fright. "Do you have any idea what it's like being under someone else's boot? I've had to put up with that pompous windbag and be his faithful lapdog, put up with all kinds of ridiculous demands and harsh treatments…well it's time I share my pain with someone else…" A slow, cruel smile stretched on his lips as he observed trembling Catalina and furious Lolita. "Like these compassionate ladies."

"Por Díos, have mercy!" Catalina pleaded, pressing Lolita to her chest as if to shield herself. Lolita said nothing, her hand resting over her cheek in an effort to calm the sting she had received from Martinez.

"Say your prayers," Martinez told them coldly.

"I was just going to say the same to you, Capitan."

The cold point of a sword pricked the back of Martinez's neck as the barrel of a pistol was pressed to Juarez's back. Both men froze at the sensation of cold steel touching them, the sound of the taunting voice making their blood stop in their veins.

In the darkness, Lolita could make out the figure of a man dressed in black, his eyes glittering in the moonlight. "Zorro!" she breathed in relief, smiling as she continued to press her hand to her cheek. She felt his eyes land on her and they became dark with anger as he realized what had happened.

"Which one of these men did that to you, Señorita?" he demanded, pressing his weapons deeper onto the men.

"It…it doesn't matter-" she protested.

"Yes it does," he growled, stunning both daughter and mother. "These men will learn what it means to treat a lady with respect! Which one, Señorita Lolita?"

"…Capitan Martinez…he slapped me…and he kidnapped my mother," she admitted at last, shivering in awe and fright at the prowess and command of the masked vigilante.

"Señor Juarez, I'm afraid your men are…indisposed at the moment," Zorro informed him, a pleased smile growing on his face. "You should consider yourself very lucky…I shall give you a choice. You may stay here and face my blade, or you may run as quickly as you can from here. The soldiers from Los Angeles are probably riding out here as we speak, and if they do not catch you in time, then I am certain I will find you later."

"Y-You will not shoot?" Juarez asked, daring to look over his shoulder at the outlaw.

"I don't murder people for the sake of keeping secrets," he answered sharply. "I took this pistol from your men once I had them tied up. Make your choice now. Me, or the authorities."

Martinez felt his lips curl into a snarl as Juarez edged to the door and went running for the hills, taking his rickety wagon with him. He was not surprised the coward had decided to run – he would probably crawl back to Riviera and spill out every bit of information he knew, including how Martinez had defied orders. The corrupt captain was certain, however, he could make things right if he killed the wanted outlaw and brought him in.

Tossing the pistol aside, Zorro continued to point the sword at Martinez's neck. "Ladies, I suggest you take the horses outside and head for the mission. Help should be on the way."

"Señor…these men claim they work for the Commandante…how can we trust the soldiers if they are the very ones who tried to capture us and extort my husband?" Catalina asked, rising with Lolita from the ground.

"It is only Riviera and this man you see before you that are the vipers. The lancers of Los Angeles are good men, Doña Catalina. Capitan Jorge Fernandez is a most trustworthy man, and I believe he will be at the head of the search party. Trust in these people, Señora, not in Riviera. Now go!"

Wrapping her arm around her stepdaughter, Catalina nodded her thanks and led the girl away, casting an angry look at Martinez as their skirts swished past him. Martinez slowly turned and faced Zorro, who continued to look him down with a calculating gaze. "And now?"

"Now? Now, we fight," Zorro announced, twirling his cape around his arm and tugging it off, throwing it to the side. He meant business tonight – this man had kidnapped Catalina and dared to strike Lolita. He would pay dearly for mistreating them and attempting to murder the two innocents. "Draw your sword. En guarde!"

"It would be my honor to run you through," Martinez sneered, pulling out his weapon.

"We will see," Zorro answered, thrusting his rapier out and beginning the dangerous dance. The masked man wasted no time in getting Martinez to hop about, avoiding his blade as he poked and pricked mercilessly. A wide grin appeared on his face as he fought, knowing he had the upper hand. He could see sweat forming on the enemy's brow, as well as a look of utter rage emanating from his eyes. "What's the matter, Capitan? Haven't you been practicing since we last met?" he teased, sliding out of the way just as Martinez lunged at him. The captain tripped over a stray pebble in his haste, falling face down as his arms extended to protect himself. Zorro took this opportunity to cut a 'Z' into the man's pants, the enemy's posterior now emblazoned with Zorro's handy work.

