Title: The End of a Legend
Summary: Zorro receives a few unexpected surprises
Disclaimer: The characters in this story are not mine. If they were mine, I think I would have seen the show. The plot was just a random thing, so if anyone gets offended because something in this story is from somewhere else, I apologize. No harm was meant by this story. Please do not sue.
A/N: Please have pity on me, this is my first Zorro fiction and until I get money, I haven't seen the series. Once I save up enough, I will buy it so I can see the wonderful series, but until then, you'll have to be patient with me. Be gentle and please review.
"Diego have you heard?" Victoria asked excitedly as the young caballero entered the tavern.
"I'm afraid I haven't heard much Victoria, I was away at a cattle auction with my father. I don't know why he insists upon taking me to these things." Diego stated calmly as he leaned against the bar.
Victoria placed a drink on the bar in front of him out of sheer habit as she was far too excited to do much else.
"So what is the big news Senorita?" Diego asked calmly as he sipped his lemonade.
"Zorro has been pardoned!" she exclaimed almost bouncing with joy.
Diego choked only barely managing to keep from spraying Victoria with lemonade. "Did you just say what I think you said? When did this happen?" Diego asked after he had regained his breath.
"It happened earlier this morning. The governor has announced that at the Fiesta on Friday, he will personally give Zorro a signed pardon and invites him to publicly unmask at that time. I can't wait, I've even been working on a new dress just for the Fiesta."
Diego was stunned. As of Friday he was a free man. It had to be a dream, he could never have hoped for a better situation. But what of Victoria? Should he tell her before Friday or allow her to find out on Friday as well? Well best way to find out was to get her to answer.
"Do you really want to find out who Zorro is in front of all of the pueblo? I mean wouldn't you rather he tell you first? Don't you deserve to know who he is before anyone else?" he asked not quite able to look at her as he waited for her answer.
"Oh I know who he is Diego." Diego's head shot up. "He is the man that I love and will marry and have children with. The only thing that I don't know is his name."
Diego looked uncomfortable with this topic, so she quickly changed the subject. "Will you do me a favor Diego? Will you put an article about the pardon in the next issue of the Guardian. I know it makes it hard for you, but I want to be sure Zorro knows that he is invited to unmask on Friday. Please do this for me Diego."
"Certainly Senorita, after all the man deserves to know that he is free. I better get to work if I want to get the paper out on time for the announcement to matter. Good afternoon Senorita." Diego quickly paid for the lemonade and headed for the governors temporary office.
As Diego entered the Alcalde's old office, the new governor looked up. He was a middle aged man with dark brown hair cut in the style of a caballero and with dark brown eyes. A weary smile greeted Diego as the governor stood to shake his hand. "Hola, Senor. I am Governor Roberto Martinez. What can I do for you this morning?"
"Governor. I am Don Diego de la Vega, son of Alejandro De la Vega and publisher of the Guardian the local newspaper. " He sat across from Martinez's desk when motioned to sit. "Senorita Escalante was telling me that you have announced a pardon and invitation to unmask for El Zorro this friday. As the closest thing to a lawyer in the pueblo, and the main information source for the pueblo, I would like to see this pardon and maybe ask you a few questions so that the pueblo can be reassured that this is not just a trick like our Alcalde was known for."
Martinez looked thoughtful as he took out a paper. "I will show you the pardon, and answer any questions you may have if you will help me with something afterwards."
"I will try my best."
It was quiet for a moment while Martinez opened the desk drawer him removing an official paper. He handed it to Diego who opened it and began to read. He handed it back to the governor looking thoughtful.
"Is it legal by your standards Senor?" Martinez asked.
"Si. It appears to be legal. It is reassuring that you aren't trying to trick Zorro out into the open."
"So on to the questions."
Diego took a note pad out of his pocket. "First question that comes to mind is why? Why are you pardoning Zorro?"
"That is easy Senor. I have heard many stories of Zorro even as far as Mexico City. The only bad things I've heard have been from those that have been hurt by his doings. Bandits and your alcalde are the only ones that do not praise him and when an Alcalde and Bandits are on the same side against someone, you know something is wrong. As I traveled closer to Los Angeles the stories became more praising. Telling of his heroics, and his rescues, and how he saved the day again. When his name is mentioned here, there is a look of awe and pride in almost everyone's eyes. How can a corrupt man inspire such things in so many?"
Diego thought for a moment writing a few of the remarks on his pad. "Why do you wish for him to unmask on Friday?"
Martinez leaned back in his chair as if thinking. "Because the people deserve to know who has fought so hard for their freedom, who has given up so much to keep them from opression. The people deserve to know, and Zorro deserves that credit."
"Who will be the new Alcalde?" Diego asked, suddenly curious.
End Chapter