[Fanfic] Looking Back chapter 19
Title: Looking back
Characters/Pairings: OCPhilippjnes, ASEAN+3, Spain, America, England
Rating: T
Warning: Swearing, inappropriate behavior, and some cheesy stuff
Summary/Preview:
Alfred dismissed him casually, "Naw. I'm not going there to take over Spain's place. I'm going there to rescue, a hero on his way to save the lady." He chuckled, "I thought we established it already that I'm not like you."
Arthur sighed, "Look, before I send you off to a heartbreak, let me tell you this: It never was a kind world, Alfred and it never will be." He told him with certainty, "If you go and win a war, you better accept the fact that you have the greater power. And if you have greater power, that will make a difference. And if you have a difference, well, idiot, you have yourself another fucking war with the idiots who don't understand you."
Malaysia was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His captor had left him with nothing else to do other than dread the day she'll come back. And he didn't dare risk escaping the guards around her estate, even if it included a whole mountain. The house was situated in a clearing in the deep of the forest. It takes an hour to get to the nearest cemented road. Why the hell she put her house there, he had no idea. The last time he was actually staying voluntarily there, it was Clara's birthday.
After glaring at the lizard on the ceiling for a whole ten minutes, he took a deep breath, got himself off the bed and made his way downstairs. Might as well make himself some food, it's nearly night time.
He sat on the kitchen island, eating his meal when pain suddenly shot up his arm. He rolled his sleeves. His small patch of pintados tattoo was reddening, as if it was newly placed. Sabah is being attacked. Malaysia grimaced. She's really planning to take everything of his, starting with Sabah which they had fought over for years.
"Damn, so that's where she went." He rolled back his sleeves and continued eating. He needed a plan to escape back to his homeland, secure Brunei and fight back. Sabah is too close to Brunei, she might not be able to control the situation if her Sultan wishes to defend. He wants to come back to her and take back what he said.
Thinking about Brunei...he pushed back the plate of sliced fruit on the counter and stared at it as if it had offended him somewhat. He started worrying about her again. His sister never really told him anything more about Brunei's welfare but he had a feeling something's wrong. He can't help but fear for her.
He took out the black phone from his pocket and contemplated whether the call would get through this time. He hadn't tried to call her yet again after the last phone call. He suddenly asked himself why he didn't do so even after Clara was gone.
He looked around and saw that the nearest guard was at least a hundred feet away he could barely see them. He was sure no one else was in the house. Malaysia called Brunei's cell.
"I want navy troops advancing towards Vietnam at 0200 hours tomorrow. And start getting me inside information on Vietnam's military bases, didn't I already ask for that yesterday?" Philippines stormed inside the temporary command center in Sabah, glaring down her military general and some naval officers.
"Are we to invade upon arrival, commander?" a puzzled officer asked, though he's getting ready to move his ships out of the harbour as recently instructed.
Philippines rolled her eyes, "No. I just want you preventing her from flying over my head like earlier!" She had been quite agitated but relaxed when no fires were shot between the two of them...which also disappointed her a bit. It's too bad she wasn't carrying an anti-tank rifle at the time. She didn't want any loose ends, any chance they could sneak up on her is a chance they could turn the tables on her.
The officer saluted and walked out to prepare his sailors.
She made her way to the table in the center of the room where piles of reports and terrain maps were placed. She unravelled one such map and examined it. "Has the city been placed under Martial Law?" she began.
"Yes. We have announced the invasion. Unfortunately, the government officials have managed to hide and escape." The Navy commander answered. He had chased their escape cruiser earlier but they still manage to lose them. "They headed towards the direction of Kuala Lumpur."
Philippines just nodded, taking in the information. "That's still fine. I don't want to feed such prisoners."
"We're still arranging for local casualties to be buried, tomorrow we'll start the clean-up."
Philippines rolled her eyes at the man, "They're Muslim. They'd probably buried them already. Let the locals do that kind of stuff. Mind your own men." she went to the papers.
The Navy commander looked at the army general who just shrugged. They really can't complain on how she wanted things to run.
"Place a battalion here and here." Philippines commanded the general as they looked over the plans sprawled on the table. She eyed the nations of Vietnam and Thailand critically. She wants them down and she wants it soon. "Make sure you have a clear view of incoming enemy."
"How about the civilians?" the middle-aged general asked her. She only brought two generals and seven thousand soldiers for the invasion of Borneo but so far, casualties on her side had not amounted to even half a thousand yet.
