Chapter 5

Cortez leaped out of the way as a blast of fire hit the ground behind him! The dragon roared and smashed apart a rock spire as Cortez ran for it! She blasted fire at him again, only for him to dive into a shallow pool of water! Cortez threw off his mask and ran into a cave, with the dragon giving chase! She clawed at the entrance and fired into it, forcing Cortez out through another entrance to the tunnel! He ran up and slashed the beast's leg! The dragon roared in pain before slamming her clawed hand down! Cortez rolled out of the way and cut her arm! The creature then backhanded Cortez, sending him flying further into the mine! He landed with a thud on the ground below. He shook his head as the dragon charged, her swinging tail smashing the lights! She sent out a burst of flame, burning the sleeve of Cortez's shirt! But then, he ripped the sleeve off and slashed upward, hitting the dragon in the face! He leaped out of the way as the beast fired more flames! Suddenly, he heard a rumble and looked up. The dynamite cars were still on the tracks above him, rolling their way towards a rickety wooden bridge. This gave Cortez an idea. He ran up to a rock spire, climbing to face the dragon. "Hey!", he called, "Over here!" The dragon looked over and snarled. "You want me?", cried Cortez, "Come and get me!" The dragon roared before sending out a blast of her fiery breath! Cortez dove under, causing the fire to miss and hit the dynamite cars, blowing them all up! Suddenly, the dragon noticed a small rock fall. Then another. Just then, the rocks above collapsed onto the dragon, pinning her to the ground! Cortez then crawled out of his side of the cave and recovered his sword. The dragon, knowing that her death was imminent, closed her eyes in anticipation. Then, Cortez drove his sword into the ground. "I won't do it", said Cortez, "I'm not killing the woman I love to pass some test. If that's what it takes to be Zorro, it's not worth it." Suddenly, the dragon turned to smoke and returned to Helena's true form. Cortez, out of sheer joy(or relief, though I haven't decided yet), reached out to her and they embraced. "Wait a second", said Helena, "You've passed". "Huh?", asked Cortez. "Cortez, you've passed", cried Helena, "You're Zorro now!" "Wow", said Cortez, "Incredible". "You're going to need this", smiled Helena. With a flick of her wrist, a flash of light filled the mine shaft.

Near the entrance, Bertram, Duke, Butch, and the workers helping to check Bertram's broken wheels looked on in shock and amazement. Walking towards the entrance was a man wearing all black, with a hat, a cape, and a mask with a red letter Z in the center. "Zorro", cried Duke, who looked to Butch and Bertram. "He has returned", said Bertram in genuine awe at the sight of him. "Indeed I have", smiled Zorro. Helena then summoned Tornado, who neighed and reared up on his hind legs. "Come on, my friend", said Zorro as helped Helena onto the horse with him, "Let's go save Senor Super Hero". With that, Tornado took flight. Bertram looked on as he was loaded onto a flat-bed. "Go get 'em, kid", he said with a smile.

Tornado flew over the mountains and towards the desert. "Michael said you used to be a spy for him", said Zorro, "Do you know where his lair is?" "Yes", said Helena, "It's just south from here. You can't miss it". "You heard the lady, Tornado", called Zorro, "Let's ride!" Tornado neighed and dove toward the desert, gliding past the rock spires where he had raced El Desperado. He traveled over a river that ended in a waterfall before landing on a cliff that overlooked Michael's hacienda. Zorro and Helena dismounted and slowly approached the den of despair.

Senor Super Hero awoke to find Michael standing in front of the barred door of his prison cell. "Rise and shine", said Michael. "How long have you been standing there?", asked Senor Super Hero. "Doesn't matter", said Michael, "As of this moment, Zorro is dead, killed by the woman he loves. Kind of ironic". "You're a sick man, you know that?", spat Senor Super Hero. "More or less", admitted Michael. "If I know Cortez, he'll be here", smiled Senor Super Hero, "I just have to wait". "Cortez is dead", said Michael coldly, "Bury him". "At least he died a hero", said Senor Super Hero with eyes of steel, "You may have taken Maria, but there will always be a Zorro. All it takes is someone, anyone, who is willing to play the part". Suddenly, they heard shouting from above. "That must be him now", smiled Senor Super Hero.

Outside, Zorro knocked down several gangsters one by one, while Helena fired lightning at several gun wielding gangsters! Zorro used his whip to grapple and throw a barrel of gunpowder , which exploded, sending gangsters flying into the air! Zorro then took out his sword and fought off two gangsters single-handedly! One thug was about to shoot Zorro, but Helena used her lightning to lift him into the air and toss him at his friends! She then blasted the gunpowder near the wall, blowing it up before punching out another gangster!

Zorro raced up the stairs and onto the roof! He kicked a gangster into his two friends, sending them falling into the horse stables! He used his whip to swing into the office, where Dynamite Dan was waiting! He attacked with two Bowie knives, but Zorro blocked the attack and kicked his aside! Another gangster tried to strangle Zorro, but was knocked back by a bolt of lightning! "Go", cried Helena. Zorro nodded and ran off as Helena grabbed a sword and attacked the other gangsters!

