The War I Chose To Live

Chapter 8 (Nicolás)

The day before the attack, we set off at midnight, waiting by the shore for reinforcements that were called by Cortés. My stomach churned with anticipation, knowing with dread that by nightfall tomorrow, one of us would be no more.

As soon as the forces arrived, we turned back towards the city.

The walk seemed longer then the last time, the steep hills more tiring, as if the land had come alive, and was trying to stop us from committing the horrible deed that we had set out to accomplish.

But, it did not weaken us, as we reached the city in no time.

The people were nowhere to be seen, had they gone into hiding?

No time to think about this matter though, as we reached the palace.

There was no one guarding the open entrance, and we passed through with ease.

When we found the emperor, he cowered beneath us like a scared child.

Wow. What did Cortés DO to this guy?

The emperor did not stand up, instead, he sat there, as Cortés fired his gun.

The emperor fell to the ground, dead.

We all heard a startled gasp, and I turned to see Anacaona standing in the doorway.

Cortés smiled, grimly. "Well, I believe I found our next target. Nicolás. Do the honours, would you?" He spat the words like they were burning poison, and I knew what would come next.

I dreaded the words that were coming, but I knew I couldn't deny them.

"You must kill the girl."

I looked back, at the people that were forcing me to do this.

I can't do this.

Looking at Anacaona, I knew she was realizing the same thing I was.

Anacaona looked at me, nodding slightly. No.

She nods again. I'm so sorry, Anacaona.

I aim, and hesitantly... I pull the trigger.

BANG!

I don't hear the shot, but I know it has hit it's mark when Anacaona crumples to the ground.

I turn and our leader nods approvingly. He signals us to keep moving, and they disappear outside.

As soon as they're out of sight, I rush over to Anacaona's body.

She looks at me, and smiles weakly.

"I know...why you did what you did. I'm...I'm sorry...for what I did. I wish...I could change what happened, but I...I can't do that. You...you must...accept this." She blinked, her eyes filled with tears,

"Nicolás...no matter what...I...I will...always love you...in this life...or...the next...goodbye..."

Her eyes softly closed, and she took her final breath.

"Anacaona!"

I fall to the ground, tears streaming down my face.

"A-Anacaona... no... please don't... go..."

"Please come back... Anacaona... I need you..."

She may have forgiven me, but I didn't.

Anacaona is gone, because of me.

We continued killing throughout the day, setting buildings on fire as we went.

I quickly arrived at Anacaona's house, which was, at the moment, untouched by us. Quickly, I ran inside, and found one of Anacaona's most prized possessions; her jewelled bracelet.

***Flashback***

"Nicolás! Look what I found at the market today!" Anacaona said, showing the bracelet to me. Holding up the bracelet, I noticed that it was remarkable. Shining topaz and dark pearls of obsidian complimented the golden pendant and string. "Now, don't tell, but this is the most valuable thing I own. I'm going to give it to you if you have to leave for some reason." Smiling, Anacaona placed the bracelet into a carved wooden box. "But I don't think that that will happen for a while."

***End of Flashback***

I found the box easily, taking the bracelet and a few other things of Anacaona's. She would've wanted me to have them.

I hurried out the door and lit a torch. Don't worry, Anacaona, I remembered the bracelet.

Later, I met up with the rest of the soldiers, and they confirmed that there was no one else alive.

And, with the Aztec City burning behind us, we left.

That was months ago.

I stood up upon the stone, the sunset glistening brightly on the water far below me, wind whipping through my hair.

These last few months had been torture. Sure, my wife and I had been generously compensated, but I felt empty, lifeless as Anacaona's body. She was my light, my life, my one and only love.

And I had killed her.

I was a monster, not deserving of life.

But I now had the chance to see her again, here, on this bridge.

I looked out over the water, taking in all that was around me.

My final view of the world.

Finally, I'll see her again. I'm coming, Anacaona.

I clutched Anacaona's bracelet, my last memory of her.

And I let myself fall.

The End...

---------A/N---------

I'm sorry for the awful story, it's my first time posting a story to Wattpad.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading this story!

~ GalaxyTea