Neophyte

Investigate

It had been six days, and there had been much going on in the Mission. The Padres and workers spoke amongst themselves about someone.

Padre Lucas hadn't been seen in days, and many were concerned. Some believed he ran away, while others believed that something terrible had happened. Padre Federico was calm and collected on the outside, but he was seething and worried on the inside. He felt that he was slowly running out of time, but he ensured not to look suspicious. The Bishop hadn't called to speak to him, which was a good sign for him.

However, Padre Federico knew that it would be a matter of time before he was asked if he knew anything about Padre Lucas. It was almost strange to him that he felt no guilt for killing Padre Lucas. The memory of the kiss made Padre Federico's skin crawl with disgust. He felt degraded that a man took a kiss from him, making Padre Federico believe that what he did was correct. "If only these fools knew who and what Lucas was, they wouldn't have kept him in this Mission for long."

Padre Federico finished with his duties and had time for himself. He was in his room with a couple of candles lit and sat by his small wooden table, drawing in his journal. It had been a while since he drew something, and it was something he always enjoyed when he was a child. As he grew older, Padre Federico had to let go of something that brought him joy and focus on surviving. Now, with time on his side, he decided to pursue some of his childhood happiness. He used a feather quill pen and ink to draw a specific figure: Metztli. 

It wasn't the first time he drew her. For the last couple of days, she was gone, and after he killed Padre Lucas, Padre Federico began to draw Metztli. It would ease him whenever he became stressed or uncertain. He would draw her dancing, singing, or beside animals. The current one he was drawing showed her surrounded by flowers, holding them, and wearing a flower crown. Padre Federico was proud of himself, drawing her in an angelic manner. 

When finished, the Padre put his pen away and looked at the drawing he had done. The drawing seemed to be looking directly into his soul. "If only you would look at me the way I drew you. Going to the bottom pits of hell would faze me." Padre Federico then touched his drawing, imagining that he was touching Metztli's actual skin. 

She was going to arrive the next day; he was counting the minutes until her arrival. What he was not looking forward to was that Mariana and Valentina would also be arriving. The Padre hoped that Pascual would arrive soon so his plan could come to fruition. 

There was a knock on the door, making Padre Federico immediately close his journal and put it away in his wooden chest. He went to the door and opened it. It was another fellow Padre. "Oh, brother. How may I be of assistance?"

"Forgive me for coming during your time of rest, brother. I came here to inform you that the Bishops wish to speak to you in the meeting room."

Padre Federico tried not to show any weakness, but his stomach felt like it wanted to burst. "Very well, thank you my brother."

The other Padre nodded as he went on his way, leaving Padre Federico alone. He knew they were going to ask him about Padre Lucas. To his bad luck, Lucas would always try to be by his side. Padre Federico knew he had to be careful with what he said. Not wanting to keep the Bishops waiting, he walked to the meeting room as he thought about what he should say. 

Upon arrival, the room was lit by various candles. There were many empty chairs and tables, but the Bishops sat on the main table; none looked pleased. Padre Federico stood before them, but kept his space; he bowed before them. "Bishops, you have summoned me?"

"Padre Federico, thank you for coming in your hour of rest. We have summoned due to some concerns," Padre Juan said. "I assume you heard word spread about Padre Lucas."

"I have heard certain things, but I do not like to listen to such chatter. I tend to prefer my peace of mind, Bishop Juan. Still, I have noticed that my brother has not been seen. I have been concerened and wonder about his whereabouts but I believe it is not my place to ask."

"We have been calling the Padres to ask them if they have seen Padre Lucas or know anything strange as of late. The last time I saw him was six days ago, after his duties were done. I saw him and he told me that he was concerned that you were ill. He informed that he was going to visit you," Bishop Victoriano said as he crossed his hands before him. His eyes never left Padre Federico. The Bishop suspected Padre Federico, but he never showed ill will toward his fellow brother, so it would be difficult to prove that Padre Federico was guilty.

Padre Federico nodded, but he was fuming that Bishop Victoriano saw Padre Lucas. "Curse you,  Lucas! Worthelss Sodomite!" That was when he knew what to say; Padre Federico covered his face, acting ashamed. "I-I cannot keep this any longer, Bishops. I am a man of God who does not wish to speak against my fellow brothers, but I must make this confession since he has not been seen. I-I believe that I am the reason for him being gone!"

The Bishops looked at one another, confused. "Explain yourself," Bishop Samuel said.

"I wasn't feeling well; I believed that I may have contracted a disease. I was in prayer until Padre Lucas entered my room. Bless his soul that he was concerned for me, but I did not want him on my path. I feared that he would have contracted the possible disease I had. Still, he would not leave and he-he did something that stained my soul."

"What happened?" Padre Juan asked.

"H-He kissed me..."

The Bishops violently flinched. Bishop Samuel stood up from his seat. "Th-That is blasphemy that you speak of! It goes against God's teachings! You lie!"

Padre Federico knelt as he crossed his hands. "No! As God is my judge and witness, what I speak of is the truth! I did not return his affection, for I know it is a sin! Padre Lucas confessed that the reason he became a Padre was because of his likeness for men. His family made him come here believing that he could be saved if he became a Padre!"

Bishop Samuel sat back in his seat, his hands trembling with anger and shock. He then looked at Bishop Juan. "Bishop you take charge of meeting the families and new prospects. Was there any indication that Padre Lucas was a sodomite!?"

Bishop Juan crossed his arms, thoughtfully. "From what I remember, Padre Lucas seemed hesitant to speak the real reason why he joined our Mission. What I do remember was that he said that he was not accepted for who he was."

The Bishops were silent, and Padre Federico still knelt. "Stand Padre Federico," Bishop Samuel commanded, which the Padre followed. "What happened afterward?"

"I refused him, and he went away. I couldn't bring myself to go after him. I was too shocked and said nothing, fearing for both of us. I know what he did was a sin, but I couldn't ignore all the years he served this Mission. I hoped he would see the error of his ways but seeing that he hasn't been seen, made me fear the worst."

The Bishops looked at Padre Lucas. "You may leave," Bishop Samuel commanded. The Padre bowed and left, and the Bishops were concerned. "I have always felt that Padre Lucas was a strange fellow. We have to investigate where he is. Him leaving the Mission without consent is against our laws."

"I agree, Bishop. It would make sense why Padre Lucas hasn't been seen. I will conduct more of an investigation," Bishop Juan said. 

Bishop Victoriano sat silently. He couldn't help shake the feeling that Padre Federico wasn't being honest. What also concerned him was that Metztli and the others would arrive tomorrow. Metztli couldn't stay in the Mission for long, and he would have to put his plan into motion.