Philippines scanned the terrains. There were many marked civilian villages along the way she had planned to break through to the southern part of the island. She doesn't want to take prisoners or even send them all to concentration camps. She wants to invade the whole island without decreasing its population alarmingly. "Just pass through the villages but if they offer resistance..." she told the general, "Don't hesitate to make them obey. We're not taking civilian prisoners. Kill all insurgents if they don't surrender."
The general swallowed before saying his last report, "Your father called when you were busy earlier." He informed her and ended up the one surprised with her uncaring expression. She also used to brighten up immediately at the mention of her father remembering to check on her.
"What did he say?" she did not even bother looking at the person she's talking to.
"He said he had to tell you personally so he asked to tell you to call him back as soon as possible."
"I don't have time for that." She answered briefly. She pursed her lips and searched through the pile of reports frantically, "Where's the report for the advanced unit I sent to round up the southern coast yesterday?"
"It's in here." The general handed her the designated folder, "I think you should call him sooner. He seemed really anxious to talk to you. He's your father after all." He advised her.
She dropped the report on the table and shot the older man a narrowed glare, "Do I look like I have the time to listen to his complaints about his boyfriend?"
The general blinked. Her father has a boyfriend? "No, ma'am. But I could recognize a worried father when I hear one." He asserted.
Philippines sighed and went back to her work, "Alright. I'll call him before I go to bed." Maybe she could have a start on Spain tonight, like she had done with America so he'd be entitled not to bother her for a moment while she thinks on a proper plan for them.
Philippines sat on the edge of her bed. They had occupied the house of one of the politicians who fled as a temporary lodging place. She flipped through her duffel bag and searched for her phone. She found her phone neatly placed at the bottom and started flipping through the messages and missed calls. There were twenty texts and ten missed calls from an increasingly panicky Antonio, a hate mail from Lovino, and two missed calls from her boss. And the most recent one was from Russia asking if she wanted any help. She erased that one without bothering to reply.
After laughing through Lovino's complaints about Spain, Philippines heard a familiar tune from inside her bag. After fishing for the elusive phone for a while, she picked up Brunei's phone and stared at the screen. Malaysia was calling.
She turned the phone off. Malaysia might make a connection if he knew that she has Brunei's phone. Maybe it was a wrong idea to leave them in the same house. With Brunei dying from hunger in a locked room while letting Malaysia snoop around. She turned back to her phone and called for the head of security at her house.
"Yes,ma'am?" a female voice answered.
"I changed my mind. Go guard him inside the house. Don't forbid him to go to any room, except for that one. I'm giving you the authority to punish him if he tries to get inside by force." She made a move to cut the conversation then remembered something.
"Hold on. I forgot to leave you orders but concerning the girl in the last room, go send a nurse to take care of her. Give her a bath and clean her room. But don't ever let her out or let the guy know what you are doing. I'd be back in a week." She finished.
With a yawn, she lied down on the canopied bad and went down through the names in contact list. She stopped at China's number but decided that it could wait until she could meet him personally. Instead she sent Uncle China a text stating that she wanted him to be at her house in a week's time if he was available.
She stopped again at Spain's number. She stared again for a while before calling. It kept on ringing and ringing. Philippines wondered if Lovino finally managed to knock him out or France and Gilbert took him to get drunk. It was a weekend even at the other side of the world.
Maybe having failed to answer his daughter's much-awaited return call might put off Spain for a few days before bothering her again. Or maybe he'd get more desperate. Philippines doubted the latter. How much is Antonio willing to care for an estranged daughter? They weren't really as close as they used to be even when Clara included learning Spanish in school four years back...
Philippines flipped through her contacts list again and stopped at America's number. A wicked feeling welled up in her mind which made her smile.
"I want to...mess you up some more."
Vietnam stood on the bridge of the battlecruiser, looking out at the Philippine naval ships parked just before her borders. The guts of the little girl to put only a few ships against Vietnam's whole fleet. They won't even stand a chance. And yet there they were, just within line of fire.
"The stupid girl is tempting me." Vietnam whispered to herself.
"You said something, ana?" a voice said behind her.
Vietnam turned around to see the Thai grinning at her, "Good morning, Vietnam. Nice day, isn't it?" he greeted before standing beside her near the railing.
"I didn't notice you jumping ship. You must have come from the back." She said. Thailand was there with some ships too when he heard that Philippine ships were already spotted near Vietnam's place. Malaysia's side of the island of Borneo must be already a pretty lost cause considering Thailand's also strengthening naval defence of the border he shares with Southern Borneo where his coast guard had spotted enemy vessels.
"I'd be returning by tonight, though. It seems Clara is planning to take me by South Borneo."
