Gotham: Halo's Shadow

ACT 1

Mayor Renee Montoya stands at Gotham Square, her voice steady but resolute as she delivers a speech about an ambitious initiative to rebuild Gotham City after the catastrophic events involving The Penguin just three months prior. Her ascent from detective to mayor has been nothing short of extraordinary, though the weight of her city’s darkness feels heavier than ever. As she speaks, she catches glimpses of the crowd—faces scarred by hardship, shadowed by doubt—reminders of the Gotham Montoya has sworn to protect and rebuild.

Among the onlookers is Jaime Reyes, standing with his family, blending into the crowd. Jaime lives his life as a reluctant emissary for The Reach—the creators of the scarab beetle that has changed his life over the course of the past few years, for better or worse. The Reach has positioned Jaime as their intergalactic ambassador, tasked with peacekeeping and diplomacy on Earth. The armor Jaime once used as a superhero known as the Blue Beetle still works, but it’s primarily adapted for ceremonial purposes, and Jaime must constantly try to outsmart the scarab's subtle attempts to manipulate him into serving The Reach’s hidden agendas.

Jaime has been an unlikely ally to Montoya ever since a fateful encounter two years ago, when his Blue Beetle powers manifested during a chaotic museum robbery in Gotham. Jaime had been just a teenager then, scared and overwhelmed, but Montoya’s calm guidance and no-nonsense leadership has helped him navigate the turmoil. Now, as Gotham’s official metahuman liaison, he balances this responsibility with his family’s expectations and the alien scarab’s ever-watchful presence.

Montoya's speech is cut short by a massive explosion that shakes the square to its core. A towering hologram of The Hangmen appears, their leader cloaked in shadow, declaring Gotham’s renewal will begin with its destruction. Panic ensues, and Montoya quickly coordinates an evacuation while Jaime slips away, the scarab already forming his armored suit around him. Together, they fight to protect civilians as the city plunges into chaos.

***

Back at her new subterranean command center beneath City Hall—a futuristic control room buzzing with analog monitors and whirring pneumatics—Montoya assesses the situation. The Hangmen's theatrics are only the beginning. She contacts Jaime, who is patching up injuries and bantering nervously with his scarab about needing a vacation.

Montoya doesn’t mince words. “Jaime, I need you on this. The Hangmen aren’t just after Gotham—they’re after the system. And I can’t fix this city without knowing what we’re up against.”

“Guess that makes me the guy with the alien cheat sheet,” Jaime replies with a nervous grin, but his resolve is clear. Montoya tasks him with recruiting The Guardian, a former operative of Cadmus—a shadowy organization operating on the fringes of legality, known for its cutting-edge but ethically dubious scientific research.

Initially established as a government-backed initiative to safeguard humanity, Cadmus evolved into a morally ambiguous think tank experimenting with genetic engineering, metahuman technology, and weaponized emotions. Their experiments, including attempts to harness raw emotional energy, gave rise to both heroes and tragedies, occasionally resulting in unintended metahuman byproducts. In Gotham, the shadow of Cadmus looms large, its fingerprints hidden in many of the city's greatest tragedies.

Jim Harper, known in the service as The Guardian, once served as a loyal operative for Cadmus before uncovering their dark secrets, leaving him haunted by his role in their experiments. He now specializes in the use of cutting-edge, experimental Cadmus tech, operating in a morally gray area to stop crimes before they happen. After this day's events, Montoya knew that Harper was just the man she needed for this particular job.

***

Meanwhile, in the Narrows of Gotham, a woman named Gabrielle Doe—known to the streets as Halo—has embraced her role as Gotham’s “street angel,” using her powers—tied to a spectrum of emotions, rather than a spectrum of colors—to heal the city’s broken parts while trying to suppress the fractured feelings that fuel her aura. Her unpredictable energy is both a gift and a curse, and the citizens she helps view her with equal parts reverence and fear.

While tracking The Guardian, Jaime crosses paths with Halo during a violent altercation with Hangmen operatives. Her powers flare unpredictably, creating a kaleidoscope of chaos as she struggles to maintain control. Initially at odds, the two quickly realize that The Hangmen are a common enemy. Halo reluctantly joins Jaime, drawn to Montoya’s vision of a better Gotham, though she remains wary of the scarab’s influence.

Working together, Jaime and Halo track The Guardian’s location to a dimly lit Cadmus storage facility, its walls lined with forgotten technology and eerie remnants of the organization's shadowy past. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, flickering inconsistently, as Jaime activated his scarab to illuminate the narrow path. As he stepped cautiously inside, the air shifted—a feeling Jaime recognized as his scarab sensing danger. “Stay sharp, Jaime,” the scarab’s voice whispers in his mind, almost teasingly.

From the shadows, a flash of golden light suddenly shoots toward him. Jaime barely activates his energy shield in time to block The Guardian’s assault, the clanging of shield against armor echoing through the cavernous space. “You’re trespassing,” growls the weathered voice of Jim Harper.

Jaime raises his hands defensively, his armor retracting slightly to reveal his face. "Wait, wait! Mayor Montoya sent me—I’m here for you!” Before Jaime can explain further, Halo appears from the opposite side of the room, her aura shifting with a soft yellow glow of uncertainty, making her expression hard to read.

“You two play nice, or I’ll put you both in time-out,” she says, her tone laced with wry humor. Halo doesn't fully trust either of them—one was a Cadmus ghost, and the other had alien tech grafted into his spine—but she could tell they weren’t enemies, either. The scarab’s response to Halo is immediate, detecting the emotional energy radiating from her, and Jaime winces as the scarab whispers, “Unstable anomaly detected. Proceed with caution.” The tension breaks as Halo raises her hands in a gesture of uneasy peace. “I’ve seen enough bad guys for one night. Let’s just... talk.”

Jim Harper, once a symbol of justice, is now a man weighed down by regret. He had been a loyal Cadmus operative until the experiments that created countless metahumans, including Halo herself, shattered his faith in the institution. Plagued by guilt, he left it all behind, retreating into Gotham’s shadows as a pre-crime detective.

Harper immediately feels suspicious of Montoya’s motives, seeing her mayoral administration as just another face of Gotham’s corruption. “A badge and a podium don’t change the game, Mayor,” he growls. But when his premonition tech reveals The Hangmen’s next target—a citywide blackout with catastrophic consequences—he reluctantly agrees to join their cause, spurred by his lingering sense of duty.

***

Later that evening, Montoya confronts The Guardian in the echoing chambers of the subterranean command center. Harper stands rigid, his tarnished shield on his back like a remnant of a war long past. Montoya’s commanding voice fills the room, her mayoral authority clashing against Harper’s seasoned skepticism. “Gotham doesn’t have time for your mistrust, Harper. I need someone who knows how the darkness in this city moves, and you’ve been ahead of it your whole life.”

