Chapter 55: The Hope Behind the Door
In the ethereal expanse of the House Without Stairs, a fleeting calm settled over the room minutes after the fierce battle, as if the very space exhaled in relief. The tension of the clash dissipated, and the two soldiers—Abby and Peter—were permitted to enter the room where Laguna, the most formidable diwata emissary in the Philippines, awaited.
The trio sat on intricately carved wooden chairs around a long dining table. At its far end sat Laguna, flanked by her five loyal allies: Maria Clara, Cris, Basilio, Elias, and Juli. The room was steeped in silence, yet the air was heavy with unspoken words. Laguna's companions stood behind her, their eyes vigilant but brimming with reverence for their master.
Clara, with a courteous smile, served bowls of fresh fruit salad—brimming with apples, pineapples, and jicama, laced with sweet fruit cocktail and creamy dressing. The aroma was enticingly sweet, but the three soldiers barely stirred in their seats. Laguna, in contrast, savored her salad with evident delight, her eyes sparkling with the simple joy of the meal.
Noticing Romeo's somber expression, his utensils untouched before him, Laguna spoke lightly, a teasing lilt in her voice. "General, why not try the salad? I'm certain you'd enjoy it." She lifted her spoon, holding a piece of apple, and flashed a broad smile.
"I'm not in the mood to eat," Romeo replied, his tone grave and resolute. "My purpose here is urgent, Laguna. Every passing minute risks more lives. I can't afford to waste time."
Laguna let out a deep sigh, like a mother wearied by her child's stubbornness. "You're too young to be so burdened by things beyond your control, Romeo," she said, setting her spoon beside her plate. "What I mean is, death is a natural part of life. Every day, people in this country die—in war, from hunger, from illness. In the end, we all face death."
Romeo shot up from his chair, his fist slamming the table, rattling the cutlery. His eyes blazed with anger and determination. "Even if death is natural, no one has the right to dictate when or how it happens!" he shouted, his voice thick with bitterness. "I won't let this chaos continue while innocent lives are lost!"
The room fell silent, Romeo's words landing like a stone among them. Abby and Peter exchanged worried glances, unsettled by their general's fury. Laguna remained composed, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. She lowered her gaze and took another bite of her salad, as if waiting for the right moment to speak.
"I won't prolong this any further," Romeo said, his voice calmer but still intense. "I'm here to ask for your help. You know about the Katipunan, the rebels led by Martin. Over five hundred people have died because of them, and I won't let it continue. I need your help, Laguna, to stop them."
Silence reclaimed the room. Laguna continued eating, her spoon moving slowly, while her allies stood silently behind her. Despite his anger, Romeo bowed deeply before Laguna, his head nearly touching the table in a gesture of respect and desperation. "Five hundred lives, Laguna. Five hundred Filipinos. Isn't that enough to spur you to act?"
Finally, Laguna set down her spoon and met Romeo's gaze. "Oh, the Katipunan? Yes, the group led by Martin, the emissary of Quezon City," she said, her voice calm yet laced with knowledge.
Abby's eyes widened in shock. "You know Martin?" she asked, incredulous.
Laguna didn't deny it. Instead, she offered a faint smile and said, "I know everything about the diwata emissaries in the Philippines—their names, abilities, residences, personalities, and even the energy they wield, thanks to Elias." She glanced at the man beside her.
Suddenly, glowing orbs resembling eyes floated around them, shimmering in the room's light. "These are what Elias uses to observe, no matter the distance," Laguna explained. "Through them, I track the movements of emissaries across the country."
"Then you know what's happening in the Philippines?" Romeo asked, his voice tinged with hope and doubt.
"Not everything," Laguna replied, her smile cautious. "It depends on the moment and the situation. I can't see all that occurs, but I know enough to be prudent."
"Is that true?" Abby asked, her voice brimming with curiosity. "Are you saying you know where the emissaries are?"
"Not all of them," Laguna clarified. "But Elias can sense an emissary's presence, making it easy to track them. Right now, there are over one hundred twenty diwata emissaries in the Philippines, thirty of whom serve as Spanish soldiers."
Peter and Abby's eyes widened in disbelief. "One hundred twenty?" Peter exclaimed. "I had no idea there were so many emissaries!"
