[FanFic] 1762: Extranjero (Stranger) (4/4)
Did anyone here knows that asia3.jpg is actually...nevermind.
Title: 1762: Extranjero (Pt.4.02/4) - FINALE
Author: silentside
Pairing: OC!PH-tan (my oc salome, hurr) x America (Alfred Jones)
Characters: Colonial and present time England/Spain/America/Canada and OC!PH. OC!Mex cameos.
Warning: Unbetad. Long. And it's done. My brain died.
Part 01 - here (present period)
Part 02.01 - here (carriedo’s flashback)
Part 02.02 - here (iggy’s bad assness flashback and narrative)
Part 03.01 - here (iggy tsundereness and first encounters)
Part 03.02 - here (Carriedo’s letter et.al.)
Part 04.01 - here (Iggy’s letter and semi-conclusion)
Chapter Summary:
“Pack up your bags, boy. We are leaving as soon as possible.” He grumbled. He hated long goodbyes. It will hurt less if he leaves immediately. Maria gave something to him and he can see she was about to cry. Arthur quickly pulled him and shoved him forward. “You are no match to this man’s fury if he learns about your presence here in this islands.”
“I polished my Spanish!”
“I don’t care.”
“I finally translated Maria’s short story!”
“And I can do as such in matter of minutes.” He faced him. “ Alfred, I have been dealing with this prick ever since before you were born. He might appear like a goofy tomato-loving pervert, but the truth is, his wrath and fury goes unrivalled unless I’m there to temper it. Why do you think Maria fears him so much?”
“I will be ready in a few centuries, you will see! I will be a hero!”
--
Pt. 04.01 - The Promise
Do not let her fall in love; when one is in love, one always begins by deceiving one's self, and one always ends by deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance.
Time went into standstill. Arthur is breathing heavily, clenching his fists really tight as his green depths burn through both of them. Standing a couple of feet in front of him is his wayward boy, Alfred, trying to catch words in the air-to find an excuse to explain his presence in the archipelago. He was trying to keep Maria hidden, and the older blonde watched as she trembled in fear, staring back at him with her scared brown eyes.
How long have Maria have been keeping this from him?
How long is the inconsiderate upstart lurking in the islands?
How come he did NOT get any news of this idiot missing in the Americas?
Arthur’s mind start to race, he have been receiving letters-updates on how his children is faring in the other side of the world. How did Alfred go undetected?
“Young master Alfred have been stirring some commotion as of late, Sir.”
“Hmph. How bad was it?”
“Strange, people will come up and chase him and he keeps screaming he is not-‘Alfred that idiot’.’”
“A whole new level of idiocy-when will that boy ever stop? How is Matthieu by the way? Any news if the frog still wants him back?”
“Matthieu who?”
Matthieu.
T-that git!
“Let me guess.” He spoke slowly, his mouth drawn tight, his gaze burning through Alfred. “You have been going around here, pretending to be your brother-while he is getting beaten up there in your place!”
“Umm-“
Arthur didn’t wait for a response; furiously he took a few steps back and took out a whistle, and something he had in case of emergencies. Alfred watched helplessly as the older man blew it all his might, quickly summoning a couple of his soldiers from the nearby barrio.
“Seize him!”
The men froze in their tracks; they quickly recognized the young master who just happens to have his blonde locks chopped off. They looked at Arthur reluctantly, not knowing what to do.
“S-sir, it’s-!”
“Why is he with Filipinas?”
“You two-“ he started calmly, his expression dark. “You two are going to pretend you haven’t seen anything, that this did not happen-“ he looked up, “Tie him up, cover him up with a sack so no one will recognize him-fetch one of my carriages and make haste!”
Nodding mutely, two of the soldiers approached the young blonde man while the others run out of the clearing shouting orders. Alfred cooperated with the other two calmly, letting them tie his fists behind his back
“I-I’m very sorry, young master Jones-your father’s orders!“
“I know you are.” He smiled weakly, “But leave Sally out of this, okay? She did nothing wrong.”
They placed a heavy sack on his head and shoved him roughly forward.
“K-kuya Alfred!”
Arthur flared up once again, he remembered Maria’s story about a young deck hand trying to help her with the basket of food. He also calls her Sally.
“She will be coming with me!”
“Sir?”
“Maria will be coming with me!” he barked, moving forward angrily and grabbing Maria roughly at the arm. She let out a pained cry. “Get another separate carriage! I want you two to guard him in any case he tries to pull off something stupid!”
“Yes, Sir! Admiral, sir!”
Arthur Kirkland let the soldiers proceed and take the covered Alfred first-in under strict orders that they quickly direct him in the meeting room and nowhere else, even if he pleads to them that he wants to go and pee. He also demanded that the high-ranking officers, including the acting Governor Dawson Drake must be present immediately. There will be a closed-door emergency meeting.
When they were finally left alone to wait for the next carriage, he starts to drag Maria out of the clearing.
“You got lots of explaining to do, woman.” He scowled, grabbing her arm tightly. “Lots of explaining to do-I trusted you! Haven’t I told you before not to keep secrets from me? THIS IS ONE OF THEM!”
She looked up at him. Good god, he does not know what to do with her right now. He wants to slap her, shake and scream at her violently, for trying to keep this kind of secret from him for nearly 3 months. But if he does that, he is then no better than her Father, Antonio Carriedo.
“I’m so sorry-“ she cried softly, not knowing what else to say. “I don’t mean to offend you Señor-“
“All those lessons, the things I taught you-“
He recalled their fine dining lecture, those English language lessons, dancing-
“The way you adapt to them quickly-” he said, “-it’s with his help, isn’t it?”
She nodded mutely.
“He said, it’s the least he could do-“ she spoke, sniffing. “-the least he could do when I found him wet and half-starved in the woods.”
He fell silent, his grip on her slowly loosened. He did not know.
“Did that idiot arrived the same time I did?” he asked, “Three months back?”
“Y-yes. He said, he wanted to go for an adventure.”
Arthur facepalmed.
Silence once again.
“He also told me-that you are a nice father.” She murmured, “That when I’m with you, I got nothing to worry about.”
“Maria-“
“-Except with your cooking. He refuses to talk about it.”
“…”
Later that day, Arthur’s retinues are as speechless and as horrified as he was upon the discovery of the young America’s presence in the archipelago. It raised many questions and Arthur felt a strong nosebleed-speed migraine rush when they asked them all at the same time.
How long have he been here? How long have he been interacting with Filipinas? Does he know Filipinas is the Conquistador’s daughter? How far have their relations developed? What will they do if Antonio Carriedo gets hold of the news?
Did he seize her vital regions?
“What did you say, Dawson?!”
“I’m just saying, Sir Kirkland-“ the governor swallowed, as the room slowly quieted down. “Three months! Think about it, two carefree youths with no one to supervise him or her! You know it will be OUR responsibility if something happened to-“
“Hey there stupid, you know I can hear you!” called out an angry voice from the other side of the room. They almost forgot Alfred F. Jones was there, the source of their current predicament right now. He was unbound and it ticked Arthur that he keeps pacing about the room like he does not know the consequences of his actions.
“You are not allowed to talk!” Arthur growled, “You are going to be grounded and you will do lots of hard labor when we get back! Did you hear me?”
“What if I wanted to voice out my opinion?” he replied, “Everybody keeps asking this questions about me seizing vital regions and such, like I’m not even here! C’mon!”
“Mind your manners when talking in front of high-ranking officers, young man!”
“Screw them, I need to explain my side of the story!”