Vietnam narrowed her eyes, "Malaysian Borneo. Three days. That's about the fastest invasion I've heard of since World War two." She didn't really like to think of what measures Philippines were taking to ensure easy victory but she had some fighter planes look over Sabah two days ago and the whole place was like a ghost town. She wondered what happened to the civilians.
"Yes. She had Malaysia's boss fuming in rage. He fired the officials who fled from Sabah upon sight and ordered for all military operations to center on Kuala." He took off his glasses and wiped them on his shirt, "I'm expected to make my allegiance known sooner."
Vietnam nodded, "Were there any leads on Brunei's whereabouts?" she was worried. Just like Malaysia, they had lost all contact with her. She just disappeared like a bubble from her hotel room in Bangkok on the night before she was scheduled to return home. There were no records of her boarding other flights or any vehicle for that matter, even taxi drivers don't know.
Thailand's smile immediately dropped, "No. But there's only one place I've been thinking of the whole time and I'm still waiting for confirmation."
Vietnam let out a sigh, "Even if I don't trust her these days, I just can't imagine Clara harming Aryani, don't you think so, too?"
"I can't really say...though I'd like to think she's treated well. Clara has a reasonable treatment of prisoners of war, ana?" he answered.
Vietnam was not convinced. Brunei's boss was already itching to fight with the disappearance of his nation. Brunei's military power is quite formidable even if they are such a small country but...she's completely surrounded. What if Indonesia jumps into the fray suddenly and attacks her? She'd still be pulverized.
Speaking of which, "Had Indonesia done anything at all lately? He's completely off the news." She asked.
Thailand shook his head, "The man's quiet as ever, ana. I'm more afraid of him than Clara, in all honesty." He grinned again.
Vietnam allowed herself to smile, "That's hopeless. But I guess she wooed him to be her ally for that reason." Vietnam nodded towards the Philippine ships in the distance, "Don't you think she's getting too cocky lately?"
Thailand pouted, "Haven't been noticing. But since her troops are there, must mean she doesn't want you going beyond that point?"
"Wrong. It's not that. She placed them there to tempt me to attack. She wants me to start this war for her. She's already sure I won't get past my borders."
Thailand was silent for a moment before speaking again, "Now I see it. If you get on her borders, she'll kill you. If your breeze through Chinese borders with bomber planes, China might feel threatened and attack you, if you go around and attack from the Pacific, Indonesia has her back."
"She's practically made herself invincible." Vietnam concluded. "There's only one thing left that hasn't been cleared."
Thailand looked at her critically, "What is it?"
Vietnam leaned on the railings, "Why is she doing this just now? If she had been so angry this whole time, why now? There had been no signs, not even an event which could be enough motive. We've just accepted the fact that Philippines is moving for territorial dominion of SEA."
Thailand sighed, "People sometimes take actions others are not supposed to understand until it's over."
"And the reason?"
"More than half the time it's been done to protect others."
"Whatever it is, I'm not going to just sit quietly and wait until it's over." Vietnam let out an uncharacteristic smile, "Someone's got to show her that she's going about this the wrong way."
Canada glanced across the table at England calmly sipping tea even with France also preset in the room. It was unusual to see them together without a brawl going on...unless they're on the same side again. Which is not good too. But at least they both agreed that America should be booted out of his house soon. His brother was certainly just running away and was failing his duties.
"What are you two doing here?" America entered the dining area and sat farthest away from France, which was beside England.
England put down his teacup, "What are you doing here?" he started. Though he had an inkling about Alfred's problem.
Alfred shrugged, "I didn't think it would bother everybody that I'm visiting this guy's house." He pointed rudely at his brother who scoffed back at him.
"Of course it does! There I am, working my ass off gathering information and you're just here, watching Oprah! What do you think is the world at now, you git?"
Alfred narrowed his eyes at his former mentor, "How does it concern me?"
The other three in the room looked at him disbelievingly, America, who usually thinks the universe revolves around him, is not concerned with world affairs? England could already sense the headache coming.
"Maybe I should have checked if he really had a loose screw first, don't you think?" Canada said.
"L'amerique, we came here to talk about taking certain precautionary procedures pertaining to suspicious activity between our friends Russia and China and possibly..." France was fixated on his next word, "Philippines." She's about the only trouble-maker in the world right about now. Aside from some private civil wars, Philippines is the only one warring with other nations, and it wasn't sanctioned by the United Nations to boot.
Even Alfred who's never without war for the last century hadn't been at war ever since he finished with Iraq and Afghanistan three years earlier.
"I'm not interested in your war. I'm keeping my peace." Alfred reasoned out.
England clicked his tongue, "We can be not interested in this war." He retaliated, "However, you are very much the main player this time. I believe we're talking about Russia here. That messed-up giant will target you."
