6. Maria Clara

Simoun and Elias finally reached the town of San Diego, galloping with their horses.

"I'm quite surprised that the foolish Spaniards did not care about us our whole journey," said Elias. "Talk about authoritarian discipline, am I right, ladies and gentlemen?"

"Your sarcasm is a laughable matter, Elias," said Simoun.

"At least appreciate my jokes, old friend," said Elias.

"Your jokes are like a faulty blade," said Simoun. "It's heavy but it lacks the shape to slice it right."

The two galloped their horses in the city.

"You two! Show us your cedulas!" shouted the civil guard.

The two men showed their cedulas, as they are then allowed to stay in the town.

"Away with you, Indio! Back to your business!" shouted the civil guard.

Priests are found harassing women near a brothel. Civil guards are shown beating an old vendor for not giving them enough weekly tax, which was risen just lately.

"I hate this," said Elias. "We should get the books published in the local publisher. Then we start the revolution at night."

"I have been fighting the Spaniards in several rebellions with you, Elias," said Simoun. "What makes you think that this will let the Filipino know everything? It's written in Spanish, for God's sake!"

"Trust me... Your biography will change how everyone sees this colony. It changes everything," said Elias.

"Then we'll kill them all," said Simoun.

"Yes," said Elias.

"Let's go, then..." said Simoun.

Simoun and Elias put two books laid on the table.

"You'd like to have these published?" asked the man. "What is this about?"

"It's my biography," said Simoun.

The men in the publisher store laughed at Simoun and Elias.

Suddenly, Tusk came out and grabbed the man by the throat.

"I want you to publish this, Senior. Or else I will break your neck like a fucking matchstick," he softly said.

"Yes, Senior! I will do it!" he shouted, as he was dropped down back on his chair.

"Hm," said Simoun.

Later...

"This book is blasphemy..." said the man to the two. "This will cause an outcry! This will cause anarchy and chaos in this colony!"

Elias looked with all seriousness.

"It will save our people," said Elias. "It will show everything we've been through. Simoun had been studying for years just to save this colony."

"You're destroying the balance of nature!" shouted the man. "Sacrifices will be made! Your nation will suffer further, just like other nations!"

"Because your stupid Empire fucked it up," said Simoun, pointing to the man.

"Our Empire is a dying one," he said. "We need our resources."

"THEY ARE OUR RESOURCES!!! YOU WHITE PEOPLE DUG IT OUT FROM OUR TERRITORY!!!" shouted Simoun. "NOW, YOU MAKE US PAY FOR OUR OWN TERRITORY, FOR OUR OWN FOOD, OUR OWN DRINK, FOR OUR OWN MATERIALES!!!"

"In this state, Spain could fall if they lose their last colony!" shouted the man. "Spain needs money, and losing one of its two last colonies right now will destroy the balance of nature!"

"I don't give a fuck," said Simoun. "It's not natural for us to be below you."

"It's not natural for anyone to be below another," said Elias.

"What he said," said Simoun. "Publish it, or you will die!"

"50,000 Reales," smiled the man. "Final offer."

"What?!" asked Simoun.

"Law requires a payment, Senior," the publisher said.

"YOU LOOK HERE-!!!" shouted Simoun, grabbing the man by the throat.

"I'll pay up."

"Who are you supposed to be?" asked the publisher.

Simoun turned around and saw...

Maria Clara.