Harper crosses his arms, his cold, calculating eyes studying her intently. “I don’t work for politicians, Montoya. You get too many clean shoes stepping on muddy streets.”

Montoya steps closer, unfazed by the insult. “You think I don’t know that? I didn’t get here to play politics, Harper. I’m trying to clean up a city that’s been eating itself alive for decades—and I need people who know how deep it goes.”

Harper hesitates, his defenses cracking under the weight of her conviction. “If I help you,” he says, his tone softening just slightly, “I call the shots when we’re in the field. And when this is over, I walk.”

Montoya gives him a wry smile. “Deal. But I’ll hold you to those shots, Harper.”

***

Elsewhere, the leader of The Hangmen, cloaked in shadow, steps forward. It’s Halo’s darker persona, a malevolent reflection of her fractured psyche. This darker side of Halo feeds on the emotional scars of Gotham’s citizens, using their collective despair to fuel her powers and drive her crusade for so-called "justice."

Unaware of Halo’s dual nature, Montoya and her team uncover The Hangmen’s plan to hijack Gotham’s central power grid. Standing atop a crumbling Art Deco skyscraper, they realize they’ve only begun to scratch the surface of their enemy’s reach. The lightning-streaked skyline serves as a haunting and ominous foreshadowing of the battles to come.

***

ACT 2

Halo is nowhere to be found.

Mayor Montoya, Jaime and The Guardian stand deep in Gotham’s industrial district—a sprawl of abandoned factories and skeletal warehouses bathed in a ghostly haze. Montoya is in the lead, her mayoral coat flapping like a cape in the night air, while Jaime's scarab hums faintly, providing dim illumination. The Guardian walks in shadow, his battered shield strapped to his arm like a relic of a forgotten era. Their objective: track down evidence of The Hangmen’s operations.

The three venture into a derelict power plant that The Guardian’s pre-crime tech flagged as a potential base of operations. The interior is a crumbling Art Deco labyrinth, filled with rusted catwalks and eerie murals depicting Gotham's past glories. Here, they stumble upon traces of Halo’s energy—faint, multicolored scorch marks on the walls that shift in intensity depending on the emotional aura of the room.

As they explore, Jaime cracks wise to lighten the mood, his charm clashing with The Guardian’s grim demeanor. Montoya acts as the glue between them, her pragmatic focus keeping the group on task.

***

While searching for clues, the group is ambushed by a gang of thugs. After a brief but cinematic skirmish, in which Jaime’s scarab deploys energy shields and The Guardian uses his tarnished shield with surgical precision, they capture one of the assailants. The thug reluctantly spills a name: Tobias Whale.

Tobias Whale, a once-feared crime lord, is now an older, semi-reformed figure who runs a retro-futuristic speakeasy hidden beneath Gotham’s crumbling public library. The team pays him a visit, descending into his hideout—a smoky, atmospheric den filled with jazz music and sepia-toned lighting. Whale, dressed in a sharp pinstripe suit that reflects his past glory, greets them with a mix of charm and menace.

Tobias reveals that he’s no fan of The Hangmen, as their crusade against corruption threatens what little power he still holds. He offers them information in exchange for protection, hinting that he knows more about Halo’s fractured psyche and the true origins of The Hangmen. Despite their mistrust, the team reluctantly accepts Whale’s guidance, trusting that his wit and encyclopedic knowledge of Gotham’s criminal underworld will help shed new light on the case.

***

Through Whale’s connections, the team uncovers that The Hangmen are planning something massive involving Gotham’s central power grid. As they dig deeper, Tobias provides cryptic insights into Halo’s powers, implying that her emotional fractures were artificially manipulated by someone—or something—operating in Gotham’s shadows.

Their investigation leads them to an underground complex beneath Gotham’s botanical gardens, where they find an abandoned Cadmus lab. Inside, they discover unsettling files indicating that Halo’s aura-based abilities were the result of Cadmus experiments attempting to harness emotional energy as a weapon. Disturbingly, the files hint at a “Subject Zero” who shares a connection with Halo’s darker persona.

As the group begins to piece together answers, the air around them begins to hum with energy. The walls glow faintly with shifting colors, signaling Halo’s presence. They realize too late that they’ve walked into a trap. The room floods with blinding multicolored light as Halo’s darker side emerges, fully embracing her role as the leader of The Hangmen. Her aura fluctuates wildly, creating a surreal, otherworldly effect that warps the very space around them.

“Halo?” Jaime pleads, stepping forward. But the figure before them is no longer the ally they once knew.

With a chilling smile, Halo utters: “You wanted to fix Gotham, didn’t you? Let’s start by breaking it.” Suddenly, a deafening explosion rocks the underground complex, sending debris and energy blasts flying in all directions. The echoes of the explosion fade into silence.

***

ACT 3

In the smoldering ruins of the abandoned Cadmus lab beneath Gotham’s botanical gardens, Mayor Renee Montoya pulls herself from the wreckage. Battered but resolute, she pulls herself to her feet, her mayoral coat tattered and streaked with soot. Beside her, The Guardian rises, his golden shield dented but still gleaming faintly in the dim light. Tobias Whale stumbles out of the shadows, coughing, his sharp suit now a patchwork of grime and blood.

Jaime Reyes is nowhere to be found. The scarab’s faint energy signature flickers on Montoya’s handheld scanner, leading the group to believe he’s alive but has been taken.

“This city eats its heroes,” Whale growls, lighting a cigarette with shaky hands. “But if you’re still breathing, Mayor, that means we’ve got a fighting chance.”

Montoya narrows her eyes. “Then we fight. Let’s bring Jaime home.”

***

The trio follows the scarab’s signal deep into Gotham’s subterranean layers, navigating through forgotten tunnels, crumbling sewers, and the eerie remnants of Gotham’s abandoned pneumatic transit system. These catacombs are lined with corroded brass fixtures, flickering neon signs advertising long-defunct businesses, and the oppressive weight of history pressing in from every angle.

As Montoya, The Guardian, and Tobias Whale push deeper into Gotham's forgotten transit tunnels, they stumble upon an abandoned chamber dimly lit by eerie, multicolored crystal growths spreading across the walls. The air is thick with a haunting, harmonic wail—a disjointed song emanating from a group of figures at the center of the room. These are The Broken Choir, people warped by Halo’s emotional energy, their eyes glowing faintly as cracks of light spiderweb across their bodies. The Guardian raises his shield instinctively, while Whale mutters, “They’re not alive—not fully, anyway.”

Before Montoya can act, the Choir snaps their heads toward the group in perfect unison, their mournful song shifting into a piercing shriek. They attack, moving with jerky, unnatural precision, forcing the team into a desperate fight. Montoya spots an ancient control panel and, with Whale’s reluctant help, reroutes power to the emergency lights. A sudden flood of harsh, white light disrupts the Choir, causing them to collapse, their glowing energy dimming. Though alive, they remain unconscious, their bodies scarred by the power Halo has unleashed.