Martinez bellowed in rage, ready to rise again when his eyes caught sight of a familiar weapon. "The pistol!" Zorro had tossed it aside into the shadows, leaving them to fight man to man with swords. A wild smile grew on his face as his hand whipped out, gripping the butt of the firearm.

"Zorro! He's got the gun!" a female voice pierced the air, the door swinging open just as Martinez turned over.

Martinez quickly changed his sights on a new goal – the pretty little fool who dared to expose him and enter once more. Pointing the pistol, he prepared to pull the trigger when Zorro's blade shoved into his shoulder, sending the gun to the floor as Martinez howled in pain. His eyes flashed at the bandit, his temper flaring. Gripping his sword, he leapt to his feet and swung madly, sending Zorro back a few feet. "I'll kill you, bandito!" he snarled, his hair wild and out of place as he fought on. Hearing footsteps behind him, Martinez could make out the figure of a young woman reaching out to grab the pistol. Spinning around, he fumed upon seeing the perpetrator. "Pulido!" he bellowed, making her yelp in surprise. "DIE!"

Lolita felt herself freeze as he took a step towards her, only to see him cried out in pain as Zorro sliced his sword upon his back. With his attention back on the outlaw, he pulled his arm back and thrust forth when a horrible gagging sound escaped his lips. Lolita held her breath, watching as Martinez fell to the floor, blood pouring from a wound in his chest. He toppled off to the side, his hand still grasping the hilt of his sword as he breathed his last and lay still. Heaving a breath of relief and horror, Lolita fell to her knees as she clutched her locket. "Madre de Díos," she whispered, making a sign of the Cross on herself.

"Lolita!" Zorro exclaimed, sheathing his sword and running to her side. Grabbing his cape off the dirt floor, he wrapped it around the poor girl before taking her into his arms. "Are you hurt?"

"No," she shook her head, burying her face into his neck. "Are you?"

"No," he sighed, resting his head upon hers. "…I thought you had gone with Doña Catalina."

Shaking her head, Lolita told him, "She wanted me to, but I told her to go ahead…I couldn't leave you here alone. That man was ready to shoot you…I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make so much trouble for you-"

"Nonsense. You gave me no trouble," he hushed her, helping her to her feet before guiding her outside. "Are you certain you aren't hurt…?" He raised his hand to her face, his gloved fingers caressing her reddened cheek comfortingly.

Again the young woman shook her head, her eyes shining in admiration at him. "I'm all right…gracias, Zorro. You gave me hope in the church, and you did not fail us. You are always there for us."

"As I promised I would be," he smiled softly.

Lolita opened her mouth to speak again when the sound of horses made her head turn. "The soldiers!" she gasped. Turning to Zorro, she removed the cape from her shoulders and began to place it upon him, tying the cords securely around his neck. "You must go, before Sergeant Garcia catches wind of you and tries to arrest you for the reward."

"I would face the whole garrison for you, Señorita," he professed gently, enjoying the blush that appeared on her cheeks.

"While the offer is most flattering, I would much rather have this fox running free," she answered smartly, fixing his hat before touching his cheek. "Go, please. Don't let them catch you."

"For you, Señorita Lolita, I will do as you wish," he said, bowing before taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her skin. "Until we meet again." Whistling sharply, he did not have to wait long for Tornado to rush out, hopping into the saddle and waving to Lolita. "Adios, fair Lolita!" he cried, running in the opposite direction as the soldiers came closer.

"That was Zorro!" Garcia gasped, watching the man ride away into the darkness. "Shall we catch him, Capitan?"

"Not tonight," Fernandez smiled. "Our priority is the Pulido family. Let's recover the señorita and be off. Her family is worried enough as it is."

~Z~

"My Lolita! My sweet Lolita!" Don Carlos cried over and over again, hugging Lolita to his heart as he wept in the sala, now full of people at this late hour. "My foolish, brave girl," he laughed, tears streaming down his face. "I am so proud of you."

