Metztli De La Cruz, 22, is of the Tongva Tribe who are also known as Gabrielinos in Los Angeles County. Metztli practices her people's traditions as an herbalist, is Catholic, and likes visiting the San Gabriel Mission. One day, she goes to a forbid...
Metztli was in the kitchen, boiling water with Yerba Buena leaves to make tea for Mitena and the men who were soon going to return.
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They had no other option but to return. Metztli tried to keep a positive mind for Mitena's sake, but even she was worried for Valentina's safety. She would usually pray to god for faith and strength, but how could she?
What would be the point?
Metztli had seen the horrors that were done to her people due to the name of god. God gave his teachings to humanity, but the people who worship him don't follow or teach them. Watching the herbs boiling, Metztli wrapped her arms around herself. "Everything was a lie. History never taught the truth of what happened to my people in this Mission. Was this the reason I was brought here?" She remembered the beings she had seen upon entering the prison during her era. They spoke to her and reached out to her.
She wondered whether the beings she had seen were the spirits of those who had died in the Mission. Metztli wondered why she was chosen to experience the past. "Well, I did find the prison that was hidden in the Mission. There was a sign saying no one was allowed to enter; I didn't listen. Still, those spirits didn't have to bring me here. Did they bring me here? I might never know."
"Speaking with yourself, mestiza?"
A cold chill ran through her body when she recognized the voice. Metztil slowly turned her head and saw Federico standing by the doorway, arms crossed. "F-Federico, what are you doing here?" she asked in a faint whisper.
"I was tired of being in my room all day, and I asked the Soldados to take me to the kitchen so I could make myself tea. I never would have imagined meeting you here. Must be fate."
Tomorrow was the day that Mitena, Victoriano, and Guillermo would leave. Metztli knew that she and Esteban had to leave, too. It would be too dangerous, especially for her, to continue staying in the Mission. However, she told Mitena and Victoriano the truth about her origin, but not the whole truth. Metztli had to find a way to return to her timeline before it was too late.
"Funny that you say it is fate. Was it your fate to rot away as a Padre?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. One will never know. Yet, here we are." Federico entered the kitchen as he closed the door.
Metztli immediately stepped back from him, remembering what had happened in the church. Not wanting something like that to happen again, she grabbed a knife. "Don't come near me or else."
"What? Will you kill me? Will you be able to live with killing another human being?"
"I will have no regrets killing in self-defense. I wouldn't kill for no reason unless necessary. You monster."
Federico walked closer until he stood in front of a wooden table. Looking at the contents on top, Federico eyed Metztli. "Monster?" He nodded, not looking bothered. "Yes, I am a monster. You made me this way, mestiza."
"What are you talking about? I didn't make you do anything." She noticed Federico slowly walking around the table. Metztli walked farther away as she gripped the knife tightly. "Everything you did was because of the decisions you made."
Federico stopped in his tracks as he noticed the boiling water. He got a clay cup and served himself tea, taking small sips. "Some decisions, yes. There were some I made on my own. I tried to fulfill my duties dutifully, even though I dreaded them. Then you arrived." His focus returned to Metztli. "It was because of you that my resolve swayed. It was because of you that my true nature came to light. You brought back the bitterness and failures I have endured."
Metztli couldn't believe what she was hearing. A shiver of disgust flowed down her body. "Psychopath. You blame me for your misgivings and your choices? No wonder you ended up the way you did. You always chose the coward's path, and that's why you are living this life. I'm so happy that I will leave this place."
Federico was momentarily quiet as he squeezed his cup. "You are leaving?"
"Yes, I decided to go along with Victoriano, Mitena, and Guillermo. I can't stay in this place; there is no point."
"Is it because of that Soldado? Esteban was it?"
"It's none of your business! You will be leaving this Mission anyway! I'm so happy that I will never have to see you again! You demented monster!"
The tea was forgotten, and Metztli immediately went to the door to leave, but Federico said something that made Metztli turn cold.
"What of Valentina?"
Turning around and dropping the knife, Metztli struggled to speak. "H-How-!?"
"I heard things, and it is also obvious that Valentina would not be here since finding the truth of her parentage. Why would she wish to speak to her father and mother? I wonder where she could be?"
Metztli noticed Federico's smirk, but she didn't want to act desperate. "You know something, don't you!? Where-?"
"I do not know where that savage is, nor do I care. I wonder if Pascual may of have something to do with her."
"Wh-What?" The mention of Pascual made Metztli's stomach drop. Pascual had a twisted interest in Valentina. There was a possibility that Federico would tell her things to make her angry. "He wouldn't dare! Victoriano wouldn't allow it!"
"Many things can happen here, mestiza. It happened to many of these heathen women. Victoriano is no longer in power and is powerless to defend Valentina. Though it shouldn't matter since Pascual will be put to death."
"Pascual? Put to death? For what?"
Federico took another sip of his tea. "Oh, he did something he shouldn't have. Though it shouldn't matter to you since you won't have to deal with him."
Metztli opened the door; the Soldados stood outside waiting for Federico. Stepping outside the kitchen, she gave him a look. "This will be the last time that I will ever see you! Mark my words, you will pay for everything you have done!" She left, leaving Federico alone and the Soldados curious.
Federico took more sips of the bitter tea. He felt he almost lost control when he saw Metztli. Tomorrow would be the day she left, but there was still time for him to plan. He wanted to make Metztli suffer since he believed that she was to blame for his actions. "She made me steal and kill. That woman owes herself to me. If I can't have her, then no one else will."
