Chapter 57: The Battle in the Dark
In the lively chaos of the Pasay gaming convention, Romeo seized his rare day off to immerse himself in a vibrant world of games, music, and laughter. The clamor of arcade machines, the shouts of players, and the dazzling booth lights offered him a brief escape from the weight of his duties as Gobernador Heneral of Batangas. Despite his lofty position, he was there as an ordinary youth, craving a moment of simple joy through gaming.
Beside him was the woman he'd met on the bus—a bold, tomboyish figure with short hair, dressed in a black jacket, her demeanor as fiery as her competitive spirit. Though their earlier clashes over a queue and a bus seat had sparked tension, it didn't deter him from inviting her to play. To him, her identity was irrelevant; what mattered was her lively energy and fierce drive—qualities he sought in a gaming rival.
They spent hours lost in games, from shooters to racers, like two kids swept up in a carefree world of fun. Their laughter and playful banter buzzed with energy, as if they'd been friends for years.
Minutes later, they faced off in another intense match. For the twentieth time, Romeo bested her, unable to resist a jab. "What now? Still think you can keep up with me?" he teased, his voice dripping with mockery but softened by a playful grin.
Her eyes blazed with indignation. "I've beaten you four times!" she retorted, her tone sharp with defiance. "I'm not used to these games, so don't get too full of yourself!"
Romeo laughed, his chuckle laced with taunting amusement. To him, she was just making excuses to hide her defeat. "Excuses, always excuses," he said, shaking his head with a smirk. "If you're really that good, prove it in the next round."
Fuming, her cheeks flushed red. "And I'm starving, so I can't even think straight!" she grumbled, clutching her stomach.
Glancing at his watch, Romeo realized it was past two in the afternoon. Time had flown by in the thrill of gaming. "You're right, I didn't notice the time," he said, a hint of concern in his voice. "Come on, let's eat so we can play properly again."
She didn't refuse, though her face showed hesitation. She followed him as they left the convention hall for the mall's food court. Being a Sunday, it was packed with families, friends, and couples, leaving no empty seats. The chatter blended with the aroma of food, creating a lively but chaotic scene.
"My God, so many people," she muttered, still holding her stomach. "I'm starving; my knees are getting weak."
Romeo scanned the area, his eyes searching for a solution. "We can't just wait here for a seat," he said firmly, grabbing her arm and pulling her away from the food court.
"Hey, where are you taking me?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and unease.
He led her to an upscale restaurant inside the mall, its entrance adorned with elegant lights and its staff in crisp uniforms. "I don't usually eat here, but it's less crowded. Let's eat here," he said, his tone practical yet confident.
Her eyes widened at the restaurant's opulence. She stopped, flustered. "Wait, I can't afford this place! Honestly, I only have enough for a burger and my fare home. I'll wait at the food court."
Romeo sighed, stepping closer and gently pulling her hand toward the entrance. "Don't worry, it's my treat," he said, his voice calm but authoritative, brooking no argument.
Reluctantly, she followed, her nervousness evident. The staff greeted them warmly, guiding them to a window-side table with a view of the bustling mall. The table was set with a white cloth and polished cutlery, as if for a special occasion.
She fidgeted, her eyes darting from crystal chandeliers to waiters carrying lavish dishes. "Are you serious about treating me? I'd be fine with fast food," she said, her tone uncertain.
"You saw how packed the food court was. We'd waste time there," Romeo replied, settling into his chair. "I want to make the most of my day off gaming, so we're eating here."
"But this place looks so expensive. It's like it's only for rich people," she protested, glancing at the menu handed to her by the waiter.
Romeo leaned on his hand, a teasing smile on his lips. "I know. This restaurant's exclusive, and you usually need a reservation. But I have a VIP card, so we can eat right away. Don't worry about the cost—it's nothing to me."
When the waiter arrived with the menu, her jaw dropped at the prices. "What? A thousand pesos for one steak?!" she exclaimed, incredulous.
Sensing her discomfort with such luxury, Romeo took charge. "I'll order for us," he said confidently, calling the waiter and ordering two sets of steak, salad, and drinks with practiced ease.
As the waiter left, she whispered to him, her voice tinged with complaint. "These prices are insane! Are you really treating me? I didn't ask for this."
He smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm a wealthy man. My family earns half a million a month from our business and my salary. You don't need to worry," he said casually, as if the expense was trivial.
Her eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you're working already? You look like a student," she said, curiosity evident in her voice.
