...Okay...I'm a little apprehensive to share but excited as well...I'm hoping my mystery will do this story and these characters justice! Please be kind to me when you review hehe this is my first time doing anything like this :) you all have been so great and I appreciate it! On to more of the mysterious riddles...

Chapter 12: Fear

Zorro's blade flew out of his hand from having been kicked in the chest, propelled backward and onto the floor. He instantly rolled out of the way when his opponent's foot came crashing toward his face. Zorro stood abruptly and both men circled one another looking for an opening; each man anxiously waiting for the other to make a mistake.

"Come on, Senor Zorro. Don't make a mistake this time!"

Zorro turned at hearing a voice off to the side. He was not aware there was anyone in the warehouse. He glanced behind him and saw Tomas Castil standing off to the side dressed in black. "Tomas?! You're dead."

"Because of you. It's all your fault!" Tomas looked angry.

Zorro was suddenly struck down and he collapsed to the ground. Before he even had a chance to defend himself, his opponent swung the blade and stabbed him in the chest. Zorro gasped at the cold sensation that shot through his entire body. He felt blood in his mouth and drip down his chin as he fell backward onto the ground.

"You failed! It's all your fault!" Tomas screamed.

Zorro felt his lungs screaming for oxygen. He rolled his head to the side as he reached out for Tomas. The edges of his vision darkened. Then he was enveloped in darkness.

"Tomas!" Diego opened his eyes with a jolt and grimaced as his chest avenged the sudden movement with a sharp pain. His looked around and saw he was in his room and not in the warehouse. He wished Bernardo was here, just another presence during this time helped his mind to realize it was only a nightmare.

He jumped when the secret chamber door opened, but the tension eased when his father entered the room.

"I heard you cry out, is everything all right?" Alejandro saw his son sweating and shaking.

"Just a nightmare," Diego gingerly swung his feet over the side.

Alejandro joined his son on the side of the bed, "You said Tomas."

Diego nodded slowly, "He was saying this is all my fault; at least in my dream," he slowly stood and went to the closet for his robe.

"You don't believe that; that this is your fault."

Diego shrugged, "I created Zorro. I chose to wear the mask. I made enemies."

Alejandro spoke softly, "You've saved lives. I know that might not out weight the loss, but those lives you've said, I am sure, are eternally grateful. Why not dwell on that, my son. You have saved Gregorio, Anna Maria, Sergeant Garcia, myself and countless others in the city. If only they knew who to thank, I am sure they would."

Diego slowly tied the belt around the robe.

Alejandro smiled and approached his son, "I am just so glad that I have the opportunity to thank Zorro in person for his bravery," his eyes watered as he put a hand to his son's cheek, "and I am proud to know him and love him in no way anyone else ever could: a father's love for his son is immeasurable."

For the first time in a while, Diego smiled.

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Capitan Morales tapped the edge of his desk with his fingers. After a moment of the antsy repetition, he looked at his watch: 8:15am. He had kept the flag down for four days and he was beginning to run out of excuses for his lancers. He had not heard from Zorro and was beginning to believe he would never hear from him again.

What frustrated him was that he was sure there had been a note on Don Miguel's person and Zorro took it. Miguel confirmed there had been a note in his pocket, but upon searching for it, it was nowhere to be found.

But what made his blood boil, was a small thought in his mind of Zorro pursuing the contents of the note on his own. If he ever found out that the outlaw did decide to venture out alone, he would have hell to pay with Morales. They had agreed to work together and Morales was beginning to wonder if the serial killer had finished his job.

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Late that morning, Diego was in the library reading more of the books on martial arts. He had spent the better part of the morning stretching and regaining mobility. It hurt like the dickens, but he had to be able to come to some kind of working function. Diego took a sip of wine when his father entered the library, "Ah, Father, you are back."

Alejandro tossed his hat on the bricks in front of the fireplace and leisurely approached his son, sitting on the table, "How are you feeling, my son?"

"A little sore, a lot sore, but I'm working it out."

"Are you sure you do not want to wait a couple more days before you rehabilitate yourself?"

Diego shook his head, "No. Now, tell me what have you heard any more news?"

"There haven't been any missing people. The people are beginning to breathe easier. Don Gregorio and Anna Maria are planning on leaving tomorrow morning," Alejandro watched his son's shoulders drop and saw anguish in his son's face. "What is it, Diego?"