As silence falls over the chamber, Montoya studies the fallen victims, her expression grim. “She’s not just breaking Gotham,” she says quietly. “She’s breaking its people.” The group regathers their strength and moves forward, the eerie glow of the crystals serving as a reminder of Halo’s growing threat.

***

The group’s journey leads them to the epicenter of Gotham’s forgotten infrastructure: The Heart of the Machine, a massive, cathedral-like chamber where the city’s old power grid converges. The cavernous chamber is crammed full of futuristic Cadmus technology; it is literally buzzing with energy.

While searching for clues to Halo’s ultimate plan, Montoya stumbles upon a locked archive buried among the circuitry. Guardian’s pre-crime tech enables them to bypass the archive’s defenses, revealing Cadmus records of past experiments.

Among these records is a project dossier detailing the early experiments that fractured Gabrielle Doe’s psyche and unleashed her powers. To Montoya’s shock, Tobias Whale’s name is listed as the financial backer of the research. Further documents reveal that Whale had leveraged Gotham’s underworld resources to fund these experiments in an attempt to create a controllable, emotion-based weapon.

Guardian, visibly angered, confronts Whale, accusing him of being complicit in Halo’s pain. Whale, initially defensive, eventually admits his involvement, though he claims ignorance of the full extent of Cadmus’s experiments. “I thought it was just another job,” he says, his voice heavy with guilt. “By the time I realized what they’d done, it was too late. I’m trying to make it right, but that doesn’t mean I can undo it.”

The revelation leaves Montoya torn. Though disgusted by Whale’s actions, she realizes they can't afford to lose him now. His knowledge of Gotham’s criminal networks—and Cadmus’s secrets—is still vital to their mission.

“You think I’m just a monster?” Whale growls at Montoya as she confronts him. “Monsters don’t get to fix their mistakes. But I’ll die trying, if that means anything.”

Before Montoya can respond, the chamber floods with enemy forces—Hangmen loyalists armed with experimental Cadmus tech. Whale steps forward, his bulky frame shielding Montoya and The Guardian as he unleashes a hidden weapon: a handheld EMP device built into his cigarette case. The resulting blast disables the enemy forces but overloads the chamber’s unstable systems, triggering a chain reaction. Whale shoves Montoya and The Guardian toward safety, staying behind to hold off reinforcements.

“Go!” he shouts, his voice echoing through the collapsing chamber. “Gotham’s yours now!”

Montoya and The Guardian barely escape as the chamber collapses and Whale’s silhouette disappears slowly into the rubble.

***

Now alone, Montoya and The Guardian follow the scarab’s signal to its source: a sprawling underground arena that looks like a grotesque mix of advanced technology and raw, emotional energy. At its center stands Halo, her fractured aura casting shifting, kaleidoscopic shadows across the walls. Jaime is suspended in mid-air, trapped within a sphere of pulsating light, his scarab seemingly deactivated.

Halo’s darker persona speaks with a voice that echoes unnaturally: “You see now, don’t you? Emotions are the true power of this city—its rage, its fear, its despair. I will harness it and reshape Gotham into what it was always meant to be.”

Montoya steps forward, her voice cutting through the chaos. “This isn’t you, Gabrielle. Gotham doesn’t need a god—it needs people who fight for it, flaws and all.”

A battle unfolds within the vast underground arena, its walls pulsating with distorted light emanating from Halo’s fractured aura. Halo, cloaked in her kaleidoscopic aura, stands atop a platform, her voice reverberating as her darker persona speaks of reshaping Gotham with the raw power of its collective despair. Montoya and The Guardian enter cautiously, their resolve unshaken despite the oppressive atmosphere and Halo’s overwhelming power. As the ground trembles with each pulse of energy, The Guardian’s pre-crime tech activates, helping him anticipate Halo’s volatile attacks and shield Montoya from harm.

Montoya quickly identifies a network of conduits connecting Halo’s platform to the energy sphere trapping Jaime. While The Guardian keeps Halo distracted with precise, calculated strikes, Montoya moves toward the conduits, using her expertise in tactical analysis to disrupt their power flow. The task is grueling, as the arena reacts violently to her interference—crystals of energy shatter around her, and bursts of raw emotion manifest as physical force. With persistence, she manages to sever one of the primary conduits, weakening the sphere enough for Jaime’s scarab to reactivate.

With his powers partially restored, Jaime breaks free of the sphere in a burst of blue light, immediately joining the fight. Together, the trio coordinates their efforts: The Guardian deflects Halo’s attacks, Montoya disables the remaining conduits, and Jaime confronts Halo directly, using the scarab’s technology to stabilize her powers. The combined effort forces Halo’s darker persona into retreat, leaving Gabrielle’s true self momentarily exposed.

As Halo’s darker persona falters, Jaime and Montoya work together to reach the human side of Gabrielle, appealing to her sense of hope. For a moment, the aura dims, and Gabrielle’s true self emerges, horrified by the destruction she’s caused.

Gabrielle, struggling to hold her unstable powers in check: “This is the only way... I can’t let it consume me, or Gotham. I won’t let my darkness hurt anyone else.”

Jaime (desperately): “Gabrielle, no! We can figure this out together. The scarab—I can stabilize you—just give me more time!”

Gabrielle, a bittersweet smile breaking through her pain: “You’ve already given me more time than I deserved, Jaime. You gave me hope. You and Montoya—both of you—you reminded me who I am.”

Montoya (firmly, fighting back tears): “Gabrielle, don’t do this. You’ve fought too hard to let it end here. We don’t leave people behind—not in this city, not ever.”

Gabrielle (softly): “I’ll always be here, Renee—Gotham’s light, even in its darkest shadows.”

Ultimately the darker side refuses to let go. In a final act of defiance, it unleashes a catastrophic surge of energy, threatening to destroy everyone in the arena. Gabrielle, with tears streaming down her face, makes the ultimate sacrifice: she absorbs the energy into her body. As her aura intensifies, Gabrielle reaches out to Jaime and Montoya one last time before unleashing her power in a brilliant, blinding wave—neutralizing the threat but sacrificing herself in the process, imploding in a burst of light that leaves the arena eerily silent.

***

EPILOGUE: THE NEXT MORNING

Mayor Montoya stands before a crowd in Gotham Square, delivering another speech. The scars from Halo’s rampage and the battle in the Heart of the Machine are still visible, but so are signs of rebuilding—a testament to Gotham’s resilience. This time, the mayor's words carry the weight of loss but also a renewed determination.