Alfred stood up and made to leave, "Whatever."
England had seen Alfred act like this before. Alfred really knows he would be forced to go to war. Then he'll refuse. Then something would happen that would leave no doubt in his mind but to get revenge and he'll come bursting into their ranks, acting like he's automatically leader of everyone else. Typical Alfred, he's so easy to read now that England had gotten used to how Alfred operates as a country. Why did he for just one moment thought that for once Alfred won't come fashionably late to an important war?
"Un moment, L'amerique." France suddenly called.
Alfred stopped by the door but did not bother facing France.
France excused Alfred's rudeness, "As part of the Security Council, me and Arthur had opted to cease economic ties with the Philippines to discourage her militarism." He eyed Alfred curiously, "We've asked China and Russia and they both refused to address the matter. What about you?"
Alfred fisted his hands on his sides. He knew that! He should discourage her too, that was the right thing to do. He knew he shouldn't let her hurt herself. He knew he should help her. He knew that he couldn't help her. He knew that he can't break off with her. There's too much in between them that he just can't throw away.
Alfred gritted his teeth, "I've already broken my promise with her to help her against her enemies," the other three knew he was pertaining to the Mutual Defense Treaty and that Alfred's boss refused to have him act on it in favour of answering the Russian threat, "I'm only allowed to keep economic ties with her at the very least." He answered. He hated the word 'at the very least'. Why couldn't it have been 'the very best'?
"And yet vous can't come to terms with your own course of action?" France added.
Alfred found himself nodding grimly. He faced France and England and looked at them with all the frustration he felt since he came there, "In every war, in every little thing, she supported me, risked her own safety to heal my wounds, and I was always thinking how perfect it would feel if one day I'm the one who's risking my life to help her, how awesome I must look in her eyes. She'd say I'm a 'hero', and I'd never believed anything more than I believe those simple words from her."
A heavy air hung around the room as America tried to suppress his bursting anguish but couldn't. He had treated these people as close friends, and two of them were his brothers. He can't help it anymore, he'd only been thinking to himself for the past few days and he himself thought it was driving him crazy. "And now that it matters, all I could offer her is retainment of economic ties. Economic ties? How the fuck is that gonna save her? It's like tossing her a thread!" his next words came out bitterly, "And that could be broken easily, and then there'd be nothing at all connecting us. I'm afraid she'll drift away from me." With another sad look, he left the house.
England watched his younger brother and pitied him. Philippines never made a move to ask for assistance from the United States of America in her current war. He hoped Alfred was also aware of that.
"Do you think it's okay to leave him alone?" Matthew asked, now truly worried about his brother's behavior.
England mulled over things silently in his head. "He's mature enough to take care of himself." He said. Alfred will be coming back later brighter than ever or heavily drunk. Whichever the case, Arthur won't be able to do anything about Alfred's problem.
"Anglettere, there's something-," France started.
"Shut up, frog. I know a liability when I see one." England frowned, staring at the cold tea in front of him. "But that doesn't change anything."
France smiled contentedly, "A hundred years and he still hasn't resolved it, just what I'd expect from a brother of yours, excluding my dear Matthew, of course."
"Francis." Matthew reprimanded.
France held his hands up as if in surrender, "I'm just saying, we better resolve this soon before someone takes advantage of him. It's quite easy to, the way I see it."
Arthur wanted to disagree with Francis out of habit but this time he knew he was right. "There's a U.N meeting two months from now at my place. We'll settle things there."
April 23, 1898 - dawn of May 1, 1898
Following Aguinaldo's surrender of the revolution, the people were not in the least perturbed about the lack of a sole national leader. Provincial leaders stepped forward here and there, taking charge of the revolution in their own fragments that by the time the Americans would arrive, the local revolutionaries had already taken back the whole island except the walled city of Manila.
In the months between Biak-na-bato and Aguinaldo's return, the Filipinos bravely continued their campaign for freedom, unaware that across the seas, budding imperialists plans to take away their right to independence.
All that Clara wanted to do when they got back to the palace was to sleep away the dread that was filling her inside completely and makes her want to throw up. Alfred and Antonio had been dragged into a war, and the Americans are planning to go after her, most likely to fight off the Spaniards. And then what? She knew they would lose. She was so sure of it. Once the Americans are in the islands, what would they do?
Alfred…her mind was running at an amazing speed. It was like when she was a child and she was watching Spain take over her land…losers had to give up everything, winners take them all.
The next day she went to see her governor and ask what they were up to.
She knocked on the office door, and waited impatiently. She could hear angry shouts from inside. The governor and his comrades appear to be arguing about something she's yet to know. The argument stopped when she was allowed to enter. Rivera was on his feet and seemed to be in argument with the Spanish navy commander Montojo.
