Neophyte

Training

Metztli and Esteban found Mariana and her children sitting and eating with a group of elders. When the elders joined the group, they were curious about Metztli, but the young woman couldn't fully understand what they were speaking of. However, she paid attention to specific words and the endings that Valentina mentioned. There were a couple of words that she could make out, but Metztli knew it would be difficult to remember everything if she didn't write down. 

Mariana, Valentina, or Guillermo would translate for her, but Metztli asked the trio if they had paper so she could write notes. Luckily, Esteban had some paper that he would give her afterward. They all ate comfortably until they finished.

It was time for the group to participate in the lesson. Metztli was excited and nervous, hoping to explain herself. She didn't want to disappoint Valentina since she was in danger when Pascual was out and about. Additionally, with the dream and premonitions, Metztli became determined and worried that she hadn't taken action to teach Valentina and others to defend themselves.

Esteban informed the group that he would gather some of his men to help with the training while looking intrigued and slightly nervous. Guillermo and Valentina looked excited as they followed Metztli, who walked out of the tribe to get more space and some privacy. She didn't like it when many people watched, as it would pressure her not to make mistakes.

They walked further from the village, but not too far, where they wouldn't be able to see the village. Metztli looked at the siblings who eyed her with curiosity. "Esteban said he would bring some of his men to help out and-"

"You invited them? They could use the techniques and-"

"I trust Esteban. He has seen whom he can and cannot trust. It's good to be cautious, but you need to learn whom to trust and when to do so. Besides, Esteban said that it could give his men something to do since they can become restless. We wouldn't want restless Soldados, do we?" The siblings flinched, and Metztli realized that what she had said may have come out in the wrong manner. "Y-You know what I mean, right?" Neither sibling responded, making Metztli want to facepalm herself. She suddenly noticed Esteban walking toward them with his men; neither wore their uniforms. It was noticeable that they looked more relaxed. "Hmm, maybe they don't like wearing the uniform."

"Metztli, we arrived. We're all looking forward watching you." The rest of the Soldados looked curious and amused at what was going to occur. 

Metztli stood apart from the group, who curiously looked at her.

She knew that Esteban's men didn't speak English, so it would be better to speak in Spanish. "Bienvenidos a todos. Estoy aquí para enseñarle a Valentina y, si está interesado, a algunos de ustedes, algunas técnicas de defensa personal. (Welcome, everyone. I am here to teach Valentina and, if interested, some of you, some self-defense techniques.)"

Some of the Soldados looked confused, while some snickered while looking at each other. Esteban glared at them. One of the Soldados pointed at Metztli. "¿Estamos aquí para recibir lecciones de una mujer? ¿Es esto una broma? (We're here to take lessons from a woman? Is this a joke?)"

Metztli looked at the particular Soldado who looked as young as her. She wasn't entirely surprised since men in the past didn't think that women were capable of anything besides being homemakers. She smiled, knowing that he would be her test dummy. Metztli motioned him to walk center, and the young Soldado did without hesitation. "Valentina, we will start with some easy self-defense techniques. When you are in a situation that you know is dangerous, always make sure to take a trinket or something that could be used as a weapon." 

The Soldados looked confused since they couldn't understand what she was saying. Metztli wanted it that way. The Soldado pissed her off, and Valentina was right, it was dangerous to trust the Soldados fully. 

"What kind of trinkets?" Valentina asked, knowing that the Soldado angered Metztli. "I told her."

Metztli smiled while looking at the smug Soldado. Esteban, however, noticed how the young woman smiled. He had been in many dangerous situations, and that particular smile held ill intentions. 

"Oh, it could be anything useful. It could be a fork, a spoon, or..." Without warning, Metztli got a shark hairpin that she stuck on her dress to hold a particular part of it, took it out, and was about to strike the Soldado with the pin, but stopped when the tip touched his right cheek. The Soldado didn't have time to react but was stunned by the sudden action. Then, with her other free hand, she facepalmed him across the face, making the Soldado slightly move. The men, including Guillermo, flinched. Valentina watched in amazement and giggled when Metztli facepalmed the Soldado. "Perdón, te estaba usando como ejemplo de cómo las mujeres deben defenderse de las personas. (Pardon, I was using you as an example of how women should defend themselves against people.)"

The Soldado glared at her, and his hand turned into a fist. Esteban noticed and was about to yell out, but the Soldado went toward Metztli. 

The young woman noticed and immediately moved slightly to her side, then elbowed him across the face. Everyone flinched. "Valentina, when you know that you're life is at risk, knowing that you are going to have to defend yourself, you need to remember this vital fact: weaknesses. Whether you are going against a man or a woman, always go after their weaknesses. Study and remember the vital weaknesses of a person." Metztli looked at the Soldado, who was groaning in pain. She went to him, but he violently flinched; Metztli knew he had taken the hint. "Lo siento. No quería hacerte daño, pero necesito mostrarle a mi amiga cómo defenderse. Además, esto puede servirle como lección para que no piense en las mujeres como inferiores, sino que las valore como individuos. (Sorry. I didn't want to hurt you, but I need to show my friend how to defend herself. Additionally, this may serve as a lesson for you to not think of women as inferior but to value them as individuals.)"

Metztli spoke softly and with understanding to show no ill will toward the Soldado, but she was satisfied to erase the smugness in his expression. The Soldado looked at her but said nothing as he walked back toward the group. Esteban and the others patted him on the back, trying to comfort him. 

Valentina noticed how quickly the young man's demeanor changed when Metztli demonstrated her self-defense skills. He was humbled and humiliated. It was what Valentina wanted; she wanted to be respected and not be thought of as weak because of her sex. The young woman walked forward toward Metztli. "Now it's my turn, teach me how to do those movements. Teach me other moves."

"I will, but you need to learn how to master different movements one at a time. However, we can't do it alone." Metztli looked at the group of men who flinched. She smiled while motioning with her right arm and hand. "Señores, necesitamos voluntarios. ¿A quién le gustaría dar un paso adelante? (Gentlemen, we need volunteers. Who would like to step forward?)"

The men gulped.