Chapter 57: The Battle in the Darkness
Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of a gaming convention in Pasay, Romeo spent a rare day off immersed in a colorful world of games, music, and laughter. The whirring of machines, the shouts of players, and the neon lights of the booths offered him a fleeting sanctuary from the heavy burden of his office as the Governor-General of Batangas. Despite his high rank, he was there as an ordinary young man, seeking a spark of joy in the simple thrill of gaming.
He was playing alongside the girl he had met at the bus station—the one with short hair and a black jacket, possessed of a tomboyish charm and a defiant gaze that bowed to no one. Although they had bickered earlier in the ticket line and on the bus, it hadn't stopped him from inviting her to play. To him, her identity didn't matter; what mattered was her energy and competitive spirit—the exact qualities he looked for in a rival.
They played for hours, hopping from shooters to racing games like two children lost in their own world. Their laughter and playful banter felt effortless, as if they had been friends for years. After a while, they faced off in a final, intense match. For the twentieth time, Romeo emerged victorious. He couldn't resist a bit of gloating.
"What now? Can you still keep up with me?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery but softened by a playful smirk.
Insulted, the girl's eyes flared with annoyance. "I beat you four times already!" she shot back defensively. "I'm just not used to these kinds of games, so don't get too ahead of yourself!"
Romeo let out a laugh—one that was intentionally condescending. To him, she was just making excuses to mask her defeat. "Excuses, always excuses," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "If you're really that good, prove it in the next round."
Fuming, her cheeks flushed red. "And another thing—I'm hungry! I can't think straight on an empty stomach!" she complained, clutching her midsection.
Romeo checked his watch and realized it was past two in the afternoon. Time had slipped away in the heat of their competition. "You're right, I didn't notice the time," he said, his tone shifting to slight concern. "Come on, let's eat so we can get back to playing properly."
The girl didn't refuse, though a hint of hesitation lingered on her face. She followed Romeo out of the convention hall and into the mall's food court. However, since it was a Sunday, the area was swamped—families, groups of friends, and couples were packed into every corner.
"Good grief, there are so many people," she whispered, still holding her stomach. "I'm starving; my knees are starting to feel weak."
Romeo scanned the area, his eyes searching for an alternative. "We can't just stand here and wait for a table," he said firmly. He grabbed her arm and led her away from the crowded food court.
"Wait, where are you taking me?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and worry.
Romeo stopped in front of an upscale restaurant. The entrance was adorned with elegant lighting, and the staff inside wore crisp, formal uniforms. "I don't eat here often, but it's good because it's not crowded. Let's eat here," he said with practical confidence.
The girl stared at the luxury of the establishment, her eyes wide. She dug her heels in. "Wait, I can't eat in a place like this! To be honest, I only have enough money for my fare and a burger at the food court. I'll just wait there."
Romeo sighed, stepped closer, and gently pulled her inside. "Don't worry about it. It's on me," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an air of authority that brooked no argument.
Reluctantly, she followed, the nervousness plain on her face. They were greeted by the staff and escorted to a prime table by the window, offering a view of the sprawling mall below. The table was set with a white linen cloth and polished silverware, as if prepared for a special occasion. The girl fidgeted, her eyes darting from the crystal chandeliers to the waiters carrying expensive-looking platters.
"Are you serious about paying? We could have just gone to a fast-food place," she said, her voice laced with doubt.
"You saw the crowd earlier. We'd just be wasting our time there," Romeo replied, settling into his chair. "I want to make the most of my day off, so we're staying here."
"But it looks so expensive. This place is for rich people," she protested, glancing at the menu handed to her.
Romeo leaned his chin on his hand, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "I know. This place is exclusive; you usually need a reservation. But I have a VIP card, so we get seated immediately. Don't worry about the cost—it's nothing to me."
When she finally looked at the prices on the menu, her jaw nearly dropped. "What?! A thousand pesos for a single plate of steak?!" she hissed in disbelief.
Romeo looked at her, realizing she wasn't accustomed to such extravagance. "I'll order for both of us," he said smoothly. He signaled the waiter and expertly ordered two sets of steak, salad, and drinks as if it were second nature. Once the waiter left, the girl leaned in and whispered, "The prices here are daylight robbery! Are you sure about this? I didn't ask for this."
Romeo smiled, genuinely amused by her reaction. "I'm a wealthy man. My family earns a million a month from business, and I have my own salary. You don't need to fear the bill."
