Neophyte

Different

Metztli looked up at the sky as the sun froze. Birds flew in the blue skies, enjoying the sight of the flying birds. "They're so free," she spoke to herself. She then glanced at Guillermo and Mitena, who sat silently along the way. 

What could they speak about?

Every moment that they got closer to the village, the more tense everyone felt. Metztli's anxiety intensified as she felt Mitena and Guillermo feeling the same. Esteban looked as if he wanted to sleep; Metztli theorized that he hadn't slept last night.

Glancing at the trail ahead, she knew they were getting closer; it was recognizable. She then glanced at Mitena, who looked tense. "M-Mitena, are you thirsty?"

Mitena flinched as she looked back at Metztli. "No, child. We will be arriving at the village."

"Okay. I was worried about you." Metztli then glanced at Guillermo and Victoriano. "How about either of you? Neither of you has drunk or eaten anything."

Guillermo still had his eyes on the road; he massaged his eyelids. "Thank you, but I am not hungry."

"How about some water? Water will give you some energy. I can combine it with some herbs so it can make up for the food you missed eating."

Guillermo was quiet, but he nodded. 

Metztli knew where the herbs were since she had some in her belongings. She opened her wooden chest, taking out a bag that had herbs and flowers. Opening it, Metztli took out some dried California poppies. She got a jug of water, a couple of cups, and a molcajete. The dried poppy flowers were crushed, and the cups were filled with water. Metztli then poured the crushed flowers into each cup. She motioned to Guillermo, who took a sip and flinched from the taste. However, he knew that he needed to stay awake for what was going to happen. "Nonantzin, you need to drink some water, too. You will need to gather your energy from what we are to face." Mitena looked like she was going to disagree, but with one look, she relented.

She was given a cup of water containing crushed poppy flowers. The bitter taste overflowed on her tongue, but it soothed her nerves. 

Metztli offered another cup to Esteban, who graciously took it and drank it all in one gulp. He violently flinched. "Esteban, you were supposed to take small sips."

"I didn't know what kind of flower it was!" Esteban coughed and asked for another cup of water without the plant, and Metztli complied. 

She then went to Victoriano and motioned to him for a cup; he was still looking ahead. "Victoriano?"

"Hm?" He got out of his thoughts.

"I wanted to give you a cup of water with the poppy flower. It will help give you energy and soothe your nerves."

Victoriano eyed the cup, then took it and slowly sipped the water. His headache was slowly soothed since the poppy flower was potent, but he didn't want to drink the entirety of it. "Thank you, young one."

Metztli smiled softly; there was nothing she could say that would make anyone feel better. Everyone was nervous and terrified. She made herself a cup and took small sips. The drink was making her sleepy, which suited her well since she couldn't sleep last night. She was slowly closing her eyes until a loud thud landed before her. 

It was an arrow that almost struck her feet. She yelped, gaining everyone's attention. Esteban and Victoriano got their weapons ready. Victoriano yelled for the attackers to step forward. 

It was quiet, and no one appeared. Mitena stood from her seat and yelled, "Macamo xicalacahui! (Do not attack!)" Her voice echoed everywhere, as if the Earth were to shake. Suddenly, a group of Tongva men appeared with bows and arrows in hand, pointed at the group. Mitena immediately got off the wooden cart, ignoring Victoriano and her son. "Nehuatl (It is I)."