He managed to kick down the door to the dungeon just as Michael ran out of the room. With a single slice, Zorro used his sword to cut the lock and open the cell door. "Cortez?", asked Senor Super Hero. "Yes, Senor", said Zorro, "It's me". Senor Super Hero and Zorro then hugged with joy. "You've done it, my boy", said Senor Super Hero, "If only your father were here. He would be just as proud as I am". "Come on", said Zorro with that charming smile, "Let's figure out what Michael is up to".

One gangster, the one Michael threw out the window(remember him?), awoke to find Zorro, Helena, and Senor Super Hero standing over him. He struggled to escape, only to realize he was tied up with Zorro's whip. "Well, well, well", said Zorro, "It looks like we have an insider. Tell me, what is Michael planning". "I ain't talking", said the gangster. "Hm", said Zorro, "Too bad. Helena?" Helena smiled as she got ready to use her lightning. The gangster's eyes went wide with fear. "Let's not get out of hand", he said, "I'll talk. I'll talk". "Muy bueno", said Senor Super Hero. "What is Michael up to?", asked Zorro. "He's going to try to kidnap Lady, steal the gold she's carrying, and flee to Shining Time and parts unknown", said the gangster. "When will this happen?", asked Helena. "During the Festival of Magic. "We'll take this man to the police", said Zorro, "Then, we go after Michael".

Since the Festival of Magic was to occur on Friday, Zorro and his friends trained harder than ever. Helena practiced her spells, Senor Super Hero lifted more weights, and Zorro trained with his sword to the point where he was able to knock the sword out of Senor Super Hero's hand! A far cry from when he first began his journey to greatness. Soon, the day arrived. They all rode in the Old Slow Coach as the Flying Scotsman sped down the line. Cortez took off his mask and began a speech. "My friends", he said, "a lot has happened to us. We've had homes destroyed, curses upon us, and things and people stolen from us. Well no more. I don't know what my father would've done in my place, but I know he'd be proud with us all for upholding the values started all those years ago in Barcelona". Zorro donned his mask and said: "We're all in this. Together". "For honor", said Helena as she put her hand forward. "For peace", said Senor Super Hero as he put his hand over hers. "For justice", concluded Zorro as put his hand over their's. The team of heroes was ready.

It was a bright, sunny afternoon at the Festival of Magic. Many merchants sold food and works of art from their stands. They had a petting zoo set up with many small animals, including sheep, alpacas, and goats. Bubo was there, looking for trouble from his perch atop a fire truck. Duke was also there on a flat-bed, just behind Thomas and Lady's respective trains. Lady then noticed Helena climb into her cab. "There's trouble on the way", said Helena, "I'm going to get you to safety". "If it has anything to do with those gangsters, I hope there's more than just you". "Something like that", smiled Helena.

At that moment, the gangsters attacked! They drove their cars into several stands and fired warning shots into the air. "Get to Lady", said Michael, "She's our ticket out of here". "I don't think so", said Helena. She threw a switch and Lady pulled out of the area! Just then, the gangsters noticed a shadow in the air, and were knocked down by Zorro! He knocked the gun out of one thug's hand and punched him out! Senor Super Hero then leaped in and blocked a barrage of gunfire! He then threw one of the gangsters into his friends, knocking them down!

Dynamite Dan leaped out from his hiding space and tossed a grenade. "Look out!", cried Zorro. He and Senor Super Hero leaped out of the way as the grenade went off! Zorro took out his sword, only to be ambushed by Dynamite Dan! He slashed with his knives, but Zorro was ready! With two strikes of his sword, he knock each knife out of his hand! Then, he gave Dynamite Dan a kick that sent him flying into a crate! Just then, he noticed the rest of the gangsters climbing into Thomas and the baggage car. "Don't let her get away", called Michael. "I don't think so", said Zorro, and he whistled. Tornado flew down, and Zorro leaped onto his back! They both gave chase as Senor Super Hero took a motorcycle after them. The other gangsters were about to chase them, but then, the Flying Scotsman smashed into their cars and derailed! "Go", cried the Flying Scotsman, "Fly high, Zorro".

Lady sped through the forest railway, with Thomas in hot pursuit. "Lady", he cried, "I can't stop!" "Hold on", cried Helena. He then used a spell to change the points. Now, Thomas was right beside them. The gangsters opened the door to baggage car, ready to shoot Helena, when Tornado and Zorro crashed through the roof and attacked! Zorro fought off the ones using swords, while Tornado kicked them into bags and the baggage car walls! The went into a tunnel, where they tried shooting Zorro, but were all taken down in the process! When they got out of the tunnel, Michael sent two of the gangsters into Annie!

They held their guns at the passengers! "Let's see him get us now", said one of them. WHAM! Zorro jumped through a window and cut their guns in half! Then he knocked them down with a single kick! He did a back-flip just as Helena performed a spell that teleported him back to the baggage car, where he kicked another gangster! Two gangsters attacked with swords, but Zorro held them back! Suddenly, Senor Super Hero leaped off of his motorcycle and knocked the two gangsters down!

Two gangsters managed to leap onto Lady's train, but Helena then blasted them with lightning! "These guys don't quit", she said.