"As am I," Catalina beamed, her own eyes filled with tears as she hugged Lolita and her husband, kissing the girl's brow. "Your sacrifice means the world to me…I am so very fortunate to have a kind daughter."

Lolita could scarcely breathe after having been hugged and kissed by her family, but she did not mind it in the least. The moment Capitan Fernandez and Sergeant Garcia walked her into the house, Yolanda and Consuela were upon her, covering the poor girl in kisses and filling her ears with scolding and flattery. Even Carlotta had run up to her and squeezed her breathless, never saying anything aloud, though her eyes showed admiration and gratitude for what she had done.

Don Alejandro, Bernardo, and Ricardo were all there when she arrived also, each one of them giving a sigh of relief as she entered the threshold. Ricardo had heard the commotion from his room in the inn and insisted on coming with Fernandez on the search. The entire family was appalled to hear that Martinez had been working with Juarez and planned to kill Catalina and Lolita. Worst of all was when Lolita retold them of how Martinez had spoken of all this being linked to their cruel Commandante.

"We must have him arrested and tried of kidnapping and extortion!" Don Carlos fumed. "He belongs in prison with those other hooligans that survived!"

"Don Carlos, with all due respect, we can point fingers at the Commandante but it will do nothing," Fernandez shook his head. "He would have to be caught in the act. I am already facing trouble with him at the cuartel – imagine if I go back and demand to have him placed in the jail cell!"

"Jorge is right," Alejandro nodded. "We must be patient and watchful. We can get this Commandante where he belongs if we stick together and wait for the right moment."

Ricardo pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of watchful, where's Diego? I thought he would have been the first one to come here when he found out Lolita was in trouble."

"Why, he's-" Alejandro never finished his sentence. The sound of a horse's whiny and galloping hooves coming to a halt outside the hacienda made everyone stiffen, until a familiar voice called out to the family.

"Don Carlos! Consuela! Anybody?!"

Lolita's face lit up as she recognized the voice, grabbing her skirts in her fists and running past the soldiers to the door. Yanking the barrier open, she cried out in delight as she threw her arms around Diego's neck and embraced him tightly. "Diego!" she exclaimed, laughing as she held tight. "Oh Diego! I thought I'd never see you again-oh!" Lolita's laughter rang in the air as Diego spun her around, setting her down and pulling back to look at her. "Diego, you'll never believe…oh my!" she gasped. "What happened?"

"What happened?!" he frowned, his dark hair wild and free, falling over his forehead and into his worried eyes while the top of his shirt was unbuttoned. He wore not jacket or vest, and he looked as if he had been riding all night. "I'll tell you what happened! I heard Consuela screaming for help and when I found out what I happened, I thought I would ride out to find you and stop Juarez. But it seems that everywhere I turned was a dead end! I looked everywhere and I was worried sick! That's what happened!" He was an absolute mess, disheveled and breathless, and he seemed positively rugged, especially as he gasped for air and stared at Lolita in concern.

Blush came to her cheeks as she gazed up at him and brushed his hair back into place with her soft hands. "Gracias, Diego…I'm sorry I made you worry…I am glad that you care enough to go looking for me, though." Standing on her toes, she lifted her head and pressed a kiss to his cheek. His eyes widened at this, as did Ricardo's.

Alejandro, Carlos, and Catalina all shared a knowing look, smiles stretching onto their faces. The soldiers began to chuckle at this display, whilst Bernardo, Consuela, and Yolanda beamed. Carlotta felt all happiness for her sister rush of out her in an instant, her brows furrowing in jealousy. Without another word, she stormed off and went up the stairs, shutting the door to her room once inside.

Diego blinked in awe as Lolita pulled away from him, smiling playfully at his wonderstruck expression. "Come, Diego. I'll make you some tea," she offered, taking his hand into hers.

Diego grinned boyishly at her, offering his arm to her. "All right then," he chuckled, letting the girl lead him away. He felt his blood rush within his veins as she placed her head on his shoulder and laughed once more, teasing him gently about the face he made at her kiss. His heart sung within his breast, and he felt as though he were floating. "I love you," he wanted to say. Instead, he ignored Ricardo's look of indignation and played with one of Lolita's curls as she took him away to the kitchen.

