A/N: I'm back from my trip, and with two new chapters :) Hope you all enjoy, and please don't forget to review!

Chapter Twelve: Lolita's Secret Guest (Part 1)

"What do you suppose will happen to us?"

Diego nearly choked on his wine when Lolita asked her question, prompting Bernardo to slap his back as he fought to catch his breath.

"Heavens, Diego!" Lolita exclaimed, rushing from the bookshelves to where Diego sat. "Are you all right?!"

"Perfect," he wheezed, smiling weakly at her. Waving at Bernardo for him to go, Diego cleared his throat and inhaled deeply. "Ah…your question, eh…took me off guard. What were you saying?"

Bernardo rolled his eyes, an amused grin growing on his face as he pretended to occupy himself with putting books back into their places. The de la Vega library was filled with an assortment of encyclopedias, novels, atlases, dictionaries, historical volumes, and even some rare picture books, proving to be a place of solitude for Lolita when she felt things got too stuffy at home. Nearly a week had passed since the adventure with Roberto Juarez and Capitan Martinez, both of which were found dead, and Lolita's bond with Diego only seemed to grow stronger. He called on her nearly every day, and when he was unable to, she would ride out to the de la Vega hacienda and hide away in their library, especially to escape Carlotta.

Lolita cocked her head at her friend, pursing her lips at him in suspicion before taking a seat beside him on the lounge, gazing at the picture sketched elegantly in her novel. "I was just saying…I wonder what will become of us…of everyone in the future."

"Why do you ask?"

"I suppose I've been reading too much…it's just ironic, things that happen to characters, or even historic figures…they never plan for anything specific to happen to them, and suddenly, out of the blue, their life changes forever." Closing the book, she stared off at the library window, noticing how dark it was becoming. "I wonder if tomorrow will bring something wonderful or terrifying…ever since we've moved here, things are not what they seem…but it is exciting."

"I think I know what you mean," Diego murmured, stroking his moustache pensively as he gazed upon her beauty. For days now, he felt his heart constrict tightly whenever she was close by, and it only became stronger with each passing moment. "Lolita, I am Zorro, and I am in love with you. I want to be with you always, and know that you will have me, too, forever…will you marry me?" Those words kept running through his mind, day and night, both as Diego and Zorro. Despite all sense and logic, something inside of him ached when she left for the day, or duty called him to make an excuse and ride out. He knew, somehow, that she came here for a reason…and perhaps that reason was him. No matter what happened, he would not give her up, especially not to Ricardo. He cared for his friend deeply, but he felt deep in his bones and soul that Lolita would never be happy with del Amo.

"What did you say, Diego?" Lolita asked, facing him once more.

"Oh, nothing," he smiled merrily. Rising to his feet, he, too, noticed how the sky began to darken. "It's getting late. May I take you home?"

"Don't trouble yourself, Diego. I can ride back alone," she insisted, setting the book down. "Believe me, I wouldn't mind the company, but I think I'll be all right to ride back."

Diego began to protest when Bernardo waved at him from behind Lolita, making a 'Z' in the air. Understanding the message, Diego pressed his lips together in defeat and lowered his head in disappointment. "All right, Lolita. Promise me you'll be careful."

"I shall be," she smiled, embracing Diego before she did the same to Bernardo. "Good night."

"Good night," Diego waved, watching her go. The moment she left the room, he faced his servant, when began to gesture a message. "Yes, I know. Commandante Riviera is planning on transferring those barrels of gunpowder out of the cuartel tonight, he's up to something…yes I know Bernardo, but…" He turned and stared wistfully at the door, stomping his foot in agitation. "I just wish Riviera would cease with the plots! I have to keep cutting time with Lolita because of them."

Again, Bernardo made gestures and indicated Lolita.

"She is very understanding and thoughtful, but sooner or later she'll get suspicious…ay, Bernardo," he sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he daydreamed about the fiery young girl. "I wish I could tell her myself about being Zorro…but I…I'm afraid to," he admitted. He watched Bernardo use his hands and face to ask him a single word: why? "Why?...because I don't know who she would rather spend her life with more…Diego de la Vega…or Zorro."

