Neophyte

Change

It was night.

It was time.

Time for the rebellion.

War.

Toypurina led the army of men who chose to fight for their freedom. Though leading the army, Toypurina felt frightened. She was a young woman who was known for healing and advice, but she was a leader and a warrior of men. Men who didn't want the blame if things went wrong. 

Something could go wrong, but Toypurina had decided to lead. However, she knew it wouldn't be wise to lead alone, which was why she chose her second-in-command, Victoriano. 

Esteban was thought to be a choice since he was a current Soldado de Cuera, but Toypurina wanted him to save Metztli and take her far away. She didn't want them to stay in the village.

Things were drastically going to change.

Esteban was going to be a distraction since the Soldados still viewed them as one of their own, and he would give them the signal.

The men carried their weapons; some held torches. Victoriano walked behind Toypurina, who silently led the army. He felt her nervousness; it was unimaginable to be in her position, to be leading a rebellion. Toypurina was young and inexperienced in battle, but she was determined to fight.

Nicolas Jose was also the reason why the rebellion was occurring. He stood behind Victoriano, and when gazing upon him, his eyes were filled with determination and rage. He wanted blood spilled.

Victoriano did hold a sense of anger towards Nicolas Jose, but he understood his reasoning. His home was invaded and taken away. The Padres promised the Tongva to live in harmony, but they took advantage of the Tongva's trust, and force was used. If Victoriano were in Nicolas Jose's position, he would feel the same. What worried him was his son.

Guillermo never faced battle, much less held a weapon. Victoriano trained his son the best he could. His son struggled at the beginning but eventually became better. Guillermo became proud of his progress, but Victoriano was still worried. He didn't know what he would do if he lost his son; both his children.

Guillermo noticed his father glancing at him once in a while. It confused and irked him, but he realized that he was concerned for him. Sighing, Guillermo walked to him. "Concerned for me?"

Victoriano gently chuckled. "Should I not be? You have never been to battle or held a weapon against another life. You believe that this is simple, but taking another life can destroy the spirit."

"I know you killed to save Nonantzin, but have you killed others before those Soldados?"

"Yes...other natives as they were trying to regain their home. I never told your mother because I was ashamed of what I had done. I regret it terribly."

Guillermo walked silently as he took in what he was told. He knew that his father was a Soldado before becoming a Padre and then Bishop. It was difficult to think that his father killed innocent people. Questions plagued his mind about whether or not he was truly ready to take another life. Blood would stain his hands, his mind, spirit, and heart.

Memories plagued Guillermo's mind. He remembered that since his childhood, many of his people had gone through abuses. How many died from abuse, disease, and torture. Their screams for mercy, the scars, and the fear they went through at the hands of the Padres and Soldados de Cuera. Guillermo felt the helplessness and anger he felt, but did nothing since he was shielded from most of the truth. Many people have been killed or died, and there was no justice.

There was no peace and justice for the people.

Guillermo was filled with rage and determination. "I also regret many things. I regret not fighting or saying anything when my people were humiliated, punished, and killed. Metztli did what I should have done. Though she is from the future." Guillermo chuckled. "Though I am her great uncle, she is still of my blood, our blood."

Victoriano raised his eyebrows at his son's smile. It was not arrogance, confidence, or malice. It was at peace.

Peace.

Also, seeing Guillermo's eyes full of hope and gentleness made Victoriano wonder if Guillermo accepted his possible fate.

Still, Victoriano couldn't fathom losing either of his children. He would do everything in his power to protect his son.

Meanwhile, Esteban walked behind Toypurina, thinking only of Metztli and hoping she was alive. "Worry not, Metztli is still alive and strong."

Toypurina's words got him out of his thoughts. "How can you be so confident? Metztli was all alone as we were training. I was doing nothing and-"

"You think Metztli is weak? Do not underestimate your wife. She is intelligent and not of this time. Metztli has the capabilities to survive." Toypurina stopped walking and motioned her right arm up. "The Mission is ahead."

Everyone stopped in their tracks when they saw the Mission from afar. There were a few fire torches that lit the outside. 

The tension was felt throughout the army; Victoriano walked forward as he stood beside Esteban and Toypurina. "Esteban, I think it would be best that you do not enter at the entrance of the Mission."

Esteban was surprised and said, "I thought we agreed upon that I would pretend to still be one of them to get my things and-"

"I cannot help that something is amiss. You have been with us for a long time, and your absence may have been noticed. They may suspect something."

Toypurina looked ahead and veened. "You are right. It makes me question why they haven't tried to retrieve him. Victoriano, do you believe that they may suspect our plan?"

"We have to think of the worst. Then, an idea came to him." Victoriano turned and motioned his son to come forward. When Guillermo obeyed, Victoriano said, "Guillermo, I want you to go with Esteban to rescue Metztli."

Guillermo and Esteban were shocked. "What I thought that Esteban was-"

"I know, but plans have changed. Esteban may not be able to do it alone; he will need all the help he can get."

"You just don't want me to fight in battle! You-!"

"Listen to your father, Guillermo. He is right. The situation has changed, and you are the only other person who knows more about the Mission and its secret pathways. I am certain you have found them."

Guillermo was silent until Esteban gently patted his shoulder. "They are right. You grew up in this Mission and must know much about the secret paths to enter. I need your help, as does Metztli."

Sighing, Guillermo relented. "Alright, I will go. We will get Metztli and give the signal."

Victoriano sighed in relief. "Thank you. Go and save Metztli. We will look out for your signal."