War.

It was absolute.

However, it was not the usual planning and preparations; it was done in silence.

Toypurina accepted Nicolas Jose's offerings to help fight the injustices of their people. However, she didn't want to involve her own people. Her brother, Chief Temejavaguichia, didn't want war. He was worried for the well-being of his village. Toypurina understood her brother's sentiments.

She didn't desire war, either, but Toypurina was tired of remaining silent. She was tired of seeing her people and her home being taken by people who didn't value true life.

Victoriano, Esteban, Guillermo, and Nicolas Jose assisted Toypurina in gathering village leaders to speak in Toypurina's stead. Many listened; some were hesitant, some refused, and others agreed to listen to her. 

Six village leaders agreed to listen to Toypurina.

Esteban wanted a chance to speak, but Victoriano advised against it since he was a Spaniard. Since Toypurina was a medicine woman in a high, respectable position, it would make more sense for her to speak with the leaders. Esteban was frustrated since his wife was imprisoned, fearing that Metztli was hurt or being tortured.

He wasn't there to protect her, and it frustrated him.

Guillermo and Victoriano tried their best to try to calm him. They also had to try to calm Mitena and Valentina. Mitena would cry profusely, but she knew that her daughter was worried and didn't want to stress her out more due to her pregnancy.  

Valentina didn't want to show it, but she was also worried for Metztli. She was alone with no one to protect her. 

Toypurina and the six leaders met in secret at her village to discuss the situation. Everyone heard the news that the Bishops and Padres made it 'law' that the Tongva and other tribes were not allowed to practice their culture and traditions. The leaders expressed their outrage and explained how their people were becoming frustrated. However, Toypurina knew that the men were hesitant to start an actual war because their villages and people could be attacked and become slaves. She also knew that they wanted to use her.

No one was innocent, not even among her people. 

The leaders wanted her to lead because they were uncertain whether or not the rebellion would succeed. If it didn't, then she would be blamed for everything. Toypurina knew.

There would be the possibility that their rebellion would fail.

It was something she was willing to risk. Toypurina was tired of living in fear and rage. The rage of not being able to do anything for her people. She didn't want to be like her brother, who led with silence.

Death was better than living a life of slavery. 

Toypurina decided to serve as bait and lead the rebellion. With everyone in agreement, planning and preparations for rebellion and war were underway.

Esteban and the others were relieved that they were going to save Metztli, but they didn't expect how long it would take. Weapons had to be made, and since Toypurina's brother didn't know what was occurring, it had to be done on certain days and times, or he would suspect. 

Even with weapons, it was learned that many men didn't have fighting experience with the Spaniards, but the ones who had experience with their battle tactics were Esteban and Victoriano.

The two men agreed to train the men who were going to be part of the rebellion, but what was difficult was the weapons. Esteban and Victoriano were used to having pistols, swords, daggers, muskets, and shields. Unfortunately, the Tongva didn't have them, but they refused to give up; they wanted to rescue Metztli.

The training was long and hard since many of the Tongva men didn't have experience, since they had lived in peace before the Spaniards' arrival. Esteban and Victoriano did their best to train the men as well as they could.

Guillermo was also among the men being trained.

Victoriano, Mitena, and Valentina were against it, but Guillermo was determined to fight. "I refuse to hide in an illusion any longer," was his response. 

Seeing that Guillermo would not give in, Victoriano personally trained his son. It was a moment where both could spend more time together. It was something Victoriano always wanted to do as his son grew, but it was impossible during his time as a Padre and Bishop. Training his son almost felt like a dream.

Guillermo struggled at the beginning, but he eventually learned the many moves of defense and offense.

Though proud of his son, Victoriano was frightened of what might happen to his son during the rebellion. All he could do was hope for the best.

Esteban also trained Guillermo and the other Tongva men, but it was also difficult for him due to his constant thoughts and worry for his wife. He was terrified that she suffered. Toypurina reassured him that Metztli was still alive and was fighting to survive. When he asked how she knew, Toypurina would always respond that she felt her spirit.

Six months passed, and everyone was ready.

Weapons were gathered by the army. 

Toypurina stood before everyone, seeing their determined expressions. They were ready for the rebellion.

War.

Toypurina knew the consequences, especially on how she would be viewed by her brother and people. That she would die, and many others. Looking at the sky, it was slowly getting dark. She knew that night would be the best time to attack. 

Meanwhile, from afar and hidden, a Tongva man watched as the army slowly gathered. He watched everything that happened and knew that the army would attack tonight. Without being seen, he ran away to the Mission.