~Z~

"Ay caramba, be quiet!" Lolita hissed, forcing herself not to slam the door to her room as she hurried to distance herself from Carlotta. Ever since Zorro had rescued Lolita and Diego had shown concern for her, Carlotta had become insufferable, especially when Ricardo was involved. Carlotta never ceased to critique Lolita and tell her she was being much too forward in visiting Diego without a formal invitation, or some days even without a chaperone.

"Lolita?" Consuela's voice came through the door, a tentative knock getting the girl's attention. "May I come in?"

Lolita opened the door and yanked the servant in, hurriedly shutting the door once again as she leaned on the wooden frame. "Madre mia, she gives me a headache," Lolita huffed, shaking her head.

"She's just jealous that you have Don Diego and Don Ricardo's attention and affections," Consuela chuckled, taking her seat beside Lolita on the bed.

"She can keep Ricardo," Lolita rolled her eyes. "He drives me mad sometimes, and he keeps trying to pull pranks on Diego! The fact that Carlotta accuses me of being too forward is ironic though. I mean, just look at the way she acts the moment she knows a single male is within ten feet of her!" Rising to her feet, she walked to the window and gazed out into the starry night, the evening tranquility calling to her. "I wish I could go down to that little stream – you remember, the one we stopped at the other day for a picnic – and dip my toes in the water… just to hear the crickets chirping would put me in a better mood."

"Lolita, it's best of you don't go anywhere at this hour," Consuela shook her head. "Martinez and Juarez may be gone, but there are still an assortment of wild creatures out there."

One particular creature came to mind as Lolita continued to look out into the night, a dazed smile on her face. "…it was just a thought," she shrugged, yawning and stretching. "I think I'll go to bed now. Check on Yolanda, won't you? She seemed distracted at supper, and I'll bet it's because of that Capitan Fernandez."

Consuela laughed in agreement, nodding her head. "I'll talk to her. Sweet dreams, hermanita," she said affectionately, planting a kiss on Lolita's head.

"Good night," Lolita said, curling her hair absentmindedly as her friend left. Once more, her eyes strayed to the window, her mind returning to thoughts of escaping – just for a moment, really – and relaxing in the pale moonlight. Her thoughts and heart raced as she made her decision, rising from her bed to get a new dress. Rummaging through her bureau, she selected a light sun dress, colorful wildflowers embroidered on the sleeves, neck, and hem of the skirt. Finding a thick shawl, she brought the two items to her changing screen and quickly got dressed. Once she was covered, she ran to her vanity and selected a simple black ribbon, tying her hair back into a ponytail. Tiptoeing to the door, she pressed her ear to the wood and listened.

No sounds could be heard from the other side, prompting her to open the door. Poking her head out, Lolita noticed that the candles had been put out for the night, with everyone settled in their rooms. Shutting the door, she decided to wait a while before sneaking out, just to be safe. There was no telling if one of the servants was supervising the kitchen or cleaning one last mess before returning to their homes. So it was that she sat and waited, watching the clock on her mantle tick away painstakingly.

When the hands of the clock showed the time was ten in the evening, and there was not a sound in all of the hacienda, Lolita arose from her seat and poked her head out again. Satisfied with the dark stillness, she grabbed a pair of soft slippers and exited her room, tiptoeing down the stairs and towards the kitchen. Making her steps as quiet as possible, she slunk through her home and left the hacienda, stalking towards the stables. It did not take long to select a horse and put on the harness, the saddle prepared by one of the vaqueros earlier that evening for her morning ride. Slipping into the saddle, she patted her mare gently on her neck before nudging her with her heels. The tame creature stepped out calmly, her steps making very little noise. Once Lolita was certain they were a safe distance from the house, she urged her horse to canter away.