Montoya’s speech is both a eulogy and a call to action. She begins by honoring the sacrifices made during the fight, including the ultimate price paid by Tobias Whale. “Tobias Whale was not a perfect man,” she says, her voice steady but heartfelt. “He made mistakes—grave ones—but in his final hours, he chose to stand on the right side of history. He fought to save this city when it mattered most, and for that, Gotham owes him its gratitude. His name will remind us that redemption is possible, even in the darkest hearts.”

Young Jaime Reyes, now more confident in his role, watches from the crowd alongside The Guardian, whose tarnished shield has been restored to its former glory.

Montoya shifts her focus to the city's future, emphasizing that the battle against corruption, despair, and fear isn’t over. “Gotham is no stranger to darkness,” she says. “But today, we stand at a threshold—a chance to build something new, something better. I promise you this: no more backroom deals, no more neglect of the people who call this city home. Together, we’ll create a Gotham where hope shines brighter than fear—a Gotham where every voice matters, and every life is valued.”

Montoya concludes by urging Gotham’s citizens to take part in the rebuilding process, stressing the importance of unity and collective responsibility. Her words resonate with the crowd, and for the first time in a long time, Gotham feels a spark of hope. The scene closes on Montoya, looking out over the city she’s vowed to protect—not as a perfect leader, but as one who understands its flaws and still believes in its potential. Her determination, paired with the resilience of Gotham’s people, sets the tone for a new era.

On the horizon, a single, faint halo of light hovering in the sky, a subtle reminder that even in darkness, hope endures.

*****

"Gotham: Halo's Shadow" is an original, AI-driven story in the Signs of the Times: Underground "Renee Montoya" saga. Other Renee Montoya stories can be found here:

Gotham Gone Cold | The Final Freeze | Gotham: Boiling Point

If you liked what you read here, let us know what other AI adventures we should come up with next. As always, you can leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or try to find us on Facebook.

Until next time!

Bing AI writes Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano

Welcome back. We just wrapped up our three-part "Zorro" series (this and this and this), and we had a really good time with it. Heck, it even inspired us to read the original "Zorro" book, published way back in 1919 (which we had no clue about!), and that was also largely enjoyable. (In fact, we were thrilled as we listened to the book to hear the names of several character names used in our movie were actual characters from the book, such as Bernardo and Lolita!)

But do you know what we noticed? There were a couple of somewhat significant plot holes in our movie trilogy that we thought needed to be filled. Here are a few questions that we had (SPOILERS, by the way):

• Zorro's dad faked his own death?? What?
• Why did Zorro act like his relationship with Lolita was so important?
• What happened between Zorro and Villanueva that drove such a wedge between them?

And those are just a few of the things that crossed our minds. We didn't want to make another movie because we just wanted a trilogy, but we thought of another way that we could tie up some of those loose ends - why not a video game? We would love a good "Zorro" video game. In fact, Bing's AI Chat feature informed us that, although several games have been made about our new favorite masked vigilante, none of them could be good and, our artificial overlords proposed, perhaps we could make the first one that was actually successful!

We must take a moment to brag a little bit here. We had a pretty good idea of how we wanted the plot to shape up and we knew a few things that we definitely wanted to touch on (mostly to cover up those little gaps in our movie trilogy), and we actually had to rephrase our question to AI several times because we included so many details that it thought we had already written the whole thing.

"Wow, that sounds like a very exciting and detailed plot for a video game. You have clearly put a lot of thought and creativity into it," the AI said. "You have already outlined the main characters, the setting, the genre, the style, and the features of your game. I think your game idea has a lot of potential to be a great Zorro game, as it offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the origin story of the hero."

That is to say that our fingerprints are all over this thing but the AI did stitch it all together for us and threw in some fun details and twists. As always, the stuff that was exclusively us is surrounded by brackets. Everything else, including the images, was created by Bing AI.

With no further ado, we present our original video game, Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano, set several years before the first movie in our trilogy, Zorro: The Republic of Rust.

Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano

An original video game

ACT ONE

The game begins with a cutscene that introduces Diego and Emilio, two young men who live in Capistrano, California, a city under the oppressive rule of the Spanish government and the local military leader, Captain Ramon. They are shown as adventurous and rebellious, always looking for ways to have fun and help the people. They are also friends with Lolita, the daughter of a tavern owner, who has a crush on Diego.

The cutscene ends with Diego and Emilio witnessing a public execution of a rebel leader, who was accused of plotting against the governor. They are shocked and outraged by the injustice, and decide to do something about it. They sneak into the governor’s mansion at night, hoping to find some evidence of his corruption. However, they are discovered by the guards and have to fight their way out. Along the way, they stumble upon a secret room, where they find a black hat, a mask, a sword, a pistol, and a whip. Diego is intrigued by the items, and decides to take them with him. Emilio is skeptical, but follows his friend.

The next day, Diego and Emilio meet with Friar Felipe, a religious leader who secretly supports the rebels. He tells them that the items they found belong to a legendary hero, who was known as Zorro. He was a masked vigilante who fought against the tyranny of the government, and left his mark, a letter Z, on his enemies. He disappeared many years ago, and no one knows what happened to him. Friar Felipe believes that Diego and Emilio are destined to continue his legacy, and offers to train them in the skills they need to become heroes.

Diego and Emilio agree to train with Friar Felipe, and begin their journey as Zorro and his sidekick. They learn how to use the sword, the pistol, the whip, and the horse, as well as other skills such as stealth, acrobatics and charisma. They also learn about the history and culture of Spanish America, and the political and social issues that plague the people. They start to take on missions and quests from Friar Felipe, who assigns them to help the rebels, the poor and the oppressed. They also encounter various enemies, such as soldiers, bandits, and corrupt officials, who try to stop them. They also develop their relationship with Lolita, who becomes their ally and [Diego's] love interest.

The first act ends with Diego and Emilio becoming famous as Zorro and his sidekick, and gaining the respect and admiration of the people. However, they also attract the attention and wrath of Captain Ramon, who vows to capture and kill them. He sets a trap for them, by arresting Lolita and accusing her of being a rebel. He announces that he will execute her in public, unless Zorro surrenders himself. Diego and Emilio have to decide whether to save Lolita, or to risk exposing their identity and endangering their cause.

Some of the gameplay mechanics that are utilized during the first act of the game are:

• Movement: The player can control Diego and Emilio as they explore the city of Capistrano and its surroundings. They can run, jump, climb and ride horses to traverse the environment. They can also use stealth to avoid detection by enemies or sneak up on them.
• Combat: The player can engage in sword fights, gun battles and whip duels with various enemies, such as soldiers, bandits and corrupt officials. They can also use the environment to their advantage, such as setting fire to objects, cutting ropes or throwing barrels. They can also activate a special move called "The Mark of Zorro," in which they trace the letter Z with their joystick to slash their enemies.
• Puzzle-Solving: The player can solve various puzzles or riddles to progress in the game, such as finding clues, unlocking doors, deciphering codes or following maps. They can also use their charisma to persuade, intimidate or bluff their way through certain situations.
• [Dynamic] Relationships: The player can interact with various characters in the game, such as Lolita, Friar Felipe and [Diego's father] Don Alejandro. They can choose different dialogue options to influence their relationship with them, which can affect the outcome of the game. They can also romance Lolita, who becomes their ally and love interest.