Diego turned and took a sip of Maderia, "Father, a few years ago, Anna Maria gave me – Diego – a letter to give to Zorro."

Alejandro half-grinned, "I figured from what you said in your room the other day."

Diego gave a sad smile, "At the time, I had never been happier to be Zorro. I found it recently in my desk and have kept it in a book on my desk. A few days ago, Anna Maria found the letter in my possession."

Alejandro frowned and nodded.

"At first, I thought she found out I was Zorro. But, she believes that I never gave it to Zorro and that Diego broke his promise to not open it and read it."

Alejandro furrowed his brow, "That is a problem."

"The problem is, do I tell her the truth or let her believe I broke my word?"

"You yourself said that she has changed. Do you think she could accept that you are Zorro?"

"I don't know. I know that lately, we had been feeling things for each other. Moneta confirmed Anna Maria's feelings toward me. Besides, if I was to ever marry, I could not keep that part of my life a secret from my wife, Father," Diego hung his head, "Father, I am in love with her. And now if I do not tell her, I think I will lose her forever."

"It gives me great joy to hear you have found someone to love. But it pains me that you are in such distress. I wish I had some consoling words for you, Diego. Zorro is your secret. Ultimately, it is your decision on who to tell it to."

Diego clutched his chest, "I feel like my insides are ripping me apart. Sometimes I find it hard to catch my breath," his inhale was a short and rapid, "I am so torn and confused, I don't know what to do. Not just with Anna Maria. Father, there is this fear inside of me that I cannot control. It started only in my sleep, but it builds and builds. I see flashes of Tomas and I panic, I see moving shadows and I think it's the killer. I do not know if I have the strength to stop it."

"What makes you afraid, my son?"

"Failure. I have failed so many people. Tomas Castil, Anna Maria, Capitan Morales—"

"You have not failed them, Diego. You are not invincible. You are human," Alejandro grinned sadly, "For a time, I almost believed you were unstoppable. Oh, you had the occasional scrapes and bruises, but nothing ever seemed to get to you. When I saw you lying on that floor – the realization at how fragile life is – I was terrified. A fear that gripped my heart and held fast."

"How did you get over it?"

Alejandro shook his head, "I haven't. I fear for you more than I ever did. I realized how fragile life is."

Diego slumped, "Not very encouraging."

Alejandro half-chuckled, "I know. The only kind of encouragement this old man can offer is that I've used my fear to make me stronger. Maybe that is something you need to do. You fear you have failed. Show it that you haven't failed by catching this maniac and you will."

Diego leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

"I think a change of scenery will do you good. Sergeant Garcia was asking for you. Why not play host at the tavern?"

"You are letting me outside?" Diego's eyes widened.

Alejandro shrugged, "With some parental guidance," he chuckled.

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Alejandro drove Diego in the carriage into town, it was less bumpy and easier for Diego. He halted the carriage in front of the Inn, "I'll pull around back, you go inside," Alejandro patted his son on the shoulder and drove off.

"Don Diego!" the don had no sooner opened the door to the tavern when the portly sergeant was at his side.

"Sergeant, I will say, I am honestly glad to see you," Diego smiled, "would you join me for some wine?"

"Gracias, Don Diego!"

Before entering, Diego glanced back at the cuartel gates and saw the Spanish flag flying high. The capitan must have given up on Zorro or there was no more need for him. Diego closed the door to the tavern and followed his fat friend to a table against the wall.

"You have been gone for quite some time, I was wondering what had happened to you?" Garcia giggled as the caballero motioned the waitress for a bottle of wine.

"Helping my father on the ranch these days can be quite an undertaking. Tell me, how goes it here? Any more daring stories to tell?"

Garcia shook his head, "No, praise the saints, I believe we are finally rid of those dark times," he leaned in closer, "and I think we won't be seeing that rascal, El Zorro anymore."

Diego feigned surprise, "Why do you say that?"

"That is what the Commandante said. Apparently, the outlaw has not met with the capitan since the Autumn Festival."

"I did not even know that the capitan and the outlaw were working together."

Garcia's expression panicked. He looked around frantically to make sure no one heard, "Don't say anything. The capitan swore me to secrecy and I forgot!" he exclaimed in a whisper.

