Neophyte

Nightmare

Metztli had her eyes closed and felt that she was floating in mid-air. It felt tranquil, and she wanted to wake up to know where she was, but her eyes felt as if they were glued shut. Eventually, Metztli felt like she stood on hard ground; the air was so hot that she felt her skin would burn. 

"Am I in hell?"

When trying to open her eyes, Metztli was relieved to see finally, but confusion set in when she realized she was outside and far from the Mission. Looking at the skies, the sun was scorching hot, and Metztli walked toward the Mission to shield herself from the heat. However, walking toward the Mission felt like she couldn't get closer to it.

It was as if the Mission was straying away from her. 

The situation was reaching a point where frustration was building. "Why can't I?" Metztli tripped onto something, making her fall to the dirt. However, whatever she fell onto felt soft yet rough. Opening her eyes, her mouth widened in horror, and she screamed in terror. She fell on top of the body of a middle-aged man whose eyes were emotionless. His skin was turning blue. Metztli immediately exited him and was about to walk away, but she felt something else blocking her path.

Looking behind her, there was another motionless body of a man who had a bullet wound to the head. When Metztli looked around, to her horror, there were many bodies of dead men surrounding her. 

Her screams echoed so loudly that people from the Mission would have heard her. "DEAR GOD! BISHOP!? MARIANA!? WHERE ARE YOU!?" The young woman closed her eyes and shut her ears, praying to God to take the sight away. 

"Metztli..."

"Huh?" Someone called out her name, but what confused her was that she could hear the voice perfectly, although her ears were covered. 

"Metztli." The voice sounded clear and soft, feminine, but still familiar. 

She waited for the voice to call her again, but there was silence. Metztli feared opening her eyes and seeing the dead bodies. However, she couldn't keep her eyes shut for long. Taking deep breaths, Metztli opened her eyes.

Her eyes widened in confusion and horror. Her throat became dry, preventing her from screaming. Her body felt stiff and rigid as stone. Before her stood many lifeless bodies of men. Many had one or both eyes; some had none. Most of their bodies had deep wounds where blood dripped from their bodies. They all looked at Metztli, but then she felt someone standing behind her.

With all her courage, the young woman turned but was shocked to see Toypurina standing behind her. The confident and stoic look she always had was no longer apparent. Her hair was in disarray, her skin dirty with bruises and scrapes, and Toypurina's clothes were dirty. When looking at her eyes, Metztli noticed that they were tear-stricken. She displayed a smile as small as if they were hiding her anguish. "T-Toypurina? What...?"

"Niqua polihua."

"Wh-What does that mean? What-?" Then, the dead bodies slowly walked toward Metztli and constantly echoed Toypurina's words. Everyone was getting closer and louder; their voices echoed in Metztli so much that it became painful.

"TOYPURINA!"

Metztli sat in bed, breathing heavily; sweat drenched her back and neck. Looking around, she noticed she was in her room; it was a dream. 

"Nightmare?"

Valentina stood in front of the mirror, braiding her hair. 

"Y-Yeah. Sorry about that. Was I talking in my sleep?"

"Yes, you were repeating something. From what I could hear, you said, 'Niqua polihua.' You said it perfectly, though you said you don't speak our tongue."

"I-I don't it's just that it's what Toypurina said in my dream. She told me those words."

Valentina finished braiding her hair and went to Metztli. "What was your nightmare about?" She listened intently as Metztli spoke and noticed her uncomfortable demeanor. What was unsettling was the dead bodies and the fact that it was Toypurina who stood before them, and it was she who spoke the words. "I see, that is frightening. Perhaps those men were the ones who perished on this Mission. Many perished and are buried here."

Metztli was silent, but a question dwelt in her mind. "What do those words mean?"

"Get dressed. Toypurina is probably with the Bishop to get permission for us to go to her tribe. It will be good for you to see what more is out there. It will also be a good opportunity that you learn our language while you teach me how to fight."

"Valentina, what-"

"You must try to figure it out once I begin teaching you. You can't always rely on everyone to figure things out for you. Like how it will be for me. Get dressed, I have a feeling that the Bishop will agree to us going to Toypurina's tribe."

Metztli got out of bed and went to the wooden chest containing the clothes Mariana had gotten for her. "I also need to speak with Padre Fermin."

Valentina had the urge to tell her that it would be futile, but believed that it would be best for her to learn that sometimes faith doesn't always lead to good outcomes.

Meanwhile, Toypruina was in Bishop Victoriano's study. She waited until the Bishop finished with his morning prayers. Her appearance didn't surprise him since he anticipated her visit. "Cualli tlanecic (Good morning)."

"Culli tlanecic, Toypurina. I assume you are here to inform me of your departure?"

"Quena (Yes). I will depart tomorrow, and I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality. However, there is another reason why I came before you. I would like to show Metztli my tribe to get her out of the Mission once in a while."

The Bishop sat silently, put his hands together, and asked, "Is that why you wish to take her?"

"Yes, you have suspicions of me?"

"I will not lie and say I do not. I can feel it, Toypurina. I cannot help that something is amiss."

"You have my assurance that you have nothing to worry about. Metztli has seen things in the Mission that have affected her deeply. I want her to have more freedom outside the Mission's walls. Mariana, Valentina, and Guillermo may come along since they always enjoy visiting. If you still feel it is not enough, Esteban and some of his men may come along to watch over them. With your permission."

The Bishop looked carefully at Toypurina, and he had to admit that she had a talent for hiding her emotions and intentions. No matter how hard he tried to get the truth out of her, he would not get it. Still, he believed it would be good for Metztli to explore more. It also calmed him to send Esteban and some of his men to guard them. "Very well, but they will only be allowed a week and they must return. Understood?"

Toypurina nodded. "Clearly."