He admitted he was only sixteen but had finished his studies at thirteen. Since then, he'd worked for the government, well-paid. "I'm not trying to brag, but I learned things early," he added, his tone slightly serious.
"I see," she said, a hint of wonder in her voice. "So you're with the government? What do you do?"
He hesitated, knowing he couldn't reveal he was Batangas' Gobernador Heneral, especially while hiding his identity. "Sorry, my job's classified. Let's just say I'm well-paid for what I do," he replied, his voice cautious but assured.
As they talked, the staff brought sizzling steaks with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. A group of violinists approached their table, ready to play.
Her eyes widened in panic. "Wait, why are there musicians?" she whispered to Romeo, her voice tense.
He grinned, anticipating her reaction. "Couples often reserve this place for dates, so musicians add to the ambiance," he explained. Seeing her discomfort, he signaled the staff to stop them. "No need for that, thank you," he said politely but firmly.
As the musicians left, she sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing. "I noticed the tables here are set for two," she said, glancing around. She scratched her head and joked, "They probably think we're on a date since it's just us."
Romeo's eyes twinkled with mischief. "If you think about it, this does feel like a date. We've been together all day, gaming and now eating," he said, his tone teasing but sincere.
"What? This isn't a date!" she protested, her face flushing with irritation. "I'm only here because you lent me your VIP card. And we don't even know each other!"
He laughed, amused by her reaction. "I don't know what you think a date is, but to me, going out, eating, and having fun with someone feels like one, even if we're strangers," he said, his smile playful.
She scowled, quick to counter. "To me, it's not a date unless both people agree. We're just together because of your favor!" she insisted, her voice firm.
Her intensity intrigued him. "Why's the idea of a date such a big deal to you?" he asked, his tone teasing. "From the shows I watch, dating's normal for young people. There are even blind dates where strangers meet without knowing each other."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Even so! It still needs mutual agreement to be a date!" she argued, refusing to entertain the idea.
"I didn't expect you'd react like this, but fine, I'll call it a date," he teased, grinning.
"No, it's not!" she snapped, exasperated. "Do you enjoy messing with me?"
"I'm not messing with you, just stating the truth. I don't see anything wrong with us eating out together," he said, smiling.
Her defensiveness amused him. "You act like you're scared to date me. This is my first time going out with a girl I don't know. Is the idea of a date with me that bad?" he teased, his eyes glinting.
She paused, her face slightly red. "It's not like that," she said softly. "It's just… my first time eating out with a guy."
He studied her, his gaze making her squirm. "Why are you staring at me? What's your problem?" she demanded, her tone sharp.
He laughed lightly, still teasing. "I never imagined I'd eat out with another girl, especially one dressed like a guy," he said, glancing at her outfit.
"Tch, what's wrong with my clothes? This is my style!" she defended, her voice proud. "I'm boyish, and I'm comfortable like this. If you don't like it, I don't care!"
As she bristled, she noticed him staring again. "I just said I'm a tomboy, so stop looking at me like that!" she protested, her face red with embarrassment.
His brow furrowed with curiosity. "Is this your first time going out with a guy?" he asked, intrigued.
She immediately countered, "I'm not admitting this is a date!" she insisted, her voice rising. "I came here to game, not to date!"
He laughed, enjoying her reaction. "From what I've seen, tomboys usually prefer other girls, so I must be the first guy you've hung out with like this," he teased.
Her face flushed deeper, her eyes blazing. "Stop it! This isn't a date, and I'd never date a *Hilaw*!" she snapped, her voice thick with defiance.
He smiled, unfazed. "I'm just kidding," he said lightly. "Eating out with someone isn't a big deal to me. It happens a lot at work."
Noticing her lingering irritation, he asked, "Like others, do you hate honorary Spaniards too? I know many Filipinos resent us, thinking we're traitors."
"Tch, I don't care what others say about you," she replied, her tone firm. "I dislike you personally because you're so arrogant. It feels like you look down on us Filipinos, treating us like slaves, just like the Spaniards do."
She admitted her frustration with Filipinos who belittle others for siding with the Spaniards. "I don't get why Filipinos have to be made to feel inferior," she said, her voice heavy with resentment.
Romeo sighed, his eyes showing understanding. "People can't help wanting to feel superior," he said seriously. "It's hard to succeed in this country, and many believe success puts you above others."
"I don't blame you for hating honorary Spaniards," he added, "but if you act against them, you'll face consequences. You're brave, but you might cross one who could ruin you. It's better to avoid trouble."