Diego waved, "You do not need to worry, Sergeant. You're secret is safe with me."

Garcia sighed, "You know, there was something that I wished we had figured out."

"What is that?"

Garcia looked around then leaned in and whispered, "Those first two men dressed as Zorro. At first, I didn't recognize them, but lately it has been itching in the back of my mind that I know them from someplace."

Diego leapt for joy, "Tell me, Sergeant, who do you think they are?"

Garcia shook his head, "That is the trouble, Diego. I don't know."

Diego was jumping on the inside. He wished the Sergeant wasn't always so full of wine, his mind would not be so muddled. He just had to hope that either the Sergeant or Bernardo would come up with an answer. And he was betting on Bernardo.

"Don Diego," the don turned as Gregorio Verdugo approached them, "I see you are out and about."

Diego grinned and tread carefully, "Si, gracias."

"Good to hear. Tell your father that I finalized my deal with the buyer and we will be leaving tomorrow afternoon instead of in the morning."

"Why not tell him yourself. He should be in shortly," Diego flashed another grin.

"I want to thank you again for you and your father's hospitality."

"It has been most enjoyable."

"It has been good to see you too, Sergeant," Gregorio patted the soldier on the back.

Garcia nodded, "It was a pleasure."

"Senor Verdugo, may I ask where is Anna Maria?" Diego asked tactfully.

He sighed, "She is not feeling well, I think she is home sick. Good thing we are leaving tomorrow. Adios," the elder don exited the tavern.

Garcia giggled, "the senorita is leaving too?"

Diego sadly smiled, took a sip then nodded. Before he could say anything he caught Anna Maria descending the stairs. She spoke to the bartender for a moment then turned and caught eyes with Diego. He leaned forward, but she only looked away and left the tavern.

"She did not come over and say hello, Diego."

"Her father said she hasn't been feeling well," Diego replied.

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It was a warm afternoon. Padre Felipe gently fanned away the heat as he entered the chapel. He stopped upon seeing the young de la Vega sitting in a pew toward the front.

"Diego, this is a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you here," he sat next to the young don, "that matter that brought you here last time – how did it go?"

Diego sat still, he had just found a comfortable position, "It didn't go so well, Father."

"I am sorry to hear that, my Child. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I think I made more of a mess of things and I find myself drowning in—" Diego did not finish his sentence.

"What of the Senorita Verdugo? You told her of your feelings."

Diego shook his head, "No, Father. I didn't have the chance and I think I never will. As I'm sure you witnessed there was an incident and Zorro appeared."

Padre Felipe nodded slowly, "And you still believe the senorita is still in love with El Zorro?"

"I don't know."

"Excuse me, Padre Felipe," Padre Ernesto approached them, "I apologize for interrupting. It seems I cannot find the offering plates for mass."

"Did you look in my office on the top shelf?"

The other priest tsked, "I did not. Of course. Thank you," he turned to the caballero, "Did you have a chance to sample the hot chocolate, Don Diego?"

"I did, Padre, and it was just as you said. I went back for seconds," Diego smiled.

"Good, good. Well it was nice to see you," he bowed and the young don nodded in return as Padre Ernesto left.

"Diego, if you can take a humble priest's opinion, I still think you should let her know your feelings. Maybe your speculations are false," the young caballero only nodded. "Diego, what are you afraid of?"

"You can see it, Father?"

"Yes."

Diego was quiet for some time, "I am terrified," his voice was barely a whisper. "Terrified of failure. I feel I have failed so many and the fear is overwhelming. I've tried to keep it at bay. I've tried to control it, but it is consuming me."

Padre Felipe nodded slowly, "I understand the struggle you are battling. You're trying to manage your fear. To take it and control it."

"Isn't that what you're supposed to do?"

"You do not manage fear, Diego, you find ways to overcome it. Maybe you've allowed yourself to be afraid of this – turmoil and you've been trying to manage it. Maybe that is what has been holding you back. You need to let the fear inside of you and find the strength to overcome it."

"My father suggested a similar notion. How do I overcome it?"

The padre shook his head, "That is for you to figure out."

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Diego sat in the secret chamber with the notes and riddles in front of him.

"Diego," Alejandro entered the room via the stairs, "You left and I got worried."