Her eyes went wide again. "Wait, you actually work? You look like a student," she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Romeo admitted he was only sixteen but had finished his studies at thirteen. Since then, he had been working for the government and was well-compensated for his services. "I'm not trying to brag, but I had to learn things early," he added seriously.
"Ah, I see," she said, tilting her head. "So you're with the government? What exactly do you do?"
Romeo hesitated. He couldn't exactly reveal he was the Governor-General of Batangas while trying to maintain his cover. "I'm sorry, but my work is classified. Let's just say I'm well-paid for what I do for the state," he answered cautiously.
As they spoke, the staff arrived with sizzling steaks accompanied by mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Simultaneously, a group of musicians approached their table, violins ready to play. The girl jumped slightly, her eyes wide with panic. "Wait, why are there musicians?" she whispered frantically.
Romeo chuckled. "Usually, couples reserve this place for dates, so they provide musicians for the ambiance." Noting her extreme discomfort, he signaled the crew to stop. "My apologies, but that won't be necessary. Thank you," he said politely but firmly.
Once they left, the girl slumped in relief. "I noticed every table here is only for two people," she said, scratching her head. She joked, "They probably think we're on a date because it's just the two of us."
Romeo considered the thought. "Well, technically, it is like a date. We've been together all day, playing games, and now we're sharing a meal," he said, his tone teasing yet with a hint of sincerity.
"Ha? This isn't a date!" she protested, her face turning beet red. "I only came with you because you lent me your VIP card. Besides, I don't even know you!"
Romeo laughed, enjoying her reaction. "I don't know what your definition of a date is, but to me, going out, eating, and having fun with someone is a date, even if we're strangers."
She winced and countered immediately. "A date requires mutual consent or an agreement! This is just us hanging out because of a favor!"
"Why is the idea of a date such a big deal to you?" Romeo asked, genuinely curious. "From what I see in shows, it's normal for young people. There are even blind dates where strangers meet for the first time."
"Even so! There still needs to be an agreement for it to be called a date!" she insisted.
"I didn't expect such a reaction, but fine—I'm officially calling this a date," Romeo teased.
"It is not! Do you actually enjoy annoying me?"
"I'm not annoying you, I'm just telling the truth. I don't see any problem with us eating together," Romeo said with a smile. He watched her get defensive. "You act like you're afraid to date me. This is my first time dating a girl I don't know. Is the idea of dating me really that bad?"
The girl paused, her blush deepening. "It's not that," she said, her voice suddenly small. "It's just… this is also my first time eating out with a guy."
Romeo stared at her, studying her features. His gaze made her squirm. "Why are you staring? What's your problem?" she snapped.
"I just never imagined I'd be out eating with a girl—especially one dressed in men's clothes," he said, eyeing her outfit.
"Tsk, what's wrong with what I'm wearing? I like it!" she defended. "I'm boyish, and I'm comfortable like this. If you don't like it, I don't care!" Catching him staring again, she added, "Hey, I just told you I'm a tomboy, so stop looking at me like that!"
Romeo's brow furrowed. "Is this also your first time going on a 'date' with a guy?"
"I am not accepting that this is a date!" she yelled in frustration. "I came here to play, not to date!"
Romeo laughed. "According to what I've seen, tomboys usually prefer other girls. So that means I'm the first guy you've ever been with in a situation like this."
Her eyes burned with rage. "Stop it! This isn't a date, and I would never date a Hilaw (Half-breed/Honorary Spaniard) like you!"
Romeo's smile remained light. "I'm just joking. Honestly, eating out with others isn't a big deal to me; it happens often in my line of work." He noticed her lingering resentment and asked, "Let me ask you—like the others, do you hate Honorary Spaniards? I know many Filipinos see us as traitors."
The air grew still for a moment. "Tsk, I don't care what others say about you," she said sternly. "I personally find you annoying because you're too arrogant. I feel like you treat us Filipinos like slaves, just like the real Spaniards do." She admitted she hated the idea of Filipinos looking down on their own kind just because they sided with the colonizers.
Romeo sighed with a look of understanding. "It's human nature to be proud or want to be above others. Success is hard to find in this country, and many believe that once you succeed, you've risen above the rest."
"I can't blame you for being angry at Honorary Spaniards," he added, "but I want to remind you that if you act out against them, you'll be the one punished. You're brave, but you might run into an Honorary Spaniard who will ruin you. It's better to just avoid them." He explained that they hold privileges and that authorities often side with them even when they are wrong. "Arguing with them is useless. Think about your future rather than seeking revenge for their arrogance."
