NWZ – A revealing story?

Some points before beginning:

(Not beta read – sorry for the bad language, English isn't my native language)

Always when I have thought of Diego's life after Zorro, I preferred one imagination – Diego as a teacher for fencing and / or science. He educated Felipe so I am sure he would be great doing such things.

Diego should be a respected person because of that and not because he had been a dashing hero wearing a black mask.

Here the problem begins – if the people know his secret identity, they will always see "their hero", not the man. If Zorro keeps being a mystery, Diego keeps being an illusion and shadow of himself because he must protect Zorro's identity.

I like the idea Diego goes to a new town after Zorro's work is done. A new life, a new pueblo/city, new people, and friends. And the chance to live his "real" life. I thought of him being the successor for Sir Edmond Kendall in Spain as his best pupil. (By the way, I loved Kendall so much and I was so sad he had to die).

I would like his father and Victoria to visit Diego (and Felipe?) in Spain and recognize he was Zorro. Maybe they will stay there, Victoria will marry him, etc. This story had been in my mind for a longer time.

But I don't know how I should do that – why they are separated? Why Zorro didn't reveal himself to Victoria and Alejandro after his work is done? Amnesia?
I have thought about different plots, but none seems to fit.

The story "Heart in shatters" by CMA672 reminded me of that idea. Some of the writing scenes showing Diego's new life are quite similar to the ideas I have in my mind.

Diego leaving L.A. after a dispute would be a possibility, but I don't want to do that. I was still working on this idea and finally, a found a solution I like to write. So that it is!

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Disclaimer:

The story was written solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and it is not intended to infringe on any copyrights held by Godman/Rosen Productions, New Word Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.

I'm sorry if my English isn't so good sometimes. I'll be glad if you inform me about the errors you find. Thank you.

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Victoria entered her bedroom and intended to sleep, as she heard a well-known voice coming from the left corner: "Querida."

"Zorro!" She turned around. The famous man in black leaned against the wall, looking with a smile to her.

"You have come tonight", she said with a feeling of relief. She always feared that he could be injured or even die if she didn't meet him for some days.

"I wanted to see you", he admitted.

She rushed into his arms. "I am glad you are here", she whispered and leaned her head against his chest.

"Oh, my love!" He wrapped his arms around her and pushed her closer to him. "What would I do without you!"

Being so close both kept the silence and just enjoyed being together.

It was him who talked again. "Did you hear the rumors? They said Mexico declared itself as an independent nation. It that is true, we will get a new government."

She loosened her head from his chest and glanced into his blue eyes. "I heard it, yes. But I didn't dare to hope it is true. As you say, a rumor."

"But maybe more than that", he added. "Of course, even if there is a new government, we have no guarantee for justice. But if the new Governor is a fair-minded man…"

"You mean…"

"In that case, I will tell you…"

"Who you are", she completed his sentence.

"Yes, I will", he promised. "We waited so long, Querida."

She couldn't hide tears filling her eyes. "I see your face at last."

The hero got seriously. "I hope you won't be disappointed."

"So, I know you? Or - I have seen you once or even more?"

He nodded hesitantly. "Yes, you have."

She smiled. "I won't be disappointed. I once told you and now again, Zorro – I love the man behind the mask and not only the legend. Please trust me, Querido."

"I will." He bent down; his lips met hers.

She loved getting kissed by him.

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~~~~~~~~ ZZZ ~~~~~~~~

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Some days later Alejandro came back from the pueblo. At the library he found his son reading a book.

"Diego! You are here. Lazy like always!"

The young man sighed. He was tired because of his last 'long-at-the-night-Zorro-riding' and he tried to recover from a flesh wound at his right leg. Not a serious thing, but he just needed a break. "What is the matter, Father?"

"Why don't you just marry your books, hm? But it would be difficult to get my grandchildren, I guess", the old man joked before grabbing into the pocket of his jacket. "Here, a letter to you from the post office."

"A letter?" Diego snatched the envelope Alejandro handed to him. "I don't await a message."

"Look at the envelope - it is from a so-called Miguel Ramirez from Spain. Do you know him?"

"I am not sure", Diego admitted. "I remember a student at my age bearing that name."

"And he didn't forget you?", wondered his father thinking about the inability of his son. But to be incompetent could also be a reason for remembering somone. "I want you to help me with the horses and not wasting time by reading and writing the whole day."

"I will help you, Father", the young man assured him, "I only want to take a short look at the letter."

"I expect you to come outside in ten minutes to help me", Alejandro declared and rushed out of the room.

"Father, I am sorry for disappointing you so many times", his son whispered before opening the envelope and unfolded the paper.

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Dear Diego,

I do not know if you remember me. I studied with you in Spain at the University. You were a great help for me - the stupid Miguel - to understand physics and you practiced fencing with me. Sir Edmond Kendall never said which student defeated him – I am absolutely convinced it was you he was talking about.

I came back here to the University about three months ago and he is still missing. Although we lost him over one year ago, they didn't find a successor for him. I know, you never graduated the University because of your father's calling to Los Angeles, but I know the University would be happy to join us here as a teacher for fencing or science. There are political changes for Spain and for Los Angeles – so if you are tired of living in that sleepy town and don't want to live in a free and chaotic Mexico, I want you to invite to come.

I would be incredibly happy to see you again.

Sincerely yours

Miguel Ramirez.