Metztli felt very uncomfortable on the ride back to the Mission. She sat in front of a Soldado who had a tight grip on her. She didn't want to instigate or make any of the men think they could do something to her. 

Everyone was silent throughout the entire ride, but Metztli would receive the occasional stare once in a while. Metztli did her best not to look or express any emotion around them. The ride seemed like forever, but everyone saw the Mission ahead.

Dread slowly overwhelmed Metztli, but she tried hard not to feel too afraid. She was alone since no one was there to protect her. "I can't think the worst; I also shouldn't show fear. Still, why me? I haven't broken any laws."

Eventually, they all arrived at the Mission, and a cold breeze swept past Metztli, making her shiver violently. The Soldados dismounted from their horses, and Metztli was dismounted as well and forced inside the Mission. Many of the neophytes were working both outside and inside the Mission; they looked exhausted. 

Metztli noticed from afar a Tongva child struggling to pick up a basket of corn, as big as he was. The poor child dropped the basket, but a Padre nearby saw what happened. Instead of helping the child, the Padre grabbed him by the hair and yelled at him. Metztli felt her heart drop; the Padre then kicked and punched the child. "No!" She tried to escape the Soldados, but was immediately apprehended. 

"¿Qué estás haciendo? (What are you doing?)" one of the Soldados asked. 

"¡Él está lastimando a ese niño! ¿¡Cómo pueden ustedes mirar y no hacer nada!? (He is hurting that child! How can you guys watch and do nothing!?"

The Soldados saw where Metztli was looking, but they looked indifferent. "Lloras por ese niño salvaje. Necesita disciplina para cumplir con su labor. Ahora, date prisa. No debemos hacer esperar al Padre Fermín y a los obispos (You cry for that savage child. It needs discipline to do its job. Now hurry up. We mustn't keep Padre Fermin and the Bishops waiting)." 

The Soldados then forcibly led Metztli into the Mission, where some of the neophyte Tongva noticed her, surprised to see her return. 

Metztli wanted to fight, but if she did, she would be seen as guilty of whatever they might accuse her of. Still, she couldn't help but feel angry and helpless for not helping the poor child from the abuse. She was eventually taken to one of the meeting room where she saw Padre Fermin and the other Bishops sitting by a long wooden table. Papers were in piles; they were having a meeting.

The meeting stopped when they heard and saw the Soldados and Metztli. The Soldados motioned for Metztli to stand before Padre Fermin and the Bishops, who eyed her expressionlessly. The Soldados walked toward the exit, where they stood and awaited orders. Everyone was silent as everyone looked at the nervous young woman.

The men's stares made Metztli feel violated.

"You wish to know why you were brought here?" Padre Fermin asked.

"Y-Yes. I don't understand why I was arrested. I have done no crimes."

Padre Fermin raised an eyebrow as he slowly sighed. "You may look like an innocent beauty, but even looks can deceive. Word has reached my brothers and me that you have some information regarding the Jachivit Village."

"Information? Regarding what, Padre Fermin?" Metztli hated the fact that she had to act and speak respectfully toward a man who supported an abusive system, a system filled with lies. 

"Are you acting the fool? It wouldn't be wise," Bishop Samuel said in a warning tone.

"With due respect, Bishop. How would I answer if I do not know what information you are referring to?"

Bishop Samuel banged the table as he pointed his bony index finger at her, accusingly. "You savage! You dare speak to me with disrespect!?"

"Brother enough! We do not have time to squabble." Padre Fermin gave Bishop Samuel a warning glare, then one at Metztli. "We had an alarming report that you knew that the village wishes to rebel against us."

Metztli's eyes widened in confusion. "What? I never heard such a plan! Who would make such a terrible accusation!?"

"Who has informed us is not important. We are concerned because we desire to convert as many natives as we can to the path of god. We want to save as many souls so they go to heaven when it is their time."

The memory of the child being beaten plagued her mind. She was tired of remaining silent. "You think that you are saving my people's souls? How dare you all think such a way?" Seeing Padre Fermin and the Bishops expressing confusion angered her more. It was almost appalling to her that the most 'religious' people believed that they were doing good work through violence. "You believe that punishing a child who is still too young to work is going to save them? You think that violence is the right way to show them the right path to your god?"

"Many have come to the right path, my child. We are doing god's work so they may see salvation."

"Salvation? You led my people to the path of slavery that you profit from. You people are not men of god. You are the embodiment of evil, the deadly sins. Jesus Christ would never agree with your ways."

"Young lady, watch your tongue," Bishop Juan warned in a low tone. 

"You are using the same tactics that the Romans have used against Jesus Christ. Jesus never wanted people to be converted to a single religion but to find god within themselves. To find love and enlightenment in themselves and others. If Jesus Christ were alive today, he would have gone against you all."

Padre Fermin slowly stood from his seat, seething. "You are testing my patience, savage. Tell us about-"

"Now I am a savage? Your true colors have come to light, Padre Fermin. You all will die just as I. You think you will end up in heaven?" The men were silent; the Soldados listened silently, but they couldn't understand what they were speaking about. "If my people are to go to heaven if they follow the ways of your god, then they will speak of the pain that they suffered under your rule. What do you think they will say? Just like how the Hebrews suffered in the hands of the Egyptians. Who do you think your god will listen to?"

"ENOUGH!" Padre Fermin banged the table. "You worthless savage! You will be punished severely for your words!" He then ordered the Soldados to take Metztli to the Mission's prison until he decided her punishment. 

Metztli was forced out of the meeting room and was taken to prison. The place where she was transported to the past. She was put in a cell and had her left leg chained. Metztli scrunched her hair. She knew she had gone too far, but it was exhausting to remain silent. 

Punishment was going to be her consequence.

The prison door opened suddenly; a hooded Padre entered. A Soldado entered and unlocked Metztli's cell door. "Solo un rato, Padre (Only for a little while, Padre)." The Soldado left the prison, leaving her and the hooded Padre alone. 

"¿Ya está decidido mi castigo? (Is my punishment already decided?)" Metztli asked.

"I have listened to what you said, Padre Fermin, and the Bishops. Your punishment will be severe."

Metztli gasped as she recognized who spoke to her. "No...it can't be..."

The Padre slowly lowered his hood, revealing who he was. "It's good to see you again, Metztli."

"Federico..."