Zorro leaped onto Tornado's feet, who then kicked him onto the roof, where Michael was waiting. Manic Mike tried to run him through on his sword, but Zorro casually knocked him off the roof and into the baggage car! "You don't get it, do you kid?", said Michael as he took off his suit coat and got out his sword, "This is my victory". "Not from where I stand", said Zorro. Michael tried to strike down Zorro with his sword, but Zorro blocked the attack! He then parried when Michael tried to stab him! Zorro then knocked the blade out his hand and, with careful panache, he used both swords to cut a Z onto his vest! "Impressive", said Michael with a grin. Ratface Ramon tossed him a sword, which Michael then split in two! "Whoa", said Zorro, admiring the design. They continued to clash with their two swords, always striking and blocking! Manic Mike tried to shoot Zorro, but his gun was bent by Senor Super Hero. Then, he punched Manic Mike out of the baggage car! Michael knocked one of the swords out of Zorro's hand and kicked him into the baggage car! Ratface Ramon attacked with two swords, but Zorro managed to knock of them out of his hand! Ratface Ramon parried every attack, but it was no use! He had his sword knocked out before Zorro kicked him off the train! Timid Terry, unable to face Zorro, dropped his weapon and jumped out! "Have a nice trip", called Zorro. Helena then teleported him back onto the roof.

Zorro knocked one of the swords out before he and Michael fell to the floor to avoid a tunnel! As soon as they got out, they leaped up and continued to clash blades! "Give it up, Michael", cried Zorro, "You've failed!" "If I can't have that gold, no one can!", cried Michael. He thrusted the blade forward, only for Zorro to block the attack and direct into the wood of the roof! Then, he knocked Michael into the baggage car with a single punch!

Helena slowed Lady down to let Thomas in front. The bridge was in sight. But then, Michael pushed a button. The bridge exploded and fell into the river!

Zorro and Senor Super Hero saw this from Thomas' roof. "Thomas", said Zorro, "Now would be a really good time to stop!" Thomas tried, but something was wrong! "I can't stop us", he cried. "Dios mio!", cried Senor Super Hero. "I'll try to stop us", said Zorro. He tied his whip around Thomas' window and climbed down.

Michael took this opportunity to set of the side explosives, but Zorro was unfazed! He climbed into the cab to find that the brakes were tied up with chains. He tried to untie them, but then, Michael attacked! Luckily, Zorro was able to knock the strike into the chains, freeing the brakes! Then, Senor Super Hero took Michael and tossed him onto Thomas' boiler! Zorro climbed up and handed part of his whip to Senor Super Hero. "Michael", said Zorro, "if you stop now, I can help you. You can have a second chance". "Never!", shouted Michael. He took out his gun and fired upon Zorro, only to realize that he was wearing a bullet-proof vest! His expression betrayed his feelings of self-pity as he realized that Zorro could never be stopped like last time. Zorro pulled the whip, which pulled the brakes! Without a rope, Michael went flying off the edge of the bridge and into the icy water below! "What I wouldn't give to see him behind bars", said Zorro. "He is, from a certain point of view", said Senor Super Hero with a smile. "That was too close for comfort", panted Thomas, who was almost out of breath.

Soon enough, Lady and Thomas were returned to the Festival of Magic, while Zorro and his friends were greeted by an elated festival manager. "Thank you, all", he said, "You've saved us all! Three cheers for Zorro and his friends!" The crowd shouted "hip hip hooray" as Zorro and Helena climbed onto Tornado and flew away. They shared a kiss before flying back to the castle. Senor Super Hero stayed to enjoy the fun, while Thomas, Lady, and a flat-bed bound Bertram looked on. "Is that the last we'll see of Zorro?", asked Thomas. "I hope not", said Lady, "Zorro is needed again. Maybe now more than ever". "Besides", said Bertram, "It would be a terrible thing to see him go after all he's done."

A few days later, Cortez and Helena waked out to the remains of his old farm. He wore a Spanish suit and she wore a black dress. Cortez simply laid down some white flowers on the sight. "Why are we here?", asked Helena. "Because", said Cortez, "while I miss this place, the time has come for me to move on. If I had stayed here, I never would have gone on the greatest adventure of my life, nor would I have met you". "Oh Cortez", said Helena before kissing him on the cheek. "So", she said, "What happens to this place now?" "Don't know", said Cortez, "But I know one thing: I'll be too busy helping people to care". With that, they took each other's hand and walked away.

Waiting at the station was Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel. "It's a shame", said Thomas with a hint of nostalgia, "I'm going to miss this place". "So am I, Thomas", said Cortez as he helped Helena into Annie, "Let's go, Thomas. It's a beautiful day in the country, don't you think?" Thomas whistled happily and took off.

And that was the story of Zorro. Still to this day, he seeks out those who need his help, hoping for a little adventure along the way. Now, you're probably wondering how I know so much about Zorro and Helena's story. It's really quite simple: I'm Helena. The Magic Railroad may be at peace, but I suspect that as long as there are good men and women, Zorro will live forever, or perhaps longer. Until next time, mis amigos.

The End.