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 Padre Lucas.

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, however, was playing along with his fellow brothers. He ensured not to look suspicious. The Bishop hadn't called to speak to him, which was a good sign for him.

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. "If only these fools knew who and what Lucas was, they wouldn't have kept him in this Mission for long."

Padre Federico 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. He used a feather quill pen and ink to draw a specific figure: Metztli. 

He drew her dancing, singing, or beside animals. The current one he was drawing showed her surrounded by flowers and wearing a flower crown. 

The Padre put his pen away when he finished and looked at the drawing. The drawing seemed to be looking directly into his soul. "If only you would look at me the way I drew you." 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. 

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. 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 at 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 you due to some concerns," Padre Juan said. "I assume you heard the word spread about Padre Lucas."

"I have heard certain things, and I have noticed that my brother has not been seen. I have been concerned and wonder about his whereabouts, but I believe it is not my place to ask."

"The last time I saw him was six days ago, after his duties were done; he was going to visit you," Bishop Victoriano said as he crossed his hands before him. His eyes never left Padre Federico.

"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; he was concerned for me, but I did not want him on my path. 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. 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. His family also did not speak of it"

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. His 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.