ACT TWO

The second act begins with Diego and Emilio saving Lolita from execution. They have to infiltrate the execution site, fight their way through the guards and free Lolita before she is killed. They also have to face Captain Ramon, who will recognize Diego as Zorro and try to capture him. The player will have to escape with Lolita and Emilio, and find a safe place to hide. Lolita will be grateful and express her love for Diego, but Emilio will be angry and jealous, as he also has feelings for Lolita. Friar Felipe will be proud of Diego’s bravery, but Don Alejandro will be furious and disappointed, as he will learn that his son is Zorro and that he endangered his life and reputation for a girl. The people will be inspired by Zorro’s heroism, but the government will increase their efforts to hunt him down.

The second act continues with Diego and Emilio facing new challenges and opportunities, as they try to cope with the aftermath of their rescue mission. They will have to deal with the emotional and political ramifications of their actions, as well as the changing dynamics of their relationship. They will also have to continue their fight against the government and discover new secrets and mysteries about the world and the history of Zorro. They will encounter new allies and enemies, such as rebels, spies, traitors and assassins. They will also have to make more choices that will affect the outcome of the game, such as whether to trust or betray someone, whether to kill or spare someone, whether to reveal or conceal something, and so on.

The second act ends with Diego and Emilio facing a major revelation and a major betrayal, which will set the stage for the final act of the game. They will learn that Emilio is actually the son of Captain Ramon, who was sent to spy on Diego and sabotage his plans. Emilio will reveal his true identity and allegiance, and turn against Diego, becoming his nemesis. He will also take the black hat, mask, sword, pistol, and whip from Diego, and claim them as his own, becoming "El Zorro Negro," the dark counterpart of Zorro. Diego is left alone, wounded and betrayed.

[New skills and gameplay features introduced in Act Two include:]

• Rescue Missions: These high-stakes and high-tension missions, [similar to the story mission in which the player rescues Lolita,] test the player’s combat and stealth skills, as well as their decision-making and morality.
• Reputation System: The player’s actions and choices will affect their reputation with various factions and characters in the game, such as the rebels, the government, Lolita, Emilio, Friar Felipe, and Don Alejandro. This will have consequences for the outcome of the game, as well as the availability of certain quests, allies, enemies, and items. The player can check their reputation status in the menu and see how they are perceived by different groups and individuals.
• Secrets and Mysteries: The player will discover new secrets and mysteries about the world and the history of Zorro, such as hidden locations, ancient artifacts, mysterious symbols and cryptic messages. Some of these secrets and mysteries will be related to the main plot, while others will be optional and offer extra rewards or challenges. The player will have to use their puzzle-solving and exploration skills to uncover these secrets and mysteries, and learn more about the lore and backstory of the game.

ACT THREE

The third and final act begins with Diego, after Emilio revealed his true identity and escaped to Alta, California. Diego is determined to stop Emilio.

Diego is also pursued by the military, who have placed a bounty on his head, and are actively trying to capture him. The player will have to deal with the constant threat of being hunted down by soldiers, bounty hunters and informants, who will try to track him down and ambush him. The player will have to use their stealth and combat skills to evade or fight them, as well as their charisma and reputation to gain allies or enemies among the people. The player will also have to manage their resources, such as health, ammo and money, as they will be scarce and valuable in this act.

Diego is not completely alone, however. He will meet a new friend and ally, Bernardo, a mute servant who works at a local inn. Bernardo will offer to help Diego in his quest and will assist him in various ways, such as providing information, supplies, distractions or backup. Bernardo will also have a hidden talent [- the ability to] mimic any sound or voice he hears, which will come in handy in certain situations. Bernardo will communicate with Diego through gestures, signs and sounds, and will develop a bond of friendship and loyalty with him.

Diego will also continue his romantic relationship with Lolita. She will support Diego in his mission, and will help him heal his wounds. Lolita will also be in danger, as she will be targeted by Emilio, who will try to use her as a bait or a hostage to lure Diego into a trap.

[During Act Three, the game includes several Easter eggs related to the "Zorro" movie trilogy that preceded it, most notably that] Diego will [encounter riddles about] an ancient temple, hidden in the mountains, which contains a secret treasure and a powerful artifact. [There are also rumors that] the temple is guarded by a cult of fanatics.

[Diego learns several new skills during this portion of the game:]

• Bounty Evasion: Diego has to deal with the bounty placed on his head by the military, and avoid being captured by them. He learns how to use his stealth and combat skills to evade or fight the soldiers, bounty hunters, and informants who are after him. He also learns how to use his charisma and reputation to gain allies or enemies among the people, who can either help him or betray him.
• Sound Mimicry: Diego learns how to communicate with Bernardo through gestures, signs and sounds, and how to use his talent to his advantage in certain situations, such as creating distractions, impersonating enemies or sending messages.
• Prophecy Fulfillment: Diego discovers new secrets and mysteries about the world and the history of Zorro, which are related to a prophecy that will decide the fate of the world. He learns how to interpret the clues and symbols that lead him to [in-game collectibles and lore].

The third act ends with Diego and Emilio having a final showdown, in which they will face each other as Zorro and El Zorro Negro, and fight for the legacy and the destiny of Zorro. Emilio has amassed a large army of soldiers, rebels and mercenaries, who are loyal to him and his cause. He has also built a massive fortress, where he keeps his treasure, his weapons and his prisoner: Don Alejandro, Diego’s father.

The player, as Deigo, must infiltrate the fortress, with the help of Bernardo, Lolita and some allies he has made along the way. Diego fights his way through the guards, the traps and the puzzles, until he reaches the heart of the fortress, where he finds Emilio, holding a gun to Don Alejandro’s head. Emilio taunts Diego, and tells him that he has finally fulfilled his destiny, and that he is the true heir of Zorro.

Emilio then reveals his weapon - a huge cannon, loaded with explosives. He tells Diego that he plans to fire the cannon at Capistrano and destroy the city and the people, as a revenge for their betrayal and oppression. He also tells Diego that he has a choice: to join him, or to die with his father and his people.

Diego refuses to join Emilio, and tells him that he is not Zorro, but El Zorro Negro, and that he is not a hero, but a villain. He also tells him that he is not his friend, but his enemy, and that he will stop him, and save his father and his people. He then draws his sword and challenges Emilio to a duel to decide the fate of Zorro and the world.