"Ah, Senorita Clara, what is it now?" Rivera sat down on his seat and the other people in the room went back to the seats they had vacated in heat of the fight.
Rubbing her sweaty palms together, Clara made her way to the governor's desk, suddenly feeling awkward from the eyes of the old men at her, "I was just wondering about what you are doing in case, you know, the Americans attack." She said in a low voice, prompting the governor to lean closer just to hear her.
The governor sighed, "We are strengthening the fortifications and deciding where to engage the enemy in battle once they arrive." He answered calmly.
"I see." Clara nodded, "So…can I ask where you're planning to wait for them?"
"I was suggesting that they do the fighting at Sangley Point in Cavite but Admiral Montojo here wants to engage them at Subic bay up north. He's already sent men to mine Subic." Rivera's speech oozed venom at the Admiral.
"I told you we should take the fighting as far away from this city as possible! Subic is the best choice!" Montojo argued.
"We are already out of time! The Americans are already on their way here and will be here before you could complete those goddamn mines! May I remind you that we are still fending off the insurrectos? If you fight near here, the battery stations could help you return fire!" another official shouted back.
"Yes, but the point is to keep this city intact, that was the standing order!" another fired.
"The shallow waters at Cavite would make it easier for your men to get ashore if you sank!" the governor retaliated.
Clara quietly left the room and went back to her own.
She sat up in bed, scanned her room and finding a pen and piece of paper, wrote down a simple message to Aguinaldo. Maria was already down in the kitchen, still moping about what she said earlier. She got up and went to find her. She needed to contact Aguinaldo.
"Maria! Where are you? Maria!" she called as she entered the kitchen and did not find Maria there. Clara sighed and pushed the back door open, and looking around, found Maria fanning herself in the lanai. "There you are!" she said as she ran up to the older woman.
Maria gave her a dirty look, "What is it, little brat?" she said, irritated, fanning herself faster.
"Do you know if there's a telegraph line from here to Hongkong?" Clara asked.
Maria's angry expression mellowed a bit as she browsed her memory, "I think I once accompanied the governor to open a telegraph line from that place…I think it was somewhere in Northern Zambales…it was recently overtaken by rebels though."
"Great. Go there for me." Clara said quickly.
"What? Are you nuts? There's a war going on outside and you're asking me to leave the safest place on Earth?" Maria interjected, "What am I going to do there anyway? I mean, why don't you go yourself?"
Clara clicked her tongue impatiently, "Don't complain, just do it. And I want you to send a telegraph to Aguinaldo."
"What? Do you know what the governor would do to me if I get caught in possession of such a letter? He'll hang me! By my toes!" Maria hissed angrily, closing her fan and pointing it at her toes.
"No, he wouldn't! And it would be better if you get out of here, this is the palace, not the safest place on Earth. Invaders always go for the big houses, don't you know that?" Clara retaliated, pulling on the reluctant older woman's arm.
"Alright, I will! Stop pulling on my sleeve like a baby!" Maria angrily swatted the other's hand away. "Now where is this letter you're talking about?" she then started grumbling curses about stupid nations and whatnot.
"Here." Clara pulled out a letter. "Have them telegraph this. And wait for the answer. I'll tell them I sent you on vacation or better yet, I fired your sorry butt out." She chuckled.
Maria grabbed the letter and hastily put it in her skirt's pocket. "You better pray this works, lady brat."
"Yeah yeah. Thanks, Maria. Pack your bags now." Clara pushed Maria out of the kitchen and went on her way to see her governor. She found him on the lobby, still arguing with the departing Montojo. It seems Montojo really wants to go to Subic. She waited for Montojo to leave before waiting for the governor at the top of the stairs
"There you are. I was about to call for you." The governor said as he grabbed Clara's wrist and pulled her down the stairs.
"Wait! Where are you taking me?" she yelled as she struggled to get out of the governor-general's firm grasp on her arm.
"Fort Santiago. You'll be safe there once the enemy bombards the walls." He said as he pushed her inside a calesa and told the driver to hurry up.
"I thought the admiral is taking the fight to Subic?" she retaliated, struggling out of the tight hold. She had a feeling she had been through this before.
"Yes, he thinks that. But I bet he'll be back here once he realizes that Subic won't be ready on time."
Once she properly situated herself on her seat, she glared at Rivera, "And what are you planning to do? Sell me again once you find yourselves surrounded?"
Rivera snorted at her before looking away, "I'm a politician, not a bishop. I believe we do have a difference in principles."