"It's surprising, but if you say so, I believe it," Romeo said, his voice filled with respect.
Laguna's eyes gleamed with knowledge. "Would you like me to tell you where the emissaries are?" she asked, a teasing edge to her tone. "Many of them prefer to remain hidden. Only a few have the courage to use their powers to fulfill their roles as emissaries."
She explained that diwatas grant powers to their emissaries in varied ways. "They don't force emissaries to follow a set path. Like us in the past, they're free to use their powers as they wish. Even if they defy the diwata's will, their powers remain."
"If you convince other emissaries to join you, the Spanish government's forces would grow stronger," Laguna added. "You'd gain greater control over the country."
"I'm not convincing them to be used," Romeo countered, his voice earnest. "I'm helping them live better lives and fulfill their duties as emissaries."
Laguna smiled, but her expression held a trace of skepticism. She set down her spoon and fixed her gaze on Romeo. "There's little difference between what you call 'helping' and using emissaries, Romeo. You offer them wealth and privilege in exchange for becoming soldiers—soldiers who must obey Spanish orders, even if it leads to the deaths of Filipinos."
Romeo interrupted, his voice sharp with anger. "I know our missions often end in rebel deaths, but we do it to protect innocent Filipinos caught in the rebellion!" he shouted. "All I want is for Filipinos to live in peace and to reform the system from within the government. But how can that happen when rebels keep sowing chaos?"
"We must unite for a single goal before peace can be achieved," Romeo continued, his eyes ablaze. "And before that happens, those opposing peace must be stopped."
Laguna waited for him to finish before responding. "Are you saying killing rebels is the only way to achieve the peace you seek?" she asked, her voice calm yet challenging.
"Do you think you'll succeed that way?" she pressed, her eyes filled with concern. "Not all Filipinos share your beliefs, Romeo. For some, we're under Spanish rule, and this country needs freedom. They want to reclaim the dignity and rights stripped from them on their own land."
Laguna lowered her gaze, her voice turning grave. "Do you truly want Filipinos to remain slaves, Romeo? To live as puppets of foreigners?"
Her words pierced Romeo's heart like a dagger. He slammed his fist on the table again, trembling with anger but restraining himself from lashing out fully in the presence of the most powerful emissary. "I'm not here to be insulted!" he shouted. "You know that, despite serving the Spanish, my heart remains with the Philippines!"
Silence reigned once more. Romeo took a deep breath to calm his emotions. "When you saved me back then, Laguna, you didn't dictate any duty or purpose. You left me to decide for myself. And the only decision I could make to help the nation was to become a soldier. I know the flaws of the Spanish, and it pains me to be ordered to kill our own people. But what else can I do?"
"If I do nothing, how can I help others?" he continued, striking the table again, his voice thick with bitterness. "I want this all to end! I don't want to add to my sins, but I don't know how to stop this chaos!"
His eyes brimmed with desperation as he stared at Laguna. "Tell me, Laguna, you who are deemed the wisest and most powerful in the Philippines. If you believe rebellion is the right path, I'm ready to follow you. Just say the word, and I'll join you to dismantle the Spanish government!"
Abby and Peter were stunned by his words, their eyes wide with disbelief, mouths slightly agape. "General, are you serious?" Abby whispered, her voice laced with worry.
Silence gripped the room, the tension fragile as glass about to shatter. All awaited Laguna's response, but instead of answering, she smiled, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "You're clever and bold, Romeo. I admire your courage and heart," she said, her voice soft yet commanding.
"Like you, I too wish to free the Philippines," she added. "But the problem is, I'm not fond of fighting. That's why I created my allies—Clara, Cris, Basilio, Elias, and Juli—to fight for me."
Romeo listened quietly, his eyes fixed on Laguna. "You know I don't believe Filipinos are ready to be free right now," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "That's why I can't lead the rebellion you speak of."
She offered Romeo information, as if granting a favor to a friend. "If all emissaries rose against the Spanish, only twenty could truly challenge the Spanish Espadas. And only five could match them, but even then, it would require extensive preparation."
"Five?" Abby asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Laguna smiled. "It's not an exact number, of course. It depends on the situation and opportunity. Even if five could face the Espadas, victory isn't guaranteed. My analysis is based on Elias's data—the emissaries' personalities, abilities, and potential for combat."