“S-screw…” Arthur’s eyebrow twitched at the git’s inappropriate choice of words. All those centuries of teaching him how to behave well, all went out of the window. “Well then! Go ahead and explain yourself!”
“First! I never touched Sally inappropriately. What you saw awhile ago is a simple kiss on the cheek to cheer her up.” He lifted a finger, and then a second. “Second, I think their food is great! I’m thinking of staying here for a while just for that-well until I can sneak back again once you all go back home. And you have to agree on this, old man-because look at you, you gained a little weight!”
Arthur cursed silently, trying to hide his slightly bulging mid-section. He have one too many pandesals. It irked him as Alfred refers to him as an ‘old man’.
“And lastly, the third. I arrived here the same time as everyone else. I don’t want to be a part of something as stupid as another conquest, so I decided to keep it low and look around!”
“And you just run away so you can see what Filipinas is like.” He deducted, looking at him squarely in the eye. “Isn’t that the truth? Because if I recall, when I came back to my ship that evening I found one of my diaries about her missing!”
Alfred made a silly grin and scratched his head. The other men sighed heavily.
“God damn it, Alfred F. Jones.” Arthur grumbled, placing both palms on his face. “You know my campaign isn’t about fun and games! Do you know whose daughter she is? What if he finds out this happened? And do you know how many crazy brothers she have-and one of them just happen to live near where you are!”
“That’s why she is teaching me Spanish too!”
Arthur opened one eye. Is he daft? Did he even hear what he said?
“Alfred-“
“I know who her father was.” He replied calmly, stuffing both hands in his pockets. “It’s kind of sad-he never let her experience life outside the walled city. And he has this creepy fixation with tomatoes and churros-”
“If you also have an only daughter and a bunch of crazy sons, you will also do anything to protect her from the world.”
“Dad!” Alfred whined, taking the initiative to step forward and firmly planting his hands on his office desk. Arthur then wearily looked up at him. It was only now he did notice that Maria did a splendid job cutting his stubbornly long hair. She even gave him a distinctive hair loop at the top that seemed to twitch every time he reacted. He hoped he keeps it that way.
“Dad, it’s unhealthy! He makes her wear all this tacky clothes in such a humid climate-“
“Alfred, as a young lady she have to be well covered. Antonio is a conservative man who-“
“Do you know he just lets her do all the house chores, even the heavy ones? Because he says it’s good for her well-being-but she won’t grow any taller with all those hard labor!”
“Alfred, Maria and her people are never really tall to begin with-“
“You can do better than that pervert if you just adopt her and be her father!”
He can’t believe what he just heard, is his boy even serious? He never saw such determined look in his eyes.
“He also told me-that you are a nice father.” She murmured, “That when I’m with you, I got nothing to worry about.”
“Alfred F. Jones, let me finish god damn it!” He shouted, pounding his fists on the table. “We cannot have her-it’s too late for that now!”
“W-what?”
He cannot fully explain it. Politics.
“I will make an exclusive arrangement while you are here.” He diverted the topic, ignoring his upset blue eyes. “As for this moment, it will be hard for you to move around as the Spaniard’s local guards do their rounds now and then to check on Maria. But they don’t have authority to guard her where she goes. That’s where my men comes in.”
“…”
“Antonio Fernandez Carriedo will not take it kindly if he learns you are getting well acquainted with his unica hija. Unless you want another war, and if that happens, you are on your own if you want to challenge him to battle.”
“Maybe-“
“Give or take a couple of more centuries? I don’t think so!”
“What will become of Sally then?”
“She gets to stay here.” He replied, folding his fingers firmly underneath his chin. “She will be grounded of course, just like you. Both of you are not allowed to leave the house unless its strictly necessary. I gave her 20 strikes earlier at her palms as a punishment for this.”
Alfred flinched, “D-did she cry?”
“No, she is a brave girl. She knows the consequences of her actions unlike you.” He continued, “I know every one here will disagree with me with this, especially now I broke the Spaniard’s most important rule, but-“
“But what, sir?” One of the officers finally asked.
“I will let the two of you interact with each other while under house arrest. It’s not healthy if I keep both of you locked away from each other-you will only both find ways to get together, I’m damned sure.”
“S-sir!”
“That’s unacceptable! Absolute balderdash!”
“What if he seizes her vital regions?!”
“Dawson!” he growled, “One more mere mention of vital regions and I will have yours cut off! Do not question my authority!”
They grew silent.
He can see Alfred’s expression brighten up. “I’m not done yet. Whenever you two are together, I have to be there personally to supervise both of you- just make sure none of you do will do anything stupid to the other.”
“No, we won’t! I mean, I won’t!”
“Oh really? Is that an improvised mistletoe you are keeping in your pocket?”
“Uhh-it’s a surprise I’m going to teach her this Christmas!“
“You do know that if you kiss her on the mouth, you might as well rob her of her chastity and with that you must marry her?”
“Ack! I don’t know that!”
Arthur facepalmed once again. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about her culture Alfred, I know her father well. Upholding religious moral values are one of them. We even have a war just because of bloody religion!”
“But other than that, we can-both of us, I mean…”
“Yes.” Arthur replied, “But I have to BE around. Understood?”
Arthur felt like he lost half of his vast resources and the trust of his country men as Alfred leaped and prance about in joy, finally getting what he wanted-what he and Sally wanted, to see each other. It was a good thing too, this way he won’t probe further about other complex issues concerning the ongoing war.
“Hey Sally!” he bolted out of the door carelessly, causing some of his men to trample after him. “Hey Sally! I got some great news!”
Arthur stood up, that bloody misfit! “Oh, Bollocks-not so loud for the soldiers outside to hear!”
Sally peeked down from the staircase. “Kuya-being grounded for a month is not good news!”
“I know but-it’s okay for dad that we see each other!” he chirped, “He have to watch us though-but hey!”
He blanched as he and the officers watch helplessly as Maria ran to his arms and he twirled her in the air, holding her. Both are so young, so innocent-to know any better.
“Are you not worried with this kind of arrangement, Sir?”
“Not at all-“ Arthur said softly, observing them. A pair of star-crossed lovers-he can’t believe it, all this crazy what-if scenarios playing in his head, his worst fears, have finally come true. If only his ‘friends’ are there to warn him about this.
But they haven’t manifested themselves to him. Until now.
Did he just see a unicorn?
“T-they need to enjoy this, while it still lasts.”
“Sir?”
“This will be all over in a few months.”
He stepped forward, whispering to the unnamed officer that conversation never happened.
“So!” he rubbed his palms, approaching the two. “We are going to have dinner later together. And since you are grounded Sally, I will have a local cook assigned to take care of your cooking chores. And you Alfred, you will have to tell me everything you have been doing for the past few months!“
“Alrighty then!”
“A-alrighty? Stop mangling the language that I taught you, you git!” he snapped, his eyebrow twitching again. “I’m serious, you will tell me all I need to know what you are doing right now, or help me god I’ll-“
“Sally is helping me translate a short story!” he cuts off, before Arthur gives him another round of lecture. “-I told you, she is helping me with my Spanish, right?”
Maria piped in, “It’s about a local legend-“
“Okay, okay I get it-“ Arthur mumbled, “I want to make one thing clear, no inordinate amount of physical contact! Especially kissing!”
Maria blushed and covered her face with her fan and Alfred let out an uneasy laugh.
“Now with that done, we can now rest and wait for our dinner, shall we?” he sighed, then eyeing the men inside the meeting room. He nodded curtly, dismissing them.
“Señor Kirkland!”
“What is it now, Maria?”
“I have to help with the dinner this evening!”
“But I just told you, you are grounded!”