"Yeah, but not for much longer." She turned to look at the walls as they passed by. Soldiers were running up and down, carrying cannon balls and more guns. She wondered about the point of protecting a small walled city while everything outside has already been taken. She didn't get to tell Maria where to find her. But Maria will find her eventually.
Once they were inside the fortress, she was led to the church at the back, overlooking the Pasig river. "We'd block the river. I'd send someone to take you away if ever the navy don't hold out." He told her fervently.
Clara stared at the man. He's deliberately treating her like a damsel in distress. She scoffed. This is not a fairy tale and she's not a puny little weakling princess. She's just waiting for the right time to strike. If she could work the Americans' attack to her advantage, she will. But for now, she had to lie low.
Well informed of what could be going through her mind when the girl's silent, the governor added, "Don't do anything stupid now, like trying to run away on your own, as much as I hate my job, I respect Senor Antonio and therefore I will do everything in my power to keep you from harm. So for the love of god, I'm begging you, don't do anything that would add to my worries, like jumping from that height." He pertained to the ledge. Clara snorted.
"Like I'd be of any help anywhere. Just leave me alone. I'll be fine here. If Maria comes back to the palace, send her to accompany me here. Until then, I'll be waiting." She said.
The governor assured her that it will be done without getting suspicious about where Maria was coming in from. "Then I will leave you here." And with one last look, he left her.
Years before the actual battle, the American military had been preparing for a war scenario with Spain. George Dewey's Asiatic Fleet consisted of only four ships. His flagship was the cruiser USS Olympia. The other ships were the USS Boston, a small cruiser; USS Petrel, a gunboat; and the USS Monocacy, a paddle wheel steamer. Alfred knew he didn't have much with him when he was cabled to set sail for Hongkong and await further orders.
With Germany seizing the Tsingtao, Alfred's remained the only Far East navy fleet without a local base. And one of his major problems is his allotment of ammunition. They were severely inadequate. He can't very well attack Spain's major Pacific colony with only sixty percent of his magazines filled. And that's after he got some last minute backup addition of support vessels.
"What the bloody hell are you still doing here?" an irritated familiar voice said behind him. Alfred found England standing beside him with his arms folded over his chest and looking out to sea. "Your company's already on Mirs Bay." Mirs Bay is 30 miles away and Alfred's fleet had been there once the declaration of war was issued. Hongkong must remain neutral or else he might be dragged into it too.
"I'd take the speed boat when they're ready." Alfred laughed nervously, "You think Clara will be happy to see me? It's been so long since we had any contact. What if she takes this the wrong way?"
He got a punch to the arm, "Don't give me that bullshit! Yesterday you were so excited you wet your pants!" England smirked.
Alfred grimaced in pain, rubbing the sore spot, "Heroes do not wet their pants. Someone...spilled their coffee on me." he went back to looking out to sea, "You going in?"
Arthur scoffed, following his gaze, "Like hell I'm just going to sit back and watch the Iberian bastard's sad excuse for an empire crumble at the sidelines. Of course I won't miss out on the fun, idiot. I have a feeling the frog's chipping in his two cents too."
"He is? I thought he wanted Spain to back down?" Alfred wondered.
Arthur gave him a look, "You should know better than that, young lad. This war is going to knock Spain from orbit and place you," he pointed at Alfred, "as an advent major player in the world."
Alfred dismissed him casually, "Naw. I'm not going there to take over Spain's place. I'm going there to rescue, a hero on his way to save the lady." He chuckled, "I thought we established it already that I'm not like you."
Arthur sighed, "Look, before I send you off to a heartbreak, let me tell you this: It never was a kind world, Alfred and it never will be." He told him with certainty, "If you go and win a war, you better accept the fact that you have the greater power. And if you have greater power, that will make a difference. And if you have a difference, well, idiot, you have yourself another fucking war with the idiots who don't understand you."
"And I'm telling you, I'm a hero! Get that past your eyebrows and into your brain!" Alfred answered stubbornly, "And I refuse to let the eagle lay its talons on another land!" the very idea does not sit with him well ever.
Arthur snorted, "Right, tell that to the imperialist America." He made to leave, "I won't stand in your way if you want to take her, I don't fancy troublesome countries who already know how to rebel."
"There's no such thing as imperialist America, Arthur. You must have heard wrong. I'm a hero."
"Yeah, yeah. Like I didn't hear you for the last thousand times. Tell you what, I don't care what you do there, but don't pull out a stunt and get yourself killed, Matthew's gonna cry."
Alfred chuckled at him, "Who's Matthew? But anyway, thanks Mom, I'll also remember to eat my vegetables!"
