Neophyte

Dark Reality

Everyone was silent as they watched the Soldados take the couple down from the trees. Many of the Tongva women wept for Anna Maria's death. 

Many men slowly went to the couple; the Soldados walked away as the Tongva men gently carried the couple, as their blood trickled down onto them. Many men tried to refrain from crying, but it was overwhelming for some after seeing how deep the scars were into the skin. 

The group walked into the Mission, and the rest followed.

Mariana, her children, and Toypurina stayed behind and watched their people reenter the Mission. Metztli was still lying on the ground until Mariana knelt beside her. Guillermo, Toypurina, and Valentina followed, noticing the Bishops and Padres reentered the Mission while the Soldados de Cuera stayed behind. 

"Metztli..." Mariana slowly knelt beside the distraught young woman. Her heart broke for Metztli, who witnessed the brutality; she imagined that Metztli wasn't accustomed to it. "You must stand, young one."

Metztli didn't answer; the screams of Anna Maria and her husband echoed in her mind. Looking toward the Soldados de Cuera, Esteban was noticed standing apart from the other Soldados, many of whom were chatting and laughing. 

Laughing.

"How can they laugh!?" she thought. 

Esteban noticed that Metztli glared at him; he couldn't blame her. He stood and did nothing to stop the lashings. Metztli slowly walked to him, ignoring Mariana's calls to her. Esteban was about to speak, but Metztli slapped him across the face.

The slap echoed, making the other Soldados flinch and turn to them. The Soldados were about to get their spears, but Esteban motioned them to stop. "Vuelva a sus puestos (Return to your posts)," he commanded. The Soldados looked at one another but did as they were told; some eyed Metztli with interest or lust. When the Soldados left, the two eyed one another. "Metztli, I-"

"You what? What were you going to say? Sorry? Sorry for standing there while the Soldados whipped two innocent souls, killing one! Sorry for standing beside the Bishops and Padres who ordered them to suffer something they shouldn't have!?" Metztli never felt intense rage in her life; she considered herself a person of faith, patience, and understanding.

 It was the first time that she had lost her true self.

Mariana went to Metztli and gently put her hands on her arms. "Metztli, Esteban couldn't do anything. Even if he is a Lieutenant, he has to obey the Bishops and-"

"A Lietuenant? You could have done something against the orders!"

"I couldn't have done anything, Metztli. The Bishops and Padres have power. If I disobeyed, I could have my rank taken from me. How else can I help the Gabrielinos?"

"It is true, Metztli. He and Bishop Victoriano try to do much to help our people survive. However, they cannot save all of us since they are surrounded by enemies. Please believe me, they care for our people."

Metztli still seethed in anger. "Where is Bishop Victoriano?" 

"Metztli..."

"Where is he, Mariana!?"

Valentina walked forward. "Don't you speak to my Nonantzin that way! What will speaking to the Bishop do? Nothing! You think that you can make a difference!? You-"

"You're one to talk!" Metztli breathed heavily as she glared at Valentina. Guillermo and Toypurina's eyes widened in surprise. "You talk about the suffering of your people, but what did YOU do while Anna Maria and her husband were being whipped? Nothing! You did nothing as you cowered behind the Soldados! I know I can't make much of a difference, but at least I tried! Did you!?"