"Many emissaries refuse to fight," she added. "Even with potential, we can't rely on them if they don't want to join the war."
Romeo interjected, his voice bitter. "The Spanish have mastered the fifth class of magic. Their knowledge of combat far surpasses ours. Because of that, winning a war against them is nearly impossible."
Laguna nodded. "You're right. The Spanish have a vast advantage in wielding diwata powers. I've fought the Espadas on their own soil, and they're no ordinary foes."
Abby and Peter were shocked. "You fought in Spain?" Abby asked, incredulous. "How weren't you captured?"
Laguna's smile was confident. "While the Spanish hunt me here, I'm not a priority in Spain. When their generals pursued me, I went to Spain to confront their officials and negotiate. You see, Romeo, politics drives the world. If you have nations supporting you and are part of their alliances, you hold power."
She took another bite of her salad, her eyes twinkling as if savoring its sweetness. Romeo watched silently, awaiting her next words.
"I'm trying to convince influential people abroad to help Filipinos under this oppressive system," Laguna said. "But with the global war ongoing, it's unlikely they'll assist soon."
She sighed, her voice heavy with bitterness. "I have no right to judge others' beliefs when I'm a coward hiding from responsibility."
She urged Romeo to do what he believed was right while there was still time. "When I saved you, I didn't tell you what to do because even I don't know the right path. I help Filipinos in my own way, but I know that every day, many suffer and die. I don't know how long I can keep this up or if my methods will succeed."
"Romeo," she added, her voice filled with compassion, "this won't end with bloodshed alone. Violence only breeds anger and hatred, leading to endless vengeance."
"I know," Romeo replied, his voice resolute. "But the rebels have gone too far. I must act to stop them."
Laguna paused, setting down her spoon and fixing her gaze on Romeo. "If you're serious about killing the Katipunan rebels, I must tell you I can't help," she said, her voice tinged with regret.
She admitted knowing Martin and having met him twice, thanks to her allies' surveillance. "Last month, he came to me, kneeling to ask for help to free the country," she added.
Abby's eyes widened. "You know where Martin is?" she asked, hopeful.
Laguna didn't deny her knowledge of his hideouts. "Tell me where he is, and I'll handle the rest," Romeo said, his voice brimming with resolve.
Laguna smiled, but her expression held hesitation. "You're mistaken if you think I'll simply hand over that information, Romeo," she said. "It's not that simple."
Romeo shouted, slamming his fist on the table again. "Five hundred people died because of Martin! Isn't that enough reason to help me capture him?"
Laguna closed her eyes, her face showing disappointment. "When Martin came to me, he knelt and bowed to the ground, pleading for help for Filipinos. He wants to free the Philippines and is willing to sacrifice everything for it."
Romeo struck the table again, his voice raw with anger. "Martin's fight isn't for Filipinos! He's using people for his own gain! The dead didn't deserve their fate! Even now, their families weep because of his selfish ambitions!" he shouted, his eyes filled with pain.
As Romeo's anger flared, Laguna remained silent, seemingly unaffected by his intensity. "All I want is for you to tell me where I can find him," Romeo said, his voice bold yet laced with desperation.
Laguna sighed and reiterated she couldn't provide the information. Enraged, Romeo shouted, "Laguna!" his voice echoing with fury.
His outburst silenced the room, the tension fragile as glass. For a few seconds, Laguna and Romeo locked eyes, their gazes clashing with mutual resolve. Laguna knew Romeo was serious and desperate to end the rebels' chaos.
"Romeo, I understand what you're fighting for and the hardships you've endured," she said, her voice filled with compassion. "I want to support you, but you know the truth."
She explained that Martin, too, was a victim of the country's oppressive system. "His family was burned before his eyes. His comrades were killed, and he was enslaved for years. That's why he'll never stop fighting, especially now that he has a chance for revenge."
Laguna believed Martin's killings were unjust, but she understood his rage against the Spanish. "If you were in Martin's place, Romeo, what would you do? If your loved ones, rights, freedom, and happy life were taken, wouldn't you seek revenge too?"
