Neophyte

Dark Reality

Everyone who witnessed the brutal lashing of the couple was silent as they watched the Soldados take them down from the trees and leave them there. Many of the Tongva women wept as they witnessed the scene, crying for Anna Maria's death and her husband having to deal with the loss. 

Many men slowly went to the couple who gently carried them. Even as the couple's blood trickled down on the men that carried them, it didn't faze any of 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 slowly walked into the Mission, and the rest slowly entered.

Mariana, her children, and Toypurina stayed behind and watched their people reenter the Mission. Mariana then focused on Metztli, who still lay on the ground; she immediately went to 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 for witnessing the brutality; she imagined that Metztli wasn't accustomed. "You must stand, young one."

Metztli didn't answer as she looked at the dirt; the screams of Anna Maria and her husband echoed in her mind. It wasn't easy to believe that Bishop Victoriano would allow a travesty. Metztli slowly stood, but her shaky legs made it difficult. Esteban was noticed; he stood apart from the other Soldados, many of whom were in groups, chatting and laughing. 

Laughing.

"How can they laugh? They witnessed the brutal lashings, causing a death!" she thought. 

Esteban noticed that Metztli glared at him; he couldn't blame her. He stood like the Bishops and Padres, doing nothing to stop the lashings. He then saw Metztli slowly walking to him and ignoring Mariana's calls to her. Esteban was about to speak when she got closer, but Metztli slapped him across the face.

The slap was so hard that an echo was heard, 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. 

Although Metztli was filled with rage, she couldn't help but notice their looks. When the Soldados left, the two eyed one another. "Metztli, I-"

"You what? What were you going to say? Sorry? Sorry for standing there like a puppet 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!"

Esteban understood her rage; he was used to it. "I couldn't have done anything, Metztli. The Bishops and Padres have power here besides the Governor. 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 who will do anything to take them away from power. Please believe me, they care for our people."

The young woman was silent but still seethed in anger. Esteban's eyes softened in anguish and shame. "Where is Bishop Victoriano?" 

"Metztli..."