The soft Californian breeze curled around her soothingly, warm and languid that evening. The crickets seemed to be conducting a concerto in her honor, chirping and squeezing proudly into the night. Just as she had confessed to Consuela, their music made her smile at once, her memory of her nagging stepsister vanishing from mind. Upon seeing the familiar site where she and her friends gathered for afternoon picnics, she slowly tugged on the reins, bringing her mare to a halt. Climbing off of the horse, she tethered her to a nearby tree branch and patted her nose.

"Have a late night merienda, Bonita," she whispered, accepted the horse's nuzzle to her shoulder. Taking off her shoes, she timidly stepped towards the water's edge, glancing over her shoulder to see if anyone was close at hand. Holding her breath, she dipped her toes into the cool water and felt a smile grow onto her lips. Setting her slippers down, she gathered her dress's skirt into her hands before stepping into the water, relishing the feel of the cool liquid as it consumed her feet up to her ankles. She waded in the banks, not daring to go any deeper in case she slipped. The serene setting washed over her, making her forget all her worries and wondering. Closing her eyes, she hummed a tune that Diego had played on the piano a few nights before, twirling slowly in the stream. Gathering her skirts into one hand, she raised her free arm into the air, imagining she was dancing gracefully with a gallant partner.

Her eyes snapped open when she felt a gloved hand gently grip her own, assisting her in her dance. Spinning away rapidly, she prepared herself for a scream when her eyes fell upon a familiar masked face. Blush filled her cheeks as she saw the intruder tip his hat and bow graciously to her. "Zorro," she said softly. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing," he answered, his eyes twinkling behind his dark mask. "It's not safe to be here alone. Some masked rogue might sweep you off your feet."

She giggled girlishly, embarrassing herself at once. Placing one hand to her cheek, she looked away and shyly replied, "I'm not worried about that."

"Oh, no?"

"No…because you're here," she answered, a thrill of excitement rushing through her as she heard him chuckle. Raising her eyes, she saw him smiling at her, offering his hand to help her out of the water. She graciously accepted, letting him wrap his free arm around her waist and lift her into the air before setting her down. She dared to look into his eyes, the memory of being kissed making blush return to her face. "…what are you plotting tonight?" she asked in an effort to distract herself, noticing how his steed nickered at her mare.

"The Commandante is moving some barrels of gunpowder out tonight to the edge of Señor Juarez's lands. I know he's up to something," he told her, his tone serious as he confided in her. "I was heading there now, however…a swan distracted me." He grinned as he saw her looked away, though a bashful smile graced her lips. "I wanted to make sure you were all right."

"I'm all right, Zorro…my sister just…irks me, at times," she admitted, making a face as she remembered Carlotta's nags. "I just needed to get away." Her face brightened as Zorro laughed at her honestly, his gloved hands brushing stray strands of hair from her eyes. Her grip tightened on his arms as she looked at him with worried eyes. "Please be careful. You know that the Commandante is a heartless man, and I couldn't imagine what I'd do if you were hurt…"

A gasp was stuck in her throat as Zorro bent down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, stunning her to silence. A heartfelt smile was on his face as he told her, "It means the world to me to hear you say that, Lolita…I promise, I'll be careful." Kissing her hand, he tipped his hat to her and took off, leaping into the saddle before waving goodbye. "Take care, señorita!"

Raising her hand, she waved as he galloped away, her heartbeat drumming in time to the sound of Tornado's steps. An agitated whiny from her mare made her shake her head as she laughed softly. "You've been enchanted too, haven't you?" she whispered, walking to her horse so that she might stroke her neck. A sinking feeling in her stomach made her look out once more after the vanishing figure of Zorro, a terrible foreboding feeling washing over her. Why was she so afraid for him this evening?

~Z~

Arriving at the outskirts of the Juarez territory, Zorro tugged on the reins, bringing Tornado to a halt. Sliding off of the horse, the outlaw glanced around, checking for suspicious activity before slapping his steed on the rump. "Go," he whispered, watching his faithful friend run off before slinking towards the bent old trees that surrounded the meager house. Peering at the building, he noticed how the soft glow of a candle lit up one of the windows. Making his way over, he ducked down to the ground, waited a moment, then lifted his head.

