Bishop Victoriano finished the last parts of his paperwork. He lay back on his chair, massaging his eyes. It had been a couple of years since he became Bishop. Having a high position had advantages; it also had its difficulties. The Bishop couldn't take sides, or he'd be stripped of his position, which would make it impossible to protect the Tongva people. 

There was a knock on the door. "Enter."

The door was opened, and Mariana entered. "Bishop, the young lady had finally awakened."

"Good, it relieves me so."

"Valentina has also arrived."

Victoriano's expression became serious. "If I had to guess, Pascual had tried to get her attention." 

 "Valentina doesn't like when I speak about her business, but Pascual has tried to visit our home a few times to speak with her. I fear something may occur if this situation is not settled."

The Bishop had to deal with many men. One of the worst was Pascual Valencia, a local ranch owner. He was also known to abuse the Tongva people who worked under him, paid for loyalty whenever he didn't get his way. "I know what needs to be done. First, have Metztli enter alone. I will call you and Valentina when I am ready."

Mariana nodded as she opened the door and motioned Metztli to enter; Valentina was motioned to stay outside. 

Slowly walking inside, Metztli stood at the center. "B-Bishop, I-I wanted to apologize for fainting earlier. I didn't want to cause you or anyone worry."

"Dear child, there's no need to apologize. I imagine you have been through much. Where are you from?"

Metztli knew she had to be careful. She didn't want to be seen as insane if she told the Bishop she was from 2015. "I have traveled for a long time. I don't know if I had gone into an accident or something. My memories are vague." 

The Bishop stared at her; Metztli feared he didn't believe her. "I see. You wear particular clothing that is not seen elsewhere. However, traveling alone as a woman is very dangerous. I'm surprised you have been unharmed."

"It looks like he still has doubts." Metztli knew that she had to act convincingly, "As a female traveler, I know that I am at risk. When I tell people I am an herbalist, I am protected."

"You are an herbalist?"

"Y-Yes, Bishop. I have been taught few things by my family but as I traveled, I have taught myself certain things here and there."

Bishop Victoriano couldn't help but be intrigued. The Mission always had a problem caring for the ill, since not many Padres knew the ways of medicine. The Tongva people had more knowledge, but were so restrained in practicing their traditions. "That is a skill, and many people require herbalists. What also interested me was the fact that you can speak English. Only the Missionaries and other educated people can speak the language."

Metztli remembered her grandparents telling her stories about their family history. Some of her ancestors were from another Mission from the Bay Area of California. Then, they traveled to San Gabriel, where they stayed ever since. "Yes, I was secretly taught by my parents, who were taught by a kind Padre who pitied them. My parents were from a village close to the San Carlos Borromeo Mission. When my parents were taught, they secretly taught me the language just in case if I had any opportunities for a better future."

Listening to Metztli, he could tell she was still hiding the truth from him. Still, it would be dangerous to let her go. "Very well, I shall go with your story, but I believe you are not entirely honest with me." Before Metztli could speak, Victoriano raised his hand, "However, I cannot let you leave since it has become dangerous, as more landowners have arrived in our area; they want more slaves." He looked at Mariana. "Tell  Valentina to enter." Maraian did as she was told. She opened the door and motioned her daughter to enter. Once the trio was together, Victoriano stood from his seat. "After much consideration, I have decided that Metztli will stay in the Mission. I will put her in both your charge."

Valentina didn't look thrilled. "Why do I have to take her in my charge? I am not planning to stay in the Mission for long. She-"

"Why do you still keep quiet regarding Pascual?"

Valentina realized that what her mother had told her had angered her. She couldn't entirely blame her mother, since she was worried for her safety. "My business is my own. I am not afraid to defend and kill for my honor. I-"

"It will not be necessary. I also decided that you shall stay within the Mission."

"Wh-What!? You cannot be serious!" She then looked at her mother, who didn't look bothered. "Mother, you have to say something! I will not stay here at this place of sin!"

Mariana slowly glared at her daughter, who was breathing heavily. "You will stay here and do what the Bishop asks. Ever since Pascual arrived, he has been nothing but troublesome, and I am concerned about what he might do. You and Metztli will have protection under the Bishop."

Metztli felt uncomfortable with Valentina's anger. She didn't know the situation, but Valentina didn't have a good view of the Mission. 'A place of sin,' she called it. 

"I will lose my freedom in this place! I would rather be outside these walls and have my freedom. If I have to fight and kill for it then-"

Victoriano banged on his table, making the women flinch violently. He immediately stood up, enraged. "My orders are final! If you make things difficult, you shall be locked in your room until I say so! Your freedom is not worth your safety! If you think you will have it worse, then I shall put you with the other women of your tribe so you can see how hard you have it! Is that what you want!?"

Mariana didn't like it when her daughter was yelled at, but she knew that Victoriano always acted in her best interest. 

 Valentina bit her lower lip; her body quivered, and she said nothing. 

The Bishop calmed himself down as he sat back in his seat. "Mariana, please take them to the women's quarters, for they shall share a room. Also, please show Metztli the Mission. She will work as an herbalist."

"Yes, Bishop." Mariana motioned for her daughter and Metztli to follow her out of the room. Once the women were gone, Victoriano sighed as he couldn't help but feel that there was still more to come.