You lied to me!
He stiffened from glaring glint in her eyes as he stood before her. His hands trembled. He shoved them into his pockets so the young woman wouldn't see. The news he gave her didn't make her smile. No rejoice. No hugs. No kisses.
You… You…
She shook violently from anger and gritted her teeth.
Emilio trusted you… My people trusted you… I trusted you…
His jaw tightened then sputtered out:
But… You're free from Spain… Isn't that what you wanted?...
Her eyes turned into cold and he held his breath. Like a little school boy would if he encountered bear.
A very angry mother bear.
I-No… MY PEOPLE wanted independence from that bastard… Not to be governed once again. Especially if it is from an ALLY.
Cringing from the emphasized word, he finally breathed out and took a step forward to her. She immediately backed away from him, a ready hand on her blood soaked bolo.
Philippines …
Noli me tangere
His heart tautened as he heard those words and the meaning.
Please… Listen to me …
Why? So you can keep lying to me? Tell me how much of a pathetic nation I am?
She spat at his feet and gripped the hilt of her weapon. He winced. Swords and gun wounds cannot compare to how much pain she was giving him with only her petite lips adorned with blood and cuts.
I won't treat you like him… I promise…
Her dispirited laugh scared him. It reminded him when he himself fought for his own independence. The time when he glared at the man, who colonized him and killed off the men and women before the settlers.
If there was anything I learned from being under that monsters' hold… It's that you don't believe in the promises they make… They will forget it in the end and toss it out their minds…
Biting his lip, he slowly took out his gun and her eyes widened. The rage on her face was smacked away with fear. Guns. They were far more deadly than swords when used in mid or long range combat. She kept her resolve and held the bolo even firmer in her dainty hand. He closed his eyes and held out the gun at her, pointing it to her heart.
A…America…
Her expression was hard but it was her voice that gave away her fear. He shut his eyes to stop conjuring the smile he loved to see after every battle they fought together against her oppressor. A smile of relief. Relief that her men and he were safe and alive. His fingers twitched as he tried to steady the gun.
I… I promise… to…
He promised to be her ally.
He promised to take care of her men. Her children
He promised that it will be over.
How many of those promises did he keep? He did keep them. Will it make up the fact the he and Spain agreed to do a simulated battle and give up her capital instead of consulting her?
…Alfred… You traitor…
I promise to set you free… Corazon…