"I am sorry, Father. I went and visited with Padre Felipe. He said some very interesting things."

"About what?"

Diego shook his head, "I will tell you later. Has Bernardo returned?"

Alejandro shook his head, "No, are you worried?"

"No, he can take care of himself. I just wish I knew what he was finding out," Diego looked down at the papers.

"Anything new come from this?" Alejandro leaned against the table.

"He's very organized and calculated. Two riddles for each victim. I originally thought each was a hint to the location, but that was incorrect," he held up the papers, "one was the location and the other was how they were going to perish if I did not get to them in time."

"Are you certain?"

Diego nodded, "Paint, the church, time, the bell tower. Judge, the courtroom, Revolution, a weapon. A city, our pueblo, and then the fire."

"I believe you are right, Diego," Alejandro started to pace, "You said there were two notes trying to lure you out. The number two then a note raising the stakes. It then mirrors the rest: two riddles to the Mission, one note in Ramon's pocket. Two riddles to the courtroom, one note in Tomas' pocket, two riddles for the bonfire, one note in Miguel's pocket. Again mirroring with the victims; two riddles and a note, three victims. All very calculated."

Diego frowned in thought, "What if the notes are also riddles?"

"I won't rule anything out," Alejandro threw up his hands, "this is all mind blowing."

Diego read aloud the first note: "Bravo, the Fox, his brother saved, must now continue our game depraved. Perhaps another may not die, if, as a feather in the wind, he flies," he frowned, "what puzzles me is he said to fly like a feather. Why not say bird? Birds fly."

Alejandro picked up the second note and read it aloud: "How unfortunate; justice unserved, Something the sly Fox highly reserved. Conviction to protect the innocent fails, As ultimate poetic justice prevails," he thought for a moment, "He mentions justice and that it was not played out or rather failed. Could that mean anything? What about Miguel's note?"

"It talked about retribution and how it was going to fall on Zorro," Diego went deep into his mind, "Wait a minute, justice, feather, retribution. Then -"

"What? Diego?" he saw the widened expression of his son.

"Father, who did we know who was a judge in Los Angeles, who's ulterior motive involved a certain eagle's feather and a desire for a revolution?"

Alejandro's eyes widened, "Magistrado Carlos Galindo."

"He tried to steal the gun powder—"

"The fire," Alejandro nodded.

"I remember him screaming to me that he was justice in Los Angeles," Diego nodded.

"Any many of his schemes involved taking control of the pueblo, the city, by starting a revolution, guns," Alejandro nodded.

They turned when they saw the secret door open and Bernardo poke his head inside.

"Bernardo! You are back!" Diego grinned and patted his friend on the shoulders.

Bernardo smiled and nodded. He pointed to his master with a concerned expression.

"I am doing just fine, Bernardo," Diego nodded in confirmation.

"Did you find anything in Santa Barbara on those two criminals?" Alejandro asked.

Bernardo nodded and put his hand to his ear as if he were listening to people talking. He then held up two fingers, mimed he was dead then signed a 'Z'.

"The two convicts, yes, yes."

Bernardo held up two fingers indicating the two men. Then he held up another hand with one finger next to his face and directed his eyes at the two fingers.

"Another person?"

Bernardo nodded then acted out like he was giving out money.

"Oh, the two convicts were working for someone."

Bernardo nodded and motioned behind him.

"In the past?"

Bernardo held up three fingers.

"Three years ago?"

Bernardo nodded then with a terrified look he crossed his thumbs and flapped his hands.

Diego and Alejandro stiffened and exchanged glances, "Bernardo," Diego spoke, "did they work for Magistrado Galindo?"

Bernardo's eyes widened in surprise then nodded. He pointed to Diego and shrugged.

"We found out just as you entered," Diego held up the pieces of paper, "I was right, Bernardo, all the answers to the riddles pointed to a bigger picture: Magistrado Galindo."

Bernardo frowned and crossed his hands over his chest.

Alejandro sighed, "Yes, Galindo is dead. It doesn't make sense."

Diego thought aloud, "There are two things that bugs me, these first two riddles; paint and time. They don't point to Galindo or the Eagle and his plans for California. Then there is the connection between the number three; there were three victims, but only two criminals," he looked up, "This could mean something more to come. Another victim."