“I have to prepare for a Noche Buena!” she argued, clutching on the railings tight. “It’s important!”
“You have to prepare for a-good night?”
“No!” she argued again, looking at both father and son. They have no idea what she is talking about-or what day it is already.
“It’s Papa’s custom-it’s where we all eat dinner together. Since tonight-”
They start to hear children singing Christmas songs outside.
She looked at Arthur Kirkland quietly, “-tonight is Christmas Eve.”
It’s probably the first Christmas that Maria is not going to spend with her Papa. She will end up spending it with them, ironically-that of her father’s greatest rival and that rival’s son. Arthur have already considered her as his own and is more than willingly embrace her to his family’s fold.
It happens to turn out as one of her best Christmases ever. But Arthur knows that her happiness will soon be short lived. The war will be over soon and he knows it.
--
The Seven Years War was ended after the Peace Treaty of Paris between Great Britain-Arthur Kirkland, France-Francis Bonnefoy, and Spain-Antonio Fernandez Carriedo was signed on February 10, 1763.
Francis was not exactly pleased to see Arthur again, and probably for the nth time for a treaty signing. Every time if there are major world issues to be resolved and to be signed in paper, it always have to end up in his place.
“I’m going to take Matthieu, Francis.” He stated calmly, as they both faced each other at the opposite sides of the table. “It’s part of the deal-I have to claim him.”
“I know.” He replied curtly, trying to hold back tears.“-you take care of him. Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t feed him your awful food and don’t you dare touch him in strange places!”
“Heh, look who is to talk!”
“He likes maple syrup…so much…so much…”
“For crying out loud, Francis! Are you crying?!”
At the time of signing the treaty, the signatories were not aware that the Philippines had been taken by the British and were being administered as a British colony.
“I’m sorry for arriving late, Francis.” Antonio entered the room, glaring hard at Arthur. He didn’t break eye contact. “I’m talking about some arrangements with my Nuevo.”
“I-I just lost mine.” Francis sobbed quietly, “You are still lucky to have your boy, Antonio! Can I…borrow him? If you are not being busy and all?”
“N-no! Francis!”
Arthur rolled his eyes as Francis tries to control the waterworks as he signed the treaty, while the Spaniard approached him awkwardly and gave him a re-assuring pat on the shoulder.
“Good lord Antonio, your boy looks no different from your family portrait back in Filipinas!”
“Alfonso!” Antonio gasped, turning to the rugged youth beside him. “Get your finger out of your nose! ¡Ahora!”
“Filipinas?” the bespectacled Alfonso perked up, remembering what happened those past few months. He terribly missed his hermanita and he was forced to leave her because of him. “Oye! You are that gringo with the evil eyebrows! You seized my hermanita’s vital regions!”
“Quit it with the bloody eyebrows, you spawn of-“
Alfonso pelted a jalapeño straight to Arthur’s face.
“Ow! What’s with you siblings and throwing vegetation at my face! Ow!”
Antonio looked up, “Why? What happened to my hija?”
“Papa!” Alfonso growled, “Did you forget again? I made you wrote that letter and yet you-!”
“I was busy, mi hijo! Busy!” he turned to Arthur, “So you really did took Filipinas?”
“Y-you forgot about Filipinas?!” Arthur paled, “I took her from you last October! I wrote to you even! What’s wrong with you?!”
“Wait…I think I remember now! You mistook mi hija as a boy, estupido! You didn’t feed her any of your poor excuse of a cooking, don’t you?”
Alfonso facepalmed, “Papa, you are the stupid one who keep on forgetting-“
Consequently no specific provision was made for the Philippines. Instead they fell under the general provision that all other lands not otherwise provided for be returned to the Spanish Crown.
“Just be glad Antonio, that I didn’t bring your hija with me today. Her heart will break if she learns that the man whom she trusted to save her have completely forgotten about her.”
“I don’t!”
“Matthieu! Don’t look at Papa like that, I don’t want this-just look away, look away! Think of poutines!”
“Wait, your hijo is here with Kirkland? I don’t see him-”
“Oh god, Francis! Just stop bawling like a baby!”
Arthur Kirkland, the personification of Great Britain agreed to concede their sovereignty of Havana and Manila and return the administration of these two cities back to its former colonizer, the Kingdom of Spain, Antonio Fernandez Carriedo.
“You know you still have to pay me the ransom, Carriedo.”
“What-what are you talking about?”
“Your men made a deal with me, in exchange for your hija’s safety, you have to pay me up. I stayed true to my word and I watched over Maria. I even improved her means of livelihood, and its in much better shape than before you left it.”
“You still damaged a lot of properties when you invaded the walled city, Arthur Kirkland. You also have to pay me up for that!”
“No you listen to me you fruit! It’s your men who first struck a deal with me! Try paying at least half of that ransom first and then I will officially return your daughter!”
“Heh-“
“What is so funny, you tomato bastard?”
“You cannot stand the climate changes in Filipinas. You have been coughing and sneezing since we arrived here. You can’t last for a couple of more years!”
“S-shut up.”
--
As instructed, Alfred and Maria stayed behind the walled city to await the news. They were at the library, books strewn about the place as they read, exchange pleasantries, and have their merienda. Alfred is marveling at the small flat slices of pastries that she served-it was covered with coconut shavings, which he gladly translated to the English language as “floating”.
It nearly made his heartbreak when he saw their expressions as he parted the news. He tried explaining it as elementary as possible that he just relinquished his rights to Maria and that she will be returning to her Papa in due time. He told her about the ransom that the archbishop placed a year back, to ensure her safety. As the former gobernador-heneral’s word is as good as the Conquistador’s via absentia, Carriedo must pay up at least half the ransom before he can officially hand her over.
He comforted Maria, there is nothing he can do about it-the war is over. Everything has to be restored back to its place. He also got what he wanted, and in turn she learned from him what she wants to know about the world.
“He is still your Father, Maria. He misses you.”
All he can do is buy a little more time.
But Alfred F. Jones have to leave, he can’t predict if Antonio Carriedo will plan a surprise visit, as they have signed the contract that stipulates that all his children will be returned to him effective immediately. There will be hell to pay if he finds out that Arthur’s favorite son is interacting with his unica hija.
“Pack up your bags, boy. We are leaving as soon as possible.” He grumbled. He hated long goodbyes. It will hurt less if he leaves immediately. Maria gave something to him and he can see she was about to cry. Arthur quickly pulled him and shoved him forward. “You are no match to this man’s fury if he learns about your presence here in this islands.”
“I polished my Spanish!”
“I don’t care.”
“I finally translated Maria’s short story!”
“And I can do as such in matter of minutes.” He faced him. “ Alfred, I have been dealing with this prick ever since before you were born. He might appear like a goofy tomato-loving pervert, but the truth is, his wrath and fury goes unrivalled unless I’m there to temper it. Why do you think Maria fears him so much?”
“I will be ready in a few centuries, you will see! I will be a hero!”
Angrily, Arthur shoved him outside. The carriage is waiting, ready to take him at the port and board the first ship that sails that evening. Dawson stands by near the carriage’s door, grimly awaiting his orders.
“Don’t you get it, Alfred F. Jones?” he scolded him, “You don’t have what it takes to play a hero! You got to earn it! Nothing of this foolish talk, when you got nothing to show for it!”
“Damn it, old man! I promised her!“
“Well, you can forget it-! It’s not going to be easy!“
“The story, it made me realize-“
“Quit yapping about that bloody story and those bloody Spanish lessons!” he screamed, grabbing him at the collar. “If you want to prove your mettle, young man. If you think you got what it takes, then you have to go through me first!”