The room fell silent. Romeo lowered his head, torn between restraint and confusion, his fists trembling with anger, yet he knew there was truth in Laguna's words. "The Filipinos caught in Martin's family's death didn't deserve to die," he said, his voice heavy with bitterness. "They were innocent."
"A noble cause demands great sacrifice," Laguna replied. "For Martin, sacrifice is inevitable in war."
Romeo closed his eyes, suppressing his anger. "If people cling to their twisted beliefs and principles, there'll be no peace in this country," he said. "It'll only lead to bloodshed, and we'll keep killing each other. How long must we endure this?"
Laguna felt the weight of Romeo's exhaustion and pain from the endless struggle. She pitied him but knew she couldn't help in the way he wanted. "I must protect my name, Romeo," she said. "I swore not to interfere in the country's conflicts to keep my reputation clean for my plans abroad."
"Martin knelt before me, just as you do now," she added. "But I didn't grant his request, and like him, I can't grant yours."
Romeo was stunned but knew he couldn't sway Laguna. He bowed, his eyes filled with disappointment. "I deeply respect and thank you for all you've done," he said, his voice now calm. "I understand you must protect your name. Even if you can't grant my request, I'm grateful for the time you've given."
He stood and bowed in farewell. "We'll leave now. Thank you."
But before he could step away, Laguna spoke. "Even if you find Martin, you can't defeat him," she warned, her voice grave.
Romeo paused and turned back. "What do you mean?"
Laguna sighed and revealed Martin's power. "His Ursarion is one of the most unique abilities I've seen. When it consumes something, it can take its energy—and not just that, but also the abilities of any diwata emissaries it devours."
Romeo, Abby, and Peter were shocked, recalling Martin's vast array of abilities in battle, seemingly limitless. "That explains his many powers," Abby whispered.
"The Katipunan has five diwata emissaries, and their numbers grow due to Martin's persuasion," Laguna added. "Many emissaries are cowardly and ignorant, but Martin offers them a unique deal—voluntary merging with the Ursarion."
"He doesn't just take their energy but their abilities too," she explained. "With that power, he can challenge the Spanish Espadas."
Abby and Peter were stunned. "But if his power comes from the Ursarion, destroying it would defeat him easily," Abby said.
Laguna smiled, her expression cautionary. "You have a point, Abby, but even if you destroy the Ursarion, there's no guarantee you'll capture Martin. And there's no way to free those inside it. Their minds and spirits are linked to the Ursarion—if you destroy it, those inside will die too."
Romeo and his companions were shocked. Laguna smiled at him, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes questioning. "Have you considered, Romeo, that Martin might be the hero Filipinos have long awaited? The one to bring freedom to this nation?"
The room fell silent. Romeo didn't respond, his eyes clouded with doubt. Suddenly, Laguna clapped, breaking the tension. "Forget what I said," she said lightly. "No one can predict the future."
She touched her chin, as if recalling something. "Wait, Romeo, it's been over four years since I told you that to succeed in this war, you must use her."
"Use her?" Romeo asked, puzzled.
"The emissary of La Trinidad—Jasmine," Laguna replied confidently. "She's among the most powerful, with potential to face even the Spanish Espadas in battle."
---
Minutes after their visit with Laguna, the trio sat in silence inside the car, heading to their next destination. Romeo gazed out the window, lost in deep thought. The silence was heavy, as if words lingered unspoken on their lips.
Unable to hold back, Abby spoke. "General, what did Laguna mean about Flora?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Peter chimed in, his eyes curious. "I know about Flora's ability to draw energy from her surroundings, but it's limited. I don't understand why Laguna said she could face the Espadas."
Romeo sighed, his voice heavy with bitterness. "Flora is strong compared to other soldiers and has great ability. But she's too kind… and too cowardly." He explained that Flora's timid nature often left her trembling in fear, despite her powerful abilities. "Everyone would be furious if they knew I favored her so much, even though it's clear she lacks the courage to be a soldier."
"General, we know about that," Abby said, her voice supportive.
Romeo admitted that Flora's cowardice had been evident from the start. Despite her diligent training, she was unreliable in major battles. "I know Flora's in our camp because it's the only way I can protect her. If I let her go to another camp, it would be disastrous for her. She could never kill anyone, and I don't know if she'd survive as a soldier."