He explained that honorary Spaniards held privileges, often protected by authorities even when wrong. "Arguing with them is pointless. Focus on your future instead of fighting their arrogance," he advised, his tone concerned.
She smirked, a hint of defiance in her expression. "I'm not stupid. I know when to fight and when to back off," she said. "But earlier, in the line and on the bus, I had my reasons for standing my ground."
Before he could respond, the waiter brought desserts—leche flan, chocolate cake, and ice cream. Her eyes widened. "You ordered this too?" she asked, stunned.
"A meal's not complete without dessert," Romeo replied, digging into the leche flan.
As they ate, she smiled, softer than before. "This is the first time a *Hilaw* has treated me," she said playfully. "You're arrogant, but not as bad as the others."
Her brow furrowed with curiosity/CustomContext. "Why are you treating me, a Filipino? And it's weird you're alone despite being rich. Don't you have friends?" she asked.
He sighed. "My job's too complicated, so I don't have time to make friends outside of work," he said, his tone tinged with sadness.
She laughed, seizing the chance to tease him. "Even with all your money, you've got no friends? Maybe you're just a jerk," she joked, her eyes twinkling.
"I'm arrogant and strict, but I know how to get along with people, Filipino or Spaniard," he defended. "I grew up poor. Becoming an honorary Spaniard changed my life. I faced oppression before, and I hate seeing it done to others, so I'd never do it myself."
He explained that being called *Hilaw* was discrimination, a reminder of Filipino resentment toward honorary Spaniards. "Becoming one changed my life. If I hadn't accepted that privilege, I'd probably be in a slum, starving, or worse, dead," he said, his voice heavy with truth and regret.
"I'm not saying I did the right thing, but that privilege let me help others. It may sound selfish, but it was the only way I saw to live decently. I won't let poverty kill me," he added, his eyes deep with emotion.
She sighed and apologized. "I'm not judging your life," she said softly. "I'm just used to calling people like you *Hilaw*. Sorry."
"Don't worry, I get it," he replied, his smile gentle. "We don't really know each other. But honestly, I don't have other friends, so I had no one to bring here. My job makes me forget myself sometimes, so I unwind with games when I'm free."
She smiled, warmed by his openness. "I see."
"I don't care if you're Filipino, Spaniard, or whatever. I just needed a gaming buddy today," he said, eating.
"Then I'll keep you company, as long as you keep treating me," she teased, her smile bright.
As they talked, his phone buzzed with a notification from the gaming community's social media group—a contest was starting in the convention hall. Before he could speak, she lit up. "Hey, since you love games, do you know *Phitopia*?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"*Phitopia*?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
She showed him a popular MMORPG on her phone, explaining its events and team-based quests. "I'm top 20 on the PH leaderboard—not to brag, but I'm kind of a big deal," she said proudly. "If you play, message me. I'll help with quests."
He chuckled, slightly annoyed by her boasting. "I don't play MMORPGs much. They're too time-consuming, and I don't have gamer friends for parties," he said.
She looked at him, almost pityingly. "Oh right, you don't have friends," she teased, smirking.
"Stop that," he said, annoyed but smiling.
She offered to join him in *Phitopia* if he played, sharing her account details. "I've mastered the game, so I can definitely help you," she said confidently.
After eating, they returned to the convention and joined a 2v2 battle contest, winning two keychains—a cat and a dog. Romeo gave her the cat and pocketed the dog, a memento of the day.
Minutes later, his phone rang. He excused himself, saying, "I'll be right back," his tone suddenly serious.
Stepping away, he spoke to Peter. "General, the Katipunan is moving toward Cavite. They're planning something," Peter reported, his voice tense.
"I'm in Pasay," Romeo replied, calm but firm. "Monitor their movements. Don't engage until I arrive."
He hurried out, catching a bus back to the province. The Katipunan might stir trouble, possibly to take Spanish hostages. His heart was heavy, but his mind was locked on the mission.
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That night, Romeo assembled his soldiers at a Cavite military base. He knew the Katipunan had a larger plan that had to be stopped. They entered a room where General Apyong, Cavite's Gobernador Heneral, awaited in his wheelchair.
"Good evening, General," Apyong greeted, his smile warm but tinged with worry. "I'm glad you're here to help."
"The Katipunan is my responsibility," Romeo replied, his voice resolute. "I'd appreciate your help in ending this."
