It was a hot sunny day. I grudgingly fanned myself faster for fear of melting in the afternoon sun. Oh, how I wish the sun would just leave me alone and simmer down for a while. The paper fan unwillingly flaps in the air, trying its best to keep me sane. I was under a tree overlooking the sea once again at Manila Bay.

I had nothing better to do. People were probably sleeping in this time of day for a siesta or something. I wasn’t sleepy at all. My sights belonged to the sea. And it’s the only road of travel I have ever seen so far. Not many ships travel here. And each one of them I greet with uncertainty after that fiasco with Britain before. Especially when Spain isn’t around with me today.

Oh, well… I might as well force myself to sleep then. I tried imagining clouds, stars, ANYTHING that would help me drift into a daze. Hm, should I try counting sheep in my head, as Spain told me? I relaxed my eyebrows at the thought of it and occasionally, a breeze helps me give in to slumber.

For me to what seemed like minutes of meditation, I hear loud, muffled voices on the shore. I could distinguish them from the sound of the waves alright. They were too darn loud. You know that feeling when you feel like you haven’t had enough sleep at all and you just wanna punch that thing keeping you awake to bits? Yeah. Just saying.

I opened my eyes, sitting up straight from the trunk of the tree to see a familiar face arguing with a new country ten feet away from where I was. Behind them, a huge army of ships was there to back them up. This has something to do with Spain, I suppose. Why must he always choose my place as a battleground?

“I’m telling you, Cuba is with me! And he always will be!” Spain shouted as he pointed a threatening finger at the newcomer.

“Well, based from what I’ve seen, Cuba isn’t happy with you being all high and mighty!” the other snapped back, his soldiers from their ships cheered at his comeback.

“Well excuse me, Mr. Americano! I have full and definite control over him. What gives you custody to take him away from me?” Spain now has his arms on his waist, his other soldiers cheered too. Soon, the people on the ships from opposite sides of the country were cursing at each other.

I finally stood up and walked furiously in the middle of the two countries, waiting for an explanation until I looked at Spain, my arms crossed. I huffed and that’s when he knew he needed to say something.

“Well? I’m waiting. What trouble did you bring to my country now, Spain?”

“You see, America and I have gotten into a fight over Cuba and…. I sorta..” he said as he rubs the back of his neck, stalling.

“Aaaaand?” I asked, leaning closer to him.

“Dude, you’re Philippines?” a loud voice from behind me said which made me turn around. I looked at ‘America’ from head to toe. Blonde hair, blue eyes… He’s no different than Britain. And I should see no reason why I mustn’t take precautions with this one. I didn’t reply and looked back at Spain.

“And what, Spain? You did what?!” I asked him once more.

“Ha! Spain lost a bet and now you belong to me!” America said which made me as stiff as a board. Did I really hear clearly before? Spain bit his lip and tried to gulp his guilt down. I curled my hands into a fist but relaxed and turned it into a palm instead… AND SWIPED IT LIKE A MATCHSTICK ON HIS FACE.

He was surprised but he deserved it. How could he have just given me away like that. Its just…. Overwhelming. I mean, the hatred for Spain now. How could he bring me back then? Never?

“No.” I said, looking back at America. “Bet or no bet… I will decide whether I’ll be submissive to you. For now, I’m on nobody’s side.” I looked back at Spain as I said the last sentence. Spain watched me walk away with guilty eyes as people from the America’s ships began to ‘Ooh’, calling my bluff.

I went back to my spot under the tree like nothing happened, only I got a dose of epiphany and a side of immense hatred. I gestured for the men to continue on with their business as they still looked at me. I placed my arms behind my head as I leaned back on the trunk of the tree. I didn’t complain about the heat anymore. It totally complemented the fiery conversation the two men are having earlier. And there’s nothing we, Filipinos, like better than a full-blown, hard and intense debate. But they weren’t doing anything now. Awkward silence. Why? Even men on ships, not a single word.

“Whoa, feisty one isn’t she?” America joked as he points at me.

Spain was far from agreeing with him now. He jumped away from him to get greater distance and immediately pulled out his gun for a shot. His men on his ship seem to react too and they fired cannonballs on the surprised second party.

If I were in my normal state, I would’ve watched in awe. But this was different. My mood was completely apathetic of the situation. I guess now’s the best time for a REAL nap. It was much, MUCH easier, to my surprise, that I immediately slept with ease given with the sounds of gunshots, men shouting and water splashing with cannonballs firing and swords hitting against enemy blades.

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Soon, I noticed that the cannonballs, gunshots and men on the ships have gone quiet. I opened one eye to see the result. It was not good. The American fleet is still intact and none of Spain’s men was standing. Spain. He was trying his best to stand up with his sword as blood trickled down his arms, face and legs.

“Giving up, Spain?” America said as Spain tumbled down, kneeling on the sand as he gripped his sword tighter. America strides towards Spain as his men shouted in victory at their leader. Spain was too exhausted to move.

My senses finally kicked in. I stood up and ran to the scene as America holds his blade at Spain’s neck. The checkmate point.

“So, surrendering?”

“….. Never.”

“Dude. I will not be made the enemy of this. Come on.”

“…..”

America sighed at Spain’s stubborn behavior and raised his sword sideways to slice him until I interrupted.

“Wait!!!”

I feel bad. Terrible even.

“I….. I’ll come with you. Just… let Spain live.”

America looks at me, his eyes widening. He lowered his sword and walks toward me. This is turning to be like Britain all over again. Why?!

“Alright.” He said as he nods at me. I looked over at Spain, he was still kneeling on the sand, thinking what was happening. His blood was still dripping from his face. I… I wanted to help him. But it can’t be helped. I am now under America’s rule for the meantime. I’m sorry, Spain.

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“Alright! I’m gonna need about 5000 men to make this place like home!” America shouted as I led him to a nearby square.

“Sir! We still have 10,844 men alive! Would you like to make use of them?” a soldier reported. I wonder how Spain’s doing now? Can’t help but feel a bit angered that Spain didn’t do much to America.

“Dude! That’s so cool! Bring ‘em in!”

And without further ado, a crowd of happy, laughing American men rushed in front of me. I didn’t bother looking up. I was still thinking about Spain. He was always like this. He’ll probably turn up somehow like when Britain visited.

“Hey…. Wanna get rid of Spain for good?” America said as he places his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him, not sure of the answer. Something in my heart says that maybe I should let him go. He’s only causing harm to himself lately on the years. I never knew I could even think this way.

Without even knowing it, I was nodding. Slowly but surely, I felt a little bit of relief in my heart. And I could feel, a smile form on America’s lips. He held out his hand for me to shake.

“Well then, I’m America! And I’m gonna be your hero for the rest of my rule!”

I smiled and shook his hand, a cloud of pink heating up on my cheeks. No doubt about it. I was flipping for this guy. Not the way Spain would’ve made me feel nor Britain combined. I don’t know what to do.

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May 19, 1898

“Dude, we are SO gonna make Spain leave!” America said as he pulled out a scroll with all his plans written in it. I marveled at how many ideas America has just to grant me ‘freedom’ as he would call it.

No matter how fun it may seem, I feel like a part of me just feels guilty about this. I mean, Spain… Spain was my guardian. But then again, he’s always getting me into trouble. But still, I’m inder America now. I have to.

“Whoa! Cool! But, uh…. Where are we gonna get this stuff from?” I said as I pointed to the… ahem, ‘conventional’ catapult that’s said to blast Spain out of here. In fact, all of the other ideas seem comical rather than effective. I… better take this one out for America’s sake.

“Um, dude! Hmmm… Why not just get rid of all the other Spanish settlements in here until he finally…. Leaves….” I said, plastering a smile on my face.

He thinks about it until he pounds his fist on his palm. Turning to me, he had a cheerful look on his face.

“Dude, that’s a GREAT idea! Although, I love my plan here but anyways! Lets go with yours instead!!”

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June 12, 1898.

America and I wiped out almost all of the Spanish settlements for the past few days. America and I weren’t just kicking Spanish buns, we were having fun as well. His plans weren’t so bad after all if you wanna have fun every once in a while. But this time, we’ve found out where Spain was hiding, more or less, resting. I couldn’t help but make my own plans here instead of America’s. He was in the tower of Kawit, Cavite. It was overlooking the city, probably watching out for us! The Unstoppable Duo, as America’s soldiers would put it.

“So… It all comes to this…” Spain said as his soldiers let me inside his room.

Besieged and bandaged, Spain looked bad. He had a cast on his left arm, which was lucky for he was right-handed. He also had a roll of bandages covering his whole chest, not to mention his left leg that had a scar, now had a new one because of America.

“I… I came to negotiate..” I said as I rolled out a scroll that I personally made.

“What’s this?” he said as I pushed the scroll towards him more.

“Acta de la proclamación de independencia del pueblo Filipino or in other words…. Act of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.” I said, bringing out his quill for him to sign.

“Independence?”

“That’s right. I want pardon and amnesty for me and my people.”

“And why would I sign this, exactly?” he said, leaning threateningly closer to me. It didn’t do any good, though. His physical presence isn’t fearful enough.

“Because, your men have gone. And we have you surrounded.” I was the one getting closer now. My heart was sinking. I can’t stop doing this now.

“Lies.” He said as he turned around, breaking eye-contact with me.

“See for yourself.” I stood up, carrying the parchment to my arms and holding the door open for him. He thought about it and stood up. Not only was he bandaged, he had crutches too. I looked away from him, not wanting to see him suffering because of me. He went outside, the sunlight greeting him.

Hundreds of people surrounded us just like I said. And I saw America right in the middle waving at me, laughing that he’s got it covered. Spain gripped the railing with his left hand, securing his crutch under his shoulders and widened his eyes in disbelief.

“In the town of Cavite-Viejo, Province of Cavite, this 12th day of June 1898: Before me, Antonio Fernández Carriedo, Spain, designated to proclaim and solemnize this Declaration of Independence by the Dictatorial Government of Philippines, pursuant to, and by virtue of, a Decree issued by the Egregious Dictator, Maria Clara Arranda.” I read aloud, the people start agreeing slowly as I said the word, ‘Independence’. I could feel Spain grit his teeth. He was in defeat, once again.

“Give me that pen.” With that, he reluctantly signed his name on it, breaking the quill after he’s done with it. I raised the scroll for everyone to see and they all started cheering. I noticed Spain whimpering. Too late to turn back now.

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August 13, 1898

America and I were celebrating. Spain was leaving today. His ship is loaded with his stuff at Manila Bay and America and I were just sitting at the same tree I was in when he first came here. America wasn’t wearing his jacket and he folded his pants up to his knees. He looked pretty comfortable.

“Dude! You should, like, come down to my country sometime! You’re awesome!” America said as he looked at me, his head was supported by his hands and he was intently focused on me.

“Haha, you… You really think so?” I replied, not even answering the visit to his homeland first.

“Of course! You’re a pretty cool chick!”

I placed some of my hair falling in front of my face behind my ear, revealing my eyes to him. He sat up, his nose was in line with my eyes. He leaned down so our eyes connected.

“I-I would love to come with you, America…” I said, my face getting completely warm.

We were leaning in slowly. My eyes can’t help but flutter close as we were about to close the remaining centimeters of the gap between each other.

“Sir! Sir!” a soldier shouted which broke our trance together.

“What now?” America grunted as he turned his face to the soldier running towards us, trudging through the sand, carrying a scroll. He finally stopped when he was three feet away from us. He panted first, then saluted and handed the paper to America. His eyes glided smoothly over the sentences as if reading it by heart.

“What is it?” I asked as I got beside him, leaning closer to his face.

“Its.. A Peace Protocol… With Spain.. But how—“ America started but was cut off by Spain who quietly was listening to our conversation and was right beside us.

“It was signed in Washington in your time zone…”

“Alright… At least, you’ll leave this country without an enemy.” America said as he shakes Spain’s hand right hand tightly, as if threatening him that if he did another thing like that again, he’s sure he won’t play the ‘Good Cop’ anymore. “And don’t worry… Philippines is in good hands.” He grabs me for a hug, startling me.

“She sure is.” Spain looks into my eyes. It was heart-breaking. I still felt bad even though they made up. I feel like a traitor. “I guess you don’t need me anymore.”

“Wait!” I gently broke America’s grip on me and hugged Spain, probably for the last time. This caught him by surprise which made his crutch drop in the sand.

“I’m gonna miss you.” I whispered in his ear, nuzzling my face on his chest.

“I know.”

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“So, you think Spain’s gonna be alright?” America asked me as he placed a seashell on his sand castle near me.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Speaking of which… There’s something we haven’t finished doing yet, am I right?” I replied as I rolled beside him and grabbed him by the collar, pulling him closer to me. I bit my lip as our foreheads touched.

“Now, I remember…” With that, our lips attached. And for the first time, I’ve felt like this kiss… Was made for me. It felt right. This kiss was what I’ve wanted. I let go of his collar but accidentally, I knocked the top of his sand tower with it. I broke the kiss, unaware that I destroyed his creation.

“Oops.. I am really, very, very sorry…” I said as I waved my hands side to side apologetically.

“You know…. You’re gonna have to pay for that….” He smirked.

“I’m willing to.” I murmured to myself.