Neophyte

Return

Metztli cried uncontrollably as Esteban held her tightly. The sight of Victoriano crying, cradling, and calling out to him was a painful sight.  

Bishop Juan slowly arrived at the grieving group. He said nothing; his eyes were locked on Victoriano and his son. The Bishop made the sign of the cross before father and son. "May god have mercy upon his soul. May god grant him the peace that he chose for himself."

Metztli listened to what Bishop Juan said; she calmed down. "What are you doing?" she asked in a raspy voice.

"Praying for his soul to be at peace. What he did is a sin in the eyes of god. I pray that he spares this poor boy's soul."

"Sin in the eyes of your god? Why should Guillermo want the forgiveness of your god that allowed all this suffering to begin with? You are the devils of this world," Metztli said with a dry and raspy voice. 

She couldn't scream; there was no strength left. 

There was no point in screaming anymore. 

There was nothing to gain.

Bishop Juan didn't respond; he didn't look bothered. All he felt was sympathy for Victoriano, whom he once called a brother. The Bishop knew that Victoriano wasn't perfect; he was a man who loved a woman and his children. 

The Bishop also couldn't fault Guillermo for making his decision. 

The Bishop knew that Victoriano was filled with grief, and nothing would console him; he didn't want his once fellow brother to be executed. He then looked at Metztli and Esteban. "It would be best if you two left. You two are fortunate to be given such mercy."

"I will not leave! I-"

"Young one. It would not be wise to argue. The Governor gave you and this man your freedom to leave. If you continue to stay, you will be hated by your people. Toypurina will also be hated since they will believe it is her fault that they lost the rebellion. She will surely be executed."

"No, she won't."

Esteban knew that it would be a matter of time until Metztli tried to argue with the Governor. It was something he could not allow, especially since they were given mercy. "Metztli, we have to go."

 "What? You expect us to leave Victoriano and the others? I have much fault in this!"

"Listen to your husband, young one. You will not be as fortunate since the situation at hand is more dire. No mercy given; the Governor will also have to take Padre Fermin's wishes into account. Your words will no longer be enough." Bishop Juan then gently patted Metztli's head. "Leave and live your life. Learn from this. Please be reassured that I will ask for mercy for Victoriano. I believe that the Governor will be understanding since he paid the ultimate price." Metztli was about to speak, but the Bishop interrupted, "Victoriano would want this for you. Do you wish for his and Guillermo's sacrifice to be in vain?"

The question broke Metztli into a thousand pieces. 

If she stayed to fight for Victoriano and Toypurina, she would make the situation worse. Her pleas would go unheard, especially since many lives were lost. Though many participated in the rebellion due to injustices that the Tongva suffered. Padre Fermin would also ensure that Toypurina paid for her part in the rebellion. 

Bishop Juan's assurance made her question his sincerity, but he was the only one who showed sympathy. Something was telling her to trust him. However, there was one thing she needed to know. "What about Federico? He is part of the reason why all this happened! I never knew about this rebellion and lied that something was planned! I-"