Silence.
Alfred didn’t say a word; he pushed the older blonde roughly away from him. Silently, he starts to proceed towards the carriage, with a fiery determination written in his eyes.
Arthur did not like what he is seeing. That is the look-that’s the look of a man willing to start a revolution. If he is to prove himself, he must free himself from the man who raised him.
This left Arthur with no choice, he does not want his favorite son to leave.
He must forget what happened this past few months.
He must forget everything.
Even Maria.
“I made a promise to her father, Alfred.” He replied dryly, slowly grabbing the rifle behind him. “And it’s for the best interest of both parties involved. We have to nip it at the bud before something happens.”
He didn’t turn around, “Heh, what is it?”
The officers watched in terror as Arthur Kirkland delivered an unsuspecting blow behind the young master’s skull, immediately rendering him unconscious. He then took something out of pocket and forced it down his throat, before throwing him inside the carriage.
“Never make her fall in love, Alfred.” He said, the tone in his voice pained. “Never make her fall in love.”
He looked up at his men, “What are you all waiting for? Take him to the ship immediately!”
“Sir, what if the young master comes around?”
“It’s all taken care of.” He replied curtly, turning his back around. He does not want them to see his tears “Now gentlemen, I need to take my leave. I have a young colony to attend to.”
“Sir! The young master dropped something- some papers!”
“Throw it away!”
“It’s from his-journal, sir.”
Furiously, he took it. It was Alfred’s ‘little translation assignment’ about the stupid story he have been yapping about before he made him leave.
As he made his way indoors, down the hall and to the library to a weeping Maria-he browsed through some legible pages and reads it.
The chief of Gagalangin prepared his army. By the edge of his sword, he had to take back the land that was taken from him. When the chief of Balintawak heard that the chief of Gagalangin are preparing for war against him, he too prepared his army. When the time drew nearer to the day of the attack, the chief of Balintawak suddenly fell ill and not long after that, passed away. Delfin was left with the great responsibility of being General of the Army of Gagalangin.
When Rosita heard of this, she was distressed. Delfin was very young and had not had any experience in war. Whereas her father has been honed by many fights ever since he was a child. Indeed, she was extremely distressed. She wanted to speak to Delfin so that the war could be postponed so that they could have a peaceful negotiation with her father. However, there was no time for them to talk. The next day, her father was heading a massive army.
The battle between the two rival tribes was fierce and bloody. Many men died that day---
“Maria.” He looked up, feeling sorry for her. He handed her his scribbled notes. “Tell me-tell me about the story that Alfred speaks about.”
“It’s just like…Romeo and Juliet.” She whispered, rubbing her tears away. “A pair of star crossed lovers. He-he does not want to talk about it.”
He held her tight, “I’m so sorry, Maria-“
The British ended their rule by embarking from Manila and Cavite in the first week of April 1764, and sailing out of Manila Bay for Batavia, India, and England. The conflict over payment by Spain of the outstanding part of the ransom promised by Rojo in the terms of surrender, and compensation by Britain for excesses committed by Governor Drake against residents of Manila, continued in Europe for years afterwards.
“Señor Kirkland, please send my greetings to Kuya Alfred-“
“I will try Maria.”
Arthur Kirkland boarded the last of the English Armada after having all his belongings placed inside the deck. He hesitated for a few minutes, whenever he is going to say his farewell, as he is never the one to say long goodbyes.
She stared out at the port and across the horizon and Maria saw that her Father’s Galleon have already arrived and she can hear the distinctive shout of her hermano calling her excitedly from atop the deck.
For what seems forever, the two men-rival nations and colonial super powers, stood at each opposite end of the port, observing the other.
“What are you waiting for Maria?” he shoved her gently, “Your Papa is waiting for you.”
“Maria!! Hija!!” Antonio called out, going down in one bended knee and stretching his arms in a welcoming embrace. “Come to Papa, mi hija!! Come and give your Papa and your hermano a big hug!”
“That pervert acts like nothing have happened.” Arthur grumbled. Maria reluctantly looked at him and back to the Spaniard.
“Go now, leave! Don’t look at me like that!”
Before Arthur can even react, Maria pulled him by his cravat roughly and tiptoed, reaching towards his face. She then gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
He heard Antonio gasp, Alfonso screamed and both cursed something in Spanish.
He blushed.
“Thank you, Señor Arthur Kirkland.” She whispered softly, “Thank you for showing the world to me.
Thank you for Kuya Alfred--”
“Maria-“
She then spun around and run towards her Papa and her hermano waiting for her at the end of the docks.
1762-1764.
Two years.
--
Present Period
Arthur Kirkland still kept those letters that Maria wrote. He was thumbing through them as he sat beside the Spaniard who have been quiet for the past hour or so.
“Nevertheless, I did keep my end of the bargain Carriedo.” He murmured, “I tried-and you also did try, but if life ain’t grand-they both want us out of their lives and they still found each other.”
“I want my independence after all, Father!”
“I won’t allow it!”
“I will be free Papa, he will help me secure my freedom!”
“That won’t happen, hija!”
“That summer of 1944 he made his promise to return and save her. Hell, I never felt so proud as a Father when he was able to kick your ass that previous era! Maybe they are meant for each other at some point.”
“Filipinas, as promised-I did return.”
“You are two years late!”
Even if Alfred didn’t remember, he somehow knew and that he needs to keep a promise and also among other things-“ he frowned, “Like his unexplainable urge to eat ripe mangoes. He won’t let me hear the end of it.”
He nudged the man beside him. “Now you know everything that happened in the two years that you missed out in her life, what are you going to say about it?”
He was sleeping.
“YOU BLOODY WANKER!” Arthur screamed, shaking the Spaniard awake. “You fell asleep on me while I’m pouring my heart out about your daughter?! What’s wrong with you?!”
“Uh-oh what?” Antonio blinked, “Damn it, you are a boring story teller, Kirkland. You lost me at the part where you learned Filipinas is a girl!”
Arthur let out a frustrated scream and shoved the set of letters to the clueless Antonio. “I don’t want to repeat everything any more! You want to know why your daughter wants to forget you then read this bloody letters! I made her wrote it as an exercise!”
“She did not forget me!”
“She no longer speaks your language, did she not?” Arthur countered hotly, standing in front of him. He then got slightly distracted at the commotion outside, as Matthieu, Maria and Alfred came out of the building.
He does not want them arguing outside. Two former super powers, both past their glory days.
“You want to know why she loved my son so much? Why she speaks my tongue better than yours?”
Alfred gingerly took a bite at a giant mango, as Matthieu whimpered. It was his mango. Maria gasped and bonked the short haired blonde at the head, knowing fully well he have offended his brother. He took this as an opportunity to flirt with her, playfully bending forward and giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
Matthieu nearly dropped Kumajiro and Maria screamed, accidentally giving Alfred an uppercut, instantly knocking him unconscious.
Arthur and Antonio both shook their heads.
“Antonio Fernandez Carriedo,” he said with finality, “You should have appreciated her more when you still have her. And if you really want her to reconnect your culture to hers-you need to start reading those letters.”
The Englishman left him, grumbling that he just wasted his time and he is going back in the dining hall. Wearily Antonio rubbed his eyes and sifted through the stack of old letters.
He knows he didn’t take her for granted. He loved her, just like how he loved his sons-but with her it’s just different.
Why did her love sprang from the men he considered his greatest rivals?
He can still hear the trio arguing not far away.
“October 1762---“
- THE END -
Ahhh
AHHH
AHHHHHHH
I wrote this whole chapter in a day. IN A DAY.