Emilio accepts the challenge, and drops his gun, and draws his sword. He then releases Don Alejandro, and tells him to watch as he kills his son, and destroys his legacy. He then engages Diego in a fierce sword fight, while the cannon is being prepared to fire.

The fight is intense and epic, as the player and Emilio clash with their swords, whips and fists[, utilizing the skills they have learned throughout the game]. The fight reaches its climax as Diego and Emilio are both wounded and exhausted, and as the cannon is ready to fire.

[Don Alejandro rushes to the cannon in a frantic attempt to disarm it, when Captain Ramon enters the room and shoots Alejandro, just as he disables the cannon. Alejandro stumbles and falls out of the window, seemingly to his death. Deigo and Emilio look on in terror and shock.]

[Bernardo and Lolita arrive as back-up moments later, helping Diego outnumber Emilio and Ramon. Diego spares Emilio's life but commands him to never return to Capistrano.]

[In the closing moments of the game, a cutscene shows that Diego has become overwhelmed with grief.] He uses the term "The Curse of Capistrano" to describe the misfortune and tragedy that have befallen him and his loved ones because of his involvement as Zorro. He feels guilty and superstitious about the events that have occurred, such as Lolita’s kidnapping, Emilio’s betrayal and his father’s death. He wonders if he has done something wrong, or if he has angered some higher power, or if he is simply doomed by fate.

[Diego is shown sitting in sadness at his home, surrounded by Lolita, Bernardo and Friar Felipe. Elsewhere, Emilio rides on horseback into the neighboring town of Alta, California, with a look of rage and desperation on his face.]

[The picture fades to black and the Mark of Zorro slashes across the screen.]

*****

The credits roll, accompanied by a stirring musical score. After the credits end, the screen fades back in and shows a scene of Alta, California. The scene is set in the year 1821, seven years after the events of the game.

The camera pans over the city, showing a contrast between the rich and the poor. The camera zooms in on one of the mansions, where a grand party is taking place. The guests are dressed in fine clothes and jewelry, and are drinking, dancing and laughing. The camera focuses on one of the guests, who is none other than Emilio, the former friend and nemesis of Diego. He has changed his appearance and his name, and is now known as Villanueva, the governor of Alta, California. He is wearing a black suit, a red cape, and a gold medallion, and is holding a glass of wine. He is surrounded by admirers and sycophants, who praise his achievements and flatter his ego.

Villanueva: "Thank you, my friends, for joining me in this glorious celebration. Today, we mark the [fifth] anniversary of my ascension to power, and the [fifth] year of peace and prosperity for Alta, California! And who can stop us, my friends? Who can challenge our might and our right? Not the weak and the meek, who cower in fear and beg for mercy. Not the fools, who follow the rules and obey the law. Not the rebels and the rabble, who plot and scheme and dream of freedom. No, my friends, no one can stop us, no one can oppose us, no one can defeat us. We [have transformed this] Republic of Rust, and we are invincible!"

The guests cheer and applaud, then chant, "Villanueva! Villanueva! Villanueva!"

Villanueva: (He laughs and drinks, then continues.) "And what of our enemies? What of those who dare to stand in our way and defy our authority? What of those who claim to be heroes and fight for justice and honor? What of those who wear masks and call themselves 'Zorro'?" (He spits out the name with contempt.) "He is nothing but a ghost, nothing but a memory, nothing but a [myth]. He is no match for me - no match for Villanueva!"

The guests cheer and applaud louder, then continue to chant, "Villanueva! Villanueva! Villanueva!"

*****

The camera cuts to a different scene, showing a desert landscape with a blazing sun in the sky. The camera pans over the sand, showing a trail of hoofprints, leading to a lone horseman, riding towards the horizon. The horseman is Diego - Zorro. He is wearing a [black] suit, a black hat and a black mask, and is holding a sword, a pistol and a whip. He is carrying a saddlebag, containing his personal effects - a picture of Lolita, a letter from Friar Felipe, and a medallion from his father.

Diego: (He speaks in a voice-over, as he rides.) "I have been riding for a long time. I have seen many things, I have done many things. I have loved, I have lost, I have suffered. The Curse of Capistrano haunts me. It follows me. But I have been blessed with a purpose. I have been blessed with a mission. The destiny of Zorro calls me. It guides me. And so I ride to protect [those I love], to defend [those who cannot defend themselves] and to fight [the iron fist of oppression]. I ride to Alta, California, to face Governor Villanueva [and] stop [his] Republic of Rust."

The screen fades to black, and the words "To be continued…" appear. The screen then shows the logos and titles of the Zorro movie trilogy, "The Republic of Rust," "The Lost Temple" and "Kingdom of Ash." The screen then fades to black again, and the game ends.

*****

Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano is an original video game prequel to accompany an original Zorro trilogy:

Video Game: Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano (prequel)

Films: The Republic of Rust | The Lost Temple | Kingdom of Ash

And that's officially going to do it! Thus ends our four-part "Zorro" saga. What did you think? Did the video game plot help answer any of your burning questions? Did you have any thoughts about what we could have done differently? Leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or try your best to find us on Facebook. We hope you enjoyed this journey as much as we did.

Until next time.

Bing AI writes... Zorro: Kingdom of Ash (Part 3)

It all boils down to this! We've come to the conclusion of our Zorro trilogy. What will become of Zorro, Villanueva, Bernardo and the rest of the crew? Take a seat and find out in... "Zorro: Kingdom of Ash"!

But, of course, if you aren't up-to-speed with the story thus far, you'll want to go back and read "The Republic of Rust" (Part 1) and "The Lost Temple" (Part 2) first!

As always, nearly everything you are about to see and read was created by Bing's AI Chat feature. For purposes of clarity and the flow (and logic) of the story, we have added or tweaked a few things, which we have included in brackets.

Enjoy!

Zorro: Kingdom of Ash

Starring:

Antonio Banderas as Zorro

Benicio Del Toro as Villanueva

Eugenio Derbez as Bernardo

with

Javier Bardem as Cortez

Diego Boneta as Pedro

Ana de Armas as Lolita

and

Edward James Olmos as Don Alejandro De La Vega

The movie begins on a dark and stormy night, with thunder and lightning in the sky. A shadowy figure approaches a grave that says, "Here lies Don Diego de la Vega, also known as Zorro, the defender of the people. 1795-1824."

The scene shifts to the present, where Zorro and Villanueva are about to fight Bernardo on the cliff. Bernardo uses the artifact to create a powerful blast that knocks them off the edge. Bernardo escapes with Lolita and the artifact, presuming that Zorro and Villanueva are now dead. [Unbeknownst to Bernardo,] Zorro and Villanueva survive the fall, but are separated and injured.

