Neophyte

Toypurina

Toypurina.

That name sounded familiar to Metztli. "Toypurina? That name sounds familiar. I remember hearing that name from one of my lessons from history class." Metztli looked at Toypurina, who was slightly taller than Valentina. Toypurina had dark tan skin, and her eyes were black with a hint of sparkle. Her long black hair was long and smooth, and it looked smooth to the touch. She had a stern yet strong appearance that would intimidate a grown man. Toypurina also had a slightly broad chin that made her almost look masculine.

Valentina motioned Toypurina to enter and closed the door. Once inside, Toypurina noticed Metztli sitting on her bed, intrigued. Before Metztli could greet, Toypurina spoke, "Quen motoca (What is your name)?"

"Huh?"

Valentina stood beside Toypurina as she rolled her eyes. "She asked what your name was."

"Oh, Metztli De la Cruz." She nervously smiled as she wondered if Toypurina only spoke one language.  

Toypurina expressed no emotion. "Campa tihuala (Where are you from)?"

"Where are you from?" Valentina translated. 

"Oh, uh, I am from around the area!" Metztli stood on her feet and slowly walked toward Toypurina. Every step she took felt intimidating; Toypurina eyed her without blinking. She stopped and motioned out her hand. "It-It is nice to meet you." Metztli felt her heartbeat; she was nervous. Toypurina didn't flinch, make a sound, or indicate wanting to shake her hand. Metztli was about to put her hand down, but Toypurina grabbed it and then looked at her palm. "Um..."

Toypurina's grip was firm, but her hand felt rough with small callouses. Her eyes were focused on Metztli's hand. "You are different from us," she finally said.

Metztli was amazed at how solid and deep Toypurina's voice was. "You speak English?"

"Indeed, Valentina and Guillermo taught me and my brother. Learning a language can help us understand our enemies."

Enemies: Metztli couldn't help but feel that it was a threat. "D-Do you view me as an enemy?"

Valentina raised her eyebrows, surprised that Metztli would ask a question; Toypurina looked indifferent as she looked up at the young woman. "It will depend."

"O-On what?"

"On what side you choose. Your hand and eyes tell me that you do not know who you truly are and where you come from."

Confusion set in; Metztli took her hand away. "I-I know who I am and where I belong. I am also proud of where and whom I've come from."

"If you knew then you wouldn't be here in this place."

"D-Does she know something? Does she suspect something about me? Maybe this woman might help."

The women became silent again until Valentina cleared her throat. "Toypurina, it is not like you coming here."

Toypurina gave one last look at Metztli until she focused on Valentina. "Yes, I heard your mother was called upon to help someone in need. I wanted to go with her to help our people who are ill. I know that the Padres are not doing well healing our people."

Valentina wrapped her arms as she scoffed. "Nonantzin was called to heal that woman since she fainted. However, many of our people in the infirmary have been injured or are dying due to the illnesses that these scoundrels brought."

"Yes, many of our people have been dying in staggering amounts due to the abuse and illnesses. However, since Bishop Victoriano took power, he has heard my brother and the other chiefs' concerns. Although I know he faces much opposition among other bishops."

"Nonantzin told me about the situation Bishop Victoriano has been facing. I imagine it is not simple trying to keep everything afloat and to keep the peace between the Mission and our tribe."

Metztli sat down on her bed, listening to their conversation. She couldn't help but be intrigued. The young woman noticed Toypurina crossing her arms. "I came across with your brother and I was surprised to learn that the Bishop ordered you to stay here. If I had to guess, it is because of Pascual."

"Nonantzin told the Bishop, but I told her that I can take care of myself. She betrayed my trust."

"Your mother only thought about your safety and best interest at heart, nohuampoh. I understand that you are strong-willed, but you are also prideful. It is good to feel pride once in a while, but when you hold onto it for too long, it can lead you to make rash decisions. It can also be one's downfall." Toypurina then walked to the door and opened it. "Now, I must go tend to the ill and injured."

"Will you join us for dinner? Nonantzin said that our people received permission to outside the Mission and practice our traditions."

"Yes, it would be good to see many of my friends again." Toypurina took a glance at Metztli and walked out of the room. She walked away and then toward the infirmary. While walking, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. The young woman stopped in her tracks and glanced at her surroundings. Many Tongva people were working afar or in other parts of the Mission. Footsteps were behind her, but she didn't look back. "Padre Federico, you have been following me."

Padre Federico was by the garden, tending to the flowers, which helped soothe his mind. While tending, he noticed Toypurina walking in the hall. The Padre couldn't let the opportunity to speak with her pass him. "I would not trouble myself following a mere savage. I was having a peaceful time in the gardens when I saw your presence. I doubt Mariana invited you in here. You have the tendency to come here uninvited."

"I have been given special permission by the Bishop to come here to help my people, which is why I am here, Padre."

Padre Federico scoffed. "Oh yes, to help your weak people. It is no wonder you all make wonderful slaves. Your people cannot even handle the whip."

Toypurina stood tall; she knew he was trying to get a rise out of her. The young woman didn't want to give him the satisfaction. "It is comical how you use your words, Padre. I heard stories about how you became a Padre. You did not become one because you desired to be one but to escape penance for your crime. Instead of dying with your honor, you took the skirt and tried to regain your lost power." 

The Padre squeezed his hand into fists. "Hn, you speak high because your brother is chief and because of the Bishop. However, the Bishop will not always be in power, and when another takes the position, you all will lose such privileges. Just wait. One day, you and your people will lose your dignity and traditions." Federico walked away, leaving Toypuring alone. 

The young woman looked at the sky and closed her eyes. "We will see."