"You better remember to clean after yourself too! I'm not helping you!" Arthur stomped away but not after telling America with the help of very colourful words where exactly to go.
It was already April 30 before Maria saw Clara again.
"What did he say?" she asked as they sat on the first pews inside the small church Clara had been brought into some day ago by the governor.
Maria eyed her curiously, "Why the hell did you pick this place to spawn your evil deeds?"
Clara sighed, "Give me a break, Maria. I'm not doing anything wrong. Now, the letter."
Maria handed her the letter she wrote reluctantly as it was translated to her from cable, "It was easy convincing them to cable it. But Senor Aguinaldo was pretty indispatched at the moment. I think he was in Singapore. Anyway, they managed to contact him and he answered this."
Clara read the contents. Aguinaldo had indeed talked with America. And was assured that America had no intention of colonizing the archipelago since America has no use for colonies and is not aiming for such power. She breathed out a sigh of relief. If America said so himself, she'll believe him. Even if Aguinaldo said he had reservations because the Americans had not put it in paper with the reason that his word is as solid as that of the American people. And that America is planning to back her revolution for independence against Spain.
She frowned. Her revolution is already on its final phases. Without the help of foreigners nor the Illustrados, her people had managed to win almost the whole island back except for Manila. She was aware that the Spaniards are close to panicking. They didn't expect guerrilla warfare to be effective.
Her masses were not to be underestimated. They were the reason she was allowed to hope.
Does she really need America's help? It's too late to tell them that now. The letter said the Americans were on their way and would be arriving soon. Aguinaldo is planning to return soon and take up the mantle of revolution again.
They heard the distant tolling of the bells in Manila Cathedral. It's nearly night time. An altar boy entered and illuminated the church before excusing himself. Clara watched him leave before turning back to Maria, "Do you have any news of your son?" she asked thoughtfully.
Maria crinkled her nose and smiled knowingly, "I've been told he's in Laguna busying himself with organizational work and is in fact very angry at a certain lady for leaving without permission and ignoring his feelings if I may say so."
Clara nodded, "If it's any consolation to you, I see him as one of my real friends." She said, putting the letter on the pew beside her, "I'm glad he's still safe."
"Of course he is!" Maria exclaimed proudly, "He's my son. He's got an affinity for life, unlike the two of us."
Clara chuckled, "I believe that. Do you think if we all get out of this nasty war alive, he'd still insist that we get married?"
"I wish he wouldn't. To be honest, I don't want you as a step-daughter. Do you even have the ability to get pregnant?"
Clara felt her cheeks heat up at the prospect, she never really thought about pregnancy...or even the things that could lead to one. She shook her head, "I don't know. So far, all the people like me I've seen are men. And I certainly won't ask the Frenchman, even if he looks quite knowledgeable in matters like that."
"Why? Is he a doctor?"
"No. But Arthur said to avoid him because I might get pregnant with a look."
"Oh, he is a lecher."
"Unfortunately. Though I think you'd find him classy when you see him...at a distance. I liked his city." Clara mused, remembering when she used to go around Paris with Rizal.
"I see, is he the person you like then, why you won't return my son's feelings?" Maria asked curiously.
Clara's face had a look of disgust, "No!" she said adamantly, "Eww...he's like...as old as Padre. He's out of the question! God..."
"Then you do like someone! Oh come on, tell me, it's not like your Padre might hear us." Maria poked her arm.
Clara shimmied away, "A cannon ball could come flying through the roof and kill us both and you want to know such...such trivial things?"
Maria chuckled at the girl's flustered expression, "Oh, come on! I'm just curious...and it does take my mind off worrying about that cannon ball so just spill or I'll start panicking!" she demanded seriously.
Clara pouted and started walking around the altar to get her mind off anticipating the church to cave in at any moment, "I don't like anyone like that!" she put her hands on her hips, "Well, I like tons of people. My people, my revolutionaries...Padre...I...I like everyone." She smiled brightly.
Maria raised a questioning brow, "Even the American? You were so shaken when you learned he's going to war with your father."
"It's a war, of course I'd be shaken!" she waved her hand dismissively, "And I don't like him like that..." she faced away, "He's a friend."
Maria grinned at her reaction, "Oooh...someone's in denial. Come on, how was he?" she pushed.
Clara threw her a dark look, "I told you, this is not the time, Maria! Let's talk about this some other time." She insisted, walking on the aisle on her way out. "Let's go have dinner."
Maria trailed after her, still teasing, "Ah, you haven't gone anywhere with him yet. Too bad, I kind of expected you to be like your Padre. But I guess you're just really not even half as passionate as they say he is."
