A Taste Of Payback

Conquer

February 1519, a bright sunny cheerful day gone wrong. A day that started from the chirping birds flying ahead and many laughs, ended as a day where the city burned in flames and fearful screams echoed to the heavens. The Spanish have invaded.

___________________________________________________________________________

It was now August 13, 1521. The Aztecs have been spending the past three years fighting to the death in a horrible war against the Spanish. The city of Tenochtitlan was covered in blood, fire, and death. As for the girl, she caught a cold and all the smoke gave her lung problems. She spent her days stuck in her room coughing and wheezing. Every once in a while she would puke up blood. But she refused to just lay in bed. She didn't let her sickness get the best of her. She wouldn't let herself get weak. The weak one was Aztec. She caught an even worse illness where all she could do was lay in bed and had no energy to get out. Many more cities were being burned out and the Spanish have figured out ways to turn villages against their loyal empire. Tenochtitlan stared out her window in sorrow as she witnesses her peoples deaths. A ginormous pain in her heart was there to stay forever. Her people were more than just people. They were her family. The pain in her heart was emotional and physical. Each waking day, she could feel her beating getting harder but slower. Each beat sent sharp pains through her body. All she could do was watch and pray to the Gods for an end to her horror. She had tried to do something about it and escape but had to be locked inside because she was ill. "I swear Spain. If we both live through this, I will give you a bigger hell then you've ever been through". She made it a promise and stored it in her brain. Even as she slept, screams and images of dying warriors raced through her mind. "It's all your fault Spain. If you and your people weren't so greedy, I wouldn't be sick. Mom wouldn't be sick. Innocent people wouldn't be getting murdered. The empire wouldn't be burning in flames. My people wouldn't be scared to close their eyes. There is nothing I hate more then you. And I'll let you know that. Some day.", she saw a young man carrying a giant Spanish flag around the city to remind the Aztecs who they were up against. The little girl couldn't help but look in disgust. "I'm going to burn that flag some day. Right in front of Antonio's face. I'll burn it to ashes just like he burned my city to ashes". She looked around her beloved city. The capitol of the empire. What was once one of the most beautiful places, was barley recognizable. A place that bloomed with flora and fauna, giant pyramids and crystal clear rivers was gone. All the buildings were burned down and it smelled of rotting bodies. Black and gray covered everything and the only color the city had was coming from all the fire. Tenochtitlan knew this for a while but was too afraid to admit it. She thought maybe there would be a turning point. She kept hope even though she knows that turning point would never come. It is too big and obvious to ignore and she had to finally admit it. The Aztecs were loosing. Life as she knew it was coming to an end. She would belong to Spain, and  soon. She ran to her mothers room, wanting company because she didn't know how long either of them had. "Mom!" she ran to the bedside. Aztec looked worse then ever. Almost like she was dying. she clenched her mothers cold hand in her own. "My dear daughter. I want you to know that whatever happens, I am so proud of you, and so is your father. I could never ask for a better daughter. You are strong and brave. A warrior at heart. Promise me to stay strong for yourself and your people. I will always love you and remember to do what makes you happy. I just want you to be happy no matter what it is." Aztec said her words slowly and softly but they had a strong meaning that was heard. Tenochtitlan held her mother close in a comforting hug. The two of them looked at each other deeply smiling warmly. "I love you too mom. I will make you even prouder and I won't let people forget about the Mayan and Aztec ways". She gave her mother a kiss on her forehead as a frightened soldier rushed in. "Aztec! They're here and they are coming for you!", after the warning, he ran out to find cover. Aztec grabbed her daughters arm. "Run Tenochtitlan. Run with the heart of a million of spirits and don't look back." Tenochtitlan hesitated. "But mom!". Aztec grabbed her face and softened her voice as she stroked her daughters cheek. "I will always be with you. You will do many great things I just know it! But right now, you have to leave. Here," she took off her ruby ring and gave it to her. The ring was too big so Tenochtitlan stored it away. Aztec gave a final look at her and kissed her cheek. After that, Tenochtitlan ran. She didn't run out though. She ran into a secret tunnel in Aztec's room that led straight out the house. She stayed near the opening and kept the door at a crack. Just then, Spain, Cortez, Fernando and another soldier burst through the door. "Hola Aztec. Lovely day isn't it?" Spain asked smiling. He was carrying a giant battle axe that was taller then he was and it was covered in blood. He stepped closer to her as Tenochtitlan watched trying not to be heard. "I think....today's the day. Today, I will defeat you and will have your daughter. I can smell it.", Aztec raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? What else do you smell?", Spain smile faded. "Are you mocking me? Let me tell you something. Your petty people never stood a chance. And the thing that kept us all humored during this war, was the fact that you actually thought you could defeat me! Oh you Aztecs are some funny people. I actually thought we could settle this in a less bloody way, but you know what? As easy as this