That's all I got to say.
Title: 1762: Extranjero (Pt.4.02/4) - FINALE
Author: silentside
Pairing: OC!PH-tan (my oc salome, hurr) x America (Alfred Jones)
Characters: Colonial and present time England/Spain/America/Canada and OC!PH. OC!Mex cameos.
Warning: Unbetad. Long. And it's done. My brain died.
Part 01 - here (present period)
Part 02.01 - here (carriedo’s flashback)
Part 02.02 - here (iggy’s bad assness flashback and narrative)
Part 03.01 - here (iggy tsundereness and first encounters)
Part 03.02 - here (Carriedo’s letter et.al.)
Part 04.01 - here (Iggy’s letter and semi-conclusion)
Chapter Summary:
“Pack up your bags, boy. We are leaving as soon as possible.” He grumbled. He hated long goodbyes. It will hurt less if he leaves immediately. Maria gave something to him and he can see she was about to cry. Arthur quickly pulled him and shoved him forward. “You are no match to this man’s fury if he learns about your presence here in this islands.”
“I polished my Spanish!”
“I don’t care.”
“I finally translated Maria’s short story!”
“And I can do as such in matter of minutes.” He faced him. “ Alfred, I have been dealing with this prick ever since before you were born. He might appear like a goofy tomato-loving pervert, but the truth is, his wrath and fury goes unrivalled unless I’m there to temper it. Why do you think Maria fears him so much?”
“I will be ready in a few centuries, you will see! I will be a hero!”
--
Pt. 04.01 - The Promise
Do not let her fall in love; when one is in love, one always begins by deceiving one's self, and one always ends by deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance.
Time went into standstill. Arthur is breathing heavily, clenching his fists really tight as his green depths burn through both of them. Standing a couple of feet in front of him is his wayward boy, Alfred, trying to catch words in the air-to find an excuse to explain his presence in the archipelago. He was trying to keep Maria hidden, and the older blonde watched as she trembled in fear, staring back at him with her scared brown eyes.
How long have Maria have been keeping this from him?
How long is the inconsiderate upstart lurking in the islands?
How come he did NOT get any news of this idiot missing in the Americas?
Arthur’s mind start to race, he have been receiving letters-updates on how his children is faring in the other side of the world. How did Alfred go undetected?
“Young master Alfred have been stirring some commotion as of late, Sir.”
“Hmph. How bad was it?”
“Strange, people will come up and chase him and he keeps screaming he is not-‘Alfred that idiot’.’”
“A whole new level of idiocy-when will that boy ever stop? How is Matthieu by the way? Any news if the frog still wants him back?”
“Matthieu who?”
Matthieu.
T-that git!
“Let me guess.” He spoke slowly, his mouth drawn tight, his gaze burning through Alfred. “You have been going around here, pretending to be your brother-while he is getting beaten up there in your place!”
“Umm-“
Arthur didn’t wait for a response; furiously he took a few steps back and took out a whistle, and something he had in case of emergencies. Alfred watched helplessly as the older man blew it all his might, quickly summoning a couple of his soldiers from the nearby barrio.
“Seize him!”
The men froze in their tracks; they quickly recognized the young master who just happens to have his blonde locks chopped off. They looked at Arthur reluctantly, not knowing what to do.
“S-sir, it’s-!”
“Why is he with Filipinas?”
“You two-“ he started calmly, his expression dark. “You two are going to pretend you haven’t seen anything, that this did not happen-“ he looked up, “Tie him up, cover him up with a sack so no one will recognize him-fetch one of my carriages and make haste!”
Nodding mutely, two of the soldiers approached the young blonde man while the others run out of the clearing shouting orders. Alfred cooperated with the other two calmly, letting them tie his fists behind his back
“I-I’m very sorry, young master Jones-your father’s orders!“
“I know you are.” He smiled weakly, “But leave Sally out of this, okay? She did nothing wrong.”
They placed a heavy sack on his head and shoved him roughly forward.
“K-kuya Alfred!”
Arthur flared up once again, he remembered Maria’s story about a young deck hand trying to help her with the basket of food. He also calls her Sally.
“She will be coming with me!”
“Sir?”
“Maria will be coming with me!” he barked, moving forward angrily and grabbing Maria roughly at the arm. She let out a pained cry. “Get another separate carriage! I want you two to guard him in any case he tries to pull off something stupid!”
“Yes, Sir! Admiral, sir!”
Arthur Kirkland let the soldiers proceed and take the covered Alfred first-in under strict orders that they quickly direct him in the meeting room and nowhere else, even if he pleads to them that he wants to go and pee. He also demanded that the high-ranking officers, including the acting Governor Dawson Drake must be present immediately. There will be a closed-door emergency meeting.
When they were finally left alone to wait for the next carriage, he starts to drag Maria out of the clearing.
“You got lots of explaining to do, woman.” He scowled, grabbing her arm tightly. “Lots of explaining to do-I trusted you! Haven’t I told you before not to keep secrets from me? THIS IS ONE OF THEM!”
She looked up at him. Good god, he does not know what to do with her right now. He wants to slap her, shake and scream at her violently, for trying to keep this kind of secret from him for nearly 3 months. But if he does that, he is then no better than her Father, Antonio Carriedo.
“I’m so sorry-“ she cried softly, not knowing what else to say. “I don’t mean to offend you Señor-“
“All those lessons, the things I taught you-“
He recalled their fine dining lecture, those English language lessons, dancing-
“The way you adapt to them quickly-” he said, “-it’s with his help, isn’t it?”
She nodded mutely.
“He said, it’s the least he could do-“ she spoke, sniffing. “-the least he could do when I found him wet and half-starved in the woods.”
He fell silent, his grip on her slowly loosened. He did not know.
“Did that idiot arrived the same time I did?” he asked, “Three months back?”
“Y-yes. He said, he wanted to go for an adventure.”
Arthur facepalmed.
Silence once again.
“He also told me-that you are a nice father.” She murmured, “That when I’m with you, I got nothing to worry about.”
“Maria-“
“-Except with your cooking. He refuses to talk about it.”
“…”
Later that day, Arthur’s retinues are as speechless and as horrified as he was upon the discovery of the young America’s presence in the archipelago. It raised many questions and Arthur felt a strong nosebleed-speed migraine rush when they asked them all at the same time.
How long have he been here? How long have he been interacting with Filipinas? Does he know Filipinas is the Conquistador’s daughter? How far have their relations developed? What will they do if Antonio Carriedo gets hold of the news?
Did he seize her vital regions?
“What did you say, Dawson?!”
“I’m just saying, Sir Kirkland-“ the governor swallowed, as the room slowly quieted down. “Three months! Think about it, two carefree youths with no one to supervise him or her! You know it will be OUR responsibility if something happened to-“
“Hey there stupid, you know I can hear you!” called out an angry voice from the other side of the room. They almost forgot Alfred F. Jones was there, the source of their current predicament right now. He was unbound and it ticked Arthur that he keeps pacing about the room like he does not know the consequences of his actions.
“You are not allowed to talk!” Arthur growled, “You are going to be grounded and you will do lots of hard labor when we get back! Did you hear me?”
“What if I wanted to voice out my opinion?” he replied, “Everybody keeps asking this questions about me seizing vital regions and such, like I’m not even here! C’mon!”
“Mind your manners when talking in front of high-ranking officers, young man!”
“Screw them, I need to explain my side of the story!”
“S-screw…” Arthur’s eyebrow twitched at the git’s inappropriate choice of words. All those centuries of teaching him how to behave well, all went out of the window. “Well then! Go ahead and explain yourself!”