[During the opening credits, a montage shows Cortez, Villanueva's former mercenary leader, traveling on horseback with Pedro, the young man who grew up idolizing Zorro, searching on horseback for the fallen heroes. In flashback sequences, we see that they] had followed Zorro and Villanueva to the hidden temple in the desert, where they witnessed the betrayal of Bernardo and the activation of the artifact. They managed to survive the earthquake and the subsequent chase, and they saw Zorro and Villanueva fall off the edge. [Now, they search of Zorro and Villanueva, who they still believe to be alive.]

[The scene flashes back to graveyard.] The figure is revealed to be Don Alejandro de la Vega, Zorro's father, who is wearing a cloak and a hat to conceal his identity. He looks around to make sure no one is watching, then starts digging up the grave with a shovel. After a few minutes, he locates the coffin and opens it. Inside, there is no body, but a large bag that is tied with a rope. He takes the bag and closes the coffin, then re-fills the grave with dirt. He puts the bag on his shoulder and walks away from the grave, leaving no trace of his presence.

[Cortez and Pedro continue their search and finally come across signs of life. They have found Zorro and Villanueva. They are both alive - but just barely.]

Pedro and Cortez take Zorro and Villanueva to their secret hideout, where they are treated and healed. Zorro and Villanueva learn that Bernardo has taken over the governor’s mansion and declared himself the new ruler of Alta California. He has also announced that he will use the artifact to unleash a cataclysmic event that will wipe out all life on Earth, unless Zorro surrenders.

Don Alejandro, [who tracked down Cortez and Pedro,] meets with Zorro and Villanueva, who [continue to] recover from their injuries. They are surprised and happy to see him alive, and hug him warmly. Don Alejandro explains that he faked his own death and [created a false grave for] Zorro to protect them from Bernardo and his cult, who [have been attempting to] hunt them down. He also reveals that he has been working undercover for the past few years, infiltrating Bernardo's cult and learning their secrets. He tells them that he has discovered the location of another artifact, similar to the one that Bernardo has, and that he has a plan to stop him.

He opens the bag [from the grave site] and shows them what is inside: a collection of legendary weapons that belonged to the ancient civilization that created the artifacts. There are swords, daggers, axes, spears, bows, arrows, and more, all made of a strange metal that glows with a faint light. Don Alejandro says that these weapons are the only things that can destroy the artifact, and that they have to use them to fight Bernardo and his cult. He says that he has also gathered a group of loyal allies, who are ready to join them in the final battle.

Zorro and Villanueva are amazed and impressed by the weapons, and thank Don Alejandro for his help. They agree to follow his plan and join him in the final battle. They take the weapons and prepare to leave the hideout, ready to face their destiny.

Zorro, Villanueva, Don Alejandro, Pedro, and Cortez lead a daring assault on the mansion, fighting their way through Bernardo’s guards and cult members. They reach the main hall, where Bernardo is waiting for them with Lolita and the artifact. He taunts them and reveals his true motives: he is actually a descendant of the ancient civilization that created the artifact, and he believes that he is the rightful heir to its power. He also claims that the artifact is actually a portal to another dimension, where his ancestors reside. He plans to use the artifact to open the portal and summon his ancestors, who will help him conquer the world and destroy anyone who opposes him.

A fierce battle ensues, where Zorro and Villanueva face off with Bernardo, while Don Alejandro tries to use the artifact to stop him. Lolita manages to free herself and joins the fight, helping Zorro and Villanueva. Pedro and Cortez fight the cult members and the guards, while also protecting the civilians who have joined the rebellion. The battle is intense and chaotic, with many casualties on both sides.

[The heroes utilize the mystical weapons provided by Don Alejandro as they fight:]

• Zorro uses a sword that is similar to his own, but with a sharper edge and a glowing blade. He uses it to slash and stab his enemies, as well as to deflect their attacks. He also uses it to cut through ropes, chains, and locks, freeing Lolita and other prisoners. He fights with skill and grace, showing his mastery of the sword.
• Villanueva uses an axe that is heavy and powerful, capable of smashing and breaking anything in its path. He uses it to cleave and chop his enemies, as well as to destroy their weapons and armor. He also uses it to break down doors, walls, and pillars, creating a path for his allies. He fights with strength and fury, showing his rage against Bernardo.
• Don Alejandro uses a spear that is long and sharp, able to pierce and impale his enemies from a distance. He uses it to throw and thrust at his enemies, as well as to block and parry their attacks. He also uses it to reach and activate the artifact, using his knowledge and wisdom. He fights with precision and strategy, showing his intelligence and experience.
• Cortez uses a bow and arrow that are accurate and fast, able to hit and kill his enemies from afar. He uses them to shoot and snipe his enemies, as well as to cover and protect his allies. He also uses them to ignite and explode barrels, crates, and chandeliers, creating a distraction and a chaos. He fights with stealth and skill, showing his cunning and agility.
• Pedro uses a dagger that is small and light, able to cut and stab his enemies from close range. He uses it to sneak and ambush his enemies, as well as to free and assist his allies. He also uses it to cut and disable wires, traps, and alarms, creating an advantage and a surprise. He fights with courage and enthusiasm, showing his loyalty and admiration.

Zorro and Villanueva manage to wound Bernardo and disarm him of the artifact. Don Alejandro uses the artifact to close the portal, preventing Bernardo’s ancestors from coming through. However, Bernardo refuses to give up and grabs the artifact again, activating it with his blood. He unleashes a massive explosion that destroys the mansion and engulfs the surrounding area in flames. Bernardo and his cult are destroyed by the explosion and buried under the ashes of the mansion.

Zorro, Villanueva, Lolita, Don Alejandro, Pedro, and Cortez barely escape the blast, but are severely injured and trapped under the rubble.

As they lie dying, Zorro and Villanueva reconcile their friendship and brotherhood, apologizing for their past mistakes and forgiving each other.

Zorro and Lolita confess their love for each other and share a final kiss. Don Alejandro tells Zorro that he is proud of him and that he is the true hero of the people. Pedro and Cortez thank Zorro and Villanueva for their leadership and courage. They all say their goodbyes and close their eyes, accepting their fate.

The movie ends with a montage of scenes showing the aftermath of the explosion. The people of Alta California mourn the loss of their heroes, but also celebrate their victory and freedom. They erect statues and monuments in honor of Zorro, Villanueva, Lolita, Don Alejandro, Pedro, and Cortez, and tell stories of their deeds and legacy.

The final scene shows a young boy wearing a mask and a cape, riding a horse and wielding a sword, as he follows the footsteps of his idol, Zorro.

THE END

*****

Zorro: Kingdom of Ash is the conclusion of an original, four-part Zorro saga:

Video Game: Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano (prequel)

Films: The Republic of Rust | The Lost Temple | Kingdom of Ash

That's a wrap for our Zorro series, folks! Have you been enjoying these AI-driven stories? What projects would you like to see us tackle next? Leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or let us know on Facebook.