was, I actually enjoyed burning you to ashes". He crept closer to the bed. "Spain, why do you still want this place after it's been destroyed?" Aztec asked crossing her arms. "We will remodel it! We will take everything you have and make it ours. And your to sick to do anything about it. Oh what a shame.", Spain laughed as he now stood right next to the bed. Aztec rolled her eyes. "You guys are so ridiculous. You'll see some day, things won't go your way and you will be the one in pain." Aztec kept her voice clear even though she was sick. "No Aztec. I always get my way. You should know that by now. Anyways i'm pretty sure you know why we came to you and where this is going," Spain held his axe in both hands "Say what you have to say because your time is up". Aztec let out a cold laugh. "Actually, I have a couple words to say. So you plan to take my daughter and form her into a perfect colony and live happily ever after? I highly doubt that. Especially the ever after part. If you plan to tame her, good luck. Your going to need all the luck you can get. I am OK with leaving. I have faith in my daughter. She will never give you what you want.", Spain gave a questioning look. "What? Ahhhh never mind! Enough talking! Good bye Aztec Empire.", and with that he brought his axe down on her sending Aztec to her death. Tenochtitlan stopped breathing as she covered her mouth to keep from screaming. She wanted to run out and punch Spain with all her might, but she knew she couldn't. Her mother was gone. The last person who gave their all to protect her and make sure she was happy and healthy was now dead. First her father, and now her mother. Both had died innocently and for pointless reasons while their child was so young. Eight years old and she saw her mother get murdered by a man who would soon claim her. Spain gave her yet another reason to hate him. She felt so empty and alone. Spain stood there with a giant smile plastered on his face as he wiped his brow. "Good job España. You got rid of Aztec and the girl is now yours and the land is now ours. Now, if you excuse me, i'm going to tell the news. Get the girl and meet me on the ship so we can finally go home.", Cortez ordered. "Si senor. I'll find her.", Tenochtitlan took that as her cue to run out. She ran as fast as she could, letting her feet carrying her all the way to the jungle. Her sickness did not let her run to her full potential but she still tried her best. She ran deep into the jungle and noticed she was running out of breath. "Damn this cold.", still, she kept running. She reached the end of the jungle and hid behind a pyramid grabbing her chest trying to find the strength to regain her breath.  She finally returned to normal as a million thoughts ran through her mind. Screams, fire, fallen warriors, blackness, hate, loss. Thoughts of what was to happen to her and what was in store for her future. The worst one was that she  kept getting images of Spain's axe coming down on her mother. She lost the only loved one she had left. She felt as if she could no longer love. It seemed rational to her. Since she was going to be stuck with Spain, there would be nothing to love for her. A future with no love. Suddenly the noise of leaves crumpling tore her out of her thoughts and what she least hoped for happened. Spain popped into view. "Hola! Your a very hard person to find you know that?", he was still holding his axe, fresh with Aztecs blood. "I am in such a good mood. And who could blame me". He sat down next to her and managed to put her in his lap. "You are mine. Hmmmm, I like the sound of that. Do you?", he was petting her soft  hair, she tried to escape but his grip was to strong. "Go away bastard". Spain frowned. "Hey now, is that anyway to talk to your boss? I think not. I have business to attend to about you but don't worry, i'll keep you posted.", he leaned in close to  whisper in her ear "But rite now, we have to get on my ship". He took her of his lap so he could get up. She shot daggers at him with her eyes but he only picked up his axe and extended his hand to her. She was mature enough to know that trying to run again wouldn't get her anywhere. She didn't want to give him the pleasure or entertainment. She shook away his hand and got up herself. He held out his hand again so he could lead her out  of the jungle. She just walked ahead of him ignoring him. "I don't fucking need an escort", and with that, the two made their way to the ship. They stopped in front of a glorious ship with white sails that had red crosses on them. A ladder came down to help them on. Spain led her through a hallway with only two rooms. One on each side. "Well, this is your room. This one is my room so if you need anything at any time, you don't need to go far. Don't hesitate to get me. Your new life as my colony starts now! Exciting rite! OK. Get comfortable and explore or whatever. The dining hall and kitchen isn't that far from here. You'll find it easy. Just go if you get hungry. Oh and before I forget, Your new name as a country is New Spain. Cute right? Named after me! And your human name is Esmeralda Carriedo. I gave you my own last name to make you more of my own. Off to Spain! Good night amor!". He ran off to his business leaving Esmeralda there with her mouth wide open. She let out a frustrating scream as she kicked her door. "AHHH! NEW SPAIN! This cannot be happening. Oh please someone help me. I belong to him! I officially belong to him and my mothers dead and im on a ship to Spain! This has to be a nightmare. New Spain! That's horrible! Fuck my life". She went in her room and slammed her door as she cried her self to sleep. Better to let the tears out now instead of bottling them up and explode unexpectedly, and no one could see her. She had to be strong and accept her fate. "Spain's hell, here I come", and with that, she fell into slumber.