"I've sensed for a while that she hates what she does," he added, his voice tinged with regret. "She's terrified of blood and wounds, nearly fainting at the sight of violent crimes. She's only there because I ordered her, and I pity her for it."
He confessed to making many wrong decisions, including forcing Flora to become a Spanish soldier. "I know soldiering isn't for Flora, but I believe taking her in wasn't a mistake," Abby said, her voice hopeful. "She's had a good life under your care, General."
Romeo smiled, but his smile was bitter. "Flora's power can draw energy from her surroundings or enemies, but she must hold them long or encase them in plants created by her ability. Yet one mission proved Laguna's claim that she could face the Espadas."
"The mission in Pampanga," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "The tragedy that killed a thousand rebels and Spanish soldiers."
Abby and Peter were shocked, recalling the mission. "It was blamed on the Angeles emissary, but in truth, Flora caused those deaths," Romeo said.
"Flora couldn't control her emotions—fear, anger, desperation," he explained. "When overwhelmed, she loses control, destroying everything around her."
Romeo smiled sadly. "The trauma stayed with Flora. She's terrified of repeating that tragedy, killing not just rebels but her own comrades."
Abby and Peter were stunned. "She was comatose for a month after that mission," Abby said. "It was reported as a rebel explosion."
"As much as possible, I won't send Flora into battle again," Romeo said. "Let her decide if she wants to leave soldiering."
The car fell silent, the atmosphere heavy. After a moment, Abby spoke again. "General, what's your plan for the new emissary Laguna mentioned?"
"We must convince her," Abby said. "If Laguna says she's the most powerful emissary, we need to do everything to win her over."
"If she has that potential, we need her as an ally against Martin," Peter added.
"An ally?" Romeo said, his voice bitter. "I'm no longer sure what to do."
He explained that he felt like Martin—seeking emissaries and using them for his goals. "Martin offers them money and freedom—things Filipinos can't refuse. And I realize I'm no different from him."
Abby quickly countered. "General, you're nothing like Martin! You seek peace and care for people, unlike Martin, who kills without mercy!"
Romeo smiled, but his smile was tinged with doubt. "There's no difference between Martin's killing of Spanish and my killing of Filipino rebels. Even if we say it's for the nation's good, it doesn't change that people die."
He sighed. "For now, we must stop the Katipunan and Martin."
"I'm struggling to decide because Laguna's mission is so complex. How can I convince an emissary who hates soldiers like me?"
He recalled Laguna's words before they left the House Without Stairs. She had handed him a photo of a young woman. "Since I'm in a good mood, I'll give you a favor to help defeat Martin," she said.
"Who is she?" Romeo asked.
Laguna introduced the girl as Indang, the emissary of Kawit, fourteen years old. Her powers emerged at seven, and the Spanish were already hunting her for imprisonment. Laguna took her in but couldn't keep her long due to the dangers of her work.
Because of her defiance against the church, there was a high chance she'd be killed by a Spanish Espada. The church controlled the Espadas, deciding who lived or died.
"Indang has become dear to me," Laguna said, her voice filled with concern. "I want you to save her from this cruel world."
Romeo stared at the photo, his eyes filled with doubt. "I don't understand how I can save her while convincing her to join me as a soldier," he said. "Can she really help against Martin?"
"No doubt," Laguna replied confidently. "She's one of my most powerful students. Truthfully, you couldn't defeat her if she fought seriously."
Cris agreed, saying Indang had learned the fifth class of magic and techniques from other countries. "I'm telling you, Romeo, she fought all five of my allies at once during training here," Laguna added.
But she scratched her head. "There's just a slight issue with her attitude—she's a bold tomboy who hates soldiers, and your biggest problem is that she, like Martin, wants to free the Philippines."
"She'll be hard to convince," Laguna said. "But you'll regret it more if Martin gets to her first. She lacks experience now, but one day, she'll be the country's most powerful warrior."
Laguna sighed as she bid farewell. "This is as much as I can help you," she said. "I'll pray for your success."
As the car journeyed on, Romeo gazed silently at Indang's photo, his mind swirling with questions. The weight of his responsibilities felt like a mountain on his shoulders, but he knew he had to press on—for the nation, for those who trusted him, and for the hope of a brighter future.
End of chapter.