Clara glared at her before pushing the large oak doors open and walking into the cold night air, "Don't talk about my Padre like that. He's already got someone." She rolled her eyes as they went to the small house at the back of the church where the priest stayed before being moved in favour of Clara hiding there. The altar boys just checks in on the church from time to time.
"He does?" Maria wondered. "Who?"
Clara smiled, "It's not something you would understand right now."
Maria bit her lip, "Damn...I wish I'm immortal too. I used to fancy your father a great deal when I was in my teens."
"That I understand," Clara chuckled, "Padre is the best guy, is he not?"
"Yeah. As long as he doesn't see you, in my eyes he is."
"We're entering Boca Grande, Captain, sir. The squad is just awaiting orders to start assault." A lower officer informed Alfred. Alfred dismissed him with a wave and proceeded to don his brown military uniform and fix his hair. He let out a yawn, stealing a look at the wall clock. It was one hour before midnight of April 30.
He picked up his bomber jacket from the chair he perched it on and made his way out on deck. He found Commander Dewey standing on the vessel's open bridge, staring out at the dark sea. He could see the lights of the harbour in the far distance. The first time he had set eyes upon the islands. All he ever heard about was the reports on the fortifications and the locations of the batteries courtesy of his consul to Spanish Filipinas. There were some nice comments about the natural beauty of the islands but he already knew that when he first met Clara. How he wanted to break down those suffocating walls for her.
He saluted before standing beside the calm old man who acknowledged his country with a nod, "So...are we stopping for the night or are we gonna take them now?" he asked, "I do prefer fighting with my enemies wide awake."
"Of course you do, boy. But they should know they are in a war, they should be prepared at all times." Dewey told him calmly, "I haven't heard a single gun fire and I believe we are already at shooting range."
"I'm aware of that. But they must have mined this entrance if they're so lax about security." He's a bit surprised nothing's blown up yet considering he is already way past colonial borders.
Dewey chuckled, linking his hands behind him, "I doubt mines would stand a chance in tropical waters. They deteriorate rapidly in these types."
After passing the El Fraile battery with little trouble, they continued on across Manila Bay.
"The Spanish squadron must be in Manila." Dewey said to Alfred.
Alfred nodded, "We can't waste artillery by firing in the dark. I'll have them adjust the fleet's speed so we'd arrive at dawn." With another salute, he left the commander in the bridge to inform the captain of the necessary adjustments.
An officer cut him off before he entered the cock pit, "Captain, sir, Admiral Kirkland of the British Royal cabled and wanted to inform you that Germany had moved his ships from Tsingtao and is heading towards Manila."
Wahahaha...I find it funny thinking that the boys are all coming together now...
History facts:
-Dewey knew that the Spanish fleet could be found at its major Pacific colony, the Philippine Islands, about 710 miles away. No U.S. navy vessel had visited the island in twenty-two years, and there was limited intelligence available. Some information on Spanish strength and fortifications was gathered through earlier commerce, and from the U.S. Consul Oscar Williams, who remained in Manila until the last minute.
-Commander Dewey did not even have an adequate peacetime allotment of ammunition. Dewey was able to contrive a plan for obtaining additional supplies, some of which arrived the night before the squadron sailed from Mirs Bay. Despite this feat of logistics, Dewey still went into battle on May 1 with only sixty percent of his magazines filled.
-Meanwhile, the Spanish were preparing for the arrival of the Americans by making various modifications to their fortifications, and by mining Subic Bay. The Spanish commander Admiral Montojo initially wanted to fight at Subic, but with the Americans on their way and little time to mount an adequate defense of Subic, Montojo took his squadron back to Manila Bay. Montojo opted for the shallow waters off Cavite's Sangley Point rather than the comparative safety of Manila Bay to avoid the likely bombardment of the city. The shallow waters meant that the men could more easily get ashore if their ships sunk.
-Dewey falsely believed that the Boca Grande entrance to Manila Bay had not been mined. He was likely correct in his reasoning that if the entrance had been mined, the mines would likely deteriorate rapidly in the tropical waters. Dewey's squadron entered Boca Grande at about 11:00 P.M. After passing the El Fraile battery with little trouble, they continued on across Manila Bay. Dewey expected to find the Spanish squadron at Manila, and adjusted the fleet's speed to arrive at dawn.
-okay before we all get confused. At the Spanish-American war in the Philippines, there were five nations at Manila Bay. Spain's fleet-because they're defending, America-because he's the one at war, UK- because he's behind America saying something like 'Hell yeah, go take Philippines, i don't care but I'll be there!', France-I read in some history book that he was at war with Spain at that time, Germany-he's landing supplies for the Spanish. I think that's it.