Inside the old house were five men, all of them surrounding a rickety table covered with an assortment of brick-a-brack, all of them sitting on dusty chairs and stools. Beside the table sat a barrel, marked explicitly 'GUNPOWDER'. Taking off, Zorro ran around the house towards the back, where a backway door stood in the darkness. Testing the handle, he wasn't surprised to find it locked. Withdrawing a thin nail, he poked it into the handle and twisted it, waiting until he hear the soft 'click' of the door. Opening the door, he stepped inside, his whip ready.

"Riviera says he wants this done pronto," he could hear one of the men say in his gruff voice. "He's already composed a list of the dons' lands he wants damaged."

"How does he expect us to do this with just three barrels of gunpowder?!" another snapped.

"You heard him earlier today. Capitan Fernandez and Sergeant Garcia could expose him to the governor, and he can't have them killed so soon after what happened to Martinez because it will cause too much suspicion."

"Three barrels was all he could manage for us to sneak out with all the extra watches that this capitan has set up now," another agreed. "But once he gets the lands damaged and the livestock injured, he'll be able to purchase these lands for a cheaper price than what they were worth."

"He thinks that'll make him powerful?" the fifth scoffed. "We'll see if he really lasts."

"We do this for him, and he'll pay us handsomely. So we'll need to be careful with what we use-"

The snap of a whip extinguished the lonely candle on the table, making the men jump out of their seats in surprise. With the light gone, Zorro was able to move quickly, pouncing on a pair of men in their blinded state and knocking their heads together to render them unconscious. Hearing another pull out his knife, he used his whip and began to throw it forth, slapping the weapon out of the man's hand and making him yelp in fear as he twirled it over his head. Zorro squinted his eyes as he counted the men he had defeated, noticing a fourth man scrambling for the door. Thrusting his arm forth, Zorro was able to wrap his whip around the man's ankle, and with a mighty pull he was able to bring the enemy down.

Moving swiftly, he untied his whip and tucked it away, grabbing his victim by the scruff of his neck. "You two!" he called out to the remaining men. "Don't make a move or I skin his scalp off!" It was just a threat, of course, but he pulled out his sword just in case, holding it up to the man's neck. With his back to the door, Zorro growled in the man's ear, "Who are the other dons that Riviera is plotting against? Speak up, or I'll cut your tongue out!"

"D-Don't kill me-!" the man begged.

"Talk!" Zorro snapped, pressing the blade closer to his neck.

"D-Don Carlos," the man stammered. "Don Nacho…Don Alfredo…Don Alejandro de la Vega-"

"Traitor!" cried one of the remainders in the darkness, the sound of a match catching Zorro's ear. His eyes widened as he saw in the weak light one of the hired men lift up a small bag with a string hanging off of it. "You would give us all away like that?! Then die with this heroic outlaw!" Lighting the string, the madman tossed the bag into the air.

"NO!" his comrade cried, tugging at the barrel and rolling it off as quickly as he could. "You'll kill as all-!"

Moving as quickly as he could, Zorro kicked the door open and yanked his prisoner with him. "Run!" he ordered, shoving the man off of the veranda before taking off into the dark. The sound of thunder filled his ears as heat pressed against his body, a barrage of clods of dirt, splinters, and debris slicing his skin. The force sent him falling onto his face, stunning him for a moment. He could feel his back aching and burning, and though his ears rang and his legs felt like a newborn filly's, he forced himself up. The sound of the bullet seemed to come minutes later after feeling the sharp, white-hot pain that cut past his left calf. He stumbled as he felt his warm blood oozing generously from the wound, hearing the shouts and screams of the furious henchman as he fought to keep moving.

The sound of a galloping horse gave him hope in his disoriented state. At first he thought it might be Tornado coming back, but his bleary eyesight showed a beige mare hurrying to his aid, the rider hiding her face beneath a thick shawl. Seeing her extend her arm, he felt his own limb rise to greet hers, almost as if some unseen force pushed him on to do so. Using his last ounce of strength, Zorro threw himself onto the back of the horse, hanging onto the rider for dear life as he felt himself drift off.