Apyong smiled, pleased by Romeo's resolve. "We've been friends for years. I'll help however I can," he said sincerely.
Peter displayed a map on his tablet, explaining, "Reports say the rebels are in Cavite. They evaded our trackers with signal jammers, but we got their location in Kawit, at an old facility."
"It's too late to wait," Romeo said, his eyes burning with determination. "Let's finish this."
They wasted no time, speeding through dark roads in black armored vans toward the rebels' stronghold. The silence inside was thick with tension, every soldier ready for battle.
Minutes later, Peter gasped. "General, big problem! The target's moving!" he reported, alarmed. "They're in vehicles, heading to the city. I suspect they're planning something bad."
"Can creeper intercept them?" Apyong asked, his voice tense.
"We can take another route to cut them off," Peter replied, fear in his tone. "But, General, if we confront them, it could get messy in a crowded area."
"We don't know their plan," Apyong said, his eyes worried. "If they reach the town, civilians could get caught."
Romeo nodded, his mind racing. "Their movements are suspicious. Why bring weapons to town if they're not up to something?" he said confidently. "They're planning an attack, and we need to stop it."
He ordered Peter to find routes to intercept the rebels quickly. Apyong directed his men to protect civilians in town. They knew a fight was inevitable, but civilian safety was paramount.
Minutes later, they reached a highway. Peter warned their paths would cross, ensuring a confrontation. "General, if we ambush them here, motorists could get caught," he said, worried.
"We're out of time for another plan," Romeo replied firmly. "This is the best spot."
Apyong closed his eyes, his body and wheelchair enveloped in a powerful aura. "Let's move while we can," he said, his voice commanding.
"Abby, stay with the vans and block civilian traffic," Romeo ordered, his eyes fixed on the dark road.
Outside, as the rebels sped along the highway in over ten vehicles loaded with weapons and men, their lead driver saw a glowing object rise in the sky. "What's that?" he whispered, eyes wide.
A giant hand descended, flipping their vehicle. The convoy halted in shock. Another massive hand, conjured by Apyong's power, struck another vehicle, sparking chaos. Rebels poured out, firing at the spectral hands.
Hundreds of balisong knives rained from the sky like stars, striking rebels' arms and legs, felling them in pain. Romeo's soldiers arrived, armed and ready, and the clash began.
The rebels fought back, wielding red-crystal weapons that unleashed powerful energy blasts. Tendrils emerged from portals, ensnaring soldiers and disrupting their ranks.
"I didn't expect you to know we were coming," a familiar voice sneered. A portal opened, and Martin, the Katipunan leader, emerged with two envoys: Jana of Tanauan, with tendrils on her back, and Manila's envoy, a muscular man in a hat, his presence chilling.
A massive portal opened above, unleashing Ursarion—a terrifying beast. Romeo knew they were in for a fight. He leapt to the highway's center, alone, facing the rebels.
In an instant, he unleashed his power—a colossal turkey of thousands of balisong knives, its light piercing the night. "We meet again, Martin," he said, his voice resolute as Batangas' envoy.
Martin, cloaked in dark energy, laughed mockingly. "Hahaha, so it's you, the foolish traitor of Filipinos," he taunted, his eyes burning with hatred.
Apyong descended in his glowing wheelchair. "So this is the Katipunan leader," he said to Romeo, his tone serious yet concerned.
Apyong eyed Martin's envoys, warning, "Their energy's no joke, Romeo. Be careful."
Martin's face hardened, irritated by Apyong's arrival. Noticing their matching uniforms, he sneered, "You brought another Spanish lapdog. Think two generals can take me down?"
A fearsome aura enveloped Martin, making soldiers tremble. "His presence is terrifying," one whispered, fear evident.
Romeo sensed Martin was stronger than before. "You've regained your strength," he said calmly but firmly. "But no matter how powerful, I know your weakness."
Martin laughed, brimming with confidence. "You think my weakness is Ursarion? You won't trick me twice," he said, pointing to the beast. Over a hundred heads of young Spanish children emerged from Ursarion's flesh, their eyes filled with terror.
The sight horrified everyone. Martin was using the children as a human shield to protect Ursarion. Rage surged through Romeo, his fists clenched, and he roared Martin's name.
"You're a monster, Martin!" he shouted, his voice thick with fury, ready to charge despite the danger.
Martin's demonic laughter echoed, dripping with desperation. He no longer cared who got caught in the fight, driven only by victory. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Come on, little general, show me what you've got!" he taunted, his voice brimming with arrogance.
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