Z for Zorro

The Zorro franchise brought me my first patron, many new friends and, of course, I write Zorro fanfiction.
For now I have three fanfics in English based on Walt Disney Zorro (1957): the Toledo Blade series (gen, some F/M; the main story was written for the Zorro Art Contest, later I wrote a short humorous sequel) and "Verde que te quiero verde" (M/M drabble). "Verde" received the most kudos on AO3 in a short time, so current story I'm working on is a story that includes a secret love affair, a corsair attack on the fort of Santa Barbara (that plot twist is based on real historical facts about California’s only pirate), adventures in Spain and South America, and even the kidnapping of Monastario by bandits :)

By the way, today is Monastario Monday on the Zorro's Lair Discord Server, so I have an excuse to post a few quotes from the mentioned fics 🍊

Toledo Blade

At Puerta del Sol, at the center of the city where the rich lived, they began to say goodbye. It was not the first time that Enrique promised himself that he would achieve a position in society—he did not crave wealth as such, but did not want to be content with just a blade, a horse and a uniform. Money was freedom and Enrique wanted freedom.

“Good night, señores!”

In the light of the full moon, round like an orange, the eyes and smile of the young man flashed.

“What is your name?” Monastario asked before he could stop himself. What difference did it make, in essence—they unlikely to see each other again, and if they did, they wouldn’t need to exchange words.

“Diego de... just Diego,” the young Criollo answered quietly and unexpectedly seriously.

Enrique also answered seriously, “Now goodbye, Don Diego. I will be glad to meet you again, no matter unlikely.”

Who knew why the young man did not ask Monastario's name. Who knew how his life would turn out.

Three years later, Monastario received the rank of Captain and acquired a foppish goatee. His temples turned gray on that January night when he had to decide whether freedom was in money or not. Enrique didn’t regret his choice, because he might get rich in Alta California, although in the colonies Monastario, like many other supporters of the 1820 military revolt, was not sent away by chance. If you didn't wish to see your career—perhaps even your life—you better served the Crown faithfully. That was how you should understand this appointment as the Comandante of the Pueblo de los Ángeles.

Bad Influence

Having opened Constancia’s letter, Alejandro, not without hope for good news, read the girl’s ornate handwriting.

However, the tone chosen by the señorita after a couple of generally accepted phrases seemed too weird to him.

“Don Alejandro, what I intend to tell you must remain between us.”

Having finished his coffee in one gulp, Alejandro internally prepared for any surprises. And they were not slow to follow.

“Your son is without a doubt the outlaw El Zorro. Among other things, I know about the awards Diego won in sword competitions. It is sad that the young caballero, whose talents had won the praise of my dear father and brother, is now using them against His Majesty. However, could it be otherwise given that you, Don Alejandro, rebel against the Spanish authorities? Out of respect for your advanced age,” Constancia stung the addressee, “I shall not develop this topic. However, know that Captain Monastario, against whom you have taken up arms, became a victim of political games, the details of which I have no right to report. Your son Diego, it seemed to me then, was ready to atone for his guilt. But I was wrong. My suspicion is growing that he had a bad influence on the Captain, otherwise events would have developed differently. It is possible that your son dragged the Captain into one of those dangerous adventures that Zorro loves so much. Diego's penchant for illegal activities is now obvious to me, and, it should be noted, you and he are similar in this. I pray to the Lord that I am wrong in my assumptions.”

Having come to his senses, Alejandro ordered servants to pack his things quickly for the trip to Monterrey. He was convinced that the scoundrel Monastario had fooled Constancia and escaped, and Diego, whom the señorita in love had forced to release the former Comandante, was now pursuing this rogue. Zorro, a noble soul, could not leave Constancia in trouble, so time was lost. “A bad influence,” ha! Why are some girls so silly? However, Constancia was still right about one thing: the son was just like his father, after all!

Verde que te quiero verde

“...Do you agree, Comandante?” asked El Zorro, making sure that his hand was not trembling and the tip of his sword would not pierce the skin of Capitán Monastario.

“Do I have a choice, Don Diego?” the Capitán grinned.

“‘Don Diego’?” the outlaw was amazed. “You are confusing me with someone.”

“Really?” Another grin. “Should I start making arguments, señor?”

“No need. Let it be Diego—a name as good as any other, but I am not a ‘don’, that’s for sure. So?”

“So, Señor Zorro, your public capture is of great interest to me, but I must admit that you are more useful as a secret ally. But is your Spanish source reliable?”

“Yes, my source is quite reliable,” Zorro nodded, involuntarily looking at the Comandante’s bare chest.

Not long ago, the Fox had learned something that had made him, if not believe Monastario, then definitely look at the Capitán with different eyes. The Fox... Diego was confused, embarrassed and... he had got involved in a new dangerous adventure.

“In that case, we should discuss my fake kidnapping and our trip. Lock the door, señor.”