Neophyte

Evidence

Victoriano and Mitena were led out of the meeting room while Metztli followed them. She hopped and squealed with joy. She passed the Soldados, but apologized for bumping into them and then went to the couple. "You two are free! Free! I am so happy for you both!"

Mitena and Victoriano chuckled as they both patted her on the head. "I had faith that Padre Fermin would be merciful upon you, Victoriano. He couldn't ignore all the good deeds you have done during your time as Bishop."

"You always had a good intuition, Mitena. I had slight doubts and I was willing to do anything to keep you and our children safe but I am glad that my deeds as Bishop helped me."

"I don't think anyone expected you to use the Sodom and Gomorrah story. You brought up great points to protect yourself, Victoriano."

"I have read the bible repeatedly, and many of the verses are entrapped in my mind. That story always has always been on my mind. I knew it would it would eventually become useful."

Metztli nodded as Victoriano asked them to go to his room since they had to make their plans to leave the Mission. The Soldados agreed, and when arriving at Victoriano's quarters, they stood far enough to give them all privacy. The trio entered Victoriano's quarters. With the doors closed, Victoriano stood before the women. His demeanor changed; Metztli's smile slowly dwindled. 

They returned to reality. 

"We are all blessed that we are to leave here. Metztli, you made your decision regarding Esteban, correct?"

She almost forgot about Esteban's marriage proposal. Metztli was occupied with the verdict and Valentina. It meant that she wouldn't be able to go with Mariana and Victoriano. Metztli didn't want to leave them, but then something else occurred to her.  

Returning to her time. 

Staying in the past was slowly eroding her true identity. Metztli grew accustomed to being in the past, but she knew it was wrong. If she stayed, would it mean that she would be part of history? Would history be changed? 

Her family.

Would her family still exist? Would they forget about her? 

She had feelings for Esteban, but Metztli felt that she couldn't live in a lie. "Mitena, Victoriano, there is something I need to tell you."

The couple noticed a hint of nervousness in Metztli's voice and turned to her. "What is it, child? Have you changed your mind?" Mitena asked.

Metztli held her hands together as she took a deep breath. "Whatever I say, will you two promise to keep an open mind and to believe me?"

"Yes, of course. Do not hesitate of what is it you wish to say," Victoriano responded with scenerity.

Metztli trembled but tried to regain her breath and strength. "I-I haven't been too honest with you all regarding my originality. My family is not from San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission." Mitena looked confused while Victoriano became serious. "I-I-I-" Taking a deep breath, Metztli said, "I am from the future. I am not from this time."

Mitena violently shook while Victoriano stood still; his expression was expressionless.  

"Metztli, you cannot speak with such seriousness! Surely-!"

"It's the truth, Mitena. I am not from this time. I was born in 2015 and lived in the San Gabriel Valley in California. My family and I have grown and have been followers of the San Gabriel Mission. My family and I are part of the Tongva tribe."

Mitena struggled to comprehend what she was told, but Victoriano listened intently. Surprisingly, he wasn't too shocked, but he still had doubts. "Do you have evidence that shows you speak the truth?"

"Yes, the evidence is in my room. Can we walk there?"

"I believe the Soldados would allow us to go."

Metztli nodded as she led the couple out of the room where the Soldados stood in the hallway. They were asked if the trio could go to Metztli's room to prepare for their departure. The Soldados agreed and followed the trio to ensure they wouldn't do anything drastic. Everyone walked quietly through the halls. Metztli felt as if her heart was about to explode, but she knew that she had to do what needed to be done. 

She didn't want to live in a false reality. Metztli knew that she had to find a way to return home. 

They all arrived where Metztli believed that Valentina still had not yet returned. Still, she had to make Mitena and Victoriano believe her. With the door closed, Metztli immediately went to her wooden chest, opened it, and took out her bag. That was where she took out her phone and other things. 

The couple were surprised to see the phone and to see Metztli pushing something from the side of it. "What is that?" Mitena asked.

"It's called a phone. In my time, we used this to communicate with many people, whether near or far. Look." The phone turned on, making a sound that made the couple violently flinch. "Don't be afraid. This is called technology. It is normal in my time. Let me show you." There was no Wi-Fi, but Metztli could still take pictures. Motioning to the phone, she took a picture and showed it to them. "See?"

 Mitena and Victoriano saw their image in the phone; their eyes widened in horror.

"Dear god! It is us! Are our souls trapped!?" Mitena yelped in horror.

"No! No! No! Don't be afraid! Please believe me! This is what we call a picture. Think of it of an advanced form of a portrait but captures your very image. I'll show you more." Metztli grew closer to them as she showed them pictures she had taken during her era. She showed the couple pictures of herself with her friends and family.

Mitena and Victoriano were stunned. "How is it possible that such a thing could exist?"

"People have progressed in my time, Mitena. Throughout the centuries and different parts of the world many inventors invent many wonderous things where the next generation of invetors make it better." Metztli continued to explain about her life in her era as the couple listened intently.

When done, everyone was silent.

Mitena slowly glanced at Victoriano, who hadn't once blinked. She gently touched his arm. "Victoriano, are you alright?"

"I...knew."

"Huh?"

"I knew that there was something different about you when we first met. I could tell that you were not honest with me but I decided not to pressure you."

"D-Does that mean that you believe me?"

Victoriano slowly walked and hugged her. "I do. Your clothing and mannerism were strange to me. I am relieved to know the truth."

Mitena and Metztli were surprised but relieved. Metztli looked up to him. "There is something else than I need to tell you. I-"

"Victoriano!"

Everyone flinched as they heard someone call Victoriano. Victoriano stepped out of the hug and immediately left the room; the women followed.

Guillermo and Esteban were seen running throughout the hallway looking for Victoriano. "I am here!" The men noticed and immediately ran to him. "What is it? What happened?" Noticing his son's and Esteban's expressions, not seeing his daughter with them made his stomach ache.

Guillermo's lips and body quivered as he slowly motioned his right hand.

He held some of his sister's clothing that had drips of blood.