Until next time.

Bing AI writes... Zorro: The Lost Temple (Part 2)

 

We meet again, for the second installment in our AI "Zorro" trilogy. If you haven't experienced "Zorro: The Republic of Rust," you'll want to read that before proceeding. We're not going to waste any time jumping into the action, so you should definitely be up-to-speed.

When last we left our intrepid hero, Zorro was pursuing his nemesis, Villanueva - known in a former life as El Zorro Negro - in a white-knuckle treasure hunt for an artifact with the power to change the world as we know it. Villanueva had been a step ahead, but surely Zorro will catch up to him soon!

As explained previously, everything you're about to see and read was created by Bing's AI Chat feature. We did have to do a little bit of housekeeping, for the sake of clarity and the flow of the story, and we have added brackets around anything that we had to alter, just so you know where we left our fingerprints.

Let's see what happens next!

Zorro: The Lost Temple

Starring:

Antonio Banderas as Zorro

Benicio Del Toro as Villanueva

Eugenio Derbez as Bernardo

with

Ana de Armas as Lolita

and

Javier Bardem as Cortez

"Zorro: The Lost Temple" continues Zorro and Villanueva's search for the hidden treasure of Alta California, a powerful ancient artifact that can grant its owner immense power and knowledge. The movie picks up right after the post-credits scene from the first movie, as Villanueva discovered a secret entrance to a hidden temple in the desert.

Zorro and Bernardo, his loyal friend and sidekick, are hot on the trail of Villanueva. They know that Villanueva is dangerous and obsessed, and that he will use the artifact to conquer the world. They also want to find out the truth about the artifact and its origin, and why it is so important.

Zorro and Bernardo have to travel across the desert of Alta California, following the clues and a map that they found in Villanueva’s mansion. They have to deal with the harsh weather, the lack of water and food, and the hostile wildlife. They also have to avoid the patrols and the checkpoints of Villanueva’s army, who are still looking for them.

In one scene set in a burning building, Zorro and Bernardo have to rescue some prisoners who are held captive by Villanueva's men. They have to fight their way through the flames and the smoke, and use their skills and gadgets to escape. [In the midst of their escape, they encounter] Cortez, the mercenary leader who worked for Villanueva in the first movie. [Surprisingly, Cortez] has a change of heart and betrays Villanueva, after he learns the truth about his identity and his plans. He becomes an ally of Zorro [and joins the heroes on their journey to catch Villanueva].

[When the heroes the temple, they find Villanueva trying to unlock the secret of the artifact.] He had found a large metal door with strange symbols on it, and he was using the artifact to match the symbols and open the door. He believed that behind the door was the ultimate power and knowledge of the ancient civilization that created the artifact. He was determined to fulfill his destiny and become the master of the artifact and the world.

[Villanueva reveals, via a villainous monologue, that the artifact is] a relic from an ancient civilization that once ruled the world, but was destroyed by a cataclysmic event. The artifact contains the secrets and the memories of that civilization, and also has the power to manipulate time and space. The artifact can be used for good or evil, depending on the user's will and intention.

[However, in order to access the secret chamber, Zorro and Villanueva determine that they must work together.] They have to use their intelligence and creativity, and also cooperate and compete with each other. They also encounter some ancient guardians and traps, and some stunning and shocking revelations.

[Upon reaching the secret chamber,] Bernardo reveals that he is not actually mute and that he has a terrible secret that rocks Zorro to his core: Bernardo has been working for a secret cult that worships the artifact and the ancient civilization that created it. He says that he wants to bring back the glory and the doom of that civilization, and that he will destroy the world and rebuild it in his image. He also reveals that he is the descendant of the high priest of that civilization, and that he has the blood and the right to wield the artifact. He has been feeding Zorro information to sabotage the heroes' plans. He also reveals that he is the one who kidnapped and corrupted Villanueva when they were children, and turned him into El Zorro Negro. He did this because he was jealous and resentful of Zorro, who was the chosen one to wield the artifact. He wanted to use Villanueva and the artifact to destroy Zorro and the world.

Zorro and Villanueva are shocked and betrayed by Bernardo's revelation. Villanueva realizes that he has been corrupted and manipulated by the artifact, and that he has lost his way and his honor. He also remembers his friendship and brotherhood with Zorro, and how they used to fight for justice and freedom. The [old friends] decide to join forces against Bernardo and his minions.

[Meanwhile,] Bernardo manages to get the artifact and activates it, unleashing its power and causing a massive earthquake[, then flees in the chaos. Zorro and Villanueva] follow Bernardo’s trail and find out that he is traveling by carriage, escorted by some of his minions. They also find out that Bernardo has kidnapped Lolita, Zorro’s love interest, and is holding her hostage.

Zorro and Villanueva mount their horses and pursue Bernardo and his men. They manage to catch up with them and attack them. A fierce fight ensues, involving swords, guns, whips, and explosives. Zorro and Villanueva manage to board one of the carriages, where Bernardo and Lolita are. They confront Bernardo and demand him to surrender the artifact and release Lolita. Bernardo refuses and fights back, using the artifact’s power to cause some chaos and confusion.

The carriage driver is killed by a stray bullet, and the carriage goes out of control. It collides with another carriage, causing both of them to detach from the horses and run away. Zorro and Villanueva jump from one carriage to another, trying to reach Bernardo and Lolita. Bernardo also jumps from one carriage to another, trying to escape from Zorro and Villanueva.

The carriages speed up and head towards a cliff. Zorro and Villanueva have to balance on the moving vehicles, and dodge the obstacles and the bullets. They also exchange witty and taunting remarks. They finally reach Bernardo and Lolita, and [prepare to] engage in a final duel of fate.

After the credits roll, we see a shot of a dark and stormy night. A hooded figure is riding a horse, carrying a large sack. He stops at a graveyard and dismounts. He walks towards a tombstone that reads: "Here lies Don Diego de la Vega, also known as Zorro, the defender of the people. 1795-1824." He digs up the grave and opens the coffin. He takes out the corpse of Zorro and puts it in the sack. He then closes the coffin and buries [the casket in the ground] again. He mounts his horse and rides away. The screen fades to black and a voice says: "The adventure concludes in 'Zorro: [Kingdom of Ash].'"

*****

Zorro: The Lost Temple is the second film in an original, four-part Zorro saga:

Video Game: Zorro & the Curse of Capistrano (prequel)

Films: The Republic of Rust | The Lost Temple | Kingdom of Ash

How will it end? Will Zorro and his surprising allies gain possession of the artifact once and for all, bringing Bernardo and his evil cult to justice? Will Lolita be freed from her captivity? And what on earth is up with that post credits scene?? Find out... in the final chapter! But until then, start a conversation in the comments section below, follow us on Twitter (here and here) or hit us up on Facebook.

Until next time.