“First! I never touched Sally inappropriately. What you saw awhile ago is a simple kiss on the cheek to cheer her up.” He lifted a finger, and then a second. “Second, I think their food is great! I’m thinking of staying here for a while just for that-well until I can sneak back again once you all go back home. And you have to agree on this, old man-because look at you, you gained a little weight!”
Arthur cursed silently, trying to hide his slightly bulging mid-section. He have one too many pandesals. It irked him as Alfred refers to him as an ‘old man’.
“And lastly, the third. I arrived here the same time as everyone else. I don’t want to be a part of something as stupid as another conquest, so I decided to keep it low and look around!”
“And you just run away so you can see what Filipinas is like.” He deducted, looking at him squarely in the eye. “Isn’t that the truth? Because if I recall, when I came back to my ship that evening I found one of my diaries about her missing!”
Alfred made a silly grin and scratched his head. The other men sighed heavily.
“God damn it, Alfred F. Jones.” Arthur grumbled, placing both palms on his face. “You know my campaign isn’t about fun and games! Do you know whose daughter she is? What if he finds out this happened? And do you know how many crazy brothers she have-and one of them just happen to live near where you are!”
“That’s why she is teaching me Spanish too!”
Arthur opened one eye. Is he daft? Did he even hear what he said?
“Alfred-“
“I know who her father was.” He replied calmly, stuffing both hands in his pockets. “It’s kind of sad-he never let her experience life outside the walled city. And he has this creepy fixation with tomatoes and churros-”
“If you also have an only daughter and a bunch of crazy sons, you will also do anything to protect her from the world.”
“Dad!” Alfred whined, taking the initiative to step forward and firmly planting his hands on his office desk. Arthur then wearily looked up at him. It was only now he did notice that Maria did a splendid job cutting his stubbornly long hair. She even gave him a distinctive hair loop at the top that seemed to twitch every time he reacted. He hoped he keeps it that way.
“Dad, it’s unhealthy! He makes her wear all this tacky clothes in such a humid climate-“
“Alfred, as a young lady she have to be well covered. Antonio is a conservative man who-“
“Do you know he just lets her do all the house chores, even the heavy ones? Because he says it’s good for her well-being-but she won’t grow any taller with all those hard labor!”
“Alfred, Maria and her people are never really tall to begin with-“
“You can do better than that pervert if you just adopt her and be her father!”
He can’t believe what he just heard, is his boy even serious? He never saw such determined look in his eyes.
“He also told me-that you are a nice father.” She murmured, “That when I’m with you, I got nothing to worry about.”
“Alfred F. Jones, let me finish god damn it!” He shouted, pounding his fists on the table. “We cannot have her-it’s too late for that now!”
“W-what?”
He cannot fully explain it. Politics.
“I will make an exclusive arrangement while you are here.” He diverted the topic, ignoring his upset blue eyes. “As for this moment, it will be hard for you to move around as the Spaniard’s local guards do their rounds now and then to check on Maria. But they don’t have authority to guard her where she goes. That’s where my men comes in.”
“…”
“Antonio Fernandez Carriedo will not take it kindly if he learns you are getting well acquainted with his unica hija. Unless you want another war, and if that happens, you are on your own if you want to challenge him to battle.”
“Maybe-“
“Give or take a couple of more centuries? I don’t think so!”
“What will become of Sally then?”
“She gets to stay here.” He replied, folding his fingers firmly underneath his chin. “She will be grounded of course, just like you. Both of you are not allowed to leave the house unless its strictly necessary. I gave her 20 strikes earlier at her palms as a punishment for this.”
Alfred flinched, “D-did she cry?”
“No, she is a brave girl. She knows the consequences of her actions unlike you.” He continued, “I know every one here will disagree with me with this, especially now I broke the Spaniard’s most important rule, but-“
“But what, sir?” One of the officers finally asked.
“I will let the two of you interact with each other while under house arrest. It’s not healthy if I keep both of you locked away from each other-you will only both find ways to get together, I’m damned sure.”
“S-sir!”
“That’s unacceptable! Absolute balderdash!”
“What if he seizes her vital regions?!”
“Dawson!” he growled, “One more mere mention of vital regions and I will have yours cut off! Do not question my authority!”
They grew silent.
He can see Alfred’s expression brighten up. “I’m not done yet. Whenever you two are together, I have to be there personally to supervise both of you- just make sure none of you do will do anything stupid to the other.”
“No, we won’t! I mean, I won’t!”
“Oh really? Is that an improvised mistletoe you are keeping in your pocket?”
“Uhh-it’s a surprise I’m going to teach her this Christmas!“
“You do know that if you kiss her on the mouth, you might as well rob her of her chastity and with that you must marry her?”
“Ack! I don’t know that!”
Arthur facepalmed once again. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about her culture Alfred, I know her father well. Upholding religious moral values are one of them. We even have a war just because of bloody religion!”
“But other than that, we can-both of us, I mean…”
“Yes.” Arthur replied, “But I have to BE around. Understood?”
Arthur felt like he lost half of his vast resources and the trust of his country men as Alfred leaped and prance about in joy, finally getting what he wanted-what he and Sally wanted, to see each other. It was a good thing too, this way he won’t probe further about other complex issues concerning the ongoing war.
“Hey Sally!” he bolted out of the door carelessly, causing some of his men to trample after him. “Hey Sally! I got some great news!”
Arthur stood up, that bloody misfit! “Oh, Bollocks-not so loud for the soldiers outside to hear!”
Sally peeked down from the staircase. “Kuya-being grounded for a month is not good news!”
“I know but-it’s okay for dad that we see each other!” he chirped, “He have to watch us though-but hey!”
He blanched as he and the officers watch helplessly as Maria ran to his arms and he twirled her in the air, holding her. Both are so young, so innocent-to know any better.
“Are you not worried with this kind of arrangement, Sir?”
“Not at all-“ Arthur said softly, observing them. A pair of star-crossed lovers-he can’t believe it, all this crazy what-if scenarios playing in his head, his worst fears, have finally come true. If only his ‘friends’ are there to warn him about this.
But they haven’t manifested themselves to him. Until now.
Did he just see a unicorn?
“T-they need to enjoy this, while it still lasts.”
“Sir?”
“This will be all over in a few months.”
He stepped forward, whispering to the unnamed officer that conversation never happened.
“So!” he rubbed his palms, approaching the two. “We are going to have dinner later together. And since you are grounded Sally, I will have a local cook assigned to take care of your cooking chores. And you Alfred, you will have to tell me everything you have been doing for the past few months!“
“Alrighty then!”
“A-alrighty? Stop mangling the language that I taught you, you git!” he snapped, his eyebrow twitching again. “I’m serious, you will tell me all I need to know what you are doing right now, or help me god I’ll-“
“Sally is helping me translate a short story!” he cuts off, before Arthur gives him another round of lecture. “-I told you, she is helping me with my Spanish, right?”
Maria piped in, “It’s about a local legend-“
“Okay, okay I get it-“ Arthur mumbled, “I want to make one thing clear, no inordinate amount of physical contact! Especially kissing!”
Maria blushed and covered her face with her fan and Alfred let out an uneasy laugh.
“Now with that done, we can now rest and wait for our dinner, shall we?” he sighed, then eyeing the men inside the meeting room. He nodded curtly, dismissing them.
“Señor Kirkland!”
“What is it now, Maria?”
“I have to help with the dinner this evening!”
“But I just told you, you are grounded!”
“I have to prepare for a Noche Buena!” she argued, clutching on the railings tight. “It’s important!”
“You have to prepare for a-good night?”
“No!” she argued again, looking at both father and son. They have no idea what she is talking about-or what day it is already.
“It’s Papa’s custom-it’s where we all eat dinner together. Since tonight-”
They start to hear children singing Christmas songs outside.
She looked at Arthur Kirkland quietly, “-tonight is Christmas Eve.”
It’s probably the first Christmas that Maria is not going to spend with her Papa. She will end up spending it with them, ironically-that of her father’s greatest rival and that rival’s son. Arthur have already considered her as his own and is more than willingly embrace her to his family’s fold.
It happens to turn out as one of her best Christmases ever. But Arthur knows that her happiness will soon be short lived. The war will be over soon and he knows it.
--
The Seven Years War was ended after the Peace Treaty of Paris between Great Britain-Arthur Kirkland, France-Francis Bonnefoy, and Spain-Antonio Fernandez Carriedo was signed on February 10, 1763.
Francis was not exactly pleased to see Arthur again, and probably for the nth time for a treaty signing. Every time if there are major world issues to be resolved and to be signed in paper, it always have to end up in his place.
“I’m going to take Matthieu, Francis.” He stated calmly, as they both faced each other at the opposite sides of the table. “It’s part of the deal-I have to claim him.”
“I know.” He replied curtly, trying to hold back tears.“-you take care of him. Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t feed him your awful food and don’t you dare touch him in strange places!”
“Heh, look who is to talk!”
“He likes maple syrup…so much…so much…”
“For crying out loud, Francis! Are you crying?!”
At the time of signing the treaty, the signatories were not aware that the Philippines had been taken by the British and were being administered as a British colony.
“I’m sorry for arriving late, Francis.” Antonio entered the room, glaring hard at Arthur. He didn’t break eye contact. “I’m talking about some arrangements with my Nuevo.”
“I-I just lost mine.” Francis sobbed quietly, “You are still lucky to have your boy, Antonio! Can I…borrow him? If you are not being busy and all?”
“N-no! Francis!”
Arthur rolled his eyes as Francis tries to control the waterworks as he signed the treaty, while the Spaniard approached him awkwardly and gave him a re-assuring pat on the shoulder.
“Good lord Antonio, your boy looks no different from your family portrait back in Filipinas!”
“Alfonso!” Antonio gasped, turning to the rugged youth beside him. “Get your finger out of your nose! ¡Ahora!”
“Filipinas?” the bespectacled Alfonso perked up, remembering what happened those past few months. He terribly missed his hermanita and he was forced to leave her because of him. “Oye! You are that gringo with the evil eyebrows! You seized my hermanita’s vital regions!”
“Quit it with the bloody eyebrows, you spawn of-“
Alfonso pelted a jalapeño straight to Arthur’s face.
“Ow! What’s with you siblings and throwing vegetation at my face! Ow!”
Antonio looked up, “Why? What happened to my hija?”
“Papa!” Alfonso growled, “Did you forget again? I made you wrote that letter and yet you-!”
“I was busy, mi hijo! Busy!” he turned to Arthur, “So you really did took Filipinas?”
“Y-you forgot about Filipinas?!” Arthur paled, “I took her from you last October! I wrote to you even! What’s wrong with you?!”
“Wait…I think I remember now! You mistook mi hija as a boy, estupido! You didn’t feed her any of your poor excuse of a cooking, don’t you?”
Alfonso facepalmed, “Papa, you are the stupid one who keep on forgetting-“
Consequently no specific provision was made for the Philippines. Instead they fell under the general provision that all other lands not otherwise provided for be returned to the Spanish Crown.
“Just be glad Antonio, that I didn’t bring your hija with me today. Her heart will break if she learns that the man whom she trusted to save her have completely forgotten about her.”
“I don’t!”
“Matthieu! Don’t look at Papa like that, I don’t want this-just look away, look away! Think of poutines!”
“Wait, your hijo is here with Kirkland? I don’t see him-”
“Oh god, Francis! Just stop bawling like a baby!”
Arthur Kirkland, the personification of Great Britain agreed to concede their sovereignty of Havana and Manila and return the administration of these two cities back to its former colonizer, the Kingdom of Spain, Antonio Fernandez Carriedo.
“You know you still have to pay me the ransom, Carriedo.”
“What-what are you talking about?”
“Your men made a deal with me, in exchange for your hija’s safety, you have to pay me up. I stayed true to my word and I watched over Maria. I even improved her means of livelihood, and its in much better shape than before you left it.”
“You still damaged a lot of properties when you invaded the walled city, Arthur Kirkland. You also have to pay me up for that!”
“No you listen to me you fruit! It’s your men who first struck a deal with me! Try paying at least half of that ransom first and then I will officially return your daughter!”
“Heh-“
“What is so funny, you tomato bastard?”
“You cannot stand the climate changes in Filipinas. You have been coughing and sneezing since we arrived here. You can’t last for a couple of more years!”
“S-shut up.”
--
As instructed, Alfred and Maria stayed behind the walled city to await the news. They were at the library, books strewn about the place as they read, exchange pleasantries, and have their merienda. Alfred is marveling at the small flat slices of pastries that she served-it was covered with coconut shavings, which he gladly translated to the English language as “floating”.
It nearly made his heartbreak when he saw their expressions as he parted the news. He tried explaining it as elementary as possible that he just relinquished his rights to Maria and that she will be returning to her Papa in due time. He told her about the ransom that the archbishop placed a year back, to ensure her safety. As the former gobernador-heneral’s word is as good as the Conquistador’s via absentia, Carriedo must pay up at least half the ransom before he can officially hand her over.
He comforted Maria, there is nothing he can do about it-the war is over. Everything has to be restored back to its place. He also got what he wanted, and in turn she learned from him what she wants to know about the world.
“He is still your Father, Maria. He misses you.”
All he can do is buy a little more time.
But Alfred F. Jones have to leave, he can’t predict if Antonio Carriedo will plan a surprise visit, as they have signed the contract that stipulates that all his children will be returned to him effective immediately. There will be hell to pay if he finds out that Arthur’s favorite son is interacting with his unica hija.
“Pack up your bags, boy. We are leaving as soon as possible.” He grumbled. He hated long goodbyes. It will hurt less if he leaves immediately. Maria gave something to him and he can see she was about to cry. Arthur quickly pulled him and shoved him forward. “You are no match to this man’s fury if he learns about your presence here in this islands.”
“I polished my Spanish!”
“I don’t care.”
“I finally translated Maria’s short story!”
“And I can do as such in matter of minutes.” He faced him. “ Alfred, I have been dealing with this prick ever since before you were born. He might appear like a goofy tomato-loving pervert, but the truth is, his wrath and fury goes unrivalled unless I’m there to temper it. Why do you think Maria fears him so much?”
“I will be ready in a few centuries, you will see! I will be a hero!”
Angrily, Arthur shoved him outside. The carriage is waiting, ready to take him at the port and board the first ship that sails that evening. Dawson stands by near the carriage’s door, grimly awaiting his orders.
“Don’t you get it, Alfred F. Jones?” he scolded him, “You don’t have what it takes to play a hero! You got to earn it! Nothing of this foolish talk, when you got nothing to show for it!”
“Damn it, old man! I promised her!“
“Well, you can forget it-! It’s not going to be easy!“
“The story, it made me realize-“
“Quit yapping about that bloody story and those bloody Spanish lessons!” he screamed, grabbing him at the collar. “If you want to prove your mettle, young man. If you think you got what it takes, then you have to go through me first!”
Silence.
Alfred didn’t say a word; he pushed the older blonde roughly away from him. Silently, he starts to proceed towards the carriage, with a fiery determination written in his eyes.
Arthur did not like what he is seeing. That is the look-that’s the look of a man willing to start a revolution. If he is to prove himself, he must free himself from the man who raised him.
This left Arthur with no choice, he does not want his favorite son to leave.
He must forget what happened this past few months.
He must forget everything.
Even Maria.
“I made a promise to her father, Alfred.” He replied dryly, slowly grabbing the rifle behind him. “And it’s for the best interest of both parties involved. We have to nip it at the bud before something happens.”
He didn’t turn around, “Heh, what is it?”
The officers watched in terror as Arthur Kirkland delivered an unsuspecting blow behind the young master’s skull, immediately rendering him unconscious. He then took something out of pocket and forced it down his throat, before throwing him inside the carriage.
“Never make her fall in love, Alfred.” He said, the tone in his voice pained. “Never make her fall in love.”
He looked up at his men, “What are you all waiting for? Take him to the ship immediately!”
“Sir, what if the young master comes around?”
“It’s all taken care of.” He replied curtly, turning his back around. He does not want them to see his tears “Now gentlemen, I need to take my leave. I have a young colony to attend to.”
“Sir! The young master dropped something- some papers!”
“Throw it away!”
“It’s from his-journal, sir.”
Furiously, he took it. It was Alfred’s ‘little translation assignment’ about the stupid story he have been yapping about before he made him leave.
As he made his way indoors, down the hall and to the library to a weeping Maria-he browsed through some legible pages and reads it.
The chief of Gagalangin prepared his army. By the edge of his sword, he had to take back the land that was taken from him. When the chief of Balintawak heard that the chief of Gagalangin are preparing for war against him, he too prepared his army. When the time drew nearer to the day of the attack, the chief of Balintawak suddenly fell ill and not long after that, passed away. Delfin was left with the great responsibility of being General of the Army of Gagalangin.
When Rosita heard of this, she was distressed. Delfin was very young and had not had any experience in war. Whereas her father has been honed by many fights ever since he was a child. Indeed, she was extremely distressed. She wanted to speak to Delfin so that the war could be postponed so that they could have a peaceful negotiation with her father. However, there was no time for them to talk. The next day, her father was heading a massive army.
The battle between the two rival tribes was fierce and bloody. Many men died that day---
“Maria.” He looked up, feeling sorry for her. He handed her his scribbled notes. “Tell me-tell me about the story that Alfred speaks about.”
“It’s just like…Romeo and Juliet.” She whispered, rubbing her tears away. “A pair of star crossed lovers. He-he does not want to talk about it.”
He held her tight, “I’m so sorry, Maria-“
The British ended their rule by embarking from Manila and Cavite in the first week of April 1764, and sailing out of Manila Bay for Batavia, India, and England. The conflict over payment by Spain of the outstanding part of the ransom promised by Rojo in the terms of surrender, and compensation by Britain for excesses committed by Governor Drake against residents of Manila, continued in Europe for years afterwards.
“Señor Kirkland, please send my greetings to Kuya Alfred-“
“I will try Maria.”
Arthur Kirkland boarded the last of the English Armada after having all his belongings placed inside the deck. He hesitated for a few minutes, whenever he is going to say his farewell, as he is never the one to say long goodbyes.
She stared out at the port and across the horizon and Maria saw that her Father’s Galleon have already arrived and she can hear the distinctive shout of her hermano calling her excitedly from atop the deck.
For what seems forever, the two men-rival nations and colonial super powers, stood at each opposite end of the port, observing the other.
“What are you waiting for Maria?” he shoved her gently, “Your Papa is waiting for you.”
“Maria!! Hija!!” Antonio called out, going down in one bended knee and stretching his arms in a welcoming embrace. “Come to Papa, mi hija!! Come and give your Papa and your hermano a big hug!”
“That pervert acts like nothing have happened.” Arthur grumbled. Maria reluctantly looked at him and back to the Spaniard.
“Go now, leave! Don’t look at me like that!”
Before Arthur can even react, Maria pulled him by his cravat roughly and tiptoed, reaching towards his face. She then gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
He heard Antonio gasp, Alfonso screamed and both cursed something in Spanish.
He blushed.
“Thank you, Señor Arthur Kirkland.” She whispered softly, “Thank you for showing the world to me.
Thank you for Kuya Alfred--”
“Maria-“
She then spun around and run towards her Papa and her hermano waiting for her at the end of the docks.
1762-1764.
Two years.
--
Present Period
Arthur Kirkland still kept those letters that Maria wrote. He was thumbing through them as he sat beside the Spaniard who have been quiet for the past hour or so.
“Nevertheless, I did keep my end of the bargain Carriedo.” He murmured, “I tried-and you also did try, but if life ain’t grand-they both want us out of their lives and they still found each other.”
“I want my independence after all, Father!”
“I won’t allow it!”
“I will be free Papa, he will help me secure my freedom!”
“That won’t happen, hija!”
“That summer of 1944 he made his promise to return and save her. Hell, I never felt so proud as a Father when he was able to kick your ass that previous era! Maybe they are meant for each other at some point.”
“Filipinas, as promised-I did return.”
“You are two years late!”
Even if Alfred didn’t remember, he somehow knew and that he needs to keep a promise and also among other things-“ he frowned, “Like his unexplainable urge to eat ripe mangoes. He won’t let me hear the end of it.”
He nudged the man beside him. “Now you know everything that happened in the two years that you missed out in her life, what are you going to say about it?”
He was sleeping.
“YOU BLOODY WANKER!” Arthur screamed, shaking the Spaniard awake. “You fell asleep on me while I’m pouring my heart out about your daughter?! What’s wrong with you?!”
“Uh-oh what?” Antonio blinked, “Damn it, you are a boring story teller, Kirkland. You lost me at the part where you learned Filipinas is a girl!”
Arthur let out a frustrated scream and shoved the set of letters to the clueless Antonio. “I don’t want to repeat everything any more! You want to know why your daughter wants to forget you then read this bloody letters! I made her wrote it as an exercise!”
“She did not forget me!”
“She no longer speaks your language, did she not?” Arthur countered hotly, standing in front of him. He then got slightly distracted at the commotion outside, as Matthieu, Maria and Alfred came out of the building.
He does not want them arguing outside. Two former super powers, both past their glory days.
“You want to know why she loved my son so much? Why she speaks my tongue better than yours?”
Alfred gingerly took a bite at a giant mango, as Matthieu whimpered. It was his mango. Maria gasped and bonked the short haired blonde at the head, knowing fully well he have offended his brother. He took this as an opportunity to flirt with her, playfully bending forward and giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
Matthieu nearly dropped Kumajiro and Maria screamed, accidentally giving Alfred an uppercut, instantly knocking him unconscious.
Arthur and Antonio both shook their heads.
“Antonio Fernandez Carriedo,” he said with finality, “You should have appreciated her more when you still have her. And if you really want her to reconnect your culture to hers-you need to start reading those letters.”
The Englishman left him, grumbling that he just wasted his time and he is going back in the dining hall. Wearily Antonio rubbed his eyes and sifted through the stack of old letters.
He knows he didn’t take her for granted. He loved her, just like how he loved his sons-but with her it’s just different.
Why did her love sprang from the men he considered his greatest rivals?
He can still hear the trio arguing not far away.
“October 1762---“
- THE END -
Ahhh
AHHH
AHHHHHHH
I wrote this whole chapter in a day. IN A DAY.
That's all I got to say.