The girl offered a cocky smile. "I'm not stupid. I know when to fight and when not to. But my reason for arguing with you earlier in the line and on the bus was different. I had a reason."
Before Romeo could ask, the waiter returned with desserts—leche flan, chocolate cake, and ice cream. The girl stared at the spread. "You ordered this too?"
"A meal isn't complete without dessert," Romeo said, digging into the flan.
As they ate, the girl's smile softened. "This is the first time a Hilaw has treated me," she joked. "Even if you're arrogant, you're not as bad as the others." She paused, her brow knitting. "Why are you treating me even though I'm Filipino? It's strange that someone as rich as you is alone. Don't you have other friends to treat?"
Romeo let out a heavy breath. "My work is complicated. I don't have time to make friends outside of my colleagues."
She laughed, seizing the chance to tease him back. "It's weird. Rich but no friends? Maybe you just have a terrible personality."
Romeo continued eating calmly. "I'm arrogant and strict, but I know how to treat people, whether they're Filipino or Spanish. I grew up poor. When I got the chance to become an Honorary Spaniard, my life changed. I experienced oppression back then, and it sickens me when I see it happening to others. I would never do that to anyone."
He explained that being called a Hilaw was a form of discrimination—a reminder of the Filipinos' hatred for his kind. "Being an Honorary Spaniard saved me. If I hadn't accepted that privilege, I'd probably still be in a slum, starving, or worse, dead. I'm not saying what I did was 'right,' but I've been able to help many people because of it. It might be selfish, but it was the only way I saw to live a decent life. I wasn't going to just let myself die in poverty."
The girl sighed and offered a quiet apology. "I'm not judging your life. I've just gotten used to calling people like you Hilaw. Sorry."
"Don't worry, I understand," Romeo replied with a gentle smile. "We don't really know each other. But I admit, I don't have friends to bring to places like this. My work makes me forget myself sometimes, so when I have free time, I escape through games."
She smiled, touched by his honesty. "Oh... I see. I can't imagine having no friends. Well, I don't care if you're Filipino, Spanish, or whatever. I just needed a gaming partner today."
"In that case, I'll keep playing with you—as long as you keep treating me," she joked.
Suddenly, Romeo's phone buzzed with a notification from a gaming community group—a contest was starting in the convention hall. Before he could speak, the girl remembered something. "Wait, since you love games, do you know Phitopia?"
"Phitopia?"
She pulled out her phone and showed him a popular MMORPG. She explained the game's events and team-based quests. "I'm in the Top 20 on the PH leaderboard. Not to brag, but I'm kind of a big deal in this game. If you ever play, message me. I'll carry you through the quests."
Romeo laughed, slightly annoyed by her boasting. "I don't usually play MMORPGs. They're time-consuming, and I don't have gamer friends for a party."
She looked at him with mock pity. "Right, I forgot. No friends."
"Stop that," Romeo replied, grinning despite himself. She showed him her account details and promised to help him learn the ropes.
After eating, they returned to the convention and joined the contests. In a 2v2 battle, they won two keychains—a cat and a dog. Romeo gave the cat to the girl and tucked the dog into his pocket as a memento.
A few minutes later, Romeo's phone rang again. After taking the call, his expression shifted to total seriousness. "Wait here, I'll be right back," he told her.
Once he was clear of the crowd, he spoke to Peter. "General, the Katipunan is moving toward Cavite. They're planning something," Peter reported urgently.
"I'm in Pasay," Romeo replied calmly. "Monitor their movements. Do not engage until I arrive."
He rushed out of the mall and caught a bus back to the province. He knew the Katipunan might be planning another raid to take Spanish captives.
That night, Romeo gathered his soldiers at a military base in Cavite. He entered a room where he was met by General Apyong, the Governor-General of Cavite, who was seated in his wheelchair.
"Good evening, General," Apyong greeted with a warm but worried smile. "I'm glad you're here to help."
"It's my job to suppress the Katipunan," Romeo replied. "I'd be more grateful if you helped me finish this problem once and for all."
Apyong smiled at Romeo's bluntness. "We've been friends for a long time. I'll help in any way I can."
Peter displayed a map on a tablet. "Reports say the rebels have entered Cavite. They were using signal jammers, but once they moved away from them, we regained their location. They are in Kawit, at an old facility."