~Z~

Riviera stroked his chin after hearing Juarez's account. He had gotten a terrible feeling after Fernandez had left with a small troop that evening, following Alejandro de la Vega out of the pueblo. Thus he decided to slip out once the other soldiers had gone back to bed and ride out to the Juarez hacienda, waiting silently in the dark until Juarez rode back and rushed into his home.

"So…Martinez defied me and got killed by this outlaw," he stated aloud, pulling out his pistol and checking to see if it was properly loaded.

"S-S-Sí…C-Co-Command-dante," Juarez wheezed pitifully, backing away from his superior as the officer arose from his seat. "P-Pl-Please! I…I can work this out!"

"The Pulidos and my men are now suspicious of me…and Zorro is still on the loose." Cocking the gun, Riviera sneered at the man. "Tell me, how do you plan on fixing that?"

"Por el amor de Díos, have mercy!" he begged, falling to his knees and clasping his hands.

Riviera paused, cocked his head a moment in thought, and shook his head. "…no." Pulling the trigger, he watched emotionlessly as the drunkard collapsed onto the floor, blood spilling from his forehead. With his gloved hands, the Commandante took the gun and placed it in the dead man's hand, disguising his act as a suicide. He mockingly made a sign of the Cross before the corpse, turning on his heel soon after and leaving the building. "One way or another, I shall gain the Pulido fortune," he whispered to himself, his eyes narrowing as he remembered the outlaw in black. "And I shall kill you…Zorro!"

~Z~

"Are you sure you are all right?" Consuela asked for the hundredth time since Lolita had arrived. The guests and soldiers had left nearly an hour ago and the entire family now rested in their beds. Only Lolita and Consuela lingered in their chatter as they shared what had happened to each other.

"I'm fine, hermana," she repeated yet again. "Really, I'm fine. Go get some sleep. There will be plenty of time to talk again in the morning. It's already late!"

"Very well…" Kissing her mistress's forehead, Consuela embraced her once more before leaving the room. "Sleep well," she said softly, the door clicking shut as she left.

Lolita sighed, exhausted from the night's escapades. Moving towards the bay windows, she opened them and closed her eyes breathing in the cool night air. She smiled as she remembered how worried Diego had been, looking rather handsome with his hair mussed up and his clothes a mess. Turning from the window, her mind flashed back to Zorro, who cleverly disguised himself and followed her in order to save them. He risked his life each time to save her and her family…all for the sake of justice. Coming to her vanity, she sat down and picked up her brush. Running the bristles through her knotted midnight locks, she felt her heart flutter and stomach flop at the memory of the two men. Each one was unique in his way, and they both had a huge impact on her. Zorro was the powerful, cunning protector who defied all odds and made her heart skip a beat, but Diego was the one who she could turn to for anything and make her smile.

Closing her eyes once more, she remembered a song she had heard years ago at her father's wedding to Catalina Sanchez. An old woman had sung it at the reception, being that it was one of Don Carlos's favorites. Lolita could never quite comprehend the song's meaning until now, and she could not stop herself as the words spilled out softly from her mouth.

"Corazon mia, oh my deart heart,

Why do I feel as though I've been torn apart?

Two men have captured my feelings, it's true,

And now I don't know what I shall do.

Corazon mia, oh my dear heart,

Conflicting feelings will tear me apart!

How can I choose the one who is true,

When both say they love me, what can I do?"

Opening her eyes once more, she set the brush down and began to run her fingers through her hair. The song gave her a little comfort and she felt a thrill rush through her, as though someone had been listening in. Her brows furrowed at this sensation. Peering through her mirror, she could make out the outline of a dark figure hiding behind the fluttering curtains of the open window. The moment he saw her eyes on him through her reflection, he stalked forth with surprising speed. A gasp flew from her mouth as she spun around, a gloved hand covering her lips as a masked face appeared before her.

"Shh," Zorro hushed her, holding on gloved finger to his lips. "It's just me, Lolita." Removing his hand from her mouth, he tipped his hat to her. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to frighten you," he apologized.

"Zorro!" she exclaimed, her voice hushed as she arose to her feet. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

"No, Lolita. For now, all is well," he chuckled, admiring the sight of her large brown eyes shining in the moonlight. "I happened to hear your song. It was beautiful…you have an entrancing voice." She ducked her head and blushed at this, earning a grin from the man. "You were very brave tonight, Lolita. Thank you for helping."

"What? But, I didn't do anything," she shook her head. "I should be thanking you for saving me again, and for protecting my family."

"But you did help, Lolita. You admitted you were frightened, but you did not give me away. You were a very good actress tonight, and you had to put up with Juarez and Martinez before you could find your mother. Also…" He reached for her face, hesitantly placing his hand upon her cheek. "I wish I could have moved faster," he said softly, lowering his eyes in shame.

"Don't say that," she pleaded, grasping his hand and pressing it to her face. "You were wonderful. I would have faced Martinez again just to keep Mother safe and make sure you had time to reach us."

He smiled at the girl, catching sight of how she shivered. "You're cold."

"No, I…I'm fine," she stammered, blushing as he wrapped his cape around the both of them.

"I'm sorry, I'm being presumptuous, aren't I?" he asked, his eyes locked with hers. "I just want to protect you."

"I don't mind," she whispered, shyly taking a step towards him, closing the space between them.

"Lolita, there will be trouble again with Riviera, of that you can be certain," he warned her, his eyes serious. "But you can also be sure that I will be close by, sometimes closer than you think. I will never let any harm come to you."

"I know you won't," she smiled. "…you and Diego have always been there for me…words can't express how grateful I am to you both."

"You care about Don Diego?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in interest.

Lolita nodded, a wry smile growing on her lips. "He's a dear friend…I don't know what I would do without him. He always manages to make me smile…" Looking up at the masked man, she was surprised not to see any jealousy in his eyes, rather amusement. "...Zorro, how can I ever repay you?"

"Repay me?"

"You do so much for all of California, the people of Los Angeles, now me and my family…I wish I could do something for you," she explained, her hands resting upon his chest.

He shook his head, brushing her hair away from her face as he gazed down at her affectionately. "No, pequeña. There is no need for that. I am happy to see you safe and sound with those you love."

"I still wish there was some way I could show how thankful I am to you," she sighed, bowing her head in defeat.

A thought flickered in his mind but he shook it off quickly. "I…" The thought came back, growing ever more persistent as he saw her raise her face, her lips just inches away. "…there is one thing I would accept…that is, if you deem it is appropriate."

She raised an eyebrow at him, a mischievous smile on her face. "And that something would be…?" Her smile vanished as he traced her bottom lip with his thumb, her heart racing as he lowered his head slowly. Understanding immediately what he requested, she closed her eyes and waited anxiously. Her whole body felt numb and alert at once, her hands curling and gripping onto the collar of his black shirt. She fought back a gasp as his lips were pressed to hers, his moustache tickling her skin. Lolita felt herself ready to swoon at this and wrapped her arms around his neck, just in case. Zorro in turn wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her upright and feeling her warmth through her robe. She could sense he was trying to be a gentleman, never pulling her closer than they already were, and keeping the kiss sweet and innocent.

Pulling apart at last, Zorro took one last look at the star struck girl, smiling tenderly at her. "Gracias, Lolita…that was the best 'thank you' gift I could have ever received…I must go now…"

She nodded, feeling a little lightheaded from the experience. "…don't forget your cape," she murmured, his chuckle making her shiver once more as he removed the cloth from her shoulders.

"Until next time, Lolita," he said, taking her hand and kissing it reverently. With a wink and a smile, he took off running, leaping from the balcony's edge.

Lolita clutched the neck of her robe and ran after him, stopping at the balcony to see the masked rider take off on his magnificent steed, Tornado. Waving goodbye, she felt her heart racing within her, her memory burnt with the sensation of his kiss. "Buenas noches, Zorro," she whispered at last, closing the windows at last before going to sleep.

A/N: The song Lolita sings (Corazon Mia, or My Heart) was pure cheese I concocted in the deep dark recesses of my mind, sorry! Hope you enjoyed it, and please don't forget to review!