Chapter 46: The Journey to the Heart of the Cordillera
A peaceful day began once more following the tragedies that had struck the nation. It had been a few weeks since the intense battles in Urdaneta, and everyone was striving to return to a sense of order.
The sunlight filtered gently through the trees lining the road, casting shadows upon the narrow path leading to Benguet. Inside a sleek white van, with luggage secured atop its roof, traveled Erik, Hiyas, Clara, Cris, and the sleeping Georgia.
The van was filled with silence, save for the low hum of the engine and the occasional moan of the wind whistling through the windows. Georgia lay on the back seat, still deep in sleep; her long hair was scattered across a pillow fashioned from bundled blankets. Her face was pale, almost devoid of life, and her breathing was faint—like a candle flame that could flicker out at any moment.
The shattering of her spirit, caused by the excessive use of her power as Hustisya, had left her in a comatose state. Erik, sitting in the front seat, could not help but glance at the young woman through the rearview mirror, his eyes heavy with worry and guilt. He knew the weight of the responsibility to save his friend and was prepared to do whatever it took.
After four hours on the road, they were met with heavy traffic. The vehicles hardly moved, appearing like an endless funeral procession. The air inside the van grew hot and heavy despite the open windows. Hiyas, seated near the window, let out a loud yawn while staring at the Cordillera mountains in the distance.
"Goodness, we've been here for four hours. Isn't there anything to do in here?" Hiyas complained, her voice thick with boredom. Her long hair, tied in a loose ponytail, swayed slightly as she leaned forward to talk to Erik. "Erik, entertain me. I'm so bored!"
Erik turned around from the passenger seat, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean, entertain you? We're in a van. What do you want me to do, dance in the middle of traffic?" His voice was laced with bewilderment. He couldn't understand why Hiyas's personality seemed to have changed so suddenly.
Hiyas sighed, her hands toyng with a small bamboo necklace. "I don't know, I just want to be amused. Anything, Erik! Tell a story, tell a joke, or perform a miracle with your powers. Just don't let me die of boredom!" Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.
Erik simply shook his head, burying his face in his hands with a sigh. According to his beliefs as a sugo, he felt he should grant the requests of a nature spirit out of respect, yet he hesitated to indulge Hiyas's whims.
"Hiyas, don't order me to do things I don't know how to do. And besides, why have you suddenly become so impatient and noisy? You weren't like this before."
"What do you mean?" Hiyas asked.
"Lately, I've noticed that... you're changing. You've become too talkative."
Erik's words hit Hiyas like a spear. Her smile vanished, and her eyes filled with a trace of resentment.
"Changing? I get bored easily, Erik. The only difference is that before, I didn't care if I was bored. I would just sleep, look at the clouds, or watch the animals. But when Laguna gave me that book about humans—how they live and what they do for fun—I got ideas. I... I want to experience that too. I want to try doing what humans do."
Clara chimed in, clarifying that Hiyas is a diwata (deity/spirit) unlike humans, and she is currently adapting to the things she sees. She is being influenced by her surroundings.
Erik looked Hiyas up and down with a judging gaze, wondering if it was truly good for her to imitate what she observed.
"There's nothing wrong with learning about humans," Erik replied, his voice softening. "But Hiyas, I hope your learning includes considering others. Have some sympathy. You know, the feeling of understanding what those around you are going through."
Hiyas smiled, though it was tinged with pride. "I've always had sympathy, Erik! I care about things, just... not about everything."
Erik sighed at her response, his gaze drifting back to Georgia in the rear. "I hope we are among the things you 'choose' to care about, Hiyas," he whispered, almost inaudibly.
Despite the dread in his heart, he still held onto hope, even as the responsibility of saving Georgia weighed him down. "I hope everything turns out okay."
Hours later, the van arrived in La Trinidad just as the sun was setting. The sky glowed in shades of orange and pink, like a painting illuminating the fruit farms and flower gardens surrounding the town.
The group stopped in front of a massive mansion that looked like a palace nestled in the mountains. Its walls were made of white stone adorned with carvings of flowers and trees, and its roof consisted of red tiles shimmering in the twilight.
They all stepped out of the van. As Erik entered the gate, his eyes widened at the beauty of the estate. "Who owns this? Is this Laguna's?" he asked in awe.
Clara went to the back of the van to organize their gear. "Master Laguna owns many properties across the country. He is a doctor and a lawyer with connections both inside and outside the Philippines. This mansion is just one of his holdings."
Cris joined the conversation while carrying a box. "The Master is currently abroad attending to important matters. He is using his influence to show the world the cruelty of the Spaniards here in the Philippines."
Clara explained Laguna's philosophy. "According to the Master, not everything should be settled through violence. If a rebellion breaks out, only two things can happen: the Spaniards die, or the Filipinos are wiped out. He sees no righteousness in killing Spaniards just to achieve peace. He fears the price of the freedom others seek because he knows millions of Filipinos might die in a civil war."
Erik stared at her, his mind racing. "Is that why he's talking to officials in Spain? To change the system?"
"Yes," Clara answered. "He is proposing that Filipinos be given the right to lead the country while still remaining under the Spanish government. He is also reaching out to other nations for support. But he knows his plan has no guarantees. That is why he relies on heroes like you, Erik—on sugo like you to slow down the rebellion until we can convince Spain to agree to a new government that favors Filipinos."
Cris interrupted to explain their next move. "We will stay here for a week before we meet the sugo of La Trinidad."
Erik was shocked. "A week? Why? We're already in La Trinidad. Can't we go to her now?"
Clara shook her head with a worried smile. "Unfortunately, the sugo isn't in La Trinidad right now, Erik. She is often called to the central headquarters to assist the military forces against the rebels."
Erik's heart skipped a beat. "Military? What do you mean? Why is the sugo of La Trinidad helping the military?"
Cris looked at Erik with confidence as he revealed her identity. "She is Major General Jasmine. A high-ranking government official, and her primary mission is to capture rebels."
Erik panicked. "A Major General?!" he exclaimed. "If she's a government official, why are we meeting her? The government is hunting me, right? How can we be sure she'll help us?"
Hiyas, who had been listening quietly, spoke in a cold, calm voice. "We came here to ask for her help because we need it, Erik. If she refuses, we must force her to agree—or use violence."
Erik stared at Hiyas in horror. "Violence? Hiyas, I can't fight a General! You know how strong they are. I stand no chance!"
Hiyas sighed in disappointment. "Erik, you cannot be a coward. You're the one who wants to save Georgia, right? If you want to succeed, you have to face the dangers. You can't let fear dominate you."
Erik couldn't respond; his hands were shaking. He knew she was right, but the thought of fighting a General terrified him.
Clara quickly intervened. "Erik, it's not a bad idea to ask for help from a General, especially a fellow Filipino. Many of them serve the Spanish government because of missions from their deities. The Spaniards gave them authority to guard their lands, but it doesn't mean they hate their fellow Filipinos."
"You aren't a criminal, Erik," Cris added. "There is still hope we can reason with her. But we must be prepared. There is a high chance of a fight. So, while the sugo is away, we will train you in combat here."
"I'm going to train? But who will teach me?"
Clara smiled confidently. "Even though we are creations of Master Laguna, Erik, we possess the wisdom and skill of warriors. We were made to be his weapons. We can teach you much of what you need."
They entered the grand living room, which felt like a palace gallery. The floors were polished wood, and the walls were adorned with paintings of Cordillera landscapes. Erik sat on a red upholstered sofa, exhausted. Cris sat opposite him, his eyes set with determination.
"Erik, you need to become a true warrior," Cris said seriously. "Your energy and strength are comparable to the Generals, but I'll admit, you have no chance against a real combatant."
"But can I learn and become good enough to at least win?" Erik asked nervously.
Cris smiled and explained, "Salazar is ranked 89th in Spain. He is strong, no doubt, but he is nothing compared to the 'Swords of Spain' who fight in global wars. There are many sugo in the Philippines, Erik, and Master Laguna can find them. But the problem? Many Filipinos lack the knowledge and the courage to be heroes."
"What do you mean?" Erik asked. "Isn't our power enough if we all join together?"
"For over a hundred years, the Spaniards and other nations have studied the use of the spirits' power. Haven't you noticed? Many Spanish Generals possess powers far beyond the sugo from the Philippines. No matter how strong a sugo is, they lose in a real fight. The reason? They use the Knight State—or as we call it, the Sugo State."
Erik frowned. "Sugo State? What's that?"
"The Sugo State is the perfect control over a sugo's power," Cris explained. "But to understand it, you must first learn about Chakras."
"Chakras? What are those?"
"Chakras are energy centers in the body," Cris replied. "They come from ancient traditions, but sugo worldwide use them to amplify their power. There are seven main chakras:
Root Chakra (Muladhara): Foundation and security.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Emotions and creativity.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Personal power and discipline.
Heart Chakra (Anahata): Love and connection.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Communication and truth.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Intuition and wisdom.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Spiritual connection."
Erik struggled to process it all. "How do I use that to become a warrior?"
"Before you can enter the Sugo State," Cris answered, "you must understand and control your chakras. Once you reach that state, you can use the full potential of your spirit's power. Honestly, a sugo has more than three abilities, yet you've only shown one. It won't be easy. It requires discipline, focus, and sacrifice."
Clara entered with a tray of snacks—hot chocolate and suman wrapped in banana leaves. "Eat first while I cook dinner. But Erik, prepare yourself. We can teach you the Sugo State, but I doubt you can master it in just one week."
Erik admitted, "Apyong taught me about energy control. Is that part of it?"
Cris nodded. "Yes. Energy control is the first step. Now, eat, rest, and then we begin."
The Power of Major General Jasmine
Meanwhile, at a military camp in Cavite, General Apyong and Major General Jasmine were meeting. Jasmine was a woman with long golden hair, wearing a white military coat with insignias. Her eyes showed bravery, yet her face was gentle. Apyong, in his true form as an elderly general, sat in his wheelchair.
"Jasmine, thank you for your help in Cavite," Apyong said. "It's hard to monitor the Katipunan rebels."
Jasmine smiled briefly. "I'm just doing my job, General. But I don't see the Filipinos in Cavite as enemies. Our goals may differ, but they aren't brutal people. I know the sugo of Kawit—she isn't someone who wants bloodshed."
Apyong sighed. "I know. I just wish she would join us. Her power would help maintain peace."
Jasmine's hands tightened on the table. "There are many reasons why she won't submit to the Spaniards, General. You know what the wealthy Spaniards do to the people. It's not just about patriotism."
They discussed the delicate balance between duty and emotion. Apyong feared that Indang, the sugo of Kawit, might take the wrong action now that the Katipunan was in Cavite. Jasmine warned that she could not control them if Spanish cruelty continued.
Suddenly, Jasmine's phone buzzed. Her expression shifted to shock. She stood up abruptly. "Forgive me, General. I must leave. I have an important matter to attend to."
As her car traveled toward Tagaytay, they were stopped by a commotion. A bank robbery was in progress with over twenty hostages. The criminals had already killed some captives and refused to surrender.
Jasmine stepped out of the car, sighing in frustration. "Just when I was about to meet my boyfriend, you guys cause trouble."
She ordered her guard to stay back. She leaped high into the air, landing beside the responding police. "What's the situation?"
After being briefed, Jasmine walked forward, her body enveloped in a yellow aura. Her white coat flared, and her long hair danced in the wind. With every step, Sampaguita flowers bloomed from the pavement.
"I'll give you ten seconds to surrender," she announced.
Inside, the robbers panicked, but their leader refused to give up. They opened the doors and sprayed Jasmine with bullets. She didn't move; the bullets simply hit her body and fell, harmless.
"Bullets mean nothing to me. You've ignored my request for peace, so I must use a little force."
Vines coiled around Jasmine's arms. She unleashed a burst of energy and leaped into the bank. In the Sugo State, her physical strength was ten times its normal level. With a single sweep of her arm, the vines lashed out, slamming the robbers against the walls and knocking them unconscious.
She approached a wounded woman, touching her head with a calming smile. Yellow energy flowed, and the bullet wound on the woman's arm began to heal. The room was filled with the scent of beautiful Sampaguita flowers.
"I am Jasmine, a Filipino General," she told the grateful crowd. "As long as you are part of this nation, I will protect you to the best of my ability."
Her phone buzzed again. She read the message and panicked. "I have to go!" She rushed out, the flowers vanishing with her footsteps.
A few minutes later, the car stopped at a restaurant in Tagaytay overlooking Taal Volcano. Jasmine entered the restroom, and her appearance transformed. Her golden hair turned black. Her military coat vanished, replaced by a simple white blouse and jeans. Her sharp features softened. She was now Flora Pantilan, a 25-year-old woman.
She headed to Sky Ranch. As she admired the view of the volcano, a pair of hands covered her eyes.
"Guess who?" a playful voice asked.
Flora turned to see a tall man in red. "I missed you, Flora," he said warmly.
"Why does it feel like I'm the one always at fault for us not meeting?" Flora teased, though she was clearly happy. He handed her a bouquet of blood-red roses. "Happy anniversary, Flora. Don't be mad. I traveled all the way from Manila."
Flora's smile was tinged with worry. "Are you sure you came for me? Or did you come to Cavite for Indang?"
The man paused. "Flora, I have no interest in Indang. You are the only reason I'm here." He took her hand. "The girl I love is Flora, not the sugo of La Trinidad who serves the Spaniards."
Flora looked at him sadly. "How can we have a normal relationship? You are considered a rebel, and I work for the government. I'm scared for you."
The man patted her head. "Don't worry. I'm the most powerful sugo, remember? No one can hurt me." Despite his confident tone, his eyes looked tired.
"No matter how strong you are, I worry. I feel guilty being happy with you."
The man placed a finger over her lips. "You promised—no work talk when we're together. Let me just be with my sweet Flora today."
Flora hugged him tightly. "I feel like I'm doing something wrong every time I'm in your arms."
"If being happy is wrong, I'll take the responsibility," he replied. "It's your fault for enchanting me. Who would have thought a simple flower could capture the heart of the Wild Lion of Manila?"
Flora smiled, her heart lighter. "You're so arrogant. But fine, let's go on the rides. Our time is limited."
They walked hand in hand through the park, two lovers carrying the weight of a nation at war, finding a brief moment of peace in each other's company.
End of chapter.