"It's late enough," Romeo said, his eyes burning with resolve. "Let's go. Let's finish this so we can get some sleep."
They didn't waste time. Boarding black armored vans, they sped through the dark roads toward the rebel stronghold. The tension inside the van was thick. Suddenly, Peter called out, "General, big problem! The targets are moving!"
"Based on their speed, they're in vehicles," Peter added. "They're heading toward the city. I suspect they have foul intentions."
"Can we intercept them?" Apyong asked.
"We can take a shortcut to meet them head-on," Peter answered, his voice trembling slightly. "But General, if we block them there, it might cause chaos in a populated area."
"We don't know what their plan is, bringing weapons into the city," Apyong said. "If they reach the town, more civilians will be caught in the crossfire."
Romeo agreed. "Their movement is suspicious. Why bring weapons to town if not for something bad? We have to stop them."
Minutes later, they reached a highway. Peter warned that they were on a collision course with the rebels. "General, if we intercept them here, motorists might get caught in the middle."
"We don't have time for another plan," Romeo countered. "This is the best place for an ambush."
Apyong closed his eyes, and a powerful energy began to envelop his body and his wheelchair. "Let's move while there's still time," he commanded.
"Abby, stay in the vehicle and go ahead to block any incoming civilian traffic," Romeo ordered.
Outside, the rebel convoy—over ten vehicles strong and bristling with arms—sped down the highway. The lead driver noticed a glowing object ascending into the sky. "What is that?"
Suddenly, a giant spectral hand descended with terrifying speed. The driver tried to slam on the brakes, but the hand snatched the vehicle and flipped it over. The convoy screeched to a halt. A second giant hand, manifested by Apyong's power, materialized and hurled another rebel vehicle aside, sowing instant chaos.
The rebels poured out of their cars, firing wildly at the giant hands. In the midst of the fray, hundreds of balisongs (butterfly knives) appeared in the sky like falling stars, raining down on the rebels. Several were struck in the limbs, collapsing in agony. Romeo's soldiers arrived, fully armed, and engaged the enemy.
The rebels fought back fiercely. Using weapons infused with red crystals, they fired energy-enhanced rounds at the soldiers. Portals opened, and tentacles reached out to snatch soldiers and disrupt their ranks.
"I didn't expect you to catch wind of our arrival," a familiar voice echoed.
A portal opened, and Martin, the leader of the Katipunan, stepped out with two envoys. To his left was Jana, the envoy of Tanauan, with octopus-like tentacles writhing from her back. To his right was the envoy of Manila, a muscular man in a black hat whose oppressive presence weighed heavily on the surroundings.
Above them, a massive portal tore open, revealing the Ursarion—a monstrous creature far larger than it had been before.
Romeo knew this would be a desperate fight. He leaped into the center of the highway alone to face the rebels. In an instant, his power surged. A massive peacock, constructed from thousands of shimmering balisongs, formed behind him, its blue light piercing the darkness.
"We meet again, Martin," Romeo said, his voice ringing with the resolve of the Envoy of Batangas.
Martin was shrouded in black energy, his laughter mocking. "Hahaha, so it's you, the foolish traitor of the Filipinos."
Apyong's floating wheelchair descended from the sky. "So, this is the leader of the Katipunan you mentioned," he said to Romeo, his tone grave. He glanced at the two envoys. "Their energy is no joke, Romeo. Be careful."
Martin's face darkened, annoyed by Apyong's arrival. Noticing their matching uniforms, he sneered. "I see you brought another one of Spain's lapdogs. Do you really think two generals are enough to catch me?" He unleashed a terrifying aura that made the regular soldiers tremble.
Romeo felt the staggering increase in Martin's power compared to their last encounter. He realized the Ursarion was fueling Martin's strength. "It seems you've recovered your strength," Romeo said firmly. "But no matter how much energy you have, I already know your weakness."
Martin laughed. "Are you referring to the Ursarion? You won't take me down the same way twice." He pointed to the monster.
Suddenly, over a hundred heads of Spanish children emerged from the Ursarion's skin, their eyes wide with terror. Everyone gasped in horror. Martin was using the children as a living human shield to protect the beast.
Romeo's blood boiled. His fists clenched so hard they shook. "You absolute monster, MARTIN!!!" he screamed, his voice thick with rage.
Martin laughed like a demon, his desperation turned into madness. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Come